Political Expression And Evolving As A Planet - - This post haved 0 comments

Our nation has evolved in so many ways over the course of the last few hundred years. In history class we learned vague, pre-approved, lessons about what made our country great. We were told that America was founded for everyone (a great melting pot) and then slavery was legalized and allowed to take place. We are told that we have strong military, capable of defending us from every "insurgent" in the Middle East, but we would only do that if we felt "threatened". Yet time and time again we've been the aggressors without cause. And of course, only biased news and information is reported. All insinuations that America is less than perfect are quickly swept under the rug and we are force fed and idealistic picture of how we are the great hero's of the world.

We all have our opinions. We are constantly gauging partial truths and trying to somehow tie them into our own experiences and morals. We want things to be clear cut (black and white) but experiences are different for everyone. We can't possibly judge truth on our own experiences and it still remain true for anyone other than ourselves. To me, that's why laws never seem quite right, there is no satisfying the masses because there is no correct way to satisfy everyone. Everyone wants something a little different. 

Now, there are some clear winners and clear losers when we acknowledge the handful of things that truly binds all human beings. Pain, Love, Respect, Hunger, and Humanity. If we are not striving to improve (or at least not to worsen) the current situation, then something is not right. We shouldn't make things worse for others. The current ideals of racism (or any -ism) come from the same fears and generalizations of racists centuries ago. For example, take "Mexican" out of any anti-Mexican rhetoric and insert it with "African" or "African-American" and our modern eyes and hearts would quickly identify racism.That, to me, is where I draw the line of political expression. Opposing views on the economy, abortion, the environment, etc are fair game. As long as we are pushing for the positive evolution of all people around the globe, and not devaluing human lives based off fear or misconceptions (aka racism), then by all means feel passionate about your opinion. 

For the past twenty years we have seen a push towards a more accepting country. We are working together, in unity, to fight back against oppressors (politicians and civilians alike). To finally be free to be who we are without persecution. I want the world to realize that every group has extremists who think violence and manipulation are effective tools to gain attention to their cause. But these extremists are the vocal minority.

The majority of people are realizing that we have a standard to uphold. If we want to be this unique melting pot of cultures we have to work together and embrace our differences. We should learn from one another. Not dismiss cultural or social differences because we do not think they apply to us. We are one race, the human race. Let's express ourselves in ways that promotes the good of all humanity and evolve as a planet. 

Flashback Friday: Vietnam War Protests - - This post haved 0 comments

The Vietnam war was the most deadly war in the history of the world. The hippie movement sprung from the womb of Peace Protesters in the late 1960's. These images of long haired rebels attempting to stop the bloodshed are some of the most powerful in circulation. I only want to show images of peace, I will not be using images of violence.

Same Sex Marriage Accepted Under Federal Law - - This post haved 0 comments

Today the LGBTQ community hit a home run. The Supreme Court was set to rule over the cases of the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California initiate Proposition 8. DOMA is designed to restrict the federal government from accepting same sex marriages.

It's clear that this does not apply to states decisions on same sex marriage. Same sex marriage began in California in 2008. It has been one of the hottest topics in mainstream media and social media since then. DOMA was put in place as a religious tool of restricting civil rights of same sex couples.

There are a lot of further questions resonating around the decision. President Obama said the Department of Justice will be deciding on the future of this decision. Will there be executive actions signed by President Obama?

Proposition 8 stopped marriage in the state of California. This is not a national ban but was accepted into the Supreme Court for ruling. California claims Prop 8 is unconstitutional and takes away the rights of LGBTQ citizens for no reason other than moral differences.  Today's decision was critical in the acceptance of same sex marriage resuming in California.

In the end, the Supreme Court decided to remand the case and send it back to the state of California. Ruling on jurisdiction, a private group can not take such matters to a national level. Same sex marriage should resume in California while the time line is not clear. There will probably be a 30 day waiting period for marriages after the ban is lifted. Extra staff is needed, and has been brought in, to handle the influx of applications.

Hundreds of people gathered in San Francisco and thousands around the nation. Gay Pride begins this week in San Francisco. While the Proposition 8 ruling was a waste of time, it is nice to see that the nation now accepts same sex couples under the law.

Attitudes toward same sex marriage has shifted since 2008 when Proposition 8 was overturned the first time. With growing acceptance, and the DOMA overturn, we should expect to see same sex marriage legalized across the nation within a matter of years.

Four More Years - - This post haved 0 comments

I can't say that I'm surprised by the results of the election, we all knew what direction this nation was heading in. The night of the election I went to bed while we were in the midst of Romney nation. I dreamed about red states and blue states all night. I couldn't wait to see the final decision the next morning.

I woke up early to see the results and my soul literally started singing. It gives you a warm feeling to know that we are looking at politics differently these days. We want someone in office that can acknowledge our freedoms and still nurture our nation. We are coming into a new era, where people are learning that there is more to life than the value of a dollar.

This election was monumental for the fact that we have proven to the world that we are looking forward to a new America. One with minimal government impact on our lives. We still respect the power of authority, but we want to see a change in the way our government is ran. No more blatant disrespect of the middle class, taking away funding to educate our children, or dictating the private lives of American citizens. We want to reduce the ego of our nation and it's leaders. We want to strip away the brutality our "power" has forced onto less fortunate nations. We want to see harmony and a economy that supports itself, that doesn't rely on foreign oil and outsourced jobs. We want our air to be pure and our cars to put off less emissions.

No man, no face, or singular belief system will solve the issues this country has to overcome. We put too much power in the hands of one man and his "carefully selected" associates. These few people will never be able to satisfy the desires of every individual in this country and around the world. But there is hope. That every individual will make the right decisions for the own self and their own family. We need a government to assist in our attempts at happiness, but not a government that dictates our happiness.

When it comes to the economy and the conservative ideals of striking it rich, we need to relax and understand how the economy actually works. I'm not an economist, but I know that not everyone can be wealthy. We all must work to create our own destiny. There is no magical switch that the President can flip to transform our economy into a Utopian model of supply and demand.  Improving our supply and demand model is the only way we will improve our society. We have to stop spending money we do not have, stop relying on credit companies and learn the value of saving what we earn. We also have to realize that money is not the source of our happiness. True, it is better to cry in a Mercedes than in a cardboard box. But, we have to reduce our addiction to consumption and only take our fair share from the pool of stuff. We currently consume more than we can produce, which is the entire reason for importation of goods and deportation of jobs.

At the end of the day I am proud to see that we have reelected a President that has proven his loyalty to our country and the future of our country. That includes everyone, not just the wealthy. We are on our way to brighter days. Not everyone will be happy in the moment but life will move on. We will naturally evolve into a better, wiser nation. There has to be a certain optimism, we must have faith in our country and work together to succeed in making America great again.

PEACE - - This post haved 0 comments

What is peace? That momentary feeling when everything is aligned and secure. Tranquility of mind, body, and soul. Harmony in our hearts. Freedom from social unrest.

Peace has value, it has been sought after for centuries, each generation attempting to rid the world (and their selves) of turmoil and discontent. It is often believed that peace is intangible and unattainable. It is believed that the world will never unionize and start working together, instead of against each other. Many people refuse this notion. It seems that the only people to refuse the concept of peace are warmongers themselves.

Activists around the globe have fought for peace in many ways. Pacifism is the concept of rejecting any form of violence or war. It is the belief that any disputes can be resolved peacefully, without inflicting harm on anyone or any group. The idea is to end any and all wars by any peaceful means.

Common types of non-violent activism include (but is not limited to):

• Non-violent resistance ("Sit Ins" or "Be Ins")
• Diplomacy
• Boycotts
• Moral Purchasing
• Supporting anti-war political candidates
• Demonstration
• Lobbying to create legislation

What are you doing to find peace? Actively protesting, boycotting Chick-fil-A, or spending time meditating on your inner peace? If we all had a change of heart, we could certainly secure a peaceful future.

Protesting: Being Active Not an Asshole - - This post haved 0 comments

Protesters, advocates, rebels, radicals - the world couldn't survive or evolve without the effort of courageous groups fighting for their beliefs. I've been to a few rallies. I walked the streets of Asheville topless with the "Go Topless" tribe last summer. I've also been to multiple Pride parades and random protests throughout the area. They are always fun, always liberating and always disputed. When participating in a protests - whether large or small - it's important to accept that you will be faced by other groups that are protesting your protest.
The worst feeling is being faced by oppressors. The old preacher who's damning you to hell for enjoying gay sex. You're out there, speaking your mind, exercising your right to free speech. And so are they. There is a great divide between the liberal and conservative view points. Where acceptance and tolerance are ridiculed and exclusivity is deemed necessary.

You're getting your point across. Don't be an asshole while you are doing it. Obviously there is no need for violence in American protests. We can hold up enough signs and sing loud enough, that violence just doesn't seem necessary. Respect the authorities that are there to protect everyone, from the assholes. And go into the situation with a heartfelt purpose and the goal of promoting your ideas. People can be convinced to see your side, but only if you are rational and respectful with your delivery.

Refried Hippie - - This post haved 0 comments

What is a Refried Hippie? A new age hippie, born in the wrong decade. Hippies and beatniks of the 60's have inspired a new generation to lead a path to freedom. We have taken on many cultural relics of our forefathers (and foremothers) and incorporated modern technology to give us an electric highway to spread our messages of peace and love.

Refried Hippies, like any other micro-culture, are all different people. Different backgrounds, different styles, different beliefs; all with same ideal for world peace. This blog will incorporate all the aspects of a new age hippie lifestyle, with throwbacks from the summer of love!

Topics will include (but are not limited to):

• Hippie/Beatnik culture of the 60's and beyond.
• Political Issues
• Feminism
• LGBTQ
• Family and Relationships
• Home Decorating and Environmental Tips
• Environmental Issues
• Kids - Raising and Surviving Them
• Pets
• Fashion Trends
• Food and Drink
• Health
• Travel
• Romance and Sex

If you are interested in anything you see on the site or if you would like to contribute to the blog send emails to mrsatollison@gmail.com .

Also find me on Facebook.

Peace and Love,

Mrs T