Kristin, this is everyone. Everyone, this is Kristin. Kristin is another mama I met through Activistas, 'cause she's more than a little politically active. Has been for a long time. You might know her from uM conversations - her comments are passionate and thoughtful, strong where they need to be to support a view she considers important. I admire that so very much.
It is tempting to live your own principled life and call it a day, but Kristen is one of those people who cares deeply about social justice and works hard to foster it wherever and whenever she can. And she does it with wit and respect. She's worth a read, and then some, mamas. And lucky for you, she just started up her own blog and she contributes to Blue Oregon here and there, so if you like what you read here, there's plenty more to be had (like her recent Blue Oregon piece: McCain is Not an Option, Folks).
Describe your family. I've been married for nearly 13 years and my husband and I have two children, Joshua age 6 and William age 2. We live a cozy life in Southeast Portland with a very loving grandma nearby and other dedicated family around the country.
Name one thing America is doing right for parents. This is a hard one to answer, considering all that I see other countries doing to support families. One thing I would say is that many American children do have a number of educational opportunities and are encouraged to pursue whatever interests they may have. Of course, this can be an issue of class, and we could certainly stand to improve what we as a nation offer.
Name one thing America is not doing right for parents. I think there is a fundamental lack of respect for the diversity of American families. A middle to upper class family with a stay-at-home mother still seems to be the accepted ideal. Single parents, families of color, families with significant financial challenges, LGBT families, working mothers -- somehow each of these is portrayed as less than the ideal. I think this leads, by extension, to a lack of social services and employment policies that would make life so much easier and healthier for such families.
What's one parenting issue that really riles you up, makes you ready to work for change? Whew! Just one? Well, health care and paid family leave are extremely important to me. I believe that advances in each would make a significant differences for all kinds of families. And then there's the environment -- there's such a crisis with global warming that every other seems to fade in comparison. And, and, and... I think I'm riled up about a great many things!
Who's gonna get your vote for President '08 & why? Barack Obama has inspired me and motivated me to work within the political process more than any other candidate in my life. He expresses and embodies the principles of fairness, respect, and equal opportunity better than any politician, or simply any other leader, that I've known. The fact that he's been successful has been hugely encouraging to me -- if we as a nation can elect an African-American man, the son of an immigrant and a single mother, whose name just happens to be Barack Obama, then I believe we will have come so far in our respect for all.
Name one thing Activistas could do to be a better place. Activistas is a really great resource. Perhaps it could include a few issues now and again that aren't seen as typical parenting issues but still affect us so much, such anti-oppression activism or the environment.
What's your fave thing about parenting in the Portland area? I love the huge variety of things to do with kids -- the parks, the museums, the bookstores, the fun classes offered, the farmer's markets, the libraries, the great organizations, the opportunities for outdoor adventures, on and on. I've rarely been bored in this wonderful city. Also, local politics seems to be quite accessible here, unlike in other large cities, and I enjoy involving my kids to the extent that I can.
And another thing!! A friend and I just started a little political blog -- www.poligot.wordpress.com -- that we hope to someday grow into a great resource for politically obsessed mothers. Someday, someday.
Did you just say that having a female in the whitehouse was NOT a dream for you?
Ugh.
Sad.
Posted by: Jessica | April 04, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Me? Did I say that somewhere? No, not me. Can't wait for a woman in the White House...just not that excited about Hillary being it.
Posted by: Kristin | April 04, 2008 at 01:09 PM