#feelthebern2016

You're about to witness a phenomenon I refer to as "lazy blogging."

As in, I put the exact words and photo below on both Facebook and Instagram earlier and now it is also going here. Because. To those of you who follow me in all such places, I either apologize or say you're welcome if you like repeats.

Do you know those people? Repeats people? People who can and will and do re-watch entire TV series because they liked it the first time? I am not those people. Unless we're talking Boy Meets World reruns, because come to mama yes and please. Otherwise, just once will do.

Anyway, that post I'm reposting. It's.....political! I know, new things for me. I'm so super progressive right now. But I will add a tidbit that I didn't post in those other places: I don't hate Hillary. I don't love her the way I love me some Bernie, but I also don't dislike her. And, I'd probably explode with joy if we had a female president. Oh, be still my heartstrings! I feel like whatever way the democratic primaries play out, I'm going to come out somewhere on the spectrum of decently satisfied. Which is why I relinquished my Independent registration this year and finally picked a party so I could participate. America, you're always trying to box me in. You win this round.

But on to that post.

It began with a photo....

Including a caption....

BERNIE IS BAE // Been on the Bernie train for some time now, but always struggle with politically "outing" myself because The United States of Internets ain't the friendliest territory. There's a pressure to feel perfectly politically versed at the risk of criticism, condescension and snubbery (it's a word now). In the face of this, many of us are overwhelmed or reluctant to bother getting involved, even privately. What works best for me is to hone in on the issues that matter most to me in a leader, then find a candidate that speaks to my soul in those areas. My pet passion is the promotion of respect, dignity and equality for marginalized populations -- be you poor, gay, black, female, muslim, what-have-you. And so, here's to a man who's been advocating for the underdogs for decades longer than I've even been alive. Here's to his self- and human-respect, his consistency, his honesty, his maturity and his passion. Here's to a campaign funded by an army of fervent supporters made up of regular ol' people that feel that same confident "yes, this" in their guts that I feel. Here's to trust. Here's to watching videos of his speeches, both old and new, and feeling a lump in my throat out of pride and not fear. It's a voice and a heart and a fire I'd be proud to have representing my American dream. AND...I wish to each and all of you a candidate that ignites your souls and minds just the same. Happy Election Season! ‪#‎feelthebern‬

End blog of a gram and a post.

And now back to my currently scheduled activities, as detailed on mah Twitters @K8Ehawkes....

Anxiously unable to go to sleep bc i'm anxious about waking up on time and also now anxious that i can't sleep. My travel eve tradition!

— Katie Hawkes (@K8Ehawkes) March 5, 2016

....stay tuned for info on the aforementioned travels. As always, will be more or less live-streamed on mah Instagram @katildagrams. The club can't even handle me right now.

what effect does the president have on the economy?

i feel like it's the biggest buzzword of this presidential election:

[via]

and with a country $16 trillion in debt, that's understandable.

so this podcast via freakonomics caught my eye:

"It's Not the President, Stupid"

it's only 5 minutes long, if you want to give it a listen.

here are a couple key points they focus on:

1. the president's ability to control the economy is actually very limited

2. being a successful CEO is "enormously different" than handling political finances

the comment feed on the podcast actually made for some interesting reading from people who both agreed and disagreed with those points...and a quality, coherent comment feed is surprisingly hard to come by, isn't it?

now, remembering my strong feelings about hateful political discussion,

i want to know your thoughts:

what effect does the president REALLY have on the economy?

teach me how to dougie economize,

mitt romney vs. barack obama

*ahem*

today marks the first open political discussion on katilda.com!

*cheers! finger snaps! jazz hands! slight trepidation!*

oh look, here are the men of the hour, both giving a thumbs up:

THE CHALLENGE:

i want you to tell me who you plan to vote for, and why.

emphasis on the word for.

i do not want you to tell me who to vote against.

i don't want to hear why romney is bad or obama is bad.

i do want to hear why romney is good and why obama is good.
links and articles to support your viewpoints are more than welcome!

understood?

we're focusing on the positive!

THE RULES:

1. you may not speak ill of any candidiate.

2. you may not attack another person's comment.

if you break my rules, i will:

1. delete your Hater McHaterface comment.

2. question your ability to properly read English.
3. think grumpy thoughts in your direction.
4. demand your firstborn child as payment.
5. name that child Hater McHaterface.

and he'll look like this:

[via]

got it? excellent.

my brain cells await your vast wealth of knowledge,
katilda

p.s.
remember this post about how it takes someone with true class and intelligence to defend their position simply on its good merits without insulting the other side? this is like that. just keepin' it classy!