In 2004, I was invited by a prominent LGBT political organization to perform at the Democratic National Convention, but just days before the event, I was abruptly dis-invited. I believe it was because at that point, the Kerry camp was trying to avoid controversy. It may have been because I said that I thought Teresa Heinz Kerry was hot, which I still believe. Or it may have been because I called John Kerry an Ent -- one of those old, slow tree people from Lord of the Rings. Or maybe it was the time that I said that Laura Bush's oval orifice tasted like Lysol. Of course, in all these instances, I was speculating, and these comments may have been in questionable, or even possibly in bad taste, especially in the Lysol situation. But who says Lysol has to be a bad flavor? It might be somewhat fresh. It might make you feel like a pine forest -- which might make her a better match for John Kerry, with his wooden ways. I don't know. I guess you can just call me 'divisive!'
In any case, I was offended by the LGBT group's decision to dis-invite me, and I felt very left out of the festivities, as festive as these political events can be. In truth, they aren't a lot of fun. Just a lot of ulcers just waiting to happen and then afterward trying to drink away the pain of losing. Still, not being included, for me, was a deep wounding, because I have always taken great pride whenever I was able participate in politics. My parents have never voted, because they have always believed that this was not their country, and I have felt grateful with every vote, every rally, every march, every election -- because I know in my heart and soul that this is my country, and with my vote, I have a voice -- one that is just as loud and strong as every other voter in this country. As I watched the convention on television, I felt very non-included, and I vowed then never to let anyone or anything make me feel that way again. I decided I would become more involved in politics, and if I am not asked to a party, or dis-invited to a party, I will throw my own party instead. I hope that all of you do the same. No matter what your feelings are, for whatever candidate, make your voice heard. This presidential election is the most exciting one I have seen in my lifetime. Whether you are for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton -- or even (gasp) John McCain (who I wouldn't want to vote for because I don't want to see my tax dollars spent on Viagra) or Mike Huckabee (who I dislike so much I can't believe it -- I would rather go see his band "Capitol Offense" than vote for him -- and that is saying a lot!) -- whoever you may support, your voice matters. Your vote counts -- it's a big deal. It's everything. Whatever you do, be sure and vote. I know it's a simple thing, but lots of people ignore it and think everyone else will do it for them. They can't -- and they shouldn't. It's all about you.
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
Maggie,
Watch Obama in Texas , speaking for LGBT rights, the man has balls to speak like he did, to the crowd he did, on these issues.
nachtengel - I agree completely - this guy is real. People have decried his smooth style of communicating, and people are really tearing him apart, saying he doesn't mean anything he's saying - but I KNOW that if Obama didn't mean it, he would have NEVER spoken up for LGBT rights, because NOT ONE SINGLE other candidate, Hillary included, has EVER had the balls to come forward and speak up UNAMBIGUOUSLY for us. Obama is the first. And if he were a charlatan, WHY would he stick his neck out and risk it? Look at Hillary, look at every other candidate that has ever run - they have NEVER had the guts to actually speak out for us, unambiguously and honestly, for WHO WE ARE, for our equality, on a national stage.
GO OBAMA. GO MARGARET.
before reading this article i did not know obama was so outspoken on LGBT rights, good for him
margaret. i love you
you never censor yourself.
and you speak the truth.
The gay issue is still the perfect wedge issue. Just wait till October.
I promise you dear that most people would want to hear the kinds of things you have to say. Part of the reason so many people ignore politics alltogether is because politicians don't say what they're really think . They rarely ever give straight answers and they rarely ever think or talk just like "us", the people.
How many people do you know have ever NOT said the word "fuck"? But if a politician says it, it makes the national news.
BTW, I live in Cleveland and I guarantee you the weather kept a lot of people home in northern Ohio yesterday. Travel by any means, bus, car or foot is almost impossible with an inch of ice pellets on the ground. There's a fifty-foot-tall tree laying flat in my neighbor's yard along with a corner of their house and what's left of their car. Trust me, there were a lot of votes for Barack Obama that just couldn't physically happen.
'How many people do you know have ever NOT said the word "fuck"?'
My mother never has.
Those Clinton supporters just magically flew over those icy roads.
No they didn't fly, Scotty beamed them to the voting booths!
So, as a democrat with a conscience, I want to vote for the person who has worked to defend and protect the Constitution. In that case, I can't vote for Hillary or Obama, and, of course, I can't vote for crazy McCain. So, what do I do? The message I hear is that I MUST vote for whoever the nominee is, so democrats can beat McCain. My loyalty is supposed to be to the party, not the Constitution. So, where does that leave me?
I don't know. You could vote for Ralph Nader, after all Ross Perot put Bill Clinton in over President (and former CIA director) George H.W. Bush, over the $12 billion a month on Iraq, or write-in Margaret Cho''s dog Pomchi (part Pomeranian part Chihuahua) I saw in a neat video by her husband. What a dancer!
Obviously, darlin, you didn't get the memo, you don't count, nor do I. or anybody reading this(CIA excluded, I love you guys) but we will have our quadrenial pander! I'll have a dish of blue collar with a side of health care. Being dis invited is a badge of honor, it says they care enough to ignore you publicly, I am very jealous! Anyway, enjoy our little game of Democracy, it's the thought that counts! Oh, and you're way hotter than the ketchup girl!!!
OOPS, I forgot, I do vote, and you are absolutely right, it is essential!
"My parents have never voted, because they have always believed that this was not their country..."
That's sad and sweet at the same time. What would it take to change their minds? Would they be receptive to an online campaign in which thousands of native-born and immigrant Americans send them letters inviting your parents to reconsider, and vote?
Citizenship--the gift of belonging and equality-- (assuming that's what they now are) is one of the greatest gifts any nation can bestow. It's telling a newcomer that the nation believes they rank among the best of americans.
I don't want to start up a guilt trip, but its my belief that it devalues--even dishonors--the gift by not accepting it in full. Voting is how you do that; it is accepting the responsibility that goes with part-ownership of a nation.
If they exercise that right and no longer act as if they are outsiders in their own country, it is my expection that their thinking will follow, and they will no longer feel like outsiders. Sometimes it is only by actions that thinking changes.
When's the party?
Just tell me where, when and what to bring and I'm there. (Except if it's out of state or on a school night.)
Miss Cho, the Democraps have a long & lurid history of disinviting people. For instance Geo McGovern & the Democraps disinvited a man named Eagleton from running for McGovern's VP. The knock on Mr Eagleton was that he had gotten electro-shock treatment to control & cure a mental illness. The Repooplicans inflicted W on us twice & W is nuttier than a fruitcake. A Repooplican senator, Larry Craig, is frutier than a nutcake since he copped a plea for knocking on the wall of a stall at an airport's men's restroom. The Reppoplicans disinvited Sen Craig from being a Repooplican because Sen Craig copped a plea at a legal proceeding which had jurisciction over Sen Craig's hobby.
I think that disinviting is a tradition in American politics. Your disinviting could be one of those hoary "Only in America" things. You a daughter of 2 natives of Korea have gotten fame due to your talents. The Democraps may have disinvited you because the became of the extent of your fame or some other bull shit excuse for bigotry.
margaret muthafukn cho. you are a bright and beautiful creature- & thank you for existing and always speaking your mind. the Ent remark makes me want to tackle and kiss you. deep in my heart i knew that's what he was, but i couldn't place it...a nice, slow, liberal giant treeman...i wish everyone would realize the importance of voting (despite election 2000 & the 2004 ohio problems) i think democrats would win in a landslide if there was 100% turnout... and don't you know your party would be way more fun than any DNC bash- just let us know when and where mama
Teresa Heinz Kerry is a cutie-pie, indeed.
Laura Bush grows in attractiveness whenever she speaks up on environmental issues (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands) or human rights (Myanmar).
Michelle Obama would be the hottest First Lady ever. She is smokin'. And darn intelligent, too.
I am a heteosexual woman, but I have to confess to having such a crush on Obama - Michelle, that is!
Has everyone in America forgotten what a disrespect the clintons had for the WH military advisors and the military in general .think they. now really have changred? Beware USA with co presidents we are talking major disaters in all sectors of our lives. sfc
"disrespect" is better than being responsible for the over 3000 dead soldiers and over 20,000 crippled.
Careful, your incredibly wide stance is showing. But, hey, you do have the republiCON talking points locked in and ready to "catapult" at a seconds notice. So whom are you voting for? The old warmonger McCain or the preacher man from hope? Or are you just going to write in Bush junior and hope for another 4 years of incompetence and corruption and war and lawlessness.
No, we DON'T remember this... because its not true. Stop planting random lies.
I do recall knee-jerk right military officers disrespecting their commander-in chief-though. Remember those armed forces berets - initiated by the Bush 1 admin, may i remind you. The military screamed like little girls at having to wear them. It was embarrassing.
Steve is hopelessly devoted to hate, but he might be right about the co-president thing. Bush-Cheney hasn't worked out so well. On second thought, I like the idea of Hill and Bill, together again in the White House. Yes, I do!
Yeah! They didn't get all the furniture the first time!
John Kerry is an Ent--you are so right! Of course!
Keep voting, Margarent, and I will too. I'm working on getting my family to vote. I may have to resort to desperate measures, like using chloroform, handcuff and a ride to the polling place in the trunk of the car!
You may think every vote counts but apparently that is not true. I live in Florida and mine certainly did not count. I will be voting very differently in the November elections.
I live in Indiana, My vote never counts.
Well, you know, everyone was running from "the gays" in '04. And I thought we were just supposed to stay invisible this cycle rather than kill the Dems' chances, lest we become the boogey-man issue once again. You know how bad doing right for gays can end up. Just look at Massachusetts, that damn place has fallen apart, right? No? Well, but they said......
Love you, Margaret.
Down here in the south, I have heard many times, that people don't vote because Jesus
is their leader. True.
Not true.
I too live in the South and way too many people vote their religion. Quote from one acquaintance: I don't like bush but I have to vote for him because he'll save babies and stop gays from marrying..
That was in 04. Apparantly noone in the South understands the Constitution, especially Article 6, Section3. After all the Constitution applies to ALL, not just politicians
Lysol tastes bad...my mom sprayed it all over, all the time.
It don't work til ya taste it!
Rock the vote, sista...love that profile pic!
I remember when that "un-invite" thing happened and I was oh-so pissed off for you. That was the year the Dems were afraid of their own shadow, and you were going strong on your "Love is Loveis Love" campaign. (At least I think that was the name of it.) You were way too hot for them to handle, as 2004 was the ultimate year in anti-gay support. Yet you stood tall (tall?).
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday night. I"ll be in the front row, so please play nice as I can be quite sensitive. ;)
Teresa Kerry is hotter than the Sahara in...well, every season of the year. And while Laura Bush's vagina does have a piney aroma, I have it on good authority that it has the taste and consistency of resin, not Lysol. That kind of libel should have gotten you in trouble.
Good post. Informed voting is also the responsibility of every citizen. I'm glad that so many are interested in fulfilling their responsibility this primary season, I just wish they would tone down their voices a little. I'm just really tired of being yelled at and insulted by Sen. Obama's supporters for having thoughts that might not be the same as theirs.
I just love you Margaret, you make me laugh and cry.
I was trying to convince the young man at the counter where I had just bought some stuff, to vote. He said the Democrats would win anyway this year. I told him that's what we all thought when Reagan was running. And now look at what's happened to this country, most of the downfalls began with him.
Vote you idiots, vote!!
Remember in the last election cycle when Whoopi Goldberg made jokes at a Democratic fund raiser using the hilarious observation that "Bush" is a slang term for "Vagina?" Not only was unfunny, it was a distraction from the issues that ended up hurting the Democrats far more than it helped them.
Margaret, I'm glad that you're a usually-witty patriot who gets hot and bothered for Freedom. But I can't say I blame the group's decision to dis-invite you.
Remember when Whoopie first told the joke on Letterman? I do. and,what did she say?
"The only bush I trust is my own."
Tempest in a teapot
Wow, Brainspore, way to completely miss the point of the article!
I believe the point of the article was about the importance of voting, with which I wholeheartedly agree.
I was just pointing out as a side note that if you're going to risk creating a major distraction from the issues by telling a vagina joke at a democratic event during an election, it should at least be a funny joke. (Admittedly Margaret's was funnier than Whoopi's.)
I grew up in a family where my parents just didn't vote. It wasn't because they felt one way or the other. They just didn't. They were staunch Republicans.
Now, I am an adopted gay black man - so I can't vote Republican - it goes against my very existence. The first time I voted was for Ann Richards. And I've never looked back. I feel I am plagued by the apathy of some of my friends when voting season comes around. My comments that "if you don't vote, you can't complain" just don't seem to get them fired up to care.
My boyfriend spent a year and a half in Iraq fighting for other people's "rights". It appalls me that people don't care about who leads them. I mean, the percentage of people in my high school voting on class president was more than the percentage of Americans voting for their own President.
Get out and vote people. I have more respect for someone who votes Republican (even though I disagree) than one who doesn't vote at all.
It's important to not be swayed by 'disinvitat
Posted March 4, 2008 | 01:59 PM (EST)