A Christmas Card for America

"It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." Watching the Oprah Winfrey Christmas in the White House special during prime time last night, I couldn't help but discern the many ups and downs, ins and outs, and twists and turns that we have collectively experienced as a nation in 2009. Please forgive me if the eloquence of our dearest Dolly Parton is lacking when I say that our nation's leaders have been "busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest".

And still, we are a thriving nation. None can deny, no matter how disgruntled they may be with the White House, that this has been a year unparalleled in our nation's history. One year ago, who knew that President Obama and former Senator Clinton would work together so harmoniously to achieve the common goal of making our country a home to be proud of once again? The rich may not be as rich, but I envision a time when all Americans will be proud to call this comparatively young and new country home once again.

I believe President Obama sold himself short with the B+ that he awarded himself when Oprah asked the question, "How would you grade your performance so far in the White House?" He was at a B- when he became the first black President of the United States of America, a B+ when he got his health care bill farther than any President in our history has dared even try, and an A- for stabilizing an economy which one year ago was breathing its last breath. If health care reform passes and all of our citizens are afforded quality medical care without being saddled with obscene debt then we should all take out our red ink and write a big A+ on the Presidential report card. Perhaps even a smiley face, at the risk of insulting the President's masculinity.

Does this mean that this is the only progress that we expect to see in this administration? Absolutely not. There is still a lot of work to be done and I am confident that the President is more aware than anyone of the challenges that face him. But we mustn't grade his progress thus far on his handlings of the wars that he inherited from the former administration. We finished the job in Iraq. The problems in Afghanistan were brewing when President Obama took his helm. As someone who is unapologetically anti-war, I can see no other way to cultivate our nation's position as the largest world power than to continue stabilizing the Middle East. It is heart breaking that 30,000 troops must go to Afghanistan this Holiday season, but the troops who I have spoken with are proud to fight for this country and all of its objectives. After all, that's what they signed up for.

Regarding Civil rights, the first African American in the White House isn't the only accomplishment we have to be proud of. My gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered brothers and sisters are closer to equal rights than we have ever been, with a few states even offering full marriage equality. I can only hope to live to see a time when gays in Arkansas will realize this same equality. Though virtually meaningless in the eyes of the law, I applaud the community of Eureka springs and its bravery in allowing its citizens in same sex partnerships to register as domestic partners. I see this as a beacon of hope among some leaders to recognize homosexuality as an identity and not as a choice. I applaud the presbytery of Arkansas in voting to ordain openly gay ordained ministry in the Church. After all, God's word is for all the people, not only those who identify as heterosexual and male. I applaud the ten year old Will Phillips for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance until it truly means what it says: one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all. And most of all, I applaud my own faith tradition the Episcopal Church for continuing to affirm the worth and dignity of all of God's people.

It is Christmas time and I have much to be thankful for. Winter is upon us and I believe the current economic conditions are humbling many of us, if not most of us. Nonprofits and charitable organizations are in demand perhaps more than they have been in three quarters of a century. Unsurprisingly, the good citizens of this nation realize this and are prepared to do whatever is necessary to ensure an equitable place to live for all. This is the America that our founders envisioned. We are finally realizing the dream of our nation's forefathers. Be proud of the living history in which you are participating. Love your brothers and sisters in humanity unapologetically and strive for goodness. We will achieve equality. We must. Happy Holidays and God Bless America.

This was written by David Kendrick and first published on his blog at http://www.someonesbastardstepchild.blogspot.com/.

Against the Wall

This is a short story that I wrote. I am entering it into a short story contest in which, if selected, it will be published and win a cash prize. Enjoy, and wish me luck!

Against the Wall

The voice came over the loudspeaker, “Southwest Airlines Flight 23 nonstop service to Dallas, now boarding all passengers with priority seating.” I gasped for what I was sure would be the last breath of air that I shared in the same room with Javi. He looked into my eyes apologetically. I knew that it was truly over this time, that Javi had made his decision, and that he was convinced the journey on which he was embarking when he boarded this plane was one that was necessary to both of our lives.
As he hugged me one last time, I found myself no longer able to contain my tears which only an hour ago were so easily masked with anger. We had given a good go of it, our relationship. I had loved Javi more than I had ever loved anyone. Still do, despite what I’m about to tell you, as a matter of fact.
We had met as so many do, in a bar, in one of the shady corners of Little Rock. I believe it was my 24th birthday. It was a night filled with ecstasy, booze, and drag queens. I was standing against the wall, admiring the art of female impersonation, when he walked passed in his black leather coat, his boyfriend leading him by the hand. Javi looked back at me with a gorgeous smile and our eyes met.
I watched the two of them as they walked across the grand expanse of the Athena Showroom, graciously nodding at what seemed like everyone they passed. They appeared to know everyone, not like me. I knew no one there, except my roommate, who last I knew was buried in a cloud of smoke somewhere in the techno room. Javi leaned against the wall opposite me as his boyfriend approached the bar for their drinks. I was sure our eyes met again.
After the last number by Dominique Sanchez, the legendary matriarch of the showroom, I exited the door closest me for the techno room to find my roommate. I quickly located her red hair, the red glow in the dark ring around her neck, and the lollipop in her mouth. She was dancing with a beautiful girl I knew she had just met. I found myself again against the wall admiring my roommate’s uncanny ability to meet and become so comfortable with someone in almost any environment. I couldn’t do this; I had always been a loner.
I remember watching sweaty bodies pass by me for what seemed like hours. I was approached by a couple of what I considered at the time undesirables: older men who wanted to make me their trophy. Now, I love being a trophy for an older man. But then, I shrugged them off one by one. Perhaps this was why I found myself so alone.
And then it happened. I felt the cool touch of leather on the naked skin of my arm, which was exposed by the sleeveless t-shirt I was wearing. I turned around and looked into his eyes. Javi was there. From that point until now, he had hardly left my side.
We had been through so much heartache. I learned about my disease, Human Immuno Deficiency Virus, in a certified letter at the post office. “We regret that we are unable to approve your application for life insurance as your lab results indicate the presence of the HIV virus. We strongly recommend that you consult your physician.”
We made love and we fought. We cared for one another and we hated one another. But most importantly, we needed one another. Javi was not legal in this country and his life was so hard. He only wanted to be someone who was recognized for more than his gorgeous looks.
And now, here we were. We were saying goodbye. The recession had taken my job. Mental illness had taken most of my sanity. Javi couldn’t get a job, legally. He couldn’t take it anymore, and deep inside I couldn’t blame him. I didn’t like the person I had become either.
I remember taking one last breath of the air freshened by Javi’s Diesel cologne. He kissed me on the cheek. I felt his stubble dry my tears as he pulled away and walked to the ramp. He turned and our eyes met once again. He promised that he would send money to help me. He had clients, good ones. He knew this was the only way to take care of the both of us in a country that overwhelmingly detested his existence. I knew that he really still loved me.
I get money orders to help pay the phone bills, the electricity, and the mortgage. I hear his voice once in a while in a phone call from Chicago, New York, Nashville, or DC. He’s there to be a date to a swanky party, a one hour companion to a business traveler in a hotel room, or a release for a lonely politician who dares not be himself.
I realize that Javi isn’t coming home now. Some months the money comes, and some months it doesn’t. Even on these months, I make due. Nonetheless, Javi’s eyes are always in my dreams. I am awakened when I hear him speaking Spanish in my sleep as if he still lies next to me in our bed. Javi’s gone now but my love for him will always remain. I see the sky beginning to light through the blinds. I roll back over in my bed, pulling the down comforter closer to my body, and utter the words, “Buena suerte, Javier. Te quiero.” (Good luck, Javier. I love you.)

On the Side of Angels

It's been a while since I've put thoughts here. Finishing the semester has been a challenge, but today I will take my final exam. I'm thankful to have this over with and I long for January when I will start with a fresh slate. A friend told me last night that he didn't believe in New Year's Resolutions. "After all," he said, "We always break New Year's Resolutions. I just set goals for the year." This is an approach that I think I will take in 2010. I've given New Year's Resolutions a good go for thirty years. This sounds worth a shot.

2009 has been a roller coaster ride. I am so close to finishing school that I can taste it. I'm not sure yet what I want to do when I finish next December. Perhaps, I will get a job teaching Spanish in the public schools. I would like to devote a good portion of time to my writing. I think I have a lot of good ideas.

I just finished Anne Rice's Angel Time. It was truly a gripping novel, and what a twist from her old style: from vampires to witches, her own return to the church and the travels of the historical Jesus, and now to a hit man who is approached by the Angel Malchia and urged to give up his old life and do the work of the angels. This is a must read!

There's not much else to say now. I'm setting the table for dinner with a special friend tonight. Good luck to everyone with final exams and their goals for 2010. Peace.