Who's Afraid of the Queen of Spain?

I am afraid of the Queen of Spain.

I read her blog.  I follow her on Twitter.  I hunt her down as Erin Kotecki Vest on Huffington Post.  I watch her many video blogging experiments.  Hell, I even guest blogged at her place.  I am down with the Queen of Spain.

And yet she makes me a little nervous.  She has a bit of a bold streak.  And by bold, I mean she has a seriously foul mouth, will attack your mother's uncle, has no problem with threats of public nudity, and can politic you under the table so you had better know your conservatives from your liberals less you are prepared to look like George Bush on his least focused day.

That's putting it nicely. 

I love her.  I also respect her.

Yet writing this post is making me pee a little.

Queen of Spain (or any of you political pundit moms, for that matter), I want to weigh in on our current presidential election but I have some questions.  I want to ask questions.  For instance, am I supposed to capitalize "presidential?"  No, really, I have serious questions.

I am still only developing my political opinions and I don't want to look like an idiot, but you have me quaking in my boots sandals.

I believe the word is cowed.

I'm not looking to be an expert.  I'm not going to be joining MOMocrats anytime soon.  By the way, is there even an equivalent for Republican mom bloggers?  I can't find any Republican mom bloggers within the blogs I already read.  This is like the time I realized that a significant portion of my readers and favorite bloggers were Mormons.

I'm trying to form an educated opinion, make a well-informed decision.

And, oh yeah, finally register to vote. 

When I first shared with you all that I have never voted before, I meant it sort of as an interesting little aside in my 100 Things 100th post.  That should demonstrate to you how naive I am when it comes to politics.  I never expected the chastising responses.   Yet, I welcomed them.

I know I should have voted by now.  I have not yet voted because I have never been interested enough to commit to an opinion.  Seriously, if it wasn't about Ronald Reagan (my childhood favorite president, having nothing to do with political affiliation), I wasn't listening.

Example:  A friend of mine told me that he would be clerking for [insert name of Supreme Court Justice here] and my response was, "That's great.  Hey, have you talked to [insert name of non-Supreme Court Justice college friend here] lately?"

I had no idea who he was talking about.  Smooth.

But I am listening now.  Unfortunately for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton (I had to double check how to spell both of those names), I am mostly listening to Glenn Beck.  And I'm not a fan of John McCain.

I have a sneaking suspicion that there are more opinions out there.  And I am thoroughly interested in the opinions of other parents because we are the ones guiding the political candidates of the future.  We are the ones raising future taxpayers.  Our influence is important.

Just do me a favor?  Don't jump all over my bare butt hanging out when I start asking questions.  Don't try to pin me to one political party, because I don't own any lapel pins, yet. 

I have found a bit of velveteen in my mind that hasn't been worn threadbare and I'm ready to start picking it apart.

Care to join me?

*********

Related posts:

Glenn Beck's Responsibility Beat-Down.  I'm in.

Obligatory 100 Things About Me.  Sex, Drugs, and Satan Detectors.

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Comments

[Karen]

IMO, this year I have a voting choice between 3 mini-socialists (not a good thing to me). I am having a difficult time as a Republican, as are most Republicans. The one thing I have found is that the saying my dad told me when I first went to vote keeps repeating in my head..."if he sounds too good to be true, he is too good to be true, choose wisely", thanks Dad, I may not know who I vote for until the actual 2 seconds before I push the button. I am leaning toward Hilary, though. Reagan was my favorite too.

[Christina]

LOL at fearing Erin! Seriously, I don't consider myself an expert at all, either. When I wrote my letter to the candidates last week, I wasn't intending it to be just for democrats or just for republicans. A conservative message board tried to tear apart my post as liberal drivel, and I just had to laugh. It's really one of the first political posts I've written.

I'll admit I'm pretty naive about the technical aspects of politics, but I know what I want for my family, and for those around me. It's a good place to start. Take what you want for your family and then look into which candidate will best meet those wants.

[Karen Sugarpants]

Don't be afraid of Erin. She's bold, yes, but also very real, down to earth and WYSIWYG with her. There's no fakery in her bakery.

Glad she's got you thinking! :)

[QueenofSpain, Erin Kotecki Vest]

Well than I have failed miserably. Because my goal is to just scare the Arringtons and Calacanis' and McCains of the world. And of course, the Coulters.
But if you really are a conservative then yes, I do hope I scare the shit out of you and make you pee your pant. But only for that...then we can have drinks and talk shoes.

Oh, and not to be all 'I know so much' -cause it's all smoke and mirrors-but...http://mediamatters.org/issues_topics/tags/glenn_beck

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

[Crunchy Carpets]

"IMO, this year I have a voting choice between 3 mini-socialists"

as a Canadian this made me laugh out loud - if they are socialists then our conservative gov't must be like commies to you guys!

[Tom]

I always knew you were a conservative.

[Sarah]

So are you a liberal then? You only linked to Democrat blogs.

[Stefania/CityMama]

I am certainly no political expert! I just have strong feelings about how politics affects me and my family that I need to get out and MOMocrats provides the place. Yes we have very smart pundits and articulate policy wonks--and lots of lawyers--contributing to MOMocrats, and then there is me. I like to swear and use exclamation points and post lots of pictures. ;-)

If you ever wanted to guest post on MOMocrats--about your feelings about voting or trying to pick a candidate to support--we'd love to have you.

[Ontario Emperor]

I'm going to do some SERIOUS third party research. (Got here via FriendFeed, by the way.)

[Mrs. Fussypants]

Shhh, lean in, pay attention.....

~whispers~

i have heard rumors that mrs. fussypants is a die hard conservative. i hear she doesn't share because the web is so left leaning. she doesn't want to constantly defend herself all over the web.

i also hear she knows her politics and can go rounds with anyone, but her twitter friend erin scares her too. ;)

[slackermommy]

Politics. Such a touchy subject. I prefer to lay low the Fussypants way. It does seem that most mommy bloggers are democrats. I was a die hard democrat in college. I went to Bill Clinton rallies and wore a George Bush (Sr) Sucks t-shirt. Becoming a mother and small business owner along with marrying a die hard republican who majored in poli sci has swung me the other way. I don't consider myself a conservative but I have some conservative views. I have yet to be one over by any of the candidates but will vote republican. This is the most you will ever see me share about politics online.

[catnip]

The Queen scares me too! (and I agree with her!) But she dares to speak her mind and I admire that. I just watch from afar.

[PunditMom]

I hear you about Erin. She and I both write over at MOMocrats and it's no secret that, at the moment, we disagree on a candidate. Plus, we're going to be on a panel together later this year -- you don't think she'll hurt me, do you? ;)

[Christine]

I've pretty much only interacted with Erin about photrade and Bill Maher and she's always been a sweetie.

Politics, though...yeah, I'm scared of her.

[Summer]

I think it must be the circles, because I've had to go out of my way to find democrat moms. Though, being a home educator, most of the other moms I read are generally conservative. I don't fear Erin anymore, I just remember to bow and point to her. She is the Queen after all.

[GeekMommy]

Don't let Erin scare you - she's just one of those pussy cats with a big ol' roar! :)

She's actually quite tolerant of those of us who are okay being wrong because we disagree with her! ;)

No seriously - I'm a long-time registered Republican married to a life-long Democrat. We're both moderates - socially liberal, fiscally conservative - but where we differ brings us to different parties.

That said, this year is a tricky year. People are passionate after the past 8 years and passion = volume in most cases.

Honestly? There are many of us out there who have differing opinions on politics - we just don't all talk about it as frequently or zealously as some folks do. :)

[Maria Niles]

Yay! I love this post and am so happy that you are registering to vote and thinking through issues. No matter who anyone votes for I respect deeply anybody who has seriously thought through where they stand on issues and aren't just regurgitating talking points or unquestioningly voting for who their parents or spouse tells them to.

And, anybody who is secure in their own convictions should welcome questions, disagreement and debate. It's an opportunity to push and refine your own thinking.

So, I'd encourage you to turn off the cable - most of the pundits on any side are full of it and talk to the bloggers. Most of us (even us crazy liberals) are happy to discuss even if we disagree. And far be it from me to speak for the queen but I'm pretty sure she won't either. ;)

[Maria Niles]

Oh, and, as you work through these issues - if you post more, it would be awesome if you cross posted at BlogHer in the Election 2008 category. I'm certain you are not alone in your feelings and concerns and I think a lot of readers would be happy to find a kindred soul.

[Glennia]

One of the things I hoped to do when we started MOMocrats (six months ago, people, six months!) was to host a discussion where women would not be intimidated to either show how much or how little they know about politics and learn from each other. The male political blogosphere seems to be overrun with "Agree with me or you are an idiot" types, and I hope we don't come across that way.

Yes, we are democrats, and no, it's not likely we'll be persuaded to vote for McCain anytime soon. Within our party are a huge spectrum of opinions and ideas about what is important. We hope to have a seat at the table when these discussions are being held. And like Stefania said, you are welcome anytime.

Other sites with more conservative or fuller spectrum voices: The Soccer Mom Vote, The Parental is Political (at Imperfect Parent). I don't know of a Republimoms site, though someone ought to start one. We'll challenge them to a cookie bake-off. We'll bring the gin.

[Christine]

If I were a Republican I would totally start a Republimoms site...I was thinking the same thing, Glennia (who I didn't get to meet in SF with Bossy, wah). I'm like GeekMommy...socially liberal, fiscally conservative.

Maybe we need a Sociallyliberalfiscallyconservamoms site.

[SoMo]

Be careful what you ask for. I have been more informed than any other presidental election and I am scared. I do know who I am voting against and why.:) Good Luck

[moosh in indy.]

Hi. I'll be hiding behind your opinion and questions quietly forming my own.

[JenTimesYou]

I love your blog. This is probs my favorite blog and I think it might be because you aren't one of the big name bloggers but you sound like one. So I'm torn when I suggest this:

Could you crosspost this on MOMocrats or BlogHer? Or both? I'm a conservative and I feel like this would invite us into the conversation.

I do read conservative momoblogs. They are out there. But the libs have the market cornered.

[RepubliMom]

I'm a conservative mommyblogger (and my name isn't really RepubliMom) and I would love to talk about this. I feel like I would be ostracized by the mommyblogger community if I did. They are so Democratic.

I can't figure out if you are a liberal or a conservative, I go back and forth on where you stand from one post to the next (clever girl), but I want you to write more about this. Let us all talk!

[RepubliMom's Friend]

RepubliMom sent me over here (hee hee).

Please Gawd be a conservative! We need a voice! We want you!

[MammaLoves]

Having worked in politics my entire professional career I've mellowed over time. Maybe because I'ven just been plain worn out with the fighting.

Don't get me wrong. I'll stand up for what I believe in, but I've become so cynical.

I do have to weigh in though on the Glenn Beck thing. Maybe you could start with The NewsHour or something else. Something a little less blow hard?

[jen]

Erin is hardcore. and YOU need to come guest post at MOMocrats. Want in?

[Dorothy Stahlnecker]

I can't believe you wrote this post. I've been pondering my feelings regarding this sick battle for presidential election this year. I don't even know if I'll vote I'm so disgusted with how much we are bombarded with the elections way before it should be affecting our day to day lives. This week I even researched two links I wanted to respond to and ask why does the press act as though the elections are all the only thng going on for us today. Who is watching the oil prices and is there any chance we'll have relief? And when they suggest reducing prices by removing the federal taxes I wonder how stupid they think we are. You know they tax us somewhere else. We are their pocket books and you know we'll pay somewhere else. We always do. I've had an idea for us, someone who can give us simple information regarding real issues that affect us. If it comes to fruition I'll send you a note. I'm as confused as you. And I always fear I'll make a uninformed decision. So your not alone there are a lot of us. As for who I'll vote for. I can't bring myself to vote for Obama or Clinton.

Thats why I wonder if I should bother.

Great post, good luck as we learn more...sorry I rambled....see what politics does. You've inspired me to move forward with my thoughts on grammology..you dared and so will I..we will make some difference together...

Dorothy from grammology
remember to call gram
www.grammology

[Erika]

I love what you're doing. How are we supposed to learn if we don't ask questions? When I cast my vote this election it will against someone rather than for an actual candidate. I think that is sad. (For the record, I am a moderate Republican. I'm just outing myself here.)

[Annie]

The political debates and discussions fascinate me. It is encouraging to see so many people in your comments say that they welcome differing views and encourage grown up discussion and debate. This is not the experience I have had on the few occasions where politics has come up in real world discussions. People get so caught up in believing that their view is right, that their candidate is right and that their party is the only one that makes sense and it irritates the crap out of me.

I can't vote - as a lowly green card holder, I don't yet have that right - I am eligible for citizenship this year but it won't be processed before November - so this whole election is even more frustrating for me because I have no voice, yet I will live under whatever regime is chosen by those of you who can vote.

I agree with the others that people really need to research and base their decisions, not only on which candidate will bring what's best for their particular family - but for the country as a whole - which will in turn benefit all Americans (we can hope).

I have spoken with people who are making their decision entirely based on personality which think is scary! I also have spoken to people who get so upset at the thought of losing their precious tax breaks, and being only rich instead of filthy rich and that scares me too.

We aren't in this world just for ourselves - there is a greater good out there and we have a part to play in ensuring that we work towards it and that we have a government in place who will pay attention to the country which it serves!

I cannot classify myself as Republican or Democrat - there are some major issues I disagree with in both parties - but I can look at the individuals running and consider their policies, and determine for myself which of them I think would lead effectively and have the right team in place to make a difference. If it gives you any clue at all whom I might vote for if I could, this nation is in a sorry state, and it needs someone new, someone different, to turn this bus around.

[Annie]

Sorry Megan, I really should just go back to writing in my own blog!

[Tempered Woman]

Uhm, would you believe I actually wrote a similiar post? My coming out of sorts? I had the same darn question~ where is the ConserviMoms site? I personally LURVE me some Beck but can't stand a lot of the others. He is more down to earth to me anyways. Hannity scurrs me WAY more than Queen of Spain.
Maybe it's time that enough of us just quit being scarrety cats and started a conservative mom's site? You hear me Mrs. Fussypants??? And shhhh, don't tell anyone but one of my Master's just might be in public administration. Shhhh.

[GeekMommy]

I came back to see where the discussion had gone...
Looks like you've gotten it started nicely.

Seriously - one thing I've found about *most* people like the majority of the mommybloggers I've met on Twitter is that they hold the position Maria Niles posted here: http://tinyurl.com/4akr6t it is far better to have people thinking, evaluating, investigating and voting than ignoring the whole thing... even if they don't come to the same conclusions you do.

Stick with it.

[Katja of Skimbaco]

Excellent post, and the comments are superb too! I care a lot for politics for a person who doesn't have the right to vote in this country.

What I think this year is going to be a lot different than before is the group of people who are voting for a Person, not for a Party, and I think it's great that while you are educating yourself about politics, you are taking all the options in consideration.

[Katie]

Republimom? Maybe. ConservaMom? Yes. That's me. Socially conservative, fiscally conservative, Wannabe Mommy Blogger. Thank you for starting a conversation that is making me get excited about politics. I do love Glenn Beck and I'm rather fond of Bill O'Reilly - mostly because he uses the word 'pithy.' I get all giddy when I hear the word 'pithy'

[Jenni]

I am a capitalist first and conservative second, but I am deeply frustrated by the choices for President this year. The fact that the complete and total fiscal liberal Huckleberry snowed a bunch of social conservatives drives me bonkers!

And you could do far worse than listening to Glenn Beck.

[Shannon]

The mommy bloggers are definitely left-leaning and I often find myself feeling very "fringe." I'm a Libertarian, I voted for Ron Paul and I think all the candidates we are faced with are socialists. I'll sometimes post about my political thoughts, but then I have to deal with the crickets chirping because most of my readers don't roll that way.

Your honesty is awesome and while I'm no political expert either, I'd be happy to discuss the "third party" options any time.

[Diana]

I'm not afraid of the Queen, but I do fear her twitter. Hehehe. Just kidding, love Erin.

You know, you don't *have* to pick a party. You can come camp out with me anytime. In.De.Pen.Dent. ;-)

[Mrs. Flinger]

I knew she'd comment because she's amazing. Seriously. I adore her. I've worked with (for) her and I can't sing enough "OMG! She's AMAZING!"

I'm a fan. But also? I know. I vote totally different and she pushes me to understand and know more about my own views and why I vote as I do. We can all use more erin in our lives. LOL

[To Think Is To Create]

Oh this post made me swoon! I'm so in the same boat as you--in many ways. If you ever start a moderate (or a ::shhhh:: republican site) count me in too. I totally agree that there are not enough voices from all sides.

Also, I agree with GeekMommy that QoS is more bark than bite. She's a softy for women bloggers, and is really helpful and fabulous.

[Joe]

I am a republican on most issues and a democrat on some. I suppose I am a moderate somehow. I am against the death penalty and abortion. Somehow that's a strange combination apparently. Anyways, I believe in the right to bare arms and I also am a fiscal conservative. I want less spending and more saving by our entire country--government included. If the government would spend less we could pay them less to be our government right?

[Momo Fali]

I applaude you for this. I think there are a LOT of people who don't know their right from their left, so to speak. But, one thing is for certain...once you educate yourself, and vote for the first time, you will feel proud and powerful. I guarantee it.

[HRH]

I loved this post and am amazed that the comments have been as positive and open minded. I usually just keep my mouth shut online about politics because it only creates enemies...I don't think I agree with anyone about everything. I think politics is alot like religion. People aren't generally swayed by what someone says, but by how they live.

[another republican mommy blogger]

I also have stayed away from politics on my blog. I wrote one innocent comment on how grateful I was to be able to choose my son's doctor and how it made me dread socialized healthcare and just about got my head handed to me on a platter.

When the Republamoms group gets together, sign me up!

[Christine @ Serenity How?]

I'm like Fussy in both the conservative and laying low departments. I'm used to being outnumbered because I live in California, but it's true that most mom bloggers are Democrats.

I don't really mind being surrounded by others with opposing political views, but I'd like to be able to discuss mine without arousing the wrath of anyone who disagrees. That doesn't happen very often and so I lay low.

[Jen @ JenuineJen]

I'm Republican and proud. In fact, I'm sure this will drive many people out there crazy so brace yourself, I like President Bush. I am up on most issues. Since my husband shut his business down last year, I am a paid poltiical consultant rather than a volunteer/political activist.

If you have questions, no matter how "dumb" they may sound, ask me. If I do not know the answer, I will do my best to find it for you. Especially if the questions are more about procedure and process and less about policy and issues. When I worked outside the home, I was the go to person when people had questions about how government works. I can explain things fairly well without being in your face about it and give links to information on both sides of an issue.

All that being said, I generally stay away from politics on my blog. I am focusing my blog towards the mommy blogging audience without getting into politics.

So, please, any of you who are new to the poltiical process ask me. You can do it on my blog in the contact form or you can email me directly at jennybeth at mindspring dot com.

[Kim Priestap]

Don't ever worry about not knowing a whole lot about the political scene. I'm not an expert either, but I have done a lot of political blogging at Wizbang (a conservative political blog) and the best advice I can give someone who's new to the whole political thing is to figure out what your principles are and then find the candidate whose principles are closest to yours. I voted for Romney in the Michigan primary, but I now am a McCain supporter although he has supported laws that I vehemently oppose (for example campaign finance reform, aka McCain/Feingold) because his views are so much more in line with mine than those of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

I am a conservative before I'm a Republican; however, time after time, the candidates in the Republican party are significantly closer to my views than the candidates in the Democratic party, save for Sam Nunn (pro-strong defense), Joe Lieberman (pro-Iraq war, pro-strong defense), and Zell Miller (kicked John Kerry's ass in the last Republican convention - search YouTube to see it. It's fantastic).

And listening to Glenn Beck is a very smart thing to do.

[Jackie]

Have a widget on my political blog that lists all female political bloggers...red, blue,3 other clolors...

[JayMonster]

How can there be an equivalent to Momocrats? As a conservative, you are supposed to believe that women are supposed to be home tending to the kidlin's. Your not supposed to have opinions unless your man gives them to you.

Well with the sometimes exception (i.e. Coulter), who thinks every woman except them should be barefoot, naked and cooking a stew. So how can there be such a "community" since at best you should be an island that stands alone?

And Glenn Beck? Bwahahahahaha. Oh you were serious? Opps sorry.