“I believe in a passion for inclusion. …I believe in the spirit of equality, and that the spirit of this country is one of love and compassion and kindness. My performance will uphold those philosophies. That kid that couldn’t get a seat at the cool kids’ table, and that kid that was kicked out of the house because his mom and dad didn’t accept him for who he was? That kid is going to have the stage for 13 minutes. And I’m excited to give it to them.” – Lady Gaga regarding her Super Bowl LI performance

Indeed, Lady G, that stuff can hurt so much…and nothing works. I figure some men fell on their heads when they were born (“born that way,” Ms. Gaga?). No matter how much they try to make us feel unimportant and to blame us for everything, there is something (not us) that is really bugging their butts and makes them so “blameless” and condescending and superior acting.

At the moment, Congressional Dems are as disconnected from their base as they’ve ever been. The rank-and-file are terrified. As many as 5.2 million people joined Women’s Marches worldwide because they’re afraid of losing their health care, among other things. They’re furious that the GOP effectively stole a Supreme Court seat that should have shifted the ideological balance of the Court for the first time in 45 years. And most of them at least harbor suspicions that Trump’s election was a sort of soft coup, with an assist from Russian intelligence and the FBI. They’re talking about fascism and authoritarianism and watching in horror as Steve Bannon tries to engineer a dramatic restructuring of the post-World War II international order. – “How Democrats Can Show Spine at This Critical Moment” in Rolling Stone

Yup, and we could have been headed in another direction. The correct direction, but here we are. What’s that, Hillary?

“We need strong women to step up and speak out. We need you to dare greatly and lead boldly. So please, set an example for every woman and girl out there who’s worried about what the future holds and wonders whether our rights, opportunities and values will endure. …And remember, you are the heroes and history makers, the glass ceiling breakers of the future. As I’ve said before, I’ll say again, never doubt you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and every opportunity in the world.” – Hillary Clinton in New Video Statement: ‘The Future Is Female’

When you try to hide the frustration over not being seen and heard, it just gives you a kind of heart attack of the soul! People are so judgmental and always blame the female no matter what, so we women just grow ulcers. I bet this feeling of hopelessness is more universal than people let on! I am sure of it.

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
“There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are”
She said, “Cause He made you perfect, babe”
“So hold your head up, girl and you you’ll go far
Listen to me when I say”

I’m beautiful in my way
Cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don’t hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you’re set
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born this way – Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”

And thank the heavens for Melissa McCarthy!