I don’t get political on my blog very often. For good reason. Not because I’m not interested in politics or I don’t have an opinion, but because I live in mortal fear of community uprisal and waking up to find a bunch of pissed off rednecks standing outside my door, chanting ‘Down with Tanis’, while angrily brandishing pitchforks and baseball bats in my direction.
I am a bleeding heart liberal, socialist-loving gal who hides her shrine to Barack Obama underneath an old poster of Alex P. Keaton.
My husband, my family and 98 percent of the surrounding community would have me flogged painfully if I shoved my political views down their gullets every chance I got. As it is, they barely tolerate me within the midst of their misguided Conservative-supportive ways.
I do what I can to corrupt their little blackened hearts and try to ensure my children embrace my unicorn-loving ways and prevent any future kitten killing on their behalves.
I strive hard to set a good example for my children in hopes that they actually tear their eyes away from the computer screen or the television long enough to notice. Sometimes that example includes doing things I really don’t want to do, such as manning a voting booth for a federal election that seems redundant, has no new political policies to vote for, no real candidate to love.

(Note to self: Please start looking to move into a part of the country that doesn’t bleed Conservative blue.)
However, I love Canada regardless of our yawn-inducing politics, and so yesterday I donned my civic hat and sat down at our community voting poll to help the public exercise their right to freely vote for the candidate of their choice.
Even if that candidate is a blue-blooded knob.
Ahem.
I didn’t expect a thank-you or a group hug from the hordes of people who trickled filed in, but I also didn’t expect to be treated like I was Medusa with a head full of hissing snakes. I keep forgetting what my purple highlighted hair, visible tattoos and piercings mean to the average voter in a small farming community.
I mean, when I look in the mirror I just see myself staring back. Someone fairly easy-going. Someone fairly likable even.
What my beloved community of hillbillies saw was an outsider sent from Satan himself, to corrupt their Ann Coulter-devoted ways with my nose ring and sassy attitude. I was a visual reminder that they were killing kittens left, right and center. I was the white angel of conscience sitting on their shoulder that for one second they couldn’t swat away.
I’ve never had more fun in my life. Heh.
“Hey, you know there is a hunk of metal hanging from your nose, right?” said one not so original voter to me as I handed him his ballot. The first dozen or so times I heard this, I just grinned and nodded, or better yet, acted shocked like I didn’t know how such a thing could happen to such a good girl like myself.
But the day was getting long and nothing if not repetitive, so I let loose the big cannons. “Ya, it matches the hunk of metal hanging from each of my nipples too. Did you know the Green party sponsors body piercings because it is easier to attach their signage to my body with magnets than it is with string?”
The man looked at me and hissed, like I just threw holy water on a vampire. I swear.
“Oh dear,” one lady puzzled to me, “there seems to be something in your hair. Something purple,” she tsked to me as she stood before me waiting to cast her vote. “I know a great hairdresser who could fix that for you, lickety split,” she offered.
“Why thank you ma’am. I was thinking about changing it. Growing up a bit more,” I said solemnly. “I want to show the world my true colours. I was thinking of going orange and green to show my NDP support,” I grinned as I flipped my hair about.
She grabbed her ballot and made the sign of the cross while she walked to the voting booth.
No where in the books did Elections Canada say I wasn’t allowed to have fun while I was working. Heh.
Eventually my civic-duty came to an end once the ballot box was empty and the carnage was witnessed votes were counted.
Regardless of the results, I voted. And my kids saw me doing something more for my country than just bitching about the process and hurling insults at my husband the television when a candidate annoyed me.
I want my kids to know that I am passionate with the belief that the crayon box of the world has more than enough room in it for more than just shades of blue.
More importantly, I want to excite them to pick up their own crayon and get set to paint the world with the colours of their own political beliefs.
Even if that colour happens to be blue. (Crossing myself and tossing salt over my left shoulder.)
***Oh ya, and if you like that bikini pic of me, go and see this one. I’m trying to soften up my husband so he won’t divorce me. Wink.***
Thanks again Will for your tireless work on my behalf. Canada and the internet thanks you.






Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 9:34
You crack me up Tanis. Where is this purple hair you speak of? I want to see a picture of it. I had hot pink highlights in my hair a few years back, wanting to do it again soon. I miss my hot pink.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 9:44
You had me at nosering. No, no, I think it was nipple ring. Anyway… Rock On for pissing of uptight people. Pass the crayons.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 9:45
Canada had an election?
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 9:47
I am deeply sorry that we don’t have enough shame as a country to keep Ann Coulter under a barrel somewhere. Maybe even with breathing holes, but let’s not get carried away…
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 9:54
So blue in Canada is red in the States? Is up also down? Left is right? Rosie O’Donnell is straight?
Wow, I had no idea.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 9:55
They won’t let me vote here. Or work with children. Or in medicine. I think they’re finally on to me.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 9:57
Cracking stuff Tanis
Keep your liberal head down though, torches and pitchforks can really mess up your whole day (shame we non-USians can’t vote for Mr O, though).
@Whit, the Chinese in Canada certainly did when they saw that photo ;o)
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 10:03
Gosh, I thought I had it hard out here in BC. I think us bleeding heart liberals need to start bending over….
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 10:29
You crack me up..
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 10:34
…..well I hope you don’t block me but I am one of those “blue” rednecks you speak of!!!!
I am sure you live in Alberta now…. I picture the image you presented replacing the grey haired elderly men that ran our small town polls….. I picture what your day would have gone like here… I think much how you discribed I would have paid to see it and laughed along with you…. even if you are on the other side…. LOL!!!
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 10:35
Briefcase just might divorce me before our election is over. I can’t keep my liberal-ass mouth shut. However, my oldest can now vote and I’m proud to say she won’t be voting for Palin. (Shudder!) If I die between now and election day tell the cops Briefcase is responsible!
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 10:54
Glad to see I’m in good company. I’m a bleeding heart liberal as well.
OBAMA ‘08~
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 11:27
I’m blue, I think, actually I think I’m green. I vote the way I want not for any particular party. I like working the polls to freak people out. This year though they only needed democrats to man the pole (they had enough of the other) so I won’t be helping this year. I wish I lived in Canada right now because the Politics suck here right now. Neither party is any good. They are both liars. So I am going to flip a coin on election day. Even though I can’t stand Obama if the coin toss lands on him I’ll vote for him. It’s a sad day….. I like purple hair and nose rings.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 11:34
Wow – I can’t believe that people would be so blazen. Damn bleeding heart conservatives. I really like your responses. Us damn liberals have to have a sense of humor.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 13:51
Not sure what I am, my bathing suit is multi-colored at the moment. However, I’m all for pissing people off. It makes me happy
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 13:55
joe six pack here….i’d do her
usually just hold my nose and vote,if their mouths moving their lying…both sides
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 14:31
And meanwhile, Bossy is so desperate, she now wants that hairdresser’s name who can Fix bad Hair!
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 15:11
You are too funny for words…you can make anything hilarious…a good stop for me when I have hard days…
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 16:04
I’m another one of those bleeding hearts but my son turned out to be one of those misguided conservative types. He even up and joined the Air Force…the little piss ant. I’m sure it was just to spite me and my hippie ways. heh.
So be prepared. No matter how much you love them and try to guide them in the proper direction, at some point they may rip out that liberal heart and toss it to the dogs for dinner.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 17:22
I hear you on the joys of being a liberal in a remote agricultural community. I have an Obama/Biden bumper sticker and another one opposing our latest anti-abortion initiative on my car, and I expect to be “accidentally” rear-ended one day soon.
My husband is politically apathetic, but wonders why I have to stir the pot. Mostly out of boredom, I tell him.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 17:36
HA! Did a spit take on this one! Crap, that means I have the clean the screen AGAIN!
Oh, and not for THAT reason, you gutterminds! Jeez, it was another LOL moment on DadGoneMad, not the bikini shots…
Another bullseye for RM!
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 18:13
This is my first visit to your blog and it was fun.
as I am in a quite rural area these days.
I am actually fairly conservative, have no nose rings or brightly colored hair and am voting for Obama. (it’s probably my tatoo that put me over the edge) I have to hide that along with MY Obama shrine
I will be back. You are a blast !
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 18:34
I woke up this morning full of hope (as I fell asleep before watching the results) but reality set in, with another blue minority (sigh). At least your little mug of photoshop magic made me smile at Canadian politics today.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 19:11
That was a pretty great post. I love reading what you write. I used to want to get my nose pierced, but I decided that would be a bad idea since I have really bad allergies and am almost constantly sneezing.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 20:29
If I lived in your electoral district I think I would be Liberal too. I hate your Conservative candidate with a passion! Ugh. At least I am assuming who it is anyways…….
Good to see a freak work the polls though, even in Edmonton we have the elderly giving out ballots so slow I am sure we could have been lined up until midnight.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 21:00
I’m an orange & green girl myself. Unfortunately, we’re in the “bible belt,” so Conservative they will go.
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 23:34
Nipple rings huh? I got to get out and vote more often!
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 6:05
Well, really you should be non-partisan at the poll booth but we’ll let you go. With the lack of available workers, good for you for doing your part and showing yer young’uns what it means to exercise your democratic right.
Alex P. Keaton – thought he was conservative, right wing republican? Can’t have McCain/Palin – even if Palin thinks she’s the original redneck mommy.
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 6:17
My huge liberal heart reaches up and taps me on the shoulder and is all, “OMG, can you believe this?!” when we drive around our town because wow, the McCain/Palin signs are everywhere, including next door when they moved in with my new neighbors. I sighed when I saw their bumper sticker and lamented the fact to my husband, who was then all, “Well, honey, I’ve got something to show you,” and whipped his own M/P sticker out.
Save me, you purple-haired, electromagnetic, bleeding heart goddess. Seriously.
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 7:51
I know what you mean–if the Liberals had a leader, they might have fared better.
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 8:07
you just made the election waaay more fun, T.
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 8:11
I love purple hair. I want some pink or purple highlights…and maybe one tattoo (but hidden). I think your responses to those stupid remarks were Hilarious!
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 8:44
Apparently Blue has one less seat in Alberta this time around hehehehe. Orange won it. The funniest part is Blue dude gave a VICTORY speech BEFORE the results were in (guess he figures after 11 prior wins he would get dozen?). Since the tally showed that he lost he’s fallen off the face of the earth, after making noise about a recount. Now no one has seen or heard from him. That’s what happens ladies and gentlemen, when you assume you become an ASS.
I sincerely hope that he can put on his big girl pants and come out of the closet to congratulate his opponent. Then bow out gracefully. Be a good sport and not a sore loser.
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 12:37
I have an 11 yr old who loves music. Good iPod selections are Smashing Pumpkins & Aerosmith. I’ll try to think of more. You need to follow me on twitter so I can answer you.
)
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 13:58
Meh, at least we dodged the carbon tax bullet. Also, I think Sarah Palin could totally make Dion eat dirt. She could probably make Harper do it, too, but only if she held him at gunpoint.
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 20:26
Really funny, I feel like maybe I can let out some of my crazy tendencies tonight in my extremely conservative and military environment….but maybe I shouldn’t ….
thanks for the fun post!
Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 20:49
Just found your blog. Funny!
Friday, 17 October, 2008 at 4:57
You are the Canadian HOTNESS!
Friday, 17 October, 2008 at 6:29
Just came over from Avi’s place. Love you allready. You go girl…
Friday, 17 October, 2008 at 8:20
I hear ya. Except I’m the independent environmentalist almost libertarian socialist hillbilly who owns a shotgun and can quote Shakespeare and who goes to church and goes to Gogol Bordello concerts and who looks all normal until you get talking to me and who the black turtleneck, uber-eyewear bedecked hyper-liberals at the bookstore don’t know what to make of. Everyone needs a pigeon-hole to place people in to feel comfortable, and there just isn’t a hole exactly my shape and size.
However, you’d think that people would be so over purple hair after a few episodes of Are You Being Served. It’s purple. It’s hair. What more is there to discuss?
Friday, 17 October, 2008 at 8:21
That’s black as in color of the turtleneck. Just to be clear.
Friday, 17 October, 2008 at 16:10
I so knew that the Americans had no idea we had an election.
(I suck and haven’t been around in a while. missed you.)
Friday, 17 October, 2008 at 18:52
why is it that conservative must = bad, evil and uneducated and liberal must = cool, always right and the only ones who truly care about the world? this drives me nuts. i consider myself “middle of the road” (not party affiliated – i vote for candidates and issues, not down party lines) and i’d say over the years i’ve voted pretty 50/50 dem/repub in all levels of elections. most people would guess that i’m very liberal as i also have the nose ring, tattoos and funky hair color (not to mention my odd clothing choices) but i’ll probably vote mccain this year. not all republicans are uneducated, bible thumping morons who don’t care about kittens and unicorns and peace. this is what drives me up the wall about democrats (even though in general i’d say i lean left) democrats are so “open minded” as long as you agree with THEM. the condescending, snarky, self-important, “we’re the ones who truly care about the world” tone of democrats makes me want to run as far right as possible (ok, an exaggeration. i’m pro gay marriage so i doubt they’d want me in their camp anyway) but the truth is being liberal SHOULD mean believing that everyone has a right to their opinion, regardless of whether or not you like it. it doesn’t mean treating anyone who disagrees with you as if they are stupid and uncaring. hope your kids learn to think for themselves and (if they choose to lean right) aren’t afraid to believe in things that their mother will mock and deride. respect other opinions. just because you believe something doesn’t make it the only or RIGHT way.
Friday, 17 October, 2008 at 18:56
i should have said “liberal” and “conservative” not democrat and republican. sorry about that!
Saturday, 18 October, 2008 at 9:21
I think I love you…
I voted for the Orange guys even though I knew they didn’t have a hope in hell. The delusional side of me hoped that since my riding is a rare NDP seat provincially, that maybe we’d swing that way with the feds. Sigh. Ah, well. At least, as the other commenter Jenn said, we got one NDP seat. I laughed my ass off after hearing that a certain Conservative did his victory dance and then found out afterwards that he actually lost to the NDP.
I try to comfort myself by thinking about what Jon Stewart said about our comparatively liberal Conservative party – that really in Canada they are equal to a party in the States called “Gays for Ralph Nader.” Hee hee.
Saturday, 18 October, 2008 at 20:09
The sea of blue makes me drown as well. But alas, that one little purple seat elicited a little yop of joy.
Wednesday, 22 October, 2008 at 3:03
To all of Tanis’ American readers,
In Canada, Liberal and Conservative don’t necessarily equate with those same words as we use them here in the United States.
Just so we are clear.
GF
Wednesday, 22 October, 2008 at 21:46
Between this post and CMT’s “My Big Redneck Wedding,” I’m really starting to dig me some rednecks.
Friday, 24 October, 2008 at 16:59
Our riding went blue, too. I worked the last election as a poll clerk…it’s…interesting, to say the least.
Saturday, 25 October, 2008 at 10:31
Atta girl for participating.
And you’re not just on my secret blooger crush list, you’re right there at the tippity top.