Proud, disgusted, and a recipe!

Politics is like driving. To go backward, put it in R. To go forward, put it in D.

by TrueBlueMajority

Yes, I picked a bit more contentious quote today, but that is because I am rather irritated at something going on in local San Diego politics. And because I do love that sig line 🙂

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders took a bold step this week. A well backed, business friendly, GOP mayor changed his stance on gay marriage. The city council had passed a resolution to back the efforts in the Calif Supreme Court to recognize same-sex marriages. Sanders originally said he would veto the resolution. A predictable move from a mayor who has the endorsement of the local Republican party as he enters re-election time. The City Council could still override the veto, but he would have played the correct political game to keep his endorsements. The problem is, he didn’t believe what he was saying. In his heart, he knew it was wrong to veto the resolution and signal support for continuing to stand in the way of full equality for some. It was an issue that hit close to home as he revealed in his press conference. His daughter is gay. Heart to heart talks with her and gay staff members and others he knew throughout his career in San Diego changed his mind, and his heart. And this week, he changed his stance officially and held a press conference where he announced he would not veto the resolution as earlier stated. His wife stood by his side as he explained his change of opinion. He fought back, and a few times, gave in to tears as he spoke for the first time of his daughter. I was proud. Proud of him, because I have always liked him. He was the San Diego police chief from ’93-99 then went on to head the United Way and then the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross. Yes, he’s a Republican, but a moderate one and from my perspective anyway, perfect for this city. Most would assume I would support his opponent in the last election since she is a Democrat. However, she is probably the most liberal Democrat on the Council and while she perfectly represents her district, she would not have been the best representative of the city as a whole. This is a military town with some pretty deep GOP roots and those are hard to shake. I recognize that I thought Sanders would be better for us given the mess the city was in. Now I am even more sure of it 🙂

But then, it started. The press conference was held one day before he officially declared his intention to run for re-election. The same day a much more all-around conservative Republican politician declared his intention to run as well. So now they will be vying for the local party backing – guess who will get it? I sure hope I am wrong, but if the editorial I heard on the radio today is any indication, Sanders is in trouble. It wont matter how he has navigated th choppy waters of the city’s financial woes and done much to put things right. All that will matter is that he is supporting gay marriage. How disgusting. The editorial I heard was so typical of what I truly hate about the GOP and why I had to leave that party. Why I think the quote above is so spot on. Did they focus solely on procedure? On how this Supreme Court case is an example of an activist judge trying to go against the will of the people (several years ago Calif passed a Protection of Marriage Resolution – Prop 22 – with over 60% in favor it. Not me of course!)? That would have been a fair statement from their side IMHO. And the editorial did mention that in passing. But the FOCUS was on Sanders CRYING and using his HEART!! The guy actually poked at Sanders for shedding tears. Said that leaders don’t CRY and certainly don’t lead with their hearts, they lead with the facts! What facts? This is a belief issue. This IS an issue of the heart. Oh, I was just so made at how this guy was twisting things to make Sanders seem weak. I so completely disagree. I think what Jerry Sanders and his wife and family did this week took tremendous STRENGTH.

Meanwhile – in the kitchen this week we had another huge hit!

Baked Chicken Parmesan

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or equivalent chicken tenders
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbs Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup dried parsley

Mix together the butter, garlic powder, Dijon, and Worcestershire in a dish.

Mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley together in another.

Dip the chicken in the butter, then in the bread crumbs, then place in a buttered or greased 9×9 or so pan. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes, until done through.

This was super easy and the chicken was sooo tender and yummy – we all loved it!