Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A New Day in America
"Let every child and every citizen and every new immigrant know that from this day forward: Everything really is possible in America."
-Thomas L. Friedman
-Thomas L. Friedman
Mr. President Barack Obama
Wow, what an amazing moment! Obama is our next President. I am so proud to be an American and part of this historic moment.
Wow.
Wow.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A Letter From the ACLU's Executive Director
Dear friend,
I'm angry and heartsick about what may happen in California on November 4th.
In the most personal way possible, I'm writing to ask you for a favor: help us ensure that gay couples all across California keep their fundamental right to marriage—the basic right to be treated just like anybody else.
I hope you will forgive the indulgence when I speak from the heart and tell you my personal story.
You see, I grew up in a loving and supportive household, where my family believed I could be anything I chose—anything except being an openly gay man. Neither of my parents finished high school, and yet, they believed I could accomplish all I set out to do as I went off to Princeton University and Stanford Law School.
They got me through the toughest of times, scrimped and saved, and always believed that failure wasn't in the cards for me. They had more faith in me than I often had in myself. Whenever my parents visited me at Princeton, my Dad would slip a $20 bill in my pocket when my Mom wasn't looking. I never had the courage to tell him that the $20 wouldn't go very far towards my bills, books and tuition. But, it was his support and belief in me that sustained me more than the tens of thousands of dollars I received in scholarships.
When I finished college, they were hugely proud of my—and their—accomplishments. That was until I told them I was gay and wanted to live life as an openly gay man.
Though I always knew I was gay, I didn't come out to them for many years, as I was afraid of losing the love and support that had allowed me to succeed against all odds. When I did tell them, they cried and even shouted. I ended up leaving their home that night to spend a sleepless night on a friend's sofa. We were all heartbroken.
When my Mom and I spoke later, my Mom said, "But, Antonio (that's the name she uses with me), hasn't your life been hard enough? People will hurt you and hate you because of this." She, of course, was right—as gay and lesbian people didn't only suffer discrimination from working class, Puerto Rican Catholics, but from the broader society. She felt that I had escaped the public housing projects in the Bronx, only to suffer another prejudice—one that might be harder to beat—as the law wasn't on my side. At the time, it felt like her own homophobia. Now I see there was also a mother's love and a real desire to protect her son. She was not wrong at a very fundamental level. She knew that treating gay and lesbian people like second class citizens—people who may be worthy of "tolerance, " as Sarah Palin asserts, but not of equality—was and still is the last socially-acceptable prejudice.
Even before I came out to them, I struggled to accept myself as a gay man. I didn't want to lose the love of my family, and I wanted a family of my own—however I defined it. I ultimately chose to find my own way in life as a gay man. This wasn't as easy as it sounds even though it was the mid-1980s. I watched loved ones and friends die of AIDS. I was convinced I would never see my 40th birthday, much less find a partner whom I could marry.
As years passed, my Mom, Dad and I came to a peace, and they came to love and respect me for who I am. They even came to defend my right to live with equality and dignity—often fighting against the homophobia they heard among their family and friends and in church.
The right to be equal citizens and to marry whomever we wish—unimaginable to me when I first came out—is now ours to lose in California unless we stand up for what's right. All of us must fight against what's wrong. In my 43 short years of life, I have seen gay and lesbian people go from pariahs and objects of legally-sanctioned discrimination to being on the cusp of full equality. The unimaginable comes true in our America if we make it happen. But, it requires effort and struggle.
One of the things I love about the ACLU is that it's an organization that understands we are all in this together. We recognize that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Given what's at stake in the outcome of this election, I am personally appealing to you for help to fight the forces of intolerance from carrying the day in California next Tuesday.
If you have friends and family in California, please contact them right now, and ask them to vote NO on Proposition 8. You can send them a message here.
We need to make sure people keep in mind that gay people are part of every family and every community—that like everyone else, gay people want the same rights to commit to their partners, to take care of each other and to take responsibility for each other. We shouldn't deny that, and we shouldn't write discrimination into any constitution in any state. Certainly, we can't let that happen in California after the highest court in the state granted gay and lesbian people their full equality.
Unfortunately, due to a vicious, deceitful $30 million advertising blitz, the supporters of Prop 8 may be within days of taking that fundamental right away.
To stop the forces of discrimination from succeeding, we have to win over conflicted voters who aren't sure they're ready for gay marriage but who are also uncomfortable going into a voting booth and stripping away people's rights. With the ACLU contributing time, energy and millions of dollars to the effort, we're working hard to reach those key voters before next Tuesday.
If you have friends and family in California, please contact them right now, and ask them to vote NO on Proposition 8. Share this email with them. Call them. Direct them to our website for more information.
Don't let other young people grow up to be afraid to be who they are because of the discrimination and prejudice they might face. Let them see a future that the generation before them couldn't even dream of—a future as full and equal citizens of the greatest democracy on earth.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." As we strive to defeat Prop 8 and the injustice it represents, the ACLU is trying to make that arc a little shorter.
On behalf of my Mom and family, and on behalf of all the people who will never face legally-sanctioned discrimination, I thank you for being part of this struggle and for doing everything you can to help.
It is a privilege and honor to have you as allies in this fight for dignity and equality.
With enormous appreciation,
Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director
ACLU
P.S. All the polls show that the vote on Prop 8 could go either way. By making just a few calls or sending just a few emails, you could help make the difference. Please, don't let this fundamental right be taken away. Send an eCard to everyone you know in California.
I'm angry and heartsick about what may happen in California on November 4th.
In the most personal way possible, I'm writing to ask you for a favor: help us ensure that gay couples all across California keep their fundamental right to marriage—the basic right to be treated just like anybody else.
I hope you will forgive the indulgence when I speak from the heart and tell you my personal story.
You see, I grew up in a loving and supportive household, where my family believed I could be anything I chose—anything except being an openly gay man. Neither of my parents finished high school, and yet, they believed I could accomplish all I set out to do as I went off to Princeton University and Stanford Law School.
They got me through the toughest of times, scrimped and saved, and always believed that failure wasn't in the cards for me. They had more faith in me than I often had in myself. Whenever my parents visited me at Princeton, my Dad would slip a $20 bill in my pocket when my Mom wasn't looking. I never had the courage to tell him that the $20 wouldn't go very far towards my bills, books and tuition. But, it was his support and belief in me that sustained me more than the tens of thousands of dollars I received in scholarships.
When I finished college, they were hugely proud of my—and their—accomplishments. That was until I told them I was gay and wanted to live life as an openly gay man.
Though I always knew I was gay, I didn't come out to them for many years, as I was afraid of losing the love and support that had allowed me to succeed against all odds. When I did tell them, they cried and even shouted. I ended up leaving their home that night to spend a sleepless night on a friend's sofa. We were all heartbroken.
When my Mom and I spoke later, my Mom said, "But, Antonio (that's the name she uses with me), hasn't your life been hard enough? People will hurt you and hate you because of this." She, of course, was right—as gay and lesbian people didn't only suffer discrimination from working class, Puerto Rican Catholics, but from the broader society. She felt that I had escaped the public housing projects in the Bronx, only to suffer another prejudice—one that might be harder to beat—as the law wasn't on my side. At the time, it felt like her own homophobia. Now I see there was also a mother's love and a real desire to protect her son. She was not wrong at a very fundamental level. She knew that treating gay and lesbian people like second class citizens—people who may be worthy of "tolerance, " as Sarah Palin asserts, but not of equality—was and still is the last socially-acceptable prejudice.
Even before I came out to them, I struggled to accept myself as a gay man. I didn't want to lose the love of my family, and I wanted a family of my own—however I defined it. I ultimately chose to find my own way in life as a gay man. This wasn't as easy as it sounds even though it was the mid-1980s. I watched loved ones and friends die of AIDS. I was convinced I would never see my 40th birthday, much less find a partner whom I could marry.
As years passed, my Mom, Dad and I came to a peace, and they came to love and respect me for who I am. They even came to defend my right to live with equality and dignity—often fighting against the homophobia they heard among their family and friends and in church.
The right to be equal citizens and to marry whomever we wish—unimaginable to me when I first came out—is now ours to lose in California unless we stand up for what's right. All of us must fight against what's wrong. In my 43 short years of life, I have seen gay and lesbian people go from pariahs and objects of legally-sanctioned discrimination to being on the cusp of full equality. The unimaginable comes true in our America if we make it happen. But, it requires effort and struggle.
One of the things I love about the ACLU is that it's an organization that understands we are all in this together. We recognize that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Given what's at stake in the outcome of this election, I am personally appealing to you for help to fight the forces of intolerance from carrying the day in California next Tuesday.
If you have friends and family in California, please contact them right now, and ask them to vote NO on Proposition 8. You can send them a message here.
We need to make sure people keep in mind that gay people are part of every family and every community—that like everyone else, gay people want the same rights to commit to their partners, to take care of each other and to take responsibility for each other. We shouldn't deny that, and we shouldn't write discrimination into any constitution in any state. Certainly, we can't let that happen in California after the highest court in the state granted gay and lesbian people their full equality.
Unfortunately, due to a vicious, deceitful $30 million advertising blitz, the supporters of Prop 8 may be within days of taking that fundamental right away.
To stop the forces of discrimination from succeeding, we have to win over conflicted voters who aren't sure they're ready for gay marriage but who are also uncomfortable going into a voting booth and stripping away people's rights. With the ACLU contributing time, energy and millions of dollars to the effort, we're working hard to reach those key voters before next Tuesday.
If you have friends and family in California, please contact them right now, and ask them to vote NO on Proposition 8. Share this email with them. Call them. Direct them to our website for more information.
Don't let other young people grow up to be afraid to be who they are because of the discrimination and prejudice they might face. Let them see a future that the generation before them couldn't even dream of—a future as full and equal citizens of the greatest democracy on earth.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." As we strive to defeat Prop 8 and the injustice it represents, the ACLU is trying to make that arc a little shorter.
On behalf of my Mom and family, and on behalf of all the people who will never face legally-sanctioned discrimination, I thank you for being part of this struggle and for doing everything you can to help.
It is a privilege and honor to have you as allies in this fight for dignity and equality.
With enormous appreciation,
Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director
ACLU
P.S. All the polls show that the vote on Prop 8 could go either way. By making just a few calls or sending just a few emails, you could help make the difference. Please, don't let this fundamental right be taken away. Send an eCard to everyone you know in California.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Only One Week Left!
You know it's getting closer to election time when the only commercials you see are political ones. I just counted 8 commercials in a row and 2 of them happened to be the exact same. I don't know about you, but I'll be glad when this is all over. I feel like we're in limbo right now. Everyone knows who they're going to vote for, some already voted and now we just have to wait, wait and see what our future holds. I remember 8 years ago when George W. Bush won that hotly contested election. I felt utterly heart-broken. And then again, 4 years later, another loss to W. This election means so much more than those last two. There is so much more at stake. While Gore and Kerry were fine candidates were fine, they were special. Obama is special. He lights fire under people, he brings inspirations, and best of all people believe in him and because of that they believe in themselves.
The other day I was in the grocery store and a lady came up to me and said she liked my shirt. Even though I had changed just moments before going to the store I had forgotten what I had on and had to glance down. And then I saw it, I was wearing my Obama shirt. I looked up and smiled at her, "me too," I said. As she walked away she turned and said "you know you do see many of those around here, but I sure do like it when I do." She was right, even though I live in a large county with many liberal parts, I happened to live in a more conservative part of town where people stand on the corner with their "Yes on 8" signs (it takes every ounce of control for me not to flip them off as I drive by, instead I just give them the thumbs-down sign). While I have full confidence in my guy, there are others that I am worried about, like No on Prop 8, and Yes on Prop 2 (for humane treatment of farm animals). Both of these propositions are up against huge money-filled giants. To me, both these propositions have to do with fundamental rights. One for the rights of two people who love each other to get married, and the other for the fair and rightful treatment of animals that give up their lives to feed us (well not me, since I'm a vegetarian, but for all you meat-eaters out there).
Our country is so much better than how we display ourselves to be. Let this election be the one that says we are the beacon to the future. Let this election be the one where other countries will once again look to us as the leader of the future. Let this election be the one where we say every person, regardless of sexual orientations deserves the same basic civil rights. Let this election be the one that says yes, we care about animals and promise to treat them humanely. Let this election be the one that inspires us all to be better people, better citizens, better neighbors, better consumers, just better.
Next Tuesday, make sure you get out there and Vote!
Vote for hope and change. Vote for Obama.
Vote for equality for all. Vote No on Prop 8.
Vote for the humane treatment of animals. Vote Yes on Prop 2.
The other day I was in the grocery store and a lady came up to me and said she liked my shirt. Even though I had changed just moments before going to the store I had forgotten what I had on and had to glance down. And then I saw it, I was wearing my Obama shirt. I looked up and smiled at her, "me too," I said. As she walked away she turned and said "you know you do see many of those around here, but I sure do like it when I do." She was right, even though I live in a large county with many liberal parts, I happened to live in a more conservative part of town where people stand on the corner with their "Yes on 8" signs (it takes every ounce of control for me not to flip them off as I drive by, instead I just give them the thumbs-down sign). While I have full confidence in my guy, there are others that I am worried about, like No on Prop 8, and Yes on Prop 2 (for humane treatment of farm animals). Both of these propositions are up against huge money-filled giants. To me, both these propositions have to do with fundamental rights. One for the rights of two people who love each other to get married, and the other for the fair and rightful treatment of animals that give up their lives to feed us (well not me, since I'm a vegetarian, but for all you meat-eaters out there).
Our country is so much better than how we display ourselves to be. Let this election be the one that says we are the beacon to the future. Let this election be the one where other countries will once again look to us as the leader of the future. Let this election be the one where we say every person, regardless of sexual orientations deserves the same basic civil rights. Let this election be the one that says yes, we care about animals and promise to treat them humanely. Let this election be the one that inspires us all to be better people, better citizens, better neighbors, better consumers, just better.
Next Tuesday, make sure you get out there and Vote!
Vote for hope and change. Vote for Obama.
Vote for equality for all. Vote No on Prop 8.
Vote for the humane treatment of animals. Vote Yes on Prop 2.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Another SNL Goodie
Yet, another hilarious video from SNL. SNL is going to be so boring once Obama is elected (but I'm okay with that!).
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I Didn't Vote For Obama
I Didn't Vote For Obama
by kentuckyscottMon Oct 20, 2008 at 01:24:08 PM PDT
I'm a middle-class white guy living in Jacksonville, Florida. I've got a wife and two kids. Because the kids had no school today, I took a vacation day from work, and took the kids downtown to vote early. Fifty-nine minutes later, two smiling children and I proudly sported "I Voted" stickers.
But I didn't vote for Obama.
I voted for my ancestors, who believed in the promise of this country and came with with nothing as immigrants.
I voted for my parents, who taught in the public schools for decades.
I voted for Steve, an acquaintance of mine from Kentucky. (Killed by an IED two years ago in Iraq).
I voted for Shawn, another who's been to Iraq twice, and Afghanistan once, and who'll be going back to Afghanistan again soon -- and whose family earned eleven bucks a month too much to qualify for food stamps when the war started.
I voted for April, the only African-American girl in my high school -- it was years before it occurred to me how different her experience of our school must have been.
I voted for my college friends who are Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and yes -- Muslim.
I voted for my grandfathers, who worked hard in factories and died too young.
I voted for the plumber who worked on my house, because I want him to get a REAL tax break.
I voted for four little angels from Birmingham.
I voted for a bunch of dead white men who, although personally flawed, were willing to pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, and used a time of great crisis to expand freedom rather than suspend it.
I voted for all those people and more, and I voted for all of you, too. But mostly, I voted selfishly. I vote for two little kids, one who has ballet in an hour, and once who has baseball practice at the same time. I voted for a world where they can be confident that their government will represent the best that is in this country, and that will in turn demand the best of them. I voted for a government that will be respected in the world. I voted for an economy that will reward work above guile. I voted for everything I believe in.
Sure, I filled in the circle next to the name Obama, but it wasn't him I was voting for -- it was every single one of us, and those I love most of all.
Who else is there to vote for?
Got Hope?
Harvey Milk was the first openly-gay person to be elected to public office in the US in 1977. His most recognized speech, "You Cannot Live On Hope Alone," was given in 1978, shortly before he was assassinated.
Watch this video and come November 4th, vote for hope, vote for change.
Watch this video and come November 4th, vote for hope, vote for change.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Letter From a Concerned Citizen in Napa, CA.
I am concerned.
Tuesday I was in San Francisco. Friday I was in Berkeley. Saturday I was in Healdsburg. Driving through these various cities -granted, they're all generally liberal - I didn't see one 'Vote Yes on Prop 8' sign. Yet each time I returned home, I was routinely greeted with a barrage of what seems to be an ever-growing collection of those - I call bigoted signs - speckled through Napa.
I have lived in Napa the majority of my life, save for college, and while I have known that it was home to many of the more conservative persuasion, I am shocked to see such an anti-gay sentiment in my hometown. In fact, I was prompted to write this article because I overheard a woman passionately explaining to her friend recently, as we all stooped over slashed prices in the isles of the newly bankrupt Mervyns', "Don't they know, they are ruining marriage for us all?"
They don't know, because it's not true. I'd like to take this moment to remind everyone that the California Supreme Court ruled a ban on gay marriage as unconstitutional. Let's just pause for a moment. Unconstitutional. This isn't an opportunity for voters to vote for or against gay marriage, that decision has been made by our Supreme Court - the highest court in California. This is an opportunity to change the California Constitution so that the California Supreme Court's ruling is not valid.
Think about that for a minute.
Does this concern anyone else but me? Many have fought long and hard to achieve equal rights in marriage, and because of fear we are willing to create a society of privilege? For all of you out there that don't condone gay marriage, I want you to keep your beliefs. I want you to have the freedom to feel the way you do according to your religion. In fact, if your church doesn't want to have gay marriage ceremonies, I want your church to have the right to say no. Considering that there is a Separation of Church and State, that only seems fair, since this is a Civil issue.
I want gay people to be able to get married in a Civil Court and have the legal rights they deserve. I want gay people to have equal protection under the law. I want gay people to be able to have marriages in the Churches they attend, because there are many Churches out there that support gay marriage. I want gay people to have marriages where ever - in places that are special to them, like people do. Because, gay people are people too.
I have come to the conclusion that anyone who votes 'Yes on prop 8' is a bigot. I chose this word carefully because I think it is most appropriate. Merraim-Webster's Online Dictionary defines a bigot as : a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices ; especially one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance. I was raised that being a bigot was a bad thing.
I wish this issue was merely about bigotry, but it is about much more. It is about our Civil Liberties, that is, if we still have any, or care to have any. I took the time to write this letter because it saddens my heart each day I drive through Napa and see that people have let their personal beliefs trump their belief in Civil Liberties.
I do not believe that gay marriage infringes on a person's right to express their personal beliefs, but I do believe that banning gay marriage infringes Civil Liberties of MANY Americans. If you aren't already voting NO on Prop 8, I hope this gives you some insight into the importance of denying this bill. Or if you know someone who is on the fence, please share my message.
Thank you,
A Concerned Citizen
Napa, California
Tuesday I was in San Francisco. Friday I was in Berkeley. Saturday I was in Healdsburg. Driving through these various cities -granted, they're all generally liberal - I didn't see one 'Vote Yes on Prop 8' sign. Yet each time I returned home, I was routinely greeted with a barrage of what seems to be an ever-growing collection of those - I call bigoted signs - speckled through Napa.
I have lived in Napa the majority of my life, save for college, and while I have known that it was home to many of the more conservative persuasion, I am shocked to see such an anti-gay sentiment in my hometown. In fact, I was prompted to write this article because I overheard a woman passionately explaining to her friend recently, as we all stooped over slashed prices in the isles of the newly bankrupt Mervyns', "Don't they know, they are ruining marriage for us all?"
They don't know, because it's not true. I'd like to take this moment to remind everyone that the California Supreme Court ruled a ban on gay marriage as unconstitutional. Let's just pause for a moment. Unconstitutional. This isn't an opportunity for voters to vote for or against gay marriage, that decision has been made by our Supreme Court - the highest court in California. This is an opportunity to change the California Constitution so that the California Supreme Court's ruling is not valid.
Think about that for a minute.
Does this concern anyone else but me? Many have fought long and hard to achieve equal rights in marriage, and because of fear we are willing to create a society of privilege? For all of you out there that don't condone gay marriage, I want you to keep your beliefs. I want you to have the freedom to feel the way you do according to your religion. In fact, if your church doesn't want to have gay marriage ceremonies, I want your church to have the right to say no. Considering that there is a Separation of Church and State, that only seems fair, since this is a Civil issue.
I want gay people to be able to get married in a Civil Court and have the legal rights they deserve. I want gay people to have equal protection under the law. I want gay people to be able to have marriages in the Churches they attend, because there are many Churches out there that support gay marriage. I want gay people to have marriages where ever - in places that are special to them, like people do. Because, gay people are people too.
I have come to the conclusion that anyone who votes 'Yes on prop 8' is a bigot. I chose this word carefully because I think it is most appropriate. Merraim-Webster's Online Dictionary defines a bigot as : a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices ; especially one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance. I was raised that being a bigot was a bad thing.
I wish this issue was merely about bigotry, but it is about much more. It is about our Civil Liberties, that is, if we still have any, or care to have any. I took the time to write this letter because it saddens my heart each day I drive through Napa and see that people have let their personal beliefs trump their belief in Civil Liberties.
I do not believe that gay marriage infringes on a person's right to express their personal beliefs, but I do believe that banning gay marriage infringes Civil Liberties of MANY Americans. If you aren't already voting NO on Prop 8, I hope this gives you some insight into the importance of denying this bill. Or if you know someone who is on the fence, please share my message.
Thank you,
A Concerned Citizen
Napa, California
The Invisibleness of Racism
Subject: What If You Reversed Information about Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin--Something to Contemplate
What if....
Obama/Biden vs McCain/Palin, what if things were switched around?.....think about it.
Would the country's collective point of view be different?
Ponder the following:
What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, including a three month old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?
What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
What if McCain had only married once, and Obama was a divorcee?
What if Obama was the candidate who left his first wife after a severe disfiguring car accident, when she no longer measured up to his standards?
What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?
What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted to pain killers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?
What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?
What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five?
(The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s.)
What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?
What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter?
What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes? And was never given a command position.
What if Obama was the one who was known to display publicly, on many occasions, a serious anger management problem?
What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?
What if the Obamas had adopted a white child?
You could easily add to this list. If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?
This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.
Educational Background:
Barack Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the land as well as our standing in the world. You make the call.
What if....
Obama/Biden vs McCain/Palin, what if things were switched around?.....think about it.
Would the country's collective point of view be different?
Ponder the following:
What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, including a three month old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?
What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
What if McCain had only married once, and Obama was a divorcee?
What if Obama was the candidate who left his first wife after a severe disfiguring car accident, when she no longer measured up to his standards?
What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?
What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted to pain killers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?
What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?
What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five?
(The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s.)
What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?
What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter?
What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes? And was never given a command position.
What if Obama was the one who was known to display publicly, on many occasions, a serious anger management problem?
What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?
What if the Obamas had adopted a white child?
You could easily add to this list. If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?
This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.
Educational Background:
Barack Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the land as well as our standing in the world. You make the call.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Palin's Guest Spot on SNL
It was SNL's highest ratings in 14 years. What do you think, does it hurt or help Palin? While I definitely give her props to go on SNL, I'm not really sure it helps her case that she is unlike how they portray her.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Funnier than SNL
Obama and McCain did stand-up comedy for charity and it was actually quite funny! The charity event was the 63rd annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York for the benefit of needy children. An estimated $4 million was raised.
McCain's Stand-Up:
Obama's Stand-Up:
McCain's Stand-Up:
Obama's Stand-Up:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Obama & Biden's Rescue Plan for the Middle-Class
Here it is in full detail how Obama and Biden will turn the current economic disaster around. It's a pretty impressive plan.
McCain- it's your turn, where is your plan?
Tax Cuts
Obama and McCain both keep talking a lot about their plans for tax cuts. They also keep criticizing the other's plans. So, what are you supposed to believe? Well here it is, all laid-out for you to determine yourself which plan suits you best...
So there you have it, no wonder why McCain has not mention the "middle-class" once in either of his debates! By the way, I wonder which tax bracket McCain and his wife fall under?Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thank You John McCain
John McCain finally stood up to his supporters at a rally on Friday in Minnesota. McCain-Palin supporters have become increasingly angry and even racist. Shouts of "traitor," "treason," "terrorist," and even "off with his head" towards Obama have been heard during these rallies. On Friday McCain said enough. He called Obama "a decent person, and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States." McCain went on to say "If you want a fight, we will fight, but we will be respectful. I admire Senator Obama and his accomplishments." The crowd responded by loud booing to which McCain cut off. McCain then told the crowd that they do not need to reduce their tenacity but they have to be respectful. Wow, for once I actually agree with McCain. Thank you McCain for trying to bring back respect to your party. It is going to be a long road, as you brought them to this spot with your campaign filled with negative ads, constant smears, and your running mate continuing to tell crowds that Obama is "palling around with terrorists." So McCain while I thank you for this attempt to turn things around, you are not done.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Who is Barack Obama?
Watch this wonderful video to find out a little bit more who Barack Obama is.
For another great, behind-the-scenes look at Barack and Michelle Obama, watch this video. It follows them during the Democratic Natinal Convention. I found it very sweet, geniune and heart-warming.
For another great, behind-the-scenes look at Barack and Michelle Obama, watch this video. It follows them during the Democratic Natinal Convention. I found it very sweet, geniune and heart-warming.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
If the world could vote?
Ever wonder who the rest of the world wants for our next President? Well now you can find out.
Check it out here:
http://www.iftheworldcouldvote.com/
Check it out here:
http://www.iftheworldcouldvote.com/
A Call to Republicans
Lately the McCain campaign is making me feel sick to my stomach. And I'm not the only one. First John McCain accuses a young, Black man has never heard of Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae and then he calls Barack Obama "that one" during Tuesday's debate. Then of course we have his running mate, Sarah Palin, continuing to try to link Obama to "terrorist" William Ayers. Ayers was a member of the Weather Underground group which claimed responsibility to bombings at the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol in the early 1970s (when Obama was just a child). The NPR wrote this piece on the Obama-Ayers connection. The articles points out that currently Ayers is widely respectable in the field of urban education and that Democrats, Independents, and Republicans have worked with him and never raised any concern over his past. Just because Obama has a friendly association with him, does not mean Obama condones or praises any of Ayer's earlier radical ways. If someone is guilty by association then basically everyone in government is corrupt as there are many current government people that have engaged in corrupt, dishonorable, and/or questionable behavior. The real reason for this post is to point out the racist, narrow-minded, and all-out appalling behavior of many of the McCain-Palin supporters. Many videos have been popping up recording people at McCain-Palin rallies calling Obama a "terrorist" because his "bloodline" is there, at a rally in Florida a man yelled out "Kill him!" At another rally someone yelled out "Off with his head!" It is very sad to me that this is the kind of response the McCain camp is spurring up. When I hear Obama speak, I feel inspired and hopeful. I find myself wanting to do more for our country and to be a better person. Apparently when people hear McCain and Palin speak they become an angry, racist mob that is out to kill. So what I say to this is for Republicans to stand up and say- This is not the party I want to be in! Take back your party and condemn these horrendous acts. Make a call for equality and treating every person with respect.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Straight-Talk Express is Missing a Wheel (or 2)
So what did you think of the debate? Honestly, I thought it was a little boring. It felt like I was watching a re-run of the previous debate. I also did not like the whole "town-hall" concept. I like the idea of questions coming from voters but the 1 minute response time was way too short. Even though none of the candidates adhered to it, it still felt like things needed to be rush. Also I didn't like the candidates walking around- Keith Olbermann said it best, but I'll let you check it out yourself. As for the facts, John McCain told so many half-truths and just all out lies that I don't even know where to start. Obama's quote summed it all up- "the straight-talk express lost a wheel on that one." There were several things that really stuck out for me. First, McCain thinking a young man (who is obviously well-informed and following this election closely as he was selected to be in the audience and have his question asked) has never heard of Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae? Was that racist or ageist? Was it because he was a Black man, or he's young and therefore stupid? Maybe it was a little bit of both? And then McCain called Obama "that one." Again, I feel like this comment has racist undertones- apparently Obama is not worthy enough as a human being to be called by his name? McCain again brought up (falsely) that Obama voted 94 times to raise taxes or against tax cuts. Factcheck.org already pointed out that this was not true after the first presidential debate. Yet apparently, McCain must believe the voters are stupid and do not read and research on their own what is factual and what it just plain wrong. On the other hand I thought Obama did an excellent job of being respectable and gave very well-thought out and intelligent answers. He was everything a President should be- smart, respectful, thoughtful, approachable and he stuck to the issues that matter for the majority of the American people.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Bringing Back Inspiration and Hope
I don't know about you, but I am tired of all these negative campaign ads. As I watched Barack Obama make his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention I was filled with such inspiration and hope. Never had I been so uplifted by a politician before. I was happy to see that for once it was about focusing on the positive and what this candidate would do to make things better. But now the pendulum has swung back the other way and both sides are on the attack. The first attack ads I saw were from McCain. In fact, I have never seen a positive video from McCain saying why he's the best man for the job and what he will do to make things better. All I have seen are smear ads that stretch the truth to the max. Of course I understand that Obama has to fight back and stand up for himself. Now every time I turn on the television all I see is doom and gloom- the stock market is falling, our economy is on the verge of collapse, and then all those negative campaign ads on top of it all. Yes, things are bad, but I want to be uplifted. I want to feel inspired. I want to feel hope. So in light of this I'm adding a video I found on Obama's website. One that I hope will inspire you to a more positive place.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Obama's Health Plan
Obama gave a detailed outline of his health care plan today. Here are some of the points he made:
- Health care coverage will be made more affordable to most Americans. This will be done by paying for the subsidies by canceling out the Bush administration tax cuts for people making more than $250,000 per year.
- Premiums will be reduced as much as $2,500 per family.
- Drug and insurance companies will be held "accountable for the prices they charge and the harm they cause."
- Insurance companies will no longer be allowed to discriminate people for "pre-existing" conditions.
- Medicare will be allowed to negotiate with drug companies for cheaper prices.
- There will be a great emphasis on preventing illnesses by requiring insurance companies to provide for preventive care including cancer screenings.
- A new Small Business Health Tax Credit will be created to help small businesses provide health insurance plans to their employees.
- A National Health Insurance Exchange will be established with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.
- Ensure everyone who needs it will receive a tax credit for their premiums.
To read more about the Obama-Biden Plan check it out here:
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf
Bail-Out Plan
On Friday President Bush signed the massive bail-out plan into law. Good news, right? While this plan is supposed to help wall street, what will it do for me? Here is my attempt of trying to understand a little more about what this bail-out plan means for the majority of the people in America.
Taxes
Taxes
In order for the bill to be passed, Congress added $100 billion worth of tax breaks to it. Some of these included tax relief to disaster victims and incentives for renewable energy resources. The bill also requires all private health insurance plans to offer mental health and substance abuse coverage as part of their insurance plans. Another fix was to the alternative minimum tax. The AMT was supposed to make sure that the rich still end up paying their share of taxes, but in the end millions of middle-class Americans were taken by it. Many of these people will now catch a break under the new bill. Everyone wants to know, who is paying for all these tax breaks and the $700 billion being used to buy up bad mortgages? Well, eventually us, the taxpayer will have to foot some of the bill by tax increases in the future. The government is hoping that once the market settles, home prices will go up which will therefore allow them to make money on these "bad" mortgages.
Housing
In theory this bill should repair the credit market which will allow better mortgage rates and more loans to be available for people to buy houses. Does this mean houses will now start to go up in price? No, not so fast. There are so many houses that are being dumped onto the market that are foreclosed and bank-owned, that when they sell for a very low price, that price becomes the new median for that neighborhood. While it is still going to be harder for a person to get a mortgage- they're going to have to put up more money, the hope is this "rescue" plan will allow for more loans to be available (compared to if this plan was not approved). Therefore, the hope is eventually this may help us get out of this housing recession. Still, what does this mean for me? As a potential first-time home buyer, with house prices so low this is the perfect time for me to buy. This bill will hopefully allow me to be able to get a mortgage, of course I will still have to put a lot more money down, but there will be a loan available to me.
Overall, no one really knows if this bail-out/rescue plan will work. Nothing like this on this big of a scale has ever been done before. Now it becomes a game of wait-and-see.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Vice Presidential Debate
What did you think of last night's VP debate? Overall I thought both candidates spoke well and came off well-informed. Although, Biden appeared much more informed on the issues than Palin. While I thought Palin spoke a lot better than her previous interviews, she still dodged the questions directly and did not come across as fully knowledgeable. Biden, on the other hand, was very well-informed. He is obviously very experienced and in-the-know. Palin dodged all specifics and all I really got was that she and McCain are "Mavericks". How these "Mavericks" are going to change the economy around, get us out of this war, and deal with other countries has yet to be answered. Although both fudged a bit on their "facts", overall the debate was well thought-out, poised, and a bit on the boring side. But that's okay, the real focus should be on the President, right?
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