While the election of Barack Obama is historic on so many levels, the majority of voters didn't elect him simply because he is mixed race. Nevertheless, the fact that a black man is our next president is meaningful and impactful in the lives of so many people of color who have fought long and hard for equal rights in our country. CNN does a meaningful fluff piece featuring the women of The View. Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd talk about what this means for them. Check it out.
Meanwhile, Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post explains why this election is so meaningful to him and millions of other black Americans. Here is Morning in America.
This morning, I spent about 45 minutes IM'ing with a correspondent who works for CNN London about the results of Tuesday's historic election. He's from New Zealand, but expressed his happiness and said he shed a few tears earlier this week when he watched the response of those who gathered in Chicago and when he listened to President-elect Obama's acceptance speech. Yesterday, a number of visitors from around the world left comments that basically reflect a collective sigh of relief. If you'd like, read their comments here.
Finally, if you missed Oprah's show yesterday, you can see it on her website. She was in the crowd in Grant Park on Tuesday and, based on the shots of her and the Rev. Jessie Jackson, it was a momentous day for both of them.
Showing posts with label Yes We Can. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yes We Can. Show all posts
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Unbelievable!
I've been pretty much speechless since 11:00 last night when the networks and the Washington Post declared Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States of America. I'm cross posting this from my photography blog.
*****
Jubilation
Chants and outbursts of jubilation define the crowds that surged into
the streets of Washington and flowed to Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the
White House after it was announced that Barack Obama, the long-shot candidate
and senator from Illinois, had been elected America's 44th president.
Last night, history was made in the United States of America. For the first time, a black man has been elected to the highest office in the land. More than 100 million Americans voted. Of those who voted, 51%, or 52.7 million, cast their ballots for Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. Senator Obama garnered 338 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed, and was declared the 44th President of the United States.
Celebrating with the crowd in front of the White House
A large portion of the country burst into spontaneous celebration. Down on Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the White House, a crowd of thousands gathered to chant "Yes We Can!" and "Yes We Did!" and "Obama! Obama!" Most of them appeared to be students from nearby George Washington and Georgetown Universities, but there were also many who seemed to be coming from the city's neighborhoods and the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland to be a part of history. Up on U and 14th Streets NW--Washington's historic Black Broadway--crowds of people poured out of their homes, restaurants, and bars and began celebrating.
While I was down at the White House tonight, three complete strangers--all African American--hugged me and others. This is a monumental day for them and an opportunity for change for all of us. The pictures I took aren't the greatest. I was being jostled by the crowd at times and didn't want to block the way at other times. But I hope they give you a sense for the moment. Similar celebrations were taking place from coast-to-coast.
About a mile from the White House,
a few people quietly gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
America has spoken and the way is clear. It won't be easy, but if we work together so much is possible. Last night was a night for all Americans to be proud!
Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/05/08
*****
Jubilation
Chants and outbursts of jubilation define the crowds that surged intothe streets of Washington and flowed to Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the
White House after it was announced that Barack Obama, the long-shot candidate
and senator from Illinois, had been elected America's 44th president.
Last night, history was made in the United States of America. For the first time, a black man has been elected to the highest office in the land. More than 100 million Americans voted. Of those who voted, 51%, or 52.7 million, cast their ballots for Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. Senator Obama garnered 338 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed, and was declared the 44th President of the United States.
Celebrating with the crowd in front of the White HouseA large portion of the country burst into spontaneous celebration. Down on Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the White House, a crowd of thousands gathered to chant "Yes We Can!" and "Yes We Did!" and "Obama! Obama!" Most of them appeared to be students from nearby George Washington and Georgetown Universities, but there were also many who seemed to be coming from the city's neighborhoods and the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland to be a part of history. Up on U and 14th Streets NW--Washington's historic Black Broadway--crowds of people poured out of their homes, restaurants, and bars and began celebrating.
While I was down at the White House tonight, three complete strangers--all African American--hugged me and others. This is a monumental day for them and an opportunity for change for all of us. The pictures I took aren't the greatest. I was being jostled by the crowd at times and didn't want to block the way at other times. But I hope they give you a sense for the moment. Similar celebrations were taking place from coast-to-coast.
About a mile from the White House, a few people quietly gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
America has spoken and the way is clear. It won't be easy, but if we work together so much is possible. Last night was a night for all Americans to be proud!
Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/05/08
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A New Kind of Pride
From the Washington Post's Eugene Robinson, A New Kind of Pride.
Those who are standing for Obama, give yourselves a pat on the back. We have been part of the possibility. (And hopefully, after tonight, the reality.)
*****
And continuing with a little round-up. Here is the WP's Richard Cohen, paying tribute to Lyndon Baines Johnson, who signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That monumental piece of legislation, which made discrimination against people of color illegal, began the transformation in America that has brought to this pivotal point in our nation's electoral history. Here is The Election that LBJ Won.
I suppose we can occasionally be grateful to the Republicans for something. In this case, they've managed to hang themselves with the abolition of the Fairness Doctrine.
Just for fun, forget the pundits. Want to know who's going to win tonight? Follow your coffee cup, your ice cream choice, or whether the Washington Redskins won their football game last night (they didn't.) From Time, here is Election Prognosticators.
Finally, be impressed by these kids. I hope they are a foreshadowing of their older peers who actually can vote.
*****
My thanks to everyone who has endured my political rants and coverage over the last month and a half. Also, thank you to everyone who sent me links to articles and videos. I tried to post all of them here. Assuming Obama-Biden win tonight, my political blogging will decrease significantly. If McCain-Palin win (God forbid!), I may just become the next Wonkette. (Not. But a girl can sort of dream, right? Actually, I don't want to be Wonkette. I like being me.)
In the next few days, I'll probably post an entry querying when did Tinkerbell become a trollop and what does this mean for me and my past history as Tinkerbell in the my first grade school play. At some point, I'll inevitably find myself wide awake at some ungodly hour and I'll blog-a-rant. I'll return to posting about books I've read, movies I've seen, museums I've visited. Photo Friday will return. In other words, things will return to business-as-usual around here.
Thanks for reading everyone! Happy Election Day! And God Bless the United States of America!
Those who are standing for Obama, give yourselves a pat on the back. We have been part of the possibility. (And hopefully, after tonight, the reality.)
*****
And continuing with a little round-up. Here is the WP's Richard Cohen, paying tribute to Lyndon Baines Johnson, who signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That monumental piece of legislation, which made discrimination against people of color illegal, began the transformation in America that has brought to this pivotal point in our nation's electoral history. Here is The Election that LBJ Won.
I suppose we can occasionally be grateful to the Republicans for something. In this case, they've managed to hang themselves with the abolition of the Fairness Doctrine.
Just for fun, forget the pundits. Want to know who's going to win tonight? Follow your coffee cup, your ice cream choice, or whether the Washington Redskins won their football game last night (they didn't.) From Time, here is Election Prognosticators.
Finally, be impressed by these kids. I hope they are a foreshadowing of their older peers who actually can vote.
*****
My thanks to everyone who has endured my political rants and coverage over the last month and a half. Also, thank you to everyone who sent me links to articles and videos. I tried to post all of them here. Assuming Obama-Biden win tonight, my political blogging will decrease significantly. If McCain-Palin win (God forbid!), I may just become the next Wonkette. (Not. But a girl can sort of dream, right? Actually, I don't want to be Wonkette. I like being me.)
In the next few days, I'll probably post an entry querying when did Tinkerbell become a trollop and what does this mean for me and my past history as Tinkerbell in the my first grade school play. At some point, I'll inevitably find myself wide awake at some ungodly hour and I'll blog-a-rant. I'll return to posting about books I've read, movies I've seen, museums I've visited. Photo Friday will return. In other words, things will return to business-as-usual around here.
Thanks for reading everyone! Happy Election Day! And God Bless the United States of America!
YES.WE.CAN.... YES.WE.MUST
Today is election day in the United States. November 4. Today, we hold in our hands the ability to decide the fate of our nation and our role in the world.
Perhaps that sounds maudlin and overly dramatic. So be it. But let me put before you these timeless words:
Today is our day to abolish destructive government.
Today is our day to cast off the evil pall that has trampled our Constitution.
Today is our day to end absolute despotism.
Today is our day to throw off a government that has overthrown our most basic rights.
Today is our day to restore the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every American.
Today is our day to declare our independence.
Today is our day.
Please vote.
* Jefferson, Thomas; Declaration of Independence, Second Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies, Philadelphia, Penn., July 4, 1776.
Perhaps that sounds maudlin and overly dramatic. So be it. But let me put before you these timeless words:
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.*
Today is our day to abolish destructive government.
Today is our day to cast off the evil pall that has trampled our Constitution.
Today is our day to end absolute despotism.
Today is our day to throw off a government that has overthrown our most basic rights.
Today is our day to restore the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every American.
Today is our day to declare our independence.
Today is our day.
Please vote.
* Jefferson, Thomas; Declaration of Independence, Second Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies, Philadelphia, Penn., July 4, 1776.
Monday, November 3, 2008
VOTE!
As we prepare to vote tomorrow, be aware that those who would thwart our democratic election process (and I'm not talking terrorists here) are pulling some of the dirtiest tricks possible. The Associated Press is reporting some really crappy stuff going on across the nation. Don't let your vote be stolen. Here is 'Tis the Season for Tricking, Confusing Voters.
The writer of the blog The 42 Bus provides some excellent information about voting in the District and knowing your rights. If you don't know where you're supposed to vote, follow the link listed in the video I posted earlier today or read 42's entries on voting in D.C. Of particular note, please, please, please read his article DC Vote II: Don't Wear Your Buttons and Other Rules. It's the other rules that I want to highlight. Again, don't let someone rob you of your right to vote!
Finally, here are five reasons to vote:
1. If you don't, you can't complain.
2. It isn't just about the next four years, it's about our posterity and what we pass to them.
3. In the event of a presidential death, you're picking who will step up in their place. Choose wisely.
4. At the end of the day, even though it comes down to electoral votes, your vote does count. It does matter.
5. It's your democratic right, and it's a privilege. Period.
The writer of the blog The 42 Bus provides some excellent information about voting in the District and knowing your rights. If you don't know where you're supposed to vote, follow the link listed in the video I posted earlier today or read 42's entries on voting in D.C. Of particular note, please, please, please read his article DC Vote II: Don't Wear Your Buttons and Other Rules. It's the other rules that I want to highlight. Again, don't let someone rob you of your right to vote!
Finally, here are five reasons to vote:
1. If you don't, you can't complain.
2. It isn't just about the next four years, it's about our posterity and what we pass to them.
3. In the event of a presidential death, you're picking who will step up in their place. Choose wisely.
4. At the end of the day, even though it comes down to electoral votes, your vote does count. It does matter.
5. It's your democratic right, and it's a privilege. Period.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Michelle Obama on the Tonight Show
Two clips of Michelle Obama on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Monday night. All I can say is, classy, classy lady!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Unifying Speech, Part II
Seems I posted the wrong part of Obama's unifying speech yesterday. Here is the correct segment that goes with what I said yesterday and plays hand-in-hand with my viewpoint today.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Obama's Unifying Speech
While John McCain and Sarah Palin continue to beat the tom-tom of division and patronize us by telling us some parts of America are more real and patriotic than others, Barack Obama tells us we are not blue America or red America, patriotic America and unpatriotic America, but the United States of America.
Here is his speech in Canton, Ohio. Every American should watch this and ask themselves, do they really believe their neighbor who disagrees with them is unAmerican? Do you really? I don't. I don't believe in or want to be a part of the kind of America Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin claim we are. I live in, believe in, and want to continue being a part of the kind of America Mr. Obama so richly believes in and is invested in.
A shout out to Adriana who left a link to this speech in an earlier comment.
Here is his speech in Canton, Ohio. Every American should watch this and ask themselves, do they really believe their neighbor who disagrees with them is unAmerican? Do you really? I don't. I don't believe in or want to be a part of the kind of America Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin claim we are. I live in, believe in, and want to continue being a part of the kind of America Mr. Obama so richly believes in and is invested in.
A shout out to Adriana who left a link to this speech in an earlier comment.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tewkesbury Round-Up
My friend Adriana, up in the Empire State is an Obama Mama. She posted two links to videos on her site this past weekend that bear passing along. The first beautifully captures past attitudes about women and the attitudes of young girls today. If you have a daughter, Show Them by taking your daughter to the polls with you on election day. The second is a play on Anheuser-Busch's Whassup ad and is a searing indictment of the failed policies of the Bush Administration. Scroll down through her to-do list and check out Show Them and Whassup... Eight Years Later.
It is significant to note that, while John McCain and Sarah Palin will no doubt take all three of Alaska's electoral votes on November 4, the Anchorage Daily News is endorsing Barack Obama for president. They cite Obama's cool head and wise demeanor--a note that has been rung recently in other endorsements. I hope its clarion call will ring true with voters next Tuesday and we'll choose measured intelligence over unoriginal thinking. Here is Obama for President: Palin's Rise Captivates Us but Nation Needs a Steady Hand.
As you prepare to vote early or vote next Tuesday, you might want to be aware of Voting Challenges: 7 Things That Could Go Wrong on Election Day.
Conservative humorist and satirist Christopher Buckley was on NPR's Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me! this weekend. True to form, he was quite funny. (And he's about the only conservative I can stomach.) As you may recall, Buckley shocked the conservative world, set his recently-departed, late father William F. Buckley lightly twirling in his grave, and lost his job as back page editorialist for the National Review when he endorsed Barack Obama for president a couple of weeks ago. Buckley talks about that during his appearance on WWDTM. For a little levity today here is Christopher Buckley: Not My Job. Note: This is an audio file. If you want to read Buckley's latest, word on the street is, he has a gig at Tina Brown's The Daily Beast. Here is his latest: My Brush with Rush.
While this doesn't constitute an endorsement, the Guardian UK offers a short editorial about Barack Obama's presidential aspirations and readiness in Man and Superman.
It is significant to note that, while John McCain and Sarah Palin will no doubt take all three of Alaska's electoral votes on November 4, the Anchorage Daily News is endorsing Barack Obama for president. They cite Obama's cool head and wise demeanor--a note that has been rung recently in other endorsements. I hope its clarion call will ring true with voters next Tuesday and we'll choose measured intelligence over unoriginal thinking. Here is Obama for President: Palin's Rise Captivates Us but Nation Needs a Steady Hand.
As you prepare to vote early or vote next Tuesday, you might want to be aware of Voting Challenges: 7 Things That Could Go Wrong on Election Day.
Conservative humorist and satirist Christopher Buckley was on NPR's Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me! this weekend. True to form, he was quite funny. (And he's about the only conservative I can stomach.) As you may recall, Buckley shocked the conservative world, set his recently-departed, late father William F. Buckley lightly twirling in his grave, and lost his job as back page editorialist for the National Review when he endorsed Barack Obama for president a couple of weeks ago. Buckley talks about that during his appearance on WWDTM. For a little levity today here is Christopher Buckley: Not My Job. Note: This is an audio file. If you want to read Buckley's latest, word on the street is, he has a gig at Tina Brown's The Daily Beast. Here is his latest: My Brush with Rush.
While this doesn't constitute an endorsement, the Guardian UK offers a short editorial about Barack Obama's presidential aspirations and readiness in Man and Superman.
Tewkesbury Roundup: Around the Blogosphere
Several friends, whose opinions I respect, have recently written about or posted videos regarding McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden. Three of the best I've seen in the last few days can be found at Gunfighter: A Modern Warrior's Life, Self-Portrait as..., and Debi Cates: Photo-a-Day.
Here is The Vet Who Didn't Vet, What Makes Democracy Work (October 23, 2008), and Even Mayberry Wants Change.
And don't stop at those video clips on their blogs. Check out Gunfighter's and Holly's writing about this election. It's thoughtful and provocative. Debi doesn't write much about the election, but if you want to see beautiful pictures from deep in the heart of Texas, spend some time on her blog. I promise, you won't regret it!
And speaking of friends I respect, Phoebe, a friend who lives in a crucial swing state other than the much-hyped Virginia, sent me this article from the New Yorker about how John McCain vetted (not) his vice presidential running mate. I read a similar article this weekend in the Washington Post. What makes the Post's article unique is, it's written again by conservative columnist Kathleen Parker, who wrote several weeks ago that Palin is "out of her league." From the New Yorker, The Insiders: How John McCain Came to Pick Sarah Palin. From the Post, Parker's Something About Sarah.
And speaking of Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin, obviously the the lovefest and honeymoon is long over and Caribou Barbie is going rogue and possibly becoming rabid. With only nine days (thank God) left until the election, McCain's folks are obviously and rightly worried. But hey, that's okay with me. Let 'er go rogue. It just boosts Obama's chances. Here's CNN.com's coverage: Palin's 'going rogue,' McCain aide says. The Washington Post also covered this, but it's pretty much verbatim what CNN is reporting.
That's all I've got for today. Have a great Sunday. And to everyone running in the Marine Corps Marathon today, may the wind be at your backs!
P.S. I'm happy to report I found the capacity numbers for the top five tissue producers in the world. It's been a few years since I managed tissue issues for the American Forest & Paper Association, but I'm happy to say my gut suspicions about top producers were spot on. Kimberly-Clark is still the biggest! (And aren't you glad to know that? The next time you reach for a Kleenex(R), you're helping one of America's most financially stable consumer products companies stay in business. If you're looking for stock tips, buy K-C. They've paid out a dividend to their shareholders for 36th consecutive years. Just goes to show, you shouldn't blow off tissue!)
Here is The Vet Who Didn't Vet, What Makes Democracy Work (October 23, 2008), and Even Mayberry Wants Change.
And don't stop at those video clips on their blogs. Check out Gunfighter's and Holly's writing about this election. It's thoughtful and provocative. Debi doesn't write much about the election, but if you want to see beautiful pictures from deep in the heart of Texas, spend some time on her blog. I promise, you won't regret it!
And speaking of friends I respect, Phoebe, a friend who lives in a crucial swing state other than the much-hyped Virginia, sent me this article from the New Yorker about how John McCain vetted (not) his vice presidential running mate. I read a similar article this weekend in the Washington Post. What makes the Post's article unique is, it's written again by conservative columnist Kathleen Parker, who wrote several weeks ago that Palin is "out of her league." From the New Yorker, The Insiders: How John McCain Came to Pick Sarah Palin. From the Post, Parker's Something About Sarah.
And speaking of Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin, obviously the the lovefest and honeymoon is long over and Caribou Barbie is going rogue and possibly becoming rabid. With only nine days (thank God) left until the election, McCain's folks are obviously and rightly worried. But hey, that's okay with me. Let 'er go rogue. It just boosts Obama's chances. Here's CNN.com's coverage: Palin's 'going rogue,' McCain aide says. The Washington Post also covered this, but it's pretty much verbatim what CNN is reporting.
That's all I've got for today. Have a great Sunday. And to everyone running in the Marine Corps Marathon today, may the wind be at your backs!
P.S. I'm happy to report I found the capacity numbers for the top five tissue producers in the world. It's been a few years since I managed tissue issues for the American Forest & Paper Association, but I'm happy to say my gut suspicions about top producers were spot on. Kimberly-Clark is still the biggest! (And aren't you glad to know that? The next time you reach for a Kleenex(R), you're helping one of America's most financially stable consumer products companies stay in business. If you're looking for stock tips, buy K-C. They've paid out a dividend to their shareholders for 36th consecutive years. Just goes to show, you shouldn't blow off tissue!)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tewkesbury Round-up
I'm happy to report Santa is keeping his job. Seems the nincompoops at Tysons Corner failed to appreciate the meaning of Michael Sherman's Santa Claus in the lives of their customers. Apparently, they've more than seen the light. That said, though, I'm still not shopping there. Here is 'Tis a Reason to be Jolly: Mall Rehires Santa.
And now, getting back to the politics hour around here. Today, the New York Times endorses Barack Obama for President. Little surprise there, I'm sure, but still good news.
Meanwhile, back in Pa-la-la-land, seems the Palinator is getting all cozy with the world's worst alledged Christian, James Dobson. Seems in "Dr." Dobson's narrow mind, Palin is the only Christian in this race. Last time I checked, John McCain listed himself as a Southern Baptist who was raised Episcopalian, Barack Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ, and Joe Biden is a Roman Catholic. Not that I know much about religion and stuff, she says sarcastically, but I think all of those are Christian-based faiths. James Dobson: you're an idiot! (And again, this beggers the question, why the hell does it matter?)
Sadly, that's about all I can muster today. I'm franctically trying to track down production capacity numbers for the world's top five tissue manufacturers and I'm drawing blanks. Must get back to the grindstone.
And now, getting back to the politics hour around here. Today, the New York Times endorses Barack Obama for President. Little surprise there, I'm sure, but still good news.
Meanwhile, back in Pa-la-la-land, seems the Palinator is getting all cozy with the world's worst alledged Christian, James Dobson. Seems in "Dr." Dobson's narrow mind, Palin is the only Christian in this race. Last time I checked, John McCain listed himself as a Southern Baptist who was raised Episcopalian, Barack Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ, and Joe Biden is a Roman Catholic. Not that I know much about religion and stuff, she says sarcastically, but I think all of those are Christian-based faiths. James Dobson: you're an idiot! (And again, this beggers the question, why the hell does it matter?)
Sadly, that's about all I can muster today. I'm franctically trying to track down production capacity numbers for the world's top five tissue manufacturers and I'm drawing blanks. Must get back to the grindstone.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Little Tewkesbury Round-up with a Dash of Oops!
You can't make up stories like the ones we've seen the last few days in the news. I'm only highlighting one or two stories today, 'cause it's too hard to choose from among the increasingly hilarious, the-McCain-Palin-campaign-is-so-stupid-I-can't-believe-it's-still-around stories.
That said, let's start with Mudflats of Alaska who does a lovely job of summarizing what will likely be known as Scarfgate or Neimangate or the RNC Shopping Debacle of 2008. Whatever. You just gotta wonder who dressed Ms. Palin the other day. Here is Sarah Palin's Wardrobe Malfunction & Some Useless Trivia. You know how they'll spin this, right? They'll say they're horses, not donkeys. Again, whatever. (Photo copyright: Max Whittaker/Getty Images. Click to enlarge and enjoy a laugh.)
An article in the Washington Post (and everywhere else) confirms that John McCain is even more out of touch than originally alleged by his opponents. Seems he still thinks Ms. Palin is eminently qualified to be vice president (and a heartbeat away from president) because he thinks "she's most qualified of any that has run recently for vice president, tell you the truth." Well, thank heavens for that truth clarification. I was starting to worry.
Oh, and I love how women everywhere seem to relate to her, because "she's just like me." Really? Well, let me ask this. If she's so much like you, why don't you have a blank check handed to you for $150K to go shopping? We're in the midst of an economic crisis and the Republican National Committee is spending $150,000 on clothes and make-up?! Let's not even talk about how they would never do the same for a male candidate (and frankly, John McCain could do with a decent suit), let alone how she isn't like you. Get over that illusion ASAP women! If this is how they're spending your generous donations now, imagine what they'll do with your tax dollars if they win the election. Doesn't seem very responsible, does it?
Anyway--here's the article: McCain Tries to Push Past Palin Backlash. (Frankly, if there's any pushing to be done, it should be American voters pushing McCain and Palin off the road to the Bridge to Nowhere.)
Steering away from the insult that is McCain-Palin, Joe Klein of Time tells us Why Barack Obama is Winning.
*****
And abandoning the world of politics, who in the world fires Santa?!
Seems the curmudgeons and corporate idiots at Tysons Corner Mall in Vienna, Virginia, do, that's who. These grinchiest of the grinch-grinchy Grinches gave Santa the heave-ho-ho-ho the other day. If you think that didn't raise a reindeer-sized poopy stink, think again. The controversy was so intense, the mall is now working out a settlement for Santa and trying to find him a new home.
Here's the article, as reported yesterday in the Washington Post, that started the polar meltdown: Longtime Mall Santa Out in the Cold and here's today's article about the results of their stupidity: Santa Firing Nets Lump of Coal for Mall, Apology.
Tysons Corner, you suck. Or, as Keith Olbermann would label you, you are the Worst Person/Organization of the Day. I know I won't be shopping at Tysons this holiday season.
That said, let's start with Mudflats of Alaska who does a lovely job of summarizing what will likely be known as Scarfgate or Neimangate or the RNC Shopping Debacle of 2008. Whatever. You just gotta wonder who dressed Ms. Palin the other day. Here is Sarah Palin's Wardrobe Malfunction & Some Useless Trivia. You know how they'll spin this, right? They'll say they're horses, not donkeys. Again, whatever. (Photo copyright: Max Whittaker/Getty Images. Click to enlarge and enjoy a laugh.)An article in the Washington Post (and everywhere else) confirms that John McCain is even more out of touch than originally alleged by his opponents. Seems he still thinks Ms. Palin is eminently qualified to be vice president (and a heartbeat away from president) because he thinks "she's most qualified of any that has run recently for vice president, tell you the truth." Well, thank heavens for that truth clarification. I was starting to worry.
Oh, and I love how women everywhere seem to relate to her, because "she's just like me." Really? Well, let me ask this. If she's so much like you, why don't you have a blank check handed to you for $150K to go shopping? We're in the midst of an economic crisis and the Republican National Committee is spending $150,000 on clothes and make-up?! Let's not even talk about how they would never do the same for a male candidate (and frankly, John McCain could do with a decent suit), let alone how she isn't like you. Get over that illusion ASAP women! If this is how they're spending your generous donations now, imagine what they'll do with your tax dollars if they win the election. Doesn't seem very responsible, does it?
Anyway--here's the article: McCain Tries to Push Past Palin Backlash. (Frankly, if there's any pushing to be done, it should be American voters pushing McCain and Palin off the road to the Bridge to Nowhere.)
Steering away from the insult that is McCain-Palin, Joe Klein of Time tells us Why Barack Obama is Winning.
*****
And abandoning the world of politics, who in the world fires Santa?!
Seems the curmudgeons and corporate idiots at Tysons Corner Mall in Vienna, Virginia, do, that's who. These grinchiest of the grinch-grinchy Grinches gave Santa the heave-ho-ho-ho the other day. If you think that didn't raise a reindeer-sized poopy stink, think again. The controversy was so intense, the mall is now working out a settlement for Santa and trying to find him a new home.
Here's the article, as reported yesterday in the Washington Post, that started the polar meltdown: Longtime Mall Santa Out in the Cold and here's today's article about the results of their stupidity: Santa Firing Nets Lump of Coal for Mall, Apology.
Tysons Corner, you suck. Or, as Keith Olbermann would label you, you are the Worst Person/Organization of the Day. I know I won't be shopping at Tysons this holiday season.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Thank you, Mr. Powell
Yesterday, retired general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for President. Watch his comments and endorsement below. It's worth the seven minutes.
*****
After Secretary Powell went before the U.N. on behalf of the Bush Administration and "made the case" for preemptive war in Iraq, I lost some respect for the general. In going before the Security Council he was doing what he's always done in his career: he was being the good soldier. At times, that is called for, needed, and necessary. This was not one of those times. I wish Secretary Powell had resigned over the order he was given to be party in an egregious, outright set of lies that led us to the mess we are in today in Iraq.
*****
Secretary Powell is, overall and one historical moment of bad judgment not withstanding, a man of principal. He is measured, thoughtful, and not easily impressed. He does not give an endorsement strictly along party or demographic lines. For those who think Mr. Powell is endorsing Mr. Obama because he is black, they gravely underestimate Mr. Powell. And for those who think Mr. Powell is a sell-out to his party for endorsing Mr. Obama, they need to take a long, hard look in the mirror. It wasn't that long ago that our ancestors were emigrants, foreigners, and slave owners. America is for everyone and everyone's sacrifice and service matters--regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or politics.
Mr. Powell's endorsement of Mr. Obama sends a loud and clear message that America is and must be for everyone.
Thank you, Mr. Powell.
*****
After Secretary Powell went before the U.N. on behalf of the Bush Administration and "made the case" for preemptive war in Iraq, I lost some respect for the general. In going before the Security Council he was doing what he's always done in his career: he was being the good soldier. At times, that is called for, needed, and necessary. This was not one of those times. I wish Secretary Powell had resigned over the order he was given to be party in an egregious, outright set of lies that led us to the mess we are in today in Iraq.
*****
Secretary Powell is, overall and one historical moment of bad judgment not withstanding, a man of principal. He is measured, thoughtful, and not easily impressed. He does not give an endorsement strictly along party or demographic lines. For those who think Mr. Powell is endorsing Mr. Obama because he is black, they gravely underestimate Mr. Powell. And for those who think Mr. Powell is a sell-out to his party for endorsing Mr. Obama, they need to take a long, hard look in the mirror. It wasn't that long ago that our ancestors were emigrants, foreigners, and slave owners. America is for everyone and everyone's sacrifice and service matters--regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or politics.
Mr. Powell's endorsement of Mr. Obama sends a loud and clear message that America is and must be for everyone.
Thank you, Mr. Powell.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Today's Tewkesbury Roundup
Lesley Jane Seymour of the Huffington Post writes about watching the Palin-Biden debate with a room of accomplished, corporate women and being surprised by the level of sympathy for Scaracuda. In the end, though, the observation is, Alaska Spice is too inexperienced to be in the number two position. Here is Why Are Female Executives Giving Palin's Thin Credentials a Pass?
McCain's true feelings for Obama came out on Tuesday when he pointed to Obama and called him "that one." The result is a classic example of making hay while the sun shines. Check it out on CafePress!
Just throwing this in for a little levity, but here's a scary thought: What if Sarah Palin took fashion advice from Grace Jones?
A fashion suggestion for Sarah "Scaracuda" Palin?
On a personal note, I volunteered again last night at the Obama for America offices in D.C. It's still hoppin' down there. There must have been 25-30 folks in the building while I was there. Toward the end of my couple of hours, I was doing data entry. This involved entering volunteers' names into a voter database. There is a field for adding notes and tonight I added this note into one volunteer's record:
How cool is that? People who aren't even from our country understand the value and importance of this election and want to be a part of it in any way, shy of actually voting, that they can. And speaking of folks from other countries, one of last night's volunteers was a student from Thailand who's been living in the U.S. for the last two years. I didn't hear his entire story, but I was impressed that he was there. If you want to talk impressive, though, consider Ms. Teresa (I didn't get her last name)--a 72-year old, disabled retiree who comes into Obama's D.C. office every day and volunteers on the phone bank for several hours. That woman is amazing and is well-loved in the office.
Want to be inspired and feel like you're making a difference? Obama for America needs volunteers to canvass this weekend in Virginia. If you can help out, go here to sign up or call 202.256.0059.
Photo copyright: Max Nash, AFP/Getty Images in the Washington Post.
McCain's true feelings for Obama came out on Tuesday when he pointed to Obama and called him "that one." The result is a classic example of making hay while the sun shines. Check it out on CafePress!
Just throwing this in for a little levity, but here's a scary thought: What if Sarah Palin took fashion advice from Grace Jones?
A fashion suggestion for Sarah "Scaracuda" Palin? On a personal note, I volunteered again last night at the Obama for America offices in D.C. It's still hoppin' down there. There must have been 25-30 folks in the building while I was there. Toward the end of my couple of hours, I was doing data entry. This involved entering volunteers' names into a voter database. There is a field for adding notes and tonight I added this note into one volunteer's record:
I have 8 students and 2 teachers from England who would like to help/observe the election process on election day.
Want to be inspired and feel like you're making a difference? Obama for America needs volunteers to canvass this weekend in Virginia. If you can help out, go here to sign up or call 202.256.0059.
Photo copyright: Max Nash, AFP/Getty Images in the Washington Post.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Volunteer for Obama Day: October 8
Through the month of October, every Wednesday is going to be Volunteer for Obama Day here at Tewkesbury Place. If you have a few hours on Wednesday, October 8th, 15th, 22nd, or 29th, please volunteer for Barack and Joe.Tonight is the second of the three presidential debates this campaign season. It is a town hall-style debate, with Tom Brokaw of NBC fielding and posing questions from the audience and email. Here's a description of tonight's upcoming event.
From the Other Side of the Pond...
...this perspective on canvassing by the Guardian UK's Gary Younge in Roanoke, Virginia. (And a shout out to OC Girl for sending this my way.)
"Hell no!" said the man with the long beard from his half opened doorway.
Meghan Schertz's Obama badge had unleashed a torrent of invective.
"No Obama," he kept shouting, while Meghan struggled to finish a sentence. "I don't need to hear nothing from you Obama people."
"Do you see the fucking Nader sign," he bellowed, pointing to his yard sign which bared the name of the perennial independent candidate, Ralph Nader. "There's your answer."
"So you're an independent then," asked Meghan, as though engaged in rational conversation.
"Get you're ass off my property before I get my shot gun," said the tourretic Nader supporter. And so we left. As we circled back along the street the man sat at a table in his driveway.
Cheekily, I waved my hand at him. Menacingly, he waved his gun at me.
An afternoon out with an Obama canvasser is an education in the leg work, patience and resilience it takes for the Democratic presidential contender's strategy work.
It took about an hour and half to visit a designated number of houses in just a few streets in the Washington Heights area of Roanoke - a racially mixed middle-class part of town.
In a bid to identify Obama's base so they can make sure they maximise their turnout on polling day, she asks them who they are going to support, how strong their support is, whether they are sure to turn up on election day and if they would like some literature.
Or at least she tries to. One man took one look at Meghan and, before she could open her mouth, said: "I don't want to talk about it," and then went back inside.
Another woman refused to open the door but shouted from her window.
"I'm for Obama, so go on now."
After many weekends' campaigning Schertz anticipates the response she's going to get as she walks up the driveway from the kind of cars people drive and other signifiers - a mixture of prejudice and defence mechanism.
But it doesn't always work. The home with two pick-up trucks bearing Harley Davidson stickers are leaning Obama. And who knew that a Nader sign would produce a gun-toting misanthrope.
But there are moments that have the smack of meaningful if minor achievement. With a day to go before the registration deadline Schertz also carries registration forms just in case. She gives some advice to a woman who is worried that her son's registration has his middle name wrong - the kind of discrepancy that could play havoc on election day.
In Virginia where if you don't vote for more than four years you fall off the voter rolls, some are not sure if they are registered or not.
And then there's the information that goes back to town office about where the base is, that will be punched into the computer providing the raw data on which the campaign's logistical efforts hinge. It all happens on such a small scale that you couldn't do it unless you thought you were part of something bigger.
Schertz, whose run-in with the Nader voter ultimately only provided more raw material for her good humour, has never been involved in an election campaign before.
In the primaries she supported Hillary Clinton. "There's too much at stake to sit this one out," she says.
A look at the big picture suggests that these small efforts are paying off for Obama. Numbers released by the Virginia state board of elections for September show that the increase in the number of registered voters in Roanoke city, which is Democratic and one quarter black, is more than double that of Roanoke county, which is Republican and 5% black over the past year.
Over the past month the city has seen more than three times the increase of registered voters as the county. This reflects a trend that is both statewide and nationwide news with traditionally Democratic areas far exceeding Republican areas and, where you can register by party, Democrats massively outpacing Republicans.
With voter registration drawing to a close all over the country this marks the end of the beginning for Obama's ground game.
His task was to not just to win over the electorate but to expand it and therefore change the calculus. So far so good.
Now comes the hard work. Keeping them energised and making sure that they show up. The Obama campaign predict that 80% of the new registered voters in Virginia are Democrats and that three quarters of them will show up on election day.
Which brings us to the final challenge. Making sure that the votes are counted.
"Hell no!" said the man with the long beard from his half opened doorway.
Meghan Schertz's Obama badge had unleashed a torrent of invective.
"No Obama," he kept shouting, while Meghan struggled to finish a sentence. "I don't need to hear nothing from you Obama people."
"Do you see the fucking Nader sign," he bellowed, pointing to his yard sign which bared the name of the perennial independent candidate, Ralph Nader. "There's your answer."
"So you're an independent then," asked Meghan, as though engaged in rational conversation.
"Get you're ass off my property before I get my shot gun," said the tourretic Nader supporter. And so we left. As we circled back along the street the man sat at a table in his driveway.
Cheekily, I waved my hand at him. Menacingly, he waved his gun at me.
An afternoon out with an Obama canvasser is an education in the leg work, patience and resilience it takes for the Democratic presidential contender's strategy work.
It took about an hour and half to visit a designated number of houses in just a few streets in the Washington Heights area of Roanoke - a racially mixed middle-class part of town.
In a bid to identify Obama's base so they can make sure they maximise their turnout on polling day, she asks them who they are going to support, how strong their support is, whether they are sure to turn up on election day and if they would like some literature.
Or at least she tries to. One man took one look at Meghan and, before she could open her mouth, said: "I don't want to talk about it," and then went back inside.
Another woman refused to open the door but shouted from her window.
"I'm for Obama, so go on now."
After many weekends' campaigning Schertz anticipates the response she's going to get as she walks up the driveway from the kind of cars people drive and other signifiers - a mixture of prejudice and defence mechanism.
But it doesn't always work. The home with two pick-up trucks bearing Harley Davidson stickers are leaning Obama. And who knew that a Nader sign would produce a gun-toting misanthrope.
But there are moments that have the smack of meaningful if minor achievement. With a day to go before the registration deadline Schertz also carries registration forms just in case. She gives some advice to a woman who is worried that her son's registration has his middle name wrong - the kind of discrepancy that could play havoc on election day.
In Virginia where if you don't vote for more than four years you fall off the voter rolls, some are not sure if they are registered or not.
And then there's the information that goes back to town office about where the base is, that will be punched into the computer providing the raw data on which the campaign's logistical efforts hinge. It all happens on such a small scale that you couldn't do it unless you thought you were part of something bigger.
Schertz, whose run-in with the Nader voter ultimately only provided more raw material for her good humour, has never been involved in an election campaign before.
In the primaries she supported Hillary Clinton. "There's too much at stake to sit this one out," she says.
A look at the big picture suggests that these small efforts are paying off for Obama. Numbers released by the Virginia state board of elections for September show that the increase in the number of registered voters in Roanoke city, which is Democratic and one quarter black, is more than double that of Roanoke county, which is Republican and 5% black over the past year.
Over the past month the city has seen more than three times the increase of registered voters as the county. This reflects a trend that is both statewide and nationwide news with traditionally Democratic areas far exceeding Republican areas and, where you can register by party, Democrats massively outpacing Republicans.
With voter registration drawing to a close all over the country this marks the end of the beginning for Obama's ground game.
His task was to not just to win over the electorate but to expand it and therefore change the calculus. So far so good.
Now comes the hard work. Keeping them energised and making sure that they show up. The Obama campaign predict that 80% of the new registered voters in Virginia are Democrats and that three quarters of them will show up on election day.
Which brings us to the final challenge. Making sure that the votes are counted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
