Conventions - rollicking good time, or waste of taxpayer money - either way, it is time to Par-Tay in the Rockies this week! There is so much about this year's convention that we can discuss: Will Hillary be able to tame the PUMAs? Will Mark Warner's keynote address be the showstopper that Barack Obama delivered in '04? Are you interested in the upcoming convention? Are you planning on watching it, and if so, how much? Are you looking forward to any speaker in particular? Any notable absences?
I'm looking forward to hearing Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, and of course, Barack Obama. He wasn't my original candidate - that was John Edwards. When he dropped out right before the CA primary, I felt that the similarities between Clinton & Obama were so close, the deciding factor for me was that her Health Care plan was mandatory, which I think is a requirement to making it work. However, since I wasn't 'in love', it was easy for me to go over to Obama's camp once the primaries were over. (Actually, in the interest of full disclosure - if the primary had been in March or June, I would have voted for Obama, since I was turned off by the tenor of the Clinton campaign by that point.) So, while he's WAY too moderate for me, I'm hoping for a more populist message from Obama, a la 2004. I'll probably have the tv on in prime time, and read the transcripts of speeches I miss. How about you guys?
BTW: As much as I adore you all, do you have any suggestions about how we might attract more attention to Brushfires? I'd really like to broaden the debate...
(Question: If you have sex in Denver, does that make you a member of the Mile Hile Club?)
A place for Polite, Passionate discussion about Politics in America. Sharing opinions, elightening our fellows and saving the Republic - one post at a time!
Rules of Engagement:
Unsigned posts will be deleted! You don't have to sign up for anything, but you do need to sign your posts. If you are going to write something, have the courage to stand by your words. (I'm not talking names, here. Just some consistent screen name.) I don't care how wonderful you think I am, I will still delete your unsigned posts. Cowards are NO LONGER WELCOME!
We don't need JFK, we need FDR!!!
"Governments can err, Presidents do make mistakes, but the immortal Dante tells us that divine justice weighs the sins of the cold-blooded and the sins of the warm-hearted in different scales.
Better the occasional faults of a Government that lives in a spirit of charity than the consistent omissions of a Government frozen in the ice of its own indifference.
There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny."
From Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech accepting his party's nomination for President - Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia, PA, June 27, 1936.
Better the occasional faults of a Government that lives in a spirit of charity than the consistent omissions of a Government frozen in the ice of its own indifference.
There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny."
From Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech accepting his party's nomination for President - Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia, PA, June 27, 1936.
Blog Archive
About Me
- J.M. Ferretti
- A bleeding heart liberal, who knows deep down inside that Right and Left are closer than we think. I believe that Progressives are under-represented in the Democratic Party and that it's not too late for true Republicans to reclaim the GOP. Power to We The People!!!
Some of my favorite things
- www.thomhartmann.com
- "Meet John Doe" starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck
- "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" starring Jimmy Stewart & Jean Arthur
- "Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater"
- "Screwed: the undeclared war against the middle class - and what we can do about it" by Thom Hartmann
59 comments:
Here's an idea on how to spread your word...
Put yourself on e-Bay as a free politcal/life consultant.
It could happen.
I don't know. I didn't really expect Obama to nominate Hillary and I do have serious doubts about the wisdom of naming her as his VP, but I am sooooooooooo disappointed (again) that she's not on the ticket. I mean, not even Bill Richardson? I have a problem with this plagiarism issue and Biden, but maybe I'll come around. To tell you the truth, I never thought McCain was that bad -and frankly, just about anyone other than Satan would be preferable to our current worst president ever. At least Satan would be charming, actually.
As for Mr. Suza, he was an Obama supporter, but is also very disappointed in the selection. He has to decide if he's going to continue to support B.O. or vote for McCain or just not vote at all.
It's a grey day in mudville.
p.s. - I vote that having sex in Denver makes you a member of the mile high club. :) I've never been to Denver, but maybe one day.
suza - according to Thom Hartmann, Joe Biden told that particular story many times, and attributed it all but that one time - and got labeled a plagarist. While Biden is 'another white guy', he is not a DC insider. I had no idea, but he goes home to DE every night, which makes him a bit of an outsider, even after 30-plus years in the Senate.
I'm not sure I understand the depth of your & Mr. Suza's disappointment...not vote because of the VP pick? Really? As for McCain not being that bad - maybe not 2000 McCain, when he still had some principles. But this guy - this guy is almost worse than W, because he should know better.
Bathe in the convention, and you will find yourself reborn! (Or not...) Keep the faith!
I'm happy Obama picked Biden, I was for Biden several elections ago. Clinton received my primary vote, but I'm happy to vote for Obama in the general... their postions were so close, I didn't see too much difference. After the rough & tumble of the primary, I would've been shocked if he picked Clinton.
(There's the issue of "what would we do with the idiot savant, Bill?" - an ex-president I actually still like for his amazing brain if not his modus operundi - sp?)
I just hope Biden's mouth doesn't get the campaign into too much trouble. The reason I like Biden - his lack of filter between brain and mouth - is also the reason to be a little bit concerned. But after the last eight years of Dick "The Dark Side" Cheney, I think the Dems have a decent VP choice.
On the Mile High Club question...
It was my belief that you had to be a mile ABOVE terra firma, but considering the pain and anguish of commercial flight these days, sex in Denver should count. (How much do you think the airlines will start charging for the use of the bathrooms?!)
I'm hoping to warm up to them, frankly. I have to stop watching MSNBC because those trolls that hang out with Chris Matthews are CONSTANTLY pissing me off. Just today one of them said "Hillary Clinton thought she had a 50% chance after wisconsin. She only had a slim chance. She needs to call her supporters off."
I think it was the same guy that said Hillary reminded everyone of their first wives on the courthouse steps.
Seriously, I have to stop watching MSNBC. I already gave up Keith Olbermann. These guys just make me NOT want to agree with them because they are such pricks.
Gotta agree with Suza abt Matthews/Tweety. He's been anti-Hillary Clinton from the get-go, and he tends to find panelists who will support that view. And I'm very disappointed that Michelle Obama didn't sing "God Bless America" to kick the convention off right...
Also, Ferret, to increase participation, you might want to mention your blog in The Splash, if you haven't already. That's a high-traffic venue if ever there was...
I wonder if FH is watching the Giants or the convention. I hope it's the Giants, as they have been the best team in baseball over the last ten games. In the meantime, Obama has been the coldest team in presidential politics, let's hope he gets his mojo back at the DC. McCain would end up being worse than Bush, same policies only his knowledge isn't as current. He also lacks the temperment to lead the country. I can't for the life of me understand why disaffected Clinton supporters would even consider voting for McCain.
As for increasing readership, that's easy, more sex.
You guys are worrying about nothin'. Look at the big picture. People expect their politicians to have some flaws. There will never be someone that makes everyone happy. We're all lucky if we can get someone that gives us each a little of what we want and keep this country up and running at the same time. People on both sides are ready for change. He made his selection to appeal to voter's like me...we needed to feel that Obama had some foreign policy experience to end this war the right way. Biden, if he's allowed to advise and guide, is the right pick.
It works for me. I'd rather vote that ticket than for McCain/Whoever.
This war's gotta be resolved--and most of us aren't willing to wait 100 years to do it. Not what I signed up for, anyway. I wanted protection for my children and country, if that can't be done in a reasonable amount of time, someone doesn't know what they're doing. I'm supposed to vote that ticket? And considering the state of the economy, why should we reward the GOP status quo for what seems to be the enrichment of a select few over the past eight years? Kinda seems like somebody's gettin' rich--and it sure as heck ain't me and you.
And, think about this. The e-bay idea is pure genius. Put yourself in the really weird category, it costs you a little money, but it's cheaper than advertising, and suddenly you've got curiosity-seekers knocking at your door. E-bay gets a lot of traffic. Your costs are minimal because your product is free. There may be a rule however, against this--I'm not certain. People link up their websites to their product all the time.
Biden offends me. I see him as a self-serving hypocritical mainstream democrat. (The willingness to plagiarise, btw, went back to his days at Syracuse, if I recall correctly.) But he may turn out to be an effective attack dog.
The convention doesn't move me, so far. I'm concerned that Obama will not get the "bump" he needs to coast to victory in Nov. On the other hand, I'm looking forward to the Obama/McCain debates. Obama wears his intelligence well. He will hammer McCain.
I have a question: If everyone has a blog, who will have time to read and post on other people's blogs? ;)
I have no interest in seeing Hillary Clinton as a vice president. I want to see her as a president. I feel confident that Obama will be the next president, and it pleases me that he didn't have to first be VP. Likewise, Clinton doesn't need to have a bone thrown her way by Obama. She's entirely capable of becoming a future president, and probably will, without that gesture.
~
On a somewhat related note-- the Republicans have driven a wedge between (particularly white) women and (particularly) black men in the primary and continue to do so relentlessly. The beauty part of this is that the end result of the underestimation and manupulation, once acknowledged for what it is, and once it dissolves as the leverage fades post-election, will be a cohesion between the two groups like never before in American history. As a result, I look forward to much more mixing of races in this country, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every white, male Republican for pushing so hard to bring about this very refreshing change.
Playboy magazine conducted a nationwide survey on the "politics of sex" and found that voters in both blue states and red states "are surprisingly united when it comes to sexual matters, and there is less separation in the bedroom than originally thought."
The survey results are in the February issue.
Key findings:
More people under 40 have sex at least once a week than vote for president once every four years.
25% of all Republicans and 35% of all Democrats have had more than 10 sexual partners in their lifetime -- a higher percentage than vote in congressional and local elections.
55% of Republicans have sex at least once a week, compared with just 43% of Democrats.
14% of Thompson supporters and 12% of Obama supporters claim to have sex "almost every day." Just 5% of Clinton and Giuliani supporters have sex that frequently.
On average, Republicans say they were 18.4 years old when they first had sex. Independents were 17.6 and Democrats were 17.5.
58% of respondents think Bill Clinton was the sexiest president of the past 40 years; Ronald Reagan is second, with 22%.
38% say Richard Nixon was the least sexy; Bill Clinton is second, with 18%.
23% of all Republicans and 24 percent of all Democrats would "definitely" or "probably" say yes to a one-night stand in the Oval Office with a president they found physically and sexually attractive.
51% of all Republicans and 67% of all Democrats have watched porn with their sexual partners.
55% of people who attend church every week consider themselves to be "sexually adventurous."
Americans of both parties say they are more turned on by intelligence than by physical appearance.
I posted here as "anonymous" a few times, but not on this thread! (hey, anybody ever see a braille Playboy? I first saw one back in 1974. Wonder if they still publish in that form?)
88 years ago today the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitutional "granting" women the right to vote went into effect.
(I hate the sophistry of the word "guaranteeing" you usually see in connection with such matters.)
That was a memorable moment in history, lefty. Especially the part where the thugs who opposed it started beating women as they demonstrated and still got beat by the women without their even lifting a finger.
~
Why look at Playboy when you can see the largest collection of real live boobs in one place at the upcoming GOP convention?
The suffragette struggles in Britain were pretty dramatic, too. Particularly moving were the women arrested for their activism who went on hunger strikes in prison. The government responded with forced feeding. (Wonder if they shoved pate [accent mark] down the metal tubes?)
Eventually, the anti-torturers held sway and outlawed forced feeding. To replace it they passed The Cat and Mouse Act. (I will stop the rant here. Anyone to whom this is new can easily learn more.)
Ugly stuff, but I always like to review the dark side of bourgeois democracy while I'm getting ready to participate in it.
Getting back to J.M. Ferretti's original question, I can't watch political conventions. I'll watch debates and moderations but there's something about the tenor of political conventions that always make me not want to vote for anyone. Ever again. So I avoid watching.
But Ted, you're missing out on the greatest collection of watered down soul music one could ever hope to hear. When Michelle Obama reminds voters that 'We can make it if we try', millions of midwesterners are jumping up from their dinner tables and responding 'Boom-shak-a-lak-a-lak-a-boom-shak-a-lak-a-lak-a!'
Well, at least it's soul music now.
(dont'...stop...thinking about tomorrow)
And then there's John McCain's theme song:
Boom, boom, lacka lacka lacka boom
Boom, boom, lacka lacka boom boom
http://tinyurl.com/2a74td
His stacked heels make him HIGHER! HIGHER!
.
I may not watch any full speech at all but Obama's. Dull spectacle. (But I'm old enough to remember Chicago '68 real well. Now that was some tv!)
dsgonzale6, I've always found that video to be inspirational.
http://tinyurl.com/628g2c
dsgonzale6 said...
"I have a question: If everyone has a blog, who will have time to read and post on other people's blogs? ;)"
Easy. Me and thee, Gonzalloni. And that other Gonzalloni, too!
"Lunch With Gina
Lasts Forever..." -Steely Dan
I tried a blog once too...but it is actually harder to come up with topics (for me) than just jumping on an existing thread, perchance to unravel it? And so I do...
I'm with Big Ted on not watching the conventions...and for the same reasons. If there was any suspense about the nominee, as in days of yore, that would be different. When it's a fait accompli, what's the point? Unless you are watching through the eyes of love. Speaking of which, I think tonight might be the one night I tune in...though I am a tiger, not a PUMA.
so, I watched Hillary. That was nice. She gave an excellent speech. I love Hillary. I wish it was her. I saw lots of bitch faces during all the applause after she was introduced. I think it was Michelle Obama's sister in law. Bitch face.
But you know, they won, it was close, but they won.
I'll vote for Obama. I just have to not listen to his little idiotic trolls. I want change.
suza - keep in mind, FOX is doing the pool feed, which means they control the images we see. Bitch faces, yawners, dozers, etc...they get to pick. Typical of the Dems, bringing checkers to a chess match!
I LOVED Hillary's speech!!! She was funny, strong, smart - all of the things that I admire about her. If she doesn't end up in the cabinet, I'd LOVE to see her as Senate Majority Leader - Harry Reid is ineffectual, and we all know that HRC can get shit done!
Keep in mind, on the interweb, Republican trolls can be wearing Obama t-shirts...
I love you Winkingtiger...will you marry me?
And ferrethead...how dare you! I am not a troll...just ask that tool LaSalle!
I watched Hillary too...That speech was nice and unequivocal for the PUMAS. I hope The Big Picture sinks in there.
I too, remember the McCain of 2000, the campaign finance reformer, the one who referred to Falwell as "An Agent Of Intolerance." I think that particular McCain has pretty much vanished now, to be replaced with Steely John McCain Mark IV...
Gina G... you wag! You're just excited by those sex statistics for Republicans posted above...and who could blame you? ;-)
gina, dahlink! I most certainly wasn't referring to you! You are a valued member of the brushfires family...
So, tomorrow is the Big Dog's turn. And then, Biden. I hope he says something that brings comfort and hope to the suza household!
;-)
I'm paranoid now. For the blog record: I not only will vote for Obama, I may volunteer to work for that damn bourgeois democratic candidate.
Hope a guy doesn't get tossed outta this joint just because he believes greed ("pursuit of happiness") shouldn't rule the world. Not that I have anything against happiness, it's just the context . . . .
suza, it was probably to my benefit that I listened to Hillary's speech, rather than watched it, since the focus was on Hillary's words, not someone else's reactions. I thought the speech was incredibly good. She summed up our problems well and underscored what we all want this time around, reminding Obama of our common goals and providing momentum toward them. I found myself saying 'Yes!' more than once, and was thinking 'people, we just gotta keep moving things forward together' when she drove the same point home. Those who fail to get it at this point probably won't get it by November, as eight years apparently hasn't been enough to get that it isn't all about 'The Decider'. Hillary's speech will be dissected and twisted and torn apart, but I thought it rocked and I'm very happy in knowing that Hillary isn't going anywhere, but that she'll continue to be effective in the Senate and will undoubtedly reappear in a Presidential run in the future. Thank you, Hillary!
Getting off topic a bit, just thought you all should know tonight on KQED at 8pm:
FERRETS: THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Well, maybe that's not so off topic afterall
:)
Thought Hillary's speech was fantastic. Especially loved when she asked her supporters if they were in it for her or for the country. Sounded like a backhanded jab at the current group of Repubs who, by all appearances and no-bid contracts, are in it for themselves, not for their party and least of all for their country.
I was a Clinton supporter who will happily vote for Obama and have said so since he cinched the nom. I left the Dem party when Kerry wouldn't stand up for his - or my - principles in 2004. (Losing to the "Worst. President. Ever." does take a certain talent, though not a talent needed in the Commander in the Chief!) I'm in the fastest growing party: registered as "decline to state". I have Repub friends and family who have told me they'll vote for Obama, and these are people I never expected to vote outside their party affiliation.
Also loved the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuit" crack! Hillary for Supreme Court! (if she can't be party leader in Senate.)
PS
Is the ferret pursuit of excellence in the Declaration or the Constitution?
That was one of the best speeches I've listened to in a long time. I thought Clinton looked terrific (much fitter and happier than she looked as the campaign wore on), and she sounded even better than she looked. And she couldn't have been clearer or more persuasive about what needs to be done. After listening to her, I'm ready to campaign hard for Obama. I co-hosted a house party for Clinton-Gore in '92, and I'll host one for Obama-Biden if my schedule permits.
Ferret...you are far too kind to a former Bush supporter and very gracious to boot. Thank you. I promise to never cross the line into trolldom...I save that only for special cases that are by far and away more than deserving of the treatment. Some people just drive you to it, you know?
Anyway, you dems need to lighten up.I think Obama may just win after all. The Biden choice may just be the kicker. I'll vote for him, why not?
It's too bad that Hillary didn't show her gracious side earlier to everyone, I really thought she could have beaten McCain more easily than Obama. But who knows? You get what you got, now go with it, quit bellyaching and work together.
For you winking Tiger...jest I do not...you know what they say about Repub girls and our proclivities--ride us hard, put us to bed wet.
I posted earlier that I don't watch these things but I just got home from work about 45 minutes ago and turned on the telly and flipped a couple of channels and came to a channel showing the convention. Biden was just finishing his speech. They proceeded to do the cute little things they always do at these things and lo and behold Obama shows up.
Now, here they are Obama and Biden, hugging, waving, smiling, arms around each others shoulders and I'm thinking...wow...this ain't a movie. This is really happening! There's a white and black guy, nominees for the presidency, and the main man's the black guy and...it's really happening!!
And Clinton (that being Hillary) was so close to being in that position as well. And she's a... well, a she. And again, this ain't a movie...this is real life!!
To be honest, as great as it was...it was surreal. I never thought I would see this type of progression in my life and I'm overwhelmed and excited that I did.
So, playing devil's advocate, I'm also thinking of a scenario and just throwing this out there.
Obama really came to national attention based on his speech at the 2004 DNC.
So, think about this. A large number of Asian Americans are Republicans. How would Democrats and Republicans feel if, and it *is* possible,in 2016 or 2020, after some stirring speeches as well that gained national attention, the main Republican superstar was a female Chinese-American.
Everyone likes to tell themselves they're color blind. A lot of people criticising Obama have proven they're not.
But is it possible the Republicans would endorse a Chinese-American female. And for that matter, would Democrats?
Just curious. Because now, I can see it being a reality. More than ever before.
Me? I'd be tossed. I vote Democrat. But I would be intrigued to see a female Chinese-American President. Even a Republican. Especially with the economic situation that is evolving right now. Again, just playing devil's advocate.
Oookay
Fat chance. Generally speaking and to their disadvantage, Asian's rarely involve themselves in politics.In order for someone to be a presidential nominee in the near future, they'd have to be putting in their dues now. Just who would this Presidential hopeful Asian woman be, Mr. Advocate? I can't think of a single one.
gina, of course you can't think of anyone now. This is why I wrote 2016/2020. That's many moons from now. Obama wasn't in the national attention until 2004. I'm giving it *8*, repeat *8* years!!
If you think that's not possible, Obama must have been, like I mentioned, only in movies.
Ted S., there are quite a few Asian-American women in local politics (Oakland Councilwoman Jean Quan, for one), although I have seen few at the National level...so far. Also, the ones I've heard of tend towards the conservative side of the spectrum, so you could be on to something...
As far as a Woman or African-American President goes, the surreal part is that it's taken as long as it has to get here...
Gina G: rowr rowr. Ah, Italiennes... I'll be your Carville if you'll be my Matalin... ;-)
And BTW, I was in such a hurry to clarify my post, I forgot to mention. That was an *extremely*!!!!racist post you made:
"Fat chance. Generally speaking and to their disadvantage, Asian's rarely involve themselves in politics."
Do you just like to argue for arguement's sake?
There are a large number of Chinese/Asian-Americans who involve themselves in politics. Never heard of Fiona Ma? Kamala Harris? Supervisor Chu? That's just here locally and there are many more I could come up with.
And what do you mean by calling me "Mr. Advocate"?. Seriously, what does that mean?
My point was, in fashion right now, they're mainly Democrats but many are Republicans. So what would be the repurcussions of a female Republican politicion on a national scale?
Please, leave your racism to other blogs. Ms. Ferretti already asked for a certain amount of decorum.
Oh, and in anticipation of the argument just for arguement's sake, before you tell me Kamala Harris is African-American, she is the daughter of an Indian American mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer specialist. Her father, a Jamaican and a Stanford University economics professor is Donald Harris.
Courtesy of meeting her at a Thanksgiving benefit in Chinatown, feeding the needy that she has attended for many years.
I thank you.
Anybody here ever heard of Elaine Chao, Sec. of Labor (a Cabinet member, you see), married to Mitch McConnell of Ky., Repub. "leader" of the Senate?
Oh, Ky. And the Bush admin. Who cares?
Give me a break.
(And Gina's Asian American generalties aren't worth response. Yet, I can't help myself. It reminds me of the teenagers who watch for inept traffic moves and then, when they see that an Asian is driving the miscreant car, laugh and shout "DWA!." Very insightful.)
Actually, TedSpe, your comment about Indians being Asian (which I know, but somehow rarely think of unless I'm watching the BBC), made me think that we are far more likely to have an Indian woman candidate before a Chinese woman one.
I'm not sure why, it's really more of a gut reaction. I'm not going to say that I'm entirely without bias to certain groups because that would be silly and dishonest, so maybe it is a reflection of my own biases and *I* would feel more comfortable voting for a central or west asian woman than an east asian woman.
But then, I've always been partial to brown people. Especially native american guys. Yummy. It must be some primal urge to balance out my own pasty pallor.
hehe - don't worry, some of my best friends are white people.
:)
ps - this post was not meant to offend...I'm just feeling a bit thoughtful and silly...
Fer cryin' out loud. That comment about Asian and politics was a generalization. How could it be racist if I said it was to their disadvantage to not engage more in politics? I happen to have a great deal of respect for the Asian culture.I love their food, think some of their men are hot and collect their art. I don't think you're too fair to play the race card this early in the game.
Besides, I based my opinion on voting records. Now maybe things have changed lately, but it's generally thought that they don't vote in equal numbers to their population numbers. That's true even in S.F. where there are large concentrations of them. You may not like that fact that the don't vote as much as everyone else, but it's not racist to point out the truth.
TedSpe...and if you're angling for a marriage proposal, you can just forget it.
WT...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmTigers.......
I would have no problem at all voting for an Asian woman, provided she was not running on a conservative platform. I would have no problem voting for a Muslim man, provided he was not running on a conservative platform. I would also have no problem voting for any type of person with an affliction such as cerebal palsy, provided their mind was sharp, and they were not running on a conservative platform.
Okay, TooSense, but how about an Asian woman who is a Muslim and has Cerebral Palsy (but a clear mind) who isn't running on a conservative platform? Hmmmm?
.
Can I just say how great I think the speeches have been? Wake Up, America!!!!!!!
ferret, it would be even better if she was an atheist lesbian, but sure, I'd vote for her. And I agree about the speeches. We've been reminded continually during the primary season about the 'uselessness' of 'empty rhetoric', but how many great historic moments were born of poetic delivery of inspirational ideas. It comes as no surprise that those in power can only ridicule the seeds of change and sow the seeds of apathy wherever inspiration threatens.
I guess I'll try to catch Obama's speech live tonight. Very slick scheduling, having the acceptance address on the anniversary of the I Have a Dream speech.
.
Funny coincidence -- among the African American luminaries and rank and file Dems I've seen quoted about the wonderfulness of this moment, is one politician who according to strong evidence I've seen accepted a kickback while in office. I'm such a cynic, I know, raking muck at a moment like this. But, man, U.S. politics can be both a dazzling spectacle and a disgusting dirt pile simultaneously.
.
Bottom line for me -- I also never thought I would see during my lifetime an African American as a major party nominee. I'm amazed and deeply moved; I'll be excited as the campaign takes wing.
I think Dr. King would be proud and honored to witness Obama moving this country forward and farther from its brutal legacy on such an anniversary. The suggestion that the scheduling is somehow 'slick' rings a little hollow, as we still haven't got to the promised land yet. There's very much a connection to be made between Dr. King's speech and the fact that Obama stands at the edge of the presidency. To suggest that either of them somehow cheapens the other is absurd. The opposite is true-- Dr. King's call to action and Obama's historic strides reinforce each other's power.
For about 10 or 15 years now, I have been asking people what they thought we'd see first - a black man or a white woman President. Except for black people, everyone said a black man. It's a funny thing, perspective. Looking up at the folks during the primaries, there was only one person who was truly different than all the others (from this woman's perspective), and it was Hillary Clinton. While I'm not sure we'll see that woman President in my lifetime, I feel that much closer, now that we have jumped the hurdle of a black man as a major party candidate.
I was just telling my officemate that MLK's dream seems a little closer to reality today. However, the progress is in actuality, very small. While this one, extraordinary man has surpassed the wildest dreams of so many of us, until EVERY person of color can truly believe their dreams are possible, the dream remains just that...
lefty - the scheduling would seem slick, until you consider how far ago they had scheduled this convention, and who the Democratic front runner was then...(hint: her initials are HRC)
Given the prominence of race in the race the scheduling would have made sense no matter who wound up winning the nomination.
I agree with ferret (very long way yet to go) and with too sense (MLK would be proud, it's a scheduling coup). But I'm not going to get carried so far away that I lose perspective on the manipulation and hypocrisy inherent in the campaign election proceedings. The two-party system sucks. Yet . . . .
lefty, what's to get carried away about, and who's getting carried away? The goal in this election is simple-- do not allow another Republican into the white house. Everything else is icing on the cake. However, there is incredible significance in this moment. Barack Obama is the first non-white person to get this far in America. Celebrating that fact is far different from the "worship" image painted by those on the right who seek to minimize the impact of history being made, history they just can't bear to acknowledge. All politicians are... politicians. But there is no doubt that some are effective for the people and some are effective against us. All humans have their faults-- who of us really thinks Edwards was not right on in many areas of policy? His personal life is just that. Obama will no doubt make mistakes during his two terms as president. But considering the mistakes made by George W. Bush, and the promised continuation of those mistakes by John McCain, the time for cynicism has not yet arrived. Skepticism is healthy, but progress is to be championed. I'm not even sure what people mean when they talk about 'saving America'. But we've all seen evidence in the past eight years of what destroying it means.
Undoing the damage of the last 8 years is the task. You familiar with that song, Christmas Time in Washington? It describes (among other things) the scene as the Dems "rehearse" for Clinton's second inauguration, "getting into gear for 4 more years/of things not getting worse." Sorta matches my take.
btw, the song soars off into pleas for the return of the spirits of Woody Guthrie and MLK and Emma Goldman and Joe Hill, so it ain't everybody's cup of tea, for sure.
Make mine a double, lefty. Black. :)
Salon had a nice writeup on Joe Biden yesterday that mentioned his authoring of the Violence Against Women Act. Although it might offer small consolation to Hillary supporters, I would encourage women (and men) unaware of this legislation to check it out. One particular Asian woman I know closely has had her life transformed thanks to this piece of legislation. She's alive and on the path of pursuing legal citizenship. Thank you, Joe!
I was thinking about Obama and if he were to win the election. Wouldn't it be something wonderful in our history...if we could judge a man, not by the color of his skin, or the name he was born with, or the genes he was endowed with, but judge him by what he said he was inside.
It would be something, if we as a country could take that leap of faith and act upon our very words that we believe in as a country.
I think we could be proud again to call ourselves American.
August 28, 2008 5:55 PM
So I caught the speech. My word, that man is gifted. Can't wait for the debates.
Missed the speech. Went to an excellent football game instead.
Never mind the speech, where's ferret's next blog entry? :)
Post a Comment