I was thrilled to see that President Bush has less than 100 hours in office!
Yippee!
I caught a small portion of his farewell address to the nation on Thursday while picking up some tamales from a nearby restaurant.
I find it interesting that he constantly (especially in his campaign out the door) is trying to sell the idea that the U.S. is safer today than pre-9/11. His sales tactic goes something like this: "We have not had an attack on U.S. soil since that day." And according to him, it's due to his efforts.
If you remember with me, back to the post 9/11 days, you might recall the very real fear of Anthrax. It began on 9/18/01. The attacks killed 5 people and infected 17 more. It was classified as a terrorist attack. Maybe because the fall guy wasn't middle-eastern it doesn't get classified in the same category, now, as 9/11 crowd, but it WAS post 9/11 and it was a terrorist act AND it was and remains still, a very real threat and fear held by a lot of Americans. If you want a reminder of history, check out Wikipedia.
Do I feel the world is better on his way out the door as it was on his way IN the door? I'd be a fool's fool if I did. And the king of fools is out trying to sale the idea to the American public - His so called legacy.
Bush's True Legacy:
I'm looking forward to Tuesday along with so many other Americans. I look forward to seeing Obama sworn into office and hearing what will be an electrifying speech. What a great and momentous day we have before us! I know I've posted this here before, but it bears repeating:
Whew! What a night! What crazy emotions and the elation and joy and excitement and hope! Yeah!
Yesterday was an amazing day in history and we all got to live through it and see the other side! Things will always be different after this. This was one of those defining moments in history that you see in the movies and read in all the great books.
I am so filled with hope for what this country can do. I know that it will not be an easy journey, nor one without right wing criticism. But one thing I am doing now, that I can say I haven't done for a few years now, is look up at my future and the future of my niece and nephews and feel relief that the economy and health care and their future will be better. I am so excited! And I'm motivated to get more involved in the world around me - not for my church or my employer but because it's the right thing to do. Make the world better. Obama has inspired me and most of the people I know to reach into our communities and make the world better.
How the videos played out through the day: Pre-election coverage:
This is MSNBC's summary of the election:
Historical Race:
McCain concedes not long after the polls closed on the west coast. I thought his speech was eloquent and thoughtful.
I'm sure we all watched Obama come out and give his acceptance speech.
So how did Utah do? Utah's numbers: Grand County (Moab area), Obama won: Obama: 1,981 McCain: 1,787 Difference: 194
Summit County (Park City, Coalville, Kamas and Heber), Obama won: Obama: 9,194 McCain: 6,691 Difference: 2,503
Salt Lake County, Obama lost, but by a pretty close margin: Obama: 161,696 McCain: 163,579 Difference: 1,883
Think your vote doesn't count? It most certainly does! Click Here to see how counties around the country voted.
How happy am I? Well, here's today's daily shot: Happy day to all!
Yippee!! I voted! I left work, picked up Eric and we went to vote around 10:30 a.m. so there were NO LINES! Yup, we avoided a chunk of what everybody else faces when they go before and after work. whew!
Here I am getting ready to vote. You can see the empty polling stations: Here I am voting: Um, I need to loose a few freakin'-frackin'-filthy pounds! But that's not the point of this entry, is it?
And don't I look happy after voting? Yeah, I know what angles work best for me and it's not from a distance.
So who's happy? I am! I am!
I found a cute PBS video encouraging the voters to get out and do their thing.
Barack Obama votes:
I choose hope over fear. I choose unity over division. I choose a better history.
Here we are: Election Day 2008. I find that I am a bit emotional this morning, although I haven't voted yet. I will head to my polls later this morning - hoping that the lines will be down after the morning rush of people heading to work is done.
Sandy forwarded some videos to me that have to be posted here:
#1 Charles meets Barack
#2 One Day to Change the World *tear* This one did it for me this morning.
Did you see Obama's 30 minutes? I did and I was moved to tears at several points. 33 million other viewers also watched it! It came with the hefty price tag, but as an Obama supporter and someone who donates to his campaign, I was happy to watch it and was truly moved by the stories told. Obama laid out his plan, but more than that, he told the story of Americans who are facing decisions they didn't think they'd ever face. Here's his 30 minutes. Watching the whole thing is well worth the time.
I can say this: I love that I feel so much hope for our country when I hear Obama's plans. I love that Obama has been able to mobilize so many Americans to take action in their own neighborhoods to make them safer - that people I know have begun to move together to make life richer for their coworkers and cities. I love what I imagine this country will be able to do with a leader like Obama.
I stumbled across a video while working my graveyard job. It's of Ronald Reagan when he was running for his first term as president. Although the images have been added to this clip, the soundbite has not been altered.
Makes you think, doesn't it? hmmmmmmmmmmm.
Here's an appearance of Barack Obama on the Daily Show:
In May 2008, Time Magazine did a photo essay on Obama and there are some pictures I just love. I've included the captions made by photographer Callie Shell.
These two boys waited as a long line of adults greeted Senator Obama before a rally on Martin Luther King Day in Columbia, S.C. They never took their eyes off of him. Their grandmother told me, "Our young men have waited a long time to have someone to look up to, to make them believe Dr. King's words can be true for them." Jan. 21, 2008.
Waiting: Obama listens from a back stairwell as he is introduced in Muscatine, Iowa. It was his second or third speech of the day. Unlike many of the politicians I have photographed in the past, I find it is easy to get a photograph of Obama alone. He lets his staff do their jobs and not fuss over him. Nov. 7, 2007.
I loved that he cleaned up after himself before leaving an ice cream shop in Wapello, Iowa. He didn't have to. The event was over and the press had left. He is used to taking care of things himself and I think this is one of the qualities that makes Obama different from so many other political candidates I've encountered. Nov. 7, 2007.
Senator Obama was doing press interviews by telephone in a holding room between events. Sometime later as he was getting ready to begin his event, he asked me if I was photographing his shoes. When I said yes, he told me that he had already had them resoled once since he entered the race a year earlier. Providence, R.I., 3/1/2008.
My favorite picture in the group:
It was primary morning in New Hampshire. Barack and Michelle Obama had been campaigning separately all week. In the first few months of 2008 their private time seemed to consist of a few crossover moments in back hallways before rallies. This moment was rare and you could tell they just loved being able to sit together. Jan. 8, 2008. Click Here to see the whole photo essay. It's fantastic.
Last: I stumbled across this little picture while meandering through the Internet. Here we find some Christians praying to change this ugly bear market to a bull market. I think prayer is quite powerful and utilize that open line of communication with God on a daily basis. I can say that I've even prayed for this country and the economic situation at least a few times in the last month. That said, I was pretty amused and surprised to find this picture of the group praying over a bull statue on Wall Street. Yikes! It conjured an immediate image from Exodus 32 - a little thing called the Ten Commandments. Yowsers!
Here we are in the last stretch of the election and I am holding my breath. So much has happened this week that should cause any undecided voter (and any current McCain supporter) to pause and think about who McCain and Palin are.
Before we get to the video clips that matter, lets look at the 'BIG' story for the week: Ashley Todd. When I first heard the story, I thought it was odd that someone would put a "B" for Barack instead of an "O" for Obama. I think her actions are nothing short of despicable and racist and altogether outrageous! The worst part about it is her actions discredit any body who has ever REALLY been sexually assaulted! I hope she is fined (at the least) and jailed.
Some clips that stand out for me this week:
Hardball on MSNBC - loved the summary of the SNL, Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days:
Click Here to watch the full video for the Andy Griffith and Happy Days remake.
Another personal fave: The Rachel Maddow Show. Here's the opening for her Friday show - which is kind of long here, but I really like her list (and especially her comments in the opening 2 minutes regarding the new McCain ad.)
I know EVERY BODY now knows that Collin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama for president. I wanted to post the actual video from Meet the Press because I was so moved by his explanation and logic behind his decision. I especially LOVED his comments near the end of this first video clip regarding Obama being Christian and not Muslim. Very moving:
Here's the picture Powell is referring to:
2nd part of Collin Powell's interview:
This week, before Obama left the campaign trail to be with his ailing grandmother, he made two AMAZING speeches I want to post here.
First was his speech directed to Native Americans and addresses his policy:
By the way, here's Bush's understanding (remember this?)
Obama's most moving speech this week was given in Richmond, VA on Wednesday:
Go Obama!! Holding my breath! I'm a conservative-liberal (if that's possible) and I'm voting for Obama because I think he reflects my values and will lead this country to a better tomorrow. I hope he wins.
We're getting down to the closing weeks of this election (and the closing days of Bush's terrible presidency). Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of what the candidates REALLY stand for. Frankly I'm shocked that there's this strange phenomenon called The Undecided Voter - I just think it's the uneducated voter; the ones who haven't really researched out where the candidates stand. And in actuality, I'd almost prefer them because it means they aren't voting blindly. "Oh, he's democrat or republican so I'll vote for him."
I watched the 3rd presidential debate with some interest and was glad to see McCain bring his game like he hadn't done in previous debates. However, he seemed to fizzle about half way through and that's when Obama shined through more. I was glad that Obama cleared up his past and that he was more specific regarding his healthcare plan. I still don't think either candidate was specific enough with some of their plans or visions for the future. I feel like there's a lot of "Trust my vision." AND this is why there are undecided voters who now have to do their research because the media is incapable of being truly unbiased in doing their job to bring truth (but that's just one lowly opinion).
The day after this final debate, the two candidates (and many other senators) attended the 2008 Al Smith Dinner. Every year there is this satirical political roast and this year guess who spoke? John McCain and Barack Obama. Both were fairly funny in their sarcasm in making fun of their own campaigns and each others campaigns. I loved how eloquently they spoke of their respect for each other. MSNBC summarized the event - but it's worth checking out the whole thing on YouTube.
Here is one of the most disturbing things I think I've seen all election:
Seriously, this is the "transcript," if you will: “I’m afraid if he wins, the blacks will take over. He’s not a Christian! This is a Christian nation! What is our country gonna end up like?” “When you got a Nigger running for president, you need a first stringer. He’s definitely a second stringer.” “He seems like a sheep - or a wolf in sheep’s clothing to be honest with you. And I believe Palin - she’s filled with the Holy Spirit, and I believe she’s gonna bring honesty and integrity to the White House.” “He’s related to a known terrorist, for one.” “He is friends with a terrorist of this country!” “He must support terrorists! You know, uh, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. And that to me is Obama.” “Just the whole, Muslim thing, and everything, and everybody’s still kinda - a lot of people have forgotten about 9/11, but… I dunno, it’s just kinda… a little unnerving.” “Obama and his wife, I’m concerned that they could be anti-white. That he might hide that.” “I don’t like the fact that he thinks us white people are trash… because we’re not!”
Okay, what???? Are you serious!?!?!? Anti-white? White people are trash? Where did that come from? It's just appalling!
Here's the REAL Obama:
Great Story Alert: So, there's this little story that the main stream media has not picked up yet about Obama in his very early days. The story is from a Norwegian newspaper: I got this from This Blog.
ÅSGÅRDSTRAND (VG): Mary was a newlywed and ready to move to Norway, but was stopped at the airport because she didn’t have enough money for the trip. Then a stranger turned up and paid for her.
Mary Menth Andersen was 31 years old at the time and had just married Norwegian Dag Andersen. She was looking forward to starting a new life in Åsgårdstrand in Vestfold with him. But first she had to get all of her belongings across to Norway. The date was November 2nd, 1988. At the airport in Miami things were hectic as usual, with long lines at the check-in counters. When it was finally Mary’s turn and she had placed her luggage on the baggage line, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness. -You’ll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said. Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call. -I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.
Although she explained the situation to the man behind the counter, he showed no signs of mercy. -I started to cry, tears were pouring down my face and I had no idea what to do. Then I heard a gentle and friendly voice behind me saying, That’s OK, I’ll pay for her. Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before. -He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man? Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man. -He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary. She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.
The piece of paper said ‘Barack Obama’ and his address in Kansas, which is the state where his mother comes from. Mary carried the slip of paper around in her wallet for years, before it was thrown out. -He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling. She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university. In the spring of 2006 Mary’s parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier. In a letter to Mary’s parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped ‘United States Senate, Washington DC’, Barack Obama writes**: ‘I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I’m happy I could help back then, and I’m delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States senator’. The parents sent the letter on to Mary.
This week VG met her and her husband in the café that she runs with her friend Lisbeth Tollefsrud in Åsgårdstrand. -It’s amazing to think that the man who helped me 20 years ago may now become the next US president, says Mary delightedly. She has already voted for Obama. She recently donated 100 dollars to his campaign. She often tells the story from Miami airport, both when race issues are raised and when the conversation turns to the presidential elections. -I sincerely hope the Americans will see reason and understand that Obama means change, says Mary.
Yeah Obama!!! This, to me, says more about his character than anything else has.
Yes! Yes! Yes! 22 minutes of a fantastic speech of Obama's plan! Be sure to catch the first debate this coming Friday night (9/26/08).
Yes! Yes! Yes! Loved this guy!! He handles the 'interviewer' so well and he's only 19 years old!
and Heroes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Loved it! Fans have waited so long for the next big step and we got it last night! What is up with Peter-from-the-future? Will Peter from the current world find his way out of that evil man's body? And more than that, will he have that man's powers? Hey, and what are those powers? Will Claire be able to feel her body or will she go all psycho-killer? A what is up with Mohinder? Is he changing into an animal? He's definitely changing, but into what? And my personal favorite big question: What about Sylar???
My mom came over for dinner and joined me and Eric for our Heroes Season 3 opener. I hope we make that a weekly habit for three reasons: 1. Heroes is a great show! 2. Mom makes for good company 3. Mom makes and brings good food
Have you ever thought about how you would feel if your vote wasn't counted?
I have been registered to vote since I was 18 years old. My first election came in my 19th year - 1992. This is the election where George Bush Sr lost to Bill Clinton. As a young, naive, truly uninformed voter, I felt an unexplained obligation to vote Republican...I believed the hype - that the republican party is somehow the more righteous of the two parties - that it was the "right" thing to do. How wrong I now know I was.
Since that election, there has not been one where I haven't read up on the candidates and followed the debates closely. With each election, I've become more aware of my own politics and become more involved. As an American citizen I know that it is my right to vote, it is my duty to vote and how disinfranchized I would feel if I were ever to find out that my vote didn't get counted. Now, some might argue that a vote for a democrat in the state of Utah doesn't count, but to that I say this: the day WILL come when this red state turns to a yellow then blue state. I look forward to that day when REAL conversations happen here. Believe it or not, it's a lot closer a race here than it has ever been.
That all said, I was angered and re-energized toward action by the trailer for American Blackout; it revisits the 2000 and 2004 elections where so many voters (mostly Black voters) were either turned away from their polling stations or their votes were simply not counted. More than that, I was shocked and outraged by the response from the Senate and House (shown near the end of this video clip). How can our elected officials not care? Republican, Democrat, Independent, we ALL matter! We should all be counted.
Watch the entire video. It's well worth the time and I hope that you, too, feel the call to greater action in defending our American right to vote - EVERY American regardless of race, skin color, religion or party affiliation should be heard and counted!
Frankly, after watching, I hope you feel that something needs to be done. What state will it be this election? Who's vote won't be counted this time? What if it's you? How would you feel? What would you do? What action would you expect your elected officials to take?
In an election year where there is so much at stake, when we are struggling in our economy due to an arrogant and careless president, it's time to stand up against that oppressiveness and be counted. It's time to know the issues - what each candidate actually stands for...and not just the party or the looks of the candidates.
You know who I want as my next president. I have already become actively involved in the campaigning and will continue to do so until Election Day. One thing I love that Obama has done, is actually lay out his plan on a variety of issues. He's taken the time to formulate a plan. Want to know where he stands on universal healthcare, you can read up on the specifics. How nice is that? click here for Obama's main page.
On Tuesday night the Democratic convention continued with various speakers. I find it interesting and maybe even borderline inappropriate that the news agencies covering the convention are too busy analyzing and discussing everything to show the actual speakers prior to the prime time speaker. Oh you can see them in the background, but I've had to flip through the various channels to find someone who is actually airing the speaker so I can form MY OWN OPINION! I'd like to HEAR the speach and not have it summarized for me.
Through the various flipping of channels, I had three speakers I really enjoyed, infact, loved watching: Mark Warner of Virginia (key note speaker), Brian Schweitzer (from Montana) and Hillary Clinton.
I had been wanting to hear Mark Warner. I had heard of some of the changes he's made in Virginia and was curious about him. Whatever ideas I may have had about him, he did not disappoint. He was incredible (and I guess you'd have to be to speak to a convention going crowd).
He talked about President Bush and some of his failures and the economic woes we see in everyday lives. The same worries I have: my education - how can I afford it? the house - supposed to be safe, but what if you can't afford the payments because of the loan you have and now the interest has increased your mortgage? my healthcare - constantly we hear of increasing premiums and decreasing benefits.
What really caught me most, was this: "People always ask me, "What's your biggest criticism of President Bush?" I'm sure you all have your own. Here's mine: It's not just the policy differences. It's the fact that this president never tapped into our greatest resources - the character and resolve of the American people. He never asked us to step up.
Think about it: After September 11, if there was a call from the President to get us off foreign oil, to stop funding the very terrorists who had just attacked us, every American would have said, "How can I do my part?" This administration failed to believe in what we can achieve as a nation, when all of us work together.
Barack Obama knows that we need leaders who see our common ground as sacred ground. We need leaders who will appeal to us not as Republicans or Democrats, but first and foremost as Americans."
Rhettoric? Maybe. But I like it.
Next was Brian Schweitzer of Montana who rallied the crowd and really prepared them for Hillary Clinton. Really, I can't BEGIN to do this speech justice. You have to watch it. It's definitely worth the viewing time.
The night ended with Hillary Clinton encouraging her followers to follow the next democratic nominee. I had been interested to see to what extent this encouragement would go and I believe she used all her feelings and pain to back up Barack Obama.
When she began to list the reason she had run for president, I was worried. But then she told the crowd that the same reasons she had run, were the same reasons people should put their support behind Obama. I loved that she asked her followers if they had followed because of her or because of what she stood for. She was incredible and if you missed it, watch it:
So tomorrow's speakers I'm looking forward to watching: Bill Clinton Joe Biden
Thanks to Kirsten for sending me this link - I had a nice chuckle. I love the comment about the "shadowy overlords" - ha ha ha ha. And read the "news" at the bottom of the screen! Too funny!
