President Obama Meets the Youth of Europe

If you missed it this morning, here it is.

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Bye-Bye Bar Ban

I love Rachel Maddow. I really enjoy listening to her dripping sarcasm lacing her news.

Her guest was Rocky Anderson, who addressed the liquor law changes that passed this week:

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Now, I'm not such a drinker...but lately we, here in Utah, have had our share of standing out in the weirdest and saddest ways.

In addition to the Utah Laws capturing the light, is the Big Love controversy that's probably bigger here than anywhere else. I don't watch Big Love. I can't afford that cable bill, frankly, but don't have any interest in watching more TV than I watch now.

I've thought about this little episode that shows the temple ceremony and can't really decide how to pin point my feelings. As a member of the church, I do hold the temple ceremonies in the highest regard and they are very sacred to me (as they are for other members of the church).

I can't say that I'm up in arms over it being shown in Big Love. I'm not going to watch the episode just to see what they show, so maybe that choice to be ignorant adds to my lacking in reaction. I find it ironic, though, that as a whole, members of the church are bitterly angry over the episode because the fear is that Mormons will be outted as weird (more weird, I guess)...there's such a worry that the episode won't show the ceremony in context and with compassion....the irony is, of course, that there has been such a lack of compassion from state leaders who are constantly touting their Mormon callings as if this somehow qualifies them for a position or that their statements are somehow endorsed by God. (i.e. Chris Buttars and Gayle Ruzicka).

And we are the same people that chose to wear the face of hate when we donated time and money to the Prop 8 cause. I say "we" because I'm LDS/Mormon, although, the actions of my fellow members have rubbed me the wrong way ever since...and I've struggled a great deal because of the lack of love and compassion those actions demonstrated.

I would like to see the same people (my fellow members of the church) who open their arms to the world, truly open them to everybody. I wonder when we will learn to really love our fellow human beings for who they are. When we will stop expecting people to live by OUR standards and not their own. When will we start respecting people as they come....like we want them to do for us? That is the true measure of compassion in my book. The true measure of Christ-like love.
Okay, so wow! This took a turn I didn't expect. But there you have it.

A New Dawn

The long awaited day has arrived. What a day! An incredibly uplifting and hopeful day. Indeed, a historical day! I can't wait to see our future unfold!

I was moved by President Obama's powerful speech! I was at work and wanted to yell out and cheer from my desk! Instead I clapped lightly and cheered on the inside. I will go to a party tonight that will re-air the speech and I'll be able to shout out my support.

Here's the oath and speech:

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On flickr, I found this image of the site: Whitehouse.gov
Before and After:

Keith Olbermann on Prop 8.

I love watching MSNBC and I usually flip between that and CCN news in the evening.

I watched Keith Olbermann last week and I wanted to add his comments on Prop 8 here because I thought it was so thoughtful and empathetic:

Obama Nation

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!

Take a Big Breath!

Well, here we are at the day before the election! Really, all that can be said has been said and it's time to pick our leader for the next 4 years. So what can I offer? Here are a couple of great election 2008 summaries:

Rachel Maddow summarizes the year in Presidential politics


Keith Olbermann Election Special countdown:


Why McCain CANNOT win; Two words (among many): Sarah Palin.


Here's the prediction and let's hope it ends up this way:

Hoping, crossing my fingers and praying that the voters choose Obama with me.

Nick Anderson did a great little cartoon today:

America, Our Moment is Now!

The Power Of Endorsement

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.

Getting Down to The Wire

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.