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:

My Line on Prop 8

This is one Mormon's perspective on Prop 8 - I'm not the first or last to lend my voice to this increasingly hot and bitter issue one way or another. In writing this, I'm not looking for approval or hoping to spark a debate. I'm not looking for salvation or worried that I'll go to hell. In the end it's just my perspective and my feelings.

To begin, it helps to know my foundation:
I grew up in the LDS church - I was baptised at the age of 8, but my parents were inactive most of my teenage years, so we weren't forced to practice; my parents encouraged us to see how our non-LDS friends practiced their faith.
I served a mission in Ecuador in 1994-95 and I loved it! I learned more about my faith and my beliefs during that time and I'm glad I took that opportunity. I was never the missionary that counted baptisms. In fact I didn't count how many people were baptised because I knocked on their door until I'd been home for a couple of years - and I no longer know that number. Numbers don't make a missionary successful.
As a member of the church, it took me a long time to know myself well enough to understand where I stand on political issues and become comfortable in my more liberal skin. I still believe in the fundamentals of the church and in the power of prayer. I do not think I have a corner on the market for compassion, love, blessings or answers to prayers because of my chosen religion.
This is my foundation. This is where I leap from in expressing my thoughts on California's Prop 8 and the Church's involvement.

First, Prop 8: 1. Changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California.
2. Provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

Second, a letter was read in LDS sacrament meetings on June 29, 2008 ( found in it's entirety here.)
Here's a portion:
"A broad-based coalition of churches and other organizations placed the proposed amendment on the ballot. The Church will participate with this coalition in seeking its passage. Local Church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause.
We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage."

The definition of marriage has changed in the past - and for the better. Consider that marriages for most of history was an exchange in PROPERTY (that property being the wife). It was changed when couples began consenting to marriage and marrying for love. (what a concept)
Marriage was again redefined for the better when interracial marriages were no longer illegal. In 1967 the supreme court ruled that it was unconstitutional to have anti-interracial marriage laws.

Many argue that gay couples can still have civil unions and the rights associated with that. I have a hard time with that particular argument. You can love whoever you want, and you can live with that person and you can share your life with that person in a civil union but in many states if you want to adopt, be a foster parent or be married, those rights aren't yours. In many states civil unions don't allow you to make medical decisions for your partner or cover them on an insurance policy...so exactly what does a civil union afford a couple? The argument reminds me of what I hear when people tell me that if Eric and I can't conceive a child "at least you can adopt." It doesn't change that I want a child of my own with the man that I love and have married.

Another argument I think needs to stop being thrown around is one that goes something like this: "I don't have a problem with people who are gay. Hate the sin, love the sinner." In making that statement you stand in judgement. So in what way don't you "have a problem?" Additionally, in that judgement aren't you also a sinner? That love the sinner crap is a lot like saying, "I'm not racist. I have a friend who's black." I really don't have another statement to offer you to replace that one, but I'm tired of hearing it - as if it somehow makes everything okay. Just stop with that stupid line, already!

And what of this crappy argument that next we'll see people wanting to marry animals!? WTF? Really!? I've read several comments by people who are worried and afraid that this REALLY is the next step! Um, isn't marriage about consent? Yeah, one of those changes in marriage I mentioned earlier. That whole "I Do" thing is critical. So throw that shitty argument right on out.

One thing that has bothered me about the church's involvement and encouragement for members to donate their time and use church phone tree lists, is that it seems to go against what is stated in the our own scripture. I have thoroughly searched and there is NO LAW that says that churches CAN'T endorse political movements. BUT our own scripture does speak out against it: D&C 134:9 "We do not believe it just to amingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied."

Another thought I've had is there are so many bigger issues in this world and this is where we plant ourselves and wage war? Right here? Not on the slavery that is still found in the world, not on human rights issues but on gay marriage?

I'm not saying that the church shouldn't take a stand where it deems worthy. It should. It should help it's members see what's important to their faith. That is the role of our leaders. And because of free agency, we can choose when to follow and to what extent. For me, this was a tough one. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman BUT I don't believe that gives me the right take marriage away from a gay couple. From my perspective, it is a right, and when one right (any right) is taken away from somebody it matters to me and there is a moral obligation to protect those rights for all. Ultimately I believe in equal rights for all of us.

In the end, when all is said and done, regardless where I stand on gay rights and the definition of marriage and all that is moralistic, something about the extent of the involvement of the church felt wrong. I have a very personal relationship with God and many in the church as well as outside the church do as well. In my understanding of the scriptures, that a believer like myself understands to be the word of God, and through my prayers and relationship with my Father in Heaven, I just felt wrong inside when I heard the movement made by the church. All those arguments aside...all my tithings and activity and belief in my prophet and the leaders of the church aside, it felt wrong. It hurt my heart. My spirit feels bruised. It felt like it was lacking in the true genuine love that is from our God and our Saviour.

In a Post President-Elect Obama World

I think I'm still reeling from the Obama win. I've been so excited and emotional about the history and the hope that his win brings this nation. I've spent some time this week contemplating what his win means to me and my family and our friends and our country and the entire world. I think we have a lot of work to do and I'm glad that Obama is such an advocate in recognizing that he is the leader but that we all have a part to play in changing our world.

I found a website that had all the front pages from the newspapers around the world and thought I'd post some of my favorites:

From the Anniston Star:

Huntsville Times:
California Daily News The LA Times:

In Tahoe, the Tribune:

In Colorado: Rocky Mountain Times

In Washington DC: The Examiner

The Washington Post

The Salt Lake Tribune

and finally, In Uruguay: El Pais

And how did we all celebrate the victory? I know that I received a text messages from my sisters and Karlyn. I sent many out, myself and made several phone calls in congratulations.

Here are some of my favorite images:

Birmingham, Alabama
Harlem, New York

New York City

Columbus, Ohio

Times Square

Athens Greece (I especially love her expression)

New York

Virginia Beach

Kenya; Obama's extended family

My favorite comic of that day:

Last, I wanted to post where you can continue to support our President-Elect: Change.gov is the new Obama site.

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!

I Voted!

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.

Election Day is Finally Here

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.


#3 Yes We Can - Music Video


happy voting!

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!

Headed For The Future

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!

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.

Two Weeks and Counting!

Two more weeks!
My friend forwarded this to me - I found it entertaining.


Washington Veteran for Barack Obama

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.

Political Humor

I'm here in California and not too close to a computer so when I find one, here's what I quickly upload. (Something political, of course)


From Nick Anderson's Political blog.

Tedious Debate #2

Last night was the 2nd of 3 debates. I didn't really learn anything new from either candidate and neither seemed to have changed or refocused any energy on the financial crisis that blew up since they last met. It was still the same old stuff and it came across as being a little bit out of touch with what's really going on for Americans like myself.

McCain looked uncomfortable in HIS setting, pacing around and making odd jokes that didn't really connect to me at home - it was like he forgot that he was in a room filled with undecided voters.
McCain was at his best in his final two statements of the debate. When he answered the question regarding what you don't know and how you'll learn it, he was kind of vague but became stronger. His closing was the strongest of all his statements.
Other than that, he was childish and petty in his remarks toward Obama. To me the super negative for McCain was the general disrespect and even disdain for Obama in referring to Obama as "that one" and "him" and he still avoided looking at Obama in the eye. Again, it lead me to wonder what kind of "maverick" doesn't look at his enemy and fight?

Obama started off looking like he was a bit uncomfortable and I was nervous for him because this ISN'T his setting traditionally. I was surprised at how fast he became comfortable and began connecting to people. I think he could have been stronger, but I thought he did very well.
I think he missed the boat with his answer to the question: What don't you know and how will you learn it (I don't have the exact question).
I think he started to allude to the fact you can't really know everything - he should have finished it with something like "you surround yourself with a strong cabinet and Vice President like Joe Biden." Something to bring it around to the fact that it's not JUST him but an entire team and together they have the knowledge.

MSNBC summarized the debate with this video showing a few of the higher moments.


Overall I found the debate less than exciting and kind of boring. I swapped over to the Food Network and enjoyed Ace of Cake a couple of times.

Frontline: Before the Vote

OCTOBER 14, 2008
"It is one of the most memorable presidential elections in decades. It is a race that pits the iconoclast John McCain against the newcomer Barack Obama; the heroic former prisoner of war against the first African American major party nominee. For two hours, the 20th anniversary broadcast of The Choice examines the rich personal and political biographies of these men and goes behind the headlines to discover how they arrived at this moment and what their very different candidacies say about America."
The Trailer:


Preview of Obama:


Preview of McCain:


This will be the 4th election where I watch PBS Frontline's special on each of the Presidential Candidates. I've always enjoyed watching it because it gives a history (both political and personal) of each person.
I hope you'll watch it!
PBS Frontline information

Post Veep Debate

I joined millions of Americans in watching the Vice President debate.

#1: Sarah Palin - was charming at times and resurrected the strong looking character from the Republican Convention. In recent weeks, she has lowered her bar so low that her mediocre performance shined and shocked people into thinking she had done a spectacular job. She's a terrible debater and changed the topic back to energy multiple times rather than answering the question at hand. While watching, I kept feeling like she'd been given specific phrases that she'd memorized and she stuck to those few facts she could remember. And really, that winking, tick thing she has, was driving me crazy.

#2: Joe Biden - is an experienced debater and started out fairly slow but when it came time to really hit hard, he did...but he did it well. He stuck to the theme that it's John McCain and Governor Palin - he didn't attack and came out shining like a diamond - and not because he'd lowered the bar of expectation. He got personal and really showed the public WHO he is. I didn't know much about him and was pleased and moved to see something about his family.

factcheck.org has the candidates true facts laid out

I will soon tackle each candidate's health care plan because McCain has a terrible plan that, if enacted, will not serve you or me or anybody you know.

In this time of financial crisis, let's get real about the people who are losing their homes. Indeed, I hope this bailout, rescue plan really gets things back on course because any one of us could be in this place:


To end this, I want to share a good laugh with you.
The Daily Show gives me get a good laugh:

Thursday Veep Debates

Are you ready? Tonight is the big VP Debate!
Local time: 7:00 p.m. and I'll be glued to my TV with a ton of other Americans.


AFTER that circus, Eric and I will be glued to another anticipated show: Supernatural. We LOVE this show and we're into season 4. Here's the preview of the Season Premier from a few weeks ago.


In preparation for the final weeks of the election, Eric and I ordered this T-Shirt:


This is the T-Shirt I've wanted forever!
So onto the debates! I hope that Palin is let off her leash so we can see the REAL her. I hope Biden is appropriate and on his game.

Bail and Rescue - What it REALLY Means

This week I've been all up in arms with talk of a government bail out of Wall Street. I've watched the news broadcasters attempt to explain what it means. I have to say, I'm still confused and angry. I don't get it - not completely. I'm not a stupid person, either, it's just not my field of expertise.

Yesterday, April sent out a fantastic, dummied-down summary of what the bail out really means. And I FINALLY understand the full issue. Thank you, April! Thank you for completing your higher education in THIS field! Thank you for dummying it down for people like me who have expertise in other areas. I still don't like the idea of the bail out, but then I think it's the better of two options: 1. leave it as it is and let the chips fall (baaaaad) or 2. rescue and failing economy created largely by people who should have known better, who've been here before and should have learned from their mistakes. In the end, I'll take the latter.

Here's what April wrote:
So everyone keeps asking me to explain what is going on with the financial markets and I've tried to find an answer that doesn't sound like a long winded economist. This is the short answer to a very complicate problem.

We've destroyed confidence in our system because we overspent, deceived, lied, and got in WAY over our head and the government's liaise faire policies for the last decade allowed it to happen. Now no one trusts anyone anymore which is stopping the world economy in its tracks. The only way to restart the flow of money and economic activity is to gain back the trust, which is the backbone of our economy, and the only way that can happen is with transparency and regulation.

Want more? Hopefully this can help you understand what you hear on the news:

At the turn of the century, two very interesting things happened; A) the US gov't relinquished a lot of control over the credit markets and B) the average real wage of most Americans decreased (ie they couldn't buy as much as they used to). The decrease in purchasing power was offset by an increase in debt so we continued spending as if our wages had increased. To pay for our overages, we mortgaged our homes and began using our credit cards with greater frequency. In other words we created a high demand for credit which creates a high price (interest rates).

At the same time, the global pool of money began growing (thanks China) and was looking for a safe place to invest (especially after the volatile 90s). When they saw a lot of people in the strongest economy in the world paying a lot to borrow money, they flooded us with easy cash.

Eventually, all the traditional borrowers were satisfied (they didn't need any more money), yet the global pool of money was not, they wanted to lend more and more in order to make more profits. So we began lowering loan requirements (now possible due to the de-regulation) so that non-traditional borrowers could get, say, a home, AND everyone was happy. People had homes and the global pool of money kept getting their profits. Loan requirements got so low that people were getting home loans worth 110% of the home's worth, without any money down, and without proving they had any income at all.

Simply put; we were overspending and the global pool of money was over borrowing.

But we started making things complicated. And this is where the problem lies so pay attention. In order to satisfy the growing demand for US assets (ie the demand to lend the US money), we began breaking up mortgage loans into pieces and then taking a piece of your loan and a piece of my loan and a piece of my dog's loan and bundling them up to make on ONE super fancy loan called a CDO. We then sold, not my loan, but the CDO to the global pool of money. Think of it like a rope made up of many strands. Each strand is a piece of a loan and the entire rope is what we sold.

That would OK if my loan was as safe as your loan and my dog's loan but they weren't, yet we sold them as if they were. So, when my dog couldn't pay his mortgage because he doesn't have a job, the strand in every rope his loan was apart of breaks. His ONE bad loan weakens 6 or 7 whole ropes.

Multiply this process over and over again and a bunch of ropes start breaking. Eventually the stores that sell ropes go bust, either because they can't sell anything (who wants bits of rope?) or really, because no one trusts the quality of ANYTHING they sell. Eventually, it gets so bad no on trusts any rope sold anywhere OR anything sold by anyone who sells rope. The system grinds to a halt.

Ever hear of the credit crunch?

That's what has happened. The global pool of money doesn't trust anything so they've stopped lending. No money, no economic activity. Our overspending is no longer financed so we can't make the payments on our boats, our cars, our homes which only breaks more and more strands, and ropes, and businesses selling ropes, and the whole system takes another hit.

Combine this with people's mortgage payments going up due to the adjustable rate mortgages (ARMS) they got 4 or 5 years ago, and I think it's clear that this is a perfect storm. And like a hurricane, it is feeding on its own destruction so it can destroy more.

So what about this 'bailout'?

The reason the global pool of money isn't lending is because they don't trust anyone. This bailout, as opposed to others in the past, is meant to restore trust by taking these bad strands and weak ropes out of the store so the store can sell what is good and get the system moving again.

With the government as the owner of these loans, my dog will be able to go to them and say, "Hey, I can make A house payment, because I walk old ladies across the street, but I can't make my CURRENT house payment." The government has an incentive to re-structure the loan so that my dog can keep his house and so we can get our money back. So they re-structure the loan and no strands break, no ropes break, no stores close.

Without the government, who does my dog go to? His loan is owned by 6 or 7 different people AND no one really knows who those 6 or 7 people are. My dog has a job and can pay something but without anyone to negotiate with, and no one lending money, he can't re-structure his loan so he gets foreclosed on and adds to the destruction.

In theory, this should bring back the trust of the global pool of money and therefore their money, and the stability to our own economy. In a few years' time, house prices should rebound and the government can sell these loans back to the 'free market' and make a profit that hopefully pays for the whole thing. It happened in the 1930s.

Why does it have to be so fast?

How long did it take for Washington Mutual to go bust? Or Lehman Bros? Or AIG? A few days! Without money, companies bleed out fast! And this creates less and less trust in our economic system. Additionally, every day we wait another homeowner's adjustable rate mortgage gets adjusted to a higher interest rate and higher monthly payment which increases the likelihood of foreclosure. It has to be the government and it has to be now.

Think about this: the reason the Great Depression was so bad and so long was because the Federal Government left it to the free market to correct a serious but not catastrophic problem. Had they intervened in 1929, the world would have experienced, yes a recession, but not the disastrous depression it did. That's where we're heading if we don't do something now. Even the most religious free market advocates know that there are times the government has to step in. This is one of them.


Now why couldn't President Bush or Mr Treasury Secretary: Mr Paulson just have said this - explained it.

Oh I know! Pick me!

Because they had no idea people wouldn't just take their word for it. They thought we'd jump, like we have EVERY other time. It's a bit of the syndrome of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. Now we're really in danger and we don't believe it because we've heard so many similar scare tactics and responded.

Last night the Senate passed their version of the "Rescue" or "Bail Out" and added more incentives and more money onto the package.

In the end, it's a sucky choice! I work to keep my credit nose clean and make wise financial decisions with what little extra money I have and now people who are aggressive and careless get to be rescued!? But if they're not, the consequence isn't just a poor shopping season for the holidays....the potential is frightening!

If the University of Utah, my employer, can't make payroll because insurance companies can't pay them because people can't pay the insurance premiums because they'd rather keep their house or feed their children, then I could lose my job and therefore my house and be in the EXACT position I've worked so hard to stay out of. Can't they just take out a loan to make payroll? Well, IF they could take a loan IF lenders were lending, how long would they have to do that before the interest rate crippled them?

If we think it can't happen and won't happen to us, we couldn't be more wrong.

The scary part is that no one knows if this will really work. And my question is: in the future, are the lenders going to allow borrowers to renegotiate rates and payment amounts and therefore be rescued from personal smaller financial crisis? Are they going to pass this 'generosity' on?

It's a bit of a waiting game. But I am more in favor of this rescue then I was before and I understand why we have to pass it. I will call my representative today and ask him to reconsider his vote. Truly, insist on it.

Presidential Debate #1

Many around the United States and around the world watched as Barack Obama and John McCain had their first true squaring off moment on Friday night. I won't go into all the details of my thoughts as I watched because if you want to know what was said, you can go and watch it and form your own opinions.
I do, however, want to share my thoughts on one thing that stood out for me (as it did for many): What was John McCain doing?
I was shocked at his general demeanor and truly disappointed by his obvious lack of respect, not only for his opponent, but for the millions of AMERICAN supporters - both his own supporters and Obama's. About ten minutes into watching the debates I became enraged by his body language. He didn't look at Barack Obama EVEN ONCE - even when shaking his hand! In fact on a couple of occasions, he turned his back on him.
I thought: How can he claim to be this maverick who stands up to his opposition and then stand at this debate and not look his opponent in the eyes!? Is this how he'll lead, if God forbid, he gets elected? Of course it is. He's already made multiple statements that he plans on keeping this war alive - he doesn't have to sit down AND TALK with the opposition if he's bombing them and sending other people's kids into needless battles. THIS IS HOW HE WANTS TO LEAD!
Even when shaking his hand, McCain didn't look at Obama

Here are the results of a CNN poll conducted on Friday night immediately following the debate:
Who did the best job tonight?
Barack: 51
McCain: 38

Who would better handle Iraq?
Barack: 52
McCain: 47

Who would better handle the economy?
Barack: 58
McCain: 37

For a GOOD summary of the debate go to Time Magazine’s summary

As to the "facts" thrown out by each candidate, you can look for yourself on a couple of sites:
As the debates were playing out, the NY Times kept the true facts up and running. As a candidate made a statement, they would post the facts about it.
OR
Another great resource to help keep the facts straight is Fact Checker

For my fellow Utah residents, if you want to know what's on the ballot, Utah.gov will allow you to enter your name and zip code and you will see your polling station AND your ballot. In addition, it will allow you to see the statements made by candidates and their web sites. I encourage all voters to do their homework before heading to the polls.
Here’s the ballot I’ll see in November