Obama Doing Great

Here we are, not quite a full week in to our new presidency and so much has already changed. President Obama is already making good on so many campaign promises.
~Closing of Gitmo
~Ending what is perceived as tortuous handling of prisoners
~Tackeling the economy in a bi-partisan way
~Overturning the gag rule on abortion
~Tighter fuel standards for cars
~Loosening some restrictions on stem-cell research

One of my Flickr contacts: jurvetson mentioned a quote from then candidate Barack Obama, which I love:
When asked a question about math and science education, he answered: “A whole generation got into math and science because of Apollo. The President has to talk about it in a way that has not been done recently. It’s a subtle thing. In the last several years, I have been shocked by the degree of anti-intellectualism that has been promulgated by the Bush Administration. He jokes about being a C student. ‘I’m not big on science. I know what I think.’ Kids absorb that. I’d like to spend eight years extolling the importance of science and technology and problem solving and critical thinking.”

I love following politics. I'm clearly more happy when "my guy" is in office. I love the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Here are two scenes from the same show that I just loved:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Obama Closing Gitmo

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

I love the "STFU face" - ha ha ha ha ha! too funny!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Fox News Fear Imbalance

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

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:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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

Bush's Final Hours

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:

I am so excited for Tuesday!!!

Healthcare's Financial Burden

I have worked in the health care industry since 1996. Yup - TWELVE years! I don't get to help relieve pain like the nurses do. I don't get to help find answers to illnesses like the doctors do.
I have worked on the financial side in one way or another for most of that time. I have worked as a registrar, biller, customer servic rep, and insurance authorization rep and I currently work in training other billers, registrars, financial counseling and insurance authorization personnel. In all positions, I have met people in the most dire circumstance who are unable to find the help they need to receive proper health care.
At the University Hospital, we have options for patients in such circumstances but it's not always easy for the patient who might be asked to pick up a portion of the bill or doesn't even know what resource they might have.
When I saw the two different health plans offered by the two major candidates for president, I was sold on Obama's plan to help provide people with the resources they need to meet their health care needs.
Nobody begins their day thinking, "today is the day I'll be diagnosed with cancer." or "today I'll have an injury that will prevent me from walking for the rest of my life." We all get up depending on the fact that today will be like all other days and I will make it home safe and sound with only a few things to bitch about from work or school.
I recently ran across this video which shows how so many people struggle with the financial burden of health care.
Stolen Dreams Competition
Winner: The Cure by Anthony Onah

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!

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.

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

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

Sold!

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

American Blackout Trailer

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.

I've become a big fan of the blog Think on These Things

AND I'm now infatuated with the Obama staff due to this video - which is so cute!!


I think that's all I have to say tonight. Truly, there is so much more to say, but I'll stop there for now.

Feeling the Wow of Obama

My vote is yes!
I want Obama as my next president.
He has a deep vision of what is needed and wanted in a country that is reeling from a presidency and administration that has ignored it's people and done more harm than good. He wants the same rights for all Americans, not just the elite few who make more in one month than most of us will make in a lifetime. There's a very real sense of fairness about his ideals and politics and person. There is a feeling of genuine love and compassion for the ones he hopes to represent. I don't know that I have ever felt this passionate, this dedicated or this profound feeling of oneness with any presidential candidate before him.

Obama's speech at the convention last night, stirred in me a desire to get up and do something. To show my patriotism by action and service.
What specifically did I like? Well, let me count the ways:

1. Acknowledgment of the economic frustration we feel today; the money crunch AND the expression that it's not a government issue alone:
"Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach.
These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush.
America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this."

2. Recognition for who John McCain is BUT also a reality check on what he has come to stand for:
"Now let there be no doubt. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and respect. And next week, we'll also hear about those occasions when he's broken with his party as evidence that he can deliver the change that we need.
But the record's clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush ninety percent of the time. Senator McCain likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment when you think George Bush has been right more than ninety percent of the time? I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to take a ten percent chance on change.
The truth is, on issue after issue that would make a difference in your lives - on health care and education and the economy - Senator McCain has been anything but independent. He said that our economy has made "great progress" under this President. He said that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. And when one of his chief advisers - the man who wrote his economic plan - was talking about the anxiety Americans are feeling, he said that we were just suffering from a "mental recession," and that we've become, and I quote, "a nation of whiners." ...Now, I don't believe that Senator McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans. I just think he doesn't know."

3. The definition of success:
"We measure progress by how many people can find a job that pays the mortgage; whether you can put a little extra money away at the end of each month so you can someday watch your child receive her college diploma. We measure progress in the 23 million new jobs that were created when Bill Clinton was President - when the average American family saw its income go up $7,500 ... We measure the strength of our economy not by the number of billionaires we have or the profits of the Fortune 500, but by whether someone with a good idea can take a risk and start a new business, or whether the waitress who lives on tips can take a day off to look after a sick kid without losing her job - an economy that honors the dignity of work."

4. Obama's expectation of the government:
"Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves - protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology.
Our government should work for us, not against us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who's willing to work.
That's the promise of America - the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise or fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper; I am my sister's keeper."

5. The the changes Obama wants to make are the ones I'd like to participate in and see happen:
"Change means a tax code that doesn't reward the lobbyists who wrote it, but the American workers and small businesses who deserve it.
Unlike John McCain, I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America.
I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.
I will cut taxes - cut taxes - for 95% of all working families. Because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class.
And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as President: in ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.
As President, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I'll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy - wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and five million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced."

Amen! Barack Obama's speech is a gold mine of motivation and the will to move forward. His speech delivered the specifics I was seeking about his plan for the future and I'm eager to see the debates play out.

I had to include the video of his biography and speech because to summarize it more means to cut out all that is good about what he believes and what I loved about his speech.

Obama's convention biography:


Obama's history in politics:


Obama's full speech:


In the end, I hope Obama becomes our next president. I hope that others feel moved by his passion and desire to move this country forward. I hope others listen and really hear what he has to say and that they, too, will catch the vision.

And more than that, right now, I hope that whoever you choose to vote for, you know the why - the specifics of that why. That it's based on something real - something more than an unspoken obligation to church, family or fear.

I have put my support behind the man I hope to be our next president: Barack Obama.

That said, I will watch the Republican Convention with interest for what kind of plan John McCain has. I want to hear from his own mouth, what he hopes to accomplish in the next four years that he hasn't already tried to do in the last 26 years he's been in office. What's different now?