Well, here we are at the much-hyped "moment of truth" regarding the Iraq War; the report on the "surge" from General Petraeus (SIC?)...And - SURPRISE! - Bush isn't budging an inch... The Republicans in Congress will not put their votes where their mouths are... And I have the feeling that this is just going to drag on and on indefinitely. I am absolutely ready to throw up. I can't take it any more. Does anyone else feel this way???
What can we do? We can't just wait for the election and a new President. Thousands of people are dying in the meantime! It's the most amazing and despicable thing I've ever seen. And I feel absolutely helpless. Yes, we can do everything we can to support Obama, we can call and e-mail our congresspeople and senators, we can sign petitions, BLAH BLAH BLAH...Still nothing changes! How did this happen? How can one stubborn idiot have so much power?? I thought this was a democracy. I agree with everything Obama says, and I support him 150%, but it's just not enough. What can we do??
We have to stop being afraid. We have to start standing our ground even if it risks our chances in the next election. The majority in Congress - no matter how slim - must say enough is enough. I AM BEGGING EVERY DEMOCRATIC AND MODERATE REPUBLICAN IN CONGRESS TO STOP IT NOW. STOP FUNDING THIS WAR. STOP FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT IF NECESSARY. STOP THIS PRESIDENT AND THIS WAR NO MATTER WHAT THE POLITICAL COSTS.
I wish I thought the people who make these decisions were actually listening. I fear they are not. What can we do???
The following is an article from this Sunday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. enjoy!
Rick Beaule'
Sunday, June 03, 2007
By David Shribman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
CONWAY, N.H. -- This is a crowd that is virtually all white. This is the least emotive state in the Union. This is a town that voted decisively for Barry Goldwater in 1964. This is where thousands of people filled the parking lot of Kennett High School in the hope of crowding in to see a black man who is running for president.
David M. Shribman is executive editor of the Post-Gazette (dshribman@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1890). This also may be the political phenomenon of the age. Inside the high school, where a banner boasts of 15 state high school boys' skiing championships since 1979, voters of a state where natives like to tell visitors that they can't get there from here are straining -- you can almost see their eyes squinting to will this to come true -- to believe that Barack Obama can go from the gym in Conway to the White House in Washington.
Because this is a place where the phrase mildly enthusiastic means wildly enthusiastic, an outsider has to adjust his perceptions. But by any measure -- and the best one was the way the cars were parked all the way down Main Street, past the Conway Cafe to the swath of land that hardly anyone anymore remembers was the site of the dignified old Presidential Inn -- this was a remarkable turnout. A whole lot bigger than the crowd Paul Newman attracted in 1972 when he landed at the little air strip up the road (now long gone) to campaign for Rep. Pete McCloskey, the California liberal Republican who mounted a doomed primary challenge to Richard M. Nixon.
Inside the gym the candidate himself looked awfully young, sounded awfully idealistic, appeared awfully scrawny, seemed an awfully familiar type to New Englanders who have been told for a generation and a half what the young, scrawny and idealistic Jack Kennedy looked like when he ventured north in 1960 to ask New Hampshire to help send him to the White House.
New Hampshire voters are famously realistic, self-consciously independent and sometimes legendarily and unremittingly mean. Part of the folklore of the place is the unrestrained joy these voters -- who chose Pat Robertson over Bob Dole in the 1996 Republican contest -- take in cutting big men down to size. But in stops here and at Dartmouth College, where thousands more crowded into the Rockefeller Center courtyard to hear him speak, Mr. Obama saw the sweet side of New Hampshire. Ordinarily the sweet side of New Hampshire, if visible at all, is about four inches wide (the side of the tree where the maple syrup is tapped).
Not this time. This was, to be sure, a Democratic crowd, so if Clifford the Big Red Dog had appeared and called for the end of the war in Iraq, universal health insurance and an end to American dependence on foreign oil, he would have been cheered, given a Milk Bone and sent on his way to a rally over in Littleton. But Mr. Obama, appearing in a theater-in-the-round format and turning like a revolving rooftop restaurant to address the crowd, also won warm applause for his reminiscences about running job-training programs for the unemployed in Chicago and for the lessons he drew from the civil-rights movement in the South.
There are obstacles galore to an Obama presidency. One of them is named Hillary Rodham Clinton. Another is named John Edwards, whose appeal as the liberal purist should not be underestimated in a contest that could be determined by liberal purists. A third is the tendency of white Americans to tell pollsters they'll vote for a black candidate like Tom Bradley, whom the polls indicated could win the California gubernatorial races of 1982 and 1986, only to vote for a white candidate in the privacy of the voting booth.
But this is the period when voters are looking to fall in love, or at least to indulge in a little infatuation. But once the campaign moves into its next phase, we are going to wonder what love has to do with it. The 2008 Democratic race has many themes, but the abiding theme is whether anybody can stop Sen. Clinton. Sen. Obama may feel the love right now, but before long the New Hampshire Primary and its early-state analogues around the country are going to look a lot less like lovefests and a lot more like prizefights.
But right now a lot of people are falling for Mr. Obama, one of the few candidates who knows how to pronounce the name of the northern New Hampshire town of Berlin (rhymes with swirlin') and smart enough to ask local crowds whether there are any good diners nearby (try the Miss Wakefield, 38 miles south down Route 16). At a time when people, Democrats especially, are angry at government, Mr. Obama and his stardust melody makes them feel good about themselves, and about the future. People like that.
"We're proud of our individuality and our self reliance," he said here in Conway, "but we also have to take pride in what we can do together." That's part of his stump speech, of course, but you can never go wrong talking about individuality and self-reliance in New Hampshire. And when Mr. Obama attacks the Bush administration and the Republicans for a philosophy of "can't do, won't do, won't even try," he is identifying himself with the can-do attitude that planted small settlements in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains here and, not incidentally, kept taxes low. Especially kept taxes low.
This may be an unusually early primary season, but it still is early in the primary season. Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama have about the same amount of money. Former Vice President Al Gore may yet join the campaign. The war in Iraq grinds on. No sane person makes a prediction in June before an election year. But there's still room for an observation: Mr. Obama may be new to this game, and new to New Hampshire, but he's sure enjoyed a strong introduction. The hills of this state are littered with candidates who didn't even achieve that.
In a campaign, passions run high and principles are important. I understand that. I feel that. But sometimes we need to step back a little, take a deep breath and keep the finish line in sight. Visualize Victory!
Sometimes our passion about specific principles can be so intense that we shoot ourselves in the foot and defeat our own purpose. A perfect example is Ralph Nader. He claims to be so "principled" about the environment and consumers, but ALL he ended up doing by running for President in 2000 was get George Bush elected!! ...the exact OPPOSITE of what would have furthered his "causes." Rather than support Gore, who was obviously most aligned with his own positions, he decided to fight "the good fight" and handed us Bush on an oil-soaked styrofoam platter - thanks a lot, Ralph!
That's why I sometimes get frustrated with gay & lesbian activists who INSIST that every Democratic candidate clearly articulate exactly where they stand on "gay issues." Now, I'm certainly not putting down gay activists. They do a lot of important work and I admire and commend them. But I also feel that sometimes it's important to leave well enough alone and accept the country we live in ~ at least for a moment. I know where Barack stands on gay issues and how hard he would work for our community; most importantly in NOT working AGAINST our community. I've read, listened to, and watched his speeches and I know his voting record. I don't think he HAD to say that he believes that homosexuality is not immoral in response to General Pace's comments (although he since HAS). We really don't NEED to get that specific all the time. We don't NEED to hand the opposition every piece of ammunition. He's on our side - give him a break!
So before we force every candidate to watch gay porn and then declare how beautiful it is, let's be grateful that we have such an extraordinary candidate to rally behind! I am gay, but that's not ALL I am. I'm also a Christian, a consumer, an environmentalist, a ONE campaign supporter (www.one.org), and a person who wants healthcare for everyone, better education for ALL our children, more respect for our nation around the world, and an end to this STUPID WAR! I KNOW that Obama is the best man to do ALL these things, so I'm not going to force him to articulate every minute detail if it might POSSIBLY lead to another four tortuous years of a Republican President. I can't take that - I'll move to Europe, I swear!
And one more thing...what is up Al Sharpton's crawl? Yes, he needs to scrutinize each candidate, and, no, we don't expect him to support someone JUST because they're black, blah blah blah...but does he have to have such an EDGE in his voice when he discusses Barack? Does he really need to use that TONE? He really sounds like the Oscar-loser talking about how wonderful it is just to be nominated. It sounds reasonable, but you can tell they just don't MEAN it. Not REALLY...They're really just pissed off and jealous and want to scratch the winner's eyes out but they have to smile and sound magnanimous! There, I said it...
It's ridiculously easy to forget that it is SO early in this process! Every time a new poll comes out and after each story or revelation about one of the candidates I catch myself getting overly excited or upset. And then I remember ~ it's almost 11 months until the FIRST PRIMARY!!! I have to stay focused on small steps forward...maintaining and building momentum...spreading the word...raising money...building a foundation...But that's painfully difficult when you feel so passionately about something. At least for me. After six years of being assaulted and insulted by the incompetence, idiocy, and downright criminal behavior of this administration, I can finally see some light at the end of the Neo-Con tunnel...and I want to run to it NOW!
But let's talk about the recent polls a little bit anyway...it's fun! First and foremost, Barack has gained CONSIDERABLE ground on Hillary - especially among African-Americans. He has cut her lead in half overall, and actually taken over among black voters. This reinforces my belief that the more people know about Obama, the more they'll like him. The "product" sells itself!! Edwards has been pretty stagnant, but no one should underestimate him. And, of course, there's always the possibility that Gore will jump in. I just don't see how ANY of these others even compares to Barack...no worries...
On the other side, Giuliani has increased his lead over McCain. Romney's having trouble despite all the support from the Bush camp...How shocking considering the stellar poll numbers of W.! The Giuliani thing really confounds me. I've been saying and thinking for months that most Republicans, especially Evangelicals, just don't know him well enough yet, and once they find out about his social positions, they'll dump him faster than his ex-wives. But it still hasn't happened! Stay tuned I guess.
The most amazing poll I saw this week was one of several potential match-ups. Obama BEATS BOTH MCCAIN AND GIULIANI IN 1 ON 1 RACES AND HILLARY DOES NOT!!! Granted, they're pretty slim margins, and it's VERY early, but that's pretty amazing! Not to mention motivating...and exhilirating. God, it's fun to be excited about politics again. It's really been a long ABYSS!!
Anyway, I better get to bed so I can get up tomorrow and watch the "over the top" funeral of Anna Nicole Smith. Yeah, they actually said it was going to be "over the top." What's wrong with those people? Do you think they're really stupid? Ignorant? Evil? Greedy? I wonder what it is? Maybe it's just a perfect storm of bad genes and even worse upbringing. Combine that with "medicating" the few brain cells that actually work, and you have Howard K. Stern. At least he has the drugs to partially explain his behavior (birds of a feather...). What's Vergie's excuse?? There, I said it...
I should preface all of this by saying that the Democrats really shouldn't beat each other up TOO much in the primaries...No matter who comes out on top, they will be better than the Republican alternative. And then we ALL have to rally behind him or her...But c'mon, Hillary - lighten up!!
Calling David Geffen's remarks about her a "vicious attack" is just ridiculous. And could she look MORE jealous and petty by demanding that he renounce the comments and RETURN THE MONEY?? HAHA!!! Of course, the Obama camp's response was right on...How can she get so upset over the Geffen remarks while simultaneously and enthusiastically accepting the endorsement from the South Carolina whatever-he-is who said every Democrat would lose with Obama at the top of the ticket because he's black. Give me a break. I guess they're just desperate to get the attention away from her REFUSAL (a la George Bush) to admit that she made a mistake with her Iraq vote. All in all, I think she's (unfortunately) proving David Geffen's point!
But let's move on...that's just too silly for words. Let's talk about the TOTAL pack of FLIP-FLOPPERS on the Republican side!! It's just too funny...I have never seen a bunch of people who will just say ANYTHING and actually expect everyone to forget everything else they ever said up until that point. Well, except George Bush...and Dick Cheney...and Donald Rumsfeld...ok, so it's not so new, but it's REALLY obvious! Just a few years ago, Mitt Romney was going to be a better champion of gay rights than Ted Kennedy! He also STRONGLY supported a woman's right to choose. Now that he's running for President, however, that's all changed. All of a sudden, he's the COMPLETE opposite. OK...Same thing with John McCain. When he ran in 2000, Jerry Falwell and that whole crew were "agents of intolerance." NOW, he's their best buddy and kissing up to them more embarassingly than Liz Taylor at a DeBeers Diamond conference! And then there's Rudy...He's not exactly changing his positions, but has decided that he would appoint judges that would rule in exact opposition to his core beliefs. Hmmm...OK...Do any of these guys really think the religious right is THAT stupid? Don't get me wrong, I think it's wonderful that there are actually that many Republicans that aren't bigoted, closed-minded idiots who like to beat people down with their interpretation of the Bible rather than lift them up with its message, but to see them boldly and proudly LIE about such important issues is just disgusting. To me, that's actually worse than being a bigoted, closed-minded idiot. At least have the courage of your convictions!
And now, yes, it's time for Anna Nicole. Thank GOD that child is only 5 months old and has no idea what's going on. After a week of pure nonsense from everyone involved, the judge finally made the right and obvious decision. She will be buried next to her son. DUH! He could have decided that on Tuesday afternoon. But now the mother is appealing! She needs to be shot. Just let your daughter be buried next to your grandson!! It's no big woop. If you ever want to visit the grave, get the National Enquirer to follow you and take "exclusive" photos and they'll pay for the whole thing - right? And POOR Howard Stern! He only made $12,000. per year while her show was on TV and then NOTHING! He had to borrow money from his parents to get to the court hearing in Florida! YEAH, right! Anna Nicole Smith was a suffering addict who was completely surrounded by leacherous (SIC?) morons. No wonder she was on methodone! There, I said it...
So, tonight was Barack's big fundraiser in Hollywood! I can't wait to see some clips of his speech there...Even more interesting will be what the conservatives have to say about it. They just LOVE to criticize anything and everything about Hollywood! And I'm REALLY tired of it!
I was just watching some music videos and was reminded of how incredibly talented and creative most musicians and videographers/filmmakers are. Many are absolute geniuses. For about the past 30-40 years, I believe that music has become the new poetry. Very few people actually sit down and write poems anymore, and even if they did, they'll hardly ever get read. Therefore, most of that creative energy now comes out in song. And I love it! Now, those words and emotions are expressed in music videos, films, and even live musical performances (read concerts). The people in Hollywood & New York are some of the brightest and most creative people in the world. So why do conservatives have so much fun bashing them and anyone associated with them? Why are so many of us considered the "Liberal Elite?"
I have my theories, but this campaign is about bringing people TOGETHER. Of course, Obama said it best when he talked about family values in blue states and gay friends in red states. But it seems to me that, basically, the Republican Party is the SELFISH party; no matter where one lives. They are most concerned with lowering THEIR taxes (not all the benefits others get from taxpayer money), limiting others' rights (gay marriage, abortion, etc.), and waging war against anyone who looks at us funny (or who just looks "funny"). It's a complete lack of empathy (see previous blog), and it's rooted in FEAR. The fear instilled in them by their religions (not ALL religions; just some "conservative" ones) from the time they were toddlers and the fear instilled in them by their leaders (BUSH). They aren't as idealistic and visionary. They don't take risks. They don't push their limits, and they don't think outside the box. I realize these are generalizations, but think about it... It's generally very true. What I don't believe is that this is an irreversible and unchangeable majority in the "Red states." All it takes is an inspirational leader with vision and COMMON SENSE to pull people out of their fear and into what CAN BE.
Well, it's time for a visionary. It's time for Obama, and the idealistic visionaries in Hollywood are leading the way (tonight)...and I am THRILLED!
Yesterday, Presidents' Day, we were treated to yet another look into the delusion-plex that is George W. Bush. While speaking at Mt. Vernon, he actually compared the current war to the Revolutionary War. Then, he even compared himself to George Washington: "I feel right at home here. After all, this is the home of the first George W." WHAT??!!! The man has completely lost it ~ if he EVER had it! The original George W. must have been SPINNING in his grave! And they say BRITNEY is losing her mind?
Actually, he may have had a point in one regard. Today we found out that the British are leaving!...Iraq. Somehow I don't think that's what he meant though.
Barbra Streisand and the Dixie Chicks are treated like pirana because they speak their mind as entertainers while Bush is STILL allowed to walk into the Oval Office every morning...After everything he has said and done over the past six years. They say HOLLYWOOD has no morals? Actors & Musicians shouldn't speak out?? Call me crazy, but I think this administration's lies, mistakes, and actual CRIMES (torture, domestic eavesdropping, CIA leaks, ETC. ETC.) far outweigh Britney Spears impulsively shaving her head or flashing her crotch!! There, I said it...
WEEKEND EDITION
As some of you may have noticed, I'm going to try to make my blog a daily thing. It's fun and kind of therapeutic. Hopefully, some of you find it interesting and entertaining as well. While not as "serious" as most, my goal is to inject some humor and entertainment into a very serious and important endeavor. I'm sure I will offend some of you (or all of you) at some point with my caustic and sarcastic humor, but just remember that it's just sarcasm and humor. Get over it! lol
With that in mind, I had a revelation today while watching the news. As I'm sure you're all aware, it was Kim Jung Il's birthday today! As I was listening to the report about his characteristics and traits (some may call them personality disorders), I couldn't help but notice how much he and W. are alike!! I think they may be brothers, even twins, separated at birth!! Think about it...
Both have serious messianic complexes, believing they were BORN to rule; anointed by God himself (or herself). Both are sons of previous leaders of their respective nations. Both relish in their role as Commander-in-Chief, and both rule with an iron fist ~ any detractors are dealt with VERY seriously. Neither have a problem with torture; in fact, they consider it merely a means to a GREAT and NOBLE end. They both love to dress up in jumpsuits and uniforms, and they both just SAY THINGS (Bush STILL claims he never tried to link Sadam Hussein & Al Quaeda/ Kim Jong Il claims he shot 38 under par the very FIRST time he ever played golf) that have absolutely no basis in reality or fact; assuming that everyone will just believe it because THEY SAID IT...and, horrifyingly, most of their subjects actually do!! And, sadly, neither of them really care too much about the poor and hungry right in their streets, the lack of healthcare, or basic human and civil rights. As long as they stay in power, build their arsenals, and line the pockets of their small circle of friends, they're happy. Coincidence? I THINK NOT!
I know, I know, most of us have it much better than anyone in North Korea, but when you look at it this way, is it any wonder we're so hated around the world? It's obvious to all of us here in America that North Korea's leader is a frightening and dangerous disaster. But to others around the world, isn't our leader nearly as dangerous and frightening ~ just in a proper suit & tie? Instead of waging as many wars as possible and just trying to KILL or capture every "terrorist" we can find, why don't we focus on the CAUSES...the actual ROOTS of the problem? Of course, we're never going to change every radical's mind, but we could seriously limit their ability to recruit more. If we TRIED. If we REALLY cared. If we had a LEADER who understood what actual diplomacy was. If we had a leader who valued wisdom and vision over slogans of false bravado, we might actually get some respect! Unfortunately, we haven't earned much respect over the past six years. It's embarassing. It's dangerous. It's tragic. Could anyone else have reversed the worldwide goodwill we had following 9/11 so completely and justifiably if they TRIED? IN SO LITTLE TIME?? George W. Bush should be ashamed. He should be IMPEACHED! (except then we'd end up with Cheney who's just as bad, if not worse) What he has done to this nation and this Constitution (not to mention over 3,000 American lives!) is, literally, a sin. I don't know how he can call himself a Christian. I don't know how he can sleep at night. I bet TENS OF THOUSANDS of wives, husbands, children & parents of our fallen heroes have trouble.
When I go where I just went, I get angry...I get sad...And, now, I get MOTIVATED. I believe with all my heart that Barack Obama can turn this all around. My fear is that he is the ONLY one who can. We MUST help...We MUST do everything we can...We MUST sacrifice our time, money, and cozy little routines if we want to have any hope. We MUST make a difference. And we can. Thank God! If we don't ~ if we're too complacent ~ we will end up being envious of North Koreans! We're almost there, but WE still have a choice...For now... There, I said it...
I suppose this is progress...The shockingly bigoted remarks of a former NBA player were all over the news today. No, that's not the progress. The good news is that Tim Hardaway's declaration that "I hate gay people," and his subsequent rant (which sounded an awful lot like "The Ladies' Man" character, didn't it?) about how there's no room IN THE WORLD or this country for "them" was greeted by near universal disdain. And there were actual CONSEQUENCES! The NBA bravely banished him from the upcoming All-Star festivities stating that his remarks were not consistent "with having anything to do with us." Good for them! But it always used to strike me as especially confounding when one minority is so bigoted toward another. Shouldn't he, as an African-American, of ALL people be more understanding of homosexuals (or Jews, or Hispanics, or whatever the case du jour may be)?? That used to baffle me and anger me to distraction, but Barack Obama has helped me to understand why it happens...More often than any of us care to admit.
Why, you ask? The answer lies with Rush Limbaugh! His declaration today that Obama should "renounce" his heritage (or his "Half-rican American"ism - CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS GUY??!!!) since he said on 60 Minutes Sunday night that he didn't "choose" his race (DUH!) offers yet another glimpse into, believe it or not, the SAME core problem that "inspires" these ignorant statements...which come from ignorant beliefs. Both Tim Hardaway and Rush Limbaugh (among countless others, of course) suffer from an EXTREME lack of EMPATHY. Do you think Rush Limbaugh would make those comments if he had to walk around for ONE DAY disguised as an African-American? Do you think Tim Hardaway would feel the same way if he wasn't TAUGHT that being homosexual was a choice or a behavior? Of course not...but even these two stellar examples of intolerance are completely unable to look at things beyond their own narrow experience. Even Mr. Hardaway, who is black...Even Mr. Limbaugh who is an addict...
Empathy is one of my favorite topics about which Barack Obama writes and speaks so eloquently. And I believe it is THE MAIN difference between Democrats & Republicans, liberals & conservatives (with some exceptions, of course). What is empathy? Without looking it up in the dictionary, to me, it means the ability to put oneself in another's "shoes" and to attempt to imagine how it would "feel" to be them or to be in their situation...And THEN, most importantly, to act, react, and make decisions on that basis. It's not easy and it doesn't come naturally to most people, but it enables one to occasionally escape from the human tendency to be selfish and self-seeking...to stop asking, "what's in it for ME?" Above all, it's a spiritual gift, whether you're religious or not, whether you believe it or not...And Obama has it in ABUNDANCE!
THAT is what will make him a GREAT leader. THAT is what makes him so obviously genuine. THAT is probably what has brought, to some degree or another, each and every one of us to this point; to this website; to this campaign. And, THAT is what will help all of us, if we make a decision to be aware of it, embrace it, and practice it, to rise above bigotry, selfishness, closed-mindedness, short-sightedness, fear tactics, and even attack ads (you know, ALL the Republican traits & strategies!). It starts with each of US. If we are able, whenever we can, to ask ourselves if we're being empathetic in any given situation, and change it if we're not, that will effect the person or situation with which we're dealing. It may inspire them to do the same. It's contagious. Try it...
Unfortunately, there's no new BIG story yet to distract me from Anna Nicole Smith. I desperately searched for another culturally significant topic to discuss, but there's nothing really FUN happening. So, we have to be satisfied with the nationally televised "hearing" today about what should happen to the corpse of Anna Nicole (yuck!). All I want to know is WHERE did they find that judge? And why does HE want the body now, too? Is he related to Judge Judy, or just sound, act and look like it?
I'm over it! We need new dirt! Why won't Laura Bush just admit how much medication she's on (as evidenced by her permanent Stepford-Wives-glazed-look)?? There, I said it...Admit it, you thought it...
Well, it's going to be a LONG campaign, but I truly believe that WITH OUR HELP, Obama can WIN this nomination AND the election! What's the "machine" to which I refer in today's title? It refers to two things, which are really one in the same...The Hillary Machine and the (Democratic) Establishment Machine have already begun.
The first, most obvious development is the NY Times article by Maureen Dowd. She's awfully (and I think unfairly) critical of Obama, but it actually should have been expected. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't she write several very favorable articles and books about Hillary? Even so, as an obvious Democrat, I think Dowd should leave the Obama-bashing to Fox News. Do we really have to destroy all our own candidates before they even get to the General Election?? Have some foresight!
I also read that two prominent African-American leaders in South Carolina are endorsing Hillary over Obama. They actually said that having Obama on the ticket would DESTROY the Democrats' chances in the election, and we would even lose the House & Senate because of a black man as the Presidential nominee. It's a travesty that that still may be the case in South Carolina in 2007, but I think the rest of the country is a little more advanced in that area. But, after several calls from Bill Clinton, they agreed to endorse Hillary. Oh well...
And, you know what? If I hear ONE MORE pundit on TV say that no one knows Obama's positions and he needs to start being more specific and start taking stands on issues, I'm going to scream! For supposedly being intelligent and inquisitive beings, they seem completely unable (or unwilling) to visit a website, read a speech, read a book, or read legislation he's introduced. Barack is actually one of the most prolific and open candidates in the arena! If you pay attention, you know more about him than any of them! Oh well, we see what we want to see...
My main point in this whole "machine" discussion is to remind us all that we cannot allow Obama to get DEAN'ed...He had all the momentum (not JOE-mentum - whatever the hell that was!) up until the last minute. Then, for some reason yet to be explained & exposed, some very important people in the media and the Democratic party must have decided that Kerry had a better chance than Howard Dean. They blew his "scream" so far out of proportion and played it over and over again on every news channel that it just ruined him. Mark my words, they're going to try to do the same thing to Obama. Hopefully, he'll handle it better than Dean. He's certainly getting more time to practice...
Please note: Don't get me wrong ~ I will vote for Hillary if she wins the nomination as she is much better than any Republican, but I have some major problems with her and I don't think she's the BEST choice for the Democrats. I'd love to see a woman President some day, too, but not her. Maybe Michelle Obama in '16!!
Finally, let's take a quick look at "the other side." My top pick for the Republican nomination is DEFINITELY Mike Huckabee!! What a dream! I pray every night they nominate him. Can't you just see the Huckabee vs. Obama debates?? I think I'll buy my Huckabee yard signs right now! I live on the Main Line, so they'd probably be pretty effective...lol Also, did you read that Giuliani's first (of three) marriages lasted 14 years...and he was married to his SECOND COUSIN??? It may help him in West Virginia, but I think the religious right may have a few choice words about that! Can't wait for that to come up...kind of brings new meaning to "Family Values" doesn't it??
And, of course, I can't resist my daily Anna Nicole Smith fix (bad choice of words, I know, but it applies). After all, we know more about her than any of these silly candidates! Beyond the obvious sadness of the spectacle of the circling vultures, is the reality of addiction & alcoholism. As someone who knows quite a bit about this disease, Anna Nicole's sudden and unexpected death is neither. As most addicts do, she surrounded herself with enablers, and pushed away everyone who tried to help. It's "fun" to focus on her beauty, glamour, fame, and fortune, but the real story here is the disease of addiction and its logical end without a miracle. We STILL belittle people for "running & hiding" in rehab...We STILL joke about public "messes" and celebrity "train wrecks"...and we STILL wonder why people "turn" to drugs and alcohol - even those who seem to "have it all." It's past time for everyone to WAKE UP and educate themselves. This IS a disease and the victims need all the help they can get to fight it. We wouldn't stigmatize someone for seeking chemo. & radiation for their cancer. Every time a public figure makes an uneducated, demeaning, or sarcastic remark about an addict or alcoholic not seeking help, seeking help, or showing signs of their disease, they are KILLING the next Anna Nicole Smith...and orphaning the next Danielynne...and enabling the next Howard K. Stern...There, I said it...
It's far too early in my day to be very creative or witty, and I should be working, but I just created this blog, so I thought I better write SOMETHING... Barack Obama is my hero!! What a great weekend for him and our country. I am so excited about this campaign, I can barely express it. FINALLY, a clean, articulate...oh - scratch that!! (lol) Seriously: FINALLY a candidate who inspires and excites rather than scares and spins. Someone who speaks genuinely and thoughtfully about religion & politics, the war, healthcare and all those other "liberal" issues. Someone who isn't afraid to say "gay people" in his announcement speech! WOW...
I'll write more tonight when I have the brain and the time, but I just wanted to introduce myself to all of you HIGHLY intelligent people in ObamaLand. Welcome...Let's get started...Let's take the energy from this thrilling first weekend and ROLL with it!! (If only Dick Cheney hadn't ordered the hit on Anna Nicole Smith last week, Obama would have gotten even MORE press coverage! haha - it's a JOKE, secret service people!) Speaking of which, I suppose I can't sign off without at least weighing in on the biggest news event of the month (sigh)...Howard K. Stern OBVIOUSLY killed her, the Prince is OBVIOUSLY the baby's father, and in order to most closely replicate the upbringing that poor baby would have had (my heart DOES ache for HER) the courts MUST award custody to Zsa Zsa Gabor!!! There, I said it...
