The "boy (not) in the balloon" story reveals one thing and one thing only: the American mass media, especially the cable channels, including CNN and MSNBC, have forgotten what their purpose in life is: present the news. Not stupid, sensationalist nonsense out of TV land (the family in the Colorado balloon story starred in "Wifeswap") but significant events that might actually affect people's lives. How many 6-year-old boys died today because of violence or malnutrition or disease, around the world? Why did none of the news channels mention them? They weren't from a zany middle class family in a plush suburb of Colorado, perchance? Their father had not invented a flashy, shiny helium balloon that looked like a UFO? CNN are still plugging the story, except it is NOT a story--NOTHING happened! No child died, no one was even in danger. Yet the network, and to their shame MSNBC, cut away from Barack Obama's "town hall meeting in New Orleans in order to show sensational, but as it turns out completely empty and meaningless film of the shiny balloon. This, by the way, after the cable news channels had been incessantly plugging the line that Obama had not shown enough respect to NOLA because he was only spending 4 hours there. But as soon as a shiny object diverts them, the magpies at the cable news channels cut to the shiny UFO and away from Obama answering thoughtful questions about New Orleans' crisis and recovery. Who is showing disrespect for New Orleans, might I ask? A president who fulfills a promise to go to NOLA, even though, God only knows, he has enough things to occupy him, or the news channels, who can't be bothered to stick with the meeting when a balloon (which turns out to be empty) flashes through the Colorado sky? What is it about shiny vehicles (OJ’s SUV for instance) that acts like catnip for TV producers? CNN and MSNBC should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for being suckered into devoting their precious TV time to a non-event. If anyone thought that there was any integrity or intelligence left in the mass media in the USA, then today should have set them right. American news channels have become another form of infotainment, and have nothing to do with keeping the public informed about what they really need to know. Where, might I ask, were the stories about the six-year olds in New Orleans today suffering from poor education, lack of food, or simply lack of safety and prospects? But to report on THAT would have required some intelligence and effort, not the sort of thing, apparently, that CNN or MSNBC (let alone Fox) are interested in. A sad day for the fourth estate, and for democracy.
For a moving view of what is happening in the US today, visit the site of young photojournalist Mathieu Young at http://www.mathieuyoung.com/. His tent city series http://www.mathieuyoung.com/TC/ is featured in the latest Time Magazine.
Mathieu's photos across the country and around the world express a moving empathy for the conditions of people today.
Every American should see these images!
Thank you Mathieu!
Hi Louisiana.Obama For America is now Organizing For America. The goals have shifted from getting Barack Obama elected to helping make sure his presidency is a success, both politically and policy-wise. You are still needed in this effort.Last week, Congress voted to pass our president's 2010 budget. Only 2 legislators from Louisiana helped to make that happen: Senator Mary Landrieu and Representative Charlie Melancon. We need help showing that Louisianan's care about how our members of congress vote.Could you please take a moment and send a letter to the editor of your local paper thanking Senator Landrieu (and congressman Melancon if you are in his district)? There is a great tool on MyBO to help make this really simple:http://my.barackobama.com/page/speakout/ThankCongressBelow I've attached some ideas for letters, but please write from your own heart. And thank you for continuing to support Barack Obama.Best,Lynda Below are a few ideas to guide your letter writing. Visit our website for more additional tips and information http://my.barackobama.com/page/speakout/ThankCongress LTE #1President Obama is talking to us like adults. He doesn’t sugarcoat his message or claim to have the silver bullet. Since taking office, he's encouraged us to be patient and persistent in charting our course - I think his words were, “more ocean liner than speed boat.”President Obama’s budget is big, but it’s a bold and important down payment on our long-term economic recovery here and across the nation.And that's why I applaud my congressional representative for voting in support of the President's plan to put our country back on the path to prosperity - a vote all of us can be proud of.
LTE #2I’m sick and tired of our bubble-driven economy. From the dot.com craze to the housing bubble, I know so many people who have been affected by the constant boom and bust that has made our economy unstable.President Obama’s budget plan takes on the challenges in our healthcare system, public education and energy policy – and aims to make those things operate better and more efficiently for people just like me here in my town.I agree with President Obama that now is the time to make significant investments to help our economy develop in a sustainable way, and provide real growth and services the people on Main Street need. And that's why I applaud my congressional representative for supporting President Obama's plan.
LTE#3I volunteered for President Obama’s campaign, was thrilled to watch his inauguration, and have been following the early months of his presidency.These days, all the pundits seem to talk about is President Obama’s budget plan. Is it too expensive? Is it too ambitious?I am happy to see that President Obama is engaging his supporters - the regular people who elected him to office – to help build grassroots support for his budget blueprint.Making healthcare more affordable, investing in education, and creating a safer, greener energy policy, are the changes we fought for during the election.And that's why I was so pleased to see my congressional representative vote in support of the President's plan and give him the help he needs to put a down payment on a more sustainable, economic future for all of us.
Updated Ray Nagin, the mayor of New Orleans, and a new superdelegate, endorsed Barack Obama for president Tuesday, saying Mr. Obama had the best vision for rebuilding the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast.
I'm an expatriate New Orleanian working for a New Orleans company operating in North Carolina. You could say I'm a latecomer to the Obama campaign; my (former) favorite candidates either didn't run or dropped out. But I feel good about Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Don't feel so good about Bush-McCain-Palin. I have a twenty-something son, and I'd like to do whatever little things I can to try to leave him a world that's not so screwed up.
So, I originally volunteered to work for the campaign in Pennsylvania, and was looking forward to that (never been there). But lo and behold, it started looking like a close race right here in North Carolina, so I decided to do my part and try to make a difference here. I'll be taking an extra week off work (the week leading up to election day) and make myself available to the campaign office in Raleigh. I'll try to keep you up to date here about what I'm up to!
This is a photo of the Tomb of Gowhar Shad in Herat, Afghanistan. It was built in 1417 Herat, an oasis town, was once one of the most beautiful places in the world, Now it is one of the most destroyed cities in the world.
If we continue to exploit the people and places of the world then one day there will be nothing left but tears.
"When your face is hidden from me, like the moon hidden on a dark night, I shed stars of tears and yet my night remains dark in spite of all those shining stars."
-- Epitah of the Persian Poet, Jami on his tomb in Herat.
Celebrate Life with Love and Respect ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFSVG7jRp_g
The Hip-Hop Generation Needs A Leader Like Barack Obama...
The "Hip-Hop Generation" as we have been dubbed, spans from the suburbs to the inner-cities of the United States and around the world. Despite the differences in backgrounds, races, religious preferences and experiences- we all share many common struggles.
Poverty- I live in Louisiana where poverty extends across the state, creating wide-spread problems and feeding into other issues such as education and healthcare. Poverty leads to higher rates of violence, drug abuse, and illiteracy, while also continuing to divide the greater community (often based on racial lines resulting from over a century of inadequate government responses to the end of slavery and their failure to complete the reconstruction process in a fair and just manner). We have seen the rise and fall of public housing and the "black ghetto"- and the continued segregation of different communities based on income. Hip-Hop arose out of these conditions, first in New York, and later in nearly every major American city.
Trickle down economics, as the Republican candidates continue to argue for, and as we have seen implemented by the Bush administration, simply does not work. McCain falsely portrays Obama's tax policies as wanting to raise the tax burden for the majority of everyday Americans. Perhaps this criticism could be true... but only if McCain considers everyday Americans to be wealthy elites. Perhaps McCain has, like so many Republican candidates before him, forgotten about the "underside" of American (as some call it), the vast majority of low-income and middle class families who struggle day to day just to have a chance at the American Dream.
Obama's policies and values reflect a nation in which no matter what color you are, or what area you live in, you will have equal access to things like education and healthcare. We must elect Obama if we want to remain a united, viable union in years to come.
www.geauxbama.blogspot.com
www.neworleansforobama.blogspot.com
After I evacuated New Orleans to Birmingham, Alabama, my temporary ATM card was lost/stolen and I'm waiting on the bank to overnight me a new one (should be here in the morning or I'm going to learn some real lessons about starvation)! In addition to some cash, I had just over $1 in another bank account and I figured I'd give it to Obama/Biden - they need it more than I need it just sitting in the bank's vault. But when I tried to donate it, OOPS! They can only accept donations between $5 and $2300. Oh well. I guess I can buy...absolutely nothing with it in today's economy after four year of Bush/McCain policies, and I'll be lucky if my bank doesn't foreclose on my house just for having a positive number balance (zing)! (Okay, not funny to the millions of Americans with economic problems, my parents included. It took several weeks of specially-prepared charts, PowerPoint presentations, YouTube, television and common sense to convince those hardcore Republicans that it's time for change in Washington and America.
More after the jump...
I won't be writing here, unless its important, but I keep other blogs and sites, so I'll just give you those addresses instead. Much easier for you!
http://defeatism.ca = my main Tumblr blog sitehttp://twitter.com/defeatist = my twitter, follow along!http://www.flickr.com/photos/cauchemars = my Flickr site, random photos, nothing greathttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=45709219 = my Facebook profile, let's be friendstershttp://www.vimeo.com/defeatism = my vimeo site, watch my movies!
I also help run my friend's project Defend New Orleans. Go check it out and help support us and our causes!
If I'm slacking off at work I'll usually be on some commenting board (Gawker Media, etc) under the defeatism name, so that's me. Or after work, having a few drinks with friends and helping Obama/Biden all the way to the White House.
-Brian
Now it wouldn't be fair at all to throw all the "evangelicals" in the same basket, yet a few weeks prior to the DNC in Denver some evangelicals leaders (Dobson followers) were asking believers to pray for torrential rain, on the exact day Senator Barack Obama would be delivering his nomination acceptance speech. Focus on the Family's Stuart Shepard was perhaps the most outspoken.
Since quite a number of these folks seem to be Republican (at least ostensibly) John McCain is all over the board as he seeks support from evangelicals). No doubt, rain in that open-air stadium would have put a damper on the event but nevertheless, problems hundreds if not thousands wanted it to rain.
Had the weather cooperated, this groupd would have claimed, "You see? God is on our side!" (Believing prayer can control God's actions is a dangerous, slippery slope, to traverse. I now group Dobson in the company of Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh -- squarely among the shock jocks -- saying anything which will increase impact and build the size of the listening audience).
So, instead of the desired outcome, the Republicans are having to delay the start of their convention. Why? The result of an "act of God" which includes the torrential rain they were seeking during Obama's speech.
Maybe Evangelical Christians should be careful what they pray for? God may grant them their wish, but on his own time. Or, more likely, God is not interested in weather and will not be manipulated into causing storms. I think we need in the Christian faith would be wise to just leave God out of the equation when it comes to weather. Otherwise, we could start thinking every nasty storm is some form of punishment.
Perhaps a better prayer would have been to pray for the Obama-Biden ticket to win in November. They will bring an end to the Iraq war, hunt down bin Laden (just exactly where are the "Gates of Hell", John McCain? No wonder George Bush hasn't found him) and change the mindset that got us into this dumb war in the first place.
There is a reason Jesus offered us the parable, "render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's and render unto God what is God's" -- the Judeo-Christian foundation which justified separation of church and state -- to help us keep our allegiances straight. Otherwise, we might get a bunch of wackos controlling the destiny of the whole country, not just their church.
No thanks, Stuart Shepard. I'm drinking my own flavor of Kool-Aid, the Obama-Biden flavor, as it offers a more sane approach to governance.
Obama-Biden '08/'12
Dear Barack, Joe and Democratic Supporters,
After hearing both of your rousing speaches, I hope you and my fellow supporters will consider how we might use this terrible impending storm of doom to transform your inspiring words into action. Use this unique opportunity to send a message to anyone who doubts you and the Democrats' commitment to the working families of the United States (don't worry, even if you don't take my advice I'll still vote for you).
My plan is simple:
1. As the storm hits, call a news conference that will be broadcasted on every major network at 6:00pm in each time zone. Tell your supporters to meet you in New Orleans in the days after the storm to work with you to assist those effected. Roll up your sleeves and help. I can hear you now: "Our time for action is now!"
Your time in New Orleans (or wherever this storm hits) keeps us in the national spotlight during the RNC and thwarts any Republican attempt to say--"We put our party on hold to supervise efforts to help residents while they were busy campaigning."--You know it would come to that. Your words will become even more if they turn into real action.
You will kill two birds with one stone--you will be helping fellow Americans in need (who coincidently live in and around key battleground southern states), as well as doing something real that helps show the sincerity of your message. Remember--ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!
2. Provide a special link on your website so your supporters can donate to a storm relief fund from the Salvation Army or the Red Cross in lieu of a contribution to your campaign and offer a Obama-Biden magnet for their effort or a matching contribution. You may want to make a television commercial that asks Americans to help out their brothers and sisters in the Gulf States. Tell them what you are doing and what they can do to help. Air these commercials in lieu of the traditional attack ads during the RNC. This profoundly different approach to campaigning will serve us all well and show that we Democrats really do care about our fellow Americans especailly in the darkest of days.
Your campaign is about a movement of people and purpose. The next few days offer you a great opportunity to fuse your message with action.
Have a great Labor Day and please consider my plan.
Sincerely,
Timothy M. Samoni
Riverside, NJ
On the Morning Katrina Struck New Orleans, and Hours After the Levee Breach, McCain Was Enjoying Birthday Cake With President Bush. From the White House Website: "President George W. Bush joins Arizona Senator John McCain in a small celebration of McCain's 69th birthday Monday, Aug. 29, 2005, after the President's arrival at Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix. The President later spoke about Medicare to 400 guests at the Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort and Country Club in nearby El Mirage. White House photo by Paul Morse" [The White House, Accessed 4/20/08]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRar6yKZE8g
Please read and digg this article I just posted on why right-wing attacks painting Barack Obama as a superficial celebrity fail. Thank you for all that you do.
http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=7797
Excerpt:
The recent line of right-wing attacks on Barack Obama have been to emphasize his popularity and turn it against him by painting him as nothing more than a celebrity -- "an empty suit" was the phrase I heard one pundit use. Right-wing trolls and bloggers have commonly taken to referring to Senator Obama online as "The One." This attempt at sarcasm is a reference to the character 'Neo' from the movie, The Matrix. As they do this, I have to wonder if they realize who this makes them in their self-created Matrix scenario: Agents? Sentinels? If, in a world of ones and zeros, Barack Obama is "The One," what is John McCain?
By Justin, Georgetown University
Countless young teachers have answered the call to service in New Orleans in the years following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, Americans of all ages, from all walks of life have flocked to the city and its surrounding parishes in hopes of making a difference. The Houston Chronicle recently covered the influx of volunteers into the region:
"As the surge in applications to local universities such as Tulane showed, New Orleans has become a destination for young people who want to live in a place where they feel a unique potential, both to make a difference and to have fun."The explosion of interest in teaching here can also be attributed to the marketing techniques of programs such as teachNOLA and Teach For America, which have used the Internet to spread the message that New Orleans is the place to be for young educators bent on change. The city's growing reputation in education reform circles has fueled that message."
"As the surge in applications to local universities such as Tulane showed, New Orleans has become a destination for young people who want to live in a place where they feel a unique potential, both to make a difference and to have fun.
"The explosion of interest in teaching here can also be attributed to the marketing techniques of programs such as teachNOLA and Teach For America, which have used the Internet to spread the message that New Orleans is the place to be for young educators bent on change. The city's growing reputation in education reform circles has fueled that message."
The article profiles a few intrepid volunteers who set their sights on New Orleans' schools in an effort to lend a helping hand:
"Mark and Amy Lucker left rural Minnesota with their young sons, inspired to become teachers in New Orleans after reading a newspaper article. "After a chance encounter with two teachers at a basketball game, native Louisianian Craig Laborde quit a long career in law enforcement and is headed for a job in the classroom. "Northwestern University senior Rachel Durston was drawn by an ad for college students interested in education. Eager to return to her Southern roots, she applied to teach in the Crescent City. "After years of scrambling to find good teachers, many public schools in New Orleans have more aspiring teachers than they know what to do with as the new school year approaches. "'We have far more applicants than we have positions for', said Paul Vallas, superintendent of the Recovery School District. With more than 1,000 resumes on file, Vallas said the district could easily double its teaching pool, if necessary."
"Mark and Amy Lucker left rural Minnesota with their young sons, inspired to become teachers in New Orleans after reading a newspaper article.
"After a chance encounter with two teachers at a basketball game, native Louisianian Craig Laborde quit a long career in law enforcement and is headed for a job in the classroom.
"Northwestern University senior Rachel Durston was drawn by an ad for college students interested in education. Eager to return to her Southern roots, she applied to teach in the Crescent City.
"After years of scrambling to find good teachers, many public schools in New Orleans have more aspiring teachers than they know what to do with as the new school year approaches.
"'We have far more applicants than we have positions for', said Paul Vallas, superintendent of the Recovery School District. With more than 1,000 resumes on file, Vallas said the district could easily double its teaching pool, if necessary."
Our commitment to service begins with people like the Luckers, and Craig Laborde, and Rachel Durston. Senator Obama has sounded this call throughout the course of this campaign, and he has long partnered with the people of New Orleans in their efforts to rebuild and revive. Senator Obama's Gulf Recovery Plan is available on our website:
"In the Senate, Barack Obama introduced legislation with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) to enable public schools affected by Katrina to immediately attract and retain top talent. He also introduced legislation to help three historically black colleges and universities in New Orleans recruit and retain students and faculty. Obama has proposed a loan forgiveness program to encourage students to return to institutions of higher education in the affected Gulf area. As president, Obama will help communities in the Gulf make necessary school infrastructure investments so all kids from all backgrounds have safe and supportive environments to learn."
Senator Obama please remember there is no clean compromise on offshore oil drilling!
After Katrina: Oil Spill First RespondersMegan SeverWhen Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August, no one was immune from its rage. The hurricane hit oil and gas infrastructure particularly hard. More than 100 platforms were destroyed or lost, major pipelines were shut down, and refineries and oil storage sites lost power and were flooded and heavily damaged. While thousands of people rushed out of the area, struggling to avoid rising flood waters, some folks were rushing in. They were hoping to prevent — or at least quickly clean up — what would become America’s largest oil spill since the 11-million-gallon Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989
