I just read someone making a comparison.
It's been 40 years since King was assassinated in 1968. It's only been 30 years since Harvey Milk was assassinated. Maybe in ten more Milk's martyrdom will mean something.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
parsing the LA Times
Astrid posted this article. I claimed it is bullshit. Since I am on a roll, I will not demonstrate why this is so.
What does any of this have to do with marriage? This author is now and will continue to present an image of "rich white gays." Who are these people? I don't know them. And why does she insist on discussing whether this issue should be a "priority" or not? Voting yes or no on a question on a ballot does not require it to be a priority. It just requires recognizing the rights and humanity of other humans. There were twelve propositions on the CA ballot this year. When a person enters a voting booth, he or she has three options for these questions--vote yes, vote no, or do not vote. 52% of Californians who chose to vote, chose to vote yes. 70% of black Californians who chose to vote, chose to vote yes. What does any of this have to do with priorities? Other measures included the folliwing: High speed trains, confinement of chickens, children's hospitals, parental notification for underage abortions, non-violent criminal code, renewable energy, etc. This proposition clearly stated "Eliminates the rights of same-sex couples to marry" (emphasis added). Clearly it was someone's "priority" if they're voting to eliminate rights
Again, she states--"why it should matter to use above everything else." IT SHOULDN'T matter to you above everything else. But that doesn't mean you have to vote to eliminate other people's rights! To answer her question, YES. That homeless gay man with HIV and addicted to crack would benefit from the right to marry. YES. How would his life had been different if he had been seen as an equal? If he hadn't internalized shame? If his family hadn't told him he was inferior? But, she is presenting an extreme case. Marriage won't solve all of this person's problems. To look less extremely, perhaps the 70 year old black woman wouldn't become infected with HIV because her husband is "on the dl?" Perhaps young black women wouldn't continue to be decimated by HIV if their men were given options, if society recognized them as equal?
Yeah, able to vote to help chickens live better lives. This author is so offensive. What white gays are singularly focused? Does she think there is no "spectrum of an entire community" for gays? Are there no gay convicted felons? Are there no gays addicted to drugs, homeless, owning small businesses, living in projects? She is generalizing and stereotyping beyond belief. And how is marriage a luxury? These straight poor black people of whom she speaks have the right to marry. It is not seen by them as a luxury. It is something that is there, from birth, as an option, or as a dream. Even those convicted felons can get married to the person they love, and what is more important than love?
It's only pitted against the church because the church chooses to oppose it. There are plenty of churches that embrace this concept. Even President elect Obama's undeniably black church supports same sex marriage. The Gospel of John is the Gospel of Love. And for a community so recently removed from Loving v. Virginia, this argument fails to convince. One of the Rev. Dr. King's closets friends in the battle for civil rights was a gay black man, Bayard Rustin.
Ok. Point taken.
She's even more racist than the side I am presenting. This mythical "white gay" of which she speaks is a total product of her stereotyping.
This is a total non sequitor. What does any of this have to do with the issue at hand? It will not bring about equality for everyone, but it will present gaiety on an equal level as heterosexuality, and it will lead to the solution of many of the problems facing gays. How does driving while black have anything to do with gay marriage? It doesn't. They are totally separate issues. This woman is bitter. The conflation of these two issues indicates to me that she has a major chip on her shoulder and that she cannot bear to see advances for other people. We can work to fix racism and heterosexism, but we needn't conflate the two.
She hates herself. "Including with this black lesbian?" So did she vote Yes on 8? Sounds like it. Bitter. Bitter. Bitter. Everyone needs a scapegoat (and I fully recognize that in my emotional ranting the other day I was scapegoating). What are the white gays supposed to "get?" That they don't deserve equality because another group has yet to achieve it? And what does she mean that the gay community should "demonstrate the capacity and willingness to change?" Gays voted 73-27% for Obama. Gays are some of the more progressive voters in the electorate. So to what is she referring?
And when she talks about driving while black, does she really think this doesn't exist for the so-called "white gays?" Gays are murdered and beaten every fucking week of the year. On election night in DC a man carrying a rainbow flag was attacked. In your own state, a non-white gay, Lawrence King was brutally murdered in his 8th grade classroom because he was gender non-conformist. Another non-white gay, Michael Sandy, was brutally murdered for being gay. Just because mainstream media has chosen not to tell us about any of these cases since Matthew Shepard ten years ago DOES NOT mean they don't exist. They literally happen every week. So if she thinks the "white gays" have it so good, I think she should open her eyes and stop being so bitter.
No-on-8's white bias
The right to marry does nothing to address the problems faced by both black gays and black straights.
By Jasmyne A. Cannick
November 8, 2008
Iam a perfect example of why the fight against Proposition 8, which amends the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, failed to win black support.
I am black. I am a political activist who cares deeply about social justice issues. I am a lesbian. This year, I canvassed the streets of South Los Angeles and Compton, knocking on doors, talking politics to passers-by and working as I never had before to ensure a large voter turnout among African Americans. But even I wasn't inspired to encourage black people to vote against the proposition.
Why? Because I don't see why the right to marry should be a priority for me or other black people. Gay marriage? Please. At a time when blacks are still more likely than whites to be pulled over for no reason, more likely to be unemployed than whites, more likely to live at or below the poverty line, I was too busy trying to get black people registered to vote, period; I wasn't about to focus my attention on what couldn't help but feel like a secondary issue.
What does any of this have to do with marriage? This author is now and will continue to present an image of "rich white gays." Who are these people? I don't know them. And why does she insist on discussing whether this issue should be a "priority" or not? Voting yes or no on a question on a ballot does not require it to be a priority. It just requires recognizing the rights and humanity of other humans. There were twelve propositions on the CA ballot this year. When a person enters a voting booth, he or she has three options for these questions--vote yes, vote no, or do not vote. 52% of Californians who chose to vote, chose to vote yes. 70% of black Californians who chose to vote, chose to vote yes. What does any of this have to do with priorities? Other measures included the folliwing: High speed trains, confinement of chickens, children's hospitals, parental notification for underage abortions, non-violent criminal code, renewable energy, etc. This proposition clearly stated "Eliminates the rights of same-sex couples to marry" (emphasis added). Clearly it was someone's "priority" if they're voting to eliminate rights
The first problem with Proposition 8 was the issue of marriage itself. The white gay community never successfully communicated to blacks why it should matter to us above everything else -- not just to me as a lesbian but to blacks generally. The way I see it, the white gay community is banging its head against the glass ceiling of a room called equality, believing that a breakthrough on marriage will bestow on it parity with heterosexuals. But the right to marry does nothing to address the problems faced by both black gays and black straights. Does someone who is homeless or suffering from HIV but has no healthcare, or newly out of prison and unemployed, really benefit from the right to marry someone of the same sex?
Again, she states--"why it should matter to use above everything else." IT SHOULDN'T matter to you above everything else. But that doesn't mean you have to vote to eliminate other people's rights! To answer her question, YES. That homeless gay man with HIV and addicted to crack would benefit from the right to marry. YES. How would his life had been different if he had been seen as an equal? If he hadn't internalized shame? If his family hadn't told him he was inferior? But, she is presenting an extreme case. Marriage won't solve all of this person's problems. To look less extremely, perhaps the 70 year old black woman wouldn't become infected with HIV because her husband is "on the dl?" Perhaps young black women wouldn't continue to be decimated by HIV if their men were given options, if society recognized them as equal?
Maybe white gays could afford to be singularly focused, raising millions of dollars to fight for the luxury of same-sex marriage. But blacks were walking the streets of the projects and reaching out to small businesses, gang members, convicted felons and the spectrum of an entire community to ensure that we all were able to vote.
Yeah, able to vote to help chickens live better lives. This author is so offensive. What white gays are singularly focused? Does she think there is no "spectrum of an entire community" for gays? Are there no gay convicted felons? Are there no gays addicted to drugs, homeless, owning small businesses, living in projects? She is generalizing and stereotyping beyond belief. And how is marriage a luxury? These straight poor black people of whom she speaks have the right to marry. It is not seen by them as a luxury. It is something that is there, from birth, as an option, or as a dream. Even those convicted felons can get married to the person they love, and what is more important than love?
Second is the issue of civil rights. White gays often wonder aloud why blacks, of all people, won't support their civil rights. There is a real misunderstanding by the white gay community about the term. Proponents of gay marriage fling it around as if it is a one-size-fits-all catchphrase for issues of fairness.
But the black civil rights movement was essentially born out of and driven by the black church; social justice and religion are inextricably intertwined in the black community. To many blacks, civil rights are grounded in Christianity -- not something separate and apart from religion but synonymous with it. To the extent that the issue of gay marriage seemed to be pitted against the church, it was going to be a losing battle in my community.
It's only pitted against the church because the church chooses to oppose it. There are plenty of churches that embrace this concept. Even President elect Obama's undeniably black church supports same sex marriage. The Gospel of John is the Gospel of Love. And for a community so recently removed from Loving v. Virginia, this argument fails to convince. One of the Rev. Dr. King's closets friends in the battle for civil rights was a gay black man, Bayard Rustin.
Then there was the poorly conceived campaign strategy. Opponents of Proposition 8 relied on an outdated civil rights model, engaging the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People to help win black support on the issue of gay marriage. This happened despite the warnings of black lesbians and gays that it wouldn't work. While the NAACP definitely should have been included in the strategy, it shouldn't have been the only group. Putting nearly a quarter of a million dollars into an outdated civil rights group that has very little influence on the black vote -- at least when it comes to gay issues -- will never work.
Likewise, holding the occasional town-hall meeting in Leimert Park -- the one part of the black community where they now feel safe thanks to gentrification -- to tell black people how to vote on something gay isn't effective outreach either.
Ok. Point taken.
There's nothing a white gay person can tell me when it comes to how I as a black lesbian should talk to my community about this issue. If and when I choose to, I know how to say what needs to be said. Many black gays just haven't been convinced that this movement for marriage is about anything more than the white gays who fund it (and who, we often find, are just as racist and clueless when it comes to blacks as they claim blacks are homophobic).
She's even more racist than the side I am presenting. This mythical "white gay" of which she speaks is a total product of her stereotyping.
Some people seem to think that homophobia trumps racism, and that winning the battle for gay marriage will symbolically bring about equality for everyone. That may seem true to white gays, but as a black lesbian, let me tell you: There are still too many inequalities that exist as it relates to my race for that to ever be the case. Ever heard of "driving while black"? Ever looked at the difference between the dropout rates for blacks and for whites? Or test scores? Or wages? Or rates of incarceration?
This is a total non sequitor. What does any of this have to do with the issue at hand? It will not bring about equality for everyone, but it will present gaiety on an equal level as heterosexuality, and it will lead to the solution of many of the problems facing gays. How does driving while black have anything to do with gay marriage? It doesn't. They are totally separate issues. This woman is bitter. The conflation of these two issues indicates to me that she has a major chip on her shoulder and that she cannot bear to see advances for other people. We can work to fix racism and heterosexism, but we needn't conflate the two.
And in the end, black voters in California voted against gay marriage by more than 2 to 1.
Maybe next time around -- because we all know this isn't over -- the gay community can demonstrate the capacity and willingness to change that America demonstrated when it went to the polls on Nov. 4. Black gays are depending on their white counterparts to finally "get it."
Until then, don't expect to make any inroads any time soon in the black community on this issue -- including with this black lesbian.
She hates herself. "Including with this black lesbian?" So did she vote Yes on 8? Sounds like it. Bitter. Bitter. Bitter. Everyone needs a scapegoat (and I fully recognize that in my emotional ranting the other day I was scapegoating). What are the white gays supposed to "get?" That they don't deserve equality because another group has yet to achieve it? And what does she mean that the gay community should "demonstrate the capacity and willingness to change?" Gays voted 73-27% for Obama. Gays are some of the more progressive voters in the electorate. So to what is she referring?
And when she talks about driving while black, does she really think this doesn't exist for the so-called "white gays?" Gays are murdered and beaten every fucking week of the year. On election night in DC a man carrying a rainbow flag was attacked. In your own state, a non-white gay, Lawrence King was brutally murdered in his 8th grade classroom because he was gender non-conformist. Another non-white gay, Michael Sandy, was brutally murdered for being gay. Just because mainstream media has chosen not to tell us about any of these cases since Matthew Shepard ten years ago DOES NOT mean they don't exist. They literally happen every week. So if she thinks the "white gays" have it so good, I think she should open her eyes and stop being so bitter.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
responding to response
as yet another caveat, I am quite aware of the math. I am quite aware of the broad criticism of the MANY people who are saying the things I have said. I am aware of it all. That does not, however, mean I don't have an instant response filled with feelings like those I have aired. Andrew is urging figuring out why things happened this way and then doing what is necessary to educate, persuade, etc. Who wants to educate and persuade to get what everyone else takes for granted?
Responding to Astrid
Astrid,
On Facebook you wonder when the LGBT peeps will stop embarrassing themselves about this stuff. I wonder, in return, who is embarrassed? I see anger, I see mobilization, I see resentment, but I do not see embarrassment.
I think I did a very good job of writing many caveats into my initial post. See my acknowledgement of "base racistness" or of a strong Id or of the unhealthiness of these sentiments. Whether they are unhealthy or not, however, they are real. They are real. Acknowledging such feelings is the only way not to act upon them. On the other hand, acknowledging reality is the only way to change it. I will not accept hyper liberal or PC positions that do not allow you to point out reality just because reality exposes racial differences.
I agree with you that the No-on-8 campaign was "shitastic." It was run by the HRC pussies who hate themselves as much as their opponents do. They had all sorts of rules--don't mention the word gay. Don't mention the word marriage. Don't mention the word constitution. They're pussies who do not trust people to accept them when they are real, because they do not and cannot accept themselves.
Along with being shitastic, you state that the campaign was completely white-centered. You're probably right. Why is that, though? Why were non-whites not involved in the campaign as much as they could/should have been? Why was the campaign not adequately targeted at non-whites?
There is alot of history to this. Who was there in the 80's? Who was demonstrating with ActUp and lobbying congress or storming meetings? Who was there at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1965? Who has been suing for full marriage equality? The whites. This is a major problem. There is alot of racism in this community, on both sides. People need to be able to better work together, and non-white people need to do a more visible job of being out and demanding rights.
Your hyperbolic statement accusing me of telling people to move to the back of the bus is absolutely ridiculous. Mormons and black people and 52% of Californians told L-G people to move to the back of the bus, told them that they are less important than chickens, told them that their full humanity should be denied. That is the reality and we have the right to be angry and resentful and point out reality. If my caveats were not clear enough, that's my fault, but your response made no attempt to consider them.
On Facebook you wonder when the LGBT peeps will stop embarrassing themselves about this stuff. I wonder, in return, who is embarrassed? I see anger, I see mobilization, I see resentment, but I do not see embarrassment.
I think I did a very good job of writing many caveats into my initial post. See my acknowledgement of "base racistness" or of a strong Id or of the unhealthiness of these sentiments. Whether they are unhealthy or not, however, they are real. They are real. Acknowledging such feelings is the only way not to act upon them. On the other hand, acknowledging reality is the only way to change it. I will not accept hyper liberal or PC positions that do not allow you to point out reality just because reality exposes racial differences.
I agree with you that the No-on-8 campaign was "shitastic." It was run by the HRC pussies who hate themselves as much as their opponents do. They had all sorts of rules--don't mention the word gay. Don't mention the word marriage. Don't mention the word constitution. They're pussies who do not trust people to accept them when they are real, because they do not and cannot accept themselves.
Along with being shitastic, you state that the campaign was completely white-centered. You're probably right. Why is that, though? Why were non-whites not involved in the campaign as much as they could/should have been? Why was the campaign not adequately targeted at non-whites?
There is alot of history to this. Who was there in the 80's? Who was demonstrating with ActUp and lobbying congress or storming meetings? Who was there at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1965? Who has been suing for full marriage equality? The whites. This is a major problem. There is alot of racism in this community, on both sides. People need to be able to better work together, and non-white people need to do a more visible job of being out and demanding rights.
Your hyperbolic statement accusing me of telling people to move to the back of the bus is absolutely ridiculous. Mormons and black people and 52% of Californians told L-G people to move to the back of the bus, told them that they are less important than chickens, told them that their full humanity should be denied. That is the reality and we have the right to be angry and resentful and point out reality. If my caveats were not clear enough, that's my fault, but your response made no attempt to consider them.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Alan B and Prop 8
Yesterday I attended the funeral of Alan B. This marked quite a juxtaposition of joy and mourning, as the night before I loudly celebrated with champage and air horns for the election of Barack Obama. Then I slept, and then I got up, headache and all, and went to the funeral.
It was a very nice funeral, and it was nice to see all the people I haven't seen in so long.
Alan was a great man, and the numerous speakers did a wonderful job of telling us about his greatness. His nepwhew did an especially touching and descriptive job of explaining Alan's odd politics, his knowledge of a little bit about everything (literally), his expansive collections of shirts, watches, boots, and knives, his lovingkindness, and his gentle nature. Brother Jack beautifully elaborated on Alan's heart-filled-with-love.
Alan tried to present himself as a tough guy. A George Bush loving, gun toting, Western man of America, but that he was not. He was gentle, and he was sweet, and he had a heart of gold, and he was so so smart, and he loved an argument, and he respected the positions of others if they could elaborate them without undue emotion. He loved the ballet and theatre and film and good food and especially good beer. He and I had some of the best arguments and discussions I've had. These discussions spanned from gun rights to criminology to national politics to the latest ballet we had both seen to beer recommendations and on and on. He was truly a great man.
It was not until his nephew spoke about his collections that I remembered something very special. Somehow, in learning of his rapid and unexpected death, I had forgotten about this. Two of the things that Alan loved the most were his shirts and his knives (and as nephew explained, not only did Alan collect them, but he knew the history of them--down to the history of the particular knot he used to tie a particular tie to match a particular pattern in a shirt, which matched his belt buckle and his boots. So as he told this story, I remembered that Alan gave me an entire bag filled with dress shirts that he was no longer wearing, and I still wear many of these all of the time. And on the last day I worked with him, he also gave me a pocket knife, which I still carry with me at most times. He would have been delighted to learn that it was in my pocket last week when I saw Barack Obama speak--I was mortified when I got home and realized it was in my pocket the whole time. Not only had secret service not found it when the checked me, but what would have happened if they had found it? Bye bye knife, and difficulty for me. He would have gotten a kick out of that.
---------------------------------------
And now on a completely different and less sentimental note, the passage of Proposition 8 in California is so disgusting and so upsetting and so depressing. I am trying hard not to allow my more base racist-ness come out of this, but I am very much aware of why Prop 8 passed, and I am very resentful for this. Gays were some of Obama's biggest supporters, working hard and voting to elect a black man (who, while being the most Gay positive candidate for president ever, did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to fight prop 8), but it was the black population of California (whose turnout was extra high because of Obama) who tipped the balance to enshrine discimination into the constitution of the nation's most populace country. Everyone is aware of this. Even Andrew and Savage have commented on this. It just seems to me that a community that just so recently endured and still today endures its own civil rights struggle would recognize the struggle of another, even small group. But I guess not. So go eff yourselves.
That's the sentiment that is inside me. I know its not healthy, but the Id is strong. Whites voted down prop 8. Latinos and Asians went about 50-50. Blacks went 70-30 to pass prop 8. So, again, go eff yourselves.
I saw a photo of a guy at a big protest last night wearing a t-shite on which he had written, "we're still here, we're still queer, so go fuck yourselves" hah.
This battle will be won. Soon it will be won in Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. The Northeast will be the only part of the country that believes in equality. But from there it will expand. and Bigots will lose. My optimism is not wavering, but I am dismayed. And I am further dismayed by discussions at work with older guys who just don't seem to care. They don't care! They have no expectation of equality. They do not demand equality. They have so internalized society's homophobic sentiments that one even asked, "would you want to marry a man? I wouldn't." That is a problem. That is the problem that full marriage equality nationwide will solve. This man has no self-esteem, he sees himself as lesser than others, and he does not expect to be treated well. So sad.
This fight will be won, but I cannot deny strong resentments within my Id that are directed firmly at that minority group who would vote to strip the rights of another minority. So disgusting.
It was a very nice funeral, and it was nice to see all the people I haven't seen in so long.
Alan was a great man, and the numerous speakers did a wonderful job of telling us about his greatness. His nepwhew did an especially touching and descriptive job of explaining Alan's odd politics, his knowledge of a little bit about everything (literally), his expansive collections of shirts, watches, boots, and knives, his lovingkindness, and his gentle nature. Brother Jack beautifully elaborated on Alan's heart-filled-with-love.
Alan tried to present himself as a tough guy. A George Bush loving, gun toting, Western man of America, but that he was not. He was gentle, and he was sweet, and he had a heart of gold, and he was so so smart, and he loved an argument, and he respected the positions of others if they could elaborate them without undue emotion. He loved the ballet and theatre and film and good food and especially good beer. He and I had some of the best arguments and discussions I've had. These discussions spanned from gun rights to criminology to national politics to the latest ballet we had both seen to beer recommendations and on and on. He was truly a great man.
It was not until his nephew spoke about his collections that I remembered something very special. Somehow, in learning of his rapid and unexpected death, I had forgotten about this. Two of the things that Alan loved the most were his shirts and his knives (and as nephew explained, not only did Alan collect them, but he knew the history of them--down to the history of the particular knot he used to tie a particular tie to match a particular pattern in a shirt, which matched his belt buckle and his boots. So as he told this story, I remembered that Alan gave me an entire bag filled with dress shirts that he was no longer wearing, and I still wear many of these all of the time. And on the last day I worked with him, he also gave me a pocket knife, which I still carry with me at most times. He would have been delighted to learn that it was in my pocket last week when I saw Barack Obama speak--I was mortified when I got home and realized it was in my pocket the whole time. Not only had secret service not found it when the checked me, but what would have happened if they had found it? Bye bye knife, and difficulty for me. He would have gotten a kick out of that.
---------------------------------------
And now on a completely different and less sentimental note, the passage of Proposition 8 in California is so disgusting and so upsetting and so depressing. I am trying hard not to allow my more base racist-ness come out of this, but I am very much aware of why Prop 8 passed, and I am very resentful for this. Gays were some of Obama's biggest supporters, working hard and voting to elect a black man (who, while being the most Gay positive candidate for president ever, did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to fight prop 8), but it was the black population of California (whose turnout was extra high because of Obama) who tipped the balance to enshrine discimination into the constitution of the nation's most populace country. Everyone is aware of this. Even Andrew and Savage have commented on this. It just seems to me that a community that just so recently endured and still today endures its own civil rights struggle would recognize the struggle of another, even small group. But I guess not. So go eff yourselves.
That's the sentiment that is inside me. I know its not healthy, but the Id is strong. Whites voted down prop 8. Latinos and Asians went about 50-50. Blacks went 70-30 to pass prop 8. So, again, go eff yourselves.
I saw a photo of a guy at a big protest last night wearing a t-shite on which he had written, "we're still here, we're still queer, so go fuck yourselves" hah.
This battle will be won. Soon it will be won in Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. The Northeast will be the only part of the country that believes in equality. But from there it will expand. and Bigots will lose. My optimism is not wavering, but I am dismayed. And I am further dismayed by discussions at work with older guys who just don't seem to care. They don't care! They have no expectation of equality. They do not demand equality. They have so internalized society's homophobic sentiments that one even asked, "would you want to marry a man? I wouldn't." That is a problem. That is the problem that full marriage equality nationwide will solve. This man has no self-esteem, he sees himself as lesser than others, and he does not expect to be treated well. So sad.
This fight will be won, but I cannot deny strong resentments within my Id that are directed firmly at that minority group who would vote to strip the rights of another minority. So disgusting.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Where I stand
Election day is only three days away. I will vote as follows:
President = Obama/Biden
Delaware Senate = Joe Biden
Delaware House = Karen Hartley-Nagle (though she doesn't impress me much)
Delaware Governor = Jack Markell
Delaware Lieutenant Governor = Matt Denn
If I lived in Massachusetts I would vote on the ballot measures as follows:
Question 1 (Repealing the state income tax) = NO
Question 2 (Decriminalization of the possession of marijuana) = YES
Question 3 (Banning of dog racing) = YES
If I lived in California I would vote as follows:
NO on Proposition 8
We're buying champagne for Tuesday night. I hope we will need it!!!
UPDATE: If I lived in Oregon, I'd have to think really hard about voting for Gordon Smith. He's a good Republican, and I feel bad for him. He wouldn't be losing if not for the Bush backlash, and he has been heroic on many issues. Good luck Gordon.
President = Obama/Biden
Delaware Senate = Joe Biden
Delaware House = Karen Hartley-Nagle (though she doesn't impress me much)
Delaware Governor = Jack Markell
Delaware Lieutenant Governor = Matt Denn
If I lived in Massachusetts I would vote on the ballot measures as follows:
Question 1 (Repealing the state income tax) = NO
Question 2 (Decriminalization of the possession of marijuana) = YES
Question 3 (Banning of dog racing) = YES
If I lived in California I would vote as follows:
NO on Proposition 8
We're buying champagne for Tuesday night. I hope we will need it!!!
UPDATE: If I lived in Oregon, I'd have to think really hard about voting for Gordon Smith. He's a good Republican, and I feel bad for him. He wouldn't be losing if not for the Bush backlash, and he has been heroic on many issues. Good luck Gordon.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Landslide
I have been predicting a landslide for many months now. Unfortunately I have not documented it here, but those of you to whom I have spoken will remember my saying that this election would result in a landslide. I am nervous about writing this here, fearing jinxing it, but I'd like to make it public now. It seems a little less risky to say it given the recent polling and the outcome of the first debate. So here goes nothing:
Obama will win in a landslide. He will win all of the expected states, and he will also win Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, possibly West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, and there is some chance that he'll win Missouri.
So that's that. Blame me if it's jinxed.
Oh, and has anyone else wondered whether John McCain has had a stroke? He just seems incoherent and crazy. Perhaps that's how he has always been, but it seems like a bit of a personality change to me.
UPDATE. According to 270towin, my predicted outcome would result in a 375-163 electoral college win for Obama
Obama will win in a landslide. He will win all of the expected states, and he will also win Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, possibly West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, and there is some chance that he'll win Missouri.
So that's that. Blame me if it's jinxed.
Oh, and has anyone else wondered whether John McCain has had a stroke? He just seems incoherent and crazy. Perhaps that's how he has always been, but it seems like a bit of a personality change to me.
UPDATE. According to 270towin, my predicted outcome would result in a 375-163 electoral college win for Obama
Saturday, September 27, 2008
activism
I participated in my first real protest yesterday. I was afraid going into it, but I really got into it, energized, alive, and yelling. That farce Sarah Palin dared to show her face in Philly yesterday--what the hell was she thinking? She is NOT welcome here, and it was made known to her. Hundreds of people showed up to protest her presence, and I went with a small ActUp group. We had a sign that read "Abstinence only doesn't work, right Sarah? Condoms save lives!" and we had dozens of condoms that we threw into the sky, gave to Republicans, and I even threw one into the car window of a jackass who drove by while we chanted "Abstinence Only Phoney Baloney". We marched into the already started protest chanting "No more mess, Bush in a dress" and it caught on and was wonderful. People had creative signs--I can see New Jersey from here, Santorum in lipstick, An Irish pub isn't foreign policy experience, and so many others that I can't remember now. An old man walked by and saw our sign and heard our chant and started screaming at us "CLOSE YOUR LEGS" When Republicans left the bar where she was, we screamed at them, "SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME"
VIDEO HERE and HERE
VIDEO HERE and HERE
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Beer update
So I've had some other beers since I last updated:
Sam Adams Oktoberfest = ***1/2 This is the classic, but it's too common
Leinenkugel Oktoberfest ***
Jack's Pumpkin Ale ***
Harpoon Octoberfest ***1/2
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale *****
That 5 star score for punkin ale is special. Dogfish Head has been called the most adventurous brewery in America, but I am starting to think it's also the best. Magic Hat used to be my favorite, but it looks like Dogfish Head is taking over. So so so good. They tend to be expensive, though, but oh well. I've paid $14 for a 4-pack, but it was the best 14 dollars I have ever spend on beer. Their 90 Minute Imperial IPA (which has been named the best beer in America) is the best beer I've ever had, and it also gets 5 stars. It is the basis on which I compare all others. On Ratebeer.com, it gets a 99.
Sam Adams Oktoberfest = ***1/2 This is the classic, but it's too common
Leinenkugel Oktoberfest ***
Jack's Pumpkin Ale ***
Harpoon Octoberfest ***1/2
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale *****
That 5 star score for punkin ale is special. Dogfish Head has been called the most adventurous brewery in America, but I am starting to think it's also the best. Magic Hat used to be my favorite, but it looks like Dogfish Head is taking over. So so so good. They tend to be expensive, though, but oh well. I've paid $14 for a 4-pack, but it was the best 14 dollars I have ever spend on beer. Their 90 Minute Imperial IPA (which has been named the best beer in America) is the best beer I've ever had, and it also gets 5 stars. It is the basis on which I compare all others. On Ratebeer.com, it gets a 99.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Pravia
I had no idea that the latest gay murder victim was from the Berkshires. The media pays no attention to these things any more...Lawrence King generated some publicity, but the tone of the stories was disgusting, as he was being blamed for his own slaying. So last week Mr. K Pravia (I am leaving out the first name to avoid being google-able), a 19 year old college sophomore, was also brutally killed in NYC, and it turns out he was from Pittsfield. How sad. sad. sad. sad. and disgusting.
Once again, the media has blown it. No mention here of his gaity or of the potential anti-gay nature of the killing.
For some better coverage, check out here. And for a beautiful gathering and memorial, head here.
Matthew SHepard got all the press, the movie, the play, etc. But that was 10 years ago. The general public thinks these things have ended. The truth is that there are dozens of them every year, and no one knows a thing about them. What a shame.
**UPDATE**
More local press coverage. Still no mention.
Once again, the media has blown it. No mention here of his gaity or of the potential anti-gay nature of the killing.
For some better coverage, check out here. And for a beautiful gathering and memorial, head here.
Matthew SHepard got all the press, the movie, the play, etc. But that was 10 years ago. The general public thinks these things have ended. The truth is that there are dozens of them every year, and no one knows a thing about them. What a shame.
**UPDATE**
More local press coverage. Still no mention.
Friday, September 5, 2008
GOP
After four days of watching these so-called Republicans, I have some thoughts I need to get off my chest.
- What a vile, disgusting, selfish group of people.
- You do NOT support a culture of life if you support war and the death penalty. sorry.
- You do NOT support judges who do not "legislate from the bench" when what you really want is for them to legislate in your favor.
- Being a POW does not itself qualify you to be president. In fact, it may disqualify you--see John McCain for example. He is obviously a psychologically scarred and unstable person. Some of his issues are so transparent--model wife #1, cheat on her, marry beauty queen wife #2, choose beauty queen VP. see a pattern?
- This group avoids the REAL problems. Education system is broke? OK, lets have school choice, charter schools, and vouchers. Why would we want to actually fix the broken system? You don't like abortion? Let's outlaw it! Why would we want to actually deal with the systemic problems that cause abortion? You don't like that young people have sex? Ok, let's tell them not to have sex! Why would we want to educate them so that they can make healthy and appropriate decisions for themselves? Osama bin Laden is a bad guy? OK, let's invade Iraq! Why would we want to hunt down the real enemy?
- Rudy Guiliani is a horrible horrible human being. I used to like the guy.
- As Andrew would say, the christianists have taken over completely. Palin is the real candidate now. They're voting for her, not for Sidney McCain. I'll re-pose Andrew's question--do you think McCain realizes he is presiding over a theological movement? They'll vote for her because she is "like them," not because of any particular qualifications she has for office or ideas she has for the betterment of the world. All she wants is to implement the evangelical christianist vision and turn this country into a theocracy equal to those of the Muslims we supposedly hate for their lack of "freedom." The establishment of a Christianist theocracy will do more to remove freedom than anyone can imagine.
- For these people, "energy independence" means nothing. It means line oil companies pockets by drilling for more oil in our country. This will solve nothing, and it will not allow us to become independent from oil. If anyhting, it will slightly lower oil prices, making us further dependent on the stuff as we can afford it more readily. True energy independence means getting off that stuff--the stuff that hurts our national security and that destroys our planet. We need other sources, we need ingenuity...we don't need to just find more oil. That will change nothing.
- You cannot be the party rallying against the good ol' boys club when YOU ARE THE GOOD OL' BOYS CLUB. The hall was filled with white haired white men. Give me a break.
That's all, I think. Please Barack. Please.
- What a vile, disgusting, selfish group of people.
- You do NOT support a culture of life if you support war and the death penalty. sorry.
- You do NOT support judges who do not "legislate from the bench" when what you really want is for them to legislate in your favor.
- Being a POW does not itself qualify you to be president. In fact, it may disqualify you--see John McCain for example. He is obviously a psychologically scarred and unstable person. Some of his issues are so transparent--model wife #1, cheat on her, marry beauty queen wife #2, choose beauty queen VP. see a pattern?
- This group avoids the REAL problems. Education system is broke? OK, lets have school choice, charter schools, and vouchers. Why would we want to actually fix the broken system? You don't like abortion? Let's outlaw it! Why would we want to actually deal with the systemic problems that cause abortion? You don't like that young people have sex? Ok, let's tell them not to have sex! Why would we want to educate them so that they can make healthy and appropriate decisions for themselves? Osama bin Laden is a bad guy? OK, let's invade Iraq! Why would we want to hunt down the real enemy?
- Rudy Guiliani is a horrible horrible human being. I used to like the guy.
- As Andrew would say, the christianists have taken over completely. Palin is the real candidate now. They're voting for her, not for Sidney McCain. I'll re-pose Andrew's question--do you think McCain realizes he is presiding over a theological movement? They'll vote for her because she is "like them," not because of any particular qualifications she has for office or ideas she has for the betterment of the world. All she wants is to implement the evangelical christianist vision and turn this country into a theocracy equal to those of the Muslims we supposedly hate for their lack of "freedom." The establishment of a Christianist theocracy will do more to remove freedom than anyone can imagine.
- For these people, "energy independence" means nothing. It means line oil companies pockets by drilling for more oil in our country. This will solve nothing, and it will not allow us to become independent from oil. If anyhting, it will slightly lower oil prices, making us further dependent on the stuff as we can afford it more readily. True energy independence means getting off that stuff--the stuff that hurts our national security and that destroys our planet. We need other sources, we need ingenuity...we don't need to just find more oil. That will change nothing.
- You cannot be the party rallying against the good ol' boys club when YOU ARE THE GOOD OL' BOYS CLUB. The hall was filled with white haired white men. Give me a break.
That's all, I think. Please Barack. Please.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
you know, after writing my little homage to fall beers, I had another thought about fall:
This is the last Fall in which I will be beginning the school year as a full-time student. After 22 consecutive first days of school early in September, I will be done. DONE. I will miss the autumnal sense of newness, of dread, of preparation, and of academic excitement. But I will not miss the grind. Falls will be different from now on. Everything will be different.
This is the last Fall in which I will be beginning the school year as a full-time student. After 22 consecutive first days of school early in September, I will be done. DONE. I will miss the autumnal sense of newness, of dread, of preparation, and of academic excitement. But I will not miss the grind. Falls will be different from now on. Everything will be different.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Autumn
There is nothing in this world quite like Fall in New England. Specifically, there is nothing like driving from the Berkshires into Southern Vermont, through the Green Mountains and the cacophonous foliage of those vast hills. Reaching the Apple Barn is like reaching the distant destination of dreams. Upon entering, the pumpkins and apples and cider and people create an unreplicable experience. I am sad that this year I will most likely not have this experience. Life is getting in the way of a trip to the North. I must say, though, that I am grateful to those who try to capture this experience, especially to those who try to capture it in a bottle.
I am generally a fan of seasonal beer, but Fall beers top all others. Summer beers are nice, especially when it gets really hot, and I quite enjoy some of them (Magic Hat Hocus Pocus, Harpoon UFO, Landshark, etc.). But they cannot compare to the experience of a fall beer--getting the first whiff of the spiciness, taking the first sip of the tastiness, feeling like you're consuming dried up leaves, pumpkins, the harvest, and new england autumn. I don't think I'll be able to keep it up because of the massive amount of work I have to complete this fall, but so far I have been enjoying a nice sampling of some of the best Fall has to offer.
I entered Total Wine the other day, totally not expecting fall beers to be out yet, and I was supremely surprised to see the wonderful selection they had amassed. Thus far I have savored Magic Hat's "Jinx," Fordham's "Close Encounter Harvest Ale," and now Flying Fish's "Oktoberfish."
Close Encounter ***
Jinx ***1/2
Oktoberfish ****
I think I'd like to change my chosen career and become a beer critic.
I am generally a fan of seasonal beer, but Fall beers top all others. Summer beers are nice, especially when it gets really hot, and I quite enjoy some of them (Magic Hat Hocus Pocus, Harpoon UFO, Landshark, etc.). But they cannot compare to the experience of a fall beer--getting the first whiff of the spiciness, taking the first sip of the tastiness, feeling like you're consuming dried up leaves, pumpkins, the harvest, and new england autumn. I don't think I'll be able to keep it up because of the massive amount of work I have to complete this fall, but so far I have been enjoying a nice sampling of some of the best Fall has to offer.
I entered Total Wine the other day, totally not expecting fall beers to be out yet, and I was supremely surprised to see the wonderful selection they had amassed. Thus far I have savored Magic Hat's "Jinx," Fordham's "Close Encounter Harvest Ale," and now Flying Fish's "Oktoberfish."
Close Encounter ***
Jinx ***1/2
Oktoberfish ****
I think I'd like to change my chosen career and become a beer critic.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Documentation
So I can be aware of later changes to the positive or negative, I had my physicality assessed the other day and here are the results:
Weight = 192 pounds
Height = 72 inches
Body fat = 22.1 %
Fat Weight = 42 lbs
Lean weight = 150 lbs
Body Mass Index = 26.0
Body Water = 58.6%
My weight is down some, thankfully, since leaving for Japan. I hope to bring it down to 180 or 185. That won't be easy. I'd like my BMI down in the 24 area, if possible. Body fat needs to drop to like 12%. It is currently in the "needs improvement" range. pfft. Body water should increase some, but with the amount of water I drink, I think it was only low because of the time of day of the measurement (early morning).
And because of a conversation I had at work the other day, I'd like to document my current cologne collection. I have become a bit of a connoisseur, and I'm quite proud of this collection. I'm pretty interested in the psychological sequelae of collecting, and I used to say I wouldn't collect anything, but this is something that seems pretty useable and non-intrusive. So, I have:
Gucci Pour Homme II
Dior Higher
Dior Higher Energy
Calvin Klein Intense Euphoria
Calvin Klein Crave
Estee Lauder Intuition for Men
Dolce & Gabbana Eau de Toilette
And, the newest addition, which I am very excited about
Tom Ford for Men
yummy!
Weight = 192 pounds
Height = 72 inches
Body fat = 22.1 %
Fat Weight = 42 lbs
Lean weight = 150 lbs
Body Mass Index = 26.0
Body Water = 58.6%
My weight is down some, thankfully, since leaving for Japan. I hope to bring it down to 180 or 185. That won't be easy. I'd like my BMI down in the 24 area, if possible. Body fat needs to drop to like 12%. It is currently in the "needs improvement" range. pfft. Body water should increase some, but with the amount of water I drink, I think it was only low because of the time of day of the measurement (early morning).
And because of a conversation I had at work the other day, I'd like to document my current cologne collection. I have become a bit of a connoisseur, and I'm quite proud of this collection. I'm pretty interested in the psychological sequelae of collecting, and I used to say I wouldn't collect anything, but this is something that seems pretty useable and non-intrusive. So, I have:
Gucci Pour Homme II
Dior Higher
Dior Higher Energy
Calvin Klein Intense Euphoria
Calvin Klein Crave
Estee Lauder Intuition for Men
Dolce & Gabbana Eau de Toilette
And, the newest addition, which I am very excited about
Tom Ford for Men
yummy!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Here's a gallery of photos from Biden's house today. I can't see myself in any of them, but I was right near whoever took the photos.
And here's a press release put out by Widener University, rightfully proud of Professor Biden's selection.
And here's a press release put out by Widener University, rightfully proud of Professor Biden's selection.
BIDEN!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited about the Joe Biden pick. He's the best choice of the bunch. I was so excited that I went to his house this morning to see him off to Illinois, where he will campaign with Obama. I was there when the secret service arrived, and then he came out and kissed his mother and said goodbye to her, and then the motorcade drove by and he and his wife waved to us, and it was cool. I was surely on TV. There were lots of people there, and I didn't realize that he lives so close to me--only 5 minutes away. Then I raced to the airport to try to see him off there as well, but by the time I made it, he had already gotten on the plane--the motorcade probably didn't have to deal with traffic and stoplights like I did.
So not only is this guy my neighbor, but he also teaches at my school. wow. And he is a regular guy--people showed up at his house out of pride, waving to him, cheering him, thanking him for "putting delaware on the map." He takes the train to DC every day. He is "the least wealthy Senator." He is cool.
GO JOE GO!
So not only is this guy my neighbor, but he also teaches at my school. wow. And he is a regular guy--people showed up at his house out of pride, waving to him, cheering him, thanking him for "putting delaware on the map." He takes the train to DC every day. He is "the least wealthy Senator." He is cool.
GO JOE GO!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I just sit here and stare at the computer. Or, I stare at the ever-growing stacks of articles. Or, I lie down. Or, whatever else. Anything to not work. I've discovered the key: remain mindful, break it down into component parts, and think of each piece as a short paper. Chpater are big. Dissertations are bigger. I need to change my mindset so that I only see the small parts. And then later I can piece them together. Focus. Focus. Stay on task. Get it done. D is for Done. Do it. Just do it. Get 'er done. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Rejection
I found out today that I did not get a big scholarship I applied for. I found out last week that I did not get a much smaller award that I had been nominated for. I am fascinated by the effect this sort of rejection has on my mood and on my thought process. It makes me feel rather sad, and it makes me remember other similar rejections--for example, running for office last year in a national organization and losing the election. My mind even wanders into thoughts of being dumped. In these moments I forget all of my successes, I forget things that have gone well--the mind sits in the muck of rejection and stays there, unwilling to move, bathing in the maelstrom of past failures and recent rejections.
There are a number of choices at points like these--a. continue ruminating and leading myself down that depressogenic path, b. purposefully changing the content of my thoughts to focus on the good things, the award I got for which I did not even apply, the election I did win, c. sit with the thoughts and the hurt and watch them, step back from them and examine them as I am doing here, and allow myself to feel whatever reactions arise, or d. translate them into further motivation to prove them wrong, to make them regret not recognizing me, and into pushing myself ever harder to succeed via narcissistic ego expansion.
Some of these options are healthier than others. I wish I didn't feel the need to enact option d., but that is probably the one that will prevail in a FTW type attitude.
oh well. I will sit with the sadness for now.
There are a number of choices at points like these--a. continue ruminating and leading myself down that depressogenic path, b. purposefully changing the content of my thoughts to focus on the good things, the award I got for which I did not even apply, the election I did win, c. sit with the thoughts and the hurt and watch them, step back from them and examine them as I am doing here, and allow myself to feel whatever reactions arise, or d. translate them into further motivation to prove them wrong, to make them regret not recognizing me, and into pushing myself ever harder to succeed via narcissistic ego expansion.
Some of these options are healthier than others. I wish I didn't feel the need to enact option d., but that is probably the one that will prevail in a FTW type attitude.
oh well. I will sit with the sadness for now.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
In my own world, I would make the following change:
If you are a business, and you have little signs saying that you accept Mastercard and Visa, you had better accept them! If your machine is broken, it is not my fault. Your machine should not be broken. If the machine is broken, take down or cover up your signs that say you accept cards. If I am purchasing a good or service from you, and I get to the register only to be told that your machine is down, it is your responsibility to give me the good or service for free. There are people, like me, who do not carry cash. It's not my responsibility to go to an ATM to get cash if you are advertising acceptance of plastic. Your loss, my free product or service.
That's the change I'd make.
Oh, and apparently my #1 Jim Webb has removed himself from the Veepstakes. Sad. Further, apparently John Edwards has changed his stance and allowed himself to be included. So, he is now my #1. He doesn't add foreign policy experience, which Obama needs, but I love the guy, so he's my choice.
1. Edwards
2. Biden
3. Schweitzer
4. Sebelius
5. Hagel
6. Rendell
I would really really hate it if Sam Nunn were selected. Really.
If you are a business, and you have little signs saying that you accept Mastercard and Visa, you had better accept them! If your machine is broken, it is not my fault. Your machine should not be broken. If the machine is broken, take down or cover up your signs that say you accept cards. If I am purchasing a good or service from you, and I get to the register only to be told that your machine is down, it is your responsibility to give me the good or service for free. There are people, like me, who do not carry cash. It's not my responsibility to go to an ATM to get cash if you are advertising acceptance of plastic. Your loss, my free product or service.
That's the change I'd make.
Oh, and apparently my #1 Jim Webb has removed himself from the Veepstakes. Sad. Further, apparently John Edwards has changed his stance and allowed himself to be included. So, he is now my #1. He doesn't add foreign policy experience, which Obama needs, but I love the guy, so he's my choice.
1. Edwards
2. Biden
3. Schweitzer
4. Sebelius
5. Hagel
6. Rendell
I would really really hate it if Sam Nunn were selected. Really.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Veepstakes update
My current list of favorites for Veep, in order of preference and based on realistic chances--I still like Bill Richardson, for example, but he ain't got a prayer:
1. Jim Webb
2. Brian Schweitzer
3. Joe Biden
4. Al Gore
5. Kathleen Sebelius
6. Ed Rendell
Presented at a conference today. With the article I've had accepted for publication and the award I won, this summer is looking pretty good for resume padding.
1. Jim Webb
2. Brian Schweitzer
3. Joe Biden
4. Al Gore
5. Kathleen Sebelius
6. Ed Rendell
Presented at a conference today. With the article I've had accepted for publication and the award I won, this summer is looking pretty good for resume padding.
Friday, June 13, 2008
If it's Sunday...
I have been so shocked to learn of Tim Russert's death today. He was such a great person, a person with incredible joie de vivre and always with that huge smile on his face. Pat Buchanan referred to him, today, as part of the "furniture of our lives." This is a truly apt description. What will our Sunday mornings be without Tim? What will our news be without him popping in from time to time providing the wisdom that only he possesses? What will life be like without his lovely jovial face on the television?
I credit Tim with my own rapturous political knowledge. When I was interning at MTP and I was first brought into Tim's office, he asked me about me, and I said I was a student at Williams. He jokingly replied, "Williams? Isn't that where Bill Bennett went?" I was horrified, because I had no idea who Bill Bennett was. I was totally embarrassed to be in this giant's office and not be able to get his joke! So it was explained to me who Mr. Bennett is, and I vowed never again to let such a thing happen. I now know who Bill Bennett is, and I know more about the contemporary American political scene than anyone really should. Thank you, Tim.
I also won't forget having the privilege of using Tim's season tickets at Camden Yards in Baltimore. He was justa truly nice and giving person, and I got great seats at a baseball game because of his generosity.
I was so surprised when, upon visiting Nantucket a few years back, I found Tim's private telephone number in the phone book. He had no ego. He had no pretense. He was just a regular guy made good, and I think that was ever so beautifully shown in his published telephone number.
I will miss you, Tim. We will all miss you. It is cruel, so very cruel that this has happened on Father's Day weekend. Fatherhood was of such great importance to you that there has to be some cruel message in this. Rest in Peace, Tim.
If it's Sunday, It's Meet the Press.
I credit Tim with my own rapturous political knowledge. When I was interning at MTP and I was first brought into Tim's office, he asked me about me, and I said I was a student at Williams. He jokingly replied, "Williams? Isn't that where Bill Bennett went?" I was horrified, because I had no idea who Bill Bennett was. I was totally embarrassed to be in this giant's office and not be able to get his joke! So it was explained to me who Mr. Bennett is, and I vowed never again to let such a thing happen. I now know who Bill Bennett is, and I know more about the contemporary American political scene than anyone really should. Thank you, Tim.
I also won't forget having the privilege of using Tim's season tickets at Camden Yards in Baltimore. He was justa truly nice and giving person, and I got great seats at a baseball game because of his generosity.
I was so surprised when, upon visiting Nantucket a few years back, I found Tim's private telephone number in the phone book. He had no ego. He had no pretense. He was just a regular guy made good, and I think that was ever so beautifully shown in his published telephone number.
I will miss you, Tim. We will all miss you. It is cruel, so very cruel that this has happened on Father's Day weekend. Fatherhood was of such great importance to you that there has to be some cruel message in this. Rest in Peace, Tim.
If it's Sunday, It's Meet the Press.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Jesus
I'm watching John McCain's speech right now in which he is setting out his vision for his first term and what he hopes to have accomplished at the end of it.
He is a great man. A great, great man. This vision is beautiful, and I think he will make a wonderful president.
This is going to be the best election we've ever had. Instead of choosing the "lesser of two evils," we'll be choosing the better of two goods. We cannot go wrong choosing between Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama.
He is a great man. A great, great man. This vision is beautiful, and I think he will make a wonderful president.
This is going to be the best election we've ever had. Instead of choosing the "lesser of two evils," we'll be choosing the better of two goods. We cannot go wrong choosing between Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama.
Veepstakes
Just want to get my thoughts down before it happens...
-I have come around and I am in favor of a Hillary CLinton Vice Presidency. I know it's total bullshit, but this fighter persona she has created is so appealing that I think it'd be a mistake not to offer her the VP position. Bill would be a problem, but they'd figure it out.
-Of course I'd love to see Mr. Edwards as Veep, too. I don't think he's gonna get it, but hed be much better than in 2004 and he is a fire breathing fighter.
-Obama needs someone with foreign policy experience, though. This is why my true favorites are Bill Richardson and Jim Webb. I don't think it will be Richardson because they wouldn't want 2 brown people on the ticket. Mr. Webb is ideal--former republican, total tough guy, virginian, military man. And I like him. He is of the Obama mold--new schooler who tells the truth.
-Other options are being floated--prominent of late is Ted Strickland. I just don't see this happening. Sure he's the Ohio gov, but what experience does he have? I'd love to see a psychologist become Veep, but it ain't gonna happen. Gov. Sebelius from Kansas is a great option, but, again, what experience does she bring? She'd be a woman and from the heartland, so I'd def. support this choice, and she seems to be doing a good job in Kansas, but I thinbk he needs the foreign policy expert at #2. Sam Nunn apparently fits that description. I must confess ignorance and say that I do not know Mr. Nunn. But if hes a forieng policy expert and a southerner, he may be good. Perhaps he's too old? FInally, Chuck Hagel would be an incredible choice! I've always loved the prospect of a bipartisan ticket--when the Kerry-McCain rumors were flying back in the day I was bubbling with hope, but that didn't happen. I'd totally love to see Hagel on this ticket.
-So there you have it. My top choice right now is Hillary. I'd love Webb or Hagel, too. Or even Richardson or Edwards.
-As for the rest of the cabinet:
- Sec of State - Richardson, Biden
- Attorney General - Edwards
- Sec of Labor - Edwards (or, Poverty Tsar)
- Sec of Defense - Colin Powell
- Sec of Environemtn - Gore
OK, bye then. Off to CHile in a few days!!
-I have come around and I am in favor of a Hillary CLinton Vice Presidency. I know it's total bullshit, but this fighter persona she has created is so appealing that I think it'd be a mistake not to offer her the VP position. Bill would be a problem, but they'd figure it out.
-Of course I'd love to see Mr. Edwards as Veep, too. I don't think he's gonna get it, but hed be much better than in 2004 and he is a fire breathing fighter.
-Obama needs someone with foreign policy experience, though. This is why my true favorites are Bill Richardson and Jim Webb. I don't think it will be Richardson because they wouldn't want 2 brown people on the ticket. Mr. Webb is ideal--former republican, total tough guy, virginian, military man. And I like him. He is of the Obama mold--new schooler who tells the truth.
-Other options are being floated--prominent of late is Ted Strickland. I just don't see this happening. Sure he's the Ohio gov, but what experience does he have? I'd love to see a psychologist become Veep, but it ain't gonna happen. Gov. Sebelius from Kansas is a great option, but, again, what experience does she bring? She'd be a woman and from the heartland, so I'd def. support this choice, and she seems to be doing a good job in Kansas, but I thinbk he needs the foreign policy expert at #2. Sam Nunn apparently fits that description. I must confess ignorance and say that I do not know Mr. Nunn. But if hes a forieng policy expert and a southerner, he may be good. Perhaps he's too old? FInally, Chuck Hagel would be an incredible choice! I've always loved the prospect of a bipartisan ticket--when the Kerry-McCain rumors were flying back in the day I was bubbling with hope, but that didn't happen. I'd totally love to see Hagel on this ticket.
-So there you have it. My top choice right now is Hillary. I'd love Webb or Hagel, too. Or even Richardson or Edwards.
-As for the rest of the cabinet:
- Sec of State - Richardson, Biden
- Attorney General - Edwards
- Sec of Labor - Edwards (or, Poverty Tsar)
- Sec of Defense - Colin Powell
- Sec of Environemtn - Gore
OK, bye then. Off to CHile in a few days!!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
wowee
So it's Easter weekend. Good Friday is one of my favorite church services, but I did not go this year. I don't know if I will go unday, but I hope I will make myself do it. Other than that, I have no Easter plans.
Bill Richardson endorsed Barack Obama. This made me very happy. Long ago I floated the idea of an Obama-Richardson ticket, and right now I am hopeful for that again. Obama is going to win this thing--Hillary has no chance and she is only sticking around out of a great need for power and chutzpah. I don't know if Obama could get away with not picking a woman for Veep, but if he does choose a man, I hope it is Richardson. Jim Webb would be a good choice as well, but he's a Senator, and I think Barack would be better off choosing a governor with foreign policy experience.
I continue being immensely busy. I turned in 2 dissertation chapters this week, but they are rather incomplete. I wish I had finished, because that'd be less work to do later, but oh well.
I'll be teaching 2 classes this summer. Intro to Psych and History of Psych. I'm rather excited.
I am so far behind on my paperwork at work that my supervisor isn't happy with me. I don't like it when people are not happy with me.
I'll be doing one or two presentations at an AIDS Education Month conference in June. Woohoo for padding the resume. I suppose I'll present on depression in queers with HIV and on the use of mindfulness meditation with people who have HIV.
Lauren--STOP READING NOW
American Idol potential *SPOILER* alert:
The show has lost its luster. I now have no reason to watch. The purge is complete. oh well, 3 fewer hours of TV to watch.
Bill Richardson endorsed Barack Obama. This made me very happy. Long ago I floated the idea of an Obama-Richardson ticket, and right now I am hopeful for that again. Obama is going to win this thing--Hillary has no chance and she is only sticking around out of a great need for power and chutzpah. I don't know if Obama could get away with not picking a woman for Veep, but if he does choose a man, I hope it is Richardson. Jim Webb would be a good choice as well, but he's a Senator, and I think Barack would be better off choosing a governor with foreign policy experience.
I continue being immensely busy. I turned in 2 dissertation chapters this week, but they are rather incomplete. I wish I had finished, because that'd be less work to do later, but oh well.
I'll be teaching 2 classes this summer. Intro to Psych and History of Psych. I'm rather excited.
I am so far behind on my paperwork at work that my supervisor isn't happy with me. I don't like it when people are not happy with me.
I'll be doing one or two presentations at an AIDS Education Month conference in June. Woohoo for padding the resume. I suppose I'll present on depression in queers with HIV and on the use of mindfulness meditation with people who have HIV.
Lauren--STOP READING NOW
American Idol potential *SPOILER* alert:
The show has lost its luster. I now have no reason to watch. The purge is complete. oh well, 3 fewer hours of TV to watch.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Rev. Arthur C. Parker
He was the greatest priest. He really was. Juanita died way too early, and now he has joined her. He had such an important role in my formative years, and my memories of him will live forever. I will list a few now:
-Who else had a Harley riding, leather wearing priest?
-Using "Jesus Christ Superstar" for confirmation classes
-The obsession with moose!
-Getting drunk on the altar that memorable Christmas Eve
-The prosody, rhythm, and inflection of his saying of the mass. I am so thankful that I have one of these recorded, because he had such a poetic way of putting the words together
-Helping me with so many things--Paying for my first trip to Spain, college advice, and just for taking an active interest in my well being
-His beautiful partnership with Juanita--they truly were a pair
-The legendary temper
-The inclusion of people who would otherwise not be church goers; the incredible rise in Sunday morning attendance
-The hundreds of times I served on the altar with him. The funerals I served with him. That one funeral in particular.
-His liberalness
-My trips to Chicago to visit
There are many others as well. I will be flying up to New Hampshire for the funeral next week. Let light perpetual shine upon him.
-Who else had a Harley riding, leather wearing priest?
-Using "Jesus Christ Superstar" for confirmation classes
-The obsession with moose!
-Getting drunk on the altar that memorable Christmas Eve
-The prosody, rhythm, and inflection of his saying of the mass. I am so thankful that I have one of these recorded, because he had such a poetic way of putting the words together
-Helping me with so many things--Paying for my first trip to Spain, college advice, and just for taking an active interest in my well being
-His beautiful partnership with Juanita--they truly were a pair
-The legendary temper
-The inclusion of people who would otherwise not be church goers; the incredible rise in Sunday morning attendance
-The hundreds of times I served on the altar with him. The funerals I served with him. That one funeral in particular.
-His liberalness
-My trips to Chicago to visit
There are many others as well. I will be flying up to New Hampshire for the funeral next week. Let light perpetual shine upon him.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
I want to write this to have it documented for posterity, but I don't feel like writing, and I haven't felt like writing.
Anyway, On Sunday Feb 3 (or was it Saturday Feb 2?)Barack Obama came to Wilmington, Delaware, and I was one of the 20,000 people who showed up at Rodney Square, downtown Wilmington, on that oh so beautiful of days. The crowd was amazingly diverse--young and old, black and white, gay and straight, and it was one of the largest collectives of people anyone can remember gathering in Wilmington. Barack spoke for about an hour, his typical stump speech, but seeing him in person was so much better than seeing him on TV. I got quite close and had a wonderful view of him. The secret service assassins were perched atop all of the nearby buildings, signaling the potential threat at hand, but Barack showed no concern, standing amidst this sea of people in a totally unsecure area in the center of a downtown square. To be part of that scene was a very moving experience, and I will always remember it. Maybe I'll get to do it again when he starts campaigning in Philly.
He went on to win the state of Delaware on Super Tuesday, one of his many victories that day, and started a long winning streak that still continues today.
In other news, I am lonely, I am stressed, and I think I may be developing an anaclitic depression.
Anyway, On Sunday Feb 3 (or was it Saturday Feb 2?)Barack Obama came to Wilmington, Delaware, and I was one of the 20,000 people who showed up at Rodney Square, downtown Wilmington, on that oh so beautiful of days. The crowd was amazingly diverse--young and old, black and white, gay and straight, and it was one of the largest collectives of people anyone can remember gathering in Wilmington. Barack spoke for about an hour, his typical stump speech, but seeing him in person was so much better than seeing him on TV. I got quite close and had a wonderful view of him. The secret service assassins were perched atop all of the nearby buildings, signaling the potential threat at hand, but Barack showed no concern, standing amidst this sea of people in a totally unsecure area in the center of a downtown square. To be part of that scene was a very moving experience, and I will always remember it. Maybe I'll get to do it again when he starts campaigning in Philly.
He went on to win the state of Delaware on Super Tuesday, one of his many victories that day, and started a long winning streak that still continues today.
In other news, I am lonely, I am stressed, and I think I may be developing an anaclitic depression.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Fired up and ready to go
Today I officially announce my endorsement of Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. I thank you, John Edwards, for your passionate campaign. I will never forget you, and I will never forget the way you won me over after my rather strong distate of you in 2004. Fare thee well John, and I lookm forward to your having a prominent role in the Obama administration.
But, now, I am fully behind Barack. Listen closely, and you'll hear the throngs chanting "Yes We Can!" I will be one of those many. I will be on of the people looking forward to a less partisan future in which we can finally and proudly recapture our identity as Americans. I will do what I can to make sure we continue building our bridge into the 21st century rather than turning around and building a bridge back into the 20th century.
Obama 2008!!!!!
But, now, I am fully behind Barack. Listen closely, and you'll hear the throngs chanting "Yes We Can!" I will be one of those many. I will be on of the people looking forward to a less partisan future in which we can finally and proudly recapture our identity as Americans. I will do what I can to make sure we continue building our bridge into the 21st century rather than turning around and building a bridge back into the 20th century.
Obama 2008!!!!!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Best of 2007
I made these Cd's back in December, but I didn't want to publish the track list until people listened to them. Some of you will still be receiving the dics, so don't worry if you don't have them yet.
This year there was too much music that I wanted to include, so I decided to expand to a double disc set. This was the fifth anniversary of the "Best of **** Xmas Mix," so it seemed fitting to make the fifth something extra special.
Without further adieu, my best of 2007:
Best of 2007 Volume 1, X-Mas Mix
1. The Rosebuds – Get Up Get Out
2. Peter, Bjorn & John – Young Folks
3. The Polyphonic Spree – Section 22 [Running Away]
4. Arcade Fire – Keep the Car Running
5. Rufus Wainwright – You Go to My Head
6. Brandi Carlile – Have You Ever?
7. Teddy Thompson – Change of Heart
8. A Fine Frenzy – The Minnow and the Trout
9. Tori Amos – Velvet Revolution
10. Radiohead - Videotape
11. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Please Read the Letter
12. Brandi Carlile - Turpentine
13. Patty Griffin – No Bad News
14. Rufus Wainwright – Between My Legs
15. Kanye West – Flashing Lights
16. Lily Allen – Knock ‘em Out
17. Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby
18. Mika – Love Today (Acoustic)
19. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – Falling Slowly
20. Ann Wilson, Rufus Wainwright & Shawn Colvin – A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall
21. Melissa Etheridge – All We Can Really Do
Best of 2007 Volume 2, New Year’s Mix
1. Prince – Planet Earth
2. Melissa Etheridge – Message to Myself
3. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Stick With Me Baby
4. Of Montreal – Sink the Seine
5. Kanye West - Homecoming
6. Britney Spears – Toy Soldier
7. Goldfrapp – Ride A White Horse
8. Fujiya & Miyagi – Ankle Injuries
9. Radiohead – Faust Arp
10. Tori Amos – Digital Ghost
11. Neko Case – A Widow’s Toast
12. Rufus Wainwright - Slideshow
13. A Fine Frenzy – Come On, Come Out
14. Bright Eyes – Soul Singer in a Session Band
15. Kaiser Chiefs – The Angry Mob
16. Tori Amos – Secret Spell
17. Amy Winehouse (with Ghostface Killah) – You Know I’m No Good
18. The Polyphonic Spree – Section 32 [The Championship]
19. Amos Lee – Night Train
20. Teddy Thompson – Don’t Ask Me to be Friends
21. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)
This year there was too much music that I wanted to include, so I decided to expand to a double disc set. This was the fifth anniversary of the "Best of **** Xmas Mix," so it seemed fitting to make the fifth something extra special.
Without further adieu, my best of 2007:
Best of 2007 Volume 1, X-Mas Mix
1. The Rosebuds – Get Up Get Out
2. Peter, Bjorn & John – Young Folks
3. The Polyphonic Spree – Section 22 [Running Away]
4. Arcade Fire – Keep the Car Running
5. Rufus Wainwright – You Go to My Head
6. Brandi Carlile – Have You Ever?
7. Teddy Thompson – Change of Heart
8. A Fine Frenzy – The Minnow and the Trout
9. Tori Amos – Velvet Revolution
10. Radiohead - Videotape
11. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Please Read the Letter
12. Brandi Carlile - Turpentine
13. Patty Griffin – No Bad News
14. Rufus Wainwright – Between My Legs
15. Kanye West – Flashing Lights
16. Lily Allen – Knock ‘em Out
17. Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby
18. Mika – Love Today (Acoustic)
19. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – Falling Slowly
20. Ann Wilson, Rufus Wainwright & Shawn Colvin – A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall
21. Melissa Etheridge – All We Can Really Do
Best of 2007 Volume 2, New Year’s Mix
1. Prince – Planet Earth
2. Melissa Etheridge – Message to Myself
3. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Stick With Me Baby
4. Of Montreal – Sink the Seine
5. Kanye West - Homecoming
6. Britney Spears – Toy Soldier
7. Goldfrapp – Ride A White Horse
8. Fujiya & Miyagi – Ankle Injuries
9. Radiohead – Faust Arp
10. Tori Amos – Digital Ghost
11. Neko Case – A Widow’s Toast
12. Rufus Wainwright - Slideshow
13. A Fine Frenzy – Come On, Come Out
14. Bright Eyes – Soul Singer in a Session Band
15. Kaiser Chiefs – The Angry Mob
16. Tori Amos – Secret Spell
17. Amy Winehouse (with Ghostface Killah) – You Know I’m No Good
18. The Polyphonic Spree – Section 32 [The Championship]
19. Amos Lee – Night Train
20. Teddy Thompson – Don’t Ask Me to be Friends
21. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)
Yes We Can!
This is an incredible victory speech from Obama in South Carolina. It literally gave me chills. Best line--"this campaign is about the past versus the future" or something like that. "About the same old tactics, the same old division, the same old drama that passes for politics versus something new." The Clintons are truly disgusting. Bill, apparently, earned his name, Slick Willy, for a reason. What a repulsive, narcissistic human being.
Oh, and if you watch attentively, you'll see that Obama has co-opted a large portion of John Edwards's message. This is a good thing, I guess...gives props to John and makes Obama much more palatable for Edwards people. But isn't it ironic that the black guy is co-opting the white guy's message--white people are the ones who are supposed to co-opt black culture!! hah.
Oh, and if you watch attentively, you'll see that Obama has co-opted a large portion of John Edwards's message. This is a good thing, I guess...gives props to John and makes Obama much more palatable for Edwards people. But isn't it ironic that the black guy is co-opting the white guy's message--white people are the ones who are supposed to co-opt black culture!! hah.
Friday, January 25, 2008
I just discovered a Congressional Fellowship that, I think, was created just for me!
One of the great things about becoming a psychologist is that the opportunities are limitless. I've been considering many options for after that time when I--god willing--graduate. I've looked at the Army, the FBI, the CIA, I've examined job opportunities in business, and I've cultivated many connections in various areas of professional psychology.
Having discovered this fellowship, however, I think I've found the perfect thing! What if I stay where I am as a post-doc and then as an employee? I can get the clinic to become one of those federally approved sites that pays off your loans while you work there, and then I can use my numerous years of HIV/AIDS experience to go to DC and work in Congress! Perhaps this congressional post can be a springboard into other political appointments or policy work.
Check it out:
http://www.apa.org/ppo/fellows/bailey_flyer_08-09.pdf
One of the great things about becoming a psychologist is that the opportunities are limitless. I've been considering many options for after that time when I--god willing--graduate. I've looked at the Army, the FBI, the CIA, I've examined job opportunities in business, and I've cultivated many connections in various areas of professional psychology.
Having discovered this fellowship, however, I think I've found the perfect thing! What if I stay where I am as a post-doc and then as an employee? I can get the clinic to become one of those federally approved sites that pays off your loans while you work there, and then I can use my numerous years of HIV/AIDS experience to go to DC and work in Congress! Perhaps this congressional post can be a springboard into other political appointments or policy work.
Check it out:
http://www.apa.org/ppo/fellows/bailey_flyer_08-09.pdf
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
RIP
Brad Renfro's death is so incredibly upsetting. I literally cried. He was my first. He was my age. He was also one of my favorite actors--he played so beautifully in Sleepers, Bully, Ghost World, Apt Pupil, The Client, and countless others. It hits really hard.
Monday, January 7, 2008
New Hampshire Predictions
I was pretty close in Iowa. Let's see how I do in New Hampshire:
1. Obama
2. Clinton
3. Edwards
Edwards and Clinton will be alot closer than many expect.
1. McCain
2. Romney
3. Huckabee
I do think Romney still has a chance, and I was very tempted to predict that he'll win, but I think McCain holds on by a nose.
I'm still standing by my Obama and Huckabee predictions, for now. I am wavering a little on Huckabee, but I'll have to see how the next few states turn out.
1. Obama
2. Clinton
3. Edwards
Edwards and Clinton will be alot closer than many expect.
1. McCain
2. Romney
3. Huckabee
I do think Romney still has a chance, and I was very tempted to predict that he'll win, but I think McCain holds on by a nose.
I'm still standing by my Obama and Huckabee predictions, for now. I am wavering a little on Huckabee, but I'll have to see how the next few states turn out.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Democrats
This focus group from last night's New Hampshire debate is very telling. I recognize, of course, that it is a Fox focus group, so only God knows if it is actually composed of real people, but some of the comments about Hillary are really great encapsulations of the horribleness of her performance and of her campaign for presidency. There are some great quotes, but the last line, "I want to hear what she has to say, but she deafens my own ears," hits my feelings exactly. When she started yelling at John, I felt my viscera boil. I couldn't even listen to her. I was made so uncomfortable by her defensive tantrum--it was as if she was saying, "how dare you motherfuckers get in my way. I am entitled to this and I have 35 years of change backing me up. You peons don't even deserve to be on the same stage as me." It was utterly disgusting.
So I think the whole change debate was very interesting, and I think Barack and John really missed some opportunities to put the finals nails in Hillary's coffin. She doesn't get what change really means. Change means moving beyond 51 percent majorities or 45 percent pluralities. Change means fighting for all Americans, not just for Americans in your party. Change means neutering right wing talk radio. Change means changing the nature of the debate.
John and Barack both appeal to people outside of the party label. Barack is talking to everyone. He is courting independents and republicans. He is bringing new people into this. He is respectful of different opinions. He understands the conservative temperament. John is fighting for the middle class. He doesn't care if you are a deocrat, a republican, or someone who really doesn't care about politics at all. He cares about people's abilities to work, to be healthy, to have job security, to get what you deserve, and to not have your interests crippled by the interests of large corporate monsters. He changes the debate totally.
Hillary may talk about change, but her idea of change does not change the nature of the debate at all. She galvanizes talk radio. She galvanizes the opposition. She would receive no more than 49% of the vote. John and Barack could both get 60 or more percent. Hillary's Iowa concession speech exemplified exactly what her problem is. First, standing behind her were Bill, Madeleine Albright, Vilsack, Wes Clark, and others***. These are great people! But, they are all veterans of the same old debate, the same old arguments, the same old temperament. In the content of her speech, Hillary said that she wanted to appeal to Democrats, Independents, and "even some Republicans who have seen the light."
Why does she see it necessary to insult an entire class of people? Why can't she try, instead, to appeal to all Republicans by highlighting the common HUMAN concerns that we all face? Republicans are not different from Democrats at their core--they are humans with the same basic needs. Their philosophies may be different, but a true CHANGE AGENT would try to unify the country, and change the nature of the divisiveness of the our politics. John and Barack both do this. Barack explicitly appeals to Republicans, and he does not feel the need to call insult them by saying they've "seen the light."
I loved the way John and Barack teamed up on Hillary, and John was incredibly effective when he pointed out Hillary's being part of the status quo that tries to stop true agents of change. He could have gone further by pointing out these things: talk radio, vast right wing conspiracy, "seen the light" republicans, corporate donors, scandals, fox news, and so on.
We all know who the true agents of change are, and at times I felt like they were engaged in a love fest last night. I guarantee that Obama wins New Hampshire. I hope John finishes second. If they can topple Hillary and get her out of this thing, then we can see a real debate between the two true change agents, and I look forward to seeing John and Barack battle each other.
Watch the love fest and John's brilliance here:
*** In contrast, behind John you saw carpenters, union workers, his father who worked in the mill, and a bunch of regular people. Behind Barack, you saw a massive crowd of young people, of idealists, and of diversity. The differences between the three crowds and the nature of the people the candidates chose to highlight really highlighted the differences between the candidates.
So I think the whole change debate was very interesting, and I think Barack and John really missed some opportunities to put the finals nails in Hillary's coffin. She doesn't get what change really means. Change means moving beyond 51 percent majorities or 45 percent pluralities. Change means fighting for all Americans, not just for Americans in your party. Change means neutering right wing talk radio. Change means changing the nature of the debate.
John and Barack both appeal to people outside of the party label. Barack is talking to everyone. He is courting independents and republicans. He is bringing new people into this. He is respectful of different opinions. He understands the conservative temperament. John is fighting for the middle class. He doesn't care if you are a deocrat, a republican, or someone who really doesn't care about politics at all. He cares about people's abilities to work, to be healthy, to have job security, to get what you deserve, and to not have your interests crippled by the interests of large corporate monsters. He changes the debate totally.
Hillary may talk about change, but her idea of change does not change the nature of the debate at all. She galvanizes talk radio. She galvanizes the opposition. She would receive no more than 49% of the vote. John and Barack could both get 60 or more percent. Hillary's Iowa concession speech exemplified exactly what her problem is. First, standing behind her were Bill, Madeleine Albright, Vilsack, Wes Clark, and others***. These are great people! But, they are all veterans of the same old debate, the same old arguments, the same old temperament. In the content of her speech, Hillary said that she wanted to appeal to Democrats, Independents, and "even some Republicans who have seen the light."
Why does she see it necessary to insult an entire class of people? Why can't she try, instead, to appeal to all Republicans by highlighting the common HUMAN concerns that we all face? Republicans are not different from Democrats at their core--they are humans with the same basic needs. Their philosophies may be different, but a true CHANGE AGENT would try to unify the country, and change the nature of the divisiveness of the our politics. John and Barack both do this. Barack explicitly appeals to Republicans, and he does not feel the need to call insult them by saying they've "seen the light."
I loved the way John and Barack teamed up on Hillary, and John was incredibly effective when he pointed out Hillary's being part of the status quo that tries to stop true agents of change. He could have gone further by pointing out these things: talk radio, vast right wing conspiracy, "seen the light" republicans, corporate donors, scandals, fox news, and so on.
We all know who the true agents of change are, and at times I felt like they were engaged in a love fest last night. I guarantee that Obama wins New Hampshire. I hope John finishes second. If they can topple Hillary and get her out of this thing, then we can see a real debate between the two true change agents, and I look forward to seeing John and Barack battle each other.
Watch the love fest and John's brilliance here:
*** In contrast, behind John you saw carpenters, union workers, his father who worked in the mill, and a bunch of regular people. Behind Barack, you saw a massive crowd of young people, of idealists, and of diversity. The differences between the three crowds and the nature of the people the candidates chose to highlight really highlighted the differences between the candidates.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Updated list of live performances I have witnessed
Alicia Keys - Live8
Amanda - Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Amber – Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA
A-Teens – Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones – Lasall Gymnasium, Williams College
Belle and Sebastian – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Black Eyed Peas – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Black Eyed Peas - Live8
Blessid Union of Souls – Pleasure Island, Orlando, Florida
Bon Jovi - Live8
Brandi Carlile – Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
Brandi Carlile – Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Britney Spears – MCI Center, Washington DC
Brooke Allison - Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Cher –MCI Center, Washington DC
Cher – Pepsi Arena, Albany, NY
Christina Aguilera – Foxboro Stadium, Massachusetts, MLS Cup
Christina Aguilera – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Coldplay - Tweeter Center, Camden, NJ
Cyndi Lauper – MCI Center Washington DC
Cyndi Lauper - Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA
Dave Matthews Band - Live8
Def Leppard - Live8
Destiny's Child - Live8
Dolly Parton - Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
Eric Underwood – 8 times?
A Fine Frenzy – Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
A Fine Frenzy – Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Jars of Clay - Live8
JayZ - Live8
Jethro Tull - Tanglewood, Lenox, MA
Josh Groban - Live8
Jurassic Five – Lasall Gymnasium, Williams College
Justin Timberlake – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Kaiser Chiefs - Live8
Kanye West - Live8
Keith Urban - Live8
Kiki & Herb – Williamstown, MA
Linkin Park - Live8
Lucy Wainwright Roche – Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
Madonna – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA (Drowned World)
Madonna - Worcester Spectrum, Worcester, MA (Reinvention)
Madonna – Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA (Confessions)
Maroon 5 - Live8
Naughty By Nature – Lasall Gymnasium, Williams College
Neko Case – Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
OK Go! – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Paulina Rubio – RFK Stadium, Washington DC, MLS All Star Game
Prince - Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Rasputina – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Rilo Kiley - Tweeter Center, Camden, NJ
Rob Thomas - Live8
Robby Baier – La Cocina, Pittsfield, MA
Rufus Wainwright – Pearl Street Night Club, Northhampton, MA
Rufus Wainwright – Apple Store, San Francisco, CA
Rufus Wainwright – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Rufus Wainwright – Borders Books, Bryn Mawr, PA
Rufus Wainwright – Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
Rufus Wainwright – Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
Rufus Wainwright – State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ
Sara McLachlan - Live8
Shakira – Plaza de Toros, Madrid, Spain
Shawn Colvin – Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
Son Volt - Philadelphia Folk Festival
Stevie Wonder - Live8
The Strokes – Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Suzanne Vega – Iron Horse, Northhampton, MA
Teddy Thompson - Pearl Street, Northhampton, MA
The Josh Joplin Group - Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Toby Keith - Live8
Will Smith - Live8
Amanda - Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Amber – Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA
A-Teens – Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones – Lasall Gymnasium, Williams College
Belle and Sebastian – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Black Eyed Peas – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Black Eyed Peas - Live8
Blessid Union of Souls – Pleasure Island, Orlando, Florida
Bon Jovi - Live8
Brandi Carlile – Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
Brandi Carlile – Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Britney Spears – MCI Center, Washington DC
Brooke Allison - Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Cher –MCI Center, Washington DC
Cher – Pepsi Arena, Albany, NY
Christina Aguilera – Foxboro Stadium, Massachusetts, MLS Cup
Christina Aguilera – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Coldplay - Tweeter Center, Camden, NJ
Cyndi Lauper – MCI Center Washington DC
Cyndi Lauper - Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA
Dave Matthews Band - Live8
Def Leppard - Live8
Destiny's Child - Live8
Dolly Parton - Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
Eric Underwood – 8 times?
A Fine Frenzy – Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
A Fine Frenzy – Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Jars of Clay - Live8
JayZ - Live8
Jethro Tull - Tanglewood, Lenox, MA
Josh Groban - Live8
Jurassic Five – Lasall Gymnasium, Williams College
Justin Timberlake – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Kaiser Chiefs - Live8
Kanye West - Live8
Keith Urban - Live8
Kiki & Herb – Williamstown, MA
Linkin Park - Live8
Lucy Wainwright Roche – Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
Madonna – Fleetcenter, Boston, MA (Drowned World)
Madonna - Worcester Spectrum, Worcester, MA (Reinvention)
Madonna – Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA (Confessions)
Maroon 5 - Live8
Naughty By Nature – Lasall Gymnasium, Williams College
Neko Case – Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
OK Go! – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Paulina Rubio – RFK Stadium, Washington DC, MLS All Star Game
Prince - Fleetcenter, Boston, MA
Rasputina – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Rilo Kiley - Tweeter Center, Camden, NJ
Rob Thomas - Live8
Robby Baier – La Cocina, Pittsfield, MA
Rufus Wainwright – Pearl Street Night Club, Northhampton, MA
Rufus Wainwright – Apple Store, San Francisco, CA
Rufus Wainwright – Calvin Theatre, Northhampton, MA
Rufus Wainwright – Borders Books, Bryn Mawr, PA
Rufus Wainwright – Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
Rufus Wainwright – Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
Rufus Wainwright – State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ
Sara McLachlan - Live8
Shakira – Plaza de Toros, Madrid, Spain
Shawn Colvin – Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
Son Volt - Philadelphia Folk Festival
Stevie Wonder - Live8
The Strokes – Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Suzanne Vega – Iron Horse, Northhampton, MA
Teddy Thompson - Pearl Street, Northhampton, MA
The Josh Joplin Group - Saratoga Equine Center, Saratoga, NY
Toby Keith - Live8
Will Smith - Live8
Friday, January 4, 2008
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