This morning I woke up and although tired, I was relaxed and positive. Indeed, the 2008 election marks a new birth for this country. Not just politically or racially but also emotionally, mentally, culturally and democratically. And the implications for the world are just as great.
Given all that has happened, I don't feel this is a big deal - A black president who speaks about our Founding Father's visions for America should not be marked as an historic occasion. This should be a common expectation. It should come as no surprise. Our creed and declaration demand that it come as no surprise.
Yet, reality dictates otherwise. This election is a big deal. It’s a big deal to our parents, our relatives, our past leaders, the rest of the world and everyone else who lived through the bright and dark moments in history. Perhaps my complacent feelings say more about my own experiences or lack thereof over the last 24 years. Maybe I just have no idea because as one friend acknowledged, "all I have is an extension of stories passed down to me." Whatever it is, I hope my no-big-deal reaction is what our founders intended.
I don't want to set my expectations too high for Barack Obama. But the content of his character is rich. It’s rich with understanding and rich with historical knowledge. His candidacy opens a multitude of doors at home and abroad. We have a chance to reclaim dreams and move forward on so many matters. I’m not merely talking about the partisan matters of the last eight years. I’m referring to matters which have extended throughout America’s 232 years. Issues and perceptions which have affected American citizens of color, gender, affiliation and intellect.
As John Adams once said:
"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it."
For all its historical context and all its implications, the 2008 election provides us with this opportunity as Americans, and as citizens of the world, to move onward and upward. It's time to make it count.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Campaign Rhetoric
Below is an exchange, verbatim, I had with a friend back on Oct. 6. This was the post I intended to publish before the McCain Camp's low-minded tactics against Obama. Hence the previous post.
Our emails began shortly after I shared a news item describing Joe McCain's (John McCain's brother) comments regarding Arlington and Alexandria, VA as "communist country."
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DAN: c'mon dude that's "gotcha" journalism, i'm not going to read too much into that. besides, liberal views on government intervention form the basis of communism; if the word didn't carry a negative connotation in this part of the world, nobody would object to the joke.
HASAN: I don't dispute your claim but it's a sour note for the mccain campaign nonetheless. the "macaca" moment of this campaign. and it happened in a state leaning blue and where a majority of the voters live in nova. that's not exactly the best comment to make when trying to solidify and attract new voters.
DAN: Man, I disagree. It is a minor note, at best, because it was by his brother, not by the man himself. Of all the gaffes his campaign is guilty of, this one least qualifies for the attention we're giving it. particularly because the news of the weekend has been palin accusing obama of "palling" around with terrorists or some BS like that. they're one second away from bringing the fantastic rev. wright back into this. you hear palin say, "their vision of america is different from our vision" in reference to obama's views? the racial implications should be thrown right back at her. there's a gaffe worth talking about.
HASAN: you know as well as I do that professional, personal and certainly political associations mean a lot when running for office. These issues come up in every campaign. I agree with your comments about "gotcha journalism" but this is the nature of a 24/7 news cycle. Each candidate and their supporters are aware of this. It doesn't matter anymore if gotcha journalism is right or wrong. It's now a question of effect and to what extent a discussion it merits. He made a reckless comment. Some laughed and many more were offended. The media reports it and people like us share it. In the end, this will carry more weight than it probably should. But it shouldn't be ignored either.
On that note, Obama has given the thumbs up for his surrogates to proceed with attacks against McCain for his role in the Keating Five scandal. It was something he vouched not to bring up and he, himself, probably won't mention it by name but don't be surprised if people in the Obama camp start talking about it.
Personally, I wish he would leave it alone. Before you know it the first wife of McCain is going to be mentioned then someone's going to talk about the kids and so on. It's the ugly face of politics. And it's been abused and reused by many campaigns in the past. Palin/McCain increased the frequency of these tactics in the last month. It's their last ditch effort to redefine Obama.
The Keating Five and now Joe McCain will balance out these attacks.
DAN: I know these personal issues inevitably come up in every campaign; I just don't think it wise for the Obama camp to jump onto something Joe McCain was joking about. It's one thing to disparage associates with radical views (like Wright) and another thing entirely to disparage someone who has served this country and makes an off-the-cuff remark in jest. Wright's history is what makes him an easy target and McCain's military history is what makes him, to some extent, off limits. Yes, others have been jumped on for less, but the energy of the Obama camp would be better used jumping on something either McCain or Palin has said.
McCain has said in the past that his involvement in the Keating Five scandal was a point of great embarrassment and shame to him. However, it is a great point for the Obama camp to press to show how out of touch McCain is and always has been. And I've also found it surprising that, while professing to represent a party that is supposedly more in touch with family values, McCain has gotten away with leaving his first wife while she needed care to marry a hotter, richer woman. If Edwards had to face the music for his actions, why would McCain be exempt?
********
It must be noted, our exchange occurred before the second presidential debate in Nashville, TN. That afternoon, as we typed these emails, Palin ranted about Obama's relationships with Ayers and Rev. Wright. And sure enough, the Obama campaign ignored the comments made by Joe McCain. Thus, more evidence supporting Obama's real interest and focus in discussing the core issues facing America.
Our emails began shortly after I shared a news item describing Joe McCain's (John McCain's brother) comments regarding Arlington and Alexandria, VA as "communist country."
********
DAN: c'mon dude that's "gotcha" journalism, i'm not going to read too much into that. besides, liberal views on government intervention form the basis of communism; if the word didn't carry a negative connotation in this part of the world, nobody would object to the joke.
HASAN: I don't dispute your claim but it's a sour note for the mccain campaign nonetheless. the "macaca" moment of this campaign. and it happened in a state leaning blue and where a majority of the voters live in nova. that's not exactly the best comment to make when trying to solidify and attract new voters.
DAN: Man, I disagree. It is a minor note, at best, because it was by his brother, not by the man himself. Of all the gaffes his campaign is guilty of, this one least qualifies for the attention we're giving it. particularly because the news of the weekend has been palin accusing obama of "palling" around with terrorists or some BS like that. they're one second away from bringing the fantastic rev. wright back into this. you hear palin say, "their vision of america is different from our vision" in reference to obama's views? the racial implications should be thrown right back at her. there's a gaffe worth talking about.
HASAN: you know as well as I do that professional, personal and certainly political associations mean a lot when running for office. These issues come up in every campaign. I agree with your comments about "gotcha journalism" but this is the nature of a 24/7 news cycle. Each candidate and their supporters are aware of this. It doesn't matter anymore if gotcha journalism is right or wrong. It's now a question of effect and to what extent a discussion it merits. He made a reckless comment. Some laughed and many more were offended. The media reports it and people like us share it. In the end, this will carry more weight than it probably should. But it shouldn't be ignored either.
On that note, Obama has given the thumbs up for his surrogates to proceed with attacks against McCain for his role in the Keating Five scandal. It was something he vouched not to bring up and he, himself, probably won't mention it by name but don't be surprised if people in the Obama camp start talking about it.
Personally, I wish he would leave it alone. Before you know it the first wife of McCain is going to be mentioned then someone's going to talk about the kids and so on. It's the ugly face of politics. And it's been abused and reused by many campaigns in the past. Palin/McCain increased the frequency of these tactics in the last month. It's their last ditch effort to redefine Obama.
The Keating Five and now Joe McCain will balance out these attacks.
DAN: I know these personal issues inevitably come up in every campaign; I just don't think it wise for the Obama camp to jump onto something Joe McCain was joking about. It's one thing to disparage associates with radical views (like Wright) and another thing entirely to disparage someone who has served this country and makes an off-the-cuff remark in jest. Wright's history is what makes him an easy target and McCain's military history is what makes him, to some extent, off limits. Yes, others have been jumped on for less, but the energy of the Obama camp would be better used jumping on something either McCain or Palin has said.
McCain has said in the past that his involvement in the Keating Five scandal was a point of great embarrassment and shame to him. However, it is a great point for the Obama camp to press to show how out of touch McCain is and always has been. And I've also found it surprising that, while professing to represent a party that is supposedly more in touch with family values, McCain has gotten away with leaving his first wife while she needed care to marry a hotter, richer woman. If Edwards had to face the music for his actions, why would McCain be exempt?
********
It must be noted, our exchange occurred before the second presidential debate in Nashville, TN. That afternoon, as we typed these emails, Palin ranted about Obama's relationships with Ayers and Rev. Wright. And sure enough, the Obama campaign ignored the comments made by Joe McCain. Thus, more evidence supporting Obama's real interest and focus in discussing the core issues facing America.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Election Priorities
I had intentions of sharing a different post but my complete disgust in the McCain campaign has motivated this one. This is an all-time low. We’re headed down a shitty path. Today, McCain and Palin decided to revisit Jeremiah Wright, exploit Obama's middle name and accuse him of "palling around with terrorists.” They also seek to disregard the economy:
“If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we’re going to lose” said Rick Davis, a senior McCain campaign adviser, to the New York Daily News.
What happened to McCain's message of "Country First?"
In Southwest Florida, Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott gave an introductory speech where he repeatedly emphasized Obama's middle name, Hussein. Following his remarks, Sarah Palin took the stage and attempted to connect Obama with William Ayers, the former Weather Underground member. One audience member was over heard yelling "kill him!" It is uncertain whether that remark was aimed towards Ayers or towards Obama.
But perhaps the most horrific of all these smears came at a McCain rally in Albuquerque, NM. McCain asked the audience "Who is the real Barack Obama?" At least one member replied "A terrorist!"
Upon watching the video, anger and fear overwhelmed me. It's sad enough when we have a society of citizens who have "no desire to educate themselves," as one friend put it. But it's even more disconcerting when we have leaders who feed and allow such statements to pass so they can score points with voters to win a political contest.
These unsavory comments, shameless attacks and racist implications have a potent effect on the American psyche that McCain and Palin probably don’t know about or don’t care to acknowledge. This kind of rhetoric justifies ignorance. It incites more intolerance and empowers hate mongers who should have no place in America’s dialogue for our next president.
It’s a sad and despicable state of affairs. And it comes after McCain himself acknowledged American's attitudes towards negative tactics. "America has already rejected this kind of campaigning" he said back in April.
All this reminds me of a quote I once read. That "our nation will never be invaded or defeated by an outside force. That if defeat comes, it will come from within."
The symptoms of the McCain/Palin strategy seem to reinforce the steps towards such a defeat. As American’s, combating ignorance and intolerance should be our priority internationally and certainly at home. Justice and understanding, always. Only then can we move forward as a nation and tackle the concrete issues before us.
Here's one last quote that brings us full circle and strikes me as the most poetic I've heard all day:
"I just have to rely on the good judgment of the voters not to buy into these negative attack ads. Sooner or later people are going to figure out. If all you run is negative attack ads, then you either don't have much of a vision for the future or you're not ready to articulate it." - [The once respected] Sen. John McCain.
UPDATE - OCT. 10, 2008
This is exactly what I'm talking about - Rage in the Town of Bethlehem. The ramifications of such rhetoric is much greater and has lasting effects on the psychology of our society. These are reckless attacks aimed more at the individual and less at his policies. The issues are no longer front and center. The person is front and center. The person is the issue. A woman was asked outside a McCain rally - "Is Barack Obama a terrorist?" Answer: "He has the blood lines." Those feeble minds who feel threatened by a black man, with a Muslim name and a liberal voting record may feel a need to "save this country." This worries me.
“If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we’re going to lose” said Rick Davis, a senior McCain campaign adviser, to the New York Daily News.
What happened to McCain's message of "Country First?"
In Southwest Florida, Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott gave an introductory speech where he repeatedly emphasized Obama's middle name, Hussein. Following his remarks, Sarah Palin took the stage and attempted to connect Obama with William Ayers, the former Weather Underground member. One audience member was over heard yelling "kill him!" It is uncertain whether that remark was aimed towards Ayers or towards Obama.
But perhaps the most horrific of all these smears came at a McCain rally in Albuquerque, NM. McCain asked the audience "Who is the real Barack Obama?" At least one member replied "A terrorist!"
Upon watching the video, anger and fear overwhelmed me. It's sad enough when we have a society of citizens who have "no desire to educate themselves," as one friend put it. But it's even more disconcerting when we have leaders who feed and allow such statements to pass so they can score points with voters to win a political contest.
These unsavory comments, shameless attacks and racist implications have a potent effect on the American psyche that McCain and Palin probably don’t know about or don’t care to acknowledge. This kind of rhetoric justifies ignorance. It incites more intolerance and empowers hate mongers who should have no place in America’s dialogue for our next president.
It’s a sad and despicable state of affairs. And it comes after McCain himself acknowledged American's attitudes towards negative tactics. "America has already rejected this kind of campaigning" he said back in April.
All this reminds me of a quote I once read. That "our nation will never be invaded or defeated by an outside force. That if defeat comes, it will come from within."
The symptoms of the McCain/Palin strategy seem to reinforce the steps towards such a defeat. As American’s, combating ignorance and intolerance should be our priority internationally and certainly at home. Justice and understanding, always. Only then can we move forward as a nation and tackle the concrete issues before us.
Here's one last quote that brings us full circle and strikes me as the most poetic I've heard all day:
"I just have to rely on the good judgment of the voters not to buy into these negative attack ads. Sooner or later people are going to figure out. If all you run is negative attack ads, then you either don't have much of a vision for the future or you're not ready to articulate it." - [The once respected] Sen. John McCain.
UPDATE - OCT. 10, 2008
This is exactly what I'm talking about - Rage in the Town of Bethlehem. The ramifications of such rhetoric is much greater and has lasting effects on the psychology of our society. These are reckless attacks aimed more at the individual and less at his policies. The issues are no longer front and center. The person is front and center. The person is the issue. A woman was asked outside a McCain rally - "Is Barack Obama a terrorist?" Answer: "He has the blood lines." Those feeble minds who feel threatened by a black man, with a Muslim name and a liberal voting record may feel a need to "save this country." This worries me.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Control Freak
[Less than one month after my animated tenure under Chris V's tent ended, I couldn't resist writing this message. Now you can get an insider's look at the one I first dubbed "Muppetto."]
********
A control freak to say the least, Chris V has reemphasized the sacredness of having your own apartment. I knew long before entering his domain their would be doubts, verbal banter and even skirmishes. But the frequency and audacity of the various incidents have left me astounded.
It's hard knowing where to begin when you live with such a moody grunt who screeches and flails his body in protest during nearly every exchange. "What!? WHAT!!?" he says, in a highly pitched and raspy voice while his shoulders and neck twitch forward.
On one occasion the spazz deemed it necessary to ration toilet paper when a couple days earlier the issue could have been avoided by simply capitalizing on a "buy one, get one free" deal. Apparently however, the rolls were "not soft enough."
Apart from the TP incident, there have been plenty others (all worthy of individual posts):
*His pulsating nostrils when trying to hold back a gargling laugh. I truly thought the kid was going to suffocate.
*The toe nail on the carpet, then in the drink incident.
*His stubbles of hair left scattered around the sink.
*His request to flick a booger.
*Grocery shopping at 7-11.
*The soap-opera drama which ensued after I borrowed his newly purchased draft kit for fantasy bball.
*His perpetual 'birdie-flicks' before bed - seems to be his way of saying goodnight.
*The notorious power cord and its lack of movement.
But perhaps my most memorable moment while living under Chris V's roof will be his notorious "ice cream finger." The man had just opened his new carton of chocolate chip mocha when he decided to take a swipe at the dessert and lick his finger. Upon removing his it from his mouth, there was a bit of lingering treat. Instead of licking his finger clean or washing it off in the sink next to him, the territorial monkey - in what was surely a sign of evolutionary instinct - decided to wipe it clean using the corner of his counter top. I couldn't believe my eyes and upon calling him out, I realized the extent of his actions.
What incentive would lead a person to do such a thing? Then it occurred to me. These were the ways of Chris V's jungle. Where principle is all but eliminated and the only law is a moody "my house, my law." Cartoonish times to say the least.
********
A control freak to say the least, Chris V has reemphasized the sacredness of having your own apartment. I knew long before entering his domain their would be doubts, verbal banter and even skirmishes. But the frequency and audacity of the various incidents have left me astounded.
It's hard knowing where to begin when you live with such a moody grunt who screeches and flails his body in protest during nearly every exchange. "What!? WHAT!!?" he says, in a highly pitched and raspy voice while his shoulders and neck twitch forward.
On one occasion the spazz deemed it necessary to ration toilet paper when a couple days earlier the issue could have been avoided by simply capitalizing on a "buy one, get one free" deal. Apparently however, the rolls were "not soft enough."
Apart from the TP incident, there have been plenty others (all worthy of individual posts):
*His pulsating nostrils when trying to hold back a gargling laugh. I truly thought the kid was going to suffocate.
*The toe nail on the carpet, then in the drink incident.
*His stubbles of hair left scattered around the sink.
*His request to flick a booger.
*Grocery shopping at 7-11.
*The soap-opera drama which ensued after I borrowed his newly purchased draft kit for fantasy bball.
*His perpetual 'birdie-flicks' before bed - seems to be his way of saying goodnight.
*The notorious power cord and its lack of movement.
But perhaps my most memorable moment while living under Chris V's roof will be his notorious "ice cream finger." The man had just opened his new carton of chocolate chip mocha when he decided to take a swipe at the dessert and lick his finger. Upon removing his it from his mouth, there was a bit of lingering treat. Instead of licking his finger clean or washing it off in the sink next to him, the territorial monkey - in what was surely a sign of evolutionary instinct - decided to wipe it clean using the corner of his counter top. I couldn't believe my eyes and upon calling him out, I realized the extent of his actions.
What incentive would lead a person to do such a thing? Then it occurred to me. These were the ways of Chris V's jungle. Where principle is all but eliminated and the only law is a moody "my house, my law." Cartoonish times to say the least.
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