It's not Recession, which Bush will never admit we are in. It's regulation- that's the dirty R word. Sunday's New York Times has an article on the pickle Republicans are suddenly finding themselves in. Typically, Republicans hate oversight and regulation. They believe that regulations and oversight interfere with profits, and as we all know, profits are everything. Protecting profits is more important than preventing the theft of a million dollars from the NRCC.
Even with the loss of a million dollars, House Republicans still cannot find it in their hearts to promote better regulation of Investment Firms. The Mortgage Industry is in tatters, foreclosures are dropping like rain, Investment Firms are hurting via SubPrime lending practices and are leading to extremely tight credit. The impact is you and I are getting the crap kicked out of us- that house you bought as part of Bush's Ownership Society at a teaser rate of 1.9% is now about to grow greatly, while the value of your home is plummeting.
Bush promised no bailout, but the Fed is pumping Billions of public dollars into these firms to bailout this industry. AT the same time, Republicans and Wall Street are crying foul at the idea of regulation. Let's see, no regulation leads to economic crisis requiring people and firms to be bailed out, and there's no need for more oversight to help prevent a repeat??
Saturday, March 29, 2008
He's got it in the Bank!
John McCain has said and done some interesting things in his lifetime. The one everyone is reminded of his his time as a Naval Aviator and POW. McCain's service to his country has been much more colorful than that. The problem is the media LOVES THEM SOME John McCain.
Crooks and Liars posted about Chuck Todd's comments on Meet The Press last Sunday. Todd's comments matter because these are the positions of the media in general. Worse still, Todd is the Political Director at NBC- he sets the tone and direction of political stories. McCain has been treated to the gentlest, most sympathetic media coverage possible. The press doesn't ask the hard questions, and when an embarrassing question is asked, McCain is given every opportunity to answer, and that answer is accepted at face value.
McCain goes to Iraq and the coverage is favorable. He says that Iran is training al Qaeda, instead of insurgents, and the press says "Senior Moment". McCain says it safe in Iraq- no matter anyone says, (including media coverage of open rebellion in Basra), and the press says nothing. McCain, as noted on Countdown, has continuously said for years that he knows nothing about the Economy. The media's response is to ignore that repeated comment. The non-response holds even after McCain gives a speech on the Economy!
Bush was the candidate the press most would want to have a Beer with, and McCain the candidate they would want most to protect.
Crooks and Liars posted about Chuck Todd's comments on Meet The Press last Sunday. Todd's comments matter because these are the positions of the media in general. Worse still, Todd is the Political Director at NBC- he sets the tone and direction of political stories. McCain has been treated to the gentlest, most sympathetic media coverage possible. The press doesn't ask the hard questions, and when an embarrassing question is asked, McCain is given every opportunity to answer, and that answer is accepted at face value.
McCain goes to Iraq and the coverage is favorable. He says that Iran is training al Qaeda, instead of insurgents, and the press says "Senior Moment". McCain says it safe in Iraq- no matter anyone says, (including media coverage of open rebellion in Basra), and the press says nothing. McCain, as noted on Countdown, has continuously said for years that he knows nothing about the Economy. The media's response is to ignore that repeated comment. The non-response holds even after McCain gives a speech on the Economy!
Bush was the candidate the press most would want to have a Beer with, and McCain the candidate they would want most to protect.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Working to defeat change
Fran, Fran, Fran, I read about you. The 2004 US Senate race in Illinois was one marked by several candidates falling to personal issues. Wikipedia has the list of candidates from the primary and general races. Jack Ryan came out of the Republican Primary looking like a strong challenger for Obama, but ended up leaving the race over allegations that he was pressuring his then wife to have sex in public at some sex clubs they both attended.
The GOP needed to field a candidate. In a move I could only see as cynical, the Illinois GOP passed on Jim Oberweis, who gathered the second largest vote count in the Repub primary (but had to deal with allegations that he had illegals working in his stores, while running a decidedly anti-immigrant campaign) and selected Alan Keyes. Yes, THAT Alan Keyes- the professional presidential candidate. The same Alan Keyes who moved from Maryland to Illinois to run, and the same Alan Keyes that pilloried Hilary Clinton for moving to New York to run (who's the carpetbagger now). The biggest difference is , well, Hillary won.
Oh yeah Fran, you still here? You used to work for Keyes' campaign. After Keyes lost, you kind of faded into the background for a while. I remember you Fran because you wrote this piece critical of Trinity United Church of Christ and Rev. Wright long before Obama announced his candidacy for president. That piece came up after Obama's announcement, and people like Sean "I gave the super secret call-in number to my radio to to a Nazi" Hannity slowly started to pick through TUCC's statement on values to smear.
Here's what I know Fran, to quote Dick Gregory, there are probably more Blacks and Whites sitting in taverns together than in church. I've heard and read stories for years that 11am on Sunday is the most segregated hour of the week. We don't worship together. In fact, many of the major denominational organizations split over the issue of race long ago. They continue to be have separate organizations for predominately Black and White churches. There is the shame in this whole story- we can agree on a theological doctrine, but cannot agree on work together- because of race. It's not uncommon for people to separate themselves to worship. It's a shame, but it is truly the way in America.
The GOP needed to field a candidate. In a move I could only see as cynical, the Illinois GOP passed on Jim Oberweis, who gathered the second largest vote count in the Repub primary (but had to deal with allegations that he had illegals working in his stores, while running a decidedly anti-immigrant campaign) and selected Alan Keyes. Yes, THAT Alan Keyes- the professional presidential candidate. The same Alan Keyes who moved from Maryland to Illinois to run, and the same Alan Keyes that pilloried Hilary Clinton for moving to New York to run (who's the carpetbagger now). The biggest difference is , well, Hillary won.
Oh yeah Fran, you still here? You used to work for Keyes' campaign. After Keyes lost, you kind of faded into the background for a while. I remember you Fran because you wrote this piece critical of Trinity United Church of Christ and Rev. Wright long before Obama announced his candidacy for president. That piece came up after Obama's announcement, and people like Sean "I gave the super secret call-in number to my radio to to a Nazi" Hannity slowly started to pick through TUCC's statement on values to smear.
Here's what I know Fran, to quote Dick Gregory, there are probably more Blacks and Whites sitting in taverns together than in church. I've heard and read stories for years that 11am on Sunday is the most segregated hour of the week. We don't worship together. In fact, many of the major denominational organizations split over the issue of race long ago. They continue to be have separate organizations for predominately Black and White churches. There is the shame in this whole story- we can agree on a theological doctrine, but cannot agree on work together- because of race. It's not uncommon for people to separate themselves to worship. It's a shame, but it is truly the way in America.
Double Standard, Part 4
In recapping Senator Obama's Philadelphia speech on race, Dan Abrams quickly caught on to the idea that Obama was blaming the media. He immediately pooh-poohed the idea that the media was somehow responsible for starting and perpetuating the Rev. Wright dustup. While Dan didn't exactly roll his eyes, he obviously felt Obama was wrong, and had to be made to answer for Wright's comments.
Abrams felt like he was in control of the segment until one of his guests echoed Obama's comment about the media showing those two clips of Wright on an endless loop. Dan replied that there may be other clips of Wright making inflammatory statements, but didn't know. His guest replied that the media could obtain copies from the church (which sells copies of sermons). Dan looked a little green. She then asked why MSNBC was not airing clips of the sermon that Wright gave that inspired Obama to write The Audacity of Hope. Again, Abrams looked flummoxed.
The media has chosen a narrative that Rev. Wright is a crazy, racist maniac. This narrative ignores over 207,000 minutes of sermons offered up by Rev. Wright and replaces them with 15-20 seconds of endless looping video.
Abrams felt like he was in control of the segment until one of his guests echoed Obama's comment about the media showing those two clips of Wright on an endless loop. Dan replied that there may be other clips of Wright making inflammatory statements, but didn't know. His guest replied that the media could obtain copies from the church (which sells copies of sermons). Dan looked a little green. She then asked why MSNBC was not airing clips of the sermon that Wright gave that inspired Obama to write The Audacity of Hope. Again, Abrams looked flummoxed.
The media has chosen a narrative that Rev. Wright is a crazy, racist maniac. This narrative ignores over 207,000 minutes of sermons offered up by Rev. Wright and replaces them with 15-20 seconds of endless looping video.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Obama's speech on Race and Religion
Not many candidates even touch these issues. It has been shameful the way the media and the Right have played up the comments of Rev. Wright. The Double Standard remains in place. Senator Obama took this opportunity to address some of Rev. Wright's comments AND issues of race in America. I've seen excepts from the speech and feel that he touched on many things that black folks feel. He also put the challenge out to everyone to think back and remember if there is anything that there Rabbi, Pastor, Priest, etc has said that they found controversial.
Of course, those on the Right are spinning that Obama's speech did not answer some questions. They need to keep this non-issue alive so they can continue to deflect the campaign from addressing real issues- five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, tanking economy, spiking energy prices, and healthcare. These are issues McCain isn't talking about, has no clue about, but believes we maintain a presence in Iraq and Afghanistan for 100 years!!! BTW, here's his take on Iran.
What are some folks saying? Read the speech here, and commentary here, here, and here. This is an interesting take on a question that the Right will push.
Of course, those on the Right are spinning that Obama's speech did not answer some questions. They need to keep this non-issue alive so they can continue to deflect the campaign from addressing real issues- five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, tanking economy, spiking energy prices, and healthcare. These are issues McCain isn't talking about, has no clue about, but believes we maintain a presence in Iraq and Afghanistan for 100 years!!! BTW, here's his take on Iran.
What are some folks saying? Read the speech here, and commentary here, here, and here. This is an interesting take on a question that the Right will push.
Double Standard, part 3
Posted without comment- John Ridley's comment on the tarring of Obama via his pastor.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Running like the Opposition
It strikes me at Hillary Clinton is very content to attack Barack Obama on non-issues or misstating his positions. Clinton even has the nerve to say the Michigan and Florida Primaries were fair contests and the delegates need to be seated per the votes. Senator Clinton, like every other Democratic contender, signed a DNC pledge to only campaign in DNC-sanctioned primaries and caucuses. Obama was not on the Michigan ballot, yet Clinton feels the results were fair, because (wait for it) Obama chose not to participate in the primary. She is right in that Obama, like all other candidates, did not participate in a primary the DNC declared null and void, but Clinton's twisted logic seems to be "I'm losing so, the screw the pledge I made to the DNC." Facts aside, Senator Clinton thinks she is being messed over.
Before the first primary, the Clinton Campaign acted and spoke as if the nomination was hers. After the Iowa Caucuses, the campaign pooh-poohed Iowa as a caucus state- unimportant in the nomination process. With the exception of Nevada, Obama does better in the caucuses. Not sure what a caucus is? Check it out. Clinton won a slim victory in the Texas Primary, but seems to have lost the caucus. The net result may be Obama losing the primary vote in Texas, but because of the Two-Step (Primary AND Caucus) gaining a net of +7 delegates. The media has been less than interested in showing those results. The response from the Clinton Campaign is a series of requests to the Texas Democratic Party to delay the Two-Step results.
The whole idea of some super-secret Commander-in-Chief Test is delusional at best, insane at worst. So who gets to take the test, what are the parameters of this exam, who administers and scores it, and lastly who put Hillary in charge of announcing the results? I am amazed at the gall of the Clinton Campaign to announce that Clinton and McCain are tested and ready to assume the role of President of the United States based on this silly yardstick.
To me these are very much Republican tactics.
Before the first primary, the Clinton Campaign acted and spoke as if the nomination was hers. After the Iowa Caucuses, the campaign pooh-poohed Iowa as a caucus state- unimportant in the nomination process. With the exception of Nevada, Obama does better in the caucuses. Not sure what a caucus is? Check it out. Clinton won a slim victory in the Texas Primary, but seems to have lost the caucus. The net result may be Obama losing the primary vote in Texas, but because of the Two-Step (Primary AND Caucus) gaining a net of +7 delegates. The media has been less than interested in showing those results. The response from the Clinton Campaign is a series of requests to the Texas Democratic Party to delay the Two-Step results.
The whole idea of some super-secret Commander-in-Chief Test is delusional at best, insane at worst. So who gets to take the test, what are the parameters of this exam, who administers and scores it, and lastly who put Hillary in charge of announcing the results? I am amazed at the gall of the Clinton Campaign to announce that Clinton and McCain are tested and ready to assume the role of President of the United States based on this silly yardstick.
To me these are very much Republican tactics.
Ready from Day One
John McCain has stated that he is ready to be Commander-in-Chief from Day One. Senator Clinton seems to concur- both she and Senator McCain will be ready Day One. Well, Senator McCain visited Iraq for the eighth time. Does this inspire confidence to you? This image is from The Boston Globe, but was also used in today's New York Times and USA Today. I don't really get into the psychological messages of images- Bagnewsnotes does that all too well.
One thing I am reminded of is this image of John Kerry from the 2004 Campaign:
The Double Standard, part 2
I grew up an occasional church-goer. My mother, two brothers and I went once or twice a month, with my father usually making it on the major Sundays (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, etc). At some point, flying lessons began to dominate Sundays, and it was either attending early service, or not going before flying. Well, flying took over Sundays, and when we did return to church, some things had changed.....
It was subtle at first- women were no longer allowed to wear pants to service. Like so many black churches, come as you are was not acceptable. If you went out partying Saturday, please stop at home for a quick change before church. Honesty, I never saw anyone wear jeans to church before I attended college! Slowly, our church changed. It seemed like one week there was just an Organ and Piano, to the next week there was the Organ, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, and a 24-Track Mixer. Our church went and got all COGIC on us! We didn't so much leave as just slowly stop attending. My parents didn't always agree with Pastor Connors sermons, but the idea of the church changing was too much. Later on, we heard some rather disturbing news about our old pastor.
I have a challenge for you.... How many of you completely agree with everything your pastor says and does? Should you then be held accountable for each and every action and word? Should you have to distance yourself from your pastor because you don't agree?
This is what the media is doing to Senator Obama- forcing him to denounce each and every statement by Rev. Wright, that seems to raise ANY controversy. Regardless (since irregardless is one of those nonsense non-words) of the absurdity of associating Obama with Wright's thoughts, the media is intent on finding controversy with Obama's campaign and plans for America. As if the whole Obama-as-asleeper-Muslim wasn't bad enough, the media has decided that Rev. Jeremiah Wright's words are enough to find Obama unfit to be President. If every candidate has dirt, the media is determined to make Wright Obama's. To take this one step further, the media is also determining that it is only going to apply this standard to Obama and Wright.
Case in point, read Frank Shaeffer's perspective on Huffington Post and digest it. He asks and answers some every key questions about this dust-up. Anyone remember Rev. Pat Robertson's suggestion on how the US should deal with Hugo Chavez? How about what these religious leaders had to say about Hurricane Katrina? Never mind that Robertson's organization benefited from Katrina. Yes, Rev. Wright mentioned 9/11, but so did others here. Yet we don't see the media scrutinizing McCain or Clinton based on statements of religious leaders that support them. BTW, the media did mention John Hagee's anti-Catholic comments, but stopped quickly. The media did not dig any deeper. If it did, Hagee might have to explain how pushing for Armageddon would be good for Jews if he feels they will all be destroyed in that conflict.
Crooksandliars is on it as well.
It was subtle at first- women were no longer allowed to wear pants to service. Like so many black churches, come as you are was not acceptable. If you went out partying Saturday, please stop at home for a quick change before church. Honesty, I never saw anyone wear jeans to church before I attended college! Slowly, our church changed. It seemed like one week there was just an Organ and Piano, to the next week there was the Organ, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, and a 24-Track Mixer. Our church went and got all COGIC on us! We didn't so much leave as just slowly stop attending. My parents didn't always agree with Pastor Connors sermons, but the idea of the church changing was too much. Later on, we heard some rather disturbing news about our old pastor.
I have a challenge for you.... How many of you completely agree with everything your pastor says and does? Should you then be held accountable for each and every action and word? Should you have to distance yourself from your pastor because you don't agree?
This is what the media is doing to Senator Obama- forcing him to denounce each and every statement by Rev. Wright, that seems to raise ANY controversy. Regardless (since irregardless is one of those nonsense non-words) of the absurdity of associating Obama with Wright's thoughts, the media is intent on finding controversy with Obama's campaign and plans for America. As if the whole Obama-as-asleeper-Muslim wasn't bad enough, the media has decided that Rev. Jeremiah Wright's words are enough to find Obama unfit to be President. If every candidate has dirt, the media is determined to make Wright Obama's. To take this one step further, the media is also determining that it is only going to apply this standard to Obama and Wright.
Case in point, read Frank Shaeffer's perspective on Huffington Post and digest it. He asks and answers some every key questions about this dust-up. Anyone remember Rev. Pat Robertson's suggestion on how the US should deal with Hugo Chavez? How about what these religious leaders had to say about Hurricane Katrina? Never mind that Robertson's organization benefited from Katrina. Yes, Rev. Wright mentioned 9/11, but so did others here. Yet we don't see the media scrutinizing McCain or Clinton based on statements of religious leaders that support them. BTW, the media did mention John Hagee's anti-Catholic comments, but stopped quickly. The media did not dig any deeper. If it did, Hagee might have to explain how pushing for Armageddon would be good for Jews if he feels they will all be destroyed in that conflict.
Crooksandliars is on it as well.
Monday, March 10, 2008
The Double Standard
I could have called this post "New Rules for Black People Running for President", but thought about the real problem- a double standard. Tim Russert asked Barack Obama to repudiate and denounce Louis Farrakhan, but he as yet to denounce and repudiate Don Imus. Yes, THAT Imus. Russert had been a regular Imus in the Morning guest prior to Imus' comments about the Rutgers Basketball Team. Russert was recently on Imus' new show on ABC Radio. So, it's tough for him to distance himself from Imus. Imus offended African Americans, he attacked a group of young women who were doing what they should be doing- trying to better themselves through education. I have a lot of respect for student athletes, and Imus is a complete ass for attacking them. Kudos to Gwen Iffil for biding her time to strike back at Imus for his comments about her. Oh yeah, I was talking about Russert.... So Tim manages to use the last Democratic Debate to attack Obama about an unsolicited endorsement.
Couple the Russert push for Obama to denounce and repudiate Louis Farrakhan with other issues that have come up in this campaign and we have a clear pattern of Democrats, especially Senator Obama being held to a much higher standard. It wasn't enough for Obama to say that he did not ask or want Farrakhan's endorsement, but he needed to repudiate Farrakhan. Was McCain asked to repudiate John Hagee?
Here's the deal, black people in high-profile positions are consistently made to answer for the actions of everyone around them. Obama's church Trinity United has been under the microscope and criticized for Black Family Values. People are upset over the word "black", and the doctrine that recognizes and supports Africa. When you read the doctrine, it is actually what so many commentators from O'Reilly to Cosby have said Black people should do- support your families, build strong communities and do the right thing. The problem is that the doctrine also calls for people to be politically-active and socially-responsible. The idea is for people to hold their political leaders and everyone else accountable. Oh yeah, support Africa.
Trinity is a cornerstone of its community. I grew up a few miles from Trinity. The neighborhood around that church has benefited from the church's prosperity. The community has grown as the church has. Unlike so many megachurches, Trinity has done much to uplift the community in which it resides.
Couple the Russert push for Obama to denounce and repudiate Louis Farrakhan with other issues that have come up in this campaign and we have a clear pattern of Democrats, especially Senator Obama being held to a much higher standard. It wasn't enough for Obama to say that he did not ask or want Farrakhan's endorsement, but he needed to repudiate Farrakhan. Was McCain asked to repudiate John Hagee?
Here's the deal, black people in high-profile positions are consistently made to answer for the actions of everyone around them. Obama's church Trinity United has been under the microscope and criticized for Black Family Values. People are upset over the word "black", and the doctrine that recognizes and supports Africa. When you read the doctrine, it is actually what so many commentators from O'Reilly to Cosby have said Black people should do- support your families, build strong communities and do the right thing. The problem is that the doctrine also calls for people to be politically-active and socially-responsible. The idea is for people to hold their political leaders and everyone else accountable. Oh yeah, support Africa.
Trinity is a cornerstone of its community. I grew up a few miles from Trinity. The neighborhood around that church has benefited from the church's prosperity. The community has grown as the church has. Unlike so many megachurches, Trinity has done much to uplift the community in which it resides.
Race, Sex, Religion and the 2008 Presidential Campaign
Before the start of the primaries, we were treated to many inches of newsprint and hours of video of political types analyzing whether African American Women would support Clinton or Obama, whether Whites would support Obama and etc. We were subjected to stories of Hilary's choice of clothing and her laugh. Barack's church doctrine and pastor have been scrutinized. There have been no such stories regarding Republican candidates. The closest story has been the NYT article on McCain, and even the core of that story is related to how a lobbyist seemed to have influence over McCain.
Yes, it is 2008, but race, sex, and religion still do matter. Now that the Democratic Primary is down to nominating a Woman or African American, it's starting to set in for some people. It's frightening to some to think that this country might be run by someone that is not White or Male, to that end, they are starting to respond in racist and sexist ways. Read this article about comments made by Gov Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania regarding race.
The media is not helping. The meme is Obama wins states with large African American populations- that's his base, while Clinton wins states with large Blue Collar White populations. Yet, that storyline is not supported by Obama's wins. Check out the Census Bureau's Quick Facts regarding Nebraska- a state that Obama won easily. Nebraska, like Iowa is very White, and very Blue Collar, yet people turned out in huge numbers to support Democrats, and Obama in particular. Yes, Obama won D.C., but he also won Idaho!
When Obama was on 60 Minutes last year, he stated that an Obama Administration would open a dialog with Iran and revamp Healthcare. Instead of criticizing Obama for his positions, Limbaugh, Morgan, Beck and others attacked him for being- 1) too black for white voters, 2) too white for black voters, and 3) being too Muslim for Christians. To argue about his positions and proposed policies would get away from the easy attack line of race and raise the level of political discourse in this country.
Think about it....
Yes, it is 2008, but race, sex, and religion still do matter. Now that the Democratic Primary is down to nominating a Woman or African American, it's starting to set in for some people. It's frightening to some to think that this country might be run by someone that is not White or Male, to that end, they are starting to respond in racist and sexist ways. Read this article about comments made by Gov Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania regarding race.
The media is not helping. The meme is Obama wins states with large African American populations- that's his base, while Clinton wins states with large Blue Collar White populations. Yet, that storyline is not supported by Obama's wins. Check out the Census Bureau's Quick Facts regarding Nebraska- a state that Obama won easily. Nebraska, like Iowa is very White, and very Blue Collar, yet people turned out in huge numbers to support Democrats, and Obama in particular. Yes, Obama won D.C., but he also won Idaho!
When Obama was on 60 Minutes last year, he stated that an Obama Administration would open a dialog with Iran and revamp Healthcare. Instead of criticizing Obama for his positions, Limbaugh, Morgan, Beck and others attacked him for being- 1) too black for white voters, 2) too white for black voters, and 3) being too Muslim for Christians. To argue about his positions and proposed policies would get away from the easy attack line of race and raise the level of political discourse in this country.
Think about it....
Putting the Shoe on the Other Foot...
Below is a partial transcript of Hilary Clinton's 60 Minutes Interview lifted from ABCNews' Political Punch:
As far as I know would be an acceptable answer in most situations. In the context of this campaign, this response just is not good enough.
STEVE KROFT: You don't believe that Senator Obama's a Muslim?
HILLARY CLINTON: Of course not. I mean that's, you know, that, there is no basis for that. You know, I take him on the basis of what he says, and, you know, there isn't any reason to doubt that.
KROFT: You said you take Sen. Obama at his word that he's not a Muslim...
CLINTON: Right, right..
KROFT: …you don't believe that he's a Muslim.
CLINTON: No! No! Why would I? There's nothing to base that on. As far as I know.
The Obama-as-a-super-secret-sleeper-Muslim is more than a year old, and has been thoroughly debunked. CNN, Washinton Post, New York Times, and numerous other media outlets have beat this smear to near-death, but like all good smears, it rises again and again. Senator Clinton could have put it to rest, but chose a qualified answer that again helps fuel the smear.As far as I know would be an acceptable answer in most situations. In the context of this campaign, this response just is not good enough.
Catching up on the Swag
Whew! Blogging requires time to, well, blog. Time to catch up on some things political that have been on my mind.....
Monday, March 3, 2008
Political Swagger
Politics has always been strange to me. I grew up in Chicago- a city known for the Democratic Machine. Dems ran (and still run) the city, but unlike the days of old, the Voting Machines aren't fixed, and the underdog can win.
So my political swagger started the day my high school was invaded by Jesse Jackson, Todd Bridges and Stoney Jackson. Now, Todd was between Rehab and Jail. Stoney was just getting into the heavy Eyeliner, and Rev. Jackson was gearing up to make a run at the White House. Sounds like a strange combination of characters, but it worked. These were the people that delivered unto me my first taste of political power and swagger.
The goal was to get all of us 18 year old Seniors to register to vote. We did. What happened next was well, historic. We were part of a huge wave of new black voters in Chicago, and we helped elect the first black mayor of Chicago. Don't know his name? It's Harold Washington. Now Mayor Washington's run broke the hold of the Machine in Chicago. He was not the establishment's candidate and spent his first term in office fighting with those who refused to accept him as mayor.
What Harold Washington managed to do was give the African American community in Chicago something to feel great about. He symbolized the power of the people to move the system forward. You see, this was my first taste of "Yes We Can", only it was "Run Harold Run!"
So my political swagger started the day my high school was invaded by Jesse Jackson, Todd Bridges and Stoney Jackson. Now, Todd was between Rehab and Jail. Stoney was just getting into the heavy Eyeliner, and Rev. Jackson was gearing up to make a run at the White House. Sounds like a strange combination of characters, but it worked. These were the people that delivered unto me my first taste of political power and swagger.
The goal was to get all of us 18 year old Seniors to register to vote. We did. What happened next was well, historic. We were part of a huge wave of new black voters in Chicago, and we helped elect the first black mayor of Chicago. Don't know his name? It's Harold Washington. Now Mayor Washington's run broke the hold of the Machine in Chicago. He was not the establishment's candidate and spent his first term in office fighting with those who refused to accept him as mayor.
What Harold Washington managed to do was give the African American community in Chicago something to feel great about. He symbolized the power of the people to move the system forward. You see, this was my first taste of "Yes We Can", only it was "Run Harold Run!"
Monday Ramblings....
I always have these random musings that run through my head over the weekend. Case in point,
why is Barack Obama being made to answer for Louis Farrakhan's unsolicited endorsement and John McCain is not for John Hagee's solicited one? If Hillary Clinton loses the nomination, how will she be able to then support Obama?
why is Barack Obama being made to answer for Louis Farrakhan's unsolicited endorsement and John McCain is not for John Hagee's solicited one? If Hillary Clinton loses the nomination, how will she be able to then support Obama?
GMSB Episode 2: Telling Mrs. Swagger
So after the initial shock of getting the bad (good) news, I had to go home and inform my wife. I have a short commute between work and home, and my mind was racing the entire time. As usual, the kids were excited to see me. My wife noticed the strange look on my face, and asked, "What happened? Did you get fired?"
Gotta love a telepathic spouse.........
Gotta love a telepathic spouse.........
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