User blog posts with the category "Politics"

There's a new PRESIDENT

November 4, 2008

I am fortunate to be with friends and family as we usher in a new reality.  There is a new President of the United States.  He isn't a wealthy American who has come from generations of money and power, but rather a man who has worked and dug deep within in order to rise above many and be elected by the PEOPLE.  He is President Barack Obama. 

He championed hope and progress.  He championed the slogan, Yes We Can.  He has won by a margin unseen before in my generation, my mother's generation and even my grandmother's generation.  He has brought millions to the democratic process that have felt unappreciated and disenfranchised.  So many new voters came out to be a part of this election and be a part of history. 

I don't know what the future holds, but the feeling that I am feeling right now will stay within my soul for years.  This is amazing for all people.  This is for AMERICA!!! 

No responses yet | Make a commentBy Jason


Voting

November 4, 2008

 

Today is November 4, 2008, the day that Americans choose the 44th President of the United States of America.  This is the day that all Americans should be a member of the electoral process and let their voices to be heard.  I believe voting is not only a right, but a necessity and I could never see not voting, especially when so many people have died in order to give me this right.  I never understand how people, especially women, minorities, and members of the poor class don't vote after so many people fought to get them the right that is so dearly deserved. 

My first voting experience was in 2000 for the Presidential election. I was an excited college student who couldn't believe that I was going to finally be able to vote.  I would truly be an adult.  I would be a part of the decision making process.  It was a big day for me.  I was so excited and nervous.  I kept calling and checking on my registration in order to make sure that I was truly registered in my new state of Pennsylvania.  I had to check numerous times to make sure that as a college student I was okay to be registered in Pennsylvania and not my home state of Illinois.  I know I was bugging people, but this was my big moment.

The day started out as any other and I grew more and more anxious as the time approached when I would be able to go to the polls and vote.  The time finally came and I was nervous and excited because I was going to finally let my voice be heard and help in choosing the next President of the United States of America.  I walked up cool and confident to the table, handed the person my id and began to ask a million questions about voting.

I was quickly interrupted and told that I wasn't on the registrar.  The woman said I wasn't registered to vote at that location.  I began to go off.  She again cut me off and told me, "Do not worry.  You might need to go to another location.  It would be okay."  I couldn't believe it.  I was so confused.  I knew I was registered, so why would I be denied?  I didn't understand.  I walked away upset, but still excited and began to walk to new directed location. 

It was a long walk because now all I could think about was what would it be like if my vote didn't count?  What would it mean if I messed up in the booth and didn't vote correctly?  Could I make a mistake and have a redo?  How did it work?  I began to become extremely nervous.  I shook off the nerves and walked up to the new table and again handed my id and waited to be told which booth to vote in.  The woman looked over the books and again said, “you aren't registered here”.  I could have cried.

How could this happen twice?  How could I not be registered?  She had to have made a mistake.  It's no way that she knew what she was talking about.  I knew I was registered and I knew I did everything I was supposed to do for this big day.  I can't even begin to fully explain the defeated feeling I felt.  But that feeling wasn't going to last, because I knew I NEEDED to vote.  I NEEDED to be a part of the process.

The woman then told me, I needed to go to the local police station, see the judge on duty and obtain an affidavit proving that I was indeed registered to vote.  There was no way I was being denied.  So I began taking a walk to the police station and sat in front of the desk officer explaining my situation.  I wasn't the only one.  There was another person there with me too.  I couldn't believe what was happening to me.  So finally after about 30 minutes, the judge handed me a piece of paper and said “go to the original polling place and I would be able to vote.  Oh yeah, and you only have 15 minutes before the polls close so you have to hurry”. 

Not another problem?  How was I supposed to get back there in less than 15 minutes?  I was so far from campus at that point.  Then the other person who was with me offered me a ride.  I quickly jumped in the car and rode to the polls.  Ran inside and showed my paper to the woman and was quickly ushered to the booth.  I finally was in a booth.  Did I cry?  Did I shout?  What was I suppose to do?  I just voted!!!!  4 hours later, I was finally able to push the button for Al Gore.  Finally I was a part of the election process.

2 polling stations, 1 police station, 1 judge, and 4 hours later, I voted for the first time in my life.  It made me feel a little more whole.  It made me feel more like man.  It allowed me to feel like I was really a part of the process.  So would lines scare me this year?  NEVER.  Would I worry about not being a part of this election?  NEVER.  I will vote in every election that I can and make sure I am a part of every political process.  MY VOICE will be heard.

Its not a right, it's not a privilege, its a NECESSITY!!! VOTE

1 response(s) | Make a commentBy Jason


I have been waiting

November 4, 2008

I voted early and not many people around me did, so I have been waiting to see that look on their face, to hear the pride in their voices, to observe their expressions and I have not been disapointed.  People have been describing tears, goosebumps, upset stomachs, cheery interactions in lines with other people.  One person described that an elderly person came to vote but didn't have her wheelchair.  The election judges stopped the voting and one Democrat and one Republican judge took the voting booth to the car so the woman could vote.  Doesn't that bring chills to you.  It was described that no one in the line protested and in fact they applauded the judge's creativity.  The story I hear most often is about parents and grandparents in their 70's, 80's and 90's voting today and praising this opportunity.  I watched Barak Obama voting on the web and I was overwhelmed with emotion.  WOW, this is a special, emotional and uplifting day and I know it is going to pay off for the entire country.

No responses yet | Make a commentBy cbmw


Hey folks,

Today, we (here in the U.S.) are called upon to make our final selection for the job of 44th President of this country.
I will not tell you who to vote for, but I will tell you who I have just voted for, if only to share my humble opinion with interested family, friends, fans, and fellow thinkposters...

Barack Obama embodies a potential never before seen in an environment inundated with unique challenges never before experienced. When I casted my vote for Senator Obama this morning, I casted it for more than just a word, slogan, or the euphoric feelings incited by the campaign. Although my vote represents a bid for obvious change with historic implications, my reasoning is based on slightly less obvious notions.

I am convinced that our nation's present-day challenges reflect more than just the questionable policies and actions of the Bush administration. Our current troubles have exposed our general disengagement and lack of enduring interest in the way our country has been governed. As a result, unchecked, unregulated, mismanaged, and fruitless actions have taken place on our behalf. My understanding is that these actions have assisted in getting us to where we are today.

Throughout this political campaign season, we have all witnessed an unprecedented increase in public interest and engagement in the election process. By default, we have been exposed to distinct philosophies on how issues that matter the most to us should be governed. It is no secret that the Obama campaign has been the driving force behind this increased level of interest and engagement. Senator Obama has proven that he, above all other presidential candidates on either side of the political aisle, is the most capable to not only engage more of the public (domestically and abroad), but to also attract the respect and trust of some of the most accredited leaders of our time.

So… In voting for Barack Obama, I am placing my bets on his ability to continually engage public interest and draw in the broad range of leaders necessary to face some of the crucial issues that have lingered over time. Now, I am not of the mindset that, given Senator Obama's victory, our problems will evaporate and that everything will automatically be OK. But, evidence shows that the chances of drawing enough cooperation to break through some of the normal business-as-usual tendencies of our political arena will be higher with Barack Obama as president.

It is important to note that my reasoning also holds me accountable to remaining engaged far beyond November 4th, no matter who wins the election. It has forced me to closely examine WHY I am voting the way I am so that my enthusiasm doesn't subside for another 4 years. If being disengaged has played a part in landing us here, our enduring interest and continued engagement will be crucial in helping us take off once again.

Thank YOU for your time.

-Rob
Do good. Live well.
Be great… DECIDE and VOTE

2 response(s) | Make a commentBy rob murat


How did we get here?

November 3, 2008

It is a question posed by a McCain supporter (I don't think he meant it the way I interpreted it).  But it is a good question.  How did we get to a place where a bi-racial man may very well become the next Commander in Chief?  How did people all over the US become energized, evolved, and down right excited!  How did these set of circumstances occur at this time and this place to make this possible!  I have become addicted to blogs this campaign season and the venom and hate spewed from some people surely supports that this cannot be possible.  But it is not only possible, it is probable.  Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day and emotions will run high from one extreme to the other.  The world is not going to implode on itself if he is elected.  We will all go about our daily lives on Wednesday just like we are today, but there will be an extra bounce in some people's step because I BELIEVE!!!  

No responses yet | Make a commentBy cbmw


Hope

November 3, 2008

Today, Barack Obama gave a speech at the University of Cincinnati.  It was a great speech which touched upon his policies and decision making if elected President of the United States.  However, neither his oratory skills nor his information was the amazing aspect to the speech, rather it was the thunderous ovation he received when he walked out to give his speech as seen in the clip attached.

Now I have to say, I have only been to one Presidential speech and it was one that President Clinton was giving in Naperville, Il when I was in high school.  His speech was amazing.  I am not sure what the speech was about, but I know the feeling of being in that room was a feeling I will never forget.  Also, I do distinctly remember being amazed by the metal detectors that we had to go through and the men in black with semi automatic weapons who appeared out of no where gliding down from the roof within the auditorium.  I remember the look of the President when he appeared and the sense of accomplishment that I had in knowing that I was one of the chosen students to be there.  However, I don't remember why I was there, I don't remember his speech and I don't remember any kind of ovation anywhere close to what I witnessed on tv today.

It's not like today was an anomaly, but rather the normal response that people have at the sight of Obama.  I can honestly say that I wasn't a supporter initially, even though he is the Senator from my home state and my beloved city of Chicago, Illinois.  Everyone knows that since I have moved out East, any reference/connection to my Midwest roots receives an automatic acceptance from me.  However, this was different, this was for the Presidency.

The same can not be said for my wife.  She was a supporter from the beginning.  She was in awe of him.  I remember her going to one of his initial fund raising rallys in New York.  Her sending me texts about the line, her sending me texts about not making it in before he arrived, her sending me texts about him walking towards her as he entered the building to let her and the others who didn't make it in know that he was sorry and would come out to greet them when he was done and her sending me a text of picture she took of him on her camera phone and telling me how AMAZING he was in person.

At the time, I must admit, I didn't get it.  Did she really understand his policies?  Did she really agree with his stance on issues?  Or was she just happy that HE was running?  Over time, I began to understand, I began to become a supporter.  And recently his "30 minute campaign piece” aired on television and I just watched with awe.  Honestly, the first time I had awe was reading the op ed piece in the New York Times from Carolyn Kennedy in which she compared Senator Barack Obama to the feeling that people described about her father.  That one piece of writing is probably the biggest thing that tipped my scales for me from Hilary to Barack.

Anyway, I recently told a friend about how I felt after watching the 30 minute piece and she said, "oh I see you are drinking the Barack kool aid".  That really stuck with me for numerous reasons, most of all, because I definitely have not taken to this position lightly.  It took some time for me to believe he was the best candidate for the Presidency.  She then began to explain how just because he can speak well, does not mean he can be a good President.  Well all I can say is that I have to quote Carolyn Kennedy, "sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.  We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

I am a very confident person in myself and my abilities, but I honestly feel that he is just BETTER than me and he inspires me to do better.  Any person that inspires others to do better and be better, is one that I hope we all would believe to be capable of being President and should be the ONLY type of person we want as our President.  There are many questions that lie ahead, don't get me wrong, I am not blind.  These are difficult times and the next four years will be full of difficult decisions and pressures unlike any time since the GREAT DEPRESSION.  However listening to his philosophies, his thought process, and his agenda, I have only one thing in my heart, HOPE.  What other feeling should we or I have????

1 response(s) | Make a commentBy Jason


Sometimes Funny Is True

October 29, 2008

This is not only a revisit to a once hilarious Bud commercial but a glimpse into the reality of many. It's unfortunate that there are numerous people who struggling with what these characters are talking about and have probably many of the same feelings. I know too many people who are feeling the effects of this economic and stressful time.

The current administation has been in the office for 8 years, which is a substantial amount of time in today's global world and have no choice, but to acknowledge thier role in the current state of America. Through different policy decisions, they have hurt everyone from Big Business to the poor American. It is a shame that so many people have to hurt because of the decisions that were made by this government, but after it is all said and done, American people can only blame themselves as they are the ones that voted this administation into office.

On the other hand, this administation must be thanked. As quoted in the video, "change, that's what's up;" this could have never happened without all of the mistakes that were made by the Bush administration. There is no way that if everything was just okay, or slightly bad, would Sen. Barack Obama be able to make so much headway. It is a perfect storm for the rise of someone like Senator Barack who is able to get many people to look pass race, sex, color and look at what's important; the issues.

So in the end, maybe Bush should be congratulated for bringing the country closer together and forcing people to look pass their prejuidces. America is looking to elect either an African American President or a female Vice President. We can all thank Bush for making this possible and a certain reality. As a country we had no choice, but to look towards the best, rather than just someone who could fill the seat. Therefore, I am not sure if President George W. Bush legacy is so bad. He helped America tremedously.

"CHANGE, THAT'S WHAT'S UP"

1 response(s) | Make a commentBy Jason


http://www.youtube.com/v/Zj5eWRzDhNI&hl=en&fs=1"> name="allowFullScreen" value="true">http://www.youtube.com/v/Zj5eWRzDhNI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344">

This should make every person proud.  Not only has this teacher took the time to learn about his students, which is demonstrated by him taking a song that is number one on the charts and using it to stimulate his classroom, but also these kids are talking about the very important Presidential Election.  These children are not only understanding politics, they are partaking in a debate and learning that school can be educational, stimulating and a lot of fun.  This teacher is ingenious and I am sure these students couldn't wait to get to school everyday as they were learning the new words and steps for this show.

However, it's more than a show.  After this well though out and planned lesson, I am sure these students could educate some adults about politics and the stances that John McCain and Barack Obama have on a couple of issues.  I am sure they are able to teach some adults about what it means to debate, what it means to study, what it means to prepare.  Nothing about this is just cute, it is inspiring.  One of the problems that we have with our educational system is that too many people believe that it fails our students because students have lost interest or aren't feeling like they matter.

Well I bet every one of these kids feel important now.  The teacher took the time to learn about them.  This school is in Atlanta, where TI is a huge megastar.  These students not only know him and his music, but most likely, love him.  Clearly the teacher understood this affection and used it as a tool to not only teach his students, but also entertain them.  I hope to see more videos like this and when I have a family, I only pray that my child is in a classroom where the teacher genuinely cares about making sure that the students LOVE to learn.

Congratulations to Ron Clark Academy for making school, politics, and learning cool!!

 

No responses yet | Make a commentBy Jason


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