Jason's blog posts with the category "Politics"

I Was There

February 16, 2009

January 20, 2009 at 10:30am, I was present at The Mall in Washington DC at the steps of the Capitol Building watching the swearing in of the 44th President, Barack Obama.I was able to secure tickets for the event through multiple people for myself and my cousin, so I wasn't there alone as I originally planned.This was a historic moment and nothing was going to stop me from witnessing and being a part of history.It was even more exciting because I was able to experience it with my cousin.Sometimes it gets hard when your entire family is in the midwest and you don't get to see them or do things with them because of distance, but she made the trip for this auspicious occasion too.

Anyway, we went to Washington DC to be a part of the festivities and the History.We didn't really have any plans or care where we were going to be as long as we were there to witness the Inauguration of the first African American President.Honestly, what will I tell my grandchildren when they ask about it after their history class, oh I was too busy.Come on, I live 4 hours away from DC.So we just went to be a part of history and had no idea we would be able to get a ticket.The tickets didn't come into our hands until Monday evening.

We woke up at 5am in order to get out there by 7am.We are both movers and shakers so before we knew it, we realized that we were standing next to people who had been waiting since 3:30am and were in the front of the Silver section.By the time the inauguration was about to begin, I looked around to realize that I was a part of an experience with millions in person and hundreds of millions through tv and the internet.It was breathtaking.Change was truly happening because people believed.

I was very excited about the moment and the time.It didn't matter that it was freezing.It didn't matter that I was standing for hours.The only thing that mattered was that I was a Witness!!!!I Was There!!!!

No responses yet | Make a comment


Understanding History

November 10, 2008

Senator Barack Obama was elected President of the United States on November 4, 2008.  It was a moment that millions honestly felt they would never see in their lifetime.  I have written before about how I had doubt that America could or would ever elect an African American President.  So when we flipped the television to CNN and heard/saw Wolf Blitzer announce that CNN was ready to declare that Barack Obama was President, there was a brief moment of silence. 

Even though I was in a room of Barack supporters, everyone still had a moment of shock and then a loud yell of excitement and rejoiced in the fact their candidate had won, that there was a new President and that an African American was able to DO IT.  I was so excited and so proud of the moment.  I couldn't wait for his acceptance speech.  I knew it would be the definition of a change that was upon us as a society, a nation, and a Race of people.

Of course, we had to wait for his speech.  As always, the first speech is that of the losing candidate.  We had to hear the concession speech.  I must say that it was probably one of the best speeches Sen. John McCain had given during his campaign and I know if he had spoken with such passion and hope throughout the campaign there is no way Barack would have won so easily.  Anyway, I was very happy to hear him give his speech of support and respect.

Finally the moment came and Barack walked on stage.  I am from Chicago, still have family there, and just spoke with my mother who was standing in the crowd at Grant Park so that she could make sure she was there for this history making event.  When he walked on stage, I felt so much emotion and just was overwhelmed with a sense of PRIDE.  His speech was exactly what I expected; very poignant and inclusive.  It was everything that he was and that he hoped for this country.

The next day, I had to get up earlier than usual and was trying to get ready quickly.  My wife was still sleep in bed and as I was putting on my pants, it all hit me.  This was all bigger than anything I imagined.  It was all a moment of clarity.  For me, it was the manifestation of the mantra, "you can be anything you want to be."  Barack was President of the United States of America.  I had to take a seat and just cry.  Not cry with sadness, not cry with joy, just cry.  It was my moment of realization!!! 

Even to this day, 6 days later, I find myself sometime overcome with emotion that causes my eyes to tear.  It's nothing I can do to stop it.  It's emotion.  I UNDERSTAND HISTORY and I am proud that this moment has not past.  It's unbelievable!!  I love this emotion and I doubt I will ever lose it.  I mean I ask you, how many papers did you buy???  I know I am not the only one, understanding history means we all have had or are having our emotional moment.

 

No responses yet | Make a comment


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 comment


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 comment


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 comment


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 comment


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 comment


Recently, we had the second of 3 Presidential debates. I have been consumed with the politics of today, especially during these uncertain times.  Since the democratic primaries I have found myself at debate parties and other events that have made this experience more inclusive and inviting for people who usually feel left out of the political process.  I can say that I am definitely more aware of the issues and the candidates’ positions that I have ever been at any other time or during any other election.

So during the second debate, I went to join my wife at a debate party at the 40/40 Club.  Known as the Jay Z club with numerous celebrity parties and events, this was also an event for them.  As I walked to the door they were quick to ask if I was there for the debate and to point me in the right direction for the viewing party.  There I found numerous people like me; concerned citizens who wanted to learn more about what the candidates had to say.  This was also an opportunity to discuss and debate with others about stances and how well or poorly each candidate performed.

None of this was eye opening or unusual.  I have seen many of these types of people out on the streets discussing politics like it’s a sporting debate with each person taking a certain position and vehemently defending their position.  So this didn't make me understand just how important this was, but rather my walk to the 40/40 club. 

During my walk I began to notice a gathering of homeless people taking shelter from developing rain.  It was obvious this was a normal place for them, as it was an enclave for a building and they had their boxes/shelter all set up.  But to my surprise, I heard a noise, more like talking.  IT was Tom Brokaw.  They were listening to the debate.  They were tuned in just like everyone else that I knew. 

This election is about so many people with so much at stake.  I only pray that people come out and truly participate in the election and let their voice be known.  Today is the last day for registration in New York, but the real test will come on Nov. 4, 2008.  This is not about just me, but the entire country.  This is about the guy who is as rich as Bill Gates and the guy who is as poor as the people I saw listening to the debate. 

Sometimes we get caught in our own world/needs and forget what globalization means.  This is so big!  This is so much more than ME and YOU.  This is so much more than just the United States.  This is the World. 

No responses yet | Make a comment


Jason's Profile

  • Photo of Jason
  • Jason Wiley

    New York,
    United States

  • I am a marketing executive at Jive Records, but life is about more than where I work.I am a dedicated husban…

  • View My Profile

  • View My Colleagues

Jason's Latest Commentary (6)

  • November 17, 2008

    Voting is suppose to be anonymous, so I question the validity of the poll.  Also, who was responsible for the poll?  Either way, I don''t quite understand how allowing someone to be committed and become a more stable home can be bad for anyone?  Also, how does other people getting married affect others, i.e. even if a heterosexual couple gets married tomorrow, it won''t affect me, so why would a gay couple affect me.  "RIGHTS" is a powerful word and why shouldn''t everyone have the same rights?  I thought that was the point of this country....  If someone can explain why it''s so bad for same sex marriage other than, I think it''s wrong, then I will agree, as of now, I could care less if anyone wants to get married.  Because I have heard a lot of reasons why it is bad if a committed couple can''t be married; i.e., legal, in death decisions, property, etc.

  • November 11, 2008

    It''s interesting because both of our recent posts are about the overwhelming emotions that we are all feeling by the election of Barack Obama.  There are a lot of hard times ahead of our new President.  I hope we all give him time and work to help him accomplish the necessary things to make this country successful.

  • September 26, 2008

    I know I will do my part to make sure it happens next year.  Even though I spent most of my time in the hospital.  I would do it all again to make sure the picnic happens

  • August 4, 2008

    Okay, but lets be honest, there is a general type of person who is urinating in public, in the middle of the day, with no influence of alcohol or drugs.  Is it good to start that path with a child so early? 

  • July 20, 2008

    This is where I have always wondered about the translation of the Bible, because I do not believe that anyone should ever fear, i.e. be scared, nervous or un sure about GOD, but always have faith that his will and his love will carry you through anything.  To me, by having faith in him and believing in his WORD, you will always try to live life as he would want you.  Unfortunately, everyone is human, so no one can ever live life perfectly as we should, but in trying to live a GODly life, you are also assuring and displaying to everyone your Faith in GOD.  If I have Faith in him, why would I Fear him?

  • June 30, 2008

    does it really mean family

Calendar
February 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
      1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29