A Great Ending to the Election Season

I found this on a message board I read, it's from a Blog called zefrank.com. There's all kinds of interesting stuff there.

But I think this "piece" I guess you can call it, is very important at this time and the simple messages from regular people are fantastic. Enjoy...

From 52 to 48 With Love

Election Night

Yesterday I posted my emotions about Obama's election as President of the U.S. Today I'll tell you about how my night went.

First of all I was a wreck! Actually I had been nervous all day at work just itching to get home and start watching the news. I started watching CNN at around 6 p.m. Then, when CNN announced their first results - they had returns from 1% of Kentucky and McCain was winning! WHAT? I freaked! Seriously, my heart started racing and I was hyperventilating a little. I had just finished eating a delicious dinner Hubby made and I almost lost it.

Hubby looked at me and told me to go take a pill. When I told him I didn't have that kind of pill, he told me to find one. Mind you this was before 8:00 p.m. EST. He said there was no way I would make it through the night at the rate.

Then the stomach cramps started - hello IBS.

We watched CNN all night. Did you see all the cool gadgets and gizmos they had? The new and improved magic map, the exit poll virtual drawers, and the hologram thingy, we got to see a hologram of singer will.i.am! Actually, it looked exactly like the scene in "Star Wars" when R2D2 projected Princess Leia's hologram message to Obi Wan Kenobi! CNN also had an election thingy online where you could customize a page to track races in which you were interested, and they had an interactive map thingy where you could follow along as the results came in - fun!

Occasionally, as Obama's victory was becoming more and more of a sure thing, we'd flip over to Fox News to see if they were committing hara kiri or if their heads were exploding, alas - none of that.

We stayed up until around 3 a.m. We were too wired to go to sleep I guess. Or maybe we just didn't want the wonderful night to end...

Yes We Can...Yes We Did

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer".

President-elect Barack Obama,
November 4, 2008

(whew) <---- That's me exhaling.

It's been a long 8 years. It's been a long election.

I was one of those people to whom Barack was referring at the beginning of his speech. I had doubts that Obama could win. I didn't trust this country would elect a black man. After electing George W. Bush twice - OK, once - I didn't trust US voters.

But he did win and he won resoundingly. My faith in the US electorate has been restored.

He has a difficult job ahead of him. I'm excited! The political wonk in me can't wait to speculate on who will get picked for the Cabinet, who he'll nominate for the Supreme Court when the time comes.

The possibilities are endless and the feeling of hope - at least for today - is boundless.

Yes we did!

My American Prayer

If you haven't already -GO VOTE!!!

Watch this.

"When you get to the top of the mountain
Will you tell me what you see?
If you get to the top of the mountain
Remember me."


MyAmericanPrayer.com

"Yes We Can" Music Video

Yes We Can

'Toon Tuesday

The Lola Shuffle - The "I Voted Today!" Edition

YAY me! I voted today! It took exactly 2 hours from when I walked in to when I walked out - but I did it! So did Hubby.

Now it's up to you all.

Lola, shuffle up some stand-in-line-to-vote music for everybody...

1. Hole in the World - The Eagles (great song)
2. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson
3. Passionate Kisses - Mary Chapin Carpenter (love, love, love this song!)
4. Don't Speak - No Doubt
5. Travelin' Soldier - Dixie Chicks
6. Julie, Do Ya Love Me? - Bobby Sherman (swoon)
7. I'm the Only One - Melissa Etheridge
8. Out Tonight - RENT Soundtrack
9. Apologize - Timbaland featuring One Republic
10. Cecilia - Paul Simon

Have a great weekend, and if you haven't already - go vote!

Just so you know...

Sarah Palin's "pro-America areas of the country" and accusations of Socialism, along with some conservatives' "real Americans" crap is really, really pissing me off! So I offer a cartoon and an article.

(Scroll past the cartoon for my comment.)


FYI - The statement in the cartoon bubble is what Joseph N. Welch, the the head attorney for the United States Army while it was under investigation by Joseph McCarthy's Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations for Communist activities, said to Joseph McCarthy.

Because MoveOn.org Told Me To...

Yes, I know Moveon.org is a little much sometimes, but they're asking us those of us with Blogs to pubish this. It makes sense, so here you go...

TOP 5 REASONS OBAMA SUPPORTERS SHOULDN'T REST EASY

1. The polls may be wrong. This is an unprecedented election. No one knows how racism may affect what voters tell pollsters—or what they do in the voting booth. And the polls are narrowing anyway. In the last few days, John McCain has gained ground in most national polls, as his campaign has gone even more negative.

2. Dirty tricks. Republicans are already illegally purging voters from the rolls in some states. They're whipping up hysteria over ACORN to justify more challenges to new voters. Misleading flyers about the voting process have started appearing in black neighborhoods. And of course, many counties still use unsecure voting machines.

3. October surprise. In politics, 15 days is a long time. The next McCain smear could dominate the news for a week. There could be a crisis with Iran, or Bin Laden could release another tape, or worse.

4. Those who forget history... In 2000, Al Gore won the popular vote after trailing by seven points in the final days of the race. In 1980, Reagan was eight points down in the polls in late October and came back to win. Races can shift—fast!

5. Landslide. Even with Barack Obama in the White House, passing universal health care and a new clean-energy policy is going to be hard. Insurance, drug and oil companies will fight us every step of the way. We need the kind of landslide that will give Barack a huge mandate.

If you agree that we shouldn't rest easy, please sign up to volunteer. Click here to find to find your local Obama office.

Sadly it still doesn't make sense

Thanks to our friends at Huffington Post.

Shock and Awe

The mind wobbles...

The Lola Shuffle - "The 'Yes We Can' Edition" and Democratic Convention - Thursday

What a night! What a convention!

Highlights for me:

* Jennifer Hudson - National Anthem, she was lovely and she sang it beautfully, I got chills

* Howard Dean - I still love Dean...he's a great guy and for the mostpart has odne a great job as Chairman of the Party

* Bill Richardson - Love him, love him, love him...I want him to be part of Obama's cabinet, he's too valuable to waste

* will.i.am with John Legend - I'll call it interesting...playing an Obama speech and singnig over it; leave it to will.i.am to do something like that

* Sheryl Crow - fantastic as always; changing the words to her hit song "a chage will do us good"

* Stevie Wonder - I cried! He's just so amazing, energy, talent, emotion; and the balk uop singers were fantastic!

* Al Gore - OHMYGOD he just reminded me of what could have been...how different the world would be right now if he were President! His speech was excellent, hard hitting, smart, it had humor, it was perfect. While there were many speeches that were great during the convention, this one may have been the most beautifully crafted, with the most beautiful langage:

The extraordinary strength of his personal character -- and that of his
wonderful wife, Michelle, who gave such a magnificent address and will be such a wonderful first lady for this country -- their strength of character is grounded in the strengths of the American community.

His vision and his voice represent the best of America. His life experience embodies the essence of our motto -- e pluribus unum -- out of many, one. That is the linking identity at the other end of all the hyphens that pervade our modern political culture. It is that common American identity -- which Barack Obama exemplifies, heart and soul -- that enables us as Americans to speak with moral authority to all of the peoples of the world to inspire hope that we as human beings can transcend our limitations to redeem the promise of human freedom.

* Michael McDonald - his "America the Beautiful" made me cry; he's still so handsome...

And then the man of the hour, the year,the decade - Barack Obama - WOW! His soeech was incredible. He came out swinging and he hit all of them out of the park. The entire speech was wonderful, this was just one of the highlights:

This country of ours has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military on Earth, but that’s not what makes us strong. Our universities and our culture are the envy of the world, but that’s not what keeps the world coming to our shores.

Instead, it is that American spirit – that American promise – that pushes us forward even when the path is uncertain; that binds us together in spite of our differences; that makes us fix our eye not on what is seen, but what is unseen, that better place around the bend. That promise is our greatest inheritance. It’s a promise I make to my daughters when I tuck them in at night, and a promise that you make to yours – a promise that has led immigrants to cross oceans and pioneers to travel west; a promise that led workers to picket lines, and women to reach for the ballot.

And it is that promise that forty five years ago today, brought Americans from every corner of this land to stand together on a Mall in Washington, before Lincoln’s Memorial, and hear a young preacher from Georgia speak of his dream.

Immediately afterwards I went online to http://www.barackobama.com/ and volunteered to do some phone banking from home. Tonight I'll probably be calling New Mexico - they're requesting volunteers who speak Spanish for this area - and start working for Obama.

Yes we can! ¡Si se puede!

So now Lola, shuffle one up for the next President of the United States, arack Obama...

1. I Only Wanna Be With You - Dusty Springfield
   
2. People Get Ready - Eva Cassidy (totally random, I swear!)
   
3. Fly Like an Eagle - Steve Miller Band
   
4. Un Poquito De Tu Amor - Desi Arnaz
   
5. Because the Night - 10,000 Maniacs
   
6. I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
   
7. Maiden Voyage - Herbie Hancock
   
8. Ray of Light - Madonna
   
9. Swinging on a Star - Bing Crosby
   
10. Hooked on a Feeling - Vonda Shepard
    

Lola ROCKED the shuffle today! Good job!

Have a safe, wonderful long weekend having fun with friends and family!

Democratic Convention - Wednesday Night

Another great night!

During the Roll Call we witnessed history being made, when the votes cast - in a convention where more than 50% of the participants are women - were either for a black man or for a woman! Think about that - and then contrast it to what the Roll Call at the Republican convention will probably look like.

And then Barack Obama was nominated by acclamation as called for by Hillary Clinton! The crowd roared and the music started: "People all over the world (everybody)... Join hands (join)...Start a love train, love train...".

I truly believe the party is united now.

And then the "minor" speeches began - my highlights: the Women of the House of Representatives; Miami's Mayor Manny Diaz; the phenomenal Madeline Albright; the charming Evan Bayh; John Kerry, still so brilliant and well-spoken; and Joe Biden's handsome son introducing his father with so much love.

Melissa Etheridge sang, strong and clear - she sang a medley comprised of "God Bless America", "The Times They Are A-Changin'", "Give Peace a Chance" and "Born In the U.S.A." - as always she rocked!

Then there was Bill. He's still got it. He looked great and he said what he had to say and what we needed to hear. And he did it with his usual wit and charm. I miss him.

And finally the speech of the night - after being unanimously nominated Joe Biden accepted the nomination for Vice President. Michelle, Hillary and Bill...talk about a hard act to follow! His speech was like him - gritty, funny, a couple of misspeaks but most importantly heartfelt and honest. He's the perfect counterpoint to Obama's smooth style.

Even Obama showed up at the very end - he looks rested and ready and happy.

Each night of the convention I feel more optimistic and more inspired. Tomorrow night will be the culmination when Barack Obama accepts this historic and timely nomination.

I can't wait.

Democratic Convention - Tuesday Night

A great night!

Hillary was phenomenal! She looked fantastic (not too many people can pull off *orange*!), she spoke flawlessly, said everything she had to say and then some. Her reference to Harriet Tubman, seemingly out of nowhere, was perfect, hell she even said she was McCain's friend.

Her most important point, of course, was - and I'm paraphrasing - "were you in this for me, or for the cause"? That, at the end of the day, is what is most important. The candidate is merely the tool, what matters are the ideals, the values, the people.

Also, despite all that has been said about her and Bill's relationship - if you watched him watch her, how do you not see love? It's a relationship I don't understand, but time and time again, I see genuine love between them.

Fabulous!

In addition to Hillary there were other high points:

• Kucinich was great - his enthusiasm, his ideals, his belief in the possibilities is inspiring - "Up with health care for all! Up with education for all! Up with home ownership! Up with guaranteed retirement benefits! Up with peace! Up with prosperity! Up with the democratic party! Up with Obama/Biden! Wake up America! Wake up America!"


• The Women of the Senate segment was awesome - we really have some astounding, talented women in the Senate - I liked them all


• Governor Brian Schweitzer from Montana was a blast! He energized the crowd and in a plain spoken way hit all the important points about the need for energy independence

Another great night. As James Carville (who I love!) said: "It's a great night to be a Democrat!".

Democratic Convention - Monday Night

I thought it was a wonderful beginning.

I was watching mostly C-SPAN so I got to see most of the non-star speeches, which were very interesting, but Pelosi, Kennedy and Michelle rocked the house.

Pelosi did a wonderful job enumerating the successes of the Democratic House despite the fact they were facing the possibility of Dubyuh's vetoes.

Ted Kennedy slayed me. CNN had been saying that the trip had been difficult and that even though there was a speech written for him he would probably be too sick to speak, I was expecting him to come out in a wheelchair and all frail and sickly looking - but he looked great! I had already started crying during Caroline's introduction and throughout the tribute film, by the time he came out I was a wreck - I cried the whole way through. God bless him!

And then the Michelle film, her brother and finally Michelle herself. Phenomenal speech, fantastic delivery, amazing presence. I've liked her all along, and tonight I like her so much more. Just compare and contrast her to Laura Bush - and Cindy McCain...so much more *real*.

Tomorrow we have Hillary - I can't wait!

Ladies and Gentlmen - the Democratic Party Ticket for 2008

I'm happy.

While I hate to lose Biden's strong and experienced voice in the Senate, I think he is a tremendous asset to Barack Obama. Not only will he have his vast knowledge and experience to offer, but Biden can also serve as Obama's "attack dog" - and I say that in a good way. Obama's personality is not conducive to defending himself from the Republican smear machine, but Biden - oh yeah, Biden can take it and throw it right back.

It's all good.

We've got a Candidate!

Great Pictures

"'For everyone across America who has been counted out but refused to be knocked out, for everyone who has stumbled but stood right back up and for everyone who works hard and never gives up, this one is for you,' Clinton said to a cheering crowd in Columbus, Ohio. (Hillary Clinton 3/4/2008)

This is the image we want ingrained in everyone's mind - the message: More of the same...

Toni Morrison and Barack Obama

I just found Toni Morrison's Letter to Barack Obama that was published in The New York Observer on January 28. I had of course, heard that Morrison had endorsed Obama, but I hadn't read the letter. Phenomenal! Here's part of it:

In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself
when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence,
integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do
with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other
candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with
brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair
and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is
insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in
the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it.
Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or
earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge,
but not wisdom.

Speaking of phenomenal women, I found Morrison's letter on Seamless Skin, a beautiful Blog by one of my favorite *cyber-friends* who in cyberspace goes by the name Karoda. Karoda is a wise, funny, caring soul whose colors she shares via her art, mostly quilts and fabric postcards. We've been *friends who've never met* for years now, and she remains someone whose voice I respect and enjoy.

It's Super Tuesday People! Either Way We're In Good Hands

OK, I am in Political-Wonk-Geek heaven. I can't wait to get home and plunk myself in front of the TV to watch tonight's Super Tuesday fabulosity!

My primary source of information will be CNN's "best political team on television" (as Wolf Blitzer repeats ad nauseum). I will be watching my boyfriend Anderson Cooper. My backup will be ABC, with my ex-boyfriend George Stephanopoulos.

I love the picture of Barack and Hillary (above), it shows that despite all the bickering, they like each other. Regardless of who turns out to be the Democratic nominee, which may or may not be determined tonight, I am confident that we're in good hands.

I have my opinion as to who is more electable against the potential Republican candidates, but it varies on who the Republican candidate turns out to be. That's for another post.

Today I revel in wonk wonderland...