Eloquence

An eloquent President accords dignity and respectfulness to a solemn situation. President Obama's speech at Fort Hood today is reminiscent of past greats whose speeches historically endure.

Exhileration

Many of the feelings I had on election night are the feelings I have today. I had tears in my eyes and was awed at the inaugural events. There is a sense of exhileration about the change that has arrived with Barack Obama. While it has been fascinating to watch this man win the election, it will be even more interesting to watch him lead the United States.

Barack Obama represents a new generation, an openmindedness, a focus, and a positive nature not seen often enough in Washington. He inspires the hope that we can actually wade through the bogged down bureaucracy and make vital changes. In his Inauguration Speech Obama rarely said "I" but often said "we." The success of this country depends on all of us, not just those in Washington, and our new President put forth that expectation immediately. This is the man who energized his campaign via the Internet and has continued to access all those who kept tabs on his campaign on that electronic highway. He has empowered us to share in his success; any shortfalls will be ours also.

In his speech Obama brought forth several thoughts we must all bear in mind as the next four years transpire: "the time has come to set aside childish things. . .our country's greatness must be earned....For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.. .What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task." How clear the message that the tasks ahead are not just the responsibility of the President or Congress but responsibilities all citizens of the United States bear. If we are complacent, how can we expect any less from our leaders? Obama has set the tone and made it clear that only hard work, focus, and tenacity will turn around the direction of our nation.

But, this man is inspiring, and if we pay attention, stay involved, and own the work needed to make these changes, we all will live in a better world knowing we were a part of the change. Obabama is the kind of leader we have been missing for so long --one who looks to us to better ourselves, one who inspires and uplifts the country, one who wants to show us how to get where we need to go.

When there are tough times and mistakes made we must all refuse to sink to cynicism, negativity, and apathy. We must all take a breath, look for a new avenue to take, and forge ahead. FDR realized that if an idea doesn't work it is time to try something new; our 43rd President wouldn't admit to mistakes. The United States' dire circumstances will not change quickly or easily, so the American public is in for some tough times. The typical whining, self pity, and pessamism need not raise their ugly heads.

Let's all hang on for the ride because its going to be a bumpy one. For me,though, a few words from this new leader, and a flash of that infectious smile will be the encouragement to keep going and working for the country's best.

Obama Posters

Barack Obama instills an optimism for the country and renewed interest in the political process. I am more excited about this election than any election in my voting life. Part of the excitement is the choice of candidates -- rather than voting against someone I am voting FOR a candidate. If McCain wins I can stomach that choice (I cannot stomach Sarah Palin as VP, however). But, Obama offers a hope and opportunity for this country to regain international respect lost in the last eight years.


The posters created for Obama reflect the creativity, artistry and poetry people feel from him. In this blog entry are some of my favorites.

Puhleeze

Fact check time. Finally free from her handlers' fetters, Sarah Palin's new mission is to declare Barack Obama a companion of terrorists. Golly, gosh, gee, tell me it ain't so, Sarah Louise! I cannot believe that after 20+ months of campaigning we are finally being told the truth about this bleeding heart left winger who wants to obviously lead our country down the jihad's path of destruction. Gosh, darn it, we had to wait until the maverick's maverick of the frozen tundra thundered into the lower 48 to save us from ourselves.

Puhleeze. The low level fear mongering so familiar to the Bush era raises its ugly head in these times of McCain's desperation to gain poll points. Whenever Bush's popularity dipped he elevated the Homeland Security rating -- the nation routinely went from a yellow (elevated) to an orange (high) rating depending on the whims of Karl Rove and his ilk. I was hoping this misuse of position was an antic of the past.

With only 32 days until the election, the major media is reporting that the McCain campaign is "taking off the gloves" and accusing Obama of terrorist connections for "palling" with William Ayers, a 1960's radical(founder of the Weather Underground) known for setting bombs in protest of the Vietnam War. No less than Time, the New York Times, New York Post, Chicago Sun Times and even Fox News have declared this claim untrue.

The key question is why the McCain campaign is focusing on fear mongering rather than spelling out his economic plans, clearly explaining his health care plan which would mean clearly explaining to the American public the difference between tax credits and tax breaks (I'd also like to know where a family can purchase a $5000/yr. health insurance policy), and explaining how he isn't going to raise taxes while supporting the Iraq War, bailing out Wall Street, and dealing with an $11 trillion debt.

Fear mongering appeals to the population who can't or won't fact check. Since I have met too many voters who believe any email that comes across their computer and who fail to fact check, I continue to hope that leaders and leader wannabes will take a higher road. I had high hopes for McCain (while supporting Obama) until he decided to become less maverick and more mainstream conservative.

It would also be worth noting that while William Ayers was a "protester" in the 1960's; using the word "terrorist" in today's society is tantamount to linking him to today's Middle Eastern terrorists.....and thus hoping to associate Barack Hussein Obama to terrorism. A new low and a great disappointment that someone as John McCain would use this tactic.

Jesse Jackson

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have gotten so tiresome. Men who have had their moment in the spotlight, black men who worked to better their race at a time when blacks did not have equal rights. Men who still crave the spotlight so jump into crises allegedly to help but distract from issues instead.

It is time for these two to step out of the spotlight. If they want to "do good" and better "their" people or any people why can't they do it without drama? Bill Clinton is the white counter part since he can't stay away from the spotlight either. Such people lose credibilty after a time, ruining their reputation by opening their mouths too often and too inappropriately.

Barack Obama seems to rile both Jackson and Clinton even as he proceeds calmly toward the Presidency. Jackson doesn't think Barack's black enough, and Clinton compared him to Jackson and both former leaders have had to apologize for nasty remarks made about the nominee. It seems Clinton and Jackson are jealous of Obama: Jackson was not able to reach the heights Obama has and Clinton seems jealous of his win over Hillary. He also hasn't needed any of these men to help him reach this goal. (yes, past actions by them have gotten the nation to accept a black candidate) It is Barack's time in the sun and Jackson/Clinton need to realize they are mere shadows now and with each verbal faux pas they are losing any political stature they might yet have. It would be better to quit while they are ahead than be laughed at from behind.