Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category

Interview Me(me) – First Responses

Monday, November 17th, 2008

Nigel asked:

1. What are you reading at the moment?

The following are currently on my bedside table, loaded on my PDA, or tucked inside my purse:

Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Dr. Death by Jonathan Kellerman, Animal Farm by George Orwell (can’t remember reading it as a kid – can you imagine?), and a book about the history of my city.  There’s always a copy of The Best Loved Poems of the American People lying on my bedside table so that I can read one or two each night.

I like to read whenever I get can, hence the PDA and the books in my handbag. It makes it convenient to read when standing in line somewhere, waiting in doctors’ offices, and so on.

A lovely friend of mine recently sent a Books-A-Million gift certificate to me so I’ve ordered By the Sword by F. Paul Wilson (I’ve read all the other books in the Repairman Jack series so I’ve been really looking forward to reading this one), Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner, Hide by Lisa Gardner, and Capital Crimes by Jonathan and Faye Kellerman.  Wow – didn’t realize how gruesome I was being in my reading selections til I typed all those out.  When I find an author I like, I try to read all their books, so I suppose that has led me down a dark road for awhile.

Lastly, I borrowed a book (Twilight by Stephenie Meyer) from my 13 year old niece because she was soooo excited about it and wanted someone to talk to about it.  I just received it so it will be getting the majority of my reading focus as I’ve been ordered to finish by this coming weekend.  Bossy kid – can’t figure out where she gets it ;)

2. Will President Obama be a polarizing figure or a unifying leader?

I don’t know, Nigel.  I have hope for the second and a tiny bit of fear about the first.  I have no concern about the people that don’t share his positions on things as I think that disagreement is healthy and can lead to great insight and growth.  My concern is for those people who cannot let go of their ill-informed ideas and racist opinions.  I think he has it in him to bring more unity than we’ve seen in a long time and I respect the fact that his first steps in doing so have been to consult with both Hillary Clinton and John McCain.  Additionally, I heard him say on “60 Minutes” last night that his plans for Cabinet members include appointing Republicans.  It speaks well that he’s not surrounding himself only with people who share his political ideation.

3. If there is one thing you would like to improve in males as a race, What would it be?

Hmm.. I can’t say there is anything that I would improve solely in males.  We could all be more compassionate, more active in giving of our time, talents, and energy, etc.  It’s difficult to list something that I would improve in males as a whole because all men aren’t alike.  (I know that seems like a cop-out, but it’s an honest answer.)

4. In your opinion, What is the No. 1 environmental issue in your state?

Water purity and safety

Posted in Books, General, Politics | 5 Comments »

Hope

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

I cannot even begin to describe how excited and hopeful I’ve felt since Tuesday night. It’s not that Obama won the election. Yes, I’m happy about that, but it’s more than that. Partially it’s because we grew so much as a country in one day. I kept thinking, “what must African Americans feel today?”

Speaking on “The View” Wednesday morning, Whoopi Goldberg remarked that while she’s always felt a part of this country, she finally felt as if she could put her suitcase down. I watched Tuesday night as Jesse Jackson cried in Grant Park as he saw the remnants of the past fall. I watched as the people of Kenya celebrated. I cried as Dr. Martin Luther King’s dreams came true: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” .. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

It’s more than that, though. So many people on both sides were moved during this election season to act. Not just to vote, but to campaign – to work to get out the vote. People on both sides said it’s time to stand up and take responsibility for our country. We can make a difference. Even though only one side could have won, the actions of supporters from *both* sides made a difference because we acted. For so long apathy has ruled. No more. Even though there are people who are happy and people who hurt because of the results – APATHY has been beaten down. That – that is where we win. It’s what had to happen for us to survive as a nation.

Posted in Politics | 3 Comments »

VOTE!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

If you live in the US, please – get out and vote today if you haven’t already.

I set my alarm for 5:30 this morning. I am soooo not a morning person, but today is like Christmas in many ways. When I arrived at the polls at 5:45am, it seemed most everyone there shared a similar feeling. The excitement was almost palpable. Even though we waited for almost two hours to vote, no one was cranky and no political party wars broke out. We talked about how thrilled we felt to be making history, because no matter who wins, it’ll be a first. Some will be sad at the turn history takes, but we know what we’re doing is important. Certainly this is the most important vote in my lifetime.

Anyway, have to scoot. I just stopped in to pick up a soft drink and am on my way back out to do my part in getting out the vote. Being a chauffeur wasn’t something I ever thought I’d enjoy, but today it’s the best job imaginable (smile).

Posted in Politics | 6 Comments »