So, yesterday. It was quite a day wasn't it? The world feels like a smarter, slightly less evil place today. I guess that's because our lovely next door neighbour has a leader who inspires his people with hope rather than intimidate them with fear.
During the inauguration, I was at work. I watched the coverage via cnn and facebook. It was a neat way to experience it. I liked how everyone's status updates were scrolling along the side of the screen. It was particularly cool to read comments from folks all over the world). Luckily, we logged on pretty early in the morning (an office mate was watching too) because it seemed that folks were having trouble watching once everything got started. I have to say that I didn't experience any issues with the feed, it was really great actually. Last night, we watched some parts again because we'd DVR'd MS NBC's coverage. It was nice to be able to zip ahead of parts we didn't need to see again, and rewatch things we particularly liked (like Aretha and the speech).
Overall, just being able to feel hopeful about things again is nice. After 8 years of frustration at the US Administration and the negative effects it's had on Canada, it'll be nice to be dealing with intelligent people again. The Bush administration was so anti-logic that it made me want to smash my head against a wall on more than one occasion. I can only imagine how tough it had to be for people actually living in the states.
Of course, now the hard work begins. Once the sweet love hangover passes, the clean up starts. I have a lot of faith in Mr Obama and the team he's assembled - if anyone can get America back on track, he can!
Showing posts with label US Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Politics. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration of President Barack Obama
Even though I'm not an American, I'm really excited about today. Well, actually, I'm really excited about tomorrow.
The world has become increasingly messed up with each day that passed over the last 8 years. Only good things can come of having a legally elected, inclusive, transparent government in the States.
Just as when bad shit happens to them, it happens to us, the opposite is true too. I don't expect that the mess will be cleaned up overnight but I do believe that positive change is on the way and not a minute too soon.
Happy Inauguration Day everyone!
The world has become increasingly messed up with each day that passed over the last 8 years. Only good things can come of having a legally elected, inclusive, transparent government in the States.
Just as when bad shit happens to them, it happens to us, the opposite is true too. I don't expect that the mess will be cleaned up overnight but I do believe that positive change is on the way and not a minute too soon.
Happy Inauguration Day everyone!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Prop 8 - The Musical
Partially, I blame being sick for basically the entire month of October, and then spending November recovering, for the way the time feels like it's just slipped away from me. Our neighbourhood had exploded in the past few days with all sort of holiday illumination. I like to have ours up by now but I've not gotten around to it yet. With the three dogs and me still feeling a little wonky, it's just not something I've been able to accomplish. Hopefully, by this time next week, I'll have some of it started and will feel a little more like I'm actually a part of the holiday season this year.
Of course, what would the holidays be without a little lovely music. Saw this over at Margaret Cho's blog and had to share!
Of course, what would the holidays be without a little lovely music. Saw this over at Margaret Cho's blog and had to share!
See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
got hope?
Is is just me or does the sun seem to be shining a little brighter this morning? I really think it's not just me. The world just feels like a better place to be today.
We did not stay up until 11 p.m. last night to see the polls close on the west coast. With both of us still feeling lousy, we pushed it staying up until 10 p.m. When we turned the tv off, I think the EV Count was at 200 Obama, 50-something McShame. We knew it was over at that point, that we could rest easy knowing that things would be okay in the morning, no matter what happened in Florida. This morning, we watched the countdown to 11 p.m. and the speeches (we'd left the DVR on MSNBC when we went to bed). It was a great moment for our neighbours to the south and for the rest of the world. I have to say that we both became pretty emotional watching it all unfold.
The hard work can start now, to rebuild the U.S. Hopefully, change can happen here too. I was really disappointed, although not entirely surprised, by our own election results last month. I feel that a lot of it was caused by voter apathy. Hopefully, when our next election rolls around, Canadians will be inspired by the efforts of our neighbours and will actually go out and vote. It's easy to do here in Canada, everyone can do it if they want to. Unfortunately, I don't think enough folks wanted to this year and we're stuck with another Harper government.
It's time for us to pull our collective head out of our ass. Goodness knows if it can happen in the States, it can happen here.
We did not stay up until 11 p.m. last night to see the polls close on the west coast. With both of us still feeling lousy, we pushed it staying up until 10 p.m. When we turned the tv off, I think the EV Count was at 200 Obama, 50-something McShame. We knew it was over at that point, that we could rest easy knowing that things would be okay in the morning, no matter what happened in Florida. This morning, we watched the countdown to 11 p.m. and the speeches (we'd left the DVR on MSNBC when we went to bed). It was a great moment for our neighbours to the south and for the rest of the world. I have to say that we both became pretty emotional watching it all unfold.
The hard work can start now, to rebuild the U.S. Hopefully, change can happen here too. I was really disappointed, although not entirely surprised, by our own election results last month. I feel that a lot of it was caused by voter apathy. Hopefully, when our next election rolls around, Canadians will be inspired by the efforts of our neighbours and will actually go out and vote. It's easy to do here in Canada, everyone can do it if they want to. Unfortunately, I don't think enough folks wanted to this year and we're stuck with another Harper government.
It's time for us to pull our collective head out of our ass. Goodness knows if it can happen in the States, it can happen here.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
sticking it out
Happy US Election Day folks.
We're just hanging out in front of the television machine, watching MSNBC, waiting to hear the results of the election.
I'm sure that we're not the only folks in our little Ontario town who are doing the same. Living in a border town, like we do, we take a keen interest in US politics because they do have an impact on stuff we do everyday. We're hoping that Sen. Obama wins tonight. No matter how things look, I'm one of those folks who believe that it "ain't over 'til it's over." Hopefully, the result will be one that won't make us scream in pain.
Speaking of pain, I took the last dose of my second course of anti-biotics last night. I still don't feel 100%, I'm pretty easily winded and am coughing a fair bit. Definitely, I'm feeling better than I did a couple of weeks ago but I'm still not all the way up to snuff. Oh well, each day is a little better than the day before. I guess I can't, or shouldn't, ask for more than that. Thank you science and medicine!
We're just hanging out in front of the television machine, watching MSNBC, waiting to hear the results of the election.
I'm sure that we're not the only folks in our little Ontario town who are doing the same. Living in a border town, like we do, we take a keen interest in US politics because they do have an impact on stuff we do everyday. We're hoping that Sen. Obama wins tonight. No matter how things look, I'm one of those folks who believe that it "ain't over 'til it's over." Hopefully, the result will be one that won't make us scream in pain.
Speaking of pain, I took the last dose of my second course of anti-biotics last night. I still don't feel 100%, I'm pretty easily winded and am coughing a fair bit. Definitely, I'm feeling better than I did a couple of weeks ago but I'm still not all the way up to snuff. Oh well, each day is a little better than the day before. I guess I can't, or shouldn't, ask for more than that. Thank you science and medicine!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I like this...
I think that Mike's onto something big. In case you hadn't read this already, I thought I'd post it here. I think it's a good idea and is important and it's something to seriously consider. Wow Mike, cool idea!!
Dear Caroline,
We've never met, so I hope you don't find this letter too presumptuous or inappropriate. As its contents involve the public's business, I am sending this to you via the public on the Internet. I knew your brother John. He was a great guy, and I know he would've had a ball during this thrilling and historic election year. We all miss him dearly.
Barack Obama selected you to head up his search for a vice presidential candidate. It appears we may be just days (hours?) away from learning who that choice will be.
The media is reporting that Senator Obama has narrowed his alternatives to three men: Joe Biden, Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine. They're all decent fellows, but they are far from the core of what the Obama campaign has been about: Change. Real change. Out with the old. And don't invade countries that pose no threat to us.
Senators Biden and Bayh voted for that invasion and that war, the war Barack ran against, the war Barack reminded us was the big difference between him and Senator Clinton because she voted for the war and he spoke out against it while running for Senate (a brave and bold thing to do back in 2002).
For Obama to place either of these senators on the ticket would be a huge blow to the millions that chose him in the primaries over Hillary. He will undercut one of the strongest advantages he has over the Hundred-Year War senator, Mr. McCain. By anointing a VP who did what McCain did in throwing us into this war, Mr. Obama will lose the moral high ground in the debates.
As for Governor Kaine of Virginia, his big problem is, well, Obama's big problem -- who is he? The toughest thing Barack has had to overcome -- and it will continue to be his biggest obstacle -- is that too many of the voters simply don't know him well enough to vote for him. The fact that Obama is new to the scene is both one of his most attractive qualities AND his biggest drawback. Too many Americans, who on the surface seem to like Barack Obama, just don't feel comfortable voting for someone who hasn't been on the national scene very long. It's a comfort level thing, and it may be just what keeps Obama from winning in November ("I'd rather vote for the devil I know than the devil I don't know").
What Obama needs is a vice presidential candidate who is NOT a professional politician, but someone who is well-known and beloved by people across the political spectrum; someone who, like Obama, spoke out against the war; someone who has a good and generous heart, who will be cheered by the rest of the world; someone whom we've known and loved and admired all our lives and who has dedicated her life to public service and to the greater good for all.
That person, Caroline, is you.
I cannot think of a more winning ticket than one that reads: "OBAMA-KENNEDY."
Caroline, I know that nominating yourself is the furthest idea from your mind and not consistent with who you are, but there would be some poetic justice to such an action. Just think, eight years after the last head of a vice presidential search team looked far and wide for a VP -- and then picked himself (a move topped only by his hubris to then lead the country to near ruin while in office) -- along comes Caroline Kennedy to return the favor with far different results, a vice president who helps restore America to its goodness and greatness.
Caroline, you are one of the most beloved and respected women in this country, and you have been so admired throughout your life. You chose a life outside of politics, to work for charities and schools, to write and lecture, to raise a wonderful family. But you did not choose to lead a private life. You have traveled the world and met with its leaders, giving you much experience on the world stage, a stage you have been on since you were a little girl.
The nation has, remarkably (considering our fascination with celebrity), left you alone and let you live your life in peace. (It's like, long ago, we all collectively agreed that, with her father tragically gone, a man who died because he wanted to serve his country, we would look out for her, we would wish for her to be happy and well, and we would have her back. But we would let her be.)
Now, I am breaking this unwritten code and asking you to come forward and help us in our hour of need. So many families are hurting, losing their homes, going bankrupt with health care bills, seeing their public schools in shambles and living with this war without end. This is a historic year for women, from Hillary's candidacy to the numerous women running for the House and Senate. This is the year that a woman should be on the Democratic ticket. This is the year that both names on that ticket should be people OUTSIDE the party machine. This is the year millions of independents and, yes, millions of Republicans are looking for something new and fresh and bold (and you are the Kennedy Republicans would vote for!).
This is the moment, Caroline. Seize it! And Barack, if you're reading this, you probably know that she is far too humble and decent to nominate herself. So step up and surprise us again. Step up and be different than every politician we have witnessed in our lifetime. Keep the passion burning amongst the young people and others who have been energized by your unexpected, unpredicted, against-all-odds candidacy that has ignited and inspired a nation. Do it for all those reasons. Make Caroline Kennedy your VP. "Obama-Kennedy." Wow, does that sound so cool.
Caroline, thanks for letting me intrude on your life. How wonderful it will be to have a vice president who will respect the Constitution, who will support (instead of control) her president, who will never let her staff out a CIA agent, and who will never tell her country that she is "currently residing in an undisclosed location."
Say it one more time: "OBAMA-KENNEDY." A move like that might send a message to the country that the Democrats would actually like to win an election for once.
Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
Dear Caroline,
We've never met, so I hope you don't find this letter too presumptuous or inappropriate. As its contents involve the public's business, I am sending this to you via the public on the Internet. I knew your brother John. He was a great guy, and I know he would've had a ball during this thrilling and historic election year. We all miss him dearly.
Barack Obama selected you to head up his search for a vice presidential candidate. It appears we may be just days (hours?) away from learning who that choice will be.
The media is reporting that Senator Obama has narrowed his alternatives to three men: Joe Biden, Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine. They're all decent fellows, but they are far from the core of what the Obama campaign has been about: Change. Real change. Out with the old. And don't invade countries that pose no threat to us.
Senators Biden and Bayh voted for that invasion and that war, the war Barack ran against, the war Barack reminded us was the big difference between him and Senator Clinton because she voted for the war and he spoke out against it while running for Senate (a brave and bold thing to do back in 2002).
For Obama to place either of these senators on the ticket would be a huge blow to the millions that chose him in the primaries over Hillary. He will undercut one of the strongest advantages he has over the Hundred-Year War senator, Mr. McCain. By anointing a VP who did what McCain did in throwing us into this war, Mr. Obama will lose the moral high ground in the debates.
As for Governor Kaine of Virginia, his big problem is, well, Obama's big problem -- who is he? The toughest thing Barack has had to overcome -- and it will continue to be his biggest obstacle -- is that too many of the voters simply don't know him well enough to vote for him. The fact that Obama is new to the scene is both one of his most attractive qualities AND his biggest drawback. Too many Americans, who on the surface seem to like Barack Obama, just don't feel comfortable voting for someone who hasn't been on the national scene very long. It's a comfort level thing, and it may be just what keeps Obama from winning in November ("I'd rather vote for the devil I know than the devil I don't know").
What Obama needs is a vice presidential candidate who is NOT a professional politician, but someone who is well-known and beloved by people across the political spectrum; someone who, like Obama, spoke out against the war; someone who has a good and generous heart, who will be cheered by the rest of the world; someone whom we've known and loved and admired all our lives and who has dedicated her life to public service and to the greater good for all.
That person, Caroline, is you.
I cannot think of a more winning ticket than one that reads: "OBAMA-KENNEDY."
Caroline, I know that nominating yourself is the furthest idea from your mind and not consistent with who you are, but there would be some poetic justice to such an action. Just think, eight years after the last head of a vice presidential search team looked far and wide for a VP -- and then picked himself (a move topped only by his hubris to then lead the country to near ruin while in office) -- along comes Caroline Kennedy to return the favor with far different results, a vice president who helps restore America to its goodness and greatness.
Caroline, you are one of the most beloved and respected women in this country, and you have been so admired throughout your life. You chose a life outside of politics, to work for charities and schools, to write and lecture, to raise a wonderful family. But you did not choose to lead a private life. You have traveled the world and met with its leaders, giving you much experience on the world stage, a stage you have been on since you were a little girl.
The nation has, remarkably (considering our fascination with celebrity), left you alone and let you live your life in peace. (It's like, long ago, we all collectively agreed that, with her father tragically gone, a man who died because he wanted to serve his country, we would look out for her, we would wish for her to be happy and well, and we would have her back. But we would let her be.)
Now, I am breaking this unwritten code and asking you to come forward and help us in our hour of need. So many families are hurting, losing their homes, going bankrupt with health care bills, seeing their public schools in shambles and living with this war without end. This is a historic year for women, from Hillary's candidacy to the numerous women running for the House and Senate. This is the year that a woman should be on the Democratic ticket. This is the year that both names on that ticket should be people OUTSIDE the party machine. This is the year millions of independents and, yes, millions of Republicans are looking for something new and fresh and bold (and you are the Kennedy Republicans would vote for!).
This is the moment, Caroline. Seize it! And Barack, if you're reading this, you probably know that she is far too humble and decent to nominate herself. So step up and surprise us again. Step up and be different than every politician we have witnessed in our lifetime. Keep the passion burning amongst the young people and others who have been energized by your unexpected, unpredicted, against-all-odds candidacy that has ignited and inspired a nation. Do it for all those reasons. Make Caroline Kennedy your VP. "Obama-Kennedy." Wow, does that sound so cool.
Caroline, thanks for letting me intrude on your life. How wonderful it will be to have a vice president who will respect the Constitution, who will support (instead of control) her president, who will never let her staff out a CIA agent, and who will never tell her country that she is "currently residing in an undisclosed location."
Say it one more time: "OBAMA-KENNEDY." A move like that might send a message to the country that the Democrats would actually like to win an election for once.
Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
buh-bye Dennis
I was saddened to read this but not entirely shocked. I really have a lot of respect for Dennis Kucinich.
Democrat Kucinich quits US presidential race
Associated Press
Thursday January 24, 2008
Guardian Unlimited
Democrat Dennis Kucinich, who proposed a US Department of Peace and pushed for impeachment of vice president Dick Cheney, is abandoning his second, long-shot bid for the White House.
In an interview with Cleveland's Plain Dealer newspaper, the liberal six-term House of Representatives member said he was quitting the race and would make a formal announcement on Friday.
"I will be announcing that I'm transiting out of the presidential campaign," Kucinich said. "I'm making that announcement tomorrow about a new direction."
Kucinich has received little support for his presidential bid. He got 1 percent of the vote in the New Hampshire primary, the first in the election season, and was shut out in the Iowa caucuses a few days before that.
Kucinich, 61, also faces a tough fight to hold onto his other job - congressman. He faces four challengers in the Democratic congressional primary March 4, and earlier this week he made an urgent appeal on his Web site for money for his re-election.
His also decision comes a month after his youngest brother, Perry Kucinich, was found dead.
Kucinich brought the same sense of idealism to his second run for president as he did in his first bid. He said he was entering the race again because the Democratic party was not pushing hard enough to end the Iraq war.
Since winning a seat in Congress in 1996, Kucinich has been one of its most outspoken liberals, opposing international trade agreements like the North America Free Trade Agreement and marching with protesters during a meeting of the World Trade Organization in Seattle.
As a presidential candidate, he proposed a Department of Peace and supported universal healthcare and gay marriage. He also pushed for impeachment of Cheney.
At a debate in October, Kucinich delivered one of the night's lighter moments when he confirmed seeing an unidentified flying object at the home of actress Shirley MacLaine. With a smile, he said he would open a campaign office in Roswell, New Mexico, home to many alleged UFO sightings.
Kucinich married British citizen Elizabeth Harper in 2005.
Democrat Kucinich quits US presidential race
Associated Press
Thursday January 24, 2008
Guardian Unlimited
Democrat Dennis Kucinich, who proposed a US Department of Peace and pushed for impeachment of vice president Dick Cheney, is abandoning his second, long-shot bid for the White House.
In an interview with Cleveland's Plain Dealer newspaper, the liberal six-term House of Representatives member said he was quitting the race and would make a formal announcement on Friday.
"I will be announcing that I'm transiting out of the presidential campaign," Kucinich said. "I'm making that announcement tomorrow about a new direction."
Kucinich has received little support for his presidential bid. He got 1 percent of the vote in the New Hampshire primary, the first in the election season, and was shut out in the Iowa caucuses a few days before that.
Kucinich, 61, also faces a tough fight to hold onto his other job - congressman. He faces four challengers in the Democratic congressional primary March 4, and earlier this week he made an urgent appeal on his Web site for money for his re-election.
His also decision comes a month after his youngest brother, Perry Kucinich, was found dead.
Kucinich brought the same sense of idealism to his second run for president as he did in his first bid. He said he was entering the race again because the Democratic party was not pushing hard enough to end the Iraq war.
Since winning a seat in Congress in 1996, Kucinich has been one of its most outspoken liberals, opposing international trade agreements like the North America Free Trade Agreement and marching with protesters during a meeting of the World Trade Organization in Seattle.
As a presidential candidate, he proposed a Department of Peace and supported universal healthcare and gay marriage. He also pushed for impeachment of Cheney.
At a debate in October, Kucinich delivered one of the night's lighter moments when he confirmed seeing an unidentified flying object at the home of actress Shirley MacLaine. With a smile, he said he would open a campaign office in Roswell, New Mexico, home to many alleged UFO sightings.
Kucinich married British citizen Elizabeth Harper in 2005.
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