Adieu Adieu To You and You and You!

Good bye! Its been really great writing this blog. We'll miss always being on the look out for little blog bits. Hope the feelings mutual. We love you!

XOXO HEN

Snack-food for Thought

Senator Ted Stevens has (finally!) been defeated! He was only one of the most officials in the country...

Michelle and Barack are getting ready to move into the White House, both mentally and physically. They are hoping to bring energy and spirit to the government and were both delighted and nervous as they spoke about it on 60 Minutes a few evenings ago.

Obama was compared to Roosevelt by the cover of Time magazine, who created a photoshopped image of him second only in brilliance to the picture of him on "Dancing with the Stars". Think about it: the similarities are uncanny between the President-Elect and Roosevelt: an economy in ruins, a popular, charismatic personality, an unlikely victory....

xoxo heN

What Would (Will) Clinton Do?

Recent rumors have surfaced regarding the possible appointing of Hillary Clinton to the position of Secretary of State. However there is no confirmation either way on whether or not she will accept the offer. She is still debating over the decision says a source. It is reported that she is conflicted over whether to join the cabinet or to stay in the senate and preside over a broad range of domestic issues. There is also concern about the possibility of her husband's The Clinton Foundation, which supports the eradication of disease and poverty in Africa, interfering with her title. It is predicted Obama will not make a formal offer until he is sure that the foundation will not with Clinton's role. Hillary, it is reported, also does not want to seem like she is under Obama's "rule" now. "Everybody wants to be perceived as being in the driver's seat," said a top Democratic official. "She's no different."

xoxo Hen

Islamophobia continued

At the Islamophobia workshop last night, there was a variety of different types of people. This was conducive to a very opinionated atmosphere. Of course, as previously mentioned, the recent election was on everybody's mind. What really stuck with me from the discussions was when a young Middle-Eastern looking man shared his personal experience with the election. He spoke of how excited he was about Barack Obama and he wanted to do all he could to help. He then said that because of all the controversy over the rumors about Obama being Muslim and the negative reaction, he felt like he shouldn't "advertise" for Obama because he didn't want to "turn off" any possible voters; just because he was Muslim. "Yes, you have the freedom to vote, but what happened to your freedom for advocacy?" I had never even thought about a situation where people can't express their opinion on the election because of their nationality or beliefs. Of course, I know this is occurring all over the world but to hear about it on such a relevant and recent topic. It made me sad that this young, intelligent man didn't feel comfortable supporting his candidate of choice, especially during such a historic election. 

xoxo Hen

Islamaphobia

In the afternoon workshop at the Amnesty Conference today, there was a large group that met to talk about American stereotypes of Muslims and the Islamic community in the United States. We talked about general misconceptions and unfair portrayals of Arabs (who are not all Muslims) in Disney, Drama TV like the show 24 and adult comedy. The leaders were really cool, and they showed a lot of stand up comedy to that makes fun of all ethnicitys. It also came up the "accusations"that Obama was Muslim. i say "accusations" because i really don't see what would be negative about it. We talked about how the roomers will effect the Islamic community in the US after he comes to office. The way that Barack had to denounce the stories with such verve during the campaign worries me. Without coming to any conclusions, we worked with the topic a lot. We will have to see what will develop once he comes to office.

xoxo hEn

Amnesty International's Obama Intentions

Here at the Amnesty International conference, there is a shocking amount of talk about the recent Presidential campaign for it being an "international" "non-partisan" organization. As one might imagine, most of the people here are delighted about Obama being elected. They even have a special campaign called "100 days" that outlines the goals that Amnesty would like to see come out of Obama's first 100 days in office. These three are:
1. a plan and specific date for closing Guantanamo
2. Issuing an executive order to ban torture and ill treatment as defined by international law
3. Ensuring that an independent commission to investigate abuses commited by the US in "the war on terror" is set up.

These seem like wonderful and worthwile goals to me, and I don't mind AI being a teeny bit partisan if it means that they will help bring them about.

What an amazing conference this is--- so eye opening! Go to www.amnestyusa.org, seriously, thier work is AMAZING!!!

xoxo heN

Awkward Duck

With an incredibly unpopular lame duck President sitting awkwardly in the White House, and his young energetic successor all lined up to go, there is an interesting feeling surrounding the executive branch at the moment. Obama as the President-Elect has no official power, and yet in actuality he commands greater power over the nation than Bush. Still, the current President has to be careful to maintain some semblance of control. He is still the one who attends all of the meetings and foreign policy discussions--- without the President-Elect. And yet at the same time the two men have to be sure to meet in order to discuss the nation that they both care so much about. They must find a way to transition power smoothly and with as little transition period as possible. It's a steep task in a nation so impatient for change.
xoxo heN

Guantanamo Bay

Barack Obama has promised that he will close down the prison camps at Guantanamo Bay however it is unclear so far as to what measures will be taken concerning the prisoners currently being held. Not until Obama's legal and national security teams are assembled will there be a definite decision on the prisoners' fates. However, there has been talk of Obama's possible ideas. There has been discussion of trying the prisoners in already existing federal courts or creating a federal court specialized for this case. Worry has been expressed about bringing these dangerous prisoners to the mainland because of the institutions needed to detain them. Before any decision is made though, Obama has said that he needs to review all the existing cases which he has not yet had the chance to do. 

xoxo Hen

Prospects

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/us/series/the_new_team/index.html

Please Visit this page to peruse the prospect leaders of our new country.

xoxo hEn

Hit the Ground Running, But in Which Direction?

Barack wants nothing but reform, change and progress in a deteriorating country, but his hands are tied with the sharp and nasty rope of economy. The crisis has but a damper on the gung-ho attitude of the campaign. What big change will come first, health care, education, clean coal improvements? The boulder in the path to those colossal reforms is money.

Some advisors say that President Obama will have to begin with a potpourri  of smaller changes, starting with passing many of Bush's vetoed bills, just to show that change is happening. Others worry if Barack doesn't feed off the election energy in the first few months, then the opportunity for huge modifications  in America will pass. 

Obama is young, and he has before him a country that desperately needs change, but will he try to do to much? History shows that some men the likes of Roosevelt and L.B.J. can do an awful lot, the tricky task is to determine when its too risky.  Days before the election Obama clearly ranked his priorities #1 economy, #2 energy, #3 health care, #4 tax reconstruction, #5 education. 

But, times will change between now and January 20th when our 44th President will take office. Who knows what he will be capable of doing by then.

xoxo hEn

Obama's Online Office

www.change.gov

Check it out! This is one of the most interesting and informative sites I've ever been to! There is political news, an opportunity to post stories about the election, "the adgenda" of the new government (with subheadings of Revitalizing the Economy, Ending the War in Iraq, Providing health Care for All, Protecting America, and Renewing American Global Leadership), and much more. Best of all, there is a place at the bottom of the page where you can weigh in on who should be considered for the new offices of government! This is a fresh idea of government, reminiscent of the Jacksonian era of a "people's government" but taken to a whole new level! How incredible is it that you can actually go and "talk" to Obama, letting him know what he can do for America! One heading reads, "It's Your America", and under this new leader it truly is. And in Obama's case, I actually have faith that he reads and considers each and every idea from each and every person. This faith springs partly from an email that he sent to my mother less than a day after being elected, thanking her for her contribution to his campaign. This email was sent en-mass to all of his supporters, I am aware, but what made it so lovely was that it began "Friend-" and was signed, simply, "Barack". The gentle caring that eminated from the email was so calming and inspired such support from the reader... this man leads like no one else. He leads from the heart. And he also leads from the mind, mainly through the internet, as was shown by his great success in his campaign web page, and now change.gov. It just goes to show how savvy and in-touch our new President is!

So answer his call! Drop him a note, an idea, a story. It wouldn't be asked of you if it wasn't desired. Now's your chance to make a difference in America on an unprecedented scale!

xoxo heN

The Youth is Where It's At

It seems that for every presidential election, the youth is entrusted to make the change that the nation is in need of at that time. In the 2004 election, the media was soaked in youth-aimed ads that shouted "VOTE OR DIE" at them wherever a television or store was available. However a sense of failure was associated with the results of the election. It was the year Bush won his second term, how can anyone forget. The notoriously liberal media was all but pleased with dismal turn out of this- so- called boom of new voters that was expected. However there is no denying the youth's impact on the most recent election of Barack Obama. In elections past, the percent of young white voters won by a Democratic nominee was no greater than 45% This year Obama gained 54% In total 66% of young voters under 30 supported Obama whereas only 32% of their support. The numbers speak for themselves and it is apparent that we, the youth, are capable of assuming the responsibility to do what is right for our country.

xoxo Hen

Feelin' the stress yet, Obama?

Can you even begin to imagine the amount of pressure that has just been placed on Barack Obama's shoulders? To be the President is stressful enough, to be the first mixed-race President in the of the United States is worse, to take this world-shattering position in a time of unparalleled economic, social, and environmental distress... well, let's just say he's probably feeling the expectations pretty accutely. I have no doubt that he's up to the challenge. Already, other countries in the world are rejoicing for what they see as a new age for America, democracy, and the planet, simply because of the election of this one man. But, as he readily aknowledges, he has much to learn, and more to do. After an exhausting, extensive campaign, he gets no respite. I wish I could give him a hug!

It is incredible to hear him referred to in the news as "The President Elect" and "Mr. Obama", no longer "Presidential Hopeful" or "Senitor Obama". Every once in a while I will see a picture of him and realize anew: That's our President! Our future looks so bright it hurts. But his personal future has a lot of stress in it, sadly. No wonder John McCain's concession speech was so gracious... he probably is grateful to have lost!

May I just reiterate how excited I am? I'm not sure how to get it across, but it fills me with a kind of hope and security that I have not felt since I was very, very young. I think I'm becoming a strong patriot!

xoxo heN

Christmas in November?

I must say, I'm a little sad that the election is over. It was kind of like Christmas. Yeah, Christmas day is fantastic however those holiday spirits in anticipation of the big day are even better. In this case, I'm going to miss the catty debates, the endless poll results, and even the "pittbull with lipstick" jokes. Of course, I'm elated with Obama's victory, but deep down I'm going to miss the inevitable competitive edge to my day.

xoxo Hen

Hope

Since I was 8 years old, I have been ashamed of my president and my country. It doesn't feel natural that I have so few patriotic moments in my young childhood memory. The harm that President Bush has brought to the face of our nation is not permanent, rather a severe scar.  As we, a nation of democratic voters, proved yesterday, and hopefully will continue to do so in the coming months, we are a great nation. A nation that is capable of change, one that with grace and fluidity can alter its course of action. 

I am not the only person who has a rekindled faith in the future of America. All across this world of nations, people are celebrating a monumental step, a both symbolic and very, very real acceptance of change and healing. From Madrid, to Kenya, to Japan people rejoice in the American voice.  The adjustment from the countenance of President George Bush, to the visage of  President elect Barack Obama will distinctly revolutionize international affairs for the United States. Bush represented for so many the stereotyped american and most unfortunate of politicians. People are associated with their leaders, the man (or woman) who they have chosen to represent them to the world. Obama, I am positive, is a healthier choice for our nation to be judged by at this time.   

Desperately I hope that my belief in him as a strong person of  good morals and undying love for his family and his nation, are truthful and valid beliefs.   Obama is a president to all, he is a man that will unite and bring reform to our nation of turmoil. I see the next year through an  optimistic, hopeful lens. I see a year of hard work, lacking in instant gratification, but fruitfully abundant with the healthy tears of healing. In my life today, I have already witnessed the breaking down of prejudice in a small community and the blossoming of new awareness, the careful examining of tolerance, and better, understanding.

This election has not just given our nation a new president but a new perspective.

xoxo hEn  

OHMYGOSH!!!!

OBAMA IS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! history has just been made in so many ways, and so has the future!

McCain's concession speech was also gracious and strong, and the chants of the crowd changed from the initial, "John McCain, John McCain!" chants to "USA! USA!" by the end. That speaks for itself. What a fantastic country we live in. I have never felt so proud, so humble, and so honored.

There are no words to describe the happiness and awe I feel right now, so I suppose I shouldn't try. Let me just say:

CONGRATULATIONS OBAMA!!!!! And congratulations McCain for such a lovely finish. And most of all, congratulations America!!!! Welcome to the future!

xoxo heN

Peace Out Cub Scout!

Currently, Obama holds 194 projected electoral votes. After Obama secured Pennsylvania/Ohio, the Republican Party scooted even closer to the edge of their unstable chairs. The chance of a McCain win is growing slim, a spin shivering change, I believe, will take place in American Politics this night. 

An Obama victory will also alter the world view of the United States in a positive light, perhaps the most immediate change in opinion in history...EVER.

the closest comparison is the winning of WWII, but that was not nearly as immediate. 

A perspective change in our government, Will, without a doubt, change the world.

keep that in mind as you follow your televisions tonight, its Not over yet!

 xoxo hEn

Ignorance and the Baby Lady

Seldom does one have the "pleasure" of having an experience that leaves them simultaneously baffled, amazed, disgusted, and infuriated. Today, I had such a potpourri of emotions. During the middle of the day, our lovin' AP US class set out across the road to help out at the polling stations. Our entire class was for Obama, but in response to a rather pitiful plea from the Republican greeters, a handful of us went over to help them hand out sample ballots as well, for the sake of fairness and democracy. I decided to do this, as much to stretch myself as to help them out... it's good to be out of your comfort zone every once in a while. However, I was soon so far out of my comfort zone I almost morphed into an active volcano.
It was all well and good for a while. The lady we were speaking with was energetic and seemed to be quite nice. Then she started talking about her thoughts... and I was stunned. The very first shocker was this: her argument for the United States being a Christian nation. In her mind, God had created all of the countries and states and country lines, and set them down on Earth, therefore he created the USA, therefore we are as a nation already "his". I did not know what to say. Everything that one learns in history and life in general contradicts this... but it was her belief, albeit an ignorant and misinformed one. And then came the BIG problem. She began to talk about abortion. She told us, with all certainty and conviction, that an abortion was "when they went inside the mother and snipped off the baby's arms and legs, and then sucked its brains out." What? WHAT?? Another story of hers was the other way they do abortions: induce the birth, and then hold the "fully formed, except for the lungs" baby in their hand and watch it suffocate. I kid you not. I exaggerate not an ounce. I wish I did. She claimed that these stories came straight from the abortion clinics, so we'd know they were true, and encouraged us to look them up on YouTube so we could see "what Obama stands for".

I like to think that I am an open and accepting person. But this flat ignorance and the meanness and graphicness in which she presented her outright lies infuriated me. I was stunned and steaming, and made a polite and hasty excuse to leave the vicinity before anything terrible could happen. What frightens me most, however, is the thought that someone with this level of misunderstanding is attempting to pass legislature to have power over me and my life and my body! If you want to make my decisions for me, at least ask to make them based on logic and facts, not outright fabrication and slander. I was amazed to hear her voice as a representation of what many others, too, believe. And although I must rant about the anger it boiled up inside of my conscience and my heart, I also have to say that I am very grateful for the experience.

I'm not arguing for or against abortion. I'm arguing against ignorance. I'm arguing for logic, and wisdom, and the willingness to actually find out the truth. I'm arguing for a truth that fits facts, not just your beliefs. What an incredible experience.

xoxo heN

Good morning, future!

Already at 7 o'clock this morning, the flood of cars was funneling down the road leading to the polling station in my town. It was a microcosm of the whole energized country, as voters turn out in vast numbers to claim their little (and yet massive) piece of history. And tonight I have no doubt that those same millions will be glued to their televisions and radios, all holding their breath, perhaps saying a prayer, perhaps too tense to speak. In this unprecedented election, the citizens of this country are coming through to make their voices heard on a vast scale: this is democracy at its finest. Every cliched "I Voted" sticker is a symbol of so much more, so much hope, and freedom, and liberty and justice for all! No matter who wins this race at the end of the day, this morning, we are America as it was meant to be.

And tonight, we will be a new America. A rebirth of a country so accustomed to rebirth that it has become the normal state of things. My mother with tears in her voice told me this morning that when she was 16 years old, Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, and today at 56, she was voting for a black man. Our march to equality has always persevered, and this morning the patient toilers of decades may see their labors bear fruit. What a new world! Already there is a different dynamic in this country, and despite apprehensive feelings in the past, on this clear, excited, electric morning, this nation feels like it was supposed to feel: United.

I refuse to speculate on the nights results. The polls can do that. The people can do that. Have your own expectations. For right now, it is enough to know that this morning is the future. And what a future it is!

Keep your ears open and your eyes wide tonight... you get to be a part of some of the most significant history in the world! And for all of the voters that go out today to share their truths: THANK YOU for having the courage to be an American.

xoxo heN

It's the Final Countdown.

In less than 24 monumental hours the path for the next four years will begin to be paved. Nervous?

xoxo HEN

It's Kinda Time to be Serious

As the Obama campaign buckles down for straight shooting talk on their ideals, the opposing party is still goofing off. 

Last night McCain made an appearance on SNL. He was there with Tina Fey making fun of his own campaign and also putting in a couple plugs for himself, selling products like an "Ayer" freshener and the three Joes: 6pack, the plumber, Biden action figures. I really don't quite understand the advising process that allowed McCain to appear on that show. Personally, I  do not want a president who, in a time of war and crisis, is  sarcastically joking around on late night TV 3 days before the election. I want someone who doesn't have to cover their campaign with false smiles and bad jokes, someone whose ideas and beliefs are strong enough to hold an audiences attention, so powerful that a joke would never enhance their meaning. I believe that somewhere in our country, people fell in love again with the ole jokester last night, but that trick didn't remotely work on me.

Likewise, McCain's lovely running mate is getting prank called by two Canadian Radio pranksters. Sarah was under the impression that she was conversing with french president Nicolas Sarckozy. She said she wanted to be president within 8 years and that she would love to go hunting with him. The conversation is so  obviously false, that it boggles me she could not tell.  The impersonator claimed a French singer as his special american advisor and a canadian singer as Canada's prime minister, and no red flags were raised for palin, she just said "oh yeah, sure".

I am unsettled at these circumstances. I will feel very unsafe if these two people are the leaders of my country.

Please visit the phone conversation at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9UBx8-j8Nc

xoxo hEn

Obama's Wrap-Up Recap

"He is not a maverick. He is a sidekick." Obama's newest catchy phrase to describe his opponent came from his speech today in Colorado. There, the always-brilliant orator made a total recap of his platform in "plain language", trying one final time to convince the voters of the swing state to cast their ballot for him in 3 short days. Watching the rally, and listening to his words was a wonderful overview even for someone not in need of convincing. After all the mess and muddiness of the wild campaign season it was a reminder: "Ohhh, that's why I want this man to be President!" Obama systematically went through all of the important issues: John McCain, taxes, health care, the war in Iraq, and education. Interestingly enough, he highlighted how his plan was like that of Bill Clinton several times. Here are the facts and positions that stuck:
*John McCain is indeed a "sidekick". He has consistently voted with and supported the Bush administration. In fact, Vice President Cheney endorsed McCain today, a show of support that likely harmed the maverick's campaign more than it helped it.
*Taxes for 95% of the population of America will not increase "one single dime". Anyone earning less than a quarter-million dollars a year will not see an increase in taxes... and when Obama asked his crowd for a show of hands who fit that income bracket the result was very clear. Also, as he pointed out, if lower income people have more money, they will be able to be more active consumers and actually bolster the wealthier corporate few.
*Careful to first reiterate that no one's health care would increase, Obama laid out his new plan whose main focus was to stop the injustice of insurance companies who would not pay for those who need it most, such as cancer victims like his own mother.
*On the war in Iraq, he could not have been more clear... he said that as President, "I will end this war in Iraq. I will end it." Not much question about his views there.
*Wonderful words were spoken in defense of education. Obama repeated that our country needs to make education more accessable, and promised that any young citizen participating in any kind of national service would be enabled to attend college; in this fashion, they were an "investment" that the government would pay off with college tuition. Also he voiced the need for higher pay for teachers, something that is often overlooked and fogotten! Thank you Obama!

Watching the candidate on CNN, it finally felt like I got the whole truth, the whole plan, no political twists or fear of manipulation clouding the bare-bones of his plans. It was almost like the beginning of the election all over again, with the candidates trying to be voted in on thoughts, ideals and merit, not just because the other choice has been portrayed as worse.

I can not believe how fast this election is coming... hang on tight!

xoxo heN

The Supreme Court

If you are a part of the few who have been lucky enough to participate in some US AP lovin' this year, you will know that we have been focusing on the Supreme Court lately. An ideal Supreme Court for McCain varies greatly to that of Obama's. It is predicted that McCain would stay with a Bush-like court in his choices for appointees. It would continue on a right wing shift and consist of conservative Justices. Obama is aware of the shift the court's have taken and it is believed that he would appoint a more liberal array of Justices. However, here is a little-known fun fact: Obama himself is educationally capable of being appointed to the Supreme Court. "He is a constitutional specialist who has taught for many years," said Sunstein (Obama friend and former faculty colleague at University of Chicago Law School) "There's a guarantee that we'd get someone of the first intellectual rank." It is also estimated that McCain will increase the total proportion of Republican appointees for the US Courts of Appeal from 56% to 74% and decrease the Democrats from 36% to 26%. Obama would make the proportions 42% and 58% respectively. Now that sounds more reasonable...

xoxo Hen

Infomercial.. help or hurt?

Last night there was a half hour infomercial put forth by the Obama campaign. when i head about it, i was put on edge. wont that sound desperate? wont it serve as bait for the snapping jaws of the drowning republican campaign?
Luckily, i think that it was a success. It was a program that did not mention once McCain's name, its only purpose was to promote the most positive and informative points in the Obama agenda. opening mostly with a discussion in Taxes (boy, haven't we been hearing that complaint since the 1600's!!!) then talked about creating jobs, clean energy, foreign oil independence, education, and economic distress. with intermittent personal stories and clips of past speeches, the program was actually quite moving. i think it served its purpose. At the end the show cut to a live feed in Florida. Obama was in a stadium with thousands of supporters. His last message was a plug to get people to go out and knock on doors, and VOTE!!!!!!! especially for him!:)

My worry that the commerecial would spawn more ridicule was also true as it turns out. McCain took a preemptive strike at the whole idea before it aired when he called him a "peddler with questionable goods" he warned people that “When you’re watching this gauzy, feel-good commercial, just remember that it was paid for with broken promises,’’. Here he is refering to Obamas uniuqe funds raising style. he had implied that he would follow with the traditional way in the begining but his disision to raise private funds was a smart one and obviously has worked. MaCain critisizes the expensive commerecial but Obama has to spend that huge amount of money somewhere, he cant just keep it!!!
PLEASE VOTE!!!!!
xoxo hEn

Half-hour of Power

So now we know where $3 to $5 million of Obama's mountain of campaign money is going: to buy a half-hour spot on NBC, CBS, FOX, Univision, BET, MSNBC and TV One for his new "infomercial". Good use of the bills? I would argue so. After all, as the race winds to a close, he has vowed to stay on the offensive and to defeat the common plague of complacency that strikes as the days draw to an end. And creating a half-hour infomercail definitely falls in the category of "staying on the offensive"! While some may consider it overkill, I would say that it is absolutely necessary... if people think it is too much, they do not have to watch it through its entirety. And it will help refocus voters on issues and recap a long and tumultuous campaign season.

6 more days...

xoxo heN

"Don't Believe for a second this election is over..."

... said Obama yesterday, giving his so called "closing arguments" to a massive, cheering audience. And it's important to keep these frighteningly true words in mind. Although polls show Obama pulling ahead of his candidate on nearly all counts, if voters relax into ensured victory, the victory will suddenly be unsure. We've got to keep up the energy, keep up the passion, keep up the hope.

After all, its not over. We've still got a full week! And every day, when I pull up to my driveway I cruise in between our Obama sign and our neighbor's McCain sign, I feel the tugs from them, like repelling magnetic forces, pulling the country apart. That is the question that weighs most upon my mind: not what will happen on November 4th, 2008 but what will happen after. On the radio this morning, a sober newscaster spoke of assassination plots against Obama if he wins. It is a very real, terrifying threat. Such great change can hardly occur without great impact, and the people of this country are so frightened and angry that the stage is set for the worst to be possible. I'm not saying that if Obama is elected, he will be killed. I do not believe that in the least. But I do know there will be a lot of angry, desperate, uprooted people, no matter who wins. And our new President will have to instantly face the unparalleled challenge of keeping this country together.

All pessimism aside, I cannot help but feel hopeful as November 4th draws inexorably nearer. I cannot help but feel the thrill of living history... and the knowledge that what comes next will be even more revolutionary.

xoxo heN

"7 Things That Could Go Wrong on Election Day"

In the most recent issue of Time magazine, the cover story is not what one candidate's scandalous past has revealed or the new foreign policy of the other but rather the headline addresses the technicality of the oncoming election day. The article is entitled "7 Things That Could Go Wrong on Election Day."

Here's a little summary:

1) After the 2000 voting nightmare in the Gore/Bush election, Congress demanded that each state have a single voter digital database. These records would then be able to validate all who registered by matching information up with other records such as driver's licenses. It sounded like a good plan, however this past August when a voter-check was run, it resulted in a 22% match-failure rate. Because of this, all over the country people's voting eligibility has been questioned. This "purge" of voters has become a major concern due to the facts that thousands of legitimate voters are being withheld from voting.

2) The whole ACORN debacle has only magnified the problem of registration fraud. However the problem of actual voter fraud has caused people to suggest moderators at the voting booths in order to challenge sketchy voters. To some, this is a horrible idea for it takes away the whole idea of exercising the right to vote and may scare off voters.

3) In Florida, during the 2000 election, thousands of elderly voters were confused by the poorly designed ballot resulting in great confusion to who they meant to vote for. This again could raise concern for the accuracy of votes this time around.

4) One-third of votes this year will be cast on mechanical machines that don't involve paper at all. However they are known to malfunction if calibrated incorrectly. Let's hope that doesn't happen next Tuesday...

5) All across the country people will have to wait in line in order to cast their precious vote. Yet some people just don't have the patience to stand in line for hours. In 2004, it was estimated that between some 5,000 and 15,000 voters gave up and went home. Every vote counts and every voter will be needed.

6) In relation to problem #1, proof of voter legitimacy is a problem. Because a person's eligibility has been based on certain means of proof such as a driver's license, the people who are without this and other documents, for whatever reason, have been taken for granted and have been a part of that voter purge. People fear that sheer frustration with the system will result in a decrease of voters.

7) Nasty scheming is has become a problem. There have been reports of flyers being left on cars telling Democrats to vote on Wednesday rather then Tuesday and emails have been sent out declaring that anyone who wears an Obama or McCain button will be turned away from the polls. Hopefully these things are disregarded but it is still unnerving to think so many people are being misinformed.

So get out there and vote! But be wary of all that could go wrong... Be safe and make good choices!

xoxo Hen

First Ladies First

All the focus on the presidential candidates sometimes overshadows other important aspects of this election, such as who will be the country's First Lady. Although some argue that that is secondary or unimportant, I would argue that it is exceedingly relevant to voters' decisions on November 4th. One needs to be aware of the ideals and people they are putting their support behind, and the First Lady certainly impacts the actions and perception of the White House. So, who are these ladies? And which would be the better First Lady of the United States of America? Here are a few fact-snacks for you, although they don't even begin to cover all of the issues:

Michelle Obama, like her husband, graduated from Harvard. She is, again like her husband, a confident and charismatic speaker, and has been in the spotlight for the whole campaign, holding rallies and talks across the country.

Cindy McCain has kept a low profile during the campaign season, and while there is no real hatred towards her in a political sense, she does not do much to bolster her husband's work. However, there are some shady points about her that may be deterring some voters. Firstly, John met Cindy in a bar while he was still married and had a lengthy affair with her before divorcing his first wife and marrying Cindy. While this could be formed into a touching tale of forbidden love, the added aspect of Cindy being from old money (Anheuser-Busch is their beer company) makes one wonder if passion wasn't the only thing involved. Furthermore, the unfortunate prospective First Lady became addicted to pain killers and illegally acquired them through her charitable organization. To her credit, she finally overcame this addiction and thus would likely be a voice for addicts in Washington.

To me it is clear that Cindy McCain would be more of a "new drapery" First Lady. I don't think she would bring any real harm to the White House, but she likely wouldn't be changing the world either. Michelle Obama, with her experience and charisma, seems more likely to be an effective and active participant in our nation's policies. But read up and make your own decision, because these ladies really are important to this presidential race!

xoxo heN

9 days left

Last night the John Paul Jones Arena was packed with people all in order to see Jay-Z and T.I. The concert was great but even if you had been living under a rock you would be able to realize how meaningful this election is. It could be argued that the whole night was a huge Obama rally. The cheers greatly outnumbered the boos when Obama was brought up and the enormous crowd eagerly participated in the negative chants as Bush's face was looking down from the screen. November 4th was on the minds of the two mega stars and they made that clear. The anticipation for that day is so thick you can't go anywhere without the election's discussion. As Jay-Z put it: 

"Rosa Parks sat so Martin could walk so that Obama can lead us so we can be fly."

xoxo Hen

Politics are on our minds...

last weekend i was at a concert downtown and havin a lot of fun. next thing i knew i was looking up at the backdrop screen behind Jason Mraz and saw my favorite presidential candidate for 2008!! listening to the lyrics right then i heard

"Try to picture the man
To always have an open hand
See him as a giving tree
See him as matter
Matter fact he's not a beast
No not the devil either
Always a good deed doer"

i thought it was so great that politics had made there way into all aspects of life. I was happy to see every person attending raise their hands and scream fore  glee. It was a young group of poeple at that concert and i hope they are all heading to the poles on nov.4th. 

xoxo hEn

More Brooding Fear

Ashley Todd, a McCain volunteer claimed she was attacked by a tall dark skinned man at an Atm in Pittsburgh.  She said he was provoked by the McCain sticker on her car and he pinned her down to her car and carved a backwards B into her face. This story was fishy to begin with but it soon began to unravel. As soon as her story got online bloggers from the left and the right began to investigate. They looked at her myspace and facebook and soon came to a conclusion that her story was a complete hoax. The backwards B pointed a lot of arrows to the possibility that she did it herself while looking in a mirror, forgetting it was a reflection. Police reports did not stack up either. Her whole story has now been reported as false, but is that enough?

I know that there are some people in our country that will listen only long enough to hear what they want to hear then roll out, not waiting for any follow up. Some people will ignore the fact that this story is merely a tale of fear and take it as a warning that "the black community will rise up and take over our country." 

Yesterday on NPR i was listening to a woman who prefaced her beliefs with the statement "Im not racist but..." Then the went on to say that if Barack won the presidency then they,  the black people, (then she looked around the room she was sitting in and saw an African American man sitting across from her) , But not you" she said, "those out on the streets, you know causing trouble, will rise up with revenge." The man across the room who was a republican and had voted for bush in the last two elections, but was now swayed to vote Obama replied "Im not sure i know what your talking about, if Obama is elected that there will only be celebration and dancing on the streets, not violence." 

Personally, i believe that there will only be more instability and  danger in our country if Obama is NOT elected. 

But, as Sy Safransky writes in the Sun, 

"No matter whose elected president, daffodils will still bloom in the spring...No matter who's elected president, life will hand us the invisible thread that connects us all; love will hand us the needle."

xoxo hEn

Makeup must be Expensive!

When you ask yourself who the highest payed  Worker on Senator McCain's Campaign staff, I would never think of Governer Palin's makeup artist, Amy Strozzi. I would think of some chief advisor on communications, or advertising. But, no, It was a woman who does the same job on Tv show sets. Mrs. Strozzi was payed 22,800 in the first half of the month of october. With Palin's 11k lipstick budget it sure makes Michelle Obama's 150$ off the rack dress look pretty darn cheap!

But i have to wonder, is all this attention just a little bit sexist? Would we really be this worried if McCain or Obama were spending this much on clothes?

Well, Heres a point. Barack bought 5 suites at the beginning of the campaign for 580 each. McCain wears 1500$ suites and i doubt he only has 1. History shows that appearances do matter in our world today, and the vibe people have about different candidates but there is a limit on how much money should go to frivolous styling.

xoxo hEn

Planned Parenthood Pounds Palin

Did anyone else get the pamphlet in the mail from Planned Parenthood? I was surprised that the organization as a whole would have a political agenda, but their reasons are sound. Shockingly, the dark, dramatic-looking pamphlet reveals three major points about McCain and Palin:

1. The running mates oppose sex education programs that teach anything other than abstinence-only... reality check please!
2. McCain voted against covering birth control by insurance... just to make sure that as few people as possible can be safe from unwanted pregnancies.
3. And most importantly in my eyes, John McCain and Sarah Palin both opposed the Violence Against Women Act, which ensures that rape victims are not charged for the emergency exams used to prosecute their attackers. These exams can cost up to $1,200.

So I know it's propaganda, and I know I should take it with a grain of salt, but the truth is, it shocked me. These are grave accusations, and they certainly influence my image of McCain and Palin in a very negative way.
xoxo heN

I'm a girly-girl too, but REALLY?

Sarah Palin sure has some cute clothes--- I love that red leather jacket... but should the campaign contributes really have paid for that? I mean really, $150,000??? At that price they should at least have had some say in which outfits she bought. Not only that, the money was taken from the joint fund for Palin and McCain's campaigning! And thousands have been spent already on her hair and makeup! I thought politics were meant to be about brains and ideals, not clothes and hair and makeup. As the first woman to be running for such a high office, Sarah Palin has the duty to make it not just about her superficial glamour and glitz. When people have such a hard time taking her seriously anyways, she is merely compounding their perception of her "I'm-just-a-face-on-the-campaign-I-don't-actually-have-a-brain" image. I have no problem at all with her dressing up to look sophisticated to fit the part, and if she needs a little monitary aid for that, that is fine. However, this is not where the money should have come from, and the amount of money taken is ludicrous. Maybe this is why McCain is falling so far behind Obama in funding... red leather jackets and well-applied mascara.

Check out the full scoop in this video: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14805.html

Don't worry, I still love clothes and makeup, and I even like her clothes and makeup... but time and place, please, Palin.
xoxo heN

Just Another Scary Little Visual

xoxo hEn

On A Lighter Note...

During the past month, Saturday Night Live has been hilariously criticizing every move Governor Palin makes. However it was her chance to have the last laugh this past Saturday night. In case you missed it, Tina Fey was doing her rounds playing Palin and, as the audience had been anticipating, Sarah Palin made her appearance. It was brief and not too funny on the Governor's part, but hey, what do you expect? I think it's admirable that she had the guts to even go on there. But here's the little fun fact of the day: that episode of SNL received its highest ratings in 14 years! I think this shows how important this election is and, even if on a shallower level, the world is aware.

not the actual skit but just for a little visual...

xoxo Hen

Sickening

If you are feeling a little over confidant in the American people, please watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSrwHqwu70U&feature=related

repulsive isn't it? Im absolutely blown away by the ignorance of my fellow americans. if you genuinely believe that a McCain/Palin administration would be more beneficial to our nation at this time, fine. i respect that. i dont agree, but were all entitled to make our own decisions. 

This is so FAR past that line of supporting your leader. It is racist. It is evil. it is all the hate and fear that still brews under the fertile land that is our nation. issues of prejudice and tolerance and understanding werent solved at the constitutional congress in 1789, nor the missouri compromise (thats for you jd) nor the civil war. they are still unsolved. when are we going to learn. Im scared that my countrymen and women continue to live a life that sees no wrong in the kkk and call obama a evil muslim and his supporters baby killers. 

xoxo hEn

remember to vote all the way down the ballot

for those living in the state for lovers, i really want you to hear this. Tom Pariello is running for congress in the 5th district, and i went to see him talk last night. wowzers. two days ago, i wasnt even sure what he was running for, and there was no way i could put a face to the name. The things he has to say are incredible, and most defiantly need to be heard. #1, he isnt from new york, as Goode would have you think, he was born in Albremarle County. #2, he is determined to SOLVE problems, to work, as best he can. he emphasized the statement, "its not a question of right and left, its right from wrong." he is a devout catholic, but does not preach his beliefs, but lives them. he has been working in Darfur and Afganistan to try to bring peace.

this man it part of a new era of politics, same as Obama. They, together, will bring a new light, energy, and sensibility to washington that has been lacking in the past years. The two men both have not taken any money from lobbyists. thats revolutionary within its self.

just a few weeks ago, Periello was down 36 points in the polls. yesterday, the were living in a deficit of 6%. 

I want to make sure that everyone is aware of Periello and Warner, as well as Obama. these people are game changers to. make sure you vote all the way down the ballot.

xoxo hEn

Share the Love

Of all advanced democracies in the world, America has the biggest disparity between rich and poor. Our wealth gap is a shameful chasm, and yet John McCain attacks Obama for his plan to help spread the money around. Obama's plan gives a tax break to those earning under $250,000 a year (including Joe the Plumber, incidentally) in an effort to narrow the affluent-non affluent difference. McCain, desperately catering to the votes of the top 20 percent of the American population, slams Obama's plan as "socialist". What I want to know is, how can anyone, even John McCain, attempt to peg a plan that creates equality as "unfair"? Yes, I understand he needs to disagree with Obama, but really? The exchange and creation of wealth has always been a staple of the American Way, and as long as our democracy stays strong it will continue to act as such.

And, I would like to say, Obama's plan gives me hope. We can set an example for the rest of the world. We can once again be that nation of fairness that other nations aspire to emulate. The United States of America, with liberty, justice, and opportunity for all!!

xoxo heN

Money makes the world go round

I'm sure you've heard the staggering, history-making statistics, but if not, here they are:

In the month of September, Obama raised $150, an unprecedented mountain of monetary momentum.
He now has a total of 3 million contributers, with 632,000 new donors this month alone.

I am the first to say that money isn't everything, even in a presidential campaign, but it does speak to Obama's immense popularity and momentum in this race. It is also highly noteworthy that he has broken this fund raising record, as it will redefine the politics of the future. Obama has already changed our nation... let's give him the ability to do even more!


xoxo heN

** Picture and statistics from npr.org

Joe the Plumber

No Mother Left Behind

One has not felt their heart break until they have heard a mother say that they cannot afford to keep their child healthy. On an early morning NPR program about the mothers of Special Needs children, I heard one dispairing mother say just that. Her son has heart complications and numerous other disorders, including Down's Syndrome, and the family's monthly bill for the young child is 25,000 dollars a month. Quickly, she tied her worries in to the omnipotent election. Sarah Palin, a Specail Needs mother herself, has pledged to help out all other women in her same situation. She swore to be "a voice" for them, and to help make their lives easier. However, her record so far says nothing to support this promise. She has not been an outspoken advocate in the past, and even if she were to be one in the future, this morning's mother said, she needs more than words. Obama's health care plan would help her more than any sympathetic, air-filled speeches by Palin ever could. The mother said that she planned to vote for Obama, and hoped that his promises would pull through, and that the new governement would allow her to keep her child alive.

Another mother came on, talking about how she used to be able to get care for her little daughter for free, but with a change in policy she now paid $10 for each healthcare or psychology visit. This may not sound like much, but when the visits need to happen 3 times a week, it adds up. She echoed the first mother's sentiments about Obama and healthcare almost to the word.

Health care has always been a major issue in the current campaign, but it is one that I personally will be paying much more attention to now. The sound of the mothers' voices as they quaveringly spoke of hope for their beloved children struck me deeply, and I can only hope that whoever is elected will feel the same way.
And I want to know what I can do...
xoxo heN

xoxo hEn

Powell Supports Obama

Sunday night on "Meet the Press," former Secretary of State under Bush and a respected Republican, General Colin L. Powell, announced that he will be voting for Senator Barack Obama. When Tom Brokaw addressed the fact that many will perceive Powell's vote to be based on race, Powell replied "If I had only that in mind, I could have done this six, eight, 10 months ago... And it was only in the last couple of months that I settled on this." Rather Powell is endorsing Obama based on his "ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities." Powell did not only focus on the Obama based reasons for his choice but also the "errors" McCain has made in his campaign. Powell believed that the introduction and attempt to associate William Ayers with Obama was inappropriate. He also said that he has heard older members of his own party suggest that Obama is a Muslim and terrorist as well. He finds all this troubling. Powell addressed McCain's decision to run with Sarah Palin as well. "...I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president. And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Senator McCain made." A point that I had not considered, Powell worried that with the election of McCain and Palin, there would be two more conservative appointments to the Supreme Court due to the rightward shift Palin has evoked. In conclusion, Powell said, "I think what the president has to do is to start using the power of the Oval Office and the power of his personality to convince the American people and to convince the world that America is solid, America is going to move forward... restoring a sense of purpose."

I don't know about you, but this gives me hope. The fact that a prominent Republican figure is publicly acknowledging the faults of his party and endorsing across the aisle only serves as a foundation for more change to come.

xoxo Hen

Scandalous Oak Babies

hmm, yes, Acorns...

well, on Wednesday, Mr. McCain said acorn quote "is on the verge of perpetrating on of the greatest frauds in voter history" and "may be destroying the fabric of democracy." 

wow.

step back.

whats acorn again?

Acorn is a private non-profit group that advocates for low and middle class income citizens and has led major voter registration drives this election season. now, the McCain campaign has accused the organization for registering fraudulent voters, with ridiculous names such as Mickey Mouse. the group finds its own people to go out into the communities and register people and it is true that less that 1% of the newly registered names have been fictional. there is a system where the suspicious names have been flagged and passed along and unsympathetic election officials take them public. Acorn needs to do a better job looking over their paper work and they need to find trustworthy people to do the work. But, for all the hype, there is virtually no evidence that anyone actually shows up on election day with a bad name.  

pero, creo que hay problemas mas serioso!

according to Project Vote (2006) 71% eligible whites were registered, 61% blacks, 54% latinos and 40% asian americans. Thats where the real scandal   lies. The Government needs a system where everyone can easily register to vote, it needs to be accessible, and then private organizations with good intentions will never face so may problems. "the real threats to the fabric of democracy are the unreasonable barriers that stand in the way of eligible voters casting ballots."~NYT

xoxo hEn

Joe Schmoe

After leaning heavily on the plumber Joseph Wurzelbacher , John McCain has once agian backed himself into a corner. It turns out that Joe is not exactly the perfect counter to Obama's tax plan campaign, as McCain has been claiming. A little research has rather publicly revealed that Joe would actually benefit from Obama's tax plan! Oops! Also, "Joe the plumber" isn't even a licenced plumber! AND he owes back taxes!! Wow... as if McCain could dig his own grave any deeper...

I suppose it would be hypocritical of me to place to much importance on this fact after I have spoken about how little things like this don't matter, but I can't help but wonder... if McCain pays so little attention to the details in "Joe the plumber's" life, how much attention will he pay to the lives and well being of the rest of the American people?
xoxo heN

COUNTDOWN!!!

aha2.5714 weeks

18 days

432 hours

11,197,440 minutes

671,846,400 seconds

... and we're all counting them!

xoxo heN

And the crowd goes wild!!

Listening to the radio today, I happed to catch some peices of the speeches by the Presidential candidates that were occurring today. Obama spoke in Roanoke, Virginia as our lovely "purple state" has become one that is hotly contested in this election. His speech was full of grace, passion, and eloquence as he thundered about change and economic reform; in short, he provided solutions to our current situation. The crowd was cheering and chanting, joyful at the prospect of a fresh start to their suffocating nation. Thirty seconds later, on came a clip of McCain's whining voice complaining about a phrase Obama had previously used, and a fact Obama had previously mis-interpreted. The crowd was booing and shreiking at Obama's name, pounding the ground with their feet like a riotous mob. One could almost hear the torches being lit and the pitchforks sharpened. Even sitting in my warm kitchen, I felt a chill of fear from the animal-like growls coming from McCain's audience. Not only that, but the elderly senitor said little of his own plans, except to say they were different from Obama's. Slamming his young and charismatic opponent to the point of nearly starting a riot seems to be all McCain has left in his book of political tricks.
xoxo heN

Yes you DID

"I Screwed up, [heh-he-heh] I Screwed up!"

thanks, we know you did Senator.
and you probably will continue to. That will become your new catch-phrase.

In case you missed the letterman show, McCain exposed the most truthfull thing about himself the other night, that he is screwy. when letterman asked "Why did you blow me off last time, and lie about where you were going?" McCain repeatedly answered "I Screwed Up!"
We All know, thats why were voting Obama!
xoxo hEn

WE WANT YOU... to make the right decision

In the latest issue of Time magazine, there is a collection of little articles that focus on us, the voters, rather then the candidates. They range from how we have voted on the past, who backs each candidate, who swings between each state, and how we really decide on a candidate. This last article was most intriguing. It gives four categories under which the American people fall: the Rational, the Passive, the Frugal, and the Intuitive.

The general description of each are as follows:

Rational- someone who learns everything there is to know about both sides and this often leads to votes across party lines. Researches believe however, that this often results in an incorrect choice of candidate who does not reflect your views due to the huge intake of information which ultimately ends up in confusion.

Passive- someone who has mental consistency and does not give much consideration to the alternate choice. The label of the party is the main factor.

Frugal- someone who pays attention only to the issues that are personally important, widely known as "single-issue" voters.

Intuitive- someone who gathers only enough information to be convinced of their choice.

The article also gives a shocking fact:

"28% of voters, on average, get it wrong-- they pick the candidate who does not share their views. The errors seem to benefit the candidate with the most money to spend on advertising."

This whole evaluation is showcasing the flaws in our voting system. 28 percent would make a world of difference and that group of voters doesn't even know who they are voting for! After reading this, I ask you to reevaluate the reason you are voting for your candidate of choice and make the right decision for our country.

xoxo Hen

Pleasantly Surprised

Does anyone remember when Obama had a rally right in our backyard? He, the hopefully future President, was standing on our familiar pavillion. I remember my mom talking to someone on the phone when I was standing near. She was talking about the debate and was saying how she thought it would be a good experience for my sister and me to see him. What stuck with me most though was when she said, "Yeah, he probably won't make it far this year but he'll definitely make it one day." That seemed to be the idea everyone held at that time. They hoped he would make it but it was not for certain. Now look where we are now! 3 weeks until D-Day. And who is the Presidential candidate ahead in the election? Barack Obama.

Just something to think about.

xoxo Hen

HMMM

School isn't everything, but, this is the highest office in the United States...

Barack Obama: 
Columbia  University - B.A. Political Science with a  Specialization in
International  Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum  Laude

Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware -  B.A. in History and B.A. in Political  Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris  Doctor (J.D.)

John McCain:
United  States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of  899

Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University -  1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters -  general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters -  journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1  semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A.  in Journalism

xoxo hEn

The Choice 2008

TONIGHT PBS

THE CHOICE 2008

This is a big deal. Tonight, October 14, 9:oopm, watch the Choice 2008.
This is one of the most memorable elections in decades pitting Veteran John McCain against Newbie Barack Obama. Tonight, Frontline will examine the personal and political biographies of the two men who potentially could change the world. It is imperative that all American fully understand the choice they are making before they Vote in November.
PLEASE! all those who have access to a television Tonight Watch it!!
if you aren't convinced yet, visit this like with previews for tonight's program:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/choice2008/

All the attention that has focused on the politics of the economic crisis. Do we remember the attitudes of each candidate prior to the fall of Wall St.? Do we even remember the Iraq war!? THis program will invite us to remember, rethink and re-evaluate or opinions.it's important that we look at this change. observing reactions during a crisis is one of the most telling aspects of a persons charactor.

Remember 9pm tonight PBS
xoxo hEn

Blowout or blowup?

With Obama pulling ahead in the polls at an incredible rate, speculation is beginning to pile up. With only 22 days left (!!!!) it is only natural for the always forward-looking voters to begin looking at who is "going to" win. However, there is danger in speculating that Obama has it in the bag. While most opinion polls show Obama and his running mate Biden head and shoulders above their republican opponents, it means little at this point in the game. As Columbus mayor Michael B. Coleman says, "Republicans are lousy at governing, but they're excellent at winning elections." And McCain is pulling out all the stops to enhance his campaign, dealing low blows right and left (see previous post). He has less money left than Obama, but McCain's struggles are giving him more media coverage in a round-about fashion, as the radio and television speculate on just why he's falling so far behind. In this way his curse becomes his blessing, and everyone knows it is easier to catch up than to stay ahead, especially in the fickle world of politics.

Just to clarify: I say that Obama is ahead in the polls, but it may mean nothing. We recently put out an "Obama/ Biden" sign in front of our house, and the next day our neighbors had put out a "McCain/ Palin" sign directly across from us. Our car now sports a democratic party bumper sticker, but I have seen just as many republican ones, or the "NObama" stickers, around Charlottesville. The city, acting as a microcosm of our country, is divided, and I cannot help having a creeping premonition of something huge coming up in the next few weeks that will set this race in concrete... I await it's occurrence eagerly, because one thing our country doesn't need right now is more animosity amongst ourselves.

Well, lets see where this goes... let me know if you see that big race-changing event happening!
xoxo heN

Is That Really 'Necessary and Proper'?

McCain's ad campaigns are embarrassing. Not one single add  that terminates with John's reassuring countenance, says a single positive word. McCain/Palin rallies have grown ugly.  When the election gets to this point, i get really nervous. I fell like it's turning into a game, Red team against Blue. Maybe its a town rivalry, high school sports. Parents start to yell at the refs, and each other. They bring up which school has better SAT scores, calling the inferior school out on poor hiring in staff and how if the game had been at home the hoops wouldn't have been as bouncy. Anger takes over and no one says what they really mean. Almost nothing is valid. But to the little siblings sitting in front, they take what their parents are yelling for unmistakable truth. But here is the scary part. This is a Presidential Election that will change the world forever, not a small town Basketball game. I'm scared about the nieve people that hear ads and believe them. Or, like myself, defiantly don't believe them, but don't know all the facts myself. Im scared about those who stand at rallies and claim that Barack HUSSEIN Obama is a terrorist, call out "Kill Him!" "Off With his head" and yell out treason when his name is spoken. Are we in some medieval monarchal society that wants the king executed? This hatred being voiced must have some prejudice behind it,  Is it Race? What I am worried about is that this unjustified slander will drown out any intelligent constructive campaigning that either of the men will do. 

Why no elections come to this point? is it necessary? and proper? is it human nature when there is no more good to say about ourselves, that we say the bad about others? i dont know, but it seems that way. 

xoxo hEn

Go Connecticut!!!

Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to marry, making the state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions. Conn was the first state to affirm civil unions. This ruling presents the first time that a state had willingly offered an alternative to preexisting civil unions, deeming them to not provide enough rights. Not everyone in the state agreed on the topic but the enjoyed seeing democracy in their state work."Even the legislature, as liberal as ours, decided that marriage is between a man and a woman," said executive director Peter Wolfgang of gay marriage opposing Family Institute Of Connecticut. "This is about our right to govern ourselves. It is bigger than gay marriage."

McCain believes that the institution of marriage is between one man and one woman. He voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination act of 1996 saying in a interview that "I think that the present laws that clearly prevent a discrimination of any kind certainly [apply] to gays and homosexuals as well." As for his "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy, he thinks that works fine and doesn't need amending.  The NYT reported that Palin supported a Alaskan constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. 

Obama opposes both a same-sex marriage and a constitutional ban. Strong believer in Civil unions that protect gay couples with the same rights heterosexuals enjoy. He thinks that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Don't ask Don't tell policy need amendment. Obama thinks that sexual orientation should be included in the definition of hate crimes. 

So.... where does all this lead the differing campaigns in the last month before election day. will candidates be forced to provide more concrete opinions on the issue or will the new development in Connecticut go unnoticed. Some say that is helps McCain and hurts Obama. we will see.

xoxo hEn

A Race of Race

This presidential election is a race of race in more than one way! Check out this article: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14444.html

McCain has only 26 percent of the hispanic vote! Forget all this talk about a black man running for office.... it's the immigrant population who may swing the tables.
xoxo heN

Cycles

Ummmm check out the front of Time magazine.... if your not scared yet, you will be. There is a picture from the Great Depression: men shivering in thin coats lined up at a soup kitchen. Is this where we're headed once again? Maybe by looking at history we can discover future. 70 years after our biggest economic plunge in history, we are entering one that rivals it, and soon may even surpass it in its magnitude. Is it a cycle? 70 years or so before the Great Depression, we were in a civil war, and then trying to reconstruct our country and its economy. See a pattern yet?
Now all we have to do is figure out how we got out of it before, how we got the cycle to keep rolling, how we came out stronger than ever from each trial. As our very wise teacher (<3) style="font-style: italic;">anything else?)
If your a sunny-side-up person like me, you can take a step back from the fear and realize that while hard times are coming, there is a whole new world waiting for us when we make it through.

xoxo heN

Oh me, Oh my.

I'll admit it: I'm scared. I'm scared that our nation will make a huge mistake and vote McCain and, even worse, Palin in to office. I'm scared of the impending Depression. I'm scared about the fact that my generation is constantly reminded that the gigantic responsibility of rescuing our economy will eventually rest upon our shoulders. But what scares me most is that this economic crisis is occurring and if it wasn't for TV, I wouldn't have any idea. My little world, that consists of the little liberal community of Tandem and the greater Charlottesville, has yet to demonstrate the crippling effects of this oncoming disaster. In my own selfish way, I'm dreading the day that a TV is no longer needed and the consequences are evident.

xoxo Hen

Support OBAMA with your soft drink!

Did you know that when you pop into your local 7-11 you are forced to decide who you are voting for? okay that sounds a little vague. so let me explain... you walk in, big craving for your slurpee. check out the junk food, decide that your just going to go with a straight up slurpee this time, no beef jerky on the side. so, your hungry by now and your all the way across the store to the drink machine and you are faced with a major decision that will shape the way everyone in the store looks at you. you reach for the cups, but WHICH ONE???? there are two stacks. a beautiful blue cup with OBAMAs name scrawled across in huge font, and the red option with Mcains name. WOW! i cant believe how much everyone is embracing this election, which is very important. This is an important month for our countries future. it will shape my generations life, no doubt. and the next.

I just want to add, Mcain's stack of cups was soooo much higher, it look as though people are voting Obama at 7-11!

xoxo hEn

"We Love Obama! Vote for him!"- the world

So here's a little story for you: Today while I was getting my nails done, I overheard two 18/19 year-old girls sitting near me chatting about the election. I started eavesdropping right away, of course--- I mean, thats what you do while you get your nails done. And also I was so heartened that people of our generation are jazzed enough about this political situation to gossip about it at the spa! Anyway, they were talking about who they would vote for--- I don't know if it was hypothetical or not. The blonde blew on her nails and said, "Well I LOVE Obama. He's so hot!!"

Well its true. Looks-wise, there's not much comparison.

But it tuned me in to something interesing I've noticed. Even republicans don't say "I LOVE McCain!" They just don't. This LOVE is reserved for Obama and his "fan club" of followers. His charisma and charm are striking enough to earn his ideas the attention they deserve. I'm not saying its a good thing, or a fair way to do politics... but then is there a fair way to do politics?

On the flip-side, I see bumper stickers that say "I'm voting for the babe"... meaning, of course, former beauty queen Sarah Palin. But do we really want a "babe" who can't even run her own home town sitting in the White House when McCain pops off from stress or plain old age? I'm just saying, if you are going to go with the "hotness" factor, make sure you look more than skin deep too.



The fact that Obama is LOVED is an extremely beneficial thing when looked at on a global scale. Our allies, with whom we have lost much face in the past 8 years, LOVE Obama. He is so charming that he captures their support more with every new speech and visit... not to mention his ideals and IDEAS are sound and intelligent (he can pronounce "nuclear"). His election would not only signal to them that the American people are ready for a change back to a country that is as strong as its ideals, but it would also make them feel as though they had a friend in the United States again. Oh, yeah, that whole "ally" idea, where we're supposed to listen to thier advice and help them out... Bush kinda forgot about that.



Obama will revitalize American fast-food as well... we can finally call them "French Fries" again without getting wire-tapped.
xoxo heN

Super-fragile-capitalistic-expialidosus

It is crazy tense to be in our generation, listening to the news day after day that laments the roller-coster economy. Actually, calling it a roller-coaster is not quite accurate, unless we're talking about a roller coaster that only goes down. As our national debt soars and our markets plummit, we youngsters listen to the world we are inheriting with apprehension... and also with excitement. It is clear that the economics of our nation are due to change in a huge way, and I have heard it suggested by more than one source that we are moving in the direction of socialism. Capitalism worked for a while, but it's fragility is becoming painfully clear on a global scale. I wish that I understood more economics so that I could more accurately assess the situation at hand, but right now, here's my base-line analysis:
1. The economy is still going down... and down... and down, and reassurances from the governement are growing more feeble and less common. No more does John McCain claim that "The fundamentals of the economy are sound."
2. The whole world is going to come down with us, and in order to come back up we are all going to have to do it together too. In that way, this economic crisis might be the best thing that ever happened to us! So hooray!
3. Our lives are about to be transformed. Buckle your seatbelts and put on your hardhats, and get ready to work your bums off!
4. The presidential race will be decided more by economics than by any other issue. McCain was desperate enough to pull a whole new plan out in the middle of the last debate. What is needed more than a new plan, though, is new confidence. Obama's election would give even republican voters the sense that a CHANGE was occurring, and maybe that would be enough to give consumers a shot of confidence to jump start our sputtering economy again.

Maybe after a course in economics I could give some more detailed thoughts on the situation, but you know what? Somehow I doubt they'd be any more accurate if I could use all that fancy sub-prime-lending-half-percent-rate lingo.
xoxo heN

The Debate

After watching the second Presidential Debate last night, I felt oddly unsatisfied. Perhaps it was the new setting, the open meeting, or the lack of the whole formal production with dimmed lights and shimmering podiums. But after thinking about it some more, I start to realize how little information I felt like I received and the whole thing just seemed odd. I don't have enough experience to declare the debate as "The Worst Debate Ever" as some reports are, for that seems a little harsh but it definitely wasn't one of the better debates. This debate was on the economic crisis and the measures each candidate intends to take in order to keep our economy from going completely down the drain. Yet, there was a sort of passive, nonchalant air to the night's discussion. Jokes about hair plugs were being made and attempts at elbowing one another arose. It just did not seem like the appropriate time for the candidates to do this. I still don't really know how to pinpoint my real issues with the debate, but in general I felt like more effort should have been made in addressing the real problems at hand rather then serving as a platform for McCain and Obama to egg each other on. 

xoxo Hen

THE one!

So, the debate went well, we got to see the  town meeting, John's strong format, but boy does he look old!! On a whole, I just thought the evening was a little awkward.  To begin with, why was Mcain all up and moving around while Obama was talking? When did he change his mic from hand-held to clip on? and please, stop with the jokes old man! Most importantly, what was with  Mcain's comment "that one" referring to Obama during a discussion on energy. Did he, Mcain, make an extremely detramental slip of the tounge, or, was it an expression of a pent up hate and anger? I donno.  but I do think the "that one" incident is going to circulate around for a while and hinder Mcain's campaign.  You know what is also hindering Mcain's campaign?   his Vp. On my way home I pass houses of neighbors which a know and like, yet, they are sporting Mcain/Palin sings all over their driveways! these are smart people, and I just cant comprehend why smart people really think that Sarah Palin will be a positive force in the White House. It's serious, I get that she loves her family and her town, but so do a lot of people, are they running for Vice president? 

xoxo hEn