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