President Barack H. Obama

WOW. Even typing that title is amazing to me. Maybe I am overexcited and overzealous. Maybe I am not thinking rationally, but going to the inauguration was one of the best experiences of my life. Yes, we had to wake up very early after very little sleep and go stand in line for 30 minutes to get a train in below freezing temperatures, but I would still say it was worth it. We arrived in DC around 6:20am or so. It was below freezing with a brutal windchill, but we were determined to get to the mall and get a great spot. We thought we were wearing enough layers, but 8+ hours in below freezing temperatures will begin to wear on your body...but more on that later. We were sent back and forth (the police were giving conflicting instructions), but finally made it to 12th, where we could enter the mall. After standing for another 45 minutes or so, they finally allowed us to cross around 7:40am.

We entered the mall and couldn't believe how many people we were seeing. It was amazing. They were playing footage from a few days prior (I am unsure if the audience realized this as they responded as if it were live...hilarious), but it was still building the drama. In the back of my mind I was preparing for the worst (bombs, assassination attempts, etc.), but I was hoping for the best. After hours of waiting and being bumped by people that were randomly walking through the crowd (but not really getting anywhere), we caught a glimpse of President Obama on the big screen. The crowd cheered! But then we realized he was with President Bush and most began to boo. The best transition in emotion for crowd response in a long time.

Another great unintentional comedic happening was the mics being on as 'important people' took their seats onstage. Lots of small talk and funny little comments... Finally it was time to bring in the real important people (First Lady Michelle Obama, preceded by the First Daughters...all looking like royalty) and the crowd was eating it up. We began to chant for Obama! We could not wait for the first black President to be sworn in.

After a long prayer by Rick Warren, we finally got to the preliminaries. Vice President Biden, Aretha, and an amazing instrumental ensemble that was ridiculously precise and perfectly 'feeling' each note they played. The chills were beginning. Then we began the swearing in of our President. OUR PRESIDENT!!!! President Obama stumbled through those lines, but that added an air of gravitas to the proceedings that can not be describe. It showed that even cool as silk Obama felt the immense importance of that action (and was appropriately nervous/excited). Here is where things really took off!

The speech began and we all were eager for each word. I can't describe it (seriously, you had to be there), but we felt that we were part of the ceremony. I felt a connection with President Obama. It was surreal. I was immensely proud to be an American. Excited to be cold amongst the throngs. Barely feeling my extremities, yet oddly, fully aware of each word and emotion it invoked within me. It was a great, repeat GREAT, experience. President Obama's speech gave hope to so many and inspired us all. Yes, he man not be the greatest President ever or even decent, but I have hope that our future will brighten slightly...don't you?

Palin, please go away...

Governor Sarah Palin. I am sick and tired of hearing your voice every morning on the news. I don't want to see your house, I don't want to hear about your plans for 2012, I don't want to know about your conference in Miami, and I don't want to see Greta van Idiot fawn over your less than impressive body of work. Why don't I want to hear these things? Because you should have opened your doors (or McCain should have allowed you to) MONTHS AGO!!! The campaign is over. The election results are in. You lost. Go home. If you would like to speak, then give us something more than rhetoric. Tell us how you intend to fix the problems that divide our nation, the energy crisis, the economy, or the healthcare system. Can you stop saying 'get mavericky' and give us real talk? Why are we still talking about you? Its sad. Its the same reason I wrote this post, people cannot turn away from a car accident. We are a nation of looky-lous and rubberneckers.

Governor Palin, you are now speaking out against the same 'extreme partisanship' you exhibited on your campaign (see earlier videos posted on this blog). Get real. Be honest. If this is the true Palin, why did she not allow herself to be seen earlier (before the election ended)? And don't blame the mainstream media. Several people wanted to speak with her, but she was kept sheltered. I ask my fellow Americans to ignore Palin until at least 2010. Bask in the Obama glory and move forward as a nation. Even Dennis Miller is getting behind Obama. Support your new President and get over the loss (coming from an OSU fan who has seen two back-to-back national championship losses to the SEC).


This rant was brought to you by Fox & Friends, the worst show on television.

Because He's Black....

A friend of mine asked me a question. She wanted to know why I would vote for Barack Obama. I had many different reasons for preferring the "inexperienced senator" instead of the "old school" war hero. But she told me that there were people who were voting for Obama specifically because he is black. Seems really superficial, doesn't it? Seems dangerous too. 
But then I got to really thinking about it. What would be the premise behind electing someone specifically because of the color of their skin. Would we be any better than the woman who stated to a reporter on national TV that if Obama got elected, "the blacks would take over"?
Personally I believe in what Obama stands to do and change in this country. And I believe that this is a country of opportunities, but for most of my life, I was skeptical about the limitlessness of those opportunities. I've seen people get sentenced to more time for the same crimes specifically because of color. I experienced police trying to capitalize on how ignorant they believe you to be whether it be a simple traffic stop or the law as it pertains to search and seizure. I've seen an ugly side to this America that had left me doubtful of how far we had really come. 
I don't believe that racism and social injustice for white or black or anyone else is obsolete. Racism has just become much more diplomatic and covert. That explains some of the flare ups during the mid to later parts of the campaigning. Heck, don't take my word for it. Just check youtube. That's why I don't think affirmative action should be done away with yet. 
Anyway, back on topic: Do I think it's right to elect someone for the high office of President of the United States based on race? Not by any means. But let's say for a moment that Obama and McCain had the same principles. Let's say they had the same plans for the economy and for health care. Let's say the only thing different about them was their color. Who would you vote for? I know who I would vote for. I would vote for Barack Obama. 
It's not strictly a matter of race. Well, yeah it is. But it's not what you think. It's not a loyalty to one who is of my color but a believe that America can be on the inside the same thing it says it is on the outside. I believe that the election of a black president brings into view the ideal America that the constitution speaks about where "all men are created equal". To stick with the status quo would never bring that idea to a visual, a tangible reality. 
We have reached a new social apex in history. We were a part of the more profound rooting of the values that we preach being something we are willing to live. We are pushing ever so closely to a point where affirmative action really will be completely obsolete and not just addressed as such by those who feel like it's being abused. 
I always believed that this country is a place where we are allowed opportunities that we would never receive anywhere else. But now the vision isn't so vague anymore. Being anything you want to be isn't just a matter of words anymore. 
So I think I might be one of those too. One of those people who have voted Barack Obama because he's black. I'm also one of those people who voted for Obama because he can rally a nation and because he can bring a fresh new outlook and because his priorities for a government and a country are more in line with what I believe. I'm proud of all the reasons I voted. Are you? 

Obama is PRESIDENT

Obama is the next president of the USA. I can’t believe it even as I am typing. It is 12:13am and Obama is speaking the greatest speech of my lifetime. I see Oprah and Jesse crying. I have called everyone that I can (new phone, no numbers transferred) and I could only say the following, “My fellow black American, we have a president that looks like us.” I screamed and yelled. Calmed down and then got even more excited. The emotions are all over the place. THIS IS CRUCIAL. The preceding sentences were toned down, below is how I feel inside.
BARACK OBAMA IS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE. HE IS QUALIFIED. HE CAN LEAD US TO A GREAT FUTURE. I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES!!! NEGRO PRESIDENT! NEGRO PRESIDENT! NEGRO PRESIDENT! AMAZING!
The music is catching my spirit and lifting it to new heights. This is our time. I don’t mean blacks, I mean ALL AMERICANS! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!

No words can truly describe this feeling but an analogy may work. Think back to the most amazing thing you can remember. Got it? Obama being elected is at least 100 million times greater. It means so much. 45 years ago we fought for our equality and won it. However, this is the true realization of equality. This is our proving ground. We can now look on our fellow Americans with the same intense pride that they feel. My mind is being expanded as we speak. LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING.

Do you think that W.E.B DuBois expected this? Jackie Robinson? Frederick Douglass? Dred Scott? Booker T. Washington? Harriet Tubman? Sojourner Truth? Maya Angelou? THIS IS AMERICA. THIS IS THE COUNTRY WE BROKE OUR BACKS TO BUILD!
I cannot believe this…what a day tomorrow will be!

Proud of America

Many have made a huge deal about the fact that Barack Obama did not have his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. Or that Michelle Obama was proud of her country for the first time. Why do I bring up these issues so late in the game? Because it speaks to a greater issue of paying attention to the unnecessary while people are dying, starving, and impoverished. This is not due to the fact that Obama is black, but because the talking heads and pundits guide our national opinion. There is too much meaningless conversation. Why do we care about nonissues? What should concern Americans are the issues facing the nation. The nation is in a time of crisis and we are concerned about flag etiquette, “patriotism”, and national pride? This is unacceptable. A true patriot is someone who is not afraid to question the country’s government and how it functions. Someone who is not afraid to disagree with government is the definition of patriotism. It pains me to watch the word “patriot” used carelessly in an attempt to separate us because of differing opinions. Patriots don’t always agree; this does not change the fact that they are patriots. Agreeing does not a patriot make, only through dissent is true patriotism exhibited.

What makes me most angry is the fact that none of the issues brought up against Obama (the ones mentioned earlier) is that they are unfounded. One does not always have to be proud of one’s nation to be a patriot. The black perspective is different. We still hurt from slavery and racism. Yes it was long ago, but some consequences still exist. We can’t brush the issue under the rug. I am now truly proud of my nation. We have a chance (a great chance) to have a black president. Maybe we can finally open the discussion and heal the wounds of our past. Honesty is the only way to find out more about us in an effort to move forward. If you have prejudices or racist tendencies, then please allow them to be brought to light. Education is the only cure for ignorance. Blacks aren’t perfect and neither is any other race, but through our differences we must remember that we are all human beings, striving to live.

Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem is not a sin. Why? BECAUSE CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO (only the removal of a hat is required) and MOST PEOPLE DON’T PLACE THEIR HAND OVER THEIR HEART DURING THE ANTHEM. The hand of the heart is required during the Pledge of Allegiance! Let’s put away the bullshit. Let’s move forward with dignity. Let us show the world that America is the greatest nation in the world. Let’s give our children the opportunity to fly to new heights. Let’s grow more united. Let’s keep working together to build our schools. Let’s make America great!

OBAMA!

VOTE

You may sense that this blog supports Barack Obama, but we encourage all citizens to VOTE no matter who they support. We vote for everything under the sun (online polls, American Idol, etc.) and the least we as a nation can do is show that we give a damn. Don't let centuries of lost life be wasted cause you are too lazy to get off your ass and vote!

VOTE!!!!

Chaos

Many people, both black and white, are worried about the "what if?" factor in this election. Both sides have fears (of course the big fear of an Obama assassination plot being carried out) about what will happen when Obama wins or loses. Will a loss cause a "black revolt" or a win make Joe SixPack search for revenge on the streets? Some are even concerned about the black response to an Obama win. Listen to this NPR program dealing with voters in York, PA. What do I think? In an Obama loss, America will revert back to an early "let's not talk about race" society. In a win, we will finally open up and address the race issue. Think. Race is STILL an issue in America. I feel the need to speak out to America regarding the race issue. Can we admit (white America) that there are prejudices in our society? That some DO have it better only because of their skin color? Once we open up and speak out about our TRUE feelings regarding race, we can conquer racism. As long as we keep putting it under the rug (like many are doing in this election) WE CANNOT MOVE FORWARD!

We have to remember that we are all human and should be treated as such. Listen to Chuck D on NPR.

I have tackled the race topic before (check the archives) and it is not a dead issue. It is clear in this election season that the rhetoric from the right is extremely racist. It may not be blatant, but it is there and no one wants to address the elephant in the room. In my mind, I feel that Obama is the new Jackie Robinson. He is being bombarded with threats, labels, racial remarks, hypocrisy, and fear mongering yet he remains steadfast. THAT alone should cause those undecided (and even decided) voters to recognize the presidential pedigree of Obama over McCain. Obama won't lash out against whites (don't fear him) and he won't "lead the black revolt", but he will be a man of great character in spite of the foolishness going on around him.


BUT, if Obama does lose, this blogger reserves the "right to riot" or at least have a general anger about him (much more than usual).

Political Rap by ATL kids

One of my friends alerted me to this video...check it out! And since they are from the ATL we can forgive a few slip ups...

McCain/Palin supporters display IGNORANCE (at least these supporters do)

Why are these people so ignorant? What's wrong with being a muslim? And Obama is CHRISTIAN and went to CATHOLIC school. He has a white mother and a black father. If you don't wanna to vote for a black president, vote for the white half of Obama (thanks for the joke David Alan Grier). And I am sorry, but whites have been 'anti-black' for quite sometime. Plus, since when is having a black president a reason for 'the black to takeover'?

Watch the video and see for yourself.



Yet, all supporters aren't anti-muslim. In an effort to be fair, check out the video below.

Really? The Race Card

Here is another example of blatant disrespect. Why can't blacks support other blacks because of the issues? Whites can support whites without having to be accused of racism (at least I wouldn't accuse them). Here is what Pat Buchanan said recently. And I have also linked to another blog that is pretty good at explaining the stupidity of his comments. Watch the whole thing for maximum befuddlement.



The Other Blog is HERE.