Patrronizing Patriotism

Today is Independence Day, the anniversary of the birth of not only a new nation, but a new sense of optimism, of idealism. Surely we owe the Founders the respect they deserve, as do we owe those who gave their lives to defend these ideals the World.

The love of this great country of ours is an undying commitment. However, how do we measure one's devotion? Is it by waving the American Flag on a daily basis( with more and bigger equaling more patriotic)? Is it by unreluctantly supporting every action that our government partakes in, whether right or wrong?

A true patriot can not be evaluated through superficial activities, nor can he or she be questioned due to dissent.

Too many times, there are those who equate what is all things Christian, conservative, and white, with being "American". Too many times, those critical of the status quo are casted out of the realm of Americanism.

In a recent CNN poll, 90% of those surveyed believe that Senator John McCain, while only 75% believe Senator Barack Obama is. Yes, this does indicate that a vast majority of Americans think Obama loves his country, but what of the 25%? Does choosing not to serve in the military over helping the poorest members of society, or speaking out against an unjust war, or being a member of the Democratic Party, or being married to someone who pointed out past transgressions of the country she loves, make Barack Obama anti-American?

Let's face it, if he was, he would not be in the Senate. If he was, he'd not be running for the highest office in the land.

In the days after September 11, those who would invoke the mildest of criticisms of the Bush Administration would be marked. Millions, including myself, were spat upon in our opposition to the invasion of Iraq. Was our opposition a showing of unpatriotism? Quite the contrary; true patriots let their countrymen know when their country is heading toward a wayward path.

This Nation of ours was not founded by fearful men; it took the highest degree of brevity to resist authority in the defense of liberty. It should be no suprise then, that a man like Thomas Jefferson would say that "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism".
Or Robert F. Kennedy pointng out that, "The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country."

In the spirit of these brave men, let's thank God we're allowed to dissent without retribution...it's why I celebrate the 4th.

The Price of Staying Home...or switching.

Note: I wrote this blog last month; it's been a while since I've posted on Blogger.
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I wanted to take this opportunity to address the problem of the 17% of Clinton supporters who claim that they will vote for Sen. McCain and the 22% of them who will not vote in the general election at all(source CNN).

For almost four decades, Hillary Rodham Clinton has dedicated her life to public service; fighting for universal healthcare, women's rights, gay rights, and countless other causes. During the last 16 months, the junior Senator from New York presented a platform that greatly contrasts with the policies of Bush/McCain. It would be a great disservice to Senator Clinton by her supporters if they do not help bring about the change that she was calling for in November by backing Senator Obama.

No one can really deny that 2009 will bring about a strong Democratic majority in both houses of Congress. There will be numerous bills dealing with healthcare, education, labor rights, greenhouse emissions reduction, civil liberties, and so on and so forth.

Clinton supporters who would advocate such legislation should reconsider their reluctance to support Barack Obama, particularly when the only alternative would be electing a Republican President who would veto these bills.

Clinton supporters should realize that Roe v. Wade can be overturned by a Supreme Court re-shaped by a McCain Presidency. Are they really willing to take such a risk?

I find it hard to believe that these so-called "progressives", who have been fighting the Republican agenda for the last 16 months with Hillary would want to derail their own ideals. They can blaim the defeat of Sen. Clinton on mysoginy all they want, but looking back with bitterness is not going to help anyone but the status quo.

Now is not the time for bitterness. The stakes in 2008 are way too high. Hillary has called for party unity, and her supporters should follow her lead.

"America just isn't Ready"

Many, if not all of you, have heard the cynical notion many times during this election season, that America is not ready for a black President or a female president.

First of all, don't ever sentimentalize ignorance and honest to God racism by candy-coating it as regional unawareness of racial diversity. Those who have programmed themselves to never vote for a black man or a woman has trapped themselves in a pre-20th Century mentality that can not be justified.

One thing that I've learned from this election year is that fear is alive and well.
The prospect of an Obama-Clinton or a Clinton-Obama ticket has excited the Democratic Party, but might scare many members of "Middle-White-America".
There are those will suggest that Americans would not want a historical candidacy 'forced down their throats.' To them, I reply by saying that AMERICA HAS TO LOOK IN THE DAMN MIRROR for once.
If not now, then when?

Why should we condone ignorance in an era in which it is imperative for America to advance in education to compete in a global economy?
It's been a half-a-century since racial discrimination was abolished from our laws; can we ever abolish it from our hearts?
Unfortunately, those cynical Americans who cannot are the ones who are supposedly the voters who are the tipping point of this election.

"Skin pigmentation and a lack of a penis is surely the beginning of America's demise" I guess is their philosophy.

Do we want a continuation of an administration that has failed us for 8 years?

I know that I will hear them say, "Andrae, not everyone is as tolerant as you(*Note=The world would be a better place if more people were like me*). There are those in the south and midwest who won't ever think about voting for a woman or an African-American. The Democrats will lose with either of them in the general. America is just not ready."

America wants change; and I will bleed pints of my own blood, work out every ounce of sweat of my being, and give my absolute all in helping either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton take back the White House from the worst administration in my lifetime.

The old saying goes, "I'd rather be strong and wrong that weak and right."

Well, I'm right and strong, and so are the millions of Americans thirsting for Change.

Wake up, America.

Goodnight, and good luck.

"America just isn't Ready"

Many, if not all of you, have heard the cynical notion many times during this election season, that America is not ready for a black President or a female president.

First of all, don't ever sentimentalize ignorance and honest to God racism by candy-coating it as regional unawareness of racial diversity. Those who have programmed themselves to never vote for a black man or a woman has trapped themselves in a pre-20th Century mentality that can not be justified.

One thing that I've learned from this election year is that fear is alive and well.
The prospect of an Obama-Clinton or a Clinton-Obama ticket has excited the Democratic Party, but might scare many members of "Middle-White-America".
There are those will suggest that Americans would not want a historical candidacy 'forced down their throats.' To them, I reply by saying that AMERICA HAS TO LOOK IN THE DAMN MIRROR for once.
If not now, then when?

Why should we condone ignorance in an era in which it is imperative for America to advance in education to compete in a global economy?
It's been a half-a-century since racial discrimination was abolished from our laws; can we ever abolish it from our hearts?
Unfortunately, those cynical Americans who cannot are the ones who are supposedly the voters who are the tipping point of this election.

"Skin pigmentation and a lack of a penis is surely the beginning of America's demise" I guess is their philosophy.

Do we want a continuation of an administration that has failed us for 8 years?

I know that I will hear them say, "Andrae, not everyone is as tolerant as you(*Note=The world would be a better place if more people were like me*). There are those in the south and midwest who won't ever think about voting for a woman or an African-American. The Democrats will lose with either of them in the general. America is just not ready."

America wants change; and I will bleed pints of my own blood, work out every ounce of sweat of my being, and give my absolute all in helping either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton take back the White House from the worst administration in my lifetime.

The old saying goes, "I'd rather be strong and wrong that weak and right."

Well, I'm right and strong, and so are the millions of Americans thirsting for Change.

Wake Up.

Goodnight, and good luck.

Nader makes Democrats Ralph...once again.

I'm not saying that he shouldn't be allowed to run, but I think that a candidate whose ultimate goal is to get 1% in a general election should not really be considered a threat.

To his credit, if Al Gore and John Kerry should have been able to wipe the floor with George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. Democrats who would like to blame Mr. Nader for these losses should look no further than the standard-bearer of their party at the time.

Am I worried about a Nader candidacy? Absolutely not. Barack Obama has the capacity to win big against John McCain. History is definitely not on Senator McCain's side, nor is it on Ralph's.

Remembering Tom

Congressman Tom Lantos, who represented San Mateo County for nearly 3 decades in the U.S. House of Representatives, died today at the age of 80.
He recently announced the was diagnosed with cancer, and was retiring his House seat.

Lantos is the only Holocaust survivior ever to serve in Congress, and dedicated his life to public service and fighting for Global Human Rights.

May God bless this true American Hero.

Hillary's Secret Weapon...saline.

It's hillarious(no pun intended) that whenever Senator Clinton gets emotional, she earns a bit of momentum going into the next primary.

It worked right before New Hampshire. It worked right before Super Tuesday.

Yesterday, she shed a tear after her huge loss to Senator Barack Obama. Perhaps this will slow Obama's momentum going into the Maine Caucus tonight?
Or will Democratic voters stop falling for this cheap stunt?

Either way, Obama-mentum can't be stopped with dramatic productions, nor can it be stopped with pathetic personal attacks. The only way to stop this Movement is by making us stop believeing... an impossible task.

Desperate Times Lead to Desperate Measures

As Senator Obama begins a Week O' Momentum, our opponents have resorted to petty, child-like attacks that make Karl Rove look like Daniel Webster. It's not coming from the Clinton Camp, but those who have not let go of the cynical, angry, and hateful politics of the Old Garde. They are coming from people that I respect, and those who I do not.
One thing that Tuesday has taught us is that Americans want something more than the partisan, as well as inner-party squabling going on. If I may quote Buffalo Springfield, "Most of them say 'Hurray!' for OUR side."

So if you want to talk issues, PLEASE, let's do so. If you want to assasinate character, join a Rush Limbaugh forum.

Is it beacause Senator Clinton needed to take out a $5 million loan due to a slowing of momentum that they are angry? Maybe.

Is it because Senator Obama defied a campaign once believed to be 'inevitable'? Maybe.

All I know is that Senator Obama is NOT second-rate, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Let's build that momentum from Saturday, all the way to the convention!

http://www.barackobama.com/

The Winner of Tsunami Tuesday

I was listening to a New Wave compilation CD that my older brother burned for me. I was struck with deja vu while listening to "You Spin Me" by Dead or Alive; it was like last night all over again. It was amazing how 4 of the 5 candidates declared a victory(maybe Paul can gloat over the 5 delegates he picked up from North Dakota). In the end, no candidate can say they have this thing locked up.

Fortunately for political junkies such as myself, a lack of a coronation after last night gives me more time to write blogs, dissect polls, stay up late, not shave, and pretend that I work for CNN......

Ok. Are people still reading this? Good.

Objectivity aside, what cannot be ignored was Senator Obama's unexpected victories in some of the "reddest" states in the Union. 56% in Alabama, 67% in Colorado, 74% in Kansas, a narrow win in Missouri, not to mention wins in Georgia, Minnesota(a purple state), Delaware, Connecticut, and Alaska. Let's not forget a landslide victory in his homestate of Illinois.

Not to downplay Senator Clinton's impressive performances in California, New York, and Tennessee, of course. Although she rounded up two southern states, three of the most liberal of states(CA, MA, and NY), Arizona and Oklahoma, the night belonged to Barack Obama for 4 reasons:

1. The Heartland Wants Barack-
Victories in red states show an advantage with conservative Democrats, independents, and those Republicans NOT satisfied with John McCain or Mitt Romney. Obama's strong showing in the South also means that Obama can give McCain a run for his money in this region(Thanks, Knutson for making this point. (c) ). If Clinton is the nominee, those demoralized conservatives will have to choose between the lesser of two evils between McCain and Clinton, as opposed to just staying out of the race. Polls have shown that Obama IS the strongest candidate to take on McCain.

2. Where's the Inevitability?
Clinton was supposed to have the nomination locked up by Super Tuesday. Then along came Barack Obama, who showed us that Democrats are thirsty for new leadership. Projected delegate count is 725 to 625; Clinton ONLY has a 100 delegate advantage....momentum, much? The fact that winning California and New York was surprising really exemplifies that there is no clear frontrunner in this race.

3. I voted for him.

4. Momentum for what is to be the "Week of Obama"-
We've got the Louisiana primary this Saturday(Obama will take it). On Tuesday, Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. will have their primaries(Barack will take all three).


Like many of you, I'm disappointed that we lost California(I thought the Democratic Caucus of SJSU endorsement would have a victory locked. :-) ), but Senator Clinton's organization, as well as an incredible showing among Hispanics, Asians, and women in the state was just too strong for us to compete here. Also, I was surprised that the endorsements from Kennedy, Kerry, and Patrick of Obama did not mean a shift in support in Massachusetts. Oh well, people make up their own minds I guess.

The fact of the matter is: this race will be going to the convention. We just have to work harder to ensure Senator Obama wins more delegates and gains momentum all the way to Denver.

Yes, We Can!

Heath, we hardly knew you

Heath Ledger died yesterday, at the age of 28. Just making it passed the pinacle of his amazing career as an actor, Heath was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "Brokeback Mountain", and was probably on his way to greatness. Alas, drug addiction and a broken heart ruined such great potential in the same way it took James Dean and River Phoenix.

Heath, we hardly knew you...but, we'll miss you.

The New Great Awakening

Fresh from a once unforseen victory in Iowa, Illinois Senator Barack Obama will be campaigning in San Francisco today, hopefully bolstering support in the California primary on February 5th’s “Tsunami” Tuesday. Perhaps Californians will bring the noise if Obama brings his message of change(and maybe da funk) to the Golden State. To be fair, there are several significant primaries that the first term Senator must succeed in to successfully carry the momentum to Super Tuesday; New Hampshire and South Carolina in particular. But one thing that Obama’s victory in Iowa showed us was that voters are hungry for a rejection of the status quo. Alongside John Edwards, Obama represents everything that Washington is NOT. While Hillary Rodham Clinton personifies everything that is wrong with Washington: a defense of special interest groups, political positioning, and relentless ambition. Call me a pessimist, but I believe that Iowans, as well as the entire nation, are leaning towards change over “experience”. Experience is in the eye of the beholder, as the defeat of the more seasoned Democratic Second Tier of candidates (Richardson, Biden, Dodd) exemplified. America wants change, and it needs new leadership. Senator Obama has demonstrated that he understands the needs of working Americans, understands that American prestige around the world has hurt our standing as a world leader, and understands that the politics of cynicism is a vice that needs to be replaced by a new kind of politics: It is not a brand of politics that divides us, rather that unites us. It is not a brand of politics that upholds a broken system, but rather attempts to cleanse it.
It is also refreshing to see Republican candidates such as Mike Huckabee present a positive message without having to compromise their ideals. Huckabee, a man of strong religious convictions, is by far the only Republican that transcended the meaning of being “pro-life” when he said that pro-lifers should not be “confined to the womb”. Amen.
The Obama-Huckabee victories in Iowa may be viewed as a turning point in American politics. Unfortunately, the debate is not over. Not all polls are closed, and not all party members are satisfied. Tomorrow, a victory will be spun by an opposing campaign. Tomorrow, negative political ads will dominate the airwaves and the internet. Tomorrow, it will be politics as usual. How can we look to tomorrow when there is such an ugly sentimentality today?
Robert F. Kennedy said that the Gross National Product does not measure the passionate hearts, the intellectual progress, the health, and the “intelligence of the public debate” of the American people. A shame indeed, because THAT’S the America that I want to live in; it’s the country that we SHOULD have. All too often, we honor activities of ill repute, exonerate individuals who corrupt the minds of our children, redeem the greedy, defend the selfish, and champion the causes of the lost. Surely we can do better; only a “cleansing” of complete society, as RFK put it, would truly vindicate the soul of America. Unfortunately Americans are too complacent, too deaf, too arrogant, too riddled with fear, and too ignorant to recognize the cancer infecting the very fabric of the American Spirit: Apathy.
Will the “politics of Hope” help purify the drenched soul of the United States? Probably not. But it is a start. If more voters hunger for change over more of the same, then maybe we can start to help cure apathy. Maybe someone will wake us up for once, instead of letting the American Spirit stay in its apathetic and mislead comatose.

Who Stays? Who Goes?

Ok. Here are some last minute predictions about the Iowa Caucuses tonight:

Republican:
1. Mike Huckabee
2. Mitt Romney
3. Ron Paul
4. John McCain
5. Fred Thompson
6. Duncan Hunter

Fred Thompson and Duncan Hunter will drop out of the race tonight.

Democrats:
1. Barack Obama
2. John Edwards
3. Hillary Rodham Clinton
4. Bill Richardson
5. Joe Biden
6. Chris Dodd

Joe Biden will have to drop out tonight; Chris Dodd prays for a third place finish in New Hampshire.


There you have it. If these all come true, I'm buying you dinner.

If you don't want to vote for a man because of his middle name...

...you're a fucking idiot. It's a name. You know, I'm really excited that both parties have brought us two very impressive fields of candidates. I disagree with a lot of them, and I write and speak out against each of his or her policy positions. What I try to avoid is making a deal out of a candidate's personal tidbits...particularly his or her NAME. I'm writing this because EVERY anti-Obama blog I've seen features the incorporation of the Senator's middle name. Yes, his name is "Hussein". It's a name. One must be stupid to think that he is related to the late Iraqi dictator. It's a name. YOU THINK YOU CAN SCARE AWAY PEOPLE FROM BARACK'S MESSAGE USING THIS STRATEGY? Why are these half-brained, no-life "bloggers" shaking the debate?

The sad part is, this is not just coming from the Right. Two Clinton aides were recently fired for circulating a memo claiming that al-Qaeda is trying to take over the federal government through their Manchurian candidate: Senator Barack Hussein Obama. It's a name.

The name "Hussein" translates to "handsome" or "beautiful" from Arabic.
Also, "voting" is reserved for those among us who have an understanding of the issues at hand. Honest to God, if your biggest concern is that a man's middle name is associated to terrorist groups, you DO NOT deserve to vote, nor should you have access to a blog you redneck, ignorant, xenophobic piece of crap.
McCarthism just doesn't go away, does it?

And on Mitt Romney's Mormonism. Look, of all the major Republican nominees (besides Huckabee), Mitt is the only one who has one wife. He is a moral man who has raised 4 boys who are also model citizens. Anyone who thinks that the man will turn America into a Mormon-state is not thinking clearly. It's a religion.

Let's talk about the issues. Stop bringing up the minor faults( however, one cannot really call a middle name a "fault"..It's a name) of candidates; scum resort to such measures.

One last thing... It's a name!!! Oh, and Barack's a believer in Jesus Christ as his savior. Those idiots should READ before they write.

Goodnight, and good luck.

Split in the Bartlet Administration?

Apparently, yes. According to XM Radio's "POTUS '08", Martin Sheen is endorsing New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Sheen played President Josiah Bartlet on NBC's "The West Wing"(aka the greatest TV show that ever aired).

Coincidentally, President Bartlet's Communications Director, Toby Ziegler, is once again showing his opposition to his Boss. Ziegler is played by Richard Schiff, and has endorsed Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware.

Will these endorsements of the second-tier make an impact in Iowa and New Hampshire? Maybe not so much, but it's awesome that Toby and Jed are back in the spotlight!

source: http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/channelpage.xmc?ch=130

So I'm back....and back with a vengence!

I have returned from a self-imposed exile that lasted well over four and a half days. I sure as hell needed it. As many of you readers(all three of you) know, I was bogged down with the biggest group project I have ever had in my college career so far, "lady" issues(if you can even call it that), the worst job one can imagine, quasi-alcoholism(one shot of Bailey's instead of two), money stuff, and other ventures. You all should see my room; it looks as though I hadn't cleaned it in months. Well, I haven't.

Many of you might assume that with the semester coming to an end, and the 100W class finally reaching its endpoint, that I will cease my writing. Quite the contary, the postings have just begun, so open up a bottle of champagne and don't wait up for me.

Next time, you'll read about my list of the top 5 presidential candidates that would have been great presidents.

But until then, this is definitely to be continued.....

Oh, yeah... Good night, and good luck.

It is Veterans Day, and we are in the midst of a seemingly unending conflict in a country where many Americans can't point out on a map.

Regardless of one's position on the invasion of Iraq, or one's philosophy in foreign policy, one cannot deny the courage of any man or woman who is willing to wear the uniform.

We remember the veterans. We remember the veterans who overthrew a monarchy to help establish the infancy of a great Republic. We remember the veterans who kept this Union together during a war that pitted brother against brother. We remember those who protected this Republic, as well as freedom-loving democracies around the world, from Fascism, Nazism, and any "ideology" that promotes the demise of liberty and natural rights. We should not only remember them; we should fight to preserve the freedoms and liberties that they fought to preserve.

These men and women did not die for any one person, nor any political philosophy, nor any disputed border. As Lincoln put it, those who died for this union gave his or her "last full measure of devotion."

They put themselves in harms way so we do not have to. The least we can do is appreciate what they have sacrificed for a cause greater than them.

We owe it to them.

For those who have fought bravely for his or her Nation, or are currently serving in the United States Armed Services: Thank You.

photo: www.repboyd.com

Souled Out

In what may very well be my favorite example of irony, former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani picked up the endorsement of the most prominent figure of the Religious Right, Pat Robertson. It came as a sup rise, given that Giuliani is a pro-choice, pro-gay rights, and pro-gun control Republican. On the other hand, Robertson has spent a career fighting abortion rights, gay rights, and taxes.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Robertson believes that the biggest issue in this election would not be the moral issues or "family values" of 2004. But instead is global terrorism.

Is Robertson, alongside many other members of the Religious Right, so desperate in keeping the White House that he is willing to give up his integrity by backing a candidate who has opposed most of his agenda? Perhaps Mr. Robertson is so frightened of the prospect of Hillary Clinton as president, that he is willing to sell out his principles just to have another four years of neo-conservative rule.

Goodnight, and good luck.



photo: http://apologista.blogdiario.com/

Election Night 2007 Predictions

Many of you will read this and ask yourselves, "Andrae, this isn't like you. Shouldn't you be going more in depth with this?"

Yeah, you're right; I SHOULD. Unfortunately my school workload has prevented me from studying a lot of the 2007 local races. However, I can say with total confidence that these two things will happen tonight:

1. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will win in a landslide tonight; capturing at least 60% and at most 70% of the vote, avoiding a December run-off.

2. Benicians will elect Bill Whitney as their next mayor, with the addition of Scott Strawbridge and Mike Iokamendes to the city council.

There you have it. I swear to you, my section on the Iowa Caucuses will be much better.

Goodnight, and good luck.

photo: http://www.sfgate.com

Factor of Fred

Fred Thompson was the most hyped candidate this presidential election; a former Senator, an actor, and a conservative. Maybe the idea of Thompson excited many Republicans because of his nostalgic presence that reminds them of Ronald Reagan.

Ever since Fred joined the race two months ago, the hype was concluded to be a major disappointment. Thompson is not only a mediocre campaigner, but a second-rate candidate. At times, he seems nervous while delivering his stump speeches. He also gives very obscure answers to questions over his conservative credentials.

Last month, Focus on the Family President, James Dobson, openly criticized Thompson for not standing up for conservative social issues.

I guess Fred Thompson may have been a disappointment to the conservative Republicans looking for a "true" social conservative as an alternative to Rudy, Romney, and McCain. The base of the party is looking for a Reagan, but the reality is the spirit of Reagan has been compromised by the establishment wing of the GOP: the neo-conservatives.

Will the GOP base ever be happy?

Burn Notice

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that are engulfing the hills of southern California, we as a nation must, at least for a moment, remember our blessings. As cliche as this is, you really don't know what you got until it's gone. At the same time, our leaders should not make the same mistake they made when they stalled an immediate action for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Unfortunately for New Orleans, the federal government let so many without homes remain homeless, let many without hope remain hopeless, and let victims open to more victimization.

Katrina, to the eyes of many, was a time in which the federal government did not do its job because of skin color. I do not neccesarily subscribe to this claim, but it is curious to think that FEMA would have acted sooner had Katrina hit New Hampshire, instead.

Will the race card be played post-San Diego? Will critics claim that aid to the fire victims was expedient because many San Diego victims were white and well-to-do? I hope not. Americans, more so human beings, are the victims of these fires. We should look beyond Katrina, beyond pointing fingers, and prepare for future disaters correctly. Let us help rebuild what is lost in San Diego, and look forward, not back.

Goodnight, and good luck.