Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.” ~Anne Lamott

So I disappeared for awhile. My computer died hardcore, life was crazy around the holidays, and then… well, I just wasn’t feeling it. Although, I had to crawl out of my hermit hole tonight and write an inauguration post. They would take away my writers card if I didn’t.

Congratulations, President Obama. Enjoy the parade, the concerts, and the balls. You deserve them. There was a lot of hard work put into the campaign and transition, and you have a shit ton more to do. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the day. That way you can get the fuck to work and help us out of this gods-forsaken mess.

For the rest of you, I have some inauguration trivia:
The first Inaugural Ball was held for James Madison.
The parade for Woodrow Wilson was the first to include women.
Harry Truman’s inauguration was the first televised.
Robert Frost was the first poet involved in an inauguration.
Lyndon Johnson is the only president sworn in by a woman.
Theodore Roosevelt’s 1901 inauguration was the only one that didn’t use a bible during the oath.

Until next time, I’m still clinging to hope.
autumn

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“Remember the difference between a boss and a leader; a boss says “Go!” – a leader says “Let’s go!” – E.M. Kelly

President-Elect (I just love saying that title) Obama has started to put together his team. He announced today that Rahm Emanuel will be his White House Chief of Staff. I have to admit I wasn’t expecting announcements this quickly. I thought Obama would take a few days to get his feet and grieve for his familial loss. However, I’m so not complaining. Until I read his statement, I was wondering how to bullshit my way through another post.

So, what to do know about this Emanuel guy? Well Rahm Emanuel was a senior advisor for the Clinton administration and was a House Representative for the fifth congressional district of Illinois since 2002. Other than that, all I really know about him is that he has a 100 percent pro-choice voting record and is generally considered liberal on social issues.

I honestly, don’t know enough about him to have an opinion one way or another. I’ll do some research and let you know what I think. But for now, I will leave you with Obama’s statement regarding Emanuel’s acceptance of the postion.

“I am pleased to announce that my good friend, Congressman Rahm Emanuel, has agreed to serve as my White House chief of staff. I announce this appointment first because the Chief of Staff is central to the ability of a President and Administration to accomplish an agenda.  And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel.

“During his seven years in the Clinton White House, Rahm was the point man on some of the most difficult issues, from the passage of landmark anti-crime legislation to the expansion of health care coverage for children. In just six years in Congress, he has risen to leadership, helping to craft myriad important pieces of legislation and guide them to passage. In between, Rahm spent several years in the private sector, where he worked on large and complicated financial transactions.  That experience, combined with his service on the committees on Ways and Means and Banking, have given Rahm deep insights into the challenging economic issues that will be front and center for our Administration. Though Rahm understands how to get things done in Washington, he still looks at the world from the perspective of his neighbors and constituents on the Northwest Side of Chicago, who work long and hard, and ask only that their government stand on their side and honor their values. The son of an Israeli immigrant, Rahm shares a passionate love for this country, and has devoted much of his life to its cause.

“His decision to accept this position is a wonderful reflection of that commitment, for it is not easy to give up the significant position he holds today as chair of the House Democratic conference.  The post he has accepted also will require more time away from Amy, and their children, Zach, Ilana and Leah, which I know is painful and difficult.

“I appreciate his friendship.  And I, and all Americans, should be grateful that Rahm is once again answering his country’s call,” said President-elect Barack Obama.

Until next time, I wonder who is next?
autumn

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“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”- Harold Whitman

Yes, I voted Obama. I was torn between him and Cynthia Mckinney for awhile. It wasn’t a decision that I took lightly. I spent a lot of time researching and soul-searching. I’m not going to get into what made me vote Democrat. It doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. If your curiosity is overwhelming feel free to shoot me an email and we will discuss it. All that matters is when I pressed the button to confirm my vote, I know that I made the right decision for me.

I can’t explain how I felt when I saw Obama was projected the winner. It was a rush of emotions. I watched the celebrating and finally felt at home. I realized that this country, my fellow people were tired too. It just wasn’t a few of us hoping and fighting for something better. The majority of us demanded it, exercised it, and finally got it.

I continued watching to see the speeches and saw Mccain concede. I was honestly impressed with his speech. It seemed heartfelt; it was definitely gracious. I liked that he attempted to stop the boo’s. I naturally enjoyed Obama’s speech. I really loved the fact that he stayed composed. I respected him for admitting that it was still going to be hard and far from perfect. I was moved when I realized that, yes this is a major step, and that this is history in the making. It was a nice night.

I watched the world celebrate with us, and it humbled me. Seeing the video of the celebrations now, still moves me. I want to weep. Weep in joy, relief, and desire that the good will continues.

I don’t judge Mccain’s supporters for booing. I understand that they had so much hope, desire and work built up in this too. They were disappointed and so they became human. However, it does sadden me that they are repeating the same negative campaign ads to belittle his supporters now. I hope that once the shock wears off and the ads fade from memory, that their hate will stop.

You know, I would have lived if Mccain had won. I made jokes of moving to Canada, but that is all that they were. I would have been disappointed sure. I would have tried to figure out why people weren’t like me. Still, there is no way that I would have verbally attacked anyone who had voted for Mccain. I would have accepted the fact and lived.

So I’ve celebrated, I’ve discussed, and I’ve listened. Now I’m moving on. In the end, I’m the only one who can make or break my life. Policies can make it difficult for me, and I can be fearful of what’s happening. In spite of that, or maybe because of that, I’ll have to try harder and fight more to live for my family and friends.

We still have battles to fight. This man is not our saviour. Even while we celebrated, gay marriage was banned in several locations all over our country. Gay couples were told they could no longer adopt children. This can not stand, no one should be made to feel inferior, while we elect a president and pat ourselves of the back for being open minded and accepting. Those propositions that passed prove without a doubt, that we are not. So yes, we still must fight. However, if we did it once we can do it again.

Until next time, I think I’ll hold on to hope while I fight.
autumn

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You won’t be having this fabulous writer. Mccain has conceded and we are waiting on Obama to speak.

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“In reality, hope is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs man’s torments.”- Friedrich Nietzsche, Human, All Too Human, 1878

Sadly, I am in a red state. Not only in a red state but it was the fastest I had ever seen a state turn colors. That’s ok, its something that I’ve come to accept for now. One day I hope to see a multitude of colors or no colors at all.

In the meantime, I’m hopeful with the projected state outcomes. What about you; How are you feeling tonight?

For now, I’m going back to watch states change colors. I’ll back late tonight or in the morning, to tell you if I have to move to Canada.

Until next time, turn blue damn you.
autumn

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“Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.”- Plato

I’d like to start out tonight by offering my condolences to Obama’s family. It’s always hard to lose a family member, and I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it is for him to grieve at this time. My thoughts are definitely with them.

In case you have forgotten by the barrage of media attention, tomorrow is election day. I know that you all are going to go vote. I don’t have to remind you of that. I’m sure by now you have decided who you are going to vote for, or you are well on you your way there. So, no need to go over the candidates again. However, lets go over a few things that you should know about tomorrow.

I hope that you all know the location of your polling place. Just in case you don’t… Click on over to Google Vote Location Maps. All you have to do is put in your address and it will tell you where to go. I also sincerely hope that your address matches what you registered.

Several city websites also have estimated wait times if you just have to know. However, I know that you really aren’t going to mind waiting in line. Those websites are just for your curiosity, right? If you are really concerned about wait times I recommend comfortable shoes. However, lines bring out the worst in people. They often want to know who you are voting for, or want to tell you in excruciating detail why they are picking their candidate. My advice for this is to bring a small paperback book that you can tuck out of the way.

This year people are extremely concerned about voter fraud, voter protection, and general voting problems. I can understand that. People want to breed chaos and fear. Therefore I have a couple telephone numbers and websites for you to visit, if you do have problems.  First off, some states require a photo ID and some don’t… Just save yourself hassle and bring it along.

If you need to make a report regarding election protection, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. This number can be used for a varity of reasons. If you are not sure who to call because of a problem you experienced, this hotline can point you to the right place.

Now, if you believe a voter fraud is taking place call 1-888-VOTE-TIP. This hotline is also used for Vote Theft, including problems with electronic voting machines.

Finally I have some websites for you to report problems, or just get general information. They are as follows:

Report Voting Problems.org – This website describes itself as “a database to serve as a central collection point for reporting and analyzing all election problems. It works with various voting organizations, but is completely independent of any groups.”

Obama’s website to report problems – Yes this is Obama’s website. It also includes a telephone number to call and report problems.

To be fair, I tried to find a similar site for McCain. I didn’t find one. If you happen to know the website let me know and I will put it up.

Election Protection is the last website I have for you. They describe themselves as “The nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process.”

So there you have it. I hope this information helps you tomorrow. Now, if you don’t mind I am putting politics aside for a little bit to watch the Redskins play.

Until next time, I won’t have to hear stupid attack ads for much longer.
autumn

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