Mr. Kane
Thank you for your concise clarification. I apologize I was unable to comprehend your original intention. I can certainly appreciate your point of view on this one -- which is why I have clung to my optimism with both hands. After all, 2012 is not that far off.
So instead of continuing to beat a dead horse, since we are for the most part in agreement with each other, let me give you a few things that you can, in fact, hang your hat on as 2009 comes to a close:
1. Your president, who may be idealistic and at times, overly optimistic, has succeeded in getting the Health Care debate front and center in 2009. As stated previously, no administration in American history has actually succeeded in getting Health Care to the floor of Congress. While an actual piece of legislation may be far off, the fact is it is finally within arms reach.
2. Your president, our president, has not been caught in any sort of scandal. In an age where financial and marital problems are on the rise, President Obama has been able to escape scandal in both his personal and political life. He had no involvement in the Blago scandal (former IL governor who now stands trial on federal corruption charges), as well as ties to Tony Rezko, the prestigious fund raiser from Chicago. For someone who is tied very closely to Chicago politics, he has managed to come out on top. Trust me, this is far easier said than done in this city.
3. He remains optimistic. While critics (tea party participants, FOX "news" corespondents and others) continue to dig for dirt on how to minimize his accomplishments, the President has frequently turned the other cheek and continued on his road to recovering America's soiled reputation. He has managed to carefully and tactically expose the GOP for what they truly are: a bunch of whiny, hypocritical idiots who wouldn't be able to find morality with two flashlights and a Garmin.
These 3 things are just a few of the many accomplishments this administration has delivered in 2009. I encourage you to look back on a year-to-year basis under previous administrations and try to find the same.
Well played, Mr. Kane! Well played.
-- Kaela
Thursday, December 17, 2009
RESPONSE: No Good Thing Ever Dies
(This blog post is a readers response to Adam's blogpost from 12/17/2009)
While I am certainly in no position to judge the video and lyrics posted to your post, I am in a position to completely disagree with you when you say, "...he hasn't been the inspiring leader we all thought he would be."
You're a smart man, so I urge you to take another look.
While the President has yet to successfully pass any sort of health care reform, you have to admit he is closer and more determined to do it than any other President in this nations' history. What other President ever got Congress to even consider health care reform, let alone getting it to the floor of both houses of Congress in under 8 months. Arguing health care reform isn't about right and wrong; it's about social responsibility and financial repercussions which would be felt by everyone from the doctor performing surgery to the nurse who's assisting all the way down to the janitor who sweeps the floors of the hospital. Health care involves so many people, so many industries, this is not something that can be reformed in 8 months, let alone less than one calendar year. Bush, Sr., Clinton and Bush Jr. all promised Health Care reform, but none of them ever delivered the progress the current president has delivered. And in his first 11 months in office? Come now.
You are correct in saying it took nearly a year to get a decision on Afghanistan. And while that may seem like a long time to you, I personally find myself to be relieved to finally have a President who is willing to sit down with the right people, ask the tough questions and make the tough decisions that will inevitably lead to a successful end. Perhaps if the previous administration had paid more attention to the war in Afghanistan and less time fabricating a war in Iraq, well, suffice it to say, we would be living in a very, very different America. And while a year may be too long for some, I'm confident that in that year, he weighed the decision against the budget; the resources against what we could afford and was able to declare at the end of the deliberation that the age of "blank checks" is over. America will no longer take solo responsibility for the stability of this region.
The reason why, dear friend, we we all so confident that the man who change it all would be Obama is because we saw him for what he was: a man with very few answers, but the patience and temperament to figure out the answers. He is a man who brings ALL the players to the table, not just the ones who agree with him and at the end of all of it, he's able to weigh the pros and the cons and take the necessary steps to stabilize these situations that we inherited.
You are right when you say he is not living up to the expectation of the people -- however, I say this: if you expected him to fix a recession, not one but TWO wars and a health care crisis in 11 months, than your expectations were a little high.
Response? Bring it on, friend!
"I'll be in the Roosevelt Room, giving Louis oxygen."
Your friend,
KAELA
While I am certainly in no position to judge the video and lyrics posted to your post, I am in a position to completely disagree with you when you say, "...he hasn't been the inspiring leader we all thought he would be."
You're a smart man, so I urge you to take another look.
While the President has yet to successfully pass any sort of health care reform, you have to admit he is closer and more determined to do it than any other President in this nations' history. What other President ever got Congress to even consider health care reform, let alone getting it to the floor of both houses of Congress in under 8 months. Arguing health care reform isn't about right and wrong; it's about social responsibility and financial repercussions which would be felt by everyone from the doctor performing surgery to the nurse who's assisting all the way down to the janitor who sweeps the floors of the hospital. Health care involves so many people, so many industries, this is not something that can be reformed in 8 months, let alone less than one calendar year. Bush, Sr., Clinton and Bush Jr. all promised Health Care reform, but none of them ever delivered the progress the current president has delivered. And in his first 11 months in office? Come now.
You are correct in saying it took nearly a year to get a decision on Afghanistan. And while that may seem like a long time to you, I personally find myself to be relieved to finally have a President who is willing to sit down with the right people, ask the tough questions and make the tough decisions that will inevitably lead to a successful end. Perhaps if the previous administration had paid more attention to the war in Afghanistan and less time fabricating a war in Iraq, well, suffice it to say, we would be living in a very, very different America. And while a year may be too long for some, I'm confident that in that year, he weighed the decision against the budget; the resources against what we could afford and was able to declare at the end of the deliberation that the age of "blank checks" is over. America will no longer take solo responsibility for the stability of this region.
The reason why, dear friend, we we all so confident that the man who change it all would be Obama is because we saw him for what he was: a man with very few answers, but the patience and temperament to figure out the answers. He is a man who brings ALL the players to the table, not just the ones who agree with him and at the end of all of it, he's able to weigh the pros and the cons and take the necessary steps to stabilize these situations that we inherited.
You are right when you say he is not living up to the expectation of the people -- however, I say this: if you expected him to fix a recession, not one but TWO wars and a health care crisis in 11 months, than your expectations were a little high.
Response? Bring it on, friend!
"I'll be in the Roosevelt Room, giving Louis oxygen."
Your friend,
KAELA
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
VIEWER’S RESPONSE: Barack Obama and the War in Afghanistan
Let me clear before I start this blog post: I do not support war; I do not support the taking of civilian lives and I do not support the brave men and women of this country being taken too early because of a cause that isn’t worth fighting. Let me clear: I do not support war.
In March, 2003, I sat on the floor of my room in my mother’s home and watched as my President addressed this nation. He looked me square in the eyes, lied to me, and then dropped a bomb on Baghdad that started a “conflict” that continues to this day. I opposed the war in Iraq; I opposed the taking of innocent lives and I opposed the capturing and execution of a leader who frankly, did absolutely nothing to us.
I oppose the Iraq War.
I oppose the blank check we signed over.
I oppose War without strategy.
To say I feel differently about Afghanistan would be untrue. I do not support war and I do not support the taking of innocent lives. But I do support my country – and when my country realized that it was the Taliban insurgency that caused the horrific events on 9/11 which have defined my generation, I took a deep breath and prayed that God would keep those being sent to fight safe. We were joined, at that time, by many countries from around the world, including full support from the UN Security Council. Do not misunderstand me – I don’t see this as a “justified” fight, but rather an affirmation, that what we did was the right decision at the time.
Had the United States not invaded Iraq in March, 2003, perhaps we’d all be singing a different song today. Perhaps the Taliban would not have reemerged after we pushed them back; perhaps Afghanistan would not only be self-sufficient economically, but politically and militarily as well. Perhaps the women of that nation would be free; and the men would not be able to keep them as slaves. Perhaps this worls would in fact, be different.
Unfortunately we will never know. What I do know is this: the war in Afghanistan is not an option, and it’s not a choice, but a decision that is being made in the best interest of America and the best interest in the security of the world.
I disagree with John McCain that the 18 month timeline will only force the Taliban underground for 18 months; I think it is time for the United States to declare that we will support the countries that need support, but we are done fighting your fights for you. The decade of fighting the fights because they need fighting needs to come to an end. We can no longer afford to support an open-ended war; we can no longer afford to spend American tax-payer money on a problem that has no viable solution.
I oppose the Iraq War; I oppose War overall. But I support my President. I trust my President. I have faith that my President has taken his time, had the tough discussions and made the best decision at this time in our nations’ history.
I do not support War; but I agree that in this time, it's time to end all the spending, all the death and all the fighting and bring our troops home.
Unfortunately, this seems to be the only way to do it.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Abortion clinic "bubble" law met by protest???! WHY?!
I am FUMING right now. So, I apologize in advance if this morning's blog is a little on the harsh side. I typically try to take a more objective stance on issues, especially when they pertain to Chicago (RIIIIghht). Today, however, I am shocked, appalled, amazing and quite frankly irrate at the cold, hard reality that people are just plain CRAZY!
To begin, I would like to say a heart-felt CONGRATULATIONS to the Chicago City Council for passing the "bubble" ordinance in Chicago. This ordinance states that it is now illegal to come within 50 feet of individuals standing outside a medical facility. This speaks volumes to not only the PRO-CHOICE community of Chicago, but also to those who wish to do harm to others supporting pro-choice legislation and organizations.
I am so happy to learn that the officials of the City of Chicago were able to vote correctly on this one.
What angers me is the protests going on, stating that this ordinance is a violation of a free speech right. Can you please explain to me how this is a violation? HOW is an ordinance requesting you stay 50 feet from someone a violation of your constitutional right to bitch? You can still bitch! You can still hold up your freakish signs and try to get people to listen to you.
But no longer are you allowed to follow some poor girl into an abortion clinic and scare her into agreeing with you -- that is called HARASSMENT and in this country, this type of behavior when it comes to the abortion issue has been tolorated long enough.
Americans of every variety have the right to feel safe; this includes when making tough decisions such as abortion. to the PRO-LIFE FREAKS who are protesting this ordinance, I say to you: when was the last time a Pro-Choice fanatic showed up outside an adoption agency with pictures of children who were being abused, and neglected in an adopted home? When was the last time a Pro-Choice supporter tried to convince some poor woman to abort her baby instead of putting it up for adoption right outside the agency? And when was the last time we walked up to a single pregnant woman, who was entering the adoption process, and asked if we could pray for her?
Is sex out of wedlock not also a sin in the eyes of your right-wing, conservative God? The morality pendulum HAS to swing both ways. I don't approach you and harass you into changing your mind? So why do you constantly feel the need to approach others outside Planned Parenthood, which is a good, safe, and well intentioned organization and scare people?
Seriously. Back the hell off! It's 50 feet! 50-freaking-feet.
GET OVER YOURSELF!
To begin, I would like to say a heart-felt CONGRATULATIONS to the Chicago City Council for passing the "bubble" ordinance in Chicago. This ordinance states that it is now illegal to come within 50 feet of individuals standing outside a medical facility. This speaks volumes to not only the PRO-CHOICE community of Chicago, but also to those who wish to do harm to others supporting pro-choice legislation and organizations.
I am so happy to learn that the officials of the City of Chicago were able to vote correctly on this one.
What angers me is the protests going on, stating that this ordinance is a violation of a free speech right. Can you please explain to me how this is a violation? HOW is an ordinance requesting you stay 50 feet from someone a violation of your constitutional right to bitch? You can still bitch! You can still hold up your freakish signs and try to get people to listen to you.
But no longer are you allowed to follow some poor girl into an abortion clinic and scare her into agreeing with you -- that is called HARASSMENT and in this country, this type of behavior when it comes to the abortion issue has been tolorated long enough.
Americans of every variety have the right to feel safe; this includes when making tough decisions such as abortion. to the PRO-LIFE FREAKS who are protesting this ordinance, I say to you: when was the last time a Pro-Choice fanatic showed up outside an adoption agency with pictures of children who were being abused, and neglected in an adopted home? When was the last time a Pro-Choice supporter tried to convince some poor woman to abort her baby instead of putting it up for adoption right outside the agency? And when was the last time we walked up to a single pregnant woman, who was entering the adoption process, and asked if we could pray for her?
Is sex out of wedlock not also a sin in the eyes of your right-wing, conservative God? The morality pendulum HAS to swing both ways. I don't approach you and harass you into changing your mind? So why do you constantly feel the need to approach others outside Planned Parenthood, which is a good, safe, and well intentioned organization and scare people?
Seriously. Back the hell off! It's 50 feet! 50-freaking-feet.
GET OVER YOURSELF!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
CTA Woes
Dear Chicago Transit Authority,
On behalf of the good citizens of Chicago, I would like to congratulate you on the recent funding approval from Springfield. It thrills me to no end to know my fares will not go up for at least 2 years. While my wallet is safe for now, I am still greatly concerned with the possible service cuts and layoffs that are potentially looming.
As a former resident of Upstate New York, I understand the argument that it is not responsible to put the states tax dollars toward a program that only benefits those who live in Chicago. I get that, and I support that. Which is why I believe it is up to your agency to start getting creative and find a few ways to raise funding for this failing system. Here are some of my thoughts:
1. Privatize the Stations: It was proposed in the a recent edition of REDEYE that Apple, Inc was considering taking over the rehabilitation of the North/Clyborne stop on the CTA Redline. I say, Have At It! On top of creating a fantastic revenue generator, think of all the business Apple, Inc. would then receive. And who would they thank for it? That's right, CTA -- YOU! Free Publicity! How much better can it get?
I'm visualizing Starbucks at the Belmont Stop, PotBelly at Howard and maybe, just maybe WINDOWS would sponsor the Jackson interchange. This could mean great things for all of us, but primarily those who utilize this system as part of our daily routines.
2. Space for Rent: At Grand/State on the Redline, there is a large quantity of space which could be rented out to potential vendors (Starbucks, McDonald's, 711). Not only would this help commuters who are looking for a convenient place to get a coffee, buy a paper or a pack of gum, but it would assist the tourist population as well. Just think, Tourists could actually stop somewhere and BUY a map of the CTA, or future residents of Chicago who are coming to apartment hunt could buy a map AND a Chicago Trib.
Again, everyone wins!
3. Stop with the Spending: I appreciate your initiatives to clean up the stations, fix what's broken and enhance service, probably more than most people. I applaud what you've done at Belmont and Fullerton and think the work you are doing at Grand/State is wonderful. Truly, I do. But tell me, CTA - why did you purchase flat panel televisions to hang at the stations in the loop and at Addison? What good is that doing you? While waiting for trains to Midway in the Loop as well as after Cubs games at Addision, I clock only 3 ads being displayed. Since you've already spent the money, perhaps you could work a little harder at increasing the value proposition of this purchase. I'm seeing a partnership with a local news station (again with the sponsoring). If ABC sponsors Addision, then they get to air their news at that station AND advertise their programming. I'm seeing $$$, lots and lots of $$$
On behalf of the all Chicago commuters, large and small, I am begging you to get your act together. I cannot afford a car. It's just not a possibility. Additionally, my duty to Mother Earth is to use public transportation any chance I get. Please stop being idiotic about your spending and start understanding that the CTA is a necessity not only for working professionals, but school children, college kids and the elderly.
Get a grip. Let's make some magic.
Sincerely yours,
Kaela
Monday, October 26, 2009
CORRECTION:
KnowThyNeighbor.org lists the names of those who oppose rights for Same Sex Couples, including the right to marry and the right to adopt and foster children.
Sorry for the confusion.
Sorry for the confusion.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Is the pen mightier?
Chicago Tribune Article.
Last week, the Supreme Court voted to block the release of over 138,000 names of Washington State residents who were seeking to repeal a law regarding same-sex/domestic partnerships. The vote, scheduled for November 3rd, was proposed through petitions of Washington State residents to get this piece of monumental legislation on the ballot.
Gay-rights activists in Washington State have begun this latest battle by posting the results of petitions on the internet to “expose supporters of anti-gay measures.”
Aaron Toleos, co-founder of KnowThyNeighbor.org has published close to one million names online of individuals who oppose same-sex marriage legislation in Massachusetts, Florida, Arkansas and Oregon. This matter of public record has posed the question to law makers across the country: Are political petitions a matter of public record? And if so, how can we as citizens protect an individuals right to privacy once those public records are posted on the Internet for all to see?
As someone who supports Gay Marriage/Domestic Partner rights, I am personally stunned by Toleos actions. I find it appalling that someone who stands up to injustice and fights for equality would be part of something that would persecute the beliefs of another person. I do not believe that you have a right to take a petition and use to harass, intimidate or otherwise persecute the body that petition represents. Go to the website: names, addresses are posted there for all to see.
If you read the article in today's Trib, Toleos states: "We don't ask people to go confront strangers. This is about finding someone they already now ... and having a civil dialogue." What Toleos fails to understand is that where there is a cause to fight for, there will always be extremists who will not only put themselves in harms way, but will cause damage to other people and their property.
When the extremists of either side of an argument display their views irrationally, it weakens to the argument of those who are rational. I believe that this will get resolved, and marriage will be legalized for all Americans. This country is great and this country is powerful. But you cannot win these fights through violence, harassment and other intimidating tactics that scare people.
It is no secret that the Western World was no fan of George W. Bush during his years in office for this exact reason. He went door to door across the world telling outlandish lies to start a war and when the world would not support them, he shut them out, called them terrorist supporters and started a national campaign which fortunately for us, did not take off (Freedom Fries?) He robbed America of her dignity and integrity. To those who are fighting for this distinguishable civil right, do you really want to be put in the same reputation bucket as George?
I thought not.
In short, I do not believe you can use your First Amendment freedoms to persecute others, especially those who share a different opinion. I'm not typically the first to necessarily admit when I'm wrong, but I can admit when the other party clearly has a stronger argument. Gay marriage supporters cannot stand up equality and safety for homosexuals if they are going to cause the same violence and persecution against those that oppose their view.
Do unto others....and it will come back to you.
Last week, the Supreme Court voted to block the release of over 138,000 names of Washington State residents who were seeking to repeal a law regarding same-sex/domestic partnerships. The vote, scheduled for November 3rd, was proposed through petitions of Washington State residents to get this piece of monumental legislation on the ballot.
Gay-rights activists in Washington State have begun this latest battle by posting the results of petitions on the internet to “expose supporters of anti-gay measures.”
Aaron Toleos, co-founder of KnowThyNeighbor.org has published close to one million names online of individuals who oppose same-sex marriage legislation in Massachusetts, Florida, Arkansas and Oregon. This matter of public record has posed the question to law makers across the country: Are political petitions a matter of public record? And if so, how can we as citizens protect an individuals right to privacy once those public records are posted on the Internet for all to see?
As someone who supports Gay Marriage/Domestic Partner rights, I am personally stunned by Toleos actions. I find it appalling that someone who stands up to injustice and fights for equality would be part of something that would persecute the beliefs of another person. I do not believe that you have a right to take a petition and use to harass, intimidate or otherwise persecute the body that petition represents. Go to the website: names, addresses are posted there for all to see.
If you read the article in today's Trib, Toleos states: "We don't ask people to go confront strangers. This is about finding someone they already now ... and having a civil dialogue." What Toleos fails to understand is that where there is a cause to fight for, there will always be extremists who will not only put themselves in harms way, but will cause damage to other people and their property.
When the extremists of either side of an argument display their views irrationally, it weakens to the argument of those who are rational. I believe that this will get resolved, and marriage will be legalized for all Americans. This country is great and this country is powerful. But you cannot win these fights through violence, harassment and other intimidating tactics that scare people.
It is no secret that the Western World was no fan of George W. Bush during his years in office for this exact reason. He went door to door across the world telling outlandish lies to start a war and when the world would not support them, he shut them out, called them terrorist supporters and started a national campaign which fortunately for us, did not take off (Freedom Fries?) He robbed America of her dignity and integrity. To those who are fighting for this distinguishable civil right, do you really want to be put in the same reputation bucket as George?
I thought not.
In short, I do not believe you can use your First Amendment freedoms to persecute others, especially those who share a different opinion. I'm not typically the first to necessarily admit when I'm wrong, but I can admit when the other party clearly has a stronger argument. Gay marriage supporters cannot stand up equality and safety for homosexuals if they are going to cause the same violence and persecution against those that oppose their view.
Do unto others....and it will come back to you.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
a few brief moments
I've decided to try to really commit to this blog -- more a cranial warm up prior to my interview for Graduate School than an actual political platform. I need to stop being afraid of what people will think of me if I put a pen to paper (or a cursor to screen in this instance) and allow my thoughts to just come. One of the things that stood in my way as an actor was my fear to just go for it, take the risk and go from where I was at. The few brief moments I let down my emotional walls were brilliant, and not a day passes where I don't crave that artistic outlet I once valued above everything else.
So what happened? I have always had a moderate heart. I've been accused of being many things in my short time on Earth from cynical to stuck up to down right bitchy. But really what I am is a person with a lot to say about a lot of things and a lack of confidence to voice it.
When I moved to Chicago, you can say I lost myself, which was interesting because I came here to find myself. I came here to make a mark, take a stand and just go for it. However, with my fear of being broke, my fear of letting my health insurance lapse and my fear of not being able to hold up my half of the financial bargain my other and I made, I suspended my goals and took a day job instead. I even managed to make myself believe that it was what I actually wanted.
And just when I thought that I could not get any more unhappy sitting under florescent lights and behind a desk, an epiphony happened: If I loved the policy of my time, and longed so much to be a part of it, what the hell was stopping me?
Since that point, I have become politically moderate, often asking myself "I understand that the President is making tough choices that I may not agree with, if I were in his shoes, I don't know where I would even begin."
For a few brief moments since this first initial intellectual break through, I have found an internal peace with myself that I never experienced.
In 14 days, I will have my interview. I would like to do at least SEVEN (7) blog postings on the following items:
Michael Steele and the GOP
The media frenzy regarding pointless stories (i,e, balloon boy, octo-mom, pointless celebrities who do nothing)
The Branding of the Democratic Party
Midterm Elections.
So. Here we go. I'm suspending my fear of judgement and simply saying to anyone who may read this...although I really don't think there's anyone (hi Rich!): BRING IT ON! If you want to debate, I'm okay with that, if you want to flat out disagree with me, go for it! I'm totally okay with a difference in opinion and may even change your mind...and maybe, just maybe, you can help me expand my own political and fundamental philosophies about the American Government.
Good night.
So what happened? I have always had a moderate heart. I've been accused of being many things in my short time on Earth from cynical to stuck up to down right bitchy. But really what I am is a person with a lot to say about a lot of things and a lack of confidence to voice it.
When I moved to Chicago, you can say I lost myself, which was interesting because I came here to find myself. I came here to make a mark, take a stand and just go for it. However, with my fear of being broke, my fear of letting my health insurance lapse and my fear of not being able to hold up my half of the financial bargain my other and I made, I suspended my goals and took a day job instead. I even managed to make myself believe that it was what I actually wanted.
And just when I thought that I could not get any more unhappy sitting under florescent lights and behind a desk, an epiphony happened: If I loved the policy of my time, and longed so much to be a part of it, what the hell was stopping me?
Since that point, I have become politically moderate, often asking myself "I understand that the President is making tough choices that I may not agree with, if I were in his shoes, I don't know where I would even begin."
For a few brief moments since this first initial intellectual break through, I have found an internal peace with myself that I never experienced.
In 14 days, I will have my interview. I would like to do at least SEVEN (7) blog postings on the following items:
Michael Steele and the GOP
The media frenzy regarding pointless stories (i,e, balloon boy, octo-mom, pointless celebrities who do nothing)
The Branding of the Democratic Party
Midterm Elections.
So. Here we go. I'm suspending my fear of judgement and simply saying to anyone who may read this...although I really don't think there's anyone (hi Rich!): BRING IT ON! If you want to debate, I'm okay with that, if you want to flat out disagree with me, go for it! I'm totally okay with a difference in opinion and may even change your mind...and maybe, just maybe, you can help me expand my own political and fundamental philosophies about the American Government.
Good night.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
the War in Chicago
Dear Mayor Daley,
On behalf of the children of Chicago, I am presenting a Call-to-Action to you and to your administration. It's time you wake up and reevaluate the game plan for the future of this city.
Taxes are high; transit is a mess and we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at the current moment. Aside from that, the crime rate for the city of Chicago is quickly reaching a Tipping Point of sorts and pretty soon, it will be too late to do anything about it.
The events of last week surrounding the brutal beating of Derrion Albert is terrible. My heart breaks for the family and friends of this poor boy who lost his life after being caught in the middle of a heinous act of violence. However, Mayor Daley, I encourage you to take the blinders off and face the music. This event, has rattled this city. But what has upset me even more is the indisputable fact that this is not the first tragic death of a child that this city has faced in the past month, the past year or the past decade. How many children need to die before you will wake up and start making Chicago's youth a priority for your administration?
Living in a city will always be a liability, for any one involved. The population is higher, there is higher competition for resources, including jobs and a higher concentration of all demographics. You talk about bringing the Olympics here, bringing an International population to the "fine city of Chicago" to at last seal Chicago's fate as a global major city.
On behalf of the children of Chicago, I am presenting a Call-to-Action to you and to your administration. It's time you wake up and reevaluate the game plan for the future of this city.
Taxes are high; transit is a mess and we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at the current moment. Aside from that, the crime rate for the city of Chicago is quickly reaching a Tipping Point of sorts and pretty soon, it will be too late to do anything about it.
The events of last week surrounding the brutal beating of Derrion Albert is terrible. My heart breaks for the family and friends of this poor boy who lost his life after being caught in the middle of a heinous act of violence. However, Mayor Daley, I encourage you to take the blinders off and face the music. This event, has rattled this city. But what has upset me even more is the indisputable fact that this is not the first tragic death of a child that this city has faced in the past month, the past year or the past decade. How many children need to die before you will wake up and start making Chicago's youth a priority for your administration?
Living in a city will always be a liability, for any one involved. The population is higher, there is higher competition for resources, including jobs and a higher concentration of all demographics. You talk about bringing the Olympics here, bringing an International population to the "fine city of Chicago" to at last seal Chicago's fate as a global major city.
The Olympic Bid will not be a magic wand to make Chicago's crime problems disappear. On the contrary, it may become the spark that ignites the fire. Our children are dying, Mayor Daley. The infrastructure of this city is crumbling, the schools are over flowing and this city cannot keep accepting this as a "expected" or "normal".
When you arrive from Denmark, with or without your precious bid, I hope you will wake up and see that aside from sky scrapers and Lake Michigan, Chicago has a lot of potential to become a super power that it hopes to be. But you have to start investing the tax dollars of the citizens in the actual city and not in your reelection campaign or any of the other under-the-table, closed door dealings we all know you are a part of.
Wake up.
Smell the pollution.
Your city needs you to start paying attention. In the mean time, I will continue to keep the families of those who have lost their children to violence in my heart and in my prayers.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
the "Gotcha Media": Was Palin Right?
It was about a year ago America was graced with the new face of the GOP: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. With her quirky smile and her history as a "soccer mom" who dared to have it all, it was no secret to the American People that John McCain was trying to give his constituents a conservative's answer to Hillary. Trading in a pant suit for a skirt suit and raspy voice for a cuter, more feminine twang, Sarah Palin's star rose faster and higher than anyone could have foreseen.
But then came the snag: the media. With frequent sit-down interviews with the most elite journalists in the country and countered by an award winning skit by Tina Fay, Palin was doomed from the start. Rather than propelling the GOP machine forward into the White House, she instead served a the cog that brought the crumbling party to a screeching halt.
She was wrong for so many reasons. It was wrong to believe that America's heart could be won by an ex-beauty queen turned housewife turned politician and it was insulting to think that the modern American woman would look to her as an example. But one question I have to ask is, Was Sarah actually right about the media and the tactics used in the run for ratings?
For over 16 months straight, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and others were hardly competing for news. The Election 2008 was an amazing demonstration of democracy at it's finest; and the competition was coming down to a nail biting tie. The media loved Barack Obama; he was a fresh burst of air on an otherwise stagnant, stuffy tradition. Charismatic, athletic and thoughtful, he stunned the nation by appearing everywhere from Oprah's Couch to Hot Dog stands on Main Street.
But then something unprecedented, unpredictable happened: he actually won the election. And the media pundits and critics who spent 16 months reporting his glory have now become responsible for his declining numbers.
I don't expect you to agree with me. And frankly, I don't really care. But someone needs to say something about the media and the attention the Democratic leaders of this country in comparison to the grumpy, conservative GOP.
Former President George W. Bush has left a gigantic, ugly scar on my generation. He lied to us, he deceived us and hand in hand with his administration and his ridiculous conservative fleet, he managed to make a mockery of the democratic system. But do you notice that there has yet to be any repercussions of this what-so-ever? Where is our David Frost? Where is our redemption? When will it be our turn to get some much needed answers from this man regarding his choices?
I believe that Barack Obama has been given an impossible challenge. And maybe before y'all go about pointing fingers at your President who 6 months ago, you supported, you should ask yourself, "If I was the President, where would I even begin???" I ask myself that question everyday -- and I have yet to find the answer.
READ THE BILL on Healthcare and then post your lame Facebook statuses on how he's changing his mind.
READ THE BILL on the Stimulus package and then cry about the failing economy.
I'll admit, it was trendy to vote for Barack Obama last year; just like it's trendy to drink your coffee out of a paper cup while carrying your groceries in a recyclable bag from Whole Foods. But ya know what? Your country needs you to be informed.
So read. Process. Think. Be better than you were with the last administration.
THEN and only THEN can you pass judgment.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Dear Miss Manners...
The past week has been chalk full of displays that have been nothing short of shocking. I find myself having the same argument in my head which consists of Left Brain asking Right Brain, "Why do you even care?"
Manners.
I was brought up in a house where the salad fork was to the left of the dinner fork and the dessert spoon was above the plate above the soup spoon. Not everyone had this luxury. And no, I'm not a snob. My parents wanted to make sure my sister and I could go out to nice dinners, whether in regular or professional life and be able to hold our own regardless of company.
I learned that the terms "Please" and "Thank you" are more powerful in a formal setting, than knowing the state of Wall Street. And that when the most well-to-do woman in the office comes in wearing an atrocious outfit, the last thing you do is stare. Lastly, when someone of importance and authority is speaking, you do not, under any circumstances interrupt, but rather listen carefully, wait your turn, and then voice your opinion in a calm and collected manner.
These are all basic skills (yes, skills) that I was brought up to believe everyone knew.
Rep. Joe Wilson's famous outburst on the House floor last week shocked me for no other reason than it put a callous man with no respect for his Commander in Chief on display for the whole country to see and possibly support. And support is what he gained. My disgust has little to do with his views on health care and everything to do with his views of the Presidential Office. How can anyone support a man who is so rude and scathing. What kind of a role model does that create for America's youth?
I do not care if you are a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent. I could care less if you are liberal or conservative, rich or poor. But the future of this country and the future of our democracy rests on the principle of respect; the foundation of our government was not laid by who could shout the loudest, but on freedom of choice and freedom to say what is on your mind. Joe Wilson should have understood that a Presidential address to a joint session of Congress was no place for him to make his voice heard.
I sat through 2 State of the Unions under President Clinton and likewise 7 State of the Union addresses by George W. Bush. While the President stood before a joint session of Congress and cast blame on the wrong country which sparked an international conflict and put the United States of America's reputation on the line, Congress still had the respect to listen.
Shame on you, Joe Wilson.
Shame on you.
Manners.
I was brought up in a house where the salad fork was to the left of the dinner fork and the dessert spoon was above the plate above the soup spoon. Not everyone had this luxury. And no, I'm not a snob. My parents wanted to make sure my sister and I could go out to nice dinners, whether in regular or professional life and be able to hold our own regardless of company.
I learned that the terms "Please" and "Thank you" are more powerful in a formal setting, than knowing the state of Wall Street. And that when the most well-to-do woman in the office comes in wearing an atrocious outfit, the last thing you do is stare. Lastly, when someone of importance and authority is speaking, you do not, under any circumstances interrupt, but rather listen carefully, wait your turn, and then voice your opinion in a calm and collected manner.
These are all basic skills (yes, skills) that I was brought up to believe everyone knew.
Rep. Joe Wilson's famous outburst on the House floor last week shocked me for no other reason than it put a callous man with no respect for his Commander in Chief on display for the whole country to see and possibly support. And support is what he gained. My disgust has little to do with his views on health care and everything to do with his views of the Presidential Office. How can anyone support a man who is so rude and scathing. What kind of a role model does that create for America's youth?
I do not care if you are a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent. I could care less if you are liberal or conservative, rich or poor. But the future of this country and the future of our democracy rests on the principle of respect; the foundation of our government was not laid by who could shout the loudest, but on freedom of choice and freedom to say what is on your mind. Joe Wilson should have understood that a Presidential address to a joint session of Congress was no place for him to make his voice heard.
I sat through 2 State of the Unions under President Clinton and likewise 7 State of the Union addresses by George W. Bush. While the President stood before a joint session of Congress and cast blame on the wrong country which sparked an international conflict and put the United States of America's reputation on the line, Congress still had the respect to listen.
Shame on you, Joe Wilson.
Shame on you.
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