Pondering on Freedom

I realize that on this Fourth of July, I have not written about politics in awhile.

No worries, this isn't going to be a political blog.

However, I will ponder on the freedom that our American forefathers dreamed about when they declared our nation's independence by signing a piece of paper. Truly, words alone don't make one free, and I am grateful to those who put those thoughts to inspire action in others, and even more grateful to those who gave their lives to preserve a way of life that they themselves would not enjoy.

Whether it was bought by thoughts expressed by ink upon paper, voices that inspire a movement or blood spilled on the ground, freedom comes with a cost.

As I write this, I realize there those who are not able to express their own thoughts. I realize that I am a single woman, and if I had lived somewhere, I may be forced to live a different kind of life because of my social status. I realize that there are places where I would not be allowed to speak, to become educated, to own property, to vote, to form an identity that is not attached to someone else, to worship God, or to have any of the freedoms that I take for granted on a regular basis.

And even if it only comes once a year, I find that it is good to remember the freedoms we enjoy, and to remember those who got us here.

Happy Independence Day, America. May we never take our freedom for granted.

Election Day

Yeah. Election Day.

Did you vote? :-D

This is history in the making and a future we're building--how could we not get excited?

Yet, come tomorrow, a new world will be open to us (hopefully). Still, even then, change doesn't happen overnight. It doesn't happen just because today is Presidential Election Day. But change is here. I just hope it doesn't die just because the voting portion has ended. Moreover, elections don't change who God is. And he is bigger than any elected official and those who did the voting. And that is a perspective I hope we never lose.

Yup. Tomorrow (hopefully) will be different, but we have the same God.

Oh, brave new world with such people in it!

Rights

Yesterday, I came across a political commentary stating a popular adage: if you didn't vote, you don't have the right to complain.

I have said this numerous times, but now I'm having second thoughts. You do have the right to complain, regardless of whether you voted or not. (Vote, people!). You should have the right to be mad that the economy is bad. You should have the right to speak out against a broken system. You should have the right to say that this world could be better and that you want more for Americanthan what our elected leaders alone can provide.

This sudden dilemma in my brain came about a few moments before I read that commentary. I was reading about the refugees in the Congo and the rebels advancing to Goma. People have fled their homes in search of sanctuary, only to face the dangers of meeting their enemies in the places they thought were safe. And the day before that, my co-worker and I were talking about the violent political history of Pakistan. There are people who say they believe in democracy who cut off the opposing extremists heads and raise their bloodied stumps in public as a warning to those who speak out against their political agenda. And before I wrote this blog, I came across an article about a 13 year old girl in Somalia who reported to be raped, only to be accused of adultery. For her supposed crimes, she was stoned to death.

It breaks my heart.

These people don't have a voice. And they probably never will.

Yes, America is broken, corrupt, ignorant and, at times, murderous. But we have a right to speak and have our voices heard. We have the right to say that we don't agree with our system and not fear violent retribution by extremists who don't agree with me based on their dogma against my race, my age, my gender, my creed. I have the right to say that the bankers are greedy and the government protects only those who have money. I have the right to a trial if I were ever accused of a crime that I didn't commit. And yes, I may not agree with our elected leaders...and I have the right to say so, whether I voted for them or not.

So, sure, I'd like for everyone to vote. I'd like a perfect candidate that won't disappoint. But most of all, I would like not to take for granted the freedom I have to speak and be heard.

If you didn't vote, or if you voted for the guy I didn't vote for, or if we voted for the same person, it doesn't change our right to complain or crow if the world does or doesn't change. Just because the Presidential Election cycle is drawing to a close doesn't mean we get to stop exercising our right to speak and preserving right for others to disagree. There will still be issues in the world and our nation when November 4 passes us by and when the new president takes oath on January 20th.

The bigger crime isn't whether you voted or not. The bigger crime comes on all the other days that don't merit a countdown on CNN. The bigger crime occurs when we had the freedom to speak against injustices of any size and chose, instead, to remain silent.

Vote. It may not be the best or most effective expression of our freedoms, but it is one of the many freedoms we have in this nation. And one that we should not take for granted.

I don't know why, but it makes me laugh...

I couldn't tell if it was because it was a Friday afternoon at work, or if it was because Halloween, of it was because I left my office key card in my other pants pocket, but I had a hard time getting through my day.

So, I decided to skip going to the Y and opted for a quick visit to the coffee shop. I was glad I did. I got to connect with some people I hadn't in a long while. But what really made my day occurred on my way home.

At the traffic light on 6th and Union, a bunch of trick or treaters were crossing 6th Ave. It was the usual fare of familiar costumes, but I noticed that one kid was carrying a "We Need Change" placard.

Because it is getting closer to Election Day (did you vote yet? I did!) I had come to ignore these placards that have littered our sidewalks and street corners. But this particular one was in the hands of a little boy in a dark suit.

Yes, it was a little Barack Obama crossing the street.

I don't know why, but it made me laugh.

I Think They're Finally on to Us...

I was at the Y this morning and unfortunately, the only thing on TV other than the innovative flat iron that can shorten the beautifying of a woman's unruly curly hair by minutes, was the analysis of last night's Presidential Debate.

However, because I am me, my eyes did wander to the analysis. Apparently, the analysts had moved on from discussing the issues to a poll they had taken regarding who won in terms of how the candidates presented themselves.

It's the Nixon/Kennedy debate all over again.

So, this particular television newscrew had polled two groups of independent voters. (Yes, I thought that was an odd phrase, too) In keeping with the theme of the debate, there was no clear winner. Predictable.

As I'm listening to Black Eyed Peas ask me "Where is the love?", I read this caption as it glides on the screen: "The biggest surprise was that people are looking for different things than analysts are. They see things differently."

Apparently, analysts are surprised that they are different than us. I'm waiting for them to realize that the average voter doesn't care about spending hours analyzing polling data, predicting voting trends or interpreting spin. We're looking for someone to trust, and political analysts are not on the short list.

Seriously, for me, it's like finding gold.

So What If I'm a Little Excited

...or borderline obsessive.

Last night, I was chatting with some friends regarding the Olympics. And as I shared the expectations of the upcoming swimming events, my friends found themselves laughing at my abnormal alacrity.

And I wasn't talking about politics.

But the irony isn't lost on me here. Like the Presidential Elections, the Summer Games seem to ignite the country, rally the nation to be excited about what their fellow Americans can do. Sadly, like the Presidential Elections, the Summer Games only comes every four years. The positive feelings and good national pride will fade away and we will be back to our individual goals, materialism and economy, and shame for the mistakes our country has made. Heroes will be only found on the silver screen and the everyman who achieved a lifetime dream will be found at the bottom of the eighth page of the newspaper. Names will be forgotten in time, and the nation will forget what it was like to be unified with a single goal.

Until the next Election/Olympics.

I wish could bottle the excitement the nation feels when someone named Jason Lezack pushes himself forward for his team's sake in the name of his country. I wish I could get the nation to believe in America as much as they are behind Team USA. But I apparently don't have that kind of power.

So, I do get excited. Somehow, during the Summer Olympics, America becomes a little more like the nation I wish it to be. And I'll take it.

Even if it only comes once every four years.

And yes...Peirsol (100m backstroke) and Phelps (200m free) won gold. Go Team USA!

Is it November Yet?

I don't know what it is, but this election year isn't quite getting under my political skin. I've been ignoring the polls, I've refrained from reading the daily editorials, I've completely tuned out.

I'm going to chalk it to the fact that this election "year" will be hitting the two year mark come November. Sixteen months of muddling through the primaries and we still have the conventions ahead of us.

Is it November yet?

Sigh.

The recent news blog I read showed me two things. One, the government, as a social construction is losing role in authority. Two, the number of people who no longer believe in the effectiveness of the US government is drastically outnumbering those who still believe it still works.

And don't get me started on those people from either groups who will actually vote.

Like so many others, I am not looking forward to the next three months of mudslinging and petty campaigning. I'll tune out like most of America. So I propose this to all the campaign managers who actually read this blog: take a note from marketing. People only retain information two weeks old. After that, they stop paying attention. My biggest concern is that I hope that people actually tune in come November.

Decisions are made by those who show up.

A brief interruption brought to you by...the Presidential Election

I know that I have been quiet lately regarding the Presidential election. I have no excuse other than I have found nothing of note to comment on that hasn't already been commented on. As it is the Fourth of July, I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring.

Straight Talk and Hope/Change We Can Believe In aside, what this election cycle is showing me is that everyone, regardless of which camp they come from, is essentially saying the same thing. Both sides love America. Both sides want to support us in the issues that concern us most. Both want change, and both believe that it is through the government that it can be achieved. How they achieve those goals is where they mostly differ.

What I have left to say about this Presidential election is this: Diversity is what makes this country unique. Tolerance of that diversity is a freedom we enjoy and should protect. It is admirable if someone can rally a diverse country full of apathetic, yet somewhat opinionated people. It will be historic if someone can unite them.

E pluribus unum. Out of many, one.

Happy Independence Day.

Still Making Money from the New Deal

On my way out of the state, I got stuck behind this car with the most interesting bumper sticker:
Now, I know that our governing system is breaking down. And as much as I am a fan of FDR during his own time, I'm not sure bringing him back from the dead is quite the solution I'm hoping for. :)

When is Homecoming?

Is it November yet?

At the risk of admitting that I get some of my news from CNN.com, I came across an article today about the latest results from the national Poll of Polls (yes, that is a real thing). Addressing the question of the electability of Obama or Clinton against McCain in the general election, the results of the independents was this:

"Independents are crucial swing voters. They give McCain a solid lead over Clinton, according to the New York Times-CBS News poll. But independents abandon McCain for Obama. If Obama's the alternative, McCain's support among independents drops from 52 percent to 36 percent."

It reminds me of student council elections where the principal addresses the assembly of students to remind them that this is not a popularity contest.

Sigh. Silly Rabbits.

It's sad to me that we (Republican, Democrat, Independent, Indifferent) are waiting for a leader, but we feel we have to settle for who offends us the least or the most likeable. We don't really like anyone, but we're willing to vote for Person A over Person B if Person C and Person D don't make it to the ballot. But, we would pick Person B over Person C if Person A doesn't make it. Blah. Election Math.

And they said you never really leave high school.

If our American election process is reduced to a popularity contest, then I think the least the labor force could do is give us a two month summer break.

To read the full article: Popular Kids

Super Nerd on Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday is today. And that really doesn't mean a whole lot in politics like it used to, but it still holds some interest for me. However, that's not the reason why I'm excited:

I got my absentee ballot for the Washington Primary today.

It's the little things that get me excited. So this blog is more of a reminder that although the media dubbed "rest of America" is voting today, our state's primary is February 19th. Here's my plea: stop reading/watching the news/blogs/commentaries and VOTE.

Ok. Back to your regular programming.

Currently reading : Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive By John Eldredge

New Hampshire

So, apparently, Sen. Clinton and Sen. McCain have been hailed the "Comeback Kids." I don't know, but I find it a little premature. They may not always be in the lead of polls in their respective political parties, but they were never not in it. If I wanted to see a real come-from-behind-surprise...wake me up when Dennis Kucinich or Ron Paul wins a primary.

As for the results of the primary, I don't know if we know much. And I probably know lesser still if I read any more CNN Commentary. The parties are still divided among themselves, and they'll continue to scramble to see who can beat the other party's candidate instead of choosing someone who can be a true leader of their party.

Yes, I'm still waiting for a leader.

But Iowa and New Hampshire are not a complete loss for me for political intrigue. Independents, whether they admit it or not, have a lot more power than they realize. It may not work out directly as they would hope, but their vote does matter. And its proven to make or break someone's run for presidency and effectively leave a country in a quagmire.

Just ask Ralph Nader.

The country was not meant to be split three ways. There is a two-party political system, and the third party gets overlooked. But they're so much more important than we think. If any candidate were to find the real sway of the polls, pay attention to the people who are on the fringe as much as you pay attention to your loyal supporters. The major opposing party is not always your biggest threat.

Currently listening : Plans By Death Cab for Cutie

Yes!! January!!!

All over the world, people will watch our democracy at work...
...and wonder why we still think it works.

The Iowa Presidential Primary is January 3rd.

Let the craziness ensue.

Currently listening : Fashion Nugget By Cake

Is it January yet?

So...I'm reading Reuters and I follow this random rabbit hole to a quiz that can reduce people's political stances into a neat, labeled, political philosophy. According to the 20 questions (four of which don't factor) the quiz had deduced that I am a...

Moderate Liberal Populist.

Really, now. I am so glad that a 20 question survey (again, four of which don't factor) based on a five point scale, can tell me where I stand on the political spectrum. Now, if I could only find a candidate that is also a moderate liberal populist. Because I really want people like that running this country.

Random Would-be-Voter: Umm...I don't understand this policy.
Political Candidate A: What's not to understand?
Random Would-be-Voter: It doesn't say moderate, liberal or populist on it. How do I know if I should vote for you?
Political Candidate B: You shouldn't. I'm moderate, liberal and populist.
Political Candidate A: Me too. At least, today.

Random Would-Be Voter: Cool! [a slight pause.] What does it mean to be a moderate liberal populist, exactly?

[A long silence. Curtain falls as Political Candidates A and B search for more voters while Random Would-Be-Voter stands in line for Canadian Citizenship. End scene.]

Currently watching : Hairspray (Two-Disc Shake & Shimmy Edition)

I really shouldn't be this offended

The curse of the office email is the perpetual inflow of forwarded emails. I don't typically send forward emails, but I do enjoy the momentary distraction they provide. It's the equivalent of glancing at the headlines of popular magazines while waiting in line at the grocery store. Entertaining, but not really meant to be more than a vehicle to pass the time.

Much like this blog.

However, I ran across this forwarded email about a radio program asking people to write "in God we trust" on the back of our envelopes in an act of rebellion against the US Postal Service. (Really, guys...let's give the post office a break. They've got an odd mix of having too much power and too little at the same time.) Apparently, the USPS had said that the motto was too offensive to be on a stamp. Huh. Odd thing to get your underwear in a bunch.

Although I don't care too much over the form of retaliation, what interested me was this line: We must take back our nation from all the people who think that anything that offends them should be removed.

Now bear in mind that I'm ignoring the obvious hypocrisy that can be read in that statement, considering the possible source of the email. All of you are smart enough to figure that out for yourselves: Everyone is a hypocrite.

What makes me sad about this email is that it was meant to be meaningful and yet the meaning was lost in the trivial act they were asking us to take. Sure, you could "in God we trust" on every snail mail envelope you send and give some postal workers a little laughter to lighten their day, but it doesn't mean anything if people don't understand the fact that we have this freedom to do this. We have the freedom to proclaim whatever it is we believe, regardless if people agree with us or not.

This is why other nations hate us. They can't stand our pluralism. Someone who practices Judaism has the same rights as someone who practices Islam. Women can interact with men. Chinese people can learn Spanish. I can dye my hair any color I want, dance, and listen to jazz. We live in a pluralistic society based on the principle of the freedoms that protect the diversity of this nation. I may not agree with you, but you are free to believe whatever it is you want. Respect me, I respect you.

What we are apparently missing here is the respect. I find that people confuse a statement that offends me with a statement that disrespects me. I am sure the phrase "in God we trust" offends people. In fact, I'm counting on it. But what I don't want is that phrase to be used as a way to disrespect others or have that phrase be used to disrespect my beliefs in the same God that phrase just happens to be referring to.

Yes, in God I trust. And yes, I believe it is a principle of our founding fathers. And yes I believe it is printed on American money. (that, I actually can produce for you.) I agree with the statement that we need to take our nation back from fanatics who believe that anything offensive should be removed. But really, let's not fight over the words that have hardly any meaning. I think we can find something more important to fight over. I could care less if the American "motto" is taken off the money or the pledge of Allegiance, etc. But I do care if the freedoms that make it possible for me to say what I believe are taken away. There are real wrongs out there, people who are removing other people that truly offend them by restricting their rights, their freedoms, their liberties, their pursuit of happiness...and yes, their dignities.

Now over those human offenses, I can let my panties get in a bunch.

I'll get riled up. And I will even consider forwarding your email. But other than that, I will stand by my right to be offended by your message, applaud your freedom to stand up for what you believe in, and ask for your respect to demonstrate the same.

Ok. Rant over. Go back to your daily lives.

Currently watching : Friends - The Complete Fifth Season

Election Day 2007

I won't guarantee that this won't be a little bit about the upcoming presidential election.

Now, I get it. I really do. People don't like election time. People harassing other people about
confusing legislations they are trying to push doesn't exactly warm the heart Apparently, we are bottom line people who need pictures to explain complicated contracts. We're also a people who are looking for real leaders who help us believing in the things that are important to us; the things that make us proud to be American.

And yet...

Every year we get a chance to make our voice heard. We get a chance to let the people we've "chosen" know what we will stand for and what we will not. And every year we blow it. I can't tell anymore if its because we're annoyed from choosing the lesser of who-gives-a-crap year after year or if we just don't think voting works any more. Whether we vote yes or no, we get the feeling we're being screwed.

Odds are, we are being screwed.

Sure, my absentee ballot won't amount to much. But I will vote. I will vote every year I am able to make a clear decision. I don't care if it matters or if it doesn't change anything. Voting is my right. Voting is my right just as it is my right to exercise my freedom to write this blog.

Yes, I get tired of it. I get tired of being the champion of a dying freedom granted by a broken system. I am looking forward to the presidential election just as much as the next person. I get tired of being shouted down and I get tired of not being able to effectively chose a leader that can actually lead this country. I hate the small pickings. I hate that everything is run by money and by power and by people who obscenely abuse both.

So why do I care? Why do I, after all my frustrations, still vote?

Because it reminds me that pieces of paper and a group of men in closed rooms don't change the world. We do. You do. I do. We, flesh and blood, not ink upon white or green paper, have the ability to change the world. Our government may not be able to do it the way we hope it would--which tells me that its a good thing that they shouldn't. They already have proven that they can't. We are the ones who teach our kids. We help the poor. We find ways to create cures, invent and innovate better living, promote peace. Granted, government doesn't make it easy, but so many people before us have done it without their help and many people after us will do the same.
I don't care if people vote or not. I'm not asking for your vote, and it is your right to chose not to. But I hope that people don't stop talking about what is important to them or stop looking for ways to make this world better than when we had entered it.

Currently watching : The West Wing - The Complete Sixth Season

What I found out when I got home from vacation...

It's like they knew that I was coming home...

Proverbs 29:12--If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
and...my favorite verse regarding my thoughts on government (ours and in general):

Psalm 118:8-9--It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Abby's political thought for the day...try not to get caught up in the hype. Pray instead. Our government may be disappointing and heartbreaking and at times wonderful examples of the human endeavor...but don't forget that God is bigger.

You know its bad when I side with...

...Leonardo DiCaprio.

I was reading the celebrity gossip off of imdb.com and found myself reading about Leonardo DiCaprio's thoughts on the presidential candidates. DiCaprio is waiting to hear specifically about the candidate's thoughts on the environmental lobby. Basically no one has caught his eye yet, and he is waiting to be "inspired." According to the article, he said:

"I'm waiting for the right questions to be asked, and these candidates to give really clear responses to what they're going to do in a tangible way-not a lot of rhetoric. I want to hear hardcore facts."

Although I don't believe that the hype is going away, I like what DiCaprio is doing. He's actually doing what I advise people to do with elections. Pick a singular issue that is important to you and research on what the candidates are actually saying about that particular issue. You'll know who you would vote for if you know what their platform is on the one thing that truly means something to you. You don't have to agree with everything...if you vote like that, you'll always be disappointed. We can get caught up in rhetoric and hype--and it's hard not to--but if you are waiting on an answer on a specific issue, you'll know it when a candidate strikes a chord with you.

Trust me, it will happen. It may not tomorrow...but hey...we've got 15 months.

Ok...now I'm done. Really.

Currently watching : Wordplay

No...I'm not gonna...

...I'm not going to...I promised.

Sigh. There's been some spin on the presidential candidates as of late. The CNN/Youtube debate, Mitt Romney's sons going on to campaign for their father, The Clinton/Obama sparring, the latest republican superdebate....Iowa, New Hampshire, back to Iowa again...

Last time I checked, this is not a presidential election year.
I made a pledge not to talk about it. I really did. I won't talk about it until January 2008, the actual presidential election year.

Then I read this article from Reuters. Apparently, South Carolina moved up its primary election to January 19th. In response, New Hampshire (who has the earliest primary election) may move its primary election date to January 8th. Which, in turn, pushes the candidates to do their frenzied monkey dances at a hurried pace, at an earlier time.

Wait...I said I wasn't going to do it....

Ok. Back to my rant. Why should I care?

I really don't. Except to say that for the next couple months (and when I say a couple, I mean like 15 months) we are going to be bombarded by campaign promises and policies. I'm already tired of hearing about it, and we've got 15 months to go. I hope by the end of the campaigning, people will learn to think for themselves, and stop listening to political spin and ignore the dance of the pundit. I hope they can look forward for America five years down the road and not just the lesser of two evils for the moment. But of all the things people do by the end of this campaign, I just hope they remember to vote.

Did I mention this is going to last for about 15 months?

Inspiring Perspective

Here's another book report.

I just finished God's Politics, by Jim Wallis. Great book. Although there are dry parts and segments where I wonder: "did he really have to share something he had already written once before?", I found myself inspired by this man's perspective.

Despite what most people think, this book does not describes what the Right is doing wrong or what the Left fails to do and what God thinks of either of those parties. This book, as a whole, is not even anti-government. This book, for a lack for a better term, does not dwell on what Jesus would do.

So what does this book do?

Well...a lot of things. But what I like most about it is how he talks about the poor. And what I realize, more than ever, is how the poor has truly dropped out of the national debate. This is a sad state of affairs since the poor makes up a large part of America as well as the most underrepresented group in America. So what now shall we do?

Start talking. Just because the government isn't, doesn't mean we shouldn't. And you never know...as the last line of the book states:

We are the ones we are waiting for.