A Nation Evolves

Hello Bloggers - We did it! We voted for change! The Republicans are out of power! So, what's different already? A great example could be seen on the National Mall yesterday, as well as at celebrations around the nation and the world.

People everywhere were celebrating the victory of a man who speaks about the hopes and dreams of families, communities and nations, and not just about those of individuals - especially selfish individuals. We elected a man who understands how America and the world, our very lifestyle, cannot survive without change.

His inaugural themes echoed his campaign, but were more blunt. He stressed more cooperation, sacrifice and charity. He's challenging us to help him heal our nation, and hopefully help the world. "A new era of responsibility...to ourselves, our nation, and the world" is a good start to a presidency that is required to return balance to a suffering world.

If I heard him right, personal ambition is now less important than creating jobs that will employ all Americans. Wall Street is now less important than Main Street. Free trade is now less important than fair trade. Health care for some Americans is now less important than health care for all Americans. There's no doubt a lot has changed today.

I heard him describe a government no longer focused on saving the wealth of a few. That was yesterday. Today we want corporations and the banking industry to help people keep their homes, and create good jobs for average Americans. Wall Street helping Main Street! I heard a man talk about jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs!

If you listened carefully, you could hear him say that a rising tide will lift all boats - or at least close to it. That rising tide will be the middle-class.

I also heard him talk a lot about helping others. "The selflessness of workers who rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job" is a great example of self-sacrifice at a time of great suffering. Tough times require us to help our fellow Americans. I've done okay in life, so I'm prepared to help if I can. Are you?

It shouldn't have to be said, but after Reaganism, trickle-down economics and the "small government" Bush years, it must be said: Americans need to know their president, and their government, will not allow them to starve in the streets. That's what changed yesterday. Obama's "spirit of service" is infectious, and people need to know they will be okay.

Let us hope that Obama renews the original ideas embodied in our Declaration of Independence, where life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness suggests hope to all. We should not live in a selfish society. The only way mankind is going to survive on this small planet, with billions arriving each generation, is to work together.

Other western, capitalistic democracies know it. It's time for more Americans to figure it out. Selfishness and unilateralism is a luxury we Americans can no longer afford. We need to evolve!

Wednesday's Political Rave #1 - Michael

Congratulations President Obama!

Good Morning Bloggers - I just listened to PRESIDENT OBAMA'S inauguration speech and was very moved to say the least. He did a great job reminding us of our ideals as a nation and how often we've met difficult challenges throughout our history. It's wonderful to celebrate our new president and to look forward to a better future.

Tuesday's Inauguration Rave #1 - Michael

Bush Ignores Protocol to the Bitter End

Good Morning Bloggers - I wish I could stop writing about Bush altogether, but it appears that he keeps doing things that deserve a response from WE THE PEOPLE! This time it's about respect, or the lack of it.

Generally historians credit the Clinton/Bush transition in 2001 as being relatively smooth, especially when you consider the bad blood. The Clintons were extremely cooperative at the time, despite the bitter impeachment battle and multiple other Republican attacks. It is true there was some damage by employees, but like any office move, few transitions end without some damage.

Today's transition seemed to be going relatively smooth, except for one very important new development: BLAIR HOUSE! The Bush family, above most others, knows that Blair House - across from the White House - is ALWAYS RESERVED for the incoming first family.

IT IS THE RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT at the time of transition. Unfortunately, it isn't this year, during this transition. The Bush family has decided to slap the Obamas in the face, forcing them to check into a hotel.

I'm sorry, the corporate media may be ignoring it, but I need to point out just how RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL the Bush family is for denying the residence. It is outrageous! The Obamas arrive in Washington this weekend and are forced to book into a hotel because the Bush Administration said the "official residence was full." OUTRAGEOUS!

For those who think I'm overreacting and think there are more important things to focus on, I would like to say that I agree with you. HOWEVER, this is IMPORTANT too. The inaugural celebrations are designed to turn a candidate into a president, and they were created as a process, and the incoming first family's residence is an important part of that process.

We might not be hearing much about it, but in Washington circles the Bush Administration has effectively thrown the new first family on the street. A hotel does not show them much respect, not to mention it offers little protection during celebrations where security risks are everywhere. They at least should have offered the Lincoln bedroom.

The President-elect traditionally prepares for the inauguration and the transition while staying at Blair House. It is the OFFICIAL government mansion, second to the White House and RESERVED for heads-of-state and incoming first families.

Obama was told to look elsewhere because the building was booked up for farewell parties and events to mark the end of the Bush administration. I must admit, it gets me VERY angry. I doubt the Obamas can do anything, but I wish they could.

I think it's important for us - or the PRESS - to find out WHO is staying at Blair House during the time the Obamas require the residence. We should CALL THEM OUT and SHAME THEM for staying, knowing the president-elect and his family need the residence.

Again, for those unconcerned, it's also worthwhile pointing out that Blair House is considered a safety zone by the Secret Service. This is a very serious breach of protocol that proves once again the lack of respect Bush has for the American people, the inaugural process, and the safety of the next president.

Wow, I'm getting tired of slamming the OFFENSIVE MORONS now living in the White House. I need Obama to take office so I can begin to focus on more important issues. Despite my misgivings, I still think it's important to document the lawbreaking, worldwide destruction, and basic lack of respect shown by the Bush Administration. They continue to offend the American people and the world, and we will ALL rejoice when they are gone.

Wednesday's Political Rant #1 - Michael

Obama Chooses Divisive Rick Warren

Good Morning Bloggers - I understand it, but I can't believe it. Barack Obama has chosen Orange County preacher Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. It makes sense politically (for the next election at least), but it's a real slap in the face to the people who feel that Rick Warren isn't the open-minded saint many make him out to be.

The move positions Warren to succeed Billy Graham as the nation’s preeminent minister, but Billy Graham was known to be very bipartisan - or apolitical. Warren has been involved in many political movements, at least here in California. He was a main supporter of Proposition 8 that TOOK RIGHTS AWAY from gays and lesbians. He's also known as a major supporter of Republican causes.

As I always promised, I WILL CRITICIZE DEMOCRATS when I feel they deserve it. In this case, I think Barack could have made a better choice. I would have preferred Jeremiah Wright, if only to piss off the far right. No matter what, there were many better candidates. I think Warren was a very bad decision, no matter how political it may be. Rick Warren will need to evolve before I consider him representative of all Americans. Bad choice Barack.

Thursday's Political Rant #1 - Michael