I voted yesterday. I haven't officially moved to CA yet. No driver's license or voter registration. So, off to the post office I went with absentee ballot in hand. It's a bit disconcerting that the ballot envelope is so conspicuous. Official voter blah blah blah all over the outside. Plus my signature. Plus the signatures of two witnesses. If someone wanted to get sneaky with the ballots, it wouldn't be hard to pick out. I wanted to send it in early in the hopes that it's counted before the general gets started.
If you've read more than this post, you probably have a good idea who I voted for in the presidential race.
I hope nothing happens between now and then that might change my mind. Barack would pretty much have to strangle some kittens in public at this point. I've been quite disappointed in how Hillary is running her campaign. So negative. So entitled. As an example, there's a survey floating out there that says 30% of her supporters would rather vote for McCain than Obama. This gives you an idea of the effect her negative campaigning is creating. Among Obama's supporters, the percentage of switchers drops to 19%.
I remember on my 8th grade trip to Washington D.C., we were shown a marble sculpture in one of the Smithsonian museums. It was a compilation of 3 famous women. I believe Harriet Tubman was one figure. Think Betsy Ross was another but I'm not entirely sure about that. At the end was a big hunk of uncut marble. Our guide explained that particular hunk of stone was reserved for the first female President of the United States. I was struck by the experience and wondered if a face would be carved in soon.
I once thought Hillary would be the one cut into that marble. But these days, after watching her campaign operate, I sincerely hope it's someone else who's face is preserved for future generations to admire.
3.26.2008
3.24.2008
Apparently, I buy groceries at the airport.
This past weekend, I flew to Cape Cod to see my Uncle's art exhibit. So I spent a great deal of time in airports. I became scared when I realized the prices were no longer absurdly shocking. I've gotten so used to parting with my money in huge chunks in SF that not even airport prices are all that scary.
The weekend was a huge success. On Saturday we made our way to the Cape Cod Museum and saw Uncle's exhibit. It was stunning. The walls were a deep red that really helped his egg temperas jump off the wall.
As we walked in, several people recognized my Uncle and he was caught up in several conversations that went entirely too long. I laughed to myself a bit as I heard a woman in the background saying, "Is that Garry Gilmartin? I think that's Garry Gilmartin." She was a docent at the museum and had been giving people tours of the exhibit for weeks. She gushed on and on about how people were asking about the paintings, where could they buy one, what was he thinking when he painted this. My uncle's answers were so simple she just looked flabbergasted. No hoity-toity quadruple-entendre? No meaning of life hidden in the brush strokes? But they are so brilliant. And it's true, they are brilliant paintings. But they are brilliant for the very trait she seemed unable to comprehend. They're stunningly simple. Not over complicated. Not pretentious. Just what they are. Really brilliant captures of life on Cape Cod.
Saying goodbye was tough. Uncle recently went through a pretty major surgery but he's doing well with the whole thing. Easter dinner was great as we had a huge ham with fixins.
Glad I went. Sad to leave. Glad to be home again.
Here's a picture of Yo:
The weekend was a huge success. On Saturday we made our way to the Cape Cod Museum and saw Uncle's exhibit. It was stunning. The walls were a deep red that really helped his egg temperas jump off the wall.
As we walked in, several people recognized my Uncle and he was caught up in several conversations that went entirely too long. I laughed to myself a bit as I heard a woman in the background saying, "Is that Garry Gilmartin? I think that's Garry Gilmartin." She was a docent at the museum and had been giving people tours of the exhibit for weeks. She gushed on and on about how people were asking about the paintings, where could they buy one, what was he thinking when he painted this. My uncle's answers were so simple she just looked flabbergasted. No hoity-toity quadruple-entendre? No meaning of life hidden in the brush strokes? But they are so brilliant. And it's true, they are brilliant paintings. But they are brilliant for the very trait she seemed unable to comprehend. They're stunningly simple. Not over complicated. Not pretentious. Just what they are. Really brilliant captures of life on Cape Cod.
Saying goodbye was tough. Uncle recently went through a pretty major surgery but he's doing well with the whole thing. Easter dinner was great as we had a huge ham with fixins.
Glad I went. Sad to leave. Glad to be home again.
Here's a picture of Yo:
3.18.2008
My favorite teacher
On the playground, a kindergarten teacher once asked me why I was playing with the black kids. I remember my initial reaction so fiercely, it has helped shape who I am.
My reaction was bewilderment. Why wouldn't I play with the black kids? They were my neighbors. They were my friends when I went home, why wouldn't they be my friends at school?
So I replied: "Because they're my friends."
Even today, I cannot think of a more perfect answer.
Since that moment, I have grown to consider racism one of the most vile concerns of our society. Which is why when I heard Obama's speech today, I felt heartened. Heartened to hear someone who was willing to stand in front of racism and address it as a real problem. And address it not as a black problem, or a white problem or even a something else problem, but address it as our problem. As America's problem. As a problem we can face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
Higher quality:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23691239#23691239
Once again, he challenges us to be better. I hope we are strong enough to answer the call. And to my teacher, I say thank you. While I'll never remember your name, I'll never forget what you taught me.
My reaction was bewilderment. Why wouldn't I play with the black kids? They were my neighbors. They were my friends when I went home, why wouldn't they be my friends at school?
So I replied: "Because they're my friends."
Even today, I cannot think of a more perfect answer.
Since that moment, I have grown to consider racism one of the most vile concerns of our society. Which is why when I heard Obama's speech today, I felt heartened. Heartened to hear someone who was willing to stand in front of racism and address it as a real problem. And address it not as a black problem, or a white problem or even a something else problem, but address it as our problem. As America's problem. As a problem we can face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
Higher quality:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23691239#23691239
Once again, he challenges us to be better. I hope we are strong enough to answer the call. And to my teacher, I say thank you. While I'll never remember your name, I'll never forget what you taught me.
3.17.2008
ACC Tourney weekend
This weekend was quite fun. Took Friday morning off and had some fried Bologna sandwiches, oatmeal cream pies and tea while watching the game with my man Joel. It reminded me of the days when they used to roll TVs into the classrooms so we could watch the Friday games during English. To all my friends who are parents in NC, yes this is why your child is developing an unhealthy obsession for college basketball. And why NC is so addicted to college basketball.
It was good to see the Charlotte Coliseum stands packed. Especially after the debacle in Jacksonville last year where whole sections were empty. This is why the tournament should be in Greensboro. Every year. Yes it gives an advantage to the NC schools. But those same fans also stick around to watch other games. Why? Because this is the greatest NCAA college basketball tournament outside the NCAA national tournament.
So congrats to my boys. Glad they won. Two goals down. One to go.
It was good to see the Charlotte Coliseum stands packed. Especially after the debacle in Jacksonville last year where whole sections were empty. This is why the tournament should be in Greensboro. Every year. Yes it gives an advantage to the NC schools. But those same fans also stick around to watch other games. Why? Because this is the greatest NCAA college basketball tournament outside the NCAA national tournament.
So congrats to my boys. Glad they won. Two goals down. One to go.
The measure
To me, there are two measures of man:
1. What someone does in a crisis.
2. What someone does when there are no cameras around.
Here is a story relating to the second measure.
Union worker speaks with Barack Obama. In 2004.
1. What someone does in a crisis.
2. What someone does when there are no cameras around.
Here is a story relating to the second measure.
Union worker speaks with Barack Obama. In 2004.
3.12.2008
1950's
As a journalism grad, a part of me wishes that I had lived in the early 1950's. Not for the rampant smoking or great job I'd get just for being a man, but to see Edward R. Murrow. To see him take on Joe McCarthy at great personal risk. To hear his biting commentaries and feel the visceral reaction. To see his fight against the fear society Hoover created with the FBI.
As it stands, I am thankful to have Keith Olbermann. I imagine that his special comments on MSNBC have the same effect now as Murrow had then. Olbermann seems to get a bit more impassioned but his comments are as well researched as they are powerful. He is the voice I wish our nation could have and hope we would if we paid more attention.
Well, tonight he put aside his usual punching bags. No George Bush, no Dick Cheney. Not a mention of Halliburton or the missteps of our State Department. For the first time ever, his subject was, with great reluctance, a Democrat.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GQ2JtUmB3kc
As it stands, I am thankful to have Keith Olbermann. I imagine that his special comments on MSNBC have the same effect now as Murrow had then. Olbermann seems to get a bit more impassioned but his comments are as well researched as they are powerful. He is the voice I wish our nation could have and hope we would if we paid more attention.
Well, tonight he put aside his usual punching bags. No George Bush, no Dick Cheney. Not a mention of Halliburton or the missteps of our State Department. For the first time ever, his subject was, with great reluctance, a Democrat.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GQ2JtUmB3kc
The scorched hills of Pennsylvania
There's a long way until the primary in Pennsylvania. This is bad news.
If the Clinton campaign decides to continue its "kitchen sink" strategy, then PA residents are going to hear fear mongering and half-truths saying Obama can't be the next president for six weeks. They are going to hear Hillary say she's not sure if he's a Christian even though she attended the Senate's Tuesday Prayer Breakfasts with him. They are going to hear her say that he voted for Cheney's energy bill giving tax breaks to big oil even though she did the same thing. They are going to hear Clinton's surrogates say the only reason he's a nominee is because he's black. And then they are going to hear Clinton blame the Obama campaign for distracting from the issues when he cries foul. Yes, all of these things have happened in the past week or so.
Why does this matter?
Mathematically, it is nearly impossible for Clinton to win the nomination. PA is also a battle ground state in the general election. Which means when Obama returns to campaign against McCain, his credibility in a highly populated battleground state will be very low.
She could frame the debate about the issues. She could campaign on the differences in their platform. Admittedly, there are not many.
But if she chooses to continue her scorched earth campaign (which seems likely), and if Obama becomes the Dem's nominee (which seems likely), and if Obama loses PA, the blame can be placed at Hillary's feet.
If the Clinton campaign decides to continue its "kitchen sink" strategy, then PA residents are going to hear fear mongering and half-truths saying Obama can't be the next president for six weeks. They are going to hear Hillary say she's not sure if he's a Christian even though she attended the Senate's Tuesday Prayer Breakfasts with him. They are going to hear her say that he voted for Cheney's energy bill giving tax breaks to big oil even though she did the same thing. They are going to hear Clinton's surrogates say the only reason he's a nominee is because he's black. And then they are going to hear Clinton blame the Obama campaign for distracting from the issues when he cries foul. Yes, all of these things have happened in the past week or so.
Why does this matter?
Mathematically, it is nearly impossible for Clinton to win the nomination. PA is also a battle ground state in the general election. Which means when Obama returns to campaign against McCain, his credibility in a highly populated battleground state will be very low.
She could frame the debate about the issues. She could campaign on the differences in their platform. Admittedly, there are not many.
But if she chooses to continue her scorched earth campaign (which seems likely), and if Obama becomes the Dem's nominee (which seems likely), and if Obama loses PA, the blame can be placed at Hillary's feet.
3.11.2008
Religion, Race, Sex & Politics
I would love to think that a presidential candidate's race, religion or sex would have nothing to do with their candidacy. Sadly, that's not where we are in our history. I've seen many interviews about voting for Barack because he's black, voting for Hillary because she's a woman, or voting for McCain because he's led by his Christian faith.
I find this wrong.
I will not vote for Barack because he's black. I will not vote for Hillary because he's a woman. I will not vote for McCain because of his Christian faith. This is as stupid as saying I'd vote for John Edwards because he's white.
And yet, all three continue to enter into our politics. Recently the conversation seems to be centered around who can play more of the victim.
For example: http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_8533832
In this article, Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be a VP candidate makes some rather astounding, potentially even racist comments. And then backs them up saying sexism is worse than racism. No. It isn't. They are both abominations. Committing one to highlight the other is despicable.
Especially on a day when eight American soldiers die in a war we shouldn't be in, children are going hungry in the richest nation ever to exist, our government is buying bad housing loans just to be sure the economy continues it's false credit bubble and still the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended on a whim.
I plead with all three campaigns. End the BS. Our country needs you to rise above and discuss real issues.
EDIT: Unbelievably, this has become a campaign strategy: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23582781#23582781
I find this wrong.
I will not vote for Barack because he's black. I will not vote for Hillary because he's a woman. I will not vote for McCain because of his Christian faith. This is as stupid as saying I'd vote for John Edwards because he's white.
And yet, all three continue to enter into our politics. Recently the conversation seems to be centered around who can play more of the victim.
For example: http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_8533832
In this article, Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be a VP candidate makes some rather astounding, potentially even racist comments. And then backs them up saying sexism is worse than racism. No. It isn't. They are both abominations. Committing one to highlight the other is despicable.
Especially on a day when eight American soldiers die in a war we shouldn't be in, children are going hungry in the richest nation ever to exist, our government is buying bad housing loans just to be sure the economy continues it's false credit bubble and still the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended on a whim.
I plead with all three campaigns. End the BS. Our country needs you to rise above and discuss real issues.
EDIT: Unbelievably, this has become a campaign strategy: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23582781#23582781
3.10.2008
Keeper of my money
In my time at my new agency, I've been lucky to meet some truly talented people. One of those people is Mrs. Sherry Hastings. An art director of fine caliber, she has moved on to making wallets. And they are brilliant.
I bought one from her early in the process so now I can say I knew her when.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5494816
http://sherryholliday.wordpress.com/
So, open your old wallet, take everything out, use your credit card and wait eagerly for your new money holder. Your rep will thank you.
I bought one from her early in the process so now I can say I knew her when.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5494816
http://sherryholliday.wordpress.com/
So, open your old wallet, take everything out, use your credit card and wait eagerly for your new money holder. Your rep will thank you.
New ink
I finally did something I'd been threatening to do for 4 years. Got another tattoo.
This one is in honor of my dad. It's a strip cropped from a woodcut print he did. All black, a band around my arm.
It's something I'd been shopping around to various artists in NC but never quite found someone who I had confidence could do it. This was especially important after getting my first one done by someone I am now convinced was doing his first one. Not good.
At Black Heart Tattoo in the mission, I found a guy named Mike Lucena.
His portfolio can be found here: Black Heart
It's peeled and still looks good. So a great deal of thanks to Mike. If you're ever in need of ink and in Brooklyn, he's moving, Mike's your man.
This one is in honor of my dad. It's a strip cropped from a woodcut print he did. All black, a band around my arm.
It's something I'd been shopping around to various artists in NC but never quite found someone who I had confidence could do it. This was especially important after getting my first one done by someone I am now convinced was doing his first one. Not good.
At Black Heart Tattoo in the mission, I found a guy named Mike Lucena.
His portfolio can be found here: Black Heart
It's peeled and still looks good. So a great deal of thanks to Mike. If you're ever in need of ink and in Brooklyn, he's moving, Mike's your man.
Careful what you wish for
There is a great deal of hoopla surrounding the primaries in Florida and Michigan.
One thing to keep in mind: According to Randi Rhodes of Air America, there was not a single dissenting vote in the Florida Legislature against moving up the primary date. Not one Democrat voted against the measure even though the DNC had stated they would punish FL if they moved the primary up.
Why?
Because after the recent presidential election, Democrats were screaming for a paper trail to go along with the electronic voting machines. So they got it. As a part of the same bill that moved up the primary dates.
So to cry victim and say that the Republican Governor and Legislature did this to Democrats knowing their vote wouldn't count in the general election simply isn't true.
BUT, that brings us to the present. Notice the Republican Gov. of Florida is pushing hard to hold the new vote.
Again, why?
Could it be he knows that something to vote against, gay marriage for instance, turns out Republicans like no other? Could it be because he knows the name Clinton unifies the Republican base more than any other name out there? Could it be that he knows the Republican base is lukewarm on John McCain? Could it be that he realizes she likely cannot catch Mr. Obama without a new vote in Florida and Michigan, two states filled with her typical base?
It could be. It likely is. Careful what you wish for.
Now I firmly believe no one should be disenfranchised. I believe we should find a way through this so that a new vote is done with time for the candidates to campaign.
But, I think it is also true disenfranchisement to go out and say the pledged delegates don't have to vote for the candidate they are "pledged" to. Yes, Hillary herself said these words today. It is also disenfranchisement to seat the Michigan delegates when only one of the candidates left was on the ballot. Also a position the Clinton campaign has expressed.
One thing to keep in mind: According to Randi Rhodes of Air America, there was not a single dissenting vote in the Florida Legislature against moving up the primary date. Not one Democrat voted against the measure even though the DNC had stated they would punish FL if they moved the primary up.
Why?
Because after the recent presidential election, Democrats were screaming for a paper trail to go along with the electronic voting machines. So they got it. As a part of the same bill that moved up the primary dates.
So to cry victim and say that the Republican Governor and Legislature did this to Democrats knowing their vote wouldn't count in the general election simply isn't true.
BUT, that brings us to the present. Notice the Republican Gov. of Florida is pushing hard to hold the new vote.
Again, why?
Could it be he knows that something to vote against, gay marriage for instance, turns out Republicans like no other? Could it be because he knows the name Clinton unifies the Republican base more than any other name out there? Could it be that he knows the Republican base is lukewarm on John McCain? Could it be that he realizes she likely cannot catch Mr. Obama without a new vote in Florida and Michigan, two states filled with her typical base?
It could be. It likely is. Careful what you wish for.
Now I firmly believe no one should be disenfranchised. I believe we should find a way through this so that a new vote is done with time for the candidates to campaign.
But, I think it is also true disenfranchisement to go out and say the pledged delegates don't have to vote for the candidate they are "pledged" to. Yes, Hillary herself said these words today. It is also disenfranchisement to seat the Michigan delegates when only one of the candidates left was on the ballot. Also a position the Clinton campaign has expressed.
3.07.2008
Supporting Barack Obama
Here is one of the reasons I have contributed monetarily to the Obama campaign:
The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act.
In this instance, Obama crossed the aisle to work with Senator Lugar (R-IN) on a bill that funded and worked to strengthen the Nuclear non-proliferation agreements. Additionally, and equally importantly, it worked to secure weapon caches of shoulder mounted missiles. A weapon used a few years ago in Africa to target a commuter plane as it was taking off from an airport. These weapons have become more and more accessible on the black market according to the co-sponsors and could end up in the hands of insurgents in Iraq attacking our troops. Additionally, these weapons could be used in a terrorist attack against our infrastructure with devastating effects.
This is one of many bills that he has either sponsored or co-sponsored. A comprehensive list can be looked up on the Library of Congress website here: http://thomas.loc.gov/
Donate here.
The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act.
In this instance, Obama crossed the aisle to work with Senator Lugar (R-IN) on a bill that funded and worked to strengthen the Nuclear non-proliferation agreements. Additionally, and equally importantly, it worked to secure weapon caches of shoulder mounted missiles. A weapon used a few years ago in Africa to target a commuter plane as it was taking off from an airport. These weapons have become more and more accessible on the black market according to the co-sponsors and could end up in the hands of insurgents in Iraq attacking our troops. Additionally, these weapons could be used in a terrorist attack against our infrastructure with devastating effects.
This is one of many bills that he has either sponsored or co-sponsored. A comprehensive list can be looked up on the Library of Congress website here: http://thomas.loc.gov/
Donate here.
Politics
I don't like pushing my political views on other people because I don't like having political views pushed on me. Thus, I find myself in a conundrum. I feel compelled to take action on behalf of Barack Obama. Most of my need to express my support has been brought about by George Bush's presidency. I am not unique in this motivation as evidenced by the record turn outs in recent primaries. It has never been clearer the effect a President can have on our country. But, I approach my advocacy with a conflicted heart. Part of me needing to do something. Part of me not wanting that something to disrespect the sacred decision of my friends' votes.
So I ask your forgiveness. From here until election day, I will be posting some of my thoughts about the race on this blog. I will only post what I find interesting or pushes me further in one direction or the other. Please ignore them if you'd rather not read them. I will continue posting about my adventures out West and hope you will continue to enjoy those.
So I ask your forgiveness. From here until election day, I will be posting some of my thoughts about the race on this blog. I will only post what I find interesting or pushes me further in one direction or the other. Please ignore them if you'd rather not read them. I will continue posting about my adventures out West and hope you will continue to enjoy those.
3.04.2008
9 Degrees
Just got back from a family ski trip to Colorado. And one night, it was all of 9 degrees outside. This of course made for absolutely fabulous snow conditions at the two absolutely huge resorts we were able to ski.
I think John said it best: "You could take a picture of this but it would do no justice. A picture just makes it too small. You have to be in it to appreciate it."
Speaking of large, we also rented a Ford Expedition to handle skis, boots, snowboard and my over 6 ft cousins. I drove it to the airport this morning and that's just too much car. I know some people have 17 children but I'd bet the majority of Expedition owners definitely do not. But of course, I'm biased.
As for the skiing, much fun was had. There was one tense moment where one of my cousins took out the pretty girl on the slopes. Thankfully all were ok.
I had a great time skiing through the trees and the wide trails on various occasions. My skiing improved greatly over the course of the three days. There were definitely moments where I was sucking wind thanks to the 9,000 foot elevation change from my now native SF. The soreness in my legs is testament that I was working hard. And the lack of clarity in this post is further evidence that it wore me out.
On to the next adventure.
I think John said it best: "You could take a picture of this but it would do no justice. A picture just makes it too small. You have to be in it to appreciate it."
Speaking of large, we also rented a Ford Expedition to handle skis, boots, snowboard and my over 6 ft cousins. I drove it to the airport this morning and that's just too much car. I know some people have 17 children but I'd bet the majority of Expedition owners definitely do not. But of course, I'm biased.
As for the skiing, much fun was had. There was one tense moment where one of my cousins took out the pretty girl on the slopes. Thankfully all were ok.
I had a great time skiing through the trees and the wide trails on various occasions. My skiing improved greatly over the course of the three days. There were definitely moments where I was sucking wind thanks to the 9,000 foot elevation change from my now native SF. The soreness in my legs is testament that I was working hard. And the lack of clarity in this post is further evidence that it wore me out.
On to the next adventure.
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