Community Organizers

Guiliani and Palin took Obama to task last night for his college job, and just-after-college job - Community Organizer - a job which Palin doesn't view as having "real responsibilities."

Some other community organizers:

The Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood

ANB was formed in 1912 to address Native rights in Alaska. It is an organization still active today.

Elizabeth Peratrovich

Elizabeth and her husband Roy were just two of many members of the Native community to stand up to injustice, and fight for civil rights in Alaska. Elizabeth is still honored each year with a state holiday in Alaska.







Cesar Chavez



Arizona's own labor and civil rights leader - first a farm worker, than a farm workers leader.








Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.



Paid the ultimate price for what he, and so many others, organized in the American community.



Countless men and women throughout the centuries have been community organizers, and only in the last century were they sometimes given a title. Their responsibility is great, made much more so because they must motivate people, by the very definition of their job, to change the status quo. It's not a job where you come in, make sure the budgets are balanced, hire and fire whom you want, and leave to the next guy. Community organizers come in so many times to address what politicians won't.

What is interesting about the Guiliani/Palin attack on the jobs Obama had during and just after college - mainly getting a community to help itself, to be stronger - is what came out, from Fred Thompson - chosen to speak by the McCain campaign! - in the convention about what McCain was doing during his own academy years:

"In high school and the Naval Academy, John earned a reputation as a troublemaker. But as John points out, he wasn't just a troublemaker; he was the leader of the troublemakers.

Although -- although loaded with demerits, like his father, John was
principled even in rebellion. He never violated the honor code.

However, in flight school in Pensacola, he did drive a Corvette and
date a girl who worked in a bar as a exotic dancer under the name of 'Marie, the
Flame of Florida.'"

Umm....

Okay, I'm not sure why anyone would think those were selling points, not to mention throwing attention to how McCain barely scraped through the academy. Seriously, having had Bush this long, why does anyone think low intelligence in a President is even remotely funny anymore? Is this the "laugh so you don't cry" part?

During college, Obama picked up responsibility before he'd even graduated from Harvard magna cum laude, learning the ropes at organizing whole communities of people, before moving on to politics.

During the Naval academy, McCain was a self-proclaimed "troublemaker" who liked fast cars and loose women, and even after his genuinly heroic stand as a POW, still couldn't give up either.
Call me boring, but I'll take the nerdy, responsible guy over the adulterous, educationally underachieving guy any day.

Ode to the Boys in Blue... and Black... and Khaki

One of the markedly different things about the Denver convention last week, as compared to other big events, was the sheer amount of force apparent in the streets. A lot of bloggers commented on this, and some Denver people were calling it "overkill." This picture beside is a good example of what was present on nearly every street corner.

Yet I have my own fondness for these guys, and you better believe we felt safe. Despite predictions and the huge warehouse they had prepared for arrests, there was only something like 12 arrests, and the protests were relatively peaceful.

I've been hearing a lot again about the "overkill" and now forcefulness of the police because of the Minneapolis arrests, teargassing and flash-bang grenades used on crowds. I don't know what's going on in Minneapolis, but in Denver the police couldn't have been better. They were professional and courteous, even to those asking for pictures, and we talked to many that were very helpful. Police from all over Colorado were brought in, not to mention Secret Service and who knows who else, and the convention couldn't have been safer.

In light of this, I give the "Denver Boys in Blue Awards."

No, they don't really win anything...

...it's just a bunch of pictures really..


Ones Who Made You Think Most About Assasinations

The snipers/lookouts on top of the boxes over Invesco Field during the last day of the convention. I found out later I wasn't the only one that kept watching these guys, especially when they were lugging their big guns around...









Worst Gig

The guys on the railings over Invesco Field. It was HOT out there. Cloudless sky and something like 500 degrees (okay, I'm from Alaska,) these guys baked.









Freakiest Single Moment
(Followed closely by the Funniest Single Moment)

When the boys were called in for this left-behind backpack. It wasn't freaky until the guy alerted him to something they actually found. Those of us at the Light Rail Station when they found this suddenly went, "Oh... maybe we shouldn't be so close..."

Until they actually pulled out the "discovery." Let's just say there's a possibility this may have been Snoop Dogg's backpack...






Most Socially Conscious

This guy from the Green Sunday concert. He kept picking up stray beer bottles and the like and bringing them to the recycling bin. Appropriate for the venue...



Would like to know where he got his shiner though.











Happiest Cops

For whatever reason, the cops on the motorcycles really liked their gig. Better than horses, bicycles or by foot, I guess.









Creepiest

These vans were just everywhere, and you thought they were just vans until a dozen cops piled out. They could come from anywhere...







Most Exhausting to Watch

The bicycle cops traveled in big packs, and one night as I walked along this long outside "mall," I think they must have passed by me a dozen times, nearly mowing over people at least half as many times. I began to doubt they were patrolling, and believe they may actually just have been training for the 2012 Olympics in London.







Most Impressive

They knew they looked cool.

These guys in fully decked out enforcer gear held onto big SUV's with lights going, swooping around the protest marches.

I think they're the reason the protestors were moving at a ridiculously fast pace.







Most Photographed

Who doesn't like horsies? They tried ignoring all the cameras shoved in their faces, but I think the horses got a complex by the end of it. Good thing Pac Sun outfitted them first...








Hottest Cops (literally)

These guys had to be roasting. The few I got near had sweat pouring down the little bit of face they had showing. They were NOT moving quickly as they patrolled around.

Most Fun to Watch

These guys were either Secret Service or two security gaurds on a power trip. They stood outside this hair salon forever, denying people trying to get in, like this couple. Whenever someone would come up to talk to them, the other would turn around. Don't know the policy on that, but they had to deny a whole lot of people.

I still want to know who was in the salon...

Biggest "Ah Ha" Moment

As we were trying to get inside this hotel to get media credentials, this troop of mounted police officers stood out there forever - hours. We even went inside, got the credentials, bought some stuff, came out to wait, and they were still there, just seeming to wait, not watching what all the other police were watching.

It wasn't for quite a while that the protestors came by, and they went into action. Very slow action, but we finally got why they were stationed there. Mostly to just add the parade-like feeling.


Good job Denver (and Colorado) police forces! The next time I need a police force thousands strong for a big bash I'm throwing, I'll remember your number (it's still 911, right?)

Okay, stupid joke. But thanks anyways.

Too tired to write

I will post on attending Obama's acceptance speech tomorrow - I am too tired to post anything more, but what a night.

This man must be president.

Your Alaska Delegates

The Alaska Delegation met this morning at 7am sharp for breakfast, updates, guest speakers and credentials. A lot of confusion with the constantly changing convention schedule, abrupt transportation cut-offs and with only a few spare credentials and passes.

Celtic Diva will solely be covering the breakfast meetings after this - at $25 for guests, I have to bagel it.






This national rep from the AFL-CIO got the Alaska crowd fired up! Especially with:

"Thank God for Mayor Mark Begich! He could be our 60th senator!"









Delegate Brockhurst - one of the "young" delegates - watch for him on CSPAN!

















Guess where the Alaska delegation rates in the delegate "green" challenge? 100%! The Alaskan delegation has been great with carbon offsets and making sure they are all green!










Julie Anderson, a rep from the Obama campaign, came to speak to the Alaska delegation. She focused on the environmental message of Obama - that he's introduced a bill to raise fuel efficiency standards, wants to increase tax credits for hybrid and electric car owners, and, for Alaska, would like to look and incentivizing renewable energy.

And then she said the "A" word....

That's right, ANWR. Specifically, "I don't think Sen. Obama believes that is an appropriate place to be drilling at the moment."

Now, she did get a cheer from one of the delegates, but for the most part... well, do you know the whole "elephant in the room" analogy? I was wondering if anyone would say anything. I needn't have feared.


Well Alaska, if you're wondering if your Alaska delegates are working hard down here - wonder no more! They were all over the ANWR issue. I mean ALL over it.

Some of it was in regards to off shore drilling versus on land.

Delegate Rex Okakok, "ANWR is my neighbor. We strongly believe we can safely develop on-land drilling. But on off-shore drilling - we should not even talk about it... Think of those of us that breathe and live and eat because of that ocean before you even think about off-shore drilling."

Delegate Blake Johnson first asked Anderson if she'd been to ANWR, if anyone had. When she said she hadn't, but would like to, he made sure to say, "You need to come up and see it. Reserve judgement until you do."

Several other delegates commented on drilling (ANWR, off shore,) as well as Pebble Mine. Anderson said that Bristol Bay had come up quite a bit from the Obama campaign in Alaska, and they were looking to address it further.

The delegates received their bags and credentials at the end of the meeting. The fun part about the hotel the delegation is in - the delegations from Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and Minnesota are also housed there.

Delegates Chuck Degnan and Rex Okakok. This is Rex's first time as a delegate:

"The weather took some getting used to. But today - today I feel good."

Natives gettin' in the mix

Sweet! The Obama campaign is having a "regular American" or two speak every night, in prime time, at the convention. Here's one slotted for Tuesday night:



Native American educator, David Gipp of North Dakota, has spent more than three decades working towards the development of tribal colleges. Speaking on Tuesday, Gipp is also an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Hunkpapa Lakota (Sioux) Tribe.



There is now a Native American "regular American" speaking at the convention, and Holly Stebing, an Alaska Native (Inupiaq) will be meeting Obama backstage.

We're on our way...

So... how do thunderstorms affect airplanes..?...

In a few short hours, I will be getting on a plane to the convention, and for those not in the Anchorage area, I think the last thunder clap sounded about two feet from my home. Now, I'll risk life and limb to get down there, I just want to know the odds.

In an odd twist of irony, I will be leaving this thundery, hateful summer up here (ONE day over 75? Really?) to go down to... thunder and lightning. The forecast for Denver is thunderstorms. All week.

Fortunately, I'm not going down for the weather. I was not quite prepared for the absolute deluge of invites, press releases and general onslaught of information, but I'm pretty excited to go to... everything. I planned on sorting out, in the mass of events happening, a carefully plan of attack to optimize the time down there. Now I'm just going to close my eyes and point.

All the craziness aside, I didn't think I would be this excited before leaving.

Tired as all get out, but excited.

Now let's go nominate Obama!

Alaska Natives for Obama

Press conferences in Anchorage and Fairbanks yesterday - Alaska Natives for Obama.

From the Fairbanks Daily News Miner:

Lee noted the brisk Arctic wind blowing across the field as she spoke,
saying it was a sure sign that a cold winter is on its way.
“This wind of change is blowing across the nation, and Sen. Obama’s vision is the only one that can improve our lives,” she said.

In another Obama/Fairbanks event, the Fairbanks mayor will be speaking at the convention on the 26th - the republican mayor has endorsed Sen. Obama.

Red White and Green

The "green" efforts during the past year really don't need any emphasis. You can't walk through a grocery store without seeing that it is definitely one of the bigger issues being addressed, not only in the campaign, but by people nationwide. I just got my umpteenth cloth grocery bag - mostly because I can't remember to bring the bags in when I go shopping.

The green efforts of the Democratic National Convention are nothing short of incredible - the DNCC has really bent over backwards to present a convention that makes a low impact on the environment. They created a "green delegate challenge," including service work by delegates in the Denver area. I've received about three gazillion press releases from them on the different green efforts going on, from Coca Cola being the "official recycler" of the convention (and sorry, it is a LITTLE funny that Coca Cola is the official recycler in the Pepsi Center... maybe not "ha ha" funny... I digress) to alternative fuel, biodiesel or hybrid transportation.

That the Democratic Party is the eonvironmental party is not exactly news, but it was worth it to me to look a little more into the candidate's environmental stances. I really believe we are going to see true lifestyle changes on the part of America, due to environmental efforts, and our next leaders need to be leaders in this area. I don't think you have to be a "radical environmentalist" to care about the environment - just responsible with what we were given.

Presidential Candidates

Sen. Barack Obama has a pretty strong record with the environment, especially as a state senator. He was given a 100% "Environmental Voting Record Award" from the Illinois State Council. His page on the environment. He carries endorsements from the League of Conservation Voters, Friends of Earth Action, Sierra Club The League of Conservation Voters has scored him generally in the 90th percentile each session, hitting 100% for the year 2006, though it dropped down to 67% the last session - mostly due to absences during the votes.

Sen. John McCain has a pretty bad record when it comes to the environment, and generally has voted in favor of big business over environmental concerns, especially with oil and nuclear concerns. His page on climate change. He has a pretty dismal score of 10% with the League of Conservation voters, though a 0% the last session.

Senate

Hard to top 10%, but Sen. Ted Stevens was scored a %5 by the League, though for pretty much the same reasons as McCain. His issue statement on the environment.

I've been impressed with a lot of the things Mayor Mark Begich has done in the city in regards to "greening." I especially liked the light post switch. Sometimes it's the simple things that get overlooked - but end up making a big difference. He has actually done many practical things to get the energy conservation and the environment a priority - all really practical, "That's a good idea" kinds of things. His issue statement on the environment, and an article about how his mind got changed on the environment in the Huffington Post.

Congress

Diane Benson and Ethan Berkowitz didn't have too much information on their sites about their positions - or plans - regarding the environment, and I don't recall either of them speaking about it much. Benson's issue page on the environment - not too detailed, and Berkowitz' issue page - a little more about oil and "watching" things going on about the environment.

Don Young - well, Young's issue statement about the environment was probably the least helpful, period. It's mostly a rant about "radical groups" and having no proof that emissions has anything to do with... well, anything. Feel free to read, but it's mostly about securing energy bills. He was scored a 0% by the League of Conservation Voters, but I think if they could have given him a negative score, they would have. Looking at his environmental voting record, I'm not sure Young believes there should be an environment... a little scary as the "ranking member of the natural resources committee."

Indictments, earthquakes, caribou, attack ads - what on Earth?

I have finally recovered from an attack by my old nemesis - strep throat - and had to do a double take once I joined the real world again. But then I had to make sure I was in the real world.

Stevens, older, not younger, is indicted. Not a surprise maybe in that it was going to happen, but certainly in the timing (more on that later). But in the middle of all this, the only thing being reported was an earthquake - in which nothing happened. Nada.

Over a hundred caribou are slaughtered up north, and left to rot. Despite the onslaught of Native-hate this brought out, I can't tell you what this feels like as a Native person. Being taught respect for animals - especially the animals you hunt - is no joke.

Sadness and disgust are doing a little battle for prominence in my emotions over this, and I can't help but think what this says about the people - looks like young men/boys - who did this. What were they taught? Where did they go so horribly wrong? Did they have no respect for their village? And if they were Native men, did they have no respect for their people?

On top of that, McCain has lost his mind. I generally don't like the negative talk about the opposite side, much less giving his ad more mentions, but McCain made me absolutely crazy today. Let's put a picture of Obama up with Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton, and call that responsible and mature debate. With serious problems going on, worldwide and local impact being felt all around, this is how he chooses to show us what he's made of.

When questioned about the ad, McCain's campaign even laughed about it, calling the ad one of the most "entertaining" things he's seen on TV. Entertaining! This from grown men! Despite being considerably "more experienced" than Obama, as he likes to point out, this is one of the most immature attacks I've ever seen.

But the kicker isn't that he's insulting Obama - he's insulting Obama supporters. Surely people can't be trusted to select a candidate based in his merits as a politician and man - we must all have been seduced by his personality to mindlessly follow him around, despite his A-plus intelligence, well-thought out plans, proven ability to lead and organize, and a few dozen other leadership qualities.

On McCain's count, a running list of Obama's crimes:

He talks about hope too much.

He talks about change but doesn't have real plans (please disregard all his published plans.)

He's too young and "healthy" (today's message from the campaign complains about the fact that Obama expected healthy foods to eat. Dare he!?)

And now...

He's too popular.

Serious accusations, each. Well, I know that after eight years some of these things are hard to recognize in presidential material, but some of us actually think those are, you know, GOOD to have in a candidate. I'm not the most politically savvy, but Obama appears to be practicing DIPLOMACY.

We could use some in our leadership, and McCain, you've shown what we can expect from you.

Hope and a kick in the butt

This is a pretty great editorial from Indian Country Today, much for the fact that it lays out some of what needs to happen in the Native community. The author (Charles Trimble) puts into words the excitement and hope that so many Native people are feeling about the promise of an Obama presidency. Interestingly enough, much of it is through comparison with Bill Cosby, and his so-called "pound cake speech."


This is exactly the kind of thing I've talked about with some friends and family. The expectation for Native people to address the Native issues (and we are!) The article cites what Obama said in an address to mayors:

''Change,'' he said, ''comes from the bottom up, not from the top down.''

This attitude was actually very prevalent when I heard what the plans for the Obama Rural Alaska outreach were. It was impressive to hear plans for a campaign that didn't just involve getting this guy elected - it is set up to build a system in which communities are more involved, more organized for an Obama administration. A full-time gig, not just an effort for three electoral votes and we're done. Point being - Obama is not the one who is ultimately going to make the changes in our community. We are.

I don't exactly subscribe to all the words Cosby used, but it is striking that a man so known for finding the humor in situations says, "When you walk around the neighborhood and you see this stuff, that stuff’s not funny. These people are not funny anymore." And so much of it isn't.

Clearly, we need a little inspiration, a little kick in the butt, a little hope. It is still amazing to me that Obama is still attacked for talking about hope. Hope! My word, if we can agree on anything, can't we agree we need a little hope? There's no way to really know what these candidates will do once in office, but my money's on the one with a good plan and a little inspiration.

Obama's speech on national security

Speech (video and text) from the speech Sen. Obama gave recently - pretty powerful stuff.

This comes on the same day that a Wasington Post/ABC poll shows Obama ahead by 8 points.

"Our men and women in uniform have accomplished every mission we have given
them. What's missing in our debate about Iraq - what has been missing since
before the war began - is a discussion of the strategic consequences of Iraq and
its dominance of our foreign policy. This war distracts us from every threat
that we face and so many opportunities we could seize. This war diminishes our
security, our standing in the world, our military, our economy, and the
resources that we need to confront the challenges of the 21st century. By any
measure, our single-minded and open-ended focus on Iraq is not a sound strategy
for keeping America safe.

"I am running for President of the United States to lead this country
in a new direction - to seize this moment's promise. Instead of being distracted
from the most pressing threats that we face, I want to overcome them. Instead of
pushing the entire burden of our foreign policy on to the brave men and women of
our military, I want to use all elements of American power to keep us safe, and
prosperous, and free. Instead of alienating ourselves from the world, I want
America - once again - to lead. "

The Iraq situation is only one of many things Obama touches on in this speech - it's worth reading in full. In fact, what we're being distracted from in continuing with Iraq is what he focuses on more:

"For all of our power, America is strongest when we act alongside strong
partners. We faced down fascism with the greatest war-time alliance the world
has ever known. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our NATO allies against the
Soviet threat, and paid a far smaller price for the first Gulf War because we
acted together with a broad coalition. We helped create the United Nations - not
to constrain America's influence, but to amplify it by advancing our values.

"Now is the time for a new era of international cooperation. It's time for
America and Europe to renew our common commitment to face down the threats of
the 21st century just as we did the challenges of the 20th. It's time to
strengthen our partnerships with Japan, South Korea, Australia and the world's
largest democracy - India - to create a stable and prosperous Asia. It's time to
engage China on common interests like climate change, even as we continue to
encourage their shift to a more open and market-based society. It's time to
strengthen NATO by asking more of our allies, while always approaching them with
the respect owed a partner. It's time to reform the United Nations, so that this
imperfect institution can become a more perfect forum to share burdens,
strengthen our leverage, and promote our values. It's time to deepen our
engagement to help resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, so that we help our ally
Israel achieve true and lasting security, while helping Palestinians achieve
their legitimate aspirations for statehood."

Obama Anchorage campaign headquarters opening pics

Follow up from last evening's post about the opening of the Anchorage Barack Obama campaign headquarters. There's Kat Pustay addressing the crowd, sign-ups, and some of the dozens of "I support Barack Obama..." posters.

Obama Alaska campaign kick-off

At the opening of the Obama campaign headquarters this evening, there was plenty of humor and lots of (who'd of guessed?) Obama buzz.

I think there's something really funny going on in my district. At the caucus, when all five million or so of us showed up, we were the dead last district to be able to actually divvy up and vote. We watched several other districts "fan out", and when we finally went up there to vote, it was still chaos (albeit, very fun chaos!) One of the "regular Joes" in the district finally took charge and sorted us all out. Using some very fine charting sensibilities, we were finally organized and all accounted for. More than a few commented, "Man, I'm voting for that guy!"

Tonight, another take-charge organizational situation. Although I'm not sure it was neccessary this time, one of our group (no, not any official capacity) took charge once we were (again) the last group to be gathered together, and split us off into volunteering sections.

We seem to be both slow and control freaks. But really fun!

Other than that, it was nice to hear what the campaign has planned, and why they are focusing on Alaska. They are really making it a battleground state, and judging from those at the event, McCain is really going to have do some fighting if he wants to have a "red" Alaska.

One thing lacking? Native representation!

Where were my Indigenous peeps?! (I promise if you show up, I'll never say that again.)

There really was a noticeable lack of Native people at the event, and I sure hope to see more in the coming months. With over 40,000 right here in Anchorage, we can really be a force in this election. But we need to show up!

I was able to talk to Alaska campaign director Kat Pustay a little bit about the Native turnout. She talked about the rural outreach they're doing, and was pretty encouraging about just what they could do.

I also talked to Liz from OurTime 2008. They're a non-partisan organization really focused on getting people involved, getting registered voters. She was also pretty encouraging to talk to, and mentioned a big effort - as well as Native participants - on their part toward Native Alaska.

In both cases though, there was a cultural gap mentioned, one I hope we can reduce well before election time.


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