I've been traveling and am completely exhausted, so won't wax much of an opinion, but this ADN article was pretty thought-provoking regarding Native corporation contracts. Not the most objective ever, but I do hope it's making ALL sides think a little bit about what's going on:
Outside companies share Native contracts
NO-BID: Subcontractors out of state often get bulk of work.
_
Showing posts with label senate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label senate. Show all posts
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pelosi promises on Native health care
From Indian Country Today:
It's interesting to hear the "health care" buzz words going on at AFN/Youth and Elders conference downtown lately. The Alaska Federation of Natives convention is the largest gathering of Native people in the state, and there is always lots of politics going on.
Energy and economy, of course, are major topics, but in casual conversation alone, I heard so many Alaska Native people talking about health care.Technically, the convention hasn't started yet (tomorrow it kicks off) but the traditional Youth and Elders conference was packed with people talking about health care and what's going to happen. This from a people who, by majority, receive a differentform of health care than the average American.
At the very least, the focus on health care reform has created a genuine dialogue about health care where there was not one before. I can only think that's a good thing.
“[W]e cannot ask Indian people to be penalized for choosing to use the Indian health care system,” Pelosi wrote.
“The House bill will ensure that the exemption from the financial penalties is extended to members of federally recognized Indian tribes, and that the tribally provided health care benefits are appropriately protected.”
Many lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, agree that American Indians have already paid for the cost of their health care many times over due to wrongful loss of lands, broken treaties, bad federal policy and other historical injustices imposed on tribal nations.
It's interesting to hear the "health care" buzz words going on at AFN/Youth and Elders conference downtown lately. The Alaska Federation of Natives convention is the largest gathering of Native people in the state, and there is always lots of politics going on.
Energy and economy, of course, are major topics, but in casual conversation alone, I heard so many Alaska Native people talking about health care.Technically, the convention hasn't started yet (tomorrow it kicks off) but the traditional Youth and Elders conference was packed with people talking about health care and what's going to happen. This from a people who, by majority, receive a differentform of health care than the average American.
At the very least, the focus on health care reform has created a genuine dialogue about health care where there was not one before. I can only think that's a good thing.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Alaska Teritorial Guard benefits
If you haven't heard, last week the senate voted to keep the language in the defense authorization act to keep retirement pay to the veterans who served in the Alaska Territoral Guard.
Sen. Begich press release
Sen. Murkowski press release
From Begich:
I happened upon this commentary about it, and thought it was a great little history about the guard, not to mention some plain facts:
_
Sen. Begich press release
Sen. Murkowski press release
From Begich:
Sens. Begich and Murkowski introduced a bill providing for the pensions to be restored to the ATG members, but were also successful in getting the language into the Defense Authorization Act. Concern arose after the SAP came out questioning the pensions and stating ATG service was state service and therefore not eligible for computation of retired pay.
I happened upon this commentary about it, and thought it was a great little history about the guard, not to mention some plain facts:
Alaskan Senators Lisa Murkowski (R) and Mark Begich (D) successfully brought forth legislation to restore full retirement pay to the surviving members of the ATG who qualify, and they have sent a letter to President Obama asking him to directly intervene. The fact that this should be necessary is a disgusting travesty. The nation, and the Army in particular, owe a debt of personal honor to these men and women – and an apology.
_
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Obama Administration supports Native Hawaiian self-governance
I'm a little surprised this isn't getting more play in the news, but it would mean huge changes for the Native people of Hawaii if it were to pass. From RezNet:
Though in none of the 200+ years of U.S. dealings with indigenous people is there a shining example of how it can be done right, I must confess I've never quite understood how, legally, morally, logically the Native people of Hawaii cannot be considered similar to Alaska Native and American Indian "tribes" (I use the term loosely, because up here, at least, "tribe" is only ever a government classification and never something used to describe any of the people groups outside of federal/state government terms.)
Of course it is complicated, but also silly to me the argument that Native Hawaiians have a "different" history from "Indian tribes" of the mainland. Of course they have - but it's only a statement made by someone who groups all Native people on the mainland of North America the same.
Although I belong to a federally classified "tribe," I can gaurantee you my people's history, with the U.S. government or otherwise, doesn't look a thing like that of the Crow tribe's history. Outside of being treated pretty poorly, there are little similarities, and the differences are at least as great as the difference in the Native Hawaiian history and any other federally recognized tribe.
The articles (one also from the Honolulu Advertiser) don't mention any real possibilities for passage of the bill from the Senate, but it is good to hear that it has support from the White House all the same. I would love to hear where each of the senators stands on it.
Sam Hirsch, deputy associate attorney general for the Justice Department, told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Thursday that the department "strongly supports the core policy goals" of a bill allowing for self-governance by Native Hawaiians. Once established, the new government would negotiate with the state and the federal government over which assets the new government would own.
Though in none of the 200+ years of U.S. dealings with indigenous people is there a shining example of how it can be done right, I must confess I've never quite understood how, legally, morally, logically the Native people of Hawaii cannot be considered similar to Alaska Native and American Indian "tribes" (I use the term loosely, because up here, at least, "tribe" is only ever a government classification and never something used to describe any of the people groups outside of federal/state government terms.)
Of course it is complicated, but also silly to me the argument that Native Hawaiians have a "different" history from "Indian tribes" of the mainland. Of course they have - but it's only a statement made by someone who groups all Native people on the mainland of North America the same.
Although I belong to a federally classified "tribe," I can gaurantee you my people's history, with the U.S. government or otherwise, doesn't look a thing like that of the Crow tribe's history. Outside of being treated pretty poorly, there are little similarities, and the differences are at least as great as the difference in the Native Hawaiian history and any other federally recognized tribe.
The articles (one also from the Honolulu Advertiser) don't mention any real possibilities for passage of the bill from the Senate, but it is good to hear that it has support from the White House all the same. I would love to hear where each of the senators stands on it.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Begich gives maiden speech, introduces Inuvikput bills. Love it.
I was really expecting a sort of typical, "Let's drill!" sort of focus, not because that's what Begich tends to do, but when an Alaskan politician gets in front of the U.S. Senate, that's kind of what I expect. Okay... not really fair, but it was a pretty long time, with a pretty big spotlight, to have the floor, and I think it's awesome that it was about the Arctic - preservaton, responsiblity, focus on those most affected in the regions. He mentions drilling, but in the light of needing more responsibility, including ensuring safe drilling in the first place, and ensuring those in the region aren't affected, and protection if they are.
He uses an Inupiaq word to describe the package of bills - Inuvikput - and really gives an awful lot of attention and focus on Native and rural issues and impact. Worth a listen to:
There's more details on some of the bills on Shannyn Moore's page, including:
Yes - this is EXACTLY why I voted for Begich!!
He also mentioned something about a bill he is still considering giving - something that got tabled - on an Arctic advisory council:
He uses an Inupiaq word to describe the package of bills - Inuvikput - and really gives an awful lot of attention and focus on Native and rural issues and impact. Worth a listen to:
There's more details on some of the bills on Shannyn Moore's page, including:
Arctic OCS Revenue Sharing Act – Alaska Natives who have subsisted on marine mammals and other arctic resources for thousands of years would bear the direct risks of increased commercial activity in their waters. This bill directs a portion of federal revenues from offshore oil and gas development – the same share Louisiana receives from drilling in the adjacent Gulf of Mexico – to the State of Alaska with a percentage of those funds directed to those most affected.
Arctic Health Research Act – People of the Arctic suffer from increased rates of alcohol abuse, diabetes, high blood pressure, and death from injury and suicide. This act would initiate a study into the mental, behavioral and physical health problems in the Arctic, institute an Arctic health assessment program at the Centers for Disease Control and create an “Arctic desk” at the National Institute of Health that was called for in 1984 but has never been established.
Yes - this is EXACTLY why I voted for Begich!!
He also mentioned something about a bill he is still considering giving - something that got tabled - on an Arctic advisory council:
Begich said he is considering introducing an additional piece of legislation focused on providing the people of Alaska's Arctic with more of a voice in the decisions affecting their lives. The bill would establish an Arctic Regional and Citizens Advisory Council, modeled after similar councils which successfully operate in the Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet regions of Alaska. At the request of the North Slope Borough mayor, Begich said he held off introducing the bill pending further discussions with the people of Alaska's North Slope, as well and industry and regulatory stakeholders.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Listen in to public testimony tomorrow
If you want to listen in, or participate, in the house hearing on Sarah Palin's attorney general pick, Wayne Anthony Ross, you can check out the Alaska Gavel to Gavel site. As well as audio and video to watch during, there is archived audio of Wednesday's senate hearing on Ross as well.
Mudflats, Progressive Alaska, Celtic Diva, The Immoral Minority, and Meet Sarah! all have coverage of the Wednesday hearing.
Mudflats, Progressive Alaska, Celtic Diva, The Immoral Minority, and Meet Sarah! all have coverage of the Wednesday hearing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Boring election, exciting times for Native politics
So the municipal election was pretty yawn-worthy - and pretty much what everyone thought would happen did happen. Sullivan vs. Croft in a runoff. Anchorage-ites determined they don't want to spend a dime on anything except fire safety (and possibly public transit.) Even after attending a candidate forum, I could only eliminate candidates, not get excited about them. Would you believe I was more invested in the school board elections?
But there are some interesting bits of Native political news, big and small.
U.S. Supreme Court rules against Native Hawaiian's land claims
I don't think this shocked anyone, this is sort of history as usual, but some important notes to "bring it home."
1. I would love for Palin's AG pick to reassess his view that OUR Native land claims (ANCSA) had no benefit for Native or non-Native Alaskans. The struggle to get land claims settled in Hawaii and the Lower 48 is a good example of just what benefits both Alaskan parties continue to receive from this.
2. The supreme court ruling that the official apology by Hawaii for their actions had no standing in this case SHOULD open the doors for official apologies from many other entities. Without fear of legal ramifications, it could pry out some official apologies.
Native people in Alaskan political news
Joe Nelson
Palin's second pick for the open dem seat in Juneau, after her first pick got soundly rejected. From all accounts, Nelson's a good guy - who is not involved in the general democratic political scene. Meaning... no experience. I mean NO experience. He's a board member of Sealaska and Sealaska Heritage Institute - the Southeast Alaska Native regional for-profit corp and nonprofit corp, works at the U of A Southeast - as well as being a Tlingit (Alaska Native) man and husband of former representative Mary Nelson.
Board membership and a good job is one thing - but why is Palin selecting someone who has never voluntarily run for anything except board membership? If he really wanted to be in office... why hasn't he ever tried to do so? I'll lob my views from the side here - I think it's the people of Juneau, the ones he'll be representing, that should have the bigger voice on this. But I do find it all very strange.
Jeannie Mackie
An Athabascan (?) self-described stay-at-home-home mom married to former Senate Majority Leader Jerry Mackie. She was chosen to fill the school board vacancy and this is her first time running for anything. There is "less than a percentage point" separating her and Mia Costello as of midnight. I've heard it said that she part of why she wants to run is to help the Native student situation out in Anchorage, but can't find material/news bits about that either on her site or in the news.
James Labelle
Here's a guy I'm hoping will keep it up. The seat will go to Kathleen Plunkett, but Labelle got a pretty respectable 17-18% for a first run at something. Young guy, and son of Jim Labelle, a big ANCSA name. He comes from a pretty political family, not to mention a family I respect quite a bit, so I hope he'll step out and define himself really well, and keep at it.
Walt Monegan
His name was famous as the top cop who got the boot from Palin in the whole "Troopergate" issue, though it looks pretty definite he's not going to be mayor this time around. He's a guy who could really make a difference, and was trying to do just that, for rural Alaska and Native issues. He was already working on it when he got the axe. He's lived both rural and urban, is of mixed-Native heritage (Tlingit and I THINK Yup'ik... but don't quote me on the Yup'ik) and a decent, smart man. This was his first run for elected office, and I'm hoping he's really going to find his niche in the world soon. We could use him.
And in case you missed it...
The Alaska Federation of Natives,
Association of Village Council Presidents and
the Alaska Native Brotherhood/Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand Camp #70 (Glacier Valley - Juneau)
These are three Native organizations that have voted to oppose Sarah Palin's attorney general pick, Wayne Anthony Ross. Check out my previous posts for details. Suffice it to say that they are my organizational heroes right now. And please let me know if you see any other organizations - Native or non-Native - taking a stand on this issue!
In all - and I feel as if I'm repeating myself here - this can be a really exciting time for Alaska Native politics.
But there are some interesting bits of Native political news, big and small.
U.S. Supreme Court rules against Native Hawaiian's land claims
I don't think this shocked anyone, this is sort of history as usual, but some important notes to "bring it home."
1. I would love for Palin's AG pick to reassess his view that OUR Native land claims (ANCSA) had no benefit for Native or non-Native Alaskans. The struggle to get land claims settled in Hawaii and the Lower 48 is a good example of just what benefits both Alaskan parties continue to receive from this.
2. The supreme court ruling that the official apology by Hawaii for their actions had no standing in this case SHOULD open the doors for official apologies from many other entities. Without fear of legal ramifications, it could pry out some official apologies.
Native people in Alaskan political news
Joe Nelson
Palin's second pick for the open dem seat in Juneau, after her first pick got soundly rejected. From all accounts, Nelson's a good guy - who is not involved in the general democratic political scene. Meaning... no experience. I mean NO experience. He's a board member of Sealaska and Sealaska Heritage Institute - the Southeast Alaska Native regional for-profit corp and nonprofit corp, works at the U of A Southeast - as well as being a Tlingit (Alaska Native) man and husband of former representative Mary Nelson.
Board membership and a good job is one thing - but why is Palin selecting someone who has never voluntarily run for anything except board membership? If he really wanted to be in office... why hasn't he ever tried to do so? I'll lob my views from the side here - I think it's the people of Juneau, the ones he'll be representing, that should have the bigger voice on this. But I do find it all very strange.
Jeannie Mackie
An Athabascan (?) self-described stay-at-home-home mom married to former Senate Majority Leader Jerry Mackie. She was chosen to fill the school board vacancy and this is her first time running for anything. There is "less than a percentage point" separating her and Mia Costello as of midnight. I've heard it said that she part of why she wants to run is to help the Native student situation out in Anchorage, but can't find material/news bits about that either on her site or in the news.
James Labelle
Here's a guy I'm hoping will keep it up. The seat will go to Kathleen Plunkett, but Labelle got a pretty respectable 17-18% for a first run at something. Young guy, and son of Jim Labelle, a big ANCSA name. He comes from a pretty political family, not to mention a family I respect quite a bit, so I hope he'll step out and define himself really well, and keep at it.
Walt Monegan
His name was famous as the top cop who got the boot from Palin in the whole "Troopergate" issue, though it looks pretty definite he's not going to be mayor this time around. He's a guy who could really make a difference, and was trying to do just that, for rural Alaska and Native issues. He was already working on it when he got the axe. He's lived both rural and urban, is of mixed-Native heritage (Tlingit and I THINK Yup'ik... but don't quote me on the Yup'ik) and a decent, smart man. This was his first run for elected office, and I'm hoping he's really going to find his niche in the world soon. We could use him.
And in case you missed it...
The Alaska Federation of Natives,
Association of Village Council Presidents and
the Alaska Native Brotherhood/Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand Camp #70 (Glacier Valley - Juneau)
These are three Native organizations that have voted to oppose Sarah Palin's attorney general pick, Wayne Anthony Ross. Check out my previous posts for details. Suffice it to say that they are my organizational heroes right now. And please let me know if you see any other organizations - Native or non-Native - taking a stand on this issue!
In all - and I feel as if I'm repeating myself here - this can be a really exciting time for Alaska Native politics.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Murkowksi on Indian Affairs Committee
Indian Country Today interviewed Sen. Lisa Murkowski about giving up the Senate Indian Affairs Committee for the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (and no Alaskan will need any explanation as to why THAT particular committee would be a prize for any Alaskan lawmaker.)
Now, as much as I really don't want to like this senator, I've got to say her activities regarding Native people, especially Alaska Native people, have been pretty interesting. Interesting in a good way.
I don't know that I'll ever get over the way she got her job (I'm going to have my dad appoint me as his replacement when he quits just to see if it works, too) but she actually has been PROactive in the Native arena. There are some places I wish she'd focus more, and certainly in issues NON-Native related I have much bigger problems with her. But in this particular area, I will give a grudging "B-" on the Writing Raven politician report card.
It's answers like the one below that make me wonder - it's a very politician answer, yet a politician who can "speak" Native policy will always make me take another look.
You see, though the premise of the question is that Native people will suffer without her on the committee, she turns it around to say Alaska Native people are good at taking care of themselves, thank you very much.
Okay, the politic-y part of that is OF COURSE Alaska Native people will be politically better off if one of their elected officials is on the senate committee that addresses their issues directly. OF COURSE their will be some negative effect of not having that voice. But still, thanks for the thought.
CORRECTION: Don't know how I missed it, but Murkowski is still on the committee, just not the vice-chair. I'm hoping for some very good outcomes...
Now, as much as I really don't want to like this senator, I've got to say her activities regarding Native people, especially Alaska Native people, have been pretty interesting. Interesting in a good way.
I don't know that I'll ever get over the way she got her job (I'm going to have my dad appoint me as his replacement when he quits just to see if it works, too) but she actually has been PROactive in the Native arena. There are some places I wish she'd focus more, and certainly in issues NON-Native related I have much bigger problems with her. But in this particular area, I will give a grudging "B-" on the Writing Raven politician report card.
It's answers like the one below that make me wonder - it's a very politician answer, yet a politician who can "speak" Native policy will always make me take another look.
ICT: Do you worry at all that Alaska Natives will receive less attention as a result of your move?
Murkowski: I don’t believe that the interests of Alaska Natives will be diminished as a result of my decision to accept the ranking role on the energy committee. The Alaska Native community is a leader in self-determination and self governance. They share common interests with tribes around the country that contract and compact Indian programs.
You see, though the premise of the question is that Native people will suffer without her on the committee, she turns it around to say Alaska Native people are good at taking care of themselves, thank you very much.
Okay, the politic-y part of that is OF COURSE Alaska Native people will be politically better off if one of their elected officials is on the senate committee that addresses their issues directly. OF COURSE their will be some negative effect of not having that voice. But still, thanks for the thought.
CORRECTION: Don't know how I missed it, but Murkowski is still on the committee, just not the vice-chair. I'm hoping for some very good outcomes...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Favorite Blog Updates
Being so long (yes, a week and a half is actually pretty long!) out of the blogosphere and news in general, I find most of my time has been spent catching up on what's been going on. And there's LOTS. So instead of trying to comment on way old news, I'm going to show you some of my favorite blogs and sites (mostly Alaskan) and what they're writing about:
Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis
Celtic Diva's seems to be keeping the coals hot under Palin's feet, and I think one of the more under-reported (lately) is the continued story of Palin's clothes. It is the most easily dismissed - Palin herself dashes those attacks aside like they are frivolous to talk about her clothes in times of such trouble. But we're talking about $250,000 here! Which is just the amount they went after (and convicted) Ted Stevens for. I won't argue about who maybe wore a single jacket, or even who gave who a designer handbag. Still corrupt, but whatever. But $250,000!? It's not the only issue Diva's talking about, but she definitely updated me on some possible big repercussions.
Progressive Alaska
Latest post: Walt Monegan refuses to rule out run for governor
One word: YEAA!!!
Mudflats
Mudflats gives some of the most thorough reporting of Ted and Palin news, and caught my attention to something I've kind of forgotten about. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I remember, when hearing about it, that I thought Palin was one of two things after the birth of her baby:
1) Totally lying. Really? You were "leaking" in Texas, still gave a speech, boarded a plane, flew for eight hours, drove past three hospitals (and the fact that she could have gone to ANMC is a sore point I will cover soon!) to go to the Valley and have her baby?
2) Incredibly irresponsible. You already know your baby is likely to have some troubles right off the bat, but you do all of the above anyways? If I have children, I'd like to have them be born in Alaska too, but I'm not willing to put he or she at risk - not to mention putting everyone on board the plane to some pretty serious inconvenienve - just so that can happen.
Meet Sarah!
One of the sites created to make sure everyone really gets to know our dear governor, this site is both funny and unfortunately true. One of the more important posts (I think) lately is the coverage of the Alaskans for Truth. Many Alaskan blogs are taking part (I've been lately negligent on my own) but this is a great post for an overview and "What can I do?" answered.
Own the Sidewalk
Maia bemoans her seeming role as "Gossip Girl," but it's an important role! How else would I learn about these things and begin to have hope!? This rumor is about the potential for two democratic gubernatorial candidates - Hollis French and Les Gara. That would be too tough a primary for me, so they would have to work it out beforehand. Really. Though there's a possibility, if Palin were to take on Murkowski, it would be VERY beneficial to vote on the Republican ballot in the primaries. Ugh. I already have a headache two years in advance.
Kodiak Konfidential
A bit serious of late, Ishmael can usually make me laugh, no matter what horrors have been in the news. He gives them a true, and humorous, spin. But I really liked his Thanksgiving post - again both true and humorous, and (dare I say it?) touching.
Change.gov
I know, I know. You all know about the official Office of the President Elect's site. RIGHT? But it is taking shape more and more, and I'm hopeful as to what is going to develop here for a real citizen involvement in the government.
Presidential Pup
All right, don't take this one too seriously. Especially because the AKC is taking this VERY seriously. The funny part about this site is that it's not being funny at all. They have some very serious considerations for Obama on his PUREBRED choice. I hope they are able to get a rescued mutt, but cute puppies are fun to look at! And as Ms. Palin reminded us, we all need a little bit of levity...
Not a site, but WOOHOO!! Bill Richardson as Commerce Secretary! So far, it's going to be a GREAT cabinet. Now just one more push for former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles as Interior Secretary....
And by the way, I really want to thank everyone who has commented, called and e-mailed recently. I don't really know how to respond "correctly," but believe me, it is appreciated, and felt. It was a bit of a sad day - the first of the memorials at work - but I really was lifted up when I got home and actually started reading what has been left.
Thank you.
_
Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis
Celtic Diva's seems to be keeping the coals hot under Palin's feet, and I think one of the more under-reported (lately) is the continued story of Palin's clothes. It is the most easily dismissed - Palin herself dashes those attacks aside like they are frivolous to talk about her clothes in times of such trouble. But we're talking about $250,000 here! Which is just the amount they went after (and convicted) Ted Stevens for. I won't argue about who maybe wore a single jacket, or even who gave who a designer handbag. Still corrupt, but whatever. But $250,000!? It's not the only issue Diva's talking about, but she definitely updated me on some possible big repercussions.
Progressive Alaska
Latest post: Walt Monegan refuses to rule out run for governor
One word: YEAA!!!
Mudflats
Mudflats gives some of the most thorough reporting of Ted and Palin news, and caught my attention to something I've kind of forgotten about. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I remember, when hearing about it, that I thought Palin was one of two things after the birth of her baby:
1) Totally lying. Really? You were "leaking" in Texas, still gave a speech, boarded a plane, flew for eight hours, drove past three hospitals (and the fact that she could have gone to ANMC is a sore point I will cover soon!) to go to the Valley and have her baby?
2) Incredibly irresponsible. You already know your baby is likely to have some troubles right off the bat, but you do all of the above anyways? If I have children, I'd like to have them be born in Alaska too, but I'm not willing to put he or she at risk - not to mention putting everyone on board the plane to some pretty serious inconvenienve - just so that can happen.
Meet Sarah!
One of the sites created to make sure everyone really gets to know our dear governor, this site is both funny and unfortunately true. One of the more important posts (I think) lately is the coverage of the Alaskans for Truth. Many Alaskan blogs are taking part (I've been lately negligent on my own) but this is a great post for an overview and "What can I do?" answered.
Own the Sidewalk
Maia bemoans her seeming role as "Gossip Girl," but it's an important role! How else would I learn about these things and begin to have hope!? This rumor is about the potential for two democratic gubernatorial candidates - Hollis French and Les Gara. That would be too tough a primary for me, so they would have to work it out beforehand. Really. Though there's a possibility, if Palin were to take on Murkowski, it would be VERY beneficial to vote on the Republican ballot in the primaries. Ugh. I already have a headache two years in advance.
Kodiak Konfidential
A bit serious of late, Ishmael can usually make me laugh, no matter what horrors have been in the news. He gives them a true, and humorous, spin. But I really liked his Thanksgiving post - again both true and humorous, and (dare I say it?) touching.
Change.gov
I know, I know. You all know about the official Office of the President Elect's site. RIGHT? But it is taking shape more and more, and I'm hopeful as to what is going to develop here for a real citizen involvement in the government.
Presidential Pup
All right, don't take this one too seriously. Especially because the AKC is taking this VERY seriously. The funny part about this site is that it's not being funny at all. They have some very serious considerations for Obama on his PUREBRED choice. I hope they are able to get a rescued mutt, but cute puppies are fun to look at! And as Ms. Palin reminded us, we all need a little bit of levity...
Not a site, but WOOHOO!! Bill Richardson as Commerce Secretary! So far, it's going to be a GREAT cabinet. Now just one more push for former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles as Interior Secretary....
And by the way, I really want to thank everyone who has commented, called and e-mailed recently. I don't really know how to respond "correctly," but believe me, it is appreciated, and felt. It was a bit of a sad day - the first of the memorials at work - but I really was lifted up when I got home and actually started reading what has been left.
Thank you.
_
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