#81 Best (or Worst) Bush Moment
This is actually pretty darn funny. Bush makes fun of himself in a speech. If you don't think about all the death and hardship behind what he's making fun of, it's hilarious.
It also made me wonder if he understood the script he's reading from? Does he get all those jokes? Kudos to the speechwriters.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What's keeping me awake at night
My bigger mistake today was purchasing the new Times magazine, with the cover article entitled, "7 Things That Could Go Wrong On Election Day." Only read it if you have serious concerns, and are in a position to do something about it. Otherwise you'll be a lone voter in Alaska with our three electorals, somehow trying to mind-transfer the will-power to battleground state voters to go vote.
Seriously, I am having nightmares of 2000 happening all over again, of not knowing who our next president will be until December, and, worse yet, that McCain will be our next president. I've been wishing the election was here already, but now that it is looming before us, I'm not so sure I want to know.
But I think I'm seeing something to trump it all. I mean, we've seen that Alaska is in a lose-lose situation. Win this election or not, we get Palin as VP or back as our governor. But Celtic Diva recently posted something that I thought was far-reaching, which we now see as a frightening ambition in reality. Celtic Diva supposed that Palin was vying for Ted Steven's spot. I mean, I thought it was pretty shocking how quickly she was willing to throw him under the bus. But she now seems to be doing just that. Palin in 2012. Shudder.
If anyone else is suffering from Election Insomnia, I can only give a few suggestions:
1. Go vote. Now. Yesterday. The early voting booths are open. Just do it.
2. Consider taking some time off to help a campaign this weekend, or Monday, Tuesday. Although I'm doing this to help, it also has a pleasant side effect of getting me out of any area I could possibly be plastered to a screen all day.
3. If in any way you are denied the right to vote - DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL YOU CAN VOTE. There are very few exceptions to every citizen being able to vote, so if you are not a convicted felon who is still under parole, and you are registered to vote, do not let anyone deny you this right.
The Time's article - and I've seen this on some news broadcasts - suggest at the bare minimum that you vote on a provisional ballot, but that is supremely the last ditch effort. A provisional ballot stands a good chance of not getting counted. In any case, don't be afraid to make a nuisance of yourself if you are told you cannot vote, for whatever reason. There are generations of people behind you who fought for you to have the right to vote. Don't let their efforts go wasted.
4. If you can avoid it, just don't watch TV. Really. I'm not sure what I think the next news program is going to tell me that the last one didn't, but if you've made up your mind, there's a possibility you can just be drven crazy by this. This election has been so up and down, it's hard to tear away, but at least get out for a few minutes. I was surprised to find that it is winter, and apparently it has been for several weeks now. Most of my views of outside are of Lower 48 stadiums, so I'm surprised when it's not sunny and 70 degrees instead of cloudy and 15 degrees. Let me tell you, that's a disappointment.
Seriously, I am having nightmares of 2000 happening all over again, of not knowing who our next president will be until December, and, worse yet, that McCain will be our next president. I've been wishing the election was here already, but now that it is looming before us, I'm not so sure I want to know.
But I think I'm seeing something to trump it all. I mean, we've seen that Alaska is in a lose-lose situation. Win this election or not, we get Palin as VP or back as our governor. But Celtic Diva recently posted something that I thought was far-reaching, which we now see as a frightening ambition in reality. Celtic Diva supposed that Palin was vying for Ted Steven's spot. I mean, I thought it was pretty shocking how quickly she was willing to throw him under the bus. But she now seems to be doing just that. Palin in 2012. Shudder.
If anyone else is suffering from Election Insomnia, I can only give a few suggestions:
1. Go vote. Now. Yesterday. The early voting booths are open. Just do it.
2. Consider taking some time off to help a campaign this weekend, or Monday, Tuesday. Although I'm doing this to help, it also has a pleasant side effect of getting me out of any area I could possibly be plastered to a screen all day.
3. If in any way you are denied the right to vote - DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL YOU CAN VOTE. There are very few exceptions to every citizen being able to vote, so if you are not a convicted felon who is still under parole, and you are registered to vote, do not let anyone deny you this right.
The Time's article - and I've seen this on some news broadcasts - suggest at the bare minimum that you vote on a provisional ballot, but that is supremely the last ditch effort. A provisional ballot stands a good chance of not getting counted. In any case, don't be afraid to make a nuisance of yourself if you are told you cannot vote, for whatever reason. There are generations of people behind you who fought for you to have the right to vote. Don't let their efforts go wasted.
4. If you can avoid it, just don't watch TV. Really. I'm not sure what I think the next news program is going to tell me that the last one didn't, but if you've made up your mind, there's a possibility you can just be drven crazy by this. This election has been so up and down, it's hard to tear away, but at least get out for a few minutes. I was surprised to find that it is winter, and apparently it has been for several weeks now. Most of my views of outside are of Lower 48 stadiums, so I'm surprised when it's not sunny and 70 degrees instead of cloudy and 15 degrees. Let me tell you, that's a disappointment.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
#82 Top 100 Bush Moment
#82 Best (or Worst) Bush Moment
This one is actually pretty amazing to me.
I mean, you can just see Bush's wheels turning, wondering why on earth journalists would be wondering why he lied to them, when it was so important to. It has a very Palin-esque "I'm going to tell them exactly how I'm not going to answer their questions" about it.
This one is actually pretty amazing to me.
I mean, you can just see Bush's wheels turning, wondering why on earth journalists would be wondering why he lied to them, when it was so important to. It has a very Palin-esque "I'm going to tell them exactly how I'm not going to answer their questions" about it.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Confession about Sen. Stevens
I admit it. I don't hate the guy. I don't hate Sen. Stevens, and I'm not doing a victory party over the fact that he got convicted on all seven counts. I don't disagree with the verdict - I'm simply living out what so many politicians have said.
The "it's a sad day for Alaskans" refrain is not just a sound byte - it really is a sad day for Alaskans. I strongly support Mark Begich for Senate, but I don't think it's doing a disservice to him to say this about Sen. Stevens - that this really brings a sad end to what has really been a legendary career.
"Uncle Ted" has, without a doubt, done a lot for Alaska. I don't agree with all of it, but believe, maybe naiively, he was acting in Alaska's interest for most of his career. I don't think many in the Lower 48 could hate a senator who had done half as much for their state.
Although he has not been quite as supportive in recent years, Ted Stevens really did do a lot for Alaska Native people in the past. More important to me, he came out for Native rights when it wasn't popular - before statehood when the "No Natives or dogs" signs were still hanging in storefronts. For this alone, I will continue to respect much of his past record.
With that being said, no past actions forgive corruption of any kind. A jury of his peers - and I think certainly a more objective jury than he would have had here in Alaska - has listened to the evidence and arguments, and decided without a doubt that he is a felon, and deserves punishment for that. That is certainly good enough to convince me. We trusted Ted for many, many years to do the right thing, and in recent years he's been leaning a bit more outside of that trust. This conviction brings a truly sad end to his political career.
I wish that Ted would have called it quits many years ago. We would have had a senator who - hopefully - would be out there with new energy, fighting the fights Stevens used to champion. Stevens could have retired with accolades and wide respect in Alaska, with none of the tarnish he's now put to his name.
Sen. Stevens seems to, like Don Young, have grown so accustomed to his role as an elected official, that he has come to view it as his right. The feeling of entitlement is an unfortunately common trait in politicians, and Stevens has, like so many before him, fallen prey to his own greed and disregard for the ethics of the people.
Although Stevens has done so much for our state, my father reminds me that we elected him to do just that. We literally entrusted Stevens to represent Alaska for decades - and he ran on a platform of doing what was right.
I wish I could meet the Stevens of so many years ago, the man who championed Native rights and fought for Alaska's statehood, and interests. I think he would be an amazing man to meet. But we haven't seen that Stevens in a long, long time, and I don't think I'm alone in Alaska in saying that I'm sad it had to end this way for him.
It will be an interesting experience now to go pick someone up at the Ted Stevens International Airport, or drop someone off in front of the sign at the Native hospital saying "Thank you" to Sen. Stevens. So much honor given to someone who turned out to be another corrupt politician.
In the end, he has lost my respect, and my vote.
The "it's a sad day for Alaskans" refrain is not just a sound byte - it really is a sad day for Alaskans. I strongly support Mark Begich for Senate, but I don't think it's doing a disservice to him to say this about Sen. Stevens - that this really brings a sad end to what has really been a legendary career.
"Uncle Ted" has, without a doubt, done a lot for Alaska. I don't agree with all of it, but believe, maybe naiively, he was acting in Alaska's interest for most of his career. I don't think many in the Lower 48 could hate a senator who had done half as much for their state.
Although he has not been quite as supportive in recent years, Ted Stevens really did do a lot for Alaska Native people in the past. More important to me, he came out for Native rights when it wasn't popular - before statehood when the "No Natives or dogs" signs were still hanging in storefronts. For this alone, I will continue to respect much of his past record.
With that being said, no past actions forgive corruption of any kind. A jury of his peers - and I think certainly a more objective jury than he would have had here in Alaska - has listened to the evidence and arguments, and decided without a doubt that he is a felon, and deserves punishment for that. That is certainly good enough to convince me. We trusted Ted for many, many years to do the right thing, and in recent years he's been leaning a bit more outside of that trust. This conviction brings a truly sad end to his political career.
I wish that Ted would have called it quits many years ago. We would have had a senator who - hopefully - would be out there with new energy, fighting the fights Stevens used to champion. Stevens could have retired with accolades and wide respect in Alaska, with none of the tarnish he's now put to his name.
Sen. Stevens seems to, like Don Young, have grown so accustomed to his role as an elected official, that he has come to view it as his right. The feeling of entitlement is an unfortunately common trait in politicians, and Stevens has, like so many before him, fallen prey to his own greed and disregard for the ethics of the people.
Although Stevens has done so much for our state, my father reminds me that we elected him to do just that. We literally entrusted Stevens to represent Alaska for decades - and he ran on a platform of doing what was right.
I wish I could meet the Stevens of so many years ago, the man who championed Native rights and fought for Alaska's statehood, and interests. I think he would be an amazing man to meet. But we haven't seen that Stevens in a long, long time, and I don't think I'm alone in Alaska in saying that I'm sad it had to end this way for him.
It will be an interesting experience now to go pick someone up at the Ted Stevens International Airport, or drop someone off in front of the sign at the Native hospital saying "Thank you" to Sen. Stevens. So much honor given to someone who turned out to be another corrupt politician.
In the end, he has lost my respect, and my vote.
#83 Top Bush Moment
Just 83 days to go, with the #83 Best (or Worst) Bush Moment
McCain taking advantage of Bush's state of the union. He he. Can you blame him, really?
McCain taking advantage of Bush's state of the union. He he. Can you blame him, really?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Indian Country Today endorses Obama
My favorite Native American/American Indian (Lower 48 Native anyways) news source, Indian Country Today, has officially endorsed Barack Obama for president!
Obama has had a wealth of endorsements from so many Native people and Native organizations, that it might not be surprising, but I'm still glad they did it. Indian Country Today makes a point in the article to point out that McCain has, in the past, supported Native issues, but has not decided to make Native people an important part of his plans for the next four years.
In contrast, they praise Obama as having "redefined American politics:"
What was a little surprising to me is that Indian Country Today came out strongly criticizing Palin's recent moves in the endorsement:
Some may not be surprised - it is, after all, quite true. But I didn't expect them to come out so strongly on the vice-presidential candidate. Such is the nature of Palin's inaction and stands against Native issues. It is also one of many in a line of endorsements (one of the more notable being Colin Powell) that come out strongly against Sarah Palin.
Mudflats recently posted on the Alaska Federation of Natives convention - the biggest Native gathering of the year in Alaska. She does a good job of giving a face to some of the attitudes behind Alaska Native people right now and Sarah Palin.
Obama himself actually wrote a nice piece in Indian Country Today, talking more about his Native American policies.
Another Indian Country Today Obama piece (they've had some good ones lately) about "real reason" Indians support Obama (don't know if I really agree with this one, but it is thought-provoking, nontheless.)
If you are wondering about more positions on the candidates and Native policies, check out my earlier posts for starters. There are opinions, but also a lot of links to their official statements (include to the side.)
In any case, the Native vote will be an important one in this election, and winds seem to be blowing in the direction of change.
Obama has had a wealth of endorsements from so many Native people and Native organizations, that it might not be surprising, but I'm still glad they did it. Indian Country Today makes a point in the article to point out that McCain has, in the past, supported Native issues, but has not decided to make Native people an important part of his plans for the next four years.
In contrast, they praise Obama as having "redefined American politics:"
"American Indian voters, especially those who support Obama, seized their right to vote like never before and have embraced political participation as a new ethic. We are certain that Native voters will make a noticeable difference in the presidential race and in local ones as well... Throughout this long campaign, Obama did not just talk about Indian issues; he talked with Native peoples and brought their messages to the national stage."
What was a little surprising to me is that Indian Country Today came out strongly criticizing Palin's recent moves in the endorsement:
"Palin is both embraced and criticized by Native people. Much of the praise for Palin stems from her husband’s Yup’ik heritage and the inference that she will be sympathetic to Indian rights as vice president. Her detractors point to a record of opposing the subsistence rights of Alaska Natives. Palin’s involvement in a state ethics investigations and her willingness to exploit xenophobic conservative themes at campaign appearances add more reason for concern. If McCain’s selection of Palin was an attempt to attract Clinton supporters, it was an alarming miscalculation and an insult to that educated, open-minded voting bloc."
Some may not be surprised - it is, after all, quite true. But I didn't expect them to come out so strongly on the vice-presidential candidate. Such is the nature of Palin's inaction and stands against Native issues. It is also one of many in a line of endorsements (one of the more notable being Colin Powell) that come out strongly against Sarah Palin.
Mudflats recently posted on the Alaska Federation of Natives convention - the biggest Native gathering of the year in Alaska. She does a good job of giving a face to some of the attitudes behind Alaska Native people right now and Sarah Palin.
Obama himself actually wrote a nice piece in Indian Country Today, talking more about his Native American policies.
Another Indian Country Today Obama piece (they've had some good ones lately) about "real reason" Indians support Obama (don't know if I really agree with this one, but it is thought-provoking, nontheless.)
If you are wondering about more positions on the candidates and Native policies, check out my earlier posts for starters. There are opinions, but also a lot of links to their official statements (include to the side.)
In any case, the Native vote will be an important one in this election, and winds seem to be blowing in the direction of change.
#84-#87 Top Bush Moments
84 days to go! One week until we know who will take over Bush's reigns!
#84 - #87 Best (or Worst) Bush moments
Sorry, with the Alaska Federation of Natives convention, my mom and sister's back-to0back birthdays, and isn't there an election going on? My posting has gotten way behind, so I offer up this Letterman's Top Ten Bush Moments (I don't think any of them are Top Ten, but they mke the list) to make up for the lack.
#84 - #87 Best (or Worst) Bush moments
Sorry, with the Alaska Federation of Natives convention, my mom and sister's back-to0back birthdays, and isn't there an election going on? My posting has gotten way behind, so I offer up this Letterman's Top Ten Bush Moments (I don't think any of them are Top Ten, but they mke the list) to make up for the lack.
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