Memorial Day 2009

Today is Memorial Day. A day for parades and backyard barbecues. Generally, today is the day that unofficially starts the summer. The weather is mostly perfect (unless you live in Chicago), we all have a three day weekend, families travel to be closer together, friends start their summer activities and homeowners take the long weekend to do home improvement projects that have waited all winter to make it to the top of the 'to-do' list. There is a lot to do during this weekend; social agreements to be met, work to be avoided, hot dogs and hamburgers to be consumed- you know- important stuff.

Memorial Day has not always been so glamorous, nor should it be. Memorial Day was not originally about backyard barbecues, getting ready for the summertime, or finishing up projects around the house. Originally called by a different name (Decoration Day), Memorial Day is supposed to be about remembering those who have died in service to the United States of America. The most obvious group that this holiday applies to are the soldiers (past and present) of every branch of the Armed Forces. These American citizens voluntarily enter into one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. They give years of their lives so that we can be free to enjoy "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

The 20th President of the United States (Garfield, who reigns from the Great State of Ohio!) once said "For the love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue." And for that, we give them a day in May where we should reflect on the sacrifice that they give willingly. Do we give them the respect that they deserve? The answer is an overwhelming "no"...

First, let me say that Memorial Day is for soldiers, but I also think that it should apply to law enforcement officers, paramedics, firefighters and anyone else who routinely puts their lives on the line for people they don't know. I think that it should apply to whoever a citizen calls when they are having an emergency.

Secondly, I think that the meaning of Memorial Day has been tossed by the wayside. Not unlike Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and any other federal holiday that you can think of. We are not honoring our fallen. We don't reflect. We don't salute the Stars and Stripes, and I venture to say that the behavior of most citizens is not something that I would want to fight for. Just looking at the news I have seen stories about grave robbers, a failing economy because of overwhelming greed, unfathomable business practices, ridiculous celebrities, failing public educational system, and notably here in Illinois we have psychotic ex-husbands (Drew Peterson), and crazy violence that seems to be aimed at our school children. I wouldn't want to sacrifice my life for the above mentioned jackals. But every day, someone does. Every day several families in America hear that their son or daughter, mother, father, aunt, uncle or friend will not be coming home again. Everyday another brave soul does something that I could never do- they sign up for a branch of the Armed Forces. Everyday police officers, paramedics, firefighters and the like run into danger's grasp when any normal person would be running the other way. Everyday extraordinary American citizens wait for an announcement, some orders, that will break up their family for a portion of time, place them in danger and make their spouses worry and their children cry for a parent that is far away in some foreign land. Every day. So when should we celebrate Memorial Day? Not just every May... nah, Memorial Day should be observed every day.

Call a vet, a soldier, your neighbor who is a police officer, a firefighter, a paramedic, or their family- let them know that you appreciate all that they do, will do, have done... :)

"Cheating" Poemcees (Def Poetry)

Had to post this because we have all been through something like this... and it put a smile on my sick face.

Favorite Line(s): "What you putting in my food, voo doo?"
"Bucking like your butt been practicing!"
"I guess the bro had a pie-ala-mode-ala-ho...YO!"

Hilarious!!

Really Roland? :(

A lot has happened since my last blog. Below you will see my last blog, which was slightly utopian in nature. I spoke of a new hope, a beautiful dream finally being realized, a country renewed. In regards to my country’s new President, those feelings are still valid. I think that considering what he was handed, President Barack Obama is doing an ok job… I will blog on him later, but there are fantastic things and there are things that draw my skepticism…

The purpose of this blog is not to sing the praises of President Obama (or to shake my head at some decisions that seem questionable)- because I will do that later! This blog is about the questionable leaders that the state of Illinois has been plagued with as of late. No doubt that everyone has heard of the Governor Rod Blagojevich debacle. Before being impeached by his colleagues Rod did something that will keep the whole state in the news for a ridiculous amount of time- he appointed Roland Burris to the Senate seat that was vacated by Barack Obama… the same seat that Rod is accused of trying to sell to the highest bidder. Roland Burris is a plague to the people that he is dead set on “serving”. In my humble opinion, good old Rod knew exactly what he was doing with this appointment- Roland Burris takes the heat off Blagojevich because he is such a moron and clearly portrays on television. Every time I turn on the evening news and see Roland’s face I get a sinking feeling in my stomach because I KNOW he will say something ridiculous.

Because of the scrutiny that Blagojevich was under, Roland has been walking on thin ice every since his appointment. He argued that he was legally appointed and that since he done nothing wrong, he was the new junior Senator from Illinois. I was skeptical (shocker!) There had to be a reason why Blagojevich appointed him, right? Out of all the politicians in Illinois Blagojevich chose Roland after the arrest that would eventually aid lawmakers in ousting the then Governor. Turns out there WAS a reason (again, shocker). Roland has stood in all our faces and said repeatedly that he did not, in any way, pay to become the junior Senator from Illinois. He was unaware that Blagojevich was auctioning off the seat and had limited contact with Blagojevich and his aides. Numerous interviews, heavy on the holier than thou rhetoric, letting us all know that there is no reason why he should not be allowed to take this position. Hmmm.

I guess that I was diluted to believe after Blagojevich was the butt of so many late night jokes and Illinois was criticized on a national level that the United States Senate would check Roland out BEFORE letting him take the Senate seat. Oh, was I mistaken! So Roland takes his seat amongst the few citizens of the United States that are given the charge of running our government and NOW we are all finding out that Roland was less than honest with us. NOW we are finding out that Roland raised campaign funds for Blagojevich in order to keep his name in the running for his Senate seat. Roland had more contact with Blagojevich than he said and NOW people want Roland’s resignation. I have to admit it- I want Roland to resign too.

Other than the new information that is coming to light, there is one other major reason why Roland should take a seat and close his mouth- his pay. Because Roland has been a public “servant” in this state for many years, he receives a pension from the state (somewhere in the neighborhood of $122,000/ year). Although he is no longer retired, Roland is still receiving his pension from the state. He has not placed it on hold, he has not asked that payments be suspended. Because he is now a Senator he gets another paycheck from the Feds (somewhere around $173,000/ year). Damn, a liar makes almost $300K a year? During these hard economic times, where the State of Illinois (and her citizens) are suffering, Roland thinks it is some how kosher to continue to collect his pension- even though he IS employed. A public “servant” makes $300K??? Maybe I should change jobs?

I think that Roland is presently an Illinois Senator for two reasons: 1. He very clearly was Blagojevich’s go to guy (one of many, I am sure) and 2. He is black. I think that Blagojevich thinks that he owed Roland a seat because of all his hard fundraising... I also think the Rod is not as dumb as we think that he is- with everything that is going on, appointing a Black man was ingenious- the race card could always be used… and it IS being used. But don’t we want a competent Senator? Are we willing to take any Black Senator? Are we willing to be the laughing stock of the 50 states? If so, for how long?

New Hope, New Country, New President

Amazed.
Moved to tears.
Empowered.
Fascinated.
Overflowing joy.
Indescribable.

The above are all words that come to mind when I actually sit down and think about what happened today. Even through all the pomp and circumstance, the overly practiced moves, the poetry reading afterward… even though all of the “extra” stuff, I sat in my office on Michigan Avenue and watched with my coworkers as Barack Obama was sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States of America. To say that his morning was awe inspiring is an understatement. To say that I watched history being made is to discard my participation. I enabled history to be made. I blogged. I voted. I enraged my Republican friends. I started a dialogue with my outspoken rhetoric, and made people defend their position. I challenged those who were once undecided. I called people on Election Day. I offered rides to the polls (for Democrats and Republicans alike). I was not alone. Young people across the country took up the cross of bringing change to the White House. We all put on our “reform” hats and did what was necessary to get our candidate elected. We canvassed, we protested, and we all collectively held our breath on November 4, 2008, while waiting on all the poll results.

When I look back on the last year and a half of politics in the United States, I am sincerely amazed at the mere participation that this election brought to the table. I was often nostalgic for past decades. Some of the gathering places on the campaign trail reminded me of large groups of college students that were making their voices heard. Protests of the present wars in the Middle East reminded me of pictures of the youth of America protesting the Vietnam War. The bonding experience of people- gay and straight- protesting the California proposition against gay marriage was amazing. It made me (and continues to make me) proud to be an American- especially during these times. Being a lifetime history student, it is fascinating to see the cycles that society goes through. The sixties were a time of change, both the 19th and 20th centuries! Because of those hard times our country and her people were made better. I have no question that the same will happen now. I am not close minded enough to think that all of America’s woes can be blamed on the outgoing President. (Even if I was that close minded, I would never say so!! LOL) I think that Dubya did what he thought was right at the time, but now I am glad that his way of THOUGHT has been replaced. As a country, we have to come around to a new way of thinking, one that encompasses different countries, with different values. One that includes ALL Americans, no matter what they believe, who they have relationships with, or what god they pray to. One that incorporates our differences as strengths instead of weaknesses. One that incorporates all that its citizens have to offer.

Does that sound too “utopian”? I don’t care. Mr. President puts me in that kind of mood. He makes me think back to elementary school, when the teacher told me that I could be anything I wanted- and I still believed that. He makes me look at all of my life let downs as courage builders instead of failures. He makes me think that even though the road has been rough for the United States, there are brighter days ahead. For that I will be eternally grateful. For that we will all be grateful. J

I have been online all day. There are LOTS of negative Nancies out there. Wow. I wonder what they will say if Barack Obama proves that he is not just eloquent, but a man of action as well. Only time will tell, but this is a ride I will gladly take. I will look back on this day as one of the most blessed days my eyes have seen. I will not remember the negative thoughts about Bush (version 2); I will remember all the hard work that went into making this happen, the hours that citizens put in, the overly joyous feeling of HOPE. Hope that things can be different; Hope that politicians don’t always have a hidden agenda; Hope that when my friends and I get together WE can make a difference. I close my eyes and pray that one day my brothers and nephew will know why this day is so important and will realize the door that is open today, started with a crack over a hundred years ago.

Ahhh- basking in the glory of Change- the only true constant that this world offers. Moxie

Excitement Abounds

My 60th post. How fitting?

I am so excited that I can't sleep. In less than 12 hours Barack Obama, the man that I voted for, will be sworn into the office of President of the United States. Wow. The thought of that is breath taking. It is NOT just because he is Black, like me. It is NOT just because he made Chicago his home, like me. It is NOT because he seems very liberal, like me. Instead, my excitement stems from the fact that Barack Obama has what I want to have- the ability to be a reason for people from extremely different backgrounds, life experiences and ways of thinking, together for a common cause. The charisma. The eloquence. The refusal of anything subpar. Jeez, even typing about it makes me fill up with an amazing sense of satisfaction. The anticipation of seeing all that the events of this day will bring cannot be explained. There are not words that will aptly describe what today means to not just me, but to hundreds, thousands... millions of people. In the US, across the world. Later today, I, along with millions will see and experience something that has never been seen before. I am filled with joy; smiling ear to ear. Cannot wait... cannot wait... cannot wait. :) 

James Morrison - Nothing Ever Hurt Like You

Nice bluesy feel... puts me in the same mood as "Ain't never loved a man the way that I loved you" by Aretha. Love it!! :)

My favorite line? "You made me see... that you don't get to taste the honey, without the sting of the bee..."

James Morrison- You Make It Real

Maybe it is the very cold weather that has made my musical taste slip to the sappy side. Maybe it is the shortened winter days, maybe it is my advanced age! :)
Whatever the case, one of my new musical infatuations is James Morrison.

My favorite line: "When my head is strong, but my heart is weak... I'm full of arrogance and uncertainty. When I can't find the words, you teach my heart to speak- you make it real for me..."

Sweetest Thing - Andy Davis Cover

My favorite verse? "A blue eyed boy meets a brown eyed girl..."

Andy Davis has a sweet, sweet voice. :) U2 writes some fantastic lyrics! :)

At Last - Andy Davis Cover

Feeling musical... and it is an Andy Davis kinda night!! :)

Shihan ( This type love ) - Def Poetry Jam

Not the normal type of posting, but this is simply amazing. I will head back to controversy soon. :) For now, just enjoy This Type Love.
Fantastic!

Something magical

Something magical happened today. For me, this last week and a half has been filled with magical events, starting with the Obama victory last Tuesday night. That was amazing. Living in Chicago during this time is something that I cannot easily put into words.  I am not a Chicago native, and while I love this city, it is easy for me to pick out its faults.  But on November 4, 2008 those faults faded away. There were no problems with the millions of people in Grant Park. There were no reports of violence or craziness. As I watched the events on tv, my usually disruptive neighbors were unusually quiet. There was an occasional beeping horn or cheer but it as a fairly quiet night. The next morning was more of that. There was a comfortable silence that took over this great city. A calm that spread through the inhabitants... some relieved because they finally felt as though their vote counted and some just happy that the present regime is living its final days. Cheers of hopefulness filled the majority of the American population... until Prop 8 passed. 

For those of you who do not know, Prop 8 is an amendment to the California state constitution defining marriage as a unity of a man and a woman.  In essence, the state of California (and three other states in the country) will not recognize a marriage of a same sex couple.  I was bummed. Some of my friends were bummed and some liberal tv personalities were bummed. In California Prop 8 passed by a slim margin (52% to 48%) and while last month it was absolutely legal to get married in California if you were a same sex couple, those rules no longer apply.  There are tons of people who disagree with same sex marriage but today- something magical happened. There was a protest that started at the same time all over the country, where Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Blacks, Whites, everyone got together to protest the idea that Prop 8 stands for. I applaud them and happily took part. 

I am not for any law that is going to prohibit people from living life that they see as normal. As long as their lifestyle is not interfering with the lives of others, why is it any of my business what they do?  Gay marriage is not the norm, but that does not mean that it is something to be prohibited. Until the Loving v. Virginia, the marriages of Blacks and Whites were against the law. Was that right? No. Was it the law? Yes.  To deny a person the right to marry simply because their partner is the same sex makes no sense.  I firmly believe that people do it to advance a bias that is unacceptable. I heard tons of people today that said that 'God does not want to recognize same sex marriage.' When did you become God? When did he start speaking through you? When have you started to feel responsible for the souls of all sinners? Was it after you figured that you were a sinner, but their sin was worse? The last time I checked the Bible teaches that you should love your neighbor as yourself. According to my memory the Bible also says that we ALL sin and fall short of the glory, which means that the sin that I commit is just as bad as the sin that my neighbor commits. We both have fallen short of a mark set by God, mine is no less because I am heterosexual. My neighbors is no more because he is homosexual. The Bible also says (can you tell that I am a Deacon's kid??) that we will all be judged individually... therefore I should make better use of my time. I have so many other things to worry about than thinking about what my neighbor does in his bedroom, or who is getting married. If all parties are adults, why do I care? I don't and no one else should either. If laws like Prop 8 were freely practiced I could not have openly dated my last 6 boyfriends, none of whom were Black. Does that seem fair?

November 4, 2008 is a day that will forever be a contradiction. On that day, we elected our first (of many?) African American Presidents... and we told another significant portion of our population that what they do in their bedrooms was more important than what the rights they deserve. We should all try to remember a time when we were unjustly unable to exercise on of our rights... and keep that in mind the next time we want to limit the rights of others.   

Election Day

I voted this morning!! I got my free tall Thanksgiving Blend at Starbucks... now I am waiting for this evening, waiting for results... praying that Americans got it right! 

Please vote- your life(style) depends on it. :)

Happy Election Day. Moximillion220

Election, behavior of your neighbors.

Dear Reader:

I live in one of the best cities in America. Chicago, Illinois is a diverse, midwestern city that offers a "down home" feel in a big city atmosphere. It offers anything that you want or need. There are great parks, the lakefront, cultural events... just everything that makes a city great.  Chicago has long been known as the Windy City, but it is also known as a city of neighborhoods.  Neighborhoods are sometimes close knit, with neighbors being bound by ethnicity or socio-economic status. I give this description of the city as an introduction to something that I read in the Chicago Tribune today.  Below is a verbatim transcript of what I read:

"Shirley Nagel passed out candy Friday, but only to those who shared her support for Republican presidential candidate John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin.  When asked about the children who were turned away empty-handed and crying, she said: "Oh well. Everybody has a choice."

Ok- ridiculous. Ridiculous for many reasons, one of which is children cannot vote.  Also, using these strong armed tactics against children will probably not change their parents' minds. This lady is insane, and this is just one act of many of an overreaching political hand this season.  It is one thing to post the reasons that you disagree with a candidate, the reasons you are voting for a candidate, even the reasons why you think that one candidate is remarkably better than the other; but to penalize small children for their stance on an election where they have no say??? That is crazy. 

Shirley is half right... everyone (age 18 and over) has a choice, and her behavior, as well as the behavior of the racists; the people who are voting based on what their friends think; the person voting but does not know anything about the candidates; the nonvoters; the complainers, etc.- All these people should make you want to get out on Tuesday and make sure that your vote is counted.  I sincerely don't care who you vote for. If Ralph Nader speaks to your wants and needs, then get out there and cast a ballot for Nader.  If John McCain represents what you want in a candidate- vote for him. If Barack speaks to your needs, vote for him.  Educate yourself on the people running, pick whoever you feel comfortable with. My only plea is that you vote!!  Get out there and let these politicians know that we, as the American public, care about the state of our country. Let them know that we realize that WE determine what happens to our country and that THEY have a job because of US. 

Realize the power that you have and make the politicians respect you. No matter who you choose, VOTE!

Sarah is Crying

I ventured to the Chicago Tribune's website late last night and read the interview with S. Palin about the $150,000 that was spent on her appearance- starting with the RNC until now. Wow, what would I look like if I had $150,000 disposable cash to spend on my appearance? I digress. 

In her interview with the Trib Sarah says "It is kind of hard to be criticized for something when all the facts are not out there..." I agree. We should stop that. First, I would recommend that the McCain campaign stop criticizing Barack Obama with half truths and then I would consider caring about Sarah's hurt feelings... But again, I digress.  She admits that she has been wearing high priced clothing, but says at the end of the campaign they will be given away or auctioned off for charity. Most clothes have not been worn... so Sarah says.

Sarah, who was joined at the interview by her husband and their overly publicized baby Trig, says that she is concerned because the American public (reporters included) seem to care more about her wardrobe and appearance than her policies.  Hmmm? Let's think about this for just one minute. Sarah Palin, who has been avoiding the press for the last few months, now wants to cry that there is a double standard and we should listen to her policies??? What policies? This chick doesn't even know what the Bush Doctrine is... and if she did it wouldn't matter because until this week she has not been granting interviews (I would hardly consider the earlier travesties with Katie C. interviews...)

Now that the negative attacks against Obama/Biden are not working and the polls are suggesting that the American public does not want to hear the terrorist rhetoric, the Muslim rhetoric or anything about Bill Ayers... Now that the GOP has had time to properly coach her on what they stand for... NOW she wants to talk about policy? This charade is so infuriating.  Why does the GOP think that women are so foolish that they will fall for this moron? 

She hates the double standard and would like to think that she has more to bring to the table than just a pretty face, but in the midst of the interview she starts to cry. She does not want the media to look at her private life, but she wants to put her children in the public eye for her own gain.  She does not want to give interviews, but she wants the media to make sure the American public knows her policies.  She once told Hilary that she needed to plow through the double standard (video is included under the month of September in this very blog) but she wants everyone to know that the double standard exists and it is not fair.  Woman, make up your mind!! The GOP has Palin out there looking like a psycho. You cannot be everything to everyone. Pick a stance and go with it. I am even more concerned because somehow the GOP thought that bringing this chick on the ballot was going to fly with American women.  Of all the QUALIFIED republican women out there, they came up with Sarah Palin?  As an Independent who is voting Democrat I can admit (and I do) that there are some very bright, greatly qualified republican women out there. Somehow the GOP thought that Palin was the cream of the crop. Does that speak volumes about the GOP, or about what they think about the standards and the intelligence of their constituency? 

Election Fights and more silliness

I believe that this is the most important election in the History of America.  I am not typing that because it has become the "press release" for both parties. I am not typing it because it sounds good, or because no matter who takes office, some historical feat will be laid to rest. I am saying that this election is the most important in American history because I have lost "friends" because of my stance on this election.  Before going forward, I should say that I know I will not lose any REAL friends over my political beliefs, so this entry is simply about how ridiculous people are being, not about hurt feelings or friend loss.  Nothing contained here has adversely affected me, but I do find it amusing, therefore worthy of a mention.

So, the first "friend" that I lost was MB. MB and I were friends on a social networking site. He is convinced that Barack Obama is a terrorist and part of the so called Chicago machine- both of which he left on my "page" on this social networking site.  I, being the lovely instigator that I am, disagreed with him AND challenged him to give me some facts. Unable to do that, he decided to call me immature for commenting on Bristol Palin, and also told me that I was drinking Barack's "kool-aid"... Needless to say, he was so upset and his little feelings were so hurt that he "de-friended" me. I have to admit that I laughed. Since the de-friending MB has sent me a couple of messages to my personal email address, to which I have of course said that if he wants to share views with me he can do it on my wall, in the open, where everyone can see. If not, there really is no reason to send me anything... so he sends me nothing!

Another "friend" that I lost was MV. Same social website. MV was bold... what happens with bold men? I give them a chance to be bold, then shatter the dream. MV was no different. He left me a message, where all of my friends on the site could see. It said: "lets give lazy people welfare check j. no way in hell should obama become president!!... you have disturbed a republican." That is it... I edited my name out, but you get his point.  He then goes on to say that Obama is a Muslim with terrorist connects (his exact words), Obama voters are scavengers, and that this is not a robin hood movie (talking about this 'redistribution' of wealth that John McCain is harping on...). Now, let's see... could we see that this was about to get ugly? Yeah. I could see it coming.  Again, this took place on my wall. Everyone can see it, so I have to respond... and I did. It was not fun for MV.  I don't care if you disagree with me... well, I do, but you better be able to back your statements up- especially if they are public.  So here is what went down. I challenged MV, of course! How do you know that Obama is a muslim? Does it matter? (Of course not) Has Obama actually told you about some mass 'redistribution' or are you just repeating what you heard at a McCain rally?  How am I a scavenger? Show me, tell me, Explain to me... What did I get? Nothing. I pointed out some things in my manner... which is not always nice and he didn't like it. I believe that the last thing he wrote was that I lost a caring, intelligent and trustworthy friend. Really? Did I? I don't think so. I think that he lost an argument and he can't handle it. Here's the deal: All I want it for my friends to vote. I have tons of friends who are Republicans... just like I have friends who are Michigan fans. Do I make fun of them? YES. Do they deserve it? YES. Does that mean that I want them to mirror me exactly? NO.

I think that voting is important, even if you don't vote for my guy. BUT before you come to me and bring me some crazy nonsense about why I should vote for your person, be able to EXPLAIN to me why you are voting for that person. Simple enough, right? Don't tell me some stupid shit like you are voting for Barack because he is Black... that is absurd. At least have some portion of policy that you agree with, not just his skin color. Don't tell me that you are voting for McCain because he is a vet. Tell me something else that excites you about his policy and what he brings to the table.  Be able to articulate why you favor your party, politician, etc. Not just some rhetoric that you heard on a commercial. We have the power to choose who is going to lead this country out of what can be said to be deplorable conditions.  I think we owe it to ourselves to be informed. 

And for those two young men, MB and MV, perfect those debating skills before you challenge a credible foe. I like to make boys cry! :)  

The McCain-Palin Mob

WHY ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE FROM OHIO?? I am so ashamed.
I have no problem with believing in your party. I believe in Barack. I love his ideals and what he stands for BUT I will NOT make as ass out of myself by denying that I know about the other party running. I will not embarrass myself and pretend like my candidate is the best thing since sliced bread. I will say that Barack Obama is the candidate that best represents what I am looking for. The people in this video cannot even say that. They are embarrassments to the state and I am sickened that these people have some say in the Presidency.
Please be able to tell WHY you are backing a candidate- take a note kids, don't be like the adults in this video...
They make Ohioans look like crazy people.

Misconceptions of Obama

Seriously, being an Ohioan by birth, this video makes me sad. Every Ohioan should look at this video and it should make them cringe. Really? Obama thinks that whites are trash?? When did he say that? I know where St. Clairsville is and it is scary that these people actually show their faces and say those words. I think that in the old days they called gatherings like this klan meetings.
Should be a sad day in Ohio and we should come out in massive numbers to prove this small faction of Ohioans wrong. Shame! SMH.

Really???

This is just one of those articles that makes you want to slap someone.  This guy is a winner...

www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/10/obamas_muslim_rumor_creator_ex.html

Town Hall Debate- Did he just say that?

Ok- I have not commented directly on a debate, Presidential or Vice Presidential, until tonight. I feel like I have to. No secrets here. I am speaking from a biased point of view. You can scroll down and see that I am no republican. I think that W. is a moron, who made it to office simply because of the Christian conservatives and who his father is.  I think that the GOP does not look out for the interests of the vast majority; those of us who are in middle America; those of us who have to work more than one job to pay bills, a mortgage, college tuition, car payments, etc.  In my heart of hearts, I do not think that the republicans care if I make it or not, or if I loose my house to foreclosure... I take that back, if it were going to hurt them financially, then they MIGHT care.  

With that said, I do not agree with all Democrats either. I think that both parties have a tendency to get to Washington and forget what got them there. So, I am gladly an Independent. I have voted for republicans before, sure I will do it again- never for President, but I digress.

Tonight, John McCain referred to Barack Obama as "that one"... whoa. Do I even have to explain why that was inappropriate? Do I even have to tell anyone why that kind of talk (whether it was a slip or not) is unacceptable in a PRESIDENTIAL debate? What would be the reaction if Barack said the exact same thing?? I am not one to automatically pull out the race card, but really, "that one" is something that I would envision was said when buying slaves on the auction block. I am truly offended by McCain's choice of words and believe that he should issue an apology.  The complete disregard that I felt when he said that cannot be described. As a politician, you HAVE to know when your words will be hurtful; when they will be inappropriate; when they will be seen in a bad light.  If I can't trust John McCain in a town hall meeting debate, how can I be sure he won't have a slip of the tongue in a diplomatic meeting with another country? Feel free to comment... 

What the election means...

I am not going to post a blog about who I think won the first Presidential Debate last night.  If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you have gathered that I am an Obama fan. Stating that I think he dominated the debate last night would be redundant. So I won't comment on the debate winner. I will, however, comment on what was said.  I think that it is important for us to remember that when we have two senators speaking about the wars that we are involved in as a nation, they are not talking about a war of words. They are not talking about us sending over bombs- they are talking about sending your neighbors children, your friends... your children, overseas, to lay everything on the line.  I support our troops. I appreciate their sacrifice and everything that they give so that I can be free to sit here in Chicago, at my computer, and blog about what is going on in our country. With that said, I think they need to come home. I think that we are needlessly spending money and sacrificing our young men and women for a war that Bush conned us into.  The following article is about two young men from Illinois who paid the ultimate price in this two-front war. I think we should bring back our troops so that no other family will have to endure the sorry of these two families... 19 and 21, these two men hardly got to see what life has to offer. I am praying for their loved ones and for their units...

Services will be held this morning for two Chicago-area soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Family and friends will gather to remember Pfc. Leonard Gulczynski, a 19-year-old Army engineer from Carol Stream who died from injuries sustained in a Humvee accident in Iraq earlier this month. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1415 Lies Road in Carol Stream.

In Melrose Park, Spec. Joshua Harris will be remembered at his old high school. Harris, 21, a member of the Illinois National Guard, was killed after his vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Sept. 17. Services are set for 10:30 a.m. at Walther Lutheran High School, 900 Chicago Ave. in Melrose Park.

Harris was posthumously promoted to sergeant. He died while serving alongside Sgt. Jason Vazquez, 24, of Chicago, who also was in the vehicle.

Services for Vazquez, a Cook County corrections officer who was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, were held Friday.