Peace Be with US, a flag flies for peace during the rest of the election season, October 1, 2008, photo © 2008 by ybonesy. All rights reserved.
…don’t say anything at all.
Please.
It’s my plea to all passionate participants in our national elections.
If you can’t say something nice—about McCain, Palin, Obama, or Biden, and especially about and to their respective supporters—don’t say anything at all.
I’m tired of the bickering. The rage is wearing me down. I am a passionate person myself, and I don’t shy away from making my opinions known, but frankly, I can’t handle any more nastiness.
…you should just shut up and quit showing how stupid you are…
-one commenter to another, on progressive The Huffington Post
…if anyone is a blathering idiot, it’s you…
-one commenter to another, on conservative Michelle Malkin
Every morning I get up, grab a cup of coffee and scan my bookmarked websites to get the latest news on the presidential elections. I check all the usuals: AlterNet, The Huffington Post, Daily Kos, msnbc.com, CNN.com, Politico, RealClearPolitics, and Washington Monthly. It soothes me to go to these sources as most have stories with a “blue-state” bent. News I can hang on to.
I don’t claim it’s a balanced approach—it’s not—but for someone like me, who can feel the anxiety rise every time I think about what might happen November 4, reading articles that confirm my world view keeps me calm. I get how venting about “the other side” can serve as a release and a way for like-minded people to bond. I find satisfaction there, too.
Well, I used to.
Even as much as I am guilty of seeking that kind of validation, I can honestly say I have finally OD’d.
I’m turned off by the meanness. Bloggers, pundits, columnists, candidates and their campaigns all set off the brawls with their claims and taunts. Then the spectators jump in. Behind the cloak of internet anonymity, they turn into hateful, rageful people. They attack. They say things I can’t imagine they’d ever say in person.
Internet rage has been around for as long as the internet has been around; who hasn’t received a flaming email at least once? But civil discourse has gone out the window, right at the time we need it most. We are losing our capacity to see one another as humans.
Right now, with tensions as high as they are, the last thing we need is to beat one another down. Right now, today, we need kindness and compassion. I need kindness and compassion.
Tonight is the vice-presidential debate. It promises to be a slugfest. Palin and Biden will be ferocious, and if they’re not, the internet and spin machines will fill in on their behalf. I, however, plan to swim against the current, and I’d like you to join me.
Before, during, and after the debate, I invite you to come here and say something nice about Palin or Biden or both. Anything. No sarcasm. No underhanded compliments. Find something you honestly feel the candidates have done well, even if it has to do with how they look.
You’ll still get mad at the candidate you want to lose (or the one you want to win) and probably reach a point where you can’t believe what you’re seeing. I’m not asking you to be a saint. But find one nugget. See if it helps shift something inside.
I know this is silly. I know it’s more about me than it is the rest of you. But the way I see it, a lot hangs in the balance and it isn’t just who wins in November.
good post.
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I don’t have a television that is hooked up to cable, but I recently spent five days with a friend who has cable…550 channels or some huge number like that. I couldn’t watch anything about the election without cringing.
Sometimes I read the comments on news items on the computer and wonder at the lose of civility in our interactions with others, but that started long before this campaign. Several years ago I quit reading the “letters to the editor” section of the local newspaper entitled, “The Public Mind” because their mind scared me.
I know I am angry because of my feelings of helplessness in the political situation. I can vote, but I am one of millions of people. We appear to be very angry about everything from Britney Spears to daylight savings time…most everything. Are we really as angry as we appear?
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I, too, am exhausted by the continuous high stress actions and words aimed at anyone who disagrees with one’s own point of view. Election campaigning should educate and invigorate, not totally wear people down. And I think that is what is happening this year.
Personally, I am worn down. Living in a swing state (Wisconsin), I am seeing a steady increase in high sales tactics. Everyone who contacts me by phone and media seems intent on pushing a sales pitch at me. I rarely watch TV, and so I am not even exposed to the television commercials. I think that would really make me cranky.
My solution is serendipitous. Months ago, I planned a trip to some wilderness areas in the Southwest. And I unintentionally planned my trip to coincide with the height of the campaign blitz. Lucky me. (I really mean that – lucky, lucky me!)
For over two weeks, I will have much less contact with the political world and the media. I plan on taking some serious hikes in red rock canyons and on the Sonoran desert floor. Damn if there is anyone who tries to talk politics to me while I am setting up the perfect photo shot of the sunrise through Delicate Arch in Utah or scaling the Great Sand Dunes by the light of the full moon! (I may have to bop ’em with my tripod! Ha!)
No, I’m not going to give up on the election. It’s way too important to ignore forever. But I’ll be back in plenty of time to catch up on what has happened in my absence. And I think my brief foray into nature’s healing oases may well save my mental health an unnecessary battering.
As for your request, here goes:
I admire McCain’s courage and strength, and appreciate that he truly understands what kind of sacrifice is required when one is a military citizen.
Obama hasn’t yet been worn out by politics nor is he entrenched in decades of “I owe you one or two or a dozen.” Foreign countries seem quite ready to embrace him.
Joe Biden has amassed an amazing amount of experience and is well-spoken about lots of subjects.
Palin lives in a state I would love to visit and is exudes enthusiasm and confidence.
There. Done. Now I’m going to finish packing, eat some chocolate, and then later tonight, pour myself a small glass of wine to sip while I try to watch the debate. Good of you, ybonesy, to try and interject some human decency in the whole process. That little exercise was good for me.
(Sorry – kinda long-winded.)
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Thanks for this, ybonesy, for giving us a vehicle for interjecting something good into the world. I hope a lot of people take you up on this idea. By the way, I listened to the speech Obama gave in LaCrosse, Wisconsin yesterday, and it was noticeably focused on his plan, not on tearing down McCain. The commentator said after his speech that both McCain and Obama are hearing how sick of it we all are, and are attempting to take the high road.
McCain: He showed tremendous courage when he was a POW. Anyone who survives a prison camp and being tortured is a hero.
Palin: She uses the word “serve” a lot. I think she sincerely wants to serve the United States. She is approachable to the average Joe and Jane.
Obama: He is smart, wise, and steady. He inspires confidence and unity. Young people respond to his leadership.
Biden: He’s been through great personal tragedy, and has emerged a leader and a servant. He’s passionate and has a sense of humor.
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Thanks, all, for joining in.
Bob, I couldn’t possibly survive cable. That and the internet? Holy cow. I’d be a basket case. And you’re right, the loss of civility has begun long before. In fact, I noticed back in the late 1990s a particular impolite time in my work environment. It was as if people had to be harsh and hard and almost mean in order to show that they had what it took to thrive in that culture.
Fortunately, that trend did not persist, and I have noticed a return to cooperation, collaboration, listening, seeking to understand. I’m relieved that my day-to-day life, that is, the place where right now I spend a lot of time, is not only pleasant but poised for real movement forward.
Are we really as angry as we appear? I don’t think we are. I think we get pulled in to the moment because we’re taking the bait, but if we step back, surely we are not the rageful people we appear to be. That’s my hope.
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Bo, what an ideal plan. Your vacation is not only timed so that you will be in one of the most beautiful regions on earth during the most beautiful time to be there, but yes, you will miss so much of the angst that is building. Good for you. I’m glad I’ll get to visit with you for at least part of a day. I hope to capture some of your calm through osmosis. 8)
I’m with you 100% in not giving up on the election, but it would be nice to fast-foward to election day. Just bypass the next 34 or how ever many days there are left. I know a lot of people who feel the same way.
Good job on the “nice things.” Thanks for doing that. Feel free to pop back in and drop in more as the day (and night) goes on.
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Teri, you’re welcome. I still want to look up that speech. I got a bit tangled in all the videos showing each candidate looking like fools or getting caught talking out of both sides of their mouths. Why does it sometimes feel so good to watch that kind of thing. I keep wondering how we went from being so inspired to getting into the gutter.
Good job, too, on your nice comments. They soothe me already. Thanks, and do come back with more.
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My nice things at this moment:
McCain knows what it’s like to make huge sacrifice. He gave up a time in his life when he could have been free and having fun.
Obama connects with me in a place where I know myself. He seems to listen and seek to incorporate all sides.
Palin reminds me of people I know, and there’s something very ordinary (in a good way) about her.
Biden reminds me of my father-in-law, a knowledgeable, thinking soul and human in his way, too.
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ybonesy, this topic is one that’s been surfacing a lot in my Writing Practices. How I’m not willing to stoop to bickering and raging at people who think differently than I do. Though I was a ferocious and angry 20-something (and very political when I fought for women’s rights decades ago), I don’t ever remember it getting as nasty as things are now in the media and on some blogs.
I don’t carry that ball of anger inside anymore. It seems counterproductive. I do take a stand, have strong opinions. And I do get angry; it passes quickly. I’d rather focus on something positive. But just as a point of reference — as you mention, it seems like people aren’t really talking about anger anymore — it’s personal rage. And anger and rage are different animals.
Anger can be empowering and help people find a voice. But when it’s carried inside for so long, it becomes toxic — it becomes rage, personal attacks against other people. Do people feel so little personal power that they have to tear others down to make themselves feel better? Rage is never healthy. It’s a dangerous thing.
In terms of spin, I’ve come to a point where I don’t trust what the mainstream media has to say. Many are owned by the same financial institutions that are crashing around us. So I don’t tune in to the media (including political blogs) much anymore. I do listen to the debates. I try to listen to each person speak, get behind the mask, see them as people, like me, or a member of my family — human, feeling, hurting, joyful people. I look at their records. I ask myself – what kind of leaders will they make?
I felt a sense of calm reading your post. Inviting people to say something positive…a good tactic, another small step toward world peace. I don’t really have a problem coming up with the positive. Here’s my list, completely subjective and from my own synthesis and intuition. I hold no one else to subscribe to anything I think or say. These are my opinions as of this one moment, subject to change.
Joe Biden – experienced, connected, with a strong record of supporting women’s rights. Seems steady and sure, levelheaded, able to overcome personal hardship, transform it to the positive. Someone that can be counted on when the chips are down.
Sarah Palin – a strong handsome woman who has endured much to rise in politics the way she has (all women do). And in spite of her crucifixion in the press, attacks on her family and personal life, suppression and silencing by her own party, and being subjected to inane, humiliating questions that journalists would never ask any male politician (like what magazines do you read), she is still standing. That takes an internal courage and strength not many I know could ever muster. Stands up for what she believes in.
Barack Obama – a handsome man with a quiet strength who seems to genuinely care about all kinds of different people. Strong on women’s rights. Idealistic. Has surmounted all odds to rise to the top of the world in politics. From an early age, showed leadership and strategic thinking in organizing people to stand up for themselves, to honor their own voices.
John McCain – a survivor. Great compassion for other people and what they have survived in their lives. Endured torture and pain in the name of something he believed strongly in; showed more concern for others than for himself. An emotional connector, able to connect at that level in his speeches. Record of being greatly respected by peers. Stands up for what he believes in.
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I pledge allegiance to the people of the United States of America…and the world…
Therefore, I support
Barack Obama for President. He will be a great international symbol, but it will take all of us working for the American people for him to be able to incorporate the change we need.
Barbara Dua
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Thank you for this, Ybonesy. I, too, have been worn down by all the nastiness and bickering. I’d hoped for better from both sides.
QM’s comment about anger and rage is interesting, and gives me pause for thought.
Ok, my positives:
McCain: I admire his courage and what I perceive to be compassion for others.
Obama: I admire the way he’s taken the high road throughout his campaign, and the way in which he’s managed to get people to connect.
Palin: She’s pretty, her accent fascinates me, and I’d really like to visit her home state.
Biden: I know much has been made of this, and it may seem small and silly, but I really like that he takes the train to work. It sets a good example. I also admire his courage in the face of the tragedies he’s suffered.
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Thanks, ybonesy, for the invitation to be thoughtful and civil. In the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, mindful speech is a PRACTICE. This post is similar to the practice of “flower watering,” which is stopping to notice and comment in a positive manner about another person. It is a reminder of our common humanity and connectedness. It is also a practice of kindness and peace. Very Sweet.
McCain and Biden are long-time colleagues and FRIENDS. Whatever the outcome of the election, I hope they will find a way to remain friends.
McCain has been to Hell and back as a prisoner of war. I believe that he would work very hard to insure that no prisoner in any country is tortured, which could make the world a little kinder place.
Obama is an optimist, in the best sense of the word. In difficult times, that quality shines like a jewel.
Palin has guts, unusual courage to accept the nomination at all. I admire her courage.
Biden has a history of collaboration across the aisle to work for important legislation. He is a role-model for cooperation and collaboration within the legislative branch of government.
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Hey there Ybonesy! Great idea and totally admire the spirit behind it too.
I have nothing + or – to say about candidates right now – but will definitely reflect on your thoughts here as well as those made by the wonderful commentators who have also take the high road.
However, I wanted to mention to you that I posted a video (that is likely not to be given much press) taken live from the Senate discussion given last night regarding the immediate need for decision on the bail out package. The one good thing I can say is that the speaker here greatly impressed me with their direct assessment of the “behind the scenes” subtext that occurs in legislation. There’s no Obama OR McCain bashing – but a critical look at the rather skewed political mechanism. Check it out if you have time. I posted it because the media networks were sure to carefully edit out commentaries given to the Senate such as the one in the video – because that sort of reality with numbers backing it up is not what they want the American public to know about. Apparently.
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Thanks for keeping the kind thoughts coming. Sib, I will check out that video. Glad to hear that it has no bashing. That whole credit-taking/bashing activity of this past two weeks has probably been what’s sent me over the edge.
breathepeace, how wonderful to hear the connection to the practice of “flower watering.” You always have such wisdom about peacefulness in the world and different kinds of practice. Thanks.
Robin, thank you for your comment and your nice statements. Maybe things are shifting altogether. Wouldn’t it be great to see real change in the dynamic from here on out.
Barbara, thanks for visiting. I’m glad to hear why you are supporting your candidate, and I am especially grateful that you did it without pulling anyone else down.
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QM, you are a wise woman for staying above the fray and letting go of the ball of anger. I wonder, is that about your nature or do you think that you went through a transformation that led you there?
Venting serves to help release that anger so that it doesn’t build up into rage, but there is a time and place to vent. Personally, I find comfort in being with my closest friends and family and truly letting it all hang out.
I read an article in the Washington Post about a blog post that had to be shut down because there was so much rage in the comments to something the writer wrote about Abramoff (this was last year). The writer used the term “ideological hermits” to decribe how some people use the internet as their only source of expression, how they express all their built-up anger and rage. That is toxic and very different than sharing opinions with those you trust the most.
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Here goes:
McCain – Love him as a guest on The Daily Show. Funny man who has had refreshing moments of honesty in his political career.
Palin – Clearly cares about her state and knows it well. Tremendous courage to keep putting herself out there on a national stage.
Biden – Fabulous father, love that he takes the train, love his smile!
Obama – I would copy what you said Ybonsey. It’s what drew me to him from the start. I can relate to how he thinks so easily.
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Thanks, tpgoddess. Good ones. I’ve not seen McCain on The Daily Show, but I have appreciated humor in the process.
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ybonesy, I remember that mess with the Washington Post (comment #15). All this Internet rage is connected to road rage, too, which is in-the-flesh evidence of how out of hand anger has gotten, how quick people are to point the finger and lash out. Little patience or compassion. Strange times we live in.
About your other question — letting go of that ball of anger — some of it is my nature, but most was hard work. Hard personal work like therapy, facing up to personal demons. Forgiving myself. Not blaming others for my own pain. Also having a spiritual Practice of some kind like what Natalie has taught us. And recovery has helped, too, in being careful about judging others. It’s a combination of things.
It also makes a difference to have aged, to have lived a while. Maybe it comes back to that thing I wrote about in a Writing Practice some time ago — how I believe that as people age, they either become bitter and angry or more compassionate and understanding, letting go of things they don’t want to carry around inside anymore. I got tired of carrying all that anger around. It gave me ulcers. 8)
You mention venting and I have to vent, too. I think it’s good to vent with appropriate people in our lives. It releases some of the anxiety. I can talk to Liz about anything and we talk about politics, our frustrations and feelings about the current environment. We also have one couple we can talk to who don’t get bent out of shape when we don’t agree.
But there are many people I would never approach the subject with. It’s too tense and just not worth it. It usually doesn’t change anyone’s mind about how they are going to vote anyway. I like to debate the issues with people that really listen and don’t have an agenda. I want to grow and learn – not feel attacked. Critical discourse is necessary. Rage eats people from the inside out.
Thanks for asking. It’s good to think about questions like that. It took some work to come up with a clear answer.
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Sarah Palin is a strong woman, who has stood up for what she stands for (Religion, the second amendment, etc.) . She isn’t trying to win a popularity contest, just being who she really is. I respect that. Her speech during the RNC was quite informative (sans the democrat bashing) of what she wants to do if she is elected. She also has an extremely strong bond with her running mate. A respectable candidate for vice president…
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While I ran errands today, I thought of this post. What a difference in how I feel while accentuating the positive. My fear has already diminished.
McCain: Having been tortured, he could be going for revenge on others. Lots of people would. He’s had the guts to stand up to many in his party and oppose it.
Palin: What’s it like to know people are mocking you? I may shrivel up and die. She keeps stepping up to the plate.
Obama: Fiercely protective of his wife & children, and has condemned the media’s poking around with Palin’s 17-year-old.
Biden: He’s intense. Easy to laugh and easy to come unglued. I like that I always know where he stands. I don’t feel like he’s capable of giving me a snow-job.
McCain, Palin, and Biden: All have children in the military. This is quite astonishing. Instead of sending someone else’s children into battles, they would send their own.
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Ybonesy (and all), you are right. The bashing tactic doesn’t work. What someone above said resonates, something about reality versus “theory” and I agree.
We are all people. While, for example, I feel religious beliefs and personal conscience is just that, PERSONAL, and not for the government or others to rule, my sister in law is totally the opposite. She will vote ANY candidate solely based on whether or not they mention the word “Jesus” or “bible”. Signt unseen. She admits it too. So we differ.
But the reality is: when she needs something, or her kids need something, I will come running and be there. She knows it. When my spouse had surgery, she was there to help in turn. So I think that the observation of how the net in itself “insulates” us from our ACTUAL experience as humans is a very valid one.
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Bravo, Adam! I am proud of you. I so admire your passion but I also admire you for writing that.
QM, yeah, I never vent with people who are not in agreement with me. It’s a losing proposition, although my sister-in-law, who I really believe is a reasonable, balanced voice (she is a mediator and lawyer) has found a way to talk, through storytelling, about her own political views to people who have different views. I think if you have the gift to do this, definitely use it. I don’t have that gift myself.
I’m glad you and Liz are able to talk about the world and important themes in our lives. Is she as even-keeled as you are?
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Sib, and isn’t it your experience that no matter what, your view of the world will always be tinted by your beliefs and values, while your sister’s will be tinted by hers? We just can not change one another.
Maybe it’s that knowledge, which deep down we all hold, that sometimes pushes us to lash out. By God, I really do want to get others to come around to my way of thinking, especially when I feel so much is at stake. And then the downward spiral begins, for me anyway, until, boom, I’m just angry at “the other side.”
But then I humanize that face. It’s one of my sisters (too), several cousins, aunts, uncles, people I know and admire from work, and neighbors. And who knows how many others, people who if I never knew their politics I would think are the most wonderful people I know. So why should their personal politics suddenly change that for me?
Sinclair, very good ones. That last item about their own children in the military, that does stand out, doesn’t it?
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I just read this quote from Albert Einstein and it reminded me of this post, so I thought I’d share it:
“A human is a part of this whole called by us ‘universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts, and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical illusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desire and to a portion for a few persons near to us. Our task must be to force ourselves to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
Look what you’ve done today,yb! You’ve given us the “get out of jail free” card, by offering us the opportunity to widen our circle of compassion. It is helpful for me to be reminded that humans are limited in space and time in a way that the universe is not. Kinda puts things in a much bigger perspective. Einstein was good at that.
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Great quote, breathepeace. An optical illusion of consciousness—yes, perfect for this conversation.
It just so happens that this morning on my drive to work, I caught part of NPR’s “Humankind,” which had an interview with John Heider, therapist and author of The Tao of Leadership (LINK). He talked about Chinese Taoist philosopher Lao-Tsu. I felt like this radio program was talking to me, talking about taking time for simplicity and silence, about taking time to reflect before responding. Hieder shared this quote by Lao-Tsu: “Those who know do not talk, those who talk do not know.”
Of course, blogging is all about talking, often about things we do not really know.
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breathepeace, what a great quote. Human limitations of time and space and the way we perceive ourselves. I pray for ever widening circles of compassion.
Sinclair, I listened to an NPR story on the McCain, Palin, and Biden military children. Very moving. That’s part of walking the talk.
ybonesy, about #22, is Liz as even-keeled? Ayeee-eee. I hate to speak for her. And don’t know if I can be objective. But I’d say, yes, maybe even more so. She doesn’t like conflict and is very compassionate. But she also has strong opinions and we have good discussions. Hmmm. I wonder if someone who knows us both like Teri would venture to go out on a limb and answer that? 8)
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Liz is even-keeled. She can be quite diplomatic. In fact, maybe *she* should run for office in four or eight years. And then, we can do a post on her great qualities.
Liz has the uncanny (and noticeable) quality of being able to meet and get along with people instantly and seamlessly. In fact (I think QM told me this), Liz assumes she will like people when she meets them. So you can feel her skipping over the judging phase. It’s quite nice energy to be around.
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ybonesy, I’m pretty sure I have that book – The Tao of Leadership (#25). I think I read it back when I was having a few challenging moments as a corporate manager. 8)
And weird — just last weekend, I ran into a printout of the Tao Te Ching when I was going through a box in my studio. I started reading it. I think Lao Tsu is credited with writing it in the 6th century BC (though that’s been debated). How wonderful that you reference him here. I’ll have to check out your link later when I have more time. Here’s another quote I posted a while back – No One Really Knows (LINK).
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Teri, I had forgotten all about that (#27). Yes, I did tell you that. Liz is very trusting of complete strangers, right off the bat. Whereas I am much more tuned into intuitively checking people out when I meet them in strange environments, seeing if they seem trustworthy.
Liz is very diplomatic. And people do usually really like her immediately. Maybe she should run for office. (I wonder if she’s reading this? Am I destined to be a First Lady of something?) 8)
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I wish the link to Heider’s interview had the entire interview; rather, it’s a 3+ minute excerpt. In the exerpt he talks about needing to have a reprieve from the modern world.
Hey, I’m loving these old posts that are coming up again. That one is apropos the conversation. I need to be reminded more often to go back and look through these older posts.
Teri, thanks for chiming in on my question about Liz. Hey, QM, give her a nudge on pursuing a political career. Think of all the nice comments we could come up with for her. 8)
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LOL, QM. 8) Oh, we haven’t even delved into niceness regarding spouses.
BTW, being someone who has more “flight” energy than “fight,” I am impressed by how the candidates and their spouses keep moving ahead, day after day. That struck me, too, with Hillary Clinton. Talk about intenstinal fortitude. She sure has it.
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Hey Ybonesy! I posted this comment below on a mountain bike forum I frequent. I am glad I am not in the USA right now during this nasty election stuff, but at least there is some democracy left in the USA. None left here in Venezuela, as of today. Chavez is tightning the screws. Evil! Read more here at this link. http://blogs.salon.com/0001330/2008/10/02.html#a4087
Here’s the main link to the same blog. http://blogs.salon.com/0001330/
This is the type of Chavez-like narrow-mindedness that I don’t want to see happening in the USA. It is sad.
Okay…Here’s the link to the comment below… http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18476
“I really get sick of hearing individuals in the Forum; Republicans and Democrats, fighting like cats and dogs. You blame each party on the nation/world’s problems; call each other names, and generally not solve anything, instead bringing intolerance into the Forum. I am finding myself enjoying the Forum less and less.
To Republicans, the word “Liberal” can be equated as the political “N-word” or worse. To Democrats, the same can be said one being an extreme “Conservative”. It seems that most of you would rather have a one-party system, say 100% Republican or vise-versa.
You know what? It sounds like what Chavez wants in Venezuela. If it were up to him, he’d like to see all opposite parties not aligned with him outlawed and the followers and organizers jailed or killed.
Bicker all you want. Whine all you want. You aren’t going to change anything. Democracy isn’t perfect, but for it to work, you need opposing groups or you wind up with something like the governments of Cuba, North Korea, Zimbabwe, Burma, and what Chavez is trying to impose in Venezuela.
Consider yourself lucky you do have the freedom to think and speak freely without prosecution (but there is obviously persecution since we’ve witnessed it here). In some countries, it is criminal offense to do so.
Keep it fun, keep it weird.”
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Hey MM, interesting that the political mudslinging has made its way to the mountain biking forum. Sounds like you, too, had reached the end of your rope relative to the bickering. Great point about the nature of democracy being at least two sides.
Keep it fun, weird, constructive I would add. Keep it up.
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It gets nasty in the political forum. I don’t venture there too much.
Things are getting interesting down here. One of the student leaders was gunned down yesterday. 25 9mm bullets! You know Chavez is behind it. He’s behind all of it. He’s just sending a message to the rest of them [the students].
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OK, MM, it’s too hard to stay out of the fight here in the US…don’t think I want to enter the violent fray in Venezuela. Just stay safe.
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It’s near the end of the day, and only two hours ’til the debate. Yesterday I was pacing, obsessively checking the news, wringing my hands, fretting, and more worry.
I am so grateful for this post early this morning. It has changed my entire focus, and I haven’t wasted today vacillating between anger/fear/hope/anxiety/wishful thinking, etc. etc. I’m still nervous, but nothing like I’ve been for the past week.
Thanks, ybonesy.
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Hi Ybonesy, I don’t think I can honestly say I have any desire or agenda to change anyone or their views – case in point – my sister. What I find difficult is simply when others impose their own “ethics” onto other people. IE: “OMG if you aren’t pro-life you must be a satanist” — and that sort of thing. While I would not say that to someone, I’ve had it said to me – and I had 2 children for goddess sake! 🙂
But then on the other hand, a mass murderer or a psychopath *could* argue then if that’s the case, and no one should impose “ethics” – then they should be free to rape and pillage the rest of society– right?
So where do we draw a line? IS there one? I don’t have that answer.
However, I CAN honestly say that I don’t envy those in a candidate position – or a leadership position for that matter. The dynamics of that go far beyond personal opinion but are now subject to the court of public opinion and policy. Totally different impact. I get the sense (and I could be wrong) – but I just get the sense that for any candidate running for a leadership role, no matter how noble their intention, the bottom line ultimately comes down to them “playing the game” – It’s like you have to “get on board” with the concensus – even if it’s hurtful or wrong – or you don’t even GET a chance to speak or get on the Presidential floor. That’s just what I “feel” when I see all the agenda, media, etc.
Perhaps in a few millenia if we as a species evolve beyond enslavement by possession, asset, money and power we can realize our inherent common ground. As to this lovely quote “An optical illusion of consciousness…”
Right on. An optical illusion of :self: consciousness (another take on that) — and often without being conscious of it. A thought to ponder.
I love you blog. It’s become my personal diary already. 🙂 Plus I DO have something positive to say – except it’s not about candidates — it’s about y’all here — whom are both gracious, thought provoking, and yet remain open minded.
There. My “nice” thought of the day. 🙂
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I think Joe Biden has a wonderful smile.
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: ) I’ll have to watch that smile tonight. It’s been pointed out several times, and so now I’ll watch for it.
Thanks, Sib. 8) I do wonder what we’re heading for and what the lessons of today are intended to teach us.
Teri, I’m glad I read your comment, because I had felt it all coming up as the day wore on. I was just about to jump into all the elections websites to see what folks were saying, to feed that growing sense of frenzy. Why do I do that? Well, your comment stopped me in my tracks.
I’m going to take a bath in a bit. Jim is going to get dinner ready. He said he’d watch the debate and fill me in—bless his heart. No, I’ll watch it with him. I’m not going to let myself be hijacked by the fear that it all hinges on this one night.
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BTW, there is an ad running right now in NM that has a woman on it, a citizen, who says, “Martin Heinrich is despicable.” Heinrich is running for a Congressional seat, and the fight has gotten nasty between him and his opponent.
When we heard that adjective last night for the first time, Jim and I had to ask each other if that was what the other had heard. Despicable???
Em asked what it meant, and we found ourselves explaining that it’s a word you just don’t use to describe humans unless they have committed despicable acts—which, of course, we didn’t want to go in to. We had this awkward conversation about where “despicable” lay on the spectrum of “hate” emotions.
This is what I mean. Our political scene is way out of bounds of acceptable behavior. I shouldn’t have to explain to my 9-year-old why a woman on TV is calling a political candidate “despicable.”
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Totally hear you. Likewise, I don’t know that I should need to explain to my elementary school aged children why judging the color of someone’s skin is NOT what “the bible says” because they were given a racist petition by other kids in school- that come to find out another parent sent their child into the school with stating so to them. Unbelievable.
I watched the debate last night and am blogging my thoughts on that. What did you think?
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Checking in here, just getting my bearings after a week at the beach near Savannah – swimming in the powerful, ferocious Atlantic Ocean and strolling the peaceful elegant streets of a world-class city on a prosperous waterfront — I felt about a million miles away from the chaos on TV.
Since we never watch news on television at home, it was ironic to be on vacation in a rented condo, addictively watching the week that was — is there a complete meltdown happening or is it all illusion? Kind of a mercury-retrograde swirl, to see the cable news cycle which consists of one sound bite clip of one thing after another, disconnected, running in a loop intersected by whining and moaning and sniping. Do they maintain this level of anxiety on a regular basis? I wouldn’t know, it seemed over the top.
At the distance we were perceiving it, the stock market dropping and the note of fear and pressure, and occasional hilarity over our gal from “up there”, the whole thing appeared to be a surreal movie.
I’m still not buying it – the “rescue” of no banker left behind. More smoke and mirrors, lies and distortion. Just another bizarre movie? After a day of repetitive news and the debate, we were full up. Especially hearing nothing but war-mongering promises from both sides, and zero recognition that the billions spent on bombs is bankrupting us, with no possible good to come of it.
I will say that Obama was calm, polite and respectful. He could have attacked, maybe he should have taken offense, but he shows restraint and is presidential. I pray from the depths of my heart that he has the courage to oppose the criminals who have gotten us to this place, and lead us out of the abyss.
anyway –
You’ll laugh at this…
http://chronicle.com/review/brainstorm/article/?id=841&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
“C’mon, as Larry the Cable Guy would say, I don’t care who you are, that’s funny.”
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Hi ‘lil. Good to see you. I missed you Tues when I went in for a treatment. Boy, was my back out of whack. Hard to stay mentally and physically healthy when there is so much swirling about.
I’ll check out the link. I like election humor.
Yes, it is always frightening to me when the notion of war takes such center stage. I guess that is what political folk think Americans want. Where do they get that?
sib, for all the hand-wringing I did prior to the debate, I was sure pleasantly surprised. Palin did fine, and I was glad to see her perform well.
I’d never seen Biden debate. I didn’t start watching the Democratic primary debates until after he had dropped out, and so I didn’t know what to expect. I found afterwards that I genuinely liked and respected him. I was moved almost to tears toward the end when he talked about knowing what it’s like to be a single parent and not knowing if your child is going to pull through. He had great depth of character, I felt.
I honestly believe that we connect with politicians not so much—or not only—on the issues but on who we think they are deep inside and how that view resonates with each of us personally. I felt I could see the real person inside both these candidates. I also felt that what media wants is for one person to fail so that the other wins, and last night’s debate showed that you don’t have to have failure to win. Both can perform well and yet, you can still have someone who stands out as more informed and ready to do the job.
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I think I landed just about where you did on the assessment of the debate. I *personally* experienced some specific areas where I felt a bit insulted (yes the performance as a performance went enough but I still felt it played on stereotypes ) — but that again is just a personal musing – and most of it had more to do with the coaching agenda behind things—And I too was surprised to find I liked (had respect) for Biden — while he didn’t have the initial ambiance of “journalistic” appeal” that Palin did – he had command of subject.
Media relies on drama – so I agree with what you said – they definitely are portraying “by contrast” — but this is no surprise- when GWB was running for a second time- the same thing happened…
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Really wonderful post. It’s a great reminder in this election season. As we get closer to the actual election it seems that line between passionate dialogue and hateful ranting gets more and more blurred.
As I recently blogged myself, I find myself having a rather irrational dislike for Governor Palin, and taking some joy in engaging in Palin bashing. I never said I’m proud of it, but there you are. So, your challenge to say something nice about her in particular is interesting. So here we go:
Governor Palin: strong, confident woman who is demonstrating to women that we can truly “have it all” – a close family and a successful career. And, who is partially responsible for getting Tina Fey back on SNL and making that show somewhat relevant again (for a few brief and shining minutes).
Whew. That wasn’t so bad.
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Politics makes my blood boil. I stay far, far away, lest I be consumed by an inner fire. Great post and comments.
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I hear you, Stevo. We all have to deal with politics in our own way.
Good job, LB. It is hard for me, too, believe me. Fortunately, this post isn’t about being perfect. I know I can’t change my nature. I don’t even want to stop being that fiery, passionate, activist person that I am.
But for one day or one week or even one moment during this election period, it is good to set aside the passion and find the compassion, because it seems, at least in my case, that the fire of one snuffs out the breath of the other.
sib, I was there with you, and I appreciate your blogging about your thoughts. Gave me a place where I could join leave some of those thoughts I had.
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Ybonsey – Just got your e-mail re the invitation to participate in positive comments. Boy have I been out of the loop lately. I (regretfully) couldn’t watch the debates because I had to chaparone a field trip with Bry to see a play (Sylvia) at the College of SF (which was actually very good.) I really wanted to watch the debate so that I could see Palin and Biden in action and form my own opinion about each of them based on their own unedited words. I decided that I would eventually get information about the debate from main stream news and also NPR but those reports would have their usual edited spin. It turns out I haven’t watched any TV at all this entire week nor was I able to listen to radio news (how did that happen?) Still, I do have my opinions based on what I’ve heard (spin and all.)
I really have not heard very much about Biden except that he has gone through some tough times and still manages to have the wherewithal and energy to run for VP. That tells me he has a great inner strength. He seems to have some experience in national policies at least.
I have heard a lot about Palin more than any other candidate (one would think that she’s running for President.) I think that she has potential to be a strong leader but she lacks substantial knowledge about national and foreigh policies. I think that if she continues to grow into national politics and gets some good experience behind her she can be someone to contend with. Right now though it is too soon for her, she’s too green to be an effective world leader.
I think McCain does have a dry sense of humor.
I am truly impressed with Obama. He has really shown grace under pressure. I admire his calm yet firm demeanor. He is the real thing and I believe that if he is elected president he will be one of those rare presidents that fits the job perfectly. Yes he might be somewhat inexperienced but he has been in the mainstream and he does have enough substantial knowledge about national policies to think on his feet.
This presidential election is extremely significant because whoever wins there will be either a person of color or a woman at or close to the helm. I’m glad that I am going to be a participant in this historical election with my vote.
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PS – Y – I love the picture of your peace flag. That’s really cool!! – D
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Thanks, Neece. I like the flag, too.
Too bad you got the email late (too bad I sent it out so late). I was hoping even with that late notice you could come watch the debate with us. We had fun. Got a pizza for the girls. A friend came over and saw part of it with us. The girls got tired of the debate (although Em lay next to me through almost the whole thing) but Jim and I didn’t miss a portion.
I think staying away from TV and radio for a week, even if unintentional, sounds nice. Weekends are also good for that. Things get slow and lazy. We’re about to head to the community library, and then possibly off to a movie later. It’s the first weekend where I honestly have down time.
This is a historic election, and I’m amazed when I see how many new voters have been registered. I heard that here in NM, the officials are very worried about how to deal with the number of new voters. My friend who watched the debate with me is now in Santa Fe registering new voters at the School for the Deaf. I am impressed and in awe of her and other volunteer efforts, and of the candidates whose campaigns have been central to this effort of getting everyone to exercise their right to vote, no matter who it is they are voting for.
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I’m bummed that I missed going to your house for the debates! It would have fun and interesting. You all still have to come to my house for dinner.
I’m taking a Training and Development class at ASM and have been very busy with that, commuting and working plus Bry with all of his shows and the chaparoning. I thought I would be done with field trips now that he’s a senior. I do get some down time and have taken to riding my bike again which is so much fun and great exercise despite the fact that I’ve already been stung by a bee and hyperextended my bunioned toe. Ow!! I couldn’t jog for a week after that.
You’re right about being in awe of election volunteers. It seems now that everywhere I go there are volunteers wanting to not only register new voters but help those whose addresses have changed etc. I changed my address for registration at Home Depot. It really came in handy for me and was so easy. It should be easy for everyone to vote. Thank goodness for volunteers. Talk to you soon. D
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Funny you should suggest this (…if you can’t say something nice…). I put up a political post last week and took it down a few days later. I didn’t like the tone or the expression and knew I wasn’t adding anything except my anger to the conversation.
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I meant to come back and drop a comment here on the debate, but am just getting a chance. On the positive side, I thought the VP debate last week was a dead heat. Biden didn’t win. Palin didn’t win. Exact tie. That’s how I felt after the last Presidential debate. It doesn’t change my vote. But I don’t have to have someone win or lose. The media spin is not worth watching. So biased. I genuinely like both Palin and Biden for different reasons.
And there are some things they agree on. Neither support gay/lesbian marriage. Should I be offended? Both Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin say they support the gay/lesbian lifestyle but not the human right to marriage that everyone else enjoys. It’s kind of a don’t ask, don’t tell version of support.
It’s hard for me that one of the things that Obama and McCain agree on is to continue to discriminate against me and one of my communities. And I wonder how others would respond if a candidate got up in front of the world and said they did not support your right to marry based on your religion or the color of your skin, as they are doing with gender. It’s sad to me.
But not everything goes our way. I can take a stand, but I still have to cast my vote. I haven’t given up. There was a time when women couldn’t vote. Eventually, laws will change. I feel grateful we have a democratic process like this in place in this country, even though it’s not perfect. Because that’s what gives me hope.
I’m thinking of what Mimbresman said about Venezuela (#32). I wanted to mention to him that during the RNC in St. Paul, people thought they had the right to peaceful protest without being injured or tear gassed. And journalists thought they had the right to cover the events without being rounded up and arrested. That wasn’t necessarily the case. We are really lucky that no one got shot in St. Paul that week. Though it’s out of the media spotlight, many of the trials are coming into the courts now.
It made me realize how fragile these freedoms we enjoy are. And how easily they can erode in the face of real or perceived threats. The positive is that we have them at all. And that they’ve survived for as long as they have in our democracy. I generally feel good about the way the debates are going. I’m for civil discourse. And I like ybonesy’s peace flag waving at the top of this post.
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Lazy Buddhist, I agree with your SNL comment (#45). The first time I saw Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, I had to do a double take! Last night they had Queen Latifah as the moderator, and they parodied both Biden and Palin. It was hilarious and offered a much needed chance to laugh at ourselves for all the seriousness. And seeing Tina Fey back on SNL does indeed make it seem relevant again. 8)
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Oh, Rick, bless your heart. I think I was at the height of my own frustration and ranted on your blog post, although my rant was at Congress, I think. But yeah, that tone, that force of anger when it comes out, even of our own mouths, especially out of my own mouth, freaks me out. Woah, is that how I feel?? I know I’m going to keep struggling with this. I’ll just keep coming back to this post to try and get some calm, some distance, maybe, from my own fire.
QM, I enjoyed that skit last night. It was very funny, and Tina Fey probably more than any of the others has her character (and caricature) nailed down better than any others. (The guy who used to play Bill Clinton was very good, very believable, too.)
I really do wish a candidate could stand up and say that they are willing to do more than enforce the Constituional right when it comes to gays and lesbians. I understand how that particular topic, along with Right to Choose, has in the past become the hot buttons for the elections, and so I understand the moderate stance from a pure political strategy standpoint. But it would be refreshing to see that kind of courage during a debate or an election, period. Have we really as an electorate moved to a “center right” position? It does seem that Democratic candidates have bought into this theory, as measured by their positions on several topics (including war).
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ybonesy, so glad you saw Tina Fey on SNL. We might have to watch it again before erasing it. The rest of the show wasn’t too bad either last night. The writing seemed a little better than usual. I used to watch it all the time in the 70’s. It was the freshest thing on TV back then.
Good point about the “center right” position that most Democrats, particularly the candidates themselves, are taking on many controversial issues (though I don’t think people “choose” to be gay as they do around war or the Right to Choose; that makes it different). It is understandable from a political perspective. Humans seem sometimes able to justify discrimination based on politics, and religious beliefs, especially.
I’m with you. I wish the candidates showed more of “that kind of courage,” especially during the debates. For me, it would be to tell the truth, to give more details about their positions, instead of generalizing and pandering for votes. But I understand — that it’s politics. And one of the reasons I would make a terrible politician. 8)
Hey, I didn’t want to head down a controversial track in this thread; only to point out that none of us is perfect, including all of these candidates.
And I wanted to add something positive. Yesterday, at a meeting I attend, the speaker talked about Tradition 10 — it’s so fitting for the political and fiscal climate these days. No matter the recovery group, Al-Anon, AA, DA, NA, OA, we all follow the 12 Traditions in governing our individual and group behavior — for the good of the whole.
Tradition 10 is:
“_______ Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the _____ Anonymous name ought never be drawn into pubic controversy.”
In the 12×12, Tradition 10 cites what happened with the Washingtonian Society, a recovery movement started a century ago (before Bill W.) that had reached the near 100,000 mark, and how it lost sight of its goals and dissolved (from all the in-fighting) when it started to endorse political issues of the time.
It made me realize that if the whole world lived by the recovery Traditions, it might be a little more tolerant. But mostly, it made me realize how thankful I am that there is a place to go where people don’t talk about their opinions on politics or religion or anything controversial, for the good of the whole. It doesn’t matter in recovery. We are all equals. It’s so refreshing.
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You’ve offered a good suggestion here, QM. Skip the political spin. I can begin to move from one article to another on the internet, reading who is up, who is down. Who has the best chance today, who will need to go on the attack tomorrow. Very destructive stuff.
In light of not letting the political buzz get to me, I’m going to take a stab at thinking of something positive about all four candidates.
Palin: Showed up for a debate where half the world was itching and hoping she’d fail. Loyal to her running mate. Has the courage to state her often unpopular beliefs.
Biden: Smart and well-spoken. Didn’t bury Palin, though it was clear he had the background knowledge to do so. Desires unity between red and blue.
Obama: Has to put up with constant noise about being black, people trying to connect him to terrorists, and needing to state again and again his religious affiliation. A visionary.
McCain: Has to listen to a steady stream of media predicting he has a 1 in 3 chance of dying during the next four years. Probably not fun to having people discussing your morality in this way.
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Sinclair, I know what you mean. I watched the Presidential debate recorded, after the fact, with no before or after media coverage. And I just found myself thinking about what I thought and felt about what each candidate said.
Then I made the mistake of watching some of the coverage after the VP debate and it really started to slant my thinking completely. I was so amazed at how slanted the coverage was, I had to immediately turn it off. It really helped not to watch it.
There are some debate watching tips I saw on TV yesterday about not watching any coverage immediately before or after a debate. Here’s a link:
Debate-Watching Tips from Campaign Analyst Kathleen Hall Jamieson (LINK)
There’s also a discussion between Jamieson and Brooke Gladstone (described as one of our top scholars of democracy and one of our finest independent journalists) about the nature of “true debate” and what we’ve been witnessing:
Brooke Gladstone and Kathleen Hall Jamieson Discussion (LINK)
I find I stay the most positive if I just talk things over with a few people rather than watching the big machine spin. There is so much going on. Thanks for your added positive comments.
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QuoinMonkey, can’t help but think the world would be in much better shape today if George B. had just called his sponsor.
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8) 8) 8) Ah, that is such a good line, Rick. I wish I had thought of it.
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Hi everyone,
talk about fever!
I have to say, I feel very foreign in the midst of all this.
In a thousand years
where will America be?
Whose name remembered?
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P.S. For those who don’t know, I’m English!
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I listened to the VP debate on NPR. It was very, very clear what I was hearing. And then, two days later, I watched it on YouTube. I found my ability to listen to what they said profoundly diminished having to watch them, too. It started seeming blurry as I was distracted by their big smiles, nervousness, and facial expressions. I think I’ll return to using only my ears for the last two debates.
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ybonesy, can I call u yb? You know, I stayed silent on this post. I just didn’t have anything nice to say about any of the candidates. I’m worn out, tired of all of the negative advertisements. I know that the our state here in PA is a swing state & the ads are all over the place, no matter what time of day. We are being bombarded by them. I think my Grandson said it best over a month ago when he told me there was a war going on between Barack Obama & McCain. I just want it all to be over. And you know what? I think about QM & how much we care & love her & how much is at stake for people & their rights. Sure, we are in desperate times with all of the bail out issues, etc., but I have to sit back at the end of the day & address some of the other issues. The ones that concern personal issues.
I adore Tina Fey & the terrific job she has done on SNL. I hadn’t watched that show in years.
After watching the debate beween Biden & Palin I pray that I am not subjected to such a cutsie cheerleader VP. I think Biden could have gone on the attack early on. But he didn’t. Class act & for me a world apart, although my choice was made long ago. He didn’t wink at me, he answered the questions asked of him.
Sorry yb, I tried…I really did…D
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Yes, you can call me yb. 8)
It’s fine, diddy. It’s hard for me, too. I am very for one ticket and very against the other, and so this has been a great way to at least for a moment here and there, take a break from that inner dialog in my head that argues in favor or against. But it’s not easy to take that break, and I would say that 99.5% of the time, I’m one-sided.
But what I was really having trouble with was not that people have strong preferences or strong dislikes or fears about any candidate but rather that on the internet, and not only on the partisan sites, people have taken their preferences, dislikes, and fears and turned it all into a giant mudslinging. I have trouble with people insulting each other and not being able to listen to one another or at least not being able to refrain from jumping into the fight.
QM, re: the wisdom of recovery, we’ve had conversations in our family about the “Al-Anon way,” which is to not engage in the fight. I have an aunt and a cousin who both have used the n-word when talking about Obama in conversation with my mother. Mom, who truly walks the talk of believing that all people are created equally, has refrained from hanging up the phone or fighting back. Now, I would not be able to do that. To me, not calling my aunt on her use of that word is paramount being complicit. But my mother understands that she can’t change my aunt. And because my mother wants to leave this world with a strong relationship with her surviving siblings, all of whom are quite old now, she refuses to take that bait.
We talk about the elections and these kinds of things that are happening almost every day. I’ll say, Next time tell her …, and I’ll go off on what my reaction would be. And my mom listens to me and vents to me, which is good; she’s got to get it out, and I got to get my stuff out, too. So we support each other that way. (As do other siblings.) But as much as I probably can’t take the high road, as my mom has, I do admire her for taking it.
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Funny, funny, Rick. 8)
stranger, good to see you every now and again. I forwarded to a few friends who I know are pretty engaged in the elections right now a great video of someone from the AFL-CIO talking about the election. I got chills when he started to talk about legacy, and that 2008 will be remembered for the year that we started to end the war in Iraq, and 2008 will be the year we stopped hatred… Well, I won’t paraphrase the whole thing, but your question about who will be remembered made me think both of impermanence of this day and the lasting legacy of each president and administration.
Sinclair, I admire your spirit in offering another set of kind statements. I will hopefully have more to offer as well as each day passes. I’m pretty sure, though, that I won’t be able to give up the media-hopping. Maybe it’s the Gemini in me that loves it and hates it both, but keeps doing it.
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QM, I watched the Bill Moyers’ show with Hall Jamieson and Gladstone—really good segment. Thanks for posting it (#58).
I also dislike the spin that happens immediately after these debates, although I am on it like a fly on spin. The two guests on the Moyers’ show talked about the CNN version, which plays a real-time monitor of focus group reactions as each candidate speaks. I’ve seen that real-time viewer, actually had it running on my computer for part of this last debate. The point that Hall Jamieson and Gladstone made was that watching those reactions clouds one’s ability to form his or her own opinion.
Of course, I think the debates are most valuable for people who are still undecided. Hopefully those folks do not tune into the CNN broadcast/ticker. I have made up my mind, so what I’m watching for is not so much the debate itself but the reaction to it. That’s why I also flip to every possible source afterwards to see what the pundits are saying.
I’d like to say that I’ll skip the spin after this coming Tuesday’s debate—being as how I don’t like the fact that “spin happens”—but again, there’s that Gemini in me, attracted to what it is that bugs me. (I wonder if my personality type also makes for good point-of-purchase shopping display response.)
However, with this blog as my witness, I will make genuine effort to go straight to bed after Tues’ debate, like Jim did this past Thu. (Me, I was sitting at my computer for a full hour afterwards zipping from one source to another, trading emails with a former work colleague who gets as sucked into it all as I do.)
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yb, you know I have a problem with the internet too! I can’t believe some of what I see there, but hey, that’s what gives us a voice. A chance to speak out for what we believe, whether it be annonymous or not. I suppose that is how it it is for many. We can speak our minds & no one knows who we are and so life goes on…I guess I get sucked into it too…& yes, the Gemini in me…D
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Cool stuff here guys. I’m afraid I’m so entrenched today in my fear and anger that I can’t go for the positive. But its a wonderful thing to do.
Just a nitpicky thing, QM. Yes, male candidates ARE asked questions like what they read. Its a very common interview question for all types of people, including authors, athletes and actors. George W. Bush was asked nearly the identical question, and his answer was that he didn’t read. It was later clarified that Laura read newspapers to him over breakfast. Hard to believe that he didn’t really read, but either its true or he thought it was the best thing to say. Significantly later it was reported that he was in a reading contest with Karl Rove, to see who could read more books in a month.
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Thanks for stopping in, Neola. I can understand that feeling of being entrenched, especially given the escalation of negative attacks this week. Oy.
You’re right, “What do you read?” or “What is your favorite book?” have popped up in interviews with political candidates. I actually think those are good questions, as the answers give me insight into the leanings—literature-wise and even political-leaning-wise—of the candidates. I’d be dismayed to hear that someone only tunes in to Fox News, for example.
We get the Wall Street Journal, and even though Jim sometimes gets so frustrated by the conservative and corporate (one might say, one-in-the-same) bent, I like keeping up on financial news. My favorite newspaper is NYT, though, and I would love to hear that a political candidate reads both, as they together sort of balance one another.
My view is that Couric was pretty even-handed, but that Palin was not thinking well on her feet.
But, I think we have seen during this election many instances where questions have been “gotcha” and/or irrelevant—at least in my opinion.
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Well, it’s a new day. I’ve put a personal moratorium on all media that involves political coverage today, including NPR. It’s brought an amazing amount of peace. Except for the normal day-to-day stress and angst, I feel relatively removed from all the fray. There is so much negativity out there, I feel like taking a bath everytime I see a political ad or watch the news.
I had the thought today that though we say we want peace from the war, at the individual level we are fighting like cats and dogs. It seems like there should be some kind of connection there — from global to personal. Are we really walking the talk?
Neola and ybonesy, your points about reading and books are well taken. Though I don’t really put much stock in the magazines or newspapers people read, I do believe you can tell a lot about a person by what books or literature they read. If people are telling the truth about what they are reading, that makes sense to me.
ybonesy, your mother sounds like a wise woman (#65 ). Recovery does change the way we look at the world. In her defense, I hear so many pejorative and bigoted comments about gays and lesbians on a daily basis, including in the work environment, and I’ve experienced it personally, firsthand. It seems like the one area where some people feel like they don’t have to be politically correct and can say anything they want, even in public. I bet your girls hear a lot of it at school, too, things kids learn from their parents.
But what I wanted to say is, though it makes my blood boil, I can’t address all of it. I’m only one person. And I’ve only got so much energy. I really have to choose my battles, bring awareness where I believe it will make the most difference.
If people’s minds are set on something, even if it’s prejudice, and even if it’s a family member, no amount of me telling them anything or personal confrontation is going to change their minds. Perhaps I’m better off addressing the policies in place, or writing a book, or speaking in a more public forum about it, or taking it to HR (if it involves the work environment). Or maybe they might change their view by seeing the way I live my life — that I’m no different than anyone else.
I think you’re right, it’s really an individual thing how we handle these things. And I believe in our gut, we know when it’s worth it to stand up, and when we need to save the fight for another day.
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If we are what we eat, are we also what we read?
What are people reading right now? Is anyone game to tell? Hey, we’re not running for office, so who cares?
I’ll go first: My People, The Sioux by Standing Bear
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Thanks for asking, Teri, because I’m reading a wonderful memoir: “Here If You Need Me” by Kate Braestrup.
The author handles serious subject matter in an up-lifting and humorous way … which is a fine example for these times!
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Ah, cool. It’s very uplifting to talk about the books we are reading. I’ve made the mistake (if you can call it that) of diving into too many books at once. So haven’t yet finished any. But here goes…I started Mark Twain’s Life On The Mississippi in an old book The Family Mark Twain I got at a garage sale. I’m also about 3/4 done with Flannery’s letters in The Habit of Being. And I started a book my young niece gave me, Deborah Wiles, Each Little Bird That Sings. Quite a mix!
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Ha! I like this twist! I spent most of the day reading Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts, but like QM I have too many books going. I’m also reading Cry To Heaven by Anne Rice & The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. I vowed today to finish one & then the others. When through I have 2 Pearl S. Buck books, The Exile & The Good Earth to dive into. D
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diddy, can’t wait to see what you think of the Pearl S. Buck, when you get to her, especially The Good Earth. Keep us posted!
Finally heading to bed, but wanted to drop a link for everyone here that’s sure to make the less faint of heart smile. Liz was playing this tonight and she did pretty well. If you get far enough, there’s a little surprise.
Warning — there are a couple of ads before you get to the main Gate and Start area. And it takes a little while to load. Even if you don’t play, you have to see the characters. Warriors for sure!
Atom: Kung-Fu Election (LINK)
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Hilarious, QM! I didn’t actually play the game but I got to the opening page and saw each ticket dressed in their Kung Fu uniforms. Ha! 8) I’ll have to give it a try tonight.
I watched the debate last night and am finding myself finally relaxing into these debates. Post-Bill Clinton, who was so at ease and masterful at connecting with viewers, I’ve dreaded watching the debates. Poor wooden Al Gore, I felt so bad for him in every debate, as his strengths never shone in that venue. Kerry was intelligent and forceful yet never really connected, in my opinion. And then there was Bush (W), with his “Aw, shucks” simpleness that in hindsight we can see for what it was.
But last night I didn’t have any of my normal worry. Although the format was boring, I stuck with it to the end. I thought McCain gave a strong closing answer, in which I saw an authenticity. Obama seemed at ease, and I loved that he considers health care a right of all people in the U.S. (Two new nice comments about the candidates.)
As for books, and thanks, Teri, for picking up that thread, I recently finished Isabel Allende’s Paula. It is her first memoir, written in 1992, when her only daughter, by then about age 19, became gravely ill and died. I was inspired to read this memoir after finishing a month or so earlier her latest memoir, The Sum of our Days. I plan to do a post on Allende and will share much more then.
I’ve read a few books this year—I blasted through two memoirs, Tweak and Beautiful Boy—one written by a young man who became a meth addict at very young age, and the other by his father. I’m almost done reading The Hobbit to Em, and I am about 1/3 of the way through Patricia Hampl’s memoir The Florist’s Daughter. I’ll finish those two books next and then probably get back to some that I started and hadn’t finished by Ann Patchett and Anne Lamott. Also Stephen King’s book on writing, which is really a memoir as well.
Oh, and this week I took off the shelf The Four Agreements, parts of which I might weave into tomorrow’s post. We’ll see.
Who among you are prone to have many books going at once versus serial readers (finish one, read the next, etc.)?
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ybonesy, you have to play the game tonight, at least try it, to see the characters move. It’s hilarious. Also fun to see what shields and weapons these warriors wield. And, like I said, if you get far enough in points, a few surprise visitors appear. The game shows no favorites.
I watched the debate after a day of no media coverage (personal choice). I felt relaxed going into it, and during the debate. I don’t know if the format worked to either’s advantage; they both seemed relaxed. But there was a lot of fumbling, going over time, stepping into Tom Brokaw’s view of the screen, which actually kept things light. I felt for Brokaw! He tried to keep time! They needed a Writing Practice timer or something, didn’t they?
I, too, liked the way Obama addressed healthcare, something important to me. He seemed confident and relaxed. McCain had a natural ease, was less aloof. I thought both of them could have engaged more with the people around them. It was so odd to see the people’s faces (those who asked the questions) never crack an expression of any kind. Part of their agreement, I assume. And they were very nervous when they got up to read their questions.
As to your book question, ybonesy – Who among you are prone to have many books going at once versus serial readers (finish one, read the next, etc.)? I used to be a serial reader, hands down. And now I’ve usually got more than one book going. The danger is that it seems to take me longer to finish a book. One thing I’ve noticed though — if the book completely grabs me, I finish it in one sitting. I can’t put it down.
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I’ll definitely play it and come back to report on what I thought. 8)
Yeah, the format was not very creative. I guess they just can’t risk people reacting naturally to the candidate responses, and in a town hall format, the non-response comes across as almost bizarre.
It has been pretty interesting to see how the moderators deal with the breaks in format–Tom Brokaw looked pretty flustered, especially with Obama; Gwen Ifil seemed not sure what to do when Palin said point-blank that she might not answer the questions that the moderator wants to hear; and Jim Leherer (sp?) appeared somewhat exasperated by not getting what he felt was the right kind of response to his one question on what they would do differently in light of the crisis. It’s interesting to watch them. Hey, who’s moderating the last debate?
Oh, the one thing I thought getting out from behind the podiums did, though, was show more clearly Obama’s and McCain’s physical differences—height and movement, in particular. I think it accentuated their age difference.
…if the book completely grabs me, I finish it in one sitting. I can’t put it down.
Ditto for me. I’m also trying to put more effort into finishing the books I start. I’d like to be a serial reader, although I’ve had a long history of starting things and not finishing them (writing, art, reading)…I’m rehabilitating myself, though. 8)
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[…] it is October, a beautiful fall day. My country is in turmoil—our economy imploding and our society exploding, with rage, over the national elections. I am literally and figuratively oceans away from that soft […]
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ybonesy, did you get a chance to play the game (#76-79)? I heard something else on Public Radio’s Weekend America called Political Dreams. It’s about the political dreams people are experiencing right now as this race rushes on.
Do you have any political dreams?
The book is by Kelly Bulkeley and is called American Dreamers: What Dreams Tell Us About The Political Psychology Of Conservatives, Liberals, and Everyone Else.
Here’s a link to the Weekend America piece:
Weekend America: Political Dreams (LINK)
Here’s a link to Kelly’s website:
Kelly Bulkeley, Ph. D. – Dream Research and Education (LINK)
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I’ve just come from a rally in St. Paul; Michelle Obama was speaking. I stood out in the pouring rain for an hour with a few thousand other people waiting for her. Our assignment for this post was to give compliments to the four candidates. I’m going to add a few for Michelle.
Michelle Obama: Funny, warm, articulate, relaxed, confident, hopeful, spontaneous, honoring
I ended up standing in line (and listening) to Michelle Obama with an 18-year-old high school senior. I was somewhat stunned by how bright she was, how involved in the election, and how much she knows about all of the candidates running in Senate races, and her general command of the political process. More hope.
Al Franken was shaking hands at the door, leading in the polls to become our new senator. Maybe our next Paul Wellstone.
A good day all around.
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Teri, very exciting, and thank you for adding the kind descriptors about Michelle Obama. Also, I’ve actually been following the race that Al Franken is running against Coleman. Wow, interesting turn of events there.
I wanted to come back to this post, because I talked to two of my sisters about this post the other day. We talked about how much we admired our nephew Adam for coming in and leaving his nice comment (#19). Adam has inherited the political passion that runs through many in our family. My sisters also said that this was a tough assignment (say something nice about all the candidates or about those you’re not voting for). The closer we get to election day, the harder it is for me, too, to keep it positive, too, although I haven’t been quite as consumed for the past four days with everything that’s going on.
I did want to say that I’m almost done filling out my absentee ballot. The constitutional ammendments and bond issues are the last items, and the League of Women Voters website for NM (which I won’t link to, since it won’t help many here) has been tremendous help for understanding pros and cons. I’m afraid I might end up being in Vietnam on Nov 4. I would have loved to be here. I think it’s going to be an exciting day and night.
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QM, I still haven’t played the game. Maybe tomorrow night during the last debate.
I’ve heard about the dreams folks have been having about the candidates, and during the primaries I also dreamed about the Democratic candidates. I can’t remember now what those dreams were exactly, just that I was astonished to have “seen” Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in my dreams. 8)
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ybonesy, can’t believe you are going to be out of the country on Election Day. But it will be fascinating to see what your perspective is of the media coverage of our elections in Vietnam. What a great writing opportunity.
Teri, good for you for going to see Michelle Obama in the pouring rain. And the multi-generational experience sounds eye opening. I think the race between Al Franken and Norm Coleman is going to be close.
I haven’t been watching or reading any of the spin for the last couple of weeks. It’s made my life much more peaceful. I still tune into some of the calmer pieces on MPR or PBS. They don’t have to please their advertisers (at least not as much). I do plan to watch the last debate. I’m thankful we have this post to come back to — to read positive or more neutral comments. There’s already enough negativity out there in the world. I don’t want to add any more fuel to it.
ybonesy, the different dreams of conservatives and liberals were kind of fascinating. The liberals’ dreams tended to be wilder and more out there. No surprise there, I guess. 8)
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An interesting tidbit from the Obama rally yesterday…
The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by a young African-American boy. I couldn’t remember the last time I had said the Pledge. Everyone I saw had their hand over their heart. It brought tears to my eyes.
The second thing on the program was an invocation, led by an African-American female minister. I couldn’t remember the last public gathering I’d been at that had an invocation.
It set the tone for peace right away.
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That’s pretty cool, Teri. I watched the late local news last night, that segment on Good Question. I don’t know why but I like that segment. I also watch Don’s In The Know , recently changed to Good To Know. I usually learn something in those short pieces.
Anyway, the Good Question was does the spouse of the candidate matter in influencing elections. And the expert they went to said absolutely. Because people want to know who the person is that candidate is going to be engaging in “pillow talk” with. Are they solid? And the spouse can also help cover more campaign ground, get out there into swing states. (I think I saw that Sarah Palin’s husband either was or will also be in Minnesota.)
But since all the Presidential spouses thus far have been female, they talked about how many people don’t want the First Lady to be too political. And how they weren’t noticed at all until, I think it was Teddy Roosevelt’s wife redecorated the White House.
But then came Eleanor Roosevelt (one of my faves), wife of FDR. She was the first First Lady to make her own political statement, to get in there with her own personal interests and make a difference in policies in this country. I’ve read her biography. It made me think a lot about women’s roles in elections. Very important.
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I’m experimenting today with something you’ve mentioned several times, QuoinMonkey. I’m not reading or listening to anything about the election. I can’t say I feel peaceful yet, but it is a good practice to stop obsessively reading everything online for a day. I have a non-negotiable commitment tonight, so will not be hearing the debate, either. I’m going to practice praying for our country whenever I think about how tense I feel.
It is a sunny fall day in Minneapolis, and I’m going to rollerblade around Lake Harriet instead of wringing my hands over this crossroads our country faces.
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I think that’s wise, Teri.
To anyone who stops by this post today, the one thing I recommend is that you watch this. It is a 6-minute video titled No Debate: Hempstead is Struggling (LINK), produced by the American News Project. The video is a series of interviews with people who live and work in the area surrounding Hempstead, NY, location for tonight’s final debate.
The clip is not about the debate, and it’s not about the candidates (although it does feature one soundbite from each one). The video is about the reality of what is happening outside the debate halls.
It moved me to tears.
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ybonesy,
I watched it. I wish this could be played at the beginning of the debate tonight; it is incredibly sobering. A video like this would demand the debate be real. The clip of the “rich guys” (presumably bankers on Wall Street) vs. the poor but amazing people in Hempstead gave me an ache in my heart.
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ybonesy, I’ll definitely watch this before the debate tonight. It sounds like it really moved you and Teri. I look forward to it.
Teri, have a good blade around Harriet (#88). It’s a nice cool Fall day for it. Hope you’ll come back and let us know how it is to not tune in today. I’ve become really picky about what I will and won’t watch regarding the candidates. I guess I must be thin-skinned; all the fighting makes me edgy. I just can’t watch it.
Lately, I’ve only been watching shows where I feel like I might learn something I don’t already know, become more educated, and where both sides are presented as equally as possible. It’s really helped me to feel calmer. And it’s been a learning experience, too, opening me up to different ways of thinking besides the ones I tend to cling to.
Last night I watched a show on PBS, I think it was Frontline. There were interwoven segments on both Obama and McCain and their political careers up to this point, interjecting key points along the way where they each felt that they had failed or lost heart — and areas where they felt they had succeeded. It seemed to capture difficult moments for each of them, politically and emotionally, and showed how they each navigated those waters.
It talked about McCain’s struggles, disappointments, anger, and separation from Bush during a particularly mean-spirited time when made-up racist remarks were being hurled around about him (smear tactics by his own party) in one of the Republican campaigns in the South. At that time, McCain was shunned by many Republicans (later Bush would finally endorse McCain).
And it talked about times in Obama’s political history in Chicago when prominent black Democratic politicians in his circle asked him to step down and step back, to pay his dues to them because they had more seniority than he had. He wasn’t as popular back then, lost a few elections, learned valuable lessons, as did McCain.
It gave me great insight into what each of these men have endured in terms of bucking the system politically throughout their careers. And what steps they might take when faced with similar situations in the White House. They have really different styles, but these guys are human.
I watch things like that because I want to be more educated about the human experience. Even though I know who I’m voting for, it kind of opens me up to neutrality. This is just me, but I think in order for real change to happen, we’re going to have to begin to try to understand where other people are coming from, even if we don’t agree.
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QM,
I, too, am growing less and less tolerant of reports that are so one-sided, especially ones that demonize other candidates. I keep thinking about ybonesy’s comment about civil discourse, and how we’ve lost that skill. Well, it’s lost, but not forgotten. I think we all have opportunities to make small steps to change that. I tried to be very conscious today of letting people who were in a jam merge ahead of me in traffic, or always giving pedestrians lots of room to cross the street. It all matters, even if we’re not speaking.
Rollerblading was great; I went to Calhoun instead of Harriet. For all the Natalie fans out there, the Minnesota Zen Center (where Natalie studied for years) is right on Lake Calhoun. I presume she walked round the lake hundreds of times.
I’ve avoided the media hype about the election all day, but still have no peace. Not yet, anyway. I’ve slipped into possibly worse territory, reading articles about Madonna’s divorce. Well, it’s progress not perfection, right?
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Teri, Madonna was married? I honestly didn’t know. I had to ask Liz. Yes, she was in the know, too. She was married, had kids, and divorced and I completely missed it. 8)
I’m about to eat dinner and watch the video link ybonesy provided (#89). It was a great day for a roller blade. You know, Lake Calhoun is a very peaceful place. There are ley lines that run under that lake and, I presume, under the Minnesota Zen Center. I really like that area. Good energy.
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Ah, that’s a heartwrenching story on video (#89). The woman who worked 3 jobs to buy her house and…well, I won’t tell the rest of the story. Perhaps some are sacrificing much more than others at this time, pulling more of the weight. Really sad. And it’s not over yet.
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Yeah, I have an underlying sense of sadness over what is happening in the world. So much pain and loss. It’s almost unbearable.
Well, it turns out I won’t be watching the debate tonight either. I forgot I had meetings to accommodate Asia colleagues. That’s OK. My sister and niece are watching together, and I would have liked to join them, but I’ll check with them and Jim to see how things went once it’s over.
Teri, the fear has lessened considerably. I have faith it’s all going to work out.
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yb, I watched & was truly humbled by the link that you provided. How sad & unfortunate the stories of the mechanic & the woman who lost her home & her son. I watched the debate & won’t comment, however I wanted to tell about an e-mail that we received yesterday. It was clearly an ugly attack on Obama. I didn’t read the whole thing & deleted it , planning on letting it go by the wayside as my friendship is more important than the e-mail. However J became infuriated & sent a reply telling our friend that if she wished to send such things that she should first check out the facts. I should add that neither she or her husband vote. I’m not sure how this will go over. I have avoided at all cost discussing this election with friends. Don’t get me wrong, J told her that we dearly love her & her husband, but to please refrain sending us e-mails on either candidate. I’m so tired of reading all the negative comments that I want to crawl into a hole for the next 19 days…D
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I am relieved we no longer have to white-knuckle it through another debate; may the next three weeks fly by. I started listening to all the commentators giving their opinions this morning, and decided to turn my radio off. More relief.
alittlediddy, I had a similar experience with someone sending me “Let’s hate and humiliate Sarah Palin” emails. When I asked the sender to stop, she was quite offended. It’s all so unhelpful, no matter who is being degraded.
Tonight our Poetry & Meditation group will be hearing Emily Dickinson poetry. She didn’t leave her house for the last twenty years of her life. There’s something strangely appealing about that today…at least until November 4th is over.
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For Teri and whomever else mentioned receiving “attack” mail you are not alone. We have one family members that sends it daily with graphic images of all sorts — I disregard it and forget about it but my spouse got so annoyed for 23 days in a row of it he just hit “REPLY ALL” with a note: cease and desist.
For myself, the bottom line is not about parties but about people. And I do admire more the candidate that rises above using anecdotes of personal sacrifice to emotionally manipulate the masses. We all have times of sacrifice and difficulty we can share. The woman that worked three jobs in that video is not the only one – but one of many. I am hoping to see communities and commerce brought together by finding our common ground.
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Whew! I’m so relieved to read that others have had the same experience with e-mails. I think my husband did the right thing in replying in the manner that he did. I guess I was so shocked by the hatred in the e-mail that I was sure the best way to handle it was to delete it & let it be.
Teri, I am not a Sarah Palin fan but would have been disgusted had I been sent anything like “Let’s hate & humilate Sarah Palin”. And Sib, 23 days in a row? Wow, I don’t think I could have waited that long to reply.
My mind was made up long ago & I suppose that is the most frustrating part. Living in PA & having the negative ads has been depressing for me. I just want all of the hatred to go away…D
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Teri, sib, diddy—thanks for sharing your experiences and how you’ve dealt with the negativity. I can see where those emails would get you down.
I haven’t rec’d anything directly, although two different people did send me examples of extremist-view emails that they’d received. I just couldn’t believe the views expressed in these emails. They were so over-the-top, so no-way-this-is-real. All I could think was, What ignorance propels this?
I, too, am relieved that the debates are over. I’ve been thinking a lot about undecided voters, marveling at how they still in some cases are not at a decision, how they continue to watch and take in and assess.
My vote is first and foremost shaped by fundamental philosophies and beliefs I hold as a (progressive) Democrat; there is no way I would be undecided unless I absolutely lacked confidence in my party’s candidate. Fortunately, I not only have zero doubts; I am inspired and raised up by the prospect of his presidency.
Now I am in prayer mode. I told a group of friends last night that I vacillate between feeling that this election is the most critical in our lifetimes and trying to talk myself out of that notion. What if Obama doesn’t win? I don’t want to be crushed. I don’t want to invest that much weight into what I believe must happen. So now I am like this crazy person, one side passionate to the point of anguish, the other side cooly detached. Not a pretty sight.
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ybonesy, I like prayer mode. 8) Last night at the end of poetry group, politics came up for just a brief instant. Since none of us in the room knew how others would be voting, we kept the conversation to the process that we’ve all been through this election, rather than the candidates.
One of the young couples who were there (there is a wide age range in our poetry group) said they had recently had a great conversation — civil in discourse — with one set of parents. The parents are conservative Republicans and will be voting that way. The couple are liberal Democrats. Yet they still were able to listen to each other over dinner one night.
One half of the couple said the discussion was so good that she even got to understand why the parents were voting the way they were, even though they didn’t agree. That gave me SO much hope for this world.
She said one other thing — that she thinks that when you talk to people long enough and listen to them about who they are going to vote for, it often comes down to one key important issue for them, and they look at the way the candidate stands on that issue. It made me think about that. I think I probably have 2 or 3 top issues. But one stands out more than others.
Anyway, I think there is hope that people will come together as they need to in the end.
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Obama’s grandmother has been ill for some time, but she is now seriously ill. I just read that he has cancelled events for late this week and will return to Hawaii to be with her.
I wanted to come to this post and just say that I’m very saddened by this news. I’ve not read his memoir, but I sense that his grandmother means so much to him, as he did not have a father and it seems his mother relied a great deal on her parents to help bring him up. Here is a photo of of his grandmother (LINK).
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ybonesy, I heard the same about him cancelling events to go be with his Grandmother. I was saddened, too. She looks so joyful in that photograph in your link. I have a lot of respect for him taking the time to go and be with her in Hawaii.
I heard that Michelle is going to pick up some of the slack for him in Ohio. And I was thinking — that’s got to be tough. It’s probably a time when she would want to be near him, to offer support. Life goes on with or without us. And all the personal ups and downs keep running behind everything we do in the external world.
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I too was saddened to read the news about Madelyn Dunham. Her birthday is Sunday. I know she has been a huge supporter & role model for Obama. She must be so proud of his accomplishments. I also have a lot of respect for him for suspending his events & heading to Hawaii to be with her. I’m sure Michelle would want to be with him for support.
I read a piece on line this morning & instead of people sending prayers to Obama & his family, I was shocked to read ugly racist comments that had nothing to do with the news of her illness. It sickened me.
I attended a party on Saturday for J’s youngest brother who just turned 40. The subject of politics came up & one person began the conversation with some pretty ugly comments about Obama. I simply asked her if she votes, which she does. I then told her that was all that mattered to me & that I wished not to discuss the election. She would not give it up, so I told her that this was what makes America great. We are all entitled to our own opinion & have a choice. I then excused myself & walked outside. I still can’t grasp what drives people to such hatred. D
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That’s a tough situation to be in, diddy, but sounds like you handled it well. Not much longer to go now.
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Obama’s grandmother died today. I wish she could have lived to see her son elected President of the United States. Corny as it may sound, I believe she will watch over him now.
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Such sad news. But I don’t think it sounds corny at all to say that she will watch over him now. My heart goes out to Obama & his family. D
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[…] to posts: Out With The Old, In With The Old (Recycled Fashion Goes To Washington, DC), If You Can’t Say Something Nice…, Why It Won’t Matter To You That I’m Voting For Obama, The Politics Of Primary Season 2008 […]
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