The Great Unifier: About our Governor Blago

Being from a large and traditionally conservative Midwestern extended family, I rarely broach the subject of politics in conversation. By doing so, I can keep things civil and keep from getting too riled up, something I have a tendency to do when it comes to politics. Very rarely do issues come along that we all can agree with each other.

So I wish to thank Governor Rod Blagojevich for giving us a topic upon both liberals and conservatives can emphatically agree. No matter the political spectrum of my family, we certainly feel its time for the administration of our 41st Governor to be, Pat Quinn.

Governor Blagojevich has never been very popular, and if it wasn't for his father in law and George Ryan's antics, he wouldn't be governor. The only reason he won a second term is because the Illinois GOP was in sorry shape, unable to get Jim Edgar to run again, or find a better candidate than Judy Baar-Topinka.

I've disagreed with his cavalier way of doing business, especially over the past year. We are all aware the Illinois government has money issues, but to pick on areas like Danville and Charleston by taking away their few tourist attractions is a disgrace. Even before the dramatic events of last December, we were counting down the days until his term in office ended.

I'd rather not waste the space to list all of the reasons he needs to go, mainly because I don't have the time to write a novel. However, his sheer willfulness to ignore the will of the people since he was arrested tops it all and is reminiscent of Robert Mugabe.

Every day he stays in office is a gift to the Republican Party of Illinois. If they are wise, they will nominate a moderate, even an Obamacan (assuming Obama is still popular two years from now) who can bring in disaffected Democrats while keeping the wingnuts from breaking the party in two. As of right now, I'm not exactly sure where they'll find that person (assuming Jim Edgar continues to refuse to come back to public service).

Next week the Illinois Senate will begin the impeachment trial of Governor Blagojevich. Although the House voted overwhelmingly to try the governor, the Senate is always a different beast. Its possible Blago might twist enough arms to keep himself from being convicted, although even that might not be possible now.

Whether he leaves in 2009, 2010, or 2011, we are more than ready to show him the door, if he had the decency to actually live in Springfield. Stay tuned, for maybe will get that wish sooner rather than later.

What's Next?

Thus ended the Presidency of George W. Bush and began the administration of President Barack Obama.

(Yes, its okay to smile when you say it. In fact, say it again: President Barack Obama.)

Some talking heads have decided to trash his inaugural address, but I disagree. It was a sober call to action, a sign that the grown-ups have moved in at 1600 Pennsylvania (Sasha and Malia excepted). The speech was a clear rebuke of the Bush Administration, and a clear sign that this will be a different White House in almost every way. Our nation has many problems to solve, and its time to stop the childish bickering and get to work. We have done it before, and we can do it again.

So celebrate the victory tonight, we've certainly earned it after the eight years of President Bush. But tomorrow, its time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. It won't be easy, but then very little worth doing rarely is.

To wrap up, I leave you with this excellent performance that took place between the inauguration of Vice President Biden (no more Old Man Cheney!) and President Obama. Much like Obama's speech it encapsulates the moment.

Tomorrow's the Big Day

The day that us supporters of Barack Obama have been anticipating since February of 2007 (or even before) is almost here. Tomorrow, President Elect Barack Obama will become President Obama, and the real work begins.

I had hoped to be off work tomorrow, or at least in a position to watch the Inauguration on TV while working. Unfortunately, circumstances require that I be at work tomorrow, contrary to what I wish. However, I still intend to listen to as much of the inauguration as I can, and will catch up on the rest via DVR.

I wish I had some elegaic words to write at this moment, but I cannot come up with the right words for this occasion. The promise of tomorrow has been the shining light in the murky depths of the Bush Administration, and it almost seems surreal that it really is here. But as unreal as it feels, it is here, and I am looking forward to both the inauguration and the Obama presidency. May 44 be a good number for the United States.

Remembering the 2008 Journey: Yes We Can

A year ago tonight was a roller coaster of a night. Having paid too much attention to the talking heads, I was anticipating an Obama victory in New Hampshire, which would virtually assure his nomination. As the history would record, however, the result was much different.

Although Obama won about the same percentage of the New Hampshire vote as he was polling, Senator Clinton picked up virtually all of the undecided votes that day. Despite both candidates winning the same number of delegates, the fact Clinton won the horserace gave her campaign a much needed boost.

Before Senator Obama came out, I sat disgruntledly in my Virginia Beach apartment, wondering if Obama would even make it to my state, and wondering if he could survive the fight that would be on if he did make it to February 12. I watched glumly as Senator Clinton "found her voice", and became more worried, wondering how I would talk myself in to voting for Senator Clinton in November.

Obama's speech began innocently enough. The usual thanks to his supporters, promises for change, standard political speech stuff. It wasn't very remarkable. Until he uttered three little words.

Yes We Can

With those words, the game was changed. His defeat was nothing more than a setback, a call to action. That night I donated money to his campaign. I wasn't alone, as January 8, 2008 was a very good day for Obamas fundraising.

Although nowhere near as enjoyable as the South Carolina or the Chesapeake Primary, it was a memorable night. It showed that even though Clinton wouldn't go away easy, neither would Obama. It was the start of a long haul, and the Obama supporters showed they weren't going away.

2008: Yes We Did

Note: I am well aware that we are now into 2009, and the conventional time for end of year reflection has ended. However, I feel it negligent on my part to let the most momentous election year of my life go without comment.

In many ways, the year 2008 was not a good year. The stock market crashed, taking many retirement accounts with it. Amongst other factors, the reckless actions of several financial institutions resulted in a severe collapse of confidence in our nations economic health, and the further compounding of growing economic woes. Employees across several sectors found themselves out of a job just in time for the holidays.

(Yes we can!)

On the world front, China flexed its muscles, giving one hell of a show at the Olympics, and further showing that we are not the only power in the world. The messes in Afghanistan and Iraq continue, although Iraq fortunately showed some signs of improvement. At the end of the year, the quagmire in the Holy Land flared up once again, and one of the most dangerous corners of the world (the Indian/Pakistani border) has flared up far too much for comfort.

(Yes we can!)

On the government front, the nation had many black eyes this year. From Ted Stevens and Eliot Spitzer, William Jefferson to Rod Blagojevich, the year was full of the worst of our political system. Many state governments teeter on the edge of insolvency, and the state of Illinois is facing two years of gridlock with a thoroughly unpopular (and dilusional) governor. To top it all off, the Republicans brought forth the inevitable result of their 40 year old anti-intellectual, anti-government, and anti-"them" strategy by nominating Sarah Palin, an exceptionally unqualified Vice-Presidential candidate. In the realm of politics it certainly was a dark ye...

(Yes we can!)

Wait, what's that noise?

(YES WE CAN!)

Don't you mean "Yes We Did!"

No matter the crap that was flung by the various campaigns, no matter how low Blago sinks, no matter how many times Republicans questioned his ability to get the "hard-workin Americans", this year will be remembered as the year of Barack Obama.

It was one hell of ride, if a bit exhausting. From the victory celebration that warmed a cold Iowa night on January 3 to the jubilant night of November 4, we witnessed a Presidential campaign for the ages. Not only did an African-American with a deeply foreign name win the presidency, he did it convincingly. He beat the vaunted Clinton Machine, and discredited the tactics of Karl Rove.

Of the many missteps and gaffes made by the Republicans in the fall campaign, the one that riled me the most was their dismissal of the role of community activism. I wonder how Rudy 9-11 and Governor Palin feel about community activisim now, after it beat the pants off of them and clearly turned the tide in North Carolina and Indiana.

But now the bands and speeches of the campaign are silent, put back in place until the 2012 election. It is 2009 now, a time to see if Obama can deliver on his amazing potential. I still have a lot of hope that he will. Our nation has had a knack of picking leaders up to the task when we have great issues facing us, and I am confident we've picked a good one. Howver, only time will tell.

In the mean time, lets look back at it again, and remember that "Yes We Did". After all, its only two weeks until Obama's inauguration.