Renata-I appreciate reading all your posts even though I was already an Obama supporter. You’ve only made me see how critical it is to get back out there and knock myself out for the campaign when I vowed after all my work on Gore’s and Kerry’s wouldn’t do it again. Was soooo pooped. But I will and am excited again thanks to you. Post away! I love em. And ignore the naysayers.

Beverly, I don’t know what ‘wackadoodle conspiracy thing” means…nor did I get what your earlier post was reminding me that you hadn’t voted yet as if that had anything to do with me, or any meaning to me. All I know is I am really sick of people who add nothing but complaints. Did your parents not inform you that things can get testy when religion and politics are involved? I also don’t know what ‘shouting’ means. I basically am not interested in uninformed complainers who are so dainty that straight talk is unnerving to their sensibilities.. So you know, skip it. Not worth my time at all.

Renata—Don’t forget the eggheads!! That’s what’s called some serious shooting of oneself in the foot. Has she SEEN photos of his crowds??? Or looked at the districts she’s lost like here with 50% white, 25% asian, 15% hispanic, and 8% african american and 70% total for Obama….really dumb thing to say. Let me know what you think of my ‘cabinet’ choices on the new thread and let me know what you think. :) Can’t wait for that January 12N!

Renata, I love Langston Hughes and when Caroline Kennedy did that charming book of her mother’s favorite poetry, his was included. I’m really excited about the voting registration drive that kicked off yesterday and saw pix today of Oregon rallies…..HUGE! But this poem of his I hadn’t read, great imagery, too bad for so many it’s real.

Lily of the Valley-very cute, made me laugh, and little Mr. Sneaky is right next to me. Beautiful card too. Did you take graphic arts by chance?

Yetischmeti 1—I agree, at first iHRC for VP seemed like the thing to do then I realized totally different styles and world views and like you mentioned, something like Supreme Court is even better.

HRC for Supreme Court nominee….that’s thinking on all cylinders! Also believe we need to deep-six the Nazi-esque ‘Homeland Security’ tag. OK, then settled. Webb for VP. I’m happy. Maybe we should start a pool.

Cynthia, “I am weeping for my mother earth.” Understand the feeling, but weeping won’t help, only organized action will. Resolving the Climate Crisis can have many other global benefits too. The US is alone among nations in not signing the Kyoto Accord. We are 5% of the world’s population and produce 25% of it’s carbon emissions and waste. The Pentagon commissioned a report on Climate Change in relation to security entitled Abrupt Climate Change. It posits that should enough of the polar ice caps melt, pouring fresh water into the gulf stream, the oceans that act like refrigeration coolants could shut down setting off a dramatic chain of events. Among us Mary had the foresight to get rich enough to own a big ship…don’t think water wings will help in this scenario. http://www.s-e-i.org/pentagon_climate_change.pdf Melting has speeded up and we are in advance of projections by 30 years. In March, Al Gore gave a 18 minute talk called “New Thinking on Climate Crisis” that I suggest everyone bookmark and watch. http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/243 He stated “Everyone needs to ask themselves what would I do if I alone were responsible for the survival of civilization?” He said we need a Generation of Heroes, which was affirming for me to hear because a major theme in my book is environmental and the characters create a solution that has to do with enacting a universal hero archetype. I’ve met Al Gore, darned impressive, and could see his frustration in this video. It would have required a tiny fraction of the money wasted over the last seven years, and if he were president we’d have been a long way down the road solving THE MOST CRITICAL ISSUE OF OUR TIME. He laments the lack of a sense of urgency. We need a leader who can articulate a vision akin to a global Marshall Plan and unite the 18 nations that create 80% of the carbon in the atmosphere—and start there. One of the first acts of the new administration should be a gathering of all experts, like Al Gore, the Venture Capitalist who are pouring money into green technologies, including nanotechnolgy, leading edge types from the EU, US and elsewhere to brainstorm an action plan, and all systems go. Domestically, there already exists working models, like the Apollo Alliance, that can retool our industries create new jobs, rescue the environment and economy too. This can be accomplished via a WPA-type program as under FDR. We do not need to build a completely new model. And for cities models exist including under Sierra Clubs cool cities plan. If anyone missed it Robert F. Kennedy’s 6 minute Earth Day speech was DYNAMITE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Heku9oTLysg Another thing that might be done here. Oprah was so impressed with New Earth by Eckhart Tolle that together they created a 10-week online teach-in. Perhaps someone(s) here would volunteer to read the book and do a by chapter synopsis. It is a comprehensive wake-up for a lot of people that need to get shaken out of their stupor. Because as JFK said it is up to the people collectively more than the president. That’s just one reason I applaud Senator Obama, his campaign is signing up massive numbers of new voters in his “Vote for Change” campaign that kicked off May 10th as a 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive that will register new voters as the start of a six-month voter registration drive. Those Obama activists can be converted into eco-activists…they’ll already have the network in place. And with a leader who can give fresh vision and hope to the world. Yes we can! I know I’m ready for Camelot Part Deux. If people can’t get it together on priorities; 1) Go after the environment to solve multiple problems, 2) Resolve media consolidation that has created a massive disinformation industry contrary to the national interests, then my advice is learn to swim really well and learn to speak Chinese. Because the ice caps are melting fast and we’re already drowning in debt owned by the Chinese.

I think three men make the most strategic sense for Obama’s VP: 1) Senator Jim Webb from Virginia. He was a Republican. Was Secretary of Navy under Reagan. Is a decorated Vietnam Vet, a gun owner, and an author. With the 24/7 cut-throat Swift-Boating gearing-up now, he is an outstandingly articulate street-fighter who could verbally cut a battalion off at the knees. His qualities balance the ticket and offset McCain. Senator Webb is fantastically impressive, and will bring over disaffected Republicans, while still appealing to everyone else. All around great guy, photogenic family. 2). Wesley Clark: Retired four-star general. Valedictorian at West Point. Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. Decorated Vet. Silver Fox. Excellent speaker. Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. When the brainiacs of the world meet for a confab at the Aspen Institute, Wes Clark is who wows them and brings them to their knees. He ran for president so already has a built-in national constituency and fan club. Militarily he out McCains McCain….plus he’s infinitely smarter and handsomer too. Adds gravitas to the ticket. Fantastically lovely older wife who was a hit during his presidential run. 3) Senator Chuck Hagel. A Republican, openly critical of the Bush Administration. He has famously said to question the government IS patriotic, and believes that the Iraq invasion and occupation was one of the top five biggest blunders in history. He’s also opposed much of the secrecy of the WH. He served on intelligence, security, financial and foreign policy committees and is a very successful entrepreneur. Also extremely articulate, ready for the Swift-Boat fire-fights. Mediagenic. Either Chuck Hagel or Wesley Clark would make excellent an excellent Secretary of Defense. If the VP went to Webb I’d tap Clark as Secretary of Defense, and bring Homeland Security under his aegis too. Chuck Hegel as Secretary of Commerce. John Edwards as AG. Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. And combine Agriculture, Interior, and EPA into a super agency headed by Bill Richardson. I haven’t figured out the rest of the cabinet. Mr. Obama, call me ;

The day my son graduated from a top Jesuit college was extra emotional. His father was killed when he was just sixteen, he is my only child. He was leaving for the entire summer in Italy the next morning, and then starting graduate school in Paris that September. Our relatives were in the gorgeous campus cathedral, the ceremony was impressive, the President of Fordham University spoke. I bit my lip to stop the tears as the movie played in my head. My Saint Patrick’s Day baby born in a rather dramatic cesarian operation when I was 17. The 4-year old blond charm-boy. The 10-year old boy scout, 12-year old paper-boy, 14-year old in braces, the sunny, responsible boy with his first car, on his first date, his first prom, his first trip to Europe alone. The skiier, football player, tennis player, golfer, the multi-lingual all around, affectionate best bud. Tall, handsome, all grown-up and leaving for good. When the ceremony ended I rushed ahead into the sparkling June day to have a moment alone with my son. I was equal parts pride and heartbroken that he’d be relocating to another continent taking much of my sunshine away. But I didn’t burden him with that and just gave him a big hug. He beamed a little sheepishly and held out a white handled gift bag. Inside was the picture he painted for me to mark his graduation. It’s a tranquil hillside in Aix-en-Provence, France. Near were he went part-time for high school. The sky is a beautiful robins-egg blue, there are slightly blowing cyprus trees, the ground is strewn in wildflowers. A mother stands in the background like an anchor of safe haven without intruding on her child who gathers flowers in the foreground. It is framed in a beautiful antique gold frame with a thin deep green glossy liner. He said, “Like us Mom.” Nothing material on this planet could top that as my most favorite thing.

Anne Mee—Thank you for being 1000% correct and Mugsy and CO better grab a clue about the “Woman’s Agenda for the 21st Century.” There isn’t going to BE a livable 21st for very long, women or otherwise, if the Climate Crisis isn’t resolved. Maybe Google the Pentagon’s Abrupt Climate Change Report and watch this update from Al Gore….. Hello? Ice caps nearly gone? http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/243

Catherine….Yes, poor Arianna….I guess she just jived her way to the presidency of the Oxford Debate Society, alll of the books she’s written, and the owner of the one of the top 10 blogs of the millions on the Internet etc…and all of that coming from a poor Greek girl. Oh, and I lived a couple doors own from her mansion on River Rock Road in Montecito….you know, one of the richest communities in the US. But no…she’s not too intelligent. Is that you entire shtick, knocking really successful women down? Oprah was a chubby black girl starting out….not exactly the Hollywood blueprint…she’s now the richest person in entertainment. So not only belittle her but dumb american housewives. Anyone left??

Dona, I’ve met a number Congressional members, etc, and was in the ballroom with Hillary and Bill Clinton, although didn’t meet them, just observed them. They very electric. The funniest incident, was meeting Jimmy Carter. He had amazingly fresh skin and so polite and friendly. Apparently taking too long because Roselyn was behind him and through clinched teeth and in a low southern drawl, said, “Move it along, Jimmy.” Thought that was hysterical. He might have have his finger on the nuclear button, but she tells him what to do! Yes, it is disappointing for many, and no one likes to be disappointed, or see others feel that way. But, look at Al Gore…since the [lost/stolen, depending on POV] election: best seller, Oscar, Noble Prize….and International fame as the environment hero. I heard him speak at the World Affairs Council and while disappointed, he thinks he has more ability to shape what is important to him…and certainly more freedom, and I think global respect. And who knows what the super delegates have in store. They haven’t ALL spoken…tense…. and they said Sea Biscuit and War Admirable were the event of the century! And thanks for the compliment, very nice of you.

Yes, John Edwards as AG of Department of Justice would be terrific. And what about the other cabinet level positions? I say combine the Dept of Agriculture, Interior and EPA- and have Bill Richards head this larger and inter-related agency. Secretary of Commerce-? Secretary of State-Joe Biden Secretary of Education-? Secretary of Energy-? Combine the Secretary of Defense-and Homeland Security under one super agency with Wesley Clark at the helm. Secretary of Labor? Secretary of HUD? Secretary of Veteran Affairs-Former Senator Max Cleland. Secretary of Transportation-? Secretary of Treasury-?

Mary Lou, First, we were taught in childhood never to use the word hate. Second, I doubt that Obama is going to accumulate a voting record that would be objectionable to me, but then that is rhetorical, so who knows. And third, I can’t imagine me ever disagreeing with Frank Rich. Think he’s brilliant. Anyone can run for public office who can come up with a platform, money and supporters enough to remain in a viable race. Inexperienced politicians have come to office by a variety of means: ie after Sonny Bono’s death his wife took his congressional seat—a scenario that has happened on a number of occasions. Nor does years in politics make a worthy candidate: If GWB needed to rely on his brains and work ethic, instead of the money and connections handed to him by his father, he’d be lucky to own a gasoline station. And, as we’ve seen with very experienced politicians, ie the field of Democrats when this all began—they are history. Obama is the presumptive candidate who has taken districts where HRC should have been a shoe-in and despite her brand name. Why I think this is: 1) He is highly intelligent. His Harvard Law school class of mostly rich, white young people, voted him most likely to become president. 2) He is charismatic and articulate, he headed the Harvard Review, hardly a task of a light-weight. 3) He has put together an amazing ‘viral’ national insurgency battle plan harnessing what is effective today, rather than what is Inside the Beltway Old School. 4) Like JFK he has created a ‘Youthquake.’ 5) And most importantly to me, throughout history heroes come along in the darkest hour and change everything. Thankfully when Joan of Arc was an inexperienced 17-year old girl she saved dying France, when no one else could during The Hundred Year War, and from infinitely stronger occupying England. If she hadn’t, we’d all be sitting here eating soot pudding. Does this mean ‘experienced’ politicians are out? JFK believed that politics was an art as well as a science, and that PUBLIC service was a worthy goal. By that definition, today’s government is not staffed by experienced politicians but by well practiced special interest/corporate/lobbyist whores—with some notable exceptions. Inexperienced Cindy Sheenan is running against Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco’s 8th District. I live in the 8th District, am very politically wonky and activist, was a big supporter of Nancy Pelosi, and will be voting for Cindy Sheenan. Bill Clinton owned the 8th District that should have been Hillary’s and went 70% Obama. I think the mood in the country is Throw The Bums Out. At least it is with me. How about you? say, throw the bums out.