McCAIN trying to steal some thunder???

It's smart to make the announcement the day AFTER Obama's speech. McCain's camp knows that Obama is a good orator and so the only way to take the punch out of (or try to) his speech is to announce the first woman on the GOP ticket. (She is not the first woman to be nominated as a V.P., Geraldine Ferraro was nominated to the Democratic Party by Walter Mondale in 1984. They loss that year to Ronald Regan and George H.W. Bush.)

Biography

Full Name: Sarah Heath Palin
Party: Republican
Political Office: Governor of Alaska, elected 2006; mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, 1996-2002; Wasilla City Council, 1992-1996
Business/Professional Experience: Television sports reporter, 1987-1989; Co-owner of a commercial fishing operation, 1988-2007; owner, sport vehicle rental business, 1994-1997; chairwoman, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, 2003-2004
Date of Birth: February 11, 1964
Place of Birth: Sandpoint, Idaho
Education: B.S., University of Idaho, 1987
Spouse: married Todd Palin, 1988
Children: Sons Track, born 1989, and Trig Paxson Van, born 2008; daughters Piper, born 1990; Bristol, born 1994 and Willow, born 2001
Religion: Protestant (nondenominational)
Home: Juneau, Alaska

In a state dominated by the same party – and in many cases the same people – virtually since its inception, Sarah Palin is at the vanguard of a new generation of Alaska Republicans with a reformist bent. The self-described "hockey mom" ousted the incumbent governor in the 2006 primary, and she is both the youngest person and the first woman to serve in the post in Alaska. Senator John McCain, the presumptive presidential nominee of the Republican Party, drafted her as his running mate on Aug. 29, 2008.

OBAMA You Made Martin Luther King Jr. Proud!!!

A part of me wants to say that I am very pleased (not that Obama was looking for my endorsement...or is he??) at the speech Mr. Obama gave. There is another part of me that wants to hear more.

Those that know me, know that I MUST HAVE details. While I can and often do "think out of the box", I want to know EXACTLY HOW the next President of the country I live in is going to accomplish all that he says he is going to.

This is what I think both candidates need to remember... It's not what I SAY, I want you to do, it's WHAT YOU SA,Y you will do. This is where we need to make the next President accountable. So Obama or McCain, you both better be ready to put your money where your words are.

Of course I will be watching (and encourage everyone to) the Republican Convention next week. I want to see what McCain is going to say he will do. I want to be completely informed and then make my decision.

Remember...just because you are X party doesn't mean you can't vote for another.

JUST VOTE!!!

BARACK OBAMA TIME....

When you have only 1 true opportunity to make a first impression....you take it!
This is your time Barack....Make it count!

Former President Bill Clinton still has it!!

I want to say that the reason this is a bit late is because I was at a very important event last night. My dear friend Barry celebrated his 60th birthday. What a wonderful celebration with friends and family. Des you did a great job and I thank you both for allowing me to be a part of it.

On to last night’s convention. I tivo’d it so it’s taken me a while to watch it. This will be very brief now, but I will (well may) fill in some thoughts later on.

I am very proud of Hillary. She made a gracious exit from the hard-fought presidential primary with a shortened, ceremonial roll call. When she called for an amendment it made him the official nominee of the Democratic Party. "With eyes fixed on the future and the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory, with faith in our party and our country, let's declare together in one voice right here, right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president." I can only imagine the mixed feelings (hey, she is human so give her a break!!), yet the determination to do what is best for the party she was going through. She also knew that every eye, and camera would be focused on her. She was sincere, and her commitment was evident. Let me say again, I am very proud of you Hillary.

Let it be said that Mr. Barack Obama is now the first African-American to get the nomination by a major party. His speech will be in about one-hour from now, so I’m also going to move on a be equally brief about former President Clinton.

I love Bill Clinton and I think that by the seven minute round of applause, so did everyone in the convention hall. If you didn’t hear his speech, please listen to it. We actually both attended the same school at Oxford, so we have a very special tie. His speech was on point and had the crowd on it’s feet almost the entire time. He promised like Hillary to do all he could to make sure that Barack was nominated. I actually believe that he will do that. Barack should remember that he IS one of the most well respected and liked former presidents still alive. There are things to learn from him (only the good things), so he should be open to learning from Bill Clinton’s experiences.

Joe Biden’s son didn’t leave a dry eye in the house and he gave a wonderful introduction to his father. How proud he must be of him.

Joe Biden was amazing. This was my first time hearing him speak and I thought he gave a passionate and very personal speech. Like the Republicans will do next week, there were some ‘suggestions’ by Joe that the way of the other party is not the way to go. Did he as a person convince me – yes to a certain degree. There is still a lot to learn about Joe, and Barack and we will in the following weeks. I can’t believe it’s only 68 days until the actual election. In 68 days, no matter what this election will be seen as historic.

What I want anyone who is reading this blog to do is to re-read and listen to the speeches of both tickets and hold who ever wins accountable. After all, you are voting for someone based on what they said they will do. Isn’t it time we made our government accountable?

In just a bit, Barack Obama will speak, accept the nomination of the Democratic Party. He is also speaking on the 45th anniversary of the “I have a Dream” speech. Like the day Hillary conceded 06/07/08, this is a special night for Barack.

Ok…Former VP Al Gore is just about to speak so I’m signing off until later.
Thanks to everyone who has taken time to read this – tell me what you think?

No Way, No How, No McCain...Hillary ROCKS the Convention

A WOMAN ON A MISSION

“She didn't become an astronaut, but she did reach for the stars, something she always will continue to do." This was my favorite line from the video presentation narrated by Chelsea Clinton. A colorful mix of photos, video clips of ‘Hil’ in action and remarks from some of her close friends “you really, really don’t want her to sing’ were warm, endearing and very personal. Unlike Michelle’s brother, who had a formal announcement slot time, Chelsea simply introduced her as "my hero and my mother". One can’t say anything bad about Chelsea. She is an accomplished hedge fund manager; has never been seen throwing a tantrum or being a brat; will say “Hi” if you pass her on the street (she did that once when I was in city); and is one of the best things (Bill and Hillary will agree) that has come out of their marriage. We share an Oxford education, love of our mothers and I’m hoping to see her at our next Oxford Alumni get together…she was a little busy the last 19 months. You’re forgiven Chelsea.

On to the main topic…

With that a deafening roar erupted from more than 5,000 their "Hillary" placards waving franticly, when the former first lady and Senator from my state, New York took the stage. When Hillary she walked onto the stage she looked radiant. There was a glow and to me at least, a look of peace on her face that I had not seen in a long time. It could also be that she wore one of my favorite colors that warmed her skin and put the extra twinkle in her eyes. In fact, during her speech she gave a tribute to "my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits", she referred her collection of matching pants, jackets and tops. No matter what she wears, she look GREAT last night.

So you can read the tons of reviews on Senator Clinton’s speech. The reviews are definitely mixed but are mostly positive. Keep in mind I’m not a political writer – hey I’m just trying to be a decent writer period, but I did take some notes last night and am proud to say a lot of my points appeared in the NYT this morning, so here we go…

"No way. No how. No McCain.”
“Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our president.”
“The time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose.”
“We don’t need four more years of the last eight years.”
“That is our duty, to build that bright future, to teach our children that in America there is no chasm too deep, no barrier too great, ­ no ceiling too high, ­ for all who work hard, who keep going, have faith in God, in our country, and in each other. That’s our mission, Democrats. Let’s elect Barack Obama.”

I believe her, and it seemed 95% of people I've spoken to today feel the same. I think her message was clear. She is a true T-E-A-M player, and even if she spoke of what she did (“I”) and what she passionately believes, she has acknowledged a well run race and she is on the Obama team. She thanked her supporters, was gracious to the Obama/Biden ticket and then she asked her supporters to look beyond ‘team Hillary” and put all of their support – all 18,000,000 of them behind Obama.

Some would call it a ‘pre-2012’ speech…others say that because her presence was so commanding that Barack Obama needs to complete the unity circle and close the deal. Tonight I am attending a party for a friend but have the Tivo ready to catch former President Bill Clinton's comments. I'm sure once again the convention will be on it's feet. What Barack needs is to be as gracious to Hillary as she was to both he and Michelle. Maybe Hillary’s speech has created a fire that we will once again see in the Democratic Party. Remember it was four short years ago, when Barack was the Keynote at the last Democratic Convention. We all wondered “Who is this man?” Now we know.

SIDE BAR: I've been trying to get the transcript from the Gov of Montana Brian Schweltzer - he was on FIRE!!!

When you think about it, Hillary’s supporters have already said “she was my choice, I believe in her, and she TOLD me to vote for Obama so I’m going to do what she asks.” Barack are you listening?? This is yours to win. The support is there, last night you were given the entire olive bush (no pun intended) Thursday is your night. Thursday some 40+years after Rev. Martin Luther King’s Dream speech will be your time.

Barack Obama Time.

The ‘Dream’ speech has been referred to since I was a child. The dream when things seem impossible. The speech played from every mountain, by every person, who has ever faced adversity.


Thursday is the night – you only get one change to make this lasting impression.

My only advice, don’t blow it.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T...find out what it means to Hillary

Todays theme is "Renewing America's Promise." It's about 30 min until the convention starts....but I saw this and HAD to post it.
Comments, thoughts and reactions to Hillary tomorrow.

Uncle Teddy Kennedy and Michelle Obama in 'da HOUSE!!!

I must confess that I have not watched every CNN news bulletin or debate over the last 19 months. For me it seemed that they boys (Obama and Edwards) were not focused on getting their message out as much as they were interested in attacking Hillary. Not all play nice in the governmental sand box, but sometimes they were down right catty. If I had the strength today to discuss infidelity in marriages I would, but that’s for another blog…promise!

In the two months since Clinton conceded the nomination, she and Obama have danced a political minuet. The New York senator has sided with her primary campaign rival, as Obama has at once battled forward in an increasingly negative campaign against Republican John McCain and looked over his shoulder to hordes of Clinton backers who refuse to join with him.
Her speech and much anticipated appearance tonight will surely be picked apart – every word, gesture and look. Then again, that’s what the news did last night with Sen. Edward Kennedy and Michelle Obama.

Speaking of…Thanks CNN for the use of your pictures :-)

Senator Ted Kennedy – looked WONDERFUL and delivered a speech that evoked the legacy of his late brother and abundant optimism about the future. For a brief moment you forgot that he is battling brain cancer. I can understand his wife cautiously assisting him as he walked on stage, but you know ‘Uncle Teddy’. He is a spit-fire who wanted no help. He was going to do this his way or no way and he rocked it!! He brought over 20,000 people in the arena to its feet for a sustained ovation. I actually loved his speech and my favorite Uncle Teddy line was “Yes, we are all Americans. This is what we do. We reach the moon. We scale the heights. I know it. I've seen it. I've lived it. And we can do it again.” I have to believe that this is true. Have you ever wondered what this world, this country be like had MLK, and the Kennedy brothers lived?

Hmmmm…..

After much anticipation, a video narrated by her mother, and a wonderful introduction by her brother it was that time – show time – Michelle Obama time.

Michelle Obama is in two words - CLASS ACT. Last night Michelle said that Barack would be an extraordinary president and is still the same man she fell in love with 19 yrs ago. She told the story of him inching along at a snails pace as he drove their new daughter home from the hospital feeling the whole weight of her future in his hands, determined to give her everything he'd struggled so hard for himself. I think that last night, it was Michelle who was in the drivers seat. She knew that everything she said, every look, every pause, her dress, hair, and even the outfits the girls wore would be under a microscope. I’m sure she felt that her introduction into their life, family and beliefs was weighted on her just as much as it was for Barack all those years ago. She did a great job, not only reaching out to all those in the convention center and those watching at home. Michelle was masterfully able to connect Barack's story with core American values of hard work and upward mobility. My favorite Michelle line was when she told the crowd, her children's children and future generations will tell the story of "how this time we listened to our hopes, instead of our fears. How this time, we decided to stop doubting and to start dreaming."

I must say in my humble opinion she eloquently and powerfully made her case. She is a mom, wife, partner, sister daughter, and quite possibly the next First Lady of the United States of America.

Of course tonight is Hill’s night. Make no mistakes about it. I can’t wait to hear what she says, but I’m sure she will ask for a united party. No matter what ‘United We Stand, Divided…’ you know the rest.

The Democratic Party is saying..."Let’s Get It Started!"

I’ve not written in a while. It’s not because I didn’t have anything to say, it’s because I had too much to say. I decided to focus my attention to something important; the political process. Yes, it is a lot to deal with, but with the Democratic convention this week, it seemed like a good time to start. Don’t worry; I’ll have equal commentary when the Republic Convention begins in a few weeks.

As the Democratic National Convention kicks into high gear in Denver tonight, Michelle Obama headlines and the four-night event culminates Thursday, with Sen. Barack Obama accepting the Democratic nomination for president.

I don’t know Obama personally, but I do believe that his choices are deliberate. Did you know he will accept the nomination on the 45th anniversary of the historic speech by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? The "I Have a Dream" speech and the promise of a better future is what Dr. King spoke about and wished for every person in the US. I believe this is not an accident of dates, a chance, or a coincidence. Do I think that this is the second coming of Dr. King…no. I will say that I don’t think that even Obama would believe that he is equal to Dr. King. I also think that he believes that everyone should have a chance to lead and live the best life possible.

While all of this is really ‘nice’, what the Democrats needs most – given the contingency that is very vocally “pro Hillary” supporters - is a UNITED PARTY!! This convention has to emphasize economic and health issues ... these are some of the issue dominating the country right now. Iraq sadly, not so much any more. I'm not saying it's not important - please don't take me wrong. America believes in helping people and countries that are less fortunate, but I also believe that America is saying “Enough!! What about taking care of HOME (the USA) first?”

Of course, it is not lost that some are focused on Obama possibly being the “First African American President”. While I hate to burst that bubble, history has shown that there were at least 5 other “black” presidents. Thomas Jefferson, the nation's third president, was considered the first black president. Sorry President Clinton!

Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge. But why was this unknown? How were they elected president? All five of these presidents never acknowledged their black ancestry.

Jefferson, who served two terms between 1801 and 1809, was described as the "son of a half-breed Indian squaw and a Virginia mulatto father." Jefferson also was said to have destroyed all documentation attached to his mother.

President Andrew Jackson, the nation's seventh president, was in office between 1829 and 1837. The Virginia Magazine of History states that Jackson was the son of an Irish woman who married a black man. The magazine also stated that Jackson's oldest brother had been sold as a slave. Remember back then (and sadly still to this day) some people still think if you have ‘one drop of black blood that makes you black’ no matter how fair-skinned you are.

Abraham Lincoln, the nation's 16th president. He was said to have been the illegitimate son of an African man. Lincoln had very dark skin and coarse hair and his mother allegedly came from an Ethiopian tribe. His heritage fueled so much controversy that Lincoln was nicknamed "Abraham Africanus the First" by his opponents.

President Warren Harding, the 29th president, apparently never denied his ancestry with black ancestors between both sets of parents. It has been further said that Harding attended Iberia College, a school founded to educate fugitive slaves.

Coolidge, the nation's 30th president, served between 1923 and 1929 and supposedly was proud of his heritage. He claimed his mother was dark because of mixed Indian ancestry. Coolidge's mother's maiden name was "Moor" and in Europe the name "Moor" was given to all blacks just as "Negro" was used in America. It later was concluded that Coolidge was part black.

The only difference between Obama and these former presidents is that none of their family histories were fully acknowledged by others. Even though Obama is half-white, he strongly resembles his Kenyan father. And not only is Obama open about his ancestry, most people acknowledge him as a black man, which is why people will identify Obama, if elected, as the true first black president of the United States.

Ok...enough of the history lesson.

The night is young…and Michelle Obama is scheduled to speak later on tonight at the Democratic National Convention. I have to admit, I like her style. I like the fact that she is a strong, smart, equal to Barack. I love the fact that she is a MOM and raising happy children is more important to her than being the possible First Lady. I think the fact that she buys her clothes off the rack – totally ROCKS. She will be the focus for my blog tomorrow. Check back then!!

Airlines are flying on a new drug...GREED!

This week I thought I knew what I was going to write about. It went along the lines of "heat and hot flashes…" Then I started hearing things that really got me all hot and bothered. So I ask you “What the Heck are airlines thinking???

Let me start off my saying after 9/11 (doesn’t it seem that the world ‘began anew’ after this date?), I was truly pissed off. I was (and still to a reasonable persons expectation) game for precautions up the ying/yang to keep me and people I love safe when they fly. Then they made me throw out my La Mer.

For the guys that are reading this and thinking ‘La Who?”. La Mer is the ultimate, must have, better than any cookie-dough or even you putting down the toilet seat, dream of most women. In other words…it’s a really expensive face cream. I was just returning from Greensboro, NC when the ban went into effect, and effectively said ‘if you are a woman and you have any cosmetics TRASH THEM’.

Surely I don’t look like a threat in Greensboro, NC with my .5oz of $190 face cream do I? Well in the eyes of security, “yes’um you have to throw this in this here trash.” So like any other red-blooded New Yorker I tried to reason with the female security attendant. Of course she didn’t get it. So the next best thing…I scooped it out of the container…ALL OF IT…and out it on every visible and available body part. My now super moisturized face hid the tears that were rolling down my cheek at the though of it. I quickly stopped when I realized I was then washing off my $190. I have yet to replace it – I’m not rich, it was a sample that I was hoping to last 3 lifetimes. I will never forgive USAir lines and the security in NC for that. Yes this could be another reason I’ve not been back there but I digress.

Once congress (a place full of men who obviously don’t use any facial products) came to it’s senses they lifted the ban on 'all things cosmetic, baby-food, or liquid - again within reason of 3oz. I thought maybe I can deal with this. Having to gulp a visibly closed bottle of water which I paid good money for INSIDE of and PAST Security at the food court is bad…having to wait on the god awful security line while they pat down someone’s 85 year old grandmother and having to use the bathroom is another story for another slow blog day.

OK, so it’s been a few years, and I’ve gotten over the water, having to purchase food on the flight (because no one can survive on peanuts alone), at least I had the pillow to help make the seat more comfortable. Are you reading this airlines? If you are in the cattle-car section (anything lower than business class which is the majority of people) the seats are not comfortable, there is no leg room (I’m only 5’5” and uncomfortable so imagine my 5’10 friend in the middle seat. I hear you’re now charging up to $20 for a few extra inches of leg room. What are tall people supposed to do, cut off their legs – and do you then consider this a ‘carry-on’ - and before you had to beg people to sit in the exit row, now it’s ‘preferred seating’?

JetBlue, once known as ‘the people’s airline’ has lost their ever-lovin’ mind!!! You want me to PAY MORE for a pillow and blanket set? WHAT THE ….???

I don’t want to hear about soaring gas prices (you already raised my ticket price, and considering it costs more to get to NC than London these days, I may not be visiting my family anytime soon). I don’t want to hear that the economy is forcing you to do anything. And please dear God, don’t say you’re being eco-conscious because you charging me for a comfort kit, is a load of recycled cow manure. You think by giving some $5 coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond that my simple mind will say…”well that means it’s only $2 and that’s still less than the cost of the dry sandwich or bland fruit and cheese plate so I’ll take pillow-&-blanket-for-$7-Alex? YOU HAVE LOST YOUR MIND!!!

Don’t you realize that people who travel have enough to carry w/o now having to re-fold/bundle and find a place to put their new on-air purchase? Or is that the plan?? Make people buy these things, re-package them as new and re-sell them again…making a small profit? Hmmm, maybe you’re not so stupid after all. Well you’re not getting me!! No Sir…I’ll use ‘War and Peace’ as my pillow and my $3 shawl I bought from the street vendor to keep me warm.

I agree with Councilman John Lio Councilman John Liu (D-Queens), who chairs the council Transportation Committee who asks the question “What's next? Five dollars to buy a barf bag?" PLEASE don’t give them any ideas!!!

"Replacing our old, recycled pillows and blankets with this state-of-the-art, high-quality take-home kit is an eco-conscious, health-conscious and customer-conscious decision," said Brett Muney, general manager of product development for JetBlue Airways. I bet he gets his for free.

You know what JetBlue, keep your stupid pillow and blanket set, keep your stupid “work out in your seat” kit, keep your blue chips and satellite TV (when are you going to start charging for that?) I will give you just one second of credit because at least you’re not as bad as US Airlines who is now charging $1 for tea/coffee and $2 for juice, soda, and bottled water. The bottom line is you very well may have just lost a VERY loyal customer. You have forgotten why you got into the airline-game in the first place. You wanted to be different, you wanted to be 'for the people' now you've become just like the others.

This is the time for consumers to ban together and tell the airlines stop the madness. Maybe we should start to charge you every time you break one of your promises to us. Where is the FRIENDLY STAFF who is there for MY COMFORT? Your flights can’t get me to my destination on time, you cancel them because some pilot overslept, you are charging up to $50 for my baggage…WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM ME Blood???

Probably, but only if it’s in a container, less than 3oz and vacuumed sealed for freshness right?