Friday, November 7, 2008

Easy Now

 
It took a while to process what had happened, it generally does. It wasn't until the second time I heard the acceptance speech that the weight of what he was saying started gaining meaning. Tuesday was spent watching my fellow citizens in collective relief; hipsters everywhere proclaiming to finally see the light of hope, expressing an unfamiliar earnestness; a reverent awe permeated the atmosphere.

Then, on NPR, some humorless voice intones, "now Obama faces the challenge of living up to the hype." The man hadn't been in office 24 hours, and already the feet were being put to the fire. Thank you, nameless pundit. Thank you, 24 hr. news cycle.

Don't get me wrong, the time is coming for us to scrutinize the decisions he makes, but for the time being, can't the man get some post-election nookie without having these chirpy little voices pecking away at the general good mood? And hey! Tabloid culture! Michelle Obama's dress on Tuesday was fine, why don't you drop it?

For the first time in a long while, I agree with Joan Walsh without hesitation.

Besides, there are bigger fish to fry at the moment.
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As the Franken/Coleman Senatorial race goes into automatic recount, sources are coming out alleging that one particular Coleman supporter may have donated money in an underhanded way. TPM is on the case.
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Michele "Obama is an Anti-American" Bachmann speaks, and conciliation happens as nauseatingly as possible. Cannily, Bachmann manages to work in the fact that she doesn't see her district as one marred with racist thought. All assurances aside, somehow I don't believe a single word of it.

I'm sorry for the supporters in her constituency, this woman just screams "FAKE" whenever she speaks.
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Did anybody else witness what may have been Ralph Nader's last political act? Someone had mentioned that he had gone off the res, but knowing that did not prepare me for his statement. Disheartening to see him go out like that, I'm going to try my best to remember him as the courageous consumer advocate he once was.
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While talking with My Gay Neighbor on Tuesday night, I mentioned that Prop 8 was not doing so well. He explained about the massive amount of funding the "Yes on Prop 8" movement received from outside the state, and also the fact that the "No on Prop 8" people did not do a lot of outreach to other minorities until it was too late. So that by the time the prominent voices in the Latino, African-American, Asian, and other communities started supporting their cause, it may have been too late.

I'll mention here that those voices should have come to their aid a lot sooner, voluntarily; but if MGN is right, that's a serious strategic mistake for a group seeking equal rights.

Prop 8 should never have passed, but, as Obama has proven, every single early effort pays off.

Update - In the comments field, SEI's Anna provided this link, which further breaks down the various factors leading to Prop 8's passing.
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I know it's kind of gauche to express cynicism during the present jubilation, so forgive me for indulging in bad habits. It's simply that I don't belive Sarah Palin, even though she's currently being minced by the same people who brought her to the spotlight, is not going to go anywhere.

Would it help if I told you that I'm hopeful I'm wrong?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, the issue is that this man and his team are walking into a disaster. I hope we don't all revert to the ol' American way of expecting lightning-quick things to change; re-building on the shambles in which we find this country takes time and cooperation. I hope the voters stay involved through any means necessary or possible. Giving this administration a vote is the beginning, but it's not enough. Staying on top of issues, staying active, writing, sending emails, writing to local Congress people, community organizing (snicker now Mr. Giuliani, you lisping, balding bully), doing SOMETHING is paramount. It won't be easy. Personally, I'm looking at the 5th or 6th year for things to move or swing toward the positive side.

JJisafool said...

I know it is totally beside the point, but I gotta agree - that dress was pretty awful.

JJisafool said...

Interesting that some people have noted it may have been historically high turnout in the African-American community that helped pass Prop 8, as they have traditionally not been at all gay-friendly.

Seems you and I have talked about this in some other venue. It is something that the AA political community must come to grips with - there is a strong strain of homophobia in the community that undercuts their efforts for equal rights by alienating potential allies.

Could be blamed on the No on Prop 8 folks, too, for not reaching out sooner, but I'm not sure I believe they could have made much headway.

I think more work needs be done there than can possibly be handled in a major national election year.

the beige one said...

Et tu, JJ? Et tu? Fine, have it your way, I'm sure the DNC won't mind coughing up over $200k in order to improve her wardrobe. (winky implied)

(S), agreed. Turning it back to the talking heads, though, there have to be better ways of communicating that thought without making it sound like he's failed at the job mere hours after having gained it...

the beige one said...

Prop 8 - All too true, and one of the first things that made me pay attention to Obama...He's been pretty forceful in pointing out this discrepancy to the AA community.

I just found it worth noting that MGN said that, is all.

Anonymous said...

And actually, men, I was reading a column on CNN.com that analyzed the high numbers in favor of Prop. 8 from the Latino community in Cali. Pro Obama, and pro Prop. 8.

the beige one said...

That's just shameful.

anna said...

Busting the myth about black voters and Prop. 8

Another link worth reading

And sorry, Beigey... but I'm with JJ. I think Michelle coulda done better in the dress department. Though I also think she could wear a paper bag and I'd still drool over her.

the beige one said...

Excellent links, thank you, Anna!