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?