President Barack Obama - Bill Maher 11.4.2016

Bill Maher got his recent birthday wish, he got his time with President Obama and posed just the right questions.

I especially appreciated the question on our bloated military (600 billion to a trillion) and the reference to Eisenhower's warning in regard to the US military-industrial complex. President Obama, in his eloquent defense, made it sound like the US military is an international force for peace. I am not buying it, and neither is Putin and too many in the Middle East and Africa. President Obama, a-glass-half-full-guy, cautioned Progressives in not fully appreciating the good the US effects around the world, even if imperfect and urged citizens to stay involved and demand change from the grounds up. Problem is we demanded change, we demanded peace, we protested against so many wars yet the ears of the powerful stay purposefully deaf.

Socialism and the issue of what should be free from the for-profit motive for the common good are other relevant topics that did not make it into the election debates but should have. President Obama stressed that we already have systems in place that deserve our support and building on, such as the health care system and I am sure the extracting oil & gas industries among others. I am still with Sanders and abhor the exploitation of our earth and people's basic needs such as health care. Retrain the workers in the extracting industries, don't use them as an excuse. Let's hope that at the very least our prisons-for-profit are on their way out.

President Obama claimed that atheists are not being persecuted, maybe, but we sure are being bombarded with ridiculous religious legislations and have to suffer through repeated, ever lengthening, archaic Christian rituals imposed on us all. Acknowledgment of a steadily growing number of citizens not identifying with a religion is surely welcome on my part and those recovering from Catholicism.

In closing, President Obama showed himself, as usual, to be eloquent, charming and cool, but not necessarily right on the issues. 

President Barack Obama's Address DNC 7.27.2016

"We all need to be as vocal and as organized and as persistent as Bernie Sanders' supporters have been during this election."

I Voted Early Today!

I voted today!

Accompanied by my pups

I personally fed the 1,000th paper ballot 

 in to the voting machine

on this second day of early voting.

I voted AGAINST the R & Rs,

against the truly repugnant Republican stance.

Simplistic slogans will never illuminate 

my differentiated point of view, lol, 

but they do make for rather succinct statements.

Expect a post on Republican atrocities to follow shortly.

I Too Want To Cry

This past week has been tough. I blame Michelle Obama for my having succumbed not to one, but two chocolate croissants within 15 hours (one in the evening and one the next morning.) This after not having touched croissants ever since Trader Joe's had stopped offering them, maybe a year ago. 2 for $2, made locally, seemed like a deal and we all know that cheap or free calories do not count. But my binge did not stop with those croissants. Despite having abstained from bringing home bread and dairy products for the last 3 months, my need for consolation made me devour not one, but two, then three tubs of Tapioca pudding, topped with my own spicy apple sauce and garnished with a medley of fresh fruit that featured figs and strawberries. This kind of fare can make me dismiss any notions of  fresh vegetables, not to mention meat and abandon any notion of a reasonably balanced, healthy diet. 

So back to our First Lady, surely an image of grace, poise and intelligence. A First Lady we could be proud of and with a 65% approval rating many are kindly disposed of. Certainly my facebook contacts  (no friends there) were gushing and sharing in their joy and pride, including the head of our local Upayah Buddhist Monastery.

What boggled my mind and created a storm in my heart and mind is especially the following of Michelle Obama's speech given at the Democratic Convention:

... "when it comes to his character and his convictions and his heart, Barack Obama is still the same man ... being president does not change who you are. No, it reveals the who you are."

Long  befuddled silence.

Really?

Guantanamo is still open, men are still imprisoned without due process despite Obama's promise to close the facility four years ago.  Admittedly the practice of water boarding and torture has supposedly ended, but Obama, a constitutional lawyer, is the same today as he was four years ago, really?

Despite winning the 2009 Nobel Peace price our president made Afghanistan his cause and shattered our hopes for real change. How can we justify President Obama's kill list?

Drone Attacks (according to US government)

Total US strikes since 2004: 337
Total Obama strikes: 285
Total reported killed: 2,524-3,247
Civilians reported killed: 482-852
Children reported killed: 175
Total reported injured: 1,204-1,330

President Obama, a constitutional lawyer, endorsed the hunting down and the killing and then unceremonious disposal of Osama Bin Laden, rather then demand proper due process, even deserving of the worst of criminals. In this way our President, the man I voted for in dire hopes for real change, continued to carry out the Bush policies, in deed not just in rhetoric.

When President Obama, the former tireless community worker, appointed Geitner he chose to support a corporate bail-out, really a give-away to the banks on cost of the people.

Michelle's husband just signed on Shell for the further exploitation of our earth - arctic drilling for oil. This the same man we rooted and hoped for four years ago - really? This is not the change we had seen coming, we had longed for, hoped for, wished for.

Our First Lady must cherish her own organic garden, but she endorses the appointment of a former Monsanto vice-president to the FDA. Due to her now public support of her husband and asking for four more years our pretty First Lady is complicit.

 Yes, we have a very photogenic, very charismatic First Lady with great oratory skills, but let us not lose sight of some very important facts while swooning over our attractive First Lady who must be smart enough to know truth from fiction. Vote for the Obamas, but not with rose colored glasses and not with eyes clouded by the mist of sentimentality and sweet nonsense. Vote for the Obamas because the alternative is just too grim to contemplate. Vote for the Obamas and work towards alternatives for the near future, for third, fourth and fifth party nominations. For this year's election we have no better choice then the Obama's and not voting should not be an option. Voting is our civic responsibility. Let's not gloss over the differences of red and blue, they exist. Let's not get stuck in wishful thinking, in wanting a world other then the one we live in. Michelle Obama's audience shed tears during her speech and I too wanted to cry - from my sense of betrayal by the Obamas. Such a charismatic, likable family, seemingly so genuine, easy on the eyes, bright and articulate. I will vote, likely with tears of bitter disappointment, but I will vote for the Obamas although I will take no pride,  while I really would wish that I could.

Tidbits

Cute little bunny crouched down low, tucked in it's long translucent pink ears and flattened itself to the ground. Hunkered down, it held still, played being a rock, and successfully avoided detection by my two terrible terriers, but not by me. Such observations may be the norm in the boonies, but they are not common for me living downtown for more then a quarter of a century.

In my 'hood a sign on a gate on Gomez street reads Chien Lunatique which ought to scare any malevolent spirits away, although I do wonder how many of our local souls would comprehend the Gallic tongue? No linguistic skills needed I believe for this sign I have not yet put up, but might:

I chatted up a Linguist the other day while watching the light of yet another pretty, yet ordinary sunse while we hung out and about our community garden. The man, an obvious to me for no good reason foreigner, revealed that he was based on the East Coast, Boston to be exact, which might just be another country with it's different mentality. He came to our City Different on account of an invitation, a temporary job, to help establish a museum for native languages. As is so often the case, the project got initiated by a probably filthy rich white guy. While the Dineh (Navajo) people are supposedly supportive, the Tewa Native American Pueblo people are supposedly not. Who can blame them after the abuse they suffered not so long ago by white folks that stole their children and forbid them their mother tongue! They are, I am told, afraid that the sacredness of their way of life, which includes their language, will be taken away from them. Being an Anglo, the strange idea of a museum for languages immediately appealed to me. I will be curious to learn what will come of it.

On the political front, my TV is now permanently disconnected after repeated 6 month-intervals of non-use, my provider had enough and we parted ways amicably. This means that I do not have to follow the repugnant Republican drama and was successful in avoiding all of the speeches given at their convention, including the one given by our own governor, Susana. What caught my attention though was the Palinesque Bachman, who insinuated on the Piers Morgan show that single (but whole, not lacking a husband, thinking women) would vote for Obama, we have to assume on his  admittedly not insignificant sex appeal.  Meanwhile the properly married ones would vote for Romney. What an insult! A study supposedly claims that 60% of single women support Obama, only 31% are for Romney. So let me state publicly my support for President Obama, an antidot to the repugnant R & Rs.

Floppy ears may not be our President's most sexy feature, but I support him despite Guantanamo still holding prisoners for indefinite detention, without due process, despite his authorization to kill, rather then apprehend Osama Bin Landen, despite his choices in Afghanistan, and despite his outrageous  appointment of a former Monsanto vice-president and lobbyist to the FDA, and despite a lot more objections! We have no alternative for this year, none and we all know it. Those pushing to vote for a third party candidate are kidding themselves and are playing with very dangerous fires. A few votes could make a whole lot of difference this year. Are You In? It just so happens that I got an offer to work a voting station on election day. It will be another long day, but I do believe in our privilege and our right and our responsibility of voting.

State Of The Union

 Our beautiful First Lady Michelle Obama

 Obama Cabinet led by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

 Obama Cabinet arrived at Chamber of House

 Powerful Hilary Clinton, Secretary of State

 Gabby Giffords Hugged by the President of the US

Rep. Gifford in Congress for the last time.

 Shot almost 1 year ago, Rep. Gifford will resign.

 So vulnerable, Rep. Gifford seems to have become a symbol

for a divided Congress and Nation to unite in compassion.

Gabby Gifford's husband, Mark Kelly, NASA Astronaut

 Jackie Brae, symbol of the possibilities 

when given  the right educational opportunities.

Rare, a pretty woman up on the hill.

 Rare, a likable looking guy.

 President Barack Obama with characteristic tilted head.

 President Barack Obama, an orator par excellence.

 Sourpuss, Speaker of the House Boehner

 An enlightened house one may wish.

The President gave a powerful speech, as usual.

I do object to the glorification of the wars

and the achievements of the military,

including the assassination of Bin Laden.

Yes to no more bail-outs, hand-outs, cop-outs.

Yes to rewarding business in the US

and taxing those that take it abroad.

No to false optimism.

I doubt that America is truly back.

While there is concern for the middle class,

the poor are strangely left out of the equation.

Ralph Nader has a point that Progressives,

while seemingly having nowhere to go, 

should make demands of the Obama adminstration,

as they can (and may, I am afraid) simply stay home

when it is time to vote.

Again, an impressive speech from a visibly aged,

should we hope leaner and meaner,

but darn charismatic President.

Obama Bagged Osama

Osama bin Laden is dead. President Obama, our premature Nobel Peace price winning Commander-in  chief takes full credit. Some see that as justifiable cause for jubilation and patriotic bursts of pride. I can not see the killing of a man as a cause worthy of celebration.  The killing of any man, even the poster man for Al-Qaeda, even the world's foremost terrorist, is a somber occasion to my sensibility, maybe one to lead to a loud sigh of relief, maybe a long exhale, and most certainly to a  deep moment of silence.

Let's remember the victims of 9/11. Those that perished and those that suffered from that tragic loss, especially the children. Let's also remember those in the wars, on both sides,  and world wide, the victims of those that believe violence to be an answer to their ills. Let's even include those that turn to violence  as a solution and open our hearts to include them and pray (or hope) that they too will see the light and gain in understanding so as to abstain from such extreme and uncivilized measures in the future. Let's turn over a new leaf. Today is a new moon, a chance for a new beginning.

If only this would mean the US withdrawal from the wars. Unlikely, rather the military complex will now be strengthened and supported yet even with more funds while President Obama's chances for a second run look a whole lot more promising today. So the wheels keep on spinning. 

Will humanity evolve or devolve?

We just learned that Osama bin Laden was unarmed and that one son was killed as well. The first shot supposedly came to his heart, the second to his eye which must have blown out his brains. Meanwhile in the rest of the civilized world there are some that voice opposition to the killing rather then the bringing to justice, meaning to a court of law, a person accused of no matter how heinous a crime. To those the US looks less civilized and some have even questioned if the US should be allowed to participate in the UN! 5.3.11

Michael Moore spoke right out of my heart and as always from within his unique point of view. Here are some of his points that particularly resonate with me:

- ‎"Let's be clear: There is no "war with al Qaeda." Wars are between nations. Al Qaeda was an organization of fanatics who committed crimes. That we elevated them to nation status – they loved it!"

- ‎"Even though our own CIA tells us there are no more than a few dozen al Qaeda left in Afghanistan. We still have 100,000 troops there fighting a few dozen crazies? We say we're fighting the Taliban, too, but the Taliban are Afghan citizens..." 

- ‎"on the day it was announced that Hitler was dead, there was no rejoicing in the streets, just private relief and satisfaction. The real celebration came six days later at the announcement that the war in Europe was over. THAT'S what the people wanted to hear – not just the demise of one evil madman, but the end to all the killing." 

- "My own spiritual beliefs do not allow for capital punishment"

Kudos are due to Senator McCain who keeps speaking out against torture and does not need to see a photo of  another slain man. This is a very rare sign of approval from me as regards McCain. 

And finally my response to Olbermann's response to some of the left's responses to Michael Moore:

‎Michael Moore is not just questioning, but he is requesting, next he will be begging and pleading  and god-dess forbid praying for us, the US, to retreat back to the moral high ground and remember what a civil, enlightened, modern society really should stand for. And until the tone and the actions show an evolution reflected in actions nation and world - wide, neither Michael Moore, Keith Olbermann, or any soul with a conscience should stop pointing out the obvious. Friday, May the 13th.

State of Presidential Affairs

Eloquent, visionary and willing - 

to bend over backwards,

when one might wish for a spine, 

for once firm, rather then too flexible.

Silver Lining

"But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized -– at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do -– it’s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we’re talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds."

"Yes, we have to examine all the facts behind this tragedy.  We cannot and will not be passive in the face of such violence.  We should be willing to challenge old assumptions in order to lessen the prospects of such violence in the future."

"Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let’s use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy and remind ourselves of all the ways that our hopes and dreams are bound together."

"All of us -– we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children’s expectations."

"I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us."

President Barack Obama, Memorial Sermon, 
Tucson, Arizona 1.12.2011

Lost Opportunities

I grieve the lost opportunities that came with President Obama's rise - and fall. How can a man that was able to speak right out of the hearts of the people so suddenly get so out of touch? How can so much hope and excitement dissipate so fast? 

Today, the day after the mid-term elections, President Obama in his response to the press mentioned the height of craze of two years ago as he tried to convince us that we are all on a learning curve and that change is a process, not an overnight miracle. But the craze was not crazy, but real. So many of us want change, not incremental, but at the core. We believe too many bad weeds need uprooting, a purge of major proportion is in order. Wall street has to be given perspective and has to serve once more the people. Corporate power needs to be reigned in. Free enterprise does not mean free reign to those with money, power and influence, and no conscience. Corporate entities are not people and should never have been allowed to hold such status. Shame on those conservative courts. Shame on those that exploit.

I do not care much for the color red or blue, too primary, too simplistic for my taste. I like nuanced tones a whole lot better. Like so many I have not been able to identify with either party. We do need more options, but not the Tea Party. We need to step forward in time not backward. 

While I am not for abortions, I am most certainly not about to tell another woman what she can or can not do with her own body. Do we really want to revert to backrooms with coat hangers? We have to embrace science and not deny the well proven facts. Omitting to teach science and history according to facts rather then philosophy ought to be a crime and should be considered a terrible indoctrination.

I am a product of the sixties, which were the seventies in Europe, I have been anti-establishment since my teens. Voting Democratic by default I am suddenly accused of wanting government hand outs and worse having a socialist agenda intent on the equitable redistribution of wealth. Hilarious, if there were not as much at stake. By the way, I do own my home free and clear and pay off my credit cards monthly and so far managed to stay debt free.

A discussion on what ought to be under government control and what not might very well be in order. Locally we got our train and some bemoan that it is not a profit making enterprise. No wonder I say with the restrictive hours and destinations of it's service, but coming from Switzerland I do not believe train service has to be a profitable business, primarily it ought to benefit the people, the community and the environment. The decrease in carbon emanating commuter vehicles with the benefits of a lower carbon foot print, better air and less congested roads ought to be plenty of incentive to support travel by rail. I fear for our trains under our new Republican Governor.

Worse I fear the American mindset that loathes a powerful, intelligent, well educated and well spoken woman like Nancy Pelosi or President Barack Obama, but embraces personalities like Christine O'Donnell and Sarah Palin with their cocky, cutesy, even sexy, certainly folksy, but seriously uninformed states of minds. 

With shattered hopes and a country reverting back to old worn out ways, it is tempting to become a cynic, turn away from the ugliness of politics as usual, turn off the TV with it's toxic commercials and simply stop caring. But care we must! Conversations must be had. We do not have the luxury to ignore each other, we live too close, too dense, too dependent on each other. So I invite your views on the state of affairs post mid-term elections, please.

Happy Birthday President Barack Obama!

Despite all the disappointments in policies stemming from this current administration, I personally still feel enough good will and affection for (and from) President Barack Obama to wish him a very happy birthday with many returns yet to come. 

Well wishes do not make for a personality cult, it is o.k. to join Michelle Obama in wishing President Barack Obama well. Doing so does not denote blind following of a leader, it does not stamp the presidency with our total approval, it only offers a return of good intentions we so clearly can feel and believe in coming from the president we elected.

between a rock and a hard place

Large On White

President Obama's State of the Union Address, eloquent as ever, and so darn self-confident, strikes me as covering a lot of ground, yet offering little of the change so many of us desire. Tightening the belt will not mean abandoning armament in Iraq, leading in alternative green energy will not exclude the quest for more unsustainable nuclear power and/or non-existent "clean coal," tax refunds will not make that big a difference to many that seek further education, and health care reform without a public option seems almost, if not entirely meaningless.

Some interesting fact checks can be found here:
www.salon.com/news/state_of_the_union/index.html?story=/n...

View On Black

Interesting though how any one image, any one thing can look so very different from another point of view. Seems to me that the Republicans and Democrats need to put themselves in to one another's shoes, so they can switch their point of view, have a deeper understanding of what is needed and really start working together. We like to vilify the other, but in truth they complement each other and make a larger whole. The search for this larger vision is a noble one, but sure goes against most of our desires to get things done - our way. I applaud President Obama for chastising both parties and encouraging both to work towards common goals and the good for all. Contrary to those that urge President Obama to force policies through and act more tough and angry, I admire, in theory, his principled approach and desire to bring along both parties.

I am afraid though we will not see the changes we so hoped for and were so excited about only 1 year ago. I am afraid Adriana Huffington might be right and we will not see great achievements, but little disappointing bits and pieces that will not add up to a whole lot, certainly not enough for the progressives.