A wordly compliment

This afternoon we watched some of CNN's coverage of Obama's Train Tour. I got all choked up and cheered when the train slowed down, passing through a crowd-filled station in Maryland.

Waving, searching, trying to see in the windows, all kinds of people waited for that last train car, where Obama and Biden stood and waved. Obama's smile said so much. The people were cold, but they were jubilant, excited, fulfilled. I saw all the things I hope for in their faces.

And my son said, "Mom's Hispanic, Black, White, Indian, Chinese, everything."

You so get it, kid.

¡Vamos a votar!

Election 2008 Voting Information from MoveOn.org
Today, November 4th, is Election Day! Remember to vote--not just for Barack Obama, but for Congressional, state and local candidates as well.

Where and when do I vote?
Find your polling place, voting times, and other important information by checking out these sites and the hotline below. These resources are good, but not perfect. To be doubly sure, you can also contact your local elections office.
Obama's VoteForChange site: voteforchange.com
League of Women Voters site: vote411.org/pollfinder.php
Obama's voter hotline: (877) US4-OBAMA (or 877-874-6226)

What should I do before I go?
After you've entered your address on either Vote For Change or Vote411, read the voting instructions and special rules for your state.
Voting ID laws vary from state to state, but if you have ID, bring it.
Check out all the voting myths and misinformation to look out for: http://truth.voteforchange.com/

What if something goes wrong?
Not on the voter list? Make sure you're at the right polling place, then demand a provisional ballot.
If you're voting on an electronic machine with a paper record, verify that the record is accurate.
Need legal help? Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE
Try to get video of the problem and submit it to VideoTheVote.org

Want to do more?
Text all of your friends: "Vote Obama today! Pass it on!"
Volunteer at your local Obama office. Find an office here or here.
Make calls from home for Obama.

Now everybody go vote!!!

Conversations Make Better Americans

While school was still in session, a few colleagues and I would talk about our favorite candidates and how they were doing in the primaries. I’m glad I had them to talk with about these current events; most other folks at work, I was disappointed to find, don’t follow the news, or have the attitude of “they’re all crooks anyway” and use this as an excuse to not pay attention.

I recognize that many people do not wish to discuss politics as these conversations have the potential to evolve in to disagreements. I understand that some folks do not fully understand the process by which we elect our leaders and therefore choose not to participate in these discussions. I struggle to process why some folks are not interested in global events, but I’m also aware there are individuals that are so entrenched in their own beliefs that a conversation with them is just not possible.

For me, it was a relief to find that some people were open to these kinds of conversations, especially about the upcoming elections. Through my conversations with a few people at school, I shared in both the disappointments and excitement of Obama’s quest for the nomination, and looked at McCain with more of an open mind. Some expressed what Obama’s candidacy means to them, as older Americans, as African-Americans, as Hispanic Americans. Another colleague brought up points such as experience and patriotism, and while we tended to disagree, I appreciated him for the respectful way in which he expressed his opinions.

Why don’t we have more of these conversations? As a teacher, it’s my obligation to know what is happening around me. Especially now, during this important election, my students will ask questions, and I ought to be able to give them an answer, or admit that I don’t know, and show them how an educated person seeks more information. As a lifelong learner, I want to understand how things work, and why people think and feel as they do. I want to know how it used to be, and I want to explore how it might be some day.

As an American, it is my duty and to my advantage that I participate. I’ve been energized, disappointed, enlightened, and encouraged by what other folks have to say. More than anything, I’ve become more informed, and will hopefully make the right decision when asked to vote in November.

Until then, I’m reading, watching, and paying attention. And if I see you, I may want to talk about “things” – you know, Obama, McCain, the war in Iraq, gas prices, No Child Left Behind, immigration. If you don’t want to talk, I understand. If you’re willing, however, to “go there”, I assure you – this is what being American is.

Podemos Con Obama

Saw this cool video floating around out there... wanted to share.

Change we can believe in...

I'm hopeful.
Obama makes me listen, and I'm paying attention like never before. He has managed to remain himself in this process, takes the hits and forges ahead.
On the other hand, Hillary the "shape-shifter" (so appropriately named by one of my faves on CNN) flashes her fake smile, waves a hand in time with the music, and turns me off with her false "sincere" words. Uggghhhh.

On another note, its amusing to see Donna Brazile on CNN after having met her in person. Once you meet someone "famous", they do seem so much more real somehow, I guess. Cracks me up when she calls Lou Dobbs her "boo". Still waiting to see who she will endorse.

Honk if you love CNN!