Tag Archives: politics

honey to the bees, baby.

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Last night’s speech by President Obama was inspiring, and I just want you to be able to watch it, if, you know, you have a minute.

It’s not up as I write this, but I am sure it’ll be here when it does. In the meantime, you can watch this video of James Taylor singing at the Democratic National Convention.

I don’t agree with everything that the Democrats say and do. But I do think that Barack Obama is the right choice for America in 2012. And I can’t wait to cast my vote for him.

Other inspiring speeches of the DNC include Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, Jennifer Granholm, Deval Patrick, Julian Castro, and several other greats I have the privilege of sharing a party with.

[This is the part where my personal blog turns political for at least two months because everything about our government affects everything about our lives. I hope you’ll stick with me.]

 

So let’s agree right here, right now: No side issues. No drama.

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Last night, President Obama addressed the nation during the State of the Union address. I listened on my way home from work, watched the rest at home, and listened to the Republican response on my way home.

Regardless of what you think about our President, our politics, or people’s positions, this speech was meant to be heard by all citizens. I loved especially the President’s take on illegal immigration, and his dedication to getting things done. And he’s right, we’re all a little cynical. But I have hope, and I believe this year we’ll get things done.

Here’s our President’s speech, and the full transcript. I hope you’ll take the time to watch it, and get an update on the state of our wonderful union.

 

Flash mob, on a serious note.

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Yesterday I was emailed this video by Moveon.org:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FhMMmqzbD8&feature=player_embedded]

While I think it’s hilarious, I also find it pretty serious. Kate and I talked about this a few weeks ago, and I think it’s really important to talk about it in context.

Let me begin with another chain: Walmart. As my friend S has pointed out, yes, sometimes it’s cheaper. I get it. But is that all that matters? Maybe for some people, and I understand that right now I am lucky to have a job, and a support system. But can we really turn a blind eye to our morals when we can get a bookshelf $10 cheaper? How does that feel on your conscious? I know for some, it doesn’t matter. Target and Walmart are the same in their eyes: giant corporations that swindle you with crap that becomes broken and unusable as the Target 2011 rolls out, promising shiny new low prices and bookshelves.

And, for the most part, I agree. Why is Target selling me something that won’t last? Why wouldn’t we strive for things that will last us, as strong as the so-called American spirit? Where would you buy kitchen supplies if not for Target? Towels? Stationary? Make-up?

When I was in China, I reluctantly shopped at Walmart for my needs. I was only there for two months, and I didn’t know where else to go. But I am sure if I had spent some time in the Hutongs around my campus, I would have been able to find almost everything I needed. And you can bet I would have been that much more proficient in Mandarin. I have never been inside a US Walmart, and I hope that will be true for the rest of my life. I have morals, and I try hard to live by them every day, not just when it’s convenient.

But, some people think Target is different. Or is it? I read this article, and was surprised to find that maybe, Target isn’t as Anti-Walmart as we think. Also this article, which explains the similarities between them. I have a friend moving here in a few weeks, and no-doubt Target will be on our minds as we go through the shopping list one needs to start in an apartment. But what do we do if we don’t go to Target? Where would we go? Well, I aim to find out. I understand that not everyone thinks their money will make a difference, that not spending $50 at Target isn’t going to make them miss a beat. But what if everyone you KNEW did that? That’d be a lot more money…and think of the effects around the country.

What if we got tools and cleaning supplies from our local hardware store? Kitchen supplies from our local kitchen store, etc., etc.? I know, I know, big brands are just as bad: why would I pay more to buy a hammer from a small ACE than from Home Depot or Target? Because I want that small retailer to stay. I want them to thrive, and to pay their employees more, to know my name when I walk in, for them to understand my problems. Now, maybe this is the Michigan country-girl in me, or the small business toy store worker in me, but I think that’s important.

Living in LA, everyone strives to go to local restaurants, to places small and large, places successful and booming, to places small and uncrowded. Why aren’t we the same with the rest of what we buy? Now, I know that sometime in the near future I am going to cave to the bullseye. I am going to go to Target to get something I know they sell. But what if we all tried that much harder to just buy local? Could we really help LA’s economy grow? Maybe, just maybe, we could.

Friday's hero: Representative Weiner, you steal my heart.

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As Rep. Weiner wrote for the New York Times:

I love the House of Representatives and its rules, and I was careful to respect regular order. But I believe sometimes we mistakenly assume you can’t follow those rules and also say what you think, forcefully. Especially when this galling behavior has been on display for years now.

Check out his opinion piece here: Why I Was Angry.

I am my politics.

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Now, I haven’t gotten too political here, lately. I usually reserve that for Facebook, because I can do it faster, posting links, or just opinions. Plus, I think a lot of you feel kinda like me, and would rather here about my day then the latest BP thing to go awry.

But I feel like lately, people have asked why I do it, why I get angry and post things, only to fight in the “comments” section back and forth with people about what I think and feel. People say, “Doesn’t that stress you out?” And yes, sometimes it does. Sometimes I want to pull my eyes out, sometimes I want to shake people and say, “DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?”

But I post political things on Facebook anyway. On a website that people say “has no room for politics.” I post there for a reason. Because I care. I care about my world. Our only world. I care about my country. I care about my future. I want you to know just what’s happening with BP. I want you to know that recycling DOES make a difference. And I want you to know that if we don’t change the world, there won’t be a world for much longer.

I want you to know that I support gay rights because supporting gay rights is, consequently, the right thing to do. I want you to know that people who are homosexual are also family, friends, black, white, around you all the time, in the military, in the government, in the democratic party, in the republican party, in your work place. I want you to know that denying people rights is not what this country was founded on.

And, I want you to know that I am pro-choice. Because everyone deserves to make decisions for themselves. I want you to know that sometimes, abortion happens for a good reason. And, looking at the homeless population of the U.S., I know that sometimes kids die, too young, on the streets, without homes, without families.

And I want you to know that if a woman decides not to have an abortion, but instead to give her child up for adoption, then I think homosexual couples should have the right to adopt that child. Because they deserve a family as much as you do.

I write about politics on my Facebook because I want you to know. I want you to be aware. I want you to change this world. I want you to change mine. I want everyone to have rights, to live their dreams. I want corporations to be exposed. I want to decide where my tax dollars go. I want you to decide, too. I write about politics because I want you to vote. I want everyone to vote, and vote knowingly. I want you to get MAD. Anger is the starting point of change.

I want less apathy. I want more action. And I want you to know these things about me, because this is me. I am my politics. I care because I want a better life. I care because I want everyone to have a fair shake. Especially you, the people who I am friends with. I want you and I to have the same rights. Not just me and my buddies, or you and yours.

So now you know. I will never hide my politic feelings, and I wouldn’t expect you to shy away from the tough conversations, the emotions, as hard as they may be, of politics. I want you to get mad. At me, maybe. Because what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t know what you really felt about this world?