Sharing the Misery

Recently, a friend of mine...one of the moms from the park...shared her family's wrenching story of trying to make ends meet...."Hard Times Mean Leaner Thanksgiving."

In this online article, my friend Bridget, a mother of four young children, describes the economic toll on her family since her husband lost his job. She told of selling furnishings...including her dining room table...to meet monthly expenses.

Some of the comments on the article have not been kind and she relayed to me her surprise. It seems there are a lot of people who want to judge and throw stones. However, I told her to rest assured...she speaks for many who are in similar financial binds but will not voice it publicly.

This recession (or depression) is hitting the middle class and upper middle class hard. Our area in Riverside County has unemployment around 10% and many empty houses. Some say we are ground zero for the mortgage mess. Our small businesses are suffering and our upscale shopping center is near default. Many in our communities are shell-shocked.

I applaud Bridget for expressing the frustration so many families are feeling, and describing the extreme measures some must undertake to pay the bills.

Someone has to speak the truth.

Abandoned Kids

The state of Nebraska recently amended their law offering safe havens for abandoned kids. It seems the original law, although intended for infants, didn't have age restrictions and parents were leaving older kids and teens.

I say they should have left the law in tact. If a parent is desperate enough to abandon their kid, that child should not be in the home with the parent. I know economically times are tough, and any parent of a teen occasionally thinks of taking them on a long, long ride and dropping them off...however, the majority of parents will not do this. For most parents, if finances leave them eating pet food...their kids are going to be right there with them.

So why would a parent abandon a child...emotional or financial or discipline reasons probably. This signals the parent and the child needs help.

The law should have stayed as it was to identify these children. Now they are lost and at the mercy of parents at the end of their rope.

This Is It....

"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible to you!" Matthew 17:20

After all the phone calls...donations...knocking on doors...trying to convince friends, family, and co-workers....wondering if people saw what we saw.....pulling our hair out over dirty tricks and naysayers....

This is it..... the day we vote to put America back on track! The day we vote for one of the greatest candidates America has been blessed with....

This is it...it's been a long road...but also a worthy road!

This is it....

People I HAD to Thank at the DNC -- Dolores Huerta

Continuing my series on people I felt compelled to thank at the recent Democratic National Convention, let’s add activist Dolores Huerta to the list.

At a time when Community Organizers are lambasted by the Republican VP
Nominee, Sarah Palin, Dolores Huerta provides an example of a woman who has paid dues and continues to advocate for the rights of women, children, and the disenfranchised of the country.

Huerta is the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union, along with
Cesar Chavez. Through-out the years this working mother has made significant impact in the areas of education, immigrant rights, women’s issues and politics. She has worked on behalf of many candidates including: President Clinton, Congressman Ron Dellums, Governor Jerry Brown, Congresswoman Hilda Solis and most recently Hillary Clinton.

It was Huerta, who introduced Senator Hillary Clinton’s name into nomination at the recent convention. After Senator Clinton halted the process, Huerta united with all Democrats in supporting the party’s nominee Barack Obama.

Later that night, I had the honor of dancing the Salsa with the 78-year-old Huerta and some of her children. If you look at the picture, which was taken after the dance, I look tired—she doesn’t!

There is still much work to be done and Dolores Huerta gracefully continues the charge.

Thank you, ‘Community Organizer’ Dolores Huerta

American Healthcare - Up Close & Personal

There are those life changing moments ..seconds really …that remind us of our mortality and lack of control over our environment. I won’t even pretend that my recent knee injury is comparable to the pain and suffering experienced by millions around the world on a daily basis. However, it did ‘knock me off my game’ and put me front and center in a world many navigate on a daily basis – The American Healthcare System.

First of all, let me say…..I have health insurance and for that I am grateful. With my husband and I being self-employed, and two kids, we pay
A LOT each month for our coverage…however, it is there when we need it, and I needed it last week when I fell and broke my patella.

As soon as you enter the emergency room door you are asked about insurance. Prior to surgery, I was informed my deductible would have to be paid in full. (We paid it, however I was erroneously asked two more times during my hospital stay to pay the deductible!)

Hospital recordkeeping is in the stone ages and doesn’t seem to take advantage of existing technology. I could twitter thousands of people my medical stats at any given time and they would have them instantly….however, in a hospital it can take a whole day to collect the info and get it to a patient’s doctor!

I am certain that my knee injury will generate many, many pages of documentation and cost us thousands of dollars….and again…I HAVE insurance. I am reasonably educated, however I don’t understand medical billing—one event generates bills from various doctors, labs, and medical offices! I have gone through this with family members and know it’s a headache…. I am still getting new medical bills for my late father who died three years ago!!

This is ridiculous!

Before I end this blog….I must comment on all the outstanding people who work in healthcare! The medical personnel I interfaced with (other than the billing department) were absolutely wonderful! Many went above and beyond in making sure I was comfortable and understood what was happening around me. I hope these people are appreciated within their industry and paid well—and I’m not just talking about the doctors and nurses—I mean the aides, the people that clean the rooms, the people that bring the food, etc.

So I’ll stop the ranting….I know that most of you can relate to this.

I’ll end by saying: The American Healthcare System is Sick!

People I HAD to Thank at the DNC -- Roland Martin

This is the second in my series of people I HAD to personally say thank-you to at the Democratic National Convention. Today I spotlight CNN's Roland Martin...commentator extraordinaire!

Roland S. Martin is an award winning writer, speaker, producer, radio show host, blogger, and commentator! This brother does it all -- with class, and grace, and a dose of that 'Old Time Religion' that has carried our people through many challenges in America.

Thankfully, CNN had the foresight to see what this brother could offer. He brings to the table wisdom and fairness and a needed perspective as an African-American male. Never has this been more needed that during this election process. Martin carried the torch and represented 'our' point of view against partisan heavyweights such as Begalia and Carville.

Roland Martin does not let up and he tells it like it is! Here is an excerpt from one of his recent blogs concerning McCains running mate:

With Palin, McCain now supports affirmative action/quotas
August 30th, 2008

"I’ll have more to say on this later, but please, give me a break? Does Sen. John McCain actually think he chose the most qualified - or even the second, third or fourth - person to be his vice president? Sarah Palin may be the governor of Alaska, but prior to that, she was the mayor of a 10,000-person town. This was all about being a woman. McCain knows it and we know it."

THANK YOU ROLAND MARTIN! Your voice is needed....keep up the great work!

People I HAD to Thank at the DNC

There were so many 'movers and shakers' I spotted at the Democratic National Convention a couple of weeks ago! Journalists, Politicians, Celebrities, and COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS (the hard working people who keep our country going.)

Among this distinguished group there were several people I HAD to personally say thank-you to. People who have served our country well.

The next five blogs will recognize these people I thanked at the DNC. They include: Representative John Lewis, CNN Correspondent Roland Martin, Latina Activist Dolores Huerta, Actress Angela Bassett, and Community Organizers 'Sweet Alice' Harris and Temo Fiqueroa.

Let's start with Congressman John Lewis of Georgia.

1. John Lewis.....the Congressman from Georgia paid the price for our American rights on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Considered one of the 'big six' of the Civil Rights movement, Lewis has been a staunch advocate of voting and civil rights. Called one of the most courageous leaders in the movement, it was only fitting that Lewis addressed the thousands gathered at Invesco. Here is an excerpt of his comments:

"As a participant in the Civil Rights Movement, I can tell you, the road to victory will not be easy. Some of us were beaten, arrested, taken to jail; and some of us were even killed trying to register and vote.

But with the nomination of Sen. Barack Obama tonight, the man who will lead the Democratic Party in its march toward the White House, we are making a major downpayment on the fulfillment of that dream. We prove that a dream still burns in the hearts of every American. That this dream was too right, too necessary, too noble to ever die.

But this night is not an ending. It is not even a beginning. It is the continuation of a struggle that began centuries ago—in Lexington and Concord, in Gettysburg and Appomattox, in Farmville, Virginia and Topeka, Kansas, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, Selma, Alabama. and

Democracy is not a state. It is an act. It is a series of actions we must take to build what Martin Luther King Jr. called the Beloved Community, a society based on simple justice that values the dignity and the worth of every human being.

We’ve come a long way, but we still have a distance to go. We’ve come a long way, but we must march again. On November 4th we must march in every state, in every city, in every village, in every hamlet, we must march to the ballot box.

We must march like we have never marched before to elect the next President of the United States, Sen. Barack Obama. For those of us who stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or who in the years that followed may have lost hope, this moment is a testament to the power and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. It is a testament to the ability of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. It is a testament to the promise of America.

Tonight we have put together a tribute to the man and his message. Let us take a moment to reflect on the legacy and the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. on this 45th anniversary of the historic March on Washington."

I saw Lewis twice during convention week and I prefaced each time with a heartfelt THANK YOU!"



Click Here for Video of Speech

Political Evangelism

This past Sunday, at the evangelical megachurch I attend, the Pastor threw
out a line during his sermon about how he "loves Sarah Palin!"  I thought
it was inappropriate and unfortunate that the Pastor felt comfortable
enough to say this.

My first thought was....he has received the Republican talking points and
evangelical churches across the nation are going to build this woman up in
the weeks ahead.  This is how they got Bush elected.....using these
suburban megachurches to push their agenda!!

My second thought was....people are losing jobs (and houses).... 
food, fuel, tuition, and health care costs are taking a MAJOR bite out 
of family budgets...and the Republicans offer us the distraction of 
Sarah Palin's personal life.

And the real question I MUST ask as an Evangelical Christian
myself....when are Evangelicals going to realize that they serve God and
not the Republican Party????



Linnie Frank Bailey

The Speech (8/28pm)

Oh What a Night!

I danced...I cried...I celebrated....and I thanked God for the night!

Wherever you were....wherever you watched the speech...I'm sure you felt
the electricity of this historic event. August 28, 2008 will go down in
history as the day a son of America...a son of color....led this country
toward a new day. To quote Governor Kaine (from his speech that night)
we 'told the mountain to MOVE!' We have truly come this far by faith!

Oh What a Night!

This past week has been such a special time for me and I have enjoyed
sharing brief notes with you! I've seen a who's who of politicians,
journalists, and celebrities. But, mostly I saw hard working people who
care about our country and are ready for a change.

Here are some of my personal highlights from the week:

1. Sunday -- the celebration of all of our major civil rights
organizations. Each organization had their leader(s) speak.
The celebration was followed by a concert with the soulful Frankie Beverly and Maze (I never miss a concert!) As is typical of a Maze concert, EVERYONE was up dancing. I enjoyed dancing in the aisle with my brother Carlton, who lives in Denver. We don't see each
other much and for me, it was a great way to kick off convention week! Dancing with us....Maxine Waters, Tavis Smiley, and Antonio Villaraigosa.

2. Monday -- walking into Pepsi Center. It became real to me as I saw
the state signs. I sat with my state delegation and met a wonderful woman
named Susan. Susan had been a Hillary supporter, but she is 100% for
Obama now. We sat together each night at Pepsi Center....enjoyed the
speeches, and...well here I go again...we danced to great music! And...we
were thrilled with Michelle's speech!

3. Tuesday -- I went to the faith caucus where a well-regarded panel of
faith leaders discussed the challenges of combining faith with politics.
This is an area I sometimes struggle with, so it was refreshing to hear
the political issues of today discussed from a faith perspective.

4. Wednesday -- the roll call vote and the suspension of the vote by
Hillary Clinton was suspenseful and rewarding. Talk about a catharsis! At
the California delegation party that night I danced to old school music
and even did the salsa with my Latino friends including Dolores Huerta--
the well-known Latina activist who had nominated Hillary Clinton. We were
united!

5. Thursday -- the crowd...the music....the speakers...and THE SPEECH!
Yes...I was a dancing fool again...especially with Stevie's 'Signed,
Sealed, and Delivered' the Obama anthem!!

I'm home now..... resting my feet!! Jose Medina posted our pictures (300) on his Facebook page...so sign in and look for Jose Medina of Riverside.

Getting ready to continue my campaign work! Can't wait for Inauguration
Week!!

It's Official (8/28 am)

Last night I cried tears of joy as Barack Obama became our ‘official’ nominee! It’s been such a long road…especially for those of us involved in the campaign on a daily basis. I think all would agree that the Primary process was long and ‘dramatic’ (to say the least).

Last night, many were still on the edge of their seats wondering what the roll call vote would produce. We knew that Obama’s nomination was inevitable, however we have known this for many months and it didn’t seem to make any difference -- there was always another hurdle for him to jump over on his way to the nomination.

Many wondered why our California delegation passed during the roll call. It definitely added to the suspense! The ‘official’ reason we received this morning was that there were alternate delegates on the floor whom had not voted. However….we all know the goal during the roll call was to give our nominee the most votes possible from each state. Enough said.

There was pandemonium when Hillary Clinton suspended the vote! As an Obama delegate, I can tell you we’ve waited a long time for this! She was gracious, and we finally felt united as a party.

Once Obama was certified as the nominee, the emotions poured forth from many of us. Personally, I am so thankful to see this in my lifetime, but I couldn’t help to think of my dad and uncles who were talented and capable, however limited because of the color of their skin. I thought of the stories I’ve heard of my great-great grandfather who was lynched because he had the ‘audacity’ to run for office in Louisiana and would not take his name off the ballot.

WE know what this moment means. WE know the significance of the speech that will be made tonight on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech. WE know about dreams!

Tonight we will celebrate for those who did not live to see this. It was their blood, hard work, and perseverance that made this night possible.

Tonight we will celebrate for our children and the opportunities that await them. Never again should they say “I Can’t.”

Tonight we will celebrate for America…finally the promise of our great country….the promise of all men being created equal… is being delivered!

Tonight we will celebrate and tomorrow we will get to work…doing ALL we can to elect President Barack Obama.

The Vote (from 8/27)

The excitement is building!! Tonight we will hear from Bill Clinton and Joe Biden. I expect they both will give a rousing speech!

There will also be some kind of roll call vote tonight.... probably not all of the states, however at least as far as Colorado...which means California will get a verbal vote. We had ballots at breakfast this morning...so I already voted. Some of the Clinton delegates are meeting this afternoon to discuss how to proceed with their votes.

The bottom line is -- Barack Obama will 'officially' be the Democratic nominee for President after tonight! We can hardly wait for the acceptance speech tomorrow.

It is exciting being a part of this process.....there are many countries where this cannot happen!

I thought Hillary Clinton's speech was great! You know...for every speaker they pass out signs for us to hold up. Sometimes it gets confusing and I'm sure I have held up the wrong sign many times. Also, I have held them up upside down :) Oh well! The funny thing is....they went through a lot of effort to make this a 'green' convention and yet there are lots and lots of SIGNS!! People are keeping their signs as souvenirs. Lot's of heavy luggage when we return!

I'm off to the Pepsi Center early because it will be crowded!!

Thanks to all who text me when you see me on TV. There are cameras everywhere and I'm trying hard not to embarrass you all :)

Inside the Pepsi Center

Finally...I made it inside the Pepsi Center! It is fun meeting new folk from around the country.

We are united...regardless of what you are seeing in the press! There are lots of protesters (not sure what they're protesting) We just keep moving from event to event. It's no different than being on a college campus with protesters.... I sort of like it (as long as the protests are non-violent). It reminds us of the freedoms we have in this country.

I must say however, the area around the Pepsi Center is on lockdown....MUCH security...and as Forrest Gump would say: "That's all I'm going to say about that!"

You all know I support Barack Obama because of his policies and what he stands for....I would support him if he were brown, white, or purple! However...tonight...as an African-American woman I was proud to see Michelle as our prospective first lady! Not just because she is Barack's wife...but because of her own accomplishments! As a black woman I thought of all we must endure to succeed....all of the slights because of our skin color....always having to be BETTER! It's been a long road...but we have endured! America has endured and we have indeed come a long way!

Getting A Front Row View of History

They are calling this the most historic convention in U.S. history! The story remains...at least the story being reported on the most....is: "Will the first viable African-American candidate, and the first viable woman candidate, be able to unify their party?"

The view from the ground....where I am...is one of people who are in a celebratory mode, and happy to be in Denver. There doesn't seem to be a lot of dissention, but then we haven't voted yet. Still....I expect things to go great....Democrats realize the eyes of the nation are on us!

As a first time delegate, I'm trying to attend as many events as possible....however, there is just too much to do.....panel discussions, caucuses, book signings, luncheons, and parties! This is a 24/7 event!

Everywhere I look are familiar faces...politicians, reporters, entertainers....you name it! No one stands out here because there are so many famous faces. The guy you chat with in the elevator might be a congressman. The woman on the shuttle next to you might be an actress. And, every other person here is a member of the press!

Our California delegation is the largest and most diverse of all the states here. We're staying in the same hotel as the other large delegation--New York. Our delegation has a morning breakfast and other group activities coming up later in the week. And, we will all be sitting together in the Pepsi Center.

Aah..the Pepsi Center....I've seen it on TV, but haven't been in there yet. Tonight is when the official proceedings begin. The biggest question is whether ailing Senator Ted Kennedy will actually appear or be seen on tape. Either way I'm sure he will get a rousing reception from us.

There are several speeches planned for tonight and I will be there for them all. I do realize what an honor it is to be here representing my area. In my life story this will be a biggie.

There are more Clinton supporters in our delegation than Obama supporters but I think things will go fine. The majority want victory in November.

And...what will I be doing after the official proceedings are over tonight? Dancing of course!

But, for now, I'm off to the Pepsi Center....

Netroots Nation #4: "Wrap It Up and Put a Bow on It!"

Now that it's over, some reflections on Netroots Nation....

1. Good Times! I had a great time. I am probably not as far to the left as many of the attendees, but all in all these are good people. In my informal survey (I enlisted others to help me with this) at least 35-40% of attendees were women. At least 30% were over 35 (with a significant number age 50 and above.) So, contrary to my thoughts going in to this...I fit in!! (of course, I seem to fit in wherever I go :) The one area that was lacking was the number of African-American and Latino bloggers at the convention. A shamefully low number! I remember a conference I went to a couple of years ago for conservative evangelical Christians.....about the same number of African-Americans in attendance as Netroots Nation. Both conferences have blacks on their boards, and blacks in prominent placement in programs...and of-course the mandatory session 'especially for African-American issues.' however....where the rubber meets the road...attendance...the numbers were low. Still....I had fun at Netroots, learned much, and met GOOD people.
2. Paper, paper, everywhere! After 25+ years of conventions and conferences, and with the new focus on living 'green,' these events still generate tons of paper. It starts with the conference bag, it continues with all the handouts, and then there are the cards. Even with the leap in technology the past few years...we are still passing out business cards just as we've done for decades! Perhaps one day we will be able to do some kind of 'terrorist bump' with our electronic device (pda, cell phone, whatever), and capture all needed info and a PICTURE of the person....and it would be automatically loaded into our database of choice! (NO MORE BUSINESS CARDS!) The technology exists, we're just not there yet.
3. The silent voice. It's the economy...it's the economy....it's the economy!!!! I made the same point at several of the sessions I attended and I feel there is a disconnect between many in the Netroots world and everyday America...so ONE MORE TIME.....when you are deciding how much meat you'll cook for the week, or how much milk you can buy for your family, you don't give a damn about the voting on the FISA bill! When you lose the equity in your home....or the house altogether...you aren't losing sleep over Karl Rove's arrest! When you can't afford to drive 80 miles to see your parents.....you're not concerned with impeachment! Yes...these may be valid issues, however they became 90% of the discussion--at the Ask the Speaker session with Pelosi, THERE WAS NOT ONE QUESTION ON THE ECONOMY!! Many of us are pissed off that no one is offering real solutions and getting out 'in front' of the problems the country is facing, (instead of holding hearings after the fact). There is fear and anxiety in mainstream America and I didn't see it discussed at this conference. Maybe it's time for us suburban moms to take to the streets?

In conclusion....a good (however, slightly self-serving) conference...and I am especially grateful to DFA for giving me a scholarship to attend! (It meant my family didn't have to eat cereal for a week :)

So, time to pull out all those business cards and start emailing....good meeting you!!!!!

God Bless,

Linnie

Netroots Nation #3 - "Identity Crisis"

Netroots is an organization in transition! I've seen this before...in corporations and in community groups....an organization views itself as one thing when in reality it is another.

There's an identity crisis going on here in Austin at the Netroots Nation Conference. Even Howard Dean is confused. Last night at his keynote he concluded by talking about passing the baton to a new generation of leaders...younger people. The reality is...one-third, OR MORE of the people here are over 35, and there is A LOT of gray hair at this convention! However, I understand Dean's confusion, as I wrote previously, I too thought this would be a convention of young twenty-somethings. WRONG!

The other identity crisis is that many here believe they speak for the masses. WRONG AGAIN! The masses aren't concerned with FISA votes, impeaching Bush, or arresting Rove. They're more concerned with buying gas and food.

I tried to make the point several times today-- if we are to win elections this year we had better be in tune with what is happening in our communities! Families are under assault financially!

Many times today, as I attended various sessions and panel discussions, I've felt they don't really GET IT here....they may be technically savvy.... however they are having the same arguments that the left and right have been having for years....they just do it over the net.

Perhaps, one day, Netroots Nation will include more voices from 'the silent majority' who are sick of labels, and us versus them, and the SOS. This is the real radical movement that's coming....

Netroots Nation #2 - "Different Strokes for Different Folks"

So yesterday I wondered if I would fit in..the answer: a resounding YES!

I am surprised at the number of middle-aged people at this convention of online political bloggers. At least one third of the attendees appear to be over forty. There are more men than women, however there are MANY women and we had a chance to discuss our issues at one of the women's caucuses yesterday. (There was a mom's caucus, a woman's caucus, and a feminist caucus...they wanted to reach all women....overkill if you ask me :)

My day started with a meeting of all the DFA scholarship winners...a diverse and jovial group...all of whom are thankful for the opportunity to be here. We were asked to attend a rally for Howard Dean who is on a bus tour 'Register for Change' and was on his way to Austin from Crawford, Texas. I attended the rally and then had lunch with a young woman blogger from Washington D.C.. (I tend to gravitate to people from D.C. since i lived there almost a decade). The woman is about to leave for Oxford to study public policy and I enjoyed hearing her viewpoints on government and public officials. Her concern is that neither candidate for President will make the needed changes to move the country forward. I disagree with her...I am unashamedly an Obama supporter...however, I am glad she will use her blog to document his efforts!

I attended the women's caucus and realized that most of the complaints I heard.....women getting lower pay...women being disrespected...women being the caregivers of the world....well, these are the same laments I hear from my women's Bible study groups. I make the point to the women that we need to stop dividing ourselves with labels: feminist, progressive, conservative, etc. we may disagree...however our issues are the SAME! (this seems to be a reoccurring theme for me in political discourse).

I also attended the African-American caucus and it was good to hear from black bloggers. There were only about 15 of us in the room and this convention still has a way to go as far as diversity. After the AA Caucus I met a woman who had attended the Latino caucus and she said our individual caucuses should have been held together....I agree with her. We have to move away from all the divisions! She is a DNC Super-Delegate from Colorado and we made plans to meet up in Denver since I am a delegate also.

Last night I attended the keynote by Wesley Clark and Howard Dean. I met a lovely woman from Austin and her Dad. We discussed juggling kids and family with political activism. Afterwards I had some of the BEST Bar-b-que, yams, and collard greens as I hit the Downtown Austin restaurant area with my fellow Netroots attendees.

Now that all of the 'affinity group' caucuses are out of the way, the real conference begins today!

I'm having a blast!!!

Netroots Nation #1 - "My Roots Aren't Net"

The next few days I will be blogging from the Netroots Nation Conference in Austin, Texas.

I've always considered myself more of a writer than a blogger, but I am thrilled to be on this journey. I guess you could call me a 'blogger-in-training.' So here I am at a conference put on by the Daily Kos people. A convention for 'progressive' activists.

A few hours before I got on the plane yesterday I realized I wasn't quite sure about the definition of a 'progressive' (versus liberal or radical). Fortunately, one of my politically aware friends called and offered this definition: "Liberals and progressives talk the same, but progresives act on their words." As an example, he said both groups espouse the value of public school, however a liberal was more likely to send his or her child to a private school.

This sounds more like a hypocrite to me, and I know we have those in all political areas. So I will continue my quest for the definition of a progressive versus a liberal.

My own political persuasion? I'm probably more of a moderate Democrat, and dare I say I am conservative on some issues?

So...I'm anxious to see how I am going to fit in with these progressive bloggers.

Let me back up and say I am here because of a scholarship I won from Democracy for America and I am thankful to all the 'progressives' who brought me and 29 others to this convention.

Will I fit in? I am a 52-year-old African-American, Christian, suburban mom. The image I have of bloggers is : young, geeky, white males. It occurs to be that my 18 year-old son would fit in here better that I.

I know the Netroots people are making an effort to make the conference more diverse....hence the scholarships.

Will I fit in? Will there be anyone like me who represents a community that is more concerned with buying gas and food than the FISA bill vote?

I'm headed downstairs to register....Stay tuned....

Name Games

Looks like the GOP is ready to play name games with Senator Obama. They've started throwing out the terms they want their surrogates to use. "Arrogant" and "Opportunistic" are the ones they are using the most. These are code words to imply "uppity black man" to the American public. GOP surrogates are more than willing to get these phrases out there and try to paint a false picture.

However...let's look at the picture Americans are really seeing:

Gas...over $4.50 a gallon and climbing.

Milk...over $4.00 a gallon and climbing.

Iraq war casualties...over 4000 and climbing.

Iraq war injured...over 40,000 and climbing.

Americans without health care...over 40 million and climbing.

High School dropout rate in America's 50 largest cities...over 40 per cent and climbing.

And the GOP wants to play school yard games? This is all they can bring to the national discussion?

Time for a change!

Those We Leave Behind

Everyone doesn't want to vote.

This is a fact I have to accept after almost a year of trying to get people registered. Most of the people I have come in contact with...especially the young people...are gleeful at the opportunity to participate in the upcoming election. However, every now and then there is someone who just doesn't want to vote. Some would argue that there are certain people who 'shouldn't' vote....but that goes against everything we believe in and fight for in this country.

Of course, I want people to vote for my candidate, however....even if they vote for the other guy... at least they ARE voting and exercising their rights as Americans. Rights many died for....

Recently, at a community fair I attended, a middle-aged woman came over to the booth I was manning to register voters. "Are you registered to vote?" (I asked everyone who came near us this same question.) "No," she said. "I don't believe in voting. I haven't voted since my daughter was 3 months old and she's 30 now!" My first thought was "What the heck happened 30 years ago that turned this woman against voting?"

But, I tried again....since she was still standing there looking over the literature. "You can register right here and now, and vote in the November election," I told her.

"No, she said. "I'll never vote again. My vote won't make a difference....it's a waste of time."

I couldn't believe or understand her thought pattern. As an African-American woman surely she understood that people had given their lives so that SHE COULD VOTE!

I wanted to give her an oral dissertation on the civil rights movement and why she MUST vote....but,I don't think it would have made a difference. The people around me just shook their heads.

I guess as we move forward as a country, there will be those we will have to leave behind....not because we want to leave them...but, because they don't want to go.

oh happy day

I knew it was coming...I have worked as a volunteer for many months--me and millions of others--to make sure this would happen...and yet....when the cable news network officially declared him the winner, I sat there bawling like a baby! My son thought I had lost my mind..."but Mom, you've been saying for a long time that this would happen!" He doesn't quite get it....his whole life I've told him he could grow up to be anything he wanted...including President....and I always believed this....and yet I cried. I cried because I thought of my step-dad, my dad, my uncles who have passed on. I thought of how bright and talented they were...but they faced limitations in what they could accomplish.....not because they weren't capable...but because of the color of their skin.

For me, this election process has never been about race...I simply am inspired to work for the best candidate America has seen in a long time....but, in that brief instant...when I saw the 'official' status of his nomination....in that instant it hit me just how far we have come as a country....still have a long way to go...but a whole lot closer.

oh happy day!

Americans Will Rise

There is a sadness....or maybe it is shock....among friends and neighbors in my suburban Southern California neighborhood. I see it at the gas station, at the grocery store, at the schools, and at church. It's the unmistakable look of grief.....grief for a 'shop-til-you-drop' lifestyle that has come to an end. We are collectively 'going broke.'

Everywhere I go people speak of worry and anxiety about what the future holds for their families. Many are realizing that the value of their house may drop even more, and they no longer have the equity cushion they had counted on. Some lament their decision to move so far away from their job in search of affordable housing....gas eats up more and more of their monthly income. Others worry about taking care of older relatives, or paying for college tuition.

Yes, in my neighborhood, there is anxiety at every corner and not too many are resting comfortably at night. The truth is--American middle-class lifestyles are changing more rapidly than anyone could have predicted.

And yet, in spite of all we are facing...there is a glimmer of hope as we slowly adapt to our new circumstances. We are staying home more with family and friends--picnics at the park, or a day at the beach, are replacing lavish trips. We are eating in more and taking the time to cook wholesome meals including vegetables (to offset expensive meat.) Some are growing their own fruits and vegetables. More people are using public transportation and WALKING THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL! Kids are taking lunches again instead of eating cafeteria pizza slices every day. Mom and Dad are moving in with the kids, or vice versa, to support each other financially and otherwise.

Yes--in spite of it all....there is good that will come from this...I know it! Americans will rise to the challenges like we always do!

Stay tuned.....

Enemies of the Clintons

Ex-President Bill Clinton is attempting to define the 2008 Democratic nominating process. He seems to have reached the conclusion that the reason his wife - Senator Hillary Clinton - will not be the nominee, is because of the media, moveOn.org, and pressure from the Obama campaign.

These 'enemies' are discussed in a Politico.com article:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10715.html

Mr. Clinton is entitled to his 'version' of the story...and whether or not he really believes what he is saying who knows...however, I do not think Clinton is correct in assigning blame to a vast-left-wing-majority.

Yet, Clinton is right....there were 'enemies' working against his wife. They include the following:

1. Hope -- Yes....hope is 'just a word,' however-- it is what gets us up in the morning! It is what keeps us going in spite of all we are struggling with these days! Barack Obama best addressed the hope of Americans of all races, ages, incomes, and lifestyles. While Senator Clinton also offered hope to millions of supporters....she LOST the hope argument when she was compared to a candidate who remained positive and upbeat, and appealed to our better selves.

2. Judgment -- The decision to go to war in Iraq was one of the most devastating in U.S. History. American losses have been great in terms of lives and resources. Not enough questions were asked prior to the authorization vote -- particularly questions on the concrete objectives of the war and the exit plan. Many believe that Senator Clinton voted to authorize the war because she was more concerned with a future run for office, than doing the right thing. She LOST the judgment argument when she voted to authorize the Iraq war.

3. Fairness -- Senator Clinton reversed her position on the seating of delegates in Florida and Michigan once it became apparent she was losing the delegate fight. She is seen as trying to change the rules in the middle-of-the-game (or at the end of the game.) One senses that her concern is not so much with the delegates of these two states...but, rather with using them in a last-ditch attempt to secure the nomination. Senator Clinton LOST the fairness argument when she accused her opponent and party of trying to suppress votes in Florida and Michigan.
   
   
4. Change -- Many Americans are unhappy with where we are as a country. They see gridlock in Washington, and politicians who are more interested in slinging mud than discussing solutions. We want leaders who will unite us not divide us. Senator Clinton LOST the change argument when she and her husband showed Americans, and Democrats in particular, that she will bring more of the same finger-pointing, divisiveness, and disunity, that we have suffered through for years....to the detriment of progress.

So...these are the real enemies of the Clintons....Hope, Judgment, Fairness, and Change!

Let's tell it like it is and not have to wait for a tell-all book in a few more years!

Lies, Lies, and More Lies, Got Us Into Iraq

The American people were hoodwinked over Iraq...many of us knew this from the beginning!!

My personal opinion is it's not just the Bush Administration that needs to answer for this. How about the journalists who didn't ask the hard questions?? How about the Congress members who not only didn't ask enough questions...but AUTHORIZED the action (I remember Kennedy and Wellstone being the most vocal of the dissenters...and Byrd...where were the others?) How about the evangelicals who were USED by the warmongers to support the President at any cost?

And...what about all the American citizens who were more concerned with buying bigger houses and bigger cars and more toys, and didn't pay enough attention to what was going on at the time?

Goodbye Gouda

Somewhere along the way my kids developed a taste for Gouda cheese. They love it with crackers or by itself. Unfortunately....Gouda is not in my budget these days.

Grocery prices are astronomical now and a trip to the supermarket involves trade-offs I never thought I'd make! We eat a lot more chicken, and I can't remember the last time I bought steaks! I also realize that day-old bread is fine for my family, especially since my kids seem to go through a loaf a day!

So the only cheese I get these days is the sliced American brand, for sandwiches. "Where's the Gouda?" my kids ask. "In the gas tank," I tell them.

Deferred Dreams

"What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore-- and then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load

Or does it just explode?"

Langston Hughes

The recent 40^th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King was a time of reflection for the African-American community and the nation as a whole. Many have speculated on what Dr. King’s thoughts would be on the state of race relations in today’s America. We wonder if he would think we have progressed. Have we made it to the Promised Land that Dr. King so eloquently spoke of the night before his death? Or, have we—like the Old Testament Israelites—wandered aimlessly for forty years?

It is easy to be dismayed when one looks at oft-repeated statistics of African-American incarceration and high school dropout rates. In addition, we still lag in net worth, adequate health care, and home-ownership.

However, we cannot deny that progress has been made in some areas. Today, many African-Americans live in ways unimaginable to their parents and grandparents. We reside in integrated neighborhoods, travel the world, lead corporations, and run for the highest office in the land.

Perhaps Dr. King would remind us of the Israelites whom did not reach the Promised Land because they did not believe it was theirs for the taking. In today’s world, we don’t have to sit in the back of the bus…however, many seem to want to sit in the back of the bus—especially when it comes to education. Too many of our young people today devalue academics although it remains the sure-fire way to opportunity—just as it did forty years ago.

We have to teach our children that there will always be those who will try to put them down because of the color of their skin; however, opportunity exists, and achievement is possible, for those willing to study and work hard.