A Sack of Seattle

Does America need a dictator?

George Bush used the executive office for lots of initiatives and activities that I disagreed with at the core of my being. I found myself in shock and horror as he (and his cronies) used the executive office to initiate war in Iraq, to undermine basic civil rights and human rights (think Guatanamo bay and civilian wiretapping), and to cut taxes in the face of rising spending -- he used politics of fear effectively and moved to centralize power in the executive branch more than any previous president (to my knowledge). He did all this and much, much more.  And I think he'll go down in history as the worst president in American history for what he did...and most people won't focus on how he did it.
Now, Barack Obama comes along -- someone that many people believe in. I'm beginning to wonder if the country doesn't need Obama to use even more centralized executive powers than George Bush used in order to be effective in the current situation. I'm nervous that Obama's inclusive liberal decision making approach is going to get more mired in the political system than George Bush's approach. This, at a time we absolutely need decisive leadership.  In my opionion, Barack would make a great CEO of America -- if only our system granted him that authority.
I'm rambling a bit....but I'm wondering whether America doesn't need more of a benevolent dicatator now more than ever?
And I'm wondering about the the irony that the last President attempted and wished for dictator like powers more than any other president previously and is, in my mind, to blame for much of the mess we find ourselves. What's that say about America's political system? 

Breathe a sigh of relief

Unfortunately, I haven't posted since Nov. 4, 2008 - the election of President elect Obama. The hard thing about writing now is that me emotions aren't quite as present as they were. That said, I recall that evening as the first time in recent American history that I was proud to be an American.  Regardless of your political background or affiliation, the election of Obama was a major milestone for America.  Obam's rise is one that we can all admire and feel proud of -- that we as a country have seen fit to elect our first black president only 60 some odd years after blacks had to ride at the back of the bus. 
Two of the weird things about the election night are :

1. I don't think the election would have happened had it not been for the colossal disaster of the George W. Bush presidency and while George W. can't claim the election as a victory. He is to be thanked in part for Obama's victory.
2. Proposition 8 looks like ti passed revoking the right of gay people to legally marry in California.  Ironic. I guess as a country we're more homophobic than racist.  Or more aptly put, better to be a black straight man than a white gay man -- you get the idea.  Makes you wonder when and if we'll ever have an openly gay president!?

My prediction: Obama wins with over 300 electoral votes

And we know this by 10PM PST. 
Just wanted to go on record with my prediction.
Prediction made 7PM on Nov. 3, 2008 - 1 day before the 2008 election.

Great grassroots idea: Use barack's photo on your facebook page and your blog

After I posted my blog last night and sent out a similar message to 2,500 of my closest friends on mybarackobama.com. In response, a friend suggested that we encourage people to start using Barack's image on our profile pages in our social networks and blogs.  I thought this was a great idea and am taking that action. Feel free to use the images below or just choose your own image of Barack to use for your profile. 
What's great is that taking this action is free , can be done from your desk, and markets Barack to the netizens....and on Facebook, you're encouraging young people to get behind Barack even more than they already have!
Check out my new and improved blog profile , my linked in profile, and my facebook profile.  
 

Shame

The adage of, "if you can't beat them join them" should apply. But I can't bring myself to do it. There's too much at stake.  I think the Republicans have made some very smart moves in the current presidential election.  Most notably, the selection of Palin has to be commended as a smart political move.
However, I'm really in awe of the fact that this is even a close election.  I felt the same way 4 years ago -- when it was painfully obvious to me that we created a war in Iraq after Sept 11 on false pretenses.  That economically we were headed for massive deficits and a general erosion of social well-being.  And yet, I was in the minority. Loads of people voted for George W.  The first time, I can forgive (somehow). But the second time!  And now, in early September, it's looking quite possible that we're headed for a 3-pete.  Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, shame.

Political question of the day

Would Sarah Palin have been picked if both parties had to name their vice presidential picks at the same time?

The power of ezample

Last nights democratic convention was exciting and smart. I thought Bill Clinton redeemed himself for some of his foibles during his wife's campaign. His speech framed up the election and the case obama needs to make to the public. Beau Biden speech was emotionally moving to the point that I teared up at the same time Michelle Obama did (how much was that tear worth?). And Joe Biden was solid and tough if not a little tongue tied at times. Overall, the stage is set for Obama to take back the lead in this election as he marches forward to his presidency. Hope is a wonderfula nd powerful thing!

McCain's adviser takes big bite of leather shoe

The LA Times reports Charlie Black, McCain aide, took a monster bite of his shoe when the longtime political pro got a bit too honest. Asked about the political impact of another terrorist attack on U.S. soil, Black replied: "Certainly it would be a big advantage to him."  Read the whole article here.

The democrats

I have 2 comments:

1. Hillary and Bill Clinton are really pissing me off.
2. Have the democrats found yet another way to lose an election when the economy is tanking, the war in Iraq looks like a disaster, and the country is losing confidence in itself?

Bush's approval rating hits new low

As the stock market falls, so does George Bush's approval rating. See the article.