Out On The Stoop is my exploration about things to know, talk about or experience these amazing times. The Stoop mantra is Think, think, it ain't illegal yet.
Trying to make sense of a different reality. Sometimes you have to look back to see a forward path. Or maybe I'm grasping at anything to help me understand why this has happened.
Once upon a time there was a 1998 movie called Pleasantville. A modern young man is fixated on a television show from the 1950's called Pleasantville.
This is the trailer for the movie.
It is a good movie and even though the trailer telegraphs the movie I still recommend it being seen.
But back to why I think it is relevant.
I kept hearing during the election that people want to take their country back. What if they meant back to Pleasantville?
A time where you did not have to consider the other. There was no other?
No African Americans
No Latinix
No Asians
No LGBTQA
No other places, no other countries, nothing but themselves and each other.
You would have a class system.
You would have strictly defined culture roles
You would have permanent employment.
And all would be right with your world.
Because it would be a simple place.
A simple time.
So I heard people saying take American back, make it great again.
Back when? Who is included?
In Pleasantville, not me.
Not ever me.
But you say that is just a movie. I'm making too much of this. I have no proof of 21 century people wanting to return back to the 1950's.
Well, I kinda sorta do.
I can post a photos of people showing up at a veteran' parade in Petaluma, CA with the Confederate flag. I won't post it here.
I could point to the KKK parade planned for December 4, 2016 in North Carolina to celebrate the election of P45 not to mention the resurgence of their participation in mainstream society. Or I could point you to the one in Anaheim, CA.
I could ask a friend or two that moderate comment message boards how much hate speech has increased since the election. A lot. A whole freaking lot.
I could post news articles about the increase in racial profiling and attacks on elementary, high school and college campuses.
But facts and empirical proof doesn't mean anything anymore.
As I have been recently told, I am promoting hate rhetoric. My feelings are not important. Get over it.
So yeah. I am being dragged to Pleasantville where there is no place for me.
By y'all say wait. Give it time. "It won't be as bad as you think it will be."
I've laid low because I had some pain issues to work out. You shouldn't type when you have a need to f-this and the sumbitch that regurgitated pile of dried ....
Yeah, still may not be time but I am working on ideas to make into reality. In my inner rage to damning a good chunk of humanity to hell I started to to think about those people that don't need to go wayyy down south. What can we do?
There is always something to do.
Now what can we do to invoke a change? Networking is good. Meeting in real life with like minded but different folks is also good. Most of the time politics ain't worth shinola to me but I think I have a change of mind.
We need to sneak up and kick asses out of our local and state legislatures. Federal too with a bit of networking.
Back in August, Cynthia Lui invited me to a political networking and information meet up in San Jose. I went because I wanted to hear about the doing in health care and stayed around for some of the other stuff. One of the business cards I got was for The Plus1 Project. Very simple idea. Take somebody with you to the mid-term November 4, 2014 elections.
I say let's snatch the sucker from them. From city to federal. The hate is so high they will not expect it from us. Fox Vomit has already declared African Americans as a less than model minority group.
I say we roll with it and make Fox weep again come election night. Rope a dope 2014.
So this is a prototype of an idea. Imperfect. Each time I see it I see another mistake. But it is in fixed form. The next one will be better. And so on. We can't wait. Ain't no leader is going to fix this.
We as a community will force an answer one way or the other.
There is an old song from the Impressions. called "We're A Winner. There is a lyric in the song that says "just keep on pushing...like your leaders tell you to."
There are real leaders that put their foot on the ground every day. There are leaders that teach, heal, politic on the public behalf and even some in the entertainment industry that understand what time it is. There are people that take journalism seriously.
And then you got other media carpetbag proclaimed leaders that feast on rays of radio or television lights. They switch into assimilation mode. I have to speak correctly, dress correctly, be employed and have never, ever done anything wrong. Then and only then will we believe you.
Not going to spend too much time with the modern children of Dathan. They are showing themselves but the rest of us are going forward. Chip away at the crud and let's get going.
I have watched and listened as privileged white men tried to help the nation understand the problems and worth of poor black kids. If I am understanding correctly, which is impossible because I use to be a poor black kid, I am incapable of going to work, thinking long term and handling my responsibilities as an adult.
It seems I am unable of understanding my current and future situation in life. I did not know that I require intervention to help me move past my impoverished blackness of being. The fact that I had to use technology just to find out how incapacitated I am is beside the point.
I can't make this stuff up. This is Newt with his view on poor children. Excuse me, very poor children. Like poor needs a superlative.
Gene Marks article at Forbes understands the totality of the inequality but wants poor black kids to know that there is a way out via web apps, sites and technology.
I'm thinking Gene does not have a good grasp of the concept of being poor. There is no money. Food is dicey. You might not have a place to live. There are other concerns at the top of the list. Buying a computer is not one of them.
I have a mind to write a letter called "Dear White People..." I am motivated. These past two weeks have really lit me up to put pen to paper.
Hey, wouldn't such a letter be irresponsible? Would it be extremely biased based upon my limited understanding of the totality of the European American experience. Even thought that experience is pumped into my consciousness each and every day by media, literature and commerce.
Yet I feel compelled to try again. I have a tremendous amount of anger at the embedded racism that is structured in this society. Not only is there embedded racism but if I, as a black woman dare call somebody out on it I get accused of playing some goddamn race card of victim-hood.
I have no race card. With the shit coming out of (some) white folks mouths these past three years I don't need any. Do you hear the ish coming out of mainstream political discourse? Against women, the LGBTQ communities or anybody that is not a white Christian male?
Yet I am suppose to give a calm, rational nuanced response some of the most noxious public thinking that has been romping around the country as political commentary.
Bullshit.
Hmm. Not really where I wanted to go with this. Still too much anger.
I want to write that I am a human being with inalienable rights provided to me by the Constitution of the United States and the 15th Amendment.
Naw, that don't get it either. Bunch of extreme constitutionalists want to revert back to the original constitution. They don't recognize my right to existence anyway.
I can't do it. If I can't write it responsibly, with accuracy, historical
perspective, real life experiences and independent documentation to
support my point of view then I should not do it.
I can't seem to write without wanting to toss in a couple dozen cuss words. That isn't good.
See, I know that such a letter would hurt people I love, care and respect. It would even hurt people I don't like. There is enough hurt in the world. I have no desire to add to it.
Still that isn't a good reason not to write a prescriptive letter to white people.
Yet people I know might might take offense that I am telling middle class white folks that they don't know how to raise their kids, that they are structurally defective as parents and I, being the 2nd cousin, twice removed from God, have got the scoop on how they could live their lives better if only they would listen to me.
The poor white folks are probably doing the same things as poor black folks, trying to take care of their families the best way they can in these days of denial. Denial being telling folks to get a job but that job has been exported oversees years ago.
Then again, if I am so all powerful knowing that I can solve the problems of millions of people perhaps my time could be better spent fixing the state or federal budget.
Or laying in the infrastruction of a national high speed rail line. Or full high speed Internet access for all, even in the most pastel sections of the country.
You know, If could lay in that rail line by June then I wouldn't have to get in an airplane or spending time in TSA lines.
Change of plan. I need to attend to my areas of interests.
White folks will have to muddle through without my assistance.
We take a pause for the videoblogging cause on account I'm editing and trying to upload before midnight. This is the week that the republicans and tea party participants are celebrating.
Phase 1 on taking the country back. I never can get a straight answer as to where or back to. My guess is limited government. Limited social engagement and services. Less controls over the oppressed and downtrodden business class. Let me not forget the establishment of a Christian nation codified in some governmental documentation.
Even though the founding fathers said, "No." Yep. They were happy.
I was happy too because I live in California and almost everybody that was a Democrat got elected or re-elected. I don't think Carly has conceded the election to Barbara Boxer yet.
Twisting.
Anyway, this video is for those that want to go back in time and twist away any bi-partisan or communication ideas. I say twist and work that leg something crazy.
It is also an opportunity to observe one culture emulating creativity from another culture and making it their own.
For those of you on the TP tip twist and pretend that complicated issues can be solved with a red pen, no votes and a bible.
Go on, twist and make believe that establishing a stripped down government will make you all warm and fuzzy. We'll see how much you believe when your senator has a pork barrel project for your community and you will call for him to not push it through?
I don't think so.
Other Voices
The rest of y'all might want to check out Tim Wise post on the election and the long historical view.
It really is strong stuff. If you are tenderhearted person don't read it. If your spirit demands a loving and centered place do not read it.
If you however need to know what various people are talking about this is one of the items of conversation. I'm not condemning or endorsing.
I have to say that Tim's words had me all twisted up. For another perspective check out Mark Morfold's Letter to a Whiny Democrat at the SF Chronicle.
I'm wanted to make sure that some of my friends in other countries that can't view U.S. Video hosting sites could see the day as it happens. I'm sure international television and CNN International has got this covered but I wanted to make sure no viewer was left behind. I had originally had a link for Ustream TV.
You might also be able to still check out C-Span's coverage for a non-yackety yack version and Hulu is sharing FoxNews Feed. You might want to keep the sound down until the oath if you have to go that way.
It is important to know that there are two sets of votes today. The popular vote for a candidate and, in reality, the electoral vote. I hope this post is a waste of time and there is a clear winner in the election. If it is a tight race however then understanding how this electoral process works will be very important. Fancy isn’t quiet sure on the details of the process so let’s clear it up for those that have questions.
A Brief History Lesson:
According to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Electoral College process was created as a compromise by the Founding Fathers between those that wanted to have just a popular vote and those who wanted Congress to elect the President.
Americans go to the polls and cast a ballot for President and Vice President. Generally, the candidate who gets the most votes in a state wins that state’s popular vote. What we as voters are actually doing is voting for the Electors who will actually cast the deciding vote on who becomes President. There are 538 electoral votes and 270 electoral votes are needed to determine who will be President. If neither candidate has enough votes then the House of Representative selects the next President.
The population of a state determines how many electoral votes a candidate will get. Jan at The Prytz Family has a map that shows the number of electoral votes each state has assigned to them. This is why candidates focus on those states with the largest number of elector votes or the one they need to ensure that they will be elected. Some states are in the bag for a candidate due to political leaning but others states have to be courted. Over at MartinZoo a home schooling mom help teach her child about the electoral votes in each state using coins.
Who Get’s To Be An Elector?
It is a little easier to say who can’t be an Elector. You cannot be a Senator, a Representative or hold a federal political office. Electors are general chosen by the political parties during political conventions, state officials or have a connected with the candidate. but there are no real requirements for the job.
When you vote for a candidate you are also voting for an elector. Some state show the Electors on the ballot, some do not. You vote for them just the same.
So The Elector Has To Vote According to the Popular Vote in a State?
No. They do not. There are states that mandate that the Elector has to vote for the winner in the state’s election but that is not legally binding.
There is no Constitutional provision or Federal law that requires electors to vote according to the results of the popular vote in their States. Some States, however, require electors to cast their votes according to the popular vote. These pledges fall into two categories—electors bound by State law and those bound by pledges to political parties.
It is unlikely that a party selected Elector is going to go against the will of his or her political party. But it could happen and there would be nothing to stop them from doing so.
Does My Vote Count?
Journalism student Jessica Simeone wonders about is it worth it? Alice from the Trouble of Being Alice has vivid memories of the 2000 election where Al Gore won the popular vote but the electors (by way of the Supreme Court) gave the election to George W. Bush. I don’t agree with everything Alice wrote but there is a huge chunk of people who do and it is a valid concern.
Faye Anderson at Anderson At Large speak about the anxiety of African American votes feel about the election.
I've been wondering, too, whether my vote really does count. It's been a while since my last American Government class, and I'd forgotten how the election process works. So I started to give into the mentality that no, I can't change the direction of the vote. Thinking that way made me feel like a bad citizen—especially as a woman. Afterall, women in the early 1900s worked hard to gain suffrage.
The short answer is yes, your vote counts. It always has. Now I have very strong feeling about that vote being usurped, dinged and manipulated. That will not change anytime soon no matter who is elected.
I vote because it is my civic duty. My historic obligation to those that fought so hard to ensure that I had the right to even decide to vote or not vote. There are issues that require my response. Voting is one of the ways to respond.
For More Information:
There is an plain English explanation of the Electoral process at Project Vote Smart.
The Library of Congress has a Teacher Resource Page that also simplifies understanding the electoral process.
For those of us who will peddle push our way to the polls it is an exciting time. Many people want to take their daughters, sons and grandchildren to witness the most dramatic and unpredictable election in recent American history.
Before I begin, I need to give an ancestral shout out to Mrs. Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Ida's career included being an homemaker, teacher, writer, pamphleteer (pre-Internet print based blogger) and journalist.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett wrote about her experiences of living in her time. Ida wrote about social and political injustice when mainstream media would not touch the subject. She was not afraid to raise the BS card on suffragette peers who exhibited racist acts in the name of equality.
Ida Bell Wells-Barnett is one of many women who made it possible for us to even contemplate recording and documenting our experiences on November 4, 2008.
Be Clear On Your Purpose
There is no right or wrong was to document an election. I would like to suggest that you take some time to figure out what you really want to do. Here are some options:
Recording Your Decision to Vote. That can be as simple as a blog post, an audio recording or a short video describing why you selected the candidate, the person that you believed would serve the country best or what was the deciding factor in your process.
Talking With Your Children/Grandchildren. Let them ask you questions on why is this such a big deal? Why do you want them to go with you to the polls? If older children have participated in the Weekly Reader election then engage them in a dialog (hopefully on video) as to how they came to their decisions and why you came to yours. No video camera, no problem you can shoot photos and record audio and then upload to one of the many slide show/presentation services.
No Kids? No problem. Perhaps you might like to stop by your local polling place and just observe. Is there a long line? How far does it go back? Can you time how quickly people are entering and exiting the polling place? What is the mood of the crowd? You can do this via paper, texting, still photos or video.
Recording Your Vote. This is the diciest activity of the day. This really depends on where your live, and whether or not you are legally permitted to have a camera inside of the polling place.
Protecting the Process Against Error and Fraud. This is the second most risky activity. Election fraud can mean an overly aggressive observer from another political party, machine malfunctions, poll workers giving incorrect information or voter intimidation.
We need to document what 21st Century women across this country have to say about process and what they are witnessing. You have rights. But you also have election laws.
Election Laws & Your Right To Photography/Videography
With new technology there is a collision between federal, state and local election laws and your right to record your voter participation. I am not a lawyer. Each state and each county has different rules. When in doubt check with your local election office. These are just guidelines and avenues of assistance from respected sources.
Citizen's Media Law Project has extensive information about elections laws and your behavior. You want to take a look at the State and Local Codes page, it will give you an idea of what you can do near the polls on election day. Californians, pay attention to your state section. You cannot use your camera to intimidate or stop someone from voting but it implies that you can video. Not so fast. Keep reading. You might not be able but then again check out Secretary's Bowen letter to the troops about voter questions about Video The Vote.
A must read is Burt Krages' The Photographer's Rights flyer. Most polling places have a video or photo restriction of between 100 and 150 feet. If you are at the 151 foot however snap away. If you are on a public side walk recording a news worthy event there shouldn't be any problems.
For example, taking photos of people in long lines is ok, but take a specific individual's photo and publishing it on you blog/web site is not ok unless you have a photo release signed by the subject.
This is especially important if you have any kind of advertising on your site. This is an example of an Adult Release by the National Professional Photographer's Association. You can modify it by added your blog or e-mail contact info. Your subject gets a copy and you keep a copy.
For vloggers planning to do interviews you could start the video by asking the name of your subject and permission to record the interview. Having a signed release is better.
Texting, Cell Phones, Digital Still Cameras and Camcorders, Oh My...
Texting/SMS/Twitter you should be ok. Come up for air once in a while to know what is going on but for the most part there isn't precise laws against twitter in a polling place. If your tweets become disruptive or you are impeding the process of voting however you will get the boot. On the other hand, if you do observe a problem you can use Twitter to contact Election Protection, you can get more detail at the website.
Cell phones and specifically cell phones and PDAs with camera/camcorder mode. Be cool. Don't take photos of poll workers or other voters. Wait until you are in the booth. Should you happen to press the photo button that is between you, the ballot and your camera. This is illegal in North Carolina, by the way. You can't take a photo of the ballot. Not that it hasn't already been done.
It you happen to witness wrong doing you can call Our Vote at 1-866-687-8683 and report your observations.
Still Cameras/Camcorders, this is where you definitely have to check your state and local government position on cameras in the polling place. I will say the more small and unobtrusive equipment might not be notices as much as a fully grown camcorder. I'm thinking Xacti's, Flip Video and RCA Small Wonder. Leave your hi-definition baby home or in the backpack for outside.
Lastly, If you plan on participating with Video The Vote has information on guidelines of what you should and shouldn't be doing around voters and video recording tips on how to prepare and upload video to the various web hosts.
YouTube and PBS have partnered to Video Your Vote 2008 as a repository for user generated videos.
I know I jammed at lot of stuff in here but I don't want anyone getting thrown out of their polling place unnecessarily. It is gonna be something to behold and I can't wait to see some of your photos, videos and reports on this most extraordinary day.
This post originally appeared on BlogHer where I am a Contributing Editor
This comes under the heading know before you go. You do not have to show identification before you cast a ballot in California. That does not mean that you will not be asked. Now all you have to do is produce your copy of the office Sample Ballot and Voter Instruction guide, flip it to the back cover and bada bing end of story. Your name, address and polling place appear, that means you are registered.
Well, no. If this is your first time or there is a problem you might need to show some form of identification. There are at least 30 forms of voter identification that is acceptable. You can check out Barclays Office California Code of Regulations located at the California Secretary of state web site. It is a .pdf file and just jump down a few pages to see the list.
Here is just a sample, the full list is in the .pdf:
(A) driver's license or identification card of any state; (B) passport; (C) employee identification card; (D) identification card provided by a commercial establishment; (E) credit or debit card; (F) military identification card; (G) student identification card; (H) health club identification card; (I) insurance plan identification card; or (J) public housing identification card.
There is a heck of a lot more. Do not expect your poll worker to know all 30 forms of acceptable identification. Take no chances. And if you hear one giving misinformation to another person do the right thing and tell that person (or have a printout) of what is acceptable for casting a vote.
Know your rights, know the issues and then go vote.
I think I mentioned that I was going to start posting reliable political information resources so that we can hose away the crap and stay on truth for the election.
This is for you e-mail slingers of misinformation. This is also for those of you that are suffering from relatives, friends and co-workers that insist on sending you unverified data.
This is an episode of Just The Facts, the weekly vidcast in pursuit of truth in political advertising and statements.
"We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. We monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. Our goal is to apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding.
The Annenberg Political Fact Check is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The APPC was established by publisher and philanthropist Walter Annenberg in 1994 to create a community of scholars within the University of Pennsylvania that would address public policy issues at the local, state, and federal levels.
The APPC accepts NO funding from business corporations, labor unions, political parties, lobbying organizations or individuals. It is funded primarily by the Annenberg Foundation."
Yeah, baby. This is the political referee you have been longing for; Did Obama tell the truth? Did McCain fib? What did Joe say? What is the truth about those library books Sarah?
Please, read and review the information on Factcheck.org. They roast everyone so you can feel comfortable that if your candidate did or didn't do something they have it verified.
Conversely, if your candidate did lie, fudge the truth or was less than candid he/she will be busted. This is what fair and balanced looks like folks.
I started this as a comment on BlogHer about the selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican VP but I seem to have a lot more to say so I copied my response and additional thoughts.
Yes, it is historical. Yes the options have appeared to expanded. I understand about the pull of representation and having your issues heard, supported and verified. I will not be so foolish as to try to argue against that pull. I saw a young African-American teenager wearing an Obama t-shirt. Not a "Thug-Life" or "OG Heaven" but a political t-shirt. I was in an elevator with a tv-caption service and a white male was beaming when he read the news post on Palin.
I'm reading the BlogHer comments and conservative BlogHers who have never posted before are engaged. But that is not what this election is about.
For the next 4 to 8 years this president/vp team will direct and influence the affairs of the U.S. We owe China, Japan and other countries up the ying-yang in borrowed money. Our overseas reputation is shot to hell. We have a crumbling infrastructure in the delivery of electricity, roads, health care and the 100+ year old pipes under the street. Oh, yeah let's not forget the multiple ecological concerns.
We are adults that vote .
Part of that responsibility is to know beyond the surface who you are voting for and why and to articulate that to others. Get a grip folks.
Beyond Palin being a woman or Obama being of African-American decent tell me why we are to entrust the country to one of the candidates. Break it down to me and others that you meet.
I really don't care if you are Anarchist, Liberal, Independent or Conservative or Libertarian. You say you love this country? Then show that love by being an informed voter. Not by Fox, CNN or your favorite partisan blog. Go to each of the candidates' web sites and read for yourself what is and is not being stated. Understand what has been done and what is at stake.
Know what you want for this country and match that up against the stated positions. Can you live and accept what they propose? This is no joke! This is the real deal here and folks need to step up and chant more than "Change" or "Party Unity My Ass, I Wanted Hillary".
We cannot keep being willfully stupid Americans. Anti-intellectualism really does not work for the long term health of the country.
And by anti-intellectualism I mean not checking out information for yourself, that you leave it to mainstream media to tell you what is and is not true. If you need help go to the library and ask a librarian about information on learning about the candidates. The good ones can hook you up with multiple resource in a variety of formats.
Over the next few weeks I think I'll start posting some of the online resources but don't vote stupid. No matter who you vote for I'm begging you first make sure that you are registered and second know with your mind and heart that this is the correct thing to do.
This is an emergency educational intervention post. Bubba needs me to give the the straight skivvy on citizenship.
I put the diversionary blame really on Ding who wrote a guest post on Bitch Ph.D, she got me riled up. I wanted to write about the STEM educational movement that seeks to add science, technology, engineering and math and de-emphases or remove/reduce liberal arts and non-tactile education. Oh well, some other time.
Kathleen Parker wrote an opinion column in the Chicago Tribune and the column was syndicated to other publications about The Bubba Vote. This is an extract from her commentary:
"A full-blooded American" That's how 24-year-old Josh Fry of West Virginia described his preference for John McCain over Barack Obama. His feelings aren't racist, he explained. He would just be more comfortable with "someone who is a full-blooded American as president."
Whether Fry was referring to McCain's military service or Obama's Kenyan father isn't clear, but he may have hit upon something essential in this presidential race.
Full-bloodedness is an old coin that's gaining currency in the new American realm. Meaning: Politics may no longer be so much about race and gender as about heritage, core values, and made-in-America. Just as we once and still have a cultural divide in this country, we now have a patriot divide.
No, we have a seriously uninformed young man. I don't know where to begin with Kathleen's problems. Never mind, I got to get Bubba squared away first. I feel for him, He might have been one of the first group to graduate under No Child Left Behind. You know, teach to the test and not to cognition? Maybe, maybe not.
Dude, I can help on this one! Check it; you can't become President of the United States unless you are a born citizen. Really. It is in the U.S. Constitution, Article 2, Section 1. There are no exceptions. There is no quota or minority set asides.
There is also no DNA test to measure how American you are or if one person is more American than another. Yes, I'm telling you straight up they can nab you for paternity but there is no way to determine American citizenship via a blood test.
If I wanted to get into bloodlines, I might note that Barack Obama's grandfather fought in Patton's army, or that he's related to Dick Cheney and Brad Pitt. But I don't. American values are not passed on by blood. They are not found in anyone's DNA. Barack Obama was born and raised here. He doesn't "have to study" American values
So if that was the thing bothering you then rest easy. You can now evaluate the candidates based on merit and not blood type. What else am I forgetting? Oh yeah. Now I know you are concerned about citizenship and the appearance on one person having more citizenship than the other.
Here is the thing Bubba, once you become a citizen you have the full rights and responsibilities of being a citizen. No more and no less. So Bubba, sweetie you can't be more of a citizen than I can be less of one no matter what Kathleen and the other people tell you.
It is written in the 14th amendment of that ole pesky Constitution that guarantees your right to guns and to practice your faith. So long as you respect my right not to have a gun, and not to practice your faith. I got my own. It is like grilling meat with barbecue sauce versus putting it on after you grill your meat.
Respect the differences and appreciate the similarities. Sara at Syndicate & Hague also wants you to know that:
If you think that people don’t deserve the same rights and privileges that you have because you’re afraid of a level playing field, you need to really think about what that means. It means you don’t think you’re good enough, it means you’re insecure about your position in the world, and it means you are petty and exploitative and just plain mean.
I can put my mind to ease knowing that you have now been informed of essential information you should have gotten in civic class except that you didn't because it was cut out with music, art and non-competition sports. So I want to leave you with a few Civics resources (this ain't got nothing to do with cars, just so you know)
For the little shavers you might have them check out Ben's Guide to U.S. Government where they can learn about Citizenship, the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of citizens.
If you home school or you are a teacher you can take advantage parts of the McCormick Tribune Interactive Freedom Museum where test out what you know versus the facts. You can also listen to podcasts about the topic.
There is a lengthy commentary by Thomas Lindsey at Inside Higher Ed that put a wee bit more thought into Becoming American and what colleges and universities can do to help..
I am a contributing editor at BlogHer and it is rough writing three separate post a week.
I've been reading the posts about Hillary Clinton, the language she used and the shades of intended meaning about her remarks. Maria Niles covered this aspect in her post. Beneath the surface of her remarks there is so much more going on.
Let me state flat out that I do not know or specialize in social linguistics, public relations or have a clue on how to run a political campaign. But I do know when something is said but another meaning is intended. And that always leads me to questions. I'm not trying to prove or disprove anything. I guess what I am attempting is sharing a process of how I feel about this incredible turn of events concerning Hillary Clinton's public image.
I found a few possible answers in an unexpected place. In March 2008 I attended Media Re:Public conference. There were many speakers at the conference but the one relevant to this topic was given by Professor Manuel Castells, Annenberg School of Communications, University of Southern California.
My understanding of the major points:
Power relationships are foundations of Democracy. Whoever has the power has the ability to define the relationships, goals and aspirations of their society.
Power is constructed by two factors coercion and the construction of meaning in the minds of people. The closer the "leader" demonstrates that his or her vision is a match for the society as a whole or that there is a connection between the hopes and aspirations of that society then the greater the support the leader will enjoy.
Here was the tough one for me but it makes sense. The feelings and emotions of the members of society is a source of power. Harness that power (or play a very sophisticated version of "rope a dope", my words not his) and you will have the support of the members of society. You get the power.
You can harness power by fear or by envisioning a better world. If you can convince enough people to feel or experience a connection with you or your ideas you are in business.
So what happened in Hillary's statement? I think it was a verbal demonstration that she had the power. And Hillary implied intentionally or accidentally that her power emanated from a specific demographic group (Caucasian working class males) to validate that a certain socio-economic group supported her; and by extension you can too. And the opposite message, i.e. "You don't want some smart ass college kid walking in here, you don't want to be confused with facts and figures. I understand you, how could he? He is the other."
Unless you are not from that specific racial or socio-economic group. Here is a quote from The Republic of T:
Perhaps no one in the Clinton campaign understands this, so let me make it plain. Black folks can hear that dog whistle too. I guarantee that in Black homes across America, where two or more are gathered and listened to that interview, one turned to the others and asked “You all heard that, right?” And the answer came back, “Mmmm hmmm,” followed by a collective sigh.
The only reason she remains in the race is to illustrate 'white people' will not vote for the 'boy' who dared challenge them. After she wins West Virginia she will crow and cackle over the proof white people will not vote for Obama. She is masterfully orchestrating racist sentiments for her own political advantage just like Wallace, that other Democrat, did. Lift the screen and under the elitism charge, is Wallace's ravings about thoughtful intellectuals. When she refused to say whether Barak was a Muslim she was a cynically cute as George at his worst. By the end of his life I think Wallace regretted what he did. Also he lived in less enlightened times. He can more easily be forgiven.
I leave you with one of the concepts Professor Castells mentioned in the video. He said it takes four times the effort to get people to hear something other than what they believe. Maybe it is time to be more aware of what is being said and act accordingly. No more excuses.
Other Resources:
In the International Journal of Communications, Professor Castells has a full article on Communication, Power and Counter-power in the Network Society. This will open as an Adobe PDF in your browser window.
Brian Leirer has an interview with Amy Gershkoff on micro-targeting and politics.
Over at The Angry Black Women there are a group of comments that express very specific emotions on using fear and race as a demonstration of power.
CE Gena Haskett also a Contributing Editor at BlogHer.
Oh, my goodness what a week! This edition of the Finally Friday Freak Out is dedicated to Charlie and George who didn't have a clue as to what the American people wanted to know about the candidates running for office.
I will say this, they did succeed in pissing off both liberal and conservative voters. Yes, we gotta get out of this place. From 1965 The Animals!
I don't know who wrote those questions but I can pull up a hell of a lot better ones http://www.10questions.com/ Now true these aren't seasoned journalists but I'll take a person asking questions about the budget, governmental transparency or plans for Iraq over which side you wear a flag on your lapel.
George, yeah I get it. There was a relationship with his former employer. What that wasn't taken into consideration as a possible reason NOT to have him sit on a debate panel I don't know.
Charlie, what the heck happened man? Didn't someone clue you into that speech Obama made a few weeks back? Did all the producers just nodded their heads when these questions came up for a vote? When did the journalism part kick into to review if the question matched up with what the American public wanted to know?
With people losing their jobs, homes and access to health care you want to link Obama to events that occurred during his childhood? How many people have you met that have done bad things and you sat across the table from them and smiled?
Folks don't ask me, ask De Newsman! I'm just a blogger so you shouldn't even be reading this. I am responsible for people not wanting to watch the network news or buying newspapers. So am I told.
I do know this. There is a point where folks will not accept crap. This is it. Folks are taking this election more seriously than I have ever experienced in my adult life.
Keep playing us stupid ok? Cuz when they flip the switch to digital in 2009 you do know your medium will under a transformation.
This is a speech given by Pat Alviso of Military Families Speak Out. She is joined on stage with her family.
She talks about her son currently serving in Iraq and the contradictions of elected democrats that ran on an anti-war platform only to plead they have no power once in Congress. Pat got me thinking hard on this point.
The only time the Democratic party wants me to know anything is when they want me to contribute money. In no way is this a two way conversation. I think they think it is business as usually.
Maybe, if we have failed to learn the lessons of non-engagement with our elected officials. Maybe not. But it don't smell good from here.Once seated into the chambers the RepDems are so scared of doing anything to upset the status quo they put out non-threatening (to themselves) non-binding resolutions.
Dubya has ignored a bi-partisan panel, his military advisory committee and the even his own boys who are trying to point out things aren't going so well. What the hell does a non-binding resolution do anyway but document the passion of in-activity?
To be fair, I'm just as angry at Republicans who all of the sudden have seen the light. Wrong is wrong and why did it take losing the election to see that? Who removed the scales from their eyes? I doubt it was conscious or a latent strain of ethics.
But don't they look good in those shiny contemporary presidential cut designer suits.
For more information about Military Families Speak Out visit http://www.mfso.org
Bev Harris was one of the first people to sound the alarm about electronic voting and in particular the ability to manipulate the votes.
The fact that Diebold is a major contributor to Duyba’s election campaign made it all the more sleazy to entrust voting to this particular company.
On Black Box Voting.com you can find the online version of the book, “Black Box Voting: Ballot-Tampering in the 21st Century” and current news about an uphill battle to stop the malfunctioning machines from tallying the 2004 election.
I like the part when the head of Diebold apologizing for $40 million dollars of crappy voting machines.
Bev must be jumping up and down saying “I told you so, I told you so.” I strongly urge you to visit her site and become educated about the electronic chad fiasco that still is a factor in the 2004 election. Watch and be aware. http://www.blackboxvoting.com
Come October 2004 there will be a bunch of bozos, flower squirters and multi-colored nosed clowns descending on Washington, DC. This isn't the usual political circus but the gathering of the Million Clown March.
One million non-violent, peaceful, balloon-toting clowns are planning a march to call attention to their concerns about the country.
According to the web site, "It will be a huge social event, a party, and a non-stop clowning performance, all with the clear message that this administration, with their secrets, dishonesty and bullying, must go."
This is on the level. These clowns mean business. So long as clown and clown sympathizers hold to the Clown Manifesto - i.e. cause no harm to persons or property - you are good to go. This is open to professional clowns, amateurs, wannbe's, or those that want to partake of the clown lifestyle for a day or two.
As a clown sympathizer and a repressed clown at heart, I wish them the best. But there may be organizational hurdles to overcome. Cuz when you have a chant like:
"What do we want?"
"Procrastination!"
"When do we want it?"
"Later!"
Well, let just say there are things to be worked out. If you cannot make it to D.C., there is a possibility of networking with local clowns in your area. For more information on how to hook up with a clown and view what the San Franciscan clowns have been up to visit http://www.clownarchy.org
