Yes We Can... And Yes We Did!

"If you are walking down the right path, and you are willing to keep walking, eventually you will make progress."

-Barack Obama

Say hello to the future, and what a bright one it has the potential to be! Now it's time to roll up our sleeves, and get to work! Hopefully, we will remember to be patient. We didn't get into this mess overnight, and we won't emerge from it overnight either, but we will emerge. And we will be great again! Doesn't it feel amazing to have HOPE back once again?

-Carly

Vote Baby Vote

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

-John Quincy Adams

Let's have a little fun... shall we? If you voted today, leave me a comment that says "I Voted!" You don't have to say anything else, just "I Voted!" Of course, if you want to say more you are welcome to, but for one day I thought it might be nice to simply share something all American's have in common. THE RIGHT TO VOTE! Is there a better way to spend the first Tuesday in November?

:)

-Carly
Note: Laura has written a very touching entry about accompanying her daughter to the polls, as she voted for the first time! Go read her entry. :) You'll smile!

Wink Baby Wink

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."

-Plato

On Halloween night, at Starbuck's, I saw witches, and a lot of little cowboys, and Snow Whites, but by far my favorite Halloween costume had to be the lady dressed as vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin. She had the character down pat. She had a sash that said "Caribou Barbie" and various political buttons that pretty much explained it all. My personal favorite was the one that said, "Ask Me What The Bush Doctrine Is." Need I say more? Well, probably not, but I will anyway. See, here's the thing. The Halloween costume this lady wore was scarier then any ghoulish, bloody, Frankenstein-ish getup anyone could possibly come up with, because it was a pretty accurate depiction of someone who could very well be the next V.P. of the United States. Sigh. And that is the scariest thought of all.

It shocks me that there is still a percentage of folks who haven't made up their minds about who to vote for, even as we are just two days away from voting. It also shocks me that John McCain can run a campaign that basically played out as an object lesson in how not to run a campaign, and still be doing as well as he is in the polls. Choosing Sarah Palin was probably the worst choice he could have made. It has been LOL funny at times, watching her try to be vice presidential material. It has been amusing to watch the campaign implode from within, and I ask you, if you never hear from "Joe The Plumber" ever again, will you be disappointed? Good Lord, if it weren't all so absurd... it would be, well, scary. Wink Wink.

Opinions, Opinions...

You all know how I feel at this point, but truly, I want to know how you feel before we go to the polls. If you think I am dead wrong... tell me. If you think I am absolutely right... tell me that. If you are still unsure who to vote for, tell me why you still can't decide. What is your number one concern, whether or not you have already made your mind up. Speak up. Tell me what's on your mind!

-Carly
"Wink Baby Wink"
Starbuck's
Castro Valley, California
October 31, 2008
Late Afternoon

With One Week To Go; I Can Haz Vote!

"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote."

-William E. Simon

I Can Has Vote!

Can you believe there is only one more week to go until we choose a new president? It has seemed like it has taken forever to get to this point, and who would have figured we would end up with the exact choices we have? I have already cast my vote, I almost always vote by absentee ballot. It's just nice to be able to sit in my own home, relax, and maybe do a little praying as I mark my choices. It is a comfortable way to vote, but it isn't as exciting as going to the polls early in the morning on voting day. Alan, on the other hand, prefers to vote in person on Election Day. To each his own I suppose. I guess it really doesn't matter how you vote, as long as you vote! Right?

So tell me, will you be voting this year? If so, will you vote in person or by absentee ballot? Do you live in a state that votes early? If so, have you already voted?

-Carly
"I Can Haz Vote"
Berkeley, California
October 28th 2008
Afternoon

Joe v Sarah

"Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge where there is no river."

-Nikita Khrushchev

Ok, I can admit it, last night's debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin wasn't the laugh out loud laugh fest event I had envisioned it would be, in fact, I have to admit I found it, at times, fascinating. Yes, fascinating. Sarah Paling was well rehearsed and on her game, while Joe Biden was restrained and personable. Sarah Palin displayed the kind of folksy humor and everyday appeal that turned republicans on to George Bush in 2000. Joe Biden is a sharp individual, who has 35 years experience in all the areas, that Sarah Palin is just learning about. And that was evident last night too.

As a democrat/liberal/woman there probably wasn't much that could have been said to change my mind at this point about who I will be voting for in November. I don't happen to think last night's debate will do much to change most people's opinions, in that nothing new was said. Last night's debate accomplished one thing. We got a better look at Sarah Palin. She came off extremely competent in the debate, but in that she was rehearsed, did we really get to see who she is on any given day? I would like to see more of her in interviews, as opposed to on a stage. Was she merely tired or uncomfortable when she was interviewed by Katie Couric and Charles Gibson? Or is she still somewhat lost without a script? She certainly showed last night that with the right amount of coaching, she can do very well, but what happens when she has to think on her feet? Will she know what to do?

As personable and folksy as she was last night, I found myself thinking about George Bush, and his every day guy persona. Honestly, he and Karl Rove managed to make Al Gore's accomplishments sound boorish and elitist. And it happened again with John Kerry, although Kerry, in my opinion lost a good bit of support by not fighting back against the lies and attacks. Fear was the theme for most of the Bush administration's time in the White House. If George Bush wasn't trying to scare us, he was patting us on the back and telling us everything will be ok. Which of course as we all know now, everything wasn't ok.

Granted, Sarah Palin isn't running for president, she will be the vice president, but she will be only a heartbeat away from the presidency, and I don't happen to think she is ready for that. It might be that her time hasn't quite come yet. Maybe she needs to consider a run for the senate when her governorship is up, but I just can't see her serving as vice president with any kind of real leadership. Joe Biden on the other hand is no push over. I don't think he would be as open to Washington manipulation quite the way Palin might. And before you call me sexist, think about what I am saying. Sometimes lack of Washington experience is a good thing, but sometimes it lends to being more pliable to the inner politics. The not so nice side of things.

To a certain degree that is what I think happened with George Bush. Looking back over the last 8 years, there are times when he seemed more like a wind up doll, rather then a real leader. Dick Cheney seems to be the one running the show. He didn't make a run for the presidency, because he has been the president for the last 8 years! A lot will be blamed on George Bush, and it should, but no real responsibility will ever happen. I am not interested in seeing that dynamic repeat.

So, when Sarah Palin, said last night, "Say it isn't so Joe, you are always looking back, we have to start looking forward," I wished I could say to her, "Sarah, we have to look back until we learn from those failures." Ignoring the past won't change the damage that has been done. The republican party wants to forget the failures that have taken place, and move on so that they can repair the damage done to the party, but along with it accountability gets lost, and to them, that might just be the sweetest part of their selective amnesia.

Opinions, opinions. Tell me, what did you think of last night's debate? Do you think more positively toward Sarah Palin then you did before the debate? Have you made a final decision as to who you will be voting for? Tell me everything.


-Carly

Here A Lie, There A Lie

"Take our politicians: they're a bunch of yo-yos. The presidency is now a cross between a popularity contest and a high school debate, with an encyclopedia of cliches the first prize."

- Saul Bellows

I am not sure which politicians Saul Bellows is referring to with that quote, but it certainly seems to fit our current choices. I guess some things never change. Sigh.
So, did you watch last night's presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain? I did. In fact, I had been looking forward to it all week, as I sat glued to the news regarding the seemingly imminent Stock Market collapse, and the failure of our economic system.

In an effort to understand things better, I have been playing a little game with myself for the last couple weeks. I chose a stock that had been struggling, and invested a nominal amount of fantasy cash, $200.00, just to learn about what it must feel like to those men and woman who are standing at the brink of financial ruin. I chose the amount, based on a percentage of what we have been able to save lately. It's a fair amount for such an exercise I think. If nothing else, the recent financial mess we found ourselves in, with the California Budget stalemate, forced us to tighten our belts, and the result was a bit of a savings in the bank.

Every day, when I logged on, I checked the opening quote and then watched the stock periodically throughout the day. Some days it didn't move much, other days it did a great deal of moving, mostly in a downward motion. I read financial articles about the stock, and what was causing it's downturn, and I watched as it held on for dear life, and then finally fall into an irreversible coma late Thursday night. Yep, you guessed it, I was watching Washington Mutual. See, I felt I kinda had a stake in it already as a depositor there. I should have know it didn't have a chance when I bought the original stock a couple weeks ago for $2.10 per share. But I saw some possible light when a week later it had risen to about $3.60. Oooh, bliss.

I had some hope at that point, maybe, just maybe, if they could hold on and ride out the storm, it would work out for the troubled savings and loan. Alas... along came nervous investors, and the market fell off sharply, and Washington Mutual didn't have a chance. It might have survived if the bailout had been implemented as soon as Bush and Paulson requested it... but wouldn't that have been a scary proposition?As I watched the whole thing unfold last week, all the twists and turns and political maneuvering, I learned a lot more then I bargained for.

I learned that you can only cry WOLF so many times, after that you are pretty much left in the woods, some very dark and creepy woods, with your own devices for finding your way home again. If you don't believe me, just ask President Bush. Actually, I learned the moral of that story in kindergarten, from the story, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, but apparently not everyone has read that book, and as a result, Bush has lived his presidency crying wolf, and now he has learning the lesson.

He has lied, and demanded and generally gone about thinking he is king of the world his entire time in office, so, last Monday he and Paulson submit a 3 page report to Washington that basically said, there is a big, snarly, farty, mangy, drooling, flea infested, cross eyed, one lipped, 7,000 lb wolf in the forest behind the red houses and blue houses, and he is going to pounce if we don't get him NOW! We got to nip him in the bud. PRONTO! Otherwise, we will all be eaten up and farted out. To which Washington, said, wait a second... not so fast... maybe we don't have to nip him in the bud, maybe we can accomplish the same thing by starving the wolf to death, as opposed to nipping him in the bud... if indeed there is really a wolf.

Now with all that in mind, along comes the first presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama. I was looking forward to finally hearing something about what kind of future we are in for. Both men were asked about what they will do about the economy, how they felt about the proposed bailout of Wall street, and how we will dig ourselves out from the brink of disaster. Neither candidate could really say, because the bailout situation hasn't been decided upon, we did however, get some idea of what areas might be cut, due to the overwhelming deficit one of them will inherit. As I sat, listening to the two sniping at each other, and the never ending condescending "I don't think he understands" from McCain, it occurred to me, that I wasn't going to make up my mind until I read the analysis from Factcheck.org, that would be in my mailbox today when I woke up.

I wish Factcheck.org had been around years ago. I like knowing who is lying to me, and who is stretching the truth. When all was said and done last night, John McCain had lied again and again, and misrepresented Obama again and again. Don't get me wrong, there were misrepresentations on both sides throughout the night, but McCain has seemed to circulate more and more negativity since the very beginning, and even when he has been called on his lies, half truths, and misrepresentations, he has dug in again and again, rather then relying on the truth to make his case for the White House.

I used to have some respect for John McCain, but it has eroded greatly. As for Obama, while I haven't always believed he could deliver what he has promised, I do think he is more in touch with what's happening right now. By all accounts, when he attended the meeting at the White House this week regarding the bailout, he at least asked a series of questions about the package, and it's consequences for America. By some reports, McCain did little for the process, and indeed may have been more of hindrance, then any real help. Obama showed some strength and leadership to me.

So, while I am looking forward to upcoming debates, especially the Sarah Palin/Joe Biden face off next week, I think it will be more of an exercise in amusement, rather then anything that will affect my decision making come November. In truth, I have already decided how I will be voting. See, I will be voting for the candidate that lies to me less. It's just that simple. Go Read FactCheck.org's,Whoppers of 2008, and make up your own mind.

-OndineMonet
"Decision 2008"

Sarah Who?

"We believe that the decision to list the polar bear was not based on the best scientific and commercial data available."

-Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin

If you heard some strange distant laughter yesterday, well, that was me! You see, I heard very early in the morning that GOP presidential hopeful John McCain had chosen Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, as his running mate, and I couldn't stop laughing! Tee Hee Hee Hee. Is McCain thinking straight? Did Bush tell him to do it? Did he lose a bet? Or could it be that he is pandering to disgruntled female democrats, who are still feeling the sting of losing Hillary Clinton? If it is the latter, well, let me make it clear for him... NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS MCCAIN!!

As a woman who fits into the demographic McCain is seeking to appease, 40 somethings of the middle class, I wouldn't see myself voting for a woman who is by all indication the Anti-Hillary, in a million years! She is Anti-Roe v Wade, Anti-Environment, and Pro-War. She embraces every ideal to the exact opposite of Hillary Clinton, so why would John McCain believe for even a moment that I am so devastated after watching Hillary Clinton lose the nomination to Barack Obama that I would simply give up on my lifelong ideals to vote for just any woman on a presidential ticket? Is that what the right thinks about women such as myself? Is that the regard they have for us?If so, isn't that sad?

My reservations about voting for Obama never had anything to to with gender, they had to do with the man's policies, and his attempts of late, to establish himself as more of a centrist figure, rather then the true democratic liberal we need to fix the mess caused by the Bush administration. I have felt let down by him for most of this summer, and I have even toyed with the thought of removing him from my sidebar, but I decided to wait until the Democratic Convention, and until after I heard who his running mate would be. I am glad I waited. I more then approve of his running mate, I applaud it.

I am now, in fact, renewed in my hope that a democrat will indeed be elected to the White House. Senator Joe Biden is a strong man, with all the experience needed to do well in that office. I have always considered him a bit to the left of Hillary Clinton, which is what we need right now. In fact, while I was supporting Hillary Clinton for president, I could see Joe Biden as her running mate, although I have been very impressed with Tim Kaine, since he delivered the democratic response to the State of the Union in 2006. He would have been a good choice as well.

Anyway, I suppose that McCain chose Sarah Palin without my demographic in mind at all, instead finding someone who would appeal to republican women. I have heard a lot of republican women who are ready to see a woman in the White House. I suppose that is a possibility, but the question I have to ask those women is, do you really believe this woman is qualified to be Vice President? Really? She hasn't even been the Governor of Alaska for two years, and before that she was a member of the Wasilla, Alaska, City Counsel. That is the extent of her political career. Is that who you want as Vice President?

If so, consider the under qualified men and women that George Bush put into various offices, and the damage caused by doing so. Now, knowing that, letting experience guide you, do you really see yourself voting for that ticket? If McCain really wanted a woman for his running mate, wouldn't someone like Carly Fiorina have been a stronger choice? John McCain has learned nothing from the mistakes of George Bush. He has learned nothing about what America wants or needs. That makes him not just the worst choice for president, that makes him the most dangerous choice as well.

Opinions, opinions. Tell me what you think. Are you happy with the Democratic ticket? How about the Republican ticket? Are you even planning to vote in November? Who would your dream ticket have been? Would you vote for a woman just because she is a woman? Would you ever consider jumping ship from your political party because of race or gender? Speak your mind, lets get to know each other better! :)


Interesting Reading...

Alaska To Sue To Block Polar Bear Listing (Reuters)

OndineMonet

The Golden Dream By The Sea

"Don't vote, it only encourages them."

-Unknown

"I have big hopes for California. President spoke of America as "the shining city on the hill. I see California as the golden dream by the sea."

-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his 2003 Inaugural address

Like most voters, I listen when the politicians talk. I am willing to listen if they really have somethings to say. When California decided it would be a good idea to unseat Governor Gray Davis, I was interested in hearing why a new guy would be the way to go. Personally, I don't think Davis was given a fair shake, he had come into his administration facing a lot of damage, left behind by the evil that was known as Gov. Pete Wilson. When I looked up the Wikipedia page for Wilson, I found a shockingly one sided definition of the man. Nowhere did it mention some of his harshest actions as California's 37th governor, such as during the IOU's he paid state workers, during the 1992 budget impasse, which lasted 67 days. Maybe President Bush is right, maybe history will remember him as a good president. Personally, as long as I have breath and access to the Internet, I am will to keep the record straight, that alone gives me plenty to live for.

Last night I decided to Google Governor Schwarzenegger's 2003 inaugural speech, to see what he was promising at that time. It really reads like the same old promises, made by just another politician. It's funny, when he took office, I thought it would be a strange spectacle. But like with most of those I have voted for, there have been good times and bad.What I liked about Arnold, was the fact that he, for the most part, made some good decisions, and didn't much act like just another republican. In fact, there have been times over his time in office, that I have been downright proud of his abilities. What I feared the most, way back in 2003 was his eventual downward spiral into business... political business... as usual. He has finally made it all the way down to the bottom of the barrel. It's actually sad to watch. I wish he would remember what he said in the beginning, and strive for that ideal he had. As I sit here today, trying to decide which to shut off first, the satellite TV or the Internet, I have to wonder who is the bigger schmuck? He for saying/acting those words, or me for believing them.

Text of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2003 Inaugural Address

I know the last few posts have been a serious departure from my usual blog entries in terms of attitude, and while I have felt like I have to be brutally honest about life from time to time, I also know that you get out of life, what you put into it. So, in an effort to live my life the best I can, and hopefully encourage others along the way, this is my last snippy entry about how unfair life can be at times. Time to make that lemonade I have been craving, I do, after all, have a delicious Meyer lemon tree right in the backyard of my cottage. :) So, starting tomorrow, and continuing on as long as I am here, things will be back to normal with Elvis updates, original photography, assorted political rantings (mostly about presidential politics) and maybe a recipe or two. We'll see. So, stay tuned.

-OndineMonet
California Capitol Building
Sacramento, California
Late October, 2006

Let Me Know When You Are Done Holding Your Breath

"We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society."

-Hillary Clinton

Certain ideas escape me. In a recent poll here in the Bay Area, a staggering number of supporters of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama said that if their candidate failed to win the nomination, they would then most certainly cast their vote for John McCain. HUH? Are you kidding me? You would vote for another 8 years of business as usual, because you didn't get your way? I suppose if you don't mind eventually paying $10.00 a gallon for gas, and the failing economy doesn't concern you, and it's ok that we have now passed the grim statistic of 4000 American soldiers killed in Iraq, with no end to the conflict in sight, you could be quite satisfied with voting in John MCCain. But wouldn't it make more sense to maybe expand your horizons a bit and maybe consider what life would be like with the other democrat in office?

I am supporting Hillary Clinton for president. I really believe she is the best hope for America, but if she doesn't win the nomination, I will have a choice to make. Vote for Obama, vote for McCain or not voting at all. I don't like missing my chance to vote, so it is highly likely I will vote for Obama, if I truly believe he is what will be best for this country. I like John McCain as a man, but I can't get behind his approach to things, such as his lack of interest in the problems with the housing market. His views on Iraq are nothing more then business as usual, and, well, you can pretty much figure out how I feel about the rest of the issues. I am a democrat, so for the most part, I disagree with how he would handle most issues.

I could simply not vote a all. Again, not my first choice. It is a perfectly valid choice if one has zero faith in the candidates who are running. Not voting makes a loud statement. It's so funny, I have always heard that if you don't vote, you can't complain. Well, yes I can. It's called freedom of speech. Nowhere does it say I have to divulge whether or not I voted, but somehow that seems a little lazy to me. While not voting might say, "I don't believe in the candidates," it also says, "I'm too lazy to do any homework on the other candidates, so who cares?" There is just a lose/lose in that way of doing things I think.

So, if Hillary Clinton isn't nominated, what's a girl to do? Well, since she already knows things will be close, she decides to get to know Obama better. She begins listening to statements and speeches and maybe even visits his web site to know more about the man. She already knows why she is hoping Clinton will make it to the White House, so, is there room to include the other guy in what she hopes for? Can she reconcile the mistrust she feels right now? Who knows? One thing is for sure, if she doesn't even try to find the ray of hope in the other guy, she dooms herself to being dissatisfied for a long time. After all, the vote we cast in November had better set the stage for the next 8 years and beyond. It will take at least that long to fix what George Bush, Dick Cheney and their band of cronies have done to us. Let the Republicans hold their breath, and turn blue until they get their way. We have work to do.

Hillary Clinton For President

Barack Obama For President

John McCain For President

Have some fun! Take the ABC News Match O Matic Quiz to see who your presidential candidate should be.

I scored Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinch, and Ron Paul.

Take the quiz and tell me what you came up with!

-OndineMonet

Raspberry Reaction

"An election is coming. Universal peace is declared and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry."

-T.S. Eliot

This is such a shame. I expected more from Barack Obama then to see him look us all, but most pointedly Ohio and Texas, in the eye and lie. And lie he did. Although you might see the word "misleading" most often as opposed to lie... as if that makes a real difference. Barack Obama is leading Hillary Clinton according to most polls, and if she doesn't take both Ohio and Texas in the upcoming primaries her bid will be effectively over, so why do you suppose Obama is resorting to not just kicking his opponent when she is down, but also resorting to "taking a page out of Karl Rove's play book?"

I don't like what I see in this man. I don't think personal charisma is enough of a reason to vote for him. I don't want fantasy, I want reality. I don't want promises, I want truth and a solid future. I have heard folks say they are voting for him because he has "charm," because he is a "brother," because he represents "change," although that one makes me laugh because he and Hillary basically stand for the same thing... so what's the difference? You tell me.

It's true that Hillary Clinton has sent out some mailers that were "questionable" as well. Let's face it... they all do... unfortunately that won't be changing anytime soon, but I think there was just something about seeing him rationalize his lies last night on TV that just turned my stomach. He reminds me of Bush Jr. more and more everyday. Sigh. I guess it's apparent that Republicans aren't the only ones who are willing to drink the Kool-Aid when it is served up on nice charming platter. "Change You Can Believe In?" Or is the just more of the same?

Obama Mailings 'False'? (FactCheck.org)

(If your interested in reading the truth about Hillary Clinton's Health Care Plan)

-OndineMonet

On An Average Tuesday

"I think it's about time we voted for senators with breasts. After all, we've been voting for boobs long enough!"

-Clarie Sargent

Today is the California Primary, as well as in 24 other states. I have already cast my ballot, but Alan will cast his vote a little later today. It promises to be a nail bitting day on the Democratic side of things, while Romney is the front runner here in California, for the Republicans.

I am hoping when all is said and done, Hillary Clinton will take California for the Democratic nomination. I believe in her, and what she's trying to accomplish. I watched her, Town Hall Meeting, last night on the Hallmark channel, and I continue to be impressed by not only the answers she gives to the questions facing our country, but also the viability of her solutions to our many difficulties. I hear the word "CHANGE" a lot, we all want CHANGE, so I have to ask, does CHANGE really get anymore profound then letting a woman lead the country for the first time?

There is just 349 Days to go, until the collective sigh of relief is heard round the world! NOW GO VOTE! :)

-OndineMonet
"Decision 2008"

Goodbye John Edwards

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

-Plato

This saddens me. John Edwards, will make it official today, in New Orleans, that he is dropping his bid for the Democratic nomination. While I have to admit that in recent days he had lost me, I still believed in him. He is a good man, he would have been good for America. So why did I turn to another candidate in the last week? Well, thank you for asking.

It came down to hearing, and seeing, in another candidate the right answers to my questions. Not just the questions I write about here sometimes, but those quiet questions we all carry around. It's about all the work we are in for, when the new president takes office. It's about practicality verses high hopes, and ultimately, it's about experience. Hillary Clinton has been dealt more then one blow in her life, and not only did she survive, she prospered. In the public eye, she has been called everything in the book, and yet she moves on with humor and strength.

One of the things that initially excited me about John Edwards, was how he and his wife handled Elizabeth Edward's cancer. They had an up close and personal view of the strain of catastrophic illness. I believed that he had a real and strong desire to not just be president, but to NOT LET US DOWN. He spoke in practical terms. He spoke to the middle class. He spoke about a better life in America, not the dream of a better life. He made me feel like America could once again be that great country we all like to think it is, but in reality is far from it.

We don't lead the world in economics. We don't lead the world in education. We don't lead the world in democracy, as long as our own government is spying on us. We don't lead the world in health care. We don't lead the world in...

The list is a long one. We need someone who can help bring us back to what we once were. I think Edwards could have been that man, which is why he was on my sidebar for months. Then, one day, I began to hear more of the right answers coming from Hillary Clinton. I believe she is the right person for the White House. And in a perfect world, John Edwards would be her running mate. That would be a ticket I could believe in. Can you see it?



Goodbye John Edwards, for now. Hope to see you soon!

-OndineMonet

Snow Days

"All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field."

-Albert Einstein

Tomorrow is the New Hampshire Primary, do you know where your candidate is in the polls? After the debate last Saturday night, I am more sure then ever in the merits of John Edwards, but I must say, Hillary Clinton continues to impress me, and earn my respect as well. Obama, by contrast, is losing me more and more every day. I just don't have a strong enough faith in his abilities, to see him earn the nomination and to be eventually be president. I think he talks a very good game about change, but he really doesn't get down to specifics. I think Edwards and Clinton are much more clear and decisive on what their plans are if they are elected president.

I haven't completely closed my mind to Obama, because there is good chance he will win the nomination, and I want to believe in whoever is chosen on the democratic ticket, but I have to say, right now, he isn't someone I believe in. Just being a democrat is not enough. Hopefully, the next president of the United States will be a democrat, and so my vote will be reflecting the person I want to see in office for the next 8 years. I would like to have the same kind of faith in the next person I vote for, as I did for Bill Clinton in the 90's or Al Gore, in 2000. I wish I knew right now who the running mates of the candidates will be, because to me, it's just as important as who will be president. There is a lot to consider here.

Oh well, the California Primary isn't until February 5th. I still have some time to visit some websites and do some reading. As I mentioned before, Alan is planning on voting for Hillary Clinton, while I am still in favor of John Edwards, so we have had some really interesting conversations lately. So, while the New Hampshire Primary is happening tomorrow, I will be on my way to the snow to do my first new photos of 2008. The southern Sierra got a good dusting of snow from the last storms, and there is another strong system on the way. Hopefully I will be able to get some nice winter photos, and I am looking forward to the long car ride with Alan as well. Alan good for my moods, as well as my blood sugar. :) He's the best part of my future, well, he and Elvis. :)

Note: I will be gone very late tomorrow, so I won't have a Tuesday post, but look for me on Wednesday! I'll be back with new photos! :)

-OndineMonet
"Decision 2008"
Berkeley, California
Winter, 2008
Early Evening

Rain Likely With A Good Chance For Thunderstorms

"Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes."

-Oscar Wilde

Politics And Pop Culture

Like A Spider's Web In The Rain...

Do you ever feel a little like a spider on or about New Years? What I mean is, a year begins and you spend the rest of your time either facing difficulties or happily tidying your little web in the universe. Sometimes something will land in your path. It might be something that enriches your world, or it might be something that can ruin everything. Most of the time however, you simply build and watch for rain. I made my peace with 2007, and yet I felt a little sad when it ended because I had felt like I turned the attitude I had when the year began completely around to the point I was happy. So now what?

I had finally felt in control once again. Now, it feels like I am starting all over again, because there is a New Year on the calendar. Hmmm... I guess what I am feeling comes from my inability to let go of things. "To Move On." I will work my way out of this slump again soon.I know it's just the universe playing tricks on me. Heck, my horoscope even told me as much recently. I know that usually all I need is a good day with the camera. I am going to venture out of my cottage in a couple days... sunny or not. I wonder what I will find in the elements?

Rain With A Chance Of Hail...



Sigh. This child is lost. That photo of her breaks my heart. Not because I was particularly a fan of her, but mostly because I am a woman. Yep. I am feeling a little bit maternal, as much as I would feel if this were happening to a neighbor or someone I actually knew. But I don't imagine there is much guidance in this child's world. Her mother has some problems and we will leave it at that. Being a celebrity means a little less to someone Britney's age, because she has never had to claw from the ground up.

How can the rest of us expect her to grow-up? She never had a chance the first time around. But enabling her is the wrong way to go as well. So, what to do? Well, the first step has already begun, in that the judge in the custody case between Britney and Kevin Federline, finally removed the children from her care. It's life lessons like this that bring about maturity. This young lady is starting from a place of drug abuse and alcoholism, which will make it worse, but waking up in a hospital, with the DT's and no one to stop the mental and physical pain can mature you as well. It's the rain that teaches us to seek shelter.



It's Like Thunder And Lightning The Way You Love Me Is Frightening...

Ok, Iowa had it's lessons. Thunderous lessons. Hillary Clinton had a good chance of walking away from the Iowa Caucuses the big winner. She began her campaign a year ago, and she has held most polls ever since. But now, Obama is a big threat, and surprise, so is John Edwards. I tend to look at the results with a grain of salt. There is a lot about it I can't take too seriously. Such as the Republican choice, Mike Huckabee who is a scoundrel in true Republican manner. He proved as much with that dirty little trick of his, regarding his "negative" ad. He made the ad... then decided to hold a press conference to say he wouldn't stoop to that level. Then he gave out copies, and according the FactCheck.org, it still aired at least 10 times, on four different stations in Davenport and Cedar Rapids Iowa. It's all a lot of thunder, with no lightning in my opinion.

No matter who the chosen Republican or Democratic challengers are, there is one statistic that both parties might want to take very seriously. Who came out into the cold to vote in Iowa. Michael Moore pointed out in his newsletter, that 239,000 showed up to vote for the Democrats, while only 115,000 turned out for the Republicans. That statistic makes me smile. It gives me hope. I imagine every one of the 239,000 has had enough of the dirty tricks, the backstabbing, and the lies coming from Republicans. Are the Democratic candidates exempt from that kind of behavior? Apparently not. But I can tell you this, most American's are fed up with the lies. Most Americans are ready to see integrity brought back to the country. I have my ears open, and my mind set on what I want to hear and more importantly... see. Fair weather promises I can do without. I am a little more weather savvy then that. I don't fall for every pitch from every umbrella salesman who comes my way.

So, it's on to the New Hampshire debates. Tell me, will you watch tonight?Oooh, did you hear that? Probably not, because that big clap of thunder took place outside my window. It's raining here in the Bay Area, and it's hailing too. I like weather like this. It makes me feel alive and appreciate change. It makes me look to the future and all the sunshine coming my way. Observing politics is a lot like observing the weather. Sometimes you hear a lot of noise, that does nothing but make you feel scared and alone, while the best of days tend to go by in hopeful silence. The California primary is being held on February 5th, when is yours?

-OndineMonet
"One Fine Day"
Berkeley, California
April, 2005
Late Afternoon