Posts to Come!

I haven't blogged in quite some time, I know. I've been engrossed in the scholarly rantings of Gore Vidal, taking time for some serious new commitments, and regaining my affection for current events. I have to admit that the election's craziness (all two years of it) perhaps ground on me and gave me a most unpleasant hangover that has lasted a few months. That's passing, thank God, and I am definitely ready to posts some thoughts in the near future. I must admit, however, that the Israeli invasion into Gaza has exasperated me to a considerable degree; I hope beyond hope that our new president will make a good faith effort to bring both sides together.

I am especially looking forward to the text of President-elect Obama's speech, but not before there is even more historical context (as if we didn't have enough already) with the solemn celebration of Dr. M.L. King's birthday. CNN is going to replay the ENTIRE speech of which we have come to essentially only recognize the "dream" aspect. This is very important, as King was a stern critic of misguided federal spending that preferred to dump huge amounts of money into efforts such as the moon landing. While important for some tangential technological breakthroughs, we must be honest about the fact that it was initially more about out-propagandizing the USSR. King is oft ignored for the attention he sought to bring to the poverty raging in cities and towns, nailing shut most opportunities for those of few means, regardless of the tint of one's skin.

It should be an interesting week, to say the least.

Back to Blogging

Some days ago I told myself that one of the most important New Year's resolutions I could make would be to resume my blogging and writing (et al.). I should add that, though largely meaningless to anyone who may read my site, I in fact been doing some writing. Less than frequently, but more than occasionally, I will sit down on this very website--quite resolute in the topics I seek to explore--and end up closing the web page after a few seconds of quick, but definitive, introspection. Looking back, I probably have as many finished posts as I have unfinished (maybe even more). It's unfortunate, at least for me, because several of these near-posts are lengthy and substantive.

Unlike Rush Limbaugh, President-elect Obama's victory started me thinking about a lot of things; and its importance was decidedly less fleeting than his, which his soul apparently defused after one night (see ABC News's "Most Fascinating People of 2008"). That notwithstanding I have become more confused--yet even more interested in civilization--than I perhaps have ever been, especially after reading some fine pieces of literature and watching one impeccably inspirational film. Gore Vidal's unmatchable wit produces an almost conspiratorial dismissal of most revered institutions in this country: be they political, economic, or theological. Naomi Klein's imperfect, but in most places right on target, "The Shock Doctrine," is a compelling and iconoclastic work on the theoretical and practical failures of Friedmanist capitalism and the many violent methods used to impose it therein. Finally, Gus Van Zandt's, "Milk," roused my inner-gayness and led me to brood over my generation's disappointing efforts to secure an equitable world where homosexuals and transgendered people have the same rights as heterosexuals. I have done very little myself. Gay and straight alike should see the film; for both will quickly realize it speaks to one's self on many levels.

So, look for me to write more in the near future. If you have any ideas, be they large or small, don't hesitate to leave a comment.

The Pleasures of Canvassing

I've been one of the hundreds of thousands of canvassers going door-to-door for Senator Obama in these last few critical days. I should say that on balance it has been a net positive experience. I did some canvassing in 2000, was a precinct delegate in 2004, yet have largely extricated myself from the election until a few days ago. I should say, rather, that I've "formally" extricated myself until recently. Not to sound like a wimp, but I was very broken up after Senator Kerry's defeat: especially considering the widespread evidence of voter fraud in Ohio. For most of this year I have observed from the sidelines; essentially taking the viewpoint that voters were pathetic enough to elect Bush twice, thus there would be a potentially equal likelihood that another conservative (framing himself to relate to the masses) could be elected again. Better to leave my heart and soul out of the whole mess.

Over the last few days I must say that I am feeling very good about Obama's chances in Ohio. From rural areas to the suburbs: here in blood-red Wood County I'm noticing a lot of support from across the demographic/attitudinal spectrum. I say "attitudinal" especially because of the support I am seeing from men. I have encountered many guys who probably voted for President Bush once, if not twice. That they are voting for or leaning toward the Illinois senator is a remarkable thing. Pennsylvania may be tightening, and Ohio slightly closer, yet I wouldn't be surprised if Obama takes Ohio and loses or narrowly wins Pennsylvania. But don't hold me to that.

For people who have spare time this is your chance to make a difference in a way that may not come again for decades. Regardless of to whom you decide to cast your ballot (and I say that with genuine respect): transfer your excitement into actions if you are able.

The End is Near...

As the nation closes in on the Day of Decision many are already feeling jubilant about an Obama win. I, too, am also looking forward to the very real possibility of such an outcome. However, and it is not really cynicism, my enthusiasm is tempered by the not-so-unlikely contingency that the senator may have trouble running the map as many are predicting. In fact, I worry about the 270 votes threshold in general. Why?

While polls in many key states show him above the margin of error, and may not factor in a one or two point boost as a result of not polling cell phone-only voters, it is the "undecideds" who may swing this thing in the other direction. Now, traditionally voters are more likely to "pull the lever" against the incumbent party when it has screwed up so royally: though, as we all know so well, this is no ordinary general election. Elements like race, the potentially sticky allegations of "socialism," and an electorate afraid of the status quo being shaken (despite the fact they may desire Change on the surface), are important to consider in an unbiased, holistic analysis.

One side will of course interpret such scenarios as "threats;" the other will examine these factors and salivate.Perceptions that the Obama crew are already planning the transition to an administration--whether really true or not--fuel a news media who capture every missive and do not hesitate to overemphasize any sensational hypothesis, again, real or imagined. All of this is very complicated. For those with a political science academic background, or even just a self-labeled politics buff, there is a tendency to read into every step or misstep. I am definitely one of these people; and it is very tedious, indeed.

I would like to believe that voters have chosen or will choose their better angels. The two men and their respective sidekicks could not be more different in temperament, values, etc; even more glaring their plans for America in a rapidly changing world. I'd venture they are both day and nightmare. People have to accept that for many voters McCain's military/hawkish background will prevail over the far less sexually visceral notion of a future that is peaceful. It's one of psychology's crude and unfortunate components.

In closing: we know the ground games are important; we know advertising brings exposure (perhaps for some voters, annoying overexposure); we'd like to believe most polls that show consistent trends will in fact prove true on election day; and want to hope that the last eight years will have made voters greatly disappointed in the Republican Party and prime them to take a chance on legislation the other party may try to pass. Thus, I am certain about nothing, and so should you!

Thoughts Before the Election

With little more than two weeks to go, I have a few thoughts about Decision '08 that I'd like to share. Before I do so, however, I would like to say that I feel disappointed about my inattention to the political discourse, especially when I received comments from people who were looking forward to just that. I've been involved in other things: notably attending to my writing, reading classic literature, and moving. On the other hand, clearly that doesn't do justice to the time between my last blog entry and today's. That said, maybe we can be friends again?

First of all, if you haven't gotten a chance to see PBS's, "The Choice 2008," you should definitely get your mouse over to Frontline.org where you can watch the episode on demand. Its incisive examination of the two candidates and their respective places in history is more than fascinating. While every program about politics is going to feature potential biases or left out facts (face it, both men are politicians, right?), I came away with a final analysis that the show attacked key issues and character attributes every American could potentially find interesting...even if he or she claims to know "everything" about the two men. From Obama's brilliant calculations in how to gradually expose his talents to the American people; to Senator McCain's evolution from a highly principled, genuinely iconoclastic figure in the structure of the GOP, ultimately sullied by his gradual accession to establishment politics and the unfortunate, but sadly necessary gesticulations to the far Right. I came away from it with a desperate prayer for the the millions of mainstream Republicans who face a cathartic furnace of soul-searching as they face down a decade or more of unknowing.

Perhaps like many of you I have been drawn to the latest polling numbers. While most of us know that it is state polls which indicate the greatest reality of the electoral college's outcome, we can't help but feel one way or another every time the general tracking numbers are released. On paper, of course, it appears to favor Obama, and with statistical significance; yet we all know this can change like a quick tack on a sailboat. That said, and I hate to sound partisan, if anything has impressed me with greater force, watching states like Virginia, Colorado, and North Carolina put up the kind of numbers they are is a very remarkable achievement for the American people. I mean, Christ, Virginia! I needn't say more.

The early vote strategy is particularly important for the Obama campaign. Whether young or old or in between, it's very important to capture as many votes as possible this way. Yes, it is true that the lines will be somewhat shorter if many people choose to vote in this fashion; but, and I can't emphasize this enough, it should also make a small dent in the percentage of people who might waffle on election day and decide Senator McCain is the safer choice. No one knows the exact percentage of voters who will break that way, nevertheless, it does deserve mentioning.

I wish I could write a decent paragraph praising virtues of the McCain campaign that are universally applicable. Indeed, it would be the fair thing to do. Unfortunately, such an attempt would ultimately be an exercise in true vanity. The senator has largely run a typical, win-at-all-costs campaign in which he sold out any "maverick" qualities long ago. Similarly, in tone rather than verse, each campaign stop seems to evoke the unpleasant smell of Reagan's despicable, polarizing tactics which constituted his infamous "Southern Strategy." Indeed, McCain and his surrogates have used language that is little different. We are also seeing elements of regionalism alongside convenient allegations of Democrat/progressive "anti-Americanism." To cap it all off (with heads bowed) is shameful rhetoric accusing widespread voter fraud. As I filter the rhetoric I am left with little substance, but an overwhelming impetus to label this as willful delegitimization of a likely Obama victory.

In closing, I hope the American people are able to fully weigh the economic, health, and security policies offered by both men. Endorsements aside, the presence of an individual who is steady and creative in his examination of reality is what the nation deserves more than anything. We can only hope the American people choose Senator Obama's savvy judgment.

Death of The American Dream

I saw the American Dream die today
The body was a portly older man in a red polyester jacket of shabby condition
He was walking from store to store filing job applications that would never materialize
As I sat there reading Tennessee Williams I made a conscious effort to give him a nod
He returned it with chaos in his eyes and cheeks flushed with surrender

I could not help but stare in outrage
My eyes started to well with the tears of Hope's last blood
So I gripped my pen with iron resolve, hoping to write a stately obituary
I gave up after I realized that writing one wouldn't be fair: I'd have to write millions
So, I leaned back in the chair watching the persecutors file in and out
Feeling the throbbing doom of our History's deadly repetitions

Backyard and the river

The view of my backyard showing the Maumee River. My room is down and to the right. The river is a great source of inspiration.