A2eatwrite: Singular Saturday: A Change is Gonna Come...

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Singular Saturday: A Change is Gonna Come...

OBAMA

Join Jenn in Holland for other singularly wordy individuals...

27 comments:

Korie said...: Booyah!

Although, I admit, it makes me a little aggravated that I sent an email to the Obama campaign FAQ asking how an expat can be better involved in the election and all I've received so far in return are generic updates and requests for money.

I guess that's how every campaign is though.; June 7, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Jen said...: Check out NYC/Caribbean Ragazza's blog from yesterday. In her comments section was someone who's trying to hook up expats in Italy, and she might know of other European networks.; June 7, 2008 at 9:30 AM
CableGirl said...: Here's to hoping!; June 7, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Jen said...: Here's to change. I really think he has a great shot. McCain is so similar to Bush and there's so much disgust on that end. Maybe we'll get it right this time.; June 7, 2008 at 9:58 AM
thailandchani said...: I don't usually get involved in US politics - but I do like Obama. :); June 7, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Jen said...: Me, too, Chani. Me, too. And it's the first time I can truly say that about a candidate in a long time.; June 7, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Anonymous said...: Man, I wish I had all you'alls confidence that he can win. I see so much racism that it really scares me. The other day, I was reading comments on the freep.com (the article was about a gang of black youths who beat up a white guy) and a few people--in all seriousness--were talking about getting rid of the 13th Amendment. Other used words like "niglet" (wtf is that?!?) and darkie. I was actually stomping around my house and hollering so my husband made me turn off the computer :)
My point is--sexism is so blatant that we notice it, while racism is so subtle that we tend to not see it. But it's out there. Whenever I would take my kiddos to A2 for a field trip, my parapro and I would count the "looks" that we got. One guy even used the term "those people" (directed towards Detroiters, not us, but still) in earshot and quite loudly.
If those racist folks stay home, Obama'll be okay. But if not....; June 7, 2008 at 10:51 AM
April said...: Can you friggin believe it?!? I almost cried.
So this a.m., they showed Obama and McCain on the campaign trail. Obama looked SO happy. McCain's face was sweaty gross, and I couldn't even focus on what he was saying!
And his snicker the other night after "That's not change we can believe in." Ugh!
I'm still extremely scared, particularly since some of the Hillary fans are saying they're voting McCain, but I can't WAIT for the debates!; June 7, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Jen said...: Teacher Patti, oh, I don't think the racism's so subtle - I think it's the biggest systemic sickness in our country right now. I think sexism is probably more subtle, but I think both are a HUGE problem in our country. I am worried about racism in terms of the election, but the fact that Obama is slightly ahead right now is a good sign. I don't know about the confidence I feel, but I know I'm willing to fight for this one.

April - I've heard that about some Clinton supporters, and I know I've heard the same should Clinton have gotten the nomination, but I'm hoping that even after this long, contentious nomination process, that folks will see that the differences between Hillary and Obama were more of style than substance (in terms of policy), whereas the differences between McCain and either of them are enormous.

Bah, I'm writing novels in my comments section today!; June 7, 2008 at 12:27 PM
glamah16 said...: I agree with you Jen, Racism is never subtle. We can just choose not see it or acknowledge it , but its alive and well, intentional or not.Its human nature. Anyway I should be packing, but Im watching Hilary. Its really happening . Obama! Im curious to actually hear my uropean friends perspectives when there. I actually liked her speech. I can see him make her like a Health Czar, not VP , but something huge.; June 7, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Jen said...: It's interesting, Glamah, I've been talking with my exchange daughters and son and their parents about the race, etc. They're all pretty liberal, and they were all hoping Obama would get in. There was kind of universal distrust about the Clintons, but a feeling that anyone would be better than Bush. I think the friends I know over there feel that Obama seems like a smart, interesting man with true leadership potential. I'd agree, obviously.; June 7, 2008 at 2:10 PM
anno said...: To change!; June 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
painted maypole said...: YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!; June 8, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Dru said...: I just hope that the two candidates and their party can have a fair race with racist remarks entering the fray. That will turn me off completely, not that I wouldn't vote though.; June 8, 2008 at 7:26 AM
Jen said...: Anno and PM - yup!

Dru - that's my big concern, too. The racism in one of the campaigns during the past few months was a deal-breaker for me. I didn't support that candidate in any case, but I was stunned how often the race card was pulled out. We need to be past that as a country and we are just so, so far from being there. It's pathetic.; June 8, 2008 at 9:31 AM
janey jay said...: You betcha, baby. Let's do this thing!

However, I'm more than a little shocked at the seething racism I'm seeing come oozing out of the woodwork -- I know I shouldn't be, but I am. And I suspect this horrific attitude is going to become more visible as the campaign progresses. Makes you wonder...; June 8, 2008 at 12:04 PM
jennifer said...: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; June 8, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Jen said...: Jane, I've been disgusted, but not surprised. This country is a lot sicker than it gives itself credit for in terms of racism. Classicism and sexism, too.

Jennifer, you couldn't have said it better!; June 8, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Flower Child said...: woo hoo!; June 8, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Flower Child said...: and one more thing - for expats check out Democrats Abroad - my mother must be going to one of their meetings every week; June 8, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 9, 2008 at 12:47 AM
nyc/caribbean ragazza said...: The general election is going to be very interesting!

I'm not surprised that racism and sexism reared their ugly heads this election. I hope we can focus on the issues. The country is at a crossroads and we can't afford to have another election that is not based on substance.; June 9, 2008 at 3:15 AM
Jen said...: Flower Child, thanks for the links for the Dems group abroad.

NYC, I couldn't agree with you more. Somehow, as a country, we need to move past this sickness and learn to work together and treat everyone as the Constitution actually demands.; June 9, 2008 at 6:53 AM
Goofball said...: only halfway though....hope he gets a good running mate. We all really hope for the fall and the coming years; June 9, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Jen said...: Yup, Goofball - here's to hope and change.; June 9, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Momisodes said...: What a great choice :); June 10, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Jenn in Holland said...: Hear! Hear!; June 17, 2008 at 9:31 AM