Nov. 5, 2008
Dear Brother Obama,
You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We
knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely
daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate.
One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often
fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.
A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker
Labels: alicewalker, letter, obama, soul
| posted by Unknown @ 11/07/2008 01:34:00 PM
from Facebook: Brandon joined the groups 1,000,000 Strong to Overturn Prop 8 11:10pm
Labels: Christianity, homosexuality, justice, marriage, polis
| posted by Unknown @ 11/06/2008 11:28:00 AM
For the first time in my life I can say that, with all my heart, about a true statesman who "will listen, especially to those who disagree."
When I took the dog out for his walk tonight, after President-elect Obama's acceptance speech, it was onto University Avenue in Berkeley, past the victory party at re-elected Mayor Tom Bates' campaign office. Hundreds of automobile horns were constantly firing salvos of sound, strangers were waving and cheering and calling to each other, and hundreds swelled the street at Bancroft and Telegraph in front of the University in a peaceful and spirited street festival. It felt like what I imagine Victory in Europe celebrations might have been like, the difference being that, rather than returning to our shores after helping neighbors resist the fist of domination, after this victory, finally, my country may consider lifting its head again and re-enter world citizenship with eight years of shame behind it for being the purveyor of empire.
Coming home I passed four familiar homeless folks attempting to sleep on the concrete and pulling their blankets over their heads against the fierce chill and to mute the noise of a celebration they can't really share. Coming home past people who can't come home to hear about dear friends stripped of the right to marry the men and women they love, sobers me. Our President-elect sounded a similar note, not of triumph and victory over The Enemy but of getting down to the real work ahead - that of truly building an inclusive community that begins with measured and considerate listening, particularly to those who disagree.
That is public service at its finest and I am almost tearful not only for the honest pain that might finally get a hearing by an honest leader in power, but also with gratitude that I may feel proud once more to be an American.
====================
NICOLAS SARKOZY, FRENCH PRESIDENT
"With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future.
"At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond."
HAMID KARZAI, AFGHAN PRESIDENT
"I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and color while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later."
MWAI KIBAKI, KENYAN PRESIDENT
"We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya."
JOSE MANUEL BARROSO, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT
"We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world. I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal. For the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world."
TARO ASO, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER
"The Japan-U.S. alliance is key to Japanese diplomacy and it is the foundation for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. With President-elect Obama, I will strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance further and work toward resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."
KGALEMA MOTLANTHE, SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT
"Africa, which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavour to create a better world for all who live in it."
STEPHEN HARPER, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER"I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States. Ministers in our government look forward to building a strong working relationship with their counterparts in a new Obama cabinet."
KEVIN RUDD, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER
"Senator Obama's message of hope is not just for America's future, it is also a message of hope for the world as well. A world which is now in many respects fearful for its future."
HELEN CLARK, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER
"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."
SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO, INDONESIAN PRESIDENT
Indonesia especially hopes that the U.S., under new leadership, will stand in the front and take real action to overcome the global financial crisis, especially since the crisis was triggered by the financial conditions in the U.S."
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT
"We welcome his triumph in the same vein that we place the integrity of the US electoral process and the choices made by the American people in high regard. We likewise note the making of history with the election of Senator Obama as the first African-American president of the United States."
ALI AGHAMOHAMMADI, CLOSE AIDE TO IRAN'S MOST POWEFUL FIGURE
AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI
"The president-elect has promised changes in policies. There is a capacity for the improvement of ties between America and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also concentrating on America's state matters and removing the American people's concerns."
SAEB EREKAT, AIDE TO PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS
"We hope the president-elect in the United States will stay the course and would continue the U.S. engagement in the peace process without delay. We hope the two-state vision would be transferred from a vision to a realistic track immediately."
SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENTIAL BLUE HOUSE
"We believe the election of Obama is due to the American people's support for his message of new change and hope. President Lee Myung-bak has made change and reform an important policy priority since his own election and the two leaders share their philosophy in this regard."PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON
"President (Asif Ali) Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan-U.S. relations will be enhanced under the new American leadership that received a popular mandate in Tuesday's poll."
(For more about the U.S. political campaign, visit Reuters "Tales from the Trail: 2008" online at http:/blogs.reuters.com/trail08/)
Labels: daily, obama, polis, politics
| posted by Unknown @ 11/04/2008 11:39:00 PM
Election 2008 Voting Information
Today, November 4th, is Election Day! Remember to vote—not just for Barack Obama, but for Congressional, state, and local candidates as well.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important to overwhelmingly oppose California's Proposition 8 (a ban on same-sex marriage). Please vote NO on Prop 8 and speak out all during the day by web and by phone. Don't take any vote today for granted.
Where and when do I vote?
Find your polling place, voting times, and other important information by checking out these sites and the hotline below. These resources are good, but not perfect. To be doubly sure, you can also contact your local elections office.
- Obama's VoteForChange site: voteforchange.com
- League of Women Voters' site: vote411.org/pollfinder.php
- Obama's voter hotline: 877-US4-OBAMA (877-874-6226)
What should I do before I go?
- After you've entered your address on either Vote For Change or Vote411, read the voting instructions and special rules for your state.
- Voting ID laws vary from state to state, but if you have ID, bring it.
- Check out all the voting myths and misinformation to look out for: http://truth.voteforchange.
com/
What if something goes wrong?
- Not on the voter list? Make sure you're at the right polling place, then demand a provisional ballot.
- If you're voting on an electronic machine with a paper record, verify that the record is accurate.
- Need legal help? Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
- If you encounter a problem, try to videotape the situation and submit it to VideoTheVote.org
Want to do more?
- Text all of your friends: "Vote Obama today! Pass it on!"
- Make calls from home for Obama.
Now, everybody go vote!!!
Labels: vote
| posted by Unknown @ 11/04/2008 09:04:00 AM
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Doris Bittar
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 10:25:29 -0800
Subject: Letter to Arab Community Regarding Proposition 8
Dear Friends,
I wanted to share with you a letter I wrote that the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of San Diego sent to the San Diego Arab American community regarding Proposition 8. Prop. 8 is the initiative that takes the right to get married away from those who want to enjoy the benefits and dignity of marriage, because they are of the same sex. If you would like to share this with other Californians or other interested parties, please do so.
Best,
Doris
Dear Fellow Arab Americans,
Proposition 8 is an initiative proposed to the California state constitution. It would eliminate the fundamental right of marriage for same-sex couples in California. Equal treatment under the law is a basic American value and is at the heart of what Arab Americans value, too. As Arab Americans, we understand the deceptive fog of ignorance. The real possibility of our civil rights leaders being arrested immediately following 9-11 almost occurred. At that time many Californians stood with us, among them were brothers and sisters in the gay community. Our culture tends not to discuss these issues openly. Yet, within our own families, men and women suffer, often silently from lack of love and understanding because of our discomfort.
Never before in the State of California has the ballot been used to single out a group of tax-paying, law-abiding Americans and exclude them from their constitutionally-provided basic rights. The constitution guarantees every Californian equal treatment and equal rights. This proposition treats long-term, committed, same-sex couples differently, and that is wrong because we personally know how that eats at the fabric of communities who are misunderstood.
Regardless of how you personally feel about marriage for same-sex couples, most believe that government has no business telling people who can and cannot get married, and people should not be singled out for unfair treatment under the laws of our state. Those committed and loving couples who want to accept the responsibility of with marriage should be treated like everyone else.
Please join us, the governor, and the mayors of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego and VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 8 in November. We are all interconnected and Arab Americans understand that valuing each person is how we keep our families strong and insures that all of our children are nurtured toward meaningful lives where they can reach their highest aspirations.
Doris Bittar
San Diego
--
Visit Doris Bittar's Web Site
www.DorisBittar.com
Labels: civilrights, homosexuality, marriage, polis, vote
| posted by Unknown @ 11/04/2008 08:49:00 AM
When I say time to move on I mean:
In 2000, voters passed with 61% of the vote, Proposition 22, which added a section to the California Family Code to formally define marriage in California as a union between a man and a woman. In order to qualify for the ballot, Proposition 8 needed ... Read More694,354 valid petition signatures. The initiative proponents submitted 1,120,801 signatures.
Tuesday voters passed with 52.5% of the vote, Prop 8, which amended the California constitution to eliminate the 4-3 Supreme Court ruling that Prop 22 violated equal protection.
When a free and fair election determines my elected officials I may not like the results, but I respect the will of the people. I don't always get everything I want, even if I deem it to be of the utmost importance. California needs to get its shit sorted out. For such progressive state, it can't seem to reconcile the will of the majority with the will of a vocal minority.