The Democratic Presidential Convention

Democratic Presidential Convention

This Democratic nomination was destine to be great after all the candidates dropped out of the race except Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the First black man and the first women. Either one could have won that race and it would change America. Either scenario is the dream of 25% of the nation if not more. To pull unity out of this split party is almost unbelievable. I made my self a convention hat I think I enjoyed it as mush as if I were there.

The convention took place at the Pepsi Center in Denver Colorado for the first 3 days and then the climax took place the fourth day at the mile high stadium, which will hold about 80,000 people.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, who has been under going treatment for brain cancer, was honored by a video introduced by his niece Caroline, the only living member of Jack Kennedy’s family. Edward paid tribute to Barack Obama and his less than 10 minutes speech brought about strong applause. He promises to be at the inauguration the first week of November. He definitely brought the crowd to their feet and prepared the stage for Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama was introduced by her brother. A video was shown about Barack’s background from being a son of a smart black man from Kenya, here in the states to get an education, and a white gal from Kentucky. She told how her family accepted him in spite of a name they couldn’t pronounce. Her brothers told her he was ok after they had a little basket ball game. Michelle told of their choice to do work of service in the south side of Chicago. The pay was not very good. They had a very run down car and Barack was so proud of his new born daughter. Michelle’s paid tribute to Hillary Rodham Clinton paved the way for our little girls to be able to do what ever they want to do. The best of all pictures was the picture of Barack on the TV After Michelle’s speech was over and the girls said there is daddy. Barack asked the girls if mommy did a good job. They said yes and they asked him what town was he in and where was he staying. Very unrehearsed and so family like.

Tuesday, it was Hillary’s turn to step unto the stage. She wanted her supporters to support Barack. She pointed out some of McCain’s weaknesses and then said, “No way. No How. No McCain. Which will probably become a chant during the next couple months. “ Were you in this campaign just for me?” she questioned her supporters. Hillary emphasized that she brought in 18 million votes, which she called 18 million cracks in the ceiling thus making the climb for the next generation of girls much easier. She told her supporters she was going to support Barack and she said they should too if they didn’t want a third term of Bush. Her Husband Bill Proudly kept whispering from his chair in the audience, “I love you”.

Wednesday, Robert Moore, dress in an native American costume, is a South Dakota Singer and an elected council member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe sang the national anthem. He represented his state well.

Hillary calls for the nomination of the Sen. Barrack Obama by acclamation. This is so important. Just think we finally have a black man nominated for President of the United States on a major ticket.

Former President Bill Clinton was the next prime time speaker. He did not try to out do his wife he compared his administration to George Bush and Dick Cheney's. And no one could do it better than Bill. He talked about the bad war we got brought into by lies, the poor diplomacy policies. He point out the bad economy that we have been dealing with. $4.00 Gas, homes being foreclosed, health care and jobs are not there. He really made Bush’s 8 years a comedy of errors. He said his job was to liven up the audience for Joe Biden who was to come next. And that he did.

Beau Biden the son of Joe introduced Joe Biden. Beau told of the accident that took his mother and sister’s life. Beau and Hunter were badly injured and in the hospital. Joe had just been elected to the senate and not yet sworn in. He contemplated giving up the senate seat, saying Delaware can find another senator but my boys cannot find a new dad. But people like Ted Kennedy and others persuaded him to become a senator. So he was sworn in at the bedside of his son and he road the train 4 hours each day so that he could be home with his sons. Beau said that he and his brother Hunter and his dad Joe married Jill, a schoolteacher. Joe and Jill have a little girl. The children are grown up and the family was present with Joe the leader, Jill beside him and lots of grandkids. It was truly an American family who pulled together in spite of tragedy.
Joe Biden spoke high of John McCain’s person, service and patriotism but he is wrong on the issues. He compared McCain the Senator and McCain the candidate. He wants McCain to decided who he really is. Is he Senator the Maverick McCain or McCain, Bush’s Third term? Joe’s voice was strong, and steady as he made each attack. The crowd cheered. Yes, Joe is a good choice. At the end Jill announced a surprise. And Barack pops out and give him a big huge. And the Biden family come forth.

The Martin Luther King Family gave a tribute to their father on this the 45th anniversary of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Friday, I took pizza and root beer to my room and watched what was going on at the convention from my easy chair. They were packing people into the Invesco stadium like sardines. An estimate of 84,000 people got into the Invesco football field. One nice thing John McCain sent Barack an advertisement that was a congratulation in nature. Nice touch John! He said it was a one day advertisement. He plans to hit hard Friday. Some music groups played and a few speeches came forth. The Gold medal Gymnast Miss Shawn Johnson was suppose to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, but I didn’t get to see her because the pundit wanted to talk just as she was beginning to say the Pledge. Barack Obama’s speech came forth. He outlined the failed Policies of George W. Bush. Actually, he pointed out 29 such policies and what he plans to do to change the situation. He vowed to cut taxes for the working-class, end the war in Iraq and break American dependence upon Mideast oil within a decade. Barack also hit hard on the republican plan for health care, education and the economy. He believe any one who works hard deserves a good home, health care, and opportunity to send their kids to college. He pointed out that we have common ground on the abortion issue in that we might be on opposite sides of the issue we all agree there should be fewer abortions. Barack says, I’m not a hunter but I do believe that they should be able to have their guns our common ground is that Gun control needs to keep the guns out of the hands of the criminals. Another issue is the gay marriage, we certainly agree that a friend aught to be able to see his/her friend in the hospital. He talked about the foreign countries with knowledge beyond my imagination.

Barack Obama used technology with ease. The whole convention was as if it was one long speech beginning with introducing the characters, each with a defined role and culmination with a climax hard to beat.

From Politics to Olympics

My devotion to politics has weaken somewhat since John Edward announced his fling so I substituted the Olympics for Politics for my evening TV engagement this past week. I have been rewarded much by the wonderful events starting from the opening ceremony. The Chinese really did show the world the meaning of beauty, technology, precision, and perfection. I love the bird nest idea. I don’t think I will ever forget the tall man and the small child carrying the flag for China nor will I forget the lost boy that became an American and carried our flag. Each has a story to tell.

The three American girls who won all three medals in the fencing competition surprise every one because we didn’t hear much about United States having anyone in this competition. The water cube has the biggest story to tell by surpassing previous wins and doing it more often than ever before. What an example this young man, Michael Phelps is to all youth of the world especially to the United States. Then to think that a 41 year old lady would tell the world “Don’t put an age limit on your dreams” you can still do a lot even if you are past that youth mark. The American Male Gymnasts showed the world that team is important. After loosing two of their best to injuries the team still took bronze. I think the most beautiful event took place on the gymnastic floor. I thought the Chinese ladies were good but they looked like children playing. When the eight Americans women took over they were so mature and so graceful in the individual competition. I do believe I will remember the winning floor routine forever it was so beautiful. This young lady, Naster Liukin coached by her Dad, wasn’t a spectacular beauty queen as she sat and concentrated on what she would be doing next. But when she preformed she became as beautiful a queen as I have ever seen, so graceful and poised as well as self confidant.

In the very final individual gymnastic event for the women another team member the bright eyed little girl from West Des Moines Iowa, named Shawn Johnson, received a gold medal on the beam with a score of 16.225. It made her coach, an immigrant from China, so proud. He recalled how he opened up a training shop over a decade ago and Shawn just a wee one at the time was one of the first to come through his doors into his training shop and now he can show off the fruits of his labor to both the United States and China. Shawn has a smile that reaches across her face. She certainly is a winner.

Johnathan Horton, knew he had to add to his routine if he was to have a chance at a medal and so he practice and preformed on the High Bar a routine that awarded him with a Silver Medal. Dawn Harper won the 100Meter Hurdle because her teammate hit the last hurdle.
Henry Cejudo a Mexican immigrant one of seven children raise by his mother brought home the Gold for his mom is one of the many touching stories.

Yes, the TV time was enjoyed and the politicians are still naming the same names as possible running mates as they continue to batter John Edwards name around. Maybe the Convention will be inspiring come next week. I hope so!!!

My Dream Green House

One of the first moves would be to collect the water from bathtubs, showers, and wash machine in some sort of water tank and reuse the water for flushing toilets. I would have the water heated by the sun and saved in a water tank for showers, dishwashing and washing clothes. Toilets, garbage disposal, and slop sink would empty into the regular sewer system but all the other water would be used twice before going to the city sewer system. Rainwater would be collected from the roof of all buildings on the property and stored in a cistern and used for lawn and garden.
The next big move would be to generate electricity by using either the sun or using the wind. I would light the entire house via this source of electricity. I would have the house wire with commercial electricity for all appliances and one tiny night light in each room in case one has no sun or wind for a long period of time..
The house would be heated by the Sun as much as is possible. Electricity would be the source of alternate or additional heat during winter months. A fireplace would be available to help out with heat and keep the yard cleaned up of branches.
The house would be well insulated. Fans would be part of the lighting system and each room would have a fan. One big fan would be used above the stairwell to pull hot air out. Central air would be used but only used when really needed. A small air lock would be used to cut down on cold air entering the house. Fresh air would come into the house thru the air conditioning system.
I realize that the cost of this house is stiff at the building stage but I do think one could live much cheaper and make up the difference in time. My goal is to be as green as possible and yet keep it a reasonable and comfortable house.

Media Clean Up Time

Today I’m thinking about the way the media is going. Last evening I saw combat taking place in Iraq, I saw several movie adds that were very violent, I saw pictures of two beautiful women found dead both mother of children. I also saw the case of Mr. Peterson brought up again because he has a blog. Oh yes much of the time was spent on Jesse Jackson using the “N Word” and that other inappropriate comment he made. I saw a part of a little comic about a rabbit who stole something so they were going to cut off his hand, later they decided to cut off his ear. My question: Is this the best you can do?
The weather was good reporting, I’m sure it helped people get inside to dodge the rain, wind and possible tornadoes. That is about the only good thing. I do believe the Pope is in Australia with many young people that flew in from all over the world and I heard not a word about it. I’ll bet if this same group of young people decided to land upon some beach in Europe and remove their shirts and blouses and put a flower in their hair we would know about that and they would give many minutes to such a story.
We wonder why the young people get these violent ideas into their sweet little heads. I think that if violence were cut down by 75% and possitive acts of goodness increased by 75% we would find a much better world to live in.

Barack and Michelle on cover of "New Yorker" Magazine

I usually, page to see any comics in a magazine. I appreciate humor but putting Barack Obama in a turban and giving Michelle Obama an afro and a machine gun along with a fireplace burning a flag is over the top. I expect a comic to stretch the truth not give false information. Barack is a Christian not a Muslim is the truth of the matter. This cartoon is offensive to both religions. Michelle is a good American citizen raising two beautiful little girls at the same time as she supports her husband on a campaign. The only truth in the whole picture was the fist bumping.
You could have Michelle pinning a flag unto Barack’s lapel as she hold a brush to sweep the lint away from his suit. You could have a picture of the two girls above the fireplace doing the fist bumping. Instead of burning the flag, burn Michelle’s apron. Have a little white and black dog pulling at Barack’s ankle and maybe you could have Barack trying to put on his worn belt, every thing has truth attached to it and it could be made funny. It would show the Obama family as a regular American family. That is the real truth that needs to be promulgated.

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July

Today we celebrate the 4th of July. It is a special day for our family because my youngest brother was born on the 3rd of July so we make a big day of it and celebrate his birthday along with the birthday of the United States of America but never with firecracker.

This day also bears much sadness because I have a little cousin who died on this day due to his playing with firecrackers. He had a belt of firecrackers wrapped around his waist and when he lit one they all went off. He ran and ran and would not stop with his parents trying to get him to stop so they could wrap him in a blanket to put out the fire. Actually, the smoke that got into his lungs is the cause of his death. He was only 5 years old at the time.

Because of this death we as children were not allowed to have firecrackers and we would rehear about this horrible death. When my brothers married and had children they decided they had given up firecrackers far too long and they would get some and put on a little home fire show for the family. Kids were allowed only sparklers and only one sparkler at a time. We had water, fire extinguisher, and sand available incase something went wrong.

The party usually started in early afternoon, with a picnic supper at about 6 o’clock and then fire works when the sun went down. The grill was on and we had wieners, hamburgers and spare ribs. Lots of potato salad, watermelon, and vegetables and of course ice cream and pop. It was a meal that the kids enjoyed.

Oh yes, denim shorts, red and/or white t-shirts were fashionable. Of course you wore a flag pin if you owned one. Flags were often the only decoration on the table unless you consider the tablecloth made of newspaper. Bug spray and fly swatters were handy accessories.

My father always checked to see if the corn was knee high before the party started, it gave the men folk something to talk about. If it was knee high he had hope of a good crop other wise not so good. Now-a-days corn can be shoulder high on the 4th. I wonder what dad would think of that if he were living today.

As I grow older I usually add going to Mass before doing any celebrating. It seems appropriate to pray for those who serve in the military and keep our country safe. I like the songs that they sing. “America or America the Beautiful or God Bless America” Remember those Old time Golden Song Books we had in school.

It is a good day to get a history lesson or two off the TV. I usually learn something. I now watch the fire works from my window sitting in my big chair. I have a perfect view of the whole thing. I usually have a friend or two join me and we much on popcorn.

My hope and prayer is that all of you enjoy the 4th in what ever way is appropriate for you.

Primaries

Primaries for the year 2008

I was in awe at the number of times the candidates came to the state of South Dakota. It is the first time that the primaries meant so much to our citizens. Usually every thing is decided by the time for our state gets to go to vote. Personally, I think this whole thing of election could be simplified. The candidates could go around to all the states starting in the east and going west. They could have a rally or two in each state. Televised these rallies. Have a few debates in the bigger cities and they too could be televised. Have each state poll their people so that those who have no hope of being nominated could and would drop out. Each candidate finances his or her campaign by people sending money to the candidates. This money could be used for travel and for TV time. No Lobby money involved. Contributions limited to a given amount. I would think a hundred and fifty days would be enough time. Then vote all on the same day. I would suggest that the voting be done on the last Tuesday of June. The winners of that would begin the campaign all over this time going west to east. Then the last Tuesday in October, vote for the president and vice president. I would allow absentee voting for a period of two weeks ahead of time in each case. Do away with the big Convention because it really does take a lot of money to do this type of things and favors get asked at that time. Each Television station would be expected to cooperate and do this service with a small stipend from the government. All the Television Stations could name their times at the beginning of the week that they are assigned to the campaign. No advertisement during these times. I would suggest that these times be given our randomly. Thus the same station is not on prime time. I would encourage stations to allow more time while the candidates are in the state campaigning. This would eliminate delegates and super delegate. Every man and women has two votes, one to name the nominees of their party in June and one to elect the president and vice president in October.