Sweet Relief
By Max Udargo | January 20, 2009
I really enjoyed watching Obama’s inauguration this morning. It was a great moment in American history, and I was moved and inspired. His speech was excellent. He said a lot of things I wanted to hear, and I was delighted that he included “non-believers” among his examples of the diverse creeds found in America. There was a shout-out to science, and an affirmation that our core principles must be respected and preserved even when they might make us vulnerable to those who would exploit freedom and openness to do us harm. It was all very uplifting and refreshing.
However, and I know this probably doesn’t speak well of me, the sweetest moment of all was watching George W. Bush climb on board that helicopter and watching the Obamas and the Bidens wave goodbye from the Capitol steps as the helicopter took off and flew into the distance. I waved with them. Goodbye, George, and good riddance.
It was that moment when I really felt it. It’s finally over. The nightmare is finally over. What a relief.
Topics: Politics | 7 Comments »
The Woman Who Paved the Way for Obama
By Max Udargo | January 18, 2009
I was watching the news today looking for coverage of this “pre-inauguration celebration” that apparently went down at the National Mall, and ended up watching a documentary about Obama’s life and political career on MSNBC. Like so many other Obama retrospectives, the documentary made no mention of the single most important figure in the story of Obama’s political ascent. This omission would be shocking if it weren’t so common. Rarely is the woman most responsible for Obama’s success mentioned, even though it is highly unlikely Obama would be preparing to enter the White House as America’s first African-American president this Tuesday if it weren’t for her. In fact, but for her, Obama would probably still be in the Illinois State Senate, or have dropped out of politics altogether.
I’ve never understood why her role has been almost universally ignored. Perhaps because it doesn’t fit neatly into the hagiographic narratives we’ve created to celebrate Obama’s political triumph. Perhaps it has something to do with Ernest Borgnine.
Whatever the reason, I would like to take a moment to recognize her indispensable contribution to putting Barack Hussein Obama in the White House.
Topics: Politics | 3 Comments »
Burton Sees Trees / Rationalizes Evil
By Max Udargo | January 18, 2009
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We all draw a line somewhere.
Topics: Burton & Jefferson | 1 Comment »
Sarah Palin: A Bold Message to the Women of America
By Max Udargo | August 30, 2008
By selecting Sarah Palin to be John McCain’s running mate, the Republican Party has demonstrated its commitment to keeping Hillary Clinton’s dream alive. Upset to see Hillary treated so poorly, and saddened by the disappointment they see in the eyes of Hillary’s supporters, the Republicans have, in an historic act of chivalry, picked up her fallen banner by choosing a vice-presidential nominee who will fight for all the things Hillary fought for, because she is a woman just like Hillary.
It’s the first time a major American political party has selected a woman to be the vice-presidential nominee. Okay, that’s not true. The Democrats did it in 1984. But it’s the first time the Republican Party has chosen a woman to be their vice-presidential nominee, over two decades after the Democrats. But, whereas the Democrats chose Geraldine Ferraro out of cold political calculation, the Republicans have chosen Sarah Palin out of love. Love for Hillary Clinton.
Sarah won’t actually be the presidential nominee, the way Hillary would have been if she had won the Democratic primary. But we can expect Sarah to play a substantial role in John McCain’s administration, based on their long history of working closely together and the wealth of experience she’ll bring to the table.
The Republicans have gallantly picked up the ball the Democrats dropped, and, in so doing, they have sent a bold message to the women of America: ”We think you are all complete morons.”
Topics: Politics | 4 Comments »