Heather Graham Sprints Fast!

Obama Myth: The Revised Blueprint for Change

When it became clear that Barack Obama would win the presidency, I was watching an appearance by Ralph Nader who was explaining what he believed would happen early on in the first term. He predicted that the supporters would say: "Give him a chance." There is much to be changed, and it will take time. The first hundred days go by... not a whole lot of change, but hey, he's workin on it... right?

Wrong: Only a swindler as masterful as Barry Obama could oversee the largest corporate welfare program ever seen by human civilization, expand an endless, and unpopular, war of ideology, and refuse to uphold basic rule of law, while calling it the "Blueprint for Change" and enjoying widespread fascination of the masses at the same time. (breathe)

For the masses I present the "Revised Blueprint for Change":

1. Holy change and hope, Batman! There's an economic disaster in our midst! Gotta act fast!
-oversee corporate adoption... check
-submit to the banking oligarchy... check
-don't ask for much in return (don't want to piss off the oligarchy)... check
-spend taxpayer dollars like a yiked up japanese girl taking pics in nyc... in progress
-spend taxpayer dollars like a pretween taking pics at a Jonas Bros. 3D fiesta... in progress and lovin it

2. Declare an end to the occupation of Iraq... check
-provision: don't mean it

3. Buy stupid looking dog for girls... check

4. Frame the Afghanistan effort as "winnable"... workin on it
-oh, and maintain exorbitant military budget, while selling it to the public as "deep cuts"... check

5. Ba-rock the empire... progressing with crisp style

6. Defeat Swine flu pandemic with rainbow sword (aka 3 wood)... reworking strategy

7. appease the middle class and win re-election... like pie

8. Pardon Bush and Cheney... tba

Got any more? Let's hear!

[editor's note, 10.26.2009-- This was a harsh assessment, but reflects a very real anger.  Obama should have taken a stand against Wall Street bailouts, but understand that Congress is the real problem.  President Barry is far more promising than that raucous bunch!]

How Obama Could Fail

I know it's early in the term, but I want to get these ideas out there before they disappear. And maybe this will be a worthy assessment in the long-run.

As the title indicates, I believe there is a very high possibility that President Obama will not be able to accomplish his vision in the next 4 years or 8. His full vision has yet to be disclosed in its entirety, but to bring about the change I and many others believe in will take a lot of political power that I'm not so sure Obama will have for long.

You see, there is this thing called the "political establishment"-- an institution or set of institutions that have evolved over the years into the system that currently exists--which makes it really difficult to enact fundamental change (that is, change in the system itself). Congress, the Executive, and the courts are all a part of this establishment, and they have many rules--accumulated since the founding-- that determine HOW business is done. If you want to act effectively in this system, you must play by the rules.

What I am suggesting is that Barack Obama will be forced to play the game of Washington in order to get things done... and in the process he will discover that the establishment is far more powerful than any president-- and the hopeful masses will become tomorrow's cynics because the promises will fade to mere whispers. It is the nature of the beast.

And I've avoided an entire institution--perhaps the most crucial one of all-- that is, the media. As Glenn Greenwald and Jay Rosen suggest on Bill Moyers Journal (PBS), the mainstream media will protect the establishment of Washington, D.C. because they are a PART OF the establishment of Washington. Media commentators simply do not think to question the actual system of which they are so immersed.

If our basic institutions of democracy are in fact broken, and the media continues to insulate it from fundamental criticism, how exactly is the new president supposed to upset the system and restore government to the people?

I guess it all depends on how Obama can reconnect people with what is really going on... in a truly interactive and revolutionary way... via the internet. The question is: how do we utilize this remarkable tool in a way that changes the way people think about and learn about government? And affect government?

Obama Must Lead the Fight on Climate Change

I've noticed that there has been very little coverage of climate change on the SkyeWire, which is odd because it is certainly the most significant impending disaster that the world faces--and we are not doing enough to stop it. There is a lot of talk about governments, politics and social issues on here, but I want to bring to light the climate issue with a somewhat disheartening article from the Guardian, which showcases a very interesting study.

The survey, "supported by groups including the World Bank, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Pew Centre for Global Climate Change, questioned 1,000 senior figures across governments, pressure groups and companies in 115 countries over the last few weeks." The results conclude that climate experts have lost a significant amount of faith in the effectiveness of alternative energy sources against climate change.

One answer to this perplexing dilemma: "As the climate crisis deepens they could be becoming less optimistic that individual technologies may be able to solve the problem" (Eric Whan). 44% of respondents also agreed that the economic crisis will significantly set back efforts to act on climate change.

The world is in agreement that something must be done--for the lives of a billion hang in the balance--but in this time of confusion, Barack Obama must set an ambitious path towards completely sustainable society, while also addressing the drastic economic situation--in fact, he ought to set the framework for a plan that will help solve both.

We need his charisma and his wit to not only lead the United States, but to bring all powerful nations into the fold for the "green" economy of the future. I am talking about a Green Revolution led by the United States and executed by the global economy. Scientists are losing hope ... it may already be too late according to many ... but we must not wait for the final proof ... we must change the way we live now, so that we may live another day.

Yes we must. Yes we can.

The Truth in Bulworth's Rhymes

Bulworth, the 1998 film directed by and starring the great Warren Beatty, tells the story of the last days of campaigning for incumbent Senator Jay Billington Bulworth--a liberal Democrat of California. The Senator, apparently depressed, orders a hit on his own life after arranging for a hefty life insurance policy to support his family. In his final appearances as Senator, Bulworth embarks on a crusade of truth--abandoning the trust of his wealthy contributors, Hollywood moguls, and shady insurance lobbyists by speaking of the game that has been played upon the American people.

Bulworth seems on a spiral of madness as he adopts "ghetto" slang, dress and rhythm to the utter bewilderment of his top campaign advisors and a C-SPAN crew. But in the course of his sensational journey, the Senator finds a renewed calling for service from a wise hobo who calls out: "Bulworth, don't be a ghost, you got to be a spirit!" And so he does, with a revamped campaign strategy, which consists of rapping the truth of the system and tearing down the myth of "honest" media during a televised debate. Drawing more and more public fascination, the incumbent raps during his primetime interview:

The rich is getting richer and richer and richer while the middle class is getting more poor/ Making billions and billions and billions of bucks/ well my friend if you weren't already rich at the start well that situation just sucks/cause the richest mother fucker in five of us is getting ninety fuckin eight percent of it/ and every other motherfucker in the world is left to wonder where the fuck we went with it/ Obscenity?/ I'm a Senator/ I gotta raise $10,000 a day every day I'm in Washington/ I ain't getting it in South Central/ I'm gettin it in Beverly Hills/ So I'm votin' for them in the Senate the way they want me too...

It's funny and revelatory, but where the film really shines is in Bulworth's discovery of the truth of the African American condition-- specifically from a drug boss (played by Don Cheadle) who recruits the neighborhood kids to do the hustling because it's the only way to make it in a world where politicians cut the funding to the jobs programs and education. Explaining the reality to Bulworth, Cheadle's character lays it straight: "How a young man gonna take care of his financial responsibilities workin' at motherfuckin' Burger King? He ain't. He ain't, and please don't even start with the school shit. There ain't no education goin' on up in that motherfucker."

And so the rogue politician finds new life in breaking free from the bondage of the corporate establishment--waging an all out crusade against the cancerous power that continues to strangle America the Beautiful. Within the fantastical rhymes of Senator Jay Bulworth lies the truth of the state of this union: that we have been deceived by the great nexus of misinformation into believing that the noble and virtuous will rise for our cause, and that this civilization is better than the great realities that our universe might have us believe in. Perhaps this is excessively cynical, but we must ask ourselves if it is indeed? Have our leaders not won time and time again upon the same promises of change and a better day? Do intelligence and extraordinary talent make the true difference, or does fundamental change arise from a rare kind of passionate courageousness?

Can a leader with the guts and vision rise to a level of true influence? ...Has he already?



Would they let him get away with it?

Change.gov: Your Administration?

I know that I just posted something new, but something ELSE has just come up that ties in very nicely to what I was saying!

My post-election theme is grassroots organization and how important it is that we form a progressive coalition for true change.  Well, there is already a massive coalition in place--that being the Barack Obama campaign.  What I have just seen is change.gov-- a President-elect Obama site dedicated to citizen involvement and transparency on the transition.  This is extremely promising.

Here are some of the site's objectives:

• up-to-the-minute updates and information about all aspects of the transition
  
• offers an opportunity to be heard about the challenges our country faces and your ideas for tackling them
  
• people united around a common purpose can achieve great things
  
• innovative approaches to challenge the status quo in Washington and to bring about the kind of change America needs
  
• The story of bringing this country together as a healed and united nation will be led by President-Elect Obama, but written by you

The potential this has to truly change the face of democracy is staggering... I'm very excited.  We must keep a careful eye on this form of communication, and see how it develops.  Could this be the end of government secrecy?  Will this be the medium for progressives to push our vital agendas?  Will this be a way for the people to overpower the lobbyists and corporate power-hold on government?  Is this the next revolutionary step to create our perfect union?

We shall see.  The SkyeWire is on the case.

Next Steps: the November 5th Plan of Action!

November 4, 2008 is past, today is a new day with new challenges.  If you think that electing Barack Obama was the ultimate goal, you are so wrong.  Today ought to be a day of celebration, for history has been made.  Yes, just 7 years after the attacks of 9/11, we have elected a black man with the middle-name of "Hussein" as President of the United States.  What a monumental declaration!  But the game board has only been reset... now we must change the game altogether.

The purge of the Republican extremists and the Neo-Con philosophy has nearly come full circle.  No more Cheney.  No more Rove.  Bush will eventually be gone.  Today the progressives of America must begin the massive organization that will be necessary to enact true change.  For change is merely a political device if there is no pressure on the promises.

It is time for the millions who share common goals to unite and show how people can put democracy to action.  Yes, I am calling out to the democratic idealists, the environmentalists, the peace advocates, and the anti-imperialists to rise up together!  To the Ron Paul Revolutionaries and the Ralph Naderophiles, today is your day!  To the consumer advocates who fight the abuses of corporate power, the time is now!  To every single person who understands that our nation must radically reform our way of governing for there to be a future United States of America, it is time for your voices to be heard!!

What I am saying is that the energy of this amazing election must continue into a new era of populist activism.  If Obama doesn't have the mandate and the external push for change, he will not succeed as we all want him to--as the country needs him to.  Do not be fooled, readers of SkyeWire: there are very powerful forces that are against a new progressive era.  They supported Barack Obama because he ran an extremely moderate campaign... he was a safe bet.  But this must not stand.  Barack Obama promised MAJOR CHANGE, but he cannot do it without the political capital.  In other words, it is up to powerful and clever organization--based in grassroots--to come together on major issues and demand change.  The country has given the Democrats one last sweeping leap of faith--to let them try, once last time, to make good on their failed promises of the past 40 years.  Now we must hold them accountable.

So what to do?  I have some preliminary proposals, but these will obviously develop in the coming months and years.  

A.) Join the Revolution: yes, I am talking about Ron Paul's "Campaign for Liberty" ... You do not need to be a Libertarian to understand that the American Empire must come to an end, the tax system must be radically reformed, and civil liberty must take precedence!  Ron Paul's dark horse campaign showed that millions (liberals, conservative, moderates, etc.) are dissatisfied with what our nation has become, and to support this cause is noble.

B.) Join the November 5th movement: The final presidential campaign of Ralph Nader has become a major advocacy group dedicated to urging the Congress to pursue a progressive agenda and to fight the corporate stranglehold.   Based on the powerful idea of grassroots organization, November 5 calls upon citizens in the 435 congressional districts to fight for the next 100 days for major reform within the country's most powerful institution: the Congress.

C.) Be well informed: this does not mean CNN or FOX News This does not mean just CNN and FOX.  I am talking about developing a broader understanding of issues, which means expanding from your primary sources.  As citizens we must train ourselves to rely on solid and independent news sources in order to make sound judgements, while also keeping up on what the mainstream networks are saying.  Readers will see that to the left of the page, I have listed some of my favorite news sources... independent, liberal, conservative, and moderate ones alike.  The point is to have an open mind and not to dismiss certain sources based on bias.

D.) USE THE FRIGGIN INTERNET: Don't take my word for anything!  Solid information and organization is available on the internet if you are will to seek it out.  Connect with those who share your plight, communicate, and plan for action.  If people use this revolutionary resource to its fullest potential, they will discover that there are millions of like-minded activists.

There will be more in the coming days, but the main idea is that we mustn't relent from this grand opportunity to change the country and determine our future.  This thing ain't over!  We can still take back our country...it is within reach!  We now have an administration that is receptive to change... now we must follow through.  The fight will be long.  It will be demoralizing at times.  No one said democracy is easy, but in the words of Winston Churchill:

Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.

With optimism and resolve.

I believe in Barack Obama, and I hope you can too

Today I want to specifically speak to those voters who are undecided or who feel fearful of an Obama presidency.

First of all, I do not know what will happen if Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States. I do not know what his agenda will become, and I cannot tell you how his administration will unfold. As I wait for the impending day of final decision, the anticipation is incredible--the butterflies are swarming. How will the next President be able to set a new course for America? Renew the economy. Improve our moral standing in the world. Ensure domestic and human rights. Civil Liberties and safety. Inspiration and hope. The American Dream.

The American people have a mountain to climb as we attempt to find our place in this 21st Century. We must come to accept the fact that we will not forever be the global superpower. Concessions will have to be made. The world is getting smaller, and we must adjust. How will will rally to convert our carbon-based economy into a renewable green one? How will we bring a hault to U.S. aggression in foreign lands? And how can we make these changes while still maintaining our strength as a nation?

It is clear to most that a new direction is necessary. I cannot promise that Barack Obama is the one, but I will attempt to put this into somewhat of a historical perspective. People keep saying that "this election is the most important election of any of our lives." Is this true? Perhaps it is. I tend to believe it is. The costs have never been higher. The economic crisis, the climate crisis, and the foreign policy crisis have come together to create a desperate climate. But as the great leaders of the past have told us time and time again during desperate times: fear not. And the man telling us to have courage happens to be a skinny black man named Barack Obama.

On November 4, 2008, the American people will make the decision, and will determine the next chapter in the Amercan Legacy. People will look back on that date as a turning point--for better or for worse. I ask you all to consider: who is the man most likely to take us safely into the future? What side of history will you be on when this is all over and done with? 

Americans are a conservative people, in general.  By this I do not characterize a political persuasion, but more of an unwillingness to change unless change is truly necessary.  92% of the American people believe the country is on the wrong track.  Ron Paul ran on the platform of the "anti-Empire" and sparked a Revolution.  People are angry and ashamed.  They know we have gone off-course.  We have the desire.  We have the drive.  The candidate we need may be in front of our very eyes.  

Now we must take the leap of faith.