Lisa's Truth Squad

A few days ago I rec'd a sort of chain email about Barack Obama, insinuating that he was part of a grand master plan to destroy America because he was a Muslim. Proof of this was his schooling and his use of a Quran when he was sworn in as as a US Senator. We (and about 20 other ppl) rec'd this email from the husband of a woman Alan knew from high school in California. I felt a range of emotions as I read this email: annoyance at being spammed, anger at the lie, and disbelief that someone would actually forward these lies. So..I was mad as hell and wasn't going to take it anymore.

I "replied to all" and indicated that "Barack Obama was a Christian and that if you disagree with his positions that's fine, but let's get the facts straight." But, I couldn't let it go. I sent another email with a link to Obama's website addressing this very issue. I then decided to send an email to my dad, brother, and sister in law titled "Lisa's truth squad" with the info. (At this point Alan rolled his eyes as I told him the story the next am).

Ok..I was being obsessive but come on. If the email indicated that Obama is pro-abortion and therefore can't be supported because life issues are primary, fine, I can understand. Ditto on Iraq war, health care reform, etc.

But sending out emails against Obama because he's a Muslim is ridiculous. One b/c it's not true, two b/c it's clearly a scare tactic planted by a desperate opponent, and three b/c being a Muslim should not disqualify someone from being considered for public office.

Then last night I rec'd an email from one of the folks on the original email list with a picture of clinton and edwards with their hands on their hearts and obama with his hands at his sides with commentary that Obama does not say the pledge of allegiance. The emailers comment was "a picture is worth a thousand words." Here we go again I thought. I dutifully went to Obama's website and sure enough there was information about this as well. Yes, Obama says the pledge of allegiance and supported legislation in favor of it in schools that receive public funding. So I sent the emailer a message thanking him for sending me the email and sharing the link with him.

Ok...so I am a nut. But, why all the misinformation? I know it worked for baby Bush in SC vs. McCain 8 years ago. Clearly someone else thinks it will work against Obama. ( I will not speculate if this is being planted by democrats or republicans.) Clearly it was a contributor in his defeat in Nevada (the claim that he supported the nuclear dump when in fact he never did). All of these dirty tricks frustrate me so much.

Can't we please discuss the issues???

A true confession...

The night before the election, when Hillary got choked up and said she is in the race because she cares so much and is upset about the direction in which our country is heading (total paraphrase), my view of her changed. I watched the clip of this with Alan and was moved by it. I told him that Hillary actually seemed human as opposed to the fembot I normally see her as. I was moved. Alan said it was just an act and was ridiculous. I thought that was unfair. I actually felt sorry for her and thought maybe I was too harsh on her. I related to her getting choked up. I know what it's like to care deeply about an issue and to get so frustrated that you get choked up over it.

So, now it's election day and the media/the websites kept showing "the cry". And then I read on CNN.com about Hillary's campaign team talking about the "cry" and how it was a turning point. And then Hillay's speech indicated that in NH she found her "voice". Yes, I was disappointed that Barack lost. But more than that, I was mad.

I was mad that I was played. I actually felt sympathy for her. Clearly the women of NH felt the same way since they turned out in droves for her and were a key reason for her victory. I felt manipulated. Once again, Hillary will do whatever it takes to be elected. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. And then I realized I will vote for McCain, Romney, Paul or Huckabee before I vote for Hillary.

Then I learned what she/Bill Clinton were saying about Obama and "false" hope. That was another kick in the gut. Do they not get it?

So, yes, last night was a disappointing night...Obama narrowly lost to Hillary-even though a week earlier he was down by double digits. I was sad that he lost, especially given all of the projections that he was going to win by double digits and that the Clinton campaign was on the ropes.

But then, I found Obama's unedited concession speech on cltv.com. wow . I was so inspired. This is more than an election for president. It IS an election about America and what we want to be. It really is about choosing hope or fear. What future do we want for our country? Obama is a leader. He has vision. He believes in this country and its potential. Hillary sees the presidency as her destiny and will do whatever it takes to fulfill HER destiny. I feel that an Obama presidency will help us achieve OUR COUNTRY'S destiny to truly be the the city on the hill, to recover our moral leadership. I can't even remember Hillary's speech except for finding HER voice. Yes, this is the fundamental problem.

Iowa Chose Hope...Not Fear

What a great way to start 2008! As many of you know, I am very excited by the promise of the Obama campaign. While an Iowa victory does not guarantee anything other than lots of positive media coverage, it is definitely better than losing Iowa [and a different kind of media coverage].

I watched Obama's speech tonight and was electrified all over again. I loved his appeal across the aisle- "that our time for change has come...a coalition for change that stretches across red states and blue states"".

I am absolutely fascinated by the coverage on Fox news about Obama. Shepard Smith was almost speechless. He actually seemed to admire Obama. I love that Obama appealed not only to young ppl but also to women. Hearing Fox talk about Obama's appeal across the aisle almost caused me to fall over. I wonder if this is what it felt like at the dawn of the Reagan revolution in 1980. I can only hope that New Hampshire and South Carolina catch the Obama spirit as well. I know Illinois will deliver.

So, how does an increasingly conservative, upper middle class, working mom find herself supporting Obama with time and treasure? While I generally do not believe hope is a strategy I am looking for a different kind of politics. We need to fix health care/insurance and restore our moral standing around the world. Is he the perfect choice for me? No. I am disappointed by his stand on abortion. Is he experienced enough? probably not. But he's smart. He seems to care. And he seems to "get it". I feel deeply that our country needs a change from the Bush era. And I do not want to reinstall the Clinton dynasty.

Today is a good day for America. Change is coming to America. We are choosing hope over fear.