Politics: The Palmetto Way & the Ocean State Way

Well, I’m currently in South Carolina working on a campaign to elect Elizabeth Colbert Busch to Congress so she can represent South Carolina’s first district in the House of Representatives.  I’ve never worked on a campaign in South Carolina.  I think South Carolina has a better understanding of what “southern hospitality” is all about.

     The district itself is only twenty percent rural, or so I’m told.  The President won this district in both 2008 & 2012.  I think based on that information, my candidate should win; however, this isn’t my first election and it is really up to the constituents of the first Congressional district of the Palmetto State.  I believe Elizabeth Colbert Bush is a strong candidate against the former governor of the state, Marl Stanford.  After watching them debate, I think she has what it takes to win over the district.  She is a tough individual and knows the issues that matter to the district.  She tends to put the district first, as any respectable member of Congress should do.  She knows that the district still has pockets of conservative values and understands they still need a voice in Congress.  There is a term for an individual who is liberal on social issues; yet conservative on fiscal matters…the new term is “Blue Dog Democrat.” Another term, slightly older, is a “Dixiecrat” which is essentially a newer generation of a Republican post-Civil War. (At least, that is how I look at it.)

     I guess after really thinking about politics and the issues, I would be considered a Blue Dog in many ways. First, I was a Republican in high school and growing up.  I tend to focus on issues instead of party politics. I also believe that we need to be in control of our own monetary funds and other things that we earn; however, I believe we need to have safeguards to help those in society that are less fortunate or cannot help themselves.  I believe everyone should be equal under the law of the United States.  If you are a citizen, then you deserved to be treated like one and equally as others.  With only some of those beliefs I hold, I feel that I would cast an affirmative vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch to represent my voice in Congress (and if I lived in South Carolina’s first Congressional District).

In other political news, the state of Rhode Island [and Providence Plantations] became the tenth state in the United States to pass Marriage Equality.  I am extremely proud of this accomplishment.  I drove up to the Ocean State to help out this successful campaign and met a bunch of wonderful individuals (both on the campaign team and the citizens who contacted their state representatives to pass the legislation).  This win in Rhode Island completes all of the states in New England to have Marriage Equality! I hope this will be the positive model for other parts of the United States to adopt, implement, and pass this historic trend to include Marriage Equality into a basic American right.  Hopefully in June, the United States Supreme Court will render their verdict on the right side of history.

Let's play catch up!

Okay, so I've already broken my new year's resolution by not blogging every day.  So, I will attempt to run through things since my last post.  Here we go!

The New Year was wonderful and I spent it with friends. I did manage to win a few games of Twister and Trivial Pursuit.  After all of that. I drove up to Washington, D.C. and stayed for the 57th Inauguration of President Obama! I was going to volunteer, but I was able to get a ticket so I was very happy.  It was so wonderful and it marks the second inauguration I've ever been too. Actually, I have been to both of President Obama's Inaugurations which makes sense because he is my President. I feel very strongly for him like many felt for President Kennedy back in the 1960s. I've been there supporting President Obama since the primaries and have stood beside him and will continue to do so until his term is done. I actually went to the parade this time and was on the U.S. Capitol Building lawn (unlike four years ago when I was standing at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services with my best friend).  It was so much warmer this time around and the lines at Starbucks took only ten minutes unlike an hour four years ago. The day after, I attended the DNC meeting and what a wonderful experience that was.  I always love seeing the faces of those that I've worked with in various campaigns and network with others to progress the Democratic cause. I even got to witness the re-election of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz as the DNC Chairwoman. Oh I almost forgot, I was on CNN & CSPAN multiple times!!! I even saw Don Lemon 7 my idol - Anderson Cooper!!! :D
   Since returning to North Carolina, I've decided to hold off on Graduate school (I know, but I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life).  In fact, my current obstacle is whether I should keep working campaigns and issues, or go to either graduate or law school.  I know if I go to graduate school, I would want to obtain a MPA and if I go to law school, I would want to do either constitutional or human rights law.  In the meantime, I'm just studying for the GRE (yet again) and planning on taking it within the next three months.

   I guess I will go ahead and stop here and figure out what my next post will be about.  Although, now that I think about it, I have a few ideas. So, stay tuned....

Are the Holidays Over Yet???

     Well, my time in Arizona is almost complete.  I love spending time with my family, but I often feel guilty about the chosen career path I've decided to take.  It's the one topic that isn't supposed to be discussed at family events.  I always go out of my way to make sure I don't bring up the topic around family, especially since I am opposite side of the political spectrum.  It always seems to be another member which says something small or asks me a ligament question about a certain aspect of politics. Once that happens, there is always that one family member who just has to chime in with their thoughts even though they have no clue what they are talking about...or if they do, it is not of their own thought process.  I generally do not say anything and just let it slide; but, it is like a volcano...it keeps building up and building up.  Eventually, someone makes a comment one to many and I let it lose because I never back down from an argument, even if I have to just say "well, that's your opinion" or something like that.
     I mean, it is one thing to disagree with me.  That is fine.  If we all agreed on everything then society would be a boring place. In fact, it is very american to disagree and have intelligent conversation about complex issues in order to solve said issues.  What I don't like s when someone flat-out challenges your stand when you have spent your entire life and career in that particular field.  Yes, I am well versed in Healthcare issues and when legislation were passed; and, I am also well versed on different foreign relations bills.  I am even well versed in MANY social issues and their effects on society.  I will never apologize for my level of education, or the pursuing of further education.  As my uncle tends to say, "knowledge is power". I honestly don't care if I'm the black sheep of the family, but I do know what I'm talking about when people start talking about MY field of expertise.  Also, a side note, just because one goes to college does not mean they will have all liberal professors or they will suddenly all "drink kool aide".  I can't help the fact that you can't understand the knowledge that I know, but how dare you attempt to insult what I do for a living.  If my career bothers you that much and if you feel so threatened by my intellect in a vast array of professional fields, then I'm sorry but please get over it.  I make it a personal effort to not make people feel uncomfortable and always try to respect the wishes of others, the least you can do is respect my career and the education I've had to earn to become successful in my line of work. Geez!
     Ok, I'm fine. It just bothers me. So I guess dinner is ready so I should probably get ready for that.  Only two more days and then I'll be bound for North Carolina.  I know some changes I'll be making in 2013.  Some will be good and some will be bad.  I just know I need to start living for me and reduce my guilt for my life decisions. I accept everyone else's life decisions and faults, so I think it's time for others to start doing that with me. Okay, end of rant.

Christmas Road Trip to Arizona Part 2

Well, it has been a long day on the road, but we are safely in Arizona for Christmas! We even went to the evening service of church.  It was interesting and a nice service.  It is amazing the level of information I have learned from the Political Rhetoric class and how I apply it to almost everything I hear each day.  I can certainly give credit to Dr. Beth Huber for teaching me the basics of Rhetoric.

So anyway, this will be my first Christmas in Arizona. I am fairly excited about this endeavor.   In addition to that, I have family coming in from California and they have a new addition to their family unit.  Needless to say, I am a first cousin…I think anyway.  This will be the first time I will meet her. As for her parents, I am really excited to see them. I love my aunt and uncle! They are awesome, hip, and closer to my age so it seems like we relate on a lot of levels.

As I write this, I realize that I am writing this on Christmas Eve.  I don’t plan on making a blog entry on Christmas Day.  I try to abstain from all electronic distractions like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, iPhone (in general), FourSquare, etc.  It is always a big challenge to me so hopefully I will be able to go the whole day without checking my phone; or, at least once at the very least.  I know I’ve stated that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year.  I guess the only reason to justify that is because I am my own person.  I know I am much different than the rest of the family (in just about every way). However, at the end of the day, I am able to look past all of the differences and try to just enjoy the company of my family and the time together.  If there is anything to be taken away from the year 2012, it is simply this: spend as much time as you can with those you love because you never know when it might be the last time.  I can say that it is a mature thought for someone in their twenty’s.  I know this is the “time of one’s life”, but it honestly doesn’t need to be all about oneself.; to me, that is selfish (on certain levels anyway).  The only things to really take away from this blog piece are: 1) Texas is the most boring state to drive; 2) Dr. Huber from Western Carolina University is the best Professor to have for any Rhetoric class; 3) Try and go as long as you can without social media (even if it is just five minutes a day); and, 4) Remember that no matter how complex your family members can be, at the end of the day they are still family so cherish your time together while you can.

With all of that said, one other challenge that I will have this week is to not engage in any political discussions – even if provoked…like earlier tonight. I know…good luck with that, right? If I can ride two days in a truck with a parent who is on the opposite side of the political spectrum, I think I can go a few more days with family members that are on that same side. So yes, the challenge has been accepted…and I always win because I’m a fierce competitor.

I hope everyone has a wonderful & blessed Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, winter solstice, or holiday season (mainly whatever you are celebrating over the next couple of days).  If you are traveling, I wish you safe travels to your destinations and will think positive thoughts and energy to you and those that travel with you.  Have a blessed holiday season! I image my next blog piece will be either Thursday or Friday (I’ll be back in North Carolina on the thirtieth of December).

Christmas Road Trip to Arizona Part 1

Well, it has been a long day on the road.  We, my father and I, left at 7:15 this morning from Old Fort, North Carolina and are currently in Texaekana, Arkansas.  We have stopped for gas and some food.  The drive so far has been nice.  We have mainly been listening to audiobooks. As a matter of fact, I downloaded The Hobbit so we could listen to it on the way to Arizona.  As much as I dislike anything “Lord of The Rings” or anything by Tolkein, I know Dad likes it so it might be a good bonding thing.  I don’t think I’ll be doing any driving on this trip though, which is a major bummer.  I can’t help it, I love driving!  At least I am able to take pictures and se the things I usually wouldn’t see if I were driving.  Come to think about it, I don’t know how I would feel getting out of a Dodge truck at a random stop in the state of Texas and wearing my usual style of fashion (Professional Chic).  As I am writing this sentence, we are crossing over into Texas. I have once again found may way to the Lone State.  The last time I was here was not on good terms since they assumed I was an illegal.  I fare them to try that crap on me again! 

Anyway, the drive – like I have already stated – has been nice.  The hardest part for me is to discuss politics whenever I see a bumper sticker, billboard, or enter a state that swings one way politically. My mind is just geared for politics, as it is a challenge for me to not turn that part of my brain off.  I have been secretly going through all the districts, and their representatives, in my head since I am not supposed to utter them out loud. The best I’ve been able to do is just laugh whenever I see a bumper sticker that voted for the losing ticket this year.   Anyway, I guess I should attempt to not discuss politics at the moment (I know, good luck with that goal).

One of the things I really love about traveling through the central plains is the weather patterns. I am an avid weather and storm chaser! I saw some WONDERFUL wall clouds earlier before the sun started going down.  It is a shame I won’t be in the area in the next day or so because they are calling for major thunderstorms and potential tornadic activity in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Arkansas.  I think even Arizona might get some snow.  I guess I’ll see soon enough.  On a serious note, I think that after I earn my Master’s Degree, I will move out to one of the central plain states (maybe Iowa, South Dakota, or Kansas) because their weather patterns are AWESOME!  I would love to go back to school and earn a degree in either Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences…I just have to get a lot better at science and math. At least I have meteorologist and storm chasers that follow me on Twitter (and we often tweet each other which is just awesome within itself)!

Okay, so we have passed Dallas/Ft. Worth and are spending the night in Weatherford, Texas. Tomorrow I will be in Arizona and it will be Christmas eve…Yay! Stay Tuned for another update on the travel adventures – Christmas Special! :-D

It's The Most Stressful Time...Of The Year!

Yes, I was singing that as I wrote it.  Anyway, I hope everyone is going to have a wonderful holiday season.  I am one of the many that say “holiday” as opposed to Christmas unless I know the person I’m speaking to prefers “Christmas”.  It’s not because I’m religious or anything, I just try not offend anyone.  Well, I mean I know I offend people but honestly, I don’t really care.   I tend to follow the phrases, “What you see is what you get” and “If you can’t handle the heat, then get out of the kitchen” (among other phrases, haha).   Anyway, this is the most stressful time of the year to many people. I can honestly count myself among those people. I love my family and of course they are stressful at times…what family isn’t stressful at times, right? So I’m not really talking about that stress.  Well, I suppose I could.

            Family stress is different than other types of stress.  For me, because I have parents who have been divorced for a while, it is kind of a big thing to determine which holiday to spend with which side of the family.  This year, I decided to do Thanksgiving with my Mom’s side and now I’ll be doing Christmas with my Dad’s side of the family. I’ve been doing this for a while.  As an adult, it just seems strange that I am taking the initiative to be the peacemaker of each side of the family…in a sense.

            I guess I just naturally take on the role of making sure everyone in my family is okay.  While there are some quirks regarding some of my family members, they’re still family.  One of the things I’m sort-of looking forward to is this upcoming weekend.  Since my father’s parents have retired to the state of Arizona – the ones I visited and blogged about on my trip to and from there – it will be the first time we will all be heading to Arizona for Christmas.  This is mainly because my Uncle who lives in California has a newborn and it would be better to travel to Arizona than New York State. So anyway, this upcoming weekend, Dad and I will be traveling to Arizona…by driving out there.  Now, I love driving and I love road-trips. I even love seeing the parts of the country I don’t reside in. However, I am really looking forward to spending time with my dad since we don’t live close to each other (he lives in New York State). I can honestly say we have never really had that “father-son” relationship that so many my age have.  We just view the world through different lens and of course we have very different life experiences. It is hard to relate to him as I think we are exact opposites.  Knowing that though, I always try to reach out for common ground and build on that.  If anything the past week has taught me, we need to hold on to our family and be grateful of the time we have with them. So I image the time on the road with my father will be stressful, but it will also be a chance to rekindle that relationship we had during my childhood.

            Another stressful thing that makes the holidays stressful is the money spent during this time.  It seems that everyone is always asking, “what do want for Christmas” or “Do you have your Christmas list”…and that’s fine.  I always create a list, but I generally put things I need on the list. Heck, I even categorize my list!  I even color-code it! I know my best-friend (and roommate in college) would make fun of me and bring up some other things while laughing about it. So I love being organized, sue me! I guess that’s why I always did better in classes than he did, haha! Anyway, I think people tend to forget about the things that matter and get too wrapped up in the superficial things in life.  With that said, I love getting things. I know I don’t need them, but I am a kid at heart (yes, I just said that). I also love spending money to get gifts for others. I am actually getting into the phase of, “Well, I’m going to start making my gifts for people instead of spending money because they are from the heart” because I’m told I’m getting older. I don’t know either!  Maybe I’ll get married in the next year too and have a child!  See what I did there…I got ya! Those two things are not even something I want to think about.

            With the holidays fast approaching and the stress that endures, it is important for everyone to just stop a some point in their day and take some time for themselves. I am at the point in life where I know this needs to happen more.  It is healthy and rewarding. Within a few weeks, we will enter a new year and new paths to walk down in our various roads of life. I always take the one less traveled, and it always makes all the difference.

I hope everyone has a wonderful & safe holiday season! May all of you be blessed and continue have good health through the New Year and beyond!

P.S.

The world did not end today. So, to recap: Mayans - 0 & Humanity in the 21st Century - 1

The Journey to the Wild West (Part 1 of 2)

My trip to Arizona was good. I left on Saturday afternoon (the 7th) and got there on Monday.  Please bear in mind that I did this road trip by myself and I enjoyed it!  I think what I'm going to do is break down the trip into two separate sections: Going out West & Returning from the West [and I will break it down even further by state].  I really hope I don't confuse anyone in the process; but, if I do...sorry!

                                        Driving out to Arizona

    North Carolina ~ I really don't remember driving in the western part of the state.  I guess this is because I always - and still do - driving it to visit Western [Carolina University a.k.a. my Alma Mater]. At least there were no rock slides on I-40 to delay me from crossing over into Tennessee.
     Tennessee ~ The Volunteer State! I really figured out the inner and outer beltways of the interstate highway systems when driving through/around major cities. Yes, I used to live in Washington, D.C.; however, when I lived there I either walked somewhere or took the metro.  I've only driven in Washington a few times and I always got lucky regarding how to arrive at my destination.  Well, I would sometimes find a metro stop and just leave my car and take the metro into the city via the blue line (so yes, I kinda cheated).  Anyway, Nashville is a place where I would actually like to spend the day and see the sites.  It is not, I repeat, NOT because I'm a country music fan.  Don't get me wrong, there are few country songs that I like and will listen to if the chance presents itself; but overall, I am not a fan.  I don't even watch the...well wait, I do watch the CMT Awards but that's different.  It's like attending a mini-GOP convention!
     Arkansas ~ This was the state I was so glad I drove through at night.  What the history channel does not tell us is that "the natural state" is a boring, flat land-environment which lacks any means of hospitality or courtesy.  I have not meet, or interacted with, a single person from the state that makes it look like a great place to live.  The one thing it has going for itself is that it sits in Tornado Alley...and I say that only because I am a storm chaser at heart! Also, Conway is not an ideal place to spend the night...at least at the Quality Inn Hotel just off of Interstate 40.
     Oklahoma ~ I didn't return through the Sooner State (which was a mistake in-and-of-itself), but I loved driving through it!!! Getting past my love for Tornado Alley, I really enjoyed the state and all it had to offer.  Once I crossed the state border, I immediately began to sing all of the songs from the musical and I even sung "Oklahoma" twice as I was driving past the huge wheat fields! I also promised myself that the next time I traveled though the state, I would spend more time in Oklahoma City (the capital for those of you who are rusty on American Geography).  The reason is simple: it looks like a beautiful city and I loved the traffic patterns.  In addition, I also enjoyed knowing the names of the Native American tribes that were forced to relocate there due to the Trail of Tears.  I believe this was the first state where I started to play a wonderful game entitled, "Guess how many Congressional Districts there are and name their member of Congress and their party affiliation!" Furthermore, I would also randomly shout out when I was entering a new congressional district [and its member of Congress]. It should be noted that when I travel, I channel my inner-President Bartlett. (Yes, that was a political reference for those of you who can't remember when he served ;D)  For example, guess with congressional district has a democratic member of Congress in Oklahoma? I'll tell you if you don't know, ha-ha! I guess I should also reinstate the fact that I was making this road trip by myself and I really loved it!
     Texas ~ As I continued my political game, I entered into the Lone Star State (a.k.a. "W" and Perry country).  The panhandle is so much easier, and quicker, to drive through than the central part of the state (as I found out on the return trip). Anyway, Amarillo was alright; but, the traffic signs were a little hypocritical. For example, you can turn left on red even if there is a sign saying it is illegal to do so.  There weren't even traffic cameras in the intersections. I guess things really are better on top!
      New Mexico ~ The only highlight in "the Land of Enchantment" was stopping at White Sands National Park....okay, and driving through a live Missile Testing range. It was so epic! I spent the night in Ruidoso which is a wonderful place.  Oh yeah, I also went to Roswell and it is indeed...out of this world! While I had no close encounters, I did have to pull over a few times because I thought I saw "something" in the sky.  One of those "somethings" was a Delta flight going from Austin to Seattle - with a layover in Denver (and yes, I am an avid fan of flights and the whole aviation field - I should have been born in the '50s, '60s, or the later years of the '70s...not the '80s). I also went through a border checkpoint which was...a first. I didn't have to provide any documentation or proof other than a "yes, I am" to the question of my citizenship.  I will surely discuss this on a later blog because there is a LOT I would LOVE to talk about regarding immigration and the stupidity of the Southwestern part of the country regarding this important topic of politics.

                                        Returning to North Carolina

     Arizona ~ It look less than two hours to drive and it was early in the morning. I listened to Lady Gaga just to keep me sane while leaving "the Grand Canyon" state.
     New Mexico ~ The people are nice and driving through the lower portion of the state was fun. I was singing and dancing along with Darren Criss (Blaine Anderson from "Glee") as he sang "Hungry Like A Wolf/Rio" as I drove across the Rio Grande. I even sent out a tweet (and yes I was driving and I also left out the "e" on Grande because of my stupid auto-correct feature on the I-Phone).
     Texas ~ I REALLY HATE THE STATE OF TEXAS!!!! Let me back up a second: there are people I know who are either from the state or who are living within the state so I don't hate all of the state.  There was a border checkpoint east of El Paso and what I experienced was 100% racial profiling even though I showed valid proof of my citizenship! I've never been so uncomfortable in all of my life.  I even wrote an e-mail to Secretary Napolitano and Governor Perry with my "concerns" regarding the checkpoint. Other than that horrid and inexcusable incident, the drive was so long. I'm really glad I didn't go to San Antonio as I originally planned.  I went through Dallas/Ft. Worth at night and even that was a nightmare.  They can't drive, merge correctly, or use a turning signal. Heck, I don't even think they knew how to change lanes properly. I guess everything really is bigger in Texas...except intelligence levels (remember, I am generalizing based on my accounts and it does not reflect ALL of the residents of the "Lone Star State"). I was so glad to leave the state even though I wanted to spend more time there. One thing Texas has going for itself is its history and historical points of interest. I'll see Deely Plaza, The Johnson Space Center, the state capital, and the Alamo the next time I visit. At least I drove through the hometown of George W. and Laura Bush (even though I didn't care and I'm sure nobody else does either).
     Arkansas ~ I also REALLY HATE ARKANSAS! I do have to say this though: I stopped in Hope, AR! Now, ten points to the person to say why this place is important (especially for someone like me)? Here's a hint: The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" person is famous here, Give up??? President Bill Clinton was born there!!!
     Also, I decided to drive up to Hot Spring National Park. Now, I drove up the side of a mountain, walked into the observation tower center and asked if it served as the visitor's center as well. Oh no.....the visitor's center is in town!!! So after I ranted - for ten minutes - about the stupidity I had just endured, I drove back down the mountain and into downtown.  Guess what my next rant was about...the vistor's center!!! I had to pay for parking! I really really ticked off by this point! First of all, my tax dollars - along with everyone else's who pay taxes- pay for the park and the visitor's center; second, there were no signs directing me towards the visitor's center (the only signs was for the stupid observation tower which I had no interest in because I am not an avid fan of heights). I refused to pay for parking since I already do more than that in a single year.
     Again, I hate Arkansas for these reasons - and many more. The drivers there are just (I am currently trying to think of a polite word to use)...freaking stupid! As a matter of fact, I believe they are a few notches below Dallas/Ft. Worth drivers - and that's saying something!
     Tennessee ~ I always get a thrill when I cross the Mississippi River. In a sense, I feel like I am either Lewis or Clark; or, I'm time traveling from the present to the dawn of the 19th century. I realize that last line should have been in the "going to Arizona" section; but, it does apply here as well (just reverse the time-frames).
     North Carolina ~ Okay, the only thing that was different is the fact that I crossed the state line around 11:15PM.  I'm glad Asheville had minimal traffic on I-40.  It felt great to see my very-surprised dog greet me upon walking into the house at 1:03AM.  Oh yeah, every time I passed the exit to go to Western Carolina University, I sang the fight song as well as the Alma mater!

I realize this is a long blog post. To be fair, I will post what I did during my time in Arizona in a separate blog post (coming soon to a computer screen soon). Don't worry, I'll post it soon, I promise!