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.

The Fearful Generation

     So this is what the twenty-first century is going to be like for future generations.  Unfortunately, my generation is forced to be the guinea pigs.  During my time of growing up into adulthood, I have lived through some horrific events.   The thing that sets me, and my generation, apart from other ones is that we truly move forward.  In fact, at times we are pushed forward.  Many of my fellow peers are very apathetic regarding the way things are done within their lives.  While I am not one of those individuals, I often question what I stand for and why.  Like many others in my generation, we always seem to try and find ourselves making it through a distressful time within the current United States realm.

     Growing up, my generation has always been threated in one way or another; yet, we always muster strength to will ourselves to the next step in our lives.  While some of us were to young to understand what the Oklahoma City Bombing was about or why it happened, or even the Olympics in Atlanta, it makes more sense as an adult on why & how things happen. While it may make sense, such events are senseless to any rational human being. Moving through the 1990s, I specifically remember the events at Columbine High School in 1999.  The only reason this is vivid is because I was in the sixth grade and I had just moved to North Carolina.  Since I was kind of the “strange kid” who kept to himself, I somehow was the one everyone was suddenly afraid of.   Whether it was because I dressed differently, spoke differently, or just acted beyond my eleven years (at the time), the other kids didn’t want to upset me or anything like that.  After about a week, things went back to normal and I was the kid who always got picked on.  I am not going to say bullied because I wasn’t really bullied. Kids will be kids, yes; but today’s kids are just different than how my generation was raised & acted.

     Moving on to my freshman year in high school, it was the year of the worst terrorist attack since Pearl Harbor.  Actually, let me rewind that for a minute: in the eight grade, there were threats made to the high school and I remember walking down the either grade hall and the fire alarm going off and teachers telling their students to not go outside because that was it was a trap.  Nothing happened, but it was still scary. Yet we marched on towards adulthood..

     These fears followed into college with Virginia Tech; our military friends were threated by events such as the USS Cole bombing, Ft. Hood shooting, and other things. It doesn’t matter what the events are…they all portray the thing that truly gets to every person at some point or another: Fear.

     My generation gets a lot of crap from previous generations. We are either young and naïve or just stupid.  We over-think things and tend to not care about others.  As much as I would love to agree with those generations, I simply can’t.  My generation is strong, brave, and afraid of nothing.  We might slip from time to time and we might be apathetic to some issues, but my generation knows what is important to keep the legacy of the United States going. We are a strong bunch of men and women, and we are proud of our stubbornness.  We fight for what is right and we stand ready to face whatever comes our way.  If we are presented with conflict or times of tragedy, we cry but march forward ready to tackle important issues and create a better generation. The events in Boston are tragic, and certainly acts of terrorism. However, I believe it is essentially an event to where my generation will finally say in one collective voice “enough is enough, we are all Americans!” So yes, you can call us a generation of fear…but as for us, we will be remembered as the Fearless Generation.

From Sea to Shining Sea...One State at a Time

     Well, this week was certainly a wonderful one for Colorado. The state signed a law granting civil-unions to same-sex couples.  Within the past two years, the subject of LGBT rights has really been at the front of American politics. Just to remember some of these events, let's name some:

1) "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" got repealed;

2) Four states put measures on their state ballots and won (Minnesota, Maine, Washington, Maryland);

3) The United States Supreme Court will hear the arguments to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act AND Proposition Eight;

4) President Obama (finally) comes out in support of Same-sex marriage;

5) Colorado has passed civil unions;

6) Tammy Baldwin becomes the first Openly Gay Senator in US History (representing Wisconsin);

7) Nebraska is considering granting Same-sex couples the right of marriage; and

8) Rhode Island will be the next state to allow Same-sex marriage once it gets past in the state senate.

     Notice I end the list with Rhode Island.  This is because I have some news; for the next three months, I'll be in the state of Rhode Island advocating for the state to pass Same-sex marriage!  This is really exciting as I haven't lived in Rhode Island since 1994. I will be helping a state extend the basic right of happiness to all its citizens.  I truly believe within the next 15-20 years, this issue will no longer be an issue.  This same "Separate but equal" mindset regarding the LGBT community is just silly and will be yet another period in American history where we will not be proud of the way we handle change.  in fact, there is at least one other state considering Same-sex marriage in their own boundaries [and that state being Illinois].

    Disclaimer:  As I continue writing, the song "No llores por mí Argentina" :-D 

     Another major thing that has happened this week is the election of a new Pope.  Now, it is wonderful that he is the first Pope from Latin America; I wish him well.  However, even this is a setback for the church.  I suppose I could also argue that this strengthens the "Separation of Church & State" argument, but I won't. :)  

      Now, Pope Francis I (former Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio) comes from  Argentina.  This is the same country that gave us Evita Perón and that WONDERFUL play that was on

Broadway that I did NOT get to see even though Ricky Martin was Che (no hard feelings of course…but I will see it soon enough).  Anyway, I digress. Now Argentina has allowed same-sex Marriage since July 2010.  The newly-elected Pope was a strong critic and the most vocal opponent against Argentina's position regarding the extension of marriage to same-sex couples.  I respect the establishment of religion, I truly do, but in the United States we have a separation of the two.  I think that when a rather high number of your congregation interprets the holy texts in a different manner that disagree with the official interpretation, it might be time to review the official stance on the matter.  I think the Catholic Church has done a remarkable thing while at the same time standing resolute.  I salute them for recognizing other minorities such as Hispanics being able to lead; but, I also think they are proving that just because a high number of their congregation don't follow their official word on the issue, they will not give into temptation to change their ways (and by the way, that pun was not exactly in my head at the time I wrote that).  There should be some sort of adoration for the Church, but since they don't dictate my life, then I really don't concern myself with what their position is regarding the matter. As I've stated before, within the next 15-20 years, this will be a moot point.

     Until then, I will be fighting to bring Marriage Equality to Same-sex couples in the state of Rhode Island & the Providence Plantations!

     By the way, I'm officially a UNC Tarheel fan. After living in North Carolina for the past 15 years, I've made my decision regarding the whole Duke/UNC rivalry thing.  For me, it's Public Vs. Private and I went with public. :)

The Young One & some political chats...

As I am writing this, I am starting the magical drive down hill towards 30! It feels odd, to say the least.


     Anyway, so thinking about the things going on within the past few days (and weeks) has rendered some thoughts.  This is regarding the new Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense nominee, the Boy Scouts, and the gun debate. Let's begin!
     In case you haven't been keeping up with the news, outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before Congress on the attacks at the American Embassy in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in four deaths including the ambassador. Now, I just happened to listen to this while driving back from my wonderful time in DC for the inauguration. Now, Secretary Clinton can hold her own ground and is very tough. She didn't back down from Senators McCain, Paul, or Johnson. It is true she got grilled on the issues, but in the end she was able to relay her point across about the situation at the time.  It seems odd that Republicans would want to imply that Secretary Clinton wasn't up for the job or even the handling of the situation; in fact, they even questioned her judgement.  While I do understand their point and frustration, it is important to remember that this is the same Republican Party that lead the United States into Iraq over "Weapons of Mass Destruction" and it was the intelligence reports of Ambassador Condoleezza Rice & then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. In addition, it was also this Republican Party that chose Alaska governor Sarah Palin to be placed on the Republican ticket in 2008 in a failed attempt to gain the women voters. It is the same party that had members of its own choose not to go to meetings on the [Capitol] Hill regarding security concerns for the embassies in the area; and, it is also this Republican Party that has failed to vote on any budget measures to enhance money allocated for embassy security...but, as usual, it is President Obama's fault and anyone within his administration.
     Since the hearing, Secretary Clinton has left her post and the senior senator from Massachusetts, John Kerry, has taken the helm at the State Department.  While I applaud his advancement and look forward to his service, I still don't agree that it would be wise to allow the Republicans a chance to gain a seat in the Senate (even if it isn't likely, I wouldn't tempt it). All in all, Secretary Kerry will do a fine job and I wish him the best.  As for the other cabinet position, that will be a little more of a fight.  Former senator Chuck Hagel has been nominated to succeed Leon Panetta at the Defense Department. There are concerns over his remarks, in the past, regarding: the state of Israel; homosexuals, supporting cuts to the defense department, sanctions on Iran, and a number of other issues. I won't go into every item I just mentioned, but I will say this: I do believe that he is a good fit for the job at hand. I also believe it is certainly wrong for members of his own political party (that's right, he is a Republican from Nebraska) to oppose his confirmation based on their "concerns" or whatever term they choose to hid behind. I think that this nomination, among other issues, will create an even bigger civil war within the Republican Party.
     One of the other headlines in the news is regarding the Boy Scouts of America.  They are considering eliminating the ban for gay scouts and adults from participating.  In fact, there was supposed to give a statement on the overall conclusion this week; but, they felt that it was getting to heated on both sides of the argument and have chosen to make a determination on the future of the ban in May at the annual Executive Council meeting.  As a former boy scout (yes, I was a boy scout and yes, I still hate camping and the outdoors in general) I just don't see the point. There are plenty of gay scouts and it is not like they push their beliefs onto others. I know supporters of the ban are citing the Boy Scout Oath. I know that oath by heart and I know plenty of people who say things after repeating it for so many times. But, let's look at the Oath......let just open out Hymns to page 281910 (I hope someone understands that number and the irony of it within this topic):

"On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight."

Now, let's just break this down...line-by-line:

     On my honor I will do my best: honor according to whom? I could have a bad honor as a gay scout, but the straight scout that lies all the time is considered to have good honor? So we are to judge a person's character? Also, one should always do their best.
     To do my duty to God & my country:  Well, what if one does not believe in God? Are they still able to join?  How does one prove that they are doing their duty to God, or much less believe in God? Everyone should do their duty to the their country.
     and to obey the Scout law: Oh yes, the scout law.....who else can do this beside me?
     Well, a Scout is -

• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean 
• Reverent 

     ....Too many thoughts regarding the laws so I'll elaborate more on those later.
     To help other people at all times: Well, so tend to the sick, needy, and those who aren't able to help themselves? You mean the 47%??? Well, that's socialism and that is UN-American!!! (Make sure you note the sarcasm because I'm not a republican if you didn't know)
     To keep myself physically strong: well, this makes sense.....if you stay in shape you don't have to go to the hospital as much and we don't have to pay for you to get better EVEN though a "psychically fit" individual can go to the emergency room for a toothache or a running nose and we are happy to help them out. If you aren't strong then I won't be able to help you even though it's what "honorable" people do (sarcasm is still in play here).
     To keep myself mentally awake & morally straight: So if a scout falls asleep or doesn't pay attention in a merit badge class (I never did except for Environmental Science because I didn't understand the point of it) does that mean they should be kicked out of the program?  How about the Straight scoutmaster who has been divorced three times, is he morally straight?  What about the older scouts that drink when they get together on the weekends or drink with their Scoutmasters (yeah, it goes on...just saying)?  What about the straight scouts that become recreational drug users when they are not a troop meeting, but still fall under the guidelines of "you can miss X amount of meetings before....."?
     I think the Boy Scouts of America should be able to except, and embrace, all its members and reinstate those that have been kicked out of the program for their sexuality.  One last thing, I find it extremely ironic that the same NONPROFIT that gives the most money to the Boy Scouts is the same that funded the Proposition 8 in the state of California. Forget about the Church & state argument, if you are going to politic from the pulpit, then it's time you loose your tax-exempt status, pay up, and pay up for your back taxes. I'll proudly support the rights of same-sex couples.
     Well, I planned on speaking about the gun debate.  Honestly, nothing for me has changed on this issue so if you would like to know how I feel, please read the piece I wrote two-or-three posts back.

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....

2013: A New Year is Here with Endless Possibilities

     Well, 2013 is here! It was a great way to ring in the New Year...watching Anderson Cooper & Kathy Griffin (the funniest duo on TV during New Year's Eve festivities)!  2012 was a long year with many ups and downs.  It was a great year for me; but, 2013 will be even better.  There are so many things I can only image that will happen this year. Whether it's love, graduate school, occupation, politics, or some other things, it will be the best that I can make it.
     With regards to graduate school, I am planning on return to Western Carolina University this semester to begin the process of earning a Master of Arts in Public Administration.  I want to focus my studies on NonProfit Management and Public Policy.  I figure with an MPA and those areas of focus, I'll be able to advocate for the issues I think are the most important.  Bear in mind that my top issues are Education, Foreign Policy, Healthcare, and LGBT rights.  I think with those issues being the focal point of politics and policies within the next ten-to-fifteen years, it only makes sense that I help make history by leading the way to equality for all Americans and policies that benefit all Americans (both foreign and domestic). I believe that everyone is entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as others have and earned.  As an American, we are defined by the things that make us equal.  That is what our country was founded on and that is what is within our guiding document.  I think it is a high travesty that many Americans would deny their fellow country men [and women] the same rights they have.  Personally, it is okay to disagree with someone and still respect them; however, when one crosses the line from respect over to bigotry and judgements...then that is when we have a problem.
     I'm not just talking about Marriage Equality by the way.  I'm also talking about religious tolerance.  You see, the founding fathers were adamant about the separation of church and state.  That is why is is in the Constitution that, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" and also that "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States".  I just still find that, in 2013, people still tend to vote on their elected officials based on their religious preference. If anything, that is un-american.  Especially if a religion wants to deny rights to Americans that have that right granted to them by their own government.  Again, I'm not bashing religion; I'm simply making the point that the United States has a Constitution which outlines a strict separation of church and state.
     2012 was a monumental year for politics and 2013 will [hopefully] be an even better year! With the re-election of the nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, it proved that the United States is finally progressing to the point where other countries have been for at least twenty years. I mean, this President has done A LOT to progress the nation into the twenty-first century: nominating (and having confirmed) more women to the United States Supreme Court (and having the first ever hispanic woman on the court); the first President to ever support Same-Sex marriage (after much discussions though); signing the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; championed the fight against SB 1070; Achieved a monumental Healthcare legislation overhaul (which was proved to be Constitutional); Repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; got unemployment under 8%; eliminated multiple leaders of Al-Qaeda (including Osama Bin Linden); he even ensured student loans would not double and increased pell grant spending at the same time; and so much more! I think 2013 will bring further progression and that President Obama will take the United States forward into a positive and prosperous century. Many have said that the twenty-first century will belong to the United States of America. If anything, more states will join the ranks of Marriage Equality and, one day, all fifty states will allow same-sex couples an opportunity to marry their loved one.
     Well, I hope that 2013 will be the continuation of forward-thinking and prosperity of the United States. For me, 2013 will be my year of changes...for the better and not for anything less!

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.