The only one

It blows my mind, and backs up my convictions, that the Obama website is the only one out of the three leading Democratic candidates to discuss "first Americans" i.e. "the indians." The forgotten nation within our oh so great one. Plus, not only does he talk about issues and law that are relevant only to first Americans, he specifically addresses the issue of violence against women on reservation land. He also discusses child abuse, drug abuse, weapons abuse, abuse by non-reservation members (reservation law cannot penalize non-reservation members) , etc. Could it be that we actually, FINALLY, have a politician who is ready to bring to the center those who were silent in the margin? Hillary Clinton says nothing about Native women, or Native Americans in general (boy, she really is a champion for women isnt she), and neither does Edwards. I really want to highlight the contrasts between Obama and Hillary. Looking at a candidates website is, I think, one of the best ways right off the bat to get to "know" them. Its just like picking an art college, when you get all those brochures in the mail. Colleges are going to put the best art they have on their brochure. If the art on the brochure is trash, chances are the college sucks. So, right off the bat see who is and especially who isnt included in an individual politicains wide lensed view of the world.

*Obama includes: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Americans abroad, Environmentalists, First Americans, Kids, Latinos, LGBT, People of Faith, Students, Women, Vetrans.

These are all off of his official website. One thing that Ive always thought was cool about his site is that he has a drop down menu for "People" which is where I got the titles I just listed. He also then has a drop down menu for "Issues." In doing this I really feel he is acknowledging individual identities, not just issues, but the very personal (perhaps most personal) category of who we know ourselves to be and who we want to be known as in the broader sense.

Clinton includes: To be honest Im not really sure. She says shes the "Champion for women", she talks about immigration, strengthening the middle class, affordable healthcare, improving schools, providing vetren services. So I guess that means all the people who fall under those broad topics, whoever they are. In my opinion, when people are lumped together like that someone (and some grouping of people) are going to fall through the cracks.

Both sites allow people to read it in spanish, which is good.

On a purely asethetic note, Clinton's site is super ugly. Sorry, it is. She needs to get a new web designer. So if her site was an art college brochure, Id throw it in the trash.

One last thing, I really appreciate that on the very first page of the Obama site there is a button that says "Register to Vote" I hate it when people assume that everyone has registered to vote. Especially because alot of times minority groups are scared away from not only voting, but registering to vote. The Obama site provides a safe, personal place to take even the first step. Once again, the Obama campaign is doing a great job at bringing the marginalized to the center.


Look/think for yourself! : http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
http://hillaryclinton.com/

I love my friends

So, my winter has just become officially better! Thanks to the wonderful Trisler fam. + some homemade goodies ( Brooke and Andrea, youve been gone 20 minutes now and Ive eaten all of the candy you left) my 2007 year is coming to a close on a very happy, sugar filled note :) Im def. always aware of the fact that I miss all of my out of town friends like Andrea and Brooke,and Liz, but nothing highlights that like a visit. Its easy to take for granted friendships unfortunately. Seattle is only a flight away, and cellphones and the internet make communication around the clock possible....but none of that even comes close to a nice cup of coffee somewhere and a few hours to talk, or a boardgame night and some chips and salsa on the weekend. I suppose I will just have to move to Seattle- haha, how horrible ;)

November in Ohio

Its getting to be that weird time in Ohio, in terms of weather anyways. It snowed this morning for about 20 minutes, yesterday it was in the high 50's. I cant figure out whether or not I should buy a real winter coat, Ive been layering sweaters up until this point. Not to mention that I cant quite afford a real winter coat just yet. Im getting to the point where I need to take a vacation (even a daytrip!) out of the city. Im jealous of friends who live close to mountains...I live close to Burnet woods...I guess thats better than nothing. The other day I was walking home from class and decided to walk through the woods to get home instead of taking the street. I took some stairs that I hadnt ever seen before, and I found the coolest place. Its called Moira's Bog ( theres an official sign and everything) and its this tiny little bog right by the lake. Theyve built a pier that goes out into it and is totally surrounded by cattails. It was so peaceful, almost too peaceful to exist in the middle of Clifton! Its the times when you go out of your way, with a little bit of time to spare, that you really find the cool, hidden things in the middle of your busy, chaotic life.
Maybe theres a life lesson in there somewheres....