UCC Ad Supporting Marriage Equality

On Friday, the United Church of Christ’s national office purchased full-page color ads in upcoming issues of the three largest LGBT newspapers in California in order to offer pastoral support to the LGBT community and others who were opposed to Proposition 8. No one agrees with their chuch 100% of the time, but, it’s moments like this that make me very proud to be a member of the UCC.

To paraphrase what I just heard on ESPN radio: Our generation just pulled off our “Jackie Robinson-esque” moment by electing Barack Obama president. No longer can so-called “adults” call us apathetic, unmotivated or self-centered. We’re anything but. We’re totally engaged in the process. We’re ready to bring about change.

In fact, preliminary studies indicate that the youth vote was out in force, with 22-24 million young Americans going to the polls — 2 million more than in 2004. And, by more than a 2-1 margin, we favored Barack Obama. A new generation of voters brought a new generation of leadership to the White House and to our country.

Nice job, Gen X-ers and Millennials! The key now is to stay involved and to continue to make our voices heard. Once every four years isn’t enough to enact real change.

I tend to like being involved in local political races more than statewide or national races. That’s mostly because I think the politicians have more of an opportunity to develop a relationship with their constituents — and are therefore held more accountable. If you’re city council representative is doing a bad job, in theory it’s not all that difficult to find a quality candidate, put a campaign together and get elected. It’s much more difficult to make those types of drastic changes on a national level — where money, special interests and just the grand scale can be overwhelming.

Last night, we learned last night that democracy does in fact work on a national level. I couldn’t comprehend what drove voters in 2004 to re-elect George W. Bush. But, maybe their votes were just as much a rejection of John Kerry as they were an embrace of an incompetant president. But, when push comes to shove, and the situation is dire, Americans showed last night that they can be motivated to force change. We are willing to pay attention to politics — presidential, Congressional and otherwise. Voters showed a willingness to go outside their comfort zone. By annointing Barack Obama as president-elect, Americans rejected the fear and hate embedded in the Republican party. People across all demographics, races, and religious beliefs united to make their collective voice heard over the voices of the powerful few.

There were lots of factors involved in this historic occassion (one candidate who ran a near-perfect campaign, the other candidate who made blunder after blunder … one candidate who embraced technology to communicate with voters “on their terms” … one candidate who relied on outdated methods to persuade voters, etc.). However we arrived at this point, this election restored my faith in the American electorate — our willingness to reject ultra-conservative, out-of-the-mainstream views … and our ability to “hire” the best candidate for the job.

Tonight was incredible. More coming tomorrow. For now, I hope everyone recognizes the historic nature of tonight’s developments.

We have a friend who wrote a paper when he was just a young black kid growing up in the South about how he never thought he’d see the day when an African American was elected president. America can surprise you sometimes.

I watched the results roll in with 3500 other people in a downtown Orlando park. It was amazing to see the reaction of people of all ages. Speechless, I watched the acceptance. There aren’t words to describe the coolness of tonight.

more tomorrow …

As they said at Daily Kos,

GOTV Tuesday like our country’s fate depends on it, because it does.

Just think of all those community organizers who dedicated months of their lives to getting Barack Obama elected, and volunteers who gave a couple hours of thier time … and all those donors who gave large sums of money and those who pinched pennies to just a few dollars … and everyone who tried to persuade a potential voter … and everyone who goes to vote today for Barack Obama. Whatever your political persuasion, isn’t is refreshing that there’s finally a leader in this country who can motivate millions and who just might make history tonight?

I got this video in a campaign email. It’s a great reminder of why today is so important. Please go vote.

I love Election Day. In Toledo, I developed a great love for Election Day. Every day should be Election Day in my book.

On this one day, everyone gets to contribute their voice — via their vote — without consequence … without fear of retribution. The only thing that matters is what you think. Who do you want to vote for? Who do you want to lead this country? When you’re voting by yourself, it doesn’t matter what your family thinks, what your employer wants you to do, or what your neighbors or friends say. You are the only thing that matters. Just you.

Happy Election Day! (I know I’m posting this a day early, but I’m in charge of planning the Election Night celebration party on Tuesday, so no time for blogging.) Drag people to the polls. And, hope that the best ticket wins.

If making your voice heard … or having a say in choosing the next president of the United States doesn’t quite motivate you to wait in line at the polls, Starbucks offers another reason to go vote: Free coffee!

In the last few days I have found myself heavily involved in the planning of the Election Night party in Orange County. The local Dems are co-hosting a party with the local Obama campaign. Great, sounds fun, right? Our party is going to be held at the History Center, this very cool venue that has indoor and outdoor space … enough to accommodate thousands of supporters, volunteers and other interested bystanders. Here’s the catch: Apparently, the local Dems traditionally have hotel parties. In hotel suites.

Being from Toledo (where we made fun of the Republicans for having closed-off hotel parties), it’s hard for me to comprehend the appeal of hotel parties. All these different candidates and groups get their own suites and invite people to their parties. How does that make any sense? Do they really want the media to lug all their gear from one location to the next? And, how do you think that looks to those not considered “party insiders”? I wouldn’t go to a hotel party … but I’d be very excited about a huge party at an open venue where everyone is welcome.

Hotel parties were something we did in college, getting ready for formals. And, it’s what Republicans do to reward party insiders. For Democrats, this election cycle has been all about inclusivity and openness. That mantra should continue on Election Night.

P.S. Now, I really miss Toledo’s parties at union halls. Those were so much simpler. Have a venue, get some food and call it a party! None of this insanity to rent lighting, staging, etc.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel in Orlando

I have a secret: I think I have a little political crush on Rep. Rahm Emanual. He is the genius behind the 2006 Democratic majority and deserves a lot of credit for the party’s resurgence in parts of the country traditionally ignored or considered “red.” He’s brilliant.

So, when Rahm was in Orlando for a fundraiser for Suzanne Kosmos, I had to attend. So, $100 later, I got to be 10 feet away from him and hear him proclaim … and, boy of boy, was it worth it. He made the case that America is not as far right as some would like you to believe. In fact, he said that by the end of this election cycle, Democrats will hold every urban house seat and a majority of suburban and rural ones too. The Democrats are a national party.

Finally.

I’m thankful that I live in a country that believes in the power of the middle class and small businesses … in workers’ rights to organize. In a country where healthcare is a right, not a privilege … where sometimes people just need a little help. And, most importantly, in a country on the cusp of electing someone other than an old white guy to lead us into the future.