Hope

How wonderful to wake up and feel proud of my country. Not only was President Barack Obama re-elected, but there were significant wins across the nation in regards to equality. 

Same-sex marriage was affirmed in three more states, and Tammy Baldwin was elected as the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. There were other key senate wins, including the impressive Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts, and the defeat of four Republican candidates who made ignorant comments about rape and abortion. I was concerned about all this voter intimidation and long lines, but it seems that people came out as strong as ever...

I'm happy that President Obama will have another four years to work towards his promise of change (they gave George Bush eight years to wreck our economy... isn't it only fair?). The idea that affordable health care can become a reality is exciting, and I hope that Obama will now be able to concentrate on immigration reform... I would also support the closing of Guantanamo Bay and re-examining of the use of drones (my only real disappointments with the President over the past four years). 

But how nice to think that things might be moving forward in a more positive direction... I would hope that the GOP might focus less energy on obstructing the President, and  both parties might learn how to make compromises that will benefit us all in the long-run. I hold dear the hope that my nieces and nephews, maybe even my own future children, will grow up in a more tolerant, supportive, inclusive country...

Related Links:

"Obama's Big Night," The Atlantic, November 7, 2012

"Divided U.S. Gives Obama More Time," The New York Times, November 7, 2012

"Obama Wins the 2012 Election: Obama's Complete Presidential Victory Speech," The New York Times/YouTube, November 6

Handle With Care

Well, tonight is game two... I mean, round two in the Presidential Debates. I'll definitely be tuning in... been holding my breath since the last one. Tonight's format is a town-hall meeting, so I think it might offer the viewing public the best, most truthful presentation of the candidates and their platforms (although truth seems to be a relative term... eh Mittens?).

The reason that I voted for President Barack Obama back in 2008 was that he genuinely seemed to care about the American people. I even helped out his election campaign, because I felt so strongly that this country needed to change it's course, both nationally and internationally. I don't regret my decision and yes, I AM better off than I was four years ago.... I think the country is too, despite the fact that the economy still needs to be fully straightened out, and more jobs created. I still believe that a continued Obama administration is a look "forward" not backward.

Also starting tonight, my Spoken Word Almanac Project collaborator Darian Dauchan will be presenting his "Obamatry" performance for a limited engagement at New York City's Under St. Marks Theater. According to a press release, "this multi-media one-man feat consists of live looped songs, beat boxing and a collage of satirical poems and presidential sound bites chronicling candidacy to presidency, to present day. A virtual rhetorical conversation on the subject of America between a Poet and our President." The piece will utilize several of my visuals that I have created for Dauchan's Spoken Word Almanac Project poems over the last couple years. The show will be presented every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. from now until election day, November 6... hope it goes well, and hopefully, there will be a chance for a Part II in four years time.

www.debates.org

Treasure Hunt

At the end of tonight's apartment search, a beautiful rainbow... which lead directly to Indian food... I knew it! 

We also had one of these following our wedding. A rainbow that is.

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Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

One Step Closer

We've got our rings! Nicely engraved. Northeastern did a good job... we've been happy with the experience all the way around.

Now it's up to the ring bearer! Sarah's mother posted a really cute photo today on Facebook of my soon-to-be nephew learning some of the ropes of a wedding ceremony... of course it was a toy cake being served to a couple of stuffed animals (apparently I was the hound-dog... appropriate considering my background as an Elvis impersonator). I'm sure he will be great. It's still a little startling to hear a kid yell "Uncle Jeremy!..." but actually, it's pretty cool... he even loves Spider-Man. 

Tonight we continued with our pre-marriage counseling. This time we looked at the area of finances... it was probably one of the more sober conversations, and there is a bit to consider... but I have had enough practice at this by now that I think we'll be alright (in fact, I just paid off one of two credit cards today).

Other great news: one of my good friends, who I met in a local film organization, just had twin boys! Earlier than expected, but they seem to be doing well. Unfortunately, they won't be able to make it to the wedding, as they live in California... I think a trip out west is in order soon.

One more day of work until Memorial Day weekend! It's the official start to summer, meaning that the fun is just about to begin...

5.24.12. Smart photo taken with Smartphone. ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.