As I stepped outside this morning, I was more prepared for the bone chilling frost against my exposed skin. The day's weather is crisp and the clear blue sky opens the horizons in every direction.
I joined the bustling line for the tour of the Capitol. I noticed one thing immediately. There is a disproportionate amount of people of color. And lots of families. I wondered how many of these people had ever thought about visiting the epicenter of the volume of their voice - the Capitol - where 438 House Members and 100 Senators pursue the collective vision of "E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One" - to find common ground on issues important to all Americans.
As you walk through the respective rotundas, the enormity of the history in the context of the anticipated moment of this week takes hold of your own place - your own voice. The Founding Fathers dreamed of a more perfect union and as the time passed, the country reached to find its steady compass.
We the people elect representatives to covert the currency of our voice into policy and laws in the best interest of the nation. It is the magic of consensus of role of Congress, all embedded in the permanency of the rock of the Capitol.
I hope at some point you will travel to Washington to learn first hand how your government works. It does not function without you. Literally.
Until the next,
Frozen Citizen.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Soaking in History
Today will begin with an official tour of the Capitol, a visit American History Museum, and a drive by of the White House. I thought it would be important to reflect on the history of this moment before actually witnessing it. With a good breakfast, layered clothing, a spirited prayer, I am ready to soak in history.
I will have a full report later today on my historical perspective.
One love.
I will have a full report later today on my historical perspective.
One love.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Are You Ready to be Sworn In?
I arrived today to Washington D.C. on a delayed flight and underestimated the weather. It was a crippling 17 degrees. My tropical veins froze. There is a reason why brown and black people are from where we are from across the globe. I was dressed appropriately, but I thought at least I would have been able to break out the fur flip-flops. Not quite. The town was bustling. The air was crisp and there was a business like manner of every working person.
Due to my delayed flight, I had an hour to get from the airport to the Russell Senate Building to pick up coveted Inauguration ceremony tickets. It was tight and this was my last chance. I literally arrived at the building at 2:59. As I opened the car door, I felt I immediately knew what it is like to suffer from arthrhitis. Just frozen. No time to complain! Chop. Chop!
I made to the office as it was closing. Literally. The staff member smilled. With my frozen countenance, I gave her a half smile. The other side did not move. She handed me my credentials (see photo). I sighed.
As I stepped back outside the building, I could view the Inauguration stand in front of the Capitol. Though empty, it spoke volumes. I could hear the history of voices. Then it struck me. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, right before 12 noon, President-Elect Barack Obama will not take the oath of office ALONE - we will also be taking an oath. For this election season, we vowed with our vote to contribute to CHANGE we believe. We committed to helping to advance the legacy of this nation. We vowed to put our shoulder to the wheel. We promised to challenge the status quo. We vowed to pick up the pieces of our lives and work together for mutual prosperity. On Tuesday, this Inauguration will not be solely about Barack Obama, it will also be about our own word.
Whether you will be here in Washington or at home across the world, it will definitely be a special weekend and moment. I will be checking in each day to give you a snapshot and taste of the experience.
For now, I will count on the thoughts of the experience to warm my frozen veins. Button up and get ready to sworn in.
Due to my delayed flight, I had an hour to get from the airport to the Russell Senate Building to pick up coveted Inauguration ceremony tickets. It was tight and this was my last chance. I literally arrived at the building at 2:59. As I opened the car door, I felt I immediately knew what it is like to suffer from arthrhitis. Just frozen. No time to complain! Chop. Chop!
I made to the office as it was closing. Literally. The staff member smilled. With my frozen countenance, I gave her a half smile. The other side did not move. She handed me my credentials (see photo). I sighed.
As I stepped back outside the building, I could view the Inauguration stand in front of the Capitol. Though empty, it spoke volumes. I could hear the history of voices. Then it struck me. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, right before 12 noon, President-Elect Barack Obama will not take the oath of office ALONE - we will also be taking an oath. For this election season, we vowed with our vote to contribute to CHANGE we believe. We committed to helping to advance the legacy of this nation. We vowed to put our shoulder to the wheel. We promised to challenge the status quo. We vowed to pick up the pieces of our lives and work together for mutual prosperity. On Tuesday, this Inauguration will not be solely about Barack Obama, it will also be about our own word.
Whether you will be here in Washington or at home across the world, it will definitely be a special weekend and moment. I will be checking in each day to give you a snapshot and taste of the experience.
For now, I will count on the thoughts of the experience to warm my frozen veins. Button up and get ready to sworn in.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A Community of Resolutions
Every New Year, we reach for the stars. Some make it there and others don't - but have fun trying. One of the best ways to guarantee success is to seek continuous support from family and friends - in sharing ideas and best practices, finding inspiration and motivation from each other, and celebrating accomplishments at every opportunity. From our daily online community of Facebook and beyond, we searched near and far for the best mantras for 2009 to inspire each other to new heights.
The Top 10 Grammies for '09 mantras go to:
1. In 2009, real CHANGE is a state of MIND. (Alison Berke-Morano)
2. 2009, time to get up OFF your behind! (Lisa Colon-Heron)
3. 2009 will be just FINE, if we give it some TIME. (Joe Scott)
4. It's 2009 + our new president is FINE! (Rebkah Howard)
5. 2009: Refine, Realign, SHINE. (Rebecca Kollaras)
6. Live '09 like it is your last LIFELINE. (Shirley Cesar)
7. 2009 is MINE! (Kathryn Alliman-Mullings)
8. Lead your tribe in 2009 (Andy Louis-Charles)
9. 2009 there is no better time. (Collett Small)
10. Drink WINE in '09 (Gordon Myers)
Let's continue to share our resolutions and goals with each other and reach for real CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.
One Love.
The Top 10 Grammies for '09 mantras go to:
1. In 2009, real CHANGE is a state of MIND. (Alison Berke-Morano)
2. 2009, time to get up OFF your behind! (Lisa Colon-Heron)
3. 2009 will be just FINE, if we give it some TIME. (Joe Scott)
4. It's 2009 + our new president is FINE! (Rebkah Howard)
5. 2009: Refine, Realign, SHINE. (Rebecca Kollaras)
6. Live '09 like it is your last LIFELINE. (Shirley Cesar)
7. 2009 is MINE! (Kathryn Alliman-Mullings)
8. Lead your tribe in 2009 (Andy Louis-Charles)
9. 2009 there is no better time. (Collett Small)
10. Drink WINE in '09 (Gordon Myers)
Let's continue to share our resolutions and goals with each other and reach for real CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.
One Love.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Affirming Voters' Voices for CHANGE
Affirming voters' voices
Miami Herald - 12/14/08
I never truly knew the faces and voices behind Florida's Electoral College until this year. Like many, I viewed this vestige of the U.S. Constitution with some suspicion. This changed, however, when I received a call to serve as one of those voices on behalf of Barack Obama's campaign, one of 27 electors for Florida.
The Electoral College process is part of the U.S. Constitution's original design. Each state's popular vote determines the number of electors based on its congressional districts. The first presidential candidate to win 270 electoral votes out of a possible 538 wins the Oval Office.
The 27 electoral votes for Florida reflect the changing hue of this state from red to blue. It also speaks to its ever-changing demographics and, in turn, its political pulse. Some pundits say that the growing Hispanic vote had a direct impact on this year's presidential election. Others have concluded the state's growing and diverse black community tipped the scales.
The primary reason Florida is awash in blue is the surging activism and burgeoning voter rolls in key pockets. From the suburbs of Tampa to the urban immigrant neighborhoods of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Democrats, Republicans and independents alike woke up and embraced the powerful message of change. Floridians gave their dollars despite a bad economy, volunteered their time and organized friends and colleagues to knock on doors and staff phone banks. Many met neighbors for the first time; constituents realized their power.
On Nov. 4, voters chose the men and women who will serve in the Electoral College. As an elector, I will go to Tallahassee on Dec. 15 to record your vote on an official ''Certificate of Vote.'' As a group, we will sign, seal and certify Florida's electoral votes and immediately send them to the president of the U.S. Senate, the archivist of the United States and other federal and state officials for official counting on Jan. 8, 2009.
In the Senate chambers that day, I will echo not only my voice, but that of thousands of Floridians who voted early and turned up the volume of their voices in this election. It will be a resounding confirmation that Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States.
Voting is serious business and should not be taken for granted. We must treasure this precious constitutional right and honor the intent of our Founding Fathers. We can all be proud and find solace, whether your vote was tinged with red or blue. On Jan. 20, we will move forward, together, as a nation.
Miami Herald - 12/14/08
I never truly knew the faces and voices behind Florida's Electoral College until this year. Like many, I viewed this vestige of the U.S. Constitution with some suspicion. This changed, however, when I received a call to serve as one of those voices on behalf of Barack Obama's campaign, one of 27 electors for Florida.
The Electoral College process is part of the U.S. Constitution's original design. Each state's popular vote determines the number of electors based on its congressional districts. The first presidential candidate to win 270 electoral votes out of a possible 538 wins the Oval Office.
The 27 electoral votes for Florida reflect the changing hue of this state from red to blue. It also speaks to its ever-changing demographics and, in turn, its political pulse. Some pundits say that the growing Hispanic vote had a direct impact on this year's presidential election. Others have concluded the state's growing and diverse black community tipped the scales.
The primary reason Florida is awash in blue is the surging activism and burgeoning voter rolls in key pockets. From the suburbs of Tampa to the urban immigrant neighborhoods of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Democrats, Republicans and independents alike woke up and embraced the powerful message of change. Floridians gave their dollars despite a bad economy, volunteered their time and organized friends and colleagues to knock on doors and staff phone banks. Many met neighbors for the first time; constituents realized their power.
On Nov. 4, voters chose the men and women who will serve in the Electoral College. As an elector, I will go to Tallahassee on Dec. 15 to record your vote on an official ''Certificate of Vote.'' As a group, we will sign, seal and certify Florida's electoral votes and immediately send them to the president of the U.S. Senate, the archivist of the United States and other federal and state officials for official counting on Jan. 8, 2009.
In the Senate chambers that day, I will echo not only my voice, but that of thousands of Floridians who voted early and turned up the volume of their voices in this election. It will be a resounding confirmation that Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States.
Voting is serious business and should not be taken for granted. We must treasure this precious constitutional right and honor the intent of our Founding Fathers. We can all be proud and find solace, whether your vote was tinged with red or blue. On Jan. 20, we will move forward, together, as a nation.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Prologue of a Journey: "How Did We Paint Florida Blue"
Family, friends, and colleagues, what a week! I had to take a few days to marinate on the reality of the extraordinary moment witnessed this week. As promised, my 50th Blog would genuflect on the seminal journey of this remarkable political experience and transformation for all of us.
First, let me take you back to my precinct where I volunteered as a poll watching attorney. I volunteered to protect the rights of voters back at my former high school, Miami Southridge Senior High, in South-Miami-Dade County (851/827). I wanted to return to the first place that gave me a safe place to learn when I first migrated to the United States. And I am glad I did. I recognized former students, teachers, and neighbors. I even helped my own little sister vote in her first presidential election. It was like looking into a mirror.
I arrived at 6:30am and there were about 300 persons in line. Remarkable. I walked in and introduced myself to Miss Carolyn (above) one of the poll clerks. She said to me, "You look handsome in your blue tie, but how can I help you?" I said humbly, "I am going to find myself a quiet corner and I am just here to help support you." She retorted, "Goodie."
I said to myself, "We are in good hands."
Later that morning dusk, as the voters poured in, I offered some of the other clerks some fruit juice from my secret "charm the poll workers" stash. They were most appreciative, except for Miss Carolyn. She commented, "What happened to me, I don't look like I am working here as well and in need of hydration." I replied, "But of course, democracy needs to be quenched. She smirked and guzzled my cranberry juice.
The day progressed with a steady flow of voters, young, old, disabled, Black, White, Hispanic, East-Indian. All working folk. The neighborhood had not changed much. Truck drivers, bus drivers, teachers, students. Hard working Americans. You could tell the first time voters - with the nervous hesitation in which they entered the room. But they were determined and most simply came in to vote for the top of the ticket - which was unfortunate.
Later in the day, my Republican counterpart arrived 4 hours late. He proceeded to insert himself aggressively at the problem table. Then, he met Miss Carolyn who told him that his physical presence was hindering the process and that he should take a comfortable seat in the corner. He proceeded to recite the Florida statute to her as to his right to be watchful over the process. He should not have gone there. This is after I had warmed up the room in our favor. He quickly realized that she was not someone to mess with, unless he had some cranberry juice, snacks, and extra pens for voters.
The day ended with a spurt of workers closing their shifts. The last voter left at 7:40pm. And in the end, Obama prevailed to an estimated 760-214 votes. My precinct was painted BLUE.
We painted Florida Blue on the backs of a ground game that was built around dinner tables, lunch meetings, community rallies, art shows, barbeques, birthday parties, and house parties. We painted Florida Blue with $10 bills. We painted Florida Blue with the engagement of new Florida voices of young people and immigrant communities. We painted Florida Blue with the backing of loyal Clinton supporters. We painted Florida Blue in persuading fringe constituencies such as the Cuban-American community. We painted Florida BLUE by storming Tampa and Orlando and increasing voter turnout in North Florida/Panhandle and South Florida. We painted Florida Blue by building a hurricane of voices over the warm sea of a resonating CHANGE message. We painted Florida Blue because we believed in ourselves - WOMEN FOR OBAMA, CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, ORLANDO4OBAMA, JEWS FOR OBAMA, THE TAMPA BAY O-TRAIN, HAITIANS FOR OBAMA-CHANJMAN, GLBT FOR OBAMA, AFRICAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, and on and on. We hoped. We believed. We voted.
We painted Florida Blue because we took this time around seriously. Just like, Miss Carolyn (in her BLUE rim glasses). We were not playing with this moment. Now the real work begins, let's commit to the CHANGE WE BELIEVE IN. Follow the journey at http://change.gov/.
On December 15, I will submit my vote as one of the 27 electors in Tallahassee. I will remember your voice and break out my BLUE paint brush.
God Bless.
First, let me take you back to my precinct where I volunteered as a poll watching attorney. I volunteered to protect the rights of voters back at my former high school, Miami Southridge Senior High, in South-Miami-Dade County (851/827). I wanted to return to the first place that gave me a safe place to learn when I first migrated to the United States. And I am glad I did. I recognized former students, teachers, and neighbors. I even helped my own little sister vote in her first presidential election. It was like looking into a mirror.
I arrived at 6:30am and there were about 300 persons in line. Remarkable. I walked in and introduced myself to Miss Carolyn (above) one of the poll clerks. She said to me, "You look handsome in your blue tie, but how can I help you?" I said humbly, "I am going to find myself a quiet corner and I am just here to help support you." She retorted, "Goodie."
I said to myself, "We are in good hands."
Later that morning dusk, as the voters poured in, I offered some of the other clerks some fruit juice from my secret "charm the poll workers" stash. They were most appreciative, except for Miss Carolyn. She commented, "What happened to me, I don't look like I am working here as well and in need of hydration." I replied, "But of course, democracy needs to be quenched. She smirked and guzzled my cranberry juice.
The day progressed with a steady flow of voters, young, old, disabled, Black, White, Hispanic, East-Indian. All working folk. The neighborhood had not changed much. Truck drivers, bus drivers, teachers, students. Hard working Americans. You could tell the first time voters - with the nervous hesitation in which they entered the room. But they were determined and most simply came in to vote for the top of the ticket - which was unfortunate.
Later in the day, my Republican counterpart arrived 4 hours late. He proceeded to insert himself aggressively at the problem table. Then, he met Miss Carolyn who told him that his physical presence was hindering the process and that he should take a comfortable seat in the corner. He proceeded to recite the Florida statute to her as to his right to be watchful over the process. He should not have gone there. This is after I had warmed up the room in our favor. He quickly realized that she was not someone to mess with, unless he had some cranberry juice, snacks, and extra pens for voters.
The day ended with a spurt of workers closing their shifts. The last voter left at 7:40pm. And in the end, Obama prevailed to an estimated 760-214 votes. My precinct was painted BLUE.
We painted Florida Blue on the backs of a ground game that was built around dinner tables, lunch meetings, community rallies, art shows, barbeques, birthday parties, and house parties. We painted Florida Blue with $10 bills. We painted Florida Blue with the engagement of new Florida voices of young people and immigrant communities. We painted Florida Blue with the backing of loyal Clinton supporters. We painted Florida Blue in persuading fringe constituencies such as the Cuban-American community. We painted Florida BLUE by storming Tampa and Orlando and increasing voter turnout in North Florida/Panhandle and South Florida. We painted Florida Blue by building a hurricane of voices over the warm sea of a resonating CHANGE message. We painted Florida Blue because we believed in ourselves - WOMEN FOR OBAMA, CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, ORLANDO4OBAMA, JEWS FOR OBAMA, THE TAMPA BAY O-TRAIN, HAITIANS FOR OBAMA-CHANJMAN, GLBT FOR OBAMA, AFRICAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, and on and on. We hoped. We believed. We voted.
We painted Florida Blue because we took this time around seriously. Just like, Miss Carolyn (in her BLUE rim glasses). We were not playing with this moment. Now the real work begins, let's commit to the CHANGE WE BELIEVE IN. Follow the journey at http://change.gov/.
On December 15, I will submit my vote as one of the 27 electors in Tallahassee. I will remember your voice and break out my BLUE paint brush.
God Bless.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Life is Too Short
Family, friends, colleagues, it is only a matter of hours. Our transformation is near completion. If you already early voted, thank you. If you are still undecided, time to put your game face on. If you voted the other guy, thank you for exercising your franchise and I wish you God's blessings. No more debates. No fundraising receptions. No more patio discussion fights. No more TV ads. It's showtime!
For many of you, I am sure this is an anxious moment. Your stomach is unsettled. You cannot focus on the task at hand. You are scratching your head nervously. You are praying for the best. All of these emotions are natural. But, here is the comfort: Senator Obama has run a noble campaign. He has steadfastly communicated his vision for our country (and the world). He has shared his core values for the tone of this campaign and for the politics of CHANGE. He has remained dignified in addressing bumps in the road of the campaign. He shown all other candidates in the primary and general election all the respect warranted of your rivals. He has brought us all into this election from the ground up - veteran voices, new voices, re-engaged voices. He has simply run a stellar campaign. No matter what, we can all be proud of being able to live through this moment.
So, my friends, this is not a time for stress or anxiety. I know you are probably on pins and needles. In the middle of any storm or hurricane or pending instability (including economic hardship), it is important to remain calm and focused. There is much to be done --- to keep you busy away from the television, radio and internet. We have to close this deal and it will be critical for you to assess what else you could do over the next hours:
Take the day off with family to vote and volunteer to help others;
Adopt a precinct to volunteer after voting (other voters will need moral support);
Call all family members and friends who are registered to ensure that they have a picture ID and that they have completed their sample ballot;
Volunteer to help transport others to the polls;
Call 1-877-2-FL-OBAM - for any trouble shooting questions at the polls
Be sure to have a healthy breakfast and to hydrate and snack healthily throughout the day;
and finally, offer a prayer in memory of all those persons who are not with us on this day to witness and share in this moment.
Promise me that you will conduct your daily movements tomorrow with the same dignity that Sen. Obama has conducted this campaign. Please be polite to the poll workers. Please and thank you are still part of the language of common courtesy. In addition, please be helpful to other voters and be on the look out for any poll workers and civil rights attorneys who are present to ensure that every person has the right to vote.
Life is too short. We have to live every moment to the fullest. I am heartbroken Grandma Dunham did not have the opportunity to live through tomorrow. Let's live it for her.
My final Blog of the journey will be No. 50 - after tomorrow night.
For many of you, I am sure this is an anxious moment. Your stomach is unsettled. You cannot focus on the task at hand. You are scratching your head nervously. You are praying for the best. All of these emotions are natural. But, here is the comfort: Senator Obama has run a noble campaign. He has steadfastly communicated his vision for our country (and the world). He has shared his core values for the tone of this campaign and for the politics of CHANGE. He has remained dignified in addressing bumps in the road of the campaign. He shown all other candidates in the primary and general election all the respect warranted of your rivals. He has brought us all into this election from the ground up - veteran voices, new voices, re-engaged voices. He has simply run a stellar campaign. No matter what, we can all be proud of being able to live through this moment.
So, my friends, this is not a time for stress or anxiety. I know you are probably on pins and needles. In the middle of any storm or hurricane or pending instability (including economic hardship), it is important to remain calm and focused. There is much to be done --- to keep you busy away from the television, radio and internet. We have to close this deal and it will be critical for you to assess what else you could do over the next hours:
Take the day off with family to vote and volunteer to help others;
Adopt a precinct to volunteer after voting (other voters will need moral support);
Call all family members and friends who are registered to ensure that they have a picture ID and that they have completed their sample ballot;
Volunteer to help transport others to the polls;
Call 1-877-2-FL-OBAM - for any trouble shooting questions at the polls
Be sure to have a healthy breakfast and to hydrate and snack healthily throughout the day;
and finally, offer a prayer in memory of all those persons who are not with us on this day to witness and share in this moment.
Promise me that you will conduct your daily movements tomorrow with the same dignity that Sen. Obama has conducted this campaign. Please be polite to the poll workers. Please and thank you are still part of the language of common courtesy. In addition, please be helpful to other voters and be on the look out for any poll workers and civil rights attorneys who are present to ensure that every person has the right to vote.
Life is too short. We have to live every moment to the fullest. I am heartbroken Grandma Dunham did not have the opportunity to live through tomorrow. Let's live it for her.
My final Blog of the journey will be No. 50 - after tomorrow night.
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