Uppity Wisconsin

Here's what a mandate looks like from the global community, courtesy The Newseum.

Too bad they don't go back to the front pages of newspapers November 2, 2004, but I did find this. Most state "Kerry Concedes," or show the electoral map results. What a contrast.

I'm sure others have beat me to this, but I just remembered all the hullabaloo about how the 2004 presidential election was a proven mandate for Bush to lead this country. Remember this?

Amplifying a point made by others, since the Feb. 17 primary that catapulted Obama as the frontrunner in the Democratic Primary with solid appeal to the white working class, Wisconsin has reclaimed its maverick status demonstrating a propensity to support political progressives.

As Paul Maslin writes in Salon today, "In my home state of Wisconsin, Obama's margin mushroomed to an extraordinary 13 points. Just look at any of the electoral maps of the Badger State and realize that all that blue was produced by nearly all-white rural counties and small towns that many thought would never support an African-American candidate."

Stunning. Astounding. Beautiful. People around the world agree.

Dog tired from canvassing. Still, perhaps tipsy from last night's revelry. 

A healing email from my aunt, incredibly:

"I am no longer depressed about the election because I trust your judgment on Obama's background.  It makes me very hopeful for our country's future." 

And love, peace, and prosperity to all the children who will get to grow up in a world that's a little better.

From the Capital Times (Madison, Wis), John Nichols reports:

I'm not sure what this means, and neither does Governor Doyle, nor Chief Judge Sue Bischel of Green Bay, so I'm in good company.

What could Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen have up his sleeve when he calls for "voter checks" on election day because the state may have to "initiate emergency, election-related proceedings."

Could this have something to do with the actions of the law enforcement personnel he's sending to the polls?

Below is the text of a letter from a family member to try to convince the few members of my family who are Democrats why they should vote for McCain.

For the last year, there has been much passionate political discussion at family events, and there is no amount of logic or fact that can be used to persuade those in my family who vote Republican to change their minds. This incredible point of view shows why:

Two Canadian disc jockeys at a Montreal radio station were able to easily convince Sarah Palin's handlers that she would receive a call from French Prime Minister Sarkozy. Just listen to it. It's unbelievable how unqualified this woman was able to convince Alaskans that she's capable of anything.

She's doesn't even begin to suspect that she's been punk'd when the "Sarkozy" disc jockey says he'd love to go hunting with her by helicopter because he LUVS taking away life.

What a bunch of amateurs she's got on staff. It's unreal. And how low has this country sunk that someone like this is vice presidential material.

UPDATE: And keep in mind, Sarkozy has endorsed Obama.

UPDATE: Here's the transcript. They even referred to the Hustler porn "Nailin Palin" and she didn't know she was being pranked.

(h/t Kos) 

WTF is going on?

WASHINGTON – The extraordinary powers of customs and border agents to invade the privacy of individuals at the U.S. border are spreading inland and creating what amounts to a “Constitution-free Zone” that covers fully two-thirds of the American population, the American Civil Liberties Union said today in a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

197.4 million people live within 100 miles of the U.S. borders, and the government has just assumed extraordinary powers to search U.S. citizens within these zones.

This is not tinfoil hat stuff. Look at the map (scroll down a little). Do you know what this means?

“In the United States, citizens are not supposed to need an internal passport,” said Steinhardt. “This is our country and we are free to go where we please, without being stopped and interrogated by the authorities, as long as we are not behaving illegally or in a way that is clearly suspicious.”

Have you seen Paul Newman's greatest performance in "Cool Hand Luke"? If not, give it a view soon.  I feel his character mimics the hope that Obama inspires.

"They don't know whether to smile, spit, or swallow."

Here's to "world shakers." And thanks for your great examples of how to lead in life, Paul.