The Ryan Thomas Collection

9.5 minutes of interview time between Katie Couric and Governor Palin is available on CBSNews.com. Watching this candid interview is exhausting, particularly for a Democrat, but more so as a voter. Couric did a splendid job in fighting a good fight for clear answers to her questions, but ended up doing so in vain.

Sarah Palin pretends she is a maverick and not big Washington, and yet she answers questions like the worst politician. Answering without answering. Talking longer than she needs to as means of completely avoiding a clear and precise answer. Couric had to ask Palin numerous times to clarify her answers. It is painful to watch her thinking so hard to create an answer that avoids answering a question.

Sarah Palin’s views, listed below, are rather disturbing from a figure attempting to hold the country’s second highest position. Her positions become increasingly frightening for a candidate trying to become Vice President. Lest we forget, the Vice President can be the deciding vote in a tie within Senate. Should a vote on gay hate crime legislation or equality, reproductive rights or climate change come to a tie in Senate, Palin would be the tie breaker should she become Vice President.

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Here are some rather concerning roundabout answers Sarah Palin gave:

1) Global warming is in part caused by humans, but also caused dominantly by natural weather cycles. She says, “Doesn’t matter at this point as what caused it, it’s real and we have to do something about it.” Palin contradicts herself, for it doesn’t matter what caused it, how can it be fixed. If it is a natural weather cycle, how do you correct nature? Essentially, she sounds as though she knows global warming is caused by humans, but does not want to admit.

2) Abortions should never be done and the Morning After Pill counts as abortion. (On a side note, Palin does believe in contraception, some beacon of light).

3) Palin says, “I am not going to judge Americans and the decisions they make in their adult made relationships… She [her friend] made a choice and happens to be a choice I have not made.” In one sentence, Palin says twice that gay Americans have CHOSEN to be gay or rather have DECIDED to live gay lifestyles, to put words in her mouth. Words that aren’t put in her mouth are “decisions” and “choice” in her statement about homosexuality.

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With weeks until the November election, the battle for votes on California’s same-sex proposition, “Prop 8,” gets more and more heated. Proponents of the prop have released their first new TV commercial this week to persuade undecided voters to “protect” marriage and vote yes on Prop 8. The commercial utilizes images of SF Mayor Newsom saying the door is wide open, suggesting that because same sex marriage is legal, the door to far worse is open now too. It continues to state that judges “imposed” gay marriage on people and ignored voters. It explicitly mentions how now gay marriage has to be taught in public schools and that is why voters should vote yes on the California proposition. It uses false ideas and fear to persuade voters. Furthermore, it says that tolerance of gay marriage is mandatory and that “we don’t have to accept it.” The commercial is rather weak and by using words such as tolerance, it seems to miss the ball with the undecided voters. “No on Prop 8″ commercials have appealed to the heart rather than the fear of undecided voters. Hopefully this tactic will prove effective come November.

Fortunately, as this commercial was released, co-founder of Google, Sergery Brin, released a statement against Prop 8 and has joined in the social realm to fight discrimination. He brought attention to the fact that Google rarely takes position on social issues because of the diversity of their workforce. Brin stated publically, “it is the chilling and discriminatory effect of the proposition on many of our employees that brings Google to publicly oppose Proposition 8 … We should not eliminate anyone’s fundamental rights, whatever their sexuality, to marry the person they love.” No news was released as to whether or not Google has financially donated any resources to “No on 8.” Google is a forward thinking company that has continued to maintain its original values, whilst also being at the forefront of the corporate world. This social statement validates the idea that Proposition 8 is bad for California!

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Some of the best politics seem to be happening when everyone is away from work and enjoying the weekend. This weekend began with an hour and a half debate between the two presidential nominees. In the first debate of the campaign, the two candidates both appeared to be holding back. There was no definitive winner, as both sides repeated the basic rhetoric of their campaign. The only difference this time around was the fact that they were in the same room.

ECONOMIC POLICY

The debate began with economic policy and the mending of the horrific situation the country has found itself in. Both candidates have latched onto the “Wall Street” v. “Main Street” idea. Obama clearly had a a base platform that he wanted viewers to hear, understand and latch onto. He took the idea of Main Street’s residents and incorporated it throughout his answers. A common string throughout topics. A clever tactic this is, as it repeats the basis of his campaign, a strong and educated middle class will return America back to its former glory. This common string included ideas of education and promotion of sciences/technology so that the future of America can be one that is at the forefront. This push sounded similar to ideas of the Cold War, where America needed to prove its stance at the front by being a leader of technology, particularly in the Space Race.

Obama’s consistent reference to the Middle Class is important and vital to a healthy America. McCain did not explicitly mention the Middle Class, but simply alluded to it in responses to tax policy and income levels. A dedication to improving and building a healthy Middle Class is vital to the health and prosperity of the United States. It seems to be the forgotten element of GOP politics. The downfall on Wall Street has shown how the GOP favors the fat cats of big business. The economic policy of the GOP, including McCain, is a failed policy and McCain failed to convince Americans in his debate answers that he will be this “Maverick” of the GOP party, changing GOP’s core economic policy. This policy being top down economics, and what seems to be continuation of Reaganomics and the trickle down theory. The Middle Class needs explicit attention and cannot wait for the trickle.

FOREIGN POLICY

After spending almost half of the allotted debate time to economics, foreign policy took the main stage. McCain became increasingly patronizing and condescending during this portion of the debate. Citizens are well aware of the warfare experience McCain holds. Citizens are well aware that McCain has been in the Senate for a very long time, but when he says he’s been friends with Kissinger for 35 years, one must remember that for Obama to be friends that long would mean he met them in junoir high. What Obama showed viewers was a clear knowledge of foreign policy. Citizens are aware that he does not have the same direct experience with foreign policy, and particularly the length of experience that McCain displays. Obama does, however, display a clear understanding of international relations.

Speaking to Bush’s “Axis of Evil” in high level meetings does not sound like the horrific idea McCain makes it out to be. McCain’s insistence of refusing a chat with leaders of Iran or North Korea, without preconditions, sounds similar to a spoiled child giving the Silent Treatment. McCain insists that speaking with these leaders, without preconditions, will embolden other foreign leaders to commit similar actions to obtain a meet and greet with the American President. By speaking with the leaders of Iran and North Korea, on a top level, the democratic nations of the West can set up diplomatic relations with these nations that are not going away any time soon. Should these diplomatic relations prove ineffective, and the leaders of Iran and North Korea prove uncooperative, building a coalition of nations to take more harsh action will be easier and more effective. Rather than making the same mistake with Iran that was made in Iraq, a strong and determined international coalition can be built. The mistakes of Iraq cannot be repeated and the first step in ensuring this would be sitting at a table with the leaders of the “Axis of Evil” without preconditions.

CONCLUSION & CNN WRAP UP

In the end, the first debate showed a determined Obama and a condescending McCain. Though neither really out shined the other, the answers Obama presented were clearly the direction America needs to move in. Obama closed his portion of the debate with a reference to American ideology, essentially returning back to the idea of reinstating the American Dream. He made mention of his father from Kenya who worked to come to the United States in the 1960s because the US was the land of opportunity. Obama made clear that his goal is to reinstate this idea through rebuilding a strong middle class and investing in education and the people. To quote Bill Clinton, America must “lead by the power of its example, not example of its power.”

The highlight of the debate happened to come in the post debate commentary on CNN. Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden, spoke with CNN correspondents via satellite in a debate roundup. Biden made mention that McCain continued to look to the past, whilst Obama continued to talk about the future. Following Biden’s chat with CNN’s panel, Wolf Blitzer said, “I’d love Sarah Palin to join us… but I don’t think she’ll be joining us tonight.” Anderson Cooper, without skipping a beat, responded, “I wouldn’t hold your breath.” This clear media attack against the isolation of Palin from the media was simple perfection. Palin cannot hide forever.

TINA FEY’S RETURN to PALIN on SNL

On the topic of Palin, Saturday Night Live provided an energized political audience with yet another Tina Fey impersonation of the GOP VP candidate that the media and Democrats alike love to poke fun at. It brought a clear backing to why Palin was a no show in post debate coverage. SNL depicted Palin’s interview with CBS’ Katie Couric and her responses to questions concerning the $700 bailout of Wall Street. Tina Fey did another outstanding job of making Palin look the complete fool, using easy material directly from Palin. Fey has an easy job as Palin’s direct quotes can be used and they are, in fact, hysterical. Answers that don’t actually answer anything. Answers that seem to twist and turn with no clear destination. This is Sarah Palin. If Palin can’t easily answer Katie Couric’s questions, how is she to answer a question from a foreign head of state. Palin is in over her head and it certainly is not tiring to see this depicted on SNL.

(Photos provided by the Ryan Thomas Collection. All rights reserved. Videos provided courtesy of Hulu.com)

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It was announced today that the US government closed Washington Mutual today, making it the largest bank failure in American history. Normal business operations will continue, as JP Morgan and the FDIC have come in to rescue the bank.

Months and months ago, I posted that WaMu would not offer paperless statements for their credit accounts. Calls and letters did not convince them to even make my account a special case. After expressing that the use of paper statements was bad for the environment, I still got nowhere. I expressed to them that all my other banks and credit issuers, including, ironically, JP Morgan Chase, provided me with paperless statements.

Well, it looks like karma has gotten back to WaMu. Think of all the money they could have saved by switching over customers to paperless statements.  All the cost of paper and postage could have been used to fight off this failure. Though, it is hard to see another bank fail, as it shows the further demise of Wall Street due to poor decision making by Republicans, I get a little sweet pleasure in knowing Washington Mutual, the paper waster and trash producer, has failed!

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In its continued effort to conquer Prop 8 in November, No On 8 has released its latest TV ad in California. The ad features an older married couple talking about their lesbian daughter. It reinforces that Prop 8 actually ELIMINATES the right of Californians to marry. This strategy is proving to be effective in the quest to defeat Prop 8. Reinforcing the idea that this prop takes away someone’s right that they already maintain sways some of those on the fence, as its been proven people are less likely to remove a right already granted.

As the polls continue to show growing disapproval for the prop, these ads are working to get those in harder to reach areas to also vote against it. Watch the TV spot below and if you can, make a donation to the organization to help get this ad played throughout needed areas of California. Do you know someone getting married soon? Maybe someone celebrating a wedding anniversary? Don’t give them a material good. Donate money to secure the right to marital bliss for all Californians in their honor. www.noonprop8.com.

With your donation, the commercial can be played in the following markets:

• $50: In a small TV market in Spanish
• $125: During “Heroes” in Palm Springs
• $500: During “Dr. Phil” in San Diego
• $1,000: During the presidential debate in Sacramento
• $2,500: Twice during “The Daily Show” in San Francisco
• $5,000: Twice during “The Daily Show” in Los Angeles

Donate now: www.noonprop8.com

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California’s Prop 8, to eliminate same sex marriage in the state, continues to draw huge donations from both sides. Large business owners have donated in support of Prop 8, causing boycott calls within LGBT and their supporting communities. This has resulted in various groups withdrawing conventions from the Manchester Hyatt in downtown San Diego.

The latest donation to support equality in California comes from Brad Pitt. Donating $100,000 to fight against Prop 8, and thus support marriage equality, Brad Pitt has made one of the largest single donations to date for the campaign. Pitt released the following statement on why he decided to make this donation:

because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn’t harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8.

Brad Pitt also made mention that he was surprised other actors and Hollywood types had not donated more to the fight against Prop 8. With an industry fueled by so many LGBT members, one would think wealthy Hollywood elite would join the battle. Many of them have no problem supporting political causes worldwide, so why not a cause of equality. Pitt makes mention that even if one disagrees with the “gay lifestyle,” so to speak, people deserve to be treated equally. This is the cause other Hollywood elite should put their money towards.

Thank you, Brad Pitt, for supporting equality in California!

Show your support and donate now at http://www.noonprop8.com

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Wednesday was fashion day in political and government news. Countering the dreary and dark news of Wall Street, fashion provided a moment to breathe whilst reading the daily news. Florida courts ruled on constitutional fashion rights. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama makes it to People’s 2008 fashion list.

A display of a wasteful use of time, money and resources made its way to the Palm Beach District court with a violation of proper pants wearing. Last week, in Riviera Beach, local authorities arrested 17-year-old Julius Hart for wearing his jeans four to five inches below his waist, therefore baring his boxers. Hart was escorted to jail overnight and charged a $150 fine or community service, a set sentence for first time offenders of sagging pants. In court Wednesday, Palm Beach Circuit Judge Paul Moyle ruled the banning of saggy pants unconstitutional based on “limited facts of the case.” What a relief to know that the freedom to dress has been upheld.

In other fashion news, People magazine is releasing their 2008 list of best dressed women. Among celebrity stars such as Heidi Klum and Sarah Jessica Parker is the hopeful future First Lady, Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama’s look is described as “classic and confident.” Most importantly, Michelle tells People, “Some of my favorite summer dresses are from Gap and H&M.” She went on to tell the magazine that couture clothing is far from her style. The Obama’s not only know how many houses they own, but Michelle is able to be stylish without necessarily going to top designers. Another admirable trait of the Obamas. Does anyone else see a new Jackie O in our future?

Taking all the news on Wall Street seriously, Americans need a little pocket to escape to as the stock market drops, banks go bunkrupt and the economic future of the nation comes into question. Though things like fashion are often trivial, sometimes everyone needs a moment to look at something else.

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There had been suggestions that due to Tina Fey’s amazing resemblance to Governor Palin, she would play the VP Republican candidate in a sketch for Saturday Night Live’s season premiere. Last night, audiences were graced with such a sketch as the opening scene of SNL. Tina Fey’s portrayal of Governor Palin was dead on.  It was almost scary how perfect it was. One had to blink a few times to actually realize that it was Tina Fey. The accent was amazing and Palin’s annoying hand gestures and mannerisms were portrayed with perfection. Take a look at the sketch below for a great laugh!

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Last week proved to be Alaska’s week on television, both politically and in modern pop culture. ABC’s Charlie Gibson interviewed Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, in her first interview with the press, free from the shield of the GOP spin doctors. Within this interview, viewers heard Palin describe the Iraqi war as a “task from God.” In popular television, America’s Next Top Model contestant Hanna, also from Alaska, made racist comments to a nationwide audience. A “holy war” and racism from the mouths of two Alaskans in one week, one a politician trying to be Vice President, one from an average citizen trying to make it big in the world of fashion.

Governor Palin said in a speech at her church, “Pray for our troops…our national leaders are sending them [US troops] on a task that is from God.” Charlie Gibson’s he pressed her on this topic and Palin strained to dig herself out of unpopular hole, attempting to justify her comments by saying she took such words from Abraham Lincoln. It sounded far fetched and unjustified. To say that the Iraqi war is a “task that is from God” essentially makes it a “holy war,” in Palin’s eyes. The explicit irony is that this “War on Terrorism” is supposedly a war against the very terrorists who also feel the actions they are taking are for their god. 

Osama bin Laden is jihadist. These al-Queda terrorists feel they, too, are on a task from God. How can Palin become a leader of the the United States, battling alongside other democracies to free themselves from the terror of jihadists, when she essentially is a Christian jihadist with a son acting as a “Christian Warrior” of sorts, off to fight in Iraq. How can you fight against those who feel they are in doing God’s work, when one also feels they are fighting for God’s work? Hypocrite anyone?

For pop culturists, and those less interested in politics, I present to you ANTM hopeful and Alaskan resident, Hannah. A small town Alaskan girl, who grew up without electricity, is vying to be Tyra Bank’s next slave in the fashion world, hoping to be ANTM’s 11th cycle winner. When in her shared room with an Asian-American and African-American roommates, Hannah says to them, “I’m the stereotypicalal white person.” When asked what that actually means, Hannah tells them, “I don’t really like that music. I’m not really loud. I don’t walk in a room and am like, ‘Heyyyyy!’ and scream.” She denied later that she was neither a racist nor prejudiced, however her comments were insensitive and based on stereotypes. It seems rather hypocritical to be making such comments about racial minorities when attempting to be winner of a show produced, hosted and created by an African-American.

Two women, one in her forties fighting to be Vice President of the United States and one in her twenties fighting to be America’s Next Top Model. Both women share their common Alaskan roots. Both women share a way of thinking that is out of touch with modern America. In a multi-cultural, pluralist society, it is rather disturbing to see these two women from two different generations on television, in two different contexts,  making comments that sound as though they are quotes from history books. It’s as though Manifest Destiny and Jim Crow have risen from the grave in Alaska to revisit the lower 48 states.

Editor’s Note: Yes, not all residents of Alaska can be stereotyped and pigeon holed by the images and words shown on television, because this would be lowering oneself to Hannah’s level. This post is certainly not attempting to corner all Alaskans as god warriors and/or racists.  However, one must take note of these images and words in order to further investigate important decisions, such as the future Vice President of the USA.

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In commemoration of September 11th, 2001.

Memories of the WTC or the 9/11 … Share it here.

WTC Site, 2006

 (Photos provided by The Ryan Thomas Collection. All rights reserved.)

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