The Ryan Thomas Collection

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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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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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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It comes every year. A dark reminder of a very dark day in American history. A dreadfully long day that changed the future of the United States with the fall of two glorious towers, with planes dropping from the sky like kamikaze jets of WWII, only this time they were domestic and turned against the very land they rose from. It was a day of fear and uncertainty. Sitting in front of the television watching over and over again, America’s two beautiful towers burning, crumbling and finally imploding. Images of people running chaotically around the streets of New York or jumping to their final death below. It is no wonder that following these events of September 11th, a generation of Americans began reacting and believing differently, saddened by the loss of something bigger than themselves. It was as though a teenager was thrust into adulthood too soon, innocence stolen, and forced to deal with the new world before them, not knowing what to do.

It was on September 11th that we not only bared witness to the cruelty the world has to offer, but the power of fear and its affects on all of us. President FDR told Americans, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Nothing could be more true in the face of post 9/11. The years that have passed since 9/11/01 have seen events and actions made by Americans that have proven to be almost as frightening and dreadful as the very terrorist act that pushed them to do so.

The fearmongers of the GOP used the emotions of Americans in a post 9/11 world to push their agenda of what seemed to be a desire of worldwide domination. Sending troops into Afghanistan and then Iraq, Republicans and various Democrats, haphazardly took action against an unnamed enemy, or rather an enemy they placed a faulty name on. Utilizing 9/11 fear, a Republican dominated Congress and Executive Branch built a domestic coalition to attack Iraq, but seemed to forget a main key, a strong international coalition. Entering a war unprepared, the United States stretched military resources thin. Utilizing fear of WMD’s and terrorism in 2004, the GOP was able to use the new found Iraq War II in their quest to grapple at every last electoral vote and continue their reign in the White House.

Meanwhile, as the United States fought a military war in the Middle East, the GOP continued their fearmongering in efforts to attack the protected rights of citizens and foreign nationals alike. In the name of terrorism, privacy rights have been encroached upon and foreigners are held captive without due cause. Government agents are tapping the phones of American citizens and foreigners are sitting in jails, uncharged. Fear of terrorism has been used to push the line against protected rights of people, national and not. It is as though Hitler and Nazi Germany came back to pay the modern world a visit. As American soldiers fight for Iraqi democracy, it continues to strip some of the very rights democracy has afforded its own citizens. However, it is important to remember that should one speak against it, it has been considred by many in the past seven years to be unpatriotic and equally as offensive and wrong by the GOP, in particular.

The actions of my fellow American citizens in the past seven years has proven to be far more frightening than the singular day of 9/11; a day I spent in tears for the loss my country incurred. I see a nation that took the dark route after a tragic event, rather than rising above, better than before. Standing as the leading nation on the global stage following the fall of the USSR, our country threw away the opportunity to maintain its stance. Stretching military sources so thin that even the sleeping giant, Russia, is comfortable throwing its arms around, taunting neighbors and NATO alike.

Rising from the ash of 9/11′s fearmongers is a man we can believe in to steer the United States back on course. On 9/11/01, I was proud to be American. On 9/11/02, I began questioning the ability of the nation to bounce back. I believe again and our future presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, has brought this feeling back. He represents a new time for the United States, a new chance for the country to redeem itself on a world stage. I don’t want to be afraid of the White House any longer. As Obama gets closer to the White House and shows us that the GOP fear mongers are losing their power, I have new hope for the country. As President Clinton stated at the DNC in Denver, “We must lead by the power of our example, not the example of our power.”

(Picture 1: WTC Site through gate, August 2008. Picture 2: First Iraq War Memorial. Picture 3: London gift to NYC after 9/11. All pictures provided by The Ryan Thomas Collection.)

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As the microscope focuses closer and closer on Sarah Palin, more revelations are being made public about her record in politics and her personal beliefs. Making the shooting of wolves from air legal and actively working to take polar bears off the Endangered Species list to allow for oil industry growth in Alaska are just a couple examples of what has been learned. Palin’s stance on gay issues are slowly reaching media outlets through research, since the GOP has yet to allow the VP candidate to speak directly to the press.

Palin’s record on some gay issues are as follows:

1) Supported the 1998 Alaskan constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage in the state. 

2) Supported an Alaska ballot measure that would deny benefits to domestic partners of state employees. In 2006, she vetoed legislation that would deny these benefits because the State Attorney General advised her that the legislation was unconstitutional, but stated that she supported the bill and her veto was a result of policy.

3) She does not support hate crime legislation that is inclusive of the GLBT community. Hate crime legislation is important in prosecuting crimes against GLBT triggered by the victim’s sexual orientation or identity. It allows extra resources to be allocated for this crime, as well as harsher sentencing. Hate crime laws are already in place for crimes fueled by a victim’s race, ethnicity and/or religion.

4) She is affiliated with more than a few anti-gay groups, including “Life of the Party,” Family Research Council and the Wasilla Bible Church that promotes homosexual conversion to heterosexuality through “the power of God’s love and desire.” (For the record, Palin has not publicly acknowledged support of the “Pray Away the Gay” program of her church.)

Sarah Palin’s conservative viewpoints on the definition of “family” cannot be healthy for the United States. We have seen how the current US President has used religion to support his actions and ideas. Additionally, the country has seen how the Right uses gay equality as their last bullet when getting desperate in elections. Sarah Palin’s conversative ideals concerning the gay community is a back pocket tool, that if push comes to shove towards late October, is bound to be pulled out.

Some citizens may state that the pieces of information listed above, in addition to other background information coming to the public eye, is a direct result of the liberal media’s attack on the Right. There is constant mention of unfair attacks against Sarah Palin and the Republican party, particularly from conservative media members and members of the GOP. If you have not seen John Stewart’s take on the media coverage of Republican Sarah Palin, take five minutes and watch it below.

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Thursday night concluded the Republican National Convention with a speech from Senator McCain that was rather dull and uninspiring. As many expected, his speech lacked the gusto of Governor Palin’s speech one night prior and in doing so, seems to have allowed his little known running mate to maintain her stance as the high point of the week’s convention. Palin’s speech was touted as pushing her into new found stardom; stardom rising from harsh rhetoric against her opponent’s past as a “community organizer.”

Governor Palin is a gun totting, abstinence preaching and oil drilling advocate. Her speech on Wednesday was powerful amongst what is typically a group of old white men and in saying so, she is a breath of fresh air for those of us not belonging to the Republican Party. Palin’s speech was clever, though often filled with misguided and false facts about her opponents.

Palin apportioned a large section of time to continually attacking and cheapening Senator Obama’s background as a community organizer.  She had seemed to forgetten that some of America’s greatest heroes were too, community organizers. Where would this country be without the likes of Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez? Community organizers are able to bring people together for a common cause, allowing that group to work towards a common goal. Often using grassroots techniques, community organizers are able to unite people one by one into a large group committed to change. This skill set seems of utmost importance in a position where one must unite soldiers to protect a nation. A position that must organize business leaders to help grow a weakening economy. A position that must bring together leaders of the free world to combat global issues of climate change, trade and human rights.

A president, much like a community organizer, must inspire the people of a nation to work together for the common good of the country. By working together and feeling as though everyone has the power to make change on a local level, individual citizens can work towards a better America. Community organizers were at the heart of America’s birth, as it fought for independence in the 18th century. As the country industrialized in the 19th century, community organizers worked to get unions started and helped create and maintain workers’ rights. In the 20th century, these same community organizers brought about civil rights change and growth.

Governor Palin must not attack the “community organizer,” for doing so is attacking the everyday people working together to empower and enrich the lives of ordinary, everyday Americans. The Americans that are working hard with blood, sweat and tears, through underfunded and under appreciated programs, were essentially slapped in the face by Palin’s critique of the “community organizer.” How can the United States work itself out of its slump of these eight past years with a leader who dismisses the very work people are doing to bring about positive change?

Show your support for community organizers, donate to the Obama/Biden campaign and show Governor Palin the power of local grassroots change. www.barackobama.com

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The games in Beijing have ended opening up precious television airtime and digital news space for Democrats as they present to the nation its new hope for the future. Revealed via text message to thousands late Friday night, Senator Joe Biden officially became Obama’s running mate in the run for the White House. With both players in place, the Democrats begin their run in Denver tonight at their national convention.

Opening night featured a return to the public eye for Senator Kennedy, but more importantly a closer view of of who Democrats hope will be the future First Lady, Michelle Obama. Michelle’s speech reminded those who listened about the fabric of our nation, and how their family represents that fabric. Two individuals climbing their way through the trenches of American society, supported by hard working, blue collar parent(s). Two individuals defining their futures through the strength of their upbringing and their ability to dream for a brighter future. Michelle exclaimed, “The American dream endures.” The Obama family is the modern version of this dream.

Michelle Obama presents herself both as a strong, educated woman and a sincere, loving mother and wife. Her strength and conviction whilst speaking not only depicts the type of woman Michelle is, but also shows us that Barack Obama is a modern man, not threatened by a woman of strength, speaking her mind. Michelle reminded listeners that Barack was raised by single mother, no stranger to hard working, independent  women. He knows the power of the American Dream. Barack is a modern man. Michelle, a modern woman. Together, these two are united as modern America and a couple that should represent the United States in a modern age.

Michelle ended her speech proclaiming that the children of today will be able to tell their future families, “How this time we listened to our hopes, instead of our fears. This time, we decided to stop doubting and to start dreaming.” It is time that the people of this country, young and old, remember how to dream again. It is time that this nation has two real figures, man and woman, built within the classic American Dream, reminding us daily that what seems impossible is possible. A poor girl from the south side of Chicago can work to become a lawyer. The son of a blue-collar, single mother can become leader of the free world. It is time we stop doubting and start hoping and it is time we listen to our hopes, instead of our fears.

Obama/Biden 2008 – Donate Here: http://www.BarackObama.com

Below, part two of Michelle Obama’s speech at the convention (YouTube.com).

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