Of course its up to the WOMEN!

*** Wooing women: One of the biggest reasons for the dead-even presidential race: The Palin pick has cut into Obama’s lead among women. So the Obama camp has ramped up effort to woo women with increased women surrogates. As the Washington Post reports today, “It rolled out a women's outreach effort Monday, led by scores of prominent female entrepreneurs, athletes and politicians, including former secretary of state Madeleine K. Albright, cosmetics entrepreneur Bobbi Brown and Yahoo! Inc. President Sue Decker. The women will act as surrogates for Obama, advocating his support for issues such as equal pay, expansion of family leave and reduction of health care costs. Prominent women also are flooding the airwaves on Obama's behalf, including Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Govs. Janet Napolitano of Arizona and Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.), a former Hillary Rodham Clinton backer." Obama getting women to come back to his side is probably the difference between winning and losing.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/

You can't make this stuff up.

That is what I have felt like for the past two or three weeks, between watching the DNC and the RNC, watching the Sarah Palin effect sweep mainstream media coverage, and watching both Sarah and John McCain lie their faces off (and eventually be called out by media for doing so-thanks for upholding that promise for a dignified, respectful campaign John). Most of this political news is, yes, too sensational to make up.

Every day I almost start a blog about some happening in election politics, but honestly, things move too fast and furious for me to keep up, and there are plenty of professional bloggers out there who can keep pace.

What I am really enjoying (and at times, loathing) are the comments made on these blog postings. My favorite so far today, in regards to reports that Sarah Palin will meet with foreign leaders at a UN meeting next week:

Then after she goes to the UN for an hour to “meet foreign leaders” and establish her security/foreign policy credentials, McCain will take her to a hospital, so she can establish her “health care” credentials; then they will go out in the street and meet a whole bunch of African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians to check off the “diversity” credentials; then they can ride the subway for one stop to clarify her “infrastructure” credentials; and then, finally, she can use her ATM card at a bank branch down on Wall Street so she can demonstrate her expertise on the financial markets. I swear you can’t make this up.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/

I agree, gentle reader, I agree. You just couldn't make this up.

Vince Young says he is fine

In a follow up to a previous post, Titans QB Vince Young says his mother and the media overreacted and that reports he was depressed were overblown. In an interview with the Tennessean, Vince explains:

“It was my first time getting booed,’’ Young said. “I didn’t know how to handle that.’’ He said he didn’t refuse to go back into the game despite impressions raised during a sideline incident in the fourth quarter.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/SPORTS01/80911075

That may be fine and well, but Coach Jeff Fisher made it clear in this article that Vince will have to recover-physically and mentally-before the Titans will put him back in play. I'm happy to hear that-I do like Jeff Fisher and respect him for the way he treats his players, and I'm happy to hear that they realize that such an emotional reaction to being booed is not normal, and I'm glad they are encouraging his well being, in all areas.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/SPORTS01/809110362

For the Love of all things Nashville....

Yesterday the nominations were announced for the 2008 Country Music Association Awards that will be given out in November.

Much noise is being made around town regarding the top prize category-Entertainer of the Year. One, is that for the first time in anyone's recent memory, there is a FEMALE in the category, Jennifer Nettles, as part of the duo Sugarland. Last woman to enter this category I am guessing may have been Reba in the late 80s or so-but I have not googled that so no one jump on me-I am willing to be corrected!

Second, the link below is to an article about Rascal Flatts, known for their giant record sales and massive concert tours (I once heard that they have over 13 buses and several trailers for their massive stage show), being omitted from the category this year.

http://musiccitytv.com/2008/09/10/do-what-rascal-flatts-gets-no-cma-entertainer-nom/#comments

To be honest, I'm not upset about this at all-I liked them much better when they first came on the scene ten years ago, I think they are a little full of themselves so I'm actually a little happy to see them get knocked down a peg and give someone else a chance to be nominated. I have seen Sugarland live, and they are VERY entertaining. They covered Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar on Me the last time I saw them live, and it was awesome. Glad they are being recognized.

Also on the list: Brad Paisley, who I've seen many times as my friend Wendy LUVS him. He's also great live, and his tours consistently are among the top grossing in country.

The other nominees are George Straight (luv him too, but entertainer of the year? He stands there behind the mic with his guitar and doesn't move. Not the most exciting.....he is not deserving of this category. Give him awards for the music but not entertainment value); Kenny Chesney (never seen him live, of course he probably has THE most popular tour, and has held down this category for about 4-5 years now, so I'd like for someone else to win this year); and finally, Keith Urban. I have to say, my vote goes to Keith in this category this year. I also saw him live about over a year ago (Nov 07), and in a year where I saw Justin Timberlake twice, I think that Keith Urban was the best concert I went to that year. It just proved that you don't have to have a major "stage show" to be completely entertaining and crowd pleasing. We were in the very top nosebleed of the Sommet Center and everyone was standing up and rocking out the whole time. He was flawless. He deserves to be recognized for being a true talent and a great performer. Kenny may be more strobe lights and fireworks, but all Keith needed was a guitar and a microphone to entertain me for 2 hours.

Complete list of major nominees here:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880910019

And Kudos to Wendy for catching that they have changed the "Horizon Award" to "Best New Artist" and two of the nominees (Jason Aldean and Rodney Atkins) were nominated for the same award two years in a row...so clearly they are hardly new.

?????

A Reminder that No One has an Easy Life.....

Yesterday in Nashville it was big news that our Titans QB, Vince Young, who had a rough game during the season opener against Jacksonville on Sunday, had gone missing for several hours and concerned friends and family had contacted the Titans organization, who in turn contacted the local police, to locate him due to concern about his "state of mind." Young suffered a knee injury in the 4th quarter, but before that was visibly inconsolable after throwing an interception, and reportedly had to be coaxed by Coach Jeff Fisher and Co. to even return to the game (the crowd booed when he through the interception).

Long story short for those of you hearing this for the first time, Vince was found, watching Monday Night Football with a friend, mental state intact. However, that is not the end of the story. Reports are coming out that Vince, in his 3rd year I believe as a pro, considered retiring last year, not sure that the expectations and the lifestyle of pro football were for him. His mother is interviewed in the Tennessean today calling her son "a young man that is hurting" and "needs prayers." A psychologist called on to talk to Young on Monday described him as "depressed." (SHOULDN'T THAT BE CONFIDENTIAL????)

It's hard to feel bad for a guy who, at 25, was a top draft pick out of college, makes millions a year, and should in theory "have it all." Sure, he had to follow in the footsteps of Steve McNair-a wildly popular AND super successful QB for the Titans. I heard an interview-can't remember where-that Vince questioned "whether the fans even want me here."

Part of me wants to tell him to suck it up, get OVER yourself, and realize that you play football, you did not make a mistake that people will die over. Get some perspective, buddy-you have a good life, you can ride this gravy train for a good long time.

But, having a degree in Psychology, another part of me is scared that we have another kid, thrust into fame, fortune, crushed under the weight of unrealistic expectations, that shuts down when the world becomes too much to deal with (Britney, anyone?). Because money won't make you happy, living your life under a microscope where people that don't know you are allowed to judge you in any way they see fit, and expecting yourself to live up to a legend who has several times the experience that you do would get to anyone.

So what happens to Vince? And my hometown team? Well, that pesky knee injury will keep him on the sidelines for 2-4 weeks. I say send him to a 30 day "rehab" type program. Whether he's a baby who just needs an attitude adjustment OR a young man showing signs of mental illness needing treatment, time away-and out of the spotlight-under the care of someone that can either way give him the skills to cope with disappointments in life and his career, has to be worth a shot (seems to be working for B-Spears). As for the Titans, Kerry Collins is in the hot seat indefinitely. And, we signed some other guy today as HIS backup-so it looks like the team is prepared to give Vince the time he needs to recover-physically and mentally-from the things that are troubling him.

Get well soon, Vince.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/COLUMNIST0202/809100450&s=d&page=4#pluckcomments

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/SPORTS01/809100426

Sometimes, a Pig is Just a Pig

So, anyone that knows me knows that I love me some politics. I'm fascinated by the whole political process, even though it also frustrates me to the point of a mental meltdown most days.

Today, there's a "scandal" about Barack Obama using the phrase "you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig" while on the stump in Virginia, I believe. After Sarah Palin's memorable analogy that "what's the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull? Lipstick" McCain-Palin's camp immediately jumped on this, and Palin's spokesperson, along with a group called "Palin's Truth Squad" (irony?) both called the remark "offensive and disgraceful" and called for Obama to apologize.

The problems here? First, the "lipstick on a pig" phrase is an EXPRESSION. It is common in many regions, and especially in Washington. In fact, I remember visiting DC in high school and commenting on all of the "pig" propaganda in general-I think its kind of an inside joke among Washington insiders, actually. (Glad they have a sense of humor.) Not to mention, John McCain himself used the same phrase less than a year ago....in response to a question about then-rival Hillary Clinton's health care plan during the primaries. So, its OK for John McCain to be offensive and disgraceful, he needs to apologize to no one, and we should elect him president for this kind of verbal hypocrisy? If it wasn't sexist and offensive when he used it in relation to Hillary, I don't know why he thinks he can be judged at a different standard than Obama now.

Second, the remark was an analogy to illustrate the Obama-Biden message that we do not need 4 more years of failed Republican leadership and policies. It was not directed at Palin-at least in particular-but at the Republican policies in general, which yes, she proudly claims to support, and John McCain, who was actually mentioned in the sentence before the pig remark, NOT Palin. Here is the quote IN CONTEXT:

"John McCain says he’s about change too, and so I guess his whole angle is ‘Watch out George Bush -- except for economic policy, health-care policy, tax policy, education, policy, foreign policy and Karl Rove style politics -- we’re really going to shake things up in Washington.

"That's not change. That's just calling the same thing something different. But you know, you can ... put lipstick on a pig; it's still a pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper and call it change; it's still going to stink. After eight years, we've had enough of the same old thing. It's time to bring about real change to Washington."

So I think any level headed person could see that in context, he was not referring to Palin. Had she never made the remark about lipstick in the first place, we would not even be talking about this. I guess if you can't talk about the issues, you have to make a big election about little things like this.

So I'm getting very sick-very quickly-of the McCain camp constantly calling Obama on playing the "race card" when they have played the "gender card" at every angle. I'm sorry, if you get in to this sick, sorry game of politics, whether you are female, male, straight, gay, black, white or purple, you should be prepared for the fact that you will be judged; you will be held to a different standard; and you are going to have to have some THICK skin to make it out with your self-esteem in tact. Fortunately, most politicians have huge egos so that part is easy. You are what you are, female, black, old and white, and to act like people aren't going to care-or shouldn't- is just ignorant.

My opinion is that Palin has been treated with kid gloves by the media. People are scared to attack her because she's female, because she has cute kids and one with special needs and no one likes to attack a mom of a special needs baby. I get it, really. But she's not running to be elected "Mom of the Year" no one needs to attack her parenting skills (although I read the blogs, I know its out there). I think attacking her flimsy record is enough, but those things are just starting to trickle down from Alaska. Not to mention, Palin has not answered one question from a reporter or voter, she has not spoken unscripted AT ALL. So, what does she expect? If she's not talking, of course people are going to be talking about her....and reporting whatever they can find.

I've never hated John McCain. Really. He's generally been one of the more reasonable Republicans, even though I don't agree with his politics. But, running this type of campaign, twisting the truth in "offensive and disgraceful ways" as they like to call it, is making me really strongly dislike him. (But more on that in a future blog.) It is disgusting. Obama and Biden have run a classy campaign all the way so far, but in this country nice guys don't always finish first, so I think the gloves need to come off.

Because, a bully does not like to be called a bully. They only bully when they think that their target is not able or willing to fight back. So its time to end it. Come out swinging!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26640489/
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/09/1370479.aspx

An Open Letter to Sarah Palin

I am voting for Barack Obama for President.

There are many reasons for this, and that is not what this blog is about. I could potentially write a novel between now and election day about all the thoughts I have concerning politics these days. But today, my thoughts are mostly about Sarah Palin.

I feel bad for her. And I also feel bad for feeling bad for her, because she's made it clear that she doesn't want my sympathy, she wants my vote. Because we both have vaginas, you know, so clearly because I supported Hillary in the primary I should now vote for her. Actually, SARAH, I voted for Hillary not because of her anatomy, but because she shares my position on a variety of issues and I thought she was smart and qualified to lead. I also liked Barack Obama, and am just as comfortable voting for him come November as I was voting for Hillary in February. But again, more about that in another blog.

Unfortunately, only a month ago admitted that she did not understand the role of a vice-president. And a month later, I am to believe that the woman who made the statement below now understands not only that role, but the inner workings of our governments design, has a complete command of foreign policy, and that my life and my country will be better when she is elected?

Palin replied: “As for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day? I’m used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration. We want to make sure that that VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that we’re trying to accomplish up here for the rest of the U.S., before I can even start addressing that question.”

See for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9pnzQ96kWA

Well, Sarah, when I have applied for a job in the past, I have first made sure that I learn about the organization that I am applying to work for, I read the job description, and have questions prepared to ask at my interview. You know, I like to make sure that my experiences and interests are compatible with the position. But that's just me, and ordinary working American.

So, since you obviously didn't think preparing for applying for the 2nd highest job in the country was important, I did some of the work for you. I mean, of course its too late to ask questions of your potential employer, John McCain, so the fact that you both disagree on a few issues is just something you two will have to work out. But I did look into exactly what the VP is supposed to do, besides take over in case the president dies, resigns, or becomes medically unable to continue; and here is what I found out. You can thank me later. I know you have more important things to deal with right now.

Via wikipedia.org:
1. VP is President of the Senate: As President of the Senate, the Vice President has two primary duties: to cast a vote in the event of a Senate deadlock and to preside over and certify the official vote count of the U.S. Electoral College.

2. Chairman of the Board of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

3. Member of the board of the Smithsonian Institution

4. A symbol of American concern or support

5. Depending on the specific relationship between the President and the Vice President, formal and informal duties may vary, but often include drafter and spokesperson for the administration's policy, and an adviser to the president.

6. He or she may be assigned additional duties by the president but, as the Constitution assigns no executive powers to the vice president, in performing such duties he or she acts only as an agent of the president.

Ya hear that? NO EXECUTIVE POWERS. So, all of your year and a half's worth of "executive experience" that you keep bragging about is not really relative to the position. Exactly which of your experiences, from Mayor to Governor to Miss Alaska, have given you the qualifications to advise our president on foreign policy? To deal with the 45.3 million people in our country that do not have health insurance?

And let's see....you also want to convince me that after being Mayor or a town of somewhere between 6,000 and 9,000, you had enough "responsibilities" and "accomplishments" to prepare you for presiding over a country of more than 300 million people?

Barack Obama had more than 3.5 million people vote for him in his most recent election for public office as Senator of Illinois.

You had less than 120,000 votes when you were elected governor of the 4th smallest state in the union.

I do believe that comparing the experiences of Senator and Governor in terms of which makes you more prepared to be president is like apples and oranges. Unfortunately, Sarah, none of your political experience until a week ago was on a national stage. You have to admit, that SHOULD make people a little nervous. Especially since John McCain would be the oldest inaugurated President in history at 72, and its pretty obvious that the job is a stressful one.

And last night, you insulted the millions of Americans who work in nonprofit industries like myself. You mocked Barack Obama's early career experiences in the 1980s as a community organizer, but you were in fact competing in beauty pageants during those same years. You and Rudy Guiliani accused Barack Obama of "never leading anything" when in fact, while you were dreaming of being Miss Alaska, Obama was the DIRECTOR of the Developing Communities Project, which he grew from a staff of 1 to 13 in three years.

Then, in 1988, when you were working as a Sportscaster on the local news, Barack Obama attended Harvard Law School, where he became the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. A full-time VOLUNTEER position, to which he was elected, a position functioning as editor-in-chief and supervising the law review's staff of 80 editors.

Obama directed Illinois Project Vote from April to October 1992, a voter registration drive with a staff of 10 and 700 volunteers. This is the same year that you entered the political forum, being elected to the city council of a town of less than 7,000. So at that time, Barack Obama already had nearly 10 years more experience in law, politics, and community knowledge than you did.

So now I am up to 1992, and I have already proved you a liar three times, Sarah and Rudy. Barack Obama has been LEADING for the majority of his life. I am not trying in any way to diminish your achievements in politics Sarah, but to say that you led while Barack Obama wrote books is simply untrue.

Shame on you both. Barack Obama and Joe Biden have both spoken kindly and graciously of John McCain and Sarah Palin's accomplishments. I urge you, Sarah Palin, as nominee for Vice-President of the United States, that if you really want to prove yourself as a non-Washington insider, that you at least do your homework. You may find it helpful to understand how Washington government works, and to do your homework on your opponents, and to speak of your plans and beliefs rather than trashing someone else's.

Just a suggestion. After all, we get to make our own choices here in America, at least for now.