It is now a little over three weeks until we have a new president, and it really can't come soon enough. A somewhat early election that couldn't come soon enough, combined with an especially short holiday shopping season...not to mention a late Inauguration date-- has left the country in limbo. Surprisingly, Obama has gotten major support from those who did not vote for him. Yes, his ratings are through the roof (mostly attributable to an amazing election night speech), but once he steps in, the public will be waiting for mind-blowing change. Change that can be seen in every facet of life. Hell, I'm sure there's someone out there who expects that he'll be able to give us cheap health care, millions of jobs, short lines at the DMV, a cure for cancer, and legalized pot in the first week of his administration.
To be honest, I hope he is that good. I don't know if anyone willing to go into politics could possibly do so without compromising at least some portion of their values. Perhaps it's better to have a slick dude in the White House--willing to concede some moral ground here and there--for the better of the everyone. There's a reason every recent president in history has gone gray within the first term.
So where do we stand? A young and inexperienced President, in charge in one of the most difficult situations in history, that has one huge factor going for him...massive support. Unbelievable support..even semi-racists aren't so afraid to say they like what Obama has done in the last couple of weeks to their fully-racist friends. 80% of us are willing to give him a chance--only time will tell whether he's up to the job.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
A country changed? Notes from off the trail.
I was doing my daily stalking on facebook when I came across a note left by someone who grew up in the same small town as I did. He has decided on an honorable path of serving his church.
"I'm sitting here at my computer, the tv is tuned to the 2008 election results, my binder is opened. I am supposed to be studying for a "Spiritual Life & Evangelism" exam that I have in less than 12 hours. I'm supposed to be memorizing Scripture and yet I'm finding myself strangely distracted. I just read "Obama Elected President" on the tv and I have to be honest with you, my stomach sank. But then I was reminded that my first allegiance is to a King and a Kingdom; it's not to a country or a flag. Don't get me wrong, I love the USA, and am so thankful to have been born here. But, now more than ever I am realizing that long after the U.S. is ash and dust God's Kingdom will be as strong as it's ever been. To those who pulled for McCain don't lose hope. Our country is strong, and our God is even stronger. Before you lay your head down tonight thank God for the United States, and thank Him for making a place for you in His Kingdom."
While I cannot argue with his reaction, I must say that my heart sank reading this almost as much as his stomach did when he learned Obama was our President-Elect.
Perhaps a victory has been notched this year for civil rights and the black community. But lurking in the wake of progress is dissent and disdain. A country changed? Not entirely.
The fact that Obama had won not only meant acceptance of the black race in America, but I was hopeful it also meant that the so called religious right had lost a foothold in American politics. Either that, or the religious right was now the religious center.
If we were able to move beyond race, the larger question is whether or not people were looking at their vote and their government as something larger than themselves and larger than their belief system? Were they indeed putting 'country first' or their beliefs first?
While my old friend was correct in that every thing happens for a reason, I was disheartened that people were looking to God to console them for having a President that was not preaching the doctrine. Separation of Church and State lives as a governing principle, but dissipates in the minds of the electorate.
Racial relations have been improving, at least for the short time I have been alive and kicking. What this means is that in today's time, was voting for America's first black president a question of when and not if? And if it was a question of when, were some of those votes cast in the novelty of it all?
The point is that the religious right is alive and well. And America is not voting for the good of the country, but voting in an attempt to conform America to each voter's belief system. Maybe it's not the religious right anymore, but just religious influence in American politics. Sure the church has perhaps been able to move beyond the issue of race, but not gays and other doctrines such as abortions.
One of the larger reasons the Christian religion strays from the Democratic party is on one single issue-- abortion. Without opening a can of worms here, the point being made is that the Church is influencing it's congregations stance on abortion rights, and that is how they are in turn voting. It's that last step that's dangerous, where people make a religious truth a universal truth.
This statement is backed by the anti-gay vote and the battering the gay community took in this years election while the black population flourished. Florida voted to ban gay marriage. California voted to ban gay marriage. Arizona voted to ban gay marriage. Arkansas voted to ban gay couples from adopting. Gay is the new black.
This post is not to say that we have not achieved something great in this election, or to argue the stance religion takes on issues is wrong. This is to merely point out that people are voting for themselves, not for their country.
People have every right to vote as they chose, and believe what they want. But, I was just hopeful we were finally voting in a way that had every one's beliefs in mind, in a way that incorporated the diverse people who live in this country. People who considered others before they cast their ballot or fervently wanted someone to win because their platform aligned with their religious and personal views.
We may have hit a milestone, but underpinning this election lurk the same issues that have always existed in American society.
"I'm sitting here at my computer, the tv is tuned to the 2008 election results, my binder is opened. I am supposed to be studying for a "Spiritual Life & Evangelism" exam that I have in less than 12 hours. I'm supposed to be memorizing Scripture and yet I'm finding myself strangely distracted. I just read "Obama Elected President" on the tv and I have to be honest with you, my stomach sank. But then I was reminded that my first allegiance is to a King and a Kingdom; it's not to a country or a flag. Don't get me wrong, I love the USA, and am so thankful to have been born here. But, now more than ever I am realizing that long after the U.S. is ash and dust God's Kingdom will be as strong as it's ever been. To those who pulled for McCain don't lose hope. Our country is strong, and our God is even stronger. Before you lay your head down tonight thank God for the United States, and thank Him for making a place for you in His Kingdom."
While I cannot argue with his reaction, I must say that my heart sank reading this almost as much as his stomach did when he learned Obama was our President-Elect.
Perhaps a victory has been notched this year for civil rights and the black community. But lurking in the wake of progress is dissent and disdain. A country changed? Not entirely.
The fact that Obama had won not only meant acceptance of the black race in America, but I was hopeful it also meant that the so called religious right had lost a foothold in American politics. Either that, or the religious right was now the religious center.
If we were able to move beyond race, the larger question is whether or not people were looking at their vote and their government as something larger than themselves and larger than their belief system? Were they indeed putting 'country first' or their beliefs first?
While my old friend was correct in that every thing happens for a reason, I was disheartened that people were looking to God to console them for having a President that was not preaching the doctrine. Separation of Church and State lives as a governing principle, but dissipates in the minds of the electorate.
Racial relations have been improving, at least for the short time I have been alive and kicking. What this means is that in today's time, was voting for America's first black president a question of when and not if? And if it was a question of when, were some of those votes cast in the novelty of it all?
The point is that the religious right is alive and well. And America is not voting for the good of the country, but voting in an attempt to conform America to each voter's belief system. Maybe it's not the religious right anymore, but just religious influence in American politics. Sure the church has perhaps been able to move beyond the issue of race, but not gays and other doctrines such as abortions.
One of the larger reasons the Christian religion strays from the Democratic party is on one single issue-- abortion. Without opening a can of worms here, the point being made is that the Church is influencing it's congregations stance on abortion rights, and that is how they are in turn voting. It's that last step that's dangerous, where people make a religious truth a universal truth.
This statement is backed by the anti-gay vote and the battering the gay community took in this years election while the black population flourished. Florida voted to ban gay marriage. California voted to ban gay marriage. Arizona voted to ban gay marriage. Arkansas voted to ban gay couples from adopting. Gay is the new black.
This post is not to say that we have not achieved something great in this election, or to argue the stance religion takes on issues is wrong. This is to merely point out that people are voting for themselves, not for their country.
People have every right to vote as they chose, and believe what they want. But, I was just hopeful we were finally voting in a way that had every one's beliefs in mind, in a way that incorporated the diverse people who live in this country. People who considered others before they cast their ballot or fervently wanted someone to win because their platform aligned with their religious and personal views.
We may have hit a milestone, but underpinning this election lurk the same issues that have always existed in American society.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
OBAMA WINS!!!
We are going to go ahead and be the first to say it at 8:01 p.m. CST. The next President of the United States will be Barack Obama.
Based on much conferencing with inside sources, we believe it's safe to say that history will be made next January when the first man with African-American heritage is sworn is as President.
For the sake of due diligence, our sources are CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews, and Luke Gibson.
History has been made!
Scotty and Luke
Based on much conferencing with inside sources, we believe it's safe to say that history will be made next January when the first man with African-American heritage is sworn is as President.
For the sake of due diligence, our sources are CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews, and Luke Gibson.
History has been made!
Scotty and Luke
Live Updates from Grant Park on Twitter
We have the twitter profile all set up and will be bringing live updates all throughout the night. Our profile name is electionroad. Check us out!
90 miles to Chi-town
We have plans to check out some polling places, but so far we have yet to see any places where there is any kind of controversy, long lines, or really anything worth shooting. So, we will give it another try, but aren't really expecting much...which may be a good thing. Our goal for Chicago is to bring you to the action and show the celebration/chaos in all its glory. Also, we finally got some descriptions for our flickr portfolio, so take another look if you can. Finally, look for a couple new Road Reflections that we will shoot momentarily.
Thanks for visiting!
-SS
Thanks for visiting!
-SS
Another Brand New Story on YouTube
Showing up at Campaign Headquarter announced gave us the chance to talk to some of the people who have made everything possible for their candidates.
Another new YouTube Story!
At a McCain rally at the Indianapolis Airport, we found supporters were passionate and thrilled to hear John McCain speak...
More New Pictures on Flickr!
These may be the last, because in only 3 days we have already used our limit. I'll try to get rid of some shots so that we can add more tomorrow, but just so you know, this is what we've seen going from Columbus to Indianapolis. The McCain rally was solidly put together for such short notice and it gave us a great story which you'll be seeing soon. Big day tomorrow (today, really--we've been busting our asses to get new stuff out as often as possible and sleep is somewhat rare), so we hope you stay with us.
Thanks and see you in Chicago!
-SS
Thanks and see you in Chicago!
-SS
Monday, November 3, 2008
McCain Rally at the Indianapolis International Airport
Scotty and I just left a rally held at the Indianpolis International Airport. John McCain spoke behind the international arrivals terminal before a crowd of hundreds wearing Republican red.
We got there around 2pm, parked, and took a shuttle bus over to the terminal. We hadn't called ahead, we didn't have a ticket (apparently required), but we flashed our sweet Channel 7 IDs and they gave us press passes. After going through metal detectors (of course Scotty got frisked as a likely threat), we set up our camera and waited for McCain to arrive.
His plane landed (it actually has "Straight Talk Express" written on the side) and he walked down the stairs to "Eye of the Tiger" and huge applause. Chants of "Use Your Brain, Vote McCain," and "USA, USA!" filled the air.
McCain only talked for about twenty minutes, urging listeners to believe and keep working hard for victory, which he said was surely his. His exit music was White Snake's "Here I Go Again," which was an interesting choice. I can't really see McCain in acid-washed jeans, strumming his air guitar to 80s music. Anyway, we took the shuttle bus back to the lot, collected a few interviews, and hit the road.
Keep your eyes peeled tonight for a video story about the rally. We're on the road again, heading to northern Indy, trying to crash a Republican and Democrat campaign headquarters to see their last minute preparations.
Roll on,
Drew
We got there around 2pm, parked, and took a shuttle bus over to the terminal. We hadn't called ahead, we didn't have a ticket (apparently required), but we flashed our sweet Channel 7 IDs and they gave us press passes. After going through metal detectors (of course Scotty got frisked as a likely threat), we set up our camera and waited for McCain to arrive.
His plane landed (it actually has "Straight Talk Express" written on the side) and he walked down the stairs to "Eye of the Tiger" and huge applause. Chants of "Use Your Brain, Vote McCain," and "USA, USA!" filled the air.
McCain only talked for about twenty minutes, urging listeners to believe and keep working hard for victory, which he said was surely his. His exit music was White Snake's "Here I Go Again," which was an interesting choice. I can't really see McCain in acid-washed jeans, strumming his air guitar to 80s music. Anyway, we took the shuttle bus back to the lot, collected a few interviews, and hit the road.
Keep your eyes peeled tonight for a video story about the rally. We're on the road again, heading to northern Indy, trying to crash a Republican and Democrat campaign headquarters to see their last minute preparations.
Roll on,
Drew
Scotty's Shotgun Reflections #2
Scotty says the candidates' websites give you a key insight into their organization (or lack thereof). In trying to do this whole thing from the road, a good website can make all the difference in the world.
Drew's Driving Reflections #2
Hot off the presses and straight to you on electionroad.com. Drew comments on the attitudes of the two campaigns and says the difference is distinct...
New shots from the road up on Flickr
We have new pictures up on flickr now, so please take a look if you get a chance. At some point today, we'll try to give them some descriptions. Right now, we are headed to Indianapolis to go to a McCain event at the airport.
More updates coming soon!
-SS
More updates coming soon!
-SS
2nd story is up!!!
Concerned by the economy? Worried that it might be Foakley's instead of Oakley's this Christmas? Well, we interviewed Wilkes-Barre, PA residents at a local super sale that promised hundred-dollar computers and discount camping gear to bargain hunters and they are just as scared as you are. These people are ready for change. Watch our video to hear what these battleground state residents had to say about issues that affect us all.
Enjoy,
Drew
Sunday, November 2, 2008
First YouTube Video is UP!!!
So it only took 7 hours or so for YouTube to upload our first news story. We have had a poor connection through Western PA, Northern W. Virginia, but Ohio is treating us right and we are back online again. Currently, we are heading to Columbus, Ohio for a night of solid work and planning. Good talk...
-SS
Drew's Take
So it's been an eventful 24 hours. From interviews at a Wilkes University Super Sale to a pep rally of sorts for Penn State Students for Obama, Scott and I were able to talk to a wide spectrum of interesting people about their views on the election.
Our downtime was rough last night. Watching my beloved Texas Longhorns drop a heartbreaker to Texas Tech was bad. Listening to Scotty, a Texas Tech grad, celebrate was worse. I was afraid our hotel neighbors would call the police as he somersaulted across the room shouting joyously, but we seem to have dodged that bullet.
We're on the road again. This time we're heading to Columbus, OH to see what's going on there. We're hoping to hear from some McCain supporters since we covered the Obama camp yesterday.
So we're in the van, listening to Scotty's endless supply of Phish and working on more content for the site. Keep a eye open for new material throughout the day.
Roll on,
Drew
Our downtime was rough last night. Watching my beloved Texas Longhorns drop a heartbreaker to Texas Tech was bad. Listening to Scotty, a Texas Tech grad, celebrate was worse. I was afraid our hotel neighbors would call the police as he somersaulted across the room shouting joyously, but we seem to have dodged that bullet.
We're on the road again. This time we're heading to Columbus, OH to see what's going on there. We're hoping to hear from some McCain supporters since we covered the Obama camp yesterday.
So we're in the van, listening to Scotty's endless supply of Phish and working on more content for the site. Keep a eye open for new material throughout the day.
Roll on,
Drew
New Video coming on YouTube
We are headed right now to Columbus, Ohio but in the time being, our first package on Obama supporters at Penn State is being uploaded as I write. Look for that soon and keep watching...
New pics on flickr are on the way as well.
-SS
New pics on flickr are on the way as well.
-SS
Saturday, November 1, 2008
HOW 'BOUT THEM RED RAIDERS!!!
Not an election note, but c'mon, how 'bout them Red Raiders? The Red Raiders of Texas Tech University have emerged victorious over the (now formerly) number 1 in the nation, Texas Longhorns. A huge (the biggest ever, really) victory for the boys from Lubbock. This is especially big for us (Drew and I) because I am a Tech Grad and Drew loves UT (for no real reason I might add). Either way, now it's time to add some content so we'll get back to you soon.
Keep watching......
Keep watching......
New Pictures up on Flickr Page
The subject says it all..... haven't gotten a lot of work done in the last 3+ hours or so. We've been watching this ridiculous Tech-UT game and honestly, drinking. We'll have more soon, so stay with us. Pics are from State College, PA at Beaver Stadium.
www.flickr.com/electionroad
www.flickr.com/electionroad
Back from a Obama Get Out the Vote Event at Penn St.
We are back at the Super 8 after a quick trip to an Obama event right in the heart of State College on the campus of Penn State. The guy who played Kumar in the Harold and Kumar series of movies gave a speech following some words from Coach Paterno (not Joe, but son Jay-current Nittany Lion QB coach). Interestingly enough, according to wikipedia, Jay's dad is a big-time Republican who is even friends with George W. Bush.
For tonight, expect new pics on flickr, two new packages about our travels today and a (possibly drunken) live ustream broadcast. Stay tuned and let us know what you think.
--SS
For tonight, expect new pics on flickr, two new packages about our travels today and a (possibly drunken) live ustream broadcast. Stay tuned and let us know what you think.
--SS
Schedule...
Look for a news package from our time in Wilkes-Barre, PA and new pics on flickr soon. We are on the way to a Barack Obama event featuring the son of local legend, Joe Paterno. We'll try to have some content from that as well. Later tonight, after the much anticipated match-up between Texas Tech and Texas on ABC, also keep your eyes peeled for a ustream live broadcast as a Day 1 roundup.
-Scotty
-Scotty
Scotty's Shotgun Reflections #1
After less than 24 hours on the trip, things are already settling nicely. The first event we went to check out was The Mayor's Cup battle between local d-3 colleges, Wilkes U. and Kings College. I know it's low level college football, but the lack of a tailgate...the non-drinking... was a little strange, to be honest. This is Big-10 country, but Penn State has the weekend off, so you think they'd be raging. Speaking of Penn State, we are heading to State College, PA because we heard about some events happening there from both campaigns. We did talk to people who had come out to the Armory for one of those "Super-Sales" where they advertise laptops for $99, but when you get there, it's $7 admission and the cheapest laptops are suddenly 200 bucks or more. So they were ready to talk and luckily not just about being pissed about the rip-off. We will have an edited story from out travels sometime tonight so stay tuned for that.
I called this Scotty's shotgun reflections because I am sitting shotgun and these are my latest thoughts. But something I saw at the truck stop, surprised me. Actually Drew pointed it out, I shot the photo. Take a look, my guess is, no doubt this guy owns a shotgun...
This is just an example of what we are trying to do at electionroad.com. We will bring you content in a variety of formats as quickly and as often as possible. Look for updates on flickr, ustream, facebook, twitter, and anywhere else we can possibly get this content out there.
You might want to know the point of this whole shindig. Well Drew and set out do something different (and in hopes that someone of importance sees this and gives us high-paying and awesome jobs, of course!). Instead of listening to the pundits on CNN or FoxNews (they're just raise their own stakes, anyway), or reading the Washington Post or Wall Street Journal, we are talking to THE PEOPLE. So far, they seem to be opinionated and informed, and most importantly for us...ready to talk. We will have many more updates soon, so keep checking us out. Also, if you have suggestions, comments or ideas, we really DO want to hear from you.
Thanks for tuning in!
Scotty
I called this Scotty's shotgun reflections because I am sitting shotgun and these are my latest thoughts. But something I saw at the truck stop, surprised me. Actually Drew pointed it out, I shot the photo. Take a look, my guess is, no doubt this guy owns a shotgun...
This is just an example of what we are trying to do at electionroad.com. We will bring you content in a variety of formats as quickly and as often as possible. Look for updates on flickr, ustream, facebook, twitter, and anywhere else we can possibly get this content out there.You might want to know the point of this whole shindig. Well Drew and set out do something different (and in hopes that someone of importance sees this and gives us high-paying and awesome jobs, of course!). Instead of listening to the pundits on CNN or FoxNews (they're just raise their own stakes, anyway), or reading the Washington Post or Wall Street Journal, we are talking to THE PEOPLE. So far, they seem to be opinionated and informed, and most importantly for us...ready to talk. We will have many more updates soon, so keep checking us out. Also, if you have suggestions, comments or ideas, we really DO want to hear from you.
Thanks for tuning in!
Scotty
Drew's Driving Reflections #1
This is Drew's first post from the road. We are currently driving on Interstate 80 in Montor County, PA with Pink Floyd's Animals on the I-pod, traveling 75 and headed towards State College, PA. We heard about some McCain and Obama events there so we are going to check them out and see what's happening in a real college town.
Friday, October 31, 2008
On the Road
The keys are cued. We are on the road again, well again implies we've been on the road before and that's not exactly true. We are on the road now would be more appropriate. Anyway, Scotty and I got a late start, but we've got McDonald's and caffeine and we're heading to Wyoming, PA.
Tomorrow, we will attend King's College vs. Wilkes University as they take part in a rivalry football game. The Mayor's Cup will be a great place to interview some college football fans in their element. Let's hear what people really think about our Presidential candidates after a few Bud Lights (or Yuengling for regionally biased beer drinkers). Check out electionroad.com tomorrow to see what we discover from the road.
Roll on,
Drew and Scotty
Tomorrow, we will attend King's College vs. Wilkes University as they take part in a rivalry football game. The Mayor's Cup will be a great place to interview some college football fans in their element. Let's hear what people really think about our Presidential candidates after a few Bud Lights (or Yuengling for regionally biased beer drinkers). Check out electionroad.com tomorrow to see what we discover from the road.
Roll on,
Drew and Scotty
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