Minority politicking ...
Young Feminists Split: Does Gender Matter?
By Eli Saslow
Washington Post Staff Writer
"WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The two students walked on the same paths across campus here this week, past the dormitory where Hillary Rodham lived for four years, past two dozen framed portraits of groundbreaking women in Alumnae Hall, past the banners on the quad proclaiming 'Wellesley: Women Who Will.' But Katie Chanpong and Aubre Carreon Aguilar -- feminists and political activists -- arrived at contradictory conclusions."
Intriguing article, but it was probably written by a man, dedicated to continuing the penocracy.
On a serious note, this reminds me of why I'm supporting Barack Obama.
It's not like he's the first African American candidate to run for president (for the record, Alan Keyes is technically running for president this primary season), but he is the best candidate. He's not beholden to the idea that, "Well, it worked in the 90s, it'll work in 2009," and -- according to Samantha Power -- Obama enjoys "dissenting voices" in his campaign and, with voter approval, his cabinet. If you've ever received an e-mail from me, you'll know that my quote is an Aaron Sorkin nugget, "If you're dumb, surround yourself with smart people. And if you're smart, surround yourself with smart people who disagree with you."
On matters of foreign policy, as retired Air Force Gen. Tony McPeak has said, they don't see eye-to-eye on some things (like missile defense) but Obama still values the advice. I mean, it's like my ultimate dream candidate has sprung up from the bottom to grab hold of America and shake us loose from not just politics-as-usual, but true, demonstrable, leadership with genuine and original thought without having to rely on poll numbers or public opinion to reshape his "image." The same Barack Obama who inspired me in 2004 to remain faithful to the American political and electoral process is the same Barack Obama who continues to keep me going today and tomorrow.
And, I've heard the concern from Democrats who fear a "cult of personality" or "rockstar appeal." Please, the fact that he hasn't been afraid to voice his dissent or disagreement even when others tell him to shut up isn't personality or being a rockstar, it's being a real leader who's not afraid to pipe up and take the flack, even if it's apologized for and retracted later. I believe in Barack because of his experience and his credentials and knowing when to ask for help.
I'm voting not based on color, if that were the case, I would've voted blindly in South Dakota for Ron Volesky or Terry Begay as governor and Congress, respectively. When it comes to the President of the United States, I want a man who smarter than me and who earns my vote for his or her plan of action, not because it's a forgone conclusion.
By Eli Saslow
Washington Post Staff Writer
"WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The two students walked on the same paths across campus here this week, past the dormitory where Hillary Rodham lived for four years, past two dozen framed portraits of groundbreaking women in Alumnae Hall, past the banners on the quad proclaiming 'Wellesley: Women Who Will.' But Katie Chanpong and Aubre Carreon Aguilar -- feminists and political activists -- arrived at contradictory conclusions."
Intriguing article, but it was probably written by a man, dedicated to continuing the penocracy.
On a serious note, this reminds me of why I'm supporting Barack Obama.
It's not like he's the first African American candidate to run for president (for the record, Alan Keyes is technically running for president this primary season), but he is the best candidate. He's not beholden to the idea that, "Well, it worked in the 90s, it'll work in 2009," and -- according to Samantha Power -- Obama enjoys "dissenting voices" in his campaign and, with voter approval, his cabinet. If you've ever received an e-mail from me, you'll know that my quote is an Aaron Sorkin nugget, "If you're dumb, surround yourself with smart people. And if you're smart, surround yourself with smart people who disagree with you."
On matters of foreign policy, as retired Air Force Gen. Tony McPeak has said, they don't see eye-to-eye on some things (like missile defense) but Obama still values the advice. I mean, it's like my ultimate dream candidate has sprung up from the bottom to grab hold of America and shake us loose from not just politics-as-usual, but true, demonstrable, leadership with genuine and original thought without having to rely on poll numbers or public opinion to reshape his "image." The same Barack Obama who inspired me in 2004 to remain faithful to the American political and electoral process is the same Barack Obama who continues to keep me going today and tomorrow.
And, I've heard the concern from Democrats who fear a "cult of personality" or "rockstar appeal." Please, the fact that he hasn't been afraid to voice his dissent or disagreement even when others tell him to shut up isn't personality or being a rockstar, it's being a real leader who's not afraid to pipe up and take the flack, even if it's apologized for and retracted later. I believe in Barack because of his experience and his credentials and knowing when to ask for help.
I'm voting not based on color, if that were the case, I would've voted blindly in South Dakota for Ron Volesky or Terry Begay as governor and Congress, respectively. When it comes to the President of the United States, I want a man who smarter than me and who earns my vote for his or her plan of action, not because it's a forgone conclusion.