For those without cable…Election Day/Night
Some of you don’t have cable, so here’s a live video link to MSNBC’s political coverage. Enjoy the liberal media bias. 
Masked Review Round-Up
Here are some reviews that have come in for MASKED. Check out www.neptunetheatre.com for details on the production. The process while challenging, has been wonderful. Anthony Black is a director that y’all need to look out for as he’s quite exceptional.
Metro News – Masked is an intense look into a tragic scenario
Just Imagine…
Here’s Nicholas Kristof in his latest column posing a great question:
“Just imagine for a moment if it were the black candidate in this election, rather than the white candidate, who was born in Central America, was an indifferent churchgoer, had graduated near the bottom of his university class, had dumped his first wife, had regularly displayed an explosive and profane temper, and had referred to the Pakistani-Iraqi border …”
I would also add, just imagine that Obama had a teenage daughter who got pregnant, or if his education was like Sarah Palin’s – six years in different universities with finally a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Idaho.
One more thing: Some worry that Obama’s recent aggressiveness towards McCain is damaging his politics of hope, and that he should stop attacking McCain so much. To them I say don’t you worry. Barack Obama will once again return to his message of unity and hope…it will be on January 9th, 2009 when he is inaugurated President of the United States.
What’s next?
George and I
Mike, myself, and Jaq
So Shaw is winding down and I’m happy to say that it’s been a great season here. It’s been a privilege.
On October 10th I start rehearsals for the Canadian premiere of MASKED by Israeli playwright Ilan Hatsor at Neptune Theatre. It’s a thrilling piece and I’m excited to be taking part in it. I’m also excited to hit Hali(fax) for the first time. Anyways, here are all the details.
How to lose an election.
‘Nuff said. Well okay here’s why:
1) Troopergate – she is under investigation for unlawfully attempting firing a state trooper, her ex-brother in law.
2) $26 million dollars in earmarks requested while she was mayor or Wasilla. She is campaigning as a reformer who is against such a practice.
3) Lobbyist ties – again another practice that she’s campaigning against.
4) Complete lack of foreign policy experience or even interest in such matters.
I want to mention the whole Bristol Palin pregnancy as well, not as a deficiency on Sarah Palin, as I believe families are complicated, and should be dealt privately. This is by no means a political issue, and speaks nothing of Palin’s politics, unless you want to discuss her views on abstinence and contraceptives. We will not go there today. However, the utter lack of vetting by John McCain is once again more evidence that this man is by no means capable of handling the office of President. It was a gut decision, a “maverick” decision, but ultimately a stupid one. Stupid.
Here’s the ultimate contrast between McCain and Obama. The fact is, Obama isn’t promising some kind of radical, idealistic change in Washington. Obama has consistenly preached a reasoned, rationaled, and pragmatic approach to government. Perfect evidence is his decision to pick Joe Biden as VP. He could have pulled a McCain to spark the electorate, instead he went for the seasoned, experienced, and qualified choice of Joe Biden. Another example is his opposition to the war in Iraq. He opposed it not because of ideology, but because of common sense. I can’t stress enough the difference here.
John McCain on the other hand is someone who feels it necessary, perhaps through some kind of personality deficiency, to approach any issue righteously or from “the gut”. It’s wonderful, and I’ve grown to love many who are just like him.
However, I believe in what Plato called the “Philosopher King.” A person like Obama, who thinks in nuance, is aggresive when necessary, and who can inspire and mobilize through ideas and oratory. Leaders like him come along very rarely. It would be more than a shame to see John McCain in office…more than a shame.
No more talking points!
I was on a Boston Globe forum on Obama’s upcoming speech and after reading the reader comments I got so utterly pissed. I’m sick and tired of hearing Republican “Talking Points”. For those unfamilar, a “talking point” is a slogan or catch phrase that is shared with members, and the Democrats do this as well, to paint a caricature of their opponent. John McCain has been labelling Obama a “celebrity” or a “tax and spend liberal” or someone who is not “ready to lead”. Such bullshit if you actually look at their records. But a Talking Point allows someone who claims to “know” politics to speak in nothing but the common denominator.
Here’s an example of a discussion that may take place with me and a Republican:
Me: So why are you voting for McCain over Obama?
Republican: Well Obama is not “ready to lead”.
Me: Please elaborate. Why is he not ready to lead?
Republican: Because he’s just a celebrity.
Me: Shoot me.
I’ve decided from now on the second I hear a talking point from some supporter of McCain I will ask them the following questions:
1) Please describe McCain’s tax proposals and how they affect the middle-class.
2) Please describe McCain’s health care policy. How will he attempt to insure the uninsured?
If they can’t even generate a coherent and informed sentence then quite frankly they have no right to support their candidate.
Can’t wait to get this album…
John Legend is the official king of the “second chance” love song. Here’s some proof off his next album “Evolver” which comes out September 28th.
