Patriotism isn’t necessarily a good thing. When the World Trade Center was skillfully felled, Americans felt threatened suddenly, and were told immediately it was the doing of Terrorists from Afghanistan. With blind faith we wielded our flags and gave permission to our young men to leave home and begin global terror of our own. We continued blindly down that road for years until hundred of communities and thousands of lives were destroyed by US brut force.
Yes, the United States, a country founded by immigrants in search of promise and independence, is the same country that suspiciously views any non-American as some kind of enemy or alien species. How did this happen? Since when did we become some proud American Race?
Heck. I forget sometimes that the early settlers, pilgrims, and explorers also relied on slavery and the slaughtering of indigenous tribes. So perhaps we’re doing nothing new and being bad is just stuck in our genes.
I grew up hearing racial slurs left and right by elders and peers. The hurtful, fear based words were usually names inserted after discriminatory remarks such as, “Learn to speak English, you ________.” I never understood it.
Growing up, there was always at least one kid at school from some place else and he or she never EVER posed a threat to me. I was always impressed with their worldly view or neat cultural interests they displayed at talent shows and show & tell.
Patriotism has caused this country to think it’s the only country in the world, that the world should respect our authority for some reason. This singular way of thinking is not only making the US an embarrassment, it’s positioning us quickly as the new enemy.
I do not want someone in the White House with previous WAR experience. I am NOT voting for Patriotism. I am voting for peace, progress, and unity. Sadly, this vote is referred to as the vote for change. Because peace, progress and unity is something we still do not represent in the United States.
I do not want someone in the White House who will continue to seek out Al-Qaeda and trick TV watching Americans into thinking we should invade Iran. (Sadly, that is what is happening between commercial breaks, and some candidates are oddly supporting MORE WAR. ????)
I also do not want someone in the White House who continues to allow lobbyists to influence the decisions of our lawmakers. The corporate money that contributes to Congress will always be worth more than your votes or phone calls that you make to your Senator or Representative. Chain emails and petitions don’t seem to have the same charm as their fat checks. If it did, Health Care would be affordable or free, our vehicles would be electric, and there would likely be enough jobs for everyone in the country, as we wouldn’t have closed so many manufacturing plants in the last 50 years.
With enough votes, Washington will HAVE to listen to us. It’s been too close in the past therefore the WAR-mongers keep on doing their dirty business.
Our nation is divided in far too many ways. We are split socially and economically and it’s at its worst inside the government.
Republicans and Democrats are both Americans with equal rights, yet somehow they are discriminated against based on opinion and fall too favorably to one side or the other without being open to respectful dialogue.
I’m being drastic, but I’m not.
I hope America can pull itself out of the hole she appears to be in. I hope the dollar can climb back up to a realistic value. I hope the Corporations are given less power and local people are able to participate in capital adventures again.
Rather than put so much emphasis on enemies and foreign policies, I hope America wakes up to its own poverty situation. We are not the leaders of the free world anymore, so why not do some housework in the meantime and get our shit together.
Deadline for Pennsylvania Primary Voters is today Monday, March 24th! Get busy PA and help Obama score the points he needs to take on McCain and stop this War!
In the last 100 years. More than 100 million people have been killed in Wars. Perhaps you know someone who has been affected by this.
Please vote for change. Please vote for Peace. War is over if you want it.
www.barackobama.com
60 comments:
spot on
In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act.
--Goerge Orwell
There's a lot more to this than meets the eye. This country was not (and never was) born our of greatness. The "greatness" part came from propoganda. Although I believe that everyone should sift past the propoganda to get to the truths, propoganda is necessary to protect the state. I may not aggree with the currecnt decisions and predicament of this country, but neither are we horrible.
I am speaking as a "triple minority" (minority race, minority gender, and minority religion)...
Like what you´re saying - unfortunately I´m afraid that not enough people in the US think that way so that I´m pretty sure, McCain will get elected (hope I´m wrong...). - by the way, I still don´t get the way how the american president is elected - I tried but I still don´t understand it.
I also can adhere on what you´re saying about the USA, most of it are the reason I´m not that great a fan of the country (except for the music) - but I´m always looking for people who prove me wrong ;-)
Thank you for caring enough not only to know what is going on and to vote, but to share that passion with your fans, the very people who have the most power to heal our country.
The times of youthful apathy in politics need to come to an end. If we want any hope of effecting positive change in our positions abroad and here at home, WE have to do something about it. Not our parents. Not our uncles. Not our older siblings. Us. Yes, we are divided at times. Yes, we carry the inheritance of prejudice, genocide and egotism that our forefathers left for us. But we are also the most enlightened generation yet. More of us are tolerant, more of us are welcoming and peaceful. And we need to make our wishes known.
Please, if you read this and have not yet taken an interest in the politics shaping our lives, take some time to visit Barack's site. Watch some of his videos. You won't regret it.
Thanks again, Mr. Mraz for caring enough to make a stand. It is a difficult decision to make for one in your position, and one I would applaud no matter who you chose to support.
I think our problem is less about patriotism, and more about this extreme brand of nationalism most of the people try to pass off as patriotism. I know that sounds like I'm splitting hairs, but I swear I'm not just trying to be correcter. My US history teacher in high school had this brilliant way of explaining patriotism vs nationalism and I always think of it whenever I hear someone make an allegedly "patriotic" remark like "You're in our country now, hombre, learn to speak our language" (which I do hear frequently as I also hail from the south).
Anyway, this is what she told us:
If you look up nationalism in the dictionary, it's defined as "loyalty" and "devotion" to one's country, especially the placing of that country and it's welfare above all others. Whereas, patriotism is only defined as the love of one's country.
I don't remember her lecture exactly and I'm sure I'm messing it up a little, but I remember she explained that, to her, anyway, patriotism was more like the way you feel about your family. They're not perfect, not by a longshot, but at the end of the day, you generally love them and want the best for them and feel proud of them when they're successful and feel sad for them when they fail.
I agree with the sentiment of this entry completely though. This country's warped brand of "patriotism" has made a total mess of things, but when it comes to true patriotism, I don't think there's a more "patriotic" candidate than Obama. He seems like the only person in this who's in this because he genuinely loves our country and wants to do right by it.
That got longer than I expected. I didn't even know I had that much passion about this until it started pouring out of me. And now America has made me late for class. Way to screw the pooch, country.
Inspiring.
You are amazing in many more ways than one, Mr. Mraz, and I know you hear it all the time from your fans, but I couldn't post a comment without first stating that. I have become particularly enamored with your writing lately, as you have come to support Senator Obama, who caught my heart and minds months ago. I waited in the cold for hours one night to see him speak in my hometown. I can't really find the words to describe it, but I know in that moment I was so filled with hope, this crazy hope that I've never experienced. I've always voted Democrat but usually because I find that to be the better option of the 2. This time, I don't feel like he is the best of my options, I feel as though he is the best period. I'm sorry, this is long, but you continue to provoke me to think, with every journal and every song. Thanks for that.
I'm glad you're voting this year Jason.
visit www.barackobama.com, click on "make calls" and get to calling! i'm a college student with no income so i can't donate my money, but i can donate my time. i call people every saturday (free weekends!) for a few hours. it educates people about the issues. our nation needs a revival of hope and peace and i know that barack obama is the man to do it.
Jason, thank you for adding your beautiful, clear voice to this year's vote in so many ways. I imagine you're aware of the influence you hold, and I'm proud that you are so responsible in presenting your opinions. Some may say that's only because I agree with you, but how can positive change be bad? I decided long ago to vote for Obama. I only hope his campaign promises are kept in the spirit in which they were made, and that they are ABLE to be kept once he takes office. 01.20.09 can't get here fast enough.
Jason for President...
There's something wrong its name already; United States. Where's the unity? Where does the name come from? Whatever.
I'm not gonna give my full opinion as a non-Americana. My opinion is pártly based on the news I've heard. Unfortunately we have to doubt the truth of that info-source nowadays.
But I think America has quite a way to go. I hope for the best and wish you good luck...
Love the post and love your political views... I'm just not sure that Obama will be able to carry that out when he's there. I mean, the interest groups and lobbys are so powerful that I'll be really surprised if the US changes it's policy on:
1) Climate change (Kyoto)
2) Middle East (Change the "support Israel no-matter-what policy which is the root of many of the worlds problems)
3) Social policies (health, insurance, pensions)
I'm from Spain and I've always loved the US for many reasons (the jazz, the blues, the films, the cultural expression, freedom of speech, civil rights movement, race integration and a long etc.) however, we're like two lovers in the middle of a hard crisis and we're in serious danger of splitting up. Let's hope you're right and Obama and his change can bring the love back!
Zelada
fist of all.. EITHER DEMOCRAT WILL BE CHANGE.
barack obama is not the answer to any of these problems, NO politician is. lets not forget that. when the crowd leaves, the shine comes off him, he's just another politician.
why are some of us failing to see this?
some of the misinformation around his mystique is alarming. he has repeatedly said he would 'go after' and 'strike' against al queida, etc, even in paikistan which is one of the only countries who are somewhat an ally of the us. now, he doesn't use it to scare people, but that is his answer when asked. his own (former) foreign policy advisor has debunked the idea that he really would get all troops out in 16 months, one of his biggest lines (lies) during the campaign. you can watch her say this all over youtube.
he is just as dishonest as any politician.
rally people behind a cause, a purpose, but not a man. its dangerous not to call him out on his own corruptions and politics-as-usual, which has been happening amongst his supporters. i have been attacked in online dialouge in regards to this. to give him a free pass on his crap is dangerous.
i think rather than advocate a candidate, advocate an agenda. looking for one man for leadership and direction is only going to lead to great failures once again.
voting alone, wearing a pin, going to a rally, isn't really doing much. looking to some politician to bring about changes that we really need, is not 'being involved'.. its hero worship.
REAL progress and REAL change is never brought on by ONE person, especially any politician. it will only happen from the ground up. obama is a politician, not a movement.
look into his past record. its fine, but its that of a politician.
given the ridiculous two party system we have, we are asked to choose a side.
you say ' republicans and democrats are both americans with equal rights'.. well this in fact is just NOT true. as a democrat who is also gay, i do NOT have equal rights when it comes to a lot of things. not just marriage, but job protection and proper legal protection and justice if i were harmed because of who i am.
its easy for straight people to forget about this at times, so you can get a pass. but lets not paint a rosier picture than what is really there. we deserve equal rights, sure, but we don't have them. and the republican agenda is trying to make sure that we DON'T get them. thats why i am not about uniting, and i'll always vote democrat, even if the dems throw lgbt people under the bus all the time.
you're not being drastic, and your intent is good.
the reality of our situation as a country, on the other hand, is not good, the outlook is just very negative at this point. ANY democrat in office will be a start, but don't expect all of our dreams to come true. if we even get there.
what is really sobering is the poll numbers for both democrats in the general election, mccain is either wining by 1% or its tied. tied? with mccain? this mans chance was dead in the water. what happened? the gop didnt have anyone they all liked enough, the rest dropped out, mccain stuck around and they were stuck with him, they got hating him out of their system and are now supporting him.
the democrats? well, we're split - half like one, half like the other, imagine that. people like both of them enough that we as a collective voting block can't make up our minds!? and this is our disadvantage? how sad. how could democrats not be polling above mccain or any gop candidate in a LANDSLIDE? its really a sad sad reminder of what country we live in. forget the excitement around obama. this is still america in all of the negative ways.
its only sad because the mainstream media is making it into a bad thing.
i know its hard to think that any democrat couldn't win, given the past eight years, and the majority of people wanting us troops out of iraq, but why are the polls with dems vs. mccain tied like this? it should be a landslide.
everyone, including myself, thought kerry could never lose in 2004! everyone hated bush! how could he lose?
he did. it could happen again folks. the GOP is already making a list of what to attack obama on if he is the nominee. they will 'swiftboat' him to death.
i don't think its good, i don't want it to happen, if he's the nominee i'd vote for him in a second. i do however, think clintons are more resilliant to attacks, and know how to fight dirty, which is what either will need to do. can obama? he's come under a lot of pressure latley to rise above controversey and they are STILL talking about the same shit with the reverend (which i could care less about, if that reverend wasn't a huge homophobe i might agree with him on some things). . . he's freefalling. can he recharge enough to win? against mccain? american war hero? media maverick?
i have my doubts.
if im wrong, i'll gladly eat my words and say i was wrong.
in any case - the important thign to do is when we have a nominee, regardless of WHO IT IS. is that everyone who was supporting either MUST VOTE DEMOCRAT.
the next president will be appointing SUPREME COURT JUDGES.. who will have the power to make decisions that will effect us all in serious ways. we must have a democrat in there. switching from dem to republican will make no sense what so ever, yet i still hear people saying they'd vote for mccain if the one they like isn't in it. to them i say get your head out of your ass and vote democrat.
My immigrant mexican friend served two tours in iraq defending his country and his now american family. He has been recalled, pulled away from his 2 year old daughther and his newborn baby girl, and sent once again to iraq, even though he had already left the marines, honorably. I pray for him every single day ... it just doesn't seem fair. I'm colombian by birth, and american by choice, and it amazes me that people have not taken it to the streets and have allowed such disgusting things to be carried out worldwide in "our" name. I am continuing to campaign for Obama, and i pray for him too ... i've encountered people that tell me on the phone when i call them to support Obama "there will never be a nigger president, i'm not voting for a negro to run this country." It saddens me that ears are shut and eyes are closed to our unfortunate reality, all because of the race of the person that is asking for change. I came here for that elusive american dream, to be a productive member of society, and to escape the violence in my own home country. Sometimes i wonder if we're any better off. I'm only one person, and so is he. Trying to inspire us all to open our eyes and make wrongs into rights. We're cannot allow this to continue. I hope you can hear me.
War is over if you want it. That is one of my favorite quotes. Your words are inspiring, and your thoughts echo my own.
"Our nation is divided in far too many ways. We are split socially and economically and it’s at its worst inside the government. "
Amen to that.
Beyond that, I'm going to have to blog my response in my own place, because, really, this is YOUR blog, and not a discussion board.
I did just want to ad that cate made the point I was going to make: there's a difference between patriotism and nationalism. At least there should be. YOU are expressing patriotism: you see value in this country, enough to "fix" it. Nationalism is where the problems come in.
Your passion about this is wonderful.
very interesting and thoughtful... thanks
:.)
Grüße aus Berlin
thanks again for encouraging voting...
we would not be in this situation if more young people had voted in the past two elections.
xoxo
Mr. Mraz,
I'm glad you find patriotism problematic. As do I. And this entry was very thought provoking to say the least. I want change to happen as well, but the white house and congress have lost touch with the changing face of the everyday American citizen. One person cannot heal an entire nation.
(nor any one institution)
I strongly agree we all need to get our "shit together" and clean up our own little piece of the US.
But voting is not merely enough, what with the two party system preselecting our "Heroes" and not to mention the Electoral College making the final decision in the end.
Rest assured I too am "voting for peace, progress, and unity." and I will rally "behind a cause, a purpose, but not a man (or woman)"
[I agree with you M. cacioppo... ]
"REAL progress and REAL change is never brought on by ONE person, especially any politician. it will only happen from the ground up."
keep thinking and sharing,
buen dia,
-PJ
p.s. I hope my "wasted" vote will count someday (Go Nadar!), I hate the "voting for the lesser evil" mentality.
Here's an interesting passage from George Orwell's essay Notes on Nationalism that I found fitting:
Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism. ... [O]ne must draw a distinction between them, since two different and even opposing ideas are involved. By 'patriotism' I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, NOT for himself but for the nation ... in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.
Peace,
Julie
I am so happy you are expressing your political opinion. It's hard to put yourself out there because you risk getting attacked, (especially as a person in the public eye often). But the words you write are bound to bring up (hopefully friendly and informative) debate. I know what you mean all too well, and thank you for saying it. There is ofcourse so much more to say but I am glad you have said what you have.
i'm really sick of people assuming that if more young people voted, a democrat would be elected so easily.
i'm 19 years old and i'm proud to be a conservative. perhaps when a conservative politician stands up for the rights of the unborn, the rights of all humans, the stewardship we owe the environment, fair treatment of private property, and in general: truth, i'll vote for him--republican or democrat. i have yet to see a politician that stands for all the issues i do.
i agree with you on some of the issues, but i have the one or two make-or-break issues (as i'm sure everyone does) that more often than not, push my vote to the republicans.
i just urge you to return to your blogs that urge your fans and readers to BE the change, not simply vote for it. another comment was spot on: he is one man--all politicians are. our vote is our voice, but our actions can change the world.
my thoughts exactly mr. a-z.
I like the way you think Mraz.
i think pinkshells and george orwell both sum up my response...if i were to put everything i'm thinking right now in this comment section i'd have enough for my own blog, like artjewl said.
i applaud your bravery and i adore you...thank you jason...
Take a step back, take a deep breath. Do it again.
Well said.
I have been volunteering for Barack Obama for 6 months now and was lucky enough to meet him in person.
He is what our country desperately needs right now, I just hope we are smart enough do to something about it. Ethics is gone from our government and has been replaced by lobbyists(believe me money speaks loudest in Washington)The war that never should have started looms on and the talk of invading Iran strengthens each day.
Do yourself and this country a favor if you are supporting Obama please call 5 people and share your thoughts and if you are not please visit his web sight and give him a second chance. Take the risk and go for hope and vote for change. Kristin
YOU ROCK - thank you once again for using your voice!
OBAMA '08!
-Michael
Your wedding photographer friend from Boston
i concur. well said. i wish more musicians and artists would get involved in this campaign. especially those with such a huge young following, no matter who you support, discourse is important and the fact that you started a political debate among your fans is rockin'. i think Obama embodies what i feel this country should strive for, and he has my support. whoever you support, keep talking, keep questioning, and keeping looking at real issues, not just what the media feeds you! rock that vote. (i step down from my soapbox... now.)
I have to say that I am continually surprised at your posts. I had been torn between Clinton and Obama for some time, but finally decided on voting for the latter. It took a lot of reading and serious thought to come to this decision. Both are decent enough candidates, but I really can relate to the need for change. A lot of people down him because of his lack of experience, but perhaps that is just what we need to make some waves in this country. It will be a great day when this country is restored to a brighter time than it was even before this nightmare.
In other words, I couldn't agree more.
i live in pa and am a republican but because i support obama (i really dislike mccain) i changed to democrat to vote for him in the primary. i spent last week trying to get kids at my school to register. but you should contact the obama campaign and start speaking at pa colleges, in fact you should start by speaking at shippensburg university ;)
meg.k, isabel, cacciopo (sp)
I agree on so many levels. Isabel, you know from experience that leaving a failing country is always an option. Once you're American (myself included) how does that option way? especially if one feels the vote really can't be rocked...
Meg, I'm conservative as well. I'm a party voter and voted for President Bush to my embarrassment. I really was excited to vote for him. I really thought he would do more good than he has. I really thought things would change.....And the only thing that keeps me from voting dem this election is those key issues.
Today, as I listened to the radio I heard announcements of 5 years now of war and my stomach sank. And of course the "four thousand american soldiers dead". As a former military member (I served 10 years, my husband 8, My brother 8 through 2 wars, my dad 4 through a war, and even my grandmother 2 years through a war), the first thing I said to myself was "that's not that many". Comparitively, it's not. Then I was ashamed because it's too many. Especially for a war I don't fully support. What's happening with this country? It can't be blamed on the Republicans. Republicans in this country have done good. I wonder if those who are anti-war, (or anti THIS war as it were) consider other types of deaths that need to be stopped. How many babies were killed in the last 5 years? Will Obama or Clinton care? How many homeless people died or children starved or went without health care? Will McCain even be concerned? How many people were murdered because of their race or sexual preference? Honestly, this can't just be about war for Obama and Clinton and McCain....or American Citizens. I agree, it has to be a ground up thing. Maybe we need a new party. Perhaps you youngens can get that going.
I'm also a Christian. And to those of you who are faced with intollerence from all sides, Christian or otherwise, I'm sorry that the meaning was lost in translation. Christ gave us two commands that, whether you are Christian or not, make total sense. Love God. Love Eachother. M. Cacioppo, I've read your blogs over and over and I want you to know that I love you for who you are and not all
republicans/Conservatives/Christians are intollerant. Alot of them just don't get it. I wonder what would happen if Jesus ran for president. Would he be elected? What would be his campaign slogan? LOVE EACHOTHER. Love doesn't hate for any reason. Love doesn't seek revenge. How would Jesus have responded to us being attacked. I think he would respond in love and we wouldn't be involved in this war. I can't speak for him and I'm not preaching "Jesus" to those of you who are not Christians. What I'm saying is that I don't know who to vote for because I don't feel I can trust any of the candidates. I don't believe them because Bush let me down. Clinton also let me down. McCain just scares me. Barack and Hillary are on the same side and yet the mud flies so thick it's hard to see through.
I actually was very seriously considering voting for Barack, or "Barry" as is apparently his birth name. And then his preacher has to go spouting off at the mouth. It occurred to me that he (preacher) may have been bought by the Clinton's. What Christian preacher in their right mind says that kind of stuff? I mean, how damaging he has been to Obama's campaign. I wonder if he thought he was helping...And then they (the blasted media) talk about this affiliation and that "present" vote and all the possible bad stuff to put just enough doubt to make me think again. I don't want to be let down three years in a row. I want to see positive change for little babies and people of color, and yes, gays and lesbians. What will we say if Barack is elected and our country goes to hell in a hand-basket. Did he deceive us? Our country needs to chill. get Humble. Focus on the homeland. My fear is that our time as world leaders will be ending if we don't CHANGE. Our standing in the world as the big cheese needs to be because we genuinely love eachother and that this country is without a doubt the best place to live and raise a family and achieve your dreams, and not because we can kick your @** if we want to or if we feel it's warranted. Someone tell me how to be okay with changing my party vote this time around and giving this young man a chance in light of so much controversy. How do we know who is the better candidate? How do we really know? Yes, something has to change. All of us.
Jason, I was pleasantly surprised to read your blog and you've graciously given us a place to talk about our fears and differences with those we share a common bond with. That bond is you! You're glue baby! Thankyou for that. I can't seem to find any level headed people to have a respectful exchange with. I do, however, respect everyone here and thank you all for sharing honestly, and you especially Jason, for letting us. I hope you and your music and life in general are blessed by the exchange.
Please come to Omaha! (or OBAMAha as some like to call it!)
Blessings,
Millie
First of all, I love the political discourse going on here; an informed and aware citizenry is what it will take to wake up the nation and create needed change.
Though I consider myself a strong Hillary Clinton supporter (I find her healthcare plan more realistic, and feel that her experience in this realm as well as in foreign policy is truly invaluable) I find it important to note that even she does not win the nomination, Barack Obama has my vote.
Truth of the matter is that major party candidates such as Senators Clinton and Obama don't have much real difference or disagreement in their goals and ideals, and it is the agenda and beliefs of the Democrats that I believe will bring this country the change it is yearning for.
Yet I think it is important to make a note on the status of interest groups and lobbying, and the role they play in American politics. Though I too despise the money and influence large corporations seem to have in our government, there are a variety of interest groups who play an incredibly positive role in the policymaking progress.
Interest groups such as the ACLU (which exists for the sole purpose of defending the bill of rights), the Sierra Club (and various other environmental organizations), and groups who fight for children's rights and protections -- to name a very few -- all donate money via PACs to get like-minded candidates elected. They organize awareness campaigns and inform voters on important issues, and provide needed expertise to legislators.
It is important not to group all lobbying and interest groups in with corporate greed; these IGs run the gamut from truly inspiring to absolutely detestable.
I once had a professor who said that the term "special interest groups" is one that is applied only to groups with which one disagrees; I find this to be all too true in the mass media.
That being said, I think that the Democratic candidates for '08 are incredibly strong, and whether I vote for Clinton or Obama, my vote will be a vote for change.
And remember -- if you want your values and opinions to matter to legislators, VOTE!
millie-
the comment about how so many are against THIS war because it is killing our soldiers, innocent lives overseas, and costing far too much money, so then why don't people care as much about the "wars" that are waged against the unborn, the homeless, the minority?
i choose which wars i want to work to bring peace to. they might not be THE war, but those are the issues i am moved (and feel i am called) to vote for.
i love this back and forth. it does so much for the voting community to have this discussion--with give and take.
democracy is for democrats
let the republicans go live in a republic
i agree completely on all points
01-20-09... the end of an error
Hey, you know that 'unrealistic' dollar value is actually making the USA more popular overseas! ;) I can now order bellydance gear from San Diego and not go bankrupt, it's great!
But seriously, I hope Obama becomes the next president of the USA. Having lived abroad, and being of Kenyan descent, I think he might have quite a healthy view of the world around the USA. Let's hope America starts pointing its finger at itself before it accuses another country of being the root of all evil again.
Meg.k
I agree with you. My point being that I think the focus needs to be on the wars at home. Perhaps they are more "Battles" than "wars". Can we get out of this war overseas and focus on the Battles at home. I think Barack and Hillary want to do that. And now I am hearing IRAN, IRAN, IRAN,....and the election cannot get here soon enough.
And by the way Meg, thankyou for your comment. It was not my intention to imply that you should focus on the war at home, I meant that we as a country need to and that begins with getting the boys home. Thanks for caring about the soldiers!
Blessings,
Millie
whoa. i'm late on this.
two posts and i haven't replied. crazy jason!
i love your thoughts on the election. thank you for not being afraid to express them!
i'm only 16 so i can vote yet, but by golly i will.
some people say that change is gradual. but in the state the world (and our country) is in today, we need someone radical. the most radical person out there who is willing to lead this country which is basically in the toilet is obama. not that other candidates would necessarily be bad, but at this point we need major, major change.
i'm really scared that because of what obama's pastor said and how it's been handled in the media, he's not as strong as he was. but i remain optimistic.
please check out a guy named colman mccarthy. i think you would like him.
yo--- okay jason, i love you for blogging these things and i love reading peoples' responses. we definitely need to be talking about these things. you probably won't read this, but what do you think of clinton's health care plan? i saw her speak on monday because she was 15 minutes away from me in PA, and that is the one issue i am somehow caught up in. i really like her universal healthcare plan, and i think that's something you were touching on in your blog. i have the news on and it's really distracting me because they are talking about everything you wrote about, in the same order.
i voted in 2004. i made the right choice. unfortunately it didn't help. but this is the first election that i actually feel involved in. i think whoever is nominated to represent the democratic party will be the right choice to lead our country into a new era and it's exciting.
oh, and what do you think about the idea that some republicans were switching parties to vote in the democratic primaries to help sway the vote to a weaker candidate? this goes to anyone who is reading this. i think it's a lost cause though, because whoever the candidate is i think the party will come together and push for a democrat. i hope people aren't stubborn enough not to.
I couldn't have said it better myself. Obama is the red pen America needs to correct its mistakes.
I'm not American. But GOD, I hope the majority of Americans use their senses (or knock some into their heads enough) and vote for Obama... please.
No Hillary. PleasePleasePlease.
Hi Jason,
I like some of your music but it appears I'm going to have to set you straight on your politics.
Here are the facts on Obama (for those who care for facts and not inspiring platitudes that tickle the ear):
He is bought and owned by corporate Wall Street. Look at a list of his biggest donors. (As everyone knows, the big guys don’t donate unless they expect something back later.)
Though he talks about ending the war, in reality Obama only means he would remove combat troops from Iraq. He is on record stating that would keep tens of thousands of our military in Iraq, increase our occupation of Afghanistan (redeploying thousands of troops) and has repeatedly voted for increases to fund the Iraq war. You want more US military occupation and domination around the world (including a military base the size of the Vatican in Iraq)? Obama’s your man.
And the scariest fact about Obama? He voted to reauthorize the Patriot Act in 2005. If you don’t know anything about the Patriot Act or why it’s unconstitutional and a threat to our freedoms, you probably aren’t qualified to endorse anyone for president.
Sorry to be harsh, but I guess if you agree with all the above, then go ahead and toss Obama your vote and space on your celebrity-powered blog. But just know where he stands… he isn’t offering as much of a change as you might like to think.
Again, your music is great. Keep it up. :)
-Isabella
Seattle, WA
one summer i went back and read all the old journal entries on jason's regular site, and learned of his support for keeping a clean and healthy environment. no matter your political affiliation, it's necessary to keep the environment in good condition for our personal health as well as our country's economic health. check out this website from the league of conservation voters: http://presidentialprofiles2008.org/ it provides a scorecard for all of the candidates with each of their views about different environmental issues - a great resource! environmentalism isn't just for hippies anymore. let's get with it, kids.
"David's Friend Goliath," by Michael Mendelbaum: "The rest of the world complains that American hegemony is reckless, arrogant, and insensitive. Just don't expect them to do anything about it. The world's guilty secret is that it enjoys the security and stability the United States provides. They world won't admit it, but they will miss the American empire when it's gone."
How can we focus on ourselves when we are pulled in so many different directions by others? This current administration has definitely strayed, but ultimately, our government will always be shared with the rest of the world. No matter who is in office, we will face difficulties. I am not trying to say there is no hope for Obama, but this change everyone is expecting to happen the minute he may step in office? Nothing just starts and stops. It takes TIME.
As far as continuing war. No one likes war, ever. Even men and women with experience do not wish it on others. But the fact that our men and women are in Iraq is huge. We often forget about them when we make comments about war.
Soldiers sometimes make decisions BASED OFF OF what the MEDIA would say. "Lone Survivor" by Marcus Luttrell. Pick it up sometime.
Thank you for putting out there the way so many of us feel.
The way I see things from my European point of view : if Obama's elected America will have a new case of a dead president! Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for the guy, he's the best thing that could happen to the US of A. However, I kinda have the feeling America's not ready for a Black president, the same way France was not ready for a woman President. I do hope he'll be elected but I also hope nothing's going to happen to him afterwards.
Beautiful...simply stated...honest....exact.......necessary.... these are the words to describe this post. I couln't agree more with what you are saying, and now I know why I dig you even more.
Thanks for sharing
P
I realize that someone had mentioned above that you are in no position to endorse anyone, but I feel that according to your views and beliefs (very much the same as I), I find that of all the candidates, Obama is the best suited for the job. I respect your concern for our environment, I love your views about how and where our country came from and where it is going, and I adore your encouragement of living righteously. Please continue doing what you're doing, expressing your ideas through rhyme and verse, and above all, thank you for holding true to all you say, especially in a world in need of such candor and legitimacy.
I stumbled upon your blog via a friend and this entry alone will make me read the rest of your writings. Your words express the frustration that I feel everyday in this election. I really enjoyed your refreshing point of view.
I've never understood why different is necessarily bad. We live in a community with a large population of hispanics. I'm taking my preschool aged kids to Spanish classes. I'm learning a little too. The more I am around hispanic people, the more I want to be around them more. And learn their language. I am finding many Mexicans to be very warm people. Sure there are some "thugs" in their community. But aren't there some in every community. Thugs in one way or another.
After I read "The Kite Runner" which is fiction, but nonetheless based on factual circumstances in Afghanistan, I wonder is there a better way to HELP THOSE IN NEED, those being oppressed, other than just gunning down all the "bad guys"? I want to help all those children left behind because their parents were shot in cold blood, perhaps right in front of their eyes.
And as for war, I adopted the philosophy from "The Secret" DVD that it is more effective to be pro-something good than anti something bad. IE pro peace rather than anti war. It is so more positive and I think easier for people to want to step up to.
I think/hope Obama is the guy to lead such positive change.
i realize this post is from a while ago and thet obama was elected but come on! obama was talking about putting MORE troops in afganistan his whole campain. THAT is not for better. my friends father is in iraq at this very moment and i pray that he comes home without a scratch on him. also, as my dad added on not having to kill anybody. ,i've come to a desicion a while ago that murder is not, and never has to be a option. that if you want change you have to work for it, like how people protested the vietnam war. you dont need to root for the lesser of two evils, you need to root for the option(s) that are not evil. i was rooting for nader, as my naders raiders shirt says. i was rooting for cynthia mckinney. i just didnt go for the ones that won the states. i rooted forthe ones that are for peace. peace is what i want.
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