Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lessons In Context
I’m sick of people taking comments out of context and twisting them to mean something entirely different. The latest example has been lifting this statement from Michelle Obama:
"For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."The first lesson in context is that you never read meaning into a sentence without hearing the sentences right before it (and the paragraph, and the chapter before it). In the sentences before this lifted quote, Michelle Obama talks about the “political process”. She clearly sets the context to be about politics. I completely agree with her. It is the first time I’ve been proud enough to openly talk about my own political choice. It is the first time I’ve been willing to put a bumper sticker on my car. It is the first time I’ve talked openly to my coworkers about the specific views of my favorite candidate. It is the first time I've contributed money to a campaign. It is the first time I’ve bought a guy a beer just to get another 15 minutes to make a strong case for my choice. It is the first time I’ve voted for the presidential candidate that won my home state (even in a primary). It is the first time I've voted FOR a candidate instead of AGAINST the other candidate.
So, I agree with Michelle Obama. This is the first time in MY adult life that I’ve been proud of the American political process. Bill O’Rilley can quote me on that.
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7 comments:
Hey guy. Read your blog and got you on my reader. I recently posted about Obama here...
http://nathangann.com/?p=131
My question to you. Either in comments here, or a separate post...What are the issues that make you want to vote for Obama? Specifics?
I am on the fence.
In terms of rallying a nation to feel good about politics again...that message of hope...I like him. But on the issues...why?
Cheers.
Nathan,
He nails all the issues:
- End the war
- Create peace through negotiations
- Restore respect for America around the world
- Cut the debt
- Roll back tax cuts for top 1%
- Create new grants for education
- campaign finance reform
- curb lobbyist influence
- cut the pork
- Support Veterans
- Pro choice
- Cut abortion rates by providing health care and housing for children and single mothers
- Health Care (not as good as the Kucinich plan, but more realistic and still better than Hillary's plan)
- gay marriage (sort of) I'd prefer he go further and support gay marriage completely
I can't think of many issues I disagree with in his platform. Immigration is just too difficult to imagine. I don't know what to think about it. Most importantly, the point is that he will have the best chance to inspire, unite, and motivate our nation.
I agree Mike. I am 39, and this is the first time I am really excited about an election. I recognized that it will depress me if Obama gets beat. I teach, so I am hoping to spend a chunk of my summer volunteering for his campaign (another first).
BTW, did you ever get the Walter B. audio from your recent conference attendance? I checked the site, and they don't seem to be making it available.
Andrew, No word on the audio CDs yet. Should be soon.
If I were American, I would vote Obama too. Thanks for the informative blog.
p.s...not in agreement with everything he has on his agenda but sure love the idea of ending the war, helping with healthcare, peace negotiations etc - I have read a number of interviews with him even from a few yrs back and I certainly respect him.
Well said! And while Bill is quoting he can kiss my ass at the same time.
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