Obama gets Mad Mag cover

We know it’s tough, but this awesome work from the folks at Mad may some up best the challenges facing our 44th President.  More stuff from Mad here.

Text of Pres. Obama’s Inaugural Address

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S INAUGURAL ADDRESS:
My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land – a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America – they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted – for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things – some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act – not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them – that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account – to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day – because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control – and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart – not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort – even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment – a moment that will define a generation – it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends – hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence – the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed – why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

“Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you.

God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

Barack Obama is the President of the United States of America.

When the Red Man, can get ahead, man

Spitfire Inauguration Party

We were absolutely blown away by the inauguration of number 44.  We loved the music, the sight of millions of people on the national Mall, the sight of Sasha laughing when Rick Warren did his “Saassshaa”, and sight of President Obama taking the oath of office.

But we loved Dr.Joseph Lowery’s benediction, when he spoke of great times ahead, including the time when “the Red Man, can get ahead, man.”

Nuff said, for now.  Now we have to run to all the parade parties, and for those of us here in WA, to get some breakfast!

Wait, NBC is reporting over 2 million on the Mall.  The sweeping boom arm shots over the mall are amazing.

o.k., now we have to think about the inaugural address for a minute.

New Native $1 Coin introduced

The United States mint annouced the new One Dollar Native American Coin today.

Real Design and Press Release here.

Native American Heritage Day

We rolled off our couches (or out the steps of our RVs) this morning to walk off yesterday’s massive feast.  And on our walk to the local coffee shop (7-11), we began to think about how we should properly celebrate our first national Native American Heritage Day. 

Apparently this is a one time deal, unless Congress and the new President decide to make Black Friday the permanent NAHD.  Of course that would make it Red Friday, and we’re pretty sure retailers wouldn’t like the sound of that.

But a proper celebration means something more than rushing off to Best Buy to get a new cell phone.  Americans are supposed to think of all the great things we have done for them, as well as recognize our leaders and achievements.  We once held our breath until we passed out as kids, and we once set a building on fire by accident and didn’t get caught, but those are probably not the achievements the NAHD is talking about.

We’d recommend this book to everyone – “Indian Givers” by Jack Weatherford.  Weatherford reviews all of the incredible achievements and contribution that Natives gave to the good old US of A, including the idea of a republic based on the Iroquois Confederacy.  So we can totally get behind celebrating something that truly recognizes Native achievements.

Between now and this evening, we’ll figure out something else to make sure we beam with “self-esteem, pride and self-awareness.”   Let us know if you have any thoughts on how to celebrate NAHD or whether or not is should even be permanent or on what day.

Party Time – Inaugural Ball!

Newly re-elected Governor Christine Gregoire’s Inaugural Ball will take place in the Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009.  Tickets are going at $100 a piece.  More info here.

Washington Governor’s race

Just a short note today about the Washington race for Governor.

Rasmussen shows once again a neck and neck race between Gov. Gregoire and Dino Rossi — Gregoire leads by just 2 points 50 to 48.  Earlier this week, Elway has Gregoire up by 12 points, 51 to 39.  We think Elway may be just a bit of an outlier, but the fact that both polls have Gregoire breaking 50 may be big. 

We’ll keep you posted.

Rossi and the Native Vote – new Swift Canoe Indians video

We’ve said this for a while now, but we saw a huge political problem for Dino Rossi when his supporters – the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Republican Governors Association – began running a series of television ads alleging that Governor Christine Gregoire’s actions in agreeing to the tribal gaming compacts amount to a “payoff”.  Of course, Rossi’s campaign is saying that they were only criticizing the Governor and NOT the tribes, but the reality is that any sort of payoff, bribe, quid pro quo requires to knowing parties.  In this case the Governor AND the tribes.  The fact that it was reported that Rossi said tribes “laundered” money in a debate really pushes the envelope.

 

Naturally the tribes are not taking this well.  The Spokane Tribe took out an ad calling the Rossi ads racist.  Link to the story in the Spokesman Review here.

 

We think that Rossi’s campaign may have fatally damaged its relations with Washington’s 29 tribes through this ill-advised commercial campaign.  That remains to be seen.

 

But we can tell you that at the grassroots level, a group of Native voters have put together their own video under the banner of “Swift Canoe Indians” that is posted on You Tube.  You can watch the 3 minute video here.  The video slams Rossi for his stance on the Ads.

 

We can’t say that that we didn’t see something like this happening.  The question is now whether the Gregoire campaign uses this hot button issue against Rossi on the reservations and/or does the Rossi campaign do some real damage control on the reservations?

 

 

Wailin’ About Palin & the Supreme Court

We cannot emphasize enough how important the Supreme Court is in the actual day to day lives Native Americans.  The Court has recently started ruling against Indian interests at an alarming rate.  Just this year we were alarmed at Court decisions that came down against the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and upheld an incredibly strict voter identification law that Indian tribes opposed.

 

Now, the Supreme Court announced that it will once again hear the Navajo Nation’s case against the U.S. government for failing to carry out its trust duties and cheating the Tribe out of $600 million.  In 2003 the Supreme Court rejected the Navajo claim but sent the case back down to the lower courts to determine if there were specific laws that the government broke.  Well, the courts found that there were, but the case has wound its way back into the Supreme Court which is not a good sign if you’re Navajo.  And the Supreme Court has also decided that it will examine one of the cornerstone Indian laws – the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act – to see if the U.S. can actually take new land into trust for a tribe that had the misfortune of being nearly exterminated and only being formally recognized again 30 years ago.

 

We hear that two (John Paul Stevens, 88, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 75 with health issues) liberal Supreme Court Justices are likely to retire after the election.  That means either Barack Obama or John McCain will appoint the next two Justices.  If it’s Obama, that probably means the Court will probably hold its slightly conservative postion.  And if it’s McCain, it probably means a far more conservative court will emerge.  Either way, the likelihood is that the Court will stay that way for at least a decade.

 

But maybe what has us VERY concerned is McCain’s running mate, who may wind up being President and making the Supreme Court picks.  We found out this from Politico.

 

Of concern to McCain’s campaign, however, is a remaining and still-undisclosed clip from Palin’s interview with Couric last week that has the political world buzzing.

 

The Palin aide, after first noting how “infuriating” it was for CBS to purportedly leak word about the gaffe, revealed that it came in response to a question about Supreme Court decisions.

 

After noting Roe vs. Wade, Palin was apparently unable to discuss any major court cases.

 

There was no verbal fumbling with this particular question as there was with some others, the aide said, but rather silence.

McCain House for Sale

Man, we’d love to host a debate watch party here! 

Check out McCain’s Phoenix mansion which is up for sale.