Showing posts with label Hillary Rodham Clinton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hillary Rodham Clinton. Show all posts

Feminism and Activism, all with a sense of propriety

6/16/09: As I watched David Letterman squirm and try to find footing to extricate himself from the royal mess he has created with the unfunny and unacceptable joke he directed toward the Palin family, I reflected on just how disproportionate we have become in our response to that which offends us. I agree with all the activists who are chaffing under the girdle of sexism in the media and wholeheartedly agree that we must act to put it at an end, forever. When I focus on that problem, I don't think of Letterman, or Leno, or Conan, or Craig, or other lightweights in the information sphere. We should be working on the major media markets, the hallowed newspapers, magazines and talking heads. If we allow ourselves to be directed to a "Prowl" to "get Letterman" we put ourselves in an unflattering light, and an unproductive one, as well. But, mostly we direct our energies from the real task at hand: fairness in wages, healthcare, childcare, choice; respect in the workplace, marketplace, homeplace and state house; nurturing of our next generation of those who support all issues of concern to women and those who care for them. So, I will continue to enjoy Dave and to thank him from afar for his fair and regular treatment of Hillary when she ran her historic campaign and others were not in any way fair or supportive. I, for one, am satisfied that Dave's "got it" now just how unacceptable were his actions. Perhaps, it will make him a better dad to his own little guy who we will need to help move us all forward for the betterment of us all. My thoughts on this.

2008 DNCC Day One

8/26/08 -- About 8/25/08

Dear Friends,

Exhaustion. Total exhaustion. Most of us feel that way. Perhaps, it is the mile high city, but we gave up today and took taxis even for a few blocks (relatively cheap).

The locals are sincerely welcoming and helpful. The protesters are being met by scary force. Think Beijing Opening Ceremonies with scary drummers, squared. Mesh riot gloves, huge combat vests, Judy took photos of them with what appeared to be MACHINE Guns, and gazillions of them, everywhere. It is heartbreaking to see. Yes, I want to stay safe, very safe, but this is not what we want in the free and open Democracy we have and aspire to have.

A wonderful conversation burst forth at the ESPNZone After Party among the Ohio, Alabama and Kentucky Delegates. Serious differences exist.

Jeff Harney did not receive the promised credentials, and he was left to wait outside in this heat for 2 plus hours with the expectation of receiving them. He is going to return home if this is not finally corrected tomorrow. We have tried to convince him to stay regardless.

Lunch provided by Brown-Forman at The Fort was simply fabulous. The scenery in the mountains truly is stunning. The food, conversation and company were great.

Seeing our friends at the EqualiTea was so welcome. An added plus was seeing our true friend Dana Singiser. Kathy and Mike Wright kindly shared their table with Pat and me and others. Of course, Kim Gandy welcomed us all. Ellen Malcolm, Maxine Waters, Dolores Huerta, Eleanor Smeal, Connie Schulz (who is Sherrod Brown's wife), and innumerable others spoke to an over packed venue with passionate feminist activists. There were some pretty empassioned anti-choice protesters, too.

The Kentucky Delegation as you look at the stage is to the extreme left (natch) up on the risers beginning at about the eighth row. Our Mr. Speaker, Jody Richards, kindly sat with Pat Vincent and me and was a joyful addition to our evening. You have seen our signed petition to place Hillary's name in nomination posted in real time earlier tonight. Yes, it was moving being asked to sign that petition. So, I took the photo, and was a bit overcome. But, I've been an emotional wreck all day at the mention of Stephanie Tubbs Jones and her massive addition to our party and the holes she has left in our party and our heart which we must fill. Our time with the Ohio Delegates at the after-party was somewhat of a wake for our friend, but was good.

Michelle Obama truly looked lovely and her message was great and well delivered. Oprah must have really come through, at least as to the look. I am not a fan; but, she was good, very good.

No matter what sins of omission and commission may be argued, I truly loved seeing Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy. He was "on his game" notwithstanding all the physical challenges he has faced this year. Caroline still in my mind's eye is that precious girl from the Days of Camelot.

Tomorrow is the Day I have been focusing on for months. We start with our Delegation Breakfast to get credentials for the day. Then, the women's caucus, followed by our cherished friends at WomenCount and their event, followed by the event hosted by Ellen Malcolm for Emily's List (sold out for a while). Bruce, Emily, Pat, Carol and I will be moving through these and finding time for Bruce to have some quiet time to gather help for his quest to free us of the Mitch. Then, of course, we have as the focus of the convention this night Our Girl. She will speak, and I will listen, well.

It is difficult to fit everything in. And, the internet at the Hilton Garden Inn will not allow me to send email messages. So, we are left with you all trying to circulate as best you can to our friends what I get to this blog. Those who receive posts as I make them are Debbie, Jennifer, Jonathan, George, Dee and others I cannot remember just now and this posting vehicle won't let me look and come back.

Love to you, all, Olivia Anne

This Blog Seems to Work; now we'll let you know to check in for DNCC NEWS & PHOTOS

8/18/08

Dear Friends, Now that we have this blog somewhat operational, it seems time to let you know about it. My plan is to blog and to post Convention photos as we work through our week at the 2008 DNCC. I'll check your comments here, and I'll get your email messages to my email address while we are away.

We're still making History and working hard.

Best, Olivia Anne

Packing and Planning

Today is "Finish it" day. But, it seems tough to get all the stars to align. Putting this "alternative" blog together has been a challenge, as the only reason I have created this one is to give us a way to put photos from the convention up. I think this is going to work. Let me know if you have helpful (and kindly presented) suggestions for this site. There is a Conference Call with Hillary for her delegates to the convention coming up this week. That will be a good thing. We have gotten the last minute "delegate" details tied up fairly well and are focused on Denver and all of our friends we will be able to spend our time with there. This will be an exciting time for us all.

Preparing for the 2008 DNC Convention in Denver

8/17/08

Well. Things sure are getting hectic in advance of the departure of the Kentucky Delegation for Denver. We are excited to be able to look forward to finally meeting so many of our friends from all over the country who we have made over the course of Hillary Rodham Clinton's quest for the Presidency. It really will be a "union," if not a reunion.

Something's happening here. Today, all sorts of snapshots of the future have been popping into my mind. And, all of those glimmers are good, very good.

Remember, hope can be its own reward. When coupled with work, it becomes power. We have that power. Don't fail to use it, or it is wasted.

Check back. The question will be if I can learn to post the photos here so that you all can "Go to Denver" with us. That is the real reason I created this new blog.