Just to let you know, most of my posts are probably going to end up on this site going forward:
http://www.aroundthecouch.com/
Some more personal musings will still end up here. But we shall see how often i frequent hi-did-illy-ho in the future.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Huddled Masses Yearning to High Five
A follow up to the last post for which I am not responsible in the slightest. But, needless to say, enjoy ...
HIGH-FIVE INAUGURATION! - watch more funny videos
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Huddled Masses Yearning to Breathe Free
This past Wednesday I entered the middle of the right-center universe known as the Wednesday Meetings. Some have credited this institution, for which I was the minute taker, and my former boss, Grover Norquist, as being the enablers of the “vast right-wing conspiracy.” But, do not take my word for it. Here is a Washington Post account of the right side of the aisle’s strength where the meeting takes center stage:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A8423-2004Jan11?language=printer
Interestingly enough, 24 hours earlier I was in the epicenter of liberal movement. Partially motivated by a desire to be a part of a historical moment, I trekked to DC, woke up at 4:30am on Tuesday, bundled myself in all of the layers and under armor that I could get my hands on, and walked with several friends to the Mall. From that moment on, we were just waiting. Waiting for the sunrise of a new day and administration.
One could not help but be struck by the optimism in the air and collective focus on the now. The volunteers who greeted us as we progressed up the Mall were sweet enough to make Joan Cleaver appear morose. People around would shush us so that they could pay attention to pre-recorded programming on the jumbo-tron. With all that energy and focus, everyone was looking for something … anything to let go of their excitement and distract them from the cold. That moment came in the form of a recording of Garth Brooks singing American Pie from the “We Are One” HBO Inauguration special.
Along with those of a contemporary flavor, anthems of the traditional American songbook could be heard ringing in the tubas and throats of people from the dome to the Lincoln memorial. I found this particularly interesting because joining in the chorus were internationals and non-conformists not typically known for their American fervor. Similarly, African-Americans were high in number and red, white and blue dress. They too were embracing a country whom has not always embraced them.
The only discouraging episode of the morning was the inevitable booing of the entrance of George W. Bush. No matter what your politics this time is a moment of respect for the office and, for the winners, dignified victory. But, if anything, the booing was indicative of the sentiments of the moment. The jeers represented all’s desire to cast aside the fear of September 11th and recent financial turmoil.
The challenge of the near future will be to maintain these positive spirits. In the event of another disaster (which, knock on wood, never happens), how will the nation react? Obama is championing a certain mindset in reaction to 9/11 governance and the tide might easily turn the other way. My hope is that when faced with adversity we do not turn that direction into a false dichotomy of hope, optimism and mutual respect versus realism and suspicion as a way forward.
Perhaps the president elect has already thought of that. Unabashed, direct praise of pragmatism likely will give him flexibility to adjust to given the circumstances. Moreover, Obama’s address itself highlights how that mindset can be essential to overcoming misfortune:
“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.”
I still believe in power and rights of the individual as central to right of center’s ideology. But, the sentiments of Obama’s speech is probably the main reason why this red state person was found in the midst of 1 million plus on January 20th. I too was singing from the patriotic songbook with the hippy I was rubbing elbows with. Both of us desired to revive American optimism. Both knowing it can guide us through these difficult times.
= = = = = = = = = = = =
The text of the Inaugural address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/inaugural-address/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A8423-2004Jan11?language=printer
Interestingly enough, 24 hours earlier I was in the epicenter of liberal movement. Partially motivated by a desire to be a part of a historical moment, I trekked to DC, woke up at 4:30am on Tuesday, bundled myself in all of the layers and under armor that I could get my hands on, and walked with several friends to the Mall. From that moment on, we were just waiting. Waiting for the sunrise of a new day and administration.
One could not help but be struck by the optimism in the air and collective focus on the now. The volunteers who greeted us as we progressed up the Mall were sweet enough to make Joan Cleaver appear morose. People around would shush us so that they could pay attention to pre-recorded programming on the jumbo-tron. With all that energy and focus, everyone was looking for something … anything to let go of their excitement and distract them from the cold. That moment came in the form of a recording of Garth Brooks singing American Pie from the “We Are One” HBO Inauguration special.Along with those of a contemporary flavor, anthems of the traditional American songbook could be heard ringing in the tubas and throats of people from the dome to the Lincoln memorial. I found this particularly interesting because joining in the chorus were internationals and non-conformists not typically known for their American fervor. Similarly, African-Americans were high in number and red, white and blue dress. They too were embracing a country whom has not always embraced them.
The only discouraging episode of the morning was the inevitable booing of the entrance of George W. Bush. No matter what your politics this time is a moment of respect for the office and, for the winners, dignified victory. But, if anything, the booing was indicative of the sentiments of the moment. The jeers represented all’s desire to cast aside the fear of September 11th and recent financial turmoil.
The challenge of the near future will be to maintain these positive spirits. In the event of another disaster (which, knock on wood, never happens), how will the nation react? Obama is championing a certain mindset in reaction to 9/11 governance and the tide might easily turn the other way. My hope is that when faced with adversity we do not turn that direction into a false dichotomy of hope, optimism and mutual respect versus realism and suspicion as a way forward.
Perhaps the president elect has already thought of that. Unabashed, direct praise of pragmatism likely will give him flexibility to adjust to given the circumstances. Moreover, Obama’s address itself highlights how that mindset can be essential to overcoming misfortune:
“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.”
I still believe in power and rights of the individual as central to right of center’s ideology. But, the sentiments of Obama’s speech is probably the main reason why this red state person was found in the midst of 1 million plus on January 20th. I too was singing from the patriotic songbook with the hippy I was rubbing elbows with. Both of us desired to revive American optimism. Both knowing it can guide us through these difficult times.
= = = = = = = = = = = =
The text of the Inaugural address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/inaugural-address/
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Songs of 2008
Here are some of my personal favorite ditties from 2008. Descriptions as to why will hopefully follow.
Enjoy!
- Ned
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Fleet Foxes – “Blue Ridge Mountains”
The Whigs – “Right Hand on my Heart”
Mates of State - "Get Better"
Wolf Parade – “California Dreamer”
Girl Talk – “Play Your Part (Pt. 1)”
Death Cab for Cutie - "No Sunlight"
From the Black Cab sessions site which is one of my favorite sites of '08, by the by:
http://www.blackcabsessions.com/sessions.php
Fucked Up – “Son The Father”
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings – “Answer Me”
Titus Andronicus – “Titus Andronicus”
TV on the Radio – “Crying”
Kate Nash - "Merry Happy"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf4Ea59Uods
and of course …
Flight of the Conchords – “Leggie Blond”
Enjoy!
- Ned
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Fleet Foxes – “Blue Ridge Mountains”
The Whigs – “Right Hand on my Heart”
Mates of State - "Get Better"
Wolf Parade – “California Dreamer”
Girl Talk – “Play Your Part (Pt. 1)”
Death Cab for Cutie - "No Sunlight"
From the Black Cab sessions site which is one of my favorite sites of '08, by the by:
http://www.blackcabsessions.com/sessions.php
Fucked Up – “Son The Father”
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings – “Answer Me”
Titus Andronicus – “Titus Andronicus”
TV on the Radio – “Crying”
Kate Nash - "Merry Happy"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf4Ea59Uods
and of course …
Flight of the Conchords – “Leggie Blond”
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