by Political Polly

(at last: we hear him speak!)

When we last left our clan of Obama Maniacs, they were happily reaching their Ohio destination, and desperately ready for some R & R. This is Day Two of the road trip, and we pick up right were part 1 left off. The crew is just beginning to wake up for their day of Obama Canvassing and to hear the Great Orator speak…

Cast of Characters:
Swedish Reporter: SR
Black British Girl: BBG
Highschool Homegirl: HH
Gay Guy: GG
Brollic Chick: BC
Black Driver: BD

9:36am
It’s quiet, time is still, I feel relaxed…buzzzz, buzzzz, buzzzz, that’s my freaking cell phone vibrating on the table next to me. I jump up, not sure where I am, who’s next to me and I look at my phone. It’s BD.

Me: Hello
BD: Where are you guys? We’re supposed to be at headquarters at 10am.
Me: Huh? What time is it?
BD: Like 9:40
I look around me. HH is fast asleep next to me and BBG is on the other bed snoring.
Me: Shit, I need coffee and a cigarette.
DB: What? We don’t have time. Hurry up or I’ll leave you guys over here and you get to headquarters on your own.
Me: You need to wait, how will we get there? Where is there?
I’m mad confused. Quick back track. HH suggested we share a room with BBG, forcing me to share a bed with her cause Lord knows I’m not gonna sleep with BBG. I was so tired when we finally made it to the room last night that I would’ve slept anywhere.
Me: Ok, lemme wake up these people and we’ll meet you in like 10 min.
BD: Hurry up cause I came down here to work
Me: Whatever.

9:41am
I hang up. I love doing shit like that. I tell the girls that psycho is ready and we have to rush cause he’s about to leave us.
HH: Leave us? Oh HELL NO!!! We came together so he just gotta wait. Who he thinks he is?
BBG: Huh? What? Who’s leaving what?
HH: Didn’t I say I was sleeping until 10am?

9:42am
I leave them two discussing how BD aint gonna leave them and I jump into a quick shower. I can’t go anywhere without washing my ass! So I take my 10-minute shower and get dressed. These chicks are still getting their shit together, looking for their toothpaste, clothes and I’m already dressed and combing my hair.

9:51am
Buzzzz, buzzzz…It’s my phone again, BD.
BD: Come down now or I’m leaving.
Me: Did you call GG and BC?
BD: No

9:52am
I hang up again and I call GG and BC. The phone is ringing and they’re not picking up.
Me: Shit, GG and BC aren’t picking up.
HH: Aye, it doesn’t matter if we’re a little late.
BBG: What time are we supposed to be there?
Me: Hurry up! We don’t need this fool to leave us. Does anyone know where the headquarters are? What are we supposed to do there?
HH: I said I was gonna sleep till 10am. He’d better not be acting up. I swear, we gotta do something about this whole driving situation. Did you hear him say he may not be going back? We need to change the car to one of our names. Who has a credit card and is over 25?

I’m like shit, I’m the only one. I’m over 25 and never leave home without plastic.
Me: I have a credit card. I can’t be stranded out here in Ohio.
BBG: Me either. I have so much work to do, a presentation next week for work and have to get a weave done.

At that moment, HH and I both looked at the hair situation. She needs a serious perm, conditioner, weave, wig, miracle grow, something to smooth, shape and hid those beedie bees. She’s flattening the two inches of hair she has into a little turd on top of her head.

9:54am
Me: Hurry up, this fool is gonna leave us. Shit, I’m hungry and need coffee.
HH: He ain’t leaving me.
BBG: I’ll have to shower when I get back.
Me: Whatever. Lemme call these fools.
Finally, GG picks up the phone. DAMN, he sounds like he swallowed something nasty last night.
GG: Hello
Me: Hey, you need to come out right now or BD is leaving us?
GG: Huh?
Me: Yes, BD is bugging out and is about to leave us.

9:58am
As I’m explaining to GG that he and BC need to come out like right now, I’m walking to the car. BD is already there in the drivers seat. SR is sitting quietly in the back (he’s so damn obedient) and I’m trying to get these fools up and out to the car when BD starts yelling.
BD: Where is everyone? It’s almost 10am and I already said I’m here to work.
Me: I’m talking to GG and BC and they just got up.
BD: What? We’re supposed to be there at 10!

9:59am
BD gets on the phone and calls Kim (remember her? She’s the fool who wouldn’t wait for us).
BD: These people aren’t ready. I’m gonna miss the meeting because of them.
Me: What meeting? Relax. Do you have instructions?
BD throws some paper with scribbles on it to me while he continues complaining on the phone to Kim. He’s ranting and raving how we’re not ready, he came her to work, meet Obama and help him get elected. Kim is obviously adding some heat to the fire cause he starts pacing, jumps into the car and starts the engine.
9:59am
I frantically call GG.
Me: GG and BC, get out here right now or he’s gonna leave you.
GG: Shit, we’re getting up. I need to take a shower.
Me: Fool, you need to come out now! This guy is seriously ready to leave your asses.

10:00am
I hang up and call HH and BBG. Shit, those fools aren’t answering the phone. BD is yelling into his phone to Kim that we’re making him late.
Me: If you’re in such a rush, why don’t you jump into Kim’s car and we’ll meet you there?
HH and BBG are approaching the car finally and hear BD’s response.
BD: Why don’t I go and you guys find a way to get there?
HH: What? This car isn’t yours! We all put money into this car. We came together and we roll together.
Me: Yeah, he said he was gonna leave GG and BC behind.
HH: He ain’t doing shit.
BBG: What? Wait, we should all stick together.
HH: He ain’t going anywhere.
Me: Do you even know where we’re going? If you’re really in that much of a rush, go with Kim. You’re not leaving anyone behind. Shit, I don’t even know where we’re going or what were doing.

10:03am
BD is ready to pull into reverse when GG and BC start running towards the car. They look like hell and I don’t think BC washed her teeth. Not to say that I smelled her breath, but she has on exactly the same clothes (she probably slept in them) and GG looks paler than ever. We jump into the car and BC starts to flex her muscles.
BC: I thought we were supposed to get up at 10am?
HH: Yo, he was truly gonna leave you guys behind.
BD tossed me a paper with instructions scribbled with some instructions and totally ignored BC and HH. I’m looking at the chicken scratch and trying to figure out what is the next step.
BD: Where do I go?
Me: What is this? Wait, I know this highway. Go out and make a left.
BC: I can’t believe you were going to leave us. We’re here together and we all chipped in for this car.
BD: Where do I go next?
BC: Don’t fucking ignore me!
HH: He’s an asshole. I’m gonna call the volunteers out here and see if she could help us.
Me: Turn here.
BC: I can’t fucking believe this.
BD: What is the problem? We’re already late and I told you I’m here to work, to meet Obama.
BC: I’m here to work too, but it doesn’t mean that I’m gonna leave anyone behind.
BD: Whatever. I’m going to meet Obama and I’m not letting any of you get in the way.
HH: What you think? We’re not here for the same reason. I know with our help, Obama is going to take Ohio, but don’t be such an ass.

10:08am
We’re cruising down some highway and everyone is chatting amongst themselves. BD has this determined look on his face. He’s constantly checking his blackberry for the time and I’m looking at the instructions, wishing I had that much needed cup of coffee. Shit, it’s freaking cold, I’m tired, and really trying to keep the arguing at a minimum. We get out of an exit and start down a main road. The streets are full of semi-attached run- down homes. This city is so dismal. Although the lawns are covered with snow, we can see the soot that has buried these once post-war homes. We start counting the Obama signs on the lawn.

HH: Yay, look how many supporters Obama has! We are going to take this state. Hillary has no chance, especially since she was for NAFTA that took away these jobs.
Me: Are we going the right way?
BD: I don’t know, don’t you have the instructions?
Me: What instructions? These two highway exits? Call Kim and ask her.
BD: I’m driving.

My jaw almost hits the floor of the car. This ass has the nerve.

Me: Get Kim on the phone and I’ll talk to her.
BD gets Kim on the phone finally and I’m asking her directions. She had the nerve not to know where the hell she’s at. After asking her step by step details, we finally pull up to headquarters. BD jumps out of the car and rushes in.

10:25am
BD runs up to Kim and her crew and he’s all up in her face snitching on us. Like what the hell is she going to do to us? She gives us this disgusted face and walks BD to get his canvassing kit.

10:26am
HH: What was the big rush. All we have to do is pick up our canvassing kit. What an asshole.
BC: Dude, we gotta do something about this car situation. Can you believe he almost left us?
Me: Where’s the coffee. Shit, is there some bagels or something?
BBG: Where do we sign up? Let’s just do what we have to do and deal with the car later.
HH: Fuck that, I’m calling the volunteer and asking her to pick us up, and how we can change the car.

10:28am
As we get our kits, HH is on the phone with Mother Teresa (MT). She agreed to meet us at headquarters and take us canvassing since BD has the keys and he’s already on his way out with Kim’s crew. BC runs up to him.

BC: Hey, we need to meet here at 1PM so we can change the car to another name cause you’re not driving anymore?
BD totally ignores her. Seriously, she’s like in his face and he has this stupid blank look as she’s speaking to him. He suddenly darts to his left and is harassing the woman who runs the headquarters.

BC: Hey (she grabs him), did you hear what I said?
BD: Don’t fucking touch me! I don’t care about the fucking car and don’t ever touch me!

BC jumped back and was in total disbelieve. She was totally taken by surprise and scared of BD. After all, he is a pretty tall husky black guy. I see this and run over and try to keep the peace.

Me: Hey, relax. Listen, we made arrangements to get the car transferred over to my name and that way you don’t have to deal with us being late, or anything.
BD: Tell her not to fucking ever touch me again!

Now that I’m in the middle, BC gets all brave and starts talking back.

BC: Don’t ignore me then. I’m trying to speak to you and you totally disregarded me. You almost left us and now that we’re trying to deal with the situation you don’t want to hear anything.
BD: Don’t fucking talk to me. Anything that has to be said, let her (looking at me) tell me.
Me: Look, let’s not get out of hand, can you please meet us back here at 1pm so we can get the car changed.
BD: Yeah, yeah, I’m out.

10:38am
BD left with SR and we’re left in the headquarters waiting for MT to come and save us. I grab the much needed coffee and go outside to smoke. I inhale deeply and GG pops up out of nowhere scares the bejesus outta me.
GG: Hey, you got another cigarette? I left mine in the hotel. I literally ran out. I didn’t get a chance to take a shower.

I hand him a cigarette and take a good look at him. He looks like a hot honky mess. His bad fall out boy haircut is in serious need of mouse, his tight jeans look wrinkled and his cowboy boots are soaked with snow. How the hell is this pansy going to survive, knocking from door to door in the ghetto of Cleveland? I admire his dedication!
Me: You look like shit? Aren’t your feet wet? Can you believe the drama with this fool?
GG: Dude, I totally underdressed and what an asshole. I can’t believe that he was going to leave us. We need cocktails tonight. What’s up with the volunteer?
Me: She should be on her way. I’m starving and I’m not going anywhere until we eat!

10:42am

BC comes out and joins us. I look at her and she too looks like shit. Her hair is all over the place, her clothes are wrinkle and her sneakers are soaked too. Do these people not look at where they’re stepping? I wonder if she brushed her teeth. She still looks half a sleep.
BC: I can’t believe he totally disregarded me and then yelled at me. I only grabbed him because he wasn’t listening. He’d better be here cause we need to change the car from his name. I’m not dealing with him.
GG: Yeah, he was totally being a jerk
Me: Where is this lady? Have any of you gone canvassing?
BC: Yeah, you go door-to-door and have to get the homeowner’s information.
Me: Great.

10:45am
I go back in and ask HH where is MT. I need to eat before I go knocking on anyone’s door. There’s a burger king a few blocks away, maybe I should ditch these people and get some breakfast.
HH: She’s on her way. She has a Yukon and we all fit. She also invited us back to her house for food and we can stay with her if we like. She said she’ll take us anywhere we wanna go.
Me: I’m hungry. I need to eat before we go anywhere. Wanna take a walk to Burger King.
HH: Nah, she’s on her way, she could take us somewhere first. I don’t want Burger King.
Me: Well, remember we need to be here by 1pm to get the car transferred.

(not exactly our Mother Teresa, but a Saint nonetheless)

11:26am
Finally MT rolls up in her Yukon and we set to find a spot to eat. I’m pissed cause I’m hungry and want to experience this canvassing stuff, plus be back by 1pm to deal with the whole car thing. We are so off schedule and I know by the time we eat and get rolling, it’ll be time to head back. The good thing is BC already called Enterprise and has the directions. We pile into the car and MT drives us around Cleveland. This town is in serious need of some economic help. It was a Saturday afternoon and major department store parking lots were completely empty. MT explains how so many stores have closed down and Hillary has been calling people, telling them to vote for her. She had to school the Puerto Ricans who do her hair (nice job!!!) and has many small storeowners rocking the Obama ’08 posters in their windows.

12:23pm
After getting a bite we roll to the “working class” neighborhoods to start canvassing. BC and I won’t get a chance to go due to the many detours (Who doesn’t know how to read a GPS?!?!?) and I’m not trying to argue with BD for being late. We drop off GG first and he looked so lost. This stringy white boy (who was mistaken for a woman) is left in a not so safe neighborhood to knock on stranger’s door asking whom they’re voting for. I hand him two cigarettes and matches and wish him luck.

12:45pm
We drop off everyone and MT takes us back to headquarters to wait for BD. MT and HH are going to Payless to get BBG some boots because it’s the middle of winter and the fool wants to wear ballet flats. Are these people for real? Do they never look at any weather reports!!!
BC and I walk into headquarters. I grab another cup of coffee and look at all the different faces. I start getting acquainted with the volunteers who came from as far as California, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and neighboring towns. It was quite inspiring to see not only blacks (some cool-ass women from Chicago and Indiana video tapped me, the youth to say a few words on the necessity of having Obama as our presidents. These chicks remembered civil rights and Reaganomics and are struggling with the hard economic times affecting the Midwest), but whites and a sprinkle of Asians working together so far from home. Obama has really touched these people with hope.

12:55pm
I call BD to check on his status.
Me: Hey, we’re here at headquarters and have all the information. What’s your status?
BD: I’m eating. I’ll be there in like 10. Click

Oh no he didn’t hang up on me!!! Okay, lemme stay calm. I chit chat some more, take flicks and grab another cup of coffee. BC is seated with her head down on a table near by. I take a seat next to her and she looks up?
BC: Where is he?
Me: He’ll be here in like 10

1:10pm
I call BD, no answer.

1:12pm
I call BD, no answer.

1:16pm
I call BD and still no answer. I’m starting to text him like crazy and still not answer!

1:17pm
I call HH and MT.
Me: What’s your status?
MT: We’re picking up BBG and GG. They’re finished canvassing.
Me: This fool still hasn’t shown up and I’m calling him and texting him and nothing.
MT: OMG, GG was mistaken for a woman! And he knocked on some doors and half the people on his list are no longer living. He looked so sad and lost when we picked him up.
Me: Well, hurry up and get here.

1:18pm
I call BD and still no answer. I’m trying not to lose my cool, but I’m tired of just sitting here, babysitting hung-over (I swear she’s on something) BC and upset that I didn’t get to go canvassing.

1:45PM
I’m about to kill BC if she complains about BD and the car situation again when the fool storms in. BC jumps up, runs up to him asking him where he’s been and he walks right by her. He comes to the table and throws the keys at me.
BD: Get the car off my credit card and do whatever you want.
BC: We need you to sign the car over to us. We can’t do it without you.

Again, he disregards her and walks away. I get up, take the keys and walk outside. BC is still trying to follow him and explain the situation. I jump on the phone and call HH. No answer. FUCK! I call MT.
MT: Hey.
Me: Where are you?
MT: On the line at Payless.
Me: Are you serious? We’re here waiting for this asshole who just came in, threw the keys at us and you guys are shopping? Just hurry up and get here cause he’s acting up again.
MY: Okay, we’re like right around the way so we’ll be there as soon as we’re done.

1:46pm
I walk in and BD is running up to me.

BD: Excuse me, excuse me, give me back the keys. What is it that we have to do?
BC: I’m trying to explain to you, we need you to sign over the car.
BD: I’m not TALKING to you!!!!
He’s starting to look possessed. I calmly walk away and just imagine how this looks: He’s following me and BC is following him trying to explain. I walk back to the table and refuse to speak to him until he lowers his voice. BC again grabs him. He pulls away and I’m acting like he aint talking to me.
BD: Didn’t I tell you not to touch me?
BC: You’re not listening!
BD: I don’t want to talk to you.
BC: But I have all the information.
I’m just watching this cat and dog fight, laughing to myself as I hold the keys in my hand. I finally speak.
Me: Listen, we need you to sign the car over. She has the info and we must hurry cause the spot closes at 3PM. Get this guy and lets go.

(Damn you Enterprise!)

1:52pm
Finally we’re in the car heading towards Enterprise. BC has the driving instructions and passes it me. This dude is seriously not speaking to this chick.
BC: I don’t know why you’re acting like this. I’m trying to just get the car into our names so I’ll never have to speak to you again.
BD: Don’t you ever touch me again!
BC: Then fucking listen.
BD: No, there’s no need for you to touch me ever. I don’t have to listen to you.
Me: Just forget it. Let’s just change the car.

1:53pm
I start to text BC and start plotting on leaving him stranded. He doesn’t want us to talk to him, lets see what happens when he needs us. We agree and continue the ride. I face her and this worried oh-shit-I-just-sharted look is on her face (for those who don’t know what sharted is, it’s when you think you’re gonna fart and shit comes out). She texted me, no one is answer. I’m like fuck, this guy is gonna go ballistic!
BD: Where is this place?
Me: Um, it should be near the dealership.
BD: What dealership?
Me: WTF, I’m seeing the same shit you are. We have to look for it.

1:55pm
We’re driving this way and that way and we can’t find the spot. I call MT and ask her to GPS it.
Me: Where are you? I need help. We can’t find this spot.
MT: We’re across the street at Starbucks. You had to see the faces of the people in here when we walked in with all this Obama gear. They’re voting for McCain.
Me: Starbucks? Where is that? We’re driving up and down this road and we can’t find it.
MT: Relax, did you pass by the Lincoln dealership? It’s right in there.
Me: You (I finally get to snap my fingers at BD) see the dealership? Go in there. Hey, we found it, meet us there.
MT: Be right there.

1:56pm
We roll up passed the dealership and Enterprise is closed. BD is ready to blow up. He’s pacing back and forth. Quick back flash: During our car trip BD told us the story of how he stopped smoking by taking these prescription drugs. The side effect was these vivid dreams of demons coming to get him. At this moment when MT and the United Nations rolled up, that’s exactly how he looked. He backed up slowly, ready to attack.
MT: Hello. I’m a volunteer based here in Cleveland for Obama.
MT being the lady she is extended her hand and he ignored it. Instead he acted like the victim and yelled.
BD: This fucking place is closed!
MT: Yes, they close early.
BD: What a fucking waste.
At this point we are all huddled behind MT. No one messes with MT.
MT: Listen, let’s just go back to the hotel and tomorrow morning we can go to the airport to transfer the car.
BD: I’m not doing this shit again. I’m going to Texas and fuck everyone.
Now he’s backing up more, like we’re going to get him.
BC: Yes you can! You can’t leave us here stranded. We told you to come early.
Me: You had us waiting mad long.
HH: We’ll just take the car.
BBG: What is going on? Why can’t we go in?
Me: Cause it’s closed stupid. We wasted our time. I thought you said it was open till 5pm.
BC: That’s what the person who answered the phone told me.

1:59pm
At this point SR goes back into the car, we are yelling and placing the blame on each other. We then realize this is all BD’s fault.
Me: This is all your fault. Why can’t you fucking listen? We would’ve been here on time and get this shit dealt with but no, you had to be a fucking turd and refuse to work with us.
BD: I’m here to meet and work for Obama. I don’t care.
HH: Fuck you, we should just fucking leave this car and you have to deal with it, it’s on your card.
BD: Stop fucking talking to me.
He races to the car, but MT stands in front of the driver door.
MT: You just go, and I’ll take the girls (yes, she included GG. He is technically just like us… sorta) and tomorrow morning we will go to the airport and deal with this.
I don’t know if it was the sternness of her voice, her standing in his way, or the evil glare of don’t-fuck-with-me, but he put his tail between his legs and agreed.

2:01pm
We pile into MT’s car and she takes us back to her place (which was like a fucking mansion) and feeds us. GG and BC decided to go back to the hotel to get a fix.

4:30pm
MT gets a call from one of her peoples and we find out that Obama is going to speak in the school. We jump into her ride (we bring wine and quiche for GG and BC) and we set on our way to see Obama.

7:03pm
We hustle some tickets (I of course hustled 4 out of the 7 needed) and we settle down on the left side of the auditorium to hear the MAN talk. GG and BC find seats together on the other side. As we’re all excited, MT looks over at BBG and notices some white fuzzy balls at the nape of her neck. Shocked, I get a BB message from her.

MT: What the fuck is that white shit on her buck shots?
I lean over and look. HH gets wind of the situation and we all just look at each other.
Me: She needs a serious makeover.
HH: She’s waiting to get her weave put in and I guess that’s lint of her scarf?
Me: I told you I didn’t wanna share a room with her, but nooooo, you wanted to be all freaking nice.
HH: Ditto, I feel bad for her. Maybe we should send her to the Dominicans so they can help her.
Me: Girl, she needs more than Dominicans, she needs like Rogaine so that shit can grow.

BBG turns and looks at us and as just as we paste phony smiles on our face, we see BD with Kim and the get along gang walk down the isle. They jump into reserved seats and get happy when they get kicked out. It’s pretty upsetting that Kim didn’t bother to come by and say thank you. HH called Kim once we found out about the appearance. Me, I was totally hating. Fuck that, she spent so much time kissing headquarter’s ass why didn’t she know about it? Everyone one else from headquarters is here. But, this isn’t about us, this is about the volunteers who come to help Obama.

8:23pm
BD runs down the isle with a mic in his hands and stands on the left hand side of the stage. He’s worked it so he can hold the mic to give to people during the Q&A section.
MT: OMG, look at the ass.
HH: I can’t believe it. I wonder who he harassed to get that job.
Me: Look at him, all smug. He looks like he’s holding a big black dick. You think we should yell out “murderer” or something to see secret service and security come out and tackle him. That would be funny.
MT: He does look stupid. Look at him, all proud…
HH: Yeah, he does look all excited and gassed.
Me: Do you think we can get away with screaming bomb? Tell the British chick to say it.

8:45pm
Obama comes out and give us a compelling speech. We are all captivated by his ability to sound like a preacher, yet get his message across. I was truly moved and really felt the power of his presence, the conviction in his voice. I do believe! Yes we can! Hope is really in my heart!

8:53pm
Now it’s the Q&A portion and everyone who gets to ask a question is on the right side of the stage. Each time Obama picks someone on the opposite end, BD looks like he’s about to leap off the stage. He actually looked annoyed that no one on his side was picked. We being the loud mouths we are, a girl in front of us wants to ask a question so we make mad noise and she gets to ask her question. BD leaped from the stage and he puts the mic in her hand. While the girl ask her question, BD’s eyes never leave Obama and I swear, he was like lusting over him. This isn’t admiration, this is straight up stalking.

8:58pm
Now all questions are asked and answered and we gather to get a photo of Obama. While I’m pushing my way into the crowd and climb on some chairs to get a good shot, we see BD begging Obama for a picture. Obama is trying to stay calm, but BD is in his face and refuses to move. Why isn’t secret service tackling him down? He then points at us and we stay frozen. What can he be telling Obama about us. We look worried, but Obama softens his look and poses for the picture.

9:15pm
We are back in MT’s car, ready to get dinner and we see BD skipping away. Thank God it’s MT driving or I would’ve run his dumb ass over. The rest of the night goes smoothly. We talk into the night about our experience hearing Obama speak over dinner and settle down to a good night’s rest… but the drama continues the next day.

Tune in next time for the third and final installment of the Obama Drama Chronicles…

by Jennier Wynns, Señorita Politically Correct

The 2008 democratic primary has proven to be history in the making. For the first time in the United States of America, there are two minorities competing for 1st place.

On one end we have Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton. She started her career as a lawyer soon after graduating from Yale Law School in 1973. She moved to Arkansas and married William Jefferson Clinton two years later. She served as member of the board of Wal-Mart and several other corporations. Clinton has also been a member of the US senate representing the state of New York for more than 8 years, and was first lady during her husband Bill’s, presidency.

We have Senator of Illinois, Barack Hussein Obama, at the other end. He was born to “a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas”, as he describes it. A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Obama worked as a community organizer, university lecturer, and civil rights lawyer before running for public office and serving in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. He has been in the US senate for 4 years. He came into the spotlight in 2002 when he gave a powerful speech during a protest against the Iraq war, which he baptized as “a dumb war.” Then in 2004 he was invited by the Democratic Party to give the keynote address, in which after his enthusiastic, uplifting and brilliant speech, he solidified himself as one of the new and young leaders of the party.

Because these two candidates are not only highly capable and prepared to run this country, but are also unique, they have managed to motivate the country and create excitement around the Democratic primaries. Mrs. Clinton has attracted women to the polls, the 65 and over crowd, and has kept her husband’s loyal Latino following. While Obama has managed to attract new voters of all ages, but especially the 18-34 demographic, the cynical, some independents, and yes, even some young republicans.

It has been exciting to experience these events in my lifetime. Before Obama, many of us felt like it was almost impossible for a black man to be one of the front runners in the battle for the white house. And for many women and feminists, Hillary’s candidacy and chances are of great value and something they thought of as improbable, too.

So which one of these two Pugilistic Politicians will represent Democrats this winter? You, the voters, must decide!

by Political Polly

On March 3rd, 2008, The Ohio Presidential Primary took place. At the time, Hilary Clinton was trailing Barack Obama by the slimmest of margins. Mr. Obama would prove to be victorious in Ohio.

But that isn’t the basis of this story. Having sniffed the “Yes We Can” glue a few days before the primary, I agreed to travel with a friend and 5 other strangers to Ohio. A gas-guzzling SUV was rented to be able to accommodate the passengers and off we went to support the man that so many young voters feel may be the next President of the United States of America.

Considering that regardless of which of the two very capable candidates wins the Democratic nomination, these two individuals are on the cusp of making history. So, I decided to write an ongoing diary of the entire experience. From meeting the other Obama supporters to the road trip to Cleveland to the actual primary to the ride back.

I’m telling it as I saw it, but do understand people on this trip are dedicated to their beliefs and I’m in no part mocking or making fun of that.

Without further ado we present, The Obama Drama:

This is the true story… of seven strangers… they chose to ride in an SUV for 11 hours…to have their trip chronicled… to find out what happens when Barack Obama supporters stop being polite… and start getting real…The Obama Drama

Part I

Wed, Feb 27th 3:18pm
Instead of working, I’m chatting via IM with my High-School Homegirl. “You should’ve come through last night to see the debate”, she said. I was aware of what she was talking about: Barack and Hillary were verbally sparring on TV last night. “Come with me to Ohio this weekend to go canvassing. I’m sure Obama will be there and you’ll be convinced he should be the next president”. So I jump on the bandwagon, cancel all my plans and start researching Obama.

Fri, Feb 29th, 6:37 pm.
I jump into the Tahoe rented by Greg Westin, the organizer of the trip who isn’t able to make it due to a funeral. I see a Swedish Reporter (SW) and Black British Girl (BG) wedged in the far back seats, my High-School Homegirl (HH) and two token white folks, Gay Guy (GG) and Brolic Chick (BC) in the second row. I with google instructions in hand, jump in the front seat next to our very own melanin infused Captain James T. Kirk, the Black Driver (BD). I’m made the co-pilot (I have an excellent sense of direction) and we head off to our estimated 7-hour road trip to Ohio. We go through the Lincoln Tunnel, jump on the New Jersey Turnpike and get off the first exit to get gas and food.

7:15pm
After waiting for like 15 minutes to fill the $70 gas tank (aren’t we Obama supporters supposed to be conscious of our planet???), we settle down to eat chicken from Roy Rogers and discuss our trip.

HH: Yes We Can!!
BD: Man, I wanna meet Obama!
BC and GG: (looking at each other, looking at all of us.)
BBG: I’m so excited. What is Ohio like?
SR: (Quiet, just looking at his burger)
Me: I didn’t know there were still any Roy Rogers around…

7:35pm
Kim, the other NY Obama supporters who couldn’t be bothered to wait call and advised of a tricky detour on I80. I’m like cool, once we get off the turnpike and onto I 80, I’ll keep a look out.

DD: WHAT?!?!? What are you doing on the turnpike?
Drama set in for black driver. I look down at my instructions and read, turnpike to I 280 to I 80.
Me (thinking): Am I the only one who knows how to read?

7:38 pm
Suspect old white man overhears the conversation and suggests we take route 24 to route 17 to route hell. I’m like OH HELL NO, I’m listening to my instructions and let’s see. Not only does BD like to be in control and demanding, he has no sense of direction, is full of himself and snaps his fingers like I’m the servant.
Me: I really hope Obama isn’t like this if he wins the Presidency…

8:10pm
We get on the road, follow MY directions and eventually make it to I 80. Shit, the snow is starting; the tension between the united colors of Benetton is growing. HH and BD are arguing back in forth on Obama views, not-so-funny jokes and psychiatric issues…She believes change is necessary, and her passion is to make sure she supports Obama and his platform. She also likes to throw out little comments that put BD on defense. He’s focused on driving in the snow and we’re discussing that although we are well off, (BD is clear to let everyone know he lives in Park Slope and only wears 7 for all mankind jeans),he feels one paycheck away from broke.

Me: I’m like dude, you never heard of Rogan, PRPS?
HH: How can you say that!
BD: I pay lots of bills (not to 7 for all mankind. He wore the same jeans all weekend).
HH: Well you chose to live in Park Slope so you’re bills are higher (In my opinion, I agree with black driver, especially since HH doesn’t pay rent).
Me: I feel like I’m one paycheck from broke and I got rent control and no cable!

All others in the car: BBG, SR, GG and BG – QUIET, not a peep or opinion. That’s cause they all got more money than us and don’t wanna comment on us poor folks.

10:39pm
Weather is getting worst but we’re cruising on I 80 and BD snaps fingers at me.

BD: Are we still on I 80?
Annoyed cause who is he to snap his fingers at me?
Me: Yes

10:59pm
BD: Are we still on I 80?
Me: Dude, we have 372 miles on I 80. YES, we are still on I 80.

11:30pm
BD: Snap Snap, are we still on I 80? Hey (to GG) check your GPS (he has the iphone – told you he aint broke).
GG: Yes, according to the GPS, we have a lot to go on I 80.
Me: Didn’t I tell you we have like 372 miles on this road? Did you make a turn, did you get off an exit, and did you even see an exit?

Read the rest of this entry »

By Aylin

We have all been affected by immigration in one form or another whether you want to admit it or not. It may have been something personal that has now become a part of us, whether it be from hearing or reading something in the news - maybe the screams, chants and speeches during a rally or gathering – but we have all seen it take shape and grow around us or with us.

We could say that the immigration issue is affecting everyone when in reality it is affecting the Hispanic communities more than ever – why you ask? - For we are now the majority in this country. And it seems that the past tends to repeat itself for when this country begins to fear a majority they begin to place restrictions, regulations, and laws to control what cannot be controlled.

With Hipanics and Latinos now comprising the majority among ethnic groups in the United States, it is plain to see that the current immigration conundrum is greatly affecting our communities. Perhaps, more so than any other ethnic group in this country.

For example, what follows is just a brief chronology of America’s response towards immigration through the years. In today’s highly charged political climate of pandering to foreign born voters, much of the following seem inhumane, racist, or unconstitutional. Ironically the past does tend to repeat itself:

1790: The Naturalization Act of 1790 limits the right of becoming a naturalized citizen to “free white persons,” thereby excluding Africans and Asians. US government takes the first steps toward closing its open attitudes about immigrants by limiting those who could become naturalized citizens on the basis of race and political affiliation. Law remained for 162 years.

1798: The Alien Act of 1798 authorizes the president to order out of the US any alien regarded as dangerous to the public peace or safety.

1852: California’s Foreign Miner’s Tax imposes $3 monthly tax for non-native-born citizens of the US (the Chinese) and those becoming citizens under the Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo (the Mexicans). The tax was enforced by tax collectors who kept part of the fee for themselves, were allowed to take property of those who failed to pay, and often used extreme violence in their collection methods.

1855: California legislature levies a $50 tax on every ship bringing immigrants “ineligible for citizenship.” The California Supreme Court declared the law unconstitutional in 1857.

1862: California legislature passes “An Act to Protect Free White Labor Against Competition with Coolie Labor and to Discourage the Immigration of Chinese to the State of California.” Requires a tax on laborers who were not working in agriculture.

1876: California Senate committee investigates the “social, moral, and political effect of Chinese immigration.”

1877: United States Congress investigates the criminal influence of Chinese immigrants.

1886: February - Arcata adopts an anti-Chinese resolution declaring, “We, the citizens of Arcata and vicinity, wish the total expulsion of the Chinese from our midst. We endorse the efforts of Eureka to exclude all Chinese settlements in the city and environs.” Ferndale passed a similar resolution several days later.

Crescent City decides to “remove all Mongolians from our midst.” No Chinese are allowed to live in Humboldt County for the next 60 years.

San Francisco School Board issues a decree that all persons of Asian ancestry must attend segregated schools in Chinatown by stating, “Our Children should not be placed in any position where their youthful impressions may be affected by association with pupils of the Mongolian race.”

1875: The US government passes its second act limiting who becomes naturalized citizens based on race. The Revised Federal Statutes specified that racially, only persons of white or black descent were eligible to become American citizens. All Asian immigrants, being neither white nor black, were classified as “aliens ineligible to citizenship.”

1878: California legislature bars Chinese individuals from owning real estate.

1879: Second California Constitution passes with two new articles that discriminate against the Chinese: Chinese immigrants were denied the vote in California; and state and local public works agencies were forbidden to employ a Chinese laborer.

All Chinese citizens in Eureka are loaded onto two steamers bound for San Francisco. A gallows is erected in the middle of Chinatown with a sign stating, “Any Chinaman seen on the street after 3:00 will be hung to this gallows.” On the ships, rival tongs are separated - 135 Chinese on The Humboldt, and 175 on the City of Chester. High seas prohibits sailing until February 14th.

Eurekans adopt three proposals declaring that all “Chinamen” be expelled from the city and not allowed to return; that a committee be appointed to act for one year to warn all Chinese who attempt to come to Eureka to live, to use all reasonable means to prevent their remaining, and in the case of a disregarded warning, to call a mass meeting of citizens who will determine the appropriate action; and that a notice be issued to all property owners requesting them not to lease or rent property to Chinese.

1882: The Chinese Exclusion Act, which forbade the immigration of Chinese immigrants. The law was in response to outraged American miners in California whom had to compete for mining jobs against Chinese immigrants. The law remained in affect, being slightly altered during WWII, for the next 82 years.

San Francisco Schools Policy establishes a separate school for the Chinese. Sacramento followed the example in 1893.|

1885: City Councilman, David C. Kendall is fatally shot by a stray bullet fired by rival Chinese tong members. 20 Chinese are arrested. Vigilante behavior becomes difficult to quell. That evening a meeting was held at Centennial Hall during which a resolution was proposed to massacre “every Chinaman” in the city. When it fails to pass, another suggested destroying Chinatown and driving the occupants beyond city limits.

Congress bans the admission of contract laborers.

1905: Asiatic Exclusion League is organized by delegates from 67 organizations who met in San Francisco to begin plans to press for legislation to halt all Japanese immigration. Before the end of the decade, the League began lobbying or an amendment to Constitution that would deny citizenship to Asians.

1906: The Starbuck-Tallant Canning Company of Port Kenyon near Ferndale imports 23 Chinese and 4 Japanese laborers from Astoria, Oregon. The Humboldt Times headline reads, “The Chinese must go.”

1910: Angel Island is opened to enforce immigration laws during the Asian exclusion years. From 1910-1940, at least 175,000 Asian immigrants - mostly Chinese - were detained and interrogated at Angel Island. The average stay was 2 weeks; the longest was 2 years. Thousands were deported.

1913: California Alien Land Law prohibits land ownership for “aliens ineligible for citizenship” - i.e., Asians - and limited their lease of agricultural land to three years.

1915: The Supreme Court rules in Ozawa v. United States that first-generation Japanese are ineligible for citizenship and cannot apply for naturalization.

1918: After the Russian Revolution and the end of WWI, many Americans became suspicious of the “new” immigrants and the dangers they posed to American society.

1920: California Alien Land Law prohibits leasing land to “aliens ineligible to citizenship.” By 1925, prohibited in Washington, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, Nebraska, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Missouri. During World War II, Utah, Wyoming, and Arkansas also joined.

1922: The Cable Act forces women married Asian men to relinquish their citizenship. “Any woman who marries an alien ineligible to citizenship shall cease to be a citizen of the United States.” Repealed in 1936.

1924: The US government passes its second law restricting immigration based on nationality. The Immigration Act established quotas designed to reduce immigration from southern and eastern Europe (especially Jews and Italians) and prohibited the admission of “aliens ineligible to citizenship” - all Asians, including wives of Asians already in the US. For the first time in history, immigration dramatically decreases.

1929: Congress makes annual immigration quotas permanent.

1929-1937: Illegal Mexican immigration increased. The US Immigration Bureau worked with authorities in Los Angeles to send illegal Mexican workers back to Mexico. The lack of jobs as well as governmental pressure convinced about 70,000 to return to Mexico between 1929 and 1930: Between 1931-32, nearly 10,000 Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, mostly children born in the US of Mexican parents, boarded special trains from LA for Mexico. By 1937, half a million Mexicans had left the US

1940: The US government amends the Naturalization Act to give Latin Americans citizenship.

1941: Throughout WWII, despite the requests of hundreds of thousands of German Jews to immigrate to America to escape Nazi persecution - the vast majority were denied. The annual German quota was 211,895 spaces, but in no year were these figures met. Prominent refugees such as Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann had little problem entering the US, but less prominent persons had great difficulty and most were denied.

1945: The US government amends the Naturalization Act to give citizenship to Filipinos and Asian Indians.

1952: The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals of all races to be eligible for naturalization. The act also reaffirms national origins quota system, limits immigration from the Eastern Hemisphere while leaving the Western Hemisphere unrestricted, establishes preferences for skilled workers and relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens; and tightens security and screening standards and procedures.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs begins selling 1.6 million acres of Native American land to developers.

1965: The US government passes the Immigration Reform Act that lifts numerical restrictions against Asian immigrants and set new restriction limits - 120,000 immigrants annually from the Western Hemisphere and 170,000 from other countries. Emphasized that immigration was devoted to reunifying families of American citizens. Immigrants had to have a sponsor who in turn, had to pledge to support arriving relatives or workers. Thereafter, Asian and Hispanic immigration soared. This may well be turning point that will later transform America from a white/black working middle class nation to one of a poorer diverse nation in terms of individual wealth/wages due to influx of new people willing to work for cheaper wages.

1978: The US government amends the Immigration Reform Act to allow a global ceiling of 290,000 immigrants annually. In reality, since 1965, the annual numbers of immigrants have been much higher.

1980: The US government passes the Refugee Act defining refugees as anyone “who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country because of persecution, or a well-founded fear of persecution, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.”

1987: The US government passes the Immigration Reform and Control Act which grants amnesty to any illegal immigrant who entered the US before 1982 and had continuously resided here since. Of the 3.7 million eligible for amnesty, 2.6 million accepted it. Employers who hired illegal aliens became subject to fines and jail sentences if a pattern of hiring illegals could be found. Employers were not obligated to verify the validity of documents. Consequently, many growers simply ignored the growing reality of counterfeit documents for illegals.

1996: The US government passes the Immigration Law Amendments to enforce the pledges of sponsors to support arriving relatives and workers. Sponsors must prove their income is at least 25% above the poverty line ($20,000 for a household of four) and must promise to maintain support until the arriving immigrant has worked 10 years or become a citizen.

1997: The US government passes the Immigration Amnesty Bill giving amnesty to all Nicaraguan and Cuban immigrants. All who applied automatically received permanent residency.

1998: The US government passes the Omnibus Budget Bill authorizing the H-1B visa program that allows the entrance of 115,000 foreign workers annually who have training or experience in high-tech fields - especially engineering, accounting, and programming. An H-1B visa allows a stay of up to three years but can be renewed for a total of six years.

1999: The US government passes the H-1B Visa amendments to close the loophole allowing Americans to be openly fired and replaced by H-1B workers.

2000: The US government passes the H-1B Visa amendments which almost doubles the number of temporary visas for foreign skilled high-tech workers from 115,000 annually to 195,000 annually for the next three years. The legislation was changed in response to the arguments of tech companies that contend they face a shortage of 300,000 workers and a 1.4 percent unemployment rate in the information technology industry. If they cannot draw the needed workers from abroad, they argue, they will be forced to more their facilities and research overseas.

US Census Bureau estimates that the number of illegal immigrants in the US more than doubled during the 1990s. About 8.7 undocumented immigrants live in the US - about 115,000 are from the Middle East (many of whom are “quasi-legal” or political refugees) and 3.9 million (44%) are from Mexico. Latinos numbered 35.3 million in the census. Estimates today place number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. from Mexico any where from 12 million to over 20 million due to high pregnancy rates among poor immigrant woman who seek welfare and anchor babies to make deportation difficult under current political climate.

Now I don’t know about you but when I read this and found several other things here and there its doesn’t seem that our America has been to acceptable in this whole idea that started this country. The idea of freedom to those who want to better their lives and the lives of their families – its as if it was all acceptable until “they” said it was enough.

Did you know that not until 1820 there was no official records kept on immigrants - and that the only criteria necessary to enter the country in the seventeenth century until the 1820s was the individual’s medical health, trade or craft, and religion. Think of how just many could have come to this land of opportunity wanting to do more and doing what it takes to make their dream come true.

The rules, regulations, and restrictions seems to have officially began in 1870 where approximately 280,000 immigrants a year began to land onto the American ports, which then led Congress to declare existing state laws regulating immigration unconstitutional and had enacted a series of statutes to bring immigrants under federal control.

And yet, America undoubtedly OWES its roots to all those people who left their lands and countries to settle here in America. These immigrants who we have come to label brought their language, traditions, values, and religions creating an unbelievable mix, learning from one another and growing with each other. This country we live in today is full of wonders, tastes, ideas, values, languages, traditions that no other country could possibly compare and with a small amount of time of its existence. Our country, America has brought opportunity and hopes to the immigrants that have given their loyalty to this country like no other. So why try to change things again when it seems to be ok. Could it be that some of our politicians are influencing others to spread the ideas that we don’t need these immigrants – this country has been created and grown through immigrants. The manipulation and brainwashing to these unfortunate people has now begun to spread like wild flower because now this country as before is deciding who is worthy and not worthy to be American.

When will it stop…

Is it not true though that some of our own wealthy Americans enter third world countries as immigrants and take land creating their dream home and hiring locals to care for their get away home? These wealthy Americans are immigrants in our countries abroad and maybe we should pursue our families and friends in those countries to create restrictions, and regulations on your behalf. Why come to our family’s lands and act like you own it when you are insisting in kicking out our family and friends out of America because of your fear of majority?

Once again we are all immigrants in this country whether your family came with the founders of this country or whether your family and friends came in the past few years. We have all came from immigrants and have grown to become loyal Americans. Those first immigrants who have gained their residency and/or citizenship maybe their children and grand children are first generation Americans now– makes us more proud than anything in the world and we take pride in who we are bringing forth our loyalty and pride to our country of birth and our family’s country of birth.

The most basic and important means, by which we display our loyalty to our country in America, is by passing on to our children the hope and the idealism that is an important part of the American spirit. Is this country now trying to take that spirit away because of fear?

The following are some key points that Jackie Bird, Chairwoman of the Association of Hispanic Advertising agencies stated in the letter to the United States Senate in regards to the Immigration issue that seems to be evolving ever so more in our lives:

o …Hispanic families outspend non-Hispanic families in the purchase of goods & services such as food, apparel, health and beauty products, digital cameras, long distance phone and pre-paid wireless

o Consumer spending has been fueling economic growth in America and it has been powered by the immigrant dollars that are earned and spent in the U.S. each year.

o This is especially true in regions like the Southwest where the immigration population is largest, however after clearly observing these dynamics evolving throughout the U.S. as the Hispanic populations continuous to disperse and expand, creating new emerging markets and fueling economic activity.

o There are nearly 12 million undocumented residents in the U.S and an estimated 9 to 10 million are Latinos

o Immigrants are not just uneducated and poverty stricken individuals who are denigrated by immigration opponents; many of them are highly educated with disposable income.

o Whether the immigrants are rich, poor, legal or undocumented they are loyal customer’s to our industry’s livelihood

o The Latino/Hispanic market is one of the few growing market segments in the U.S. that corporate America relies upon to increase its bottom line.

So would it not be better for Congress to develop an immigration bill that will preserve our marketplace and all the families and individuals that contribute to the growth of this country we all live in. Legalizing the undocumented is very important in the preservation of our families, our communities, and our nation’s security and economy.

The immigration issue that is affecting our daily lives can be debated and discussed in millions of different ways but according to the numbers to be technical about it is that if we choose wisely we will all succeed as a country and if we choose unwisely the country can definitely have a serious downfall economically and socially.