Month: April 2009

100 Days; 100 Words: Barbara

An Acrostic

Before Barack, we were locked in a red/blue struggle

Against each other, against other nations, against our principles.

“Restored” is how I feel now. We can thrive — not just endure.

After Election Day, we woke like children on

Christmas morning. Even Republicans looked happier.

Kids love Barack. He makes it cool to be smart, work hard.

One hundred days, each bearing progress, transparency. The

Black experience, the spirituals, the blues, woven through our tapestry

And now fully claimed. I breathe easier now, on the streets, in the world.

Melting cynicism, igniting dreams,

America surprises, delights the world.

100 Days; 100 Words: Debra

I am very impressed with President Barack Obama. Wanting the job of president, knowing the many outstanding negative issues that he would inherit, says a lot about his integrity, his intelligence and his confidence. Being the president in good times is no easy task. Being president, who happens to be black, in these very tough and uncertain times makes it that much more difficult.

I like the fact that with the name Obama, there is NO mistaking that he IS a Black Man! And a good looking one too. Maybe the positive Obama family with help change the negative stereotypes that so often cloud our African-American family image.

I don’t follow all of the reports as I should; however, I think he’s doing a fine job. I believe God has a plan for President Obama and this country ~ a plan that will open many eyes and surprise us all.

Let us all support President Obama and the decisions he has to make for each and every one of us. After all, we are The United States of America, aren’t we?

100 Days; 100 Words: Renee

Dear President Obama;

Thank you for 100 good days. I mean genuinely good days, they’d hold up as such even if they hadn’t followed 2,922 really horrible days. I believe again. You’ve signed orders to close Gitmo, and to expand medical research, and a law supporting equal wages for women. And that was just January. I believe your economic plan is sound and compassionate. Now please help me believe that there will be justice for our war criminals. I believe in the possibility of America again. I don’t believe I can thank you enough for that. To believe – how joyous.

100 Days; 100 Words: Leonie

One hundred may be just a number
But our country was in a slumber

Until the president with a heart of gold
Got into the seat and went on a roll

He lifted the ban on a bill or two
Plants to close Gitmo, which is long overdue

Encouraged women by signing a bill
For equal pay, which gave them a thrill

Warned the scums that they’d better fly right
But told the rest of the nation that he is on our side

Thrilled ALL of Europe with his brains and charm
With lovely Michelle by his side

Go, President…

The Jane Smith of Guantanomo

On the Brian Lehrer show this morning, a former Guantanamo Bay guard gave an interview that made me want to pull my (own) hair out. I feel I should start with laying out my pro-military credentials. My dad is a retired Vietnam Vet, my favorite ex-boyfriend (I was THRILLED when he found a nice woman to marry) was an Air Force pilot, and I have a deep respect for those who commit their lives to serve their country in this most dangerous way. Having said that, Jane Smith could be a poster child for all that is wrong with the modern military. It’s not just that she’s not terribly bright, though that was particularly depressing, it was the Fox-news lingo she used when talking about her time as a military guard. Judge for yourself:

The documentary that features her airs on Sunday