11/3/08
On the eve of this momentous and historical presidential election, I’m so grateful to live in a country where it is possible to vote for the candidate whom we choose to represent our best collective interests, values and beliefs. There has been much talk and some fearful speculation about the possibility of various forms of voter fraud, such as the vote-flipping software and deliberate disenfranchisement of targeted (lower income / minority / likely Kerry supporter) voters and precincts demonstrated throughout the country during the 2004 election, and captured with chilling footage and testimony in the stunning 2007 documentary, “The Uncounted”.
In the absence of any certainty that such tactics will not be repeated this time (already we’ve heard Oprah Winfrey claim that her presidential vote was not recorded when she went back to check her electronic ballot during early voting!!), I’m simply praying that the margin for Obama will be wide enough to offset any potential foul play. It is somewhat of a sad commentary that this is the seeming reality in which we currently find ourselves. BUT ALAS, I shall focus on the vision which has so inspired me these past months; that of President Barack Obama giving his acceptance speech to the many millions of Americans who recognized in him the grace, wisdom, intelligence, insight, pragmatism, toughness of character, judgement, diplomacy, compassion and calm clarity of purpose we so desperately need in our leadership right now, the millions who – like me – are inspired by his vision and example, and ready to follow the lead of this great president in directing our country to a better and brighter future in all respects, and for ALL Americans – not just the very rich and corporate elite that Bush and McCain are so beholden to.
From restoring our economy to addressing the need for affordable, quality healthcare, improving education and making it more accessible, ending our occupation in Iraq, and finally achieving true energy independence based on our ability to lead in creating the technologies of the 21st century to utilize clean and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, I look forward to doing my small part in embracing the challenges and solutions that lay ahead for us, and being PROUD of my president once again!!

I want to tell you about an amazing documentary I’ve seen recently called “Liquid Assets”, which deals with the issues we face throughout the country in maintaining and expanding our massive sewer and stormwater infrastructure, and the need to better preserve and protect our watersheds (issues touched upon briefly in my recent conversation with Nashville City Council Rep. Emily Evans, and witnessed first-hand once again during the Oct. 25th RCWA Watershed-Wide Clean-up Event). I will check back soon to share more info. on these.