I’m Going to Get All Political Here

Today the 112th Congress was sworn in, an era of “change” is sure to follow. The Republicans rode the wave of high unemployment and what VSPs (Very Serious People) called “fiscal austerity” all the way to the ballot box last November.  Today they will begin their new session surely by creating jobs and cutting the national deficit, right?

Well if you call repealing healthcare reform, debating the US Constitution on the House floor and investigating the radicalization of American Muslims job creation and cutting debt, then sure, that’s what they are doing.  Oh and while they are at it, they plan on repealing Wall Street Reform, because hey, Wall Street totally didn’t f%ck up the economy, right?

Hey America, I told you so.  These next couple of years will certainly tough, I predict a witch hunt that will make the whole Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky/impeachment thing look like just some school yard gossip.

On a kinder note, the 1st Female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, ended her tenure today (let’s hope for just 2 years.) And she will go down as quite possibly the most effective Speaker of the House in American history, also she’s a snazzy dresser.  I salute her and wish her many years of success.

 

Madam Speaker

 

 

Related Articles

• The GOP House’s Opening Act: Making a Statement — Or Making a Mockery? (time.com)
• Nancy Pelosi: ‘No Regrets’ on Last Day as House Speaker (time.com)

In Treatment: Sunil

I decided to watch the HBO program In Treatment for the first time last night.  For those of you who haven’t seen or heard about this show, it’s a drama that follow several characters through half hour therapy sessions with Gabriel Byrne as the star Psychologist.  I’ve heard terrific things and also listened to an interview of Bryne on Fresh Air and have been wanting to watch.

I caught an episode last night about Sunil.  Sunil, played by Irrfan Khan, is a middle-aged Indian man living with his son and daughter-in-law in America.  He moved to US after the death of his wife about 6 months ago.  He is having some issues feeling alienated in his son’s home mostly because they live a very western life and his son is married to a white American, Julia, which obviously really grabbed me.  It’s a very complex story and I decided to go back and watch his first episode On Demand.  I would highly suggest anyone with access to HBO On Demand to watch all episodes staring Sunil.  The story seems true to the lives many of my readers lead a clash of cultures and generations plus some heavy story behind it.

Here is a character clip of Sunil:

Storytime: The Story of My Favorite Congressional Candidate This Year

Its 4 days before Election Day in the U.S.A. and I wanted to take the time to introduce you to my favorite Congressional District this year, his name is Dr. Manan Trivedi and he is running for the 6th Congressional District in PA.

Storytime: The Story of My Favorite Congression…, posted with vodpod

As you can see he is an Indian American, he is also a Doctor and an Iraq War Vet. He is also extremely smart and well, a cool dude. I met Manan at The Pennsylvania Society in NYC last December. PA Society is like the Prom for prominent Pennsylvanians and their political staff, except for with way more free booze than your high school prom. I watched the Army Navy Game with Manan, he is a Marine so he was rooting for Navy. We had a couple Guninesses and I liked him, he was real and personable.

I since hosted a Young Professionals fundraiser for him and have seen him around the trail. He also has an adorable newborn daughter.

Why am I sharing? Well he is running against an Incumbent Congressman in a true swing district, he would make a great Representative and he is an Indian American and my readers have an interest in Indians  So if you so inclined please go to https://secure.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/22961 and donate anything you can afford. If you are a non-resident however, you cannot donate.

Thanks and I hope you ALL VOTE ON TUESDAY!

1 Week Till My Steak Dinner

Hello Readers!

Guess what today is?  One week till (American) Election Day! Hooray!  I work in politics, so Election Day is one of my favorite days of the year!  I am working super hard until that day comes and I have decided I have something to look forward.

This tale begins late November 2004, I was reading an article about America Coming Together (ACT) after the brutal defeat of John Kerry for President.  I was employed by ACT for about 5 months and like many anti-war, liberal activists I was absolutely crushed.  I was taking solace in a New York Times Magazine article on ACT Ohio and its Executive Director.  I don’t remember much about the article but I do remember when the E.D. talked about how on Election Day he went and saw a movie, some guys go to steak dinners because all the work you do leads to Election Day and on Election Day you just wait and watch.  Your army is out there doing their thing but basically there is nothing more to direct.  I thought to myself “One day, I am going to have a steak dinner on Election Day.”

yummmm....red meat....medium rare....

Well folks, this year, after many, many long Election Days I am finally in a position that there isn’t really anything for me to do.  I am directing a solid 10 day GOTV (Get Out the Vote) and then my work is done.  So this year, I am slapping on my high heels, fake pearls and L.B.D. and going to a nice steak dinner at a nice, downtown Steakhouse (perhaps The Palm?)  I am psyched, this feels like a milestone and I am counting down the days!