President Barack Obama

Congratulations to President Barack Obama! I wish the best for he and his family during their tenure in the White House.

The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

-The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

How appropriate it is that we honor the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. the day before President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration as the first black president of the United States.

As wonderful as the milestone is, it is sad that it has taken us this long to reach this particular goal. Although we have a long ways to go to eradicate racial prejudice from this country, we have taken a very big step in that direction.

Somewhere, somehow, Dr. King is looking down upon us with a smile and a nod of understanding.

Bush Out, Obama In

Well, the times they are achanging! President Bush gave a quiet, hardly heard message last night in the midst of drama, The Miracle on the Hudson, according to the Governor of New York.

Soon we will have a new President, with a young family to watch as they grow, probably a new puppy to admire, a stylish First Lady to admire, and a new regime to hopefully lead us into a more prosperous future.

In the meantime, it is colder than icicles in Michigan, frigid really, with temps as low as minus whatever. Clearly too cold to do much but write blog posts and articles, read cool books like The Leavenworth Case (1878), by Anne Katharine Green on Project Gutenberg, and watch miracles take place before our eyes on TV.

Now how could life get much better than that? Well, the obvious answer is for the weather to warm-up, the economy to brighten, and the new President to perform miracles. Will it all happen? Time will tell.

What do you think? Hopeful thinking or wishful thinking?

Obama Getting High Marks for Transition Decisions

Off to a galloping start, Barack Obama is getting high marks for his transition pace and leadership qualities. Considering all the news reports, announcements, and decisions during the past couple of weeks, it seems as if he is already running the country. His visibility and activity level appears much greater than any president-elect in recent memory.

He is also receiving high praise for his cabinet choices according to a USA TODAY/Gallup poll. In general, most people are feeling confident with Obama as a leader and as someone who can lead us into the future. He has made wise, and sometimes surprising, cabinet choices, has taken an active interest and early role in current world affairs, and has garnered respect from both sides of the political line. Even Republicans have vocalized their support of his cabinet choices.

Although he is going into the presidency with major world and national problems, his let's-get-it-done attitude appears to bolster support from the grassroot Americans who are looking for a knight in shining armor to get this country back on it's feet. Although he has a lot on his shoulders, let's hope he can continue to lead the way into the future.


What do you think? Is he the man to lead this country back to greatness, or is he going to burn out before his time?

MI Gov Granholm Part of Obama Transition Team

Governor Jennifer Granholm is reportedly now a part of Barack Obama's transition team according to recent reports. MLiv.com shows a picture of Obama at a news conference today, with Governor Granholm to his immediate left.

According to The Grand Rapids Press, early speculation suggests "Granholm is rumored to be on a list for U.S. Supreme Court, should Justices John Paul Stevens, 88, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 75, or David Souter, 69, step down in the next four years.

She also is thought to be under consideration for secretary of energy, interior, labor or a post in the U.S. Justice Department. Speculation about her role was fueled further Thursday when Obama named her to his transition team's economic advisory board."

Read the rest of The Grand Rapids Press article to see why former Michigan Supreme Court Judge Dennis Archer prefers Granholm finish her term as governor.

Exciting times for Michigan as the Big Three Automakers are struggling financially and Governor Granholm appears to be "movin' on up" to the big time.

What Role Will Governor Granholm Play in the New Regime?

When Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm was tapped to play a part in Barack Obama's practice sessions for the debates, a number of eyebrows were raised. Suddenly, the Michigan masses realized their governor might have higher ambitions than first realized.

Inquiring minds want to know - is a political appointment in the cards for our governor?

Read Governor Granholm's reaction in this Detroit Free Press article.

What do you think? Would a political appointment for Governor Granholm help Michigan? Would her leaving mid-term do more good than harm, or just the opposite?

Photo of Governor Granholm was taken December 1, 2005. Public Domain

Pick a Pooch for Obama's Girls

When President-elect Barack Obama brought his daughters onto the platform Tuesday night, during his acceptance speech, he noted they would get the puppy he had promised at the beginning of his campaign. The Detroit Free Press discusses their pooch poll on Freep.com. Click on the link to read this wonderful article.

Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, are the cutest young ladies, and it will be a joy to watch them grow over the next four years.

So, what do you think? What kind of puppy should the Obama family pick?

Congrats to Obama and Biden

After an almost two year run towards the presidency, Barack Obama has made history by becoming the first African American President of the United States.

Gosh, could a woman be next?

I was watching the previews for the upcoming season of 24, one of my favorite TV shows. Several years ago, 24 had a black president, the next season they had a white president, then another black president (the brother of the first one).

One of the exciting aspects of the new season is the fact that there is now a woman in the White House. At the time I was first watching the previews, prior to yesterday's election, I was wondering if watching a black president on TV could make a difference in how people perceive a black man in that position.

Now with 24 placing a woman as president, does that help soften public opinion? I certainly hope so.

The old white, male, conservative, biased, opinionated, prejudiced, antiquated mindset in place for many decades, if not centuries, must go. It is past time!

Congratulations to Barack Obama, and to 24 and other TV shows showing a woman as president, for opening up the minds of the people to what is possible, and likely, in the future.

A rallying cry during this election was that it is time for a change. I agree! It is time for the old guard to realize they are no longer relevant.

What do you think? What do you foresee for women in the future of this country?