I just finished watching what can arguably be President Obama’s make it or break it speech and I think he nailed it. Due to the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy a special election is primed for Tuesday between Democrat Martha Coakley and Independent Scott Brown. Although Scott Brown is touting himself as an Independent he has sided with the Republicans 96% of the time and if elected will provide the republicans enough votes to halt the Health Care reform bill in its tracks. This is why Tuesday’s election will be President Obama’s make it or break it moment and it has the potential to dictate the rest of his Presidency and limit his legacy. This is the reason Obama is in Boston today trying to rally the troops on his wifes birthday instead of spending it with her or tending to the situation in Haiti directly. I would suspect that after Tuesday’s election in Boston, whichever way the chips fall, Obama will make a trip to Haiti to see the devastation there first hand and provide leadership to what will be a prolonged recovery for the region. It was announced today that President Clinton will make his way to Haiti and I suspect President Obama will be joining him. But getting out the vote in Boston has to be the first priority for the President even with all the devastation that needs tending to. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton was on Haitian soil as of yesterday representing the administration and has already negotiated with the Haitian President to allow the US military to take control of the airport to provide the manpower and prioritize incoming resources. So President Obama needs to stay focused in Boston for the next few days. Bostonians need to get out the vote, they need to knock on doors, they need to make phone calls. Every vote will be critical as this is a special election and the voter turnout for this will be critical. Boston has always had a symbolic political history since the Boston Tea Party and a vote for Martha Coakley will signify that movement still lives strong in Boston. Boston – get out the vote, and lets take Scott Brown down and give President Obama the power to fulfill Ted Kennedy’s legacy.
Yesterday Haiti was hit with a devastating 7.0 Earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince. This has been a devastating blow to an impoverished nation. It is estimated that over 100,000 people are feared dead. That is just a staggering number to think about and I can’t imagine the horror of the situation. These people need help and I really wish I was in a situation and position to be able to volunteer. I’ve been looking at ways to help and in times like these humanitarian organizations need money and cash flow to operate. So if your like myself and unable to volunteer this is one of the best ways you can indirectly contribute to the situation. One of the most innovative and easiest ways to contribute was announced by Clinton’s Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills on the US State Departments blog. Text “HAITI” to “90999.” to make a $10 donation that will automatically go to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts. I’ve been looking online and also compiled a short list of sites that have more information on contributing
UPDATE: Haitian born Wyclef Jean has had such an influence in my life through music. Who would I be without The Fugees – The Score album in 1996 and the solo The Carnival album which both had such a personal resonance with me. Those two albums literally changed me from within and are engrained into my soul.
Wyclef is literally in the streets with his wife picking up dead bodies. He is asking for everyones help but hes especially calling on his own American Haitian people to rise to the occasion and donate which is very commendable and respectable. He is empowering his own people to make a difference which is in and of itself very inspiring. I might not be Haitian but I am one of his peoples and I have already pledged my donations. He needs our help and we have to return the favor. Donate $5 to his charity Yele Haiti by texting “Yele” to 501501. Everyones got $5. Everyones got a phone. It’s the least we can do for one of our generations most influential and inspirational artist.
I don’t know how many people are following this late night feud between Obrien and Leno but its making for some great monologues. Its getting kinda nasty but we like it. This has got to be some of the best material since, well, Tiger Woods. I don’t know the business of late night as far as the dollars and cents, advertisers and ratings, and all the politics involved, so this might not be worth a grain of salt, but as a casual and more often then not viewer of late night talk shows, I will say this. NBC will be making a huge mistake if they force O’brien to leave. He has earned his spot as the rightful successor of The Tonight Show. O’brien is an extraordinarily talented interviewer, always real, always spontaneous, quick witted, not to mention one of the funniest personalities and writers in all of television. The Tonight Show is an American staple and losing it would be a shame.
