This was surprisingly civil and we can only hope that they really listened. I’m under no illusions that the GOP alone is to blame for the lack of movement on important legislation, and I’d like to see President Obama continue to take both sides to task for their childishness.

Sure, universal health care seems to be portrayed as this extremely liberal position that no Republican would or could ever support. But here’s what I find ironic: there is a large swath of the Republican party that identifies with Christian values and campaigns have used ‘values’ as major foundations. What could be more Christian that looking out for your fellow man? I’m hardly suggesting that the government or people in general need to take care of every aspect of everyone else’s life, but if someone is sick, why can’t they get health care or at least affordable health care? Would a small town in America 100 years ago or even 50 years ago let one of their own die if they couldn’t afford to see the doctor? Perhaps I have an idyllic view of yesteryear, but somehow don’t believe I’m completely off-base. Certainly, immigrants to this new world didn’t have health insurance.

The entire Bill Moyers interview is worth watching (approx 30 mins). Parts 1, 2 & 3 are on YouTube. Thanks to HBO and the Bill Maher show for not yanking this from YouTube.

If you haven’t seen President Obama’s inauguration acceptance speech, then thanks to YouTube and citizen journalists, here is but one version.

The lines that resonated with me the most were:

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

We will restore science to its rightful place.

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth;

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

My take – an Al Gore presidency would not have primed us for an Obama election. Unfortunately.

I can hear the arguments now: they don’t live here, they’re not as educated or up on the facts, they don’t know better, etc. etc. But think about it for a minute. Think about the immediate impact on our standing in the world when President Obama is elected.

And let’s be honest, there’s a significant fraction of our electorate that is simply not any better informed than many others around the world.

A week ago, Dr. Wang posted a very interesting article which essentially says that the writing is on the wall for the presidential election, and that if you’re on either side of the political fence (Republican or Democrat) and you’re still interested in supporting (via monetary contributions) your side that you should now consider supporting your party’s candidates in the House and Senate races.

Why? Because assuming that Obama wins the election, if the House and/or Senate majority tips in favor of the Democrats, then they will have a controlling influence over policy for at least the next 2 years and possibly longer. However, should Republicans hold onto their current or gain some additional seats, then they will at least have some leverage in directing policy their way.

In light of this and that I’m quite obviously an Obama supporter in favor of his administration seeing their agenda progressed, I highly recommend you take a look at Dr. Wang’s ActBlue page where you can contribute to some important races.

You should also take a look at this article that gives you good reasons for getting involved in state legislative races.

BARTLET Imagine my surprise. What can I do for you, kid?

OBAMA I’m interested in your advice.

BARTLET I can’t give it to you.

OBAMA Why not?

BARTLET I’m supporting McCain.

OBAMA Why?

BARTLET He’s promised to eradicate evil and that was always on my “to do” list.

“When I started this campaign I wasn’t sure that I was going to be the best of candidates. But what I was absolutely positive of was that there was the possibility of creating the best organization. Because I’m a big believer in that the way great things happen is when people are willing to submerge their own egos, and… just focus on bringing their particular gifts and passions and energy and vision to a common task then great things can be accomplished. That’s my old organizing mindset. It’s not just a gimmick. It’s not just a schtick. I actually believe it….

“You worked hard. You lifted each other up. You covered for each other. You made up for each other’s mistakes. You didn’t blame each other when things went wrong. There was just a good mood, a good heart, to this campaign. That’s what I’m most proud of. Even if we had lost I would be proud of what we’ve built because nobody thought that we could build it. Everybody thought that at some point this thing was gonna be a flash in the pan. Collectively, you, most of you are I’m not even sure of drinking age… You’ve created the best political organization in America and probably the best political organization that we’ve seen in the last 30 or 40 years. That’s a pretty big deal…

“Now, we also have more work to do. And I know that had this not been so difficult a task, the primary, it would have been nice to have a couple of weeks off, or even a week off, and just get a break. And I know how tired you guys are and if some of you are feelin’ burnt out… just let us know and we’ll understand. I feel you. But we’re gonna have to turn around and work even harder, because the truth is that… a lot of the reporters were asking, ‘how come you don’t seem more exuberant?’ It’s funny because that fist pump got so much play. That was our celebration. What I’ve told the reporters is that it’s because as I’ve traveled over the course of the last 16 or 17 months and I meet people that are struggling… you really do get this enormous sense of obligation. We don’t have an option now…. If I’d lost Iowa, it would have been over. One of the other Democrats would have emerged… But because we won, we now have no choice. We have to win.”

via The Field