It's a bittersweet night. I'm incredibly proud of so many of my friends tonight. Everyone on OFA did an incredible job for President Obama. Friends in Indiana, New York, Missouri, Virginia, California, Wisconsin, Arizona - and all parts in between. Seeing success for them makes me realize that our loss tonight was not in vain.
I'm keeping this post short, because it's hard to adequately express my emotions in text when I can barely sort them out in my head. I never thought an experience would move me the way this one has, and has reaffirmed my faith in the process. If we trust the process, a just result will follow.
Thank you to everyone I have met on this journey - you have filled my life with joy and memories that I will cherish forever.
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
my non-partisan, election day rant.
I don't know about you, but this election cycle has been one of the toughest that I can remember. Regardless of your affiliation, or apathy, I think we can all agree that we're glad it's over. Mostly because we all know the next cycle is starting soon, and we've earned a break (albeit short).
First, I want to thank everyone that's reading this (and even those that won't). Personally, this cycle has seen many changes for me, and without my incredible support system - none of this would have been possible. Molte grazie!
During a time when our country could not be more polarized, I'm grateful to see that people still vote. I know we wish more people would, because that's what democracy is about, but we can't ignore the process. We might not trust the people running or the future they have planned for us, but the process does not falter. If we trust that the process will prevail, then we're all winners.
Ok, enough of the rainbows and teddy bears. Now onto the real meat.
#1: This is for those of you that don't think voting is important or necessary. SHAME ON YOU.
There are so many different ways to chastise you for being an ignorant, selfish moron. But, I'll take this route. Do you know how many people have died, just so that you can be an ignorant, selfish moron? How many presidents gave their lives so that you can not care about something as simple as liberty? AND - how many people that you love, will be negatively impacted by your stupidity? Grow up, care about something other than yourself, and get your head out of your ass.
#2: This one is for those of you that don't think your vote matters. SHAME ON YOU.
#3: This is for those of you who believe, "they're all corrupt, my vote won't change that." IT'S YOUR FAULT.
If you don't get involved, the corruption stays. If you don't get involved, nothing will change. And if you don't get involved, your vote won't change anything. Stand for something, otherwise you'll fall for anything - including your own indifference.
Ok, that's it, mindless rant complete. Keep your eyes peeled for my partisan post later tonight, after the results. And don't say I didn't warn you.
First, I want to thank everyone that's reading this (and even those that won't). Personally, this cycle has seen many changes for me, and without my incredible support system - none of this would have been possible. Molte grazie!
During a time when our country could not be more polarized, I'm grateful to see that people still vote. I know we wish more people would, because that's what democracy is about, but we can't ignore the process. We might not trust the people running or the future they have planned for us, but the process does not falter. If we trust that the process will prevail, then we're all winners.
Ok, enough of the rainbows and teddy bears. Now onto the real meat.
#1: This is for those of you that don't think voting is important or necessary. SHAME ON YOU.
There are so many different ways to chastise you for being an ignorant, selfish moron. But, I'll take this route. Do you know how many people have died, just so that you can be an ignorant, selfish moron? How many presidents gave their lives so that you can not care about something as simple as liberty? AND - how many people that you love, will be negatively impacted by your stupidity? Grow up, care about something other than yourself, and get your head out of your ass.
#2: This one is for those of you that don't think your vote matters. SHAME ON YOU.
Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green, Right-to-Life, Constitution, or otherwise; I don't care what your affiliation is, what your issues are, or why you believe what you believe -- your vote matters. One vote can mean the difference between a future that you want, and a future you dread. One vote can determine whether your kids get the future they deserve or a future to be ashamed of. One vote can pass a budget, one vote can change the lives of many. Vote, and change a life.
#3: This is for those of you who believe, "they're all corrupt, my vote won't change that." IT'S YOUR FAULT.
If you don't get involved, the corruption stays. If you don't get involved, nothing will change. And if you don't get involved, your vote won't change anything. Stand for something, otherwise you'll fall for anything - including your own indifference.
Ok, that's it, mindless rant complete. Keep your eyes peeled for my partisan post later tonight, after the results. And don't say I didn't warn you.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Best effort on jobs?
First and foremost, I encourage all who read this blog to tune into the President's address tomorrow night. You may not like him, or anything that he has to say -- but as President, he deserves your attention and respect.
Now, to the purpose of his speech -- jobs. This particular speech has special meaning to me, since I've been unemployed for a grand total of 10 months now (a marker in time that I never thought I'd reach). Granted, I'm not nearly as bad off as some Americans -- but regardless, it is my firm belief that the best jobs plan will belong to our next president.
While the importance of the content of the President's speech tonight cannot be overstated, I'm concerned about its reception. The media, and the White House, have been playing up this speech for over a week. The expectations could not be higher. For this reason, I feel bad for the president. He'd have to do nothing short of eliminating unemployment forever, along with the deficit, to keep up with expectations.
Placating the expectations game is a dangerous dance, and one I hope the President knows the steps to.
Now, to the purpose of his speech -- jobs. This particular speech has special meaning to me, since I've been unemployed for a grand total of 10 months now (a marker in time that I never thought I'd reach). Granted, I'm not nearly as bad off as some Americans -- but regardless, it is my firm belief that the best jobs plan will belong to our next president.
While the importance of the content of the President's speech tonight cannot be overstated, I'm concerned about its reception. The media, and the White House, have been playing up this speech for over a week. The expectations could not be higher. For this reason, I feel bad for the president. He'd have to do nothing short of eliminating unemployment forever, along with the deficit, to keep up with expectations.
Placating the expectations game is a dangerous dance, and one I hope the President knows the steps to.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tweet of the Day!
@dansinker: Amazing how often this can be trotted out: RT @MayorEmanuel Hey Boehner--fuck you, you stupid orange fuck.
my prediction is finally making headlines!
I found this in my twitter feed this morning -- glad to know I'm not as crazy as I seem.
Check this out -- it's worth the read.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/09/01/140122883/when-the-unemployed-become-effectively-unemployable
Check this out -- it's worth the read.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/09/01/140122883/when-the-unemployed-become-effectively-unemployable
Monday, July 25, 2011
the american people infuriate me.
I'm sitting here, watching the President make his case to the American people on prime time TV and the only thing I can think of is to scream. As Josh Lyman put it so eloquently, "I'm so sick of Congress, I could vomit." I agree with Josh, but I'm so sick of the American people, I could vomit. We elect the most ridiculous people to Congress, expecting them to represent us, and this is what we're left with.
When the constitution was written, our founding fathers saw Congress as a body of government that would give people the opportunity to have a say in what happens with their government. The people elected these representatives because they felt as though that person had their interests at heart.
I challenge everyone that reads this to 3 things. #1) Can you tell me anything about your member of Congress? (without cheating, of course). #2) Why did your member get elected? OR Why have they continually been re-elected? #3) Have they said anything of substance/anything that you agree with since their swearing in, in January?
Since I expect this of my readers, I'll share with you the answers to my questions. #1) Tom Reed -- former mayor of Corning, father of two, medical debt collector by trade. #2) He got elected because of one word "Obamacare." Even if it was irrelevant, he would say "Obamacare is bad. Let's repeal it." and hoards of people would start cheering -- and those of us with brains would ask, "and replace it with what? you?" Tommy Boy isn't real good at answering questions he didn't write himself. #3) No, and never will. He actually got an article posted in my local newspaper that said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. He criticized the president and said that he's "hopeful" when it comes to the debt negotiations. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!
I think what irritates me the most is that everyone is willing to point fingers and place blame, but no one is willing to offer a solution to the problem. No one is responsible for the problem and no one wants to solve it, they just want to be innocent.
Well, sorry Mitch, someone needs to be responsible AND come up with a solution. Saying "no" to everything will only get you a funny nickname, just ask Dick Cheney.
For the last 6 years, I've swore up and down that I'd never run for office. I know what it takes to be a candidate, and that's not what I want to do. However, it's my nature to solve problems. I don't care whose fault it is or where blame is placed, I care about the resolution.
Therefore, I submit to you, my readers, one last challenge. GET INVOLVED. Find someone you want to run for Congress, and help them. Don't wait for the party establishment to do it for you. They aren't the ones that are unemployed, in need of better healthcare or dependent on social security. You are.
I found my guy, and he's awesome. (When redistricting is done, I'll tell you more about him). He'll represent the people of Western New York the way they deserve.
I know, those of you that know me are chuckling under your breath saying something along the lines of "you sure he's not a sex offender or a pervert?" Newsflash: you're all hilarious.
Get involved. Someone once said, "history is made by those who show up." Well folks, it's time to take attendance, and I'm looking at you.
When the constitution was written, our founding fathers saw Congress as a body of government that would give people the opportunity to have a say in what happens with their government. The people elected these representatives because they felt as though that person had their interests at heart.
I challenge everyone that reads this to 3 things. #1) Can you tell me anything about your member of Congress? (without cheating, of course). #2) Why did your member get elected? OR Why have they continually been re-elected? #3) Have they said anything of substance/anything that you agree with since their swearing in, in January?
Since I expect this of my readers, I'll share with you the answers to my questions. #1) Tom Reed -- former mayor of Corning, father of two, medical debt collector by trade. #2) He got elected because of one word "Obamacare." Even if it was irrelevant, he would say "Obamacare is bad. Let's repeal it." and hoards of people would start cheering -- and those of us with brains would ask, "and replace it with what? you?" Tommy Boy isn't real good at answering questions he didn't write himself. #3) No, and never will. He actually got an article posted in my local newspaper that said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. He criticized the president and said that he's "hopeful" when it comes to the debt negotiations. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!
I think what irritates me the most is that everyone is willing to point fingers and place blame, but no one is willing to offer a solution to the problem. No one is responsible for the problem and no one wants to solve it, they just want to be innocent.
Well, sorry Mitch, someone needs to be responsible AND come up with a solution. Saying "no" to everything will only get you a funny nickname, just ask Dick Cheney.
For the last 6 years, I've swore up and down that I'd never run for office. I know what it takes to be a candidate, and that's not what I want to do. However, it's my nature to solve problems. I don't care whose fault it is or where blame is placed, I care about the resolution.
Therefore, I submit to you, my readers, one last challenge. GET INVOLVED. Find someone you want to run for Congress, and help them. Don't wait for the party establishment to do it for you. They aren't the ones that are unemployed, in need of better healthcare or dependent on social security. You are.
I found my guy, and he's awesome. (When redistricting is done, I'll tell you more about him). He'll represent the people of Western New York the way they deserve.
I know, those of you that know me are chuckling under your breath saying something along the lines of "you sure he's not a sex offender or a pervert?" Newsflash: you're all hilarious.
Get involved. Someone once said, "history is made by those who show up." Well folks, it's time to take attendance, and I'm looking at you.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
explanation behind the creation.
After weeks of heightened anticipation, I've decided to give an explanation for the rather unorthodox name for my blog. It's easy to say that a certain group of people are unemployable -- but an entire generation? It's true, my generation has to survive this plague of joblessness -- or being stagnant.
This is the age of Facebook, Twitter and speaking your mind -- at a volume and font that gets noticed. We want to stand up and be counted, separate from our parents. For our entire lives, we've been defined by what our parents did or who they are -- and our biggest fear is falling into those same footsteps.
Ways we get away from our parents -- 4 years of abuse to our livers (and brains) in college, we major in art and political science (instead of business and medicine), and we travel the world. We see a limitation and laugh, because our potential has no bounds.
However, that's as far as we get. Potential. With the economy in it's current state, we're lucky to get a job at Starbucks, let alone one that will let us change the world. Speaking from experience, surviving the job hunt is more daunting than the job we seek. We go on hundreds of interviews just to get chewed up and spat back out. We don't get the job (or promotion) because they're "looking for someone with a little bit more experience."
What do we do next? Go back to school. Law school, graduate school -- financial aid is our best friend. Who knew you'd get more if your parents weren't the ones filing? While this seems logical, it has the potential to ruin us. We're doubling up on our student loan debt (which has recently surpassed credit card debt as the nation's largest pool of debt), which if we don't get a VERY high paying job when we finish that second (or third) degree, we don't get the luxury of being able to declare bankruptcy.
So now what? You're 25, almost $100k in student loan debt, and are praying that the restaurant down the street from your parent's house calls you back to bar-tend, because that car loan isn't going to pay itself.
You survive. That's what we're built for. We take daily beatings with rejection email after rejection email, so badly that you've become numb to the idea that you'll be living in the same bedroom you had when you were 8 for quite a while.
The baby boomer generation may be hogging the ENTIRE job market, but we have something they don't -- future. We are going to overcome obstacles they could never even dream of. We're going to become so resilient that we're going to breeze over hurdles. The drawback? It's going to take us a little longer to get there.
We were taught long ago that there's no such thing as a free lunch, a lesson our parents probably don't understand. Thankfully, when they retire, we'll be able to teach them. We'll tell them the stories of our struggle, but it won't be those stories that they'll awe at -- it'll be the success we achieve.
The world is ours, unemployable generation. This pause is just allowing us to collect our thoughts in preparation for our slingshot to success.
Bobby Kennedy once said, "without great risk there can be no great reward." So risk takers, what's next?
This is the age of Facebook, Twitter and speaking your mind -- at a volume and font that gets noticed. We want to stand up and be counted, separate from our parents. For our entire lives, we've been defined by what our parents did or who they are -- and our biggest fear is falling into those same footsteps.
Ways we get away from our parents -- 4 years of abuse to our livers (and brains) in college, we major in art and political science (instead of business and medicine), and we travel the world. We see a limitation and laugh, because our potential has no bounds.
However, that's as far as we get. Potential. With the economy in it's current state, we're lucky to get a job at Starbucks, let alone one that will let us change the world. Speaking from experience, surviving the job hunt is more daunting than the job we seek. We go on hundreds of interviews just to get chewed up and spat back out. We don't get the job (or promotion) because they're "looking for someone with a little bit more experience."
What do we do next? Go back to school. Law school, graduate school -- financial aid is our best friend. Who knew you'd get more if your parents weren't the ones filing? While this seems logical, it has the potential to ruin us. We're doubling up on our student loan debt (which has recently surpassed credit card debt as the nation's largest pool of debt), which if we don't get a VERY high paying job when we finish that second (or third) degree, we don't get the luxury of being able to declare bankruptcy.
So now what? You're 25, almost $100k in student loan debt, and are praying that the restaurant down the street from your parent's house calls you back to bar-tend, because that car loan isn't going to pay itself.
You survive. That's what we're built for. We take daily beatings with rejection email after rejection email, so badly that you've become numb to the idea that you'll be living in the same bedroom you had when you were 8 for quite a while.
The baby boomer generation may be hogging the ENTIRE job market, but we have something they don't -- future. We are going to overcome obstacles they could never even dream of. We're going to become so resilient that we're going to breeze over hurdles. The drawback? It's going to take us a little longer to get there.
We were taught long ago that there's no such thing as a free lunch, a lesson our parents probably don't understand. Thankfully, when they retire, we'll be able to teach them. We'll tell them the stories of our struggle, but it won't be those stories that they'll awe at -- it'll be the success we achieve.
The world is ours, unemployable generation. This pause is just allowing us to collect our thoughts in preparation for our slingshot to success.
Bobby Kennedy once said, "without great risk there can be no great reward." So risk takers, what's next?
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