RNC Rained Out - Dobson's Prayers Answered (Kind-Of)

Two weeks ago James Dobson's Focus on the Family directed evangelicals to "pray for rain" to interrupt Sen. Obama's Presidential nominee acceptance speech last Thursday.

Dobson's mouthpiece, Stewart Shepard called for "abundant rain, torrential rain ... flood-advisory rain." . . . . "I'm talking about umbrella-ain't-gonna-help-you rain ... swamp-the-intersections rain." Shephard explained why he wanted to smite Obama and the DNC: "I'm still pro-life, and I'm still in favor of marriage being between one man and one woman. And I would like the next president who will select justices for the next Supreme Court to agree."

I haven't seen a more glorious night in Denver than Thursday when Obama accepted the nomination. The air breathed a calm, cool breeze, and the sky reflected a deep cerulean blue. The summer crickets even seemed to celebrate.

Today the Republicans announced the cancellation of the first day of the Republican National Convention due to hurricane Gustav and its 120 mph winds, torrential rains, and expected flooding. Also looming - Tropical Storm Hanna and two more storms gaining momentum in the Atlantic. Ironic?

English Only at LPGA?

Is English required to work as a janitor? To work as a golfer?

My clients and I successfully have challenged workplace English-Only language bans, and my interest piqued when I saw this headline on MSNBC.com: LPGA’s English Policy Draws PGA Criticism.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association will require all players to be proficient in English starting in 2009. Players who cannot pass an English test can be suspended from the tour. Currently 121 international players from 26 countries work on the LPGA Tour.

NBC asks: Imagine what could have happened to Angel Cabrera if he belonged to a tour that required its players to speak English. A powerful Argentine who rose from an impoverished childhood, he won the U.S. Open last year at Oakmont by holding off Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk. In the hours after the trophy presentation, Cabrera made his way through a maze of media interviews in Spanish with an interpreter at his side. Under the new LPGA policy, he might have been suspended. Or, he might not have played at all if an official on that tour deemed he was ineffective in English.

Apparently the LPGA Tour is still working on the policy, which will be delivered to players at the end of the year. According to an LPGA rep, players won’t have to be "fluent" just “effective.” The stated rationale is that players have to interact effectively with pro-am partners, do media interviews, and give a winner’s acceptance speech.

The LPGA Tour has offered an on-line language training through a Rosetta Stone computer program.

Some workers' rights advocates are furious. "This policy is tantamount to national origin discrimination, which is prohibited under Civil Rights Act," said Vincent A. Eng, deputy director of AAJC. “The policy is an affront to our American principles of diversity and equality."

"There is already a strong endorsement incentive for the players to learn English to increase their global marketability," said Tuyet G. Duong, senior staff attorney at AAJC. "The new LPGA policy along with their actions to have a special meeting with the South Korean players, smacks of clear discriminatory targeting of those players."

The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) urges the LPGA sponsors to withdraw support of the Tour until the English proficiency policy is retracted.

The NBC report pointed out the difficulty these players face:

A few months ago, K.J. Choi of South Korea had finished a brief interview when a reporter tried to say, “Thank you” in Korean, but told him he forgot the word. Choi laughed and playfully shared this thought with his agent.

“I taught him one word seven years ago and he still doesn’t remember,” he said. “And he expects me to learn his entire language?”

AAJC - http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/?119

NBCS ports : http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26446681/

Palin's Alaska Sureme Court Pick's Debut Ruling

For those of you following the election and Supreme Court discussion, I'm posting information on Gov. Palin's first Alaska Supreme Court Appointment, Daniel Winfree. I have found the first opinion he issued, in May 2008.

He authored the opinion upholding the termination of a parent's rights to her child because of child abuse, saying the evidence in the record supported the lower court's decision. It was a pretty ugly case. I'm sure few people would have ruled differently.

Here's the opinion: http://weblinks.westlaw.com/Search/default.wl?RP=%2FWelcome%2FFrameless%2FSearch%2Ewl&n=1&db=AK%2DCS%2DWEB&method=TNC&query=TI%28%28%22Tessa+M%2E%22%29%29&RLT=CLID%5FQRYRLT172916308&RLTDB=CLID%5FDB162916308&search=Search&SP=AKCS%2D1000&spolt=Return+to+the+Alaska+Case+Law+Service&sposu=http%3A%2F%2Fgovernment%2Ewestlaw%2Ecom%2Fakcases&spou=http%3A%2F%2Fgovernment%2Ewestlaw%2Ecom%2Fakcases&ssl=n&strRecreate=no&submit=Search&sv=Split&tempinfo=case&title1=Tessa+M%2E&RS=WEBL8.08&VR=2.0&SPa=AKCS-1000

Tessa M. v. State, Department of Health & Social Services, Office of Children's Services, 182 P.3d 1110 (Alaska, May 9, 2008).

Dobson Endorses Palin for VP: Couldn't Be Pastor Though

Is this inconsistent? Ultra-conservative evangelical head of Focus on the Family endorses Palin for Vice President. According to his teachings, women aren't even allowed to be pastors. They are to remain in a subservient position to men.

Dobson has been saying for months that he could not vote for McCain. He has radically changed his tune, citing changed circumstances. Dobson has all but endorsed the ticket now, calling Palin "an outstanding choice that should be extremely reassuring to the conservative base" of the GOP. He added that the ticket "gives us confidence he will keep his pledges to voters regarding the kinds of justices he would nominate to the Supreme Court." Code-speak for anti-choice justices.

One could wonder whether he likes the pick because he thinks she will follow wherever McCain leads.

Dobson previously has said his goal in life has been to combat the "radical feminist distortions" about marriage, the family, and the role of women in society. According to Dobson, while the radical feminist movement no longer exists, the ideas it promoted so permeated American society that they have influenced modern Christian culture. In response, Dobson helped create the Promise Keepers, an all-male organization designed to place men at the head of the household and society.

Another Focus on the Family leader, Tom Evans, stated his belief that "feminists of the more aggressive persuasion are frustrated women unable to find the proper male leadership."

I wonder what Gov. Palin thinks of this.

Palin Appointed "Mystery Man" to Alaska Supreme Court

One of the most powerful things a President can do is appoint Supreme Court Justices. They interpret the law, and even can call a close Presidential election.

Governor Palin has experience in making such appointments for the State of Alaska. To get a feel for how she might handle her possible role as Vice President or President, it's good to look at what she's already done as Governor.

In November 2007, Palin appointed Daniel E. Winfree, a relative unknown local Alaska lawyer to sit on the high court of Alaska.

The local reaction was mixed. Some lawyers praised the selection, and some citizens questioned it.

The Voice of the Times: A Conservative Voice for Alaskans, put it this way:

A Mystery Man on the High Court: . . . You, most likely, never heard of Daniel E. Winfree. You wouldn't know him from Pete's Green Apple if you saw him at a Starbucks counter. But one day you will hear of him, because he — along with four others on the high court — will be making judicial decisions that affect your family, your pocketbook, and even the way you measure the quality of life in Alaska.

The new justice-to-be is a legal insider. He was secretary, then treasurer, then president of the Alaska Bar Association's Board of Governors. Of note, he also is a member of the Alaska Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Will we see that background emerging in future Supreme Court rulings in which he participates?

Gov. Palin describes him as a "fine man and outstanding attorney." But wouldn't it have been better if the people of Alaska, as a whole, could have made that decision and had a role in placing him in his exalted and powerful position?

I'll admit. There's not much about Winfree on the Internet. But from what I can tell, as a lawyer he handled a broad range of cases, including land easement disputes, Constitutional issues, and an overtime pay case, among others. Whether that qualifies him to serve on the Alaska Supreme Court is an open question, and what it says about Palin's possible future appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court remains a mystery. For now.

Sources: http://www.voiceofthetimes.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=599.

http://www.votesmart.org/speech_detail.php?sc_id=333514&keyword=&phrase=&contain=

Palin Praised Obama's Energy Plan

Since resumes can speak volumes, I decided to check out Obama, Biden, McCain, and Palin for myself. Project Vote Smart provides comprehensive information on-line about the candidates' current and past employment, voting records, and lots more (McCain has two turtles and likes chocolate ice cream; Obama loves to cook chili and has no pets).

It also provides a list of previous speeches and press releases issued by the candidates.

Imagine my surprise to find that just three weeks ago Gov. Palin released a press release titled, "Palin Pleased with Obama's Energy Plan."

Now that she is the Vice Presidential running mate with Sen. McCain, will she still acknowledge the strengths of Obama's energy plan?

To read Gov. Palin's press release at Project Vote Smart, go to

http://www.votesmart.org/speech_detail.php?sc_id=399654&keyword=&phrase=&contain=

Check out the candidates' resumes at Project Vote Smart: http://www.votesmart.org/index.htm

Happy Labor Day - Working Poor Deserve Better

The first Monday of September is Labor Day, an annual national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

A quick look at wages and costs . . . then and now. In 1914 the Ford Motor Company raised its basic wage from $2.40 for a nine hour day to $5 for an eight hour day. A worker could buy a box of Kellogg's Corn Flakes for ten cents; a Coca-Cola was five cents, and a Hershey bar was two cents. In 1914, a Texaco service station's gas price was 14.5 cents per gallon.

When the first national federal minimum wage went into effect in 1938, the hourly rate was 25 cents an hour.

Today minimum wage workers earn $6.55 an hour or $52.40 for an eight hour day, before taxes. This means they take home about $40 for a full day's work. A box of Kellogg's Corn Flakes goes for $4.00. A Coke is $1.00. A Hershey bar, 50 cents. And a gallon of gas at Texaco today is $3.70.

What does this mean for workers today? Many of the minimum wage workers are "working poor." Officially, in the United States, the working poor are defined as individuals who spent at least 27 weeks in the labor force working or looking for work, but whose incomes fell below the official poverty level. This doesn't include the unemployed. Often, those defined as working poor have negative net worth and lack the ability to escape personal and economic contingencies.

The average poverty threshold for a family of four in 2000 was $17,603 a year. The threshold was $35,060 for a family of nine or more persons, and $8,259 for an unrelated individual aged 65 or older, according to figures from the last census in 2000. In 2003, Business Week reported that 25% of the U.S. workforce earned subpoverty pay. These are our minimum wage workers.

As you celebrate Labor Day this weekend, thank the workers who make our country run. Remember that many of them are working long, hard hours, for wages that won't even cover their costs.

And hold our leaders and corporations responsible for creating a living wage for our workers, so they can enjoy a Hershey bar without breaking the bank.

A big thank you and happy Labor Day to all our workers!

Sources: http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq5.html; http://www.garamchai.com/askadesi/ask12.htm; http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswp2000.htm

Does Gender Trump Ideology?

MSNBC reporter Andrea Mitchell posted a compelling question after McCain nominated Gov. Sarah Palin as his VP running mate today. Does gender trump ideology? This is a good question.

Will women vote for McCain/Palin because of Palin's female gender, regardless of whether they agree with her on the issues?

Her gender should not determine the vote. That would be sex discrimination against men.

In the workplace setting, it is clear that it is against the law to select someone just because of gender. The only relevant question is the ability to perform the job.

It will remain to be seen whether the candidates have the skills, training, and ability to lead our country into the next generation. We'll be watching!

Pre-RNC: Palin - We Can Shatter the Glass Ceiling Once and For All

Governor Sarah Palin introduced herself to the voters today. When she accepted McCain's invitation to run for Vice President, she praised Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton for paving the way for women to break the glass ceiling. Picking up on Clinton's words from the DNC, she honored Clinton for leaving "18 million cracks in the highest hardest ceiling in America."

Women aren't finished yet, she said. "We can shatter that ceiling once and for all!"

She said her mission is clear - to "take our message of reform to every voter of every background in every political party, or no party at all."

I'm watching for the common ground between the Democrats and the Republicans during this election. Both parties seem to agree (finally) that women can lead in the highest posts of our government.

Pre-RNC: McCain Names Gov. Sarah Palin as VP Running-Mate - Who is She?

Republicans are making this election historic too. Sen. John McCain just announced that he has chosen Governor Sarah Palin to run for Vice President - the first woman to serve on the Republican ticket.

Who is she? In addition to serving as the first female governor of Alaska, she's married to a Native Yup'ik Eskimo and the mother of five children, including a son who serves the Army infantry brigade scheduled to deploy to Iraq next month, a 4-month-old infant son, and three daughters.

Second place winner of the Miss Alaska beauty pagent in the 80s, she won Miss Congeniality and helped to pay her way through college. She has a bachelor's in journalism from the University of Idaho, with a minor in politics. She served as a sports reporter for local Anchorage television stations, admits she used marijuana when it was legal in Alaska (but claims she didn't like it), and is a lifetime member of the NRA.

What has she done? Palin served two terms on the Wasilla City Council in the early 90s, and she kept her campaign promises to reduce her own salary and worked to reduce property taxes by 60%.

As Governor of Alaska, based on her understanding of a state Supreme Court ruling, she used her first veto to grant State of Alaska benefits to same-sex couples by blocking legislation that would have prevented these benefits. She didn't agree with the court's ruling but implemented it - in what some say was deference to the state constitution - despite her personal views.

But she doesn't agree that citizens who happen to be gay deserve the right to marry. Alaska was one of the first states to pass a constitutional ban on gay marriage, and she agreed. She still opposes same-sex marriage, although she says she has gay friends and is receptive to their concerns about discrimination.

We will learn more about Governor Sarah Palin in the days to come. History is in the making before our very eyes.

DNC - Obama Accepts! Hailed as Genuinely Magnificent

I never thought I'd hear ultra-conservative commentator Pat Buchanan say "Obama" and "genuinely magnificent" in the same sentence. After Obama's Presidential-Nominee acceptance speech tonight, Buchanan also hailed Obama's words as "deeply centered."

This is a good sign that we can come together as Obama advocated.

Obama called for us to change the "idea that people cannot disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism."

He called for us to restore our common purpose.

Obama said that he intends to "keep our promise alive." This includes the promise that each of us has the "freedom to make of our own lives what we will, but that we also have the obligation to treat each other with dignity and respect."

He nailed it when he said that our honorable service members have "not served a Red America or a Blue America" but a United States of America. Our flag says it all: a Red, White, and Blue America.

DNC - 9News' Gregg Moss Interviews NPR's Ray Suarez

"News is the star." If you're looking for information and entertainment, tune in to Gregg Moss' live streaming Webcast direct from the DNC.

I saw his interview with The News Hour's Ray Suarez today, and it was spot on. I had a laugh when Suarez said that those of us who still think of the name of the show as The News Hour with Jim Lehrer are "dating" ourselves. Did he call Gregg old?

But seriously, they discussed the changes in how we get news - from the way we connect with TV to the new instantaneous reporting we can get on the computer. Gregg's one-man show is a prime example. He's set up with a one-man technical studio including video, audio, switcher, and tape playback. Suarez noted Gregg's acumen in this medium.

Gregg posed an enlightening question to Suarez as to how he distinguishes his Voice among the thousands of reporters at the DNC. Suarez emphasized that he operates by the principal that "news is the star." He said that he puts the news first and "steps out of the way." If news is the star, the 9News team is the Big Dipper!

Obama Surprises Us at Biden's Speech

Former President Bill Clinton backed Sen. Barack Obama in his speech on Wednesday night at the Pepsi Center as the crowd waited for vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden.

Clinton repeatedly had to ask the crowd to stop cheering so he could begin his speech. It reminded me of the good ole' days when President Clinton accepted the nomination 12 years ago with the Fleetwood Mac song Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow.

Of course, Joe Biden's charisma and substance shone through in his speech (and how cute is his family)!

The speeches were great, but I'll admit I was lamenting the fact that we had to wait all the way until the last night of the convention to hear from Barack Obama. Then he surprised us all by taking the stage and addressing the crowd. "Hello Democrats," he said. "I want to everyone to now understand why I am so proud to have Joe Biden . . . and the entire Biden family with me on this journey to take America back." Can't wait for Obama's acceptance speech tomorrow night on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. I have goose bumps already!

DNC - 9News KUSA's Gregg Moss Interviews Kim Ryan About Supreme Court and Election

Presidential impact on future Supreme Court Justices

KUSA - The next president could have a significant impact on the direction of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court associate justices rule on some of the most important cases involving the workplace including pay equity, anti-discrimination laws and employee retirement plans.

DNC - Manifest Your Destiny

CSI: NY actor Hill Harper tossed a little soiree at club Vinyl . . . more of Kim's celebrity sightings Wednesday night at Hill's included DJ Red Alert, Slick Rick, Biz Markie, Whodini, Will Smith's little sister on Fresh Prince, the wonderful Tatyana Ali!

Talk about beautiful people!

DNC - Hear from a Friend of Mine - Hillary's Speech

While I watched Hillary's speech from the HRC's Rock to Win concert, a friend of mine had the privilege of attending in person at the Pepsi Center.

You'll find his thoughts interesting:

The DNC was a blast. Star sightings everywhere... I exchanged pleasantries with Charles Barkley and Katie Couric, had my picture taken with James Carville and Paul Begala, and sat just one section over from former President Clinton.

As a poli sci major, I was totally geeked for the event and it did not disappoint. I only wish we had tickets for Barack Thursday night now. It was hard to pay close attention to all of the speeches (with the exception of Hillary), though my sense is that more people came away talking about the Montana Governor than Warner, Strickland, or the other more prominent speakers.

As for Hillary, I guess she did her job, though for me it lacked an intangible something in support of Barack. More so this morning, after sleeping on it, than last night when it was easy to get caught up in the moment.

It struck me at its core as essentially the same speech she would have given had she won the nomination, mostly about her background, her causes, and her successes -- with a few token "we must support Barack" lines thrown in -- rather than a more complete backing of Barack ("here's why he's ready to lead" etc.). I don't know if you saw the video on TV that they played in the convention hall, narrated by Chelsea, but the content and tone of the video were great.... very humorous and self-deprecating, the sort of approach that may have won her the nomination had she gone that route, rather than launching silly negative attacks. My wife and I agree that she was at her best after it was too late.

Thanks, Friend, for sharing this with me and for giving me permission to share it with our community! It seems as though we are all, in your word, geeked over the DNC!!

DNC - U.S. Department of Peace / The Peace Alliance

Did you know there is legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives to create a U.S. Department of Peace?

I attended a DNC event called The Department of Peace Campaign in Larimer Square yesterday and interviewed several participants. 69 members of the U.S. House of Representatives already have co-sponsored this legislation.

A U.S. cabinet-level Department of Peace would build and promote domestic and international programs to prevent and reduce violence worldwide. The Secretary of Peace would provide policy guidance to the President. The Department also would create a U.S. Peace Academy, acting as a sister organization to the military service academies.

The Peace Alliance, a national group working to get this law passed, says the long-term effect of these programs will save lives, return over a trillion dollars to the economy, and make international peacebuilding a national priority.

Locally, there is a Colorado Campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace, and there also are 9 student chapters in the northwest. A 16-year-old junior at Lakewood High School heads the northwest region of students. I plan to post more detail later about my interviews and the amazing individuals promoting peace in this way.

As Mother Teresa said, "If you hold an Anti-War rally, I shall not attend. But if you hold a Pro-Peace rally invite me."

Thanks to my friend and Denver civil rights attorney Mr. Whitney Traylor for reminding me of this apt quote.

DNC - Kim's Star Sightings on Tuesday - Etheridge and Friends

It's fun to have the DNC in Denver! I saw Oscar and Grammy-Award winning musician Melissa Etheridge, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Cyndi Lauper, Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and U.S. comedian, fashion designer, author and actress Margaret Cho at the Human Rights Campaign's Rock to Win concert at the Fillmore Auditorium on Tuesday night!

One of the most touching moments was Melissa's tribute in song to young Matthew Shepard - her call to replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance. We could feel his soul and spirit with us.

It also was great to see Sen. Hillary Clinton's DNC speech on a huge screen at the concert with several hundred of my closest friends.

The HRC says that Rock to Win is an opportunity to educate delegates, convention attendees, and the Denver community about the discrimination the LGBT community continues to face and the need for fair-minded leadership that will advance critical protections for the entire community, including federal hate crimes and employment discrimination laws, equal benefits and protections for same-sex couples, and an end to the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in our nation's military.

For pictures of the event in preparation, visit http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2008/08/on-second-night.html.

The Election and the Supreme Court

Anyone who works, or wants to work in this country should think about what might happen to the Supreme Court under the next president.

Supreme Court justices hold the power to shape the workplace of the average worker. Yesterday Vice Presidential nominee Joseph Biden spoke to a DNC roundtable discussion with working mothers hosted by Michelle Obama in Denver. He said, “Other than ending the war in Iraq, the single most significant thing that Barack Obama can do — and I hope I’ll be able to he help him — will be to determine who the next members of the Supreme Court are going to be.”

Why Supreme Court Justices Matter to Workers. The Supreme Court judges ultimately decide what the discrimination laws mean, how the federal pay laws apply to workers, affirmative action, and even the protections afforded to older workers, or the graying workforce, as some have called it.

Most of the Supreme Court justices are themselves graying. On Jan. 20, 2009, at least 5 of the 9 Supreme Court justices will be over 70. In addition, the oldest justices are the most liberal. John Paul Stevens is 88, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 75. It is likely will be at least three vacancies in the very near future. These judges are appointed for life and will impact the laws for workers for generations to come.

Obama's Voting Record and Stance on the Supreme Court. Obama voted against the last two Supreme Court justices appointed, Associate Justice Samuel Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts. Workers' rights groups vigorously opposed these appointments based on their assessments of the rulings Roberts and Alito previously had made as federal judges. Obama also voted against Alberto R. Gonzales for Attorney General. Former Attorney General Gonzalez since has been linked to the hiring scandal in his office allegedly for violating federal law and Justice Department policy by discriminating against job applicants who weren't Republican or conservative loyalists.

Speaking at a conference in DC last month, Barack Obama blasted conservative Supreme Court justices. He stated his intention to appoint justices with "empathy," specifically regarding "what it's like to be poor, or African-American, or gay, or disabled, or old. And that's the criteria by which I'm going to be selecting my judges."

McCain's Voting Record and Stance on the Supreme Court. In contrast to Obama, John McCain has said that Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito "would serve as the model for my own nominees if that responsibility falls to me." Both justices have established strong conservative records since Bush appointed them.

McCain also said recently that he thinks the worst Supreme Court Justices currently serving include Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, David Souter and John Paul Stevens. These justices are widely known to be the most liberal judges, who have voted in favor of broader protections for workers. McCain did not articulate any specific decision he didn't like. He did, however suggest that he believes they legislate from the bench.

What it Means. The appointment of another conservative justice to the Supreme Court could tip the balance on issues such as discrimination, affirmative action, and pay equity rulings. The appointments made by the next president will last far longer than the 4 year presidential term and could impact workers and employers for several decades to come.

To see the 9News live interview of Kim Ryan by Gregg Moss from the DNC Pepsi Center headquarters, go to http://www.9news.com/life/programming/shows/mornings/article.aspx?storyid=98508&catid=229 (due to breaking news, it was rescheduled from 5:25 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. and aired on MyComcast20).

A second live segment aired with Kim Ryan in the newsroom and Gregg Moss at the Pepsi Center on the 9News webcast at 9:45 a.m.

DNC - Kim's 9News Appearance Scheduled for Wed

I am scheduled appear on 9News on Wednesday at 5:25 a.m. (yes, that's a.m.) to discuss how the election could impact Supreme Court changes and what it could mean to workers.

Caveat: In the news biz, things break fast, so there's always the possiblity my segment can get bumped. I'll post an update to the blog. Peace, K.

DNC - Michelle Obama's Connection

To watch speech see http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/michelle

Michelle Obama connected with me tonight. What mother can't relate to the story about the new father driving oh-so-carefully on the way home from the hospital with a newborn. I remember going through the exact same thing when my son was born.

When she talked about her father who lived with MS and struggled to get dressed to go to work, I thought of one of my closest (Republican) friends who lives with MS on a daily basis, and whose mother died from MS many years ago. I felt like I understood Michelle Obama better after she shared that close personal detail with us.

When Michelle talked about why she left her job at a high-paying law firm to pursue public interest work, I understood her fully. I did the same thing.

Watching her as a mom with her beautiful children made me feel like she could be one of my friends.

Hearing her brother describe how she woke him up early on Christmas reminded me of my own sister and helped me to envision her as a child and a sister.

As a civil rights lawyer, I jumped for joy when she stressed the need to fight for pay equity, because that's a struggle I've actively pursued for more than 10 years, and it gives me hope to hear that it is part of the national discussion.

Seeing her speak made me feel like I had a better understanding of Obama as a father, a man, and a person. What an amazing introduction of the Obama family to the World. I felt like they could be part of my own family.

And how ADORABLE are those two little girls!! Someone at the Progressive Democrats gathering this week said that they would love to see the girls playing on the White House lawn. It's a great visual.

Yes, I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt a deeper connection with Michelle Obama tonight. She should sleep well knowing she handled that huge moment in her life, and in the life of our potential next president, so very well.

DNC - The Global Marshall Plan

In a previous post, I introduced you to The Network of Spiritual Progressives and its pro-compassion agenda and call for a new Bottom Line for America. Today I was fortunate to catch part of the NSP's presentation of The Global Marshall Plan: A National Security Strategy of Generosity and Care.

The NSP names this plan after George Marshall, who was Secretary of State when he convinced the U.S. to launch a plan to rebuild Europe after the Second World War, a plan that is widely credited with having stimulated European economies so that they became successful and could eventually stand on their own without direct aid from the U.S. The NSP says the Marshall Plan stands as a reminder that government financed plans can be successful in alleviating suffering and stimulating economic well-being, if run with intelligence and sensitivity.

Today Rabbi Michael Lerner and activist professor Peter Gabel were joined by the Honorable Keith Ellison (D-MN) and spiritual teacher Tony Campolo to present this plan. And it's more than just a theoretical hope. It has actually made its way to its incarnation as House Resolution 1078, endorsed by Representative Ellison and many others.

Radical Abundance. Representative Ellison expressed a message of what he called "radical abundance." He called the fact that more than 1 billion people on our planet struggle to survive on less than $1 per day, and another 1.6 billion people on less than $2 a day an "obscenity" and an "outrage." He urges citizens to stand up, challenge the mentality of lack and say, "there's enough in this World for everybody." He challenges the system that blatantly allows people to starve to death while a small percentage of the world holds the majority of the world's wealth. He urges the adoption of The Marshall Plan.

And he's not alone. Twenty other Democratic Representatives have joined him in endorsing House Resolution 1078.

After Representative Ellison, Tony Campolo addressed the group. If you've never heard Tony Campolo speak, you're missing out. Vivacious and outspoken, he is a Christian who challenges the fundamental beliefs of poverty and lack that permeate our society. He also said that he doesn't call himself "Evangelical" anymore because that term has become synonomous with the Religious Right, and he does not fully align with many of their opinions.

Apathy and Misplaced Outrage Must Go. Campolo relayed an interesting story illustrating the apathy so many citizens feel. As he lectured a college class, he said "45,000 children died last night as a result of poverty." There was no response. So he said loudly, "SHIT, 45,000 children died last night as a result of poverty." The students were outraged that he used the word "shit." He asks where the outrage is that thousands of children die of poverty every day.

Surprisingly, he said that he is not happy with Obama right now, as he views Obama moving toward the right in an effort to woo voters. Colorfully, he encouraged citizens to "put the screws" to the Democrats and to hold Obama to commitments he made when he accepted the task of running for president.

But there is hope. Campolo said that in the past 20 years, the number of children who die of poverty daily decreased from 45,000 to 30,000. Still not good, but a huge step in the right direction. He also has hope in The Marshall Plan given the reactions of other world leaders. He said that Great Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown "has embraced" the plan, and Campolo is hopeful that other world leaders will follow suit.

Here's a zinger. Campolo says that he and his students calculated the cost of the Iraq war. He asked them to reduce it down to a per minute figure, because it's just too hard to conceptualize trillions of dollars. He says the war is costing us $250,000 a minute. Yes, a minute.

He also urged citizens not to blame the Republicans alone. He said we all are to blame to some degree, but that God hears our cries and will deliver the poor and oppressed in their struggles for dignity and self-worth.

A Challenge to The Left. Rabbi Michael Lerner also challenged the Left to give up its deeply held fears of religion and to distinguish between a domination-oriented, Right-Hand-of-God tradition and a more compassionate and hope-oriented Left-Hand-of-God worldview. Rabbi Lerner urged the Democratic Party to rethink its relationship to God, champion a progressive spiritual vision, reject the old bottom line that promotes the globalization of selfishness, and deal head-on-with the very real spiritual crisis that many Americans experience every day.

For more information on The Marshall Plan, see http://www.spiritualprogressives.org/article.php?story=2008020819394578

DNC - Kim's Star Sightings and Road Adventures

Part of the fun of the DNC is that you never know who you might see, or where you might see them. It's one thing to see stars at a publicized event. It's another just to run into them walking around in your own hometown.

Today as I drove through the downtown Denver madhouse, it took about 20 minutes just to get 3 blocks. I'm not kidding. At first, I was in a hurry to get to my next event, but then I decided since I was stuck behind 3 huge travel buses and was going nowhere in a hurry, it would be a good opportunity to watch the crowds to see who I might see scurrying to their next event .

It didn't take long. My first sighting was political pundit James Carvell, walking down the sidewalk about a block from the Convention Center. It was so quick, but I know it was him. He has a pretty distinctive look, and I'll have to Google this, but is he known for wacky tennis shoes? If not, he should be. I'm not one who notices clothes much, but these shoes were bright white and red or orange, and with his dress pants and sport jacket, it only enhanced his distinctive look. It was very distracting in an amusing way. But extremely smart. Comfortable shoes are a must at the DNC.

As I sat there in the traffic jam, I realized it was getting less and less likely that I would make my next event on time. This is definitely the time to practice patience.

My parking angels must have been with me, because once I finally got through the traffic, I found a paid meter spot on the street right in front of my location. I think people were afraid to park there because a cop was parked in the street right by the spot, and they might have thought it was reserved. It just occurred to me that maybe it was. No one kicked me out. So I kept going.

Once I got to the hotel hosting the Network of Spiritual Progressives' presentation of The Global Marshall Plan, I raced through the crowd to try to catch the end of the presentation. Here's Star Sighting Number 2.

Arianna Huffington! Many independent journalists consider her the queen of the blogging medium, and she's one of my personal favorites. She is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of twelve books. She is also co-host of “Left, Right & Center,” public radio’s popular political roundtable program. In May 2005, she launched The Huffington Post, a news and blog site that has quickly become one of the most widely-read, linked to, and frequently-cited media brands on the Internet. In 2006, she was named to the Time 100, Time Magazine's list of the world’s 100 most influential people. And she looked so vibrant!!!

After the NSP meeting, which I'll post separately, I ran out of the hotel and back to my car to try to get to my next event, the SeaChange Ideas Forum presentation of Morgan Spurlock's film and Q & A session on Where is Osama Bin Laden at the Starz center at the Tivoli. Loved his Supersize Me film and excellent and provocative TV show 30 Days. I couldn't wait for this event.

Holy Traffic Jam! (I did much better walking everywhere on Fri, Sat, and Sun). Navigating the road closures would have tested even the most directionally proficient individuals, but for me, directionally-impaired to begin with? I drove in circles trying to weave my way through the patchwork of open roads. When I got to the Starz Center, I was told my credentials weren't there, and I would have to go back to where I just had been (before my traffic adventure) to pick them up. No exceptions.

Dejected, and feet aching, I started the long trek back to my car in the 90-degree heat. Ooohhh, I was disappointed to miss this event, especially after my traffic and parking nightmares. But my disappointment didn't last long. Here's random Star Sighting No. 3 from today (not including the stars I saw at events).

As I made my way across the largely empty campus of Metro State University to the parking lot 500 miles away (OK, I may be exaggerating, but I'll always try to warn you when I do), I saw a handsome man standing by a taxi cab talking on his cell phone. As I drew nearer, I thought to myself, "is that who I think it is?"

Yes, MSNBC's Dan Abrams! And could it be true that he's even better looking in person than on TV? Yes, it is true. And he was so nice to me, even though I somewhat interrupted his busy day.

I have admired Dan Abrams for a long time, both as a journalist and a legal analyst, and I sadly watched him give his "final verdict" last Thursday as he passed the baton to superstar Rachel Maddow (also one of my favorites). It was a pretty funny segment in which he talked to former MSNBC pundit Tucker Carlson. Under Tucker's name on the screen it said "Used to Have a Show on MSNBC," and they laughed about the fickle nature of working in the media.

I was sad when Dan's name appeared a moment later with the same description, until he reminded us that this was his 3rd goodbye to an MSNBC show in the last 5 years. He said, "don't count us out entirely." I definitely won't.

I'd say that was a pretty good day for in-person star sightings: Hill Harper (CSI); Angela Bassett (The Rosa Parks Story); Danny Glover (The Color Purple); James Carville; Arianna Huffington; Dan Abrams. My favorites! Fun! More star sightings tomorrow? I'll keep you posted.

DNC - A New Voice: A New Conversation

As I approached the white tents this morning, I could feel the energy in the 85 degree Colorado summer air. I've been looking forward to A New Voice in Downtown Denver's Historic Five Points Business District for a long time. This is one political forum with pizazz. And substance.

Here's a little background. A New Voice is an interactive platform where Americans come together to discuss real issues facing people across racial, gender, class and generational lines. Comprised of a national coalition of concerned citizens, executives, entertainers, artists, and political leaders, A New Voice is dedicated to engaging everyday people in the political process by bringing together youth, students, young professionals and community members.

And they had some Star Power too!

(Alert, star sightings ahead. Clues - The Color Purple and How Stella Got Her Groove Back.)

As I went into the tent, I could hear the sounds of RefleXions, a 5-member vocal group that mingles socially conscious lyrics with eclectic rhythms and multi-dimensional smooth live vocal bass. That's a great way to start a political forum! The music, lyrics, and that heart-pounding rhythm magically turned the huge crowd into an intimate group.

The excitement buzzed the group as Hill Harper took the stage. You may know Hill better as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes, a reclusive coroner in the hit CBS drama series CSI: NY. And let's face it, it doesn't hurt that People magazine selected Hill as one of the "Sexiest Men Alive." And he's smart too. A magna cum laude graduate of Brown University and recipient of graduate degrees in both law and public administration from Harvard, Hill blends his intellect and charisma to focus on important issues.

And talk about luminaries! They shone so brightly, sunglasses were almost a necessity. You might want to put some on now as you check out this impressive list. As you read their mini-bios, ask yourself where we would be without their voices.

Ernest Green, one of the first black students to integrate at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, following the 1954 Supreme Court desegregation ruling. Green is the oldest of the "Little Rock Nine," a group of high school students who entered Central High School on the morning of September 25, 1957, with an escort of paratroopers.

Green Party Vice Presidential Candidate Rosa Alicia Clemente, community organizer, journalist and Hip-Hop activist. Born and raised in the South Bronx, and a graduate of the University of Albany and Cornell University, Clemente is running with Cynthia McKinney.

Denver's own Whitney Traylor, professor, attorney, author and single father of wonderful 10 year old daughter, Kameelah. A professor in the Management Department at Metropolitan State College, Whitney also has created his own successful civil rights law practice, Traylor Law Group, LLC. Notably, he recently took on corporate giant Sara Lee in a race discrimination case in federal court and won.

Brian E. Taylor, founder and CEO of The Penny Institute and PennyPAC. The Penny Institute is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to teaching average Americans how to navigate the political process. PennyPAC is a non-partisan political action committee that supports candidates with fresh, innovative, and forward thinking approaches to education.

Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai, Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based, Chinese Taiwanese American spoken word artist who has been featured at over 275 performances worldwide including three seasons of HBO's award-winning "Russell Simmons' Def Poetry."

Dr. Robert H. Bullard, director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University. He is a leading authority on environmental justice, and has written or edited more than a dozen books on the issue. More significantly, he has played a major role in organizing and mobilizing the environmental justice movement over the past two decades.

Oregon State Senator Margaret Carter, the first African American woman elected to the Oregon Legislative Assembly. An advocate for children and youth education, she also fights human rights violations and genocide, and she has received numerous awards including "Legislator of the Year" award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. Senator Carter is mother to 9 children, 26 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Dawn Bookhardt, founding partner in the law firm of Bookhardt & O'Toole, which specializes in complex municipal bond financing and transactions. Two of Bookhardt's noteworthy achievements include representation of Forest City in the development of the former Stapleton Airport site and representation of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray and UBS PaineWeber as underwriters for the Denver Convention Center Hotel.

Osiris James is an out of the box entrepreneur and thinker with the ambition and will-power of a small army. Osiris is the CEO of Customer Advocate LLC, Founder of UrbanMentor Media, The Collective Prosperity Social Network, co-publisher of the Harlem Parent Magazine, producer of the Mentoring the Next Generation Campaign and the Lead or Die College Tour and Executive Board Member of the Harlem Renaissance Road race.

Marianne Camille Spraggins is President of BHP Institutional Strategies, a consulting company advising new and emerging companies, including private equity funds, on business development, marketing strategy and capital raising in the institutional investor marketplace.

Davey D is a Hip Hop historian, journalist, deejay and community activist, originally from the Bronx and now a native of California. A UC Berkeley graduate, Davey D pens a Hip Hop/Political column for the San Jose Mercury News and hosts a weekly Hip Hop/Political TV talk show on Oakland's Soul Beat television. Davey D sits on the advisory board for civic organizations like Black Youth Vote as well as Rock the Vote.

These artists, politicians, lawyers, teachers and World Citizens shared their wisdom and gave practical tips to the group on how to get involved in the political process. The solutions they proposed ranged from the fundamental day-to-day, such as using public transportation and recycling, to hard-core political involvement in justice movements. They encouraged citizens to go to top leaders to fight for reversals of harmful practices like environmental racism.

One of the highlights of the conversation came when the great Angela Bassett took the stage. Who can forget her, from How Stella Got Her Groove Back to her amazing performance in The Rosa Parks Story. She energized the group with her message of hope, and she urged everyone there to take a personal stand, to get out the vote, and to take an active role in self governing.

And then there's Danny Glover. When he joined the group in the tent, his mere presence brought an energy giving everyone there a strength of belief that they matter.

Yea, I'll admit I was star struck. But I was more struck by the strength of the convictions displayed at A New Voice: A New Conversation. Highest kudos to Chris Christmas, Creator and Executive Producer of this amazing event.

DNC - Behind the Scenes With NPR

On Sunday after the first-ever Democratic Interfaith Service, I attended the Colorado Public Radio kick-off for its Democratic National Convention coverage with a roundtable discussion about NPR's upcoming DNC reporting. The event featured NPR's Linda Wertheimer, Ken Rudin, and Ron Elving. KCFR's Dan Drayer moderated the conversation and audience Q & A.

Hot topics included the effect of Bloggers on NPR coverage, whether the word "Democrat" is a slur, and the difference between "media-generated" and "media-driven" stories. I was happy to hear Linda Wertheimer say she loves to watch Congressional hearings. I'm not the only one!

The discussion airs Monday, Aug. 25, at 11:00 a.m. on KCFR 90.1 FM. For more information, see www.cpr.org.

DNC - Progressive Democrats of America

I thought the Democrats were progressive - until I met The Progressive Democrats of America. On Sunday, as I was walking toward 17th Street at almost 8 p.m., I saw a huge crowd gathered outside the Central Presbyterian Church. They looked like an interesting group, so I decided to check it out. Turns out it was the Progressive Democrats of America's Welcome to Denver event. An Obama supporter outside told me I should definitely give it a try. He was right.

Hosted by PDA Advisory Board Chair actress/activist Mimi Kennedy (Dharma’s mom on TV’s “Dharma and Greg”), the event featured Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), Co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and PDA Advisory Board member; John Nichols, Washington correspondent, The Nation; Tom Hayden, author, activist; Jim Zogby, Arab American Institute and DNC member; Jim Hightower, journalist and PDA Advisory Board member: PDA-endorsed Healthcare NOT Warfare candidate, Joan Fitz-Gerald. Musician/activist Dan Reed treated the group to his Jerusalem-inspired anti-war songs and acoustic guitar. Wow.

I learned that Progressive Democrats of America was founded in 2004 to transform the Democratic Party and our country. They seek to build a party and government controlled by citizens, not corporate elites -- with policies that serve the broad public interest, not just private interests. As a grassroots PAC operating inside the Democratic Party, and outside in movements for peace and justice, PDA is guided by the belief that a lasting majority will require a revitalized Democratic Party built on firm progressive principles.

“It is our goal to move Obama away from nuclear power, towards single-payer health care, and to end the occupation of Iraq," said Tim Carpenter, PDA National Director. According to Carpenter, NPA will work to create the grassroots movement to push Obama to become a progressive president, just as Roosevelt was moved by progressives to create the New Deal.

The Nation Conversations Series, moderated by The Nation correspondent John Nichols, takes place each morning M-Th, and is free and open to the public. Suggested donation is $10.00, includes panels and guaranteed seating.

For more information, see https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/personalopt1.asp?formid=meet&c=4434405

DNC - Dems' First Ever Interfaith Gathering

The Dems have embraced their faith. Or their faiths. This 2008 DNC is historic for many reasons, and not just because of the race and sex of the presidential candidates.

It was starting to look like the Right-Wing owned God. After the Interfaith Gathering at the DNC Sunday, it is clear that is not true.

The Democratic National Convention embraced an interfaith gathering for the first time ever. Governor Bill Ritter explained that this was the first official meeting of the DNC, and it's the first time a celebration of this kind has been part of a DNC.

Esteemed leaders from many different faith communities joined together to celebrate this historic occasion and to honor the diverse faith traditions inside the Democratic Party. The Democratic National Convention Committee says it welcomes this partnership with communities of faith for a nation that values dignity and equality for all people through its Faith in Action initiative. "There is more that unites us than divides us, and together we will honor our convictions while working for the Common Good," according to the DNCC. Sounds a lot like the NSP highlighted in my previous post.

The Interfaith Gathering participated in readings from the Torah, the Sutra Nipata, the Holy Qur'an, and the Holy Bible. One of the highlights of the program included Sister Helen Prejean, activist and author of Dead Men Walking. She railed against state-sponsored killing and the mental torture she says is inherent in the death penalty. The celebration also included presentations about "Our Sacred Responsibilities" toward Our Children, Our Neighbors, Our Nation, and Our World. Just when it seemed it couldn't get any better, Grammy-award winning gospel artists Richard Smallwood & Vision brought the crowd to their feet with the universal language of music.

The Dems are putting their faith into action. It looks like the Republicans don't own God after all.

DNC Attracts Peace Workers and the Faithful

A political convention is the last place I expected to hear about peace, compassion, and loving kindness. Is that jaded? Maybe. But the peace seekers are here.

I started "DNC Sunday" morning (like Superbowl Sunday to me), with a visit to the NSP Interfaith Workshop at St. Paul church, where a large crowd gathered to pray for peace and hear from Rabbi Michael Lerner, a co-founder of the NSP. (The other two co-founders are Sister Joan Chittister, a Benedictine nun and longtime social justice advocate, and Dr. Cornel West, professor of religion at Princeton University, and author of Jews and Blacks: A Dialogue on Race, Religion, and Culture in America (with Rabbi Michael Lerner)).

Rabbi Michael Lerner told the group NSP believes that generosity and genuine caring for other people is a more effective and ethical approach to human security than military aggression or other, “softer” means of using U.S. power to serve our own interests. Rabbi Lerner said that a strategy of generosity requires that we reconnect with the human capacity to recognize the other as an embodiment of the sacred, or, in secular language, as fundamentally valuable for who they are rather than what they can do for us. The bonds of genuine care among human beings can and must be fostered by our public policies.

The service itself demonstrated the diversity the NSP seeks to embrace. The Mariachi Colorado de Santiago Ramirez opened the service with a flair befitting Colorado, which is a Spanish word for "the color red," (for our famously beautiful red rock formations). The Rev. Toni Cook welcomed the group, and African Griot and Spiritual Teacher Opalanga Pugh gave the Mbira Invocation (a musical meditation performed with a finger xylophone), followed by inspiring readings by activist elder Professor Vincent Harding, scholar of religion and social transformation. Other voices included spiritual director Sister Rose Annette Liddell, S.L.; Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni, Shiite Clerk and Director of Abrahamic Initiative; Yogacharya Srinidhi Baba, founder fo the Denver Kriya Yoga Center; Rabbi Brian Feld; and Venerable Claude d'Estree, University of Denver Buddhist Chaplain.

One of the highlights of the meeting was jazz-singer Rene Marie's compelling performance of "Lift Every Voice & Sing/Star Spangled Banner." You may remember the controversy reported after Rene Marie blended the words of the so-called Black National Anthem with the music of the traditional National Anthem when she performed for the Denver mayor's annual state of the city address in July. She says she was expressing her love for her country by blending the two songs to capture her personal experience as an American. The NSP crowd expressed their pleasure with a standing ovation. She said it was the first time she has performed the song publicly since the mayor's state of the city address. Although she clearly was moved, her voice never faltered. No one can dispute her incredible voice.

Although I missed the next session so I could attend the DNC's first ever Interfaith Service, it is worth noting that Rabbi Michael Lerner, spiritual teacher Matthew Fox, and community activist Dr. Peter Gabel presented "The Spiritual Covenant With America," which seeks to change the country's Bottom Line by proposing an 8-point plan. For details, see http://www.spiritualprogressives.org/article.php?story=covenant.

The NSP also plans to spell out its Middle East strategies for the DNC. Monday morning Rabbi Michael Lerner will discuss a Middle East Strategy for Spiritual Progressives with Imam Mohamad from the Colorado Muslim Society. They will be joined by Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, a Baptist preacher, who will be speaking about Iran and a global approach to nuclear weapons. Tyler is the director of the Two Futures Project, an evangelical initiative seeking nuclear disarmament as a matter of Christian conviction.

The discussion will continue Monday afternoon when Rabbi Michael Lerner, Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN), Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg, and Evangelical minister Dr. Tony Campolo discuss "The Global Marshall Plan." The NSP is asking the advanced industrial countries of the world use their resources to eliminate once and for all global poverty, homelessness, and hunger; provide quality education and health care for all; and repair the global environment. As an initial commitment, NSP wants the U.S. to donate at least 1-2% of its Gross Domestic Product each year for the next twenty (though the amount may be less if other countries join in the effort, more if they do not). The discussion will take place in Downtown Denver at the Curis Hotel, 14th & Curtis.

So, if you hear that a Rabbi, a Priest and a Baptist are seen walking into the DNC, it's no joke. These are serious peace workers with a message for healing the World.

For more information about The Network of Spiritual Progressives, see www.spiritualprogressives.org.

DNC Meditate '08 - Opening Ceremonies

I have the privilege of living in Denver during one of the most historic events of our time. The Democratic National Convention and associated events present amazing opportunities for participation, whether as a delegate or a "regular" citizen, even without the prized delegate or media pass credentials.

One of those is Meditate '08. As noted on their website, the last thing you’d expect to see at a national political convention is a group of delegates sitting down in the midst of the clash and clamor for a few minutes of silent meditation. But that’s exactly what Meditate 08 is doing. Tonight I attended the Opening Ceremony at the Denver Aquarium, and by my estimate, more than 100 peace seekers came to meditate and send positive energy to those in Denver attending the DNC.

The ceremony began with a Temple Bell Countdown by Bill Hamaker and a Buddhist Prayer of Loving Kindness delivered by Venerable Danan Henry, Roshi Zen Center of Denver. These were followed by a Muslim Call to Prayer by Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni, from the Abrahamic Initiative. The Monks of Wat Buddhawararam lead a Buddhist Chant, which extended loving kindness to those who attended, the DNC, the City of Denver, and the World.

Honored Guest Giancarlo Esposito, two-time Obie Award Winner, Star of "Do the Right Thing" and "Law & Order," delivered inspiring comments to the group. He said that his resume is not who he is, and he reminded the group that we are all more than we might think. His beautiful soul shone even brighter than his impressive credentials. After his comments, Meditate 08 co-coordinators Don Morealle and Reverend Dr. Toni Cook introduced several of the teachers who will be leading meditations over the next few days.

The group fell (even more) silent when Grammy Nominee and Tibetan Music Award Winner Nawang Khechog played the Tibetan Longhorn and flute as part of a meditation. Words cannot describe the beauty of his music or the energy released by his playing. African and Native American chanting followed the flute, lead by African Griot and spritual teacher Opalanga Pughand. Then Lloyd Burton of Insight Meditation lead a silent meditation, followed by a Jewish Chant lead by Rabbi Nadya Gross.

The otherwise contemplative audience broke into dance when Rev. Cynthia James of Denver's Mile Hi Church sang "Lift Your Voice," followed by a prayer for "Peace in Many Languages." Denver Kriya Yoga Yogacharya Srinidhi Baba delivered a Sanskrit Benediction, a blessing of peace for All.

Even after all of that, one of the highlights of the evening followed the ceremony when Spiritual Mentor Sara Rain lead Dances of Universal Peace at Fishback Landing Park just across from the Aquarium.

More than thirty Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and secular presenters have been invited to give teachings and lead hour-and-a-half long sessions in meditation, yoga, stress reduction. Evening programs feature Dances for Universal Peace, Kirtan Chanting, and local song writers and singers.

For a schedule of events, location and more information, see Meditate 08's website at http://www.meditate08.org/Schedule.aspx. Tickets are not required! For information about Universal Peace Dances, see Sara Rain's website at http://www.trigoddess.org/

Presidential Nominees and the Supreme Court

The previous post discusses why the appointment of Supreme Court nominees is important to workers. In short, Supreme Court justices will rule on cases that impact workers' daily lives for generations to come - issues such as pay equity, anti-discrimination laws, worker leave issues, and employee retirement plans.

The current presidential nominees' Congressional voting records provide insight as to how they might approach judicial appointments and other important appointments such as Attorney General positions.

Obama. Barak opposed the appointments of Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Samuel Alito, and (former) Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Biden did too. In a floor statement at the Senate in 2005, Obama put it this way,

"The truth is, Mr. Gonzales has raised serious doubts about whether, given the choice between the Constitution and the President's political agenda, he would put our Constitution first. And that is why I simply cannot support his nomination for Attorney General."

He went on to acknowledge that Gonzales would most likely be confirmed anyway. Obama said that he looked forward to working together with him in that new role. He also expressed his hope that once in office, Gonzales would "take the lessons of this debate to heart."

Gonzales apparently didn't, in light of the hiring scandal that came to light in 2007 during his term and leading to his ultimate resignation. According to a Justice Department report, Gonzales' senior aides used Internet searches and interviews to screen out candidates who might be "too liberal" and identify candidates seen as pro-Republican and supportive of President Bush. According to the report, officials searched the Internet for key phrases or words in an applicant’s background, like “abortion,” “homosexual,” “Florida recount,” or “guns.” They then rejected candidates they saw as too liberal, sometimes leaving critical posts open in search of conservative candidates.

Obama called that one.

McCain. In contrast to Obama and Biden, John McCain has said that Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito "would serve as the model for my own nominees if that responsibility falls to me."

While anti-abortion voters might like this, workers' rights advocates warn that judges like these might not be best for the average worker.

Source: Obama's Senate Floor Statement - http://obama.senate.gov/press/050922-remarks_of_sena/

Source: Juliet Eilperin, McCain Statement: McCain Sees Roberts, Alito as Examples: WashingtonPost.com - http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/05/06/_winstonsalem_ncforeshadowing.html

Source: Eric Lichtblau, Report Faults Aides in Hiring at Justice Dept., New York Times.com, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/washington/29justice.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1219521697-41jIzk3cNtNfmiXypeDvnQ