Obama - He Can't Do It Alone

This past January, during Nevada Democratic primary, I met a man and his wife who inspired me pull my head out of the political sand. I first met Barack Obama online where I researched his biography and positions on the issues. He caught my attention and made me think.

At my local campaign office I met him again. I saw him in the faces of the people manning the phones and typing away at computers. His face was old and young, white, black and brown. These faces welcomed me and my toddler. They played with my son while I made calls to fellow Clark County voters. Obama, through them, encouraged me to step up and be a precinct captain for the caucus.

I met Barack Obama at a Precinct Captain's Rally. He walked into the room and I felt the energy, not just his energy, but the energy he'd ignited in all of us. He was calm, personable and just plain fun as he thanked us for the hours we'd dedicated to his campaign - Our campaign, he said. The primary was in a few days and he knew we'd do our best. We did. My precinct went for Clinton but it was very close. I am most proud of the way the Obama supporters behaved that day while packed inside a school room with 100 other people. It was an example of how I know our nation can behave among ourselves and with the world.

I met him through his wife, Michelle. At a small house party she spoke about her upbringing and her family. She told us her father's advice about how to pick a life partner. She said something like, "My dad said you can tell a good man because he acts the same way when no one is watching as he does when he thinks everyone is watching." My eyes welled up with tears and I thought of my dad. For the first time I was able to put my finger on what made my father so special and the lesson resonated deep within me. It was plain to see that she'd found that sort of man in Barrack.
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I spoke to Senator Obama at a rally in January. He called on me and answered my question about resending the over reaching powers of the Bush administration. His answer was thoughtful and even though I was far from the stage, he looked directly at me. He talked to me. It was a genuine, complete and thoughtful answer to a complicated question. He didn't blow me off with campaign rhetoric. He listened.

That is the kind of president I feel we elected last night...a thoughtful, insightful, inclusive, intelligent man who will take time to make sound decisions, listen to our input and tell us the hard, unvarnished truth. He's asked us to be his partner along the way. The president was never meant to be a dictator or an imperialist. The office was meant to be of equal power to the Senate and the House. He was meant to be a leader, a focal point for our concerns, and a voice to remind us that we are all One with a shared purpose and destiny.

I plan to be engaged. I've got my president elect's back but I'm also a loud voice of descent if need be. I am thinking about my friends and family who are now worried for our future. They didn't see in Senator Obama what I saw. Some of them are very scared. To them I say, don't give into that fear. Don't let it make you cynical or apathetic. Use it to speak up and out, be the squeaky wheel and with Obama's philosophy of inclusion our values will intersect to form a more perfect union. Our country will be better because of you and because of me. So will the world.

Thousands of people are blogging about this very subject today. I've spent the morning reading several but none are as honest and noteworthy as Heather's commentary on her blog, The Wishful Writer. Please take time to read another view. As Obama said last night, "The road will be long. There is much to be done."

Gary Zukav On The Importance Of Voting

I first heard of Gary Zukav 10 years ago and he's been a huge influence on my life since. His books, The Dancing Wu Li Masters and The Seat of The Soul, opened my mind and heart to new ways of looking at the world. Gary sees our universe as a peaceful place where people coexist in harmony. He believes God intended it to be that way and if you read his work or watch his lectures you will believe it's possible too. He has a peace and gentleness about him that is rare in our time.

He recently wrote about voting in the November 4th election. Here is some of what he had to say....

It is time to vote. The most important presidential election, perhaps in American history, is approaching. Voting is your only way to determine what you want, what you stand for, what your life is about. When you “throw away” your opportunity to vote, you vote anyway. You vote for apathy, indifference, powerlessness.

What you vote for gets elected. You are the only one voting in the election. The candidates are always love and fear. Love runs on the harmony, cooperation, sharing, and reverence for Life ticket. It presents itself as gratitude, caring, patience, contentment, appreciation, and more. Fear runs on the discord, competition, hoarding, and exploitation ticket. It presents itself as anger, jealousy, resentment, superiority, inferiority, need to dominate, need to please, and every obsessive thought that you think (such as, He is so stupid; I am so stupid), every compulsive activity you engage (such as workaholism, perfectionism, savior searching), and your every addictive behavior (such over-eating, smoking, gambling, watching pornography, shopping, alcohol, drugs).

Listen carefully to the candidates that are running for election. Get to know them. Let yourself imagine what it would be like to live in the world they want to create. Do you want to live that world? Each time you vote, the candidate you choose wins. You act on your anger or not, challenge your jealousy or not, indulge the need to please or not. You can lose the ability to vote in a democratic election. It is not guaranteed and it would not exist without the courage and blood that were required to create and maintain it. Don’t throw that courage and sacrifice away. Love your neighbors enough, including those who have come before you, to honor their gifts. People like you have died so that you can vote. Voting in a democratic election is that precious.

You will never lose your ability to vote for love or fear. It cannot be taken from you and you have no option but to use it. Each moment that you are angry you must challenge your anger or act on it, challenge your impatience or act on it, challenge your sense of hopelessness or let it control you. Each moment you vote for the world that you want to live in by choosing a loving part of your personality or a frightened part. No one counts your vote. Each vote creates consequences that you encounter in the intimacy of your own experience. Only your vote stands between you and the life that you want to live, between joy and pain, between meaning and emptiness.

It's time to vote...Love, Gary

Take a moment to ponder these things as you stand in line to vote. If you've decided not to vote in the election, think about your reasons and if they serve you well. If they don't..now is the time to choose to do something different.

Read Before Voting

As the 2008 US Presidential election looms on the horizon, I have to remind myself to stay calm. For the first time in my life I truly care about the outcome. I honestly think that one candidate is a better choice. In past election years I've been known to say, "I voted but I voted for the lesser of two evils." Not this year.

I won't tell you how to vote, never, but I will implore you to be an informed voter. Dig deeper than the soundbites and political ads. Make sure you understand the issues so that when one campaign or their mouthpieces attempts to twist the truth (this used to be called lying) you will know it is happening.

Here are a few books that will help you along the way. I've found these to be the most balanced portrayals of modern politics and the pressing issues facing a new president. I have more if you finish these but this is a good place to start.

The Arbinger Institute's The Anatomy of Peace is the best book, in my opinion, on how to foster peace in the world, but also in your community and your home. It's easy to understand and a quick read. The authors use the Jewish/Arab conflict as a backdrop for some of life's most important lessons.


Beyond Tolerance, is an in depth look at the other side of the post 9/11 world. We are bombarded with hateful/fearful rhetoric about terrorists, what they look like and who we should fear, and the religious divisions since the attack. This book thoughtfully shines a light on people of all religions who were prompted by the events of 9/11 to come together in love and compassion and resist the easy path of hate.

The author shows us, through the work of others, that it is possible and necessary to not just tolerate religious differences but to embrace them as our founding fathers did. Knowledge of and respect for the views of others are imperative in our shrinking world. The United States is filled with many different religious groups. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Shik, Buddhist...we are all Americans.

Alpha Dogs is a very interesting look at the two men who formed
Sawyer Miller, the political consultant firm who served as backroom strategists on every presidential contest from Richard Nixon’s to George W. Bush's. You will never watch a campaign ad again without thinking about these men and the way they changed campaign strategy forever.

Just remember, to a campaign strategist you are a consumer not a voter. They want you to buy not think. If you think too much you might see through the smoke screen and actually vote your conscience. What a concept that is!..to vote your conscience. Next time you watch a campaign ad, think of it like an ad for kids cereal or a new car. See if you can find the similarities and then give it as much weight as you do the ads for Lucky Charms and the new Hummer.

Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama and Faith of My Fathers by John McCain. If you really want to understand the choice before you, you must read these two books. How better to know a man than from his own words.

Please vote. Please vote responsibly. The future of our children depends on you exercising your civic duty. There are only a few more days to register to vote. Register today.

Senator Robert C. Byrd Writes A Letter To Our New President

Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia is the longest serving member of the United States Senate in history. Senator Byrd has been in office for 54 years and has served alongside 11 presidents. He was twice elected by his colleagues to the position of Senate Majority Leader and currently is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

In his 90 years on this Earth he's lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, the civil rights movement, the Cold War, and 9/11. He is a living history of the 20th century. In his new book Letter To A New President, Senator Byrd strives to share the commonsense lessons he has learned throughout his long life, over half of it spent in politics and service to the people of West Virginia and our nation.

I'll admit that I am a baby to politics. I'm ashamed to say that I never really worried about my government until one day less than a decade ago I slowly began to wake up and realize my country was a very different place than I'd imagined. I'm also ashamed to say that until yesterday when I picked up his book from the library I knew next to nothing about Senator Byrd.

I have a new found respect for him and his story. He reminds me of my grandfather and my father, strong Southern men who've had to change with the times, having some of their most basic values about society tested and proved false. What I respect is their ability to adjust and grow, admit mistakes and soberly move on.

What is his advice to our next president? It's so simple and also like sitting in my grandparents house listening to ruminations about how to lead an exemplary life. Byrd counsels the new president to:

-Find a way to reach the American people in much the same way as Franklin D. Roosevelt did with his fireside chats. Talk to them as a friend or family member, from a place of compassion not condescension.

-Remember that no life stands outside of history. We are products of our time and we must learn lessons from the past. He quotes revolutionary war hero, Nathanael Greene in saying, "Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful." (I love this quote.)

-Never lie or mislead. "Nuff said.

-Build a presidency around accountability. "The buck stops here," said Harry Truman of his time in the Oval Office.

-Let the press do it's job, even when what they say about you stings.

-You will make mistakes. Take responsibility for them without hours of well planned spin and talking papers for justification.

-Be well versed in diplomacy. It's a skill that will serve you more than any other with foreign relations.

-Bring the nation together by putting an end to partisan warfare and replacing it with real debate.

-And for heavens sake, teach the people about the Constitution and encourage them to think for themselves and speak out, even if it is against you, most certainly if it is a voice of dissent. Those voices will be your compass on this difficult journey.

My goodness, do I respect this man and his wisdom. He is nearing the end of his political career and some have said he's become a doddering old fool. I would counter that he is an icon of a bygone era of respectable public servants. His book is a voice of reason in a turbulent time of talking heads and beeping cell phones.

I'm so glad I stumbled on his book and pray that a copy will be waiting on the next president's desk in the White House and he will eagerly devour and refer to it often.

Summer of Excess - Accomplishments and Blessings

Yesterday my oldest son finished high school. I'm very proud of him. He's the artist type, the creative, esoteric type that sees little use in a formal education. School was a struggle, not because he couldn't do it. He's among the smartest in his class. It was a struggle because for a perceptive, visionary young man the traditional education system offered him nothing of value.

I believe he's graduating to prove to everyone that he didn't really need anything they taught within the walls of his high school. His diploma will be an anti-accomplishment and his future accomplishments a way to thumb his nose at the establishment. And that's okay, in the long run, those are the people, the mavericks, who grow up to change the world. They are full of big ideas that don't fit into the mold of single-minded society. All I can say is, "That's my boy!"

As we watched the coverage of the end of the democratic primary, I told him, "You have two things to remember this day by. It's the day you finished high school and the day your candidate (and mine) won the nomination for president." They are both historic events.

Another event I'd like to mark is the wedding of Jimmy Nettles and Tina Thompson. I was honored to stand at Tina's side as they pledged their love to one another. The love emanating from the two of them was almost overwhelming, so much so that I stopped looking at Jimmy's face after I felt tears welling up to match his emotion.

The bride and groom sang "Only God Could Love You More" to each other and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. Congratulations to Tina and Jimmy. I believe they will share many happy years together, learning and growing, nurturing and loving each other. Not to mention they will have tons of fun because they enjoy each other so much. What more could they ask for?

I know the winding path Tina's walked to find this love. Nothing is by chance. Each step, though some were painful, were laid out by God. This was a joyous stepping stone, one that I hope leads to many, many more like it.

True Leadership - It's a Way of Being

Robin Sharma, author of the best-selling book "The Greatness Guide" says that anyone can be a leader. This is what leadership means to him: Leadership is not about the size of your office or the prestige of your title. We can all lead, he says, in all that we do.

I agree when he says that true leadership is more about the depth of someone's commitment and the strength of their character than about the position they hold.

I once knew a great leader. She never had a title, except mother and friend. She never had an office except her kitchen table but at that table I learned more about life than in any classroom or office meeting. She inspired me to be the best I could be by the way she lived her life. Her character was strong and her heart was open and loving. So I understand what Sharma is saying.

He says that leadership is a way of being. It's about inspiring all of those who surround you to realize their gifts and stand for personal greatness. It's about taking responsibility for every dimension of your life (verses blaming other for what's not working). It's about devoting yourself to excellence in every pursuit and making things better - no matter how good they aready are.

Leadership is also about connecting with people. Deeply. Genuinely. Pasionately. Because business, politics and life are really all about people.

The University of Florida posted a list of words that define the qualities of a leader. Here are a few of my favorites: Building Trust, Dedication, Empathy, Ethics, Honesty, Inspiring, Positive Example, Know when to follow, Open-minded, Selflessness, Wisdom, and Realistic.

Americans have a big decision to make this year. We will vote for a new president. In my search I will review these traits and measure each candidate against them. A great leader is defined by more than years in Washington, military service, or great rhetoric. And certainly not defined by media hype or degredation.

Look to people like Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, John Kennedy, Mother Theresa, and Martin Luther King Junior for examples. Think about the leaders in your life, the teacher, the coach, the preacher, the parent who are like the wise woman in my past.

Then you will know in your heart who to vote for and you will also know how to "be" a leader yourself.

Michelle Obama - A Woman of Substance

Most evenings I sit down on the couch after a long day and curl myself around my husband to relax. When I close my eyes, often times a smile bubbles up from some where deep inside of me. I don't think he notices when it happens. That's when I think to myself, "Wow, how did I get here?"

Yesterday, while talking to a friend on the phone, I had a revelation. I was telling Joe about the exciting few weeks I'd had working with Barack Obama's campaign and the progress with the publication of my book . I told him about all the volunteering, the rallies, the caucus, meeting Michelle Obama, and how grateful and in awe I was that these opportunities had come into my way. His answer, "Lisa, since I've known you I can see how you've grown. You are truly the captain of your ship."

That's when it hit me. That's the difference in the "me" now and the "me" I was in my thirties. I am steering the ship and I'm very pleased with where it is going. After meeting Michelle Obama, I wondered if she felt the same way. Does she sometimes close her eyes in amazement to how she and Barack arrived at this pivotal place in their lives, poised to make history? I wonder if she has always known that she was at the helm of her ship? Has she always directed her own course? I wish I'd asked her those things when we talked.

I get the feeling she's always had a steady eye on the future. And from listening to her speak, I think she's been open to where life took her, not plodding a projected course but choosing the path as opportunities presented themselves.

She said one thing that will stay with me always. I'm paraphrasing here so bear with me. She said to never let anyone tell me that I am not ready - it's not my turn - I can't do it - someone else is more capable. Because in her experience, every time she stepped up and took her place at the table she found that she was just as prepared and just as humbled as everyone one else who'd made it that far. "Is this is? Is this what all the fuss was about? Okay, I can handle this," she said.

I met her on her 44th birthday. We are very close in age and as I listened to her describe her childhood, her schooling and career, her husband's decade in public office, I couldn't help but think, "Wow, if I'd been willing to "take my seat" all along look where I could be?" Even though I'm very happy with my accomplishments, I just feel a little behind the power curve. What an inspiration she is, at least to me, and I believe to most anyone who has the opportunity to meet her. She is articulate, intelligent, well-read, and accomplished in her own right. But what got to me was her empathy and concern for people that clearly shines through when she speaks.

She is mother, first and foremost, concerned about the world we are leaving to our children. Our children live in a country governed by fear. It's the driving force behind most all the decisions our government makes. That's not what I want for my children. She shares my vision of a different future where our children are again filled with possibility and dreaming about becoming astronauts and playwrights, not doing the duck and cover, hiding, and waiting for an elusive, undefinable enemy to strike. Fear is paralysing. Hope is propelling. Watch people around you and see if you don't agree.

She also gave a bit of advice on choosing a husband that I think every girl should hear. I think she said it was her father who passed on this advice, but again, don't quote me. She said, "A man's character is not determined by what he does when people are watching. It's determined by what he does when he thinks no one is watching. And that's why I married Barack. I saw the honorable way he behaved when no one was watching and the things he did for people that were to lift them up, not for his own glory and gain."

Girls, there's a lesson. That is the way to pick a husband. Listen to Michelle. She said that when she accepted Barack's marriage proposal he didn't promise her they would have an easy life but that it would be interesting. "And he's delivered on that!" She laughed.

Talking to Michelle one on one is like talking to an old friend that you haven't seen for a while. You know that feeling - even after years apart the two of you can pick up the conversation where you left off and it's like you were never apart. That's the feeling I got from Michelle. If her husband makes it to the White House, she will be a First Lady we can be proud of. Either way, I am proud to have met her.

Barack Obama - The Word Is Empathy

2008 is the year of firsts. My first book is soon to make the rounds with prospective acquisitions editors. My first time truly participating the the election process (more than just casting a vote). And my first time volunteering to help a political candidate.

It seems that these "firsts" extend well beyond me. Barack Obama made history in Iowa as the first African-American presidential candidate to carry the Iowa caucus, or any caucus or primary for that matter. He's well on his way to making history as the nominee for the Democratic party and the first African-American President of the United States.

I'd been passively watching the debates and all the stumping, ad nauseum, of the past year. I told myself I'd pay attention later, maybe in the summer, when I voted in the primary. Then I got a phone call from the Democratic party, asking if I knew about the upcoming caucus and how it worked. I did and I didn't. I said, "Yes but I'm voting in the primary."

Imagine my shock when she answered, "There is no primary in Nevada this time. We are an early caucus state. This is the only time your voice will be heard before the general election in November." That woke me up.

I grabbed my latest copy of Newsweek and some of the local papers stacked up in the garage, hit the Internet, and educated myself on the Presidential Race. I looked at voting records and issue comparison sites, hoping that the pieces would fall neatly into place.

They did. Barack Obama's name kept coming up (along with Dennis Kucinich) when I took the polls or looked at the candidates views side by side. End the war in Iraq within a safe and reasonable time period - check. War, in general, is a bad idea - check. Health care for everyone - check, Common sense education reform - check. Practical leadership experience - check.

Now I got excited and went to my local campaign office to volunteer. Three hours in the stuffy, cramped office and I knew I'd found my political family. As I looked around the phone banks at my neighbors diligently making calls, I noticed something amazing - the America I always believed existed, so different from the image pushed on us by the media. There were young people, college students, retirees, mothers (me with my three year old wandering around the office), white, African-American, Latino. Every walk of life was represented.

I found out about a rally at a neighborhood school and scrambled to get tickets and attend. I had to see for myself if this man and the feelings he ignites are for real. My twelve-year-old son went with me. We stood in line with close to 4,000 people for over an hour, hoping to get inside the gym. Daniel and I made it but just barely. We made out way with the last 100 or so into the few remaining seats at the top of the bleachers.

Sadly, around 2,000 people did not get in. Those inside rocked out to some great music while we waited. When Senator Obama finally walked onto the stage, he took the microphone. "I'm sorry I'm late but there's people outside who couldn't get in. Their important, too. I had to give them some love. I hope you understand."

You know that line from the movie Jerry McGuire..."You had me at hello." Well, he had me. This was different. He did what I would have done - what I would have wanted someone to do for me. Now that's cool.

Before long he opened the floor to questions and I was privileged to ask the last question of the night. I wanted to know his views on the Military Commissions Act of 2006. I got the answer I'd hoped for. Turn back and amend the act, restore the writ of habeas corpus, repeal unconstitutional executive powers. I could go on and on but in my excitement that's all I remember well enough to quote.

The two things that made me happiest - He talked about empathy and understanding, walking in the other guys shoes as a powerful negotiation tactic as well as a life philosophy. That is what I experienced in his campaign office as the staffers played with and put my little boy to work. No one pushed him away or told me not to bring my child. He was included. They were empathetic.

He talked about transparency in government, putting health care negotiations and round table discussions on C-SPAN.

And finally, "No one will be reading your emails or wiretapping your phones or looking at what books you checked out of the library when I am your president."

Amen, Barack.

All I can say is if you feel the way I do, go to your primaries and state caucuses, make your voice heard along with me...Yes We Can. And no matter how your vote is cast, participate in this great process that makes America strong. That is the key to change.

The Caucus - It's About Participation

For the first time in my adult life, I really care about the up coming elections. There have been six presidential elections since I registered to vote and sadly, I've only voted in a handful of those. Now, I understand how important the individual is to this process we call democracy. I have strong opinions and I want someone in Washington who shares my views - the right person doesn't have to match me completely but to get my vote they will be full of hope and a positive, peaceful vision for the future. I'm not listening to the scare tactics. I don't care about the politics of fear.

Starting today I'm volunteering my time to a candidate and plan to participate in my state caucus. I hope that other Americans, like me, are waking up to their civic responsibility. I think what happened in Iowa is an indication of the fervor of our nation and our need for change. More people turned out for the Iowa caucus than ever before. Maybe other states will follow suit and concerned Americans will make their voices heard in record numbers.

My time for blogging may be more limited for the next few weeks but I think it will be time well spent. Instead of talking and writing about people who are affecting change, I'm going to take a moment, move away from my computer and be like those people I so greatly admire.

I'm excited to write about my first caucus experience. I hear they can be very unpredictable, wrought with drama or quick, quiet and boring. We'll see on the 19th.