An Amazing Day in History

For the first time in my life I watched the inauguration of a president. In past years I could have cared less, each president I've seen seemed like a slimy politician that could talk a good talk but in reality couldn't care less about me. Not that our new President can't talk a good talk, but for some reason to me it feels different. I really do feel that he cares about this country and will do all he can to make it a better place.

I really enjoyed his speech today and the encouragement it gave me to not just expect my government to make a change, but that I too need to do my part in changing the world to be a better place. Now I'm not deluded enough to think our new President is going to make the world rosy and perfect, but I do believe that as cheesey and overused as it is, there is a new hope in the air.

For me, right now, today, 2009 is looking to be a good year. If you missed his speech, check it out here.

Optimistic For Real Change

I'm absolutely ecstatic that Obama won the US Presidential election. I think this country will finally see some progress and real change occurring in a swifter fashion. My hope is that our national political leaders can really come together in true bipartisan governance going forward. The incessant counter productivity often associated with our national government can correlate to this unwillingness. With the current financial and mortgage melt downs, and health care costs spinning out of control, and no hope for any social security when WE retire, a united approach is a must...particularly for our country to compete internationally. If our country doesn't get their act together and start cooperating, we'll be eclipsed by the European Union in the short term. Part of the reason I have declined from voting in the past, is that the two major parties can never seem to work together to move anything forward. The same issues keep churning over and over again, and no real headway is made. However, I can be proactive and try to do my part to support and encourage the change. The flaw of the past eight years [in my opinion], has been the lack of willingness on the Republican Party's part seeking the viewpoints and suggestions of the Democratic Party. The more I get involved in politics, the more I align myself as an Independent. So, in my independent viewpoint, I think [and have to hope] that Obama will truly tackle the large issues with the best practices and ideas that both major parties can bring to the table. Regardless of what truly transpires over the next four years, what an amazing historic event we have all just witnessed in our lifetime.

Our Subliminal Gym

I have decided that LA Fitness in North Seattle [130th & Aurora] is politically biased. When the DNC was on last week, it was only broadcasting that on two of the 10 flat screens. This week, I have noticed that the RNC was being broadcast on six of the 10 flat screens the past few nights. Multiply our gym location, but the company's 680 gym outlet nation wide, and what is the message they are conveying? I do feel it a tad bothersome when corporations try to influence personal choice. But then talking out the other side of my mouth, I do this for a living. I'm always crafting messages that influence people to change, based on bottom line ROI of my company. Funny! I guess I can't be too bothered about this.

The Politics of Politics

I am deciding that the more I get involved in governmental politics, the more I think I am becoming and Independent, versus aligning myself solely as a Democrat or Republican. I'm glad the Washington state primary finally changed this year and did not make you pick a party with the restriction that you could only vote or select candidates within your party. As I have watched bits and pieces of the conventions over the past few weeks, and reading about other issues online over the past several months, I'm trying to actually "care" about my right to vote and not chalk it up to cynicism that no matter who you vote on, regardless of party, they always over-promise and under-deliver.

There is a lot of good speak circulating about change. When it comes down to it post Bush, whomever is in office, do you think the economy, health care, inflation, gas and the myriad of other issues will ACTUALLY get resolved? Or will this be the same as it always is, and has been for decades? Everything gets hashed over, and over AND OVER again, or blocked by the Senate, House of Reps and so forth. We'll See! I'm not going to hold my breath and turn blue waiting for anything to change with our national government regardless of who makes it into office. There are pros and cons to Obama and McCain.

Politics = Being Priced Out

So I've been pursuing media buys for work, and am completely being priced out in this market by pending McCain and Obama ads. Trying to run health care related ads on prime time or cable, against the political ads is nearly 4x the normal cost on a regular media buy. Basically both the Repub's and Democrat's are spending A FORTUNE on campaign placed and pending ads. I must ask the question: Is this is an effective use of donated campaign funds? It all sorts of disgusts me. The need to budget $150K-$700K for a :60 spot on prime time, yes "ONE" commercial depending on the months/weeks prior to election. I will not be recommending television to any of my clients until January 2009.

Obama...Yes! Clinton...No Comment!

I really hope that the decision for the Democratic nominee gets finalized soon with the super delegates. I was shocked that Clinton won Indiana, but I still don't feel that she has a chance to secure the presidential nomination. Though I am a strong Obama supporter, history is in the making with either the first African American or first female as the country's new Commander In Chief. I'll be disappointed if McCain gets elected. I don't need to say anything more about him.

Go Away Sonics!

Who cares about the Sonics? Why is it such a heated controversy? Let them go to Oklahoma City, and let the rest of Seattle society get on with life. But no...let's churn and waste MORE tax payers money on this and drag it out forever in typical Seattle / King County political fashion. Decision was made, get on with it. Why is this a big deal?