George W Bush

I caught your attention, didn't I?

Last week Adam and I had tickets to hear W and Laura speak, albeit somewhat briefly, as they accepted an award at SMU for their distinguished public service. A couple of years ago Tony Blair was also given the same award and we were privileged to go to the same "award ceremony" and hear a few of his anecdotes during his years as Prime Minister. As many of you know I'm not a big Bush supporter, but I am also not one to box myself into one ideology and love the idea of having a well rounded, open view. I might not agree and may never change to the opposing way of thinking, but I'm all about taking every opportunity presented to you. So, when the opportunity came up for us to buy tickets through our regular lecture series I was all over it.

Overall I was HIGHLY disappointed. It was way too short. Laura was like a crazy cardboard version of herself, but with a moving mouth. I enjoyed her discussion about the things they had planned for the George W. Bush Library and the policies they are specifically excited about, but she wasn't engaging.

W. He was the goofy guy that he always seems to be, but it was somewhat endearing. He shared a couple of funny moments of life outside the White House (his wife believes his new Domestic Policy is washing dishes), but he spoke rather briefly and was less anecdotal than Tony Blair. I wonder if that was part of the problem, because I went in with HIGH expectations. I think the whole thing lasted just over 38 minutes AND a portion of that was introductions and whatnot for the Tower Center, which is the organization that gives out the award.

Maybe I've become too pampered because of all the other lectures we have seen over the years. I'm still glad we went.

5 Random Things Since I Last Blogged in NO Particular Order

1. I thought it would be impossible for Mitt Romney to make me dislike him even more than I already do, but against all odds, he has done it. While driving home today I heard about this on NPR. Congratulations for not only effectively buying votes (or what we in the research community call coercion) but continuing your role as "part of the problem" rather than a "solution to the problem". I'm sure you will continue to wear that badge of honor with pride. I can't tell you how thankful I am that you were riddled with contradictions and therefore never made it out of the primaries.

2. The State of Texas spent $2 MILLION dollars installing cameras on the border so that viewers at home could watch and report any suspicious movement to the border patrol. So far it has netted a whole 3 arrests in a little over 6 months. And guess what, even Australians are getting in on the action. I just love seeing my tax dollars at work. FYI it was your tax dollars at work too. The whole program was paid for by a federal grant.

3. We had Dave and Tasha in town this past weekend. Dave was busy with his test, so I took it upon myself to show Tasha around town. We did a little shopping (blast you for ruining my 6 week run at not purchasing any unnecessary items), ate a ridiculous amount of food, froze at the arboretum on the one and only cold day they were here, and did a little crafting. Okay, to be honest, Tasha did a little crafting and I tried to clean up my messy desk space. When Dave finished with his test we took them out to see the sites. We also took them to all of our favorite restaurants and even had a rousing evening playing Rock Band. However, we did not take a single picture. What is wrong with me?

My favorite moment was while we were getting pedicures and Lulu demonstrated what she would do when she got older and brought her own daughter to the salon for a "girl date".

Promise y'all will come back.



4. Teddy fell on his face. He tries to run all the time and his little legs can't quite keep up with the rest of him. He falls quite frequently, but this is the first time he used his face to stop the rest of him.


5. Not only is he a bit of a klutz, but he is a ridiculously messy eater. This is what he looked like after his first day in nursery. I'll admit I was a little unhappy about the whole situation, especially given the fact that he has 1 church outfit. But, I'm willing to take some of the blame- we did not tell the nursery leaders that we have to strip him down to his diaper when we feed him. Luckily after 3 washing cycles, 1 soak cycle and an entire bottle of Shout it looks good as new.

America's Image Is In the Toilet (along with other things)

I came across this great article from Newsweek about America's poor image. Although I think part of the problem is that we are a nation of whiners (myself included).

Sort of related, but I did think twice about Newsweek when I saw the advertisement for their edition of the 50 Most Influential People. You know, Oprah is great, but has anyone thought that maybe if we would stop looking at celebrities as role models we ALL might be a little better off. Maybe I'm a little bitter, but I still remember the episode when someone asked how they could donate money to the school she was building. She responded that this was HER project and she wanted to do it ALL ON HER OWN. She suggested there were other places they could give money. Her argument was that she wanted to show what ONE person could do. I get her reasoning, but really...

(Wow, that seems a little harsh, but y'all know there are lots of amazing people out there that give and give, but don't have the star power.)

My Political Experiences

1. I love taking pictures of funny political signs. While in NOLA a candidate's sign said

"He Has the Favor of God"

It always struck me as unbelievably funny.

2. Lists are essential. If I ever run for an elected office, I'll be sure to call YOU.

3. Once, while I was working on a campaign, I went out to the candidate's spouse's car and discovered political signs for the opponent in the back. I know- it was terrible, but trust me.. I'm certain both sides were doing it. Although it is much more distasteful to me now.

4. If you ever want to get the public riled. Make sure you focus on the starving women and dying babies. Women and babies are the KEY to public outcry.

5. Political parties throw a lot of parties for really dumb reasons. They also give you dumb mementos to celebrate the occasion. I have a lot of mugs to support this theory.

6. I once went to the AFL-CIO meeting with a candidate. My grandfather was a plumber in Utah (he actually helped build the bulk of the Hogle Zoo in his day). His brothers were also plumbers in Utah. We chatted and I told them about my family. I got a very warm response. As we were leaving I yelled "Go Plumbers". Everyone thought it was pretty funny.

7. I worked on the campaign for a candidate that had been diagnosed with cancer. It was a well guarded secret. He won his re-election, but died days before the next legislative session. I've always been proud of my work on his campaign.

8. I interviewed for a job in NOLA Mayor's office. Morial, not Nagin. His Chief of Staff was reviewing his virtuous service by recounting to me that his staff includes a PERSONAL CHEF so he can eat lunch in his office and always be available. This was the same year that they were trying to levy a garbage fee to give a much needed raise to city workers. It was rejected, but he still has his personal chef. I was always really happy I didn't get that job.

9. I took a quarter off from college and worked for a lobbyist at the state capital. It was an AMAZING experience. I was lucky to work with some really experienced lobbyists. It was the year the Utah State Legislature was going to levy a tax on cigarettes and use the money for several things, including roads. I had fun listening to their conversations with different members trying to discourage them from voting for the tax. They kept referring to the whole things as Tobacco Road.

10. What goes around always comes around. Really- it does.

Shout Out to Jordan

I have to give kuddos to my girlfriend Jordan. The comment section in her blog caused a stir. However, the kuddos aren't for that, but rather for her beautiful next post. She composed my very thoughts on the matter, but in a much more articulate response. Thank you for that.

Did you SEE the hat? The coat?

I'm proud.

I've been drafting this post for some time now. Not on the computer, but in my head. I'm hesitant, not because I don't 100% believe in my position, but because I have several friends that believe the complete opposite. This doesn't really bother me all that much, because I can easily be friends with people that hold different political affiliations from my own, but politics is very personal and people get offended. Honestly, I'VE been a little taken aback by blogs and comments out there that have questioned my church standing because of some of my political beliefs.

I had a grin on my face a few Sundays ago. Having worked for Democrats in Utah, I remember the wringing of hands that occurred while everyone awaited for the "reading of the letter". It brings back lots of happy memories from my days of working in the mayor's office with his chief of staff who was referred to as a "good democrat". You can only imagine how fantastic it was to have a personal relationship with someone that was well placed. I always knew the scuttle butt. We talked a lot about political parties, the church and political ideology. I had some of the most AMAZING discussions with her. She is one of the reasons I love politics so much and am so passionate.


When "the letter" was read I was grinning because those memories came flooding back. But I was also grinning because once again we were admonished that we should research our candidates and vote for the individual that fits OUR idea of good government. So wait- we can vote for someone that isn't a Republican? Are you sure? Because according to a large number of Mormons, this is synonymous with relinquishing your church membership and voting for oh lets say Satan. Am I being harsh?

I know many of my friends, ahem.. Brent, will question my Democratic leanings. I am proud to say I voted for Hillary Clinton in the primaries. I know.. SHOCKING. It isn't because I like her so much as a person, but she fit my idea of GOOD GOVERNMENT. I am 100% certain I will be voting for Obama (my grandfather would be rolling over in his grave, because he was against disclosing the candidate you voted for.. he would say "isn't that why it is called a SECRET BALLOT"). I'm proud to vote for Obama. I'm proud that I support social programs that help individuals become the best version of themselves. I'm proud that I support a woman's right to choose. I'm proud that I think fair doesn't always mean equal. I'm proud that I am completely against the death penalty. I'm proud that I like the underdog. I'm proud that for the most part I DO NOT support tobacco, oil, or alcohol. I'm proud that I vote for candidates based on their political views, not because they have an R or a D behind their name. I'm proud that I support the troops, but want them to come home sooner rather than later and do not think we can win this war THIS WAY. I'm proud that although I want a woman in the white house, I WILL NOT vote for someone just because they are a woman. I'm proud to admit that my political views have changed greatly over the years- I once voted for George Bush and Orrin Hatch. I'm proud that I take the time to RESEARCH my candidates before I vote. I'm proud that I have voted in every election I could legally vote in, except one (and let me tell you.. there were tears shed at the polling station- honest to goodness tears). I'm proud that I vote my conscience. I'm proud that my conscience is in line with the teachings of the church. I'm proud to vote Democrat when the candidate represents my view of GOOD GOVERNMENT. But, I'm especially proud that I have NEVER voted for someone because they were a MAVERICK. WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN? Seriously- aren't there more important matters out there? (can you tell I just watched the debates.. I swear if I hear MAVERICK one more time....)

I guess I'll never get the distinction of someone calling me "a good democrat", but I'm certainly proud of my voting record.