History was made yesterday but, beyond all that we have finally decided who the next leader of this country will be.

Given the fact that like any sports event, race, or competition there is always a winner and a looser many are upset at the outcome of this race.

I don’t blame you, you stand for a certain set of ideals and principals and you would like to see them spread. Unfortunately for you the folks who voted for the winning side decided they’d like to see their ideals and principals spread even more. Does this mean that those ideals and principals will work? Not necessarily, but as we’ve done in this country for many, many years we have to give them a chance.

On my way home this morning I was listening to Coast to Coast AM, and one of the guests (a highly conservative guest at that) said that the presidency in many ways is like a new job. There is a 90 to 100 day period where the new president must acclimate himself, where his team must get in and start making the necessary changes for the bigger change, where things are “shaken up.” Just like we did with George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Regan and all the presidents before him we have to allow President Obama the same time frame.

There is little doubt in my mind that this presidency is going to face many challenges. Not just foreign but, if the amount of nasty e-mails, bumper stickers being scratched off my car, times I’ve been called a baby killing communistic socialist and had doors slammed in my face and told by people they’re not voting for a nigger are any indication, this presidency is going to face great challenges on the home front. President Obama has many fans, but he has just as many folks in this country who are not fans. I’ve read countless blog entries, facebook notes, e-mails, myspace bulletins and more indicating why the country is headed to hell in a hand basket if Barack Obama is elected president. I’ve been shunned on numerous times in the church setting, have had close friends call me a complete idiot, all for supporting this administration.
The reality is simple: THIS IS THE NEW AMERICA. We now have to rally together and support our administration, I have supported the Bush administration despite an extreme distaste for many of their policies…because I’m an American. Please consider doing the same for this administration.

It is also important to remember that there is no instant fix to all of our problems. Things are going to take time to take their course. The changes that President Obama has proposed are radical, and something this country has never seen. They will undoubtedly fail at first shot, but we’ve got to work together to make them work on the second go around, just like we did with the recent bailout.

Our government is now working for us, I know for many of you that is hard to believe but, for me, it is plain to see. Gone are the days of greed, not just by corporations, but by the same Americas who are pissed that they may actually have to pay more taxes simply because they make more money. The reality is this, I’ve worked my ass off everyday of my life since I was 14 years old and have NOTHING to show for it, and that’s the case with many Americans. Now, times are tough, politicians now have to step in and do what they swore they’d do when they took the oath of office: To Serve and protect the citizens of this country rich or poor. Trust me both sides will win in one way or the other. This presidency is the first major sign of the government doing what they swore to do.

I’m with them and I hope you’ll join me too.

If you’re not willing to join right now that is understandable but, at least pass along the same grace that John McCain did when he conceded. Division is the last thing this country needs, we’ve been divided for far too long.

Tomorrow, November 4th, 2008 history will be made (or at least the start of a historical event will occur).

If you have not already done so and you are registered it is imperative that you get out and vote tomorrow. Do not let the lines scare you, do not let the polls keep you back, you must make your voice heard.

A lot of folks will be trying to convince you to vote this way or that way, but in the end you MUST vote for the candidate you believe is the right person to move this country forward. Times are tough, there is no denying that. We need change and whether that change comes in the form of a Obama/Biden administration or a McCain/Palin administration, we must have a change!

I’ve heard a lot of talk lately, especially since I am involved in the arena of Christianity about voting along your convictions. Listen, when you are making the decision ultimately your convictions are going to play a roll in who you choose to vote. HOWEVER, it is important to remember that when it comes to the greater good of your country your convictions may not always be appropriate. Jesus, NEVER forced His views on anyone. If you favor one candidate over the other for moral reasons (i.e. abortion, homosexual marriage, war, etc.) then you’re doing this country and injustice. Yes, your morals are a guiding light in YOUR life, and you should take head to them but, at the end of the day, you have to vote for what the country as a whole needs.

I’ve made no attempt to hide the fact that I believe the country needs an Obama/Biden administration and we need the policies that administration will bring about. I’ve taken flack from the right, and particularly the Christian right because of Obama’s views on abortion. At the end of the day though, abortion is ONE issue of MANY that need to be dealt with and while I may not be in 100% agreement with the Obama/Biden view on abortion, I am in agreement with the vast majority of their policies on other issues.

The God I serve would one, not be involved in politics and two, has ALWAYS placed the greater good of mankind in front of everything else. I truly feel by lodging my vote I have done just that. I voted last Thursday, if you haven’t voted yet, tomorrow is your turn.

Make your voice be heard.

Get out and vote! History and this country is depending on you.

Tuesday, you have the opportunity to let your voice be heard.
Don’t sit back and let someone tell you that you do not have a voice. Don’t let a jacked up system keep you down.

Get out Tuesday and VOTE.

(RSS READERS: Video above, check out http://www.willyoungband.com/2008/11/do-whatever-you-feel-is-rightdo-whatever-you-feel-is-right/ to view it)

I thoroughly enjoy when people use their talent to make a difference in the world. One thing that Senator Obama has managed, whether intentionally or not, to do during his campaign is inspire people. Folks are coming out of the word work using their talents, resources, funds and much more to get the Senator elected and I absolutely love it! This is how politics is suppose to work…THIS is what it’s all about. The American people rallying together to make a difference and (no pun intended) change the world.

Check this video out from West Phillidelphia rapper Nish Gaveer and enjoy. (I’ve disabled comments, simply because this video is for educational, informative and entertainment purposes and nothing more. If you absolutely insist on spewing some type of negativity or attempting to convince me of why I’m going to hell for supporting Barack Obama, feel free to e-mail me

(RSS Readers: Video attached, go to http://www.willyoungband.com/2008/10/barack-obama-change-the-worldbarack-obama-change-the-world/ to see it)

(Barack Obama) Change the World from Change the World on Vimeo.

I stumbled upon ill doctrine through a video on racism that Carlos posted on his blog.

This guy Jay Smooth, is pretty intelligent, and is definitely going to be a blog I check out regularly. Take a gander at this video he recently posted, then head over to ill doctrine and show him some love.

(RSS Readers: Video attached, visit http://www.willyoungband.com/2008/10/a-poem-for-the-young-voter/ to watch)

I have made every attempt to not use this blog to fuel negativity at least when it comes to politics. Some of you probably came here expecting me to be bashing one side or the other or both, but you’re not going to get that. For one, the varying political opinions of individuals often times gets in the way of their ability to think straight and two, I just don’t want this thing to become “one of those types of blogs.”

Partisan politics is taring us a part. One of the worst decisions I’ve ever made (politically) is to register as a Democrat simply so I could be more involved in the Obama Campaign and so that I could vote in my states closed primary. You can rest assured that one of the first things I’ll do (again politically) after this election cycle, is re-register as an independent.

The idiocy that has taken place at both the current Republican National Convention and at last weeks Democratic National Convention does nothing more than make me roll my eyes. The arrests of journalist, the arrest of normal citizens, the harassing of delegates, the fireworks, stadiums and all the other bull crap is ridiculous!

Admittedly, I have endorsed Barack Obama since the beginning and have been active in his campaign. More recently though I have admitted that my confidence in Barack Obama has been sinking rapidly since his announcement of Senator Joe Biden as is running mate. My initial endorsement was based on the fact that in Barack Obama I recognized a leader, I recognized someone who I wanted to lead this country. I recognized someone ready, willing and able to lead this country too and make a sincere change in this country. Now, I’ve slowly started to see that image I once had sink. I don’t see that in Senator Joe Biden. I’ve never seen that in John McCain. And since I barely know her, I don’t really see that in Sarah Palin. That is why, I have downloaded both parties platforms and will read every page. Upon doing so, I will then make my final decision and I will not announce it on here. In fact, I’m not sure I’ll even blog about politics after this particular post, as the whole thing has turned into a game.

The fact of the matter, in my opinion is this. This election is not about religion, it’s not about the color of someones skin, or the fact that one of the candidates has a vagina. It’s not about who is established, the media or their qualifications. It’s not about the NRA, or big-oil, or health care.

IT IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE.

And truthfully, neither side, nor most of the 3rd parties are in it for the people, EVEN THOUGH THEY SAY THEY ARE! If you’re naive to believe that, I understand, because I once was too. But Barack Obama, John McCain, Joe Biden or Sarah Palin don’t care about you, in the end they have a party to answer to and they’ll do what that parties insists of them.

Right now, I believe that we are as far away from democracy as we’ve ever been.

There are many I could blame, but the reality is it’s my fault.

It’s your fault.

WE LET THIS HAPPEN TO OUR COUNTRY.
We decided that you have to be blue, or red or some other color.
We decided that if you’re blue and you believe in choice you’re a horrible human.
We decided that if you’re red and you let your faith influence your political decisions you’re wrong.
We decided that if you stand firm in your belief that the system works, but only when executed right and that the government CAN executed it right under the right leadership, then well you’re an idiot.

This is all our fault folks. Partisan politics have ruined who we are and who this country is and what democracy is about.

I believed in this election and the change that is ABSOLUTELY MUST BRING in the beginning.

Now, I really do not care.

I’ll read the platforms, and I will vote for the person who I believe is going to do the best job. Because that’s all I’ve got left. I’m burned out. I get in arguments over this stupid crap and I can’t afford to anymore. It’s not red, blue, black, vagina, experience or POW status to me.
It is me deciding who is the best leader for this country.

Episode 11 of the Unobjective Intelligence podcast (The Will Young show) is here!

This week I’m talking about:

• How it is people feel differently about certain events like political rally’s, natural disasters, mass shootings, etc based on life experience, or opinion.
• I’m talking about what I call the “Obama Affect”. I don’t want to spoil it here…YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS!
• Why I believe in 2 years. Citizen Journalism will have overtaken the journalism industry.

If there is something you’d like to hear on an upcoming episode of the Will Young show please shoot me an e-mail.

 

 The Unobjective Intelligence Podcast Episode 11 [43:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

You can download the UI podcast by using iTunes with the link on the right, or for those who don’t use itunes, simply click the button that says ‘RSS Podcast’ and download the latest episode to your computer to play in whatever MP3 player it is you use. Sometimes it will show up in a player on this post. If it does, feel free to listen to it there.

Ladies and gentleman the Unobjective Intelligence Podcast is back and better than ever! (**NOTE** Because I’m hosting the podcast myself now, I have to go through the iTunes store submittal process all over again. Once the podcast has been approved there will be a button on the right for you to subscribe via itunes, and have the podcast downloaded to your iPod. Also, I’m not sure why, but this episode seems bassy to me, that’s not on purpose, just so you know.)

In this episode:

• Where I’ve been.
• A campaign 2008 (or Obama) update.
• Do you watch a lot of television, or spend a lot of time with the internet? Well you may be emotionally and relationally stunted. I’ll tell you why.

 

 The Unobjective Intelligence Podcast June 22, 2008 [32:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Links I promised in the podcast:

Evidence that lack of social contact stunts you relationally and emotionally.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21210531-2703,00.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_torture
http://hoder.com/weblog/archives/008389.shtml
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/22/AR2006062201763.html
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/putnam1/putnam.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_Alone
http://www.bowlingalone.com/

Have something you want addressed in next weeks podcast? Shoot me a line.

I had the opportunity to attend an Obama for America rally here in Tampa today and let me tell you that it was quite the experience. For those that do not know, I am a bit of a politics junkie. Some people get their kicks from cigarettes, others from beer, and some even from sex, I on the other hand am a sucker for a good debate and/or argument, furthermore the complexity of our democratic nation and the process that go in to maintaining our freedom and well being are so mind-boggling to me that I can’t help but sort get giddy when I think about it. Of course, that doesn’t mean that beer and sex don’t do anything for me either.

Anyway, imagine how I must have felt when I walk into a building with 20 thousand plus other people ranging in age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, political party affiliation (I counted 3 sections of ‘Republicans for Obama’) and socio-economic status who are as in to politics as I am. Even if it’s a temporary interest that stems from the desire to see the good for nothing administration that is currently in office is booted out by who we believe will indeed be the next president of the United States of America, Senator Barack Obama.

Oh by the way, there is something I need to address for all the haters out there: I voted for George W. Bush in 04. Why, you might ask? Well, I had just ended my employment with the United States as a soldier in the US Army at which time I served under the leadership of George W. Bush and I believed whole-heartedly in what he was trying to do for this country and for the world. Now, however, my feelings have changed drastically. We’ve fought a war that despite what my candidate believes, was warranted at the time for far too long now. We’re spending millions of dollars a month on that same war, meanwhile we are struggling to make ends meet here stateside. We’re in the middle of one of the worst energy crisis of all time, and the leader of our country thinks things are better now then they’ve ever been. Thousands of Americans are without any form of health care, but since GWB and his buddies are able to afford great health care coverage, along with their massive Texas ranches he’s ignorant to just how severe the problem of adequate health care availability is. All that among other things is why my confidence in the leader of this country, along with his administration and the majority of the members of his party dwindles more and more each day.

So here I am surrounded by a class of students from a school in Sarasota. Young kids, getting involved in democracy! Kids who can’t vote for several more years, but know more and are more into politics than many adults I know! I seriously almost cried, these kids blew me away. Along with these students and 20,000 other folks I listened to the future president of the United States spell out parts of his plan to transform this country. I listened to him explain how rather than put a bandaid on our current economic issues he plans to give families a $ 1,000 tax cut to help alleviate some of the strain that higher gas and food prices is causing. How he plans on spending 150 billion dollars in 10 years in alternative energy sources, so we can end our dependency on foreign energy sources. I listened about how this campaign has truly been a grassroots movement with over 1.6 million Americans donating an average of only $ 91! How incredible is that!? I could go on and on, but I won’t, it was a great rally, and definitely a motivator (as if I wasn’t already motivated enough). If you are curious about Senator Obama’s platform please check out his website at http://www.barackobama.com.

In the process of me getting tickets for the rally, I had an extra that Kenny, Amy, or Emily couldn’t use, so I put it out there to offer it up on a bulletin board (social networking) site I am a part of, that happens to be affiliated with a local church. I should have known better. I was not trying to turn it into a “pick a political” side thing, I never affiliated the event as being endorsed by the church but it turned into a infamous argubate. Long story short, it could have all been prevented had someone not been completely ignorant.
You see the problem with the political process as we know it, is that folks will only see things from their side. They don’t want to look at the other side of the picture. We’re not a united country when it comes to politics, we’re on two ends of the spectrum. That’s one of the great things about Senator Obama, he seeks to unite the country! I’ve got news for you, ignorance is NOT bliss. If you don’t take the time to learn about what ALL the candidates stand for, then you’re a moron. If you only vote for a candidate because of 3 or 4 issues, you’re a moron. If you only vote along party lines, you’re a moron. If you vote for someone because mom and dad told you to you’re an even bigger idiot. Folks, the democratic process is one of the greatest things in the WORLD, and we treat it like it’s nothing. We don’t get involved enough, we could care less about politics and its sad. We use voting guides given out at church as an “unbias” view of both candidates. I got news for you, if it’s only the same 10 or 12 issues you’re voting on, you’re an idiot. Do you know that the platforms that each candidate campaigns on is hundreds of pages in length? Instead we focus on abortion, stem-cell research, gun control and other bull-crap things that really lack significance when you look at the big picture. We need to unite together and stop focusing on petty crap, when we have things like a failing foreign policy, a retched economic policy and a horrible health care system. Don’t stay on one side, learn about all the candidates and educate yourself. If you don’t know what all the candidates stand for you can’t argue for the one candidate you do stand for.

The bottom line: Get involved, learn about all the candidates, don’t complain if you do not vote, and for the love of pete, throw away the “family values voting pamphlet” you picked up at church, because it’s far from presenting an equal and unbiased view of the candidates.

I’ll close with a quote from Cathy Castor, the Florida Congresswomen who introduced Senator Obama, she said “We’ve turned politics upside down this year.” We have, and we are continuing to, do your part…GET INVOLVED IN THE BEAUTY THAT IS THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM!

That’s all I’ve got for now. I’m going back “underground” to reflect on a few more things. Once I feel like I’m where I need to be, I’ll start posting on here again.