Pragmatist, Politician, or Both?

I'm torn about Rick Warren being selected by Obama to give the invocation at his inauguration. On the one hand, I wish Obama had picked someone who was supportive of homosexuals and a woman's right to choose. On the other hand, it shows Obama's willingness to pitch a really big tent. It displays pragmatism and--dare I say it?--Machiavellianism. Perhaps we progressives have managed to find a leader who is tough and realistic enough to lead.

At least, that's what I'm hoping. It would break my heart to find out that Obama is just another politician.

Institutional Racism

Police Get The Wrong House In Galveston, Allegedly Assault 12-Year-Old Girl

As Dymond headed toward the breaker, a blue van drove up and three men jumped out rushing toward her. One of them grabbed her saying, "You're a prostitute. You're coming with me."

Would the police have done that to a twelve-year-old white girl? I don't think so. She was African American. She was in shorts on the same block as alleged white prostitutes. Ergo, she must be a hooker.

Three weeks later, according to the lawsuit, police went to Dymond's school, where she was an honor student, and arrested her for assaulting a public servant. Griffin says the allegations stem from when Dymond fought back against the three men who were trying to take her from her home.

She fought back against three men, not wearing uniforms, who were trying to drag her into a van. Of course, the assault charge stinks of intimidation. By arresting her for prostitution, they handed her a lawsuit, so then they tried to fight back by arresting her for acting reasonably in self-defense.

Sometimes I despair for America, you know? But then I remember that we are also the country that elected Obama, and I feel better.

Sweet Caroline of Camelot

Caroline Kennedy wants Hillary's senate seat. I think that's pretty cool. Not only did Caroline give Obama a boost with her endorsement and convince her Uncle Teddy to do the same, the Kennedys have given America so much. If anyone deserves an easy entrance into major political power, it's a Kennedy. They are practically America's royal family.

And she has lost so much: first her father when she was just a little girl, then her mother, and then her baby brother. She has been through the fire. Now that Teddy is tragically ill, if Caroline wants to assume the position of leader of her family, I say more power to her.

Shoe Man Condition

When I saw the vid of the Iraqi reporter throwing his shoes at almost ex-President Bush, I laughed and laughed. I mean, who better deserves to have shoes thrown at his head?

But today I read that the poor man (the reporter, not the president) has been tortured. Isn't that horrible?