Politics

I decided to read this book when I received an email about some of the lines in Barack Obama's books. I was sure that the phrases were taken out of context so I wanted to see for myself. Here is one of the quotes from the email, "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction." and here is the actual excerpt from the book, "Of course, not all my conversations in immigrant communities follow this easy pattern. In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific reassurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction." The interesting thing is that even the full quote in the proper context doesn't say that he would stand up with Muslims, it just says that they are looking for reassurance that he would stand up for them. The other interesting thing that he says is that he would "willingly take up arms myself to prevent such tragedy from happening again." talking about 9/11. I don't know about you, but he doesn't sound like an extremist Muslim terrorist to me.

This book also gives you some good insight into how our political system works and a glimpse into campaign funding. I'm sure that some candidates would love to not have to take a dollar from anyone, but that isn't realistic, so they have to play the game in order to have a chance.

It was also interesting to read about how the wealth is distributed in this country. Actually interesting isn't the right word. It is really more like disgusting and pathetic.

This is a big admission for me, but I am feeling more and more like a democrat as time goes by! I used to think that things were black and white, for example, work hard and get ahead or get a job, and get insurance, but now I realize that this isn't the case for millions of people. As a Christian and a fellow human being I am now realizing that it is our responsibility to help each other out and take care of each other. I think that getting older (that seems really weird to say),being a mother, and doing community service has helped open my eyes.

Lastly there was a part of his book that I really connected with. Nothing regarding politics, it was about family. He talks about the moments that he shares with his girls and how he wishes he could remember all of these important moments. I have felt the very same thing at times when I watch Isha figure something out for the first time or when she makes me laugh. He says that while you may not be able to remember all of the specifics of these moments, these moments become a part of who you are and make you the person that you are. As a mother this made me feel really good to know that even though I may not take enough pictures (I know that this is hard to believe considering all the pictures I am always putting on Isha's blog) or write down every funny story or event that happens, all of these wonderful moments will not be forgotten, but will always be a part of me.