Yes We Did, America! Hope Always Wins.

"For as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on earth is my story even possible."
- Barack Obama

(Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

What a poignant, exciting, electrifying moment and movement in world history! Wow, words can not express the way I feel today.

I am so proud not only of President-elect Barack Obama, but also of everyone who came together to make democracy and progress happen before our very eyes. In Alice Walker's thoughtful open letter to Barack Obama, she says "we are the ones we have been waiting for". Her wisdom is true.

I know I'm not alone. The whole world is celebrating intense feelings of joy and renewed promise in the United States of America. Regardless of how you voted, it's a great day to be alive, participate and bear witness to history in the making and breaking. We are moving forward!

"From far away, this is how it looks: There is a country out there where tens of millions of white Christians, voting freely, select as their leader a black man of modest origin, the son of a Muslim. There is a place on Earth — call it America — where such a thing happens."

Poplicks via Patrick Moberg (click to enlarge)

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I guess it's one step at a time though. On a truly disappointing note, I will never understand 52% of California, where some people care more about chickens' rights than fundamental human rights. Are you as confused as I am? The fight against Prop. 8 is definitely NOT over! With lawsuits flying, ballots still being counted and thousands upon thousands of Californians more ready than ever to repeal Prop. 8 (sign the online petition if you can), there's hope that the California State Supreme Court Justices will overturn this illegal step backwards.

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After 8 long years, it's a new dawn, a new day. Sing it high priestess of soul Nina!

We The People Festival (9.27.08 -9.28.08)

We The People Festival -- I couldn't have imagined a better way to enjoy my birthday in this historical, "tipping point" moment in our lives. It was an empowering day through night event celebrating social consciousness, community activism, and urban youth and culture via raw uncensored music and art - the way I love it.

The live performances we caught included Dilated Peoples, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, DJ Z-Trip (dedicated his turntablin' set to Barack Obama and mobilizing voters), Flying Lotus (my favorite show), Bassnectar and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine (the way I remember him, at least). It's a shame we missed roots reggae classic Barrington Levy and bassist extraordinaire Les Claypool though, since there were too many solid stages to choose from.

Here's a taste of what we appreciated -- click to enlarge images (not pictured but definitely devoured: raucous, rhythmic, truly fertile electric music embracing a backdrop of the downtown LA skyline and passing metrolinks, endless Blue Moons, endless sunshine, amazing baked yam with cinnamon/brown sugar/butter, baked potato with the works, and grilled seasoned corn. bliss.).

Oh, so Appropro Song of the Year

Beautiful Judy Collins sings "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" (my favorite version)...or $850 billion sounds about right.


And a great version of the song from the prolific Tom Waits...


Talking Heads offered a sign before the times. Say goodbye to "Once in a Lifetime" Reaganomics. This is also the theme song to W., the new Oliver Stone flick on the Bush legacy.


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Counting down doomcracy in style? I love these amazing new time pieces from Tokyoflash ("the home of unique Japanese watches") that combine innovative LED displays with edgy, futuristic design.

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And on new tech, there's the hope phone! The Obama iPhone application was launched today -- a new political campaigning tool for 21st century. While McCain is still learning to use the internet, Obama continues to successfully mobilize and energize voters by utilizing social networking and new media tech. He's also a staunch supporter of net neutrality. The iPhone application is a free download for iPhone and iPod Touch users. Team Obama is running a brilliant campaign.


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As we so eagerly await the Biden vs. Palin debate tonight, here's Letterman yesterday on the "top 10 things overheard at the Palin debate camp":



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