Obama Waffles and Border Patrol Socks, that is the question.

You might have already caught wind of the "Obama is My Slave Ts," "Obama Waffles" or heard about the Border Patrol infant socks Old Navy is selling. To some, the blatant racism expressed in these products is nothing new. To others, this "new racism," a racism that functions freely and is embedded in almost all aspects of society, is not familiar. The "old racism" in the form of lynchings and cross-burning was more obvious. Now, we have kick our critical thinking skills into full attention to really understand the complexity of race relations in the world we live in.






Mark Whitlock, co-creator of the Obama Waffles, says that he had no racist intentions in his creation of the product. "We set out to do three things: to be entrepreneurs, to use the free market to create a product to provide for our families and to have fun, all the while talking about the issues, that Obama waffles on the issues," said Whitlock. So does simply not intending to be racist let you off the hook? Not so fast Mark Whitlock. Let's ask a couple of critical questions. You wanted to make a political point, correct? Obama "waffles" on the issues. Very clever. Does enhancing his lip and ear size and putting a turban on him make your political point more clear? Does it drive home your point? I don't really see the connection.
You go shopping, and happen to come across a pair of socks for your baby brother. Cute. They got little helicopters on them. Wait, let's give Old Navy a second to give us the sales pitch: “Fun socks feature military inspired embroidery sure to have your little man transforming everything he can get his hands on into an aerial assault vehicle capable of unstoppable fire power only to be used in the defense of the defenseless." First, why do we need to be associating anything related to "assault" into the wardrobe of a growing child? And not to mention the perpetuation of violence. Then, that they are called "Border Patrol" is code word for the Mexican boarder. Let's be honest. When the media reports that walls are being built at the boarder, and we need strict boarder patrol, we are not talking about Canada. So why is a sock for infants being used to push a political agenda about immigration? Do infants have the power to articulate why they are for or against immigration?

Do waffles and socks really spark something in us as Americans?
The issue of racism is stickier and seeps deeper than our stomachs, and is a little more irritating than cold feet.
Old Navy has changed its original description of the socks to not include any mention of boarder patrol. Whitlock still stands behind his creation of the waffles.

Because racism might pop up anywhere, we need to come out with our critical thinking skills up.

Check out one dude's thoughts on how to tell people they are racist:

Should We Reduce the Voting Age?

This week the National Youth Rights Association released this ad via YouTube and began spreading it across the internet.



I've written about the reduction of the voting age before, yet I still remain fascinated by this topic that still garners so much criticism among the youth movement.

They present a strong argument on DailyKos, but it's quickly met with harsh criticism in the comments section.

"

Most 16 year olds work and pay taxes, but with no say at all in how their tax money is spent.

Teens will be most effected by issues like education and environment, but have no voice that counts.

16 is a BETTER age to start voting than 18. 16 year olds are more tied to their communities (they are more likely to live at home with their parents). Many 18 year olds are moving to brand new communities to which they have no ties and feel less of a vested interest.

16 year olds can put the government and politics courses they are learning into action, making such coursework more effective and increasing their interest in voting.

Even the government agrees that 16 year olds are presumed to have enough knowledge to vote. In fact the voting rights act of 1965 that anyone with a 6th grade education is presumed to have the "literacy, comprehension, and intelligence to vote in any election." 42 U.S.C. 1971 (c). If a sixth grade education is enough, which shouldn't high schoolers who have completed 9th or 10th grade be able to cast a ballot?

"

Another solid argument is that there have been tens of thousands of young people under the age of 18 who our judicial system has decided are adult enough to stand trial as adults.

When I posed this as evidence that our government already considers these youth as adults to some in the youth movement it was met with urgency to reform the judicial system instead, and spend more time on issues that matter more.

Another argument not included is the high school drop out age. Some states like New Hampshire have raised the age to 18, but in many states in the south it remains at 16.

The age to get married in the US is usually 18, but most states allow it if there is parental consent for those 16 or over. If you're pregnant parental consent is waved in many states.

Recently, republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin announced her 17 year old daughter was both pregnant and getting married, but Bristol does not get to vote for her mother this year.

Had Bristol chosen a different alternative to having her child, she could have had an abortion without her mother's consent, since Alaska laws do not require parental consent you seventeen or older. But she still would not be allowed to vote for laws allowing or banning such procedures within her state.

In the end, there is a lot of hypocrisy around these laws, many of which go back and forth on what states consider an age to be old enough. I think this presents an interesting double standard and I certainly wish their movement luck. The most disheartening statement from youth movement advocates against this is when they say that we should push for laws that increase turnout rather than decreasing voting age.

I don't see this as a "youth movement" issue or an issue that is designed to get more young voters. I see this as more of a rights issue that is more about the individuals themselves and a basic right being denied to them while they are affected by laws that shouldn't take effect until they are 18. At this point we have such an overwhelming number of laws and statues in many different states that I don't think we can undo them to abide by the "18 rule". Thus, the only real equality is to reduce the voting age.

The Big Move: Rosa Clemente

I got a chance to spend the day with the VP candidate of the Green Party, Rosa Clemente, in Las Vegas at the National Hip Hop Political Convention (NHHPC). Check out the video, where she discusses her political influences, the Hip Hop generation, the Green Party and voting.



Disclaimer: "The NHHPC is a non profit, non partisan organization that does not endorse any candidates. The organization invited all political parties to the 2008 convention. The Green Party was the only party that accepted the invitation.”

Huge Day for Voters from Congress

"Today was a huge victory for us," Matt Segal the Executive Director of the Student Association of Student Empowerment (SAVE) said Thursday evening in an interview after testifying before the House Administration Committee on voting rights for young people.

This was the culmination of 5 months of SAVE members and volunteers working on the Hill in efforts to educate Congress on the difficulties young voters face each election year.

These stories are not unique to us. Recently, even, we've heard about voter disenfranchisement affecting students. In Colorado and New Mexico as well as Virgina Tech students who are "being told that they risk losing their scholarship and tax dependency status if they register to vote in their college, as opposed to home, state."

At a time when CNN is talking about the League of First Time Voters and the issues that matter most to them, few are stopping to ask whether or not these young people, or first time voters, will ultimately be disenfranchised on Election Day and turned away from the polls. Despite the lack of cameras and fanfair for the SAVE volunteers, members of Congress were pleased with the young people who took the stand.

The day leading up to the hearing, SAVE even had a press conference with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and 9 other members of Congress, all who stood up for the rights of young voters.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, one of members of the 30 Something Caucus, congratulated SAVE on their work saying she was surprised with the progress that has been made in just a little over a year.

SAVE has also launched their campaign to SAVE VOTING RIGHTS along with Campus Advantage that works to help students with problems around housing issues, and Headcount, a voter registration group that signs young people up at live music events.

Thursday's success wasn't easy. Segal and his friends began testifying on the Hill 4 years ago when along with the rest of Kenyon College, he was forced to stand in line for 10 hours just to vote. The question to the committee :

"What standards or safeguards are in place to ensure that Kenyon College 2004 can never happen again?"

The answer, sadly, is there is no guarantee, merely "recommendations." This is the first time students and young people have had an opportunity to air the issues that face them in Washington. There have been hearings on disenfranchisement for African Americans, Spanish speaking Americans, overseas troops, many different communities... but never one focusing on students. The first step in guaranteeing this occurs, happened today thanks to SAVE's hard work.

"This democracy isn’t going to save itself" Segal said, "young people are stepping up, and that’s an inspiring story. Its time they are able to do so without fear."

SAVE lacks the glamor and non-stop excitment many young voter organizations provide. Instead, they work in the sometimes ugly world of Washington to write laws behind the scenes. They've championed Capitol Hill advocacy and formed careful and key relationships to garner results. From 10 hour lines to standing with the Majority Leader, the hope is to move even further toward more hearings and further investigation after the election to guarantee students' votes are counted.

They have earned the reputation of a group that gets things done.

"We are damn persistent" Segal laughs, "But we’re polite about it."

Foreign Policy! What Matters to the Youth at Ole Miss!

From issue to issue we need answers. The answers seem not to be answered. While at Ole Miss, I wanted to see what issues mattered to people just like me, a college student. 

The Debate was all I expected, and I could of never imagined the messages the candidates were sending to the voter! The way they handled the questions was that to be admired. Both candidates seemed to focus more on what each other said rather than what they were saying at that time.  To me personally, focusing on foreign policy was weak by both candidates, because from watching them argue more about what they did in the past, did not answer the questions of the voter of 'what exactly is the plan that you are going to use in order to have a good and fair foreign policy in regards to the war in Iraq. Detailed feedback will be up in the days to follow as I re-visit my opinions and that of other voters to get the essential key components of this first Presidential Debate.

Debate08

From the Outside!

While most of the reporters are inside reporting about the debate, as a Rock the Trail Reporter, I am reporting live! From the Grove! I am listening to Mississippi All-Stars, and the crowd is cheering for the music. The debate is about to start in 12 minutes, and as I am sitting in the grass with my beautiful new outfit, I realize that I can enjoy a debate in the company of friends sitting in the grass. Of course I would of loved to be face to face with the candidates or at least in the same room, but I guess being in the same state will suffice. Only 100 Ole Miss students were able to get in to the Debate and other reporters got credentials to be in the press arena, but you know what, I will never change the experience I am receiving right now, as the people around me are excited for what is about to happen. It is when you are with the people that it matters.  As the debate is about to start in a matter of minutes as long as it took me to write this short lived blog, I realize that I am sitting in a place were history will take place, and I know I will be telling my kids about in 20 years and then to my grandchildren. 

As my friends back at Northland College watch the debate in the Student Lounge, I am sitting next to my fellow Reporter Sarah Burris at the Grove waiting to see some great action happen. I would not change it for nothing in the WORLD! YEYA!

Festival the Debate

Nothing says Debate like a good old fashion catfish fry and festival. Rock the Vote, today, organized a two stage hodown in Oxford, Mississippi on the Ole Miss campus in preparation for the debate extravaganza to unfold.

Word on the street was the free t-shirts and swag was the best. Who doesn't love a free shirt?

The other most common comment was about John McCain and the recet revelation that he was going to be attending. Lauren Hempkey is a strong supporter of Sen. McCain. She thought it was awesome they were having the debate because she was hoping it would bring some attention to Ole Miss, but said she would be really disappointed if Sen. McCain didn't show up.

The students have worked hard preparing the campus indeed the whole town for the media, campaigns, and eager and interested citizens that have ascended upon Oxford.

One such distinguished student is Nick Luckett. When I met Nick at the Republican Convention earlier this month he told me he went to Ole Miss and I eagerly wanted to hear about the work they'd been doing to prepare for the debate. At the time Nick was livid because students were only going to recieve a total of 50 tickets to the debate itself. Only 50!

But when I caught up with Nick today he said that number grew quickly to 150. They had many different activities to decide who got them. Different forms of quizes and bowls, and two lotteries - one for campus leaders and another for students.

Nick said the steering committee put in a lot of hard work to make sure everything ran smoothly. Having Sen. McCain say he was pulling out was not something those students wanted to hear.

"(They) were really upset to hear that John McCain might not come. A lot of us worked really hard, and we've been working for months and months. And our university has been working for a year to bring this debate here, and now for him to say he's not coming is like a slap in the face."

Ole Miss students Danelle and Chelsea were both supporting Obama in tonight's debate. That was the major reason that they thought Sen. McCain shouldn't even attend. They had heard by lunchtime that Sen. McCain was scheduled to attend but weren't sure if that was confirmed. Danelle felt like it was a sketchy thing to say. Chelsea agreed,

"Why say you're not going to come and then show up?"

"I think its pretty cool that Obama said he was going to be here even if there wasn't a decision," Danelle said.

Later in the afternoon, Josie and I met up downtown in Oxford for some awesome southern food at Ajax a diner on the square. From there it was to a coffee shop to upload our pictures and begin working with the videos we'd shot from the morning. It was there that we ran into a local reporter for the Daily Journal. He told us that tickets were so hard to come by that even the Chancellor of the College didn't get one. The governor did... but the Chancellor was still looking for ways to get in.

In Mississippi! Here We GO!

As I arrived this morning to Memphis,TN I could not believe that I was going to be part of history in the making. As Sarah and I drove up to Ole Miss University, we did not know what to expect. With a smile from cheek to cheek we saw people gather at Grove Square with excitement toward the powerful soul music that was performed by Ole Miss's choir and BSU. 
Watching Ole Miss University    be part of history in the making is great. The students here and the environment is very uplifting and enthusiastic. From place to place people are registering to vote at the Rock the Vote tent. The music is playing and the people are interaction with on another talking about the issues that matter. From McCain supporters to Obama supporters, the Ole Miss college campus is filled with first time voters and even those who cannot yet vote.  They are walking around with stickers, signs, cut out Obama and McCain faces, and just having a great time talking about the issues that matter to the community the most! 

I have had the greatest honor to be able to talk to a lot of great individuals whom when I asked them about both candidates' foriegn policy   the first thing that came up in their minds was the War in Iraq and U.S. Affairs in the Middle East. Students even talked about the stand of the US in our world and its economy and how others view us. It reminded me of the blog I posted weeks ago about How the world sees us and how we as an american community want to be seen. Young teenagers whom are just high school seniors stated that we need to get out of Iraq because it is time to put that money into our economy. They see the relationship between Foreign Policy and our Economy.                                       

                                

Most of the People I spoke to did say that " In this election if you don't Vote Don't Whine!" That is what this election is all about. It is about the opportunities that you bestow being part of the American Society. I will bring you more insights to what is going on after the Debate! 

                                           

This is Rediculus

North Florida is still paying the price for Hurricane Ike.

Two weeks ago, residents rushed to the gas stations to fill their tanks due to a text message that alerted residents that gas was going up to $5 the following day.

The gas went up that Saturday, but it didn't quite make the $5 mark. In fact, most gas stations didn't make it at all. All the gas stations ran out of gas. How ridiculous is that? What's worse is it's two weeks later and I still can't find a convenient GAS STATION with GAS!!!

Like Jeezy said, or maybe Wall Street, "We're in a recession." lol.
Either way, the word is out and something must be done about it.

This [economy] has gone too far. Even Diddy is flying commercial now--First class, but still commercial.

I'm flying out of the county. I'm going to Ghana (YAY me). Hopefully I can bring back some gas for a cheap price. We'll see what they have. lol

This Is intense!

Wow! You probably haven't heard from me in a very long time, but let me tell you I am still alive! Oh yea! And trust me I have done nothing but organizing voter registration drives and getting some of the students pumped up for the elections. I am really looking forward to seeing students getting registered to Vote at the Northland College Campus Center.

Being the Student Body President has allowed me to organize these kind of events to get the youth involved with this election season. I'm going to be honest, I have been kind of surprised to see that there are many people that are registering to vote for the first time.

Talking to some community members here in Ashland, Wisconsin has been a great experience because they tell me that they love the fact that the youth are getting involved with this election, especially because Northland College is a great part of the community. Some of the students see that the issue that is most important to them is the environment. Northland College has a great environmental focus to be a sustainable campus where students make the difference. They also find school tuition and financial aid availability one of the top priorities.

Some students have decided to get involved with the local political office, hoping to get deputies to go out and get people registered to vote. The small town movement is important to Wisconsin. As a strong political state, Wisconsin can make the difference in this year's election. I find it great to see the variety of representation is among the resedential halls when it comes to their favorite candidates. I have seen doors with signs for Palin and McCain and Obama /Biden. Groups are organizing to spread the word. Ruth Anne Atkinson, a sophomore at Northland, has started a student group for Obama/Biden and there are other groups for the Green Party, Independents, and Republicans on its way as we wind down to the debates. I will be attending the first presidential debate in Mississippi this week, and I will be reporting from there. Its going to be a great experience!!

College Costs Becoming a Bigger Issue

A new study shows that college affordability is more of a major issue than candidates are focusing on.

According to a new National Education Association (NEA)/ Project New West survey, a majority of voters believe a college education is necessary to make ends meet in today's global economy but they feel that struggling middle class families don't get the help they need to pay for it.

According to a press release from DEMOS, a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy organization, 70% of parents of college students surveyed said that "making college more affordable was an important issue for them in the upcoming election; 34 percent said it was the most important issue to them." For students currently attending college, it was at 65% and 34%.

The majority of respondents for the survey believe college affordability is key to sustaining the competitive edge for the US in today's global economy and building long-term prosperity.

Among the NEA survey's additional findings:

• 78% of those surveyed said it is now more difficult to afford college education than it was 10 years ago;
• 64% said higher education is no longer a luxury, it's necessary to make ends meet;
• 64% also agree that the middle class doesn't get enough to help pay for college;
• Concerns about college affordability are particularly salient with Hispanics: 48% of those surveyed said it was the most important issue to them;
• By a nearly 2 to 1 margin, those surveyed favored a plan to create a $4,000 a year tax credit for tuition and fees if a student commits to giving 100 hours of public service each year.

As someone who still has about $12,000 left to pay on the obscene amount of debt I accumulated, I can tell you that college affordability is still one of the greatest issues for me even though I'm no longer in school. And further the idea that someone like me who wants a job in some form of public service and working to make the world a better place, that I can't do that because I can't afford the salary cut, is a major issue.

I sat down with Rep. George Miller (D-CA) today to talk about his outreach as the Chairman on the Education and Labor Committee. The difficulties I face are not unique and are serious concerns continue to mount as our economy weakens. Rep. Miller said these were some of the most important issues they looked at during the first 100 days in the New Congress. That legislation helped students with a dropping interest rate for loans, more money for Pell Grants, and better access to loans even in a troubling economy. Rep. Miller said there was a lot of potential to go even further especially with students who want to serve their community.

The full interview with Rep. Miller will be posted next week.

Securing the Bottom Line

A new bit of research from EMILY's List was released today that shows some details about new registrants and down ballot candidates.

According to their research

"Of the 326,823 newly registered (this year) voters in North Carolina, 176,806 are registered Democrats, just 21,672 are registered Republicans."

But when it comes down to ballot races, there is a bit of a disconnect

"65 percent of younger people believe whoever is elected President will make 'a lot of difference' in their lives; this number drops to 32 percent when asked about Governor and 26 percent when asked about Congress."

As such, the research says we risk serious drop off from these new voters for a complete lack of connectivity between them. I don't see any surprises. Thursday, I walked around the Hill in DC and asked members of Congress about young voters. The video is to come, but Rep. Tim Ryan, one of the youngest members of Congress said it best when he told me that before he ran, young voters didn't really turn out much. But when he ran, he made a point to talk to young voters and make a concerted effort to do outreach for young voters. The result? SURPRISE! Youth turnout increased.

If you build it... they will come...

EMILY's List commissioned two pairs of focus groups among young voters in NC. The release says they:

"...measured the potential impact of various approaches to encourage down ballot voting including (1) linking other candidates to Obama, selling them on the notion that every leader needs a “team” behind him, (2) probing their support for straight party ticket voting, and (3) exploring more comparative approaches where we attack Bush and his downballot allies and remind these voters that Bush may be gone, but his ideas and policies could outlive his administration."

No word on if they thought about doing more outreach to young voters directly from the local candidates.

The results show, among other things, that "people resist the idea of casting an uninformed vote." This is consistent with our research that shows that the voters paying the most attention also tend to be the most involved.

Further, "straight party ticket voting is not attractive for many in the groups." This is consistent with our research that showed that young people don't find the party system an attractive option in general, which is why new registrants tend to like to be independent or decline to state if given those option. I don't know if these are ok in North Carolina.

"Young people do understand that the other offices are important and have a greater direct impact on their lives. However, this is not a top-of-mind perception among many participants in our groups. As noted above, they know almost nothing about other candidates running for statewide office. . . further, young people understand implicitly that Barack Obama needs a “team” and needs allies down ballot to change the country."

There's more, but it goes on for several pages. One of my favorite tid bits was this, "Almost everyone in the groups belongs to a social networking site, mostly Facebook and MySpace, but they tend to ignore ads on the sites."

I reiterate that the #1 way for candidates to garner youth support this election is to do active outreach on social network sites, with youth targeted field outreach, and candidate outreach. If you or a candidate you know would like to learn how, don't hesitate to contact us.

Ya'll Gone Make Him Lose His Mind Up in Here: Blacks Against Obama

I swear Obama was reciting the lyrics to DMX's "Up in Here" song in his head when a group of people in Coral Gables, FL claim they're against him. These are Black people holding signs and protesting that Obama was endorsed by the KKK and other claims that weren't backed with facts.

You gotta watch the clip from CNN. It shows Obama's cool, calm and collective swagg when dealing with the youngins. To them he was saying let me finish what I have to say and then you can protest, but in his mind I know he was saying.

Y'all gon' make me lose my mind
up in HERE, up in here
Y'all gon' make me go all out
up in here, up in here
Y'all gon' make me act a FOOL
up in HERE, up in here
Y'all gon' make me lose my cool
up in here, up in here



Interpret it for yourself. Let me know what you really think.

Sarah Palin is a hit in Florida

On Sunday, Sarah Palin appeared in North Florida. Through the hot weather and the troubled homes from the hurricanes, Palin supporters and observers flocked statewide to hear the trendsetting VP speak.




We know How Florida feels about Palin, but how do you feel? Drop me a line and let me know if you think she's ready to become the Vice President of the United States, or just a famed Alaskan Mayor?!?!

I'm Going Home--To the Motherland that Is

A-F-R-I-C-A is calling me. In less than 48 hours I will be in W. Africa--Ghana to be specific. I am returning to where the existence of all human life began; the motherland of all human beings. Most people beg to differ but that's the truth I know, and I'm sticking with it!

While I'm gone, I'm still going to be out in the streets (of Ghana) grinding for information about this historic election. As you know, we are not the only people who are interested in Sarah Palin and Barack Obama. Other countries seem to know as much as we do. It'll be cool to see what they know about us.

It's also my goal to reveal any stereotypes that we have about the country. I know when it comes down to it, people joke about it being a poor country, and claim that people walk around with no shoes. I get to witness first hand what's true and what's not true.

We all have a story, and the stories Americans know are distorted because we only know what we see on television.

You won't hear from me for a little bit, but please believe the first week in October, I will be back with more information and more adrenaline than ever to report the best in politics for millinials.

I'm going to miss ya'll, but in the meantime, I'll holla.

Exclusive Interview with Youthy Congressman

One of the youngest Congressman serving is Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio. His office has been one leading the pack in youth and technology outreach for the past few years, but his urgency to listen to young voters has given a unique perspective many members lack. With a connectivity to the future and an eagerness to bring more young people to policy and government, it isn't difficult to understand why he is one of the most outspoken members of the 30-something Caucus.

Rep. Ryan sat down with me last week to discuss his outreach to young constituents and his hopes for post-election youth engagement.

Interview with Education Chairman

On a recent trip to Washington DC, I decided to see if I could talk to a few of our notable Representatives in Congress. Rep. George Miller was not only available, but eager to talk with me about the outreach the Committee had done in the first 100 days of the New Congress in 2007 to work with students on how we can make higher education easier and more manageable for students.

Some friends who work on the Hill told me that he was a great guy, and very forward thinking when it comes to technology and outreach. But I had no idea he would be as engaging and eager to talk about the needs of students and ways in which we can continue our work after Election Day. It was a true honor, and I certainly look forward to seeing what possibilities exist in the 2009 Legislative Session.

"No Match, No Vote"

There is always a problem with Florida and the words “presidential election.” I don’t know if they're like oil and vinegar where they don’t mix, but it is a true statement that they are not very fond of each other.

A new voter registration law in Florida is causing some controversy that could affect thousands of new voters.

Recently, a “no match, no vote” law could prevent eligible voters from making it to the polls this November. The “no match, no vote” law states that if information in the state and federal databases does not match what is on your voter registration card, then you will not be able to vote unless you submit a provisional ballot.

According to a news report by wtxl.com, the law previously blocked 16,000 eligible Floridians from registering to vote.

Staff officials say there are ways to make your vote count in November. Officials encourages all perspective voters to make sure their form is complete, they write legibly, and turn in all forms on time.

The deadline to register for the November election is October 6th.

What do you think about the controversial issues surrounding Florida and the elections? Drop a line and let me know. I want to know if the government, in Diddy’s words, “is bugging out.”

Thursday's Service Presidential Forum

Thursday night the presidential candidates talked about their views on service and community on CNN.

Obama: "America is the greatest country on earth, but it didn't just happen on its own. It is not a gift only.... it is a responsibility."

This is a similar comment to one made by Obama in his acceptance speech during the National Democratic Convention. His line, "We are the ones we've been waiting for." He has commented that this is key in Americans solving the difficult challenges he believes we are face with as millions of hands working together.

"The choices we provide young people are too constrained. " Obama went on to say, "The fact is that we have to have government. When a hurricane strikes, as it did with Katrina, we have to have a FEMA that works, which by the way, means that we should be encouraging young people, the best and the brightest, to get involved as civil servants, to pursue careers of public service so we've got people who are trained in federal emergency management who are able to take on the job. Now, that does not crowd out the Red Cross. That doesn't crowd out the thousands of church groups that went down there. What it means is that each area has a role to play"

Sen. Obama further says that the 3 years he spent as a community organizer working with churches and setting up after school programs for youth were the greatest years of education he ever had because it enabled him to see the ways in which people were empowered when they were given a chance to take charge of their own lives.

"Ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they come together. That is what I want to inspire people to do."

When it was Sen. McCain's turn he used similar opportunities to talk about the importance of service speaking about his role in the US Military, but he did not feel young people should be encouraged by increases in federal or presidential means. Instead he talked about America's roll in protecting Georgia against a possible war against Russia.

"They understand the challenges that we have in this world. They see the Russian invasion of the little country called Georgia. They see the problems in Afghanistan growing larger. They see a whole lot of things happening in the world that's going to require us to serve, and that opportunity has to be provided to them."

McCain said that the government should limit its involvement in service encouragement.

"I'd be glad to reward [volunteers] them as much as possible. But you want to be careful that the reason is not the reward of financial or other reasons, but the reward is the satisfaction of serving a cause greater than yourself. ... Finding new ways to serve. That's what this next few years should be all about."

This is a stark contrast to Obama's plan to encourage people who can't always afford to serve after graduating from college $20,000 in debt. Obama said his education plan outlines a $4,000 credit to students each year that is dependent on the dedication of those same students giving back to their communities.

The highlight of the forum was the question about previous statements by Gov. Sarah Palin that she made accepting the VP nomination last week where she said:

"I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities,"

McCain's response to the question

"Look, Gov. Palin was responding to the criticism of her inexperience and her job as a mayor in a small town. That's what she was responding to. Of course I respect community organizers. Of course I respect people who serve their community. And Sen. Obama's record there is outstanding."

McCain went on to attack Obama by saying that politics is "tough business," and Sen. Obama set the tone of the whole campaign when he refused to take part in town hall meetings with McCain across America.

The spin on CNN afterward had a commentator who called the statement a boldface lie and believed the McCain campaign knew exactly what it was doing when attacking Obama's work as a community organizer. The same commentator then said that Obama's response to the question about Palin's attack was weak and Obama was probably more angry about the comment by Palin.

One thing left out of the forum was the important statistic that your nation's youth are some of the most active community organizers and service volunteers in the country.

Economy Hits Back to School Hard

In a recent article, Associated Press's Education Reporter, Libby Quaid stated that the higher cost of major components to our schools are causing out of step funding to miss its mark.

The article mentions that high fuel costs are causing districts to cut back on busing students from home to class, and delivery of materials such as pencils and paper.

"Field trips? Forget about it."

At a time when the economy is struggling and gas prices were over $4 a gallon this summer, many schools are finding it difficult to pay for the everyday tools their students need to learn, study, and simply be comfortable.  Heating and cooling costs have also increased.  Even keeping an entire building at a comfortable temperature might be compromised.  

"In rural Minnesota, one district is skipping classes every Monday to save fuel. On the other days, classes will be about 10 minutes longer.

"I think it's a great opportunity," said Candice Jaenisch, whose two sons and daughter will be making the switch. "You're cutting expenses that really don't affect school."

The article goes on to say that teachers asked students to bring tissue for the classrooms, but now they ask for things like copy paper instead.

The national site, Donors Choose, allows teachers to talk about a specific project they wish to do but cannot fund. They then ask donors for materials or dollars to help fund the project. But how do you fund the costs of gasoline to get kids to school, or enough to pay for high gas bills in the winter?

No longer are utensils like crayons, art supplies, drama books, or playground equipment suffering from budget cuts. Now they're dealing with school districts and whole days of class.

"In Jacksonville, school lunch prices will rise from $1.45 to $2 for secondary schools. "It's a huge jump," said LaTasha Green-Cobb, whose sons are in the seventh and eighth grade.

As fuel prices have rocketed, the cost of food has followed suit, especially for lunch-tray staples like milk. As a result, most schools will charge more for lunch, the School Nutrition Association said.

Schools will still not break even. More than half of all school children in this country get free and reduced-price lunches, and the government reimbursement is often not enough to cover the cost."

It goes on to say that costs of more nutrient rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and the like are often twice as expensive.

In the end, its young people who are being asked to compromise.... again....

Diddy's Attack on Palin

Why are there so many attacks on Sarah Palin?

Have we forgotten she is an American citizen with feelings? To attack her values is one thing, but attacking her family draws the line that no one should cross. Maybe that's the downside of being a political figure seeking such a powerful role in America? In the long run, overcoming obstacles triumphs over all. 

One obstacle Palin probably isn't worried about are the comments from rap icon and business mogul, P. Diddy.  Fans and the media are now attacking Diddy for his remarks against Sarah Palin.

Diddy has been seen in the public eye as a cutthroat businessman who takes nothing less than the best. His tactics are severe, but he believes his reasons are for love and success. Diddy is admired because of his business savy and his willingness to give aspiring entertainers and professionals a chance at their dream. Diddy's rep is powerful in the world, but his remarks may have caused a negative vibe in the political world.

The blog entry by Diddy displays ideals that are comical to a certain extent, but not necessarily fact-based.  Palin supporters argue that Diddy's national influence causes fans to believe in the "ignorance" of his comments rather than seek true answers and opinions for themselves.

Diddy explains in his apology video to Palin that his comments were not meant to be taking in the wrong way but they were delivered to Youtube viewers Diddy-style. The comments were meant to provoke thought on the topics at hand, and encourage Americans to exercise their right to democracy by voicing their opinions. The "Ciroc Obama" or Diddy may be a comedian in his own sense, but who is the joke really on?

Due to the language in the material I will not post it, but feel free to visit
http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=3UQ_ZO636HI&feature=related to view the blog.

Spit ya game and let me know what you think upon reviewing Diddy's video blog.


Sarah Palin Picture courtesy of: greasyguide.com
P. Diddy picture courtesy of: social-marketing.com

Trojan: Abstinence Only Education Not Working

Even though Trojan Condoms launched its Evolve America tour last April, the safer sex campaign still made quite an appearance at both the Democratic and Republican Conventions. Calling it the "condomvention" Trojan's bus rolled into Denver, Colorado for a huge party the first night of the festivities.

With special guests including Ja Rule, Spike Lee, Alan Cumings, Josh Lucas, Tony Goldwyn, and Gloria Reuben, the party started with open bar and a little comedy.

The Evolve Tour targeted delegates, sexual health advocacy groups, policymakers and the presidential candidates themselves, urging them to acknowledge safer sex issues and get them on the political and social agendas.

According to the International Business Times, the tour is designed to engage Americans directly by pledging to use a condom every time and sign a petition for change. This, they say, is in light of:

"condom advertising restrictions on network prime time television in effect, and over a billion dollars spent on abstinence-only education that does not advocate condom use..."

There are two tours continuing from the conventions. Evolve Yourself and Involve Yourself plan to crisscross the country through the final months of the Presidential campaigns.

"Trojan Evolve is a call to action," says Jim Daniels, Vice President of Marketing for Church & Dwight Co Inc. "We're quite literally going city to city asking Americans to pledge to use a condom every time, sign a petition for change and help turn the tide on the unhealthy state of sexual health in this country."

See my video on the campaign below and take the pledge at TrojanCondoms.com

Rock the Vote exclusive interview with Ralph Nader

Check out the B FRESH/Davey D collabo interview with Ralph Nader, Presidential candidate for the Independent Party, live from the Xcel Energy Center on September 4th, 2008 HERE!!!!



Thanks to Pacifica Radio and Davey D's Hard Knock Radio!!!

Hip Hop Republican CEO

I had a great opportunity to talk with young head of Hip Hop Republican a blogging website that talks about race and age in the republican party at the RNC.

The Ultimate Test: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: RNC Day 3

These two, back-to-back conventions are the ultimate test. Am I am really cut out for this journalism thing?

16 hour days, $15 convention lunch, 14 days of straight reporting from the DNC/RNC? Exhaustion set in even before the conventions started, while I was covering Rock the Bells in Denver. The days seem to be getting longer, and my bags heavier.

Like a dedicated journalist, I keep on keepin’ on.

The past two weeks at the conventions, I have assisted Davey D, seasoned journalist and Hip Hop activist out of the Bay Area. It has truly been an honor, and I have learned so much from this incredible journalism training camp.

We are one bad media team. Watch us in action:



Training camp- that’s exactly what this is! I have learned valuable field tactics, interview strategies, the importance of filing before the sun comes up so you actually get some sleep and of course, that eating is not optional. Sounds like the military training, huh?

Journalists are true soldiers, and I respect the sweat and muscle that goes into getting the story to the people. You can film from a building top, or you can be right down in the mix with the people.

Take for instance, the incredible amount of walking that we have done for the conventions. I spent over an hour on Monday, literally running backwards in front of marchers to get the shot, and then I had a sprinting contest with the anarchists on Shepard Road, dodging rubber bullets and tear gas. The incredible amounts of danger we put ourselves in? That’s right: tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and arrest [Enter Amy Goodman and hundreds more RNC journalists].

As I wrap up for the evening at 4am, I still haven’t been able to reflect on what the day has brought me, and the millions of people watching Governor Palin’s speech, or performance, as the news so eloquently calls it.

Keep updated. Now I will return home and plot out my questions for my Ralph Nader interview at 3:15pm.

I'll let you know if I'm cut out for this after my vacation.

Young Republicans Tackle Age and Race

Today I met with many of the Young Republicans in the party who can't help but notice that the stereotypes of old, white, men are more valid than they would like. Leaders from the popular youth blog HipHopRepublican.com sat down with me to talk about opportunities that their party could harness if they were only willing to do the kind of outreach that Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama's campaign does.

The young people all have ambitions to achieve goals or run for office, but they are fighting an uphill battle in a tough establishment world. Their optimism reigns supreme, however, and the push mountains in efforts to move their party to something a little more mainstream.

I sat down with Princella Smith, a young woman who works for former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich's new organization American Solutions. Ms. Smith got her start from a competition offered by MTV several years ago that allowed her to play a major roll in forums during the previous presidential election. She now serves as a major policy adviser and spokesperson for American Solutions - all before the age of 30. She is connected and personable. In passing I mentioned that I was hoping to get an interview with Michael Steele candidate for Lt. Governor in Maryland. I had seen his commercials years ago when he ran and enjoyed the ad which became known as the Puppy Kicker ad that I still find to be so outside the box and original.

Princella quickly dragged me over to what became known as Radio Row where all the talk news stations were poised to do interviews as politicians and prominent party people passed through the halls. Against the wall was Michael Steele doing a quick interview. Princella introduced us and quickly snapped a picture. I can safely say that it is the only picture of me with a Republican politician - luckily its one of the decent ones. See the full video of the interview here.

Morgan Thomas is still in collage but already works on three campaigns this year all while serving her duties on the national board of Young Republicans. She is clearly a bright and eager young woman who hopes to win a mayoral seat before she is 30 and eventually run for governor. This was her first convention and the nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin had excited and encouraged as a young female republican. See the full video of my interview with her here.

Claudio Simpkins told me that he frequently gets confused for Barack Obama, and with a beaming smile it isn't hard to understand why. From a broken home that had drugs and hardship bearing down on him it would have been easy for him to fall between the cracks of the system. Instead, Claudio rose to the challenge and is now at Harvard Law School. He has a deep passion to give back to his community with no real immediate enthusiasm about running for office. It doesn't stop him from having a little fun when people ask his friends "Wait... Is that? Is that him!?" See the full interview of him here.

Richard Ivory came up to my cafe table asking if we could share it because there weren't any others around. We introduced ourselves and I knew instantly that we were allies in the youth movement. Richard started HipHopRepublican in attempts to bring more youth to politics on his side of the partisan divide. Republicans aren't popular in New York City and Richard describes himself as a moderate who is heavily influenced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg whose campaign he worked on. After talking issues with Richard, I couldn't help think that in the Bible-Belt he would be a Democrat... but decided not to alienate him.

It was Richard that guided me to some of these most remarkable people that I met while at the RNC. A majority of the time I spent with Richard was with him shouting and running after passers by who he thought would be good for me to talk to.

Richard is up to his chin in hope for the youth movement to gain traction in the GOP. His connectivity and tenacity are honorable and unbelievable, but his friendliness and hope for his party's future is what brings people to him. Along with his friends and colleagues he hopes to bring the GOP into the new century where the party is more reflective of our country in race, in gender, and in age. It is with this kind of community Richard thinks they can sustain their party.

While I certainly don't agree with them on a lot of issues, if there's were the faces of the GOP it would be a lot more difficult for opposition to succeed. CE and Brett, the co-authors of the new book Why You're Wrong About the Right think, however, that the old white stereotype is not the reality. They see when looking at their friends. CE tells me she has a good time, goes out, parties, goes to ball games. She's not an old fuddy duddy like some of the delegates seen on the floor night after night. See the full interview with these two co-authors here.

She is clearly a strong, polished, and well educated young woman who remembers with clarity Bill Clinton's outreach at the MTV/Rock the Vote candidate forum in 1992 where the famous Boxer or Briefs question was asked. CE says the mere outreach by him was a huge step for a politician to make, and she's surprised that there haven't been any republicans since take on similar forms of outreach. The book presents photos and interviews with those who don't fit the traditional appearance of the GOP. Youthful and minority faces shine from the pages as the argument is presented that not everyone is old and white.

The others would say that its just most of them.

Embedded through the links above are the entire interviews of these remarkable young people, and below is my comprehensive clips and soundbites of their comments. Also see my interview with Armstrong Williams, conservative talk radio host about these topics. I'll continue to upload videos as I render them.

Rage and Peace at the RNC

Spirits were of mixed emotions on day 2 in the midst of pre-emptive raids, mass arrests, and disgusting treatment of many journalists, including myself, at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN.

Ripple Effect: Beyond the Convention/Beyond Partisanship started off at the top of the afternoon at the MN State Capitol lawn. From the funky sounds of Michael Franti, to revolutionary tales of Indigo, and the the revolutionary sounds of local talent and activist, I Self Devine, the crowd-goers came to get away from the downtown chaos of the RNC.

Live painting, workshops, and revolutionary sounds floated over the lawn, damp with rain. Indigo declares a “World Wide Strike”- I’m calling out a world wide strike, abstinence until they stop waging war. “Quit killing kids!” DJ K-Salaam asks us, "Whose World is This?"

stic.man and M-1 of the Hip Hop duo Dead Prez addressed the political terrain they tread as one in which they are at the highest and stiffest resistance. M1 follows up, “We have come here to reverberate [the movement] and spark people and motivate people to be creative about how we move forward, and not just come to a concert, or just talk about everything in an abstract way, but really moving on it. And understanding that the real movement, the real decisions are not being made in that center with those Republicans or people who support white power and oppression around the world, but the people here who are a part of an international community who have a higher interest at hand."

But could they really escape the wrath of the riot storm troopers? Not really.

The organizers of Ripple Effect had a legit permit secured until 7pm, but when rumors spread about Rage Against the Machine’s surprise performance, the police stayed close. I kept getting text messages about what was going down at the Poor People’s March, so I decided to make my way over to Mears Park in downtown. On my way over there, I saw hundreds of police posted up, ready to respond at a moments notice. While I was marching toward the capitol, it went down. Ripple Effect’s website states:

“Capitol Grounds Staff chose to cut power to the stage at approximately 6:45, ten minutes after Rage Against the Machine had been held up by state troopers blocking their entrance to the stage, leaving thousands of anxious fans waiting on the State Capitol Lawn. After 20 minutes of crowd chanting that included, “Let Them Play,” “Music is not a Crime,” “We’ll be good, we promise,” and a riveting rendition of the national anthem, the band came into the crowd and performed an acapella performance of two songs through a megaphone.”

Ticket to the Rage concert on Wednesday at the Target Center? $60.
Free Rage acapella show at the MN capitol? Priceless.

Just as all of this went down, The Poor People’s March approached the capitol, and made a peaceful direct action request- “Join us!”


Thousands of concert-goers joined in on the march, planned by the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, toward the Excel Energy Center. I was walking side-by-side with organizers and leaders of the march, Cheri Honkala, Shamako Noble and Rosa Clemente, all of whom I had met as they spread the word about the march at the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis months ago.

The march proceeded down Cedar Street. Gawkers from building tops watched, snipers hidden from plain sight, conventioneers in the local Sushi restaurant took pictures in safety behind the window, and of course, you can’t forget the riot cops on bikes that lined West 7th Street as we hung a right by the Children’s Museum.

Thousands upon thousands of peaceful protesters filled the street, approaching the Excel Energy Center. Tear gas canisters exploded in the crowd. My colleague and I tried to take a right back to my house to escape the unwarranted violence, and police tape was put up to prevent protesters from leaving. We continued down the street toward the Excel Energy Center where we were directed.


At the end of the march by the police barricades, Cheri Hankala delivered a citizens arrest under the barricades of the RNC. Police threatened to taze the marchers if they crossed the police line: “I just want to practice my first amandment rights, and I can’t do it from behind the cage. I’m not going to hurt anybody; I just want to talk to somebody.”



The convention continues…

DNC Still on my Mind

It's hard to move on from a weekend filled with memorable moments. Each day of the Democratic National Convention created a memory that can never be replaced. I met a lot of great leaders, I captured a lot of historic activities, I mingled with a lot of politically motivated citizens, I watched a lot of exciting moments and I reported on a lot of memorable events.
This blog is an ode to the DNC; a memory that has been created that can never be restored. Lives were changed and many people made history for themselves.


Who could ever forget the game of clue with statistics Rock the Vote staff and Rock the Trail reporters planted around Denver. The black t-shirts and posters may have had a number with few details, but if you came to the booth you knew those numbers represented shocking statistics for youth.
81.6 Represents the number of registered 18-28 year-old voters who voted in the 2004 election.
















13.3 percent of youth 18-28 don't have health care insurance.











Over 1 million 17-29 year-old citizens have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.










The day YOU decide our future.













I was back at home by Sunday to watch my Lifetime movies, but it was fun to enjoy a performance by Ashanti and Idina Menzel at a fun-field party hosted by Lifetime and Rock the Vote. The performances were great, and the message they left fans "GO OUT AND VOTE" was even greater.















Our Country would be a great country if we were not able to protest out beliefs. In deed people protested,














but police were right there in their riot gear to keep things in order.











FINALLY....
THE MOMENT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR
More than 85,000 people came to hear the most infamous speech since Rev. Dr. Martin Luther king's I Have a Dream Speech.














Donnie and I were there, firsthand, to blog, write, and report on the BIG DAY.





Democratic supporters showed their support of the democratic candidate. The event was breath-taking. Who ever thought I, De Nishia Yearby, would be covering an historic election.
The opportunity came where I bypassed thousands of people and positioned myself in the "press" section. With my pen in my hand, I began documenting the most historic event of all times.

TO BE CONTINUED........




P.S. Check out an upcoming feature on the impact and future DNC left viewers. Also, in the words of my fellow Rock the Trail Reporter: "Credentials" You gotta love that word. It was the most important word during the convention. The word that made it possible to get up close and in person footage of the Decmoratic National Convention.

RNC: Ron Paul Revolution Continues

Tuesday was the day of the Ron Paul Revolution transition into the new Campaign for Liberty headed by former Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul from Texas. Over 12,000 people attended the rally some from as far away as Georgia and New York who all drove to Minneapolis, Minnesota just to take part in the finally of the campaign.

Many young people were in attendance who expressed their disenchantment with the two party system, the war in Iraq, health care, and more.

The Convention was designed as a counter convention to the Republican National Convention across the Mississippi in St. Paul, Minnesota where they say their Revolution Continues. A major component the Campaign for Liberty lists is to gain a "foothold in political life at every level of government by expanding our precinct leader program."

Below is a quick video compilation of some interviews I did and what it was like in the event on Tuesday night. It was filled with a lot of great energy and enthusiasm as you'll see.

Music at the DNCC

Check out Donny Lumpkins' interview with the music director of the DNCC:

No direction home (RNC day 2)

So I hitched a ride to st Paul from the airport yesterday with a nice woman. From the downtown area I could see the streets closed off at the Excel Center. The police presence here makes Denver look like Chucky Cheese. As soon as I got down here I was smack dab in the midst of a huge moving protest, a parade of mega phones costumes and cameras. The buzz around here is three hundred people got arrested for protesting today. Where are they keeping them? Maybe in the Excel Center?

Last night I found myself sitting on a street corner with some local kids. Two had acoustic guitars slung over there boney shoulders playing a catalog that ranged from incubus to doctor dre. Small crowds formed and left but the kid kept playing. If it wasn’t for the cement, huge blockades and the periodical din of sirens in the distance we could have easily been at a beach bon fire living it up.

After some time I realized I had stayed out past the time I could catch the bus I needed. What to do? Thankfully a nice woman offered me a couch at her sister’s home. Times like this in new cities remind me of when I was a kid traveling across country with my father on Amtrak or Greyhound. The healthy fear of unfamiliar streets mixed with the excitement of discovering what’s around the next corner makes life exciting in a new way every time, There’s a cretin freedom with not knowing where you are or where you are going.

This morning as I was walking through rural St. Paul I passed the classic American dream several times. White picked fences, wraparound porches, American flags posted at every door waving proudly at every breeze. Am I really here – I thought. With no particular direction to head in I couldn’t help but feel like a young black Bob Dylan or Huck Finn. I ducked in to some second hand stores, and turned out my empty pockets. Ate breakfast at a cute little Russian themed dinner and ended up in coffee shop just feet from the barricaded downtown area. I wonder what it’s going to be like on the other side of the fences? Another day another adventure.

DON DYLAN-

Massive Protests First Day of RNC

The first day of the Republican Convention may have been stifled by the hurricane in the gulf, but protesters refused to let it stop their message. Whether anti-war, pro-universal health care, pro-choice, anti-choice, or anti-government in general, protesters packed the streets of St. Paul, Minnesota hoping to impact convention goers.



The events were mostly peaceful but a small group of anarchists broke out store windows, police car windows, slashed tires, and caused a general ruckus.

One RNC official at the press and media check in expressed his disappointment in police who allowed much of the destruction. But one former 70's war protester who joined the events today said the police were much calmer than those in the 60's and 70's who he said were less patient.

There were, however, live streaming videos of police shooting tear gas into crowds, shooting people with rubber bullets, and huge blanket arrests. Despite those events, reports were that only 150 had been arrested, no word on how many have been detained.

One thing is for sure, the use of policy and national guard troops was much more present on the streets of St. Paul than in Denver. While at the DNC convention, security was limited mostly to the parameter, many police and guard troops kept to the streets. There were minor injuries, many journalists were accidentally gassed including former campaign manager for Vice President Al Gore and CNN Consultant Donna Brazil, Democracy NOW reporter Amy Goodman was arrested, and many journalists were detained until they could prove they were official media.

No word on whether these protests will continue throughout the course of the Republican Convention.

Business as Unusual: RNC Day 1

Pre-Convention Drama

Raids of suspected terrorists swept the Twin Cities before the Republican National Convention doors even opened:

I was driving down I-94 on Saturday and saw a green school bus pulled over:


Monday Morning

My backyard in St. Paul is overrun with protesters, anarchists, police, secret service agents, mostly Republicans- but a few Democrats in their Obama Ts and Greens are spotted here and there, legal observers, the media and innocent onlookers with strollers and cameras. I walked out of my front door this morning at 9am, near the Cathedral on John Ireland Blvd. and Kellogg Blvd. Protesters greeted me on their way to the state Capitol nearby, heading to the March on the RNC, gripping signs saying “No Peace for the Warmakers,” “No More War” and “WWJB: Who Would Jesus Bomb” with water in hand, expecting a heat wave- a humid 90 degrees.



The Convention

Compared to the DNC, things were feeling pretty empty here in St. Paul.

I got through the security perimeter for the Xcel Energy Center with my credentials, and no problems. The only thing that really bothered me was that it looked like a deserted town on judgment day- empty tents flapping in the wind, and dust blowing through the air. And, no merchants enthusiastically selling McCain T shirts. Just the security checkpoint. I connected with Davey D of Hard Knock Radio at “Radio Row” and we plotted our plans for the day. Because of Hurricane Gustav rolling into the Gulf Coast, much of the day’s business for the Republican National Convention Day 1 were disrupted. Bush and Cheney- no show. Interview with an Iraq war veteran, check. March on the RNC. On our way, microphone and cameras in hand.

As we proceed down John Ireland Blvd toward the Capitol, I am again greeted by more protesters at Kellogg Blvd. This time, angry anarchists planned to disrupt the convention’s flow by barricading the street to block delegate busses and police cars and throwing trash cans. Linked arm and arm, the self-proclaimed anarchists planted firmly in front of the gigantic bus. Police on horseback led, batons ready. As they met each other in the middle of the street, things got ugly. Tear gas sprayed. Protesters on hands and knees holding their faces. Handcuffs and batons. Medics rushing to aid, legal observers meticulously taking note and pictures. A few media teams stood on the sidelines, documenting the drama. Over 200 arrests have been made thus far today, in pockets of drama across the city, many detained, most likey more as I write. As I write, I got a text that Democracy Now! producers and the one and only Amy Goodman have been arrested.

Not all of the protests were violent. THE MARCH ON THE RNC brought together thousands of peaceful and dedicated activists, and young people hungry for change from across the country. The Poor People’s March. Signs saying “Money for Human Needs Not War” waving, with talk about Hurricane Gustav.

Discussions are taking place around town, and the country about how the Republicans have been using Hurricane Gustav for political gain. All GOP parties canceled because if they were partying while the Gulf Coast is devastated, what would that make them look like? Will the Twin Cities’ extended bar hours be for nothing?

Anti-war protesters were screaming, “What do we want? Peace. When do we want it? NOW!” exchanging quick glances with police, batons still ready to bust heads. Immigrant Rights supporters. A Student and Youth contingent. Anti-capitalists, labor organizations, solidarity with the people of Palestine, MN North Country representatives, Unitarian Universalists, and local neighbors working diligently to keep the peace and a large group of Somali protesters holding signs proclaiming “Muslims Are Not Terrorists!” I saw a lot of friends and familiar faces, and young people speaking their mind.

And then it got crazy again.

Broken windows, arrests from the left and right. I tried to escape the madness in downtown to go kick it with my friends at the SEIU: Take Back Labor Day concert across the river at Harriet Island, featuring my favorite local hometown talent Atmosphere, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and The Pharcyde. I took the elevator of the Science Museum down to the riverfront street, Shephard Road, along the train tracks, and below the windows of the Ramsey County jail. A little nervous about what might pop off with the black hooded and masked individuals walking alongside, I continued to the Wabasha Street bridge (which I must note now displays dozens and dozen of American flags that weren’t there last week). I heard a roar ahead. The anarchists allegedly were throwing feces, urine and bricks at police officers. I see the crowd turn in my direction and start running. Tear gas and missiles coming or way. With my three bags of equipment, I ran fairly quickly back to the Science Museum. I tried to catch the cab nearby, but they sped off in the opposite direction.

Non-violent and violent direct action took place today at the Republican National Convention. While 10,000 mostly peaceful protesters were marching through downtown St. Paul, the spotlight was on the anarchists causing a ruckus. I covered it all.