Thursday, November 06, 2008

One Nation under Obama


There you have it my fellow Americans. The decision has been soundly cast that Mr. Obama will be the 44th President of these United States of America. Come this next January 20, 2009, all of us will continue to witness a momentous page turn in the history of this nation. As well as a bold global statement that has the entire world waiting with baited breathe. As all the pomp and circumstance goes into overdrive, Team O starts the 77 day trek of gathering their cast of characters, the special interest waggons began circling, and expectations soar. For me election cycle 2008 has many lesson learned and experiences that have forced me to further understand the process. Ultimately, as this history in the making continues to reveal itself, I'm clear eyed and confident that as the President Elected stated, "there's some gonna be some rough days ahead, but as a people we will get there..." Yes, I believe that but the election of Mr. O is not the end of the story by a long shot. Systemic racism and all that eminates from it has not been eradicated. This was abundantly clear as the electoral college map unfolded, not to mention some of the musings that I heard from indviduals in the GLBTQ community and beyond. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm bursting with pride, but keeping a close watch with the light on...


ACT 1 Shut Out: It's obvious that a campagin of fear, misinformation, specualtion and gay baiting has again prevailed in the mindset of voters whom believed that ACT 1 was in the best interest of the children. Unfortunately, the coalition of groups that were gathered to off set this measure were not able to overcome the "noise" of Family Council figurehead Cox and troops who blanketed the state with rhetroic mired in scare tactics. I saw some Soulforce members on Chenal, participating in the "minding the children" set up promoted by CAR and the emotionally charged commercials featuring affected children. However, I'm concerned that even though polls stated that the issue wouldn't pass, I'm suspect that those in the polling booth didn't quite understand the options. Even though there were community forums, I don't think the message was totally branded as it could have been. Also, as we continue to live and learn, it's all about the Benjamins that often can help make the case. Congrats to those who worked tiredlessly to help defeat this madness and vigilant supporters.


Health INFO:Just a reminder that the Health Dept will be offering flu shots at each local health unit on 11/6 from 8:00 to 5:00. ADH accepts Medicaid. Otherwise, the shot is FREE that day only (the charge is $20 any other day).

The local health units across the state use this occasion to practice their mass immunization drills in case they ever need to respond to an emergency. As a result, there are plenty of shot-givers and there is usually no wait. Some clinics offer *drive-by shootings* where you don't even have to get out of your car!!

There are 4 locations in Pulaski County:

3000 N. 1st Street in Jacksonville
2800 W. Willow Street in NLR and two in Little Rock--
3915 W. 8th Street &
4918 Baseline Road Suite 1

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