The Birth of a New Era

Like many of you, I woke this morning to images of billowing flags, clear skies and a booming vitality that encompassed the many faces of all those present for this generation's inaugural address. Throughout the election, we have heard the echoes of change and a promise for a new era to be waiting for us and yet, without anything to measure these promises by, they have been nothing more than mere words; but fear not, today we saw those words begin to take action. Regardless of your politics, your affiliations or your predisposition to support or be skeptical of this new presidency, one thing cannot be denied: today, the twentieth of January, two thousand and nine, we witnessed the largest inaugural assembly on the footsteps of this nation's capitol, to date. Change has, and certainly will continue to, come, but let us never forget that this change does not solely rest on the shoulders of our new president, it is also up to us, we are the vehicle that can transform the world around us. The new era has begun to set itself in motion, and we, a nation of immigrants, should gladly welcome it, for it is ripe with possibility.

"We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

Obama, H., Barack
Inaugural Address
Washington, D.C.
21, January, 2009

Hope and Change.

Alright, we lied. One last Obama post before we get all irreverent again.

Like a majority of voting Americans, today brought me a renewed sense of hope and pride in this country. This is a new and special feeling for me, as I was not born here, but immigrated when I was a small boy who had a predilection for parting my hair and wearing bow ties with shorts and suspenders. I can proudly say that by casting my vote for Obama, and seeing him win the election, I finalized the dream that my parents had by bringing my sister and I here.

At the time of our emigration, my parents were successful Filipino citizens, but the hope of something more for their children pushed them to sell all of their belongings to move to America. Over the years, it seemed as if I had personally squandered their hopes, following a path that they had not foreseen: a life in art, not business, a living brought about by creativity, not science or medicine. But celebrating the election of Obama with my mother last night, I saw the joy in her face in seeing the first African-American President, I finally realized that in being able to give me the freedom and the opportunity to do as I pleased, to pursue a career that could not be afforded in our motherland, I am still meeting their goals.

It was an emotional moment for me, my eyes welling up with tears. I realized that this was America: the belief that in our lifetimes, we can witness our children gain opportunity that was not available in our youth. It is not about red or blue or a free market versus a big government, it is about the continuous improvement of the quality of life of a family through generations. And given my our rediscovered hope and optimism, I can say honestly, for the first time, that I am proud to be not just and an American, but a son of immigrants chasing The Dream, and hope to do for my children what my parents did for me.

Thanks everyone. Let's work to make the next four or eight years the best we've seen so far.

Go Out and Vote.

It's the last time you'll hear it from us. After today, we'll be back to posting iChat conversations and Katy Perry photos, but for now, go out and vote.

Obamarama

Here's something to think about: on our morning commute this morning, we realized that just about a quarter of our Blackberry playlists were somehow Obama-related. This wasn't an intentional thing, as our boy Barack seems to inspire the more creative dudes making music, but it kind of made us wonder what will happen come November 5th. Whether Obama wins or not, would we then need to purge our music collection? Do topical songs like this come with an expiration date and suddenly become irrelevant or can we be free to bump the massive amount of songs of differing quality and the countless unsolicited Obama mixes for the next four years? We don't know the answer to this, but we'd certainly still get hyped if someone dropped House Music United's ode to Obama, "Yes We Can", on Election Day.

Scary Shit.

7. Dagnaski comments:
October 16, 2008
To Commonsense: I'm not out to prove anything to you or anyone else. I'm also not blind to reality. Obama is going to win handily. There will immediately be outbreaks of violence nationwide. This is the way the afircan american community celebrates. How many dozens of examples would you like me to provide? The only saving grace is that most of the violence will be limited to the urban core. A fair warning to all malcontents. In my suburb we're aware of you, we're realistic about you, and we're prepared to deal with you. Come into my neighboorhood, and you're going to die.

Taken from a Hollywood Reporter story about the World Series being pushed back due to Obama's thirty minute ad buy.

edit: now with somewhat related video.

Party for Change.

Young America's favorite RISD graduate, Shepard Fairey, is throwing a party on August 1st at Los Angeles' Echoplex as a fundraiser for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Just imagine how much tang you'll get when you can honestly claim that you helped America with a PBR in one hand and a Parliament in the other!

Fairey will have a DJ set along with the illustrious DJ Z-Trip and Adam 12 of She Wants Revenge fame.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, go to Echo website.

yes we can.

The good people over at Slate have produced this eight minute video documenting the past seven months of the Democratic race for President.

Yes, we all know who came out on top, but it's a very smart and sharp piece about the long crazy road that got Obama where he is. Watch it and catch up.

Bowie

2008

Make your own Obama Logo : http://logobama.com