Newt

So on November 9th, 2011 another Republican debate occurred in Michigan.  This time, though, the moderator was not Anderson Cooper.  There were three different moderators, each of which the names escape me.  Surprisingly, I caught this one on television, although it was a total accident.  I went to type in a channel, my fingers punched the wrong numbers, and the debate popped onscreen just as it was starting.  How weird is that?

The environment at this debate was not combative as the last one was.  The last one was full of chaos.  This time the folks onstage almost seemed like a team, like they were bonded together.  It was impressive.  I have taken a closer look at a couple of candidates, but Newt Gingrich struck me as intolerant last night.

He scoffed at the moderators more than once, to the point where one of them was very irritated.  For some reason, though, I really like that about Mr. Gingrich.  He had kind of a "screw off" attitude, and he played by his own rules.  I like that, too.  Sometimes to pull yourself out of a really deep hole, a person has to change the rules for a while.

Check this out:

HeeHee!  Here it is!  Boy, she gets really annoyed as he play childishly coy with her!

Hmm.  Here is some more juice on Gingrich's attitude, as I mentioned earlier, as reported and analyzed by The Washington Post.  Funny, the comment I just made about my liking his haughtiness towards the moderators is outlined in the Post article.  Very interesting.

This link will provide you with much detail about Newt's performance from November 9, 2011.  If nothing else, I really encourage you to watch the video listed on the page, even if it is just to hear the first minute of the video.  Newt is an impressive speaker.  And he knows what he is talking about!  He can make any of us think about the problems that are happening right now.  It is not that he is necessarily right in everything he says, his comments just make a person think.

Solyndra

I just happened to be listening to the radio the day that the conspiracy was brought up regarding the Solyndra plant, which  is a plant that received a lot of money to produce solar panels in the United States for green energy and within about a year it had already failed. It has been rumored for weeks now that the plant was not going to work before it even opened its doors, and that  the money was approved for this particular company because Obama was supported financially by this ceo.  It is also rumored that the Japanese were making the same solar panels for much, much less than that was the main base for people knowing that the plant was going to fail.  even knowing that the plant was going to fail, it did open with a brand-new building and all brand-new machinery and today it is empty. Today it sits empty- as far as I can find, anyway.

On Thursday there  was a House energy and commerce committee panel and the Republicans voted to subpoena the White House communication documents regarding the situation.  Of course, the Democrats were very against this. Tthe White House did try to deter the moves of the subpoena but it was a no go.  Some folks stressed that the White House never been subpoenaed by this particular committee but the Republicans replied that their hope had been to avoid this step.  Of course some people are saying that the White House pushed out the stimulus money to help Obama supporters, or financiers.

And of course the Democrats have comments for the Republicans saying that they wish the Republicans would have as much enthusiasm for creating new jobs as they do with this particular investigation. 

Two of the first three companies that received loan guarantees through the stimulus have now filed for bankruptcy protection.  This is two months after someone drove filed for Chapter 11. Mr. Obama has egg on his face from this particular loan guarantee worth $535 million after he promoted the company as a way to create green energy jobs. I will be curious to see what the internal documents from the White House show us. Do you think these documents should in fact be subpoenaed or do you think that just as history has run its course, these documents should not be subpoenaed by this committee?  I will be curious to hear your thoughts.

Who is Ron Paul?

Ron Paul has been the least covered in the media during this Republican race so far.  He has been at the debates, answering hard questions, and in my opinion, telling folks what he thinks about different situations and policies.  This is not an endorsement for Mr. Paul, but I will be taking a little time to show you some different videos and information that may endorse him for president.  My intention with these videos is to give readers a better understanding at politics today in new media.

Well, Ron Paul is this guy, who the internet is going on and on about how Rick Perry was bullying Ron Paul during one of the commercial breaks.  On a video that I watched regarding this incident, Mr. Paul graciously said that even though it is tempting to kid about what Mr. Perry was saying to him, these photographed moments did not have any significance in subject matter or any cross words.

Or here, where he amusingly shuts down a goofy question, and still hardheaded looking for gossip, she tries again and get a little irritated when he addresses at length her quesiton!  Check it out:

This next one is pretty funny, too.  Please note that I am not endorsing anything regarding drugs, pro or con.  I am posting this video to show how new media shows us a different way of looking at politics.

Sorting through videos was pretty enjoyable, and I tried to choose vids that are not so extensively long.  Ron Paul has a lot of content on Youtube, if you are interested in knowing more about him, I suggest that you look him up. 

I am going to leave you today with this, and yes, this is Ron Paul (supposedly).

Out of all of the candidates I have seen perform in and out of the debates, Ron Paul has been the one to explain himself the most completely, logically, and consistently.  I watched him on tv talking to a room full of college students, and he made so much sense.  I tried to find the video, but no dice.

Las Vagas Repulican Debate: Smoke is Still Risin'

Whoa- what a debate!  Republican or not, interested in politics or not, this debate was a cut throat, downright scrappin' match that ended up making two candidates look like children fighting in the back seat of the station wagon on a trip with the Griswolds.  Mit Romney and Rick Perry bickered back and forth so bitterly at one point without actually debating, that I felt a little angry at my older brother for some reason.

Earlier I was more than a little annoyed at Perry for becoming so upset, but as I am thinking about it, I am wondering if it is okay that he was so upset because of the reason he was attacking Romney in the first place: illegal immigration.  Not only was he upset that Romney was employing (indirectly) illegal immigrants, he apparently knew about it for quite some time before he did anything about it.

This link shows much detail on the debate.  Videos, comments and other information are on this page, so I am giving you the whole page link so you can pick the information that you want to see.

The purpose of my post today, is to stare in wonder about the use of media at the debate.  What I mean by this is that the questions for the candidates comes from the floor of the folks attending, the host, and online communication.  I think that is neat.  I like that the debates have been utilizing different forms of communication.  I really like that I can find the entire debate online, because once again, I forgot it was on television. 

Sarah Palin Occupies Wall Street

The Occupy Wall Street movement has been spreading around the United States.  In essence, the people marching on the streets are angry over different issues.  Some are angry about the lack of jobs.  Others are upset over the current tax rate system.  Still others are angry over the additional fees that the banks are charging their customers.  I believe the most broad casted fee is $5 from US Bank just to carry a debit card.

Last week Sarah Palin announced that she would not be running for President in 2012.  She has traveled across the United States in her bus, mostly hanging out in the eastern states even though the debates were happening very near where she was talking with people.

The last update I have seen regarding Mrs. Palin is that she is now Occupying Wall Street as seen in this video.

It appears that she has been interviewing people, which confuses me in a sense.  It makes me feel like she is acting like a journalist.  I have to wonder, though, is she simply trying to show that she understands the people?  Is she trying to show that she is flexible in the face of what needs to be done?  Or perhaps she is trying to show the contenders for the 2012 campaign what people are saying out there.  I cannot tell you but I will be interested in seeing how the Occupy Wall Street contributes to the campaign of 2012 and the decisions of Obama.

Occupy Wall Street

There is a protest gaining momentum across the United States of America.  What once began in New York City in Zuccotti Park, which is privately owned, has spread to nearly 150 cities across the nation.  This magnificent protest gives me goose bumps!  Social media has appeared to level the playing field when it comes to a voice.  No longer does a person have to have money and political power in order to be heard!  This is the evolution of history.  This is the wheel being invented!

Occupy Wall Street has already been added to Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that anyone can contribute to.  Even though Wikipedia is not considered a reliable research source, it still lists great information that I will discuss through this post.

I scrolled to the section where the demands of the protesters were discussed.  Here is where I learned about the website set up for the group; this site takes a moment to understand, but it is so different than most sites that it is striking to the reader.  I appreciate the videos and pictures posted, also. 

On the website a protestor had posted a proposed or suggested list of demands which the media mistakenly reported as the actual, official list.  Once this goof was pointed out, even more criticism was shot at the protestors.  In fact, the New York Times' Ginia Bellafante spit at the groups a scolding of their choice and way of organization, passively suggesting that these people are not experienced or smart.  She grinds the stiletto in further by throwing in their faces the difficulty of finding work and finishing school.

I have to laugh, though, at her naivety, for this is exactly what the group is protesting.  The "old" way of doing things.  The "old" way of thinking and organizing.  The young adults involved listened to their elders, went to school choosing to spend money instead of making money because this is what we have all been told.  Education is the key.  I do become saddened, though, that sometimes it seems like most people think there is only one way to get educated.  The piece of paper that the entire society believes in.  Aren't the rules of organization and experience that Ms. Bellafante eludes to similar to the general view of an education?  Are these not the same set of rules of Wall Street?

I admire the response to Ms. Bellafante, the group stood strong against her snittiness, only stating the following from Glenn Greenwald, "Does anyone really not know what the basic message is of this protest: that Wall Street is oozing corruption and criminality and its unrestrained political power—in the form of crony capitalism and ownership of political institutions—is destroying financial security for everyone else?".  This was taken directly from Wikipedia; so again, it is not always considered reliable information. 

Again, I admire this response.  It reiterates the fact that she, and many others, still doesn’t get it.  Mulling this over I have to wonder, is she so brainwashed by her life throughout the society she has lived in to realize that she is the person who could, perhaps, be clueless?

Romney's Facebook Campaign

I am not quite sure if I have not noticed this on other campaigning politician's Facebook pages, or if Mr. Romney is doing something different.  I noticed that as a part of his campaign, Mr. Romney is posting what I would consider his speeches so that people can get to know him better.

This particular morsel I found particularly amusing.  It seems that Mr. Mitt Romney is having a raffle to come on the road with him for a day and you can bring a friend!  If you donate $5 or more, you are automatically entered.  I have to say that I think this is clever.  I don't consider it to be shady clever, just straightforward clever.

Also listed are some interviews.  I strongly dislike interviews with people regarding the promotion.  "VIDEO: We asked private sector job creators what they think of Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus".  It was no better than advertisements on TV.  They somehow have the ability to cheapen his position due to the fact that everyone has an opinion on the stimulus and perhaps it is because I am just sick of hearing about it.  The money is gone.  Nothing can be done.

My favorite portion of his page thus far is the "Here is how I will control Federal spending".  I appreciate, very much, that this campaign is requiring the contenders to really think about how situations will be encountered while they are president.  In the last race for the Democratic party, I really noticed that neither Hilary Clinton or Barack Obama gave details specifically relating to the issues of the time.  I was really disappointed and very frustrated by that notion.  I am asked in each job interview how I would  handle certain situations in order to demonstrate my skills to my potential new employers.  Why do politicians not have to?  Is it because we as a people have not required it of our candidates?  I think so.  I happen to think that there are so many stressors in our current economy and daily living that the people of this nation are needing plans and details...much more than promises.  I say, it is about time.

New New Media and the Campaign

I have been quite curious how the Republican race would play out, now that new new media is more common than it was four years ago during the last race.  Unfortunately, I did not follow much in regards to the new ideas regarding campaigning, so in essence this will be my "first race". 

I looked briefly at Sarah Palin's Facebook and noticed that even though she has not announced her intention to run for President of the United States, she has several videos listed that I would consider advertising material.  The difference is that she does not have to pay the high prices for her ads.

Today I noticed a contender who had announced his intention to run for President, Mitt Romney, is utilizing Twitter for Americans to get to know him on a more personal level, which is more of what I expected for new media use vs. posting commercial-type ads.  I must admit, though, I was really looking forward to get to know some of these candidates on a more personal level because in the past I have felt as if I have been kept in the dark regarding the politician.  I wanted a "real person" to be elected for quite some time now, and the only way to find out their personality and how that personality would handle the stress of being our president would be to hang out with them.  What better way to get to know someone than that?  And isn't this the purpose of community sites?  To hang out with a specific person or persons?  It is in my mind.

With this in the forefront of my mind, when I read Mitt Romney's post(s) I was anything but feeling like a friend.  It seemed...commercial-y.  It seemed...speech-y.  I was disappointed.  So now I have to wonder, exactly what was I expecting?  Well, I am not sure.  I wanted...substance.  I wanted what felt like a person.  Instead, what I received was more of the same in a different media.  Have we really gotten to this point?  Have all the brightest and best minds in media campaigns just given up?  Perhaps I am just missing the wow-factor posted somewhere out there and I need to keep looking.  Or perhaps these folks actually need to post their own information- then it won't sound like a newspaper interview.  Or, maybe I just need to lighten up with my ideas different medias fitting different showcases.

Federal Grants

Every so often I look online to see what is being offered in the way of grants through the federal government.  I do this because I am curious.  I realize it is kind of weird to be curious about government grants, but oddly enough it gives me an idea of where the government is at in terms of disease, military, possible upcoming scientific breakthroughs, etc.  You get the idea.

I was moseying around on grants.gov and you will never guess what I found.  I knew you couldn't guess it, it is a federal grant from DARPA.  DARPA stands for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and is located in Arlington, Virginia.  The Title of the grant is, are you ready? Drum roll, please...

"Social Media in Strategic Communication (SMIGSC)" 

The introduction to this announcement talks about blogs and other media sharing technology are quickly changing how the Armed Forces operates.  It acknowledges that effective use of social media has potential to help the Armed Forces "understand the environment in which it operates to allow more agile use of information in support of operations", (page 4 of the announcement).

The announcement covers four goals that the funding opportunity wants to achieve:

1. Detect, classify and track  ideas and concepts from the formation through the spread these ideas and concepts.  The second portion of this goal is to detect, classify and track gossip and incorrect information.
2. To pinpoint situations in which there is persuasion and influence operations across social sites.
3. Identify those involved, the purpose of their involvement, and how others are being effected.
4. Not only stop, but correct adversary influence operations.

What does this mean to me?  The government knows that it needs help in finding, breaking up and using our own persuasion techniques in keeping America safe, especially now that there is so much talk of "homegrown terrorism" for quite some time now.

Under the background section, the announcement talks about events are happening that are of strategic and tactical importance to the military.  I have to agree, I guess I just did not realize that this is how the government goes about looking for the support they need to further their information and technology.  I think it is a great idea- those people who have good ideas and skills are usually very happy to use them for money.  After all, who would have the ability to quit a job and develop technology plus test it without an income at all?  Not I, not I.

There are three sections in which DARPA is willing to split out the $42 million price tag for the total award:  the first section is in the technical area, as in software development.  The second area is the data management, which is where the "performer" creates the controlled environments and performs experiments.  The third area is the test and evaluation of the software/algorithm.  Of course, a person/business is allowed to submit a proposal for just one section, or team up with others.

You can find the entire announcement here:  DARPA

Obama's Job Speech

Do you know what today is?  Yes, it is September 8, 2011.  Obama gave a speech today about jobs for the nation.  I have been looking forward to this speech since I learned about it a couple of weeks ago.  It was supposed to occur a couple days ago, but the Republican debate was held that day so Obama chose another day for his speech.  This morning I was even excited to see this speech, just because of all the hype about it.

This evening I received a phone call from a person who calls me when she has extra perennials that she does not want, so I go get them and throw them in my yard to get rid of the bare all over.  She called this evening and I dropped everything and ran over there, and got 3 large bags full of plants, how exciting, right?  I got home, took care of a couple things, and, guess what?  Speech was over.  I did not think to record it before I left.

But never fear, we live in a very media rich world!!  So, guess what I found!  President Obama's Speech!  I love YouTube!!

President Obama talked about stopping the political circus and help the economy.  He acknowledged the uncertainty in long term service to a company that congress has not always held in their best interests.  He introduced a new bill, with the purpose of more people going back to work, and those working to make more money.  Payroll taxes will be cut in half, and he wants this plan to be passed right away.  I was a little surprised that he did not outline more specific details of what is in the bill. He did talk about different tax cuts for businesses for hiring veterans, or giving raises to staff, or increasing how many jobs they are providing. 

 I am not positive at this point if this is the level of detail that is typical of a president to do, or if the public is normally informed by our President about more specific details in a bill when s/he introduces it.  I realize that this is the way Obama has been since he was campaigning, in fact, the way he answered questions is what intrigued me to start listening to more politics.  Only listening to future Presidents will give me my answer.

Back to the beauty of our media; there is already a response to Obama’s speech!  Yes, ladies and gents, this is the beauty of politics and new, new media.  Check it out here.

Dafni Leef's Facebook Protest

Dafni Leef put up a tent in one of the most expensive neighborhoods of Tel-Aviv in June of 2011.  This came as a result of having to leave her apartment and learning that rents across the city were sky high.  By mid-July, she used her Facebook page to create a fantastic movement.  She simply posted that she would be sleeping on the street of Rothschild Boulevard and that anyone was invited to join, in protest to the country's cost of living.  Within hours of her post, the streets began filling up with tents from other people in the middle class who are angered also.  PBS reports that 87% of the people are supportive of this demonstration.  In September 2011, there are plans in process for a 3 million person march to occur, and Israel only has a population of 7 million people.

The Prime Minister has formed a committee to try to stave off the inflation, with an economist (having a really good reputation) as the leader of the group.  Israeli Parliament also has called a special session during the summer break, although this is viewed as more of a symbolic move.

Not in a million years would I have expected so much to come from a Facebook post.  Of course I realize that if the upset was not present in the masses of people, Dafni would have been tenting all by herself.  However this story is one for the history books.  How powerful just one voice can be!

I am a generation Xer.  From the time I was little I was told that each voice is powerful and can make a difference, but I never really believed that.  It always seemed that someone else was talking louder than I was... but Dafni has broken that belief for me.  I am completely in awe that a result to her post, people are demanding change.  Her peers are conglomerating with her.  Her government is acting (appearance-wise, anyway) in response to the masses. 

A whole new spectrum of possibilities has been opened and seen by the entire world, and that, in itself, is a huge change for many of us.

For further reading and a couple of stunning pictures, check out Psychology Today or PBS.

New Media and Politics, Introduction

For quite some time I have been curious about how new new media is changing the world of politics.  When I refer to new new media, I am not referring email or non-interactive websites.  I am actually referring to the blogs, videos, podcasts, wikis, and rss feeds that will be explored.

I do not currently have much experience with these newest forms of social media, so I look forward to exploring them while noticing and documenting political details in the process.  Last evening I signed up for Twitter and was a little confused and overwhelmed by the organization of the site.  To make matters a little more confusing I started to follow too many different people/organizations and unfortunately, was subjected to more spam than I anticipated.  In the future I plan to narrow this window down to make wading through the information a little easier to digest in an effort to get a clearer picture.

Thus far, I tried to delve into the developing race for the Republican presidential candidate.  Yesterday, however, I heard that Hilary Clinton may give President Obama a run for the Democratic candidate for the next presidential campaign.  So, I do plan to proceed on by checking in on Mrs. Clinton's Twitter feed also, to gather information on whether or not this is true.

One detail I was able to zero in on was the Midwest tour that President Obama was on that went through Minnesota.  Over the radio waves yesterday, Rush Limbaugh mentioned that Obama actually only rode a few miles at a time in the bus.  He flew in Air Force One and actually flew the busses also, reportedly trying to save miles.  True or not, I do not know.  The folks on Twitter last night were engaged in much debate about this detail.  Mr. Limbaugh, of course, struck up more debate with his repeated comments that the bus tour was a fake because Obama flew instead.  I was not able to find any statement from the white house regarding the flying busses.  I do look forward to see how this plays out and how big of an online debate this turns into.  It is difficult for me right now to determine how normal any conversation is because I have no history with the site.