George W Bush and the Free Market

For such a supporter of free market capitalism, it was funny to see Bush say the following:

"I've abandoned free-market principles to save the free-market system."

Response from Andrew Sullivan:

" . . . Just as he used torture to defend freedom. And occupied a country in order to liberate it."

Over the next few weeks up to the inauguration, I am going to do the best I can to look at the Bush legacy. I won't promise something everyday, but it is important to look at what our country has gone through, and what it looks like today after eight years of his presidency.

At-Risk Watch: No Bus Transportation for Special Needs Children

Yep, it has come to this. This is apparently an all too common problem in Chicago Public Schools. An interesting and unfortunate statistic noted in the report: of the 50,000 special needs students in Chicago, only about 9,000 are eligible for bus services. The piece does remind parents of special needs students to have transportation services detailed in their child's IEP. Also, the article features Special Education lawyer, and one of my favorite education bloggers, Charles Fox.

A Memorable Image from Election Night

I have not exactly been a fan of Jesse Jackson these past few years when it comes to racial issues and publicity, and I think he did not do Obama any favors during the campaign. However, this image of him at the rally in Chicago last night is something that really got to me, as it probably got to many Americans. Remember, Jackson grew up in the segregated South, he was active in the Civil Rights movement, and he was there when MLK was killed. Like many African Americans, he has gone from living in segregation to having an African American elected to the White House. Yes Reverend, this is really happening.

The picture comes from The Guardian.

To fellow Barack Obama Supporters

As encouraging as the polls are, don't let that stop you from voting. Don't for a second think "Obama is going to win anyways, so why bother?" That kind of thinking isn't just lazy, it's also dangerous. Don't get complacent, this country needs YOU to go out and VOTE! It is your civic duty, and perhaps the most important right you have as an American. This country cannot afford 4 more years of Republican control because people got too comfortable. Change is needed, but it will not happen unless you stand up and do what is necessary.

GO BARACK THE VOTE!!!

GO VOTE!!!

Picture coutesy of People Magazine.

I have just finished voting with my fiance today, and now I am encouraging everyone who is eligable, and who hasn't voted yet, to go out and vote. It doesn't matter how long the lines are, what your schedule looks like, or whatever lame excuse you may have. Unless it is a life and death emergency, and you are eligable, there is no reason you shouldn't go out and vote. People have died for this right. It is perhaps the most important right we as Americans have. Polling hours across the country can be found here. If you have problems at your voting stations, contact either your local or state election officials, or go to the media and expose these problems. And remember, when you step in the booth, think long and hard about what YOU want. It is YOUR choice, and YOUR right as an America.

NOW GO AND VOTE!