Presidental Debate 2008

On Friday my boss let me have the day of to go to Oxford, Ms. for the first presidential debate.

I didn't have the all access media pass but I did get a goody bag and got to hang out all day. There was so much excitement in the air, Oxford had been prepping for 18 months for this. When McCain announced that he was showing up- the campus ignited. I met a alot of energetic, politically savvy college kids. There was lots of supporters for both candidates and the town square was blocked off for thousands of people to watch the debate on large movie screens.

It was quite an experience to be around so many Americans who were united for a brief moment by pure enthusiasm for their town. Southern Hospitality is an understatement for Oxford- everyone I met went out of their way. A young girl at the college even gave me a ride when I asked her for directions while I was walking to the town square.

As far as the debate goes I was disappointed by the consistent political rhetoric thats been said by both candidates over and over again for the past year. I felt like the issues were skimmed on the surface with vague plans. They both did refute arguments pretty well but I think most people feel like they aren't getting the real facts. I'm looking forward to seeing Tom Brokaw moderate the debate the third time around.

Also, the debate analysis by the huffington post- is quite good.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/05/presidential-debate-moder_n_117048.html

Media day at MS fire academy

On Wednesday I was invited to the MS state Fire Academy for a media personnel day. I jumped at the prospect of getting to be a firefighter for a day, and it was one of the most interesting things I have done in a while.

I got to drive two fire trucks through and obstacle course, use a hose, and put on gear and go into a smoke controlled building. It was definitely a challenge adding 40 extra pounds of gear on, in the 80 degree weather. When we went into the building it was hot, dark, and I could not hear a thing.

I was overwhelmed and had to mentally push myself not to pass out. I can't really explain why it was so intense but a million different thoughts go through your head once you enter into a burning building ( Its so hot, I'm about to pass out, I can't hear what my teammate just said, people are yelling at me, I hope my air doesn't run out, where is everyone? who is grabbing my arm? how do I turn on the hose? how do I remember where the room starts and ends? )

Anyway, I gained ALOT more respect for firefighters and had a fun time and in all I learned that I would make a really crappy firefighter.

Animal Shelter Story

Week one

I have made it one week as a journalist!
Where to start, where to start!

Well Mississipi is a state that gets bashed a lot and maybe that makes the people here a little more humble. So far I am enthralled by how genuine people here are. From politicans to grocery store clerks- everyone stops and talks to you.

When I came up here last Sunday I hit traffic escaping NOLA on I-55.When I got to Jackson I was so eager to start work that I actually called my boss and asked if I could come in on labor day. He, of course said yes. and I got to write about the shelters in the area.

I also wrote about a local bookstore that was closing, and I enjoyed these assignments very much.

Its still strange adjusting to a life with a somewhat normal schedule, taking my lunch break when I want, and the time that I have to think. Before this, I had been trying to get somewhere and be someone. I was tired of being a barista and wanted a real career.

Now I feel like the clutter in my brain has been cleared. I have this time and desire to really push myself to work hard on the task set in front me. I'll admit somedays I go cross-eyed after non stop googling and trying to understand words like millage and bonds. I envisioned myself working around the clock- staying at the office alone till late at night reading back issues of the paper.

But thats not sucess. When I take time to run, or read, or break off my mind is recharged and full of new ideas. I will get better but not all at once.

I am in a good place right now in which all the possibilties I have envisioned seem closer to reality. I feel focused and content with the complexity and roundabout thinking that my job requires.

The Hot Ticket

In an effort to remain an unbiased journalist I will refrain on my political viewpoints. I will however, make note of the differences in candidates, and campaign strategies.
Watching Sarah Palin give her acceptance speech of the vice presidental nomination I noticed several pins, mostly worn by old wrinkley men. These pens read: "Hoosiers for the Hot Chick VP" and " From the coldest state comes the hottest Vice president."
I had to wonder, how much does the "hot" vote count? What do asthetics represent in a political candidate?
Palin, who has been selected to woo Clinton voters could not be any more opposite from Clinton. Aproaching the podium in a skirt and flatering hairstyle one could not help but notice the feminine qualities that seperate her from the sisterhood of traveling pantsuits.
And while I subside my own feminist tone- I do find myself torn between championing "You go girl!"
to "But what about your kids?"
I am all for the progession of women in power but I am also a product of a stay at home mom. As a kid my mom was there, and not only was she there she spent countless hours reading with me. I attribute my love for literature and my now journalism career to my mother for that very reason.
I agree that its not fair for the media to pry into her personal life but as a woman this is going to be inveitable. Many are wondering if Palin is so great at managing Wasilla, shouldn't that mean she she equally excels at managing her five kids?
Having five children would seem to be for two reasons: the desire to have a large family, or poor planning. Having a child born with special needs and getting back to work three days later could be seen as a sacrafice for her country, or negligence as a mother.
This is the common struggle for women- wanting to have the same positons and respect as men but unlike men there are higher cost and more scrutiny. Being a woman in power is a balance between two worlds and I would like to see Sarah Palin address this.
In the meantime maybe the public will be swayed to forget this because, afterall in today's society being hot is a reason all in itself to vote for the opposite sex.