Mixed blessing

This morning I was tired, as I'm sure lots of other people are, as I stayed up late to watch both McCain's and Obama's speeches last night.
Obama's election is a historic moment and a bright spot in a long and arduous election cycle.
I am happy, not only for my brothers and sisters of color, but also for all Americans, that we were able to move beyond division and embrace change and inclusion.
That said, I am sad to learn that it's very likely California voters have voted to ban gay marriage after the jubilant and well-deserved celebrations witnessed this year after a court ruling made gay marriage legal there, albeit briefly.
Decades from now, Americans will look back on this time with a mixture of pride and confusion.
How could a country that voted for inclusion also vote to limit the civil rights of a group of its citizens?
Why would my marriage, legal in Canada, not be recognized here?
How does my marriage threaten the marriages of others?
I'm disappointed, but know the struggle must continue.
Civil rights seldom come easily.

Come out! Come out! Wherever you are!

I'd like to report a missing person.
She's famous, but she's missing.
She's been seen, but apparently has lost her voice and can't speak.
Of course I'm talking about Sarah Palin, Vice Presidential Candidate.
I've got some questions for her, but from what I hear, I'll have to take a number.
Of course I could understand if she's too busy to take my questions.
After all, who am I?
But the press?
They have lots of questions, and all they seem able to do is shout them at her as she ducks into an SUV to be whisked away to another appointment.
I'm sure she's busy.
Aren't we all?
But I'd like to ask her about a NYT editorial this morning concerning billing sexual assault victims for rape kits in Wasilla, Alaska. Sarah was mayor there.
The Times editorial implies Sarah knew this billing was going on and did nothing about it.
She was likely too busy combing the shelves of the library for books that might give people the wrong ideas.
Ideas are dangerous, you know.
We can't have just any ideas floating around out there.
People might start to question things.
And we can't have that!
Did Sarah know of--and approve of--charging sexual assault victims for the rape kits that would gather evidence to try to catch their attackers?
And if she did know, why didn't she stop the practice?
Or, was it just low on her priority list?
A woman who could potentially be president someday who doesn't look out for women who are victims of sexual assault?
Do we really want to wait for answers to this and many other questions, hoping we'll catch up with her after the election?
I've heard enough. And she hasn't even said a word...

Keeping up is hard to do!

I directed someone to my blog this morning and discovered, to my horror, that my last post was in April!
Shame!
Keeping up with blogging is something one almost has to schedule, much as you would schedule an appointment for a haircut or lunch with a friend.
Life has kept me busy since April.
I was awarded tenure in May.
Became chair of my department in August.
And now I'm settling into a fall semester and new duties and responsibilities.
Let's see if we can keep this thing going a bit more regularly, shall we?

The Dog Days of April

Monday, April 14 is Syracuse University's first Monday for Mutts.
The event, inspired by our own Holly Wrigley, the fine looking golden retriever who graces this page, is designed to get all of us off our butts and out walking. Heaven knows we could all use the exercise.
Holly's particularly excited because there are treats involved, and we've bribed humans to show up promising them a chance to win treats, too.
Sunny, but cool, weather is predicted.
We'll let you know how it goes.
Make no bones about it, we're going to have fun!

Boys will be boys!

Way to go, Larry Craig. You have dodged another bullet, although this one may leave a scar. Today's (Feb. 14, 2008) New York Times reports on the Senate Ethics Committee's "admonishment" by the U.S. Senate "for conduct that reflected poorly on the Senate as the result of his arrest and guilty plea last summer in an undercover sex sting in a men's bathroom at the Minneapolis airport."
Despite this latest censure, Craig is hanging in there and serving out his term. Bet the Republicans are thrilled to have him around as a reminder of how ethical lapses have dogged Washington for longer than most care to admit.
Craig continues to protest he isn't gay, but at this point, that's a moot point. Nobody really cares about that anymore, it seems, but they DO care about his handling of the whole incident. Handing his card to the policeman is seen by some, the article says, to be an act of throwing his title around in hopes of making the officer overlook his actions. Saying he'd resign in a mea culpa news conference and then saying he wouldn't further damages his credibility. Accepting an award back in Idaho after all this happened is the ultimate act of hubris.
Here's a suggestion. Fess up, give up, and go home.
Your credibility is so severely eroded that you are effectively impotent as a Senator.
The people of Idaho deserve someone who can be effective and advocate for them.
Trouble is, their Senator is too busy shoring up his sagging reputation.
And, as Ross Perot used to say, "That's just sad."

What's next in politics?

Rudy's out. Edwards departed. Now what? Debates will probably get more intense and personal. Let's stay tuned for tonight's Democratic debate and see! What role will Bill now play for Hill given that it's pretty much Hill and Obama? Will Chelsea appear more often in Bill's place? Can Chelsea woo young voters away from Obama, who's been adept at getting them to participate more in the election process?
And, looking ahead, how are those running mate rosters shaping up? Rudy wanted to make sure he quickly endorsed McCain. Edwards has refused to make an endorsement. Is he keeping his options open so either candidate could pick HIM to be a running mate?
What about Romney? Can he paint McCain as the liberal and himself as the conservative in the Republican primaries to come next week?
By next Tuesday--Super Tuesday--will we have a clear idea of the nominees or will it drag on to the conventions?
As we like to say, "Stay tuned!"

Let's jump in!

Today is the beginning of an experiment in one of my Public Relations classes.
As part of The Ethics of Advocacy class, we are starting a blogging project to react to today's ethical challenges.
Many of the students will be trying something they've never done before.
Many will be apprehensive. Many will be excited!
That's all OK!
With discussion comes understanding, shared meaning and energy.
With discussion comes responsibility to think clearly, maintain integrity and check facts.
The blogs created in this course will be shared with others and will help us debate and dissect the ethical challenges facing us in today's society.
Happy reading!