School House Rock

The other day, one of my coworkers asked me if I wanted to join a Government Relations Professional Networking group in Birmingham. You have to be asked, and it really involves upwardly mobile people interested in politics or working with politicians. Hmmm..

I considered it, and then laughed and told my friend/co-worker, "Thanks but, honestly - the level of conversation may be over my "School House Rocks" - "I'm Just A Bill" thought process."

LOL.

I still know that song by heart.

Don't get me wrong, I understand our government. I took many, MANY classes - since I was a journalism major. I knew I needed to understand these items. I even campaigned for Obama. Not - "campaigned" like - I told my friends.. but CAMPAIGNED for Obama.

As tempting as it is, and an interesting idea to network..

BUT - I think I will pass.

That's crossing into a whole "other" world I am not sure I am comfortable with. I kind of like being on the outside of what's going on. Not so far removed that I don't know what's happening.. more so.. on the edge. I see it, I can touch it - I can smell - I can understand it. And I know enough to tell you all about it. But I don't want to be attached to it.

Kind of the reason I went into journalism in the first place.

But that got me to thinking about my favorite "commercials/psas" when I was a kid. School House Rock.

Here are some of my most memorable psas.. the ones I STILL know by heart. (PS - I have the cd. LOL)

What were your favorites?

Not my cup of Tea

"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world." ~T'ien Yiheng


I don't think it is any surprise that I would not be a Tea Party supporter. However, I do enjoy the "activism" on the behalf of this more conservative population.


If you are not aware of what the "Tea Party" is promoting - let me share a few factoids with you:


Mission Statement: The impetuses for the Tea Party movement are excessive government spending and taxation. Our mission is to attract, educate, organize, and mobilize our fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with our three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets.




Core Values: • Fiscal Responsibility • Constitutionally Limited Government • Free Markets


Sounds good. Sounds very patriotic. That's fine with me. 


However, the vast majority of tea party supporters are applying this specifically toward the Obama administration. I, on the other hand, believe that our President is being fiscally responsible, is remaining within the confines of the constitution, and is encouraging a free market. However - President Obama takes it one step further - he is making sure we take care of our fellow man. Because, clearly - the "Big Business" and the private sector is not doing a very good job of it.


I am also completely distraught over the hate speech coming directly from the Tea Party. No, not all of their members are engaging in their sort of activity. But a very specific population within their group has attached themselves to the movement and are representing the "ideals" of the Tea Party.


In response, the "Coffee Party" was created. (Heck - did someone say COFFEE??) Their philosophy is: The Coffee Party Movement gives voice to Americans who want to see cooperation in government. We recognize that the federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges that we face as Americans. As voters and grassroots volunteers, we will support leaders who work toward positive solutions, and hold accountable those who obstruct them.





Here is what I think - Let us use this government that was created by the people for the people to do good in this great nation of ours. I would never associate myself with a group that is angry and looks more like a "negative ad campaign for the Obama administration." That may work on the greedy and the super poor - but not me.


I wanted to be fair and understanding when I wrote about this - so I did I little searching.. if you have a moment, educate yourself and view the following.










In the end - I just want to see change. Change in how we are seen in the world - change in how we do business - change in how we respect and take care of one another.

Aggression and the "Mine Mine Mine, don't touch" attitude does not work for me. Maybe it works for you, and that's great. Isn't that the beauty of this great nation? For now, let us agree to disagree and pray for the best!!

What are your thoughts on the Tea Party and Coffee Movement? If you don't care - why?