Wrong Direction • Disclosure

I have to give thanks to my friend JD Doyle for bringing this video to my attention. It seems like a group of handsome and sexy boys decided to put on their bathing suits to take on a politically-charged adaptation of One Directions' hit, "What Makes You Beautiful". They are making a statement about Mitt Romney's lack of full-disclosure, bit it his taxes, as well as a few other gaffs along the way. Did I mention the boys are cute, almost naked, and having a good time?



The video features the talents of Colby Melvin, Quinn C. Jaxon, David Brackett, Brandon R. Brown, and Johnathan Myers. "Disclosure" was written and produced by Conor Gaughan, Rob Conant, David Forest, James Fraenkel, and Keelin Clark of Full-Frontal Freedom, a coalition of independent artists and media folks using their creativity to promote civic engagement. Join the community, and check them out online. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, or the official website. You can hear what they are up to, or make a donation for their next project. They look to counteract the money spent by Corporate America on political races with intelligent and often humorous creativity, all to promote equality and freedom.

Silence = Protest

I am joining Wikipedia in the internet blackout to protest the SOPA/PIPA laws that will be discussed by both Congress and the Senate. Please take a moment to contact your representatives about their position on these proposed laws. As Wikipedia has said, "In a post SOPA/PIPA world, Wikipedia --and many other useful informational sites-- cannot survive in a world where politicians regulate the Internet based on the influence of big money in Washington. It represents a framework for future restrictions and suppression. Congress says it's trying to protect the rights of copyright owners, but the "cure" that SOPA and PIPA represent is much more destructive than the disease they are trying to fix."

Delaware Horror Tales

Delaware Democratic candidates Chris Coons & John Carney, Jr.

Here in Delaware, we have our own Halloween horror tale unfolding, the campaign for the US Senate seat formerly held by Vice President Joe Biden. Since it is Halloween, I thought it would be a great chance to show everyone Chris Coons' latest ad, a tribute to Rod Serling's great series, The Twilight Zone. And, for some Delaware residents, it does seem like the Twilight Zone, as there are people who are actually voting for the woman who managed to repeat talking points and take out a Rep. Mike Castle, a fine man who had served Delaware well for many years as Governor and State Representative. In some ways, this campaign reminds me of the classic horror film Frankenstein, with reactionary townspeople storming the castle with torches and pitchforks, not really understanding the issues at hand. This is not a militia-like response borne out of religious fear, trying to drive out the God-less, it is a political discussion, people! Of course, it was O'Donnell herself who first brought the supernatural into the election, with her own comments about witchcraft and the infamous 'I am not a witch' ad.



Although it seems has though O'Donnell has taken much of the air out of the political room in Delaware, the race for the seat formerly held by Rep. Mike Castle has had it's own share of scariness. Republican and Tea Party candidate Glenn Urquhart has his own ideas to demonize those who don't hold his extreme views. He is running against former Lt. Governor John Carney, Jr.



So, can you imagine anything much scarier?

Governor Markell Extends A Hand

The below is a letter by the Governor of the state of Delaware read at a candlelight vigil this evening in Wilmington. It is awfully nice to have a high-ranking elected official who truly makes you proud to have taken part in the election process. Jack Markell is one such official. His caring and thoughtfulness are evident in the message.


In Memoriam: We Reject the Hand of Hate and Extend Instead a Hand of Help
by Jack Markell on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 8:06pm

Dear Friends,

The saying goes that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness, but that is often easier said than done. In the face of bigotry, bullying, hatred, it is right to be angry, to be outraged. Even, to grieve - and we are, and we do.

The thought of Tyler Clementi being alone on that bridge, thinking that the only option to end the hate he experienced was to end his life, believing at the end that he was alone in the world, is every reason for anger and grief.

Because he was not alone in that pain. Across the country, children are made in so many ways to believe there is something inherently wrong with them, that they are somehow lessened by who they inherently are. Who carry home from school not only their books but the burden of bigotry and, when they arrive home and close their front doors behind them, may find more hate or harassment waiting on their computers or cell phones.

It’s so critical that those kids know that they are not alone. That there is hope and help – that there are lights in that darkness to welcome them. There are people who believe in their potential and know that they have so much to offer.

Tonight is a night to light those candles in this darkness. To show there can be more hope than hurt in the world, to tell those children they are not alone and to say that we reject the hand of hate and extend instead a hand of help.

Sincerely,

Jack Markell
Governor of Delaware

Thank you, Governor, for speaking out about this issue, and supporting the young. While this issue might not be as popular as being a witch or Bozo the Clown, it certainly grabs my attention. For more about the Governor, his official website can be found here. His FaceBook page is here, which you can mark with a 'Like'.