Monthly Archives: November 2008

(Community Matters) Will.i.am’s newest video.

(Community Matters) Steven and I have spent a lot of time talking about the economy, the challenges and what needs to happen in America during the next several years. And, especially as seen with the perspective of our nieces, nephews, god children and many young friends, we don’t think a return to living more austerely will be bad for Americans’ character (not to be mistaken for the pain and hunger we fear for the millions of unemployed & their families and the millions more still to be laid off).

So this morning, I’m thinking . . . what’s this really mean to my budget, our philanthropy, entertaining, spending & travel. And, I’m trying to reconcile this to attending O’s inauguration. It’ll easily cost thousands to travel and to attend all the parties. A deserved reward or money better saved? Or, money better given to feed the hungry, clothe the poor & shelter the homeless?

(Community Matters) Is it weak to have to be asked for forgiveness before forgiving?

I’m realizing that’s why I’m so bummed about the Austin Bush champions – not just his supporters but those prominent Austinites who helped him get elected. So ready to forgive and forget, to work with in repairing the devastation of the last eight years. But, I – for some unexplainable reason – need to hear them apologize and ask forgiveness.

(Community Matters) State lawmakers filed hundreds of would-be laws on Monday, including proposals to require women who seek an abortion to first get an ultrasound. . . . here

(Community Matters) Despite condemnation of Obama & those who would vote for him by many American Catholic Bishops, heartening to see that 54% of Catholics voted for Obama – Biden (NYT).

(Community Matters) Must be very exciting for Malia and Sasha 🙂

Barack’s is “Renegade”
Michelle’s is “Renaissance”
Malia’s is “Radiance” and Sasha’s is “Rosebud.”

Joe Biden’s is “Celtic”
Jill Biden’s is “Capri”

(Community Matters) Drinks and appetizers last night with UT’s Dean of Fine Arts, Doug Dempster and their development director, Sondra Lomax. No agenda other than discussing the intersection of entrepreneurship and the arts. Steven’s on their advisory board.

(Community Matters) Wonderful to hear that President-elect Obama’s transition team has adopted a policy of nondiscrimination which includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

(Community Matters) JT makes good points discussing yesterday’s NYT piece on the demographics of Tuesday voters and their votes

What jumps out most obviously is the sheer number of cells–27–won by Obama. And of McCain’s 13, five were never thought to be in play for Obama (church goers, evangelicals, white protestants, conservatives, Republicans). It would be tempting to conclude that the breadth of Obama’s suppport points to a significant political re-alignment. And it may.

. . . . this was a transformational election in a hundered ways, but not in terms of durable shifts among voters. The coalition Obama built relied most critically on people who thought he was the guy to get them out of a financial mess, and the Democrats are likely to keep these voters only if he proves up to the rather intimidating task.

(Community Matters) In three meetings between Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson and Barack Obama, from the London Times

Barack Obama sought out controversial gay bishop Gene Robinson not just once but three times during his campaign to become President of the United States, The Times can reveal.

‘Well you’re certainly causing a lot of trouble’, My response to him was: ‘Well that makes two of us’.

They spent more time discussing international issues than lesbians and gays. “He certainly indicated his broad and deep support for the full civil rights for gay and lesbian … I pressed him on the Millennium Development Goals. I wanted to know whether he thought more about them than just they were a good idea but whether he had any intention of pushing for their full funding and so on.”

Bishop Robinson said that Mr Obama had not hesitated to talk about his faith.I find that remarkable, not only in a politician but also in a Democrat. For years it’s only been Republicans who wanted to talk about religion. All the Democratic candidates felt disposed to do so this year.”

(Community Matters) Dinner last night with Rachel Fagan and Rob Rosenblatt. Super neat meeting Lexi who’s almost 12 months. Haven’t seen Ella for at least a year too – she’s almost three. Rachel’s doing cool stuff at Green Mountain Energy, working closely with our good friends at Enviro Media.

Rob is a former CIS social worker, now a counselor at LBJ School. I learned a lot talking with him about both organizations. First, he’s extraordinarily committed to helping those who most need help (this I knew). And, he’s a strong supporter of CIS, which sounds like extraordinarily valuable outsource capacity for him as a full time, AISD school counselor. And, while I’ve been worrying about the proliferation of organizations on campuses, it sounds as if the other organizations are important outsource capacities for CIS (not to mention specific competencies). I’m thinking we need to bring a counselor onto the Education Funders Forum.

(Community Matters) Wow, feels like the end of an important time. Juan & Teresa joined us for church yesterday. Steven had a search committee meeting, so couldn’t make lunch (Nico could though), so Hoover’s it was. Then, they moved out. Juan’s been here since the Texas convention. Teresa not enough but every couple of weeks or so for a few days. It’s been great hosting them, alas, that’s done. We’ll miss them both.

MM and I knocked out our Still Fountain sponsor letters and posters, even Motorblade. Thanks MM for helping make this happen.