Monthly Archives: October 2009

(Community Matters) President Obama spoke today in College Station at Pres. Former Pres. George WH Bush’s Thousand Points of Light Conference. His speech emphasized his focus and prioritization for public service as a key component of all his plans for community building/community change.

White House guests were shuttled from a parking lot to auditorium doors: Rick Cofer (left but not pictured), Trey Salinas, Kirk Rudy, Amy Everhart, Ian Davis & Hilary in right back

Hilary, our niece

I’m so sorry Steven wasn’t able to join us. I loved taking our niece, Hilary, who flew in from Tulsa.

Pres. Obama’s graciousness and call for volunteerism, for shared sacrifice is refreshing and so needed by our country today. A&M’s Big Event was repeatedly recognized and widely applauded. They just completed their 27th year. I couldn’t have been prouder, having been the treasurer & a part of the founding team for the event it’s first year.

(Community Matters) Our niece Hilary flys in a 10am, then driving to College Station to see and hear President Obama. Who knows, maybe she’ll even get to shake his hand 🙂

(Community Matters) I hadn’t seen this piece by Alan Dershowitz on Jimmy Carter. Need to spend a bit more time understanding timelines before deciding how I feel about it.

Recent disclosures of Carter’s extensive financial connections to Arab oil money, particularly from Saudi Arabia, had deeply shaken my belief in his integrity.

(Community Matters) An overflowing fundraiser of Austin’s younger, happening entrepreneurial community last night for Jack McDonald. Organizers Bryan Jones, Mickey Milsap & Amanda Chiampi along with other members of their host committee: Amy Bryant, Sara Fox, Olga Garcia, Brett Hurt, Bryan Mennell, Emily Miller, Dave Shaw, Thom Singer & Stacy Zuinga pulled off the best showing of Austin’s high-tech community for a political event since Steve, Peter, et al in the 90s. I joined Jack there inbetween a Charles Duggan gathering at Westwood and AMOA’s Dolce Vita (wow, too many years since I’ve been to one – fantastic).

(Community Matters) I’ve always been a fan of Rep Edwards and we have lots of mutual friends. Totally surprised me he voted against protecting LGBT citizens by voting to strip the hate crimes provisions out of the defense authorization. I know Chet lives in a tough, otherwise R-leaning district. Nevertheless, I’d always imagined he was more open and committed to broader democratic inclusion. That he doesn’t believe for the LGBT community deserves – or is unwilling to standup for – this support or protections is a little heart breaking. I guess the latter is even more worrisome since we expect courage from our elected representatives.

(Community Matters) the truth from Gallup, the polling firm that correctly predicted the trend line late in the 2008 election resulting in then-Senator Obama receiving 78 percent of the American Jewish vote.

(Community Matters) Appears the fringe from both sides is increasingly exasperated – probably a sign we’re walking a healthy middle.

(Community Matters) Real movement underway for its repeal. White House in conversation with key senators, including Lieberman. Hate crimes should pass this week. ENDA reportedly also on track for this year. Lifting of HIV travel ban in final regulatory readings so also 2009. DA/DT repeal this year too? if not this year, then again, relatively soon. the world as we know it . . .

(Community Matters) Wonderful & relaxed trip home yesterday. Felt like ST and I just hung out all day 1:1. Purchased Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol and loving it.

Lots of good conversation, an exciting call & invitation, decided was going to wayyy cut back on internet time as an experiment for a month, and even shut off my blackberry for the day. Dinner in and watched Mad Men together. back to my novel . . . . yum.

(Community Matters) I hear it’s chilly and still rainy. Can’t wait to get home & start a fire, cuddle up and enjoy the change in seasons.

(Community Matters) . . . . for this trip anyhow. Dinner at the hotel (Tabard Inn) with several of our favorite cousins/friends: Teresa Nino, Juan Sepulveda & Michael Venegas and Sonya & Reid Cramer.

Cool platforms for their gifts too. Teresa the director of external affairs for HHS, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; Juan, Director of White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanic Americans; Michael @ De Paul University & interning on the Hill; Sonya, award- winning vocalist and graphic artist; Reid, Director of Asset Building Programs @ the New America Foundation.

(Community Matters) Frank Rich nails it. Why is the White House succumbing to this chatter?