Monthly Archive for October, 2008

Can Obama take the Oath?

Published
by
Todd
on Thursday, October 30, 2008
in Politics and Question
. 15 Comments

This question isn’t original to me, but it is one I want to ask my esteemed readers:

Can Obama take the Oath of Office?

Just in case you’re fuzzy (I was), here’s what it states:

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Obviously I have a bias, posing this question, but it seems to me that his aim as President isn’t to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution,” but to alter and “improve” upon it.

I’m prepared to receive all the “But Bush didn’t…” comments, but I would prefer to hear how Obama isn’t going to alter the constitution after January 20. Or, perhaps more interestingly, tell me how Obama’s “improvements” will actually help him fulfill his oath.

What do you think?
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This is just a test.

Published
by
Todd
on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
in Random
. 2 Comments

Please remain calm, this is just a test of the align=”right” function of an RSS feed.

If you feel you are seeing this post in error, please alert the authorities. Or, actually, do nothing. Yeah, that’s right. Do nothing. The authorities don’t care about my blog – mostly because my authority is so freaking low.

Why Technorati? Why do you hate me? Just let me have my authority back. Please?

That is all.

Good day.
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And the winner is…

Published
by
Todd
on Monday, October 27, 2008
in Contest
. 1 Comment

For the news you’ve all been eagerly awaiting:

The winning caption is…

So, when I spread my fingers out like this, and hold my hands out, exactly what am I saying in Gang language?”
Sam’s Dad

Now, I’m sure, as is with any highly publicized contest, there will be some disagreement with the choice of winner. So let me explain my rationale: Sam’s Dad had me in his home on multiple occasions when I was a simple, poor college student and he fed me his wife’s delicious meals. This is just a small token to pay him back. Oh, and I liked his caption the best, too. Because I can totally see my saying that.

As for his prize, he wins a 1/2 pound bag of Old San Francisco coffee from Wichita’s own Spice Merchant.

Thanks to all that who entered. I look forward to the next competition.
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Some random thoughts on redistribution

Published
by
Todd
on Friday, October 24, 2008
in Politics
. 10 Comments

This post is inspired by a conversation started over at Chris Kirk’s blog. Check it out.

I’m not a full-blown Libertarian, as much as I like to pretend that I am – both in real life and on my Facebook page. I think that philosophically, I align with many of their beliefs, but on a practical level, I have a problem with a number of their stances. Particularly I think abortion should be illegal (you know, the whole “murder” thing) and hard drugs (pretty much everything but Marijuana) should probably just stay out of my local Wal-Mart.

But one area where there is no questioning an alignment between my ideological and practical beliefs is the Libertarian stance on personal property.

Sharing the wealth sounds really noble. There are very poor people and there are stupidly rich people and that’s not fair. We should remedy this by taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor. That is fair. Right. Just. Patriotic.

But what about the work it takes to achieve wealth? What about the personal time and material investments that were required to make money? Is it fair to steal the results of hard work, exceptional brilliance or even blind luck?

Despite claims otherwise, taking money from people who have more is punishing them for being successful. And, the result (goal?) of punishment is changed behavior. Rather than work to improve their standing, people will start making business and financial decisions that limit their penalties rather than enhance their success. It might sound ludicrous, but I think people will change their behavior to avoid success.

And that’s the LAST thing we need in this current economic climate.

No, it’s not fair that there is such disparity between wealth and poverty. But the government is not the solution. Higher taxes are not the solution. Forced “sharing” is not the solution. And, based on our history, it appears that the church won’t be the solution either.

So what IS the solution?

Obviously, I don’t have a clue. I think the Fair Tax would help. I think a greater emphasis on personal and corporate responsibility is a start. Not bailing out companies who make foolish business decisions while we allow individuals who are just as foolish to flounder would be a smart PR move.

But that’s all I’ve got. What do you guys think?
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NOTE: The winner of the caption contest will be announced on Monday. There is still time to get your entries in, so let’s be clever folks!

Social Media Panel

Published
by
Todd
on Monday, October 13, 2008
in Social Media
. 9 Comments

This morning I had the opportunity to speak at WSU Comm week on a panel with Suzanne Tobias from the Wichita Eagle and Shawn Hilferty from KWCH. We spoke about how we use social media in our day-to-day work environment. Being the verbose guy I am, I went on the longest (sorry fellow panelists). But I think the panel was well-received. (I haven’t seen an tweets or blog posts to convince me otherwise.)

On Wednesday, I’m participating in another quasi-panel for PRSA students, also about social media. Then, on Friday, my colleague Jen and I are presenting to the Anabaptist Communicators National Conference about – you guessed it – goat cheese. No, just kidding. It’s about social media.

Wichita’s a small town, so I’m hoping that I can keep this speaking gig going for as long as possible, before people start (if they aren’t already) getting weary of me.

If you’re a PRSA member, Anabaptist communicator or a talented sneak, stop by one of the presentations this week. I’d love to have you.

David Kamerer snapped this photo of me with my friend Andy. Bobby Rozzell suggested I host a caption-creation contest. Well, consider the contest open. The prize is TBD, but will definitely be worth the effort.

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Take On Me: Literal Interpretation

Published
by
Todd
on Wednesday, October 8, 2008
in Random
. 7 Comments

I really wanted my first post after nearly a month to be hard-hitting, relevant and valuable. Sadly, I realized if that was my criteria, I would never post again.

So here it is, for your viewing pleasure, Take On Me: The Literal Interpretation.

This makes far more sense than the original.

Happy Wednesday everyone.
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