Ithaca's Reputation

Although I would kill my students if they used Wikipedia as a reference, I found the following blurb about Ithaca's culture on the online encyclopedia:

Ithaca is commonly listed among the most culturally liberal of American small cities. The Utne Reader named Ithaca "America's most enlightened town" in 1997. According to ePodunk's Gay Index, Ithaca has a score of 231, versus a national average score of 100. Like many small college towns, Ithaca has also received accolades for having a high overall quality of life. In 2004, Cities Ranked and Rated named Ithaca the best "emerging city" to live in the United States. In 2006, the Internet realty website "Relocate America" named Ithaca the fourth best city in the country to relocate to. In July 2006, Ithaca was listed as one of the "12 Hippest Hometowns for Vegetarians" by VegNews Magazine and chosen by Mother Earth News as one of the "12 Great Places You've Never Heard Of.

In the New York Democratic Primary, Obama won one county in New York--Tompkins (Newsweek coverage). Can't imagine a place being more ideal for me.

Obama Clinches Nomination

According to CNN.com, Barack Obama has earned enough delegates to secure the democratic nomination. I am thrilled with this development!

Pennsylvania Primary

I'm not happy about the outcome, and I will say no more!

Fear Tactics

Did you listen to Mitt Romney's speech in which he withdrew from the Presidential race? (His supporters moaned "No, no..." much like the Emperor did when battling Mace Windu in Return of the Sith.) He explained that his surprising exit was made on behalf of the country. Bowing down would allow the Republicans to coalesce around a single candidate (the now-presumptive nominee John McCain). Such unity is important, in his opinion, so the terrorists don't win. Now, Romney is repeating this unfounded and incendiary claim in his stump speeches. Democrats in the White House = The Terrorists Win. To me, this represents the cheapest kind of fear tactics. Not only am I horrified and angry that Romney engages in such irresponsible politicking, I am dismayed that American voters may fall for it.

New York Times Article

Obama Wins Big!

Today, Barack Obama swept the so-called Potomac primaries. I really hope the nomination doesn't come down to the superdelegates. I'm sure that Clinton has many favors to call in, a la the godfather...some day, and that day may never come...

NPR report

Barack Obama

Driving home last night, I listened to the NPR Super Tuesday election coverage. I found myself caring much more about who gets the democratic nomination than I expected...it's not like I'm not going to vote Democratic even if my choice, Obama, isn't the nominee.

I've been an Obama fan since I remember knowing about him. I visited Anna around the time of his Senate election, and I was pleased to see so many Barack Obama lawn signs as we drove around town. I was envious of Anna that she got to vote for him! : ) I've followed him with enthusiasm since and enjoyed hearing him at a rally on campus in 2005.

While hearing the returns last night, I got that nervous feeling in my gut when they were about to announce winners of various states. I'm just relieved that the Democrats have if any far fewer winner take all states than the Republicans.

Barack Obama Website

Vote!

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday with primaries held in almost half the states. Please participate and make your voice heard. Go to the polls and vote!