Shepard Fairey's Wall on Houston and Bowery

Shepard Fairey who created this iconic image during Obama's campaign has an exhibit opening at the Deitch on May 1.

(Photo Source)

In conjunction with Fairey's show he was given the famous wall on Bowery and Houston, former home to a Keith Haring piece.  The wall went up last week.  I've been wanting to go take photos of it and decided to go last night as I heard that it has already been vandalized more than once.  My photos didn't turn out great, but I'm sharing them here anyway.

Here is a short video interview with Shepard Fairey about this piece.

For more information you can read about Shepard Fairey's Obey Giant campaign.

Obama

(Image Source: Men's Vogue)

I have learned a lot during this election about the political beliefs of the people I know and about my own beliefs about an individual's level of engagement in politics. I know educated people that did not vote for Obama because they believed he is Muslim or because of the color of his skin. I know people who wanted Hilary to win the nomination and decided not to vote in an election where they felt they would have to choose between the lesser of two evils. What bothers me about this is not just that they didn't vote, but that they are new parents. If you aren't taking an interest for your generation then why not engage in the process for your kid's generation? And I know someone in my extended family who is my age who was too lazy to drive the 25 miles to vote, and yet went to the rally in Grant Park. I've learned that I believe that voting is a very important right that we cannot take for granted and that when people do take it for granted it really bothers me. I've learned that I want to be around people that are engaged in the process and don't just pay it lip service or are completely apathetic.

I feel a lot of things about Obama's win. I'm nervous about him living up to all the media hype. I'm concerned that Americans won't have the patience and foresight to make the sacrifices and meet the challenges that getting this country back on track will require. I'm a little scared about the fanatics in this country that will do anything to not have a black man in office. I'm worried that the faction of this country that always feels overlooked (like the big Palin supporters) did not hear Obama's request to them in his victory speech to come together and work towards a common good and that divisiveness will continue and become more entrenched. I hope Obama does not lose his steady hand or as Tavis Smiley said "his soul" in office.

I also feel hopeful and excited by Obama and his team's ability to start a grassroots movement to capture this race. People can say what they like about his experience, but no one can deny how well he ran his campaign. Having Obama in office automatically raises the level at which politics is played. This isn't just a victory for the Black community as the media kept saying Tuesday night; this is a victory for all people, regardless of race. Having Obama as President will raise the level of discourse. I just hope that Washington is ready to operate at that standard.

Get off your ass and vote people

I need to say something. Someone today who I have been chatting with for months about the election told me late this afternoon when I asked her if she had voted that she had not voted and was not going to drive the the 25-30 miles to vote in the precinct where she was registered. Yet this person had requested tickets to attend Obama's rally/speech tonight in Grant Park. Don't worry I didn't go off on her. Instead I suggested she go to her local polling station in the neighborhood she had just moved to with ID and vote on an affidavit ballot. It wouldn't be counted tonight, but after her new address was verified it would be counted. But let me tell you I was irritated. People always say I take life too seriously. I don't contest that that isn't true. But it really irritates me with the state of affairs globally that this person just blew off voting today. What kind of message does that send to yourself and others?

I've been thinking for many months now that in this time of transition as I open up and discover more of who I am the circle of people surrounding me is going to change as well. This election has shown me how apathetic some of the people in my life are and I have been surprised to find how much this pushed a button in me.

YES WE DID!

(Source: www.barackobama.com)

I want the Joe action figures...

Funny!

Is it almost over?

I just realized that I should have started a political blog during this election! Man...why didn't I think of this earlier?

Sarah Palin

Here is a recent New Yorker article that gives some background on Sarah Palin's Washington connections that I found organized and easy to read. You can also submit questions to the article's author Jane Mayer and she will choose a few to answer.

I love The Daily Show

This clip is funny. Don't you love politics? I wish they could get Karl Rove to respond to this clip.