Nic Narrates » Obama or bust

Toolbag Wednesday #17: The Bobby Jindal Fan Club

Nic — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:51:20 +0000

My problem isn’t so much with Piyush ”Bobby” Jindal himself (though it is sad that he “Americanizes” his name so that it might be more “palatable”). He certainly makes no egregious offense as Palin did in my (and let’s face it, any right-minded person’s) world. His politics are his, or his party’s, and while I personally don’t subscribe to either, it doesn’t necessarily make them wrong (I suppose).

That said, I’ve turned into a major Snarkasaurus Rex over those who sallied about on public radio, the news, and the intertubes all day yesterday, declaring the Jindal as the “Republican foil for Obama.”

Holy hell, people. He hasn’t even been in office two months, his first policies and reforms were JUST signed into law, and we’re already charting the course for the 2012 election? Really? This is what we’re doing now?

Granted, maybe I’m saying all this because my guy didn’t lose in the election. Maybe if he had I’d be feeling differently about gunning for the next election. But I have to wonder how those who didn’t vote for Obama or who simply disagree with the direction he’s taking the country can even begin to frame an argument against his politics and his solutions without first knowing whether they will ultimately fail.

The truth is, no one knows if the stimulus package will work. It’s huge, it’s bloated, and it’s expensive as hell. But it also outlines steps to be taken that will send ripples of tangible impact across socio-economic “boundaries” as early as April 1. And if it works, perhaps the benefit will outweigh the cost.

So why, as we await the outcome of the changes in store, are there those who are already decrying the efforts of a newborn presidency before it has the chance to crawl, walk, run…maybe even stumble? Are some of us really that ADD?

The hype around Bobby Jindal isn’t just precipitous, it’s downright tacky. And the talking heads who trotted him out yesterday, and will likely do so time and time and time again over the next months and years, are Toolbags- yes, Toolbags- for thinking the mention, the mere speculation, that he could be a potential presidential candidate is appropriate and worth the potential chutzpah of being able to say someday, “you heard it here first.”

And as for Bobby, well, he seems like a nice man and I wish him luck in the coming formative years. He’s young, impressionable, and hopefully won’t turn out to be just another Republican lap dog.

Toolbag Wednesday #16: [Expletive] Blagojevich

Nic — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Okay, so this one is a cake walk.

Just as Chicago, like a proud parent, stood tall with its burgeoning 2016 Olympic bid, not to mention the deliverance of one Barack Obama; we’ve been swiftly brought back down to earth by that old ball and chain: political corruption.

Thank you, G-Rod, for reminding us where we come from before our heads get too big.

Thank you for referring to Obama’s open Senate seat as, “a [expletive] valuable thing, you just don’t give it away for nothing.”

And thank you to your dear wife, Patricia, who was heard egging you on in the background of the FBI recording, saying “Hold up that [expletive] Cubs [expletive]. [Expletive] them.”

[Expletive] Toolbags.

Toolbag Wednesday #14: Racist Gun Owners

Nic — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:23:00 +0000

Holy hell. This may be the most blatant case of Toolbaggery. To. Date.

Anecdotal reports from around the nation suggest the sudden surge of November gun-buying is far surpassing the normal hunting-season spike that often occurs this time of year…Some [buyers] say they are worried that the incoming Obama administration will attempt to reimpose the ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004. Others fear the loss of their right to own handguns. A few say they are preparing to protect themselves in the event of a race war.

Race war?! You’ve got to be effing kidding me. Now, not only do these people (and let me say, “these people” can also be applied to my Dad, my Uncle, and my Grandpa) want to own guns for the principle of it and for “hunting, mostly,” but also, you know, to shoot black people. Just in case. Is that also a God-given and Constitutional right? To be RACIST?

The article goes on to ask the question you “hate to ask,” but can’t avoid:

“Why are white people buying assault weapons?” said Ben Agger, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Arlington who wrote a book about the Virginia Tech slayings. “I almost hate to say it, but there is a deep-seated fear of the armed black man, because Obama now commands the military and other instruments of the justice system. They are afraid Obama will exact retribution for the very deep-seated legacy of slavery.”

I’m exasperated. I have no more words.

For the Grandkids, Someday

Nic — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:52:00 +0000

Ticket in hand, I stood in the streets with some 60,000 people, passed through four security checks, and just made it in. There are few words to describe being there except to say it was emotional and I couldn’t help but be overwrought by its effect.

I made it home at 1:30 this morning, I’m bleary eyed, and the playback shows my video skills leave something to be desired, but it was worth it. Worth the wait, worth the crowds, worth being late to work this morning.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mLGrKsz8Lg&hl=en&fs=1]

Lighter Fare

Nic — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:48:00 +0000

After this week’s developments (looks like my Dad might have a job opportunity!), I finally got around to carving my pumpkin last night- the pumpkin that my deer-hunting, Republican, Palin-loving Uncle gave me from his garden. I can’t wait to send him an email with this picture attached! MOO-HA-HA-HA-HAAAA!!!

Also, thanks to Emo always reading some fancy concert message board while I pester him to “tell me stories” and “explain to me why there isn’t any strudel in the office,” we both scored tickets to Obama’s Election Night Party in Grant Park before it became a wait list. Thanks Emo! You’re an officer and a gentleman and a scholar.