(OKLAHOMA CITY) On the eve of President Obama's first state-of-the-union speech before Congress (Will they have to take off their shoes at the door?) I have to admit that I'm disappointed with his first year in office. I"m glad we have a Democrat in the White House, I'm glad the Congress has a Democratic majority in both Houses. But neither the Congress nor the White House is acting like Democrats are in the majority.
If you have a flagging spirit such as I do here's a remedy you might want to take: Get you a copy of the DVD "By the People: the Election of Barack Obama."Just recently released, it contains many behind-the-curtain candid interviews--gum chewing, salty language, warts-and-all. Not only are President Obama and Mrs. Obama featured along with major staff such as Plouffe, Axelrod, and Gibbs, several of the grassroots campaign workers and field coordinators have important segments in the documentary.
The filmmaker Amy Rice, sister of Oklahoma state Senator Andrew Rice (D- district 46) with Alicia Sams have done an inspiring job (if you're a committed Democrat) at connecting the dots of Obama's campaign, from the first announcement in Springfield, IL of his candidacy to the victory speech in Chicago. I found just as involving the special features section of the DVD with its outtakes and interview with the production team of Rice, Sams,and actor Edward Norton telling how they were able to convince the Obama Campaign to continuethe team's nearly magical presence and access over the long haul of the campaign.
Living in Oklahoma it's hard to keep a chipper spirit when the GOPers have the majority in both Houses of the state Legislature and all of the state-wide offices are on the November 2010 ballot. If this film doesn't dilute the political Novocaine in your brain, then you're too comatose for help.
Committed progressive activists in the Democratic Party are going to have to show by our own example of leadership and involvement to the President that we've taken his example to heart.Yes, we can politely yet resolutely remind him and his advisers that we will not let him forget his historic campaign.
BTW, I got my copy from Netflix, I'm just sayin'....
