So, I’m going to put a lid on the politics for awhile. Obama is going to be President, and McCain/Palin will just fade into the night. Only part of that last statement is true, unfortunately, as demonstrated by every news show airing this morning. But, I’m not going there, people!

At the risk of inciting controversy, I’m going to shift to a subject about which I feel fiery passion:

Sharing Information Responsibly

A story to illustrate my point, with certain details omitted for obvious reasons:

Yesterday, a contact on a social networking website posted this bulletin:

I was watching on the news and they were saying how many votes from Hispanics, my question is how many of these hispanics are true to form US citizens? You are supposed to a US citizen by birth to vote.
I know there will be no one to check into it but I think we need to know just how many votes are legit!

As a person of Hispanic heritage, and someone who is so proud of the election turn-out, I was offended. First of all, being Hispanic does not automatically mean that a person entered this country illegally. Second of all, being born into citizenship is not the only way to become a bona fide American; an application process grants citizenship and along with it the right to vote. Third of all, the votes are authenticated through the voter registration process, for which each state is responsible. Finally (and most importantly), by asking this question of her entire social network, in a one-sided bulletin that does not allow for comments or any other forms of public feedback, she unintentionally (we hope) planted a seed of fear, doubt, and racism. There are appropriate forums for such questions. She chose the wrong one.

Now, I’m not here to bash people or upset any of you kind readers. Just so you know, I have written to and informed her of my concerns. The reason why I told this story was to illustrate my point that conversation is the way of the future the now. Declarations are dead. If you say something, you better be prepared to back it up, because people are either going to call you out on it or stop listening to you/reading what you have to say if you don’t welcome their participation. So many people are unwittingly committing the social crime of spreading misinformation, and it pains me to say that the person I quote in this entry is one of millions who do not understand the harm they are doing.

So, how do you avoid alienating–even hurting–readers/listeners and make yourself heard? Well, here’s my advice:

#1 – Make sure it’s the truth. If you can’t authenticate, don’t propagate!

#2 – Think about the impact of your words. How will they make people feel?

#3 – Don’t read the headlines and assume you know the whole story.

#4 – Embellishment makes for great storytelling. That’s all it’s good for.

#5 – Count on others to keep you honest. Sharing is not a solitary activity.

Did I miss something? Please comment and add to the discussion. I welcome all feedback!

Updated November 6th, 2008 at 12:38pm PST: She removed the bulletin and responded to my direct message. Ideally she would have posted an updated version of her question with people’s responses attached, but I guess this will have to do. Remember folks: Open, honest communication will always prevail!

America!, we did it. We. Voted. In. Record. Numbers.

Look!!!

Now, that alone is a HUGE reason to be happy. America! came together! to participate in an election of epic! proportions. Sure, half of the voting public is feeling pretty sore today. Some of them are pretty positive that the world is going to end. Hey, I can’t blame you guys. I was fully prepared to abandon America! if Obama didn’t get elected. I know that’s not exactly comparable to fearing for Earth’s salvation… If it’s any consolation, we’ll get to travel abroad and not fear for our physical safety anymore! Some day!

At least, they’re thinking about liking us again…

I’m being a bit glib. I apologize.

Seriously, though; I’m thrilled on so many levels. Thrilled that America! did the right thing. Thrilled that I got to share the night with my husband and close friends. Thrilled that Portland did the occasion justice by dancing in the streets and only making the police a little bit angry.

Here’s what I mean:

Walking westbound on Belmont, we came upon an impromptu concert. Who better than March Fourth, the most awesome marching band on the face of the planet, to provide the celebratory soundtrack for the evening. I recorded this video as we approached and dove in. You can’t plan something this amazing!

…psssst… go look at the Photos page….

I love this town. And this country. And you, America! Really.

Okay now go here: http://wedidit.us/
And here: http://12seconds.tv/tag/12challenge-2008-11-05

Let’s learn to celebrate America! again, and hope for the future. Forget about the election… Until 2012.

Today is a very important day. About half of the voting country will go to bed really happy, and about half of the voting country will go to bed really freakin’ pissed off. Which half will you belong to? Better stay up and find out!

I mean, you may as well… It’s not every day that we decide the fate of our nation, right?

Of course, this wouldn’t be a legitimate blog without gratuitous voting pictures of Jed and me…

(Notice I’m wearing red, white, and blue. TOTALLY on purpose.)

(Jed’s wearing his American flag boxers today. I would post a picture, but I know how his hairy chest gets to my sister. So I won’t. Unless the rest of you ask really nicely in the comments section. Then I’ll consider it. Just a warning, though: You’ll have to deal with my sister potentially barfing all over you.)

It took me 15 minutes to fill out my ballot, 20 minutes to walk into downtown, and about 10 seconds to put my piece of history in the drop box. Could they make voting in Oregon any easier?

Now let’s just see if we get our way. Jed and I have been threatening to move to Canada if McCain/Palin win the election. Please, America!, don’t call our bluff, okay? Because we just might do it. I hear Vancouver, BC is beautiful…

Voting stories you’d like to share? Reasons why/not you voted? As we all know, we’re entitled to a say!

America!, we need to talk. Up until very recently I had a lot of faith that America! would do the right thing and end our relationship with the type of politician who promises you a romantic steak dinner but then texts you while you’re waiting for him at the restaurant table saying that LOL he forgot because he got really into this game of beer pong with the guys and OMG that promise of a steak really got blown out of proportion so please try to forgive him and maybe he’ll ping you through Facebook next week. The America! I knew would have egged that bastard’s SUV and distributed a viral video depicting his expert nose picking skills. But now? I feel like we’re all “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me three times, shame on the media.” I’m afraid that the wrong people are going to win this November, and what’s worse I think we’re all apathetic enough to simply shrug our shoulders and say “Eh, it’ll all be the same load of crap no matter who we elect.”

NO! America! Don’t roll over in submission like this!!!

Sure, Obama and McCain are kings of spin. All politicians are. And yes, we’re sick of spin. Sick! How many more times can we stand to hear another generic yet politically correct statement that is all pomp and no substance?! How on Earth do we get past this cycle of hysteria over inconsequential things like how much a person’s suit is worth?! Well, I’m sad to say that we’re a little far along in this campaign season to abruptly end the spin, but I am hopeful that after this election some progress can be made. Hey, look on the bright side: There’s no national hysteria over a fictional monster like the Monkey Man that harassed India back in 2001. Oh, wait. We did just have a Bigfoot hoax that garnered intense media coverage. Nevermind.

Where was I? Oh, yes…

Obama spins change! and hope! and how he possesses a very modern view of society! McCain spins security! and values! and prosperity through tapping our own resources! Worthy buzzwords. We see Obama as the liberal, McCain as the conservative. Many people will consider those generalities and deem them enough information on which to base a vote. But I implore you, America! to look deeper than that. Consider the men themselves; the things they’ve said and done, beyond the rhetoric and campaign slogans.

Here is an unbiased portrait of John McCain. Lengthy, but worthy: “McCain’s Party”, by Connie Bruck

Now, an article about Obama, by the same publication: “The Conciliator”, by Larissa MacFarquhar

Both politicians have their merits. McCain the warrior and guardian of good old-fashioned American! pride. Obama the unlikely poster child of the American! dream.

Wow, tough pick, right? Not really, as far as I’m concerned.

I present for you an article that is deeply unsettling for me, and sums up my reasons for fundamentally distrusting John McCain: “Maverick Vs. Iceman”, by Jonathan Chait

I also hope that America! will take into consideration McCain’s choice in confidants. We all shook our heads in dismay over the likes of Donald Rumsfeld (now branded a Warmonger!) and Karl Rove (who proved himself a Deceptive Coward!). Can we not see ourselves likewise shaking our heads over Sarah Palin and whomever else McCain would choose to sit in his Cabinet?

Sarah Palin was fished out of the woodwork in a blatant error of judgment. Teen pregnancy, allegations of abuse of power, and suspicions of an affair with her husband’s business partner have already surfaced. She’s a headline grabber, that’s for sure. She’s already drawn the ire of the AP, which published this article, picked up by AlaskaReport.com after her speech at the RNC: “Associated Press says Sarah Palin lied in Republican speech” Great job, McCain. This woman’s more scandal-ridden than Paris Hilton. And frankly? I don’t think she represents me or any other woman I love and respect.

Look, Something Shiny! is not a political blog, nor would I ever describe myself as a person whose opinion on political topics is one of any expert caliber. So, I challenge somebody to please explain Sarah Palin to me. No, don’t explain her to me. Explain John McCain to me. No, don’t explain him to me. Explain the GOP to me. No, no… No. Explain to me why more people aren’t tapping each other on the shoulder and going, “Seriously?”

I don’t care about who is going to raise my taxes or who is going to keep Mexicans from crossing the border. What I care about is putting the best PERSON in office; someone I can trust to make a good freaking decision for once. Pick Obama and he’ll learn, grow, listen, and heal this precious America! that we were once so proud of. Better yet? He’ll lead us FORWARD and not allow us to remain stagnant in an America! that has been embarrassed by our idiot President, increasingly hated by foreign countries, and financially ruined by corrupt and greedy government officials and corporate leadership. America!, we got ourselves into this mess. Let’s get ourselves out.