Rain City Story

Barack Obama has just been elected the 44th President of the United States. I’ve never been a political junkie, declared myself to be a member of any political party or actually even cared enough to vote. Until today. It’s not that I wanted a specific agenda or ideology to win as much as not wanting fear, hate, prejudice and the old ways of doing things to win.

Less than 50 years ago, a black man could not sit on the same bus seat as a white man. Today, we elected a black man as President. That, my friends is change. Whether you agree with Obama or not, all must agree that today is a historic day for America, for the world.

As I think about racism and prejudice, I think back to 5th grade at Miami Chapel Middle School when I was playing kickball with some kids while waiting for my Mom to pick me up after school. One of the boys, a Korean, kicked the ball up on the roof and we were unable to retrieve it. Since I had signed the ball out, I was the one who got into trouble when we didn’t return it. On the way home, In our pearl white ‘84 Oldsmobile with plush red interior, I made the comment to my mother about how losing the ball wasn’t my fault, “it was the boy from North Korea. You know how those North Koreans are.” I’ll never forget how my mom quickly corrected me and explained why I was wrong and how we are no different from everyone else. She probably doesn’t remember but she launched into a lengthy and firm speech about the silliness of racism and that it was likely just insecurity on the part of those who practice it. She also mentioned religion too. I distinctly remember feeling ashamed and embarrassed when I tried to go to sleep that night and I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I thought about that moment tonight when I watched our country transcend our shameful history of racism and elect a black man President.

Though I’ve been known to be left leaning (most of my family are staunch Republicans), I didn’t agree with everything Obama stood for. If anything, I’m a social democrat but fiscal conservative (especially on the subject of labor unions!). But as the election grew nearer and all I heard from the Republican candidates was negativity and fear, the choice became obvious. To be even more honest, race wasn’t even a consideration, I didn’t consciously think about it. But when I sat back tonight and watched the election coverage, I got goosebumps when I realized we were really going to get past the race issue and elect a candidate on principles. Sure, some people undoubtedly voted for Obama only because he was black but based on the margin of victory, those votes are statistically irrelevant.

I’m happy that Barack Obama won but I’m happier that our country was so involved in the election process and that I had the ability to participate. It was far more than just a triumph over racial barriers, it was a triumph of democracy. Mr. McCain’s consolation speech was gracious and classy and showed the world that while we may not always agree on the little things, we do believe in freedom and hope. The American people wanted real change and while we didn’t get it tonight with a single election, we set the stage for the opportunity for that change. Yes, we can.

The whole process, not just the outcome has restored my faith in this country. Yes, we can.

Listen for it…

Ok, “fungible” is actually a word and used in the correct context by Sarah Palin but the molecule flagging bit was a little odd. The cool part of the video is the second part and I can’t stop watching it.

Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.

Um. Wow. These 32 words will make Henry Paulson the most powerful man in the history of our country and we didn’t even elect him.

Essentially, the “mother of all bailouts,” which use approximately $750 billion (possibly 1.1 trillion) taxpayer dollars to buy the distressed assets of several failed Wall Street financial institutions, will be conducted in a manner that is unchallengeable by any court and without any oversight by the People’s representatives. All decision-making authority will be consolidated into the Executive Branch - who, I remind you, will have the incentive to act upon this privilege as quickly as possible, before the administration leaves office in 43 days. This action will run up the budget deficit by a significant, yet unknown amount, with no guarantee of recovering any of the funds distributed, and no accountability should things go wrong.

There is a chance that this will ultimately end up being profitable for taxpayers but it stresses me out when I realize this deal was conceived in 18 hours last weekend. Both Obama and McCain agree (finally!) that this is very scary stuff. Very.

Amy thinks I’m overreacting and should stop watching the news and reading about it on the web. Though she’s usually, ok always right, I’m not so sure this time. I think this is going to be bad.

GPS Data from our Route on Google Earth

In the Colorado Springs Cycling Club, there are three nutballs that are always the most competitive and always finish first. Steve, Josh and myself. We’re all about the same age, the same stage of life and share the same passion for going fast on a bike. With the exception of Josh (who crushes EVERYONE on the climbs), we have the same physical abilities.

A few weeks ago, while ignoring ride instructions at a club ride, we hatched the idea of going to the summit as hard as we could from Barr Camp. Today was the day.

We covered the 12.68 miles in a total time of 4 hours, 54 minutes, 3 seconds and a moving time of 4:04:09. The weather was perfect but we were a little alarmed when we got to Barr Camp and a woman said the temp on top was 15 degrees with a 25 mph wind from the west. Screw it we said and trudged on in our shorts and long sleeve t-shirts.

Interestingly, all three of us had difficulties keeping up at various times on the course. I struggled and was dropped on the 2 miles after Barr Camp but felt the best the higher we got. Not surprising since I’ve always done extremely well at altitude and generally get better as a race goes on. In an incredible display of timing, Amy appeared in my truck to pick us up at the top and take us back home.

I’ll spare you the rest of the banal details but would say this was the most fun I’ve had since moving to Colorado back in March of 2007. It was a lot of suffering but in fine company and great scenery.

I don’t have any group pictures, just memories to hold, that grow sweeter each season, as we slowly grow old (big points for knowing the song and artist!).

Due to the pace, we didn’t talk much and took almost no pictures except our camera phones. Here are the pictures off mine:

This was our first glance at the Peak

The Shelter at Barr Camp

Me at the Barr Camp Shelter