KH correctly points that Obama creates and not just competes.
Most agree that Obama assembled and ran the best political campaign in history after he took on the two most established political force in America politics - the Clintons and the GOP that ruled America in the last 28 years.
I will offer my five cent worth of analysis attributing his success to his earlier experience.
As a lawyer, he masters the rules, churning out large number of early voters against McCain (that gave him victory at least in NC).
As a community organizer, he creates the largest political volunteer corp and raises the largest political donation through very early use of the best technology available.
As a basketball player, he takes the game to the opponent by executing the 50 states strategy.
As a self-made political entrepreneur, his no drama campaign organization personify his very own self-discipline (one commentator liken him to Putin's self discipline in a complimentary way).
To top them all, he speaks like Abraham Lincoln/JFK (recall "a more perfect union", "a world that stands as one", his 2004& 2008 DNC speeches), that mesmerize hundred of thousands included folks like us who are non-americans.
It is always easy to attribute reasons for success post-facto.
There are aspects in which the success is partly influenced by the fortuitous circumstances. I concede fortune does favor those who are best prepared. In this case, it is Obama.
To be fair to McCain, losing by 6.9% margin is very respectable considering the financial meltdown beginning from Sept. He did himself no favor by conceding two own goals - one on selecting Palin and the other on his poor handling of the crisis. (Popular vote margin for Bush 2.4% (2004) and -0.5% (2000) ; Clinton 8.5% (1996) and 5.3% (1992); Bush Sr. 7.8% (1988); Reagan 18.2% (1984) and 9.7% (1980).
Playing the devil advocate, I am wondering had Palin not on the ticket or the meltdown beginning with Lehman come two months later, will Obama still win with what is now known as the best political campaign team in history?
One answer is that I am reminded that American is a center right country (seen from the ban on gay marriage from California to Florida) and Barack Obama is a center left candidate.
I will be glad to learn of other perspective.
*The winning margin has been revised fourth time since Nov 4 from the original 6.4%.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Spirit of Democracy 4/11/2008
Here is a short homage to the spirit of democracy as demonstrated on Nov 4:
"Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.
I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited." Sen. McCain. 4 Nov 2008
When we woke up on Wednesday 5 Nov 2008, as I dressed my daughter Ning, I had Sen. McCain to thank for being able to tell her about graciousness in defeat. More than victory, this is the mark of statesmanship and the democratic spirit. It reminded me of something my father said after Reagan defeated Carter in 1980, when I was merely a year older then than Ning is now. He said the best thing about Western countries is that people are always behave like a gentlemen; even when they lose they always shake hands and congratulate the winner. I remember that.
And from President-elect Obama himself, here are my favourite excerpts (bold added on my favourite emphasis):
"What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change."
"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."
"And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, ..... our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."
".... one that’s on my mind tonight’s about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can. America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment."
What struck me the most was that last part,...what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
"Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.
I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited." Sen. McCain. 4 Nov 2008
When we woke up on Wednesday 5 Nov 2008, as I dressed my daughter Ning, I had Sen. McCain to thank for being able to tell her about graciousness in defeat. More than victory, this is the mark of statesmanship and the democratic spirit. It reminded me of something my father said after Reagan defeated Carter in 1980, when I was merely a year older then than Ning is now. He said the best thing about Western countries is that people are always behave like a gentlemen; even when they lose they always shake hands and congratulate the winner. I remember that.
And from President-elect Obama himself, here are my favourite excerpts (bold added on my favourite emphasis):
"What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change."
"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."
"And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, ..... our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."
".... one that’s on my mind tonight’s about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can. America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment."
What struck me the most was that last part,...what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Create Not Just Compete
Now that you reminded me my posting was from July, I dug it up and reviewed it again: http://tanky18.blogspot.com/2008/07/polls-and-predictions.html and I am glad not to find any embarassing bloopers in hindsight.
The list of battleground states I listed went almost wholly to Obama - except MO which he missed by a few thousand votes - and in almost the same order that I had speculated from the July polls. Although in hindsight OH weakened somewhat in Aug/Sep and then took some time before moving back; VA moved decisively in September and stayed there; likewise for FL although the less decisively but I was well-surprised by NC which eventually joined IN in the touch-and-go-for-Obama category.
Observing the campaign over the final 2 months, it seemed eerie that whenever Obama decide to spend sometime in Sep-Oct, he end up moving the state into his category. My preferred explanation is that they have a better feel for the ground by virtue of having a bigger field presence on the ground. So they have an direct sense of what is possible from talking to thousands of real people rather than relying on polls. I would add that theory as a further tactical advantage to the Obama campaign from investing in the biggest and the best ground operation in US history.
I wonder if you read this link I sent to you earlier of a first hand account of an Obama field operation. http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/546# I was truly inspired by how many people the Obama campaign have inspired on the personal level simply by working on the campaign and experiencing the sheer power of their organizational culture: Respect, Empower, Include. From that posting I got a glimpse of the sense of awe people felt when they uncover their own hidden abilities and talents. The gift of a well-run organization with such as strongly positive organizational culture is they helped to lift-up "ordinary" people by giving them enough faith/self-belief to discover just how extraordinarily gifted they really are. For many people, it is a big break to be told, "you are good, now see if you can upgrade and do this..." These simple acts of faith in others are gifts that will last a lifetime and be passed on to their family and children. It is not enough just to say, "yes we can". I believe the Obama campaign walk-the-talk that every day by believing in and empowering people.
The pundits will be dissecting the Obama campaign for years to come, but here is what I believe are the real reasons they won: (i) they invested in the campaign infrastructure, (ii) build-up their people not just with skills but with real leadership training, and (iii) find and create opportunity not just competing in a zero-sum game. This has been consistent since Obama's first meeting with his team in 2007, he laid down his principles: respect everyone, include and empower as much as possible and "no drama". As managers, we have to take our hats off to what he created.
This is what I wrote to Linda on Oct 16, 2008 (hey, thats your birthday!):
"We have a ring side seat as the US goes through an interesting time. Often it is described as a 'difficult' time - which i am sure is true for many, one of great dislocation, suffering and challenges. But looking back in history such times (1930s, 1960s, 1970s, early 1990s) are also periods when a lot of creativity is unleashed, new paths explored, society are reminded to renew its purpose.
May be its good people make do with less, use more public transport, buy a smaller car or live in a smaller house, spend time on activities that don't cost money, that not every bright young thing goes to work for Wall Street or a hedge fund..etc etc. May be the next few years will be a time when people explore perviously ignored forms of abundance.
At least in the US, I believe 2008 will be remembered and not just passed by, not just for the financial crisis but also the presidential election which is reengaging a lot of people to think about the kind of society they want to see. The Obama run is inspiring a lot of pent up idealism and passion and he has built a vast volunteer network of young people built on empowerment, leadership training and harnessing the internet...as a management system I am learning a lot."
The idea of "create not compete" is a poweful one.
If you recall Obama's race with HRC. He won because only he paid attention to the smaller states which caucus during the 4 weeks after Super Tuesday. It is not mutually exclusive. Yes, he also competed in every state but he created his own opportunity by expanding the map to find delegates in new places.
Again, when he started to invest attention in IN, VA, CO, NV, NC, GA, SD, MT many people thought he was throwing money away, but in the end he won 5 of those worth 53 electoral votes or more than FL+OH. Why? because he believes in creating new opportunity in places where the barriers to entry are low(er) and people are more likely to appreciate his attention; instead of just competing for votes in FL, PA and OH. Besides, he successfully forced his opponent to expend resources fighting a 7 headed dragon. By October, Obama had created 7 different pathways to winning [Kerry states + IA + NM + any one of (CO/VA/OH/FL/IN/NC/MO)] and it was next to impossible to pour resources into closing the gap in any one of them without letting others slip away.
Another example is creating new voting base. In addition to registering new voters late 2007, they explored the opportunities in early voting. The Obama campaign took advantage of new rules on early voting to run up votes among groups that historically are less-likely to vote, the sporadic voters. These are usually racial minorities or people in shift/low-skill work where they normally could not affort to take time off to vote. As far as the Obama campaign's concerned, for at least two whole weeks "every day is voting day" and every day they keep getting people to vote even if it takes more than one try. I believe that is how they pushed NC and FL over the top; and drove up the margins in NV, CO and OH. In fact, back in early October the Obama campaign moved their top people to FL (and shifted their attention slightly away from OH) because as they explained it, they already had enough voters in FL and all they had to do was turn them out.
Finally, Pollster.com had this chart:
This chart shows the final polls estimate by Pollster.com (using their algoritam base on public polling results) and compared with the actual results (as of today, 6 Nov because some ballot counting are still going on).
See the places where Obama over-performed compared to the polls: NM, NV, IN, OH, FL, PA (but not NC and VA - but well within polling margin for error), they tend to be in places where the Obama campaign invested heavily in field operations and early voting.
And especially with NV, NM, PA (but not CO although that too is within margin of error), the effect is that he built up a "cushion of winning margin" such that even if the national polls come to a tie, i.e. assuming instead of winning the popular vote by 6.1% it was a tie and assuming that means we take 6% off the winning margin for every state, he would still end up winning the presidency with 278 electoral votes.
Now that is the power of a "create not just compete" strategy.
The list of battleground states I listed went almost wholly to Obama - except MO which he missed by a few thousand votes - and in almost the same order that I had speculated from the July polls. Although in hindsight OH weakened somewhat in Aug/Sep and then took some time before moving back; VA moved decisively in September and stayed there; likewise for FL although the less decisively but I was well-surprised by NC which eventually joined IN in the touch-and-go-for-Obama category.
Observing the campaign over the final 2 months, it seemed eerie that whenever Obama decide to spend sometime in Sep-Oct, he end up moving the state into his category. My preferred explanation is that they have a better feel for the ground by virtue of having a bigger field presence on the ground. So they have an direct sense of what is possible from talking to thousands of real people rather than relying on polls. I would add that theory as a further tactical advantage to the Obama campaign from investing in the biggest and the best ground operation in US history.
I wonder if you read this link I sent to you earlier of a first hand account of an Obama field operation. http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/546# I was truly inspired by how many people the Obama campaign have inspired on the personal level simply by working on the campaign and experiencing the sheer power of their organizational culture: Respect, Empower, Include. From that posting I got a glimpse of the sense of awe people felt when they uncover their own hidden abilities and talents. The gift of a well-run organization with such as strongly positive organizational culture is they helped to lift-up "ordinary" people by giving them enough faith/self-belief to discover just how extraordinarily gifted they really are. For many people, it is a big break to be told, "you are good, now see if you can upgrade and do this..." These simple acts of faith in others are gifts that will last a lifetime and be passed on to their family and children. It is not enough just to say, "yes we can". I believe the Obama campaign walk-the-talk that every day by believing in and empowering people.
The pundits will be dissecting the Obama campaign for years to come, but here is what I believe are the real reasons they won: (i) they invested in the campaign infrastructure, (ii) build-up their people not just with skills but with real leadership training, and (iii) find and create opportunity not just competing in a zero-sum game. This has been consistent since Obama's first meeting with his team in 2007, he laid down his principles: respect everyone, include and empower as much as possible and "no drama". As managers, we have to take our hats off to what he created.
This is what I wrote to Linda on Oct 16, 2008 (hey, thats your birthday!):
"We have a ring side seat as the US goes through an interesting time. Often it is described as a 'difficult' time - which i am sure is true for many, one of great dislocation, suffering and challenges. But looking back in history such times (1930s, 1960s, 1970s, early 1990s) are also periods when a lot of creativity is unleashed, new paths explored, society are reminded to renew its purpose.
May be its good people make do with less, use more public transport, buy a smaller car or live in a smaller house, spend time on activities that don't cost money, that not every bright young thing goes to work for Wall Street or a hedge fund..etc etc. May be the next few years will be a time when people explore perviously ignored forms of abundance.
At least in the US, I believe 2008 will be remembered and not just passed by, not just for the financial crisis but also the presidential election which is reengaging a lot of people to think about the kind of society they want to see. The Obama run is inspiring a lot of pent up idealism and passion and he has built a vast volunteer network of young people built on empowerment, leadership training and harnessing the internet...as a management system I am learning a lot."
The idea of "create not compete" is a poweful one.
If you recall Obama's race with HRC. He won because only he paid attention to the smaller states which caucus during the 4 weeks after Super Tuesday. It is not mutually exclusive. Yes, he also competed in every state but he created his own opportunity by expanding the map to find delegates in new places.
Again, when he started to invest attention in IN, VA, CO, NV, NC, GA, SD, MT many people thought he was throwing money away, but in the end he won 5 of those worth 53 electoral votes or more than FL+OH. Why? because he believes in creating new opportunity in places where the barriers to entry are low(er) and people are more likely to appreciate his attention; instead of just competing for votes in FL, PA and OH. Besides, he successfully forced his opponent to expend resources fighting a 7 headed dragon. By October, Obama had created 7 different pathways to winning [Kerry states + IA + NM + any one of (CO/VA/OH/FL/IN/NC/MO)] and it was next to impossible to pour resources into closing the gap in any one of them without letting others slip away.
Another example is creating new voting base. In addition to registering new voters late 2007, they explored the opportunities in early voting. The Obama campaign took advantage of new rules on early voting to run up votes among groups that historically are less-likely to vote, the sporadic voters. These are usually racial minorities or people in shift/low-skill work where they normally could not affort to take time off to vote. As far as the Obama campaign's concerned, for at least two whole weeks "every day is voting day" and every day they keep getting people to vote even if it takes more than one try. I believe that is how they pushed NC and FL over the top; and drove up the margins in NV, CO and OH. In fact, back in early October the Obama campaign moved their top people to FL (and shifted their attention slightly away from OH) because as they explained it, they already had enough voters in FL and all they had to do was turn them out.
Finally, Pollster.com had this chart:
This chart shows the final polls estimate by Pollster.com (using their algoritam base on public polling results) and compared with the actual results (as of today, 6 Nov because some ballot counting are still going on).
See the places where Obama over-performed compared to the polls: NM, NV, IN, OH, FL, PA (but not NC and VA - but well within polling margin for error), they tend to be in places where the Obama campaign invested heavily in field operations and early voting.
And especially with NV, NM, PA (but not CO although that too is within margin of error), the effect is that he built up a "cushion of winning margin" such that even if the national polls come to a tie, i.e. assuming instead of winning the popular vote by 6.1% it was a tie and assuming that means we take 6% off the winning margin for every state, he would still end up winning the presidency with 278 electoral votes.
Now that is the power of a "create not just compete" strategy.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Great Moment
What a moment! What a journey and what a man!
Thank goodness for Barack Obama!
Last night, so many of the ideals I cherish gained a new and brighter meaning. Meritocracy, equality, democracy, opportunity, imagination, grace, purpose, dreams, possibility, America ... they all mean so much more...and so much more differently today than yesterday.
And I have rarely been so moved by a great speech as the one Obama delivered at Grant Park, Chicago. It was powerful not with oratory but with strength and purpose. I am glad Bro, you have posted it already.
Last night, so many of the ideals I cherish gained a new and brighter meaning. Meritocracy, equality, democracy, opportunity, imagination, grace, purpose, dreams, possibility, America ... they all mean so much more...and so much more differently today than yesterday.
And I have rarely been so moved by a great speech as the one Obama delivered at Grant Park, Chicago. It was powerful not with oratory but with strength and purpose. I am glad Bro, you have posted it already.
When he said, "a new dawn of America's leadership", I think of the Obama logo. Yes, its always been about a new dawn.
It is a testament to the maturity of the American nation that finally, as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, to judge a man not by the colour of his skin but by the contents of his charater. And it is a powerful testament that like probably nowhere else in this world, this is a place where people do not see the world as it is, but as what it can be. A lifelong admirer of America, I am a new admirer of America today, in its ability to progress and change.
It is a testament to the maturity of the American nation that finally, as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, to judge a man not by the colour of his skin but by the contents of his charater. And it is a powerful testament that like probably nowhere else in this world, this is a place where people do not see the world as it is, but as what it can be. A lifelong admirer of America, I am a new admirer of America today, in its ability to progress and change.
It was 232 years since the Declaration of Independence, 221 years since the US Constitution was adopted, 145 years since Lincoln signed the Emancipation Declaration abolishing slavery and only 45 years ago when Martin Luther King, Jr. made his "I have a dream speech" and racial segregation was widespread. If Martin Luther King, Jr. were alive today he would only be 79 years old. To witness this amount of progress within a person's lifetime is truely breathtaking. This simple calculation calls into question where other nations have been during this same time? What progress have been made towards unity and equality? How much effort has our own nations made against division and prejudice? And what can be done to do better by simply doing the right thing?
I felt lucky to be witnessing change - for the better - and there will be more but it will depend on no one but each and every one of us doing the right thing.
At this point, I have a confession to make. I have been an mega-election junkie. It may not be apparent from the blog because I consciously avoided writing about it so as not to jinx it! My daily diet was 538.com, Politico, The Page, Stumper, Swampland, RCP, Huffington Post and Pollster. Now I can recite the electoral votes of Nebraska (5, 3 of which distributed by congressional seats), demographic patterns of certain swing counties and battleground states, and all the pathways for each candidate to win. It is going to be interesting figuring out what next for this hobby.
Finally, I could not resist referring to a posting I made earlier estimating the effects of Obama's ground game to be worth between 2 % and 5 %; the results in NC, FL, OH and IN showed that to be quite true, especially NC and IN. NV, CO, NM, VA, OH and FL was won by increasing voter registration. NC and IN on that as well as turnout. Obama wins not just by inspiration but also prespiration: for 2 years he meticulously built, inspired and trained an army of volunteers (estimated to be 1.5m people) to develop his support bit by bit in these states. Obama shows a new way: you create your own opportunity not just compete. That is a fine lesson for us all.
The Three Links towards Peace
Taiwan and the mainland signed agreements on Nov 4 to pave ways for completing the outstanding two out of the so-called three links - trade, transport and postal - that was banned by the KMT government after losing the civil war.
Under the agreements, both sides across the Strait agree to full direct flight, direct cargo flight, direct shipping, direct postal and also to establish cross-strait cooperation on the latest concern on the food safety.
Bravo to both sides for making this happen.
The next thing is to call for an official truce and followed by the grand slam political settlement.
My fear is that some Pan-Green supporters may turn extremist and resort to terrorism to destabilize the cross-strait relationship. The security forces and intelligence agencies of both sides got to be cautious.
In Hong Kong, some newspapers are lamenting about the losses to Hong Kong following the historic deal. Currently, most of the flights and postal link are via Hong Kong. These papers are just microscopic.
Under the agreements, both sides across the Strait agree to full direct flight, direct cargo flight, direct shipping, direct postal and also to establish cross-strait cooperation on the latest concern on the food safety.
Bravo to both sides for making this happen.
The next thing is to call for an official truce and followed by the grand slam political settlement.
My fear is that some Pan-Green supporters may turn extremist and resort to terrorism to destabilize the cross-strait relationship. The security forces and intelligence agencies of both sides got to be cautious.
In Hong Kong, some newspapers are lamenting about the losses to Hong Kong following the historic deal. Currently, most of the flights and postal link are via Hong Kong. These papers are just microscopic.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Obama's Victory - A Day to Rejoice
At 12.20 pm Nov 5, 2008, Hong Kong time, John McCain gave his concession speech.
At 1 pm, Barack Obama stepped up with his loving family to a huge crowd at Grant Park to give his acceptance speech.
This is a perfect ending of a beginning.
I noticed Obama wearing a red tie (Biden's blue), surely more than a symbol to call for an United States beyond what he often said a divided nation of the blue states and the red states.
Just heard Obama saying America wins not by sheer force or wealth but by democracy, liberty, opportunity and the unyielding hope. So apt, so true, so much to be admired and so inspiring!
***********************************
Obama's acceptance speech
Hello, Chicago.
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.
Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.
I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.
Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.
And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.
To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.
To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.
It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
This is your victory.
And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.
There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.
It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.
Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people
who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see?
What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of
Monday, November 3, 2008
ROC's Hereditary Office Holder dies
Kung Teh-cheng, the Confucius's 77th direct lineal descendant passed away at 88 years old on Oct 28, 2008.
Kung held a hereditary office with a mouthful of a title in Chinese, 「大成至聖先師奉祀官」, or simply the Sacrificial Official to Confucius, leading the annual official ceremony honoring the sage on his birthday in the Republic of China.
This is the only public office inheritable in the ROC created in 1935 to replace the imperial peerage of Duke Yansheng, 「衍聖公」, first created by the Sung's Dynasty in 1055.
The imperial peerage was bestowed to the eldest male of Confucius's direct lineage. The tradition is honored ever since the Sung Dynasty and continue into the modern form by the ROC.
Though the office is more symbolical than substantial, more ritual than actual, being an advocate of meritocracy and also a proponent for the separation of state and religion (Confucianism is sometimes mistaken for a religion), I would humbly suggest that this office should cease without a single dint of disrespect to Confucius and his descendants.
As I am gradually developing my identify as a liberal Confucianist, I am nevertheles of the view that China should remain secular and meritocratic.
The rationale of the imperial peerage is very much centered at the ruling class' patronage of Confucianism as an imperial doctrine justifying and ordering the state and the society. There was, I suppose, as much similar consideration when this hereditary office was created by the KMT government under Generalismo Chiang in 1935.
The role of this office is more appropriately belonged to the Kung's family, clan and/or his followers in the form of an NGO outside the government domain. It is inappropriate to sanction this office in the republican era into a hereditary public office.
In my opinion, it is legitimate and I am in support for the government to promote the teaching of Confucius including creating Confucius Academy everywhere like the PRC or honoring Confucius by declaring a public holiday as the Confucius Day.
前考試院長、孔子77代嫡孫 孔德成病逝
(2008/10/29 00:03)
生活中心／台北報導
前考試院長、大成至聖先師奉祀官孔德成，28日上午10點50分，因為心臟衰竭，安詳辭世台北新店慈濟醫院，享年89歲。靈堂暫設慈濟醫院地下二樓助念堂。
中國宋代獨尊儒術，自宋仁宗至和二年起，孔子家族嫡長孫世襲「衍聖公」爵位，以彰顯孔子德教，弘揚儒家精神；國民政府時期，民國24年1月18日將「衍聖公」改為「大成至聖先師奉祀官」，明令孔德成擔任奉祀官並宣誓就職，迄今已73年。
這也是我國目前僅存的世襲特任官。 內政部表示，奉祀官的設立具有傳承孔孟道統，發揚儒家思想之重要意義，主要任務為出席祭孔釋奠典禮，擔任奉祀官職務。
孔德成民國9年生，曾任教台大、輔大和東吳等校研究所，擔任考試院長9年，畢生致力於儒學之倡導與傳承，3年前，因為行動不便，未再出席祭孔大典。2008年台北孔廟祭孔大典，由他的秘書鄭毅明出席代為上香。
另由其長孫、孔子第79代嫡孫孔垂長擔任孔廟「崇聖祠」主祭官。
Kung held a hereditary office with a mouthful of a title in Chinese, 「大成至聖先師奉祀官」, or simply the Sacrificial Official to Confucius, leading the annual official ceremony honoring the sage on his birthday in the Republic of China.
This is the only public office inheritable in the ROC created in 1935 to replace the imperial peerage of Duke Yansheng, 「衍聖公」, first created by the Sung's Dynasty in 1055.
The imperial peerage was bestowed to the eldest male of Confucius's direct lineage. The tradition is honored ever since the Sung Dynasty and continue into the modern form by the ROC.
Though the office is more symbolical than substantial, more ritual than actual, being an advocate of meritocracy and also a proponent for the separation of state and religion (Confucianism is sometimes mistaken for a religion), I would humbly suggest that this office should cease without a single dint of disrespect to Confucius and his descendants.
As I am gradually developing my identify as a liberal Confucianist, I am nevertheles of the view that China should remain secular and meritocratic.
The rationale of the imperial peerage is very much centered at the ruling class' patronage of Confucianism as an imperial doctrine justifying and ordering the state and the society. There was, I suppose, as much similar consideration when this hereditary office was created by the KMT government under Generalismo Chiang in 1935.
The role of this office is more appropriately belonged to the Kung's family, clan and/or his followers in the form of an NGO outside the government domain. It is inappropriate to sanction this office in the republican era into a hereditary public office.
In my opinion, it is legitimate and I am in support for the government to promote the teaching of Confucius including creating Confucius Academy everywhere like the PRC or honoring Confucius by declaring a public holiday as the Confucius Day.
前考試院長、孔子77代嫡孫 孔德成病逝
(2008/10/29 00:03)
生活中心／台北報導
前考試院長、大成至聖先師奉祀官孔德成，28日上午10點50分，因為心臟衰竭，安詳辭世台北新店慈濟醫院，享年89歲。靈堂暫設慈濟醫院地下二樓助念堂。
中國宋代獨尊儒術，自宋仁宗至和二年起，孔子家族嫡長孫世襲「衍聖公」爵位，以彰顯孔子德教，弘揚儒家精神；國民政府時期，民國24年1月18日將「衍聖公」改為「大成至聖先師奉祀官」，明令孔德成擔任奉祀官並宣誓就職，迄今已73年。
這也是我國目前僅存的世襲特任官。 內政部表示，奉祀官的設立具有傳承孔孟道統，發揚儒家思想之重要意義，主要任務為出席祭孔釋奠典禮，擔任奉祀官職務。
孔德成民國9年生，曾任教台大、輔大和東吳等校研究所，擔任考試院長9年，畢生致力於儒學之倡導與傳承，3年前，因為行動不便，未再出席祭孔大典。2008年台北孔廟祭孔大典，由他的秘書鄭毅明出席代為上香。
另由其長孫、孔子第79代嫡孫孔垂長擔任孔廟「崇聖祠」主祭官。
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