Speaking it into existence...
The Media Review
and Messages to Political Leaders
Thoughts & Comments

To general site surfers: In a way, I don't really approach this page as a page I want to have completely public. This is a page where, if you don't follow the trail of the conversation, don't know who I'm addressing or what the issues are, this page will likely just seem weird.  Sometimes, I make comments that only 1 person in politics or the media would understand.. sometimes I say general stuff or express my complaints.  I just look at it as 1 more example of freedom of speech.  Like tv and radio and such they don't have to  listen. But often, they do.. some appreciate it, some get angry.  That's their right as well :} I have no formal or even indirect affiliation with influence with any media or political figures. I just speak my mind, and sometimes, people listen. Sometimes, I actually say something worth listening to. :} - Editor

1/31/2003 -

Great class last night.. how does a 20 minute presentations turn into 1-1/2hrs on quantum physics?  Just guess... turns out there are people from 5 different tribes in the class... Chippewa, Navajo, Hopi, Cherokee and 1 other I can't  remember... what do you do if you're a quantum physicist? Something tells me I'll end up going in that direction.  I didn't know it was quantum physics, the instructor told me afterward.

The Native Americans said:  Know what thedifference is between us in the U.S. and the Kurds in Iraq?  They said, it's that the chemical weapon being used on Native Americans is alcohol

In a class of 25, only 3 people did not have direct experience in dealing with alcoholism.  We collectively came to the conclusion that the greatest cause of alcoholism, in the AMerican form, had more to do with stigmatization of those who seek help, and the continued pressure on Americans to forego spiritualistic values for the sake of corporate productivity, causing human relationships and family valies to suffer as they are moved to the bottom of the list of American priorities..

Can you say trans-Atlantic conveyor?

Read the fine-print on the African AIDS aid... I don't have a problem with USAID's policy of giving US companies contracts, but generics would still be 3 times less expensive, and help a whole lot more people. Sounds like a gov't giveaway to the pharmaceutical companies to me.

BTW: Never did call the DNC again.. I'm not a masochist.. more names for the back room list.  It's going to be quite a party... I'll chew everyone out after I stop laughing... which may take a while. I actually do believe I'll win. I don't watch wrestling (anymore).  But I do like roller derby. Remember, and I say this with all good intentions... I went looking to make friends and help.. if you think I'm being confrontational, then describe DEMS attitudes.. if it's not elitest, then what?   Really, I think the question should be answered. Arrogance, maybe? We'll have a convention of those shunned by the party... my bet is, it will be a large group.    That will explain a great deal about what's going on in the elections.

Gettin' a haircut today... ooooh... getting serious. :}

Missed Paul Harvey... couldn't get them to postpone the class til later.

Have  a good day, weekend, dream and, heck, a piece of apple pie wouldn't hurt....

4pm - BTW - I still love ya alot, I'm just frustrated and annoyed. What else is new? :} I also think  it's appropriate at this point to disassociate.  The Sanders piece "Under the Influence" is like my life... gotta do a presentation on it in class tonight... I'm going to play the first rock song I ever wrote myself... when I was 9... it's called "Slow Suicide"  Ya gotta read the Sanders piece to understand.   It's about an alcoholic father.

Take care.  Who knows, maybe I'll see ya in the news beofre long.  How bout the UN and Iraq due to take over the disarmament commitee in May? :}  That's funny.

PS- Remember - I promise unification. You'll see. Ben Lomond... Santa Cruz County, just North of Felton and  before Boulder Creek.

1/30 - 10am

I have just posted my "Disclaimer" to the charlesrehn.com website. You won't like it, but, too bad.

Before I say what I really want to talk about today, just thought I'd mention that the trap is that George has announced all these spending programs, and then told Congress to exercise control in spending.  The trap is that Democrats will end up fighting against the very social causes they normally fight for, and, like the trap of the Iraqi resolution, they will look bad fighting for the right priorities.

That said... traps actually is what I.m going to talk about...

When I look ahead to campaignng for the presidency, I can't help but think about a number of ironies, at least in my own thinking. I know the good that I've done so far in my life, and yet, what prevails in my thoughts is how the few things I've actually done that were "wrong" will be put before the citizens more than anything else.   Call it fear or paranoia, call it what you like... call it an observation about the very reason I feel compelled what many will call an impossible, unrealistic goal.   But keep in mind, whatever the outcome, that I don't see it as an opportunity to advance my career or generate a positive national image for personal gain. I see it as an opportunity, a responsibility, to give service to the country that I love.  I suppose to some, that will make me seem naive or obsessed.

I think of how this started... had I thought I would be running for office, I most certainly would not have tried bullying the media and scolding political leaders... not that I regret the results of that, but because those who I tried to help the most, those who actually benefitted from my insistence will be those in the position to cause me and my goals the greatest harm. And, like most of the good I have been able to cause throughout my life, those who benefitted will be in the position to attack me, and will be able to provide plausible deniability to any claim I might have for interaction with them, and especially, any good I may have evoked.

These are the same people who were glad to have my support, so long as I did not actually want to participate.  So long as I supported them and their causes.

I talk about my faith in God, not to preach, but simply to declare my faith and values, regardless of my common human inability to be perfect in exercising those values.  A vision is an expression not of what is attainable, but what there may be to strive for.   Sharing and expressing that vision is the only way to generate common ground from which to embark upon the journey that leads to the greatest realization of the goals of the vision.

At times, I think of all the ways that I can answer all the questions that may be posed.  I think of how I can counter remarks made about my life, presented out of context, in order to forward someone else's political or commercial goals, and I laugh at how easy it would be to impeach the character of those who attack me.  And then I remind myself how I must refuse to be drawn into that destructive political game.

I've made many unreasonable requests.  I've made demands I was in no position to make, all for fulfilling what I saw as a greater purpose than my personal pride or public image.  And I believe I have been laughed at and suppressed because of my zeal, especially by those who appear on tv and write in newspapers, who claim the same zeal and commitment.  I believed I shared a commitment and that those I engaged understood that, and I was wrong.  Not wrong about the commitments, but wrong to believe that they would honor partnership and cooperative action.

What I'm writing today is not a complaint or an expression of fear.  It is an observation of a world that has become divided by facades and half-truths.

Ultimately, I believe that people will come to understand what I am committed to.   They will understand that I have no ulterior motives for personal gain. I know that the chances of winning this election are small, but it is most certainly possible.   And if I succeed, I believe it will only be because people will want what I want:   a country of Democracy and freedom and respect for each other and our individual preferences, and a renewed belief that truth and justice are not just pretty words and dreams of an era that has passed us by.

If that is all I accomplish, then this effort will have been worth it. And if people can respect the goal, regardless of what they think of me as a person, I will be satisfied.  The preservation and advancement of the ideals and intent of this nation is what is important.  Call me naive or call me a patriot, but please respect the vision.  It is the same as the one you profess.  It is the one I request we empower.

Finally got the info I needed! Just when you thought you would get rid of me... too bad. :} Guess you'll have one more Democrat to dislike. :}  Sorry George, not available for the mentor job. I am relentless. :}

Next week, I'll find me a campaign manager.  I figure someone young, cocky, and eager to do the first one would be best.. someone who doesn't understand what the word impossible means.

BTW... the big interview with the High School paper should be next week. :} I think it'll be cool.  A good start to getting young people into the system.  That'll be my official announcement.  :}  I love it, actually.  And the school and the reporter will get some great attention... at some point anyway...

Got folks lining up speaking engagements all over the midwest... and you probably think I've just been watching tv. 

If I ever have to go on one of those crazy debate shows, I'm bringing one of those emergency boat horns... works better than bells.

Meanwhile... looks like I've snagged some voice-over work... get this... the first assignment... anti-drug spots. Bizarre.

End of transmission from this broadcast location.}