my friends becky and erik were kind enough to join me last week for an open-ended discussion about politics, religion, values, ideas, and impressions re: the u.s. presidential election. i'm honored to present part one tonight, and i would love to share it with you. :) as i mentioned last week, the partisan rancor we've seen (on both sides) over the course of the past few months concerns me. i realize that this is how political parties "win" elections these days - that the lowest common denominator dictates the tone of debate - that catch phrases sway more effectively than substantive explanations. fair enough. but i don't like it. and i don't think that's how real issues get solved. the fact remains that whoever wins this election needs to lead one country. and if we're ever going to address any of the deep divisions and disagreements (and problems) we have, we're gonna have to learn to listen to each other. i'm convinced that anything less will only bring us more of the same. i'm idealistic, perhaps. i know. but i believe in working for something better. i believe in humanizing those who disagree with us. and trying to understand. this is what i want. if you agree, i hope maybe you'll join me - wherever you are, and whichever party you support.

more than anything, i want to send my sincere thanks to erik and becky for trusting me and taking the time share their perspectives. their friendship means the world to me. seriously. also wanna send extra special thanks to the mannequins, nick guerrero, patrick kobernus, and kris hauch for sharing their music with us. if you don't know them already, i hope you'll click their links below... they rock. quite simply.

kris hauch solo - myspace.com/thefannycake
kris' band "shirt" - myspace.com/streetpiano

the mannequins - myspace.com/mannequinsmusic
nick guerrero - myspace.com/nickguerrero

patrick kobernus and slyway - slywaymusic.com
patrick's cd "cowboy zen" - cdbaby.com/cd/slyway

t vine wine - tvinecellars.com

wishing you the best tonight.

<3
russell