About

I started this blog to share my political observations through the tail end of Obama’s campaign and beyond.  As we head into the first summer of the Obama administration, I am evolving and expanding this blog to include political AND educational musings.  Granted – my lens is that of a technologists and my perspective is that of one learning about learning – just like my political observations were from that of a political newbie.  However, unlike the child in the Haggadah who does not know how to ask, I do know how to ask - A LOT!  I just may not always parse the answers right away.   That said – I try to be the designated dumb question asker – so that I can uncover what may seem obvious, but may not be obvious.

we are at an amazing inflection point in our world.  I am sharing my analyses and observations on what’s happening in the political (and also the Jewish) world in case there’s even the tiniest possibility that I can help my community and this country end up going in the right direction. 

Here’s what I wrote in my initial “about” when I launched the blog:

You’ll see comments from me on Obama & Jews as well as a lot of delegate points (I’m planning on doing extensive blogging from the convention).  Thank you so much for reading what I have to say and sharing your additional thoughts and comments.

Who am I to think that I could have even a tiny impact?  Most importantly, I’m a voter – and every vote and voice counts!

In addition to that, I’m a delegate for Obama to the Democratic National Convention and a co-chair of the Obama Jewish Community Leadership Committee in Seattle.

Some things don’t change – and those comments still apply.  Only now – rather than blogging from the convention, I’ll be blogging from the change commission, from education conferences and from lots of other places and moments that I believe are worth sharing.

As I said up front, my ultimate objective is impact.  How are my actions and decisions ultimately resulting in Tikkun Olam – repairing the world?  Hopefully, that’ll continue to come through in my blog.  If not, please call me on it.   I don’t have time for anything else.

 

And here’s a further archive of my initial About Me Blurb – with one addendum up front

addendum: In May of 2009, I joined Microsoft’s Education group to help coalesce and tell the story of how Microsoft technology is helping improve education across the globe.  I could have picked several companies doing amazing work.  But my goal was impact.  If you want to teach me about teaching and learning -please, I’m learning all about students and am excited to be one again – only this time, of the education system!

 Archived about me….

I have experience in management/leadership (was a VP at Expedia for its luxury travel group), communications (also ran PR for Expedia.com for many years) and Jewish community organizing (I helped create the Kavana Cooperative) .  These three points (along with others) are converging for me in this election and I’m using everything I know in order to get Obama elected. 

Why am I doing this?  Why Obama?

I first met Obama in a small group and became inspired by him in Spring 2005 – before he had articulated any Presidential aspirations. We were in Dick Durbin’s minority whip office in the Capitol, I was 7 months pregnant with my daughter and he came over to talk with me about our kids. He was so incredibly real, open and present. But what struck me more deeply than anything else was his energy – just this deep sense of confidence-inducing calm. Then, when he addressed our little group, his words bespoke a wisdom far in excess of a junior and freshman Senator. He shared vision and a positive and hopeful outlook.

From that point on, I have worked tirelessly to elect him as our next President.

Below is something I wrote in order to articulate why I think that Obama must be our next President:

 

 

 

 

 

 For more on what I have done to help get him elected, you can check out my profile on the ObamaDelegates.com website (I also created this site) for the whole story.

Vision and Hope only take you so far.

Barack Obama is uniquely qualified to actually deliver on his Vision and Hope for a “more perfect union”

His strategy is simple – he starts by listening and looking for common ground, not battleground. And not just listening to those with whom he agrees. He synthesizes information from a broad array of sources – looking for what’s intelligent, not what’s coming from someone with a particular label or party affiliation.

He maintains transparency and accountability – even if it’s uncomfortable. As he said in a speech here at Bell Harbor “I’m human and I will make mistakes, but you will always know where I stand and what I’m thinking”.

And then, most importantly, he inspires and motivates in his calm yet energizing way . Because of the consensus building and how he keeps us “in the loop”, we feel empowered as a part of the plan itself.

I ask you to join me in helping a once in a lifetime leader, a person who brings vision and hope together with action and inspiration, to reach the White House.

 

Thank you!

Suzi LeVine