100 Things I Want to Hear...
is both an art gallery and blog project. As the US Postal Service delivers political junk mail to my home, I collage it into new messages I want to hear from presidential hopefuls. The cut, rearranged, and pasted words of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, and other candidates will be displayed in the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center and Sea and Space, a Los Angeles art gallery, throughout the 2008 election.
The other aspect of the project is this site. Here, bloggers can leave notes as to what they would personally like to hear from the candidates. Take a few moments to consider what you’ve been hearing or not hearing, then post what you wish the candidates would say and/or do. Your thoughts will be assembled, redistributed, and considered part of the exhibition. Each day, I will take 100 of the comments posted here and upload them to the candidates’ official blogs from May 7 - November 4, 2008.
The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center will present the Audacity of Desperation: confronting, expressing and unraveling states of desperation, from May 7 – June 4, 2008. Artworks by concerned people, made in multiple editions are free for distribution at an opening party on May 7th at 7:00 pm and throughout the exhibition. The closing party on June 4, at 7:00 pm will include Continental Drift, an itinerant discussion on Neoliberal policies and cracks in global power, traveling through the Radical Midwest Cultural Corridor, with presentations by Kevin Hamilton, Brian Holmes, Ayreen Anastas, and Rene Gabri.
October 23 – November 16, Sea and Space, Los Angeles will continue the Audacity of Desperation, with an opening reception on October 25 and election countdown on November 4, 2008. More information can be found at www.desperationexhibition.blogspot.com.
The other aspect of the project is this site. Here, bloggers can leave notes as to what they would personally like to hear from the candidates. Take a few moments to consider what you’ve been hearing or not hearing, then post what you wish the candidates would say and/or do. Your thoughts will be assembled, redistributed, and considered part of the exhibition. Each day, I will take 100 of the comments posted here and upload them to the candidates’ official blogs from May 7 - November 4, 2008.
The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center will present the Audacity of Desperation: confronting, expressing and unraveling states of desperation, from May 7 – June 4, 2008. Artworks by concerned people, made in multiple editions are free for distribution at an opening party on May 7th at 7:00 pm and throughout the exhibition. The closing party on June 4, at 7:00 pm will include Continental Drift, an itinerant discussion on Neoliberal policies and cracks in global power, traveling through the Radical Midwest Cultural Corridor, with presentations by Kevin Hamilton, Brian Holmes, Ayreen Anastas, and Rene Gabri.
October 23 – November 16, Sea and Space, Los Angeles will continue the Audacity of Desperation, with an opening reception on October 25 and election countdown on November 4, 2008. More information can be found at www.desperationexhibition.blogspot.com.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
43 comments:
Having just watched the first question of the Clinton/Obama debate, I’m reminded of what I dislike most about the current state of American politics. If candidates do not intend to answer a question as posed, I’d like to hear them say “I pass”.
If they can’t follow the simple rules of debate, what will they do with the law of the land?
I want to hear the candidates talk more objectively about voting patterns. I want them to discuss voting patterns by social class and not just sex, age, ethnicity, or location. Lower and middle class society is not equally represented in the voting process.
As a senator or president, what steps will you take to put a bill together that will transfer funds for alternative fuel research, and tax incentives for businesses and residents that use solar, and alternative fuels? (besides ethnol, which is increasing the cost of food)
Instead of being 100 Things I Want To Hear... it should really 100 Things our next President should do!!! I think this is why Americans are so confused with the rhetoric that the Candidate’s gives us during a debate. If Obama or Clinton really want to become the Next President of the United States then there is a little pieces of advise from a true patriot: DO GIVE AMERICANS THE RUN AROUND AND ANSWERS THE DAMN QUSTION. Its funny how Obama and Clinton both seek change but both still fail to give an outline of how change is oppose to occur. I’m personally interested to see how these candidates actually handle when in office the war in Iraq, the recession, and current environmental crises in the United States. Wouldn’t it be great if the there was a six month probation period to be President! That way if you suck during your Presidency then you’ll leave if you don’t then you get to stay—just food for thought.
I want to hear any/all of the candidates discuss the reduction of GDP. This sustainable growth/green capitalism stuff is ultimately not convincing. Unfortunately, this rhetoric is coming to the surface in the 'cap and trade' hogwash spewing from the mouths of Obama, Clinton, and McCain's. Sadly, the focus is on ramping up the economy, ramping up energy use, and stomping on the small, technologically benign. If the trio start talking about scaling down, revitalizing small farming towns, minimizing consumption, and putting an end to our fossil fuel fiesta, I'll start listening.
I would like all candidates to retouch the immigration issue. Where it is that they stand, and just what it is that they have in mind for immigration. Since this coutnry was FOUNDED BY IMMIGRANTS. There are many issues out there that are of improtantance to us, but for now since they haven't really touched on the subject.
I don't want to hear anything more from the candidates. All I hear is lallaalalla, but no actions. I want our next president to show with actions that he or she was the right choice. I want the candidates to keep their promises and to really work for the best of the country not only their pockets. A change is necessary once in a while and we are waiting for a better US so i want to see not hear.
mdd
ALL I WANT IS A JFK OR BILL CLINTON. These two presidents were admired by american citizens, everyone liked them. At the time they were presidents, american citizens didn't really complain, as they DO WITH GEORGE W. BUSH. Let's face it, ever since Bush became president everything has gone downhill. I want to hear from the candidates, what they plan on doing to bring America back to normal.
I would like to hear more from the candidates regarding education. Since they say that it is so important i would like to see their actions to improve the current cutbacks and to increase the funding rather than taking it away.For example the Pell Grant system is losing funding/scholarships. With less funding available more and more students will not be able to attend college because of their costs. Our future depends on the education funding available to our students, who are our future.
I want to hear Hillary Clinton say, "I will not win, so I'm throwing in the towel."
I want to hear a president be willing to admit that he/she made a mistake and be willing to correct it.
I would like the candidates to address the fact that an economy cannot grow indefinitely since natural resources are essentially limited. Is the current economic model right for our future?
I want to hear a genuinely qualified person announce that they will take the bold step to run for president and the voice of the people backing that person up.
i want to hear the candidate's ideas for economic reform.
I think that it is amazing that we have finally reached a point in American society that a female candidate is running versus an African-American candidate for the democratic presidential nomination. However, the animosity that has mounted between the two candidates who were previously good colleagues (as well as equally qualified candidates) is kind of discouraging to me on a personal level. I'd like to see one of the candidate recognize this and just be like: "Hey, I think you're just as awesome as me. We both have essentially the same agenda in mind, rather than argue about which one of us is better than the others, why don't we focus on why either of us is a better presidential candidate and how can we regain some respect from the rest of the world for the U.S. and start making a conscious effort of being the progressive country that we say we are."
Hmmm, I'm a presidential hopeful and these are the issues that are important to me and will get me elected. (Doesn't really work for me.)
Why don't we try:
I'm a presidential hopeful and these are the issues that SHOULD be important to the American public and why. (That seems much more progressive.)
It seems that legalizing gay marriage is potentially going to be a major issues when it comes down to the democrat versus the republican candidates. So why is it that neither Obama or Hillary are addressing the issue in a more proactive way. Albeit, they basically have the same policy towards this particular issue, but is legalizing gay marriage REALLY what we should be discussing?
Personally, I think we should be discussing why the institution of marriage has become such a business transaction in American society. I think that we should be re-thinking the idea of unions as one thing and marriage (as an issue of faith, hope, love and commitment between two people) as another. I mean, if I wanted to marry someone of the same sex I'm not only concerned with equal opportunities as heterosexual couples but establishing a family unit that is based on the foundation of those previously mentioned topics. I think it's silly to fight for a right that should be unconditional anyway. I'm more concerned with a candidate that can not only create equal opportunity for both heterosexual and homosexual couples, but that is willing to recognize that there are other issues that are destroying the notion of the family unit otherwise. Are those issues not as important? Shouldn't we want to not only be able to marry, but also have a system in place that alleviates the stresses that currently result in over a 50% divorce rate in the U.S.?
I want to hear:
For every dollar spent on a presidential campaign, each candidate will match their amount spent (with no cap) and give it towards something "green."
Such as: planting trees, making an energy sucking building "green", changing something (anything) from energy wasting or polluting to something Earth friendly. Where you do YOU want our American Dollars going? Campaigns are a HUGE cost. Think of what we could do as humans if we change this process somehow.
How about Barack and Hillary each singing “Love Me Tender,” getting Simon’s response and letting everyone age 9 to 15 phone in their vote. That will settle it.
Knowing that I am a huge commuter and so is everyone in the U.S. I want to hear all the candidates true opinions as to what is the real reason why gas prices is so high? and then I want them to legitimize how and why it happen and how do they propose to get rid of the cause of high gas prices and the next step what do they truely believe what will be effective in having a long-term drop in the prices, without effecting the economy.
I want to hear each of the candidates say the word "thorsosavich" correctly in a sentence.
I want to hear Obama and Clinton sing a duet. Maybe "Islands in the Stream" or "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off".
Gas Prices:Senator Hilary Clinton
Senator Hilary Clint has proposed that the oil companies pay the gas tax instead of consumers and drivers this summer. Senator Clinton points out that records show the profits of the oil companies are a result of a number of factors beyond supply and demand. She has said that she thinks there has been market manipulation. She also points out that Exxon Mobil official testifying under oath before the House of Representatives committee said that if it were just market factors, then the price of oil would be like $50 or $55 a barrel.
So if she was elected for president how soon will this take to get oil companies pay for the tax rather than the consumers? How much would gas prices go down from the price that we are paying right now?
With roughly three more weeks left in the primary election, Mrs. Clinton, what is the best advice you've received and can give to Americans that are struggling or that have fallen behind with certain things their involved in or competing for?
i will work to repeal nafta/ftaa
i will work to overturn the 1996 telecommunications act.
i will work to take healthcare, transportation, and education out of the hands of private business.
i will work to promote alternative medicine healthy lifestyles.
i will work to end prohibition on all drugs, taking their distribution out of the hands of gangs, and taking away some of the inducement to do those drugs.
i will work to end the war economy, and instead work to substitute an economy of invention and innovation.
i will work to reduce the grip of corporate control -- i will work to repeal the corporate charter.
i will work to end our reliance on oil and the automobile, promoting mass transit across the country.
i will work to put an end to the use of GMO's.
i will work to promote a more spiritual life for americans and people around the world, reducing the reliance on material goods and wealth.
i will work to end global warming.
i will come out and say that what barrack's church pastor said was perfectly reasonable, and reaffirm that the US has always been a bad nation, founded on slavery and genocide -- the remnants of which still continue to this day -- and made rich by invasion, war profiteering, propping up dictators, and the like. and i will work not to push this under the rug, but to acknowledge it, and end it!
i will work to end the so-called "war on terror," and be honest about what it has really been about -- war profiteering.
i will work to promote things for people to identify with and be proud of other than "america" so that we can speak openly about america's ills -- like barrack's pastor has done -- without people feeling like it is an attack on them.
I would like to hear them say "Vote Ron Paul"
What are your goals in regards to education? Politicians insure funding education each election but when in office education is completely forgotten. As well, it is most often the first place to receive budget cuts in order to pay local and national debt. How will you insure that just as, "no child will be left behind," all children should and will have the opportunity to attend college.
I would like to know how would to know how either presidential candidate help individuals like me? I commute to school everyday and at times twice a day. I also commute from school to work. I don't qualify for any type of school aide, because they say I "make to much". I have a full and part time job to make ends meet. With this economy its really hard to be 23 years old, pay for rent, help his/her parents whom work minimum wage jobs, and have to pay outrageous costs for gas. Someone who, has to pay out of his/her pockets for the entire tuition, books, and other school fees. I am talking about Gas prices. I am talking about housing costs. I am talking about education, and tuition. I am talking about living of off minimum wage jobs. I am talking about financial aid. .... Oh and to top it off, when doing his/her taxes ends up having to pay!! Can you tell me how that makes any sense? So candidates how will you be able to help the average person like me?
I'd want to hear the candidates say something like, "I wish Mitt were here." or "I sure wish it had been Edwards." or something to that...that would be funny.
I want the candidates to promise never to lie to me AND THEN TO KEEP THEIR PROMISE. I'd rather hear "I can't comment on that right now" than another lie or evasion.
I'd rather hear "I don't know" than another lie or evasion.
I'd rather hear silence than another lie or evasion.
It looks like Obama has pretty much got the nomination wrapped up. I'd like to hear him address the most segregated hour of the week: 11:00 on Sunday morning. How will he REALLY bring us together?
I'd like to hear the candidates not only address the war on terror but also the condition of prison in the U.S., in my opinion another not-well-attended-to, never-ending-war. With more people in prison than any other nation, and almost as much money going to lock up Americans as educate them, this condition of American life needs to be turned around. I want the candidates to unravel the rhetoric of 'war on crime' and address the millions of state and federal dollars going to cage our neighbors in prisons!
fiffe said...
I think that it is amazing that we have finally reached a point in American society that a female candidate is running versus an African-American candidate for the democratic presidential nomination. However, the animosity that has mounted between the two candidates who were previously good colleagues (as well as equally qualified candidates) is kind of discouraging to me on a personal level. I'd like to see one of the candidate recognize this and just be like: "Hey, I think you're just as awesome as me. We both have essentially the same agenda in mind ...
Obama has been saying that. as here for example:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=k8aRMD8GaAA
You have health care.
You don;t have to go to Mexico or Canada to afford prescriptions.
I'd like to hear the candidates who plan to bring our troops home ASAP what their plans are for integrating them into the shrinking employment market. Unemployment is moving up, are there jobs for our troops when they come home?
I would absolutely love to ask John McCain what his strategy is to finally make Bush's tax cuts permanent, despite the slim Democratic majority that exists in the House and Senate. My children and the American people deserve to have a government that doesn't always pilfer your purse whenever it sees fit, especially in this economic climate. What a sad shame it would be if this important stimulus tool went the way of the dodo. Perhaps a coalition with the Reagan Democrats would help you, Mr. McCain? However you manage to handle it, give my best to Cindy.
And just for the sake of curiosity, what does Barack feel his chances are against John McCain? He lost 9 of the last 14 contests against Hill-dog and barely secured his party's nomination. The poor thing escaped her talons battered, bloody, bruised, banged-up, beaten black-and-blue, broken, and more than a little blemished. It would seem that he would make easy prey for the Republicans, not to mention a Republican of John McCain's caliber. I would love to hear a concise, little summary of his general election talking points.
I want to hear Hillary say she doesn't need Barack to bail her out to give him her support.
Fantasy Candidate Announcement No. 1:
My fellow Americans, starting tonight, I will no longer apologize for what I say, nor allow others to apologize for me. If I say something, it is because I wanted to say it. I want you to hear exactly what I think, unmediated, and without censorship. In exchange, I charge the media with the task of not taking what I say out of context, and with being honest and thorough when reporting my words. Some of you will not like what I have to say, and well, frankly that's alright. There is no possible way that I can appease all the people, all of the time. We have to start being frank and open with one another, unconditionally. And the real dialogue begins here, tonight.
Fantasy Candidate Announcement No. 2
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight - the era of rigid, two-party, bi-polar politics in America is over. It is time for us to overcome the too simplistic polarization that divides us and limits our choices, and limits our conversation. The red and blue, two-candidate ping pong party is over. It is time that we enact what we always preach, that America is about democracy and choice, about freedom and free speech, that the American people have a voice and a choice. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, the tightly controlled and unquestioned two-party system will come to an end. It is time for other ideas and voices to enter the conversation. And it is time for the media and federal legislation, that have for too long promoted such a narrow platform, to reform themselves. Tonight, we open the conversation up. And starting tonight, you will have a real choice.
Fantasy Candidate Announcement No. 3:
My fellow citizens, today politics just got a whole lot easier. Starting right now, the Electoral College is no more. No more confusing primaries and caucuses, no more haggling and wrangling about redrawing district boundaries, and no more secret delegates and super delegates and ultra plus nimbus delegates. Just you, the American people, and your vote. The one and only vote that will count, the popular vote of the people. This reform has been long overdue, and it is high time that your vote actually counted...and was taken seriously.
Additionally, as part of this major and very much needed voting reform, it will now be mandatory that every polling location in every city and town in every state of this great nation have the exact same voting device and procedures. No more confusion about why one voting method differs from the next, or why one location gets this or that equipment and staffing while another gets something entirely different. All locations will be electronic, after all ladies and gentlemen this IS the twenty-first century, and all equipment will be independently produced and monitored. Voting machines will not manufactured by some Haliburton technology subsidiary of the Republican party with no accountability, backup, or proof that they are working properly.
These are simple, common-sense decisions, ladies and gentlemen, that will now be in place to make voting easy and worth your time. We ask in exchange that you now actively participate in this democracy that you call home.
Post a Comment