The 'Audacity' of Obama

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. The religious holiday took on new meaning this year after Barack Obama rejuvenated his presidential campaign with a speech on March 18 that focused on the state of race relations in the United States.
Part history lesson and part life story, Obama's call for racial reconciliation struck a chord with millions of people because it was genuine. He turned what started out as a controversy over inflammatory sermons delivered by his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, into an opportunity to address the impact of racism as well as the influence of religion. Not only that, but in the course of 37 minutes, he showed that everyone has a vested interest in facing these complex issues.
It's hypocritical for commentators, whether they support fellow presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton or John McCain, to try to hold Obama accountable for words he didn't speak. If they're going to travel down the slippery slope of guilt by association, Clinton should distance herself from Bill Clinton, who's been more of a liability than an asset to her bid for the White House ... and McCain should sever ties with Rod Parsley, who called for the destruction of Islam in his book, Silent No More.
Given everything at stake in this election, the public can't afford to let partisan politics distract them from demanding solutions to pressing matters like improving the economy or ending the war in Iraq. Obama is a breath of fresh air on the political scene because he's the antithesis of business as usual. While he's not without his shortcomings, his willingness to engage the masses in the electoral process and think outside the box to resolve major crises is inspiring. Such qualities are why he'll likely be the last person standing on Election Day -- just like Jesus Christ rose above his followers on that fateful Sunday many centuries ago.

Riding the 'Banzuke' Bandwagon

As a seasoned traveler, I enjoy learning about different cultures and trying new experiences. In recent times, though, I've been forced to seek less expensive means of indulging in global exploration. One tactic I've used to help me discover the world without leaving my parents' apartment is watching Unbeatable Banzuke on G4.
The game show, which is based in Japan, consists of various obstacle courses that are mentally and physically challenging. Contestants tackle feats such as "Hand Walk" and "Sponge Bridge" in an effort to reach athletic immortality. The beauty of these events is they look easy, but are difficult to master -- as most participants find out the hard way.
On that note, the appeal of Unbeatable Banzuke lies in its diversity. Students, retirees, and others young and old test their skills -- or lack thereof -- in front of millions of people. Like the season premiere of American Idol, what keeps me tuning in for each episode aren't the many failures ... but the rare victories. Those who emerge as winners -- like the mother/son team who conquered "Athletic Love" or the trio of boxers who mastered "Seesaw 60" -- have their names added to the list of champions, which is equivalent to bragging rights in the United States.
Unlike U.S.-based game shows, Unbeatable Banzuke isn't about having the most cash or prizes. A sense of accomplishment is its own reward, along with the pride of knowing that a goal was achieved without compromising one's integrity or sacrificing one's soul. Such family-friendly entertainment is the perfect counterpoint to the lowest-common-denominator programming that clogs the boob tube -- which is why I'm happy to see it cross the Pacific Ocean and reach a wider audience.

Fumbling Towards Disaster

On March 10, Eliot Spitzer fell victim to the ultimate political cliché: a sex scandal.
Spitzer, who rose to national prominence while serving as attorney general of New York and pledged to restore accountability as its governor, found himself on the wrong side of the law when he was caught on wiretap arranging a meeting with a prostitute at the Mayflower Hotel on February 13. A politician engaging in such behavior is nothing new; the practice is as old as time itself. However, when one stakes a claim on the pedestal of ethics, enemies lurk in the shadows waiting for the inevitable fall from grace.
State lawmakers called for Spitzer's resignation on March 11, and he announced his departure from office the next day. But losing the governorship is the least of Spitzer's worries, for his dalliances with a call girl also jeopardized his marriage and scarred his three daughters. Betraying their trust in a reckless manner may warrant forgiveness if his contrition is sincere, but his constituents won't feel as charitable because they abhor hypocrisy. That's the worst aspect of this situation: Spitzer's public persona is a shield for his private demons.
It's ironic that a man who built his career on fighting corruption ends up being poisoned by it. Spitzer thought he was beyond reproach and his actions were without consequences ... but the repercussions of that night in Washington, D.C., extend beyond the bedroom. The possibility that he used taxpayer dollars to finance his sexual urges may lead him to spend many years at a place with less-than-upscale accommodations: prison. Then again, a life sentence of humiliation -- one which he brought on himself -- is more than enough of a punishment.