The L.A. Dime

Apr 13 2010

Jim Gray for Mayor

I think there might be a few Lexingtonians reading the blog, so as the mayoral race there ratchets up, I want to share my personal story with one of the candidates, and ask that you give him your support.

I left Lexington after college and took a job in North Carolina. I met great people, had great experiences, learned a lot, but needed to come home closer to family and friends. Fortunately, Arthur Rouse at Video Editing Services was willing to hire me, and one of the first projects he put me on was an assignment to document Gray Construction’s remodel of the Wolf Wile department store building into its new company home. They wanted to “walk in their customers moccasins,” and experience what their clients feel in designing and building a new home. Jim Gray was at the forefront of that decision, and was my key contact at the company. Over the several years it took for that project to develop and conclude, Jim became a mentor to me, became invested in my growth and dreams, and inspired me to pursue my career in film. I was just a contractor from across the street, but he saw promise and encouraged it. His support goes well beyond what I can quickly detail here, but suffice it to say — I might not have become a filmmaker without him. He wrote letters of recommendation, made arrangements for me to visit different film schools, and allowed my wife and me to use his new building for a going away party when I decided on USC. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He remains an invaluable resource in my life — a friend, but more like a sage. Call him Obi-Wan to my Luke.

Jim has that kind of influence on everyone with whom he works. He’s a highly-educated forward thinker, a CEO of one America’s largest construction firms, and yet he has dedicated himself in his work as Vice Mayor to making Lexington better, and to helping anyone and everyone he can — as he did with me. As he has with countless others.

Jim lives downtown. He kept his company downtown. He’s pro-business, pro-growth, but environmentally concerned. He believes Lexington can grow responsibly — grow smartly. Overcoming the loss of his father at a young age, and struggling with his brothers to rescue and sustain the company, Jim has a tireless work ethic, and is dedicated to his family. A product of Vanderbilt and Harvard, Jim knows the value of education, cherishes it, and will do all he can to ensure Lexington’s children receive the very best the city can offer.

When you meet him, Jim looks you dead in the eye, shakes your hand warmly — with the strength of a construction company’s CEO — and asks how you are doing. That’s not just a greeting. He wants to know. For a man as busy as he is, he listens — if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be where he is today. There is warmth and sincerity in his smile, and a down-home Glasgow twinkle in his eye. He’s as Kentucky as it gets, but he’s been around the world, seen and learned, and has the perspective our town needs.

I know Jim is the right man for this job. A Lexington where Jim Gray is mayor, is a Lexington I’d move back to in a heartbeat. Please support him. If you’re unsure, do the research. Get to know him. Listen. Then share your concerns, and Jim will listen to you. You won’t be disappointed.

Jim Gray for Mayor Website

Gray Construction Website

jim-gray

3 responses so far

Jan 20 2009

How Fortunate We Are…

Published by admin under The Politics

…to live in a nation comprised of divergent races, religions, convictions, and ideologies. A nation where, despite these vast, sometimes contentious, and unfortunately all too often, painful differences, we can unite, bound by the one uniform law that governs us all, the Constitution, and peacefully transfer power in a time of tremendous strife and turmoil, the likes of which often sends lesser nations into chaos and war. This profound gift was hard won by men and women of great vision, willing to risk all and declare independence from tyranny, to give their lives on blood-soaked battle fields here and abroad, to march and protest and scream for justice when the majority chose to stand opposed or simply look away. But this gift is not our birthright. It must be earned and renewed with each rising generation. Now, for us, it is not enough to simply mark this inauguration and note its place in history; to someday say we watched, were moved, and agreed. Now, for us, it is not enough to simply preserve and protect this gift. We must work to advance it, improve it, and deliver it safely to our children along with a strong knowledge of their role in it. Our new President’s remarkable journey is testament to the power within each of us to strive for the betterment of our nation. So, in this New Year, this new administration, and this new era, let us all commit to advance, preserve, protect, and defend the grand gift that is America.

No responses yet

Nov 08 2008

Yes we can.

Published by admin under The Politics

I’ve waited a while to make this post. And for me, it’s not about gloating, or “told-ya-soing.” I’ve believed Obama was the right man for this job, at this time, since the beginning of the election cycle. But now, I have some thoughts on what should be done on both sides of the aisle.

The Democrats have been given an enormous responsibility by the American people. While the majority in the Senate is not fillibuster-proof, still, it is significant. With the House and the Presidency also shaded deep blue, it is time to get things done. The Democrats must stand together and unify with their President, and get the work done that they’ve promised. To accomplish this, they must work with their Republican counterparts despite the majority. Mandate or no, now is not the time to be divisive. (Incidentally, it’s ridiculous that 7% in the popular vote equals an electoral college slaughter. We need to do away with that system altogether.) It is the time to be decisive, yet inclusive. The politics of the past cannot solve our problems. All sides must come together to work as one.

To that end, I hope Republicans can do what Senator McCain asked, and work with Democrats to find common ground and compromise to benefit the American people. I hope they give this man a chance. It is important that all points of view are heard, and in reaching out to Republicans during his acceptance speach, Obama said as much. He wants to listen. He needs to hear all sides. I’m encouraged that, like Lincoln did with Democrats, he is considering placing Republicans on his cabinet. I do not ask that people blindly follow without criticism — there has been to much of that already these past eight years. I hope, though, that the President-elect is given a fair shot. That everyone will listen, will hear, will think, and will deeply consider what is presented to them, and not rule out ideas simply because they come from the other side of the aisle, or the other candidate. There can be no doubt that there is a great burden upon Obama’s shoulders, and it is in everyone’s best interest to support him as best they can — while remembering that he said himself, “I will not be a perfect President.”

One thing I’d like to see happen, that likely won’t, is for President Bush and Obama to get togther now, work together now, and start rebuilding the economy in the 70+ days before the inauguration. What would it say to the nation and to the world if these two men could put aside their differences and work for the common good, without wasting still more precious time at a critical juncture in our nation’s history?

The long wait until January aside, I am excited. I’m hopeful. But I’m not overconfident, and I certainly don’t believe electing this man will solve all our problems. We must act individually — to save money, to reduce debt, to live responsibly in terms of our finances and the environment, and to be active in the political process to hold our leaders accountable. Together, as one nation, with individuals doing their part and our leaders working together for the people and not special interests — I still believe in “Yes we can.”

One response so far

Nov 04 2008

Exhilarating

Published by admin under The Politics

My polling place is a little school a few blocks North, where Sophie and I often stop to watch kids play during our walks. My plan was to take her with me, but it was raining this morning, so I went solo.

I’m always excited to vote, but this time, given the enormity of the day, I felt the same kind of rush I once felt before a bike race, or now, before a pitch. I met several of my neighbors (even gave one a ride home), thanked the dedicated poll workers, and then voted — checking my ballot three times before inserting it into the machine and getting my sticker.

This year, more than any in my life, I have come to appreciate the hard-won and rare gift of our American democracy. How lucky we are. Billions of people have no voice in their government, no say in their future; and today, as we brave long lines , bad weather, and other minor hassles, we should be grateful for the privalege.

I’d also like to shout out to my Pops, who, as the man in charge of elections in Boone County, KY, is doing a heroic job, as are thousands of people like him, working to get us in and out as quickly as possible, making sure our voice is correctly heard in the process. Fight On, Dad!

One response so far

Nov 02 2008

It’s all my fault…..

Published by admin under The Politics

My friend Gary sent me this hilarious video reminder of what will happen if I don’t vote on Tuesday.

3 responses so far

Oct 29 2008

We have goosebumps…

Published by Tina under The Politics

….and are now even more convinced that Obama is the right choice for America’s future. While we had our concerns about how his commercial might provide more ammunition for his opponents, the way he articulated his message, the details of his plans, his confidence in speaking, and his ability to make us believe that better times are possible and that we all play a role in the future was truly inspiring. In 6 days, each person is going to have to make a decision that they believe is the right one for them and their families – I only hope that you feel as absolutely certain, hopeful and inspired by the person you want to lead this country as we do.

5 responses so far

Oct 25 2008

Obama-Biden Tax Cut Calculator

Published by admin under The Politics

I’m not one to believe that tax cuts are the answer to all our problems. In fact, I think they are, in part, what got us into this situation in the first place. We MUST pay taxes to provide infrastructure, and SOMEHOW we have to get out of all this national debt. Tina and I pay plenty. In fact, I pay close to 40% on my script contracts and residuals (not counting 16.5% to my manager, lawyer, and the Guild).

All that said, check out the Obama-Biden Tax Cut Calculator. Their plan saved us $1,076 over the McCain plan — mostly because we don’t make enough money to benefit from the McCain plan, and don’t own an Oil company.

9 responses so far

Aug 03 2008

“The One”

Published by admin under The Politics

We’re lucky in Cali (save for the air quality and earthquakes), or at least in the part of it where I live, because we’re not subjected to the barrage of political ads the rest of the country is forced to endure. I don’t know why that is. In a 48 hour stop in Cincy/KY last weekend, not spending much time in front of the TV mind you, I must have see ten ads for McCain and Obama. Struggling to find his own story and create momentum, McCain is now attacking Obama’s “celebrity,” even calling him “The One.” I thought I’d post this excerpt from a pretty tough interview in the August 4 edition of Newsweek:

NW: You wrote in your first book about the seductive nature of talking to big crowds, getting them moved by your words. How does speaking to 200,000 people in Berlin not go to your head?

OBAMA: [Laughs] Because most of them can’t vote in a U.S. election. My overriding mood during the course of this trip is a sober one. When you look at the very difficult problem of Iran, the very difficult problem of Afghanistan and Pakistan, continuing difficulties in Iraq, the challenges of Middle East peace, the next president is going to have his hands full. And that’s before you start talking about climate change, the economy, relationships with Russia, China and North Korea. The point is it doesn’t take much to puncture any euphoria you may feel because of a speech you’ve given.

12 responses so far

Jul 17 2008

Church and State

Published by admin under The Politics

I am disturbed.

This week, the cover of The New Yorker depicts Barack and Michelle Obama as American-Flag burning, militant Muslims who have captured the oval office and fooled us all. As a fan of Obamadamus, free speech, and satire, it is not the publication of this image that disturbs me, but the facetious mythology at the source of it. The most recent issue of Newsweek features a photo of Obama praying, with the title — “What he believes.” Both Obama and McCain have been assailed for their church and ministerial associations. McCain is not Christian enough to be Republican, Obama is not American enough to Christian. To this I say that the Founding Fathers would be tremendously disappointed were they here to witness this clash of Church and State they so desperately wished to avoid.

Opening a treaty with Tripoli drafted in 1797, George Washington wrote, “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded as a Christian Nation….” Thomas Jefferson, revered by all for his role in declaring our independence and framing our constitution, is widely believed to have been an atheist. Madison, Franklin, and Adams are all on record as having been vehemently opposed to any relationship between religion and government, save for the protected toleration of all forms of the former. Now, in 2008, amidst war, climate change, recession, high fuel prices, humanitarian crises, and the need for education reform (among many other problems), all we seem to care about is which Church these men attend, and the manner in which they pray. They both pander to religious folks trying to prove how Godly they are, and I’m sick of it. Focus on the issues, please.

I am not opposed to religion by any stretch, so long as it doesn’t proffer hate and impinge on the rights of others. But, this country was founded on the secular separation of Church and State, and therefore, religious discussion should remain in the churches and not on the stump. When Barry Goldwater ran for President, he railed against the religious pressures placed on him as a candidate, and vowed to keep them separate from his campaign and to not let them effect his policy decisions. And he lost. George Bush, who won (sort of), is on record as a Christian, having said that God lead him to invade Iraq, and that atheists should not be considered American citizens. Huh? Is this Iran? Who is to say that it was God that spoke to Bush, and how can a country founded on religious freedom deny those very freedoms to people who choose not to believe?

I fear that we are headed toward a theocracy, where a man or woman need not only be brilliant, experienced, and a strong leader to become our President, but must also be an ordained minister and Biblical scholar. We may as well elect an American Pope or Supreme Reverend instead of a Vice President. It seems one phrase in our “Pledge to the Flag,” and another on our dollar bills, along with divisive issues such as abortion, stem cell research, and gay marriage, have allowed faith to take a seat beside reason in the governance of our nation. And that leaves me disturbed.

11 responses so far

Jul 10 2008

Darfur Now

Published by admin under The Industry,The Media,The Politics

Last night, and far too late — not in the hour but in the timing — Tina and I finally watched an amazing film written and directed by Ted Braun, one my former USC professors, and now a colleague. Darfur Now is a documentary that tells the story of six individuals fighting to free the Darfur region from the genocide wrought by the Sudanese government against its own people, perpetrated by mercenaries known as the Janjaweed. Featured in the story are a woman who lost everything and now fights as a rebel, a UN official working to provide food to refugees, a Los Angeles waiter who successfully writes and passes a law to divest California from Sudanese business interests, actor Don Cheadle (also featuring his pal George Clooney) who wrote a book on the conflict and hopes to use his celebrity to raise awareness, and finally, the U.N. Prosecutor who seeks to bring Sudanese war criminals to justice.

Darfur Now is wonderfully crafted. It’s a heart-wrenching and inspirational film that should serve as a call of action to those like me who sometimes feel that simply being informed about a subject is enough. Knowing is one thing, but doing is quite another. There is no more chilling moment in the film than when the Rebel Fighter claims that things will be better “when the white people come to help us.” Darfur Now delivers their message. Now it is up to us to respond. All of us.

Watch the film on DVD, and visit its official website to see what is being done and how you can help.