Back of the Line Please

I spent a good portion of my life in the front of the line. Not as a kid but as an adult. I worked as the main anchor at a TV Station for 23 years and spent 9 months on the campaign trail running for Oregon Secretary of State.

Now, after all those years in front I find myself in the back of the line. Instead of running for office I’m helping Allen Alley in his race to be Oregon’s next governor.

I used to always feel like the front guy and now am finding my place, in the support role.

When you get to the back of the line you find the front wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be. From the back of the line you see people, not as they are coming towards you but as they are going away. People say a lot about themselves as they walk away and no words have to come out of their mouths to speak.

People look different from the back. You don’t see what they’re really thinking because their eyes are faced the otherdirection. When you are in the back of the line you see how badly people work to get to the front and wonder why.

Perhaps more of us should go to the back of the line. Hey, I’ve got this crazy idea. If more of us were in the back of the line would it then become the front?

Bikers Take over Salem….Not really but it got your attention (Video)

I love when people have the guts to show up to say their voice matters. Yesterday I stood in front of the state capital in Salem and just smiled. Hundreds and hundreds of bikers showed up to say “We vote, we matter and we listen.” Gubernatorial candidate Allen Alley was on hand to speak, hang out and have some fun. Watch this short video and then pick up your ballot and vote. Oh, can I suggest you vote for Allen Alley for Governor? Sure I can it’s my website.

HealthCare: Stop Pointing Fingers

I have this growing concern over the alleged debate over health care. There is not a debate it’s turned into finger pointing. Why is it in this country, when people disagree with what we see as “True” we demonize them? Oh, don’t pretend that you don’t. Again, just blame the other side and you’ve proven my point.

If we are honest, and we won’t be, none us really knows what this health care reform bill has in it or will do to this country. We can pull out the parts we like and the parts we hate and use that information to sell or destroy the bill. But when push comes to shove none of us knows what this really means to our country.

What I find disgusting is that rather than having a conversation about it or listening to what the other side has to say, we tend to pick bits and pieces of information that we get from people who agree with us, and toss them at our alleged opposition.

We make the right or left out to be the bad guy never listening to their point of view. We in this country say we like disagreement…..BS. We say we welcome diversity of thought….what a line of crap. We like diversity of ideas as long as they agree with our point of view.

So, here we go again America. Let’s stop talking, demonize the other guy, listen to what we think to be true and continue to go deeper into the hole. Communication is an Art Form and like other forms of Art it’s being ignored and treated like an extra. We’ve traded the Art of Conversation and Debate for persuasive argument and mask it as debate.

If you don’t believe me try this; next time you see or hear a conversation about this issue, watch for the slams. Sooner or later someone will say, “Those Damn Liberals” or “Those Heartless Conservatives.” Neither is true. But you just keep on believing what you want. Oh, and be sure and listen to the same old sources you always listen to so they can back up what you already believe. That way you can find a label for me, try to stick me in a box, and discount everything I just said.

There, I feel so much better. Time to eat breakfast and go to the gym.

PS. Instead of listening to the same old talk show hosts, turn the channel and listen to what the other side is saying…..you just might learn something.

I’ll stop……for now.

Hey; Let’s Start Taxing the Government….Allen Alley Part three

When people talk about the Oregon State Budget they only focus on the General Fund. There’s a whole lot more money that you and I put into state government that no one is mentioning. Well, no one but Allen Alley. Take a few minutes to really watch this video and see how this leader is thinking outside the box. Remember as you watch this video that “It’s Our Money.” Remind yourself that laws were created by lawmakers and can be changed and if those in power don’t listen, find someone who will.

Video Sponsor; Friends of Allen Alley

He’s a Walkin’ Man (click here for video)

The guy you’re about to meet is one of the most unusual political candidates I’ve ever met. He’s a businessman who worked in the Democratic Governors Office and now wants to be governor himself. What makes Allen Alley so interesting is he’s not a politician and he’s not afraid to just be who he is. What makes it even better is he doesn’t “Look” like the typical 2010 candidate. He’s taking some criticism for that from members of both party’s. Watch this video and see what Alley has to say about that. Also, meet his wife Debbie and daughter Jenna. I think this story, this man, and this family will surprise you and Oregon in November 2010.

Client: Friends of Allen Alley

Allen Alley: In Step with Oregon (video)

Today, Oregon Former Governor John Kitzhaber is expected to enter the race for Governor. Allen Alley, the only Republican Candidate so far, announced months ago his intentions to seek the office. He recently embarked on a walk from Baker City to Portland. He just arrived in Salem. We caught up with Alley in Mitchell, Oregon. People always say they want to see more about the candidates. We put together some of the raw interview from our “On the Trail” series for you to watch. Here’s Allen Alley from a different point of view.

Client: Friends of Allen Alley