Endorsing Action

Mrrrr Friends,

I received a letter a couple weeks ago asking if I would consider a late run for the Democratic nomination. As you see here, because I value the opinion of my human friends, I did spend a bit of time pondering such an idea – thinking about what a cat’s roadmap for America would look like. I have, however, declined, using the reasonable excuse: I am, after all, a cat.

I mean, really, can you imagine a litterbox in the oval office?

In response to my decision, I’ve been asked for an endorsement prior to Super Tuesday. The pressure is too great. Hillary is likely going to defend my right to get cat food, but she seems to be pissing everyone off. Even The Nation is writing rather dismissive webitorials about her. And then there is the cold hard fact that while Barack Obama is not furry, he seems to get people engaged. It seems easy to make a prediction at this point.

I still think neither of them has a very good lap. And, I’d like to point out that while my people often are inspired to clean the litterbox, they don’t always actually clean the litterbox. Though I’d like to know what Mr. Feingold thinks – my home state senator – I’m putting my kibble on Senator Obama...Ted Kennedy has a great lap and he’s supporting him.

I am, however, a cat of action...I’ll be watching for thoughtful, progressive action. I want more than a good speech and grand ideas for creating consensus…I want a responsible decision maker.

And since inspiration actually does create action in the best of times, I’m passing on a couple links that might get you thinking and feeling passionately on a couple of my favorite issues. Take 20 minutes out of your day for each…it will get you thinking about where we are and where we might go as a bunch of individuals in a society, no matter who the First Lap is. Video and sound are required for one but not the other.

First, here’s Al Gore’s Nobel Prize speech. They call it a lecture; I call it worth a listen. First, go to the link in the right column of this blog called “Places to Go.” Then, when you get to the page, the video link is just under Al’s color photo. But you can also read the text version.

Another place to go when you have another 20 minutes (and can play video and sound) is called “The Story of Stuff.” The click link is just below Al’s Nobel speech link.

Watch these…then go vote in your primary or caucus. Tell them Diesel sent you.

Resolutions

Mrrrr Friends,

So I understand that people make New Year’s resolutions. (The concept of a structured year is pretty uptight if you ask me…cats roll with the seasons, the sun and moon rising and setting.)

My cat pal Alex and I thought about this custom a bit last night while our people were out imbibing and carousing and here’s my list. Alex is keeping hers to herself.

1. I resolve to climb at least 12 trees in the next human calendar year.
2. I resolve to stop trying to go into the bathroom to keep every guest that comes over company while they pee.
3. I resolve to learn to use the comma correctly.
4. I resolve to campaign for better treatment for all cats and to continue to teach people about the wonder of felines and the care and respect they need.
5. I resolve to speak up for all other animals, especially the wild things in all their forms (and I will not disregard dogs).
6. I resolve to TRY not to lick my person’s eyelids when she is sleeping but I nevertheless need attention (i.e. food).
7. I resolve to avoid scratching the dining table when I jump up on it (even though I am not supposed to jump up on it).
8. I resolve to sit patiently, thoughtfully, and critically on my person’s lap as she fulfills her own resolution to start her writing projects (but she doesn’t do resolutions…is that a girl thing?)
9. I resolve to restrain from tearing the weather stripping off the front door (thus reducing the energy savings in my people’s home and disappointing Al Gore) in my anticipation to go OUT.
10. I resolve to continue to try to raise funds for my good friends at the Sauk County Humane Society.

What do you resolve?

Happy Human New Year!