Handouts won’t save auto industry

As Detroit descends upon Capitol Hill desperately seeking a handout to rescue the flailing automotive industry, we must consider redefining the American dream.

Let’s be honest — does any child in our country grow up aspiring to be underpaid and overworked as a union member slaving away for one of the Big Three automakers?

The notion of the American dream is so amorphous, even for those struggling in the 313, as we live in a land where anything and everything is within the realm of possibility.

Instead of Congress opening its coffers to the greedy and manipulative failures that have driven the automotive industry into the ground, funds must be allocated to the workers who will be most negatively affected by the sector’s demise.

I am not talking about handing out checks a la Hurricane Katrina so workers can go on alcohol–fueled gambling binges in Vegas but rather so they can secure their financial futures and prepare for a career–transition.

American cars of yesteryear were nothing short of engineering excellence. Wax nostalgic for a second, and conjure images of the Camaro and Mustang in their heyday — the embodiment of American muscle. All red–blooded American teens worked two part–time jobs with hopes that, one day, they could be the envy of the neighborhood, too.

Such exhilaration and attachment evoked by these vehicles no longer exists, as the current Mustang sorely lacks the punch of its predecessors and a new Camaro hasn’t graced the pavement since 2002.

We can no longer kid ourselves into believing that the Ford Taurus is a viable alternative to the Toyota Camry or that the Chevy Aveo garners the same credibility on the street as the Honda Civic.

Rather than continuing to make a mediocre product for a higher cost than our foreign competitors, we must embrace the idea that the best course of the American automotive industry is to admit defeat and reallocate energies elsewhere.

What would a huge bailout package do for the industry other than delay the inevitable — another day in Washington a few years down the road asking for another handout?

Let’s fairly assume for a second that many of the people who are working in Detroit car plants would rather be doing something else if given the opportunity.

There is a laundry list of reasons why these workers ended up in their profession: They may have been too poor to attend college, forced to work to support their family or grown up in an environment where no other option seemed viable.

Giving the auto workers funds necessary to advance themselves through education would be a resoundingly wise decision by Congress. This second chance at the American dream would open up doors that never would have existed for many of these people.

If the government decides to aimlessly donate billions of dollars to the leaders of the auto industry, it might as well leave it in an unmarked brown bag on a Detroit park bench and hope to find it there the next day.

Our country cannot be so quick to blindly hand out money without a calculated plan for success in hand. We must rethink the distribution of funds to help those with the highest stakes. The death of the automotive industry cannot mean the demise of the American dream.

The future for more than a million people lies in the balance pending Washington’s decisions. A continued reliance on the quid pro quo nature of doing business in D.C. will spell nothing short of disaster for the masses in our nation.

Bye, bye, Miss American Pie.

Intolerance opposes American values

America’s drunken love affair with the notion of change has led the nation to completely overlook the shortcomings that continue to ravage our country.

While the results of Nov. 4 show the world that racism may no longer be a prevalent issue in America, irrefutable evidence reflects widespread hatred for lesbians and gays.

Am I unfair to assume that my fellow Americans have quashed the hopes and dreams of millions out of sheer disdain toward their sexual preference?

Please, I beg you, bestow upon me the tiniest bit of understanding: Why did you vote in favor of Amendment 2 if not for hate?

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community wages war every day to fight for the same rights the rest of Americans have come to take for granted. Why must our country continue to go out of its way to make the lives of gays and lesbians so difficult?

Let us not forget that same–sex marriages were already banned in the state of Florida. Not once, not twice, but through four eerily similar statutes.

All across the country, we are robbing our neighbors, classmates and colleagues of the civil liberties intended for all Americans, not reserved for a select few. The idea that my peers have made a concerted effort to ensure that the lives of others are made more challenging solely based on their sexual preference is sickening.

What is it to you that partners in a domestic partnership are able to share health care benefits?

Shouldn’t two people in a committed relationship be able to have the peace of mind that their pension will provide for the other’s future in the wake of a tragedy?

Do not hide behind your Bible and preach to me about the pitfalls of same–sex marriage. Do not tell me I am going to Hell for standing up for the LGBTQ community and condemning your vote. Do not look me in the eye and say that voting in favor of Amendment 2 is about being a good Christian, rather than fear mongering.

I am not gay, nor did I have a vested interest in the outcome of the vote. Should that matter?

I voice my indignation because there is something so starkly un–American about taking away the rights of others when it has nothing to do with you. My strong Catholic convictions may shape the course of my daily actions, but there is no denying that being right and just toward my fellow man transcends any religious teachings.

As Americans, we pride ourselves on being a nation proven capable of change in the wake of a historic election. There is no taking away the monumental steps we made in electing the first black president, but so much will be lost if our country replaces blacks with gays as the scapegoats of America.

We cannot allow archaic ideology that shuns lesbians and gays from enjoying the same basic rights and privileges granted to all Americans to continue under the next presidency.

The greatness of our nation is built upon the ability for all citizens, regardless of personal differences, to live a life afforded equality nothing short of the next man.

We must learn to be selfless and understanding of our diversity. We must bear in mind the necessity of nothing less than absolute change. The strength we draw from each other will lend a hand in the renaissance of our country.

Election Night at UF

I covered the Student Government's results party (it had some really silly official name that I'd prefer to leave alone) to capture the thoughts and feelings over the course of the evening of the students in attendance.

My work was for the Independent Florida Alligator in the form of a series of 10 blog entries over the course of the evening:

Capturing Election Night Buzz

After what has been months of anticipation, Election Day is finally here.

I’m Dan Seco, an opinion columnist for the Alligator, spending the evening at Reitz Union to watch election results coverage at an event sponsored by SG.

The gathering is purportedly a non-partisan one, but I will be sure to let you know how true that really holds. Are Obama supporters too optimistic? Will McCain supporters throw the towel in too early? I hope to answer these questions and more as I speak with people in attendance.

Check back frequently as I track the atmosphere at the event over the course of the evening. Go vote if you haven’t done so already.

Live from the Grand Ballroom

I just set up camp inside the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom as students continue to filter in the door.

Please note that there are many police officers at the door and they are not allowing anyone to bring their backpacks in. There is no place to put them outside of the ballroom, so leave your backpack at home. Outside the door, SG is handing out free t-shirts that read “Got Tuition?” and inside there is a large spread of food. The ballroom is about 30 percent full with no more than 100 people in attendance.

I’m sitting with a group of Obama supporters who are wearing t-shirts, buttons and pins promoting their candidate. Walking around the room, I have yet to see more than a handful of McCain supporters as they appear to be clustered at one table.

There is one large projection screen at the front of the room tuned into ABC News--perhaps the least biased news coverage of the results. I must confess I was hoping for MSNBC.

ObamaBot has just made a grand entrance and students have swarmed over to take pictures with it. There are more people interested in the robot than watching the screen at this point.

The night is early, but the mood is carefree and relaxed as laughter can be heard throughout the room. Let’s see how that progresses as the results begin to roll in.

Obama the heavy favorite in Grand Ballroom

I thought a fight just broke out in the Grand Ballroom as there was a mad rush to the middle of the room.

Fortunately, the excitement stemmed from the delivery of pizza.

I am intrigued by the fact that there are more African-American students than any other race combined. They have come out in full force to show support for their candidate in what would be an absolutely landmark night with a victory.

One student sticks out from the rest as he is dressed from head to toe in Obama gear—even a mask. He is wearing a hat, mask and a t-shirt decked out with Obama stickers. Upon closer look, he actually has two t-shirts on, both pro-Obama, as one is wrapped around his waist.

Students are fascinated by the young man and have approached him for pictures.

The sound of the television coverage is being drowned out as many students are conversing at the different tables around the room. I wonder if this will change as the night progresses.

A loud applause has just erupted in the ballroom as ABC News has projected just after 8:00 p.m. an Obama victory in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Reports of success in Florida for Obama with young voters were met with jubilee from the crowd while news that McCain was faring well with older voters resulted in a chorus of boos.

One man walked up to a group of people and asked “Is this a McCain table?” which was received with hearty laughter as the Obama supporter sat down. The same table has started singing a chant in support of Obama, and no one seems to be objecting.

Nonpartisan? Hmm…

Signs of support for McCain sparse

The Obama family was just shown walking across the screen and once again the masses did not hesitate to voice their support for the Democratic candidate.

I’ve noticed that students who are discretely supporting McCain stand out as being particularly well- dressed for a casual evening at the Union. Perhaps they are preparing to drink their sorrows away at the bars or are just taking some fashion advice from Gov. Palin.

Adam Prom, a junior political science major, isn’t worried. The McCain supporter realizes that it will take a “perfect storm of sorts” for the Republican candidate to emerge victorious, but stresses there is still a shot.

Prom doesn’t care that there are more Obama supporters than McCain supporters in the ballroom nor is he deterred by the fact that they will be cheering all night long.

Right now, there is only one thing on his mind.

“McCain has to win Florida.”

Is this the Swamp?

News of a projected victory for Obama in Ohio and New Mexico has the entire ballroom “Barackin’ and rollin’.”

Is this a Florida football game or a results party?

There is so much conviction in the voices and applause from the students in attendance as if there is no chance of anything less than an Obama blowout.

Avante’ Priest, freshman double major in business management as well as tourism and hospitality management, wanted to spend the evening with her peers to watch Barack Obama.

She said that the results could be close but that she’s very confident that Obama will emerge as the victor.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do if he wins, but I do know I have a paper to write,” Priest said.

Momentum continues to build in the Grand Ballroom as the results from the crucial swing states approach.

Lest we forget Dr. King

Just when I thought enthusiasm had died down for the time being, I was proven wrong.

An image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. displayed on the screen has sparked unparalleled excitement throughout the crowd.

The man who paved the way for an individual like Barack Obama to reach the cusp of the presidency has not strayed far from the minds of many Obama supporters.

Mayah Perkins, a sophomore studying psychology, said King’s actions enabled Obama to have a chance; he sacrificed for a better future.

“Obama is great for everyone, if he wins the presidency, it’s not only a big step for black people but for everyone,” said Perkins.

The latest news of a projected Iowa victory for Obama has many of his female supporters jumping up and down, screaming at the top of their lungs.

I can’t even hear Obama speak as the noise has gotten out of control. Obama appears to be holding back a smile as the corners of his mouth revealed his excitement.

If he takes Florida and California, well that’s game, set, match.

Today has been a long time coming for so many. Obama’s supporters here at the ballroom have decided to savor each and every state with a resounding celebration.

Can you blame them?

A break in the action

The pizza is long gone and the masses are growing restless.

The latest diversion keeping everyone amused? Taking pictures with a giant blowup version of Albert that I am conveniently sitting next to.

Attention has shifted away from the screen to conversation at each one of the many tables scattered around the room. Others are catching up on homework while a handful sit slumped in their chairs, dangerously close to napping.

Even the ever-spry ObamaBot hasn’t moved in hours.

No one seems to be going anywhere, though—there is still history to be made.

Keep on Barackin’ in the Free World!

The country has spoken—history has been made.

There is sheer pandemonium at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom.

The students in attendance are going crazy: screaming, dancing and some crying.

Everyone is on their feet and soaking in the experience.

Excuse me while I join in.

Respect shown for McCain

Though the ballroom crowd has thinned out in the wake of Obama’s victory, many stuck around to listen to McCain give his concession speech.

There were no boos, no disrespect for the beleaguered candidate, rather silence while he spoke and reverent applause at the conclusion.

Such action on the part of the countless Obama supporters speaks volumes about their moral fiber and grace in the wake of their victory. If but for a moment, they truly embodied the characteristics of their candidate in demonstrating class rather than rubbing the win in anyone’s face.

This place is bound to go crazy when Obama comes on to speak at midnight.

Stay tuned.

Powerful words spoken by new leader

Just prior to the start of President-elect Obama’s speech, the remaining pack of supporters grew fanatical as they celebrated the victory of their candidate in front of a camera.

When Obama took the stage, the crowd reacted as if the man had just walked into this very room.

They hung on his every word and looked for any and every opportunity to show their love and support for him.

Obama’s endearing remarks toward his family further won over the ballroom crowd as they shrieked and shrilled upon hearing the news that a new puppy will be joining the Obama family in the White House.

As I look around the room, I see so many captivated faces, ones that now only see hope and optimism, even in the wake of hardship.

Whatever the task, whatever the challege, there is no doubt in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom that we will overcome.

The chance for change has come to America.

Column shows spirit of black Americans

Apparently someone found my column mildly moving...

Kimberly Faison writes in the Nov. 7 Independent Florida Alligator:

I am a black American woman, and I am so proud of the column Daniel Seco wrote about the experience he had on election night.

You really got a small glimpse into the heart of black Americans. We love our country and always have, but for the first time, we feel that our country loves us as well.

For me, this election means the distance between blacks and whites will be completely erased. It means that we will see one another only as Americans.

America has been blessed by God himself. Through all the suffering we all have had to endure (black or white) we have never given up. We were taught by our parents, grandparents and great–grandparents not to look back.

When you fall on your back, if you can look up, then you can get up. May God continue to bless you, Daniel Seco.

Obama win brings hope to Americans

Sitting on the floor against the wall in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom, I had separated myself from the masses and slowly began to grasp what President–elect Barack Obama’s victory meant to the black students at UF.

Applause and celebration were commonplace over the course of the evening, but something exceptional happened when the news broke that the freshman senator from Illinois had defied all logic to defeat a man who looked a lot like every other president in America’s past.

Hearing the incessant chanting of their candidate’s name, watching perfect strangers embrace and seeing others overcome with sheer emotion break down in tears of joy, I couldn’t help but get swept up in the moment.

Somewhere, black luminaries like Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass were grinning from ear to ear.

The scene of peaceful chaos could not be disrupted by the police officers standing nearby or the few remaining McCain supporters. The sentiment expressed throughout the room was a force no one dared to reckon with.

I wrote initially in a blog entry that the feeling was akin to attending a rowdy football game at the Swamp, but the emotion in the room was so much more honest, so much more significant.

Obama’s victory is the embodiment of democracy; the public’s cry for something new has finally been answered.

I thought about what the victory meant to me, and perhaps if I hadn’t been attending as a journalist, I would have been a bit more inclined to join in the celebration. Seeing how black students reacted to the announcement was one of the most moving experiences I have ever witnessed.

For some, such a defining moment may not occur again until they get married or have their first child, and for others the sense of elation shared with hundreds of their peers may remain an unparalleled memory over the course of their lifetimes.

After generations of blood, sweat and tears, Tuesday night finally arrived with Obama representing the bright future that so many of his predecessors sacrificed their lives for.

We have reached a point in our history where a child will no longer be born into America and face limitations on the prospects of its life.

When times are tough (economic and social recovery will not happen overnight), the black community will be able to turn to President–elect Obama and have faith that the man they so passionately fought for will have their best interests at heart. For the first time in American history, one can believe the voiceless will be heard and the downtrodden will no longer be forgotten.

We have undeniably progressed as a nation and will build from such historic times to solidify our standing as the epitome of what all countries should strive for.

I walked away from the Reitz Union inspired by Tuesday evening’s events, which I experienced alongside some of the most passionate people who lived and died with every breaking development in the action.

This was no World Series victory, job promotion or any other seemingly trite call for celebration, but rather, the most definitive moment in the history of America as voters demanded change.

Our great country has spoken and elected a black man into the highest office in the land — nothing short of truly amazing.

There has never been a prouder time to call yourself an American.