"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber." --Plato
We're firm believers in the political process. Democracy for all. It's in the blood--we can't help it. However, we keep this website pretty apolitical. DF's here to cheerlead Greece into the next 100 years--not to offer political punditry.
So, forgive us for a moment if we talk politics. We think we might have a good story here, and a unique vantage point into history in the making. No, we're not talking about political wrangling in Cyprus, Turkey or even Greece. We're talking about U.S. politics --specifically, Barack Hussein Obama.
How do you explain the surging popularity of the U.S. democratic nominee hopeful presidential candidate? Rock star persona aside, there maybe something else afoot. A hidden story in his rise to popularity may actually involve his website. Let us explain.
Pretty much anyone with a little know how can whip up a basic website or blog these days. It's actually pretty easy--takes all of 5 minutes if you know what you're doing. The trick (if you want to do something different anyway) is putting the elbow grease in and placing your unique stamp on it. Make it real. Authentic. Kind of like our story at Daily Frappe--three friends getting together and toiling away in relative obscurity for no good reason other than they enjoy it. For the love of Greece. But, we digress...
All the presidential nominees have their own website. However only one has a signature look. The creative guru's behind the Obama site know something about the web. Long time readers know that our man simplescott designed the look of the pages you're reading now. What you don't know is that Scott jumped ship from a high priced creative boutique (working on campaigns for Fortune 100 companies), to work for Barack. He's not the only one. Chris Hughes left his post as a co-founder of Facebook (yes, Facebook), to build out the social networking portion of the Obama site. It's really the first time a political candidate has been "branded" online. Take a look at the site. It's sweet. Most political websites are not in the least bit remarkable. Even if you're not into marketing, you can tell there's a lot of hand crafted love that went into the site. The point here is that for whatever reason, the Obama campaign is attracting talented individuals. Perhaps a metaphor to why he's attracted a lot of voter attention as well. When opportunity, passion and inspiration collide, good things happen.
Regardless if Obama wins the nomination, Mr. Obama has made an indelible mark. Why should you care? Because people on a mission can not be stopped.
Which leads us to a newly formed political group called 'Greeks For Obama.' What? Yup, you read right.
Sure, we know what you're about to say--Greek-American don't vote in packs ... They're not like Latino's or blacks or old white men in Virginia. There is no such thing as a Greek voting block.
Well, all of that may be true--you can blame an independent spirit and an amazing ability to integrate into American society. However, For the first time in a long time, we sense there is a bit of interest forming around the idea of Greek political unity--at least at a grass roots level. Much of that interest can be pinned to a young Greek politician in the U.S. named Alexi Gianoulias. He's the youngest person, 31, to hold a statewide office in the Unites States (Treasurer of the State of Illinois).
Giannoulias, as the story goes, was inspired by his mentor, Barack Obama, to quit his day job (running his family's highly successful bank) and take a shot at public service. Obama endorsed the young Greek during his successful bid for Sate Treasurer. As a spokesman for the Greek community, it's only natural that Giannoulias returns the favor and rallies the troops by creating an organization dedicated to getting his friend elected.
What's interesting here is that Greeks for Obama isn't about a Greek cause, say for example, the Cyprus issue. It's more about the right forces coming together at the right time. If political influence emerges as a byproduct, all the better.
Back to our little story about websites. You see, it seems like every coalition has a support group at Obama.com. Latinos for Obama. Women for Obama. Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders for Obama. African Americans for Obama and the list goes on.
Well, what the hell. We want a Greeks for Obama web page as well. Why shouldn't Greeks be on the Obama radar? Count the Greeks in!
posted on Monday, February 18