Aristocratic Style: Post-Grad

Well, I suppose I am doing this out of sequence. I should start by discussing what I have been up to since I finally got called into "the game" after a what seemed like an eternity on the proverbial bench. I will begin by saying where I am now is all due to God's grace. There is no other way to explain it. Sure I worked hard, but for things to turn out as perfectly as they did -- well, that is attributable to God. But I will get into all that in another post. I will start with my love affair with Washington D.C. Maybe it's not quite that dramatic. Truth be told, after the first day, I felt like I belonged. I have not been lonely or homesick. In a strange way, it has felt like I have been working up to this moment my whole life. So I have embraced the city: the culture, the cuisine, the people, the sad realities, and the POLITICS.

I work on Capitol Hill for the U.S. House of Representatives. Specifically, I work within the office of Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35). That's the legendary Rep. Waters. I probably will never say much about what goes on in the office of in Congress, but I will say that it's all thrilling, and I love going to work everyday. It is cliche, but really, I have the opportunity to help people. And this is a personal dream come true. I may not be able to save the world, but bill by bill, I have the opportunity to help someone some where. And I have been really struck by how many people do care about politics. Maybe it is the high from Pres. Obama and the renewed sense of democracy, but people care...and call. So as it was when I was at the first Presidential Debate at Ole Miss, I have found myself another front seat to history -- working in government during President Obama's first term and during all the changes he is trying to make. It's an historic time and it's a little scary. But whatever happens, my style game will be proper.

Rebuilding/Restoring My Faith

(I heard the choir sing this song last Sunday, and I was deeply moved. It prompted me to journal about my personal experience with religion)

There is something I have wanted to talk about, and it is certainly always a controversial topic. This of course is religion and faith. I should first say I went to a Catholic private school for eight years, my dad's side of the family is mainly missionary baptist (the default negro religion of choice), and my mom's parents are Jehovah's Witnesses. My parents took me to different churhces of the years, including Kingdom Halls. But I was not raised strictly one denomination. In retrospect, I am thankful for this. Because of this, my spiritual journey has been independent and thoughtful. I never did anything out of pressure or force, it was all my own desire to want to cultivate a faithful and spiritual relationship with God. I have sat in many congregations for many different Christian denominations, and for all my observations, the main problem with organized religion is that it (much like anything else in this life) can only be as perfect as the men who form them. "God loves, Man kills," was one of the titles of one of my favorite graphic novels growing up. And this about sums it up. Speaking specifically about Christianity, I do believe in God and Jesus. I do take the Bible as both a spirtual and historical document. Furthermore, the principles Jesus teaches us are great morals for one to live by. Jesus spoke to everyone. He did not discriminate, he told us the greatest commandment of all is to love one another as ourselves, second to loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength. And yet today, Christian congregations discriminate, judge, they are often racially and culturally segregated, and they have problems with hypocritical leaders. The last straw for me, was when I was told that I should wait to be bapitized, three times. Moreover, I was never given any guidance on what I was doing wrong or how I could be better prepared for baptism. Ultimately, I took this rejection to be a rejection from God. I made a mistake that many make. You cannot throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water, right?

It does seem silly for any one person Earth to have sole authority to say who can get baptized. We are all sinners in need of salvation, in need of hope. After the latest incident, I became complacent. I found baptist pastors with their screaming and shouting just as ineffective as the solemn dictator priests of the catholic church. I really don't think I need to go over the highly documented malevolent acts carried out worldwide by the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has been at the route of some our global history's most inhumane attrocities. And the missionary baptist church, the black church, has it's problems too. Sometimes there is a very thin line between a pimp and a pastor. And sometimes, the way preachers get the congregation "high" on the spirit to "prepare" them to give "God's ten percent" is very silly. I mean, if you read the Bible as true and believe the one scripture everyone can recite (John 3:16), we know that God's sacrificing Jesus established a new covenant doing away with Old Testament traditions such as blood and animal sacrifices at an alter. I don't thing "ten percent" equates with Jesus' crucifixtion. At any rate, and understandably, the Church does need to take in money to keep things going. That's fine and legitimate, but making it a matter of a specific obligation to God is kind of odd. I am sure God is hip to and can make good use of our currency.

Needless to say, I suppose, I could always find something wrong or something that I don't agree with. But I think I had to come to accept that I shouldn't expect perfection in a church. Churches and congregations are made up of men and women trying to do the best they can. People want a place to go, a sanctuary. People want to believe in ultimate good, in salvation, and that there exists a power greater than man's intellect. The most beautiful thing about life, is also the thing that can make it very difficult and painful. War follow peacetime, loss is inevitable, and pain is impending. We have to take the good with the bad, and we learn to cherish the good times by experiencing hardship. So, understandably, we want to go to a place where we can leave all of that pain, all of that sorrow, all of that guilt, and all of that doubt.

I spent so much time trying to be perfect that I completely missed the point. We are not perfect, but we are beautiful and all bound as a human species. We desire love, fulfilment, and the space to pursue are separate kind of peace and happiness. Once I let go of this, and accepted my own imperfection, I was able to rebuild my faith from the ground up. So, folks, I was very much humbled. Life has humbled me, and love has helped me to find my way back to God. The people that scream and shout in church: that is their way of coping. That is how they find happiness, that is how they acheive their peace. Who am I to judge? We all have to work out our own salvation. And as far as hypocritical priests and pastors, more often than not, those people reap what they sew. I will always encourage people to read the Bible (or whatever they read) and to put their faith and trust in God, not men. My desire is to cultivate a genuine and real relationship with God and Jesus. And I try to let my christianity manifest itself in how I deal with others: with kindness and respect. There are many Christians, there are less who are actually Christ-like.

"I am at peace, because I am free"

Aristorants: Memorials

I do believe that as we get older we began to view things with a different set of eyes. Lately, I have been moved by our nation's monuments. It's strange, I have read about them and maybe seen them at different points in time. But I really have a new appreciation for them. I took this photo (to the left) recently while touring the national mall. It sits on a plot to the left of the Vietnam War memorial. I think I did a good job capturing the piece. The way the light hits the faces lined by bare tree branches is quite striking. So now I really appreciate just what an honor memorials and monuments are. They seek to capture and memorialize a pivotal point in time, an important part of history. Lincoln is memorialized for his leadership during the great test to the union - the Civil War. FDR is memorialized for his part in helping to lead us through world war and the Great Depression. Undoubtedly, these times, also very critical, will be memorialized in some way. Is Barack Obama worthy? Only time will tell. So far, he is only notable for being the first African American president. He is noteworthy for many other reasons, but only time will tell if his term rises to the level of what George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and FDR. He seems poised to do so, because right now, the country needs a great leader and a new hero to take us out of the darkness that has been the last eight years. Years that has seen one calamity after the next set to the backdrop of war, economic collapse, and the decline of American dominance and prosperity. It's hard to say how America will look on the otherside of this recession...

Union Station

Washington DC

Mr. Samuel Goes to Washington

I made it. I have been in the DC area for 12 days and things are moving very quickly. Although I haven't exactly landed a job yet, I am finding much to fill my time. I have been getting to know the city, learning how to find my way, and making connections I think will be beneficial. I actually took this picture (to the left) before I went out to my first reception/mixer on the Hill. With my navy suit and blackberry, I seemed well equipped to pal around with Washington's power brokers. It has all been very surreal, and it's just hard to believe that this is home - that D.C. is the next chapter. I am living with relatives in Stafford, VA while I look for a job and endure the dubious networking process. Although, I guess I should describe it as such. It is very much an essential component of politics and a professional career on the Hill. It's about creating and building relationships. So although I don't have a job (yet), and despite my occassional moments of doubt, my better senses tell me I am on the right track. And my friends tell me the God has already got everything worked out and that I have to simply catch up to his plan:

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you...plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

And I do believe this scripture. I don't believe that my being here is mere coincidence. The way was paved for me, and it seems things were set in place a while ago. When I look back on it all, everything makes sense. So back to this photo. Before I left home, my dad got me a navy suit and a blackberry. And that's kind of the uniform here. Everyone is in a suit or sportcoat, and everyone has a blackberry. From the metros to the streets, everyone is on their blackberries. And being a recent convert, I get it. It makes you more accessible and it allows you to get all your emails on the go. It is a very practical device. When I took this picture, I was on my way to a congressional mixer on the Capitol Hill. Thankfully, I had some friends who were able to connect with people in town. They in turn have been showing me the ropes and introducing me to the right people. So on this day. I had a few engagements to attend. I first had a meeting with a founder of a local lobbying firm in the city. Despite being ill the night before, I shaved and cleaned up and brave the outdoors to make my appointment. As it turns out, it was worthwhile. The founder was very cordial. There was a quiet intensity about him. You could sense he had experienced much in life both professionally and personally. He seemed willing to assist me in my ongoing quest so he said he would forward my resume to some notable folks and then he proceeded to introduce me to other people in his office. Later, my local tour guide took me to the NAACP office. I really couldn't enjoy the experience like I wanted to since my allergies started to flair up again. It was a small miracle I made it out that day anyway. At any rate, I met another person there who was also going to pass along my info to someone else.

Later, I made it to a reception for a congressional caucus. It was crowded, and it general I had a good time. Again, I met alot of people. The blackberry was filled up with new contacts. I also met Barney Frank in passing. We shook hands and he sort of brushed me off, and was not very engaging. I wasn't disappointed. I didn't have any expectations, but the encounter was consistent with how he presents on TV. Still, much respect to Mr. Frank. Anyway, there were alot of cool folks in the room, and there were also some "less than cool" people there too. Again, it was like the first day of law school. Everyone is there sizing out the competition and trying to flex some muscle or exhibit a pretentious amount of intelligence. This wasn't everyone. There were actually plenty of pleasant people there too. But looking back on it, I would liken the evening to the first day of school.

President Barack Obama and Madam First Lady Michelle Obama

of the United States of America

(from abc.com)

Aristocratic Style: Benjamin Bixby

Outkast’s Andre 3000 has always been known for his otherworldly style. His lyrical skill is undeniable, but you could always count on him to perform looking like a cross Oompa Loompa, Rick James, and an astronaut. In present years, he has become a celebrated style icon for his truly unique and individual sense of style. Lately, he has been rocking looks inspired by the 1930s. Naturally his clothing line, Benjamin Bixby, debuted last year. The designs are collegiate, classic, and reminiscent of the 1930s. Anyone who knows me knows this is very much my taste. Like J.Crew designs (and similar costume designs you will find in films such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance”), Benjamin Bixby is a lot of cardigans, plaids, vests, and timeless pieces that will last generations. In the latest GQ, Andre was named one of the magazine’s best new designers.

The honor is well-deserving. And in my opinion, if Andre continues along this path, he may dethrown Diddy's Sean John to become a celebrated and legitimate design house in the industry. And that would not take much. I believe since its start in 1998, Sean John has only had two major shows in New York: the first in 2001 and the second last year. As with all his other endeavors, signed artists, and personal life for that matter, Diddy has commitment issues. He doesn't seem to put too much time into one endeavor for a significant amount of time to make it the success it could be. He seems to do best at manufacturing products that don't really stand the test of time: Unforgiveable (cologne) Boyz in the Hood (hiphop group, remember?), Danity Kane (rip), Day 26 (any day now)...At any rate, hats off to Andre 3000 for a truly inspired and aristocratic first showing. Benjamin Bixby is available exclusively at Barney's.

Mr. Samuel Goes to Washington

I am at the moment, still unemployed. And despite moments of absolute paranoia and hysteria, I am fairly certain that I will eventually find gainful employment. So, as I did with my CNN internship (and eventual job!) I am claiming it right now. March 1 is my deadline to be in the District of Columbia. Arrangements have already been set in motion, so now I just have to go through with it, and take the jump.

Sade = classic. Somethings never go out of style and this sultry singer's smooth voice and sensual musical arrangements are "always on time." Sade is a band headed by the lead vocalist Sade Adu. She is the only female member of the group and appears predominantly as the face of the band in videos and album covers. Sade achieved success in the 80s, 90s, and lastly in 2000 with the release of the last CD to date, "Lovers Rock." The band is a blend of jazz, R&B, easy listening, and soft rock. The music is as poignant as it is sexy. So, whenever she sings about heartbreak, racism, social injustice, and love, it all sounds seductive and alluring. Below are a few of my favorites, though I basically like every song she has sung.

Aristolife: Building up the Strength to just...JUMP

"I hope that my achievements in life shall be these--that I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered, and that I will have given help to those who were in need that I will have left the earth a better place for what I've done and who I've been." -C. Hoppe

People that know me well know that I am very averse to any sort of risk. Everything must be well thought, planned, deliberate, and backed up by a contingency plan. In fact, I have come to understand that much of my life, achievements, and drive come from a profound sense of fear. It is my fear of death that drives me to in someone beat death and live a healthy lifestyle. This fear is the culmination of my emotions felt from losing both my grandfathers to heart disease and cancer respectively. So in every way, my decision to live my life is out of fear of facing a similar end. Likewise, my fear of being swallowed up by this world and it's injustice and corruption lead me to excel in academics and to eventually pursue law school. In obtaining a certified knowledge of the law, in some way I feel that I cannot be taken advantage of in the same way the law and justice can unfairly victimize unknowing American citizens. And lastly my fear of heartbreak and disappointment has impeded me from developing close friendships and personal relationships. I can talk and socialize with many people, and some may describe me as gregarious, but I do enjoy quiet time where I can gather my thoughts and well, think. Think and worry endlessly about all the possible things that may be out of my control and then construct or devise a plan under which I can obtain control.

As I have gotten older and realized these personal truths, I have slowly begun to break down the barriers and be open more to taking risks. It's not like I am going to go wild, but I am having to become more comfortable with "not knowing" or not being able to control every outcome. Presently, as it relates to the photo above, my life is being taken on a different route than what I had tried to create. I have tried to avoid a direct career in politics, yet it is in this field that I am most passionate. I was going to just transition from law school into a job that was convenient (and a great opportunity) that was not related to politics. These couple of opportunities I had lined up were sidelined after the deep recession. And by a turn of events, I find myself on the edge of fate, about to take a great leap of faith, hoping to land on to destiny. It is a scary thing, but I feel it is time I start to cultivate a little more faith. So here I go...

To Whom it May Concern:

I wouldn't say I copied the American Express ad idea from a friend, I would say it was "inspired" (you know, like what Beyonce does, lol). Well today is the last day of 2008 and I thought that I would write a little about the year that was. I guess the presidential race was the obvious big story out of 2008. And rightfully so. You couldn't have written a better cast of characters or the ensuing drama. And it seems that Obama, the hero, was propped up to win. And somewhere along the way, Americans started to care about their country. After years of war, recession, and bad news, Obama and Hillary (and even Palin for her part) was something new. So 2008 is even more pivotal because it saw the collapse and fall of the old and the rise of new and the ubiquitous change we want to believe. Wall Street collapsed, the American auto dealers are on the verge of demise, and all that we have know will be history as we face an uncertain future.

And I suppose this would be general feeling at the moment. I don't know what the future has in store for me. But I do feel up for the challenge. I have endured, I have kept up, and I will keep going. As Hillary Clinton said in her speech during the DNC (quoting Harriet Tubman), "When you see the light, keep going! If you hear the dogs barking, keep going! If you want a taste a freedom, KEEP GOING! And so I shall live on, going on into an uncertain future with many new challenges. And so I find my own life running parallel to the country. And it's weird, because I never considered myself a patriot as others consider the term. But for the first time, in my adult life, I have a sense of pride about the country. I am proud to be in a country that could elect a person of color to the highest office. Oftentimes, Americans live in a bubble and do not realize that to be born a person of color puts you at an automatic disadvantage ANYWHERE on Earth. You can hear similar accounts of institutionalized racism and bigotry among minority populations across the globe. So for this country to elect President of color, was a monumental symbol of hope and inspiration to non white children across the Earth. That with alot of integrity, much strength and endurance, and a thunderous drive and tenacity you can achieve anything your mind can conceive. That is the change I believe in, and that is the change I have been striving to become all my life.

It was apparent to me from a very early age that I was different. And after years spent trying to fit in or find a group, the last few years I have found strength and power in my distinction. And I know now that I will never fully fit in, and I would not want it any other way. Because now is the time for people who are different: It's MY time, and my destiny awaits.

Happy New Year everyone, wishing you peace, prosperity, and HOPE for a better tomorrow!

Yours Truly,

The ARISTOCRAT

Aristocratic Music: Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday

"Don't Explain"

The irony is that it is when they are at their lowest and most tormented state that artists are able to deliver such emotionally poignant music. Painful, heartfelt, and tragic: Billie Holiday

Aristocratic Music: Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

"In a Sentimental Mood"

This is one of my favorite compositions. It is smooth, sultry, and it puts me in more than a sentimental mood.

Adventures in Job Hunting

Well, if I didn't fail Evidence (courtesy of Prof. Weems), it looks like I am finished with law school. People still ask me my impressions, and I don't quite have a grasp on it. The only thing that comes to mine is the analogy I made early on comparing law school to pledging a fraternity. It's not like I have never been academically challenged before, but in law school, it seems there is an institutionalized method of presenting various obstacles that students must overcome. The first year was definately "sink or swim." It's like you find yourself in this situation trying to figure it all out, and it all comes down to one test. The process gets less taxing as you come to terms with the process. But for the life of me, I have never worked so hard to achieve mediocrity. Your grades oftentimes are measured against your peers (there is some real life practicality in this), and many time, the amount of studying does not determine the grades you received. I have never studies so, so much to only get a C. And that is, excuse me, was law school. I earned that Juris Doctor through sweat and tears, literally. And I don't regret it. Having knowledge of the law and legal system does impart power. You have a sense of security about how things work and you have a basic understanding of your rights and certain procedures. I always imagined that I would go to law school, and now that school is out forever, I am left to think about the rest of my life: beginning with landing a job in a dismal economy.

So I have a specific career goal. Ultimately I would like to be a political analyst and contributer for CNN. In addition, I wouldn't mind doing political consulting and advising. Accordingly, I never went to law school to practice law per se. I simply thought the degree lends itself to flexibility allowing me the opportunity to have several career options. And it does, and that is definately a plus in trying to find a job right now. So I am beginning to feel like Frodo (Lord of the Rings). In following every lead and every connection, I am going from place to place trying to land just the right position. I won't go into detail about it, but I am trying to keep the faith.

I have moments of doubt. I mean, I never factored that I would graduate at a time like this. There was a certain expectation I had while in school. It wasn't an entitlement, it was the natural progression of things (so I thought). You put in the time, you do what you are supposed to do, think about the future today, and you have everything lined up so that when you graduate you have an opportunity waiting for you. So, there are moments when I feel some anxiety because I am the type of person who likes to be one step ahead. And now I am in a situation where I have to wait. Patience was never my strongest suit, but friends and family are helping me through it.

But in a less serious change of discussion. What I will always prescribe to anyone searching for a job, is to have a well tailored suit. But come on, who of us has tailors at this point? Right, so when I say well tailored, I mean buy a suit that FITS. Take for example, Mr. Bond:

This how you wear a suit. As a graduation gift, my dad bought me a navy suit from Banana Republic. Their suits run up to $400 dollars, but I got mine for $150, courtesy of

the recession. I have lost some weight in the past few years, so the suits I have really did not fit well. The last interview I had, I felt so self conscious about it. So, I needed to get a suit that fit. I would say the next to "who you know" and "what you know" (the latter being less significant), the presentation (what you look like) counts for something. And inherently, when you look good, you feel good and you are more readily able to convey your experience and credentials with confidence. I was trying to pass on wear 42 Longs (in chest) matched with matching suit pant slacks I had with 36 in waists! Yeah, there used to be a little more of me to love. But currently, for my best suit is a 40 (regular or long depending on the cut) with a 33 inch waist pant (or 32, depends on cut). The arms of the blazer should fall just enough to wear you are able to reveal a bit of cuff. And the blazer itself, should hug the shoulders as if it was made for you. For men, it's about the fit and proportion. When you can get the right fit and proportion for your body type, you can never go wrong.

Aristocratic Style Icon: David Beckham

This guy knows how to be a celebrity. I don't know if the many people who know who David Beckham is actually watch soccer, but this guy knows how to "step out." Part old British aristocrat and part rugged eastern european, Beckham knows how to update the classics. Take this look for example: preppy on the top, rugged on the bottom. And when it's time to be in all out suit mode, Beckham understands the importance of a perfectly tailored suit.

David's wife is also very stylish, and together they make the perfect how-to guide for couples. Again, not sure if the two have earned their level of fame in the U.S., but they sure look good trying. David Beckham is an aristocratic style icon because I think many of the things he chooses to wear are timeless and will never go out of style. Not many "what were they thinking" moments for this athlete.

Aristocratic Viewing: My Favorite TV Shows

(1) Six Feet Under: This show was brilliantly written and well cast. There are not too many shows in which every single character and supporting characters are interesting. Even the minor roles, every single character was written so dynamically and three dimensional. The show follows the ups and downs of the Fisher family and their business -- a funeral home. It seems that in dealing with death on a daily basis, the Fishers have trouble living and the series documents their journeys. Each of the main character's storylines are rich. I am collecting the seasons and catching up with the Fishers.

(2) Rome: It only rain for two glorious seasons. I believe that was the intent as it was an expensive show to produce. The series follows the rise and fall of Ceasar, Marc Antony, Cleopatra, and Augustus. This is a brutal translation as HBO doesn't hold off on the blood and sex. This series was awesome!

(3) The Sopranos: If you haven't heard, then obviously you have been living under a rock. One of the greatest shows ever.

(4) Nip/Tuck: This is a guilty pleasure. If anything, this drama is an illustration of the seven deadly sins at work. The characters in this show all checked any moral compass at the door. For this, the show may not be as easily digestible for those with earnest sensitivities. I can't think of any character on the show not severly flawed in character. And that is the genious of the show. The show is about individuals' pursuit for physical perfection without regard for their internal ugliness. This beautiful cast of characters is just as ugly on the inside as they are beautiful on the outside. In their debauchery, each character finds themself deeper in disparity with each passing season and each passing season.

(5) Damages: This show just premiered last year and it is amazing. The whole season was built around a lawsuit and a mysterious "who done it-style" murder. It is brilliantly acted, and Glenn Close's portrayl of a shrewd and take-no-prisoners attorney is bone chilling. This is legal drama done right.

(6) Tru Blood: From the creators of Six Feet Under comes this tale about vampires. Oh, but it is so much more. The vampires represent a new exposed part of society trying to fit in among individuals who fear or hate them. Sound familiar? Set in the deep South, the allusions and metaphors are strong and constant. This is a must see for the southern studies crowd. And for the record, never before on television has anyone captured the proud bravado and childish ignorance of the southern redneck like the actor who plays Jason Stackhouse. From accent to swagger, this guy has nailed it. Usually, I cringe at hollywood attempts to paint accurate pictures of southern dynamics, but Tru Blood gets it right.

(7) Oz: an old HBO series set in a maximum security prison. Grim, gritty, and unpredictable. This show helped to cement HBO's place among groundbreaking television.

(8) South Park: Satire, satire, satire. How well these four kids illustrate just how dumb adults can be!

Aristo-Politico: Harvey Milk

I just saw "Milk," the biopic about the rise of the nation's first openly gay (surley not the first) man elected to public office. I knew the story before, so needless to say, I knew how it all ends. So the director's task was to effectively tell a story that could reach a broad audience drawing upon univesal themes. Juxtaposing this film with the election of Barack Obama, and the timing could not have been more perfect. Moreover, with the current debates surrounding same sex marriage, the movie was released at a heightened time of political activism. However, the subject of this post is to discuss how moved I was by this film.

The film opens alluding to what will happen in the films final moments. The character himself takes us through historical context in which he was able to rise to become the influential person he was. The film effectively narrates the political current: the christian evangelicals as crusaded by Anita Bryant (the original Sarah Palin) are fueling initiatives throughout the country to supress or repeal the passage of any laws that may prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation. In this case, individuals' jobs were threatened based merely on their sexual orientation. Seems archaic today, right? Well currently, although there is a piece of legislation on capital hill that would amend Title VII to include sexual orientation as an impermissible basis for employment termination, the law has yet to pass. Still, in some states, there are laws protecting discrimination based on sexual orientation. So, in Milk's time, the fight was to protect the employment rights of Americans. Fair enough, but Anita Bryant and company found gay and lesbian Americans deplorable and unsuitable to teach children in school for fear they may "turn them gay." Interesting correlation to say the very least.

At any rate, Harvey Milk forms a coalition in San Francisco's Castro District. He mobilizes the gays first. He orchestrates, successfully, some boycotts. Still he is unable to get elected. So he broadens his reach and begins to reach out to the "us-es." The film ends on this very powerful point. And perhaps this is why the film has broad appeal. It is not about a gay movement, a women's liberation, or black rights movement. The us-es are all of us who so easily fall into a group prone to grave injustices by political majorities. Similarly, as Martin Luther King Jr., said, "An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere." Political movements are most successful when they are able to tap into this concept. This perhaps may be why Prop. 8 passed in California. It must not just be about a one problem. The rhetoric should center around why this argued injustice is antithetical to American principles of freedom, democracy, and rule of law.

I was so intrigued by the ensemble cast of characters that I did some research. As it turns out, Milk's partner, Scott Smith, was a essential to Milk's rise to power. The film does well in conveying their loving relationship. Harvey's political drive and charisma ultimately drove a wedge between he and Scott, but there was no denying that Scott was an intstrumental part of Milk's campaign. A woman on a website who knew Scott and Harvey commented on their relationship. She said that the saying is usually that behind every successful man, their is a good woman. But, she said in Harvey's case, it was Scott who was his driving force. The film did a sufficient job illustrating their relationship.

I was very much inspired by this film. But, maybe it's because I love politics. Maybe love is a strong word. Maybe I should say, "I love this game." For that's what politics is to me -- a sport or artform. Harvey Milk was a masterful politician, and that's why he is an "aristo-politico."