Blog Posts by Intent.com

I write to you today with an open heart and a genuine concern for the future of our children. At a time when the presidential race could be seen as a pissing match between adults looking to take power, there are deeper issues -- shadow issues -- that are wanting and needing to be explored. I share my perspective with you today not so that you can align with me but so that you can dwell deeply in the issues facing our world and find the courage to speak up for what you believe even if it's unpopular to do so. I am speaking up even after someone recently wrote to me asking me to refrain from talking about politics. For me, that is like asking me to not talk about life. So today, I assert my right to free speech under the First Amendment, even if that speech is socially or politically incorrect, and I want to talk about Sarah Palin, the Vice Presidential candidate for the Republican Party.

As I've watched the Sarah Palin phenomenon unleash itself on our national airwaves, I've been

Read More »from Your Right to Choose

The race has changed, now what? All reports indicate that the Obama camp is rife with confusion about where they stand in the face of the meteoric rise of Sarah Palin and John McCain's ability to bring the Republican Party together. Neither one was remotely anticipated. This is more than a bump. I think Obama needs to recognize that the tide has decisively turned in McCain's favor. Palin is shooting down the turnpike, and unless Obama puts up a big hand to stop her, McCain is going to ride her coattails to the White House. The tire is deflating on the Democrats, and once enthusiastic supporters are becoming disheartened.

Right now, complacency is the enemy. The Democratic leadership in the House and Senate have been quiescent for more than a year, on the assumption that letting George Bush hang himself would be enough. It wasn't, and as a result public disapproval of Congress is as high or higher, than disapproval of the President. Obama can't afford to rest on his past message.

Read More »from Why Obama Needs to Reach Deeper

I was just watching a report about the children of the victims on 9/11 reading the names of those who died on that terrible day. I was so impressed that they were so poignant - a boy who looked about 8 years old, saying that even though my father is gone, he is ever present with me.

I remember my own emotions that day when our family thought for about 1 hour that my brother could be on the first plane, and watching the second, third and fourth ones fall. I remember being 5 months pregnant and feeling the light movements of my daughter inside me. Thinking about the world she would enter and fearing what the future held for her and those like her.

The children I watched today reminded me that the future is bright, and hopeful, and poised, and confident, and capable. They are truly a light in the darkness of the past.

Several moments of silence were observed today: 8:46 am, 9:30am, 9:59 am, 10:29 am. To honor those who died and the loved ones they left behind, I ask

Read More »from 9/11 - A Moment of Silence

This whole hooplah about Sarah Palin - the how can she cope as a mother of five with such a demanding job debate - that so many of us mothers had somehow hoped was long behind us - well it couldn't have come at a more poignant time.

Back to school is always a time fraught with anxiety on all fronts. No matter how we as Moms try and position it as an exciting time of discovery and adventure, for our very wee ones, it is a scary, bewildering time of change. Just as they had got used to all that loving time at home and on vacation, suddenly they are back to school, dealing with seeing us working Moms only at the end of the day.

My boy is into week two at a great new school. It's bigger than his previous school, with older children, and French immersion to boot, so it's taking some time to get used to. Every day I say goodbye and there are tears, then come lunchtime I dash back over town to pick him up and take him home, before saying farewell (more tears) and heading back into

Read More »from The Mommy Wars Redux

Should Oprah have Sarah Palin on her show?

Oprah Winfrey this year did something she has never done before. She used her celebrity status to promote Obama as a presidential candidate. Oprah's support undoubtedly brought him incredible exposure.

Todays controversy surrounds whether or not Oprah should have Sarah Palin on her syndicated show. She's had Obama on it, hasn't she?

Obviously, Oprah doesn't support McCain/Palin. But as the person with the strongest reach to women in America, is it her responsibility to her audience to give Palin the platform?

Is Obama on The O'Reilly Factor a parallel example?

- Mallika Chopra, Intent.com

Visit www.intent.com to share what you think

Read more by Mallika Chopra

Read More »from The Oprah Factor

Back to school this year resulted in tears - mommy tears.

For me, it began with the closet cleaning to get rid of old clothes and stock up on new ones. Each outfit we packed up brought so many memories - remember when we chose this outfit; oh, her grandmother was so happy when she gave this to her; this is what she wore on her birthday; I can't believe she has outgrown this!

Then, there was the back to school shopping, and realizing that my younger is outgrowing her princess phase. I never thought I would miss those princesses!! And, my elder was focused on getting a backpack that could hold her books - books she is reading!

I was honestly surprised at myself - after all, my girls - 6.5 and 4 - are not even making major transitions. Same schools, same kids, just new teachers. But, this year, I really felt that they are growing up -- growing up way too fast.

And, then, today - first day of school. First grade! Excitement mixed with nervousness. I watched my daughter

Read More »from Back To School Tears

In choosing 1st term Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as his VP pick, McCain and his advisors have demonstrated how thick headed they are when it comes to women. Do they honestly believe women are so stupid to vote purely for a woman? I supported Hillary because she was a smart, experienced woman who supported and has spent her life fighting for the issues I believe in, and I felt confident she would be a great American President.

Apparently, Republicans were desperate to choose a woman, not actually caring about experience or judgment, but solely focused on changing the dialogue and showing how bold they can be. Also, she is staunchly pro-life - an effort to attract the Republican conservative base. Is that going to attract the women voters who believe in their own right to choose?

The Obama/Biden ticket represents change, but also wise judgment, experience, hope and a new direction at its core. It is a choice that is the right one for America, not made just for a news headline.

Read More »from Is Palin supposed to attract the women vote?

Every night before we go to bed, my daughters and I talk about our worst and best parts of the day. Today, we all agreed that the best part was watching Michelle Obama's warm and passionate speech, and then seeing her girls come onto the stage. As a mom, I felt we were experiencing a piece of history together...

The fact that today a smart, articulate, beautiful and accomplished black woman from the South side of Chicago stood before seasoned politicians, an audience of men and women, of whites, blacks, Latinos (and did you see the Indian sardar on CNN!), and addressed the world on national television, to celebrate the accomplishments of American society through her own story, is something to be proud about.

When she spoke about being at the crossroads of a woman's right to vote and the anniversary of Martin Luther Kings "I Have a Dream" speech, Michelle Obama recognized the accomplishments of the so many leaders that came before her. Most importantly, she set a tone of

Read More »from Michelle Obama - A Role Model for My Daughters