The first thing I did today was turn to my mainstream media outlets to get a report on New Hampshire, the "first in the nation" primary. Instead, I got a constant diet of change: every candidate and their mothers is about change, so says CNN. They played the obligatory David Bowie clips and noted how many times various candidates said "change" in given answers. The reporters all got a good laugh about it.

Well, you know why everyone's saying change: because the people want it. Isn't that a novel concept? After seven years of Bush Jr., scandal-laden Constitution abuse, and do-nothing stop-nothing Congresses, the people have had enough! Isn't it funny when someone spits all over your most-cherished ideals, and isn't it even funnier when people start to stand up and say enough is enough? The media sure can't get enough of it-- at least to wonder at what all this change talk is about.

And, heck, now that Obama and Edwards have succeeded in making our Presidential debate a conversation about change, look who's talking about it: every other candidate! Except Rudy Giuliani. He still thinks it's a buzzword. But remember the words of Joe Biden: Rudy's candidacy can be summed up as a noun, a verb, and 9/11.

But enough about fear-mongers. Last Thursday a wonderful thing occurred: Portland progressives gathered and watched Barack Obama and John Edwards show that people are ready to move on. Tonight, the same gathering will happen. I don't believe I can make it tonight, but enjoy it for me anyone who goes. I'll be watching from home ready to celebrate the call to change.

But as for we Oregonians and Portlanders, this change thing is old news. We wanted change the moment Bush Jr. first set his corrupt feet in the Oval Office after that disgusting, tainted Supreme Court case. But I won't say "I told you so," because so many others were right there with me.

And if each little primary is one step closer to his departure from office and succession by a for-the-people Democrat, then so be it, and thank goodness.