Saving Private Bergdahl

I can’t image any military personnel either past or present would ever make such a insensitive statement about a prisoner of war in the manner FOX News Analyst, but more notable Retired Army Lt. Col. Ralph Peters managed to lend during an interview this past week.

Private Bowie Bergdahl (23) was captured by the Taliban around June 30th and this is what Ralph Peters had to say…

“I want to be clear. If, when the facts are in, we find out that through some convoluted chain of events, he really was captured by the Taliban, I’m with him. But if he walked away from his post and his buddies in war time, I don’t care how hard it sounds, as far as I’m concerned, the Taliban can save us a lot of legal hassles and legal bills.” – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ralph Peters (Retired)

Now I’m sure the FOX News supporters and apologists may seek an opportunity to launch some baseless and meaningless attack towards me, but this isn’t about me or FOX News. Yes I’m suspicious of any ‘reporting’ that comes from FOX News, but the fact the Mr. Peters is a FOX News Analyst or his political affiliations is not the issue or concern to me. So I’m not coming against what some hold dear. I’m speaking about his statement and apparent lack of concern towards a captured solider. Regardless of how he was captured, he’s still a U.S. Soldier, where’s your patriotism and support for the troops. And I’m unpatriotic or don’t support the troops, save it.

How can anyone be so callous towards their fellow citizen and solider regardless of your or their professional status/ranking? Now if you say you want to wait until all the facts are out, why have you presumed Private Bergdahl is guilty? The reasons why he was captured doesn’t matter, the objective is to get him back safely.

Just a Thought: Since the Taliban continues uploading videos everywhere, why can’t we try to trace the source of the IP Address. I’m sure someone may have already considered this, but if not here you go.

WHAT! It was like saying Nigger to a Puerto Rican

I want to make a quick statement, before discussing U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s ‘slip of the tongue’ a few days ago. My reasons are due to comments submitted over the past few weeks and months from individuals who accused me of something I passionately fight against; biases, discrimination, racism and prejudices.

Accuse me of a bias towards beautiful women. Accuse me of a bias towards cute baby girls. I’m guilty as charged. If I’m aware of something or made aware of it and feel its cause for me to say something about it, I will. I don’t claim that Republicans are eternally wrong or Democrats are forever right. I honestly strive to be fair and consider others. Politically I may align on the side of Democrats more often than Republicans, but it doesn’t mean I do not consider Republicans or agree or defend them when unfairly attacked.

Now onto Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s ‘slip of the tongue’. Please make note, this is how you not launch your bid for Senate.

While relying on a telephone conversation Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) used the opportunity to gain some political points by criticizing her fellow White Female Democrat and soon-to-be Senate opponent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Rep. Maloney said, “I got a call from someone from Puerto Rico who said Sen. Gillibrand went to Puerto Rico and came out for English-Only.” Now to some that’s not offensive, but English-Only Amendments says something all together different to our fellow citizens that English is their 2^nd language. But that’s the nice part of the conversation. She continues to say, “It was like saying Nigger to a Puerto Rican.”

:O Now close your mouth for a moment. I need to talk to the congresswoman for a moment.

Carolyn… Come on now. Do you realize what you’ve just said? Did you ask a Puerto Rican? Did you ask anyone that English is a 2^nd language for them to see how they would view it? No, No, No. You didn’t. You just saw the opportunity to make a political gain because you were speaking in the comfort of being around all White people. You made the mistake of assuming Whites are racist when you think about it, because you didn’t see an issue with saying Nigger.

If there was one Black person in the room I bet you wouldn’t have said it. How can I make such an assumption? Because you wouldn’t have to apologize or even say “I apologize for having repeated a word I find disgusting.”

If you truly find the word to be disgusting you wouldn’t even say it in any company. If so, you would have clearly made a statement before or after repeating what you’ve said.

I’m not going to beat up on you for making the mistake, because we can go through instances where Black, Latino, Asian, Native and/or Jewish Americans have made racially tinged statements in the comfort of their own. It’s wrong any way you slice it. If you disagree with the word or the meaning of it, then don’t use it. If you’re using it to make a point, then pay attention to the context of your words and delivery, so it will not be misunderstood.

I really believe politicians should include a cultural advisor to their team of political advisors. Seriously, this stuff can be easily avoided with more than a sensitivity training class, but someone to help you navigate through the cultural political obstacles. Why do you think the Republican Party as a whole now has such a difficult time attracting anyone who isn’t a White male? Of course you have some fine Black, Latino and Asian American Republicans, but look at the party as a whole and who do you see? The last campaign didn’t help at all, but I’m the racist. The same goes for Democrats. Think about what you’re saying or what your words may suggest to someone not like you.

Black people everything isn’t about race. Yes, sometimes it is, but how do you best get your point across, but by demonstrating it. There is justification for mistrust, but if we continue to not trust each other on the notion of race then we will never progress and we will be just as bad as those we mistrust, because we are essentially reciprocating the mistrust back. An eye for an eye leaves both of us blind. I think you can see what I’m suggesting.

The same is true for White people. My goodness, think about what you’re doing or how you may alter your actions when around someone of another race. That’s easily detectable, although they may not say anything. Continue to be who you are; just be more aware of how others respond to you. You may not be racist or hold any biases based on ethnicity, but the things you may say unintentionally out of the comfort and security of not having to be viewed by the prism of race first is perceived very differently to someone who does.

References & Inspirations

NY Daily News – 07/20/09 “Rep. Carolyn Maloney Apologizes Over Use of N-Word”

U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY, 14^th District) – Official Website

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) – Official Website

What has Sen. Grassley been Smoking?

MAN! Sen. Chuck Grassley is gangsta. WOW! I don’t like what went on, but kill themselves?
But he wasn’t finished, because he had one more tidbit or should I say ‘tit bit’. I absolutely love this little misquote from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). I wonder what he was thinking about?

Stuff Happens?

For those who have followed this blog for any measurable length of time can conclude that I have a strong aversion to Dick Cheney to phrase it in a polite manner. On many occasions when referencing this Dick – Cheney I have worked very hard to tone my outrage down a few levels. I honestly strive to give people the benefit of my doubts and consider their point-of-view or the context for which they are speaking. This one may seem a bit partisan to some, but to reference the original name of this blog ‘someone has to say it’.

During an interview with CNN’s John King recently this Dick – Cheney said this in his response to President Obama’s policy agenda.

“Stuff happens. And the administration has to be able to respond to that, and we did.“

“Mr. Obama is making some choices, that, in my mind, will, in fact raise the risk to the American people of another attack.” – FORMER VICE PRESIDENT DICK CHENEY

What the Hell? Stuff Happens. Stuff does happen and you and your friends left your sh– stuff for someone else to clean up.

I really am trying not to curse or suggest any ill to Mr. Cheney, but I just can’t see how his bad heart continues to function when it’s so cold.

So Dick, you don’t like the fact that the President is keeping his campaign promise of closing Guantanamo Bay, ensuring that the U.S. follows the Geneva Convention, CIA Officers abide by the Army Field Manual’s rules on interrogations and promoting democracy by being diplomatic?

Well, you know what Dick. I Guess That’s Just Too Bad Isn’t It. Why don’t you take your lumps of coal, pitch fork and walk your delusional, narrow-minded, hateful ass on back to the dark side from which you came. The only benefit you bring to the conversation is to remind everyone why we’re in the mess we’re in. I guess I should thank you for raising the approval ratings of Democrats each time you speak.

“The best possible outcome for Americans is to ignore the former vice president’s advice… I guess Rush Limbaugh was busy so they trotted out the next most popular member of the Republican cabal.” – PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS

Well this is why I’m not the Press Secretary, because I would address Dick Cheney with a very clear response of what I thought of him for the record.

Mr. Cheney, I swear I hope you and others pay for what you’ve done to so many with your soul.

I apologize for not being close to professional on this one and letting this fool annoy me, but I simply can’t stand this dude. Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for Dick Cheney and his latest contribution to society. And if there are any conservatives who agree with Dick Cheney fell free to chime in too. I may disagree with you, but I’m not going to verbally beat you up over it. I just want to hear the rational for anything Dick Cheney says.

References & Inspirations

CNN – 03/16/09 “Cheney: Obama Policies Raise Risk of Terror Attack”

Detroit Free Press – 03/17/09 “Dick Cheney, Please Go Away”

New York Times – 03/16/09 “Gibbs Responds to Cheney’s Remarks”

Washington Post – 03/16/09 “Cheney to U.S.: Stuff Happens“

State Senator Schultheis: How Can You Suggest AIDS on a Baby?

I’m not a person to want to just curse or fight for no reason, but this guy needs to be cursed out then hit upside his head.

This is one of those you must hear to believe it for yourself. >> Click Here To Listen For Yourself

How is this a difficult bill for you to vote on?

This is absolutely an unbelievable assertion for anyone with a conscience to make such an outrageous statements as State Senator Dave Schultheis (R-CO).

He voted Yes in committee, but when it came up to an official vote on the measure he votes against a bill requiring HIV tests for pregnant women.

Now for those who will immediately say, ‘he has a right to do so’, let me caution you before you start picking sides based on political ideology. I agree he does have the right to vote against it, but this is his reasoning behind it.

“Since the disease stems from sexual promiscuity he doesn’t want to see the state doing anything to remove the negative consequences that takes place because poor and unacceptable behavior.” – STATE SENATOR DAVE SCHULTHEIS

Although I think Sen. Schultheis has a narrow-minded view of HIV/Aids similar to what we saw between Former Vice-President Dick Cheney & Former Sen. John Edwards during the 2004 Vice-Presidential Debates when the question was raised in regards of the rise in cases of AIDS among heterosexual Black women. AIDS & HIV is not bound to a single community or specific orientation. There are both cases of Republicans & Democrats, Black, Latino, Native, Asian & White, Women & Men, and yes Gay and Straight people who contract AIDS/HIV. It’s not bound to any one… Never mind. Why am I even trying to explain this to you?

I swear you just give me more reasons each day why I should consider running for a political office, because this sort of ignorance towards readily available information is amazing. This is not a political or ideological question, but health and wellness one that can be answered with a simple YES. But it’s idiots like this on both sides of the political persuasion that irritates me to the point where I don’t need or deserve the constant headache that it would cause.

Let me finish my thought, because it gets worse.

This idiot actually is defending his original outrageous statement with another despicable statement.

“What I’m hoping is that, yes, that person may have AIDS, have it seriously as a baby and when they grow up, but the mother will begin to feel guilt as a result of that. The family will see the negative consequences of that promiscuity and it may make a number of people over the coming years begin to realize that there are negative consequences and maybe they should adjust their behavior.” Source: Rocky Mountain News – 02/25/09

Now before I start cursing I must say that there were some of his state senate colleagues who were equally outraged over his reasoning. Here’s a few of them.

“Sen. Schultheis drew the conclusion that anyone who may have HIV is sexually promiscuous. I find that offensive in the context of this bill and I find it offensive in the context of the gay community.” – State Sen. Jennifer Veiga

“What this bill will do and why it’s so important to test the woman when she is pregnant — if she is HIV-positive, treatment is started immediately to protect the baby, the unborn baby.” – State Sen. Thornton, who is also a nurse.

“HIV does not just come from sexual promiscuity, it comes from many other things — contaminated blood, for one.” – Sen. Lois Tochtrop

I challenge anyone out there that believes they can defend the State Senator’s statement. I would love to hear it. I don’t care if you’re a Republican or Democrat why is he still in office? If it was me there would have been repeated calls for my resignation.

What a way to start Women’s History Month.

References & Inspirations

Colorado Independent – 02/25/09 “HIV babies are punishment for promiscuous moms”

Buttars Wait There’s More

Right before I was going to talk about the outrageous comments of another Senator Michelle Bachman (R-MN), State Senator Chris Buttars (R-UT) clips her with this little dozy. This time he tops himself and offenses once again.

Why are the people of Utah allowing him to represent them? Better question is does he speak for them?

WOW!

So I should be afraid of gays and lesbians now? I want to make sure I understand what you’re saying Senator. The biggest threat to America are not racism, bigotry, hate groups or even an economic collapse, but gays and lesbians. WOW! I guess President Obama needs to bring the troops back from Iraq and Afghanistan to help fight these insurgents.

Come On Now Dude, are you for real?

Before I start, you wouldn’t happen to be related to any political cartoonist would you or know anyone at the NY Post?

Really? OK, just a question.

Now let’s explore the era of thinking Mr. Buttars appears to come from by looking at the questions and statements he posed in this interview.

Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:

“Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care.”

My Response:

So it appears that you have a distain for homosexuality. Your use of the phrase ‘sexual perversion’ is synonymous with Christianity. As a Christian myself I’ve read the same thing, and it raises another question that seems to get overlooked or ignored. Does it mean that someone who is gay or is a lesbian is not worthy to be loved? I thought that was the greatest commandment. I can go further into that one, but let’s stick to the comments for now.

Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:

“They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice. They’re the meanest buggers I have ever seen”.

My Response:

Really? I’m a straight guy who has had the opportunity to be friends with people who are gay or lesbian and I haven’t had any issues with them. Even when we may disagree on a point, it’s still respectable. The meanest people I’ve come into contact with are those who hold bigoted or backwards thinking views. They tend to make generalizations like… well I think you are well acquainted with the type of people I’m talking about.

Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:

“It’s just like the Muslims. Muslims are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side.”

My Response:

That’s an interesting statement. I personally know Muslims too and all except for one has been very nice towards me. What’s interesting about your statement is that you speak about something being taken over by radicalism. I can think of a political party that seems to have an issue with that today. (Notice: I didn’t mention which political party.)

Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:

“What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes.”

My Response:

Although I can only take into account my interactions with someone who tells me that they are gay or lesbian, but I would think many would have the same issues that any straight person would have. It’s a difference in sexual preference not existence.

Sen. Chris Buttars’ Statement:

“They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of.”

My Response:

Well I can think of a few others that are more of a threat than the sexual preferences of a person. Let’s see… The Economy, Cancer, Aids, Hate, violence, just to name a few.

Well State Senator Chris Buttars (R-UT), I wonder what you and those who agree with you response would be by these wise words of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. “Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood.”

Was she any less of a person because of her views on this same subject?

References & Inspirations:

ABC 4 in Salt Lake City, UT – 02/18/09 “Buttars Responds to His Comments on Gays”

You Just Don’t Get It Do You?

Now for anyone who is still naïve enough to believe racism and/or racial discrimination is a thing of the past let me introduce you to the latest of a string of incidents that you may not be aware of that continues to happen all around us.

You would think Rush Limbaugh would have done this, but it’s the so-called “Big Bad Liberal Media” that sneak this one in. I speak of the New York Post.

For those who are unfamiliar or oblivious to the racial connotation of a monkey and how it relates to race let me attempt to offer you a very brief history lesson of being Black in America.

This drawing from Josiah Nott and George Gliddon called “Indigenous Races of the Earth” was drawn in 1857. This drawing was the beginning of the ridiculous suggestion that Black People ranked between White People and Chimpanzees in terms of intelligence. The lie was perpetuated throughout America as truth by Whites during a time in the U.S. when racism and bigotry was socially acceptable and common place. Today we still find it, but the lie is more secluded and socially sophisticated.

Now to address why this cartoon is considered to be racist and not just insensitive towards animal rights?

It does show a level of insensitivity towards animals, but it’s the text and the known history of not only the NYPD, but the relationships between Blacks and the police. I’m more than happy to go there, but want to stick to this issue for the moment.

Now to add the text to the cartoon that reads, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill” the day after President Obama signs the Stimulus bill and the fact that he’s Black (which I could go into that for those who want to debate the “One Drop Rule” and how that relates to the President.)

Footnote: I want to add that it’s also interesting how this depiction comes almost a week after Charles Darwin’s 200^th Birthday to and how it can spark the conversation about Social Darwinism. But I’m trying to not overwhelm you with the depth of sophistication of the subtle message this image suggests in form of a cartoon.

The cartoon in today’s New York Post is telling of the silent rise in the sophisticated racial & discriminatory attacks reported since 2008. I’m still amazed of the ignorance of history that some people and institutions continue to exhibit.

Throughout American history the racially motivated reference of Blacks with monkeys has been made, most recently history in Pennsylvania at a McCain/Palin political rally.

One has to question whether the cartoonist is making a less than casual inference to this form of racism when, in the cartoon, the police say after shooting a chimpanzee, “now they will have to find someone else to write the stimulus bill.”

What the Hell is that suppose to mean? You talk about respect for authority or the Office of the President.

But this isn’t the first time a New York Post cartoonist has come under heavy fire in the past for racially tinged cartoons. Does anyone remember the cartoons depicting 2001 NYC Mayoral candidate Freddy Ferrer and Rev. Al Sharpton? And who can forget the magazine cover of the New Yorker Magazine last July.

Some will often try to ignore the racial implications out of being uncomfortable speaking about the subject or fear of being questioned. For those who have read this blog for any length of time I hope you can conclude that I tend to understand where you’re coming from and will question when it isn’t clear or objectionable.

I understand if this is you, but do not be afraid to speak out against racism or discrimination. Now some have tried to use these words against me, but it still doesn’t fit, because whenever I’ve seen discrimination I’ve always spoken up or clarified the intentions of the person accused regardless of politics, race, preferences or religion.

When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that “we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends” he wasn’t just talking about one group of people or a single issue. I invite you to chime in on your sincere thoughts, ideas and suggestions regarding this cartoon. But if I can quote King for the millionth time it would be this principle that I continues to motivate me to even share my opinion about the things I blog about. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” This may not matter to you, but your silence says more than your words if it doesn’t.

References & Inspirations

New York Post – 02/18/09 “Sean Delonas Cartoon”

Wikipedia “Scientific Racism”

Wikipedia “One Drop Rule”

Wikipedia “Ethnographic”

Wikipedia “Popular Racist Ideology”

The Old Man That Cried Wolf

I am no fan of the Former Vice-President Dick Cheney, but I wish this dude would just shut-up and stop trying to keep scaring with your tired and wrong analysis. I think Keith Olbermann frames my frustration best with Dick Cheney.

I apologize to anyone who may get upset with my comments, but you have to forgive me. Mr. Dick Cheney I ask you to PLEASE JUST SHUT THE HELL UP AND GO BACK TO YOUR DUNGEON. I SWEAR I wish you would just GO AWAY. PLEASE!

References & Inspirations:

Politico – 02/04/09 “Cheney Warns of New Attacks”

Michael Phelps*

What I’m watching in regards of how the International Olympic Committee and the media handles the recent admission by Michael Phelps of smoking weed is to see if they will be consistent. I can think of a few other athletes that are probably paying attention too. Does anyone have Marian Jones, Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi or Tim Montgomery’s phone numbers?

I wonder if the IOC will ask Michael Phelps to give his medals back. Why don’t we ask Bob Weiner, the former White House Drug Spokesman during the 2^nd Clinton Administration that said that Marian Jones should return her medals?

What’s the difference between an athlete using steroids or smoking weed? Either way it’s an illegal drug that they shouldn’t be using.

I’m sure Michael Phelps will be forgiven and this will be overlooked. Since steroids is worse than marijuana.

References & Inspirations:

The Independent (UK) – 12/05/03 “Americans set to vote on no-tolerance drug policy”

The Huffington Post – 02/01/09 “Michael Phelps, Hypocrisy and American Drug Policy”

Associated Press – 02/01/09 “Phelps acknowledges photo showing him smoking pot”

Washington Post – 10/05/07 “Marion Jones Admits to Steroids Use”

NBC Sports – 08/20/08 “Drug Testing in Beijing”

Biggest Liar of 2008

Now as you will soon see in an upcoming post I am absolutely no fan of Sean Hannity. The abundance of my dislike for this guy is only surpassed by my even greater dislike for Rush Limbaugh which is just below Karl Rove, Bill O’Reily, George W. Bush and so on.

I know that I will receive clandestine hate mail from his supporters and I personally don’t care. I hope you keep reading, because I got more for you. This is tame compared to what’s coming. So enjoy while you can, because I’m going to be your Best Friend very soon.

This GOP mouthpiece will continue to do the Republican party a great disservice if they do not speak out against his deceitful propaganda. This divisionist is nothing but a canker soar on the fat lip of lies spewed by what has become the media cousin of the Republican Party.

Obviously, I’m not a Republican, but I do respect the handful that understands what needs to be done in order to rebuild its image in the eyes of Americans that are not usually apart of their majority demographics. :O

Aright, you can hate me now.

Reference & Inspiration

Media Matters – 12/17/08 “Sean Hannity: Media Matters Misinformer of 2008“

Blagojevich’s Ace of Spades

What I believe many people may not see what the Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) has done is found himself a Magic Negro.

Now by my use of the term “Magic Negro” I do not have any intentions of offending Illinois Attorney General Ronald Burris (71). Mr. Burris, an African-American is well qualified to do the job and has appeared to not come to the immediate defense of Gov. Blagojevich. My comments are not directed at Mr. Burris nor should be considered as a criticism of his credentials as a professional, statesmen or candidate for the U.S. Senate. My comments are exclusively directed at Mr. Blagojevich.

As a Democrat I want to give the Republicans some advice here. I would advise the Republican Party not to say a word. Sit back and enjoy the Democratic case of Blagojevich vs. The Democratic Party. I’m sure this will be Must See TV.

What Rod Blagojevich is doing is testing the Democratic Party and President Obama on the validity of their words.

Be happy that I’m not President, because I would handle this one with an iron fist.

What he’s doing is seeing if the first elected Black President is going to side with the Senate, an government institution that currently has No Black Senators since Obama and Adam Clayton Powell many decades before that.

Blagojevich has essentially pulled his “Ace of Spades” in this political poker game. Why do you think he selected this Black man instead of any other person? Homeboy is all about leverage. What is he going to get out of it? Now that he’s gotten himself in hot water and figured out that the Democrats are going to let him fry, he’s decided to add some seasoning into the mix by making the Democrats appear to be siding with the Old White Power Structure of the U.S. Senate.

What he’s trying to do is cause a division within the Democratic Party, President Obama and the Black community.

Lets’ briefly look further into what Blagojevich is doing. Ron Burris has previous ran for public offices in IL, and has ran against Rod Blagojevich himself and lost. Before Burris lost during the 2002 Illinois Democratic Gubernatorial Primaries a few years ago guess who endorsed Ron Burris, you guessed it the man who’s seat Blagojevich appointed him to replace.

I admit it’s a smooth move. I give him credit. That’s a pimp move, but the people of Illinois are the one getting… screwed, not to mention Mr. Burris. Essentially Rod Blagojevich is playing his party out to be some… The question is will the President and the Senate Democrats allow themselves to be turned out.

Now I know I’m playing around with some harsh language, but I figured that’s the only language Rod Blagojevich understands if you’ve listened to the wire tapped conversations he had.

Stay tuned next week for another exciting adventure of “Who Wants to Be a Senator?”

Reference & Inspiration

Chicago Breaking News – 12/31/08 “Blagojevich”

Politico – 12/30/08 “Bobby Rush: Don’t Hang or Lynch Burris”