What would it be like to live in a place where we were not bound by what we thought was impossible?
A place where we did not have to guard our thoughts, a place where we were guided by our ideas and directed by our suggestions? A place where the imagination isn’t bound by our fear of rejection or conflict?
We are so bound by the limitations of our own mind. Our biggest obstacle of our life’s work is that we fail to involve our imagination. Our thoughts, ideas and suggestions often become what we have heard, seen or been told. We are so willing to limit ourselves to a position or ideology that we loose sight of the humanity of our opposition. We only see an enemy instead of a potential friend or ally. We often find area for disagreement, that we allow little room for consideration and no space for common ground.
Many of us put ourselves in a box, but we believe we think outside the box. How is that possible, when you can’t see how one man can have the audacity of hope? (No pun intended) The testicular fortitude to believe he can change the world, not by the might of his army, but the will of his people.
To go on a slightly political and patriotic tangent for a brief moment, I have this to say to anyone willing to receive it. It’s going to get better. We defeat ourselves when we give up hope. It’s not just you; it’s not just where you live, its many people.
Some choose to blame someone, but it’s not the fault of any one person, company or political party, but the greed and lack of vision of some people, companies and political entities. I’ve found it more productive to end my distain for certain individuals and leave them to their own vices. I can only move forward and stop allowing them to hold me back with their thoughts of terror, inconsiderate ideas and suspect suggestions. We got to save the arguments for another day and time, because we all have to fix what’s messed up.
If you have to fight why not fight against the feeling of hopelessness and those who are beaten down with cynicism and pessimism due to the current situations in their lives. I can’t make you draw upon your own imagination, but I just ask you not to give up.
Perhaps I’m just a student of hope and optimism, but I believe “the hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined non-conformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love (1963)
How powerful are the words you think, say and believe? Do you believe what you say or do you just say what you believe? I know everything seems bleak in every way, but keep moving, don’t give up. Don’t be bound by the limitations of our own mind and lack of imagination. Don’t get caught up in the places of complacency and hopelessness. Keep moving.
In 2010, Stephen launched the Give Back Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity created to help people give back.
The Give Back Foundation was established to allow any person to join GiveBack and set up their personal foundation account. The funds that accumulate in that account are part of the Give Back Foundation. Each member has the ability to direct the funds from their account to any charity in good standing with the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Together, all of the members’ accounts are gathered under one Give Back Foundation account awaiting the direction of each member. The members can give their money away whenever they choose, either as a single donation or as part of a group of people coming together to support a cause. 100% of the money that is directed to a charity is sent to the charity. The Give Back Foundation doesn’t charge you or the charity anything for the transaction.
Any money that a member adds directly into their GiveBack account is immediately tax deductible to the full extent allowed. Any additional money that may be added, either by our corporate sponsors or other individuals, is not deductible by the member. At year end the Give Back Foundation will issue every member a consolidated giving statement that may be used as an IRS tax receipt.
GiveBack allows you to put all your charitable giving in one place. And you can give any amount to any charity at any time. You can even earn money as you shop thanks to our retail partners.
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There are a few issues that are near and dear to me, but I can only suggest the one that I feel is connected with them all is my campaign for consideration of others. Beyond all that I have written and advocated over the years what is usually at the root of it is the thought, idea and suggestion of consideration for others. Regardless of our differences, if we have consideration for one another we can accomplish so many things.
I will be creating my foundation around this idea and will work on developing a website and all. I’m not financially wealthy at all, but I do have enough consideration to give to you. Expect to hear more from me regarding this and I sincerely appreciate GiveBack for this concept.
Take a moment to visit www.GiveBack.org and see what you can do.
a2a_linkname=”The Imagination of People in Desperate Times”;a2a_linkurl=”http://timvalentine.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/imaginationofpeopleindesperatetimes/”; Recently, I was asked by someone I get to see and speak to in-person periodically who reads this blog. We talked about various things included the economy, wars and all of the other crazy things going on in the world. They noticed that I’ve stopped writing so directly about various political figures the way I use to and wanted to know why? This leads me to write about something that was said, the imagination of people in desperate times. Yes that’s a long title, but that’s what I’m talking about. So thanks to that person who wisely do not want to be named, but you can comment. I won’t rat you out.
What would it be like to live in a place where we were not bound by what we thought was impossible?
A place where we did not have to guard our thoughts, a place where we were guided by our ideas and directed by our suggestions? A place where the imagination isn’t bound by our fear of rejection or conflict?
We are so bound by the limitations of our own mind. Our biggest obstacle of our life’s work is that we fail to involve our imagination. Our thoughts, ideas and suggestions often become what we have heard, seen or been told. We are so willing to limit ourselves to a position or ideology that we loose sight of the humanity of our opposition. We only see an enemy instead of a potential friend or ally. We often find area for disagreement, that we allow little room for consideration and no space for common ground.
Many of us put ourselves in a box, but we believe we think outside the box. How is that possible, when you can’t see how one man can have the audacity of hope? (No pun intended) The testicular fortitude to believe he can change the world, not by the might of his army, but the will of his people.
To go on a slightly political and patriotic tangent for a brief moment, I have this to say to anyone willing to receive it. It’s going to get better. We defeat ourselves when we give up hope. It’s not just you; it’s not just where you live, its many people.
Some choose to blame someone, but it’s not the fault of any one person, company or political party, but the greed and lack of vision of some people, companies and political entities. I’ve found it more productive to end my distain for certain individuals and leave them to their own vices. I can only move forward and stop allowing them to hold me back with their thoughts of terror, inconsiderate ideas and suspect suggestions. We got to save the arguments for another day and time, because we all have to fix what’s messed up.
If you have to fight why not fight against the feeling of hopelessness and those who are beaten down with cynicism and pessimism due to the current situations in their lives. I can’t make you draw upon your own imagination, but I just ask you not to give up.
Perhaps I’m just a student of hope and optimism, but I believe “the hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined non-conformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love (1963)
How powerful are the words you think, say and believe? Do you believe what you say or do you just say what you believe? I know everything seems bleak in every way, but keep moving, don’t give up. Don’t be bound by the limitations of our own mind and lack of imagination. Don’t get caught up in the places of complacency and hopelessness. Keep moving.
I’ve tried to gradually teach my son about money, ever since he was a baby. It was difficult in those early years, because the sticker shock I had when I saw the cost of formula, baby food and diapers left me with little to show anyone.
Fortunately, I’ve been able to stimulate my own economy by working to reduce debt and striving to increase my income. During this time I’ve made a point to show my son the ups and downs of finance. Explaining a budget to a four year old takes creativity. The concept of value in regards of money is foreign to them.
So how do you teach your kids about money? I will be the first to admit that I’m not financial expert and far from financial stability, but I’m getting there. What I’ve strive to do is ensure my son has a firm foundation and understanding of money and how to use it at an early age.
The biblical philosophy that is found in Proverbs 22:6 that says, “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” is wise. As the son of a minister I find myself referencing the Bible and the examples of my parents often in my journey as a parent. So why shouldn’t I apply that same principle when it comes to money?
Now I’ve used the opportunity to accomplish two things. Teaching my son how to count and the value of earning, saving and managing money. When I’ve made unwise financial choices I’ve openly admitted the mistake and tried to explain it to him. Fortunately those mistakes haven’t been drastic, just an illustration of what happens when you deviate from your budget.
So how do you teach children about money?
I suggest making it simple and fun. When I pay the mortgage or electric bill I sometimes ask him to help me. I tell him to get my check book, interestingly enough he knows where I keep it. (I need to make a mental note of that.) Then I show him the statement and ask him how much do I owe? After some guidance of what number to call out to me he sees me write the check out. If that was all there was to know we would be cool, but here’s where the learning begins.
I show him how much money I have in my account. My wife hears me complain about the cost of stuff, but that’s another subject. I try to make it easy and use examples that he can relate to. He’s only four, so the whole adding and subtracting thing is not perfected yet, but he’s catching on.
My objective is to expose him to it, teach the concept of how we should use money and be honest with him about the mistakes I’ve made. As a kid, teenager and even early adulthood, many of us was not taught much about money, but to use it to get what you want or need. Very little was taught about saving, investing and management until we find ourselves trapped by debt. I believe that my job as a parent today is to steer my children away from the traps that snagged me. I plan on becoming a millionaire before I leave this Earth, and I want him to be wealthier than me earlier and longer.
There are so many tools available now that helps parents teach their kids about finances and offers kids creative and useful money saving skills. As a father of one and another to come later this year I am determined to direct them in the way they should go and pray that they don’t turn from it. It’s not easy, but we can not sit back and allow our children to make the same mistakes that we’ve made or continue to make.
Here are some useful resources and articles about teaching children about finances. Enjoy, and if I learn of an easy way to make millions I’ll be sure to pass it along to you.
Allowance. Pay allowances at fixed and regular intervals, and define each child’s financial responsibilities. Kids will generally learn more about money if they actually have money of their own to spend and save. One rule of thumb is weekly allowances of $1 per year of age.
Saturday job auctions. Give your children the chance to earn extra cash by doing jobs beyond their expected chores. Award jobs to the lowest bidder as part of a “Saturday Job Auction.”
Money jars. Help children divide their allowance or earnings into four jars-charity (10%), quick cash (30%), medium-term goals (30%), and long-term goals (30%).
Savings and checking accounts and credit cards. When your child is mature enough, help them open a checking and savings account and teach them how to balance a checkbook. If your teenager is financially mature enough to apply for a credit card, find one that allows you to set the spending limit and receive a monthly statement of your child’s purchases. Review the monthly statements with your child and teach them the importance of paying the balance each month.
Stock investments. Help children learn about the ups and downs of the stock market early in life. Then they will most likely be more comfortable with investing when they are adults. Give gifts of stock in companies your children are familiar with to encourage them to follow the stock market.
If I am to always to seek love, truth, consensus I must accept that the fact that I may never completely achieve it. The position I strive to gain is one that seeks the truth, bare witness to the facts and work towards reconciliation. The goal is to never tear down, derogate or enable anyone.
How are we supposed to learn to love in the deepest sense?
Justice, truth, fairness & equality have been discredited by our need to be seen as good, righteous, value oriented and popular, even when our actions are examined they prove otherwise.
When you love you have difficulties remaining silent when people are treated unfairly. It bothers you when you to witness injustice carried out against innocents. You’re convicted to rightly protest against inequality when you honestly learn to love. Love isn’t accepting any whim or doctrine marketed towards you for temporary social and/or political expediency. Regardless how you’ve experienced it, love is eternal or long lasting.
We all are entangled in the continuous struggle against the good that we want to do and the bad that we’re lead to do. The will to speak the truth against what’s popular or accepted and/or even when it isn’t popular is how we win this battle. I’m still learning to love those who silently discount, ignore or simply dislike me. I may not like what they do or what they’re promoting, but I honestly try to love them.
Recently I wrote a post called, “Let the MF Burn”. I wrote it, because I was fed up with a group of people who has accepted an ideology that goes against what the original ideology of their party. As someone who doesn’t agree with what the party has become year after year since at least the late 1950’s; I believe that the party has found itself lost in an ideological and dangerous philosophical wilderness.
I know there are some who desperately seek something to mask their true outrage, but let’s be honest about what we’re really upset about.
I say this because the same party I affiliate myself with has wondered in the same wilderness as the ones accused find themselves in today. I am weary that some of them of my own party who are wondering on the outskirts of this wilderness. The extreme disenchantment with what these groups of people are essentially accepting and some unintentionally promoting is not a product of love, loyalty or even patriotism, but the opposite.
Have we not come to such an impasse in society that we have accepted the “my way or else” mentality, or shall we be plunged into the abyss of annihilation for those who disagree with us? I can think of few things that are more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
When the signs of hate are disguised and marketed as a patriotic protest against the reversal of what they are actually upset about, you must look at the motivation of the protest. Xenophobia, intolerance and discernment are not bound to one group. But when groups are moved to the fringes of love it turns into hate.
SIDE NOTE:When you immerse yourself into a flag of one belief you forget that same flag is subornate to more than one belief. When you’re holding a sign of hatred, what are you baring witness too? If you proclaim to be a Christian and we’re a Christian nation, stand behind Christ. To stand behind Christ is to stand in love, tolerance and acceptance. Flags have been used to represent the perpetrators of some notorious deeds. So wrapping yourself in the garments of patriotism as a shield from criticism or to legitimize what you’re doing is not wise. Leave the flag alone and allow it to represent what it is suppose to represent.
You protest because you feel that your voice is unheard, but to have a protest mean something requires you listening to what the one you accuse is actually saying or have said to you.
Those who are impatient and seek change must remember that change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. Disagree or embrace it, but change will never happen if we do not work together. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent, so quit bending over towards any ole whim of doctrine. Get up off your knees and stand up for truth.
We learn by accepting one another. We learn by seeking truth and justice for each other, in return you receive the same for yourself. We learn to respectfully disagree without becoming disagreeable. We learn by always seeking to understand each others position, and when that position doesn’t line up with truth or reality we teach what they need to learn. We learn by serving one another the truth with love and respect regardless of how radical it may appear.
Some say we should worry about the right-wing extremist, others say we have to worry about the left-wing extremist. I believe the question is not which extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be? “The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.”
I’ve often repeated a quote of a man whom I continue to learn from and have tremendous respect for his examples, lessons and sacrifice. So in conclusion I return to the question, how do we learn to love? I believe we must understand that we are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. I can not be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. Once an individual realize that they can rise above the narrow confines of their own individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity, then we have began to learn to love.
There’s not much I can really say from experience on abusive relationships with any measure of authority. I’ve never physically or emotionally abused anyone and no one spiritually to my knowledge. I’ve never used anyone financially, but have made financial mistakes myself. The thing with financially abusive relationships is that if you don’t recognize the mistake and work to correct the mistake you’re destined to make the same mistake again and again. All the while eating away at the confidence and trust in that area of your relationship.
Now the mistakes I’ve made were pretty common, like not abiding by my budget and not demonstrating patience. Fortunately, I’m a quick learner and have made the necessary corrections and beginning to see brighter days ahead instead of the financial dungeon I was in.
The advice that I try to give those who ask is to talk openly about finances. If you have bad credit, say my credit score is a -24. Seriously, just be honest about money. What you have, your responsibilities, your strengths and weaknesses with money. I complain about paying car registration fees each year. I find it ridiculous that I have to pay so much for a sticker to put on my license plate for a year, but I pay it.
Showing that you love someone is more than just emotional, it’s financial too. It’s not the sexiest part of the relationship, but make sure you can handle the business of love, before jumping into any commitments. Show the person you’re with that you love them by paying the bills on time. Speak openly and honestly about what you have to bring to the table. If you make more than the other person, don’t throw that in there face like you’re better than them. You may make more a year, but have more debt in your name, so who’s really better off?
If you don’t mind allow me to say this to the men who are guilty of this. Yes, I know ‘you’re the man’, ‘You’re the king of the castle’, whatever dude. Stop acting like you run things, before you find yourself running back to your Momma crying like some B…aby. Cook breakfast and dinner. Clean-up the kitchen, wash clothes, dust, something. You can’t just come home and turn on ESPN or The Golf Channel and ask “what’s for dinner?” You’re a “grown-ass-man”, if you’re “Da Man” or the “King of your Castle” tell your loved one what you’re preparing to eat or which restaurant we’re going to. After you finish paying the mortgage, phone or electric bill send a little email to your loved one saying “We just paid the mortgage or whatever the bill is.”
Now I understand that some financial abuse stems from unfair practices and predatory products marketed to lure and entice you in. Credit card companies, certain mortgage companies, payday or quick loan sharks are just a few. I understand and sympathize; I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt for signing up for the credit card. It’s not worth it. I urge you to resist the temptation and exercise restraint by saying NO.
Anyway, let me make my final points and move towards my conclusion. (Some of you are saying, “Thank God”.)
If I am to always to seek love, truth, consensus I must accept that the fact that I may never completely achieve it. The position I strive to gain is one that seeks the truth, bare witness to the facts and work towards reconciliation. The goal is to never tear down, derogate or enable anyone.
How are we supposed to learn to love in the deepest sense?
Justice, truth, fairness & equality have been discredited by our need to be seen as good, righteous, value oriented and popular, even when our actions are examined they prove otherwise.
When you love you have difficulties remaining silent when people are treated unfairly. It should bother you to witness injustice carried out against innocents. It should convict you to rightly protest against inequality when you honestly learn to love.
Love isn’t accepting any whim or doctrine marketed towards you for temporary social and/or political expediency. Regardless how you’ve experienced it, love is eternal or long lasting.
***BUT YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW TO READ THE NEXT PART***
Notice — This one is long, but I think you will enjoy the laughs unless you’re a Republican. Then you may not find the humor in it. J
Disclaimer — Before I even start this one I must ask some of you reading this to please excuse my play on certain words and phrases, but I can’t resist this one. I will be as cautious as possible. For those who don’t know what I’m referring to don’t worry about it.
Let’s begin…
*I’m walking to the podium now for the TI&S Press Conference regarding the activities going on today with the so-called Republican Tea Party.*
Republican T-Bagging
Who’s bright ideas was this and what in the Hell were they thinking?
If you’re going to have a protest that you’re attempting to reference history there has to be a connection, truth in your reference. I will spare the American history lesson, but to summarize the revolt that is known as the Boston Tea Party that occurred in 1773 you got to consider the conditions that sparked that revolt. The phrase many of you’ve heard of before, taxation WITHOUT Representation was at the heart of this protest.
What the Republican Party is doing is the opposite and still confuses me why this?
Taxation with Representation
Alright let’s have a three minute lesson about basic American History. The original premise of the Boston Tea Party was the right for our own representatives to make decisions about our Tax policies not Great Britain.
Now I know this is difficult for the organizers to fully comprehend, but let me help you understand it better. You see back in the 1970’s there was a video by Schoolhouse Rock called “No More Kings” that really helped me understand the Boston Tea Party maybe you can have this video ran on FOX News.
Silly Scare Tactics
The ridiculous cry of socialist doesn’t fit. Do you realize how you participate in the dreaded socialism? No you probably don’t, because you’re grabbing hold to the claims of a delusional Right-Wing Radio Talk Show Host and the equally erratic hosts on FOX News to base you claims of Socialism, Liberals, Fascism and Marxism.
So I thought that I help you out on this one.
Who in the crowd today knows the definition of socialism?
No. One at a time.
OK big guy in the back… Um that’s incorrect.
Yes, you with the cheese sandwich… WHAT! No the Bible has nothing to do with this.
Let me help you out.
Socialism is a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. So to offer a real-life definition for you, it’s like the program you as taxpayers contribute to and will participate in when you retire; Social Security, Medicare. So for those with parents of retirement age, this means your momma is a socialist.
If you disagree with me ask your Republican member of Congress to publicly denounce Medicare or Social Security and let’s see what happens.
Alright, next question. Who can tell me what is liberalism?
Um Sir, there’s no need to curse. Calm down. OK, you can call me uppity, but you’re too scared to say the rest. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, please sit down.
Yes you, the gentleman the corner with the stuffed animal in your hand. Do you know the answer?
OK, someone who hasn’t been drinking or indoctrinated by Rush Limbaugh and FOX News.
Alright the older lady with the t-shirt on.
I thought I recognized you. NO, the President is not an Arab. Ma’am, please take your medicine.
Anyone else…
<Big Sigh> My goodness, this is ridiculous. Seriously, how did you graduate?
Liberalism is a political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual. That sounds like something like various arguments we’ve heard from Republicans. A nonviolent modification of political, social, or economic institutions to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties. Hmmm… Where have we seen this before?
So since this is suppose to be a peaceful protest of an economic institution [IRS] doesn’t this mean you all are Liberals? Hey, I’m just looking at the definition of the word and comparing it to your actions and words. Don’t get mad at me.
The Fringe of Sanity
Each time someone makes the ridiculous notion that has been proven false by the state of Hawaii of the citizenship of the President it weakens the credibility of your entire group. If you really want to get at the heart of your fear I can, but I don’t think you want to go there.
Republican Taxusations
What you fail to understand about President Obama’s tax plan is beyond me, because I can’t see how it can be said more elementary than it has already been said. Let’s see if we can make it so easy that even Joe the Plumber can understand it.
Click Here to see the Tax Policy Center’s 2008 Comparison of Obama & McCain’s Tax Proposals and decides if your accusations prove to be accurate of President Obama.
Click Here to view FactCheck.org’s research of then Presidential Candidates Obama & McCain tax plans.
Chick Here to view The White House overview of President Obama’s tax agenda.
If you can read and comprehend English you can understand this. The claim of President Obama raising taxes are false and the carryover from the McCain Campaign. The lie has been proven false by factcheck.org. Your ‘outrage’ is foolish at best unless everyone protesting makes $250,001.00 or more a year. If so, I can understand your outrage.
Republican T-Bagging
I guess we’ll see who’s standing over whom when this over. My guess is that this is going to backfire, but let’s wait to see who’s going to be on their knees.
I’m trying to hold back, but I think I’m gonna… talk about the people at the center of this one. Oh tell me it isn’t so, Sen. David Vitter, Newt Gingrich and Dick Army. Oh this is too good. This should help me reach the climax of this blog post. But I can’t forget the media mouthpieces for the T-Bagging with FOX News’ Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity’s excitement over the event.
OH REALLY. FOX News was there in Washington DC October 16, 1995 for the Million Man March. You’re making this too easy, but since I like kicking a man when he’s down lets see what a simple Google search comes up with shall we.
WHAT! FOX News has been in operations since October 7, 1996. (Source) How can that be, that means either the Newscorp website is wrong or you do not have a proper understanding of time. You see that was practically a year before you came on the air. It’s OK, my 4 year old son made the same mistake.
Final Analysis
I know you all are upset. You feel used. During the last election McCain/Palin basically t-bagged their morals for political gain and conservatives got screwed again. This demonstration is entertaining, because I’ve enjoyed myself. Listen, I only want you all to get off your knees and stand-up. Stop falling for the same old tricks. Who’s leading you?
Do you understand exactly what you are protesting and from whom are to blame for the tax increases? I don’t believe you do, because if you did you all would be Democrats.
Conservative Charlie Brown Moment Side-Note
As many conservative bloggers are still wiping the Easter egg off of your face from this past weekend when they called President Obama weak and a pantywaist I hope you rethink your involvement or cover of your latest Charlie Brown moment. Maybe this time you’ll be able to actually kick the football, since President Obama snatched the football away by ordering the Navy Snipers to shoot to kill the Somali Pirates.
President Obama gave you a clear hint between him and the Republican paper leaders, “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak.”
Its OK Charlie Brown at least you tried.
Oh don’t bother him Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s upset right now. Stop laughing Woodstock.
Who’s Participating
Besides the misinformed Republican lawmakers and governors have signed on to speak at local events so you’ll know the individuals who’s promoting this to bring them into question.
Former Rep. David Davis (R-TN)
Representatives from Sen. Bob Corker’s (R-TN) office
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)
Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)
Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)
Representative from Rep. Sam Graves’ (R-MO) office
Now I got to say this about the many things that I’m learning from watching President Obama operate as President is that I like his tactics, demeanor, intellect, style and substance. I’ve always regarding the peacemaker as the one with the most power, because he/she is liked by the parties at war or disagreement.
I’m sure those who want President Obama to fail are simply beside themselves as this bit of news broke during the G-20 Summit in London last week.
In typical peacemaker fashion President Obama personally intervened to help achieve consensus between the dispute between France President (President Nicolas Sarkozy) and China’s President (President Hu Jintao).
Obama proposed that the G-20 merely “take note” of the OECD list, thus opening the door to implicit but not direct endorsement of that list. So President Obama sent a message to the Chinese and then met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Sarkozy in a corner of the summit meeting room, as the other world leaders waited.
Upon the trio’s reaching agreement, the G-20 summit then agreed to note the list of tax havens. President Sarkozy, who’d threatened days earlier to walk out of the summit if he didn’t get his way, said the final agreement represented “great progress.”
So I guess peace and diplomacy defeated conflict and dictatorship once again.
This leads me to ask a few questions of those who continue to hate on the President and the group of people who want President Obama to fail. What was that about not being up to the Commander-In-Chief test, he pals around with terrorist, he’s unfit to be President, He’s a socialist, He’s a fascist, He’s not ready?
Sorry that I’m a little late posting this, but I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak.
I just don’t know of a more polite way to say this other than, what is going on with the Republican Party?
You read (The Republican Road to Recovery) this and tell me if it meets the definition of a budget or if it defines a “New Era of Responsibility”. If I turned this report in to my economic teacher in high school I would probably get a 70, mostly because I made it look credible, but has no substance.
So the Republicans in Congress come up with a “budget”, well that’s good. Let’s take a look at the 19 page document, well 17 if you subtract the front and back cover sheets. I’m interested in seeing what we have here compared to the 114 page one by the President.
Oh it appears that John Boehner, Eric Cantor, Mike Pence, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, John Carter, Pete Sessions, David Dreier and Roy Blunt want to take responsibility for this document. Alright, let me get my calculator.
Let’s check it out, shall we. If you click here you can download “The Republican Road to Recovery” for yourself, so we can read together.
-Lower Taxes
-Keeping Energy & Fuel Costs Low
-Creating Jobs
-Ends the bailouts and reforms the financial system
-Keeps the cost of living low
Umm… let me see how can I say this and be polite at the same time?
OK, Jeopardy Question of the day. What is a Budget?
Definitions of a Budget:
About.com defines a budget as — a description of a financial plan. It is a list of estimates of revenues to and expenditures by an agent for a stated period of time. Normally a budget describes a period in the future not the past.
InvestorsWords.com defines a budget as — an itemized forecast of an individual’s or company’s income and expenses expected for some period in the future.
BusinessDictionary.com defines a budget as – an estimate of costs, revenues, and resources over a specified period, reflecting a management’s reading of future financial conditions.
Now if we take the Republican Road to Recovery we’re going to need some roadside assistance, OnStar, AAA or a tow truck, because they want us to go back in the direction we were going which was steering us into a ditch.
Let’s look at what President Obama says.
The Republican’s Budget:
When pressed by Nora O’Donnell you say that you’re proud of it.
Nora O’Donnell:So you don’t have the numbers now? About what you’re plan would be in terms of how it would cut the deficit or add to the deficit? You don’t have any numbers on that?
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN):Well, it’s really a broad – when the White House a few minutes ago was attacking the numbers in this bill, the tax cut numbers. There’s plenty of numbers in the Republican recovery plan. And we just really believe the President’s plan to raise taxes by nearly 2 trillion dollars on almost every American…deserves a debate on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Pence, the reason why the Republican “plan” is being attacked, because it’s not a real plan. You could have use Microsoft Excel or the budget feature in Quicken to come up with a better plan than this. Where’s the numbers, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, you know, calculations? If it wasn’t ready yet, why put it out. To remix advice from the President, why don’t you take your time so you know what you’re talking about before you speak.
Listen, this is why I’m finding my tendency to consider what you have to say increasingly difficult to consider. You don’t want me to speak ill of the Republican Party or the Conservative values, but you can do it to me. The do what I say, not what I do philosophy was rolled away in his wheelchair from an undisclosed location a few weeks ago. “We’s smart now”. Dude, get outta here with that, “Well here it is Mr. President” crap and come with some substance if you’re going to punch back. The Bush Administration is Over. Common sense won, so let us all begin to use it.
If your goal is to “Do Better” we expect just that, something better. I end with two quotes by the President that still makes sense to me. “If it was easy it would have already been done and we can go home.” A 17 page criticism is worse than the one written here. To do better is getting to the point, the meat of the matter, the substance. I could have taken 17 pages to criticize this non-plan, but why when I can do it in one.
Finally, I really want and hope you take a queue from the President in your proposal next week. “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak.”
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 President Obama conducted a Press Conference from the White House. I offer my analysis on the issues, but in interest of time and space has limited my analysis to as many important or interesting topics covered.
For those who have not seen the press conference I’ve included it here in hopes to provide some clarity in what I’m analyzing.
I’m a patient person, but not everyone is willing to walk through the valley because they fear what may lurk in the shadows or the possibility of death. But the only way to get out of this mess is to work together. We can not walk alone.
The New American Gangsters
The executives at AIG and other financial institutions that required a bailout, but still want to bend the taxpayer over this is my solution. I recalled a quote by MLK that “a man can’t ride your back unless it’s bent”. I thought that was a very good point.
So I decided to reexamine my financial dealings to see if I had any financial connections to AIG, CITI and the other institutions that failed. Fortunately I got paid the loan from a subsidiary of AIG, I moved my accounts from Bank of America to another bank not connected to this mess and I’m working to disconnect myself from CITI as soon as possible. I’m tired of carrying these gangsters around on my back, so I decided to morally stand-up in terms of my financial deals. A man can not ride your back unless it’s bent.
Personal Sacrifice
We can not sacrifice the long term growth with short term fixes. The immediate sacrifices many people are making are for their long term survival. Change is to adjust, modify and to sacrifice. A true measurement of a person’s character is often emphasized during times of crisis, urgency and sacrifice. The big problems often take time to resolve. If it was easy it would have already been done. Be patient.
Middle-Class Tax Cuts
We often talk about the middle-class, but many who were considered to be middle-class are falling into the working-poor and homeless. Those in Congress, both Democrats and Republicans who are only thinking about their own political interest are the ones working to alter the bill to their liking.
On the concerns of this issue on the budget I believe the President has been clear. Of course he will receive blame and criticism for things that Congress decides to leave out for their political and if examined partisan reasons. This is not limited to Republicans, although many may oppose it and it’s not limited to Democrats, although many may support it. You have members of congress who will say one thing and do another. I believe the President will stick to this one with very little deviation when the final bill hits his desk.
Budget & Debts
I believe President Obama answers this best.
1.Some of those Republicans have a short memory. As I recall I’m inheriting a $1.3 Trillion Annual Deficit from them.
2.Under the most conservative estimates by the CBO, we drive down the deficit over the first five years of our budget. The deficit is cut in half. Folks are not disputing that. The dispute comes from what happens in the out years. The difference between our [W.H.] budget and the CBO are the assumptions about growth.
a.They’re [CBO] are assuming a growth rate of 2.2%,
b.We’re assuming a growth rate of 2.6%.
c.Our assumptions are consistent with what the Blue Chip forecasters are saying. None of us know what’s going to happen 6, 8 or 10 years from now.
d.This is what I do know. If we do not tackle energy, education and healthcare, science, technology and infrastructure, we will not grow.
What’s interesting is that everyone wants to criticize, but they offer no alternative budget. Many throw rocks from the porches and windows of their glass houses. We have not seen all of the things that were left to resolve. What’s crazy is thinking that we can continue to do the same things expecting a different result. We’ve done this for 8 years now, let’s do something different.
AIG Outrage & Fiscal Responsibility
Since I’ve already touched on this I will leave this one to what I believe was the line of the night. “If it was easy it would have already been done and we can go home.” When the reporter came back with ‘interesting’ anger regarding his response to AIG the President handled it by saying, “I like to know what I’m taking about before I speak.”
I’m sorry, but I love that one. I wish I was that smooth. I would have just told him that he doesn’t know what you’re talking about.
Tent City
The most important thing the President can do is help their ability to obtain a job. The most important thing that all of us can do is help those who are forced to live in tents and who are homeless get out of that situation. We often push that responsibility off on someone else, but that someone else is you. You are somebody and they are too. We can not continue to look down upon those who are experiencing less fortune than you. You may be struggling paycheck to paycheck, but many in this situation don’t have a paycheck. What are you doing for others?
Race
I simply don’t understand what Ann Compton was thinking. Is this what people think people of other races do everyday?
Why in the Hell would the President concern himself with a single attribute or personal reality when dealing with the daily issues he confronts? He knows he’s Black. What does that have to do with the way he governs? Perhaps this is an example of how certain groups of people hear and perceive and respond to racial diversity.
There are some mysterious Black people out there, I can start a list beginning with some Aunts and Uncles, but the vast majority of Blacks including myself are not all that different from anyone else. How I would respond to a question, issue or crisis is determine on my individual personality, knowledge, temperament and upbringing. I choose not to be govern by the color of my skin, but the content of my character, actions and intellect.
President Obama addressed this question with style, substance and honestly. I would only have made it a teachable moment by explaining what you have to explain over and over and over again until people realize that a President who is Black experience things very similar if not better or worse than the last 43 White men who held the office.
Conclusion
In interest of time I’ll end it here, but I’m sure we will get to discuss these issues and many others not mentioned in this post soon.
For those who may be of a different political persuasion than me I respect your points of views and have no problem considering your arguments. I may align with the general approach and ideology of President Obama, but it doesn’t mean that I blindly follow. I hope you find my analysis interesting or insightful.
If you’re brave or crazy enough and are interested in following my thoughts, ideas and suggestions I ask you to subscribe to this blog and/or follow me on twitter. Thank you and your time and interest.
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?
I’m sure certain individuals who either remain disgruntled over the election, seeking anything to hang over the President’s head or who is still politically emotionally tied to Sarah Palin like some are to Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney I’m sure you will be upset again with me on this one. It’s alright; I’m use to it and find it interesting.
If you identify with any of the above characterization I ask you to attempt to be open minded before you begin to verbally throw your stones at me, because I’m just quoting what was written. I have my own opinions about Sarah Palin, but I’ll save those thoughts for another day.
Last week Gov. Sarah Palin said that she would only accept 69% of the $930 Million dollars that could flow to the state, $514 Million for capital projects, $128 Million in Medicaid Reimbursement. (Source: Anchorage Daily News)
It appears too many people both locally and nationally that Gov. Palin’s rejection of the stimulus money, or how I like to say, her 69% rejection of the stimulus money is an obvious play to the ‘conservatives’ in the Republican party to win some support for her ‘2012 Presidential Campaign.’
According to the list of programs Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) would be opposing as reported by the Anchorage Daily News. Gov. Palin’s decision to pick & choose what money from the stimulus package for her state that she publicly opposed are as follows:
Weatherization
Energy Efficiency Grants
Air Quality Grants
Emergency Food Assistance
Nutrition Programs
School Lunch Programs
Child Care Development Grants
Immunizations
Homeless Grants
Senior Meals
Expanded Unemployment Benefits
There are many things about Sarah Palin that leaves me puzzled, but I’m trying to understand why she would not want the $160 million for education? If you’re going to raise the hopes of hiring more teachers, only to lay them off later then what’s the use of raising the point?
She also said some of the federal money has strings attached, such as the state having to adopt and enforce uniform building codes if it accepts energy efficiency money. Now I would have been led to believe that you would be cool with this one since you’re the ‘Energy’ governor. If weatherizing government buildings will help lower their energy consumption and the costs associated with it, what’s wrong with that?
I still have not got an answer posed a few weeks ago regarding how these governors would answer to the people who are hurting economically in their states, if they do not accept the money. The public opposition the stimulus funds for their state, primarily from the six Republican governors who will be working to ‘Out Republican Each Other’ for the nomination in 2012 is that they all can and will most likely be overwritten by their state’s legislative body. An amendment written by the Majority Whip Rep James Clyburn (D-SC).
Many are taking the opportunity to gain political points by twisting the Majority Whip’s comments against him in a silly attempt to skew the point, a point I don’t have time to go into today, but will soon. It’s just interested that those who are talking against Rep. Clyburn’s comments fail to mention the similar ‘Race Card’ comparison used by Gov. Sanford (R-SC). But I will go there later.
The point of Gov. Palin’s position is political. Although I shouldn’t be surprise, but I’m surprised that she would have a problem with $170 Million for education in her state. Especially when there are provisions ‘the strings attached’ that is directed towards the education for the poor and the special needs students.
Now I recall hearing and seeing a certain vice-presidential candidate promoting or parading support for parents with special needs children. So what other reason than appeasing the far right does she have for taking such a stance that is the opposite of being ‘a friend and advocate’?
“To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.” Gov. Sarah Palin
I wonder what damage you would have done if you did make it to the White House. I would probably find myself welcoming Dick Cheney to come back then.
Listen, you and others can oppose the stimulus funds for your states for any reason you like. I just say be upfront about it. Don’t condemn it in public and consider some of it in private. It’s not just Sarah Palin, but the other Republican Governors who are opposing it too. How will you honestly campaign that you were against it the stimulus funds, when you accepted the stimulus funds? Someone like me would be all over that, like anyone voting for you would be open to pay attention to what I have to say.
I just want you and others to do what’s right. Not all Republican governors are doing what these six are doing. What do they get that their Conservative Gubernatorial Colleagues do not? Perhaps I should let them do what they do, because it only strengthens my future arguments against them. I would have a difficult time campaigning against Charlie Crist in comparison to Mark Sanford. So never mind all of these, keep doing what you’re doing.
While everyone including myself are outraged at the complete disrespectful regards to the American Taxpayers who have saved AIG from going under many ask a simple question, how could this happen? While some are taking the opportunity to gain political points and blames the Obama Administration for this oversight. Well let’s take a closer look before we start pointing fingers.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) is a member of the Senate Finance Committee. Last month he and Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-MA) added an amendment to the stimulus bill that would have prevented companies, such as AIG the ability to distribute bonuses. But that amendment along with others was taken out of the bill. Hmmm… I wonder why and who pounded their fists in hypocritical outrage in regards to ‘earmarks’ and who helped hinder regulation that helped eliminate this amendment?
By-the-way, isn’t Sen. Snowe one of the three Republicans that voted for the stimulus package? (Reference Source) I believe she was, so she, the other two Republican Senators and the Democrat Senators are not to blame since they originally had this amendment. Perhaps they should have fought against the Republicans that didn’t oppose this a little harder. I guess that’s the only honest area of blame.
If I remember correctly Sen. Snowe is one of the Republican Senators the GOP was upset with? I believe Chairman Michael Steele even suggested something about withholding campaign money from the RNC and supporting their challengers because of this. (Reference Source)
So I suggest that we first investigating before we start pointing fingers, pounding on podiums with righteous indignation towards each other and getting on any form of media in efforts to promote what is essentially what I call a Scampaign against the truth in order to gain a measure of support. There’s plenty of blame to throw around, but I believe this one should be firmly directed at the crooks at AIG and not politicians of either party who are honestly working together to fix it.
You may argue with me, but I believe this is fair.
Now, in regards to the AIG $160 Million of ‘retention bonus’ money here’s the results of New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s investigation of how those bonuses are being distributed.
One person who is no longer employed with the company is getting a ‘Retention Bonus’ of $6.4 Million U.S. Dollars.
The top 7 bonus earners received $4 Million U.S. Dollars each.
The top 10 bonus earners received a combined $42 Million U.S. Dollars.
There were 22 other bonus earners who got $2 Million U.S. Dollars each.
And wait for this one… 73 additional people at AIG got $1 Million each.
Now I feel really cheated now, because I’ve created some useful stuff at previous employers and the few times I did get a bonus it was absolutely no where in the vicinity of what the people who basically destroyed AIG is getting. Maybe it’s different at your job, or perhaps I’m in the wrong industry.
Of course the Democrats are suggesting the bonuses and/or any firm that the government holds 79% or more stakes to have a hefty tax imposed and bonuses capped.
Republicans, well at least the only one we’ve heard of that has a plan, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) seem to have a different method of getting back the funds from the bonuses… “The first thing that would make me feel a little bit better towards them, if they had followed the Japanese example and come before the American people and take that deep bow and say, “I’m sorry,” and then either do one of two things, resign or go commit suicide.” Yahoo News – 03/17/09 “Senator Suggests AIG Execs Should Kill Themselves”
U.S. Treasury Secretary is recouping the funds from AIG $30 Billion bailout. Since AIG got this in writing I think this is a logical and equally legal move by the Secretary.
Personally, I would be just as iron fisted as AIG and many others on Wall Street and just take the money. Once they’ve threaten to take me to court I would simply tell them to sue me, before I completely take over the company. Once I’ve taken over I would simply carve out this division that caused this mess into its own individual entity and allow it to fail. I would get quite a few people upset with me on many sides, but to deal with a gangster you do what they do, but only legally.
Tell me what you think about this AIG hypocrisy and what you would do?
I’m not speaking about some new movie or even some mysterious organization of gangsters’ American branch. I’m talking about the company AIG (American International Group). You know who they are. They’re the company that helps mess things up in addition to some on Wall Street.
There are many times that I’ve worked for companies that could not offer a bonus for the work that I’ve done and the time saving procedures I’ve designed or modified. To basically be a contributor to the crisis the company and the country finds itself in and receive a bonus calls for more of an explanation than it’s in our contract.
I’m sure someone who refuses to accept President Obama on any reason will find issue or simply not believe the President’s intentions in the statements made in the video clip above, but you have to join him and the majority of people in their anger over the most recent hypocrisy of AIG.
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.
Oh this is too good. This should help me reach the climax of this blog post. But I can’t forget the media mouthpieces for the T-Bagging with FOX News’ Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity’s excitement over the event.
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’.
