The Imagination of People in Desperate Times

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.

References & Inspirations

Jewish Journal – 01/20/08 – “Keep Moving from This Mountain (1965) – MP3 pt.1 & MP3 pt.2”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 1963 “Strength to Love”

The Imagination of People in Desperate Times

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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.

References & Inspirations

Jewish Journal – 01/20/08 – “Keep Moving from This Mountain (1965) – MP3 pt.1 & MP3 pt.2”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 1963 “Strength to Love”

The Audacity of an Insurance Giant

AIG Hypocrisy Alert Edition

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?

References & Inspirations

Media Matters – 02/26/09 “AP Ignored Democrats’ Response to Earmark Criticism: 40% are from Republicans”

A Steele Goose Egg

Perhaps someone can explain this one to me, because like George Stephanopolos I too am stumped by the answer given by the RNC Chairman Michael Steele when he was asked about the President’s Stimulus Plan.

Michael Steele: This stimulus is not going to create jobs. What this administration is talking about is making work. It is creating work.

George Stephanopolos: That’s a job.

Michael Steele: No, it’s not a job. A job is something that a business owner creates. It’s going to be long term.

George Stephanopolos: So a job doesn’t count if it’s a government job?

Michael Steele: That is a contract. It ends at a certain point, George. You know that. These road projects that we’re talking about have an end point.

My Response:

Perahps Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL) may be able to help Mr. Steele answer this one.

Well I thank you for confirming that the Obama Administration’s efforts are towards putting people back to work. It may not be a valued or preferred career move for you, but I don’t see the problem in people going back to work. I personally know people who have been out of a job for several months going on a year. They are just like millions of other Americans who want to work, but can not find work. Those who are fortunate enough to find a part-time job still are faced with the financial burdens of supporting a family.

Perhaps you may have money to waste or at least according to your 2006 Senate Finance Campaign Chairman Alan B. Fabian, but many of us do not have $37,262 is campaign funds to a failed company ran by a sibling for services never rendered. Nor do many of us have $75,000 to law firms for services never rendered. Nor do many of us have the testicular fortitude to transfer $500,000 in campaign funds electronically between banks without authorization.

Chairman Steele I honestly will take your word for it because I see more important things to deal with than some inner-party dispute. <<SEE VIDEO>>

Maybe that’s the life of a conservative shot caller, Republican big baler like yourself, but if you don’t have a job and have mouths to feed and bills to pay with no job leads in sight a public works job is welcomed news.

When you think about it, what job is permanent? Regardless if it’s a job in your chosen profession or not, one day it will end. I’m sure I can find someone at Bear-Sterns to testify to that or many others who find themselves unexpectedly unemployed. These are private-sector jobs too.

So what are you talking about man? I know you’re just leading the charge to gain whatever ground you can, but the grounds of your argument is a bit shaky on this one. I would love to hear you and those that may agree with you make that argument to someone who is out of work and can’t find a job.

I was fortunate enough to find another job within 2 weeks, but there are many people with far more education and experience than me who are not as fortunate as I was. This is not the time, place or argument for the continuation of partisan politics. If only 3 members of your party understand that then you have a lot of WORK to do in your new JOB.

Like I said previously, I personally think you’re a good guy Chairman Steele. I disagree with some of your political ideology, but I believe you would understand exactly what I’m saying in my criticism. You couldn’t have been gone for that long.

Presidential Press Conference: 02/09/09

If you can not view this video, please click here.

Total Time = 58:42

Side Note: I like the analysis of Chris Matthews of MSNBC had to say about the Press Conference. >>Read More

Nashvillians Say No to English-Only Amendment

This story was a little personal for me, because it’s my hometown. I’ve followed Nashville politics since I was a child. I was always fascinated by it and it’s what sparked my interest in politics in general. So when I began to hear this debate for English only vote spew out into the national media spotlight I paid closer attention. My attention was not on what I believed Nashvillians would do, but what influence from the national media may sway their vote.

You have to live in Nashville to really understand the culture of the city. It’s not what many people think of it as some cowboy hat wearing, horse riding country music listening big small town. Ofcourse you will see some cowboy hats, but its normally tourist wearing them. If you are walking down on 2^nd Avenue or even a few spots on Broadway you may hear some live country or blues music being played at night from some of the bars, but it is Music City. You will hear Gospel, Blues and even some Hip Hop too if you go to the right places.

If you want to mess everybody up, just walk into Tootsie’s (famous country music spot) wearing a Public Enemy shirt like I did back in the early 90′s. I was thirsty, but that’s another story.

Nashville has a growing immigrant population that’s has made great contributions to the culture and heritage of the city for decades. We don’t have many racially related crimes, nor does the city discourage cultural diversity. Growing up in Nashville helped form my views and experiences regarding race, but I’ll talk about that more in a few weeks.

So you may understand why I was a bit disappointed with Councilman Eric Crafton’s proposal for English-Only. I personally believe it was to raise his own political profile for his own future aspirations, but that’s hearsay.

The final vote was 32,144 for English only and 41,752 against. Obviously this was a very low voter turnout, but I’m happy for those who did turnout to vote.

The measure would have forced all Metro Nashville government business to be done in English, with the council allowed to vote on exceptions. Metro’s legal department contended early on that conflicts with federal law would enmesh Nashville in litigation for years to come.

So by defeating the measure, Nashville will not be the largest city in the nation with an English-only rule in its charter despite dogged efforts by Metro Councilman Eric Crafton, who spearheaded the amendment.

Councilman Crafton and his Nashville English First group argued that the city would save the city money in translation services and become unified as the result of more immigrants learning English.

“We have got to speak English. We would be divided as a country if we don’t. We can’t do a lot about the illegal immigrants that are here, but they won’t be able to go get government services because they won’t be able to read forms. This country is based on English.” — Kevin Ferrin

I respectfully disagree with this idea because it tends to omit the notion that we are a country of immigrants. Whatever happened to the Great Melting Pot philosophy? This country is based on many things both good and bad, but we have already seen what happens when you put up exclusive signs. You may not see a physical sign that says “English-Only”, but regardless if it’s out in the open or hidden in our hearts, the use of divisive language is harmful under any translation.

Even Councilman Crafton said he is glad the special election is over. He has been trying to get the charter amended for two years; first failing after former Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed a council vote on the issue and then failing to get it on the November ballot over a technicality in timing. Well I hope you’re happy and keep your word by not bring it up again, but I’m sure some devotee of division will raise it up once again. Perhaps we should bring back the Colored & White’s Only signs too.

I love how Maria Rodriguez, Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition used a familiar civil rights quote that was recently used in the inauguration benediction by Rev. Joseph Lowery. She said, “Voters are not duped anymore. They know when they see bad policy that is going to be costly and that’s not progressive. … I guess brown can stick around in Nashville.”

References & Inspirations:

The Tennessean – 01/23/09 “Nashville’s English-Only Measure Defeated”

The Tennessean – 01/23/09 “Quotes about English-Only Measure”

Porn Industry Comes on Hard Times

Before I begin I’m asking you to not be mad at me for the title or what you’re about to read. I’m just having fun with this one. I’m happy to hear what you have to say about this one. J

<Insert that background music>

The safe word is “bailout”. Well that’s what they want you to believe. You know that the bailout fever has reached its climax when the porn industry is screaming “bailout”.

I guess this economic downturn is spanking everyone’s back pocket, including the porn industry. According to TMZ DVD sales has dropped 22%.

“With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind” according to Larry Flynt, Hustler Magazine.

They’re asking for a $5 Billion bailout from Congress. I guess they figured that since the American taxpayers has been getting *%$@ for the past 8 years it would hurt to try. Congress already bankrolled the ______s on Wall Street and the Financial Industry, the Auto Industry use to be their bottom girl and they got bailed out so why not porn.

I don’t think they’ll get the money, but either way Bush and that Dick Cheney have already been running a train on the American people for this long why not bailout the porn industry too, we’re already screwed.

Reference & Inspiration

NY Daily News – 01/07/09 “Porn Kings Larry Flint & Joe Francis go Begging for a Bailout”

Miami New Times – 01/07/09 “Porn Kings Want Some Barely Legal Bailout Action, Too”

I Got Five On It: Gov. Rod Blagojevich Edition

Straight from the What in the Hell were you thinking file: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) was arrested on World Anti-Corruption Day.

It’s a bizarre development for someone who was originally seen as a reformer.

Rod Blagojevich was a little-known member of Congress, was elected in 2002 by promising to shake up Springfield after George Ryan’s corrupt term and years of Republican control.

During his first year in office, Blagojevich helped pass ethics legislation adding new inspectors to investigate corruption, restricting gifts from lobbyists and limiting taxpayer-funded public service announcements that feature politicians.

OK, Here’s my question for the Governor. Isn’t it apart of your job as governor to appoint a replacement if a senator vacates the office? So why should you expect any more money than what you’re already getting paid. You’re the state’s executive-in-chief, not auctioneer-in-chief.

Then your language towards the man who’s previous position you are required to fill is uncalled for. Yes Mr. Governor the President-Elect doesn’t owe you anything. Let me say it once again, “IT’S YOUR JOB DUDE”. That’s like a firefighter asking for money to put out the fire at your house.

Is there something in the water that some of these governors are desperate for attention, money or booty. In the past few years we’ve seen the Governor of NJ exposed his relationship with another man. Who can forget the Governor of NY, he just wanted some… at least he used his own money. I want even start with Governor of Alaska and now we have Illinois.

We elected you and pay you to conduct state business, not your own shady one at our expense. I’ve never heard of someone wanting go get paid in addition to their salary for something they are required to do in the first place. If getting to the Senate was as easy as paying for it, then I got five on it.

Additional References:

LA Times – 12/09/08 “More Political Corruption Cases in History“

Chicago Tribune – 12/09/08 “IL Governor: From Reformer to Defendant“

Reuters – 12/09/08 “Obama Seen Untouched by IL Gov. Charges“

CNN – 12/09/08 “Blagojevich made name as Friend to the Common Man“

Better Off…

This picture was sent to me by a reader of this blog and she raises a good question that I would like to share with you all.

Normally do not like quoting Ronald Reagan, but I admit he had some good lines. He was an actor.

I want you to print this picture and/or think about this the next time you are at the gas pump filling up your vehicle with gasoline. It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat or Republican, just ask yourself this question, “Are you better off now than you were eight (8) years ago?”

Unless you have close connections with the two guys at the bottom or own an Oil Company probably not.

You don’t have to answer now, answer November 4th at your voting precinct.

Obamanomics