Let me make sure I understood what Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Party said about the War in Afghanistan.
“Keep in mind again, federal candidates, this was a war of Obama’s choosing. This is not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in.” – Michael Steele; GOP Chairman
There is so much I could say, but why should I bother. It’s easier to just allow people to introduce themselves and their agenda. What else is there for me to say in response to this one? This one is so obvious that even FOX News can’t spin it and be taken seriously.
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001. Now I’m not a mathematician, but the last time I checked October 7, 2001 is before January 20, 2009.
So the question for those who agree with the Michael Steele is simple. Who was President on October 7, 2001? This is the one who choose this war?
You can deny what is true, but that doesn’t make what you say right.
***I WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO BREAK-AWAY FROM OUR CONVERSATION ON UNCONSCIOUS & SYSTEMIC RACISM TO OFFER MY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2009 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER***
I wish they aired this like the Grammy’s or some award show. I would have loved to see the expressions on the faces of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Mitch McConnell, Sarah Palin, FOX News, Americans for Prosperity and all of the Birthers, Deathers and Townhall Protesters/Healthcare Insurance Industry Supporters when the 2009 Nobel Price for Peace was awarded to President Barack Obama.
I absolutely love it. I’m sure there will be those who are upset, but these are the same who will ignore the conversation we’ve been having for the past week and a half. There’s nothing anyone can say or do to make them happy. They are often content with discontent, so let them dwell in their own juices, I’m celebrating peace.
So as some Republicans’ blood boil and are green with envy who will now seek to discredit peace in addition to the Nobel Prize Committee and any thing this President seeks to achieve I suggest you look at the motives of their outrage. There’s no need to attack or respond to their negativity with negativity, because a smile is more brutal than any word could offer.
I guess the old saying still proves true, the best revenge is success.
Congratulations President Obama. Keep promoting peace in the midst of unpeaceful times and those who continues to demonstrate their support against peace and civility I the towns, halls, minds and airways throughout this country and the world.
I guess the post I offered during the campaign last year that said “No weapon formed against me…” was truer more than I realized.
That’s what I’m talking about, A Call To Action. What will your action be and what does it truly represent?
Bill Sparkman; a White 51 year old single father working part-time as a U.S. Census worker and teacher was found dead September 12th in a remote rural section of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. Mr. Sparkman’s death was a result to a hanging. What is disturbing about this is that the word “Fed” was written on his chest.
My reasons for listing his race, age, marital status and occupation are to put a face to the victim of this crime. For those who may have heard or read about this crime may have initially asked the question either publicly or privately “Was he Black?” Be openly honest.
This is why I’m writing this, because not all crimes of hate is racially driven, but the fact we instantly think of that is just additional reason why America has yet to effectively address its problems with race. But this is a case where not race, but affiliation is cause for the bias.
I know this is standard police protocol to say that the death is being investigated to determine whether it is a case of a homicide or suicide. In addition, was motivated by his affiliation to the government or not.
Now being from the south I have a good feeling of the motivation behind this, but I will reserve my opinion for another day. I have an interesting question to present those who are open-minded enough to respond logically to it.
Should this be considered a Hate Crime?
I want to offer you what a hate crime is first. The FBI defines a Hate Crime also known as a bias crime as a criminal offense committed against a person, property, or society that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity/national origin.
I suggest an explicit definition of affiliation be amended to this Act as part of the definition and criteria of a hate or bias crime. There’s more to this story and the exploration of the killers’ motives will serve as confirmation to why I believe this should be considered a hate crime that resulted in an act of homicide.
Tell me your thoughts, ideas & suggestions. I will revisit this one soon.
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.
a2a_linkname=”Torture: What Would Jesus Do?”;a2a_linkurl=”http://timvalentine.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/torturewwjd/”;
I simply can not believe the blindness of this statement on the philosophical implications of torture in terms of what Jesus would do.
Gary Bauer, a former Republican presidential candidate affiliated with several Christian right groups over the years, said the discussion should not come down to…
“Would Jesus torture? There are a lot of things Jesus wouldn’t do because he’s the son of God. I can’t imagine Jesus being a Marine or a policeman or a bank president, for that matter. The more appropriate question is what is a follower of Jesus permitted to do? I think if we believe the person we have can give us information to stop thousands of Americans from being killed, it would be morally suspect to not use harsh tactics to get that information” – GARY BAUER
Seriously, this is unreal. Attack me if you wish, but I dare you to validate this statement with the teachings of Jesus Christ without perversion. Taking just a simple look at this statement would lead one to the assumption that Jesus would be against torture. Do I need to remind you of the act of crucifixion?
There were only 12 disciples, not 24. Jack Bauer wasn’t a disciple of Jesus, so why are you conforming to his gospel?
Allow me to make this easy enough for you to understand. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ wouldn’t you do what he does? Isn’t he the example?
Listen, God is no respecter of persons, this includes his son. The belief Jesus wouldn’t or couldn’t do something because he’s the Son of God would not be an acceptable excuse according to the Bible. That would mean that God is no respecter of persons that isn’t his son. (Romans 2:11)
Why should I engage in a public debate with Pharisees and Sadducees on the issue of torture when the answer to the question is simple and clear? How does the issue of torture align with what is know as the Greatest Commandment?
Torture contradicts the instructions, examples and teachings of love your neighbor as yourself. If you choose to become a follower of Jesus Christ, do what is written. Too often we as Christians act like the priest on that road from Jerusalem to Jericho and remain silent when we should speak. Many act as the Levite did when he saw the man who was robbed and left for dead and just pass to the other side of the road. I don’t want any trouble. I just go along to get along. I know some may not understand what I’m referencing, but I’m sure followers of Jesus Christ feel me. (Mark 12:28-31)
Even for my friends who may have historically viewed the story of the Good Samaritan as a religious heretic and/or an inferior race, I hope you have not continued to adopt discrimination in this or any circumstance today.
Who among us will act like the Samaritan when it comes to the issue of torture? This is the answer to what followers of Jesus are to do. Luke 10:25-37 is the information to stop thousands of Americans from being killed. It is morally suspect to use harsh tactics to get that information, when a better law has already been written and implemented.
You see this is the problem with Christian Extremism. Why adopt such a backwards thinking? And you’re surprised and/or upset by anyone who rejects Christianity? This sort of public example of the perverted beliefs placed upon Christianity, coupled with the systematic incorporation of theological bigotry and the denominational exclusionary practices in our segregated sanctuaries by those who proclaim to be followers of Jesus Christ is the problem and one of the real and factual arguments against Christianity.
Quit perverting Jesus to fit your own antiquated beliefs. Stop using Christ as your crutch of justification for your own illusions of morality and irrational conceptions.
Warning
This one may be too harsh for some to tolerate, but I’m not holding any punches on this one. So if you have a soft spot for injustice, fraud, lies, liars and crime, then this is not the post for you.
Now this is my warning, so don’t get mad at me for use of strong language. Don’t get upset with me if you find yourself within one of the groups I’m speaking about. I clearly understand that not all who may have identified themselves with the acceptable ideology of the culprits that I will soon mention are guilty.
I will not do what many that accuse the individuals on my side of doing. You’re not guilty by your association, but you are guilty if you continue to associate with the knowledge of a deed that has been proven was supported, acknowledge and approved of by the people you soon will know by name.
The Inconvenient Truth
The Inconvenient Truth – Now I’m not referring to Former Vice-President Al Gore’s Book & Movie, “Inconvenient Truth”, but on this Earth Day 2009 it seems like that’s what’s happening to the Bush/Cheney Legacy and those who supported them.
Inconvenient truths are being revealed in terms of some previously classified documents regarding the acknowledgment and approval of torture from top Bush/Cheney officials. The finger of truth that was water-boarded, repeatedly slapped, beaten and locked away, detained or should I say classified to never see the light of day again. But it seems the beaten and battered hand of truth is pointing in the direction of the two whose name in which the administration was named after.
How inconvenient is the truth for some and satisfying or vindicating it is for others. The truth always prevails regardless of how effective its opposition justifies or argues their actions.
To the purveyors of war whose only zeal of life seems to seek confusion of the facts, distort public perception and offer alternative reasoning, what many refer to as lying I say to you to not seek to polarize this into a political issue. You already achieve that when you were in power and decided to coop the Justice Department for your own purposed like you did FOX News. Now is your opportunity to get your story straight and tell the truth. Whether you want to admit it or not, judgment day is approaching and we will wait to see if you will accept the ideology of responsibility and accountability for your actions or continue to be defiant. Do the honorable thing and stop pulling the Republican Party fully into the political abyss. The stress and truth continues to mount.
How can ANYONE who proclaims to uphold the values of the Republican Party remain silent? Is torture and lying about it the value you really want to uphold? And you wonder why you’re having troubles recruiting a diverse group of Americans to the party.
Waterboarding
On the issue of whether waterboarding is torture or not. I can’t believe the audacity of some FOX News hosts assertions that water boarding isn’t torture. Glenn Beck leading his three blind sheep to follow his belief that waterboarding isn’t torture. Sean Hannity said he’s willing to be waterboarded to prove that it isn’t torture. Well I say let’s find out by allowing me to water board you. I will do it for at no charge, but I need you to sign this waiver of immunity in the case ‘something tragic was to happen to you and you actually died’. I’m willing to add Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly add no cost.
The former Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Court of International Trade, Hon. Evan Wallach is quoted in the Washington Post as saying, “The media usually characterize the practice as ‘simulated drowning’. That’s incorrect. To be effective, waterboarding is usually real drowning that simulates death.”
I know how FOX and their followers so love the military, but will not offer their own sons and daughters would believe top ranked officers in the military.
Major General Scott Black; U.S. Army Judge Advocate General, Major General Jack Rives; U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General, Rear Admiral Bruce MacDonald; U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General and Brigadier General Kevin Sandkuhler and John Fugh Marine staff Judge Advocate said that, “The use of a wet towel and dripping water to induce the misperception of drowning is unanimously and unambiguously agreed that such conduct is inhumane and illegal and would constitute a violation of international law, to include Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.” Whew.
The argument of it’s just a difference in politics is ridiculous. You’re either for torture or against it. So to borrow and remix a line from George W. Bush, in regards to torture if you’re not with us then you’re against us. Obviously judging by the recent and upcoming developments many in the Bush Administration was against us.
Listen, if you want to accept the absurd and paranoid argument offered by Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and those who continue to fall in line, then you will need to come up with a justifiable case for torture. Essentially, that’s what the Bush Administration has tried to do and you see where this is leading them.
How do you reconcile your conscience knowing the truth? Do you continue to deny the truth? Do you find another area or person to place blame? No you hold yourself accountable and admit what is true, if you’re an honorable person.
How inconvenient it is to embrace truth? Obviously very inconvenient for some.
One Question
After all of this proof that smacks you in your face I am left with one question. One question for those who boldly supported the Bush Administration; one question for all of those who bought into the oxymoronic empty campaign motto compassionate conservative propaganda back in 2000; one question for the single-issue voters who demonstrate more concern for the unborn than the living. Listen I support pro-life, but in ever instance. You can’t be pro-life for one and pro-death for another, that’s essential makes you pro-choice, because you’re picking and choosing who you want to live.
I have one question for those concerned about higher taxes, but had NOTHING to say about their taxes going up under George Walker Bush. Can you be honest enough to admit you’re your aversion to President Obama has nothing to do with taxes or even policy? I bet the policy you protest in public doesn’t match up to the ones you profess in private. These are the same people who openly embrace the propaganda of fear. One question for the Christian Right who allowed themselves to be pimped by Karl Rove, George Bush and the GOP to be its Main Girl for political gain. Well it’s the morning after how do you feel now?
The fear of defeat should not control your ability to reason and to embrace truth. Where’s the accountability? If you are going to hold President Obama to a higher standard, why didn’t you apply that same standard to the guy you supported for eight years? What’s the difference?
The hypocrisy of those who refuse to accept reality will be forced to acknowledge the inconvenient truth it presents. What do you have to say for yourself?
How do you justify it not being torture when a person was waterboarded over 180 times in a single month? The United States doesn’t endorse torture, but the Bush Administration obviously sponsored it.
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.
Perhaps this may help some of those conservatives who were tea bagging yesterday understand how the government works, before accusing the President of something that hasn’t happen yet.
Enjoy. I hope this holds you off until my post that will coming soon.
The National Park Service has placed Forrest Park in Memphis on the National Register of Historic Places.
Now many may be thinking, “OK, I guess that’s good.” Well allow me to explain why some people are upset with this.
Nathan Bedford Forrest, the man Forrest Park was named in honor of was a Confederate General, which is fine. The problem for many is that Mr. Forrest was also the founder of Ku Klux Klan in addition to a slave trader.
The designation, approved by the city of Memphis officials will likely ‘stir some feelings’ and damper efforts to rename the park, where Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife are buried, according to The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, TN.
The eight-acre park, established in the 1900s, has long been a point of racial controversy, with local officials and other groups periodically rallying to rename the park and remove the statue of Forrest, a revered Civil War cavalry leader who also was a slave trader and a leader of the Ku Klux Klan.
Some choose to only revere Mr. Forrest for his role in the Confederate Army and either dismiss or ignore the whole Ku Klux Klan & Slave trader thing. Others choose to only despise Mr. Forrest for his role in founding the Ku Klux Klan and ignore the whole General in the Confederate Army thing. I understand the reverence and despise of this historic figure, but I think both sides should be honest with themselves about this whole thing.
I can understand the need some may feel to learn about their history, but just like I embrace the achievements of my own heritage, I must embrace the degrading circumstances of slavery, Jim Crow and segregation of it too. You can measure your life by just the breath and height, you must include its length too. (Reference to “Three Dimensions of a Complete Life”)
We have to be honest with ourselves and from who we come from. The heritage of my race is not 100% positive, it’s made up of heroes and villains. I only ask others to be as honest as I am when discussing and discovering those ‘unflattering’ attributes of your heritage.
I honestly understand why many people are upset over this latest action in regards to Forrest Park. It’s like having a Park named Simpson Park in honor of O.J. Simpson. We can only focus on his sports career, all of the other stuff isn’t all that important.
Hey, that’s not a bad idea. That way the same people who are in favor of Forrest Park will have to address the realities of having a park named after such a controversial figure.
You can’t pick and choose what aspects of a person’s history you should choose to admire without acknowledging the not so flattering aspects. No longer can we hide the facts of history behind the white robes of fear. Nathan Forrest is revered as a son of the south, but the son is unrepentant, a prodigal. I defend your right to honor who you please, but I shouldn’t hear any flack if I want to honor someone you may view as unrepentant, say someone like O.J. Simpson for example. I’m sure you understand the outrage of many. I only want to illustrate the feelings some may view this park. The reverence says more about the person who reveres it than the person revered.
Although I understand and can relate to the hatred towards a group that feeds on it I must insist that this isn’t the way we should go. Allow Forrest Park to become a symbol of a place not named after a man of hate, but a community of love and acceptance. The growing irrelevance of the group founded by Mr. Forrest is reflective of the irrelevance of hate and fear of an ideology proven to be self destructive.
With any difficult decision someone will always be mad, so with that said here we go.
Alright, this may be the second time that I’m in slight disagreement with President Obama. Although I believe I understand why he’s taking the position he’s taking in regards to prosecuting ‘Certain High Profile Government Officials’ for torture, war crimes and a list of other international offensives. I am forced to ask the question. Believe me I really don’t want to ask the question, but I am afraid no other supporter of President Obama will have the courage to honestly ask him the question.
Now, I want it understood that I do understand the reasons politically and have a feeling when he will move on this issue. To be honest I can understand the strategy and if I’m to take a partisan position, I can go along with it. With that said, I must still ask the question with respect.
Mr. President, with all of the evidence of the torture by the orders of ‘Certain High Profile Government Officials’ of the previous administration, why the delay on prosecution?
I’m sure you understand this. It’s just as bad to prevent the investigation and/or prosecution of these crimes than it is to commission it. I’m not sure if the political convenient moment that I believe you may desire will hold that long. This is a political boomerang Mr. President and I don’t want it to hit you. It also can become a moral boomerang too, that will be much harder to dodge.
It is a political gamble you will be taking, but there are not many effective political strategies available other than prosecution. The risk involved is possible relinquishing some political capital and power to an opposition intent on sabotage. But the other side of that risk is you may gain more admiration for sticking to principles and adhering to law. To be political, that can be used as a ‘stimulus’ to any political capital lost.
We already have multiple instances of proof to prosecute. All is needed is the word.
I know there are many advisers who are wise in their recommendations of this being very unpopular to start prosecuting Bush Officials, I mean ‘Certain High Profile Government Officials’ at this time.
Although I clearly understand the political ramifications of how this would likely be perceived with all sides of these issues, please allow me to offer my ‘armchair political adviser’ advice of a possible middle ground. You have no reason to consider what I’m saying, but just think about it. This is may be the way to have your cake and eat it too, even if the cake is a little dry and tasteless.
Now this will upset some Bush/Cheney supporters and those who agree with the policy of torture in the name of protecting America. This will upset some Democrats and those who take the position against torture. Like I said back in January, I may disagree with you on an issue here or there I basically am with you.
The Passive Strategy
Since it’s becoming increasingly difficult to remain silent on this issue, why not demonstrate some level of appeasement on this issue to those ‘chomping at the bit’ for some Red meat and restart the investigation or “Truth Commission” on lower level operatives to help build the case. So you can finally pressing charges against the ‘Certain High Profile Government Officials’ that makes this whole thing politically inconvenient?
That may hold you until the 2010 mid-term election. Now if the Democrats hold their seats and pick-up at least two or three seats then you can begin to progressively move forward without much fear politically.
Keeping 2012 in mind you can prosecute the offenders and use the convicted as leverage in efforts to reduce their sentences help bring the biggest offenders, those ‘Certain High Profile Government Officials’ into question. Now depending on how the election of 2010 & 2012 go determines how swiftly you finally press charges against those ‘Certain High Profile Government Officials’. If the election goes bad, just prosecute them before you leave. Either way it would be a good parting gift.
The Principle Strategy
Now if you do not want to be hammered for taking a passive approach by Democrats and allowing Dick Cheney and friends to make this into a policy issue in efforts to deflect prosecution I advice you to take this approach. Bring all of those ‘Certain High Profile Government Officials’ in for questioning on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and any other thing you can think of. Let them be tried and prosecuted. As I cry tears of joy seeing George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and Karl Rove hauled off into prison for their crimes you will be able to campaign on the merit of principle and be judged by the content of your character. That I promise can be used very effectively in a political campaign.
Conclusion
Now that’s my partisan ‘armchair political advisor’ campaign/policy strategy for the President. I believe he will listen to what he knows is the right thing and not to all of the advisors who are political and partisan. Regardless of how difficult it may appear to be you must stand up for justice, stand up for truth and behold what may come your way. You will be smeared for you actions, but at least you took a stand instead of sitting down.
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.
Now you must forgive me for this one, because when I first read this article a smile immediately came to my face. I smiled because I was thinking that The Penguins finally obtained power and over thrown King Julian. Now, the problem with this is that I’m a victim of creative advertising directed at the parents of young children.
It’s actually a very serious situation. After weeks of political tension, Madagascar’s president Marc Ravalomanana resigns dissolves the government, and hands power to the military. The 59-year-old leader’s resignation comes after more than two months of protests led by Andry Rajoelina, the main opposition leader.
Interim President Andry Rajoelina, 34, accused Former President Ravalomanana of ruling the country, the world’s biggest vanilla producer, as a corrupt dictator. At least 100 people died since Jan. 26 amid clashes between the security forces and opposition supporters.
Mr. Rajoelina, 34, is the sacked mayor of the capital, Antananarivo. He is regarded by some as a maverick and is nicknamed TGV, after the French high speed train, for his rapid-fire personality.
Now I’m not sure if anyone reading this blog understands what I believe is French, but I include the video below which is in English that I believe offers a clear overview and definition of what happen in Madagascar.
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.
“Look, by all accounts the Bush Administration defeated Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda was marginalized, been downgraded as a threat to the world. So we won the terror war. We won the war in Iraq at great cost no doubt. No doubt, but we won.” - Bill O’Reilly
Bill… Who do you think you’re fooling? If I’m to take you seriously, I would be forced to ask you to explain yourself. If what you say is true, then your statement does not support what Gen. David D. McKiernan said a few days ago in regards to the war. If Al Qaeda is just a little threat to the world, like nuclear war is a threat to the world then why would he say that we are not winning the war?
“As the U.S. prepares to commit 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan, the Commander of NATO and American Forces in Afghanistan said that the coalition was not winning the war against the resurgent Taliban in parts of the country.” - Gen. David D. McKiernan
General McKiernan basically reiterated what President Obama said in an interview. So Bill, tell me how you’re going to spin that? If by all accounts the Bush Administration defeated Al Qaeda it wouldn’t make sense to say they’ve been downgraded to a world threat.
Think about that, a world threat. What were they before? A threat to the universe.
Who should we believe?
I would like to offer this quote by Richard Pryor, “Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?”
What is going on within the Republican Party? I’m getting tired of defending Republicans from the attacks of other Republicans.
In my best Sinfeld impression, “What is the deal?”
P is for Party Partisans
Although he’s finally gone, but the evidence of his presence lingers like a fart after a meal at Taco Bell, not the Former President George W. Bush, but his nephew, George P. Bush. (I think the P is for Partisan, but I can think of some other descriptive P words that may adequately describe his remarks, but I rather just call him Mr. Bush for now.)
Mr. Bush was speaking to an audience in Orlando, FL on 02/21/09 and had this partisan thing to say about his fellow Republican, Governor Charlie Crist (R-FL); “There’s some in our party that want to assume that government is the answer to all of our problems. I’m not going to name any names. You know who I’m talking about.” Now when reporters quested his statements he says, “That will be on his track record and people are going to remember that.”
I guess I shouldn’t expect any less, you are a Bush. But why are you using this level of inflammatory language against your own party. It’s like the same level of language I’m using towards you now, but I’m not talking about another Democrat, I’m talking about you.
Although I’m beginning to get tired of defending Republicans from themselves, I find myself doing it again. Governor Crist is doing what you were too partisan to do; he’s concerned about his state, not the state of his next election or within the party. He’s the Governor of Florida not the Governor of Republican Florida. I think it was someone you know (Uncle George) who helped facilitate the means for the environment we all find ourselves in.
Those Republicans
“There’s a tug of war right now within the party as to where we go next,” Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, one of the conservative Republican leaders, said in an interview. “I am in the camp that says we go back to basics. There are other folks who say something a little different. The answer will be determined in this tug of war.”
Among those tugging opposite him is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, who only last week concluded a battle to close his state’s $42 billion budget deficit over the opposition of Republican state lawmakers who opposed tax increases in the compromise.
But it seems to be almost another kind of Southern Strategy going on within the Republican Governors. Gov. Mark Stanford (R-SC), Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and of course Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) who is not in the south, but…
Now I just want to see how these governors explain to the people of their state the real reasons why they didn’t accept the stimulus money when they have budget shortfalls and so many other things that the state could use that money for? Was it all in the name of your own political posturing? How do you explain that Govs. Stanford, Jindal, Barbour, Perry and Palin?
Perhaps you will offer your explanation when you announce your intentions to run for the 2012 Presidential Nomination of your party.
What all the rest of your Republican Gubernatorial colleagues understand is that this is not the time for posturing or party politics. The grand ole party will not be all that grand if no one has any money. That goes for the party of the people too. Quit the politicking and get down the political business of the people you represent, not just the Republican part of them.
Perhaps Gov. Crist should consider 2012? I personally don’t won’t him to win, but he seems to be the voice of reason within the Republican Party these days. (Source)
EMPTY WORDS OF INCONSEQUENTIAL LEADERSHIP
Now you would expect this sort of comment from a Democrat, but it’s coming from the Republican Governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman. What is going on with the GOP?
“I don’t even know the congressional leadership. I have not met them. I don’t listen or read whatever it is they say because it is inconsequential – completely.” Now the Governor had criticism for what he saw as a misdirected spending in the stimulus package, but added that Republicans had no credibility on fiscal responsibility.
“Our moral soapbox was completely taken away from us because of our behavior in the last few years,” he said. “For us to now criticize analogous behavior is hypocrisy. We’ve got to come at it a different way. We’ve got to prove the point. It can’t be as the Chinese would say, ‘fei hua,’ which means ‘empty words’.”
WOW!
NO ALLOWANCE FOR YOU
When the three Hebrew boys were refused to bow to the king he sent them into the fire to burn. Hold up that’s the wrong story.
When the three Republicans Senators, Collins, Specter & Snowe refused to bow to the sentiment of the party-line and exercised reason and consideration for the constituents of their state the GOP Kings got mad at them. Now GOP Chairman Michael Steele told the FOX News robot, I mean reporter Nick Cavuto that he was open to keep what is basically keeping their allowance during the next election cycle as an act of retribution for their vote.
YOU DOWN WITH THE GOP
Now this is the same guy that just recently proposes that he was going to attract the “Hip-Hop” generation to the GOP. Before I say this one I must first apologize, but I can’t resist it.
<turn me up in the headphones, yeah that’s the beat, little bit more bass>
Chairman Steele, now I’m probably more apart of the Hip-Hop generation of the 80’s and I admire your optimism, but I think you may have more success with the Country Music crowd than the Hip Hop crowd. But I would love to see a video with a group of Republicans chanting, “You Down with the GOP”, “Yeah You Know Me”, “Who’s Down with the GOP?” But you may be on to something since there was that little hit you all made around Christmas called “Barack the Magic Negro”. Also the last administration was pretty gangsta.
DON’T EVER TOUCH A BLACK MAN’S RADIO OR HELICOPTER
My man John McCain had this to say to President Obama regarding, well I’ll let you read it.
Sen. John McCain – One area I wanted to mention that I think consumed a lot of our conversation on procurement. It was the issue of cost overruns and the Defense Department. We all know how large the defense budget is. We all know that the cost overruns, your helicopter is now going to cost as much as Air Force One. I don’t think that there’s anymore graphic demonstration of how good ideas have cost taxpayers enormous amount of money. So the — we will and I know that you’ve already made plans to try to curb some of the excesses in procurement. We really have to do that. We’re going to have to pay for Afghanistan as you well now and we’re not done in Iraq, but most importantly, we have to make some tough decisions, you, Mr. President have to make some tough decisions, not only about what we procure, but how we procure it…
President Barack Obama – This is going to be one of our highest priorities. By the way, I’ve already talked to [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates about a thorough review of the helicopter situation. The helicopter I have now seems perfectly adequate to me. Of course, I’ve never had a helicopter before. You know? Maybe — maybe I’ve been deprived and I didn’t know it. But I think it is an example of the procurement process gone amuck and we’re going to have to fix it. Our hope is that you, Senator Levin and others can take leadership on this and one of the promising things is, I think Secretary Gates shares our concern and recognizes that simply adding more and more does not necessarily mean better or safer and more secure.
First, “cost overruns and the Defense Department” wasn’t you the one who called to bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran? Bombs cost money. What about that 100 year war you were talking about? Anyway it was a good question and I’m glad someone is concerned about the vehicles of transportation of the President. Perhaps he can just catch a cab, hold on he’s Black that won’t work. Maybe he can just charter a helicopter, no that won’t work because it costs too much. What would you have done John if you had won 57% of the vote? Sen. McCain, how do I say this… Marine One comes with the whole Presidential Transportation Package. He gets to use a car, a plane and yet a helicopter. Now the Presidential motorcycle is optional.
The title of this section was a reference to the movie Rush Hour for those who may not have seen it.
CULTURALLY UNAWARE
The culturally unaware mayor of Los Alamitos, California is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title “No Easter egg hunt this year.” You just have to wonder where some of these people have been all of their lives. Do you know ANY Black people that could have told you not to do this?
Mr. Grose (Mayor) confirmed to the AP that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn’t mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons. Sounds like the NY Post. Again, how unaware are you?
He said he and Price are friends and serve together on a community youth board. “Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn’t see this in the same light that she did.” So that makes it acceptable.
What I find astonishing about this is how some people can be so culturally sheltered that they are unaware of offensive language, gestures or even associations. The “I have a Black Friend” defense is not a defense. I have Kurdish, Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Black, Latin & White friends, that will not excuse me from permitting or suggesting something that’s culturally insensitive towards them.
FINAL WORD
I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone, I’m just having fun with this. There are Republicans I like; I’ve defended some of them here. These are the ones I think are demonstrating reason, but they have a hard fight ahead of them.
You have to admit that it’s silly. Personally I’m enjoying it. I’ve beat up on enough Democrats last year. Seriously I do not want to see you eat yourself into a party of one. You’ve got to get this under control, before it’s too late.
Now don’t be mad at me, I did defend some of the party. I just use a bit of bad humor to bring out a point. The party is beginning to implode.
Now you must forgive me for this one, because when I first read this article a smile immediately came to my face. I smiled because I was thinking that 
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’.
The culturally unaware mayor of Los Alamitos, California is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title “No Easter egg hunt this year.” You just have to wonder where some of these people have been all of their lives. Do you know ANY Black people that could have told you not to do this?
