I Never Knew Silence Could Be So Loud

Personally, I’ve given up trying to have meaningful conversations with any individual who can not demonstrate consideration, because it is unproductive. I’ve honestly tried and have observed the behavior, language and perceptions many exhibit towards others and issues or situations. How can you teach anyone who is not willing to first be a student?

This is the reason why I haven’t posted many political post, because I am expecting sincerity, consideration and some version of an intellectual conversation, regardless of the topic of the post. Some simply want to comment on politics only in a way that demonstrates an inconsideration or to be argumentative. I simply do not have the time or energy for those types of conversations. Their silence is louder than they realize.

Someone shared a link with me, which is the video featured of an issue that I’ve tried to get people to understand for awhile. I’ve decided to let people who want to be left behind, be left behind. I’m moving forward.

After listening to the brief story of Susan Grigsby’s brother (Steve); who died a painful death fighting for care as an uninsured American. Susan watched, horrified, as the GOP Presidential Candidates on CNN’s Tea Party Debate stood silent when the the audience cheered for the idea that we as a society should just let an uninsured man die. Now Susan wants an answer from each and every GOP candidate.

I honestly wish Susan luck, because I do not believe that she may get a real answer to her questions. But I’m sure she’ll receive plenty of rhetoric, denials, doubt, accusations, indirect responses, avoidance and inconsideration. Listen to what is said, but also listen closer to what they do not or will not say. That’s where you find their truth.

Some will choose their method of attack and avoidance to go after me or even the issue, but the question remains. I simply give up on expecting anything else, but Susan Grigsby is the one asking the question this time. I’m only providing a venue for her to share it.

How do you unite the state of America?

I’ve gotten so fed up with the state of American politics, that I don’t think it’s worth the time and effort to untangle the web it’s woven for itself. After reading a story about Republicans, Democrats, Congress, The White House, November Elections etcetera I’m left with what I have to say below. Enjoy.

Republicans — You may believe you have an opportunity to make huge gains and take over the House & Senate this fall and anything is possible, but it’s unlikely. This is the reason why.

You have to contend with the factions within your own party who seeks to control the party’s message. That message has been a consistent one that continues to broaden the divide between the staunchly conservative Republicans and the moderate Republicans. It continues to broaden the divide between the Republicans and anyone who isn’t White, Christian or lives in the South. You have to contend with the Tea Party folks. I don’t know how you can silence this group of misinformed, scared and fringe of society Americans. They will continue to make the Republican Party look like the political arm of the Conservative Citizens Council. For those who don’t know who that is, and then look it up.

There isn’t any reason to get upset with me. If you would listen to what I’ve been telling you, you would realize the various hints I’ve given on this blog on how to make strong gains on the Democrats, but you won’t listen so, there you go. Enjoy the fight with the Tea-baggers. I hope you bring them to their electoral knees. (No pun intended)

Democrats – You may believe you’re safe this political season, but you’re not. What is a majority if you think like the minority? This has been your problem ever since November 2006 & 2008. Yes, Bush/Cheney are finally gone. Yeah! I’m happy to, but if you don’t use this opportunity to do something to rectify the turmoil and damage they inflicted to the middle class and lower then they will fall victim once again to the electoral vultures who only seek their support to get in power before they kick them back to the curb with their pants on the ground.

So Democrats it’s good that brains are back in Washington, but if you continue to act stupid then what can one smart person really achieve in a chamber of idiots?

I believe you can do this right only if you recognize who you should fight. It’s not the Republicans. They can continue to say No to anything and everything and complain and point fingers at you all day long. None of it will make a difference if you’re doing what you’re suppose to be doing and communicating that with the American people. As long as you continue to engage the Republicans with the same nonsense as they dish out, you will be nothing more than the minority party, regardless if you’re temporally in the majority.

Mainstream Media – I know it’s your job to report the story, but is it your job to distort the story too? SOME of you are intentionally scaring people who are already stressed and battered by the inundation of sensationalism. SOME of you are skewing the facts deliberately for ratings. This is not just FOX News, but unfortunately you can find it at times on MSNBC & CNN, not to mention others. People are listening and watching you. Some are naïve enough to give you more credibility than you deserve or have earned. The time for you to honestly report the news, challenge politicians and the people who protest of the truth in their facts and actions. If not, you should just change the title from news to entertainment.

Americans – Pay attention, think and research a variety of sources, not just the ones that leans towards your ideology. I personally think certain conservative radio show hosts are some of the most despicable people walking today, but if you consider what they’re saying and fact check it not with FOX News, but other organizations that are not in the business of ratings, subscribers or hits you may discover what really true. When and/if you do then you’re able to challenge those same folks with fairly measured truths on your side.

Also, consider others beyond yourself and your point-of-view. I may not always agree with some of my more conservative friends, but I’ve learned from them by listening to their concerns and perspectives and so have they from me. This is how you discover the truth, because what may be true for you may not be true for me. Consider other realities beyond your own.

The White House – Good luck. I’ve given up my consideration and desire to run for political office, but I wish you the best. This is true for the present administration and future administrations of any political party that has the true interests of American citizens at heart.

Conclusion — I give up. Don’t worry I’m still going to vote and continue to be involved in my civic participation opportunities, but I believe I believe my voice and voices like mine of both parties are not being heard over the constant chatter of the pundits, politicians and political prognosticators. I have to focus my attention on broader things than exclusive coverage of American politics as messed up as it has become. There’s other things that’s ruining the world and that’s what I’m going to focus more of my energy upon. Yes I will revisit American politics, but not as critically as before. Unfortunately it’s just not worth the efforts anymore.

The Gopsel of Hate

Just when you begin to gain hope that race, politics and religion can some how find reconciliation as illustrated in my previous post you have someone who will always work to keep things how they are, divided. If you pay attention you will see someone who will exemplify this truthfulness of this fact.

What’s the image you initially see in your head when you hear of someone speaking death for President Obama? I don’t even have to say it, but what if I said that it was a minister who was saying it, what’s your view of that person in your head now?

As a Christian and a son, great-grandson, great-nephew and cousin of ministers who were bold in their ministries and teaching the word of God. It has been my experience that much of the problems within the Christian church is not exclusively caused by the non-Christians, but primarily by Christians themselves. People, who proclaim to be representative of Christ, but act more as a liaison for an Anti-Christ.

You would assume that a Christian minister would at least abide by the Greatest Commandment; Love. But I guess that’s too much to ask for someone people, even the pastor of Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona. This Southern Baptist minister delivered a message of why he hates Barack Obama.

OK, you can dislike the president for whatever your reasons may be. You hate Democrats, fine. You hate Black Democrats if that makes you feel better, cool. Oh, that’s right it’s not about race, but politics. That’s right. Hate whomever you please, but think about what you’re doing when you do that and more importantly what your actions are suggesting.

Wouldn’t it have been be easier to just say, “That _______ scares me”. Seriously, if just for the sake of honesty, because that’s what we’re seeing. Scared people, but what are you really afraid of? I bet you can’t be truthful about it, because the truth will reveal something ugly within your soul that you do not know how to properly deal with, so you revert to what’s comfortable, hate, fear and anger.

You can say whatever you want to say about me, you know this is the unspoken issue; hate.

Now this is not just some right-wing nut case to add to the collection, but a supposed minister of the gospel. I’m just waiting for him to say God Damn America next, but I forgot that level of condemnation only applies for certain people. This is a so-called minister of the gospel. I wonder what his positions are on racism, but I don’t want to make him feel any more uncomfortable than he already is.

But it’s only fair for Pastor Steve Anderson to speak for himself.

Remember what was said at the beginning of this as you read and view this and observe any responses. Look at their heart.

Finally, I ask ministers who say they live by the words of God to speak out against this sort of lawlessness within the Christian church today. This is not some isolated incident, because you have seen it within your own church.

Rhetorically speaking, does the church have to revisit a Birmingham Jail again to get the point? I strongly disagreed with the previous administration, but I never wished for their death or remain silent when I heard of others who did. This challenge is for you.

References & Inspirations

Christian Broadcasting Network – 08/31/09 “A Hateful Sermon Against President Obama”

The Moderate Voice – 08/31/09 “Arizona Pastor Repeats Wish for Barack Obama’s Death”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – “Why We Can’t Wait”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 11/04/1956 “Paul’s Letter to the Christian Church“

Check Yourself, Before You Wreck Yourself: Proxy for Hate

Check Yourself, Before You Wreck Yourself:

Proxy for Hate

For those who continue to deny reality to choose to wonder in oblivion regarding the real threat of death and violence that often occurs when the fringes of our society are sparked with the explosiveness of race and politics fueled by lies, hate and fear. The Fear of a Black President began before Barack Obama ever became President.

For those who say it’s not about race and the delusional Peggy Noomans among us that believe we’re living in a Post-Racial society then I now invite you to join the rest of us who live outside of your gated community.

Since Saturday, February 15, 2007 to Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Barack Obama, today President Obama has been a psychological anomaly for many people. The mantra “Yes We Can” was more than a catchy political slogan, but an affirmation to many people. It was confirmation to those who are timid on the sensitive and/or taboo social issues that has plagued the consciences of our society for far too long by its subtle encouragement to those they’ve been allowed to intimidate, trample or made believe were inferior in some manner.

Yes We Can, Hope, Change are all words that frightens those who choose to hate or submit to the status quo, because it’s fueled by love; the very opposite of all they have committed to. It was a wake up call to a people who has accepted inequality an without for far too long. The calm quietness of his nature in addition to the oddness of his name and complexion of his being was not the common qualities of those who has previously ascended and appointed to the Presidency. Something was different, the unknown, the improbable and the audacity. But the audacity of hate is the hope of his opposition.

Although I supported and voted for him I’ve never thought any one person is as holy as the praise of their admirers proclaim and not as evil as the condemnation of their most devote critic projects. But the level of hate that has evolved in this country is very telling.

As I have individuals tell me that ‘it’s not always about race’ I typically smile to myself because I know that they have either failed to understand or accept what it is to be a Black in America.

Now I use the word ‘Black’ as a variable that can represents multiple groups, not just African-American. As CNN’s Soledad O’Brian has help present, being Black in America is being Latino in America as is being a Woman in America as being Muslim, Poor or Gay in America. Perhaps CNN, no a more appropriate network would be FOX News. Perhaps FOX News can do an expose called “The Niggerlization of an American Political Party”.

Oh Hold Up! Why such harsh language? What are you talking about?

*** WELL YOU’LL HAVE TO COME BACK TOMORROW AND FIND OUT***

Black In America 2

I know that there are some individuals who may privately think why CNN or any other network is even doing a series about Black people in America or anywhere else. Some may ask or feel slighted in some way, because there isn’t much direct attention offered to their race or heritage by the mainstream media. To those individuals I say to you that I empathize with you and welcome to being Black in America.

As someone who is fortunate enough to have been born Black in America I have learned that it’s more important to embrace and appreciate who I am, while doing the same to all other races and cultures. I commend CNN for taking on such a documentary, although I believe more Black people will tune in than Whites or any other race.

Too often many people feel that a program that emphasis a specific race is not directed for them and they should not pay much attention to it. I would beg to differ this point with you, because it should indicate that you should pay attention to it. It’s an opportunity for you to gain a more accurate depiction of a community, culture and race who some have limited contact with.

I’ve said it on previous occasions within this blog and I’ll reiterate it once again. This is the reason why the excuse that is often used by some to satisfy the guilt one may have in terms of race and their relationships in terms of it is often silently laughed at and not taken seriously. When you say, “You’re so articulate”, “One of my best friends is Black” or “I work with someone Black”. Even if this is true, I’m asking you not to say it. This is why. You shouldn’t feel that you have to make such a statement to justify to someone’s racial perceptions or aptitude towards a particular group. To make these sorts of statements indicates you look at that person first in the prism of their race instead of their character. They’re your friend, co-worker or spouse, not your Black friend, your Latina Co-worker or your White spouse.

One more thing, don’t be fooled and believe that this is some phenomenon limited to just White people; because I’ve heard Black people say similar things when confronted about race and their relationship with it regarding other races. Racism is not racist, anyone can be one.

Listen, be who you are, but don’t close your mind to the opportunities others can offer you because of the color of your or their skin. The more you socialize and learn about other cultures, the more you’ll realize how similar we all are. You have someone crazy in your family just as I do; if not then you’re the crazy one. J

Being Black in America is similar to being any other race in this country and unique at the same time. The misunderstanding, suspicion and apprehension we all have towards each other must end. The only way to do that is to begin to consider each other. This begins with you and ends with me.

CNN: Black In America 2 premiers July 22^nd & 23^rd at 8pm EST. I ask all of you who visit this blog on a regular basis to just take the opportunity to watch these series. I may be Black, but I’m not an expert on All Things Negro, but I’m always willing to join in on a conversation about Black people and race in general. We’re just as crazy and messed up as you, but we also have made tremendous contributions to the world and deserve the same respect and recognition as you also.

Check out the interactive site they have called Journeys at
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/black.in.america/journeys/

Follow me on Twitter if you would like to chat during the broadcast. Until the next time, I hope to talk with you soon.

Not So Straight Talk Expressed

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I almost could not believe this one, because I’m generally weary of people who were closely connected to Karl Rove & George W. Bush. But I guess anyone can have a change of heart if former deputy to Karl Rove and John McCain’s 2008 Presidential Campaign Strategist can made a shocking proposal regarding gay marriage. Shocking because it’s a new position from him and those like him to take an inclusive and open-minded position on gay marriage when he has worked tirelessly against the very subject.

Mr. Steve Schmidt said…

“It can not be argued that marriage between people of the same sex is un-American or threatens the rights of others. Denying two consenting adults of the same sex the right to form a lawful union that is protected and respected by the state denies them two of the most basic natural rights affirmed in the preamble of our Declaration of Independence – Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” (Source: CNN)

I’m sure some may unintentionally argue this basic question, “What about my right to discriminate against gays?”

Well it would be un-American for anyone to prohibit your right to protest your freedoms. What would that profit anyone if I or anyone else mounted a campaign against your rights? I’m not forcing you to accept what I believe, but only exercising my right to reason. I do not want to prevent you from discriminating, because I too discriminate against ignorance, bigotry, prejudice and narrow-mindedness. So in efforts for equality I want it recorded that I am not seeking to prevent you from discriminating, just asking you who, what and why you are discriminating.

Anyone can have a change of heart and position. I too have seen the error of my ways and made conscience efforts towards truth and reconciliation. Perhaps Mr. Schmidt is seeking the same.

As one commenter suggested on an unlikely website for this sort of discussion, Mac Life.

“Some Republicans believe the period of self-examination within the party necessitated by the loss of our majority status is mostly a question of whether the party should become more moderate or conservative; I think that’s a false choice. We need to grow our coalition, but as I said, that’s hard to do if we lose some votes while gaining others.”

I find it interesting how he knows what Steve Schmidt planned to say, amazing. 

Even on ultra conservative websites such as Power Line are suspicious of this one. Finally, the left and right agree on something, although both may deny it.

References & Inspirations

NBC News: Washington – 04/17/09 “Expressly Not Straight Talk”

No Other Place I Rather Be

If the video doesn’t appear, please click here.

Sarah the Diva

Anonymous statements have surfaced that quote Gov. Sarah Palin as being a “diva,” and “going rogue.” These aren’t quotes from the East coast media, they are from anonymous members of John McCain’s campaign! Is the GOP ticket is falling apart?

I wonder if John knows about this…

“She takes no advice from anyone… she does not have any relationship of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else.” – Anonymous McCain Advisor

I’m not going to go into this one, because I believe Dana Bash, Peter Hamby and John King of CNN does a better job on this than I could. I’m tired of Sarah Palin and will probably only have one more thing on her before this is all over with. So until then, please check out this article I found on CNN – 10/26/08 “Palin’s Going Rogue, McCain Aide Says”.

Straight Talk Express is Out of Gas: TAXES

I’m personally tired of hearing John McCain and his McCainiacs repeat this misleading statement about Obama raising taxes 94 times. Obviously CNN & FactCheck were tired of hearing it to.

The Statement:
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain said at the Oct. 7 presidential debate in Nashville, Tennessee, that Democratic opponent Sen. Barack Obama “has voted 94 times to either increase your taxes or against tax cuts. That’s his record.”

Get the facts!

The Facts:
The effort to convince voters that Sen. Barack Obama would support higher taxes is a central part of Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign. McCain and the Republican National Committee have repeatedly cited 94 alleged votes by Obama to bolster their argument.

Factcheck.org, a non-partisan project of the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center, pieced through records to determine just what these 94 votes were.

Key findings:

• 53 were votes on budget resolutions or amendments that “could not have resulted by themselves in raising taxes,” though many “were clear statements of approval for increased taxes

• 23 were against proposed tax cuts

• 11 were to increase taxes on people making more than $1 million a year, to help fund programs such as Head Start, school nutrition, or veterans’ health care

• Seven were “for measures that would have lowered taxes for many, while raising them on a relative few, either corporations or affluent individuals.”

• The total includes multiple votes on the same measures.

Annenberg says a close look at the record reveals that Obama has “voted consistently to restore higher tax rates on upper-income taxpayers but not on middle- or low-income workers.”

Verdict:
Misleading. McCain’s summary ignores the fact that some of the votes were for measures to lower taxes for many Americans, while increasing them for a much smaller number of taxpayers.

A nonpartisan examination also finds that the 94 total includes multiple votes on the same measures and budget votes that would not directly lead to higher taxes.

So why do you continue to use this in your stump speeches?

Once upon a time many people could tout you as a straight talker, but I guess the pothole of public opinion polls has caused the Straight Talk Express to veer too far to the right and now you’ve lost a wheel. Country First, NO. You rather lose your integrity to win an election.

Get your facts straight. I know some will disagree with me or try to point out something else, but I can tell you that the Earth is round and you’ll still believe that it’s flat. That’s why I call you McCainiacs, because you want to believe anything negative about Obama to justify your own fears, insecurities or proof of your own biases.

Sources:

CNN – 10/07/08 “Fact Check: Did Obama vote 94 times for higher taxes”

FactCheck.org – 09/02/08 “A New Stitch in a Bad Pattern”

FactCheck.org – 08/27/08 “Would Obama tax my profits if I sell my home? Would he tax my IRA? Would he tax my water?”

Newsweek – 08/09/08 “More Tax Deceptions”

Forbes – 10/08/08 “Fact Check: Obama, McCain Twist Records”

Dallas Morning News – 10/04/08 “Obama on McCain’s Economic Plan”

YouTube “More Tax Deception”

CNN Laughs at Fey/Palin

You know that you’re really getting into trouble when real news organizations can laugh at you.

CNN Vice-Presidential Debate Fact Check

You all (Is it alright I call you “you all”?) may find this CNN Vice-Presidential Debate Fact Check interesting. FactCheck.org assisted.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=10019548

My Fellow Lobbyist Friends

To My Fellow Lobbyist Friends:

Republicans say Sen. John McCain and his vice presidential running mate, Sarah Palin, are mavericks.

John McCain says that he is going to tell all those lobbyists in Washington that their days of running Washington are over, which sounds pretty good until you discover that seven of his top campaign managers and officials are former corporate lobbyists.

So who are you running out of town?

Better yet, where are they going?

Well the answer to that one is obvious, to help fuel your campaign.

Oops, did I use the word fuel. I didn’t mean to suggest that 33 of John McCain’s Advisors and Fundraisers lobbied for Big Oil companies like BP, Exxon, Chevron, Hess & Shell. Matter-of-fact hasn’t the oil industry made over $2 Million to your campaign.

Of course you will argue that none is currently registered to lobby Congress. Even if we can believe you doesn’t that still mean that you are connected to lobbyist? But I forgot it’s not about the issues. Isn’t that what your campaign manager Rick Davis says?

Oops I did it again. Rick Davis — a major telecommunications lobbyist.

I meant to talk about your senior foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann. I recently talked about him a few weeks ago, but isn’t he facing scrutiny over his foreign lobbying on behalf of the Republic of Georgia, which has been embroiled in a military conflict with Russia.

Even another one of your “Lobbyist Friends” is one of your senior advisers. You remember he’s the one that suggested that another terror attack would be good for your campaign. Didn’t Mr. Charlie Black work as a foreign lobbyist for dictators in Zaire and Angola in the 1980s?

Let’s not mention Mr. Frank Donatelli, the Republican National Committee’s liaison to the McCain campaign, has had clients including… don’t tell me… Exxon Mobil.

Since you admitted that you don’t know much about the economy; I believe one of your economic adviser Nancy Pfotenhauer lobbied for corporate giants like Koch Industries.

Of course your congressional liaisons, John Green, and national finance Co-chairman Wayne Berman both lobbied for Fannie Mae.

I won’t start of Sarcastic Palin this time.

I’m sure some will toss out the name of Sen. Joe Biden’s close ties to lobbyists, including his son Hunter, who has worked for credit card giant MBNA. I’ll give you that one. BUT the difference with Mr. Hunter Biden and Joe Biden is something called ethics.

Joe Biden was asked about his son and his ties to lobbyist on CNN “American Morning” this past Thursday, September 4^th and his response was “I can look you right straight in the eye and guarantee you my son have never, ever, ever lobbied me.”

I guess we’re all lobbyist in some capacity, but some get paid for it. I’m lobbying you now to look at the lack of discussion of the issues by the McCain Campaign and the Republican Party. Some will angrily submit comments lobbying me to believe the Republican Hype that they have endorsed. They’ll use all types of “Rep. Lynn Westmoreland and Rep. Geoff Davis” like comments against me. Even the Civil Rights Movement can be viewed as a lobbying efforts nurtured by a famous community organizer, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. if you think about it.

So I ask you, my lobbyist friends this simple question:

1. Who do you believe will change Washington?
2. Who do you lobby for?

Hillary is Supporting Obama

This is a reminder for you to watch Senator Hillary Clinton on CNN Saturday, June 7, 2008 @ 11:00 AM EST exit the campaign and lend her support to our next President, Barack Obama.

You can click the image below to go to CNN Live or copy and paste this URL into your web browser address bar. (
http://www.cnn.com/live/#a_67616
)