The GOP Painting itself into a Corner

Rush Limbaugh's "Barack the Magic Negro" song apparently has made it's way to the RNC. Chip Saltsman, who is running for the Chairman position of the RNC, distributed Rush's parody CD.

Some members of the GOP have announced their displeasure of this CD. However, more and more Republicans are coming to ol' Chip's defense. This includes former Ohio Lt. Governor Ken Blackwell. Now, they are saying that distributing this material has actually helped Saltman's bid to become GOP Chair.

Honestly, this does not surprise me. Today's Republican Party has no clue. Not only does the CD poke fun at Obama and white/black race relations, but it also makes fun of Hispanics with their take on "Spanglish". The Republican Party is isolating themselves further and further but doesn't seem to know it. Instead of taking measures to unite conservatives and bring more people to the party that may share their beliefs, these guys have chosen to attempt to keep the party as "white-bread" as possible by shunning those who could possibly gravitate to a positive message.

The promoters of the CD say that it's only designed to poke fun at liberals. But, since when did being black or Hispanic make one a liberal? Do these guys not understand this? Why not make fun at liberal policy, instead of collectively making fun of blacks and Hispanics because you "think" all of them are liberals.

It's a shame. Of course, I used to be a Republican. The conservative principles that brought me to the party has apparently become less important to these folks than maintaining a WASP identity. In the meantime, our country just elected it's first black President and is becoming more and more diverse.

The GOP is painting itself into a corner and doesn't even know it.

Today's Tidbits

The Democrat's version of Sarah Palin is finding it tougher to be annointed Senator. Hey, at least Palin was elected to something. Later for this Kennedy/royalty BS. This is America. Let the monarchs stay in Europe.

The feds just gave GMAC $6 billion to revive the loaning arm of their business. I still don't understand how $6B will fix something that $700B didn't. Oh, I remember......they never loaned out any of the $700 billion! The banks just kept the money. Nevermind.

In the biggest case of the pot calling the kettle black, President Bush warns Obama not to overspend during his administration. This comes from the "supposedly" conservative President that raised spending and our country's deficit to levels almost unimaginable to most Americans only a few years ago.

Serving in the military and being deployed a negative in child custody battles? Wow.

Helping High School Athletes get to College

Check out this very important column that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. It deals with football and how many coaches seem very reluctant to help their kids gain a college education after they have finished their playing careers.

Another contributing factor is the good ol' boy system in states like Indiana. They actively decide which athletes will and will not be promoted. Regardless of production on the field, they have their chosen few and they'll stick to them. They are basically "playing God" with these kids' futures.

Of course, their is only one real Creator, so these guys can and must be defeated by the interested folks with "right" on their side.

Be on the lookout for more related news to this in the very new future.

Economic Madness and other News of the Day

Chrysler announces that it will temporarily shut down its production plants for a month. Those plants employ an estimated 46,000 Americans. Right in time for Christmas!

Obama names three financial regulators. As many of you know, I'm not a big government oversight guy. I think that free enterprise needs to be maintained in a free, capitalistic country. However, I also believe that in order for capitalism to work, both the buyer and the seller need to benefit. For the last few years, the sellers have disproportionately gained while the buyers have suffered.

Speaking of abuses in the oil/gas industry, the speculators are at it again. Of course, most Americans have been loving the lower gas prices. However, the prices are starting to inch their way up again. At the same time, oil is at its lowest point since 2004.

The Illinois Supreme Court denies attempts by the state Legislature to remove their tainted Governor.

The country is seeing high levels of snowfall. Of course, all of this proves global warming.....Hmmm, wait a minute. If the earth is warming like they say, wouldn't this be reflected on the actual thermometers? That's funny, all along I thought that global warming would make "the globe" warm.

136 people apply for 3 open jobs in a landfill that pay less than $10/hour. Some folks were even on their knees begging to be hired. Meanwhile Wilmington, OH will soon lay off more than half of its entire population. Yeah, this is still America.

Breaking news from 1964: NAACP finds networks lagging in diversity.

Atlanta Judge Serves Bigotry instead of Justice

An Atlanta woman accompanies a family member into a courtroom for a traffic ticket violation. However, she is the one that ends up in jail. Her crime? She failed to remove her Islamic headscarf known as a hijab. The judge sentenced her to 10 days in jail for contempt of court.

Yeah, sounds like a punishable offense to me. This judge also banned another Muslim woman and her 14 year-old daughter from his courtroom because they were wearing hijabs.

This guy needs to be removed from the bench. Obviously, he has a high level of prejudices against Muslims. I think that it would be highly difficult for those that share my faith to get a fair trial in this guy's courtroom.

Courthouse Killers, Russians on our Doorsteps and Global Warming Madness

Convicted courthouse killer Brian Nichols will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, he has been spared of the death penalty. The folks around Georgia are pissed. They wanted his head on a platter. They've discussed changing Georgia death penalty law to make it easier to execute criminals. Although I have no love for a killer such as Nichols, I'm happy he wasn't given the death penalty. I just don't believe that a man (or a group of men) should decide when another man leaves this earth. I firmly believe that's between him and The Creator.

Russian warships are on their way to Cuba. Latin America is having a summit; and the guest stars are China, Russia and Iran. Somebody please explain to me why nobody cares. We are quickly losing our influence on the world as we are losing our money. Again, please someone tell me why this isn't important.

Meanwhile, war widows are being denied benefits because of a "computer glitch".

President Bush goes to Iraq and some reporter throws a shoe at him. The President was a good sport and laughed it off. But, I'm pissed that this guy tried to assault our President. I hope that one of the Secret Service guys gave this guy the business afterwards. UPDATE: I missed the fact that shoe throwing is considered a tremendous act of disrepect in the Arab world. Apparently, this guy was also sending a political message against our presence.

In an act that is designed to empower the moderates, Israel frees over 200 Palestinian prisoners.

Obama's version of the New Deal looks like it will cost over $1 trillion over two years. This is exactly what I predicted. Since Republicans gave $700 billion to their cronies without question, the Dems will do the same thing, only bigger. It will take about twenty years and a lot of pain in our country before we have a "real" conservative administration.

If global warming is true, why has it been so cold outside? Well, that's because of global warming.

It's wild that whenever Muslims commit an act of terrorism, people question why Muslims have been silent. However, what's more wild is that these folks mainly ignore the Muslims that have condemned these actions.

It's funny how the "holier than thou" types are easily caught up in their own little controversies.

Friday News and Notes

The Republicans have killed the $15B auto bailout. They say they are looking out for the taxpayers. Now, this would be consistent if they also opposed the $700B gift to the financial companies. Of course, they just dropped that money off with no questions asked. I don't understand why $15 billion is such a big deal when $700 billion created no waves. What makes it very weird is that they won't announce the companies who have taken the money.

As much as I am against government intervention into private companies, I can understand the need to help the automakers in order to save the jobs of 3 million autoworkers and another 9 million folks that work for periphial companies.


Now that the bill has been defeated in Congress, it looks like the White House will use some of the TARP money to finance this auto bailout. Hey, where have you heard that before???

Barack Obama's approval rating are sky high. Maybe because he hasn't taken office? Anyway, he isn't making too many friends in the South with his appointments. There have been no Southerners announced to Cabinet level positions. C'mon O-man, you can't find any qualified thumpers to join your administration?

Kinder, gentler manufactoring? Give me a break. They don't want companies that make military parts doing business in Woodstock. Hey, if I was Ametek, I'd pack my bags and move elsewhere. There are many cities in the midwest that would love those jobs.

Colin Powell says the Republican Party should not listen to Rush Limbaugh and those that appeal to our lesser instincts. Ouch!!

Virtual online Islam? Well it's here. Although I'm a bit of a techy. I'm not really a gamer. So, I'm not sure how this could be fun.

Go Bears!!!!

My boys did it last night. We're still in this thing. We need some help from Arizona this weekend against the Vikes.

It's not over yet fellas!!!!!

Czars in America, Corrupt Cops and Governors

Congress is close to a deal with automakers on a $15 billion loan. However, they had to appoint an "auto czar" to oversee the funds. What is it about czars in America that strikes me the wrong way?

The Illinois Governor scandel isn't helping Barack Obama too much. He's now being asked to resign or be face impeachment.

Al Gore is once again choking on his cheeseburgers. Over 650 International scientiest blast the whole man-made global warming theory. They say any warming of the earth is due to......THE SUN!!! Imagine that.

Joe the Plumber says he "felt dirty" after campaigning with John McCain. That's wild. It's John McCain that pulled him from under kitchen sinks to doing interviews with Glenn Beck.

Three New York cops charged with sodomy after an arrest at a subway station. What is it with these guys that they feel they have to abuse or sexually attack black men they arrest? You never hear about them sodomizing any white guys.

Now that Coretta has passed, the King family is becoming more and more embarrassing. Harry Belafonte is auctioning off papers given to him by Coretta. The King kids have successfully blocked the auction saying Harry "wrongly acquired them". The papers were set to go for somewhere between $800k and $1.3M. These folks are simply looking for their cut.

Woman goes into bathroom at Cracker Barrel and returns with $97,000 in cash. She turns it in to authorities. Either she's rich or she has the best heart in Tennessee.

Selling Senate Seats

Today, the Feds busted Illinois Governor Rob Blagojevich. Of course, Barack Obama had to resign from his seat in the U.S. Senate in order to assume the Presidency. The task of appointing his successor fell to the Governor.

It is a big deal to be appointed U.S. Senator so ol' Blago wanted to get paid for his services. He initially wasn't finding many takers. He said, "They're not willing to give me anything but appreciation. *Bleep* them!"

Little did the Governor know, the feds were on to him. It is obviously illegal to sell seats to the U.S. Senate. This guy is in major trouble. But hey, he can still make his appointment from his jail cell!!!

War Drums, Paulson's Double-Talk and Pirate Hunters

Can somebody please tell Israel not to start WWIII. According to the Jerusalem Post, Israel is ready to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. They have plans to do it with or without the approval or assistance of the United States. I'm sure this is going to work out well for Americans. Will we have to sacrifice our sons for this horrendous mistake, even though we didn't sign off?

Hardline Israeli settlers walk into the Palestinian city of Hebron and move just into one of their homes. The Palestinians sue and the courts tell the settlers to leave. Israeli troops force them to leave. Now they have a battle on their hands.

The banks still aren't lending money as they were supposed to under the bailout. Henry Paulson now says we cannot force banks to loan money to people. I would agree with that. However, that wasn't his suggestion when he was giving them our money to the tune of $700 billion. I guess now that they have the cash, he can say whatever he wants.

In more economic news, ATT plans on laying off 12,000 employees, Viacom is laying off 850 and NBC will drop 500 employees. Looks like a mental recession to me.

Things aren't going so well for the Big 3 automakers in their pursuit of a bailout.

Defense Secretary Gates gets to keep his job. But, it looks like he'll have to introduce himself to almost everyone else at the Defense Dept.

An official timetable has been passed by the Iraqis. It gives us three years to pack up and leave.

BlackWater has been tasked to fight piracy on the high seas. The pirates better hope this former navy seals and special ops guys never catch up with them.

Marines on Main Street

Why doesn't this administration get it? What's with their crazy obsession with executive powers? Can they please find some level of conservatism? What will it take for them to understand that Americans do NOT like an intrusive style of government with police powers that mimic communist China?

The Pentagon just announced that they will use 20,000 troops for domestic purposes. Of course, that's unconstitutional. But, since when did that ever stop them? In the past, there has been a clear understanding, backed by official legislation, that our military was not to be used against our own. They are not to be used for domestic purposes. That's why we have local and state police forces. We also have the FBI for federal law enforcement. Each state also has a National Guard for emergencies.

However, we should never end up like China or some uncontrollable African nation with military troops walking around in our streets with AK-47s.

Nixon, India and the Worst Pirates in World History

Fox News' Chris Wallace defends President Bush over Ron Howard's comparisons to Richard Nixon. Now, I would agree that the War in Iraq was probably done with good intentions. However, his firm commitment to excessive government powers, spy tactics, disregard for our Constitution as allowing companies to pillage our economy is worse than any Watergate. His crime was being the biggest liberal that ever even considered running for the Presidency.

After the attacks in Mubai, India demands that Pakistan hand over 20 suspected terrorists thought to be living in Pakistan. You have two very anxious nuclear powers with escalating tensions. This doesn't look like it's going to end well. Especially since five of the terrorists are still at-large.

California is in a financial state of emergency. I guess this is what being the most liberal state in the nation gets you. Now they have a bankrupt government to go along with their tradition of the highest gas prices, some of the highest tax rates and the most intrusive government in the nation.

President-elect Barack Obama names his National Security Team. He has a nice mix of Republicans and Democrats. It's funny that Dems almost always choose a Republican to be Secretary of Defense.

Some encouraging news from the CEO of Ford Motor Company.

Pirates attack an American cruise ship. But, the luxury yacht manages to escape by outrunning their boat. The pirates had a top speed of 27 mph. That's pretty pathetic. Well, unless we start using our military to escort these ships, we may have to get used to these 21st century buccaneers.

American kids lie, cheat and steal at alarming rates. It's worse for the private-school students.

Post Vacation Notes

Man, our country is beautiful!!! More people need to get out and experience what our country has to offer. I believe that Hoover Dam has to be among the Top 5 greatest engineering feats in American history. It is completely amazing what these men were able to accomplish.

Anyway, it is great being back around. It's tough for a political junkie like me to stay out of the fray. The time off has been great. But, let's get back into the mix.

Regardless of the fact that American taxpayers just gave the financial industries 1.5 trillion dollars over the last few weeks, these companies are now trimming their credit lines by $2 trillion dollars. All of that BS talk that Henry Paulson gave us about the bailout helping American consumers access credit was all phony talk. At the end of the day, we're still screwed. It was just another money grab. For example, bailed-out CitiGroup just buys Spanish construction company for $10B.

BTW, our economy is officially in recession.

U.S. manufacturing falls to the lowest level in 26 years. Now, that can't be from all of the outsourcing that we've done, could it? We are quickly becoming a straight consumer nation that makes nothing but buys everything. This is completely unsustainable.

Barack Obama announces that Hillary Clinton will be the next Secretary of State. Dr. Susan Rice will also represent the U.S. at the United Nations.

The Palm Beach County Republicans have a new member of their executive committee. He's the son of the Grand Wizard of the KKK and has David Duke as a key ally. But, says he's "offended" that people would assume he's a white supremacist. Yeah, okay.

Michael Steele says it's too premature to start counting the GOP out. He articulates ways the GOP can regain its position in American politics. Most of these are great ideas. I wonder why he never argued for these when the Republican Congress and Presidency were doing the exact opposite.

Cool sites in the sky tonight! There's also some cool stuff in the skies over there in Greenland.

Playing Bait and Switch with our Economy

What part of the words “Troubled Asset Relief Program” does Henry Paulson not understand? The taxpayers of the United States just gave the most powerful financial companies in the country more than $700 billion in order to prevent the rest of our economy from slipping into a depression.

However, the Treasury Secretary said that he simply changed his mind and will not use those funds to purchase the troubled assets that lawmakers gave him permission and instructions to buy. Instead, he’ll use the money to purchase the precious “preferred stock”.

Therefore, the tangible relief that was sought won’t happen. The toxic assets are still on the books. They banks already got the money but they are not lending. Wall Street still recognizes the problem and continues to devalue these companies. There has been no tangible progress since the bail-out was announced. However, the taxpayers of the country are light in the wallet to the tune of $700billion.

In order to fix our economy, serious steps need to be made in order to turn this situation around. I believe our first action is to look at our energy policy and the way it has affected our country.

According to the Dept of Energy, in January 2000, the average price of gas was $1.35/ gallon. By June of 2008, the average price was up to $4.13 per gallon. Although our consumption increased by less than 2% during that period, the price went up by almost 400%. The projected usage of India and China 10-15 years from now was always their justification for raising the price. Existing consumption and supply patterns didn’t matter.

The first victims of this increase were the transportation companies. Operational expenses went through the roof as they tried to move people and products from point A to point B. To my understanding, for every penny that the price of gas increases, the airlines lose $25 million.

There was no way our economy could sustain such an increase outside of normal supply and demand tendencies. Many companies initially tried to simply handle doing business with lower profit margins; but, later had to pass on their own price increases to their customers. It became increasingly difficult for businesses to function under their existing pricing and payroll structures. Therefore, many businesses were faced with raising prices, employee layoffs, or both.

Obviously, it became much more expensive for Americans to fuel their vehicles and get back and forth to work. But during this period, the price for everything went up. The price of eggs, milk and cheese all doubled. General Mills and Kellogg were reducing the sizes of their packaging and still raising their prices. Customers were getting far less for much more.

The price to heat your home in the winter and cool it down in the summers also increased. Many regulated power companies lobbied their state PUCs for price increases to make up for their increased delivery costs.

The only thing that didn’t go up during this period was Americans’ salaries. The American consumer was now forced to attempt to operate their homes on the same income but with much higher expenses. The sales of luxury and other non-essential items declined substantially. The automobile manufactures started to announce significant decreases in sales figures. Retailers began to report 20, 25 and sometimes even 40% decreases in sales.

Americans were broke and were not spending their money on new fancy items that they could live without. Disposable income became non-existent.

As more companies went out of business, others continued their lay-offs. More victims were created out of this recession. An obvious victim was the housing market. Not only could Americans no longer afford any new gadgets and cars, they could no longer afford the homes that they worked their lives to purchase, maintain and leave to their children.

Although some Americans fell prey to some punitive loan structures and adjustable rate mortgages that always went up and never went down; many others could simply no longer afford the monthly payment that was no problem for them just a few months ago.

It’s easy to simply blame the foreclosure crisis on our country’s economic woes. However, until we diagnose what created the foreclosure crisis, we’ll be forced to repeat this cycle. We cannot allow any industry to manipulate the delicate balance of supply and demand that we have in this country.

American capitalism has been successful because of its win/win premise. In order to make business sustainable, it has to be good for both the buyer and the seller.

Iranian Nukes, Embarrassed Mayors and Pissed off Cops

Iran has been successful in it's pursuit of nuclear-grade uranium. However, they do not currently have the technology to enrich it to weapons-grade levels. How long do you think that would take? You can hear the Israeli bombers gearing up their planes now.


Henry Paulson says that the current economic mess only happens once a century. Coincedentally, it happened on his watch with all of his banking cronies receiving taxpayer bail-out funds.


Idaho mayor apologies for the behavior of his town students after the recent Presidential election. Apparently, he feels that their chants of "assassinate Obama" was inappropriate. You think???

A federal judge ordered the release of 5 men from Guantanamo Bay. Apparently, they were being held indefinitely only on the word of one unnamed source. In our country, that's usually not enough information to hold you for 7 minutes, let alone seven years.

Some cops in Brooklyn were not that pleased that Obama won the election.

Interesting article on "Missing White-Girl Syndrome".

Somali pirates demand $25M for their hijacked oil tanker.

Israeli Farming, Pilfering the Treasury and Destroying the Constitution

In their second invasion of Gaza in two weeks, Israeli tanks go into Gaza and wipe out those dangerous Palestinian crops and farmland. Gotta wipe out those threatening crops. Public safety hazard. Does anyone else find it peculiar that Israel has decided to escalate the violence since Barack Obama was elected?

Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke face Congressional panel about their complete mismanagement of taxpayer funds along with their trial and error approach to saving our economy while further enriching their Wall Street cronies. Meanwhile, in an attempt to be as contradictory as possible, they announce their disapproval of bailing out U.S. automakers. They just need to say "Screw you suckers! We've taken the money, gave it to our boys and there's nothing you can do about it!"

The U.S. government has been asking foreign countries to hold Americans indefinitely without charges because of their inability to do so here in the states (legally). The sooner this administration is gone the better. They have absolutely NO regard for our Constitution or the laws that have governed this land for centuries.

Mark Cuban fights back against the insider trading charges levied by the SEC.

What year is it? 1400? What's with this new emergence of pirates? Now, they're asking for a $10M ransom. Tell you what, if these guys continue to steal oil, Bush himself will come and get them.
Michael Steele gets some love for his desire to be RNC chair.

Ignoring Pink Elephants

Talk about penny wise but dollar foolish!!!!!

The SEC has charged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with insider trading. Apparently, Cuban withdrew his $750,000 investment after he became aware they were obtaining other private funding.

Now, I don't really care too much if/how Mr. Cuban sold that stock. However, I find it very peculiar that this is the case that the Feds seem to have to prosecute. After going after Martha Stewart for avoiding a loss of less than $50,000, Mark Cuban's $750k looks to be gigantic.

Meanwhile, Exxon Mobile has posted world-record quarterly profits once again. Over the last 6 years, the oil industry has consolidated more wealth than any other in American financial history. Regardless the cold, hard figures of supply and demand, they've strong-armed and "speculated" themselves to their profits, while leaving the rest of our economy in shambles.

They need to be ashamed of themselves. To blindly hurdle billions while targeting thousands speaks to their credibility.

Nothing there to see, I guess.

King Family Shame, Texas Rednecks and Long-range Rockets

The King family is trying to cash in on the Obama-King images that have emerged since Obama's candidacy. Since Coretta's death, these folks have become increasingly more embarrassing with their money related issues. These folks have no shame. Please find a real job instead of living off of your family name.

Hamas fires their longest-range rockets to date at Israel. Obviously, they blame each other for the violence. But, Israel's army invasion of Gaza surely didn't help the cease-fire. I'm sure the new blockade and denial of fuel, food and medicine into Gaza should be taken as a peaceful action.

Special prosecutor appointed to the latest case of Texans dragging black men to death. I'm sure the rednecks would like to file a complaint like these trailer-park superstars who are pissed because their jury has too many blacks on it.

Catholic priest denies communion for parishioners that voted for Barack Obama. He says it's because Obama is pro-abortion. Hey, I wonder if he was for denying communion to his colleagues within the church who were taking liberties with the young members of the church.

Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State?

The Bush Administration is threatening to use executive privilege after they leave office. Uh....what????

Finding a Long Lost American Friend

Wow!! Look at what we have here! President Bush has once again found capitalism! Man, I wonder what took him so long to begin looking for it. Why didn't he look for it when his boys at the oil companies and their cronies at the hedge funds were bilking the American consumer of hundreds of billions of dollars through their collective manipulation of gas prices? Surely, they didn't use supply and demand to justify the rates that made American consumers pay American-record gas prices for over 7 years and therefore give them world-record profits.

Since Paulson just arranged to give his friends at the other financial companies more than $700 billion of taxpayer dollars, why didn't anyone mention capitalism then? Surely that move was closer to Chinese communism than American capitalism.

Now that others outside of his little clique are in line to benefit, he pulls out his maginifying glass and starts looking for capitalistic priniciples in the haystack that is the U.S. economy. Hopefully, he'll find our Constitution under there as well.

Steele for RNC Chair, Cosby on Obama and KKK killers

My take on the bailout courtesy of the Washington Times.

Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele is lobbying for the position of Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Given the fact that the majority of the Republican establishment did him no favors during his run for U.S. Senate and squashed his earlier attempt at the RNC job, it appears to be a longshot to me. However, he is more than qualified and well capable of handling the position. Clearly, the Republican Party needs an infusion of new energy and ideas in order to stay relevant under an Obama administration and both houses of Congress under Democratic rule.

Bill Cosby takes pictures of late parents and siblings into the voting booth. "You guys are going to vote today....all one one ballot". Provides his take on the historic Obama election.

Al Gore for Secretary of State? I wonder if he'll start bossing everyone around about global warming.

It's funny how Republicans only find conservatism when the beneficiary is not one of their cronies. We'll see what they say now that American Express is seeking a bailout.

Woman killed and dumped on the side of a road after she tried to leave a KKK initiation.

Bill O'Reilly wants Californians to protest at black churches. He blames black folks for the passage of Prop 8. Wow, I didn't realize there were that many blacks in California. The Morman Church? Nevermind......

Post Vacation Tidbits.

AIG bail-out grows to $150 billion. Meanwhile, the Fed refuses to identify the recipients of over $2 trillion in taxpayer-funded loans. Given the fact that we've also provided another $700 billion to the financial industry, that gets us pretty close to the $3 trillion mark. So conservative this administration is........

A school in Mississippi refuses to allow its students to mention Barack Obama unless they are discussing the topic in history class. Sounds like a bit of sour grapes to me. I guess they wouldn't be in favor of the national holiday that appears to be ready to be proposed.

Sarah Palin says those who reported her not knowing about Africa being a country are "jerks".

Can somebody show up sober to pick up this 1-year old child?

OH YEAH!!!!!

America's First Black President

ELECTION DAY

This is a historic day!!! For years, it was fantasized that a black man could one day become President of these United States. Many thought they'd never live to see the day that enough white Americans could overlook the history of race in this country to elect an African-American as President.

This is the change that our country needs. An Obama victory would inspire millions of black Americans and their children to greatness. A role model that should help eliminate some of the negative stereotypes of blacks in this country. Hopefully, a successful Obama administration would help doubtful whites remove some of their prejudices about blacks' abilities in the workplace and in politics.

Yes. This is an important day and an historic moment in history. Get to the polls!! Don't let anyone steal your vote or intimidate you from the polling place.

Gifts to the Wall Street Boys, Corupt Senators and the best Foreclosure Story you'll Read

The American taxpayer bails out some of the largest financial instutions in the country to the tune of $700 billion. They in turn, rapidly secure $150 billion to grease the pockets of their executives.

What better sign do we have of global warming than the record LOW temperatures that we've been seeing?

Feds prepare to cut interest rates to 1%. This means almost nothing to the American consumer. It's just another gift to the Wall Street. The interest rates on our credit cards and ARM mortgages will either remain the same or increase.

Charles Barkeley is not the biggest fan of Fox News. Hey, join the club!!!

Pretty interesting blog post on Michelle Obama. It's entitled "Fear of a Black First Lady". The title speaks for itself.......Doesn't matter though. Her hubby is ahead in almost every battleground state.

Military brass decide that it would step aside in case an Iraqi civil war begins. WTF??!! This couldn't be because we're pissed about their changes to the security agreement?

A Catholic priest in Australia angers the masses by saying that Jesus is not God. That should go over well in the Christian community. Personally, I think that it's relatively easy to distinguish between crea-TION and the Crea-TOR.

Massachusetts State Senator caught on tape putting bribe money in her bra. Doh!!!!

Convicted felon Ted Stevens is still running for office despite being convicted for corruption. Hey, just a thought. Can he cast his votes from his jail cell?

This has to be one of the best stories that I've read that has come from the foreclosure crisis.

Global Warming Fruitcakes, Palin's Pricey Wardrobe and Hip Hop Kings for Obama

John McCain says that during the last 8 years under Bush, Republicans let thing "get out of hand" with the War in Iraq and with the growth of government. You think??!!! Well, he also says that Obama will do the same thing. Only HE will do better than both. Yeah, okay Senator. I didn't see you condemning these policies when we were bathing on our power.

Meanwhile, Obama is planning his big post-election bash. Slow down turbo, that light you see in your rear is John McCain.

The Best of Both Worlds duo of Jay-Z and LeBron James are hosting a rally for Obama.

The RNC spends $150,000 to help upgrade Sarah Palin's wardrobe. Not everyone's is impressed; especially those who have been footing the bill. Hey, Palin just a regular hockey mom. Don't they all have that kinda cash available for a few blouses and skirts??

More global warming madness. These cyclists are freezing their tails off in their effort to promote awareness of global warming. Yeah, makes a lot of sense to me too.

Now that we've nationalized our finacial institutions, is this next for us here?

Foreclosure filing up 71% in the 3rd Qtr. It looks like the government is on its way to save the day!! Do we all need to stop paying our monthly mortgage payments?

I meant to link this last week. But, here you go today. Peggy Noonan isn't impressed with Sarah Palin. She also blasts today's Republicans for selling out in order to concentrate their personal powers while condemning anyone for criticizing their behavior.

Tuesday's Tastings

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke supports Obama's plan for a second stimulus package. The Wall Street Journal says he's just trying to keep his job under a new Obama administration.

John McCain says that contrary to popular belief, his campaign is focused on the economy. I think that he needs to tell this to the leaders of his campaign who are seriously considering bringing Jermiah Wright into the election. He also needs to relay the message to his speech-writer.

The U.S. Government drops charges against 5 prisoners at Gitmo.

General Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama's candidacy and condemns Republicans for their divisive politics. CAIR applauds the general for his stance against islamophobia. Related: Keith Olbermann lays into McCain for the same divisive politics.

The Iraqi government seeks changes to their security agreement with the United States. They insist that these changes are needed to gain "national acceptance" of the pact. Why we simply won't give them back their country and let them do their own security is beyond me. Oh wait. Nevermind.

More evidence that this whole global warming thing is a farce.

The bigots have came out of the woodwork.

Good for the Goose. Good for the Gander

On April 20th 2005, President Bush signed into law a new bankruptcy bill that would change the way consumer debt is handled in this country. For most Americans, bankruptcy would no longer be a vehicle to get a fresh start away from heavy financial pressure and inability to pay current obligations for hospital bills, divorce, job loss etc. Even confirmed victims of identity theft would be subject to the new reform guidelines. Those going through bankruptcy would have a much greater burden of proof and far more rigorous standards to prove financial hardship and inability to pay off their overwhelming debt. Credit card debt would be the toughest item to get included in their bankruptcy package.

Obviously, the signage of this bill was widely recognized as a win to banks, credit card companies and auto manufacturers who many times finance the autos they sell. The banks and credit card companies can now be guaranteed a far greater return of the debt they are owed by forcing the debtor to undergo a gauntlet of judicial hurdles before relieving themselves of any debt. According to the proponents of the bill, these “dead-beat” borrowers needed to be accountable for their bad financial decisions.

Those who opposed the deal argued that the new standards were completely one-sided and favored the banks without any consumer protection balance measures. Several legislators proposed provisions that would limit excessive interest rates and the lending practices that would lead to unaffordable monthly payments. However, these provisions didn’t make it onto the final bill.

Fast forward two and a half years.

Recently, the United States Congress approved giving around $700 billion of taxpayer money to some of the most prominent banks and financial institutions in our country. This bail-out will be used to eliminate debt and provide an influx of cash that would help restore confidence in today’s financial system. Where’s the accountability that they promoted so vehemently for consumers?

This plan has been heavily supported and promoted by President Bush, Treasury Secretary Ron Paulson and anxious Wall Street investors who are scrambling like mad in order to prevent additional heavy losses created by defaults on the loans they provided

The same companies that provided or insured these loans are the same ones now seeking to be bailed out by the American taxpayer. The same companies that forced the bankruptcy bill down the throats of the American public are the ones that hope to be left unaccountable for their own actions and bad decisions. Clearly, if consumers are at fault for signing for loans that they could not afford, these banks need to be equally at fault for giving it to them. However, now they seek to be “bailed-out” while the consumer on the other end loses their home. Well, if that’s the case, they should lose their businesses.

Surely, to see this coming didn’t require the reincarnation of Nostradamus. The writing on the wall was as clear as Michelangelo’s “Creation” painting at the Sistine Chapel. The banks knew this was coming, but still made the loans.

However, they do not want to be subjected to the same humiliating bankruptcy process that they strongly advocated for their troubled customers. Smarter banks that did not provide these risky loans will now have to compete with other financial institutions that are subsidized by the federal government. Certainly, it would be tougher for their businesses to compete. Although their competitors have shown severe operational deficiencies and make questionable decisions, they are financed by taxpayer dollars that guarantee their existence. What’s American about that?

In the vast history of business in the United States, many companies have failed. It would be nearly impossible to determine exactly how many companies have gone out of business. When most companies fail to make smart business decisions, they end up in front of the bankruptcy judge; likewise for the consumers who cannot properly manage their finances. However, Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke says these companies are simply “too large to fail”, so they aren’t subjected to the same process and procedures as the rest of us.

It is against the equal-protection provision of the U.S. Constitution to allow some companies to fail while the well-connected companies are given taxpayer dollars in order to forgive them for their mismanaged funds. Large companies fail all of the time. However, the solution is never to nationalize the companies. Usually, they are auctioned off to preserve the free-market system and the American way of doing business.

If these companies cannot manage their finances, they need to be subjected to the same procedures as they promoted for their consumers. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Taxes, Militants and Cities on Fire

Government forces nationalization on the banks. However, Bush says that government's involvement would be "limited and temporary". Yeah right. How many times have we heard that about ANY government program. Anybody remember how long it took to get rid of the Spanish-American war tax???

Not all banks are thrilled about the prospect about competing with government subsidized financial institutions. The ones that have handled their businesses properly are even more pissed.

Poor people caused the crisis?

Israelis believe that occupying Jerusalem's Muslim sector and bringing a heavy influx of Jews will bring peace. Well, that's their story. However, according to Jesse Jackson, the Zionists influence on our country would be minimal under an Obama administration. WTF??!! Is the dude working for the McCain campaign?

Rush Limbaugh says blacks are taught at an early age to hate this country.

Radio talk-show host Bill Cunningham says that 100 cities will burn if Obama loses. He also says Flavor Flav, 50 Cent and Puff Daddy are in charge of the inaugural ball. Nothing racial there I guess.

Bananas, Welfare and Racial Politics

Vanity Fair's Chris Hutchins says that today's America resembles the world's Banana Republics more than the true Republic that our Founders envisioned. This is all due to today's "fake Republic", Republicans that are anything but conservative.

Rocker Ted Nugent details his plans if was ever elected President. For starters, he suggests deporting everybody on welfare. Hey Redneck Teddy, does this include the recipients of the $1 trillion Wall Street bailout?

Much has been said about the Republicans have been playing the race card by using code words and rebel-rousings crowds. Nah!! You don't say!! C'mon, the cries of "TREASON!", "KILL HIM!" "TRAITOR" and "sit down boy" that have permeated their rallies are just innocent sayings.

In our new quest to become a communist country, a new report says Paulson is debating taking official ownership of the banks. Nothing "Banana Republic" about that I guess. The Brits have done it. Oh I forgot. They are already socialists in Europe.

Dow jumps over 900 points!!!

Communism, Totalitarianism and Cool Rednecks

Gees, where should I start? This country is going backwards quickly. Our founders are rolling in their graves so fast, they have to think they're on a merry-go-round.

This whole "bail-out" thing is driving me crazy. The world's socialists are giddy because they believe that George W. Bush has joined their ranks. Wrong again!! He has become a communist, not a socialist. In communism, the government owns and controls everything. We don't have that here do we? In either case, we have some crazy stuff going on now-a-days.

AIG has already blown through the $87 billion of taxpayer money that was given to them by our federal government. Now, they are asking for an additional $38 billion. How many spa treatments can you get for that??? UPDATE: The feds just approved their request.

Some say that the bail-out isn't working because other companies are "holding out in hopes of getting a better deal from the Treasury than they can dream of from anywhere else".

This is just a follow-up on John McCain's bail-out remix. Estimates say it will cost around $300 billion. How's that complete spending freeze going Senator?

NATO troops in Afghanistan are upset because we are now asking them to actively engage Afghan drug lords. I guess they have a bit of a point since we were the ones that allowed these folks to operate, even with our protection.

Our government has been spying on its citizens. The spies at the NSA have been recording and getting a kick out of the pillow-talk between our soldiers and their loved ones.

BTW, North Korea is preparing to restart its nuclear activities.

Coolest rednecks I've ever seen. Maybe you can teach your bretheren a thing or two.

Depriving Americans of their ability to vote??? You don't say.

Debate Night, Financial Crisis and War Drums

The election is getting closer. The second Presidential debate is tonight. It could be the last time John McCain has to get the momentum back into his campaign. From the recent polls, it looks like it will an uphill fight.

Bringing up McCain's role in the Keating 5 scandal doesn't help his case at all. Neither does his past affiliations with groups like the Council of World Freedom.

Russia is sending nuclear warships to Venezuela for joint military exercises. I guess this isn't very important. Meanwhile, Iran forces down Western plane flying over its airpace. Of course the Pentagon denies.

More sad stories from the recent American financial crisis. Man in upscale neighborhood kills his family, then himself over financial difficulties and not being able to find a job.

CEO of Lehman Bros punched out at health club after testifying before Congress. Everybody isn't buying his bullshit.This administration continues to play cronyism with our government. As the former CEO of Goldman Sachs, Paulson now surrounds himself with all Goldman people to handle the bailout.

Speaking of the bailout; will we now need to bail-out our retirement and pension funds that have lost $2 trillion??

Barney Frank says the Republicans are using racial overtones while blaming the housing crisis on blacks and the poor. Yeah, like those churches, fitness centers and those with good credit getting screwed by bad deals don't count. Not to mention people like Ed McMahon and White House Press Secretary Dana Perino.

Negotiations continue between the U.S. and the Iraqis over our troop presence in their country. We're pushing for more bases. They are pushing to get us out of there. Why they have to "negotiate" foreign presence in their country is beyond me.

Virginians focus on race in the upcoming election. They say you can't be for an African-American "if you believe in the Bible". What????

Monday's Musings

All-white jury convicts O.J. Simpson on all charges. O.J. should have known better. You know those guys were dying to convict him. They even said they didn't need any witnesses to the crime. They would've convicted him anyway.

Given her answers to various questions, P. Diddy is scared of Sarah Palin and the possibility of someone with her I.Q. being next in line to be President. Given the fact that McCain is almost 80 years old and has already had about 4 bouts with cancer, it freaks me out too!!

Not news: Ultra conservative dress code enforcers in the middle east create situations where there's violence against women. News: It's happening in Israel.

Mumia Abu-Jamal is denied a new trial by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lehman Brothers executives took home millions in compensation even while they sought a federal bail-out.

Obama goes after McCain over his involvement in the Keating 5 SNL scandel.

Today's Tidbits

Senate approves of the bail-out measure. It looks like it will be greater than the original $700 billion dollar plan. Great.

After our great success giving our defense technology to the Chinese, we are now giving India access to our nuclear secrets. I'm sure that's going to work out just nicely.

John McCain is getting out of Michigan now that it appears as if he has no shot in winning that state. According to the polls, he's sinking pretty quickly across the entire country. Sarah Palin not doing much better now-a-days. Couldn't have anything to do with her interview with Katie Couric?

National debt becoming so large that it soon would not be able to fit on the screen in NYC that tracks it. Sad and disappointing that nobody in our government cares. They are very willing to make our kids pay for their mismanagement of taxpayer funds.

China spying on its citizens' text messages. How long before this comes to the United States? Uh oh. The Patriot Act......I forgot.

Wednesday's Tidbits

This communist-style bail-out is driving me crazy. Never in the history of our country has anything like this happened. Of course, we've had other bailouts. But, nothing even close to this proportion.

Warren Buffet buys $5 Billion dollars of Goldman Sachs preferred stock. He just financed his own little private bailout.

I wish he could finance the rest of them instead of us having to do it. Of course, there's a tax increase heading our way because of the bail-out. Even after it's done, what are the chances that we'll ever see our money back?

BTW, what's the urgency in having this bill rushed through Congress without reviewing the details and fine print? Neil Cavuto also says that these companies should have known better than to loan money to minorities. WHAT???

McCain dropping quickly in the polls because of the recent financial crisis. Now, he wants to suspend his campaign and cancel the debates so he can concentrate on the economy. Yeah right. He's trying to prevent himself from drowning!! It can't help that his campaign manager, Rick Davis, has taken $15k a month from Freddie Mac up to last month! BTW, Obama says the debate is on. Can't weasel out that one so easily.

Obama making up ground in Indiana. I know one mother of a blogger that deserves some recognition for her leg-work.

Thursday's Tastings

It looks like that $35 billion European tanker deal has been put on hold for now. Given the current state of our economy, it's a no-brainer to keep this money in our country.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates apologizes to the Afghans for the civilian deaths caused by our airstrikes. He should probably hold his "sorries" for a while. We are sending 10,000 more troops to Afghanistan next year to combat the increase in violence over there. Gates is in deep thought as he re-thinks the strategy. Things aren't going so well.

Alan Greenspan calls today's economy "the worse economy that I've ever seen".

Speaking of the economy, GWB says that he's working hard on the economic turmoil. I think that he needs to start right there in the White House. Press Secretary Dana Perino's house was scheduled to be auctioned this week before they made a last-minute payment......BTW, the Dems don't know what to do either.

I'm not the only person who believes that today's Republicans are far from conservative. Say what you want about the Democrats. But, our government's size, scope and power has increased far more during this administration than at ANY other time in our country's history; including the New Deal.

Tzipi Livni won yesterday's election in Israel. She is slated to be the next Prime Minister; the first woman to lead Israel in 34 years. Hopefully, she won't bring us a new Iranian war and will help bring peace to the region. Congrats.

Wednesday's Musings

Klansman gets convicted for killing three black teens 40 years ago. However, the decision is overturned because the statute of limitations expired for the kidnapping portion. Now, how this relates to the fact that he is still getting away with murder is a question that the judge needs to answer. I guess he has his own robe and funny hat stored away in his closet.

The Pentagon admits that we are in deep trouble in Afghanistan.

Seven years later, Osama bin Laden is still on the loose. The Bush Administration yawns. Meanwhile the rest of the world isn't convinced that al-Queda is responsible for the attacks.

NY Governor David Patterson calls the McCain campaign out for its veiled racism in its attacks against Obama's past as a community organizer.

Israelis make an Alvin Ailey dancer shuffle in order to get into the country.

It's no surprise that the oil companies are screwing us at the pump. As far as the government officials who have allowed them to get away with it, they're screwing them too; literally.

RIP W.D. Mohammed

Today, the Muslim community lost one of its great leaders. Warith Deen Mohammed, son of NOI founder Elijah Mohammed, died.

After his father relinquished control over the Nation of Islam to him, Warith Deen brought hundreds of thousands of Muslims away from the afro-centric, nationalistic and political NOI to orthodox Islam that is practiced worldwide.

May Allah bless you. My prayers go out to his family.

Tuesday's Tastings

Man, I would love to stay at home and get paid per-diem for "travel expenses".

Good news!! The troops are leaving Iraq. Bad news; they're going back to Afghanistan.

Desparate for people to convert; Dothan, AL offers $50,000 to each Jewish family that moves there to live for at least 5 years. On a related note, people are paying $100,000 just to get out of town.

Oil prices have fallen below $100 for the first time in 5 months. The dollar is at its highest point since July. You would think that gas prices would drop. However, no such luck for the masses.
The Justice Department is now going after Google for having too much advertising. Why they are going after Google instead of the oil industry reeks of cronyism.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has endorsed Barack Obama. Like many others in the world, he supports the "O"-man. However, this doesn't matter to most Americans. John McCain just blew by him in the polls.

Let Them Eat Cake!!

A few folks, most recently including Sarah Palin, have been questioning the "actual responsibilities" of a community organizer; which was Barack Obama's profession a couple of decades ago.

Now, it isn't surprising that the likes of McCain, Bush and others have no idea what someone like that does. They haven't lived the lives of the many who actually need some direction, guidance and assistance along with the increased influence that comes from being organized with others of similar thought and circumstances.

Being a son of a former community organizer, I can say very clearly that their role is important. In many cases, it's similar to collective bargaining; but many times deals with the government instead of an employer. These are very often people who have lost their jobs, homes or both because of downturns in local economies. Sometimes, they just need a bit of direction to get back on track.

Dismissing community organizers means that you are also dismissing the communities in which they serve.

Just today it was reported that our unemployment rate has jumped to a 5-year high of 6.1%. Mortgage defaults and foreclosures are now at the highest levels in 29 years!! More than half of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck and we are still sending thousands of American jobs overseas.

No need for community organizers? I guess they feel we should just ignore these people. Or, let them eat cake!!!

And they say that Obama is the elitist.

Friday's Tidbits

More than 98% of the delegates attending the Republican convention were white. That's the highest rate for a major party convention in 40 years. Obviously, the Republicans have failed in getting their message to other communities. It's a shame.

We've lost more Americans to violence in Chicago than to war in Iraq.

"Whites only" drinking fountains in 2008? Oh, the guy was only joking. Honest mistake I guess. Same deal with the guy who had a black doll tied to a cross hanging in front of his house. He also has a dog named Hitler. Sounds like a nice enough guy.

RNC staff was tasked to get a picture of Walter Reed Veterans Hospital to be used as a backdrop for McCain's speech. However, they find a picture of Walter Reed Middle School. I would classify that one as "FAIL".

$300,000 outfit? Who's the elitist?

The World in Chaos

Are we in the early stages of WWIII?
We just sent our third Navy ship to the Georgia coast. Russia has already warned us against intervening in that region. We say that our intentions are completely humanitarian. However, as Putin said "why is humanitarian aid being delivered on naval vessels armed with the newest rocket systems?"

Meanwhile, North Korea has restarted its nuclear program after temporarily suspending the activity. I guess they are evil again.

Well, there's some good news today. General Petraeus says that our troops may be able to leave Baghdad soon because of the reduced violence. However, they may end up in Afghanistan because of the increased violence over there.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan survived an assassination attempt. While most people are concerned about the Iranians attempts to obtain nuclear weapons, it's somehow forgotten that Pakistan already has about 60 nuclear warheads and the ability to deliver them. If a crazy regime gains control of Pakistan (where Bin Laden is though to be hiding), then we're all in trouble.

Like many other Palestinians, Tony Blair's sister-in-law is trapped in Gaza, not allowed to leave.

Historic Thursday

Today is a big day. Obama will accept his historic nomination today at the Democratic convention. Meanwhile, McCain is announcing his Vice-Presidential nominee today. It looks like he's trying to coordinate it to coincide with the Obama speech in an attempt to upstage him a bit.

The latest Gallup poll has Obama up by 6 points. This includes Cindy McCain's sister!

This election is very important. It seems to me like we're going to have to decide between peace and World War III. Did you hear Bill O'reilly last night? I've missed his show recently. I didn't realize he was on there clamoring for us to "confront" Putin. Does he really want us to go to war with Russia? Well, since we're moving our battle ships to the region, I guess somebody is listening. At least China isn't backing Russia on this issue.

Our top Marine says we need to pull all of our troops to Afghanistan now. Yeah, going to war with Russia looks very appealing right now.

Politico reports that Karl Rove called Leibermann and asked him to withdraw his name from VP consideration. Rove disputes the report in a way that only Karl Rove can.

Clayton County-Georgia has lost its accreditation. This is the first time this has happened in 40 years. The education of 50,000 students in now of jeopardy. No school choice?

The largest mosque in Europe is being built in Chechnya. It will hold 10,000 worshippers.