According to recent polls, Obama holds a lead in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida. All of these are battleground states that are very important to winning the presidency. Hillary supporters and Republican race-baiters have said for months that Obama has a problem with white, working class voters. Of course, this is garbage. He has won several states with very small African-American populations during the primaries. These were simple fear tactics used to divide our country.
Same goes with the Latino vote. Obama is up by more than 35 points on McCain!!! That runs very contrary to the myth that Latinos will not vote for black candidates. The guy's message of positive change resonates across the board.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Israel and Hamas Announce Truce!!!!
This is historic. The rumors that have been floating about Israel and Hamas announcing a truce has been confirmed. Effective tomorrow, a cease fire will be put in place. Hopefully this will lead to daily peace for both the Israelis and the Palestinians. Israel has already successfully negotiated peace with Jordan and Egypt. They are also offering olive branches to Lebanon. Even Syria is optimistic that a peace agreement with Israel can be made.
This is a momentous occassion and very long overdue. Of course, there will be people on both sides who will be opposed to peace at whatever cost. Some people are simple too invested in the pain of others. Hopefully, the people of peace can be kept at bay until a more solid plan is put in place.
I pray that the people of Israel and Palestine will be patient and diligent enough to work through the difficult times and allow the process to work.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bigots Coming out of the Woodwork
Yes, we have came far in this country. I can go all day on the mounds of evidence that proves the fact that today's blacks are much better off than their parents. Although there is still work to be done as far as our drug laws and sentencing, systematic and institutional racism has been severely diminished. You can look around almost any industry and find blacks who are leaders and/or significant contributors.
However when it comes to being President, the bigots cannot tolerate it. This is too much for them to handle. First, his campaign was completely dismissed. Then, he was labled as being farther to the left than Mao. When that didn't work, they stop pretending and begin other well known tactics. No way they'll tolerate a black guy being President. Like Michael Richards said, "50 years ago, we'd have you upside down"!!!! A few other notable political pundits and politicians have joked about Obama being assassinated.
Later, you begin to see the emergence of code language. Pat Buchanan calls Obama "exotic". Rush Limbaugh enjoys Obama comparisons to Curious George (I laughed at the joke without realizing Curious George was a monkey!). Dolls, t-shirts and other items with Obama dressing like a monkey are being sold across the country.
Now, some folks in Texas have cut to the chase and publicly denounced the idea of a black guy being President. President of the NAACP okay. President of the United States, HELL NO!! I guess they would prefer if we kept our ambitions to an acceptable minimum.
This is another reason why I support the candidacy of Barack Obama. Although we differ on the size and role of government, this moment in history is too important. Our children's hopes and dreams shouldn't be limited by racist bigots who only want to see blacks in subservient positions. An efficient and successful Obama presidency would set a great example across the country. Black youth will have visual and physical confirmation that they can accomplish anything they want in this country. Skeptical whites will realize that their fear of black leadership is unsubstantiated.
Monday's Tidbits
Seven years and a trillion dollars into the War on Terror, we now turn our attention to capturing Osama bin Laden. Afghanistan is now saying they'll challenge Taliban fighters that cross into Pakistan. More on this later.
The Saudi's announce that they will pump more oil than ever before. You would think that this announcement would reduce the price of oil. Now watch as the oil companies make every attempt to keep the gas prices high. Guess, I spoke too soon. Oil is now at an all-time high. I guess they'll never use supply and demand as a market indicator. Meanwhile, electric bills are expected to increase by 28% by the end of the summer.
Black conservatives are gravitating towards Obama's historic campaign. Guys like J.C. Watts 
and Armstrong Williams feel the same way that I do. This campaign is much too important to end up on the wrong side or to campaign against. Heck, they're all liberals anyway.
and Armstrong Williams feel the same way that I do. This campaign is much too important to end up on the wrong side or to campaign against. Heck, they're all liberals anyway. The "road-map" to peace backed by the United States calls for no additional settlements in Palestinian territories. Condi Rice is saying that Israel's new settlements in the West Bank isn't helping the peace process. You don't say. Israel yawns and decides to build 2500+ additional homes. Guess the people that are already there don't matter much.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tim Russert Dies
Our country took a loss today. One of the best journalists in the business had a heart attack and died today. My prayers go out to the Russert family. Clearly, he was a class act.
Sunday mornings will never be the same. God bless you Tim.
Friday's Tidbits
Contrary to what's been circulated amongst Republicans, China is NOT drilling off the coast of Cuba.
One of the best columns you'll read about Republicans and the way they deal with the Obama candidacy. According to Frank Schaeffer, history will not remember them fondly.
Prayers go out to the folks in Iowa who are suffering from major flooding.
Defendant in death penalty case is upset to find out that the judge and prosecutor were sleeping together.
How long until this becomes required for Americans? "Re-education"? Wow. I guess the government thinks that since they're paying for it, they can boss you around.
R. Kelley acquitted of all 14 charges levied against him.
Suicide bomber blows himself up at a prison in Kandahar. All 800 prisoners escaped including all Taliban and Al-Qaida fighters that were being held there.
One of the best columns you'll read about Republicans and the way they deal with the Obama candidacy. According to Frank Schaeffer, history will not remember them fondly.
Prayers go out to the folks in Iowa who are suffering from major flooding.
Defendant in death penalty case is upset to find out that the judge and prosecutor were sleeping together.
How long until this becomes required for Americans? "Re-education"? Wow. I guess the government thinks that since they're paying for it, they can boss you around.
R. Kelley acquitted of all 14 charges levied against him.
Suicide bomber blows himself up at a prison in Kandahar. All 800 prisoners escaped including all Taliban and Al-Qaida fighters that were being held there.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Taken out by a Stop Sign
I was parked near one of these cars today. I gotta tell you. I'd rather spend another $30 to fill up my tank and get to know the guys at the gas station than own one of these cars. Who wants a car that you can bench press or get toppled by a pair of middle school cheerleaders? What happens if you hit a tree or a stop sign? Hitting something like a fire hydrant will probably send you through the windshield. If you get hit by a truck, you're done.
These cars aren't the answer to our gas woes. We need new technology, not just microscopic versions of what we already have.
These European cars simply aren't practical over here. Things are bigger. The streets are bigger. Other automobiles are bigger. Our infrastructure just isn't compatible.
No thanks.
Cheney's Trade Tirade
VP Dick Cheney blasted Democrats for their trade policy. He said that Democrats are on a "destructive path" to protectionism.Hey, VP Outsource. Go check out some cities in the Midwest and see how your free trade policies have affected them. During this administration's tenure alone my hometown of Muncie, IN has lost 3 major factories that employed more than half the town.
Take a trip to the local mall or grocery store. Where are all of those very low prices that we were promised because of NAFTA? Why hasn't the jobs that Americans lost been replaced by jobs from Mexico and Canada like they said would happen? Why are Canada and Mexico abusing the oil market like the sheiks over there in OPEC? Corporations are getting the cheap labor that they always seek. Where's the flip-side return for consumers and job-seekers that free?
Take a look at our dollar. We have lost more ground to foreign currency than anytime in recent memory.
Yeah, VP Outsource. I think that you guys have been paving a pretty good path to destruction yourself.
Fox News calls Michelle Obama "Obama's Baby's Mama"
This is getting crazy. I'm getting tired of this BS.
Yesterday, Fox News ran a clip calling Michelle Obama "Obama's baby mama". Unbelievable. Most people wouldn't imagine that something so disrespectful would be used to classify a woman who, according to all recent polls has a very good chance of being our First Lady in a few months.
"Baby mama" is a term that implies the "inconvenience" of having a child out of wedlock. It assumes no real formal ties, no relationship, no unity. It's almost as if they called her a whore on national television. From fellow blogger Too Sense:
"And it's really true. You can be an Ivy League grad two times over, married with two wonderful children, and some people still can't see you past the color of your skin to see you as a human being."
Using that term to identify a married, professional woman (let alone someone who will probably will First Lady) is disrespectful, condescending and a slap in the face to husbands and wives who have spent years working on their marriage. It is a slap to the children involved. For them to have the audacity to go out of their way to use that term so casually without merit and completely inapplicable, articulates how they devalue and discredit black family units. We're not husbands, wives, mothers and fathers. We're only a bunch of baby daddys and baby mamas.
This is much worse than describing their "knuckle punch" as a "terrorist fist-jab". This is a bigoted personal attack against black families in general.
This is more than partisan politics. They wouldn't dare use that term to describe Laura or Barbara Bush. Would they use it to describe Hillary Clinton? Why is it okay to use it with Michelle Obama?
Yesterday, Fox News ran a clip calling Michelle Obama "Obama's baby mama". Unbelievable. Most people wouldn't imagine that something so disrespectful would be used to classify a woman who, according to all recent polls has a very good chance of being our First Lady in a few months.
"Baby mama" is a term that implies the "inconvenience" of having a child out of wedlock. It assumes no real formal ties, no relationship, no unity. It's almost as if they called her a whore on national television. From fellow blogger Too Sense:
"And it's really true. You can be an Ivy League grad two times over, married with two wonderful children, and some people still can't see you past the color of your skin to see you as a human being."
Using that term to identify a married, professional woman (let alone someone who will probably will First Lady) is disrespectful, condescending and a slap in the face to husbands and wives who have spent years working on their marriage. It is a slap to the children involved. For them to have the audacity to go out of their way to use that term so casually without merit and completely inapplicable, articulates how they devalue and discredit black family units. We're not husbands, wives, mothers and fathers. We're only a bunch of baby daddys and baby mamas.
This is much worse than describing their "knuckle punch" as a "terrorist fist-jab". This is a bigoted personal attack against black families in general.
This is more than partisan politics. They wouldn't dare use that term to describe Laura or Barbara Bush. Would they use it to describe Hillary Clinton? Why is it okay to use it with Michelle Obama?
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Detainees
This is huge. The Supreme Court just ruled in favor of the detainees in Guantanamo Bay. Their opinion is that they should be given the rights to challenge their detention. We cannot simply hold them without charges indefinitely.
According to the majority decision, the justices felt that our Constitution is applicable at all times, not only when convenient:
Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the court, said, "The laws and Constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times."
Our basic charter cannot be contracted away like this. The Constitution grants Congress and the President the power to acquire, dispose of, and govern territory, not the power to decide when and where its terms apply.... Abstaining from questions involving formal sovereignty and territorial governance is one thing. To hold the political branches have the power to switch the Constitution on or off at will is quite another. The former position reflects this Court’s recognition that certain matters requiring political judgments are best left to the political branches. The latter would permit a striking anomaly in our tripartite system of government, leading to a regime in which Congress and the President, not this Court, say "what the law is."
Beautiful.
Decisions like this help secure the rights for all Americans. The government cannot simply pick and choose when it wants to follow our Constitution. For the first time in years, our founders can stop rolling in their graves.
According to the majority decision, the justices felt that our Constitution is applicable at all times, not only when convenient:
Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the court, said, "The laws and Constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times."
Our basic charter cannot be contracted away like this. The Constitution grants Congress and the President the power to acquire, dispose of, and govern territory, not the power to decide when and where its terms apply.... Abstaining from questions involving formal sovereignty and territorial governance is one thing. To hold the political branches have the power to switch the Constitution on or off at will is quite another. The former position reflects this Court’s recognition that certain matters requiring political judgments are best left to the political branches. The latter would permit a striking anomaly in our tripartite system of government, leading to a regime in which Congress and the President, not this Court, say "what the law is."
Beautiful.
Decisions like this help secure the rights for all Americans. The government cannot simply pick and choose when it wants to follow our Constitution. For the first time in years, our founders can stop rolling in their graves.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Slowly Becoming a Consumer Nation that Produces Little
It was announced today that our trade deficit jumped almost 8% in April. Almost across the board all of our exports are decling while foreign imports have increased. We are slowly becoming a straight consumer nation that buys everything while producing little.
We have outsourced our economy. This administration's facination with foreign trade (read: cheap labor) has produced a situation where other countries are bleeding our economy. We never see the lower priced products that the "free traders" also promise when selling this to the American public.
This is why we find factories across the country closing. This is why unemployment has jumped. We need to take a strong look at our exporting policies in order to save our country.
We have outsourced our economy. This administration's facination with foreign trade (read: cheap labor) has produced a situation where other countries are bleeding our economy. We never see the lower priced products that the "free traders" also promise when selling this to the American public.
This is why we find factories across the country closing. This is why unemployment has jumped. We need to take a strong look at our exporting policies in order to save our country.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Monday's Musings
Scott McClellan will be testifying before Congress about what he knows about the CIA leak case.
Senate Democrats are attaching a national fingerprint registry to the housing bill. Barack Obama is a co-sponsor of this insane piece of legislation.
Project 21's Mychal Massie says JC Watt's new television network aimed and dedicated to African-American news is a bad idea and too costly to race relations. What?
Good news. The AIDS epidemic is over. Bad news. 1 in 4 adults in NYC have herpes.
Just for laughs. A priest has an affair with a married woman from the church. He gets fired. He sues....and wins!!
Senate Democrats are attaching a national fingerprint registry to the housing bill. Barack Obama is a co-sponsor of this insane piece of legislation.
Project 21's Mychal Massie says JC Watt's new television network aimed and dedicated to African-American news is a bad idea and too costly to race relations. What?
Good news. The AIDS epidemic is over. Bad news. 1 in 4 adults in NYC have herpes.
Just for laughs. A priest has an affair with a married woman from the church. He gets fired. He sues....and wins!!
Friday, June 6, 2008
$45 Trillion for Global Warming??
The International Energy Agency says we need to spend $45 trillion to reduce our emissions in order to combat global warming. $45 TRILLION DOLLARS!!!
Okay. I'll bite. Who do they propose will pay for this? Of course, like everything else that comes from the "international" community, the taxpayers of the United States will be forced to finance this operation.
However, it's all a farce! Even if they did yank that money from our wallets, it wouldn't do anything to reduce greenhouse and methane gas emissions. Cow farts contribute more to global warming than all of the automobiles combined. It would take a car to drive 12,000 miles in order to equal the levels produced by a single cow.
This is all BS and has more to do with reducing the American economy than carbon emissions.
Okay. I'll bite. Who do they propose will pay for this? Of course, like everything else that comes from the "international" community, the taxpayers of the United States will be forced to finance this operation.
However, it's all a farce! Even if they did yank that money from our wallets, it wouldn't do anything to reduce greenhouse and methane gas emissions. Cow farts contribute more to global warming than all of the automobiles combined. It would take a car to drive 12,000 miles in order to equal the levels produced by a single cow.
This is all BS and has more to do with reducing the American economy than carbon emissions.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Friday's Tidbits
Black lawmakers are still elated about the Obama's historic nomination. Many thought that they would never see the day.
Another great column from Peggy Noonan. Among the reasons she describes for Obama not to select Hillary as his VP, "She'd be plotting against him from day one. She'd poison his tea. She undercuts the cleanness of Obama's message. She doesn't turn the page, she is the page." Excellent.
Obama has a 5-point lead according to the Rassmussen poll.
War drums are beating louder. Israel says that they are running out of time to attack Iran. They say time is running out and quickly need our approval prior to going forward. I think they also see the change coming in American leadership. They have to get the war in during this administration. Although both candidates are supporters of Israel, neither of them will okay an Iranian war under the current circumstances. Of course, they do not need our permisssion for a large scale military operation in Gaza. However, the U.S. is stressing diplomacy when it comes to Iran.
Republicans are very concerned about McCain's inability to articulate. Some have trying to find a way for him to be President without having to give another speech. If you're going to compete with Obama, you're going to have to be able to hold your own when it comes to communication.
Jobless rates see highest monthly increase in over 20 years. The Dow lost almost 400 points and oil prices reached an all-time high of $139. I'm sure that the oil companies will raise our gas prices again. But, why didn't we get the benefits from the recent reduction of oil prices when it was at $126; especially when demand has dropped significantly?
The Marine charged in Haditha has been acquitted of all charges.
Another great column from Peggy Noonan. Among the reasons she describes for Obama not to select Hillary as his VP, "She'd be plotting against him from day one. She'd poison his tea. She undercuts the cleanness of Obama's message. She doesn't turn the page, she is the page." Excellent.
Obama has a 5-point lead according to the Rassmussen poll.
War drums are beating louder. Israel says that they are running out of time to attack Iran. They say time is running out and quickly need our approval prior to going forward. I think they also see the change coming in American leadership. They have to get the war in during this administration. Although both candidates are supporters of Israel, neither of them will okay an Iranian war under the current circumstances. Of course, they do not need our permisssion for a large scale military operation in Gaza. However, the U.S. is stressing diplomacy when it comes to Iran.
Republicans are very concerned about McCain's inability to articulate. Some have trying to find a way for him to be President without having to give another speech. If you're going to compete with Obama, you're going to have to be able to hold your own when it comes to communication.
Jobless rates see highest monthly increase in over 20 years. The Dow lost almost 400 points and oil prices reached an all-time high of $139. I'm sure that the oil companies will raise our gas prices again. But, why didn't we get the benefits from the recent reduction of oil prices when it was at $126; especially when demand has dropped significantly?
The Marine charged in Haditha has been acquitted of all charges.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Obama Locks up Democratic Nomination
For the first time in our country's history, an African-American is the nominee for President by a major party. Barack Obama has clenched the Democratic nomination is now preparing to make a historic run to the White House. If the trends follow, it will be tough for John McCain to slow his momentum. If tonight's speeches were any indication of the tone of the race, McCain should rush in an army of speech coaches in order to try to match Obama's connection with the voters. I thought I caught him nodding off twice while giving the speech.
Congrats Barack. Try not to raise my taxes too much.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday Tidbits
Hillary plans on giving a major speech tomorrow. Staffers have been urged to turn in expense reports. Looks like she is ready to bow out.
Great news from the Supreme Court. Law enforcement cannot simply take your money because they "think" that you're trying to launder it. You must have proof. Hopefully this case with affect other cases where assets are seized without due process.
It looks like our ships are still being used as secret prisons. If you include the ships with the prisons we run in Ethopia, Somalia and Thailand, I'm sure that our founders are very proud of the example that we provide.
Texas judge begrudgingly signs order releasing the Mormon children from state custody. However, the parents are now forced to drive around the state in order to collect their children. I'm sure they'll be happy to do so, even though most don't have cars or other means of transportation.
Ted Keddedy's brain surgery was sucessful.
Great news from the Supreme Court. Law enforcement cannot simply take your money because they "think" that you're trying to launder it. You must have proof. Hopefully this case with affect other cases where assets are seized without due process.
It looks like our ships are still being used as secret prisons. If you include the ships with the prisons we run in Ethopia, Somalia and Thailand, I'm sure that our founders are very proud of the example that we provide.
Texas judge begrudgingly signs order releasing the Mormon children from state custody. However, the parents are now forced to drive around the state in order to collect their children. I'm sure they'll be happy to do so, even though most don't have cars or other means of transportation.
Ted Keddedy's brain surgery was sucessful.
Let's be Realistic Here
A couple of good items came out over the last few days regarding the War on Terror. First, word comes out that Al-Qaida has been severely diminished; which is great news for the United States and our international allies. Then word come out today that the Taliban has been hurt greatly and is on the way out.
All of this is good news. But, let's be real here. How can we possibly think that we can destroy and eliminate Al-Qaida when Osama bin Laden is still out there organizing and operating without discretion? He and his top aides are still out there making tapes and relaying their message to anyone that will listen. All the while, May was our second deadliest month in Afghanistan since we started.
The same goes for Mullah Omar in Afghanistan. He is still a free man along with his top aides. Do we really believe that the Taliban is finished as long as this guy is waltzing around?
How can we really believe that we are crippling these organizations when all of their leaders are still free to roam and create havoc? We are simply fooling ourselves if we believe that Al-Qaida can be elimnated by just knocking off their pawns and footsoldiers. These organizations need to be decapitated if we are seeking true, lasting success. Otherwise, these patient terrorists will simply wait us out and re-emerge once we've left.
The results will be worse for the Afghans and Iraqis that supported us. If we pull out of these countries prematurely, surely the Afghans that have been voting in the elections or the Iraqis that braved the threats from the terrorists will become sacrificial lambs.
All of this is good news. But, let's be real here. How can we possibly think that we can destroy and eliminate Al-Qaida when Osama bin Laden is still out there organizing and operating without discretion? He and his top aides are still out there making tapes and relaying their message to anyone that will listen. All the while, May was our second deadliest month in Afghanistan since we started.
The same goes for Mullah Omar in Afghanistan. He is still a free man along with his top aides. Do we really believe that the Taliban is finished as long as this guy is waltzing around?
How can we really believe that we are crippling these organizations when all of their leaders are still free to roam and create havoc? We are simply fooling ourselves if we believe that Al-Qaida can be elimnated by just knocking off their pawns and footsoldiers. These organizations need to be decapitated if we are seeking true, lasting success. Otherwise, these patient terrorists will simply wait us out and re-emerge once we've left.
The results will be worse for the Afghans and Iraqis that supported us. If we pull out of these countries prematurely, surely the Afghans that have been voting in the elections or the Iraqis that braved the threats from the terrorists will become sacrificial lambs.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Late Night Stuff
Good News for Women in the Middle East
Looks more and more like the bribery scandel will force Olmert to resign. If so, it looks like Tzipi Livni will be his replacement. Also, Bahrain names Jewish woman as ambassador to the United States.
Get well wishes go out to Tony Snow.
Texas Supreme Court confirms lower court ruling. State authorities have to return the kids.
"Uncontacted" Brazilian tribe located. Apparently, there are about 100 or so tribes still completely isolated from the outside world.
Looks more and more like the bribery scandel will force Olmert to resign. If so, it looks like Tzipi Livni will be his replacement. Also, Bahrain names Jewish woman as ambassador to the United States.
Get well wishes go out to Tony Snow.
Texas Supreme Court confirms lower court ruling. State authorities have to return the kids.
"Uncontacted" Brazilian tribe located. Apparently, there are about 100 or so tribes still completely isolated from the outside world.
Food TV's Most Zestful Personality Branded Terrorist
Say it ain't so Rachel! According to Michelle Malkin, Food Network's rising star and Dunkin Donuts cover girl Rachel Ray has turned to the dark side. She's been tricking us all along. Talks of boycotts have been whispered and the citizens have been engaged. This should not be tolerated! How dare she hide behind that pretty
smile and bubbly personality all the while planning to bomb us? How could she have the gall to give us those wonderful food tips and delightful recipes only to harbor deep sympathy with Hizbollah, Yassir Arafat and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Is she trying to poison us? Come to think of it, she may be hiding Osama bin Laden in her basement!!! Give me a break Michelle. This boycott would make Jesse Jackson blush. What? Are you going to extort some money now? There is no issue here; no hidden messages to Palestian terrorists. Rachel Ray and her wardrobe crew were making a fashion statement, not a political one. Of course Dunkin Donuts conceded and pulled the ad. They didn't want this fight.
Is this where we've come to? Are there not more serious issues facing America than the color-coding talents of television personalities and their make-up and wardrobe artists?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
McCain More Respected as a Known Liberal
A few years ago John McCain was known to be an pricinciple driven maverick that spoke his mind, unfazed by the political norms of either party. Today, he triangulates more than an Egyptian pharoah. Even though I've never been a big fan of his policies, I've always respected McCain for his willingness to stand up for what he believed in, however unpopular his position. In the past I disliked John McCain, but I respected him tremendously. Now, he's just another politician with his finger in the wind.
Here comes another change of heart, this time on amnesty for the Telcos under scrutiny for cooperating with illegal wiretaps. Before it his position on the tax cuts, then it was his position on the use of waterboarding, the ministers, etc.
Stand up for what you believe in McCain. Don't just tell me what you think I want to hear.
Here comes another change of heart, this time on amnesty for the Telcos under scrutiny for cooperating with illegal wiretaps. Before it his position on the tax cuts, then it was his position on the use of waterboarding, the ministers, etc.
Stand up for what you believe in McCain. Don't just tell me what you think I want to hear.
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