An Elephant With Balls

The Elephant With Cajones

Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao, Republican congressman from LA was the lone Republican to vote in favor of passing the present health care bill on Saturday. 

Rep. Cao defends his stance by stating “I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents.”  Rep. Cao feels that healthcare costs in his district are “exploding” and his constituents need better access to healthcare.

Seriously Congressman?! Actually do what is best for the people you serve?!  In a democracy?! Are you out of your freaking mind sir?!

For the people, by the people seems lost in present-day politics.  For this man to do what is best for his constituents and not side with his party is as rare as, well, it just doesnt happen. There always seems to be some ulterior motive behind what our representatives do.  For his actions, you can pretty much bet that the GOP will do everything in their power to have him ousted for the next election.  Conservative Americans across the country are already calling for his head. (Click on the comments) Cao is certain his “yes” vote will have negative ramifications to his political aspirations.

But the GOP is not interested in a bi-partisan approach.  No, it seems many of their most prominent figures want to have tea parties and yell on Capitol Hill to get their way. Kind of like a spoiled brat. Hmm. 

Cao admits that he leaned towards this bill due to the amendment added not including elective abortions with taxpayer dollars.  Fair enough request.  Hell, I even agree with that.  But that is BI-PARTISAN, is it not? Both sides communicating in a two-way dialogue to identify areas to compromise on for the good of the people.

Maybe there is hope. Unlikely, but I prefer to remain optimistic. 

Congressman Cao…I commend you for grabbing your sac and doing your job. Not for going with the Dems…I commend you for representing what your district wants….which is why you are there in the first place.

 

Return of The Sith

“I had to take a hiatus cause I was sick of the haters.
See, the game aint changed. We just switched a few players.
The drafts have been weak. A lotta first round busts
And besides a couple vets, most teams depth charts suck
Like a heffa turning tricks. Mel Kiper couldnt predict
All the bullshyt we’ve seen in this tragic turn of events.
So Im’a blitz and get the ball back. You might as well just fall buck.
Beefin’ aint an option ’cause one verse is killin’ all that.
Yeah, R.A.W.’s back in the the huddle. Team leader.
Street sweeper flow that will cut you up like a street sweeper.
Yeah Im a heat seeker. Certified beat beater.
Luke warm dudes give it up. You cant compete neither.
Sweet cheeba was like by gatorade.
Made my flow hard to find like a barber using razor blades.
I paved a way. Stepped back but finally couldnt stay away.
So if you been sleepin’, stop dreamin! Time to stay awake.
I make or break careers in a couple of bars.
So if you aint up to par you aint F’in with R.A.W.
I hit hard with the flow, make the muphuckin levees break
You wanna hook? Man I swing them like a heavyweight.
Verses make you meditate so hard it make you levitate.
But some of y’all wont get it ’til the year 2078.
I keep an ace in the hole. Ready to blaze? Go on and roll.
So without further ado we about to start the show.”

-R.A.W.-

I am back. Took some time off to do a couple things. You know, like vote, witness the inauguration, get rid of some kitty cats(horrible pets by the way), teach myself the electric guitar, throw the wife a fabolous 30th birthday party, find out we’re preggers, get up out the “hood”, experience homelessness, buy our first home, be a pregnant father and a few other things that required more attention than this blog I started over a year ago.

But its always been in the back of my mind that I have to get back to it. And there is certainly a lot of stuff to talk about…or in my case…generally talk educated shyt about…LOL.

So…I am back.

The Final Obama Rally

My friends:

I was blessed with the opportunity to witness history so I jumped on it. I am not a fan of crowds at all, I mean, you got kids coughing germs on you, people who dont practice the same cleanliness in their bathing habits, and people just generally in my personal space.  I was willing to fight thru those objections (and the traffic we face daily here) to attend the final Barack Obama rally.  Wow!

I got there a few minutes to nine after driving for 2 hours to get just 15 miles (gotta love our traffic…oh yeah, the Skins were home for MNF).  I opted to park about a mile from the rally to avoid the inevitable chaos when the rally commenced.  Those who know me know that I love to observe people. I still dont like people (lol) but I love to watch us interact.  Never in my life have I seen people from all walks of life unified on this scale. Over 100,000 people converged on historic Manassas, VA.  Ive been to Skins games and FedEx houses roughly 90,000 people unified for the burgandy and gold.  Actually witnessing this amount of people united on issues that actually impact our day to day lives is moving (I am not taking anything from my beloved Skins but seriously). 

I am walking thru  and hearing people speaking in various languages, discussing shared values, recognizing where they disagree but willing to compromise. I am seeing young, old, yellow, black, brown, beige, red, white and blue. Plumbers, accountants, lawyers, laborers. I am sitting here speechless trying to describe what I saw last night.  So many words come to mind (humility, joy, hope) but not one or any combination can sum up the raw emotion I experienced.  Even my unskilled photography doesnt do it justice.

Americans have a chance to make history, regardless of who wins (Go Barack!).  Vote for a change. Vote for hope.  Yes we can. Yes we will. Yes we did.

Would The Real Ohioans Please Stand Up Part Deux

 

The fate of the free world could potentially rest in the hands of these people.  One lady said “he thinks white people are trash”. No ma’am, you think you are trash.  Another said this is a Christian country right after she mentioned her fear “that blacks will takeover”. Well that’s mighty Christian of you ma’am. Another said that he is “anti-white”. Seriously? A biracial man raised by his white mother and maternal grandparents?

 Only God’s work will get thru to a lot of these people. 

Ohio, regardless of your socio-economic status, regardless of what you each believe individually, regardless of what you may call me or those that look different from you, regardless if you use the Lord as an excuse to further hate…..I LOVE YOU as Christ has taught me to love you. You are my brothers and sisters. Just like biological siblings, we will disagree at times.  And that is ok. We learn so much more about each other when we do. I will continue to pray for you as I have since starting down my path with the Lord.  If you were to harm or slander me, I will STILL pray for you. 

I fear for 11/5.  If Senator Obama is elected as the 44th President of the United States of America, I fear the back lash and hate that will ensue following the election.  God bless us. God, help us.

Final Debate Aftermath: “That’s it! I’ve made my choice! I am voting Republican…”

…and here’s why:

End Voter Registration Fraud or Promote Voter Suppression?

Over the last few weeks, there has been tremendous coverage on ACORN and their voter registration tactics.  McCain/Palin supporters have been riding this wave like it were the last one of the surfer’s summer.  Various swing states are launching or have launched investigations into the inquiries.  And it couldnt come at a better time, strategically. Time to plant the seeds (as they have begun doing in a variety of topics, i.e. The Ayers Link, questioning of Senator Obama’s experience, etc.).

See, I can empathize with the GOP.  No one wants this historic election to go down in history with an asterick like Barry Bonds. Democrat nor Republican, fundamentally speaking. 

Theoretically, ACORN is an organization that serves as an advocate for low income urban minority people.  The people in this country that rarely have a voice to speak on their behalf.  They do go out to the people, as they rarely take an opportunity to educate themselves, and educate them on their rights or enlighten them to the power they actually hold in a democracy.  It would be understandable that they would offer jobs to the same people that they serve as a means of improvement.

Now I have been in sales for my entire career.  Anytime there is performance based incentives there will be a percentage of the workforce that will do what they deem is necessary to reach that incentive.  This includes “juking” the numbers to meet or exceed one’s goal/quota. What we have seen is a small percentage of ACORN employees who, in order to reach their incentive (i.e. commission, day off, whatever it may be), made some awful decisions on how to reach their goal.  We have seen dead people registered, the same name used numerous times and even the entire Dallas Cowboys roster (seriously people, at least use your state’s team).  These people suffer from needs that need to be met immediately and can not see the impact that their actions will have. Remember, these are the folks ACORN is trying to educate because they suffer from miscontrued values, lack of education, and low incomes.  Desperate times calls for desperate measures, even for the poor.

Dont get me wrong…I AM NOT DEFENDING THE INDIVIDUALS’ ACTIONS.  I am staunch supporter of self-accountability. These folks can recognize the areas they are deficient in and take appropriate action (educate themselves, acquire skills that can earn income, stop placing blame on “The Man” and take action).  But we must understand their rationale and empathize.  I applaud ACORN, IF they are a righteous organization and are truly serving as advocates to educate our less privileged countrymen. But if they encouraged this type of behaviour and its well known internally, they will lose any support or empathy.

The GOP has a percentage of supporters that are also low income, low educated voters.  Demographically, they are the majority.  I have yet to see the GOP actually educate their voter base. They feed on their ignorance.  Humans lean towards violence when their is an opposing view and the GOP encourages their base to continue promoting half truths.  Remember that their are more white Americans in poverty and lacking education then there are minorities (in today’s age, these are the folks that will deliver the GOP strongholds).  But the GOP thrives on their base’ ignorance.  If the “rednecks” and “hillbillies” (the ones that are being recorded at McCain/Palin rallies) were enlightened without the bullshyt rhetoric their party provides, how many would continue to support? Not many besides the true bigots who are scared the White House would be painted black (by the way, has anyone ever seen a house painted black?).  The GOP has no choice but to continue to infuse the ignorant propoganda.

So with the ACORN debacle in the open, is it voter registration fraud we are concerned about or voter suppression?  Since 2000, we have seen a hike in minority voter registration.  Enough in the last 2 presidential elections that the races have been ridiculously close.  So close that President Bush’s victories have left people in awe like, “Huh?”

See with the early flag from the GOP on voter registration fraud, this allows them to possibly disenfranchise legit newly registered voters. Because of the fraud concern you can pretty much bank on many minority voters will be told they’re not eligible to vote.  We have seen this in the past 2 elections.  The GOP feels like the fraud cry gives them the right to deny legit Americans their voice. I’m willing to bet my salary on it (dont get excited, those fradulent ACORN employees make more than I do).

I am willing to bet that there will be people sent away, defunct equipment, not enough equipment, people told they’re campaigning because they have a University of Oregon shirt that display a huge “O”. They say history repeats itself and it surely has every four years since 2000.

Analysts at Fox News this morning said they couldnt believe how many states dont require I.D. to vote. Why not? The GOP’s base dont all have identification just like the Dem’s base. Hell, Common argued, “Why do I need I.D. to get I.D.?”  If people were carded faithfully, Senator Obama will have it in the bag.  So the GOP can not support revamps that require ID be shown at the polls. 

Bottom line, all this talk of ACORN and voter registration fraud is a strategic move.  It legitimizes conservatives to take action by any means necessary. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Even for the GOP.

And I havent even mentioned The Diebold Factor….yet.

W.T.F.???!!!

Now there have been massive debates over Obama’s and Palin’s experience.  I certainly understand both sides’ argument.  But in almost any job, typing is some sort of requirement. Not that you should type at 1000 words per minute but, at least, know how to type. That experience is critical.

In the great state of NY(which in my 30 years have never been a fan of), absentee ballots were sent out with Senator Obama’s name spelled as “OSAMA”.  WTF?

Now, granted, the best spell check software probably wouldnt have caught that slip. But the officials in Troy, NY somehow allowed this slip as they issued a good number of absentee ballots. Now the officials, Edward McDonough(D) and Larry Bugbee(R) admit that there was an error but never detailed what the error was.

McDonough says “It’s human error…”. I will admit that I am new to blogging and make errors here and there. But I am not new to typing. Anyone who is taught formally (or informally) how to type know that the “S” and the “B” are NO WHERE NEAR EACH OTHER!

Had the ballot read “Ohama” or “Oyama”, hey! I undestand. But OSAMA? C’mon, 6 year old niece could see through that without her imaginary x ray goggles! 

Again, fear tactics are still the fall back plan for desperate conservatives. From the “that one” (debatable, but my personal opinion is that was not racially motivated) to the McCain supporter today saying “He’s not, he’s not, he’s not…He’s an arab!” to McCain’s face. 

McCain’s campaign and his supporters (let me be specific, those of you scared that the white house will be painted black..get real!) are truly looking like something out of Dumb and Dumber.

God, please bless America! We need a little help.  (Maybe I should be careful of what I wish for)

Who is the real Barack Obama Vs. Where are the real Ohioans?

I have an old friend from college that hosts a blog (very interesting, fresh, and full of humor…CHECK HIM OUT!) I came across recently. He had this video and a heartfelt post that I can certainly empathize with. 

Ohio? Is it really like that y’all? When are we going to understand that not everyone is out to disrupt your way of life? Wow.

This is sad people. And remember…you cant choose your birth name much like you cant choose your parents or where they decide to raise you OR like you can not control your cock eye when on camera. Church!

Where Were You?

September 11, 2008

Any American alive on this date 7 years ago remembers exactly where they were and how their views may have changed once turning on their tv’s on this day.

I was in Va. Beach, VA. In the middle of a staff meeting.  My cell phone kept ringing causing much embarassment as I was fresh out of college and earning my scars.  It was my roommate who had not gone into work as of yet.  During a break in the meeting I called him back like “WTF?!”. What he told me was to inconceivable to believe.  Then we turned on every monitor in the building to the news…

OMG!!!

DC too?! Oh no, my family is there!!! I tried calling everyone back home only to hear busy signals on every line.  I tried calling my frat brothers in the NY area. Same thing!  The fear of not knowing about my loved ones is something I cant even describe.  Everyone was safe ultimately but man thats a scary feeling.  Due to the unknown (are there other planes, other targets, etc?) we shut down the office so our employees could be with their families. To add to the fears already present, we were surrounded by a variety of military installations and bridges and there was just too many unknowns to continue. 

The rest of the day I spent with my frat brother at home watching our favorite channel, FoxNews(gotta love those good ole boys!) as the details were released.  My mom, in her own journey for enlightenment, actually lived around the corner from me. We spent some time with her also to help keep her calm as all of my brothers and sisters were still in the DC area.  After the shock started to ease, I began to wonder….how do we respond to that?

7 years later I ask, have we responded to that?  In my humble opinion, I dont feel we did. Of course I am no longer in the inner workings of US Army (never really was besides being an order taker) so I can only comment on the pieces I do know.  We started off strong, I felt. I actually was impressed with Pres. Bush’s address that evening.  We attacked Afghanistan because they were harboring the extreme Muslim sect that we found to be responsible.  Fast forward a bit, and our focus changed towards Iraq. Huh?

Ok, Saddam wasnt a righteous man (neither are the majority of the US’s leaders though) but we were told he had WMD’s all over the desert and that we are in danger.  OK, I thought. But where is the evidence of these WMDs and evidence that Al Queda is going to get them?  7 years after the fact, we still aint found a WMD, we’re still occupying a nations that has a good 72 Bil just chilling, we are still paying for the Iraq war(not just financially but we’ve lost way too many good hearted americans looking to stand up for what they believed in) and the worst thing above all….the people responsible have not been brought to justice. That is inforgiveable….well more unacceptable (I do believe in forgiving, but not forgetting).

The right wing blogs are on fire today regarding 9/11.  Ive read so many entries thanking George Bush for keeping America safe.  Really?!  I dont know about you, but I feel about as safe as I did on 9/10/2001.  Another point Ive read a few times is that Obama’s speech after the attacks placed blame on the US for not empathizing with the extremist. They are eating that one up.  But answer this question for me…

Hypothetically speaking, if America was consistently occupied by another country to exploit its resources and our culture mocked by the visitors, if we were consistently abused in our own land…would we not stand up and fight? Youre gotdamn right we would.  We did during the Revolutionary War(if I am wrong blame the Reganomic led school systems of the 80’s, thats my source). Obama said we didnt see it from their point of view (GOP elite and the small hick towns that somehow feel they have your best interests in mind-look up empathy). But as usual, the Rove-nites will use anything they can to secure this election(i.e. Lipstickgate).

I am way too young to remember that though and so are our elders, you know, the old people. But their generation remembers WWII. The Japanese bombed Hawaii….lil ass Hawaii(no disrespect to yall however) and our response led to Japan getting a good ole American ass whooping!

Dont get me wrong, the dynamics are much different. Traditional war verses guerrilla tactics…yes the approach has to be different.  I am just saying that we took the wrong approach initially but didnt adapt and keep the objective in mind.  For 7 years we stayed the course with no justice brought to the men and women responsible for 9/11. Seems like we’ve been on the wrong course, huh.

Seven years later, my prayers go to the families of lost loved ones, the men and women who responded, AND to those responsible.  My God tells me to forgive. Even when it is hard, if He is willing to forgive then I should be willing to also. However, He is wise enough to remind me NEVER to forget also. 

We, as a country, have to recognize the efforts we contributed to. We can not force our ideaologies or ways of life on other cultures.  We can learn from our mistakes and be open to these cultures and respect their ways.  How they do things may not be how we do them. We can not exploit other cultures due to their ignorance for our own gain…that is not righteous. We can not play the victim when we practice forms of terrorism.  Ours may not be as extreme (dont get it twisted, we’ll blow up something in a heartbeat) but it is still a form of terrorism. But we can acknowledge our own errors and lead by example. We live in a global community now and we must explore as many ways to skin a cat as possible. 

That ability is one of the components of democracy ladies and gents.

Modern Democracy or Modern Monarchy?

Monarchy:
1. A state or government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch.

2. A system of government in which the chief ruler is a monarch.

monarchy. (n.d.). Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary. Retrieved September 12, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/monarchy
monarch. (n.d.). Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary. Retrieved September 12, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/monarch

Democracy:
1 a :government by the people; especially : rule of the majority b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectlythrough a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
2 : a political unit that has a democratic government

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Retrieved September 12, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/democracy

I had a conversation with a close friend yesterday after watching the O’Reilly interview with Obama. The Senator was explaining to Mr. O’Reilly how he intends to raise taxes for people making $250,000 or more. He says he plans to use the revenue generated to distribute equally to those who are not as wealthy. Mr. O’Reilly interrupted the Senator stating that that approach is “social warfare”. Basically pitting the upper class vs the lower and middle class. Mr. O’Reilly also mentioned that if that money is taken away from those impacted they will not be able or willing to invest. Thus, putting the US in an even more dire economic situation. Word?

Well, roughly, there are about 111 million households in the US (remember we are over 300 million citizens). About 1 in 50 households has an income of $250,000/yr. In other words, out of 300 million people about 2.2 million would be impacted. So 298 million people get a break (oh God, say it aint so!!!) while 2 million take home a little less. This approach has the potential to grow our economy. The majority should have the ability to invest also and would jump at the opportunity( as long as they are educated on how it works works of course because many of us invest in stuff that depreciates, that will come in a later blog).

It is known that those with the money have the power. The power to do anything they pretty much want to do. The money opens doors for them to get the best educations, live in the better neighborhoods, invest and allow their money to work for them and sustain a lifestyle that the majority of Americans dream of. A dream the majority cant reach presently because they dont have the income to reach the entire American dream.

That small percentage of people also have the resource to influence policies that benefit them and them alone. Their influence ensures their future generations will take their place. Whether politics or business. I was reminded yesterday that that is capatilism. I would be all for it if that small percentage would also allow Tyrone from Southeast DC, Mohammed from Bensonhurst, Tony from Scotts Depot, WV, or Maria from East Los Angelas the same opportunity instead of trying to keep them in a box.

Mr. O’Reilly says Senator Obama’s approach is social warfare. Well what do you call it when the minority controls the money/power and the majority struggles? My friend says thats capitalism. The idea that I got what I need and I am not sharing while the rest of you are on your own.

What happened to the addages “each one teach one” or “it takes a village…” or even “rule of the majority”? This moral value runs deep in the majority of Americans. As Americans we have responsibilities to our local and global communities. If you see two children fighting on the playground, do you stand there and watch them beat each other? When you see a terrorist hijacking a plane over PA, do you sit and let them kill more by accomplishing their mission? If you know a good hearted American (family, friend or stranger) and they are struggling financially, do you just tell them “good luck” or worse, “tough luck”?

I certainly hope not. What would seperate us from the so called heathen societies we are trying to bring democracy to? Or is it another means to control their money for a small number of beneficiaries here at home? Is our “democracy” a modern form of monarchy?

Please share your thoughts. If I am sounding like a moron by all means LET ME KNOW. Just remember to ask yourself this question that my friend asked me yesterday…

“If youre in a room with a bunch of crazy people, who’s really crazy?”

Peace!

Hey Joe! Whaddya Know?!

Joseph Wurzelbacher. Reknown plumber. Well, not reknown. Well….not quite a plumber either.  The McCain/Palin campaign have tried to another tactic in their race versus Obama/Biden. 

Here’s how I imagine the story:  A good ole boy of pure Ohioan stock was out playing football with his teenage son.  He notices Senator Barack Obama walking down his street in some fancy slacks and a designer shirt. I’m not sure what they would call this in the Toledo area, but where I’m from we refer to these as a “Awww No The Hell He Didnt” Moment.  Joe, going into his Alpha Male cycle, starts to contemplate his options. He could turn the other cheek and ignore the Senator, who he is SURE he is not supporting. Or…..confront Barack Obama. One option is no fun. The other might make him the toast of all the local bars frequented by his buddies.  Joe chose the latter.  He impressively “debates” with the Senator as he outlines how he is looking to purchase a business that will put him above $250,000 tax bracket and how Obama’s economic plan will limit his potential.

You know the rest from there. Obama makes a statement, the GOP tries to exploit, Joe’s named over 2 dozen times in a presidential debate, yadda yadda yadda. But low and behold the mention of his name as the new martyr for the GOP was pointless. As he is not registered or licensed to be a plumber in OH. Or MI. Or any state in the Union for that matter. And the fact that he is nowhere near close to purchasing this plumbing company.  Joe, take your tax break and stack that bread so you can go get certified then buy that business. Until then, what are you talking about, son?

Senator McCain said his supporters are some of the most American, most patriotic, most stand up kinda folks you’d ever want to be around. Even Joe?

Granted, Joe has not disgraced himself or his son by acting like the supporters McCain is defending.  But good ole Joe has a slight temper. Towards women.  The documents are sealed but, here, you can see he’s caught a case for slappin up the baby momma. In front of the baby!

Guilt By Association

Is this approach we are seeing from the GOP necessary? Uh…yeah when youre desperate.  I recall both parties making statements that neither would stoop to this level.  This may sound biased, but all i have seen from Obama’s camp was a result of the McCain attacks.

I was doing some name association online and found some interesting connections with McCain.  But I am not here to sway opinion. I encourage you to find out on your own. But one quote I came across confused the bejesus out of me:

MCCAIN: “Unfortunately, Governor Bush is a Pat Robertson Republican who will lose to Al Gore. … The political tactics of division and slander are not our values… They are corrupting influences on religion and politics, and those who practice them in the name of religion or in the name of the Republican Party or in the name of America shame our faith, our party and our country.Neither party should be defined by pandering to the outer reaches of American politics and the agents of intolerance, whether they be Louis Farrakhan or Al Sharpton on the left, or Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell on the right.”

This came from McCain 8 years ago. Maybe, like Ayers, he figured his original approach wasnt in his best interest. Can you say hypocrite?

There are countless Americans who have been associated with someone who’s made regrettable decisions.  People do change. Not to say that Mr. Ayers has or has not, but people change.  I have known criminals, gays, and good hearted people that would be considered terrorists (due to the vague definitions and overuse). Hell, the GOP would call me a terrorist!  But because I know these people (some have changed, some have not) it does not mean I agree with their views.  Many I have chosen to disassociate with because I find them hindering my personal growth.  Others are great people and upstanding Americans but we disagree on a number of issues. Mr. Obama acknowledged the man threw him a party and they served on the same board.  I work with many conservatives daily and for a conservative company. Does this mean I am a Republican? Are you telling me that McCain had no idea before picking Palin that she was about to be investigated for abusing her power as Governor or that her husband seems to be involved with Alaskan policy as the first dude?  If its a question of good judgement, McCain seems to be in the early stages of Ahlzeimers.

At the end of the day, its the individuals choice. An individual’s choice to succumb to persuasion or educate themself. An individual’s choice to renounce or defend their friend.  CHOICE. Conservatives, this a major theme in the Bible you hold as your guide. CHOICE. CHOICE. Individual choice.

Allow Hannity to help here: