“There is a remote, although gaining, possibility America’s military will intervene as a last resort to resolve the Obama Problem. Don’t dismiss it as unrealistic. America isn’t The Third World. If a military coup does occur here it will be civilized. That it has never happened doesn’t mean it won’t”. This is a quote written by John L. Perry which appeared in an article posted yesterday September 29, 2009 on the website Newsmax.com. The article has been removed with no explanation.
Umm, let me offer this definition from Article III of the U.S. Constitution: Treason - This word imports a betraying, treachery, or breach of allegiance. This offence is punished with death. By the same article of the Constitution, no person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.
Can I get a witness or two?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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It’s not funny or just a sick joke and it should be treated as a direct threat to the President of the United States. I’m sure you heard about the poll that was going around Facebook, which asked the question, “Should Obama be killed?” According to Facebook the poll was submitted by an anonymous user with an outside application and was taken down within hours of posting but not before 730 people responded. Conservatives are free to trot out the first amendment again but there are limits to free speech. One of which is you are not allowed to make threats against the President of the United States in fact it is a federal crime. Whether it was meant to be a joke or some college prank is irrelevant, the Secret Service has launched an investigation, with the help of Facebook and the user will be tracked down and prosecuted to the fullest extent the law allows for threats against the president.
Of course this is not an isolated incident. In fact according to the Secret Service, President Obama receives at least 30 threats a day, four times more than former President Bush and has been provided with Secret Service agents since he announced his intention to run for president in 2007. I wonder why. Have you heard about Steven Anderson the white pastor from Tempe Arizona? He preached a sermon entitled “Why I Hate Barack Obama”. Must be some of that new age religion. He preaches in his sermon that he prays President Obama would get brain cancer like Ted Kennedy and die. Anderson called his message “Spiritual Warfare”. Scary? How about this, at a rally where Obama was appearing the next day, one of Anderson’s parishioners showed up flaunting an assault rifle and a gun. Scarier still, the parishioner was a black man. Now there may be no law against praying for the death of the president but there has to be one for inciting violence against the president.
How about this, the Secret Service is investigating a Maryland man who held a sign, which read “Death to Obama” and “Death to Michelle and her two stupid kids” outside a town hall meeting. Earlier this summer a man stood across the street from a Presidential town hall meeting with his gun proudly and prominently displayed. So what is the conservative take on all of this? They say this is the latest sign of the public anger with the Obama healthcare plan. Hunh? How about this is the latest sign of more of these nut jobs coming out of the wood work fueled by the Republican party’s bitter, venomous and forceful opposition to all things Obama. How about the fact that they have done nothing to condemn or discourage these people. And how about they accept the blame for all the Facebook, Pastor Anderson, sign carrying, gun-toting idiots they’ve created.
Of course this is not an isolated incident. In fact according to the Secret Service, President Obama receives at least 30 threats a day, four times more than former President Bush and has been provided with Secret Service agents since he announced his intention to run for president in 2007. I wonder why. Have you heard about Steven Anderson the white pastor from Tempe Arizona? He preached a sermon entitled “Why I Hate Barack Obama”. Must be some of that new age religion. He preaches in his sermon that he prays President Obama would get brain cancer like Ted Kennedy and die. Anderson called his message “Spiritual Warfare”. Scary? How about this, at a rally where Obama was appearing the next day, one of Anderson’s parishioners showed up flaunting an assault rifle and a gun. Scarier still, the parishioner was a black man. Now there may be no law against praying for the death of the president but there has to be one for inciting violence against the president.
How about this, the Secret Service is investigating a Maryland man who held a sign, which read “Death to Obama” and “Death to Michelle and her two stupid kids” outside a town hall meeting. Earlier this summer a man stood across the street from a Presidential town hall meeting with his gun proudly and prominently displayed. So what is the conservative take on all of this? They say this is the latest sign of the public anger with the Obama healthcare plan. Hunh? How about this is the latest sign of more of these nut jobs coming out of the wood work fueled by the Republican party’s bitter, venomous and forceful opposition to all things Obama. How about the fact that they have done nothing to condemn or discourage these people. And how about they accept the blame for all the Facebook, Pastor Anderson, sign carrying, gun-toting idiots they’ve created.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
What Did You Expect Him To Say?
Well what did you expect him to say? When asked to comment on former President Jimmy’s Carter’s statements that criticisms of his policies are largely rooted in racism, Obama stated that he does not agree with this assessment. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs released a statement that said, “The president does not believe that criticism comes based on the color of his skin”. This doesn’t make what we as African-Americans have been saying since his critics began their assault of comparing him to Hitler, posting pictures of him as Amos ‘N Andy or in African tribal garb any less true. The birthers, tea baggers and White Pastors calling for his death…all racists. We know it’s true but what did you expect him to say?
The firestorm of negativity sparked by Carter’s comments was not unexpected. Of course the right wing whackos don’t see racism, they choose not to and in their eyes anyone who does is simply playing the race card. For them racism no longer exist and in their minds there is not a single racist white person in America. In fact, when charged themselves with racism his critics point to President Obama as an example that racism no longer exists in America…. after all we elected an African-American president. Rather than speak to his accusations directly, they chose to attack Jimmy Carter calling him senile, a Jew hater, a self-loathing southerner (whatever the hell that is) and ridiculing his presidency. Rush Limbaugh stated, “Jimmy Carter and Obama deserve each other, misery loves company”. On the Sean Hannity show he and Newt Gingrich discussed “Jimmy Carter’s latest stupidity”.
So if President Obama had stated that yes he agrees with former President Carter and yes he sees the racial component, his critics would use this as an excuse to condemn his administration and policies, the firestorm would have been far larger than we can imagine. His critics would have charged him with pandering to minorities. Let’s not forget his critics are the same people we’ve been calling racist. The same people who charge him with being a foreigner and not even born in the United States. The same people who loudly proclaim, “we want our country back”. Had he chosen to side with Carter he would have played into the hands of his so called legitimate critics, the Republican politicians who pander to these racist ideologues. All of a sudden they would claim they no longer see him as Black but as the Democratic President who sides with minorities. So what did you expect him to say?
And what about his African-American critics, those who accuse him of playing too nice. Yes he knows it’s there but he cannot make it his main focus. President Obama is only 8 months into his presidency and being the first African-American president he’s creating the playbook as he goes. He must be careful not to ignite the timber of latent racism in those whites that voted for him last November. Going forward in his presidency, he’s going to need the support of white democrats and he needs to build on the small percentage of independent votes he received last time. Specifically he needs to target white male voters, which not coincidentally is the focus of the conservative right with their racist tactics. Although African-Americans treated the last election as though it was the second coming and showed up in record numbers at the polls, we simply cannot be counted on to repeat ourselves. Obama has many more programs and bills to push through in his first term and if he intends to be around for a second he needs to appear to be a President for all the people and not one who indulges a specific minority.
So again I ask, what did you expect him to say? He simply cannot acknowledge what he and we all know.
The firestorm of negativity sparked by Carter’s comments was not unexpected. Of course the right wing whackos don’t see racism, they choose not to and in their eyes anyone who does is simply playing the race card. For them racism no longer exist and in their minds there is not a single racist white person in America. In fact, when charged themselves with racism his critics point to President Obama as an example that racism no longer exists in America…. after all we elected an African-American president. Rather than speak to his accusations directly, they chose to attack Jimmy Carter calling him senile, a Jew hater, a self-loathing southerner (whatever the hell that is) and ridiculing his presidency. Rush Limbaugh stated, “Jimmy Carter and Obama deserve each other, misery loves company”. On the Sean Hannity show he and Newt Gingrich discussed “Jimmy Carter’s latest stupidity”.
So if President Obama had stated that yes he agrees with former President Carter and yes he sees the racial component, his critics would use this as an excuse to condemn his administration and policies, the firestorm would have been far larger than we can imagine. His critics would have charged him with pandering to minorities. Let’s not forget his critics are the same people we’ve been calling racist. The same people who charge him with being a foreigner and not even born in the United States. The same people who loudly proclaim, “we want our country back”. Had he chosen to side with Carter he would have played into the hands of his so called legitimate critics, the Republican politicians who pander to these racist ideologues. All of a sudden they would claim they no longer see him as Black but as the Democratic President who sides with minorities. So what did you expect him to say?
And what about his African-American critics, those who accuse him of playing too nice. Yes he knows it’s there but he cannot make it his main focus. President Obama is only 8 months into his presidency and being the first African-American president he’s creating the playbook as he goes. He must be careful not to ignite the timber of latent racism in those whites that voted for him last November. Going forward in his presidency, he’s going to need the support of white democrats and he needs to build on the small percentage of independent votes he received last time. Specifically he needs to target white male voters, which not coincidentally is the focus of the conservative right with their racist tactics. Although African-Americans treated the last election as though it was the second coming and showed up in record numbers at the polls, we simply cannot be counted on to repeat ourselves. Obama has many more programs and bills to push through in his first term and if he intends to be around for a second he needs to appear to be a President for all the people and not one who indulges a specific minority.
So again I ask, what did you expect him to say? He simply cannot acknowledge what he and we all know.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Good Times
My alarm went off at 4:45 AM this morning, as it always does, and I sat on the edge of the bed preparing myself mentally to hit the gym for my workout before work. As I sat there rubbing my tired knees and thinking of how I miss the invincibility of youth, it occurred to me that I’ve got a birthday coming up next week. My initial thought was “Damn another birthday” but I quickly took it back. I remembered all those who have gone on before me and those who didn’t make it nearly as far as me. Tyra, Daryl, Dennis, Lloyd so many and so young, way too many to list. So I took a moment to thank God for allowing me to progress this far.
When I made it to the gym turned on my iPod and began my morning run, my playlist took me back. The good old days. Back to when albums included liner notes to read hell in fact we called them albums and not CD’s. Back to when we had bands to listen to. Earth Wind & Fire, Parliament, Tower of Power, Kool & the Gang…“Jungle Boogie”. Back to when Lady Sang the Blues and was suffering from a Love Hangover. When you could say, “What’s up blood” and not start a gang fight. I remembered when dances had names to them and described what you were doing, the four corners, the breakdown, and the penguin. I thought of the trends music took us through from bell-bottom high school days with big Afros to disco with Angel Flight pants and Roland shirts, the funk of the 70’s and 80’s it all came rushing back.
Remember the first time you heard Luther? Velvety smooth and soothing “A chair is still a chair” and how we thought Teena Marie was the shit? Remember when she fell in love with Casanova Brown? I remembered the great artists no longer with us, Marvin, Phyllis Hyman and most recently Michael. Did anybody else do the “Thriller” dance when the video came out? And I can’t be the only one who attempted to dance the entire 18 minutes or so of Marvin’s “Got To Give It Up”. Fat Burgers (the real ones you needed a knife and fork to eat), Golden Bird, “change back from your dollar”. What’s Happenin’, The Good Times, Sanford & Son and The Jeffersons. It all came back to me.
I thought of how far I’ve come from that frightened 17 year old arriving at the USC dorms alone and terrified to think of what my future might hold. Pretending to be confident but shaking in my boots. I remembered how quickly I made friends and how most of them have lasted a lifetime. I remembered bringing Michael home and thinking “what the hell am I doing, I don’t know anything about raising a child”. Thank you Tanya, Greg, Brandol, Monique, Lloyd, Natalie, Linda, Ferne… thank you Grandma Sallie…it really does take a village.
I remembered the first time I met Wick and thinking “what an arrogant asshole”…who knew? I remembered being handed the keys to 3106 W. 78th Street and how he and I celebrated with a six-pack of Millers sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace. I thought of all the Gumbo Christmases spent there with Michael and all of his kids. I remembered the joy of my 50th birthday celebration in the backyard with my family and friends and how excited everyone was to hear and dance to all of the old music again.
I thought of my mother and father and all of my sisters and how thankful I am to still have them with me. I thought of what it would be like to celebrate another birthday and how grateful I am for all that I have. I thought and I remembered it all and I felt sweat running down my face…or it may have been tears, who knows…it was a long run.
When I made it to the gym turned on my iPod and began my morning run, my playlist took me back. The good old days. Back to when albums included liner notes to read hell in fact we called them albums and not CD’s. Back to when we had bands to listen to. Earth Wind & Fire, Parliament, Tower of Power, Kool & the Gang…“Jungle Boogie”. Back to when Lady Sang the Blues and was suffering from a Love Hangover. When you could say, “What’s up blood” and not start a gang fight. I remembered when dances had names to them and described what you were doing, the four corners, the breakdown, and the penguin. I thought of the trends music took us through from bell-bottom high school days with big Afros to disco with Angel Flight pants and Roland shirts, the funk of the 70’s and 80’s it all came rushing back.
Remember the first time you heard Luther? Velvety smooth and soothing “A chair is still a chair” and how we thought Teena Marie was the shit? Remember when she fell in love with Casanova Brown? I remembered the great artists no longer with us, Marvin, Phyllis Hyman and most recently Michael. Did anybody else do the “Thriller” dance when the video came out? And I can’t be the only one who attempted to dance the entire 18 minutes or so of Marvin’s “Got To Give It Up”. Fat Burgers (the real ones you needed a knife and fork to eat), Golden Bird, “change back from your dollar”. What’s Happenin’, The Good Times, Sanford & Son and The Jeffersons. It all came back to me.
I thought of how far I’ve come from that frightened 17 year old arriving at the USC dorms alone and terrified to think of what my future might hold. Pretending to be confident but shaking in my boots. I remembered how quickly I made friends and how most of them have lasted a lifetime. I remembered bringing Michael home and thinking “what the hell am I doing, I don’t know anything about raising a child”. Thank you Tanya, Greg, Brandol, Monique, Lloyd, Natalie, Linda, Ferne… thank you Grandma Sallie…it really does take a village.
I remembered the first time I met Wick and thinking “what an arrogant asshole”…who knew? I remembered being handed the keys to 3106 W. 78th Street and how he and I celebrated with a six-pack of Millers sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace. I thought of all the Gumbo Christmases spent there with Michael and all of his kids. I remembered the joy of my 50th birthday celebration in the backyard with my family and friends and how excited everyone was to hear and dance to all of the old music again.
I thought of my mother and father and all of my sisters and how thankful I am to still have them with me. I thought of what it would be like to celebrate another birthday and how grateful I am for all that I have. I thought and I remembered it all and I felt sweat running down my face…or it may have been tears, who knows…it was a long run.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
I Ain't Buying It Tim
“You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known, I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States." Tim Hardaway’s words not mine from over two years ago. Words which in my opinion rightly cost him his post NBA career and sponsorships. People are entitled to their opinions but in spite of that whole 1st Amendment thing there is a price to be paid for making your opinions so public.
Well Tim is back in the news and it would appear his bigoted heart has changed. Or has it? His charity, The Tim Hardaway Foundation this week donated money to The Trevor Project whose mission is to fight suicide among gay teams. It looks as if Tim is reaching out to the LGBT community in an effort to rectify, by his own admission, homophobic statements.
I question the timeliness of Mr. Hardaway’s act of generosity as this week the Miami Heat, in honor of the six seasons he played with them, has chosen to retire Tim’s No. 10 jersey. Coincidence or a ploy to avoid controversy? After all the Trevor Project has been around for over 10 years and Tim has made no visible attempt to reach out to them in the more than 2 years since his hateful statements. And then he spoke, again.
What he said, “Gays and lesbians we don’t have to accept the act but we have to accept them as people.” We don’t have to accept the act? I’m pretty sure gay people are not sitting around awaiting your acceptance and, Tim, your statement is still judgmental. When asked by a reporter whether or not he would still refuse to play with a gay player, Tim stated “We have a right to know. We’d say, ‘How do you want to do this? Do you want to go in the shower first, or do you want me to go in the shower first?’ Why is he so fixated on showering with gay men? Believe it or not Tim but not every gay man wants to have sex with you and you have more than likely showered with many a gay man in your basketball career and never even knew it.
Mr. Hardaway summed it up best himself when he said, “The endorsements will never come back. People have taken that and it’s gone. I understand that. I’m trying to look for work and provide for my family. All that stuff has left me high and dry. I have to dig for work.” So not really a change of heart at all is it Tim? And none of your charitable efforts are about helping gay people but in fact finding work for yourself and maintaining the millionaire lifestyle to which you’ve become accustomed. Can’t say I blame you we all want to provide for our families the best we can. So, good luck with that Tim. Hopefully you won’t end up working with some flaming homosexual who insist on showering with you before you start work each day.
Well Tim is back in the news and it would appear his bigoted heart has changed. Or has it? His charity, The Tim Hardaway Foundation this week donated money to The Trevor Project whose mission is to fight suicide among gay teams. It looks as if Tim is reaching out to the LGBT community in an effort to rectify, by his own admission, homophobic statements.
I question the timeliness of Mr. Hardaway’s act of generosity as this week the Miami Heat, in honor of the six seasons he played with them, has chosen to retire Tim’s No. 10 jersey. Coincidence or a ploy to avoid controversy? After all the Trevor Project has been around for over 10 years and Tim has made no visible attempt to reach out to them in the more than 2 years since his hateful statements. And then he spoke, again.
What he said, “Gays and lesbians we don’t have to accept the act but we have to accept them as people.” We don’t have to accept the act? I’m pretty sure gay people are not sitting around awaiting your acceptance and, Tim, your statement is still judgmental. When asked by a reporter whether or not he would still refuse to play with a gay player, Tim stated “We have a right to know. We’d say, ‘How do you want to do this? Do you want to go in the shower first, or do you want me to go in the shower first?’ Why is he so fixated on showering with gay men? Believe it or not Tim but not every gay man wants to have sex with you and you have more than likely showered with many a gay man in your basketball career and never even knew it.
Mr. Hardaway summed it up best himself when he said, “The endorsements will never come back. People have taken that and it’s gone. I understand that. I’m trying to look for work and provide for my family. All that stuff has left me high and dry. I have to dig for work.” So not really a change of heart at all is it Tim? And none of your charitable efforts are about helping gay people but in fact finding work for yourself and maintaining the millionaire lifestyle to which you’ve become accustomed. Can’t say I blame you we all want to provide for our families the best we can. So, good luck with that Tim. Hopefully you won’t end up working with some flaming homosexual who insist on showering with you before you start work each day.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Fear Of A Black President
In response to an audience question at a town hall meeting held in Atlanta yesterday, former President Jimmy Carter stated SC congressman Joe Wilson’s Outburst interrupting President Obama’s speech was “based on racism”. Carter went on to say “there is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president.” and that Wilson’s outburst was a disturbing trend directed at the president that has included demonstrators equating Obama to Nazi leaders. Sound familiar?
The Republican response has been that Carter has played the “race card” and nothing could be further from the truth. How typical. The only thing missing from their response was for them to trot out Wilson’s Black best friend. Oh wait, Michael Steele the African-American Republican National Committee Chairman got in on the act accusing Democrats of using the race issue to shift attention away from the health care plan. The race issue? And from a Black man no less.
Why is that whenever race is mentioned as a possible cause or motivation for the actions of these conservative Republicans and their talking heads the defense is the “race card” accusation, as if racism could not possibly be involved and would be ridiculous to suggest? It’s not that they don’t see it but simply refuse to acknowledge it or acknowledge the fact that racism has distorted their view of President Obama as the leader of this country. So the debate will consist of denials of racism by the Republicans who will state that it’s the administration’s policies they disagree with. Maybe but that doesn’t explain the constant disrespect of or explain the underlying factors spurring the ongoing negative reactions against the president.
In response to Carter’s statement Wilson’s son came out in defense of his father stating, “Nothing could be further from the truth” and “he doesn’t even laugh at distasteful jokes” and of course “there’s not a racist bone in his body”. Really. In fact when Essie Mae Washington-Williams identified SC Sen. Strom Thurmond as her father upon his death in 2003, Wilson called it unseemly and a smear. As a state senator he was one of the main proponents of efforts to keep the Confederate flag waving at the state capital. The Confederate flag, that shameless reminder of slavery and segregation in the south. The flag used as a symbol of hate by many racist groups including the KKK. Not a racist?
Finally, the most telling point to come from former President Carter was when speaking of having been raised in the south he said, “That racism inclination still exists, and I think it’s bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the south but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It’s an abominable circumstance and it grieves me and concerns me deeply”. Me too Jimmy, me too.
The Republican response has been that Carter has played the “race card” and nothing could be further from the truth. How typical. The only thing missing from their response was for them to trot out Wilson’s Black best friend. Oh wait, Michael Steele the African-American Republican National Committee Chairman got in on the act accusing Democrats of using the race issue to shift attention away from the health care plan. The race issue? And from a Black man no less.
Why is that whenever race is mentioned as a possible cause or motivation for the actions of these conservative Republicans and their talking heads the defense is the “race card” accusation, as if racism could not possibly be involved and would be ridiculous to suggest? It’s not that they don’t see it but simply refuse to acknowledge it or acknowledge the fact that racism has distorted their view of President Obama as the leader of this country. So the debate will consist of denials of racism by the Republicans who will state that it’s the administration’s policies they disagree with. Maybe but that doesn’t explain the constant disrespect of or explain the underlying factors spurring the ongoing negative reactions against the president.
In response to Carter’s statement Wilson’s son came out in defense of his father stating, “Nothing could be further from the truth” and “he doesn’t even laugh at distasteful jokes” and of course “there’s not a racist bone in his body”. Really. In fact when Essie Mae Washington-Williams identified SC Sen. Strom Thurmond as her father upon his death in 2003, Wilson called it unseemly and a smear. As a state senator he was one of the main proponents of efforts to keep the Confederate flag waving at the state capital. The Confederate flag, that shameless reminder of slavery and segregation in the south. The flag used as a symbol of hate by many racist groups including the KKK. Not a racist?
Finally, the most telling point to come from former President Carter was when speaking of having been raised in the south he said, “That racism inclination still exists, and I think it’s bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the south but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It’s an abominable circumstance and it grieves me and concerns me deeply”. Me too Jimmy, me too.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
9/12 Celebration
In case you missed it. After all the celebrations and remembrances of 9/11, a day our nation mourned for the loss of lives due to senseless terrorist attacks of the World Trade center and the Pentagon. A day when families gathered to grieve for loved ones and families torn apart by senseless violence. A day to be remembered as the one when we as a nation came together Black, White, Brown, Asian all unified by the horror of the attacks and the reality of what it meant for our nation to be assaulted for the first time on our own soil. Yet, there it was for the entire world to see a day after these celebrations, the beginning of a new celebration and they called it 9/12. An organized protest rally on the national mall in Washington DC. A rally mobilized of course by right wing conservative mostly whacko Republican radio and TV talk show hosts. If you listen to the estimates from these organizers there were more than a million people although the official number puts it closer to 50,000. Still, quite a few angry people. Angry at what you ask? You got it President Obama, again.
My first thought was, this is becoming the same old same old, again and again when will these nut jobs get tired. But the reality is that they will not stop and we have to pay attention. Something has got to be done to counter what is becoming a ridiculous cry for attention from the Republican Party. A party that in the first days following the election of Obama was torn apart and seemed destined to become the party of the past. A party, which knew it had to gather their forces if ever they were to be taken seriously again. And rally they did. It is no coincidence that these protest always include some vocal Republican leader. The fact is that this vocal minority grows larger and larger with each ludicrous protest.
What I found most interesting were the signs these protestors carried referencing a take back of our country, socialism (the new word for nigger), communism, comparisons to Hitler and Nazism and “Death to Obamacare like Ted Kennedy” and of course my new personal favorite “Obama bin lyin”. These sickos are planting seeds in the minds of bigots already resentful of an African American leader. And these people who did not come up with these signs by themselves.
My question is what do we do to oppose these rallies, town hall meetings and the like? When do we start rallying in support of our president? We can say this movement is small and does not represent America as a whole. You think? But we need to open our eyes and realize that although this movement against Obama is small today and may appear to be a joke, it grows daily and has to be countered in some way. I know I’m repeating myself but these people have got to be stopped. This is nothing more than a not so thinly veiled racist movement to remove President Obama from power or at the least to assure he is not re-elected.
My first thought was, this is becoming the same old same old, again and again when will these nut jobs get tired. But the reality is that they will not stop and we have to pay attention. Something has got to be done to counter what is becoming a ridiculous cry for attention from the Republican Party. A party that in the first days following the election of Obama was torn apart and seemed destined to become the party of the past. A party, which knew it had to gather their forces if ever they were to be taken seriously again. And rally they did. It is no coincidence that these protest always include some vocal Republican leader. The fact is that this vocal minority grows larger and larger with each ludicrous protest.
What I found most interesting were the signs these protestors carried referencing a take back of our country, socialism (the new word for nigger), communism, comparisons to Hitler and Nazism and “Death to Obamacare like Ted Kennedy” and of course my new personal favorite “Obama bin lyin”. These sickos are planting seeds in the minds of bigots already resentful of an African American leader. And these people who did not come up with these signs by themselves.
My question is what do we do to oppose these rallies, town hall meetings and the like? When do we start rallying in support of our president? We can say this movement is small and does not represent America as a whole. You think? But we need to open our eyes and realize that although this movement against Obama is small today and may appear to be a joke, it grows daily and has to be countered in some way. I know I’m repeating myself but these people have got to be stopped. This is nothing more than a not so thinly veiled racist movement to remove President Obama from power or at the least to assure he is not re-elected.
Kanye Needs To Shut Up
Kanye, Kanye, Kanye what were you thinking? Or more importantly what were his friends and handlers who were with him and didn’t stop him thinking? Sunday night at the MTV video awards Kanye West took it upon himself to be judge and jury. Apparently upset at the selection of Taylor Swift over Beyonce as best female video of the year, the nut job West took to the stage and commandeered the microphone from Taylor to state his disapproval of her win over Beyonce who he said “had one of the best videos of all time”. What is wrong with this man, excuse me this bitch because that was definitely a bitch ass move. Would he have taken to the stage in such a manner if the winner had been ‘Lil Wayne or T.I.? I doubt that he would have grabbed the microphone from either of them without fear of a serious beat down. No he chose her because he knew he could get away with it because she is a woman. Again, a bitch ass move. Was he drunk or is he attempting career suicide. Not only did he choose a woman for this ridiculous stunt but he chose a young blond blue eyed country singer with a squeaky clean image. I’m sure there are Klansmen all over the country longing for the good ole days when they would have simply hung him from a tree afterward and been done with it. Come on dude have you never heard of Emmett Till? Times have not changed that much my brother. You may need to watch your back. Seriously though, I don’t know much about Taylor Swift and I’m not a fan of country music but she won the award and he stole her moment. A moment that could not even be recaptured when Beyonce received her award and allowed Taylor to finish her acceptance speech. Kanye is selfish, egotistical and indicative of the prevalent “celebrity attitude” common among artist today. The attitude that allows them to be assholes and to get away with it. Shame on you Kanye and shame on us for continuing to support his increasingly bizarre behavior.
Joe Wilson Presidential Heckler
Why are we surprised at the outburst from South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson during Presidents Obama’s address to Congress Wednesday night? The conservative talk show heads have been urging, no demanding that people disrupt town hall meetings in exactly the same fashion for months now and boy have they. The Limbaughs, Hannitys, Becks and the likes have made it clear that they do not want the American public to hear a word spoken by our president or his administration and it’s clear that Joe Wilson agrees with them. Had that been an African-American Congressman interrupting George Bush by calling him a liar he would have received a swift political lynching and within a day his political career would have been over. I hate to repeat myself but this is just another example of the disrespect for our President and another blatant display of the racism and hatred alive and well in this country.
So what did Mr. Wilson do to redeem himself? He was forced to issue a stock apology and immediately booked an appearance on Sean Hannity’s conservative talk show where he stated that he stands by his comments. STANDS BY HIS COMMENTS? I’m sorry but why isn’t disrupting the President of the United States during his speech to Congress and calling him a liar not an act of treason? The man should be removed from office immediately or at the least receive some serious form of censure. When has an elected official been allowed to shout out during a Presidential address to congress? Hannity agreed with Wilson that the President is indeed a liar and Wilson thanked Hannity and talk radio for pushing the issue and educating the public. WHAT? Educating the public? How about using scare tactics and untruths to mobilize an army of already resentful and hateful bigots and whack jobs to come out of hiding and angrily voice their loathing for the first African-American President.
It is one thing to disagree with the President and his policies but it is another thing entirely to let the halls of congress devolve into a venue like Jerry Springer. And do you really believe Joe Wilson when he says he’s received less than 50 disapproving calls for his disruption? If so this exhibition of presidential heckling is a direct reflection of the district he represents. Which doesn’t make it okay but at least explains his actions.
So what did Mr. Wilson do to redeem himself? He was forced to issue a stock apology and immediately booked an appearance on Sean Hannity’s conservative talk show where he stated that he stands by his comments. STANDS BY HIS COMMENTS? I’m sorry but why isn’t disrupting the President of the United States during his speech to Congress and calling him a liar not an act of treason? The man should be removed from office immediately or at the least receive some serious form of censure. When has an elected official been allowed to shout out during a Presidential address to congress? Hannity agreed with Wilson that the President is indeed a liar and Wilson thanked Hannity and talk radio for pushing the issue and educating the public. WHAT? Educating the public? How about using scare tactics and untruths to mobilize an army of already resentful and hateful bigots and whack jobs to come out of hiding and angrily voice their loathing for the first African-American President.
It is one thing to disagree with the President and his policies but it is another thing entirely to let the halls of congress devolve into a venue like Jerry Springer. And do you really believe Joe Wilson when he says he’s received less than 50 disapproving calls for his disruption? If so this exhibition of presidential heckling is a direct reflection of the district he represents. Which doesn’t make it okay but at least explains his actions.
Maxine Maxine
So Maxine Waters who was a fervent Hilary Clinton supporter and avid Obama basher has suddenly come out of hiding. The same Maxine Waters who has been missing in action for the past eight months of Obama’s presidency. Is this unexpected appearance to show support for our president in his fight for healthcare or to speak out against the conservative talk show heads, the birthers or those who call the President a Socialist and compare him to Hitler? No, it’s to make a threat against the president. Ms. Waters has made numerous radio and television talk show appearances in the past several weeks to let President Obama know that she will not vote for a healthcare plan that does not include a public option and that he needs to get tough.
Now I too am in support of the public option but I also know how important it is for the Democrats to make a show of solidarity and given the fact the Democrats control both houses, they can push through any bill they want. I have spoken privately with friends and agree that it is time for Obama to get tough. But I have done this privately. Rather than make these public statements, which may push Obama into making a show to impose his presidency, how about a meeting with the President and key Democrats to work through this. Why be so public in her comments. I think it’s because Ms. Waters still doesn’t support Obama’s presidency. She stated during the primaries that Obama wasn’t ready. A sentiment strongly held by old school civil rights leaders like Jesse Jackson and others who were envious of his almost meteoric rise to power. Her silence the last eight months and sudden reappearance suggest that her opinion has not changed and it’s time for her and others to do so. These are the same people who insist that Obama has lost his “mojo” and has not delivered on his campaign promises. Well what politician does? And come on it’s only been eight months.
While it’s okay to speak out there is a time and a place for everything. We may not agree with every move he makes but President Obama deserves our support and we have to remain confident that he will lead us in the right direction. Isn’t that why we put him in office?
Now I too am in support of the public option but I also know how important it is for the Democrats to make a show of solidarity and given the fact the Democrats control both houses, they can push through any bill they want. I have spoken privately with friends and agree that it is time for Obama to get tough. But I have done this privately. Rather than make these public statements, which may push Obama into making a show to impose his presidency, how about a meeting with the President and key Democrats to work through this. Why be so public in her comments. I think it’s because Ms. Waters still doesn’t support Obama’s presidency. She stated during the primaries that Obama wasn’t ready. A sentiment strongly held by old school civil rights leaders like Jesse Jackson and others who were envious of his almost meteoric rise to power. Her silence the last eight months and sudden reappearance suggest that her opinion has not changed and it’s time for her and others to do so. These are the same people who insist that Obama has lost his “mojo” and has not delivered on his campaign promises. Well what politician does? And come on it’s only been eight months.
While it’s okay to speak out there is a time and a place for everything. We may not agree with every move he makes but President Obama deserves our support and we have to remain confident that he will lead us in the right direction. Isn’t that why we put him in office?
Just A Thought
Am I in the Twilight Zone? Why is Conservative America in an uproar over President Obama's scheduled address to grade school children? Since when does The White House have to "pitch" the idea of a presidential address to the nation's schools? Really? The president has taken time out of his schedule to address a bunch of kids who can't even vote about the importance of working hard, staying in school, and becoming active in their communities, and there's a question of the politics behind it? What the hell is wrong with people? No one took to the streets with picket signs and compared him to Hitler when President Bush Sr. addressed schools, nor were people upset about Reagan's school-time address. Why was it all right for President Bush to sit idly by reading a book in a classroom while the Twin Towers were under attack in New York? You have to have some very big balls to even suggest the need to "review" his address before deciding if it's sensible enough to show to kids. He’s the President of the United States for Christ sake! Why are we even giving these people airtime? Whether he wants to address schools, churches, or Port-o-potties, it should be his prerogative. The blatant disrespect of this president and his administration should not be tolerated and has gone on for far to long. Quite simply the vitriol of racism, homophobia and bigotry from these people has got to be stopped.
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