Every four years the votes of minorities and other unsuspecting voters have their right to vote in the General Election challenged by the GOP. This 2008 election is no different. It seems that there is a Republican led effort to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters in Michigan. Incredibly alarming, to say the least.
How can America pride herself on monitoring elections in other countries for irregularities, but allow this same practice to go unchecked annually, and especially every fours years.
Macomby County Chairman James Carabelli should be in jail, not walking around freely. These illegal and hostile tactics have always gone too far, and this year is no exception. Foreclosures occur in this country every single day. The foreclosure crisis is not a reason to further add insult to injury by striking American citizens from the rolls. Mr. Carabelli is inhumane and his political operatives are as well.
Voters in swing states have been hurt by the same type of anti-democratic tactics in past elections. It comes as no surprise that this newest scheme is an attempt to keep voters who are more likely to vote for Democrats out of the voting booths come election day. But not this time! This time I have news for Mr. Carabelli and his elk, we in America are watching you very closely. You sir, are what is wrong with this countries GOP officials, you seek to dirty the election season with unsavory practices and then find "creative" ways to defend what you are doing. If you believe in your Presidential candidate, then why stoop so low?!
Thankfully, the Obama campaign has gladly joined its resources with the Democratic National Committee and thousands of affected citizens in bringing legal challenges to this farce perpetrated by the GOP. When I think of how Michigan has been devastated by the Bush-McCain economy and the home foreclosure crisis, I feel especially sad about this slimmy practice of causing them more harm.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden have charted a clear course to help rebuild the middle class. Under their plan, 95% of American families will get a tax cut, energy rebates will help with the high cost of gas, and businesses who ship American jobs overseas will be punished. Perhaps this is the reason why the GOP in Michigan have stooped so low to strike tax-paying Michigan citizens from the rolls. Well, not this time! This time this election must be won on principal, not underhandedness.
As an average American who is watching this Presidential Election chart its course, I realize the problems that we must deal with. We are facing real problems and I want a President that actually knows and understands what Americans are facing. I want a President that has a real solution and not one that is clueless (we already have that).
John McCain keeps saying that the "fundamentals of our economy are sound", his economic advisor, Phil Gramm, called us a "Nation of whiners"! JM is estranged from the problems that face this country. The policies that JM seeks to implement are not new ones--they are the same ones (as Bushes). JM has lobbyists advising him or what to say and do. Is he out of touch with Americans?
Let's take a closer look:
1. He has proposed no changes from what we already have.
2. He does not know how many houses he owns. We had to wait while he checked with his "staff".
3. Does he know how much the average person spends on groceries per week, month, and year?
4. He purposely and willfully chooses to employ people such as Phil Gramm, who is just as out of touch as JM.
5. Instead of coming up with a real plan to help ease the economic crisis and continuing strain on American families--he wants to appoint a committee? Either you have answers or you don't.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama is actively engaged in the solutions business. He is working at putting the middle-class first. His tax cuts will benefit 95% of working class Americans. He will fight the special interest groups that have shipped American jobs to foreign lands. He believes in securing our futures by putting Americans back to work in the alternative energy fields.
I feel like I know the Barack's and Joe's in this country. However, I have never met anyone like John McCain and Sarah Palin, and I don't want to!! Eight is Enough.
John McCain is out-of-touch with economic realities.
Here's why,
1. In an economy where millions of people across the United States are afraid of losing their primary residence...he has the audacity not to know how many homes he owns.
2. He defines rich as making $5 million or more. So where does the middle class begin in John McCain's mind? 3.5 million perhaps?! And what of the poor? Maybe John McCain thinks the poor are earning $70,000 and below. So, I guess he thinks that homeless persons are earning $25,000 per year.
3. Has he finished Alan Greenspan's book yet?
4. McCain thinks "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." For who? With the mortgage crisis taking people’s houses and gas prices rising, just who is McCain talking about?
5. Can he even recall the last time he personally pumped gas?
6. McCain thinks multimillionaires are members of the middle class, homeowners are to blame for the housing crisis, and Big Oil needs more tax breaks but middle class families don’t.
On the other hand...
Barack Obama is the clear choice for American families. Barack will put the middle class first. He’ll pass a middle class tax cut that gives 95% of working Americans a tax cut of up to $1,000--and he’ll give families an emergency energy rebate to help folks cope with rising gas prices. He’ll offer students a $4,000 tax break to pay for tuition in exchange for doing 100 hours of community service. And he’ll raise the minimum wage and index it to inflation. That’s change we can believe in.
Here's what I wrote of my Convention experience on 8/27/08:
The Convention so far has been awesome/great/fantastic and everything that I dreamed it would be. It is both chaotic and organized. Big and small. I am inside of the Pepsi Center working for the Transportation Dept. I do different tasks, for example I am directing the flow of traffic and opening doors, and driving the golf carts inside of the venue. I see hundreds of Secret Service men and women, and sometimes I am able to stop to chat a bit with the more friendly ones, but most of the time I wave at them as I am doing my job, which changes throughout the day. I have met at least 15 Governors past and present. I saw former Governor of California, Governor Gray. I see 100's, literally hundreds of members of Congress from Representatives to Senators. I spoke to Maxine Waters of California. I saw Geraldine Ferraro. Everyday brings a new challenge of some sort. From trying to help establish functioning logistical plans with my grounds supervisors to helping members of congress get credentials to their family and friends.When I put on the Orange Shirt, everyone and their grandmother stops me, because they are hurrying to and from and the other staffers and volunteers direct them to us. So far, I kid you not, I have answers 300 questions at least. I have seen the following famous persons/ celebrities/ TV personalities and etc:1. Louis Gossett Jr.-- I took his picture and spoke to him briefly.2. Cedric The Entertainer-- took a picture of him from far away.3. Spike Lee-- he was using his cell phone.4. Morris Day --I drove him and his crew in my golf cart5. Attorney General of Louisiana--I drove him in my golf cart6. Attorney General of Tennessee-- I drove him in my golf cart7. Chuck Todd of MSNBC- spoke to him.8. Chris Matthews of Hardball--took his picture9. Star Jones-- saw her in another golf cart. I was supposed to pick her up and take her to the VIP stop, but I did not make it in time, so she had to take another golf cart.10. Donna Brazile11. James Carville12. Brit Hume of FOX NEWS13. Gwen Eiffel of PBS14. The Actor that plays opposite Will Smith on Fresh Prince.15. Omarossa--I drove her in my golf cart and took a picture with her.16. Sheryl Lee Ralph--I opened the door and she was coming out. I did not know it was her until she stepped through it. I was being courteous to the lady coming through the door and as luck would have it--it was Sheryl Lee Ralph (Designing Women), and she is really georgous!!17. Claire Maclaskill, Missouri Senator was being interviewed by Chuck Todd.18. Terry McCauliff, Hillary's guy.19. Rev Joseph Lowery--I drove him and his family in my golf cart and chatted with him.20. Katie CuracThere are many people that I've seen whose picture I did not take, because it is not always feasible to do so. And there are times when I am too busy to stop. A lot of famous people are out here and you can run into them in the ladies room, downtown at a cafe, at the hotels, getting in and out of cabs, walking down the street, eating in restaurants, going on the shuttle, jogging, shopping, driving, and you name it. You don't know when or where you will see someone, but the best part about what I am doing everyday is helping the regular folks.I missed Richard Gere, Susan Sorandan (can't spell her name right now). I have not had anyone complain about my service yet. And everyone that I help are gracious and I have yet to encounter anyone that is mean. People keep trying to tip me for helping them and some of them just aggressively demand that they tip me for my service. I get more flack from the people that think they know what they are doing, who keep trying to tell me how to do my job. I just smile and did into my extra patience and keep right on doing what I am supposed to be doing.I love this experience and I wish to guys could be out here with me. I see so many people and I don't always recall the shows they were on or the musical group they were with, but I can tell you that I do recognize the regular people that I have helped!!I am working a lot with the Delegates, members of Congress, and VIP....this job is huge...huge. We are the most coveted positions out here. My title is Special Services. I help the handicaps, elderly, and all sorts of people with limitations. I have to juggle all things at once, and without a radio. The crowds of people are.... I move around the Pepsi Center Venue all day long for the most part. We do receive a free box lunch once per day. If you are lucky, you might get two meals by grabbing someone elses. Water is like gold out here and it goes fast, is rarely cold, and never turned down. The police, swat teams units, canine dogs, Secret Service, Paramedics, fire fighters, Pepsi Center Security, and thousands of volunteers, are all over the place here. Downtown Denver has sharp shooters of some roof tops. The city is very clean. The 16th Street Mall is very popular, so people are out early in the morning riding it up and down the blocks. You cannot turn around without bumping into someone with an Obama sticker, button, hat, t-shirt, poster, mug, and etc. Don't believe the hype that Obama is having trouble winning over white males and white females, I can personally attest to the fact that at least thousands and thousands of people from all races, religions, sexes, sexual origins, and so on--and so on, are here in Denver supporting Obama. He will win Colorado by a landslide. I spoke to a retired 2-star General, at the Hyatt, on Tuesday evening, and he told me that he personally knows Wesley Clark. And he gave me his privileged opinion of John McCain. He explained to me personally, while he starred into my eyes at the bar, while holding right hand in his...that John McCain "MUST NOT WIN THIS ELECTION UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES"....furthermore, he said, "miss, the man absolutely hates women," these are his words exactly and not mine!!!! This General allowed me to take my picture with him and thanked me. His wife was gracious the entire time and she echoed his words. He told me that this election bears importance of such magnitude. He told me also that, "we must get Barack Obama elected". The way he said this sent chills down my spine.
On Friday, I am headed to the Denver Convention. I am so excited that I just cannot wait. I will be taking my laptop with me so that I can communicate with all of my fellow bloggers.
This is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life! Go Barack Go!!!
I officially became one of "those" people without a job. I'm not being condescending, instead I'm picking at myself. Humor is the only thing that keeps me going anyhow.
My supervisor told me that I could count on her for a reference and I will do that. Unlike a lot of people, I do have resources available to me because I have family that can provide me with a home should it come to that.
I feel lucky because I have my health and I am very motivated to find other means of employment. I will be just fine.
I know of all the sayings in times like these. All those wise words will give me a lot of comfort and I cherish the support of my Obama family, so I know that I am in good hands.
I am looking forward to this new beginning and ridding myself of all the things that were holding me back from pursuing other alternatives in life. Now I am free to do what I need to do! I did not like the job and I don't feel sad about not having it any longer, instead I feel like there is something else that I am supposed to go do now.
I am fortunate and I am very blessed. Life has always taken different turns for me and I am prepared to face what I need to face in order to make the best possible choices that I can make going forward.
I started looking for another job as soon as I came home today and I have not stopped since. It is now 10:59 pm and I am working the interent--with the exception of this small break that I am taking to write this blog.
I love life and I am proud to admit that life has not always been kind to me, because it is living up to its promise. There is no such thing as a free ride in life and everyone must go through something. Life is about surviving the not so great times so that you can enjoy the very great times.
My son motivates me to make it, but more importantly, I motivate him and myself to keep going.
I can't think of greater company that I would rather be in as there are so many people that are out of work...great people, who did nothing wrong and everything right, who deserve everything that life has to offer. I can't feel bad for myself when I know that there are so many other people that will go through this same thing.
This time next year I will be in an even better position and I'll be on cloud nine enjoying Barack's first months in office. YAY! I can't wait.
So, I plan to keep looking for another job. And I plan to use this website to keep a daily blog on how my job search is panning out.
P.S. My job was in the underwriting support division for new homes, additionally, I have experience in accounting, real estate, customer service, banking, management, billing/invoicing, and processing/encoding, etc.
The time that JM spent in the military should be under review just like everything else. Why is it off limits to ask questions about his military experience?
Why do we have to hold our tongues on this? It seems to me that JM wants to have his cake and eat it too. He wants people to believe that he has experience to be C-In-C based on his military record, but he does not want anyone to review his record. Huh? I disagree with this. He's running for office. If you run for office these are the questions that people will ask.
You can ask a question about JM's readiness to be C-In-C without questioning his patriotism. The two are mutually exclusive.
There are people that want to hide behind a perceived strength of having served in the military, but they don't want that record reviewed in any way, yet they wish to use their service on their resume. Hummm. That's interesting to me.
They can question BO's lapel pins all day long, but don't you dare ask a question about JM's military record or all Hell will break lose. All WC did was state what I think already: just because JM served in the military and was wounded, captured, violated, and later celebrated does not mean he should be seen as having a monopoly on the ability to out perform BO on good judgment!
I'll question whatever I so choose and no one will tell me that I can't ask a question.
Question: What qualifies JM to serve this country as C-In-C? And you had better have a better response than he served in the military. So did a lot of people and I would not vote them into office based on this alone either. Why so sensitive JM? What's the problem? Won't your record hold up to scrutiny? Your patriotism isn't on the line here, don't get it twisted. I'm asking about why you think this qualifies you to be President of the USA and leader of the free world?!
It has been stated many times that this election will be won based upon the issues. I disagree. Here's why:
1. Most Americans do not follow the issues enough to articulate what candidates stand for or against or in what instances they agree with each other. (Hence, some HC supporters vowing to vote for JM.)
2. I said most Americans, but of the ones that do follow the issues, normally they are one issue voters; gun rights, abortion, gays & lesbians, Supreme Ct nominees, Stem Cell Research, and etc. They can talk nonstop about the one issue that they want to protect.
3. I know that there will be those that disagree with me on this, but charisma counts for a lot. The more personality a candidate displays, the better they are received.
4. The media bias has so much to do with what is heard, seen and therefore, believed. By simply asking a question of a candidate the media is giving the question credibility. For example, asking BO about his former church and former pastor...see the point. With 24/7 news coverage one gaffe, association, friend, surrogate and the like can and will be on television endlessly, and let's not forget about YouTube which has an infinite life span.
5. When have American's voted for a candidate that they simply disliked; remember the beer candidate Mr GWB? The answer, never have American's voted for someone they did not like.
6. Voters like a nice face...the more you smile, the more you are liked...smarts is fine, but I recall Al Gore, John Kerry and Michael Dukakis all being very smart...how did that work out?
7. Perception is reality. Barack looks trust worthy, other's may not. JM knows all about Nat'l Security. Is this really true? I perceive it, therefore, I believe it. (This is why it is important to define yourself in no uncertain terms--you can prevent others from drawing their own version of who you are and what you represent.)
The fact is that this election will be won based upon all of these things and no one thing is an indication of the outcome.
There are a small group of voters that actually do their own research on candidates (I'm one of these) and will speak at great length about the different candidates positions on the issues. But increasingly many people are only involved in politics when it suits them in some way directly, such as higher taxes, or Family Medical Leave Act. Often times I find that I am the more informed voter when it comes to my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. I don't mind sharing information and I usually have great conversations with people, but I still wish other voters would become more well versed on the candidates and their varying positions on the issues.
For this reason, I like the Obama website, because I am amongst the ones that actually care and have a vested interest that is not fleeting nor a passing fancy. I come to this website every day and I learn and I teach. I share and I preach. I receive and deliver constructive criticism. If not for this website I am certain that I would lose my mind.
For most people church is where they go to express themselves and to receive support in their daily lives. Therefore, many people believe the church is a lot like their own home. What you say to one audience is not necessarily meant for a broader audience, because it will be taken out of context by those who do not know you or understand you and the point you are making.
Rev. Wright and others can preach about what they wish and I think that if someone video tapes him speaking and uses it for political gain by airing only snippets, then they are deliberately attempting to disparage his character and the character of his parish. Noone outside of the African-American community has a right to comment on conversations, speeches, sermons, and the like, without first attending services at an African-American place of worship. In deed, other people are entitled to their opinions, but they should have an informed opinion and not one based upon sound bites and snippets.
I don't comment on Hispanic traditions and the like, because I am not qualified to do so. Who am I to pass judgements on people that I don't know? I don't pretend to know any Native American either. And what of Asians? What I hear about any of them is what is filtered through ithe media, which I don't count on to make any sound assessments or judgements! My son used to have a Mexican caregiver and she was fantastic with him, and he has had a white teacher as well, and she adored him. He has flourished under the guidance, supervision, and love from people of all races and colors and nationalities. But this does not give me any authority to critique any of them outside of my personal interactions with them. I'm not qualified to comment on their church practices, religious sermons, and conversations and then make judgements!
I would never go into another persons home or church and tell them how they are supposed to think, feel, and behave.
Why worry about Wright? I don't feel compelled to tell him that he should not speak out when people in the media and other candidates are attacking him personally. He has a right to defend himself and his legacy. I don't think that he should keep silent while Obama runs for president. Obama is a grown man, he can handle himself just fine.
There is enough room in the world for the Obama's and Rev. Wright's and everyone else. The African-American community is what is says it is, a community. A community is comprised of everyone. No other race, creed, ethic group readily defines themselves as a community.
Futhermore, we can accept everyone in our community, but that does not mean that we have to think the same. African-Americans are not one-dimensional. However, we are multi-dimensional, and the notion that we have to shut up and let others speak for us is ridiculous. We are a community and that means that we are not of one voice, but rather we are comprised of many voices, just like a family.
Does any one person in your family speak for you?
We are all blessed to live in one of the greatest countries in the world, but that does not mean that we cannot do better than we are doing to build bridges with other nations. We owe this to our children and the future generations to work along side other foreign nations, not dismiss them as the Axis of evil. We have to live in this world, and how other's view America matters.
We cannot forget that we are given an enormous gift...our very lives are gifts and how we live our lives matter.
I respect and love this country and I wish to preserve it for those that come after me. If you feel the same way that I feel, then support Barack Obama, because it does not require a long career in politics to know that you cannot win any war when you have misled Americans, and lied to the world.
What America needs is change...help me to help all of us!
