Prop8--Discussion

Below is an email discussion between the authors of this blog.

Theo: I am not sure how many of you have paid attention to the Prop8 protests, but this is a somewhat interesting perspective from the LA Times.

I have said this before (unfortunately I didn't write about it), but blacks didn't vote against gays, the just voted with their principles. Plus, black Americans don't feel that gay Americans have had to deal with the same type of oppression. So, some of us get upset at the notion that we are equally oppressed, etc. You can hide gay, but you can't hide black. Gays weren't slaves, etc. So to put them on equal footing as far as oppression makes some blacks angry.

Thoughts?

Calvin: I agree that gays haven't had to deal with the full brunt of racism or bigotry to the extent that the black race has, but to say that it's a problem that they compare themselves to the black race in terms of the struggle is a bit absurd. Most of the generation that had to deal with the transition of outward racism to undercover bigotry is headin either for retirement or the grave. So if you think about it in its relative terms, they're just comparing themselves to something much more easily definable.
It's like sayin, I love peace like Ghandi loved peace. It's pretty easy to see where I'm going with a statement like that. "I really like peace." Get me?

Theo: I agree with you, but I still think that some blacks feel slighted when the racial struggle is compared with the sexual equality struggle. The key word is some. Also, I wonder how women feel, due to the fact that their struggle is still ongoing in this world (and has been for thousands of years). My point was that the anger with which some gays have attacked and 'fought back' against those who voted for Prop8 is counterproductive. Suddenly, the issue has become a black vs. gay thing. Many have spoke out saying that we should understand their struggle and shouldn't have voted for Prop8 (I somewhat agree with this). However, the issue is that tolerance should be encouraged in all, not just the 70% of blacks who voted for Prop8. The gays were like, 'we voted Obama, now vote down prop8!'. I personally don't think that is the right attitude to have.

Samit: I think you both are justified in how you feel. When I look at this issue, one thing I feel is, at the core of this issue is politics, not the struggle for equal rights.

When the civil rights struggle reached a crescendo in the 60's, blacks were fighting for the basic necessities in a society, equal opportunities in school, the work world, etc. etc. To some extent that struggle is still ongoing, but at least blacks have a chance now...before that wasn't possible.

Gays right now, really are not kept from getting jobs or earning a living. Yes, marriage is an issue for them, but it's more a symbolic issue. When Prop 8 was voted down, gays did lose out. Unfortunately, the political groups that really wanted a yes vote on prop 8 also took a hit. However, their aim is to get more people to buy into their cause, no matter what. By making this a black vs. gay issue, they are able to target a villain that can be blamed for it. Once you have a target, it's easier to get people under one banner. I think this is what's really driving the Black vs. Gay sentiment.

This is something you will see ad nauseum all around the world and in history as well. Before World War II, Germans decided to blame the Jews and Hitler rose to take advantage of it. In India, whenever religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims rose, if a Hindu or Muslim was killed, it immediately was blamed on the "opposing" group and led to a series of riots. In this country, the Japanese were interned, heck just look at this last political campaign. How many times was Obama called a terrorist...you can bet that played a role in getting more people to vote for McCain. I doubt that this issue will escalate to the point of some of these other conflicts, but it still disgusts me that creation of divisions between social groups is considered a legitimate way of doing politics and getting things done. We all should be better than that.

Theo: I agree with most of what you said. However, those against Prop8 don't feel that it is only politics. They want the right to marry and in their minds allowing gays to marry is a symbol of equality. To get off topic (somewhat), I can't see how Prop8 protects marriage. Its insane that this is even an issue. If gays are allowed to marry, I won't go get a divorce and marry a man. Single guys won't stop looking for women or vice versa. If marriage is to be truly protected, divorce should be outlawed and all marriages should be based on a 1year trial period, where the marriage is not fully recognized by the USA until after that year. During the trial period, certain tasks must be accomplished (going to counseling, maybe a written exam or two...I haven't really thought that part out yet). This would help to prevent shotgun weddings and the like. Plus, helping married people out financially wouldn't hurt!!! ;)

Samit: My point wasn't that people who voted against or for prop 8 were making a political decision. I was just saying that the Black vs. Gay sentiment that has been stirred up is due to politics, and people who care more about their own influence than about equal rights.

I agree with everything else you said, although I don't know how the 1 year trial would work...what if they get pregnant? Shouldn't that pre-empt anything that this program would enforce? Then we get into a sticky issue of birth control, preventing pregnancy, or even abortion based on government mandate. It would be hard to enforce.

Calvin: This Samit guy is pretty brainy. I like him. It would get pretty icky tryin to work out that birth control based on government mandate. Talk about big government....

Theo: Pregnancy is covered. Let's say that they get pregnant and it doesn't work out. The child is not at fault, therefore the government (yes big government) will assist the parent with custody (half split if equal custodial rights granted). I use the term assist, because it will be a needs based system. Its socialism somewhat (same as the 'bailout'). Sad to say, but that is how my 'plan' would work. Also, the government would give a $25,000 bonus if you stay married (in good standing...) for at least 5 years (though you would have to go through the INS type scrutiny to prove you weren't lying...Samit :) ). I think this would encourage marriages to last (plus,Cher and I could use the $25,000). The plan isn't perfect, but it isn't the final version either. Think of this as a first draft of sorts. We should probably collect these emails and post them to the blog. As soon as Talitha adds her input.

Calvin: I'm glad you at least called it out for what it is. It's regulation of personal life which is heck-a-big government. And it's a heck of a lot more expensive than saying "no" to gay marriage. LOL! You are a far left democrat aren't you, Theo? You're true colors are shining through. YOU'RE JUST LIKE BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!! Your a socialist!!! You just want to share all the wealth, don't you! You disgust me!

Theo: That's my point. If you truly wanted to protect marriage it would involve too much government. Prop8 doesn't protect marriage at all. And its Barack...lol. Plus, as I said before, gays and lesbians getting married doesn't mean that you and I would want to go find the closest gay guy and head to Cali to elope. How does gay marriage infringe on my rights as a heterosexual married man? It doesn't. One argument I have heard (insane as it is), is that some people only marry to procreate and with gay marriage those 'undercover brothers' would be out and about searching for a gay person to marry. Meaning the end of life on this planet (I added this, but you get my point). If someone is already only getting married to procreate (and they are closet gay), then how does that protect the 'traditional' marriage? And socialism, communism, and capitalism are all man's creations. Nature is never solely one or the other.

Calvin: I hear what Samit is saying. And I think the marriage thing is just a symbolic issue. It's not that they won't be able to have civil unions or anything like that. They still can get the same rights as a married couple. Gays want to redefine marriage to a more broad and all encompassing concept. It's not that necessary except to bring about an acceptance across the board from all people. If they are treated the same, they may be viewed the same. Thought I doubt that is so, I can see the logic in it. I don't know that I agree with it. The reason why black would vote against that idea is because of their own Biblical or religious conviction. Would it be right for them to allow the redefinition of something that they believe God defined as solely between a man and a woman when they had the ability to prevent it?
Our government is not to mix church and state. But It is not that easy a request to make of individuals, though the individuals in government seem not to be able to make that separation themselves.
But this is not a matter of one group feeling superior to another. It's a matter of one group feeling that the other group is asking for something out of line.
I'm not sure if I've made my point but I just started doing my research and lost my place so I think I'm done. Holla if you get me.

Theo: Makes sense to me. Its still a democracy and the majority will win these issues. However, why is an issue like this even necessary for the government to get involved in? Its like Talitha pointed out in her post about social conservatism. We want less government involvement in our finances, but more in our private lives?? It doesn't make sense to me. Who cares what Adam and Steve or Eve and Eva are doing in their bedroom? Soon they will tell married people that certain types of sex or sexual positions are not a part of traditional marriage. That is where we are heading with this merger of Church and State.

Talitha: Sorry for the late entry on this.

What bothers me about Prop8 is that voters decided to change their constitution in order to reflect the "new definition" of marriage. The former California constitution was framed such that it could possibly include homosexual marriage. Proposition 8 was a California ballot proposition that changed the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman and eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry. I believe the biggest reason people voted for Prop8 was religious. I am a very religious person; however, I am a strong advocate of separation of church and state. As a Christian, my Bible also says in Mark 12:17 to "render unto Cesear, what is Ceasar's and give to God what is God's". (There's a nice Wikipedia article on this) To me this implies that you can have your own moral standards and they can differ from the society that you live in. The ten commandments clearly state what we are supposed to do.

I think that homosexuals should have the constitutional right to marry. Because if we prohibit them from having such rights, we are doing so based on a religious sentiment. Then that begs the question of "whose religion do we choose?". What religion gets to be the standard maker? The Catholic Church? (We'd all be marrying little boys and have like 20 rugrats runnin around our homes [no birth control]...I kid. I kid) Also, if my history serves me correctly, the last time the Catholic church tried to regulate, we got sent into the dark ages. Anyway, I digress...My point is that it creates a slippery slope that says that I can oppose anything in the name of religion. Prop8 opens up the flood gates for religion-based constiutional amendments, which is a dangerous segue to the future and a horrible reminder of the past. There was a time when there was a religious justification for slavery. I think that comparisons can be made to the civil rights movement because as MLK so aptly said in his letter from the Birmingham Jail, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere".


P.S.
I am engaged to a wonderful black man and my wedding will be off the chain yes or no on Prop8!

Really Plaxico?

This is a brief diversion from the usual political banter...

WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU??? Is what people should be saying to Plaxico Burress. Recently, Plaxico shot himself in the thigh with the gun he had brought into the club for 'protection'. As stated in the movie Snatch, 'protection from what? Zee Germans??'.

I realize that sports stars are at greater risk than you or I, but they have money to hire proper security!!! Plaxico has a history of breaking team rules, but to break a gun law in one of the most gun control happy cities (outside of DC) is just plain stupid. Get an ex-cop to run your security team (they can conceal and carry weapons legally in most states) or get your conceal and carry license.

Let's imagine for a moment that Plaxico had needed to shoot someone, how long would it take him to get the gun out of his pocket (without shooting himself) in order to defend himself? 30sec? 1min?

This story is hilarious until you realize how sad of a tale Placico's may become. The law frowns upon this. Plaxico could go to jail for longer than Michael Vick!

Message to the Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress: PLEASE STOP SHOOTING YOURSELF!!! Literally and figuratively!

Identity

This is a 2 year old (a little less, but approximately two years) post from myself and Talitha. It talks about Identity. Think about it and add your comments.

Theo: Identity can be defined as "the set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group." By that definition, one can only have a "black" identity if they are recognized as a member of the "black" group. I think that one cannot define their identity in such crass terms, but must utilize a multiplicity of variables in order to form their identity. It cannot come from only skin color, their speech, or their standing in society. It must be derived from several factors. Calvin, Talitha, and I will attempt to delineate these factors and identify there points of origin in order to answer this basic, yet complex, question, "What does it mean to be black in America?"

Tali: Being black in America you recogonize a certain type of white privilege that as a black person you are not entitled to. A very clear example of this can be seen in the 2008 presidential election. In this election, white privilege says that Sarah Palin's daughter can have a child out of wedlock and her family still be considered model. If Bristol Palin was not the daughter of an Alaskan Governor, she would need some of the same assistance that the republican party is fighting to destroy. White privilege says that President G. W. Bush can graduate from Yale and Harvard with a C average and Sarah Palin can take 6 years to graduate from 4 colleges and both still be conidered presidential. While Barack Obama graduates top of his class from Harvard law and is considered an elitist. White privilege says that Sarah Palin gets to bring her Down Syndrome baby to campaign rallies and media spots when the baby should be at home and be praised for her parenting skills. While Michelle Obama gets criticized for not attending a Sept. 11 memorial because she wanted to be home with her two children on their first day of school.


Theo: You bring up some interesting points. Look at Palin's Rev. Wright or McCain's lack of support for the troops or his affair! The fact that the blatant bias in coverage of certain issues and the fact that those in the majority cannot understand the true nature of minority disenfranchisement are quite sad. Palin was mayor of a town and wasn't in charge of the police or fire departments. Here is a daily show video (take with a grain of salt) about her town. How does she get more props for working in Wasilla, AK than Obama does for working in an actual city? White privilege. Her mayoral duties were miniscule at best (same as the gubernatorial duties of such a small state in terms of population). Take a look at this story of improper use of state funds. Or this Daily Show video, comparing what Republicans say about themselves and what the say about others...its insane! However, I want to stray away from the election for a moment (as angry as the campaign of McCain has made me). Let's really delve into the lack of opportunities for minorities. Even if we accept that people will discriminate against you and you can overcome that, you still must overcome the inherent discrimination of our many public services.
The educational and judicial systems are some of the worst that come to mind. Let's take a look at the school districting. Because of economic desparities between suburban and urban areas, urban schools (more students) have less funding than suburban schools (less students, usually). The tax revenues are much higher with those that make more money (meaning better schools). If you are rich, you tend to move from poor. Urban areas tend to contain higher percentages of minority groups. Therefore, the decline in quality of urban schools leads to a less than favorable educational outcome for minorities and the poor. This means that suburban (majority white) students have a better school to attend (plus the ability to attend great private schools) than their minority counterparts. I don't necessarily support busing kids into suburbia to attend school, but something needs to be done in the inner cities. One huge way to get this problem addressed is exposure. Shine a light on the disparities between the two school groups. I think that students in the inner city would benefit from programs (such as NSF Gk-12) that increase their exposure to the accessibility of wealth via education, rather than crime and fantasy (sports, rap, etc.).

As far as the justice system, someone else can take over here, but the main point is that the law even has racial disparities. Drug law, in particular, has always (historically) been about race (opium dens=asians, crack cocaine=blacks, etc.). This is why current laws are so bogus. Why is crack cocaine more dangerous than regular cocaine? Why is there a larger prison sentence for the same amounts of the drug? If you question the accuracy of my claim that most drug laws are tied to race, read up on the history. Its ALL there. I would research it, but then you (the reader) wouldn't learn anything (its the teacher in me).

DONE

Al-Zawarhi

Finally, Al-Qaeda makes an appearance. We have been waiting a long time for this moment. It is interesting that the spout off at the mouth every once in a while, to assure that we remember them. They even had the gall to call Obama a 'house slave' in their latest video. Al-Zawarhi (the No. 2...think Osama's little shit) made a video just after the Nov. 4th elections. Here is my problem with this statement (other than the fact that Al-Qaeda knows little about house vs. field negroes), Obama is not a house negro. He is more of a Frederick Douglass type to me. Someone who speaks the truth without worrying about incurring the wrath of others (read the full speech here). Obama speaks truth and seeks to unite our nation. White people with prejudices don't find Obama comforting or anything else that would signify he was a house negro.

Here's my point. Al-Qaeda, please shut the fuck up, before we fuck you up. And be afraid, the nation is getting back on track.

The Memphis Two

This will make you laugh. A white supremacist is using the fact that only two members of his Grand Jury were white to say that his indictment was unfair. Hilarious. I say, were was he (or his lawyers) when black Americans were given a 'jury of their peers' that was all white?? Especially in the last one hundred years. If this flies, all of those cases should be thrown out and overturned. This is ridiculous.

Our history is littered with the blood of black men who were not judged by their peers, yet these jackasses, who want our rights stripped, cry when their 'rights' are taken away? If it is truly 'our peers', then murderers should be judged by murderers, etc. Where will it end?

This type of discussion will be included in our upcoming post 'Black in America'. Keep an eye out for it!

Palin, please go away...

Governor Sarah Palin. I am sick and tired of hearing your voice every morning on the news. I don't want to see your house, I don't want to hear about your plans for 2012, I don't want to know about your conference in Miami, and I don't want to see Greta van Idiot fawn over your less than impressive body of work. Why don't I want to hear these things? Because you should have opened your doors (or McCain should have allowed you to) MONTHS AGO!!! The campaign is over. The election results are in. You lost. Go home. If you would like to speak, then give us something more than rhetoric. Tell us how you intend to fix the problems that divide our nation, the energy crisis, the economy, or the healthcare system. Can you stop saying 'get mavericky' and give us real talk? Why are we still talking about you? Its sad. Its the same reason I wrote this post, people cannot turn away from a car accident. We are a nation of looky-lous and rubberneckers.

Governor Palin, you are now speaking out against the same 'extreme partisanship' you exhibited on your campaign (see earlier videos posted on this blog). Get real. Be honest. If this is the true Palin, why did she not allow herself to be seen earlier (before the election ended)? And don't blame the mainstream media. Several people wanted to speak with her, but she was kept sheltered. I ask my fellow Americans to ignore Palin until at least 2010. Bask in the Obama glory and move forward as a nation. Even Dennis Miller is getting behind Obama. Support your new President and get over the loss (coming from an OSU fan who has seen two back-to-back national championship losses to the SEC).


This rant was brought to you by Fox & Friends, the worst show on television.

Again with the Economy?

Today, I was perusing Google News and noticed several stories about the economy. During this economic downturn, this is a common finding. However, I noticed that another company was getting bailed out...for the SECOND time???? Honestly...what the hell is going on? Every large company is going out of business, filing for bankruptcy, or 'running low on cash'. What happens to you when you 'run low on cash'? Do you get a huge government bailout? The best you can do is apply for welfare (which you may or may not qualify for, depending on your salary). Yet the government is continuing a 'let's look out for the big guy' mentality. What does AIG/bill collectors say to those who don't pay them? Fuck you, pay me. Lost your job? Fuck you, pay me. Wife dying of cancer and medical bills piling up? Fuck you, pay me. Maybe it is time for the American people to wake up and say, "Hey big business, fuck you, pay us!".

We need to start a grassroots movement or petition to support bailouts for citizens and not corporations. If America is built on the backs of its citizens, then its time to give the citizens some support!

UPDATE
Here is a news article answering some (but not all) of the questions one may have regarding the auto company bailout. My problem is still with the accountability of the big 3 auto companies. Where will the bailout money go? What types of constraints will we place on our money?

Because He's Black....

A friend of mine asked me a question. She wanted to know why I would vote for Barack Obama. I had many different reasons for preferring the "inexperienced senator" instead of the "old school" war hero. But she told me that there were people who were voting for Obama specifically because he is black. Seems really superficial, doesn't it? Seems dangerous too. 
But then I got to really thinking about it. What would be the premise behind electing someone specifically because of the color of their skin. Would we be any better than the woman who stated to a reporter on national TV that if Obama got elected, "the blacks would take over"?
Personally I believe in what Obama stands to do and change in this country. And I believe that this is a country of opportunities, but for most of my life, I was skeptical about the limitlessness of those opportunities. I've seen people get sentenced to more time for the same crimes specifically because of color. I experienced police trying to capitalize on how ignorant they believe you to be whether it be a simple traffic stop or the law as it pertains to search and seizure. I've seen an ugly side to this America that had left me doubtful of how far we had really come. 
I don't believe that racism and social injustice for white or black or anyone else is obsolete. Racism has just become much more diplomatic and covert. That explains some of the flare ups during the mid to later parts of the campaigning. Heck, don't take my word for it. Just check youtube. That's why I don't think affirmative action should be done away with yet. 
Anyway, back on topic: Do I think it's right to elect someone for the high office of President of the United States based on race? Not by any means. But let's say for a moment that Obama and McCain had the same principles. Let's say they had the same plans for the economy and for health care. Let's say the only thing different about them was their color. Who would you vote for? I know who I would vote for. I would vote for Barack Obama. 
It's not strictly a matter of race. Well, yeah it is. But it's not what you think. It's not a loyalty to one who is of my color but a believe that America can be on the inside the same thing it says it is on the outside. I believe that the election of a black president brings into view the ideal America that the constitution speaks about where "all men are created equal". To stick with the status quo would never bring that idea to a visual, a tangible reality. 
We have reached a new social apex in history. We were a part of the more profound rooting of the values that we preach being something we are willing to live. We are pushing ever so closely to a point where affirmative action really will be completely obsolete and not just addressed as such by those who feel like it's being abused. 
I always believed that this country is a place where we are allowed opportunities that we would never receive anywhere else. But now the vision isn't so vague anymore. Being anything you want to be isn't just a matter of words anymore. 
So I think I might be one of those too. One of those people who have voted Barack Obama because he's black. I'm also one of those people who voted for Obama because he can rally a nation and because he can bring a fresh new outlook and because his priorities for a government and a country are more in line with what I believe. I'm proud of all the reasons I voted. Are you? 

The Game, Lil Wayne, and the Gospel

I was riding to school today. Traffic was think and I had almost killed myself driving east toward the sun with a foggy windshield. If any of you have done that you know exactly what that's like. 

I had my broken up radio playing a secular station. It was the only one my radio could pick up. Anyway, a song came on by The Game and Lil Wayne. I normally don't listen to Lil Wayne cuz I hate how his voice sounds and I never really listened to the Game. But this song was way too compelling to the soul. 
Its not like it was a christian song or anything. Just a song that confronted the society that no one wants to regard as fully American. The song is called "My Life". 

After I heard the song, got to school and made sure I looked up the song on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6MZMkVV4WE (This is the raw version. Viewer discretion is adviced.) The video showed a whole different world where most Americans living in it don't have a voice to call out for help....or a voice that anyone else wants to listen to anyway. 

It was the voice of the hussla. So many people have such a lack of understanding for this set that they have been morally alienated from the American society, only adding to their lack of job and educational opportunities. Of course, the cycle is perpetuated when the only means of paying the rent or buying food accepted on this level is illegal.

There are solutions for the next generation. Better politicians for better schooling. Trying to get those outsourced jobs back into the US to increase job opportunities that we are so direly in need of. So I encourage everyone to do their part and vote. But that can't help everybody. 

It won't bring trust into the workplace for that ex-convict who has served his time. It won't bring hope to that 20-30 year old who never graduated high school who's out in the dope game. It won't help that 17 year old girl who has 3 kids and has to strip for her money. What these people lack is hope and bringing back outsourced jobs won't bring that with it for them. 

So how do we fix it? Because as Christians, it is our duty, isn't it? It's not something we can completely fix. But Matthew 25:34-40 makes reference to Jesus' response to those who have taken care of those less fortunate that themselves. "I was an hungred and ye gave me meat..." There's only one way to restore hope to a people who have lost everything and aren't being given much of a chance to get it back. That's through showing them God. 

But Jesus nor any of the disciples (by that, I mean effective followers of Christianity) never tried to force God on anyone. They simply filled a need so they could be heard. The woman at the well seemed to need a man to care more about her soul (so much so that even the political and social rankings didn't matter to him). She found that in Jesus. The Ethiopian Eunic just wanted someone to interpret the prophesies of Isaiah for him on his search for enlightenment and wholeness. Phillip supplied that interpretation and a baptism to boot!

Paul said that he would become all things to all men that he might by all means save some (1 Cor. 9:21-23) as he so rightly proved in his confrontation with the Greeks. (Acts 17:16-33) My question to everyone this morning is a bit more profound. This one can only be answered in each of our own hearts in our own current situations. What are we willing to put up with? What are we willing to become to all men that we might save some?

Obama is PRESIDENT

Obama is the next president of the USA. I can’t believe it even as I am typing. It is 12:13am and Obama is speaking the greatest speech of my lifetime. I see Oprah and Jesse crying. I have called everyone that I can (new phone, no numbers transferred) and I could only say the following, “My fellow black American, we have a president that looks like us.” I screamed and yelled. Calmed down and then got even more excited. The emotions are all over the place. THIS IS CRUCIAL. The preceding sentences were toned down, below is how I feel inside.
BARACK OBAMA IS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE. HE IS QUALIFIED. HE CAN LEAD US TO A GREAT FUTURE. I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES!!! NEGRO PRESIDENT! NEGRO PRESIDENT! NEGRO PRESIDENT! AMAZING!
The music is catching my spirit and lifting it to new heights. This is our time. I don’t mean blacks, I mean ALL AMERICANS! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!

No words can truly describe this feeling but an analogy may work. Think back to the most amazing thing you can remember. Got it? Obama being elected is at least 100 million times greater. It means so much. 45 years ago we fought for our equality and won it. However, this is the true realization of equality. This is our proving ground. We can now look on our fellow Americans with the same intense pride that they feel. My mind is being expanded as we speak. LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING.

Do you think that W.E.B DuBois expected this? Jackie Robinson? Frederick Douglass? Dred Scott? Booker T. Washington? Harriet Tubman? Sojourner Truth? Maya Angelou? THIS IS AMERICA. THIS IS THE COUNTRY WE BROKE OUR BACKS TO BUILD!
I cannot believe this…what a day tomorrow will be!

Proud of America

Many have made a huge deal about the fact that Barack Obama did not have his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. Or that Michelle Obama was proud of her country for the first time. Why do I bring up these issues so late in the game? Because it speaks to a greater issue of paying attention to the unnecessary while people are dying, starving, and impoverished. This is not due to the fact that Obama is black, but because the talking heads and pundits guide our national opinion. There is too much meaningless conversation. Why do we care about nonissues? What should concern Americans are the issues facing the nation. The nation is in a time of crisis and we are concerned about flag etiquette, “patriotism”, and national pride? This is unacceptable. A true patriot is someone who is not afraid to question the country’s government and how it functions. Someone who is not afraid to disagree with government is the definition of patriotism. It pains me to watch the word “patriot” used carelessly in an attempt to separate us because of differing opinions. Patriots don’t always agree; this does not change the fact that they are patriots. Agreeing does not a patriot make, only through dissent is true patriotism exhibited.

What makes me most angry is the fact that none of the issues brought up against Obama (the ones mentioned earlier) is that they are unfounded. One does not always have to be proud of one’s nation to be a patriot. The black perspective is different. We still hurt from slavery and racism. Yes it was long ago, but some consequences still exist. We can’t brush the issue under the rug. I am now truly proud of my nation. We have a chance (a great chance) to have a black president. Maybe we can finally open the discussion and heal the wounds of our past. Honesty is the only way to find out more about us in an effort to move forward. If you have prejudices or racist tendencies, then please allow them to be brought to light. Education is the only cure for ignorance. Blacks aren’t perfect and neither is any other race, but through our differences we must remember that we are all human beings, striving to live.

Obama not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem is not a sin. Why? BECAUSE CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO (only the removal of a hat is required) and MOST PEOPLE DON’T PLACE THEIR HAND OVER THEIR HEART DURING THE ANTHEM. The hand of the heart is required during the Pledge of Allegiance! Let’s put away the bullshit. Let’s move forward with dignity. Let us show the world that America is the greatest nation in the world. Let’s give our children the opportunity to fly to new heights. Let’s grow more united. Let’s keep working together to build our schools. Let’s make America great!

OBAMA!

VOTE

You may sense that this blog supports Barack Obama, but we encourage all citizens to VOTE no matter who they support. We vote for everything under the sun (online polls, American Idol, etc.) and the least we as a nation can do is show that we give a damn. Don't let centuries of lost life be wasted cause you are too lazy to get off your ass and vote!

VOTE!!!!

I Hate the CNN Electoral Map!

CNN for the most part does a pretty good job of covering politics (Nothing can touch NPR). Although I feel that they are just a little biased towards the democratic party, I think they have very thorough programming. Plus, I am voting democrat this election. So it doesn't bother me. Anyway, I am not writing today about the ills of media bias. I am writing because I hate that stupid electoral map that they show on CNN. I feel like some baby boomer decided that the CNN election coverage needed to have a more techy feel to grab the attention of generation next, X, and Y. For those of you who do not watch CNN regularly, let me explain.

The CNN electoral Map is a giant flat panel touch screen. It kind of has the iphone thing going on. On the screen is a map of the United States in which each state is either dark blue-for a democratic state, light blue-for a likely democratic state, dark red-for a highly republican state, light red- for a slightly republican state, or yellow for a swing state. A CNN correspondant stands in front of this screen and taps it and drags stuff changing dark blue to light blue, or yellow states to red, red states to blue, dark blue to light blue, yada, yada, yada! While he is doing this, the possible number of electoral votes for both candidates changes each time. The news anchor looks on in awe like, "wow thank you so much for showing America that you can use a giant iphone".

No one can follow that stupid map! The information changes too fast and they have offer no valuable information! That's really all I have to say about that.

Chaos

Many people, both black and white, are worried about the "what if?" factor in this election. Both sides have fears (of course the big fear of an Obama assassination plot being carried out) about what will happen when Obama wins or loses. Will a loss cause a "black revolt" or a win make Joe SixPack search for revenge on the streets? Some are even concerned about the black response to an Obama win. Listen to this NPR program dealing with voters in York, PA. What do I think? In an Obama loss, America will revert back to an early "let's not talk about race" society. In a win, we will finally open up and address the race issue. Think. Race is STILL an issue in America. I feel the need to speak out to America regarding the race issue. Can we admit (white America) that there are prejudices in our society? That some DO have it better only because of their skin color? Once we open up and speak out about our TRUE feelings regarding race, we can conquer racism. As long as we keep putting it under the rug (like many are doing in this election) WE CANNOT MOVE FORWARD!

We have to remember that we are all human and should be treated as such. Listen to Chuck D on NPR.

I have tackled the race topic before (check the archives) and it is not a dead issue. It is clear in this election season that the rhetoric from the right is extremely racist. It may not be blatant, but it is there and no one wants to address the elephant in the room. In my mind, I feel that Obama is the new Jackie Robinson. He is being bombarded with threats, labels, racial remarks, hypocrisy, and fear mongering yet he remains steadfast. THAT alone should cause those undecided (and even decided) voters to recognize the presidential pedigree of Obama over McCain. Obama won't lash out against whites (don't fear him) and he won't "lead the black revolt", but he will be a man of great character in spite of the foolishness going on around him.


BUT, if Obama does lose, this blogger reserves the "right to riot" or at least have a general anger about him (much more than usual).

Political Rap by ATL kids

One of my friends alerted me to this video...check it out! And since they are from the ATL we can forgive a few slip ups...

Real American

What is a real American? You may think that you are, but you probably aren't (at least according to the GOP). But let's take a look at the real issue. Why is it that patriotism is measured by how much you are willing to suck America's proverbial dick? If you criticize America you are un-American by 'their' standards. Why? Is that the way of the Founding Fathers? I would contend that a real American is anyone who speaks for what they believe in, even though it could get them killed!

So why can't we all be real Americans? Because the GOP thinks that only small towns have values and that big cities are moral drains on society. This is a fear tactic, because all areas have good and bad (almost to an equal degree). You can't live your life in constant fear. This is not a productive manner in which to live.

Why do we want a country divided into real and fake? Can we all just be Americans and embrace our differences? America was not built on everyone thinking the same way. The Founding Fathers had many very heated debates regarding public policy and the Constitution. This didn't just happen overnight. We have to encourage rational debate because without it we are a nation of blowhard pundits. Just because we have differing viewpoints doesn't mean we can't, as rational adults, learn from one another.

Even Palin is tired of her own 'real America' rhetoric. Or as I like to call it...BULLSHIT! And if you still don't believe that others feel this way, check out these two blogs....here and here.

Ugh...Social Conservatism!

The thing that pisses me off the most about the republican party platform is their quest to push their social conservatism on me. It's so ironic to me that they are the ones who say they want less governmental interference, but they are the first ones to push these Big-Government initiatives. If "family values" are such a big thing then they should have nominated James Dobson for president. But I guess he was tied up defending his gay pastor and senator friends.

Anyway, I bring this up because there is a proposition on the California General Election Ballot referred to as Proposition 8. Proposition 8 is an initiative measure on the 2008 California General Election Ballot titled Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. If passed, the proposition would "change the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California." A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Who cares!?

By what definition is the government defining marriage? Is it the Biblical definition? If so, we have now created a dangerous blur of the line between church and state. That means anything we interpret in the Bible can be turned into a law (Remember the Biblical justifications for slavery?). Then at the end of the day, whose Bible do we get to use? The Bible does not advocate divorce either, but I don't see any proposition 8 on banning divorce. But I guess that would be kind of awkward seeing that John McCain divorced his former swimsuit model wife because she was critically injured and disfigured in a terrible car accident. Talk about family values! Even though she stayed faithful to him while he was a POW and raised his three children, he married the younger, blonder, richer Cindy McCain one month after the divorce.

I'm so sick of hearing about "family values", "right-to-life", "marriage between man and woman", "prayer in schools", "ten commandments on public buildings", "stem-cells have a right to life", "Obama is a Muslim" blah blah blah. At the end of the day, these social conservative family value scare tactics are just a bunch hypocritical B.S. For example:

• The abortion rate among the social conservative Evangelical Christians is just as high as the national average and even higher among Catholics.
• The 15 most republican states in the U.S. have the highest divorce rates.
• There will always be prayer in schools as long as there are praying people who attend them.
• Most Christians don't keep all 10 commandments (Exodus 20:8-11 anyone?)
• President Bush went abroad for the same type of Stem Cell treatments his party is against
• So what if Obama were a Muslim?

Do I agree with same-sex marriage? NO! Do I need the government to legislate that? Hell NO! Bottom line, my marriage will not be any less valid or happy because Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi are "married". The economy is still in shambles with or without proposition 8. Yes or No we are still fighting a useless war in Iraq. I think it is sad that people are so insecure in their own marriages, family life, and spiritual walks that the decisions of other people affect their way of life.

HILARIOUS

The recent posts have probably made you angry at McCain-Palin, but this should make you smile...

Palin as President...kinda funny.

But this video is classic, watch til the end, it contains a 'twist'.

McCain/Palin supporters display IGNORANCE (at least these supporters do)

Why are these people so ignorant? What's wrong with being a muslim? And Obama is CHRISTIAN and went to CATHOLIC school. He has a white mother and a black father. If you don't wanna to vote for a black president, vote for the white half of Obama (thanks for the joke David Alan Grier). And I am sorry, but whites have been 'anti-black' for quite sometime. Plus, since when is having a black president a reason for 'the black to takeover'?

Watch the video and see for yourself.



Yet, all supporters aren't anti-muslim. In an effort to be fair, check out the video below.

Really? The Race Card

Here is another example of blatant disrespect. Why can't blacks support other blacks because of the issues? Whites can support whites without having to be accused of racism (at least I wouldn't accuse them). Here is what Pat Buchanan said recently. And I have also linked to another blog that is pretty good at explaining the stupidity of his comments. Watch the whole thing for maximum befuddlement.



The Other Blog is HERE.