Tag Archives: black

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF … &some News


Today, being the first day of July with a slow roll into Independence
Day next Monday, which most of us celebrate some do not with sparklers and fireworks just
seems sad in a way. I guess it does sound very dramatic but think about it will
this be the last real Independence Day some States will have faced with all the
changes Republicans are trying to implement and force upon their fellow
Americans all over the country. The change we can believe in
is just one less Republican in office, one less lobbyist , one less huge
insurance corporation like AIG or bank between Americans wanting Health-Care,
Energy and Educational REFORM.

The change we need is one that can be implemented incrementally and will probably take
years to complete. Yet Congress seemsto prefer to debate, stall, block the obvious and or go on break at least 2
times a month am i alone in wondering if they are even serious about getting
anything done or understand that this will take time and it will need
continuous tweaking. The financial crash has taken years to surface as well as expose
what has to be the most complicated and somewhat corrupt system that branches
out globally. I am still asking why the public is not willing to give President
Obama time to work on unwinding the crap the last guy left but it is obvious people have forgotten who did what and
when. While it has been a couple of years we cannot afford to forget who slowed down the stimulus, who said let’s
stop and do tax cuts and who not only threatened filibusters but have done so
on everything that could help Americans and will continue to hold the middle
class hostage until the election of a new President. I know most folks know
that the Obama admin tried to get the stimulus out there quickly but the party
of no held it up knowing no matter what happened Republicans would get money as
well. It was a disappointing, sad and an offensive awakening to watch as the
party of no acted so calculating. Reports of Republicans taking credit for the stimulus,
others asked for more funds while talking trash about the President of the
United States. I was upset about it then and believe now that the stimulus
dollars should NOT have been used to plug state budget holes but for jobs, jobs
jobs or to make stuff, turn to wind and solar plants and or farms with a move
to end our dependence on nuke plants.

I do not understand how anyone with common sense fails to see
the Republican mission for what it is as Mitch McConnell said: to make President Obama a one term President which includes
eliminating the middle and lower classes and who used to be their fellow
Americans. The joke that was called The Pledge to America has now become a rude and scary reality filled with what looks
like an attempt to ban abortions, eliminate worker rights, Medicare/Medicaid
and social security just to name a few while making sure those with public
service positions become unemployed. If you need reminding that would be our
Teachers, Police, Firefighters, and other first Responders. I don’t know about you but the scam that is
the Republican party is somewhat scary. I wake up wondering just which
Republican controlled state is moving so far to the far right that its citizens
will lose their rights every day. I have concerns that people are not taking this thing as serious as Republican Mayors,
Governors, legislators and their flunkies are. There was a time when we could
depend on a correction by the upper court system or what used to be a fair and
balanced application to whatever the issue was. Now, the Court Systems seem
filled with republican activists given too much power by the Bushies. I get it
not all of my fellow democrats agree with what President Obama is doing we need
people to connect the dots maybe think about the bigger picture. I want folks
to think about what your neighborhood will look like if Republicans are
successful in their mission and it cannot be a good image. For example, I know
we all heard about the man who failed to pay his fire protection fee so the
local fire department let his house burn down. I have to admit i was stunned by
that story and clearly take some things for granted because I like other
Washingtonians pay into a system, which we assume covers all things related to
911. I am still shocked and amazed that some States managed to privatize such
services and should be re-assessed as folks across the country pay their
Government Representatives to Represent them which as we are all finding out
lately that seems to be less and less of a reality. I don’t understand. Is this
not their USA too? Why not help create solutions for your fellow American. I ask those people
who voted for Republicans in November if these are the kinds of politicians we
need or want as public servants. If you believe in equality, the right to choose and the pursuit of happiness, you
cannot continue to vote against your best interests. We are still a Country in trouble that needs
both political parties to solve this crisis and yes, the crisis is still in
effect; what is happening in Congress is unacceptable. Republicans are acting
like the USA is a playground drawing and redrawing lines in the sand instead of
agreeing to help solve the problem that we face and while they throw out nasty
rhetoric they have decided to put Grover Norquist, Koch Brothers , Chamber of
Commerce, Wall Street and others with Corporate interests first.

Other News …

Dominique Strauss-Kahn released on own

Minnesota government shuts down over

Wall Street on track for best week in nearly a year

Nine killed as Syrian protests spread

Clinton: ‘The Syrian government is running out of
time’

US debt ceiling deadline still August

New York set to lift fracking
ban

CSPAN …

NASA Administrator Discusses Space Shuttle Program at National Press Club

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senate Cancels July 4th Break

Debt negotiations continue

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prime Time on the C-SPAN Networks

Debate on China, National Organization of Women conference among the events

~ my 2cents ...

MJ –


In this age of the 24/7 news cycle: the massive coverage of the death of MJ and memorial was frustrating and very disappointing to say the least…

It was surprising to see someone like ac360 star join up with so many news outlets that chose to exploit MJ. The negative aspects of this great entertainer and human being are apparent. MJ lived a different life that was subject to ridicule, disdain, and contempt. What was surprising at the time was that most, not all but most who did have the opportunity to use their “media platform” to do any type of story on MJ made a sad ending ugly. In the end, we all know they decided to follow a very negative biased flavour and it was quite clear most if not all of these vultures, I mean reporters made sure the viewer knew in no uncertain terms that they felt MJ was guilty of all previous charges lodged against him, though the charges were dropped. The coverage was awkward and while “the media” continued to spew ugly rhetoric, they acted as if MJ had no family, no children, and no friends out there watching and or listening to the offensive and devoid of compassion coverage viewers heard.

I did a lot of channel surfing to see exactly what folks were saying and though there were several instances of nasty, the comments that were beyond the pale were of the Cali representatives who said they just did not have the money to pay for this thing. There was even a plea for donations as well as several stations stating asking demanding to know just who was paying for what part of this thing and even more said the Jackson’s should have to pay for all of it.

I know that no matter how “the media” in Cali decided to get hood. It was incredible so see how places like the UK, Germany, Berlin, and France celebrated MJ. It was far better than the US and comforting to hear and see fans, some friend or fellow entertainers not just see the obvious side reporters chose and go out of their way to respond with comments about the negative “ MEDIA coverage” by letting them know fans are not happy or listening to the vultures, i mean panels? Dissect his life. I was also happy that most radio stations went a different direction… the controversial images and video chosen by “reporters” were definitely a part of this man’s life but it was not his whole life…

http://youtu.be/HzZ_urpj4As

The number of reporters opting to engage in shameful behavior in my opinion were many but Cooper chose to end his so-called report with the images and comments by a so- called friend stating how lonely MJ was and my first thought was how much did this guy get paid. I do not know if he was lonely, I do know he loved his children and they all seemed happy but that’s just me. I definitely heard someone implying something and that was not the actions of a true friend. So, I changed the channel to MSNBC, unfortunately they made a decision to run some old comments by so-called reporter Toure made years ago and apply them to current videos, seemed truly disrespectful to his family and children. It was sad to see how it all played out. I felt myself wanting to scream have some RESPECT … why all the anger he was gone and then while this was going on folks on radio played MJ’s music and made sure their audience knew just who essentially ran MJ out of the US of A and why did he choose London to jump off his tour.

I cannot begin to understand or accept the comment made by the likes of diane diamond, and no, i do not feel that Courtney Hazlet/entertainment news reporter is correct when she said, “comments made on his past were fair”. I know she said many many times she has had conversations with folks close to MJ, which I guess, is supposed to quantify her credentials. I get it, a lot has been said, done, and reported on regarding the life of MJ, obviously, no one knows what went on behind closed doors though folks in “the media” did act as if they had the facts without MJ able to defend himself. It was evident in most if not all the coverage not one interview was seen or done with an Actual MJ family member only so-called family friends who when pressed stated that they had not spoken to him for a while. Ok .Then a plethora of MJ know-it-all interviews, more scandal, reckless misinformation and his children totally disrespected until the televised memorial. That was sad enough but more “reporters” like Keith O seemed to treat the whole event like a sideshow and if memory serves Chris matthews compared OJ Simpsonto MJ. The fact is not everyone believed MJ was guilty but that angle barely got any play at all and contrary to all those reports past or present, not all black folks disowned him.

I know even though this should be yet another teaching/learning moment for those that work in the business or watch MEDIA coverage we all know that “the media” knows and bets on great revenue from celebrities alive or dead demand is high … they also know the supply does not have to be fair … or balanced.

I know fans will respect and remember the King of Pop as a great World entertainer who was also a human being, may he rest in peace.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TGIF -Republicans vs Democrats …The choice should be obvious


Today, President Obama speaks to Workers at Chrysler Group Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio at 12:20pm ET. It definitely is worth going to whitehouse.gov/live and watching because it is proof that not only was helping the auto industry the right thing to do it saved millions of jobs as well contrary to whatever Presidential candidate Romney stated.

About a year ago, this time the House and Senate were quite busy debating, voting up or down on if they should help their fellow Americans while confirming or blocking President Obama’s appointees. The Republican Tea Party members of Congress have become less of that description we use for a Public Servant and more like Corporate Tools. Republicans who seemingly  are being backed financially by folks like the Koch brothers on the State level while their Federal brotherhood continues to put obstacles in the way of any great or big moves to keep the Govt out of the ditch almost three years later.

Now, with Republicans finally coming forward to announce their bids to run for President in 2012, with the obvious quest to complete the divide and conquer Americans.  It is not lost on most of us that we all should make an effort to remind our fellow Americans just who is responsible for this slow sometime stalled path toward the 21st Century. It is obvious that not only is the Republican tea party refusing to move into the 21st Century they have not only voiced attitudes that offend women, children and minorities but have passed legislation that could put them at more risk or in the streets while defunding government jobs will shove middle class workers into minimum wage earner status.  I will admit I only skimmed that Pledge to America but it is clear it was the 19page lie about putting Americans back to work by those job creators who need to keep those bonus dollars in order to do so. I ask Speaker Boehner, Where are the Jobs.  I have actual bumper stickers that say that because well after the midterm elections the Republican led House has been a big failure to create anything to help their fellow Americans.  If you would like a “Where are the Jobs Mr. Boehner Bumper Sticker let me know

 I also admit being slightly surprised by the outcome of the midterm elections. I was surprised at how many drank the Kool-Aid and who actually listened to “the media” instead of asking questions to find out for themselves that in fact far more people in “the media” are a part of the farce that is the Republican Tea Party. Those Republican Tea Party lies won the House of Representatives for only a few months because as we all know; the truth will set you free. The move to attack Roe V Wade,redefine rape, HR3 a Woman’s right to choose while Republicans defunding it offended many but it was not until the effort to end Medicare, as we know it that people began to see the light.  The midterm elections definitely stalled American progress but it also uncovered and highlighted the Republican agenda. The abuses of States Rights by Republican Governors in at least ten states willing to cut slash and burn worker rights, women, children, the poor and services that would help them.  However, that slogan about taking back their country no matter how offensive is worth noting and remembering because it is not a partisan slogan it is a discriminatory rally cry that we all need to push back on … I believe in equality for all on all levels which is not at all how Republicans feel as a whole in my opinion. 

 I don’t know about you but any person running for President must represent ALL Americans not a select few. Therefore, from now on my effort will be to make all those comments from Republicans stepping up to any mic wanting to become President of the United States  caught on tape or otherwise available so their truths will be set free.

 The info below is from June and July of 2010 … attitudes and words do matter

Republicans again blocked Democrats’ attempt to extend jobless benefits to millions of unemployed Americans last night. Senator Harry Reid sent a strong message back to the Minority after they prevented passage of the bill.

July 1, 2010

TYT comments on Micheal Steele -his behavior and comments regarding Thurgood Marshall

June 30, 2010

At today’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing, Senator Al Franken paid tribute to and defended the distinguished record of Justice Thurgood Marshall.

June 30, 2010

During day three of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan‘s confirmation hearing, Senator Al Franken focused a portion of his Q&A with the Solicitor General on the Citizens United case.

July 01, 2010

In the video below Sen Tom Corburn asks Elena Kagan about Freedom/ Inferring that better days were before women & minorities had rights– TYT

June 30, 2010

At today’s confirmation hearing, Senator Amy Klobuchar asked Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan to talk about the challenges women face in the legal profession and with respect to career choices in general.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tell Obama: Veto attacks on EPA funding


Call the White House: President Obama must tell Congress he’ll veto attacks on the Clean Air Act Call now. Obama can stop attempts to block EPA funding. Take action!

Call the White House at (202) 456-1111.

Sample script: ” Hi, my name is… and I am calling to ask President Obama to uphold his commitment and tell Congress he will veto any legislation that strips the Clean Air Act of its authority to limit climate pollution. ”

Congress will likely pass a Republican spending bill that puts the Clean Air Act on the chopping block.

Their proposed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through the fiscal year includes massive cuts to the EPA, and blocks the Clean Air Act’s authority to set limits on carbon pollution.

Top administration officials have said, as recently as two weeks ago, that Obama would veto any bill that takes away the Clean Air Act’s climate authority. 1 But Congress needs to hear it directly from the President.

Can you call the White House and ask President Obama to tell Congress he’ll veto any spending bill that undermines the Clean Air Act?

Here’s the number to call and a sample script:

Number: (202) 456-1111 (Lines close at 5 pm EST)

Script: “Hi, my name is… and I am calling to ask President Obama to uphold his commitment and tell Congress he will veto any legislation that strips the Clean Air Act of its authority to limit climate pollution.

On Tuesday, the Obama Administration issued a statement that the President would veto the spending bill if it undermines “critical priorities” or “national security” 2 — but didn’t indicate if the Clean Air Act’s climate authority was included as a deal breaker.

The President needs to explicitly affirm this commitment ASAP.

To avoid government shutdown, the final bill must be passed by March 3rd. And as the House debates this bill, Senate Democrats are already working on their version.

While a much different bill will likely emerge from the Senate, the inclusion of provisions to defund the Clean Air Act is a possibility. Conservative and coal-state Democrats like Jay Rockefeller are actively working to delay the EPA’s climate authority, and more progressive Senators facing re-election, like Sherrod Brown and Debbie Stabenow, are still on the fence.

If Obama doesn’t draw a line in the sand, Senate Democrats could cave. But if the President makes his support explicit, he’ll encourage Senate Democrats to stand up for the Clean Air Act, and can veto the law if they fail to do so.

Please call the White House and urge the president to make explicit his commitment to veto attacks on the Clean Air Act.

Thanks for working to protect clean air.

Elijah Zarlin, Campaign Manager

CREDO Action from Working Assets