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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A Call to Action to President Obama……HCR,Energy,Education,Equal Rights for All …something to remember


This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I’d been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize — men and women who’ve inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it’s also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I’ve said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won’t all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it’s recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award — and the call to action that comes with it — does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we’ve begun together. I’m grateful that you’ve stood with me thus far, and I’m honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF &some News


 just another rant

This morning, if you haven’t already been swayed against President Obama had a great town hall and though folks in my own Political Party seem to be bashing him and or questioning what side of the aisle he really is on. I gotta say how much it made me proud to have voted for him, understand that he has been visiting state after state even before the Midterms telling folks do not give the gives to Republicans and push the need for jobs and while people made choices that hurt us. At the end of the day,  we all know that people did not listen or trust President Obama enough to get out the vote for the Midterm elections. It is my contention that Democratic members of  Congress needed to do their jobs first then focus on their on re-elections. I guess we all should remind them that their action directly impacts our votes.  I want Congress to create and pass a Jobs Bill as only they can.

Yet, as Major changes are happening and though progressives do not seem too excited about today … I am very excited over what has been the sum total of accomplishments by President Obama.

However, if you listen to the Right … they are fraught with fear

McConnell, Cantor, Boehner, Limbaugh other Conservatives , Conservadems and some Progressives continue to attack Obama for any move toward collaboration with other countries, compromising and seem to be  twisting his words and their meaning, practicing fear mongering, discrimination and otherwise being obstacles of change.  What we need is a way forward to 21st Century living and an implementation of the changes “We the People” (53%) put President Obama into office for but have been stalled, blocked and scaled down by Republicans. Now, our Democracy is being cut slashed and burn now that we have a group of Tea Party Freshman who not only seem heartless but inept and too childish too be considered public servants … come on, do they even remember the oath they took? or did they skip out too like the other Republican Senators.

I feel like what was the past has to be accepted, exorcised and released for room to provide change we can believe in and given the group that calls themselves Republicans, they are not the patriotic souls who disagree but know when the good of the many definitely outweighs the good of only one or a select few. This group of unruly, undisciplined and politically uneducated have been the villains of all who want compromise, fair share and an America that is looked at with greatness again. In a year of much progress even without Republicans and some conservadems the fact is the Democratic Congress needs to do more to get legislation passed for the people. It is important people know, understand, and believe that President Obama cannot produce jobs alone. It is the job of Congress to create, and pass legislation … JOBs JOBs Jobs but that ain’t happening.  I gotta say given what we have all seen over the last 24months our President has no chance to please progressives but maybe people who might be less likely to engage in preemptive strikes will hold President Obama’s  feet to the fire but remain calm and support him.

I have this saying …” It is the Republicans Stupid” and those who are not aware of what the Republican Tea Party is doing to our Democracy will only make all our lives even worse. It is a moment in time when we must unite as Americans to fight back the crap that is being thrown at us by Republicans in Congress and Governors with a clear mission of taking us back to the Jim Crow days.

“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed Citizens can change the World. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”   -Margaret Mead

Other News …

Oslo explosion kills at least 2

Obama vows “hard choices” on debt as Democrats fume

State blames NY coaster operator for vet’s death

West Point cadet dies during training exercise

New Numbers in Republican Race

General Electric turns $3.7B quarterly profit

CSPAN

Panetta Formally Sworn-In at Pentagon

Meets with President Obama today on “Don’t ask, don’t tell”

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Senate Rejects “Cut, Cap and Balance” Act

Path forward to raise the debt ceiling uncertain

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Middle East

Aftermath of Political Uprising in Egypt

Discussions held on threats to religious minorities

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Public opinion favors compromise on deficit deal | Reuters

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~ 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.