Good Show Mate: Biden vs. Palin

I've just finished watching the vice-presidential candidates debate in St.Louis between veteran politician Senator Joe Biden and national newcomer Governor Sarah Palin. The questions pitched by PBS Gwen Ifil was handled beautifully by both VP hopefuls. The Delaware senator was well versed, pointed, and clear on issues of climate control, terrorism, and Iraq. The Alaskan head of state showed her competent understanding on tax reform, oil drilling and East African affairs. Because of the clarity of Biden and Palin the conversation was much more enjoyable and precise than their respective running mates of Barack Obama and John McCain.

Immediately after the debate I paused and asked a simple question; "Who won the debate?" Well, the answer to the question was fuzzy and unclear. That is, the American public knew that Senator Biden is a brilliant, well informed and flipped debater. We expected him to do well or better yet--be Joe Biden. However, the majority of the 50 million viewers watched to see the newcomer--Sarah Palin. Hearing so much about her inexperience, issues challenged, and elementary understanding of foreign affairs people turned on their televisions to see Palin fall on her face.

Well, Palin did not fall nor slip up on any major issue. She proved that her pedigree was not of a stupid blond, trailer trash, or a beauty pageant bimbo. Instead, she illustrated that she was a quick reader, fast learner, well versed and a straight shooter. That is, she may not know the issues as well as Biden; but, she was willing to go toe to toe with her opponent on philosophical and administrative affairs.

Tonight, the country got a treat from two great Americans and good vice presidential candidates. In many ways Biden and Palin showed more similarities than differences. They are both from humble beginnings, isolated states that are often ignored from national discussions, and where long shots to be added to the presidential tickets of their parties. Really, the only thing that I can say, "Biden, Palin--Good Show Mates!"

What? No Deal!

Unemployment is rising, banks are closing, families are becoming homeless, and credit is now becoming something of the past and the United States House of Representatives rejects the economic bail out plan. What in God's name is going on? Well, the same old blame game.

Nancy Pelosi--on the verge of getting the votes needed to endorse the plan could not hold back her hatred, and disrespect of President Bush. In a childish outburst at a press conference she blamed Bush for the Wall Street economic meltdown while bragging about the strength of the President Clinton administration in handling the economy. Well, even if it was true, and it was not, all the House Speaker had to do was to keep her mouth shut. Her statements did not add anything good to the discussion. In fact, it polarized potential supporters of the bill.

Pelosi's friend, Barney Frank arguing that Pelosi's statements where innocent and that Republicans who did not support the bail-out had thin skin and joked that he would personally stroke their ego to get the bill through the House. However, he forgot to say that 9 members of his Finance Committee--Democrats, voted against the bail-out.

Republicans blamed the Democrats in trying to push a socialist program down the throats of the American people. In addition, they stated that the American people did not want a bail-out. What is the truth?

The story is that both, the Republicans and Democrats, defeated the proposal promoted by President Bush. For instance, 2/3rd of the Republicans voted against the measure while 40% of the Democrats refuse to sign off on the draft. In other words 95 Democrats voted against it. Sadly, a number of House members refused to support anything that is promoted by the Bush White House. But, like it or not, Bush truly understand that there is a real problem--one that only the federal government can eradicate. For Bush to call for federal aid--he must surely see a problem because he hates government interaction in business affairs.

Because of Nancy "I can't shut up" Pelosi and the thin skinned "sissy" Republicans the American public is unsure of their economic future. The inactivity of the two parties is continuing the double-digit unemployment rate, the record foreclosure rate, gas lines in Atlanta and the rapid destruction of the American way of life. That is, did these people see or realized that the Dow Jones dipped 700 points today?

Our so called Representatives illustrated today that they are spineless, single minded, arrogant buffoons that care nothing for the common man and woman of America. Instead of working for the growth, strength and dignity of the good citizens of the nation they would rather point fingers and play the blaming game.

Most of my friends, associates and neighbors where shocked that nothing was done. Specifically, they responded like this: "What? No Deal! What idiots!

The Great Debate: A Sleeper

For weeks the country waited for the clash of the titans--smooth talking Barack Obama versus bull headed John McCain. Supporters of both politicians bragged and predicted that the opponent would be exposed as a lightweight thinker who could not possibly lead the nation. Thus, like millions of other Americans, I waited, changed my schedule to watch, listen and smile at the sparks that where supposed to fly. Instead, we got two career politicians who refused to go off script to speak to the hearts and souls of the American people. In fact, it was one of the worst presidential debates in recent memory.

The major issue that Americans needed to hear from the candidates was their stance on the current state of the economy. In the week of the Mississippi debate current president, George Bush, told us that our economy was on the verge of a collapse. He argued and pleaded with American public and Congress that we needed a federal bail out to starve off this man-made economic holocaust. The candidates, playing ugly and stupid politics, first came out with a joint statement--pushed by Senator Obama, on the crisis. Secondly, Senator McCain, stated that both presidential campaigns should suspend their activities to handle the crisis. The problem is that the crisis is not new. If both Senators Obama and McCain would have been at their post instead of running around the country telling lies and attempting to destroy each other's character the crisis may have been avoided before the Wall Street explosion. Thirdly, President Bush held a meeting with both candidates and major congressional leaders about the crisis in an attempt to reach an agreement. Both sides--Republicans and Democrats, screamed and argued like school kids pointing blame while Americans suffered. Fourthly, the two spoiled brats ultimately travel south of the Mason Dixon to hold the long awaited debate. But, what we got was a long boring sleeper.

Neither politician had the backbone to address the current state in a forceful direct manner that gave hope to the American people. That is, Obama did not sound like Franklin D. Roosevelt and McCain did represent the spirit of Ronald Reagan; both former presidents gave inspiration in clear direct prose to a suffering nation.

After the so-called debate media personalities from Fox, CNN, MSNBC, and others debated as to the winner and loser of the Obama-McCain conversation. Well, I don't know who won; but I certainly know who lost--the American people.

It's Your Fault--The Decline of the American Dollar

Yesterday as I was driving from Tampa to Orlando I happened to catch two very different talk shows on the radio. One was a liberal talk show and the other was a conservative talk show host. Both "mouths" agreed that we have a problem--the American economy and that someone was to blame. However, the sad issue is that instead of looking for solutions the two dirt bags blamed the opposing parties for the mess. For instance, the liberal arrogantly pointed the finger to President Bush, oil barons, and wealthy Americans. The conservative attacked President Bill Clinton, government control and narrow thinking social reformers. The point is, both parties are to blame for the destruction of our way of life.

What do you mean? Well, let's take an obese person. That man or woman who tips the scale at 450 pounds did not get there from eating a candy bar yesterday. But rather, they got to be overweight by eating candy bars, fried chicken, pigs feet, and drinking coke for several years. It was a gradual process of over indulgence and arrogance. Well, the same is with the economy. The eroding of our capital base started at least 30 years ago through the reign of Democrats and Republicans. But because we acted arrogant in that the American economy was invincible and that we are "the power" we allowed selfish, and illegal policies and activities to proceed unchecked or questioned. Now look at us.

We are on the verge of an economic depression that may make the 1929 stock market clash look like a Sunday walk through the park. Right now, every segment of America is in jeopardy. The nation is so close to a meltdown that it is not only scary but individually deflating. It is not the time to place the blame on political ideology; but rather, to find solutions to our problems. My two kids don't give a damn about what Bush or Clinton did or did not do--they simply want to known can Daddy provide for their needs. So while you debate the silly arguments concerning the experiences, looks, lies, philosophies of the presidential candidates reflect on what needs to take place to reverse the engines of depression.

I Love America--When the Economy is Good!

A couple of years ago illegal and legal immigrants marched the streets demanding that they have a right to stay in America--even if they broke the law. Signs read in Orlando, Miami, Chicago and New York, "Who are you calling illegal, Anglo?" "You stole America from my father!" and "I'll go back to Mexico, when you go back to Europe," and several other like slogans. Millions argued that they paid taxes, America was built on the backs of immigrants and that they love the United States of America.

Well, with the drop in construction, the purchase of homes and the overall bad state of the economy these "I love America" immigrants have made a fast dash back to their homes in Mexico, Brazil, Ghana, India and a host of other nations. It appears that they only love America when the economy is good. Thus, they love Uncle Sam when they can exploit his goodwill and generous attitude of giving to the "oppressed, downtrodden, and neglected."

According to the Census Bureau and the Brookings Institute less than a half million people immigrated to the United States last year. The number is down from 1.8 million of the previous year. In addition, of the 38 million immigrants counted last year almost 3 million packed their bags and headed back to the land of their birth. It seems that they found the strength, courage and the backbone to use their finely toned American skills to build the economy and governments of their homelands.

The real issue is that true Americans confront and challenge the issues that threatens to negate our way of life. We accept that the United States of America, for good or bad, is our homeland, government and destiny and that we will find ways to heal the wounds that are currently oozing with blood and puss. Real Americans are not running to our ancestral homelands in Europe and Africa--but rather are staying the course for change and opportunity.

Sadly, new age immigrants, the you owe me something America immigrant; don't have the strength and love for the existence and growth of our society and culture. Thus, after we fix the economic mess that is running through America like raw sewage; lets seriously overhaul our immigration policies. The one positive element of this economic collapse is that the United States will never again be the economic lottery for the world's population. Remember and I said it--"You only love America when the economy is good!"

The Nation's Broke!

The housing market is in shambles, unemployment is up, repossessions are at an all time high, foreclosures is now too common, the American currency is at an embarrassing low rate and Wall Street is melting like butter on a hot day. What does it mean? Simply, the nation is broke. So broke that we're borrowing money from communist China for our domestic and international needs.

The great United States is rapidly crumbling before our eyes. Less than forty years ago we were the envy of the world. We produced and manufactured everything that we needed. Our industrial might, due to the outstanding American worker, along with our working infrastructure and military strength created a society that everyone wanted to emulate. But, in that desire to be like America, outsiders along with foolish social-political leaders, argued that we must share our good fortune, give greater aid and support to the world, allow American goods to be produce by benign people in the third world. Well, what did it get us? Unemployment due to outsourcing; inferior products--see China; tainted food--viva Mexico; and debt--Americans can't purchase anything unless we use that satanic thing called credit.

What we need now are American leaders who's willing to put Americans first! We need a Congress, an Executive Officer who is not moved by every little negative statement that is made by foreign leaders. We need leaders who have the guts to make hard decisions and is dedicated in making the United States again, the greatest nation on earth. We need a leaders who will say the hell with the outside--that is, we'll dig where we want in the Gulf of Mexico or in any ocean on earth, build a wall along the southern border is we want, and pull our support from your nation if you don't like our policy. Yes--we need that! Don't say its a republican or democratic thing. It is an American problem that must be cured by Americans. There are so many great Americans of the past, male and female, Black, White, Yellow and Brown who cared and put America first. Individuals like Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and the first President Bush who did not give a pig's eye what the world said. They followed their passion and love for the American people to do the right thing. Citizens such as A. Philip Randolph, Mary Bethune, Charles Houston and Thurgood Marshall while they were active on the domestic and social front their policies always rested on what was good for the common American.

The point is--regardless of the political bent the majority of our American leaders of the past had they never punked America to the world. The common line that connected Adam Clayton Powell, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon is that they were clear that the interest of the American people will always be paramount in their policies.

Therefore, if we are going to get out of this economic mess and establish a real change in Washington we must elect real true blood common Americans who love this nation more than life itself. We must fire the parasites in Washington who have the nerve to call themselves congress people and senators. And, we must stop the worshipping of presidential candidates to ask real tough questions to both would be presidents. If we fail to do the things that I mentioned--be prepared to live in a third world country with citizens who are unemployed, uneducated and broke!

I Am Back

It's been three weeks since my last entry. In that time a number of activities has occurred. For instance, both political parties held historic and exciting conventions, sadly Hurricane Ike caused havoc throughout the Caribbean and significant areas in the United States, Mayor Kilpatrick of Detroit resigned to relocate to his new home--the state's prison system, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, and my beloved Ohio State got whipped by USC. But, one thing remained the same--race polarization.

The polarization that I am talking about concerns the presidential election. The Obama-McCain fight has rekindled American intellectual W.E.B. Du Bois argument, who stated over one hundred years ago that the "problem of the twentieth century would be the color line." Well, it is also the problem in the 21st century. It is clear, that except for a minority of American voters, citizens are supporting presidential candidates on issues of race and to some degree sex.

Yesterday, in Orlando Senator McCain spoke to a Puerto Rican group. The group--heavily Republican and supporter of Governor Palin, McCain's running mate, aggressively voiced their denouncement of Obama and the historic feat of having a female running mate. The point--is that they were and have found an acceptable excuse to vote for/against race. Puerto Rico, like all of the Caribbean were ports of entry for African slaves. Regardless, to what native residents on islands like Puerto Rico, Cuba, or the Dominican Republic may say to promote white or Spanish culture and supremacy--the majority of the people from the 17th century to the present are African-Caribbean or Afro-Latino peoples. However, these dark skinned are the most uneducated, economic strapped, and discriminated. The Whites on the islands are the ones who control and dominant the political, economic and social structure. Thus, if Puerto Ricans in Orlando followed the legacy, demographic, and the traditional cultural values of the island they would favor Obama over McCain's running mate.

On the other side you have African-Americans who are supporting Obama because he is an identifiable Black man. That is, he looks, talks, and lives an African-American life. Ignore the fact that his bloodline bypass "African-Americans" and that it holds White American and continental African blood--he is still seen as "the brother." Both groups, regardless of the reasons has forgotten or ignored the concept that we should choose a president on his/her intellectual prowess, experience, moral integrity, and strength to make concise and pointed decisions.

Yes--I took a hiatus but I returned to a divided nation--The United States. It's good to be back!