President Obama has a lot on his plate. He has acted swiftly to get his agenda passed through Congress. Stimulus, bailouts, bankruptcies, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, DOMA, Green Energy, War in Afghanistan, Healthcare reforom, financial market reforms, and he can still find time to take the First Lady out on dates. What is he, Superman? Hardly, just very intelligent. Even when his most loyal supporters began to question his master plans, he seems to prevail in the end. Polls are showing that the public is beginning to question his spending. And he is spending alot. Still, despite this, people still like him. And what's not to like? The beautiful wife, family, and dog! Of course, I have my opinions on the five problems swimming around the President's head in the picture above. But, I don't feel quite at liberty to share them. However, in my mind, among the easiest things to fix are LGBT issues. It seems crazy that we want people to serve in the armed forces but enforce this silly rule. And then there was that DOJ brief a couple of weeks back using incest citations to support the Defense of Marriage Act. The Department of Justice motioned to have a Federal case thrown out for lack of standing (among other reasoning). I actually read the brief, and it is very well done. The legal reasoning is solid: DOMA must be settled legislatively and the party alleging injury in the case had no standing to bring the case before the Federal Courts. The brief was good, but the writers forgot the "politics" of the situation and used incest citations. Ouch! And the president seems to be feeling the pressure as he made a concession and signed a presidential memo awarding some federal benefits to same-sex partners (although this has been happening in the private sector for a while).

But the War in Afghanistan, Gitmo, Wall Street, the Auto Industry, Healthcare reform, and Green/Energy reform...these are highly complex and politically volatile issues. I am anxious to see how all this will play out.

War Supplemental

We just passed a 106.6 billion dollar war supplemental providing for increased funding and support to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The supplemental serves to beef up our efforts in Afghanistan pursuant to the President's outlined "strategy" during a speech he gave in March. The bill is H.R. 2346. The power to make legislate appropriations and revenue bills vests with the House of Representatives exclusively. This is because the House is said to be more representative of the majority (it's true). At any rate, there are thousands of bills introduced and circulated around Congress. The process is long and there are various obstacles bills must overcome before becoming law. This is one of many perpetual checks on power the Founders placed on our form of government. However, the House Committee on Appropriations reported on the original supplemental on May 12, 2009. The bill was cleared for Mr. Obama's signature on June 18, 2009. It took a little over a month for us to write a 106.6 billion dollar check in further funds to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is fine, and I support the troops, but if someone was asking you for money, wouldn't you want to know a little bit more than vague and general descriptions? The bill is online for public view, but I am sure it will go unnoticed.

To illustrate my point, a section of the bill allocates 1.6 billion dollars to support efforts building up Afghanistan's economy and rule of law. I didn't know the rule of law came at such a fixed rate, and as far as an economy is concerned, are we not still in a recession, albeit on the recovery. I agree that we are in the mess and we need to stabalize the region as there is a struggle for power and control of the people's support. But with reports of the present government's corruption and contention with minority groups, it would seem a bit problematic for us to train the country's army if it is ran by a government a good number of folks find corrupt. I almost wish for the days when we would fund insurrections or paramilitaries to overthrow other governments. That's the way you do it. Change is brought upon by 'the people.' Hopefully, Iran will show the Afghans how it's done.

President Obama should tread carefully with this war in Afghanistan. I am certain he knows and there are plenty of intelligent people around him. So I guess we will all see how this turns out. But, it doesn't look pretty.

Southern Reconstruction

I was overjoyed last night and even this morning about the election of Barack Obama. So much has happened in eight years, and for it all to culminate in this defining moment, was well worth the wait. I felt a since of pride and happiness, that is, until I went to school. The campus seemed to haved had an eerily melancholy mood. There were so many sad and long faces, apparently disappointed in the loss for John McCain. That is fine, and loyal Republicans are entitled to feel that sentiment. However, there is a stark difference between disappointment for your candidate's loss and exhibiting utter disgust for the prospect that a black person will be your president. And what was I to expect? The nastiness coming from the McCain campaign and Fox News more or less tried to label Obama a terrorist, a socialist, a Muslim, a radical, a "scary" and "risky." So, sure, I can understand why those who believed all the lies and never bothered to research would be a little upset today.

Then, I entered the law school, and there was tension in the "air." People congregated in their separate corners to complain and then would awkwardly change conversation topic once an African American student would enter their vicinity. I thought we have dealt with this? Didn't this campaign make it okay to talk about race outloud? Adding to all this, numerous people have chosen to use Facebook to voice very hateful opinions. It is, as I told a friend, as would imagine many felt the day after the Civil War. It is like there has been a huge front to Southern heritage and culture that an African American has assumed the presidency. Now, clearly, this is not the feeling of ALL Southerners, but if you are honest with yourself and consider all of your southern associates and southern families, you will have to concede that somebody is burning in the gut today that their country's new leader is a black man. Mississippi's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. They cling to their strong heritage and cultural past with such a endearing white-knuckled grasp that it makes it very difficult for them to easily progress into a new future.

Obama's election is not a personal victory for African Americans. It is a notable triumph in African American history. But there is no way it could have happened if people of all races, ages, and backgrounds did not back this candidate. President Obama is our president in the truest sense. He is both black and white, and isn't that symbolic of the resolution it was going to take to bring us together. He represents Americans, each and every one of us.

African American students at Ole Miss should not have to hide their respective and understandable joy that a black person is president. Obama will be an inspiration to millions of black kids around the world as an example of what anyone can achieve. Moreover, white students who supported Obama should also be able to be excited about their candidate winning. Again, this is not a personal victory for individual African Americans, but it is a historic moment in American history. McCain supporters should rightfully feel some frustration. But no one should be affraid of having a black president.

President Barack Obama

President Obama: A Triumph for ALL Americans

I was watching CNN when at 10 p.m. it was announced that Barack Obama would be the next President of the United States. CNN's Wolf Blitzer was standing in front of one of their studio screens as they were counting down to the California, Oregon, and Washington polls' closings. He stated that they would potentially be able to make a projection. As the clocked ticked down from 10 seconds, there was a quiet moment. It was one of those moments that you hear and read about regarding what occurs before history is made. At 10 P.M., CNN cut to an American flag waving over an endless sea of American citizens and emotional Obama supporters in Chicago and announced that Barack Obama will be the next President. I felt a burst of joy and enthusiasm. Yes, it was historic that the country was electing its first black president. However, for me, it was more than that. This campaign has been a milestone in American politics. Barack Obama never ran as a black man, he ran as a candidate with a message of hope and change. This was a message that millions around the world and the U.S. could grasp after 8 long years which has been a series of tragic events, war, economic, and global crisis. If you traced this moment back to September 11, 2001, it is no surprise that after all this time, and all that has happened, people were waiting for something incredible. They were waiting for something new. Barack won because he was an exceptional human being, who happened to also be black.


This is why millions of blacks, whites, young, old, Latino, and women voted for Barack Obama. Obama changed the electoral map and managed to change red states blue. His election is not a personal victory for any one African American. His election is a triumph and a high point in American history after years and years of terrorism, fear, unemployment, and a slow decline in our national morale and global image. I voted for President Obama because I believe that his economic plan (a departure from trickle down theories) and approach to foreign relations (bringing back diplomacy) are better-situated to deal with the new challenges we faced. We have had it eight years one way, so why vote for someone who had more of the same to offer. Moreover, McCain and Sarah Palin didn't spend much time talking about their plans as much as they partook in a campaign built for parody. And in the weeks leading up to the election, the party itself began to unravel as signs of division in the camp made headlines.

It is my opinion that given the many errors the McCain campaign made, a victory for them on Nov. 4, would have led me to seriously question the political process. But again, the fact that Obama was able to turn red states blue, should be a strong indicator of how the country feels. I think President Obama is smart, and if he runs the country as well as he ran his campaign, I think we might be on an up-swing.

In Case You Missed: Joe the Plumber

The Aristocrat as "Joe the Plumber"

Since Joe wanted to make a mockery of the political process, then I wanted to make a mockery out of Joe, a "true" American

Why McCain SHOULD Lose

(1) Joe the Plumber: why is he giving press conferences on foreign policy regarding Israel? What are his qualifications to give a credible opinion on this issue? Why are we calling him a plumber when he is not? Why is he a campaign headliner?

(1.5) Tito the Builder

(2) Joe Six Pack: Joe Six Pack has been presented as a model for a "true" American. Presenting Joe Six Pack as a true American is implying that anyone who is not Joe Six Pack is not a true American. Speaking of that...

(3) When did being an "intellectual" become a bad thing? Intellectual republicans are being ostracized for some of their departures to Obama's camp. Imagine that, people who can rationalize and make an informed decision. But, hey, Joe the Plumber is an expert on our relations with Israel.

(4) Sarah Palin: see every post I have written about her. She is a polarizing and divisive figure. I honestly think she was McCain's biggest mistake. You cannot argue yourself a moderate and then bring on a far, far right conservative as your number 2. The more she spoke, the more it became apparent that there was no sort of formal process by which McCain chose her. She doesn't have any knowledge, or the basis to articulate an opinion, on usual things you would expect a national executive to know. Sure, she is nice and her appeal is that she is "real" and like an average [white] American. And that is why the base she mobilized so much is of one voice and one point of view. She does not present change or a new point of view. She is like George Bush. And we already made that mistake. The person you want to hang out with should not always be President. Moreover, she has been a point of division among her own party. And the SNL skits only drove home the point. She, like Joe the Plumber, Tito the Builder, and Joes Six Pack, are caricatures for parody fodder. And like a house of cards...

(5) FOX News: Instead of spending time uplifting their obvious pick (McCain), they chose to disparage Obama. They may have done well to persuade Independants had they focused more on why McCain is the better choice instead recycling the Wright/Ayers story over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over...

(6) No Narrative, No Message, Poorly Managed Campaign: McCain missed an opportunity to run a dignified campaign. However, it seems he found it difficult to reconcile Karl Rove politics with the campaign he wanted to run. The country is more moderate, and the exhaustion with the war and worry about the economy did not create an environment in which those same dirty tricks could work

(7) 8 Years of Bush: This was going to be a tough mountain to climb, regardless of who was the candidate

(8) The Economic Crisis: McCain was sold as a military man. He stated from the very begining that he is not keen on economics...OOPS

(9) McCain's Debate Performances: The third debate was his most successful, but next to Obama, he looked old (not just in the literal meaning). In mannerisms, disposition, and ideas McCain is "old" and not an instrument of change.

(10) The Republican Party is changing: There is a divide inside the house. Some fiscally conservative Reagan Republicans do not neccessarily share common principles with Palin Republicans (the Christian evangelical right, racists, and Joe(s)). Also, fundamentally, the ideals of fiscal conservatism are something you can sell to alot of people (blacks, independents, social minorities). But if a strong part of your base is racists, offensive, judgmental, or not willing to work with these groups, then you lose the chance to expand your base and re-define your party. This is why, in my opinion, Gov. Palin was so wrong. She mobilized a specific group. But while she mobilized a particular group, she pushed out others that may have leaned McCain's way.


UPDATE:

I just read through this post and realized how unfortunate this all is for John McCain. Ultimately, all of these reasons have nothing to do WITH John McCain. It is the people and the figures around him that has eroded his image and destroyed his campaign. Most of the attack ads against McCain-Palin were on their merits and policies. The McCain Campaign itself has been responsible for its own attack ads. Obama didn't have to do much but let them bicker from within, let Palin give interviews, let the Joe(s) campaign, and let the ignorance and racists comments at Palin rallies speak for themselves. McCain should have been more in control...but if he was in control, then I would be even more concerned if he were to win tomorrow

Aristorant: You Must REALLY Want Obama to Lose When...

...you are willing to do this to your face. Ashely Todd, a McCain Campaign volunteer made up a story about being assaulted and battered by a black male Obama supporter. Go figure. The CBS/AP story reads:

(CBS/AP) A John McCain campaign volunteer made up a story of being robbed, pinned to the ground and having the letter "B" scratched on her face in a politically inspired attack, police said Friday. Ashley Todd, 20-year-old college student from College Station, Texas, admitted Friday that the story was false, police said. Maurita Bryant, the assistant chief of the police department's investigations division, said Todd is being charged with making a false police report. Police doubted her story from the start, Bryant said. "She just opened up and said she wanted to tell the truth," Bryant said, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "She was upset with the media for blowing this into a political firestorm." Todd, who is white, initially told police she was attacked by a 6-foot-4 black man Wednesday night.

If nothing else arises from this election cycle, at least, America (and the world) has seen the level of ignorance and racism that perpetuates within the country. I don't think it will surmount Obama's probable victory. His making it to this level is indicative of how far we have come. But man, there sure are alot of people holding on to the past, holding on to the hate, and holding to the idea that we should be scared of an African American taking the presidency. Just breathe and let it go.

I wonder if Fox News had anything to do with this? Just kidding, but that network, has been campaigning very hard to stop Barack Obama from being elected. They don't even seem to support McCain so much as they want to defame and disparage Obama.

Aristorant: William Ayers

I was watching O'Reily Factor Friday evening, and there was yet another segment on Ayers. Bill O'Reily continues to assert that Obama should "throw Ayers under the bus." I got curious and decided to research William Ayers just to see what the fuss was all about.

Initially, I just figured that Ayers was some 60's militant/hippy who was raging against the establishment and a government, that in his view, was not living up to their end of the constitutional bargain in fighting a debacle of a war in Vietnam (uh hum, Iraq anyone?). Ayer's brand of radicalism was not original and was one example in hundreds of global occurrences. In the 1960s, countries around the world underwent political transitions. From Brazil to Prague, groups around the world toppled military and political dictatorships. In the U.S., protests and acts of civil disobedience were the result in significant strides in civil rights and women's rights. Ayer's acts of anarchy and violence are not excusable, but in context, Ayer's "terrorist" past is best left in the past and in no way imply that he is on the same level as Al Qaeda. Islamic radicalism today is far more serious.

Now, many say that William Ayers is a domestic terrorist, hence McCain-Palin's assertion that Sen. Obama "palls around with terrorists (although he is just one person no plural)" and that he "launched his political career in the living room of a domestic terrorist. Now, apparently the fact that Ayer's acts with the Weathermen organization were 40 years ago doesn't matter. Ayers is a university professor and author. He went through a trial process but never served time. Some federal misconduct resulted in the dismissal of his charges. So, he went through the system, and by chance, he lived to tell (and write about it) his story as a free man. This brief synopsis would lead some to leave Ayer's story in the past. Yet, some people want to keep hammering on the point that Sen. Obama should not have been associating with such a person. Some even go so far as to place Ayers in the same category as Al Qaeda. I think the comparison is remote.

Ayers is not current terrorist. And he was not a terrorist when he met Obama. Moreover, Obama served on a board with Ayers and others who have ties to both political parties. Governor Sarah Palin's argument that Obama "would view America as so imperfect to pal around with domestic terrorists" is a grave exaggeration. I think that the McCain Campaign has harped on this point to their own detriment. There is too much information out there today for these same tactics to hold water. America views terrorism through the lens of the WTC bombings on 9/11. Next to that tragic morning, Ayer's acts, 40 years ago, do not carry the same weight. Even more so now that he is an old college professor. Lastly, Ayers has gone on to clarify what he meant when he said that he had no regrets and wished they could have done more. To this point, Ayers has said that he meant they could have done more to try to stop the U.S. war in Vietnam.

Mud-slingging is NOT aristocratic.

Words of Wisdom: Donna Brazile

CNN political contributor and Obama supporter Donna Brazile invokes the wisdom and power of the great civil rights heroes of the past. In just four minutes, she is able to stir emotions, inspire, and deliver a message of hope. There is really nothing I can say to properly preface the clip above, so just watch and enjoy. Thanks to the CPA Doc!

Will the Real Democrat Please Stand Up

The race for the Senate is on as both Senators Musgrove and Wicker have launched full on attack ads against the other. However, it seems as though the campaigns are turning on who is the most risky choice for MS. Both are running ads telling us how conservative they are, predicated upon making the other seem more liberal (in spending) or my like President Bush (in incompetence). But even as their pictures above suggest, what really is the difference between the two? Ronnie and Roger both have grey hair, they both wear glasses, they both went to Ole Miss. Apparently these two mirror one another so much, they have to tell out right lies about one another to try to convince Mississippians who is the most...well, conservative. Both claim to be pro-gun, pro-life, anti-gay, pro-education, pro-regulated government spending, and anti-Bush. Frankly, I don't know how much either represents where the country in general is headed as a nation. One thing is for certain, you know you are in a RED state when even the Democrats run as Republicans.

This is Palin's America

“I’m afraid if he wins, the blacks will take over. He’s not a Christian! This is a Christian nation! What is our country gonna end up like?”

“When you got a Nigger running for president, you need a first stringer. He’s definitely a second stringer.”

“He seems like a sheep - or a wolf in sheep’s clothing to be honest with you. And I believe Palin - she’s filled with the Holy Spirit, and I believe she’s gonna bring honesty and integrity to the White House.”

“He’s related to a known terrorist, for one.”

“He is friends with a terrorist of this country!”

“He must support terrorists! You know, uh, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. And that to me is Obama.”

“Just the whole, Muslim thing, and everything, and everybody’s still kinda - a lot of people have forgotten about 9/11, but… I dunno, it’s just kinda… a little unnerving.”

“Obama and his wife, I’m concerned that they could be anti-white. That he might hide that.”

“I don’t like the fact that he thinks us white people are trash… because we’re not!”

These quotes were taken from the video above. Al-JAzeera went to a Palin rally in Ohio and the above comments were uttered by some truly colorful characters. I won't give any further opinions, I will just let the video and the words speak for themselves

10/18/09 Update

And check out the video below of Sarah Palin being "blessed" over. I wonder how people would react if this was Obama.

They Saved the BEST for Last

This debate has been, by far, the most interesting. Notwithstanding the VP debate, that was clearly a circus, this final presidential debate was substantive and addressed the issues that were important to the American people. They discussed economic issues and policy, education, foreign policy, Supreme Court appointments, and general reform. Sen. McCain brought his A Game, and I thought this was his best debate performance of the three. He was confident, assertive, and he managed to put Obama on the defense. I am not sure who "won" the debate. I don't know if that is an adequate measure. But, McCain was impressive in his complete 360. He wasn't like grandpa up there, he was nearly imposing. It goes to prove the point I made in an earlier post: you can effectively battle it out without sinking to the level of dirty politics that has outlined McCain's campaign. I think had he shown this side prior to tonight, he probably could have picked up more support.

Aristorants: Why Play Dirty, Wicker?

Look, I graduated from the Croft Institute at Ole Miss with Senator Wicker's daughter, and I know his son who currently attends the university. I usually don't care about MS politics. I feel like MS is, was, and will be...constantly last to catch on with common sense and evolving standards of decency. That's not to say I don't like my home state. I was born and raised in this state, but man, we have our issues. We have come so far, but we still have much work to do. So, I really was just never moved to get involved with MS politics. However, the latest campaign ad is quite over-the-top.

In the ad, the Wicker Campaign implies Ronnie Musgrove just pours money and support into the coffers of every left wing group on the planet. He has a person giving a briefcase full of money to the Musgrove campaign implying that Musgrove is "pro abortion" (instead of pro choice). He also has two individuals dressed like characters from the 1970s group The Village People who are supposed to represent a human rights group that advocates on behalf of gay and lesbian issues.

The clip is quite cheap and in poor taste. It's not like Musgrove is super popular (I don't think), and I am sure there are plenty of effective ways to attack him rather than stooping to level of dirty politics currently on display in the presidential election. Is there no honor left anywhere? It seems like there is less an emphasis on dignity as there is on sensationalism and outrageous advertising. But of course, maybe I live in la la land and these politicians are just pandering to the abundance of stupidity and ignorance that thrives within this union of states.

What Happened to John McCain?

I don't have anything against John McCain. I don't believe in making personal attacks because I don't know McCain and I don't know Obama on a personal level to make a judgment call relating to their "associations." The recent reaching into the past with linking Ayers to Obama and the Keating Five scandal to McCain have nothing to do with the devastation that is occurring on mainstream as a result of Wall Street's downward spiral. I have made a decision to support Barack Obama because I think that he is the "real" reformer whose economic and social idea are what this country needs to propel it into a scary and uncertain future. There are big challenges ahead and I just don't think the same old same old will do, because that is what has brought us here. But this post is about John McCain...

John McCain is a veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He was a prisoner of war. He has literally served his country in some capacity for the majority of his life. He is not his party's favorite and he has resolve and clearly outlined political platforms. Though his delivery may not be the most riveting, his story is quite moving and he had a potential to take his credentials to deliver a message of hope for the future. But a clear message never resonnated. At some point, I think Senator McCain sold out a bit and sold out to the dark forces (like Karl Rove and other Bush architects). And now with the polls seeming to slant in Obama's favor, he and Palin have taken a turn for dirty politics and smearing in efforts to win.

But who is losing in the process? The economy is in tatters, people are unemployed, and we are all facing uncertain futures, and all we have to discuss is Ayers. Ayers was some hippie radical, but now he is a professor. Are we to hold everyone to who they were when they were in college? No one is that perfect, certainly not McCain and neither was Obama. John McCain has served his country well, and I wish he will finish out this race, regardless of how it turns out, with the class and dignity we expect from him.

Aristocratic Thoughts: Poli-Ticking Me Off

1. The traditional conservative platform has been predicated upon the principles of "small government." Implicitly, this means de-regulation, less government oversight, and by all means never taking money from the rich to fund social iniaitives. Yet, has it not been these traditionally conservative ideals that enabled these financial corporations to plat monopoly with taxpayer's money. And now, that same party (and its present head -- President Bush) have concocted a huge bailout in which we will take taxpayer's money to take to save the economy. Sort of like we have taken huge amounts of taxpayer's money to fight "evil" and "terrorism" in a war, apparently "a mission from God." I believe the Republican paty thinks everybody, including members of their own base, are stupid. Sure, there needs to be a "bailout," but let's not give CEOs a comfy ride. According to conservatives, tax money should not go towards helping individuals, right? Hypocracy is not aristocratic.

2. Now, Sen. McCain, in attempt to put "country first," has suspended his campaign to go back to Washington and help solve the problem. But the fundamentals of the American economy are sound, right? And now, he is for government oversight and regulation. Moreover, Senator McCain has asked to postpone the debate that is scheduled to take place tomorrow night. That's right, the millions Ole Miss has spent will have been for nothing. I don't know why the debate would have to be cancelled unless Congress plans on meeting all night Friday. Shouldn't a president be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. This is Senator Obama's point. And he has said that he will be in Mississippi on Friday for the Debate. Plus, it was actually Obama who first contacted McCain about issuing a joint-statement. Senator McCain took the opportunity to make it seem like he took the higher road. He seems to be caught in between the proverbial rock and a hard place. If he suuports Bush's proposed bailout, he loses ground as a maverick and reformer. However, if he doesn't make a grand show of heading back to Washington, then he is not putting country first. I wonder where McCain thinks the money from any bailout would come from? In McCain's plan, he has asserted that he will cut taxes. If anyone thinks that taxes won't go up, they are living in a fool's paradise, especially if this bailout goes through. Also, I happened to catch a little of Fox News yesterday, and there were reports coming from McCain's camp that they think the scheduled first VP debate should be the first presidential debate. After cradling Sarah Palin and continuing to limit her speaking to controlled scenarios, the Republicans again, must believe we are all dumb. They do not let he speak freely or allow the press to ask her questions. The very idea that people would say now that the first VP debate should be the presidential debate is absurd. McCain camp's tactics are so brazenly obvious.

3. Governor Palin went on a tour and continues in her refusal to talk to the press or have any uncontrolled moments with them. Or maybe I should say that she is not being allowed. But of course, that would be sexist wouldn't it? Has there ever been a VP nominee with so much heat surrounding her, so much to answer for, and who has gotten away with not talking about it. And even in the interviews she has had, she comes off nervous, unsure, and in some cases clueless. The Republicans are quick to call sexism at any mention of topics that Palin herself has submitted for public scrutiny. She discusses her experience with the PTA, being a hockey mom, and mother as credible work experience qualifying her for the job. We don't talk about McCain, Biden, or Obama's experience as a father that would qualify them so why do we even discuss Sarah Palin's experience as a mother as credible experience? And even if you were to go down that road, her daughter is pregnant with the baby of some silly teenaged boy. If you were to scrutinize her "mother qualifications," she did not have good judgment. If her parenting skills are synonymous with her policymaking, then she does not teach her kids sex education and demands that if they get pregnant, they should have the baby at all costs. Fortunately, I believe the magic is gone, and people are beginning to re examine her credibility.

Anniversary of the Jena 6 Protests

Talk show host Michael Baisden and the Rev. Al Sharpton in Louisiana during the Jena 6 protest. Regardless of your opinions of the two, the protests were successful in demonstrating the courage and mobility that still exists within the African American community. Although I do believe that we need new leaders to tackle modern challenges, I respect the work Sharpton and Baisden do in bringing awareness to certain issues and sparking a lot of conversation and heated debate.

Government Bails Out AIG

So the the government will be "loaning" AIG money so that they do not fall under which would have potentially resulted in an economic meltdown. It's not that any one president is ever responsible for the entire economy but it is consistent with the Republican platform to deregulate financial institutions and to limit government oversight of some of our esteemed financial institutions. Perhaps this all started with President Clinton, but somewhere along the way, lenders and the general Wall Street fat cats started a game of monopoly using Americans' hard-earned money. And now, we are seeing the result of the liberal granting of loans to people who couldn't cash a dollar. Regardles of who you are voting for in the upcoming Presidential election, it seems likely that some groups' taxes will have to increase to pay for the financial mess we are in.