Friday, October 9, 2009
Ignoring Black on Black Crime?
What recently happened to a 16 year old boy in Chicago makes you stomach turn if you watch the video (who could sit and video this?). The article below was fantastic and thought provoking, check it out.
Black Leaders Ignore Black-on-Black Crime
By E.W. Jackson Sr.
On Thursday, September 24th, after an apparently productive day at Fengler High School in Chicago, Derrion Albert, a black 16 year old honor student was knocked to the ground by a blow to the head with a railroad tie. He was then punched, kicked and stomped. Those who responded to rescue him were too late.
Derrion had walked into the middle of a fight between two rival black gangs. He attempted to help one of the victims in the melee and was killed for his trouble. This took place in Barack Obama's Chicago. All his work for "social justice" did a great deal for Obama, but it did nothing for Derrion Albert. Of course the President is not responsible for this tragedy, but it does expose the fatuous claim that such occurrences are the result of social injustice rather than the personal choice to engage in lawless behavior. The ghettos, drugs, gangs and violence are on display for all to see in spite of Jeremiah Wright, Louis Farrakhan, Acorn and all the community organizing.
Treating poor black people as victims to be "organized" has been an abject failure. They are human beings to be educated, inspired and required to take responsibility for their own lives. The tragedy here is that Derrion was doing just that and it was working, but the malignant pathology of the ghetto spread to him on that unfortunate day and ended his promising life.
There is another tragedy. The so called black civil rights leaders have been mute. Had this been a white gang attacking a black gang member, they would have jumped in front of every camera and microphone available to decry racism and injustice in America. If it had been a black criminal with a long rap sheet, killed in a confrontation with a white police officer, there would be protests and perhaps riots against systemic racism in the police department.
Yet in this case and others like it, there is a deafening silence from some of the biggest mouths in America. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Julian Bond, Louis Farrakhan and the Congressional Black Caucus see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. When Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was arrested by a white police officer, President Barack Obama -- without any facts -- found it necessary to put in his two cents. Here in Chicago, the salient facts are abundantly clear and a heinous murder has been committed in his home town, but the president is silent. Malicious, homicidal maniacs brutally killed a decent young man on the streets Obama "organized," but he has nothing to say. The self-appointed, media supported "black leaders" have not seen fit to hold a press conference or a rally supporting Derrion Albert and his family and condemning the perpetrators of this vicious crime. They have not called for witnesses to come forward.
There's a reason for their uncharacteristic silence. Derrion's murder does not fit the black liberation narrative. As one civil rights leader said to me, "If we focus on black on black crime, we let white folks off the hook." Never mind that the leading cause of death among black males ages 18 to 24 is homicide by other black males. In one interview before Obama was elected, Michelle Obama commented on threats to Barack Obama's safety saying, "As a black man, Barack can get shot going to the gas station." What she did not say is that his likely killer would be another black man. Blacks are only 13% of the population, but over 40% of the murder victims. Ninety Three percent of those black victims are killed by other black people. As a black man, I am far more wary of the real black criminal than the imagined white racist.
Absentee fathers, abortion, drug use, gangs and black on black crime have a much greater impact on people's lives than theoretical systemic racism, but these issues do not fit the liberal paradigm to which civil rights leaders are hostage. The problems of the black community must be understood solely as a social justice problem inflicted on blacks by whites. No other explanation is worthy of discussion, and woe to those dare suggest otherwise. In truth the civil rights spokesmen have another agenda which supersedes the well-being of black folks -- their personal financial and political well being.
Liberal benefactors and foundations are not interested in addressing social pathologies which can only be eliminated by change of values, stable families and the willingness of fathers to parent their children. The government's coffers are closed to moral judgments and spirituality. Faith in God, parental love and discipline to instill values of decency and responsibility are the antidotes to gangs, crime and drugs. However, allegations of racism, discrimination and social injustice are far more marketable for the Rainbow Coalition and the NAACP.
The people who killed Derrion are monsters. Monsters come in all colors, but these happen to be black. They are not victims. They are cold-blooded criminals with no regard for human life. Maybe when the so called black leaders start speaking out against gangs and criminals as parasites instead of victims of society, there will be fewer real victims like Derrion Albert.
Black Leaders Ignore Black-on-Black Crime
By E.W. Jackson Sr.
On Thursday, September 24th, after an apparently productive day at Fengler High School in Chicago, Derrion Albert, a black 16 year old honor student was knocked to the ground by a blow to the head with a railroad tie. He was then punched, kicked and stomped. Those who responded to rescue him were too late.
Derrion had walked into the middle of a fight between two rival black gangs. He attempted to help one of the victims in the melee and was killed for his trouble. This took place in Barack Obama's Chicago. All his work for "social justice" did a great deal for Obama, but it did nothing for Derrion Albert. Of course the President is not responsible for this tragedy, but it does expose the fatuous claim that such occurrences are the result of social injustice rather than the personal choice to engage in lawless behavior. The ghettos, drugs, gangs and violence are on display for all to see in spite of Jeremiah Wright, Louis Farrakhan, Acorn and all the community organizing.
Treating poor black people as victims to be "organized" has been an abject failure. They are human beings to be educated, inspired and required to take responsibility for their own lives. The tragedy here is that Derrion was doing just that and it was working, but the malignant pathology of the ghetto spread to him on that unfortunate day and ended his promising life.
There is another tragedy. The so called black civil rights leaders have been mute. Had this been a white gang attacking a black gang member, they would have jumped in front of every camera and microphone available to decry racism and injustice in America. If it had been a black criminal with a long rap sheet, killed in a confrontation with a white police officer, there would be protests and perhaps riots against systemic racism in the police department.
Yet in this case and others like it, there is a deafening silence from some of the biggest mouths in America. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Julian Bond, Louis Farrakhan and the Congressional Black Caucus see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. When Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was arrested by a white police officer, President Barack Obama -- without any facts -- found it necessary to put in his two cents. Here in Chicago, the salient facts are abundantly clear and a heinous murder has been committed in his home town, but the president is silent. Malicious, homicidal maniacs brutally killed a decent young man on the streets Obama "organized," but he has nothing to say. The self-appointed, media supported "black leaders" have not seen fit to hold a press conference or a rally supporting Derrion Albert and his family and condemning the perpetrators of this vicious crime. They have not called for witnesses to come forward.
There's a reason for their uncharacteristic silence. Derrion's murder does not fit the black liberation narrative. As one civil rights leader said to me, "If we focus on black on black crime, we let white folks off the hook." Never mind that the leading cause of death among black males ages 18 to 24 is homicide by other black males. In one interview before Obama was elected, Michelle Obama commented on threats to Barack Obama's safety saying, "As a black man, Barack can get shot going to the gas station." What she did not say is that his likely killer would be another black man. Blacks are only 13% of the population, but over 40% of the murder victims. Ninety Three percent of those black victims are killed by other black people. As a black man, I am far more wary of the real black criminal than the imagined white racist.
Absentee fathers, abortion, drug use, gangs and black on black crime have a much greater impact on people's lives than theoretical systemic racism, but these issues do not fit the liberal paradigm to which civil rights leaders are hostage. The problems of the black community must be understood solely as a social justice problem inflicted on blacks by whites. No other explanation is worthy of discussion, and woe to those dare suggest otherwise. In truth the civil rights spokesmen have another agenda which supersedes the well-being of black folks -- their personal financial and political well being.
Liberal benefactors and foundations are not interested in addressing social pathologies which can only be eliminated by change of values, stable families and the willingness of fathers to parent their children. The government's coffers are closed to moral judgments and spirituality. Faith in God, parental love and discipline to instill values of decency and responsibility are the antidotes to gangs, crime and drugs. However, allegations of racism, discrimination and social injustice are far more marketable for the Rainbow Coalition and the NAACP.
The people who killed Derrion are monsters. Monsters come in all colors, but these happen to be black. They are not victims. They are cold-blooded criminals with no regard for human life. Maybe when the so called black leaders start speaking out against gangs and criminals as parasites instead of victims of society, there will be fewer real victims like Derrion Albert.
Nobel Peace Prize, For What?
When news spread this morning that Obama has officially earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," I was a little bit surprised. What has he done? This is a pretty prestigious honor. Then I thought, well they gave one to Jimmy Carter and he really didn't do anything either.
As more and more, people are getting ancy regarding the Obama administration's lack of accomplishing anything (other than the Cash for Clunkers program), I feel as though this is another "nothing" accomplishment as well. Saturday Night Live comedian's even parodied his lack of accomplishing anything substantial so far. Let's get a move on, please! Our country is in desperate need of help.
Don't get me wrong. I would have never wanted to be in Obama's shoes last January when he got inaugurated as President. This is one of the most toughest times to be President of the United States. That aside a lot of people are counting on him and it's time to deliver.
He is a charismatic, intelligent highly influential leader with a lot on his plate. Polls all say people love him, they just don't love his politics. As John Stewart said, rather than staring at that plate of "things to do," lets pick up our fork Obama and start eating away at some of those things.
As more and more, people are getting ancy regarding the Obama administration's lack of accomplishing anything (other than the Cash for Clunkers program), I feel as though this is another "nothing" accomplishment as well. Saturday Night Live comedian's even parodied his lack of accomplishing anything substantial so far. Let's get a move on, please! Our country is in desperate need of help.
Don't get me wrong. I would have never wanted to be in Obama's shoes last January when he got inaugurated as President. This is one of the most toughest times to be President of the United States. That aside a lot of people are counting on him and it's time to deliver.
He is a charismatic, intelligent highly influential leader with a lot on his plate. Polls all say people love him, they just don't love his politics. As John Stewart said, rather than staring at that plate of "things to do," lets pick up our fork Obama and start eating away at some of those things.
RUNNING FOR HOUSE OF DELEGATES- Upper Fells Point Baltimore City
I have officially decided that I am going to run for the House of Delegates!! It's early, I know. But while driving to work yesterday I saw people already posting campaign signs. More to follow.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The American Dream, As We Know It, Is DEAD!
America as we know it is quickly coming to an end. Think about it. When we're young, we're told to work hard and the sky's the limit. Well nobody wants to work hard and sacrifice to get what they want anymore. The American Dream is D-E-A-D!
Who killed it?? EVERYONE. We're all so god damned worried about getting "ours", blaming the "man" and our "rights" that we don't take a second to look inwardly and wonder how we are effecting our own destiny.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What did I do to get myself here?
2. How can I work to improve myself?
3. What are My priorities?
4. How am I responsible for this outcome?
In the end nobody really gives a damn about you, except for YOU!! Nobody wants to do this though. It is SO, SO, SO much easier to blame others for our problems. You didn't get something you wanted, THEY were RACIST. You didn't get that HOUSE, THEY were SEXIST. It must be the REPUBLICAN or DEMOCRATS problem, right?? Did they cause this??
NO!! We did! We look to our government to solve our problems and it should be the other way around. We want an understanding empathetic government that will have every single possible outcome dictated to us in a mass of laws. Empathy has no place in government. It is supposed to be an arbitrary, neutral faceless body.
I don't know when we all took a turn in that fork in the road we call life and decided laws are the answer to our destiny. Take it from me, I'm a lawyer, they aren't.
Everytime the government proposes something think to yourself, why are they doing this? We don't need more programs, spending, laws, etc. They want you to think we do but we don't.
Don't be ready to slit the juggular of someone that protests to your views. Being American is supposed to be about understanding, compassion and empathy. We'll take your tired, hungry and poor and we'll make them into god damn bill gates. This isn't the role of the government, this is the role of individual American's. LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE SAY! LEARN ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
You think change is impossible. Some puppy owners in Baltimore City got pissed off because Baltimore City Council changed the leash law to $1000 fine at the beginning of this year. Three women protested, less than a week later that law was changed. .
If you have some how benefited from social programs. Don't be ashamed, admit it and pass on that benefit you've received and pass it on to someone else.
Rich people aren't happy. Money doesn't buy happiness. Family and Friends do. Focus on what matters and not what doesn't. STOP BLAMING OTHERS, DON'T FALL PREY TO THEIR GAME. PAY ATTENTION. EVERYTHING IS NOT RACIST, SEXIST, CLASSICIST, or PARTISAN....
For I swear to you, and you can quote me on this. If serious change doesn't occur America as we know it will be DEAD in less than 10 years. We are overspending at a rate that is unsustainable. Our judicial system is BROKEN (the courts were not supposed to be used as a conduit to make people rich). Legislative members don't want to make a decision because they are scared to death of not getting reelected. Career Senators isn't what the founding fathers had in mind. Instead of doing anything worthwhile Congress focuses on random bullshit that they think Matters that really doesn't. Our executive branch has taken away the effect of the legal contract and now decides that bankruptcy doesn't work and props up companies with tax payers dollars. Is the system fixed?? NO! We are going to be lulled into a sense of complacency and tumble even further into a recession than we are now.
If George Washington, James Madison, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson were alive today they shoot themselves in the head! Something's gotta give....
Who killed it?? EVERYONE. We're all so god damned worried about getting "ours", blaming the "man" and our "rights" that we don't take a second to look inwardly and wonder how we are effecting our own destiny.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What did I do to get myself here?
2. How can I work to improve myself?
3. What are My priorities?
4. How am I responsible for this outcome?
In the end nobody really gives a damn about you, except for YOU!! Nobody wants to do this though. It is SO, SO, SO much easier to blame others for our problems. You didn't get something you wanted, THEY were RACIST. You didn't get that HOUSE, THEY were SEXIST. It must be the REPUBLICAN or DEMOCRATS problem, right?? Did they cause this??
NO!! We did! We look to our government to solve our problems and it should be the other way around. We want an understanding empathetic government that will have every single possible outcome dictated to us in a mass of laws. Empathy has no place in government. It is supposed to be an arbitrary, neutral faceless body.
I don't know when we all took a turn in that fork in the road we call life and decided laws are the answer to our destiny. Take it from me, I'm a lawyer, they aren't.
Everytime the government proposes something think to yourself, why are they doing this? We don't need more programs, spending, laws, etc. They want you to think we do but we don't.
Don't be ready to slit the juggular of someone that protests to your views. Being American is supposed to be about understanding, compassion and empathy. We'll take your tired, hungry and poor and we'll make them into god damn bill gates. This isn't the role of the government, this is the role of individual American's. LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE SAY! LEARN ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
You think change is impossible. Some puppy owners in Baltimore City got pissed off because Baltimore City Council changed the leash law to $1000 fine at the beginning of this year. Three women protested, less than a week later that law was changed. .
If you have some how benefited from social programs. Don't be ashamed, admit it and pass on that benefit you've received and pass it on to someone else.
Rich people aren't happy. Money doesn't buy happiness. Family and Friends do. Focus on what matters and not what doesn't. STOP BLAMING OTHERS, DON'T FALL PREY TO THEIR GAME. PAY ATTENTION. EVERYTHING IS NOT RACIST, SEXIST, CLASSICIST, or PARTISAN....
For I swear to you, and you can quote me on this. If serious change doesn't occur America as we know it will be DEAD in less than 10 years. We are overspending at a rate that is unsustainable. Our judicial system is BROKEN (the courts were not supposed to be used as a conduit to make people rich). Legislative members don't want to make a decision because they are scared to death of not getting reelected. Career Senators isn't what the founding fathers had in mind. Instead of doing anything worthwhile Congress focuses on random bullshit that they think Matters that really doesn't. Our executive branch has taken away the effect of the legal contract and now decides that bankruptcy doesn't work and props up companies with tax payers dollars. Is the system fixed?? NO! We are going to be lulled into a sense of complacency and tumble even further into a recession than we are now.
If George Washington, James Madison, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson were alive today they shoot themselves in the head! Something's gotta give....
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Don't Expect The Government To Do Everything For You
We as American's, for some reason or another, expect the Governnment to do everything for us. Relying on our government we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off now that things aren't going as planned. We are self-sufficient. We created our government. Our government's broken and it's up to us to fix the problems of our country. For if left to the devices of our government we are going to spin around in perpetutity and nothing will get done.
Get involved, let them know we are not happy. Let's make real change.
Get involved, let them know we are not happy. Let's make real change.
Need for New Party?
If we are going to stick with "party" politics, I think we need a new party. What if you're liberal on social issues but conservative on fiscal issues? What party is that? That's what most people in the United States are today anyways. Interesting to think about.
Will The U.S. Dollar Collapse??
Will the U.S. Dollar collapse within the next few years?? Some think it is inevitable with our government’s current rate of spending. With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates really low while printing billions and billions of dollars in order to provide more liquidity to banks, it is very likely that within a matter of years the U.S. will witness hyper-inflation, resulting in the collapse of the U.S. dollar.
Think about it:
1. U.S. government liabilities have surpassed $50 trillion dollars.
2. The U.S. debt grew 9.5% last year surpassing $9 trillion at the end of 2007, about $30,000 for every American, and the figure keeps increasing exponentially.
3. The U.S. government spends $1.5 billion dollars more than it takes in every day.
Think about it:
1. U.S. government liabilities have surpassed $50 trillion dollars.
2. The U.S. debt grew 9.5% last year surpassing $9 trillion at the end of 2007, about $30,000 for every American, and the figure keeps increasing exponentially.
3. The U.S. government spends $1.5 billion dollars more than it takes in every day.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The GOP: Divorced From Reality? Bill Maher Thinks So....
Read what Bill Maher recently wrote today in the Los Angeles Times.
The GOP: Divorced From Reality
Friday, April 24, 2009
Bill Maher, Los Angeles Times
If conservatives don't want to be seen as bitter people who cling to their guns and religion and anti-immigrant sentiments, they should stop being bitter and clinging to their guns, religion and anti-immigrant sentiments.
It's been a week now, and I still don't know what those "tea bag" protests were about. I saw signs protesting abortion, illegal immigrants, the bank bailout and that gay guy who's going to win "American Idol." But it wasn't tax day that made them crazy; it was election day. Because that's when Republicans became what they fear most: a minority.
The conservative base is absolutely apoplectic because, because ... well, nobody knows. They're mad as hell, and they're not going to take it anymore. Even though they're not quite sure what "it" is. But they know they're fed up with "it," and that "it" has got to stop.
Here are the big issues for normal people: the war, the economy, the environment, mending fences with our enemies and allies, and the rule of law.
The GOP: Divorced From Reality
Friday, April 24, 2009
Bill Maher, Los Angeles Times
If conservatives don't want to be seen as bitter people who cling to their guns and religion and anti-immigrant sentiments, they should stop being bitter and clinging to their guns, religion and anti-immigrant sentiments.
It's been a week now, and I still don't know what those "tea bag" protests were about. I saw signs protesting abortion, illegal immigrants, the bank bailout and that gay guy who's going to win "American Idol." But it wasn't tax day that made them crazy; it was election day. Because that's when Republicans became what they fear most: a minority.
The conservative base is absolutely apoplectic because, because ... well, nobody knows. They're mad as hell, and they're not going to take it anymore. Even though they're not quite sure what "it" is. But they know they're fed up with "it," and that "it" has got to stop.
Here are the big issues for normal people: the war, the economy, the environment, mending fences with our enemies and allies, and the rule of law.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NO BAILOUTS FOR NEWSPAPERS
Saving the newspapers would be tantamount to saving the telegram. What if the telegram operators prayed for relief from the government when the phone was invented, or the fax machine??
The newspaper is a dieing method of communication that is outdated and virtually obsolete. With people able to get business and news updated instantaneously on the internet, why would they want to buy a paper with the news from the day before?? Businesses go through cycles like this all the time. This forces companies in the communications industry to inovate and reinvent themselves.
The problem is the newspaper companies are lazy and don't want to do this. We already have government ran television (PBS) and government ran radio (NPR) we don't need government ran newspapers. Newspapers are supposed to put the government to task when they are doing wrong, who will want to do that now when their government is the one signing their paycheck??
Saving the newspaper industry because we are nostalgic for it is lunacy. Congress is considering this soon, don't let them go unchecked. No bailouts for newspapers. Contact your local represenatives.
Stop Telling Parents What To Do With Their Kids
This will be short. Stop telling parents what to do with their kids. We have taken away their ability to parent because they are afraid about government intervention. Then the government complains that parents aren't "parenting" and doing what they are supposed to with kids. Result, a bunch of bratty kids that run amuck because they know they can get away with everything and anything.
Again as an overreaction by a few parents that did wrong to their kids the government now has it's army of SS (social services) individuals telling parents what they should do and deciding what is in the best interest of the children.
What is in the best interest?? Butt out. Unless the parent is doing something to put the child in "imminent danger of bodily fear," don't get involved. Children are smart and they know how to take advantage of these situations. Who will lose out in the end? The Children. They need discipline and they need a parent. So, stop telling parents what to do with their kids.
I applaud the woman that made her bratty teenagers get out of the car. Can't prosecute for what, might happen. No one got hurt. Well, maybe the teenagers ego got bruised a bit. So government, social services, take a note and butt out.
Familicide, A Public Health Crisis Facing America?
Leave it to good over-reacting Americans to consider a rash of murder-suicides involving families in Maryland and elsewhere as a "public health problem" that MUST be addressed. This is wrong.
Let's look at the underlying issues that may have caused these problems and address those instead. While they aren't sure the motivation of the Parente familicide, they do know that the father a lawyer may have been involved with a ponzi-scheme. Investigators claim that economic strife may be the catalyst that drove Mr. Parente over the edge. Police in Middleton found a family of five dead last week and similar crimes were reported earlier this year in California and North Carolina.
Financial worries a catalyst?? A majority of Americans have been living above there means for years now. Don't have money to pay for this, use the credit card. Don't have money to pay for that, get a loan. We're a spend, spend, spend nation and now that the money has begun to dry up we are all looking at each other bewildered and blaming others for the issues instead of looking inward.
As with Bernie Madoff, some people's drive to have money, and as much as possible, drove high profile financial "robber-barrons" to mastermind schemes to take as much money from other people and use it for their own profit and gain. As stated above some think that this might be the catalyst behind the Parente familicide.
Where am I going with this? I know, I went on a tangent. Instead of overreacting and spending millions of dollars that we don't have on a campaign to combat familicide let's look at the underlying issues to solve this problem. Let's go back to some of the rules our parents and grandparents utilized. We are so fixated on progress in this country we sometimes are reluctant to admit that people may have had it "right" generations ago. Don't spend more than you make. Honesty and Integrity has to be of the utmost importance. Don't over extend yourself on credit cards. Perhaps if we teach that type of financial responsibility and personal integrity and responsibility and insist on strict adherence we will see this "rash" of familicdies go away forever. Let's not be rash and overreact.
Let's look at the underlying issues that may have caused these problems and address those instead. While they aren't sure the motivation of the Parente familicide, they do know that the father a lawyer may have been involved with a ponzi-scheme. Investigators claim that economic strife may be the catalyst that drove Mr. Parente over the edge. Police in Middleton found a family of five dead last week and similar crimes were reported earlier this year in California and North Carolina.
Financial worries a catalyst?? A majority of Americans have been living above there means for years now. Don't have money to pay for this, use the credit card. Don't have money to pay for that, get a loan. We're a spend, spend, spend nation and now that the money has begun to dry up we are all looking at each other bewildered and blaming others for the issues instead of looking inward.
As with Bernie Madoff, some people's drive to have money, and as much as possible, drove high profile financial "robber-barrons" to mastermind schemes to take as much money from other people and use it for their own profit and gain. As stated above some think that this might be the catalyst behind the Parente familicide.
Where am I going with this? I know, I went on a tangent. Instead of overreacting and spending millions of dollars that we don't have on a campaign to combat familicide let's look at the underlying issues to solve this problem. Let's go back to some of the rules our parents and grandparents utilized. We are so fixated on progress in this country we sometimes are reluctant to admit that people may have had it "right" generations ago. Don't spend more than you make. Honesty and Integrity has to be of the utmost importance. Don't over extend yourself on credit cards. Perhaps if we teach that type of financial responsibility and personal integrity and responsibility and insist on strict adherence we will see this "rash" of familicdies go away forever. Let's not be rash and overreact.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How can a test be racist?? Discuss.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, you've been living under a rock. Of particular interest to me,what Justice Kennedy said when questioning the attorneys today. Would your argument be the same if all minorities passed the test and no white people?? Kind of puts it in perspective for me.
Once we start catering to a specific group of people, we will be catering to every individual group from now on. It's like pandora's box. It is not racist to have standards and if you can't meet those standards maybe you don't deserve the promotion in the first place. Affirmative action needs to come to an end. At first, I could maybe condone it's use because their was a point in time when NO ONE would consider black people, or other minorities, for certain jobs. I don't think it's like that now. There is no "true" way to prove "discriminatory intent" and the best man doesn't always get the job because employers are so scared to death of being sued. This isn't what the legal system was meant for and it needs to stop. I hope the Supreme Court does the right thing. However, with the government now a days I have a feeling I will probably be disappointed in June when the decision comes out. We'll see!!
Once we start catering to a specific group of people, we will be catering to every individual group from now on. It's like pandora's box. It is not racist to have standards and if you can't meet those standards maybe you don't deserve the promotion in the first place. Affirmative action needs to come to an end. At first, I could maybe condone it's use because their was a point in time when NO ONE would consider black people, or other minorities, for certain jobs. I don't think it's like that now. There is no "true" way to prove "discriminatory intent" and the best man doesn't always get the job because employers are so scared to death of being sued. This isn't what the legal system was meant for and it needs to stop. I hope the Supreme Court does the right thing. However, with the government now a days I have a feeling I will probably be disappointed in June when the decision comes out. We'll see!!
Going Green Making Some Businesses Bank Accounts "Green"
All of the scientific mumbo jumbo aside, whenever big business gets involved in something one has got to be a little bit nervous. It being Earth Day and all I thought this post would be particularly relevant. I came to work today listening to tons of people on each side of the "global warming" phenomenon yell at each other and become vehemently mad with one another. Is it possible though that both sides are being played as fools while big business lines its pockets with our cash?
As you walk the grocery store isles these days every product has its equal and opposite "green" counterpart. Especially when it comes to cleaning products. Clorox has its green cleaner. Palmolive has its green dish soap. So on and so on. Is that really green? I took a look at the ingredients in these products in the stores and they are virtually the same. Plus don't these companies have a larger carbon foot print because instead of shipping one product, they have to ship two and spend more gas, etc. to do so.
I'm just curious. Everything "green" these days. What does it mean?? Some of it seems a bit hypocritical. People think if they get these green products it's fabulous because it is synonymous with being good. Good citizens and heaven for bid good Americans. I think it's just another way for someone to make money. When people catch on then big business will move on to the next trend to leech onto. And we'll all be pinned against each other to argue about something else.
As you walk the grocery store isles these days every product has its equal and opposite "green" counterpart. Especially when it comes to cleaning products. Clorox has its green cleaner. Palmolive has its green dish soap. So on and so on. Is that really green? I took a look at the ingredients in these products in the stores and they are virtually the same. Plus don't these companies have a larger carbon foot print because instead of shipping one product, they have to ship two and spend more gas, etc. to do so.
I'm just curious. Everything "green" these days. What does it mean?? Some of it seems a bit hypocritical. People think if they get these green products it's fabulous because it is synonymous with being good. Good citizens and heaven for bid good Americans. I think it's just another way for someone to make money. When people catch on then big business will move on to the next trend to leech onto. And we'll all be pinned against each other to argue about something else.
My Tea Party Experience
On Wednesday, April 15, 2009, tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets of well over 200 cities and towns across the country in protest. I happened to take part in the protest in downtown Annapolis, MD at the city docks. The weather could not have been any worse; temperature in the mid-40’s with heavy rains throughout the afternoon. Even with the weather being so lousy, it is estimated that between 1,500 and 2,500 people showed up at the Annapolis Tea Party.
On December 16, 1773 in Boston, MA a group of colonist came to Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act of 1773. In doing so, they threw the entire shipload of tea into the harbor. In 2007, Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul held a tea party on the anniversary of the Boston tea party as a fundraiser. That day he set a record for online campaign contributions. Recently, while on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, CNBC’s Rick Santelli gave his now famous You Tube rant promoting tea parties across the nation. Well, many heard his voice and we convened on tax day.
Although, wet and cold, many Marylanders came from all over the state to stand up for what they believe in. Some of those in attendances were parents, who don’t want to see their kids paying for the stimulus bill and bailouts that may or may not work; small business owners who can’t afford to pay their employees and are forced to cut jobs and make sacrifices themselves; young American’s who are concerned with the direction our country is heading; grandparents who have lived through the Great Depression and see much of the same things happening today; small children who understand that they will be responsible for trillions of dollars in debt.
Taxpayers are tired of the federal government’s out of control spending, which has been going on far too long. Many people are lead to believe that the tea parties were a personal attack on President Obama. The fact of the matter is, people are equally upset with the spending of former President George W. Bush. Our politicians have drifted far away from the values and principles that once made this nation great and the people realize this.
Those who did not attend the tea parties or who knew very little about the purpose of them saw this as a Republican or Conservative movement, however, there was a strong showing of people who affiliate with the Democratic Party. Americans are tired of broken promise after broken promise and just want to see our country thrive. For one day, we dropped our titles as Democrat or Republican and were just Americans.
On December 16, 1773 in Boston, MA a group of colonist came to Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act of 1773. In doing so, they threw the entire shipload of tea into the harbor. In 2007, Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul held a tea party on the anniversary of the Boston tea party as a fundraiser. That day he set a record for online campaign contributions. Recently, while on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, CNBC’s Rick Santelli gave his now famous You Tube rant promoting tea parties across the nation. Well, many heard his voice and we convened on tax day.
Although, wet and cold, many Marylanders came from all over the state to stand up for what they believe in. Some of those in attendances were parents, who don’t want to see their kids paying for the stimulus bill and bailouts that may or may not work; small business owners who can’t afford to pay their employees and are forced to cut jobs and make sacrifices themselves; young American’s who are concerned with the direction our country is heading; grandparents who have lived through the Great Depression and see much of the same things happening today; small children who understand that they will be responsible for trillions of dollars in debt.
Taxpayers are tired of the federal government’s out of control spending, which has been going on far too long. Many people are lead to believe that the tea parties were a personal attack on President Obama. The fact of the matter is, people are equally upset with the spending of former President George W. Bush. Our politicians have drifted far away from the values and principles that once made this nation great and the people realize this.
Those who did not attend the tea parties or who knew very little about the purpose of them saw this as a Republican or Conservative movement, however, there was a strong showing of people who affiliate with the Democratic Party. Americans are tired of broken promise after broken promise and just want to see our country thrive. For one day, we dropped our titles as Democrat or Republican and were just Americans.
Should America Condone Torture??
Coming from a military family, that's married to a man that also from a military family, I have probably a different view on things than others. That a side, we're supposed to be world examples. I'm not an expert on these things but as a member of the Geneova Convention aren't we supposed to not torture??
Reports today that were released say that "water torture" somehow escaped the definition of torture. They go even further in stating that these methods were successful and able to get pertinent information to investigators. While I am summarizing these reports I am perplexed at the justification. When we start to justify certain situations where torture is condoned, or even advocated, do we not start a hurried sprint down a slippery slope?? What are we saying to the rest of the world?? Aren't we hippocrites in the eyes of the terrorist regime and the Al-Qaeda members that are against us?? I don't know but I do think it's a question that we need an answer too. No straddling the politicial fence on this one. Justifications of imminent danger seemingly justify this torture. However, prejudicial effect may not justify the probative force of these techniques.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Let's Audit The Federal Reserve
Support HR 1207 to Audit the Federal Reserve. Contact your Representative today! www.campaignforliberty.com
Gun Regulation, Friend or Foe?
This is a short one. Has a lack of gun regulation caused America's crime rate?
Discuss.
The United States, A Bannana Republic?
Is the United States a "banana republic?" No, not the store. A banana republic is a country that is ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy and corrupt clique, politically unstable and dependent on limited agriculture. Agricultary speaking, probably not. Economically though, the answer is eeking closer and closer to yes. Political posturing will place blame on both parties for issues we currently have that are making our country unstable and deserved of this contemptuous title. Like it or not, a small group of people in this country are the "real men behind the curtain," and they do not have our best interests at heart.
Two key points of "banana republic" economies are: (1) high inflation; and (2) substantial government control over the economy. While I am not an expert and either, I know that the government is getting in kahootz with private business more and more these days. And with our projected trillion dollar debt and 0% interest rates inflation may not be to far off the horizon.
Why does the government insist that spending will get us out of this mess? I don't understand...but you know what, I want to understand. Let's hash this out.
Let's get to gettin'
My college friend, Clinton, suggested that we start a blog together. This is my attempt at that. Instead of berating people on facebook with our political and social commentaries (which surprisingly a lot of people find boring) I thought this would be a better forum. Plus it can be done with a little more anonymity than facebook. Don't be afraid, if you got to say it, say it.
I really would LOVE, if on this blog we could not resort to name calling. I do understand that this topic often invokes emotional responses. But that get's people off track and instead of focusing on the matter at hand, they are focusing on the irrelevant hurtful responses. If you have an opinion, say it. But let's not call each other names. I envision a place where we can learn from each other, get the REAL news and perhaps even create common sense answers to issues that would be more practical and relevant than those suggested in the modern discourse of things. Let's back our statements up with facts, whenever possible, and let's make sure they are reliable facts. Reliability of sources has lost favor with the internet. Facts will increase the forcefulness of our argument and perhaps increase the forcefulness of this blog.
As I go, if changes need to be made, they will. If you have suggestions, I welcome them. I envision this to be a real (I mean real, not politically correct) forum for young people to discuss political and social ideas. A soapbox used to be a platform to make impromptu, often political, speeches back in the day. Let's put some LIFE into that tradition and start making people take notice.
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