US AND THEM

I have a neighbor named Jim. He owns his home, where he's lived for 71 of his 76 years. 2008 was the first year of his long life that he made more than $10,000. And that was from SSI, the minimum the government provides for those who have not paid enough into the system. He receives food stamps and Medicaid paid, and continues to pay, for his 17 prescriptions and the plastic surgery required after having cancer removed from his face. Jim is White.

When I first met him and told him my name was Jose, he immediately asked me if I was Puerto Rican. After trying to explain the concept of a mixed heritage to no avail, we moved on. He'll still occasionally refer to me as Puerto Rican a year after we've known each other. Jim also likes to use the words nigger and colored when referring to Black folks, to include the president. And without a drop of hate in his voice or demeanor. It's so ingrained in him that he can't see the contradiction of using these words of hate in one breath, and in the next saying how every Black person he's ever actually met has been a good guy. Even the one who married his daughter.

Jim is a Republican and he basically has an IV of the kool-aid strapped to his arm. From segregation through the Reagan-crack years, welfare reform, COPS premiering on FOX, he's been staring at the TV and accepting these stereotypes as the truth. The only common factor between Jim and the Republican party is his skin color. He refers to the Welfare Office as the gift shop, but received a significant amount from an office he hasn't contributed to.

The fact that Jim takes what he's given for granted, while demeaning minorities for receiving the same is a common internal dispute. Jim feels like he "deserves" it, while others don't. He's never earned anything. His home was passed down through the generations. From a time when it was illegal for minorities to own property; Not long after they were actually considered property.

I know Jim grew up in a different era, so I don't hold it against him. He's in his last days; he can live them the way he wants. But he is a window into the past. And his programming needs to be understood, so we can counteract it and progress. He's a good guy; it's the subtle, institutionalized Racism that's the culprit.

Lately, I've been hearing the argument that it's no longer and Black/White thing; it's a class thing. I agree and disagree. It is a class thing. But it's also a Race thing. It's not either/or. It's both. We can't skip race to get to class just because class affects White people. Class cannot be dealt with until the Races are united within. Only then can we fight our true enemies. When we begin to focus on our similarities more than our differences, we will begin to understand and respect one another.

There's definitely a Class war going on, but our collective ignorance of history leaves us confused and frustrated. Targeting those that are in our exact socio-economic positions and keeping us divided. To be conquered by the Bankers.

We've been tricked into believing that (unregulated)Capitalism is good for us. Us, being the bottom 90% on the wealth scale. When everything's for profit, the common good is sacrificed. And as absurd as the phrase "bottom 90%" seems to be, it's the truth. The wealth gap is beyond the average citizen's comprehension. For example, in 2007, CEOs averaged 866 times as much as minimum wage employees.




Ben Franklin said "The inability of colonists to get power to issue their own money permanently out of the hands of George the III and the international bankers was the PRIME reason for the Revolutionary War."

After Woodrow Wilson realized what he had done by signing the The Federal Reserve into existence in 1913, he regrettably said "I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world. No longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men."

We are on the edge of life as we know it. Although many people, Black and White, have been living in depression-like conditions for years and decades, only now that it has "trickled up" to another class has it sparked such outrage and public disapproval. Alas, the outcry is here. People are awakening to the truths of money and the evil at its root. The Federal Reserve, as a private corporation, lends the US Government money, with interest. Then through taxing the people the debt is paid upon, but never fully satisfied. That's because the Federal Reserve also prints our money, and they never print as much money as they lend.

That's a very remedial explanation of how the Banking system works, but its intricacies are not the main concern. Right now, the concern is the tax money we are promising to pay is being given right back the the Bankers. In effect, never lending us the money in the first place, but requiring us to pay it back. Twice.

There's a difference between a Human and a Person. According to the Uniform Commercial Code, person means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.

We have to stop being People and start being Human.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

Although many Americans have used the "Bush countdown" as motivation to get through the past 5-6 years, now that the end of the countdown is here, the real challenge for us is also here. There's no doubt that the majority of the Bush presidency has been very divisive for our country. And for many of us, opposite the Decider, it has been very frustrating and awfully difficult times. Until now, we could find solace in the mere fact that he would be gone. On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, our 43rd president will do his part. Then, it will be our turn.

2009 is going to be a very challenging year for many different reasons. We're on the verge of another national depression, and in some parts of the country, it's already here. The current wealth gap in this country is already beyond that of the 20's and 30's, so there are already people living in depression-type conditions. We also face the challenge of defining the "change" we have been supporting for almost 2 years. The optimism and hope that has inspired many, young and old, is no longer in the future. It's now.

We're also facing the financial and human costs of two wars. Even President-elect Obama doesn't seem to be slowing the momentum of our war-like foreign policy. We cannot accept withdrawing troops from Iraq as progress if these same men and women are redeployed to Afghanistan. In his final presidential press conference, Mr. Bush finally admitted to some mistakes (or "disappointments," as he called them.) And the big one that stood out to me was "NO WMD'S." This admission, on top of the WMD jokes, shows us that he either doesn't know, or doesn't care that we've been in a permanent state of war mainly because he, amongst others, scared us into believing that we would absolutely be attacked with these punchline, non-existent weapons of mass destruction.

"America must not ignore the threat gathering against us. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof, the smoking gun that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud." ~ George W Bush, 10.7.2002

So the questions "what is going to end?" and "what is going to begin?" are very important to all of us, individually and collectively. We must expand our awareness and not accept the status quo. We cannot judge our 2009 by 2008.

Change for change's sake is not necessarily what's best for us. We must define and make our change. That will be made possible by the bait the Obama Campaign has been wiggling in front of us for some time now - "bottom-up." We must educate our ignorant, feed our hungry, build our pride. We're always told that we, humans, are social creatures, but we're not told how other influences mold our beings.

Ever since Mr. Bernaise made us into "Happiness Machines," with his invention of Public Relations, we've been consumers, too busy to look past the headlines. In this generation of e-mail, IM's, text messages, the "inner-nets," and iPods, we must not succumb to the virtual world to the extent that our social contact and communication is degraded any more. A simple conversation with a genuine interest in learning from one another is far more rewarding and productive than abbreviated language and symbols.

This year marks the end of ignoring our needs, and prioritizing our wants. The beginning of taking the reigns of what's ours, morphing the walk with the talk. Action will be necessary to see what we want. We have the opportunity before us to mold the future by improving the present. It's time to change what we want to change, and for a lot of us that'll start with the mirror.

W., Thanks and Farewell!

"SHINE IN 2009!"

Wait 2008, it's not too late
To answer some of the questions that frustrate
Me, my mate, my homie. Dude, just wait.
Telling us to anticipate.

Those of your faction, always in action.
Opposed to our inaction. Self-distraction.
But your distraction; 2009's picking up traction.
I suppose, "who knows." Just asking.

Global politics, Free Trade.
Another dollar just made, for a day's work.
Laid-off workers losing more than dollars.
Shirts off their backs to what their bodies' all lack.

Redefined Truth.
Like gangsta rappers when they spittin' in the booth.
So much proof.
Another year gone by without us having made a move.

MATH PROBLEMS

"Visualize WEALTH and put YOURSELF in the pictuuuure!" - KRS ONE, 1997

I admit that it has a lot to do with luck when it comes to "getting" math. I am one of the lucky ones. I got it from an early age with enough ease to coast through high school into college, financial analyst in the AF, loan officer, now caseworker. All these positions included the manipulation of numbers in some way. I guess it's more the economic-side of math, versus the scientific-side.

But I've definitely experienced those around me and those I work with struggle with math(or numbers), and it's powerful. A good majority are intimidated, and have a fear of numbers. I'm sure those are the old classmates from grade school who struggled even then. Frustration grown into discomposure. I guess they call them problems for a reason.

I attended public school, so I can't talk about private school, but in my classes the teachers seemed to teach to the students that already understood. The ones who had the better memories, and could memorize enough to keep up, got by-but without an understanding, you have a hard time applying math to the real world. To them, and the others practically ignored by the teachers, it becomes a lifelong burden. It seems to me that we would see an improvement in our math scores if we would just switch the term "problem" to something more positive.

Without an understanding, or at least a willingness to understand, your entire world view is different. When the only math you do is at the end of the month, trying to pay the bills(with very little math problems), you fail to see bigger (math)problems like:

BETWEEN 50-55% OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS, DON'T VOTE.

I understand math enough to NOT be a gambling man. But as a consultant I would say it's a pretty safe bet that the majority of the non-voters are not those prospering. It's debatable whether this majority has been manipulated into this apathetic state by the prosperous-or not. Just think if even HALF of these non-voters would vote in their best interests (which would be either Democratic OR third party), the country would change rapidly.

HIP HOP SECRET SOCIETY

As one who truly believes that Hip Hop is a culture, of which I am a part, I see its effects. We've come a long way and have undoubtedly made an enormous impact on the world. From the beginning, Hip Hop has promoted tolerance, and artists like the one in the video have lasted so long because of his subject matter-TRUTH.

Something I DO NOT consider debatable is the effect on society of Hip Hop. That being the opening of minds of whites towards blacks. And I don't think it would even be possible for Barak Obama to be considered for president, let alone the frontrunner, if it wasn't for Hip Hop.

Within the first two generations of Hip Hop Culture, there is a great possibility of a Black President. I think credit is due. Not that I agree with the extreme portrayal of Hip Hop through radio airplay and video, but like anything there are those "on the edge" on both sides.

My point is that the NUMBERS(population) are in our favor. And if we can realize that our personal math problems can be solved within the greater math problem, we have a great chance to mold this nation into something to be proud of. Where we all prosper.

Educate your friends on your local leaders. These elections are much more important than the president. They make a more significant impact on your daily lives. The same PROBLEMS that turn people away from politics can be solved by participation. Solve the long division.

If you think voting doesn't make a difference, just look at those who prosper. How many millionaires do you think don't vote?

CAPITAL HOMESTEADING

My stance on this bailout: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

And if you're reading this, that should be your stance as well. If you have any worries about this historic economic failure, you're on the wrong side of this scam. No matter HOW hard "times" are, there are always those who still manage to prosper. It's ignorant to think there's no correlation between the two. The prosperous few are profiting as a direct result of the exploitation of the impoverished (and those naive enough to think there's actually a middle class in this country.) You're either IN or OUT.

Interestingly enough, you will never hear a politician of either of the two major PARTIES, refer to the POOR as just that, the poor. Their "enlightened language and superstitious wisdom," defines this demographic as the "under-privileged." UNDER-PRIVILEGED? This logic, subconsciously, makes them the OVER-PRIVILEGED. But no one would EVER fix their mouths to say it.

"...to be a poor man is hard, but to be a poor race in a land of dollars is the very bottom of hardships." W.E.B. DuBois, 1903.

In his "time," Dr. Dubois' statement here culminates from the aftermath of (the beginning of) the end of slavery. There is a lot to learn from the descendants of African-American Slaves. They've been going through, what's sadly about to happen to the large majority of white people in this country. And the large majority of these folks are the same ones who, TO THIS DAY, deny the existence of white privilege; and they, in no way, are responsible for the current oppression and exploitation of minorities (and in many cases, themselves.) If race plays ANY part in ANY decision you make, that's a problem.

To me, the danger in Racism is not seen in the extreme "skinhead" expression, but in the subtle psychological programming of denial. To disregard the psychological effects of being PROPERTY, being "freed," living under laws where enslavement is STILL a debate, and the history of legal exclusion, is irresponsible and intellectually dishonest. What must be admitted by all is that problems exist, changes are needed, and we are much stronger united.

If this bailout goes through, and the responsibility of paying for the $700 BILLION gambling debt of the same people who are writing the contract, it WILL unite the bottom 90% of our population. We will have no choice.

THE BOTTOM 90% is fundamentally a contradiction of terms. And that should send a message to those who still search for hope and wonder why they cannot be bailed out at the end of every month with just a couple hundred bucks. Just to keep the lights on and add meat to their meals.

How can SO MANY be SO WEAK?

The bottom line, here, is WEALTH. The main reason for the SILENT MAJORITY is the confusion(of) and exclusion(from) Capitalism, and finances in general. "Numbers" is a very complex (and intimidating) paradigm. The universe requires balance; and the success of capitalism is no different.

Those who control the incomprehensible wealth in this country are now asking us to help them out. I don't know about you, but I AIN'T GOT IT. 700 BILLION? Can't do it! Would if I Could! Your FICO's not high enough! After the background check, we the people have decided that it's not in OUR BEST INTEREST to grant you the loan. Not a good BUSINESS decision! We're going in a different direction...

Since we seem to be INVESTING $700 BILLION, I think we would like to invest it in US! Seems crazy, but we would like to see a RETURN, for once. I'd like to see something like this...

700B (money that we must have, right?)
/ (equally distributed to)
131M (taxpayers)
= ( solves the problem by)
5,434 (being given to each of the voluntary investors.)

Investors? The investment goes directly TO BAIL OUT THE BANKS. But instead of the taxpayers being slaves to this "critically necessary" financial commitment, we will all now OWN the banks. Any moves being made by the banks we will know. How you ask? By that check you get in the mail every month.

If the Banks are gonna prosper as the result of this 700 BILLION dollars, then so should WE. The banks will undoubtedly come back, and when they do, let us get a little piece of the pie. This way, it won't hurt so much when you use this money to lend to MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATIONS who choose to use it overseas for jobs Americans used to do. Now if you choose to pay children in China $2/day, you have to split that amongst 131 million other investors.

That's the change we need!

THE CAPITAL HOMESTEAD ACT.

MORAL FIBER(OPTICS)

John McCain has made it clear that he is no fan of the internet and uses it as a last resort. Like many other 70+ year-olds of all generations, past and future, change is very difficult. If not for the mere labor involved to keep pace mentally, the body demands much more attention in this period of life. Plus, it must be very difficult to think there's a better way when you've lived through your sacrifices to get to where you are. It would seem to be a sort of conflict of self-interest. Beyond comprehension for many, but time does pass you by and it's not a bad thing. It's different. A different and essential part of society.

Change does not just challenge seniors though. Many of the younger generations cannot keep up intellectually or technologically. Cell phones, computers, the innernets- ALL completely feared by many that think they can't understand. Amongst these folks, there are perfectly programmed Americans. Those who react on queue, when the flag is waved or someone threatens their gun rights, or someone yells "SMALLER GOVERNMET!"

Little do these folks know, the part of government that will be cut is the part that benefits them.

Unfortunately, the majority of the US population are these people. Fortunately, the majority don't vote and are completely apathetic. You only have to listen to them repeat what they hear on TV when you encounter them in public; you don't have to reap their ignorance through uneducated, misguided votes. And I mean MISGUIDED.

Keep the majority dumb, and aggressively manipulate them through propaganda-advertising. THE GREAT EXPERIMENT seems to be quite successful. The rich white majority (in their science coats), seems quite pleased observing the (rat race) of the American majority, while they navigate through the various dead ends (of the capitalistic maze). A land of laws with lawmakers who target the innocent, through their taught-ignorance.

Phone sales, mailers, spam, pop-ups all target the uneducated. As much as I love the internet, it is dangerous. And not so much because of "child predators." But consumer predators.

Banking deregulation, greed, and complex psychological manipulation techniques mixing with wage slavery, xenophobia, and exploitation have brought us to where we are now. And that is a place where MAIN STREET is left with the gambling debt of WALL STREET, with no options.

In 2005, the Wall Street-controlled Congress put into law,THE BANKRUPTCY PREVENTION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, that makes it, more times than not, unaffordable; nonetheless, merely impossible for Joe Citizen to file for bankruptcy protection. If not ethically-questionable enough that HALF of personal bankruptcies are the result of medical emergencies, we now see ourselves, just 3 years later, paying for the bankruptcies of the same financial institutions that lobbied for these laws.

A child born today, is already $30K in debt.

WHITE SLUR!

Remember the childhood idiom "Sticks and Stones...?" I don't know its origin, but I know I've heard it my whole life. Many have. So much that you probably believe it, as I did until today. It's ignorant to think that our main communication tool, speech, doesn't hurt. Emotion brings out the worst in people. As much as emotions make us who we are, they also have the ability to completely transform us. Negative emotions are powerful and evil. So much so, that you can't keep them inside; they practically fight their way out.

In the past, before self-expressive arts, humanities and civics curriculums were "cut-back," we could at least vent this energy in a productive way. Now, we have WORDS. Not even SENTENCES.

I've been in the midst of many conversations of white men jokingly discussing being called crackers, honkeys, and the other funny names that have no history, and comparing it to blacks and nigga. There's no debate here.

A thought to ponder though is the fact that projected birth rates and future immigration of non-whites into the US will make this country a a True melting pot by 2042. As this happens, the fear that whites currently have inside will start showing more and more.

As they become the minority, these funny racial slurs aimed at them that can be easily disregarded and laughed-off will turn to the real names that historically define them. I wonder how whites will react to being called

SLAVE OWNERS, or OPPRESSORS, or LIARS, or, RAPISTS, or EUGENISTS, or KILLERS, or THIEVES, or RACISTS...

These descriptive words are not easy to ignore. And although not all white people are necessarily actively participating in anything that warrants this backlash, they will feel the effects. It's the inaction that will be balanced by the universe. And much like how these same whites are not currently reaping the benefits of white supremacy economically and deny its existence, they will unknowingly be the target of its end. The whites who put this in place are safe. They've created this system to amass the majority of the world's wealth and that will protect them. Mainly because they can become millionare-hermits.

Denial is the biggest trait of a Racist.

RACIST RACE!

Race is a topic that seems to make a lot of (white) people uneasy. From my experiences and provocations, there are definitely some "trends" amongst those who can't grasp the full scope of Racism. The following reasonings rattle off the tongues of deniers of Racism, and its socio-economical effects, with the confidence of answering a basic math problem. And just like singing your ABC's, there's no depth or room for debate. Absolute.

1. I treat everyone as an individual; I see no color.

2. "I" don't own slaves; "I" haven't benefitted from slavery.

3. When is an apology accepted?

4. Affirmative action takes jobs away from white people.

5. Black people and N*ggers/Chris Rock philosophy.

These are a few examples. The point is that the majority of this country is white people; W = 245M; B = 40M. A majority of THIS majority subscribe to one of the five brain stains above. To avoid redundancy, I won't explain why each of the above is nothing but a propaganda slogan. They are. If you believe any of the above are legitimate, I'd be happy to discuss.

Along with this mind state, we also must factor in the portrayal of people of color on the idiot box. ESPECIALLY black men. The result of this repetition of scary black and brown men is a fear and prejudice towards them. This is fact. And intentional.

Take this mindset, fear, and prejudice and apply it to our presidential race. McCain is so soft-spoken and Alzheimer-like and he's telling his base (old, rich, white men) that Obama is ATTACKING Gov Palin. With any knowledge of the complexities of how white men historically juggled the interactions of black women, white women, and black men, you will know that white men have a guilt and a fear. Subconsciously guarding against reaping what was sown through how they treated black women, white men feel overly-obligated to protect white women from black men.

This race seems to me like a reality show, "American Prejudice." And that includes the exploitation of Gov Palin. Remember, you don't have to consciously agree with what's going on to be a part of it. Even if you deny it, it's taking place. You HAVE to make a conscious effort to NOT agree with it.

It's bigger than YOU. It's a system, a way of life, just as much as Capitalism.

Is it just a coincidence that John McCain's ancestors OWNED slaves, "had" sharecroppers, and he supported S. African Apartheid, and couldn't recognize the importance of MLK holiday? To say Race has no influence on Politics is, dare I say, UNAMERICAN.

ANSWERED PRAYERS

I don't know if the conservatives of this country just started praying late or what, but they must have PRAYED really strong and hard because the rain is coming! Hurricane Gustav is being predicted to make KATRINA look like the tear that fell from Dick Cheney's face when he first learned his daughter CHOSE to be a Lesbian. Also has the chance to be the most destructive natural disaster the World has ever seen. The most interesting part of God's answer to this prayer is (S)He picked the date like no other God. (SLAVE) LABOR DAY!

Although VERY important, suppose the total disregard of the poor/working poor by the Republicans is less relevant when compared to the fact that these rains are coming just in time for the RNC. And even more surprising than the flooding and possible total destruction of the Gulf Coast we will watch safely from our living rooms is that these rains pervertly prayed for by the conservatives is gonna FORCE them to THINK ABOUT SOMETHING OTHER THAN $$$!

Now I hope that some of my conservative brothers and sisters expand their awareness through the WORK and service that will result from being a part of the perilous struggle many will have when these rains cross our Universal borders. And I also hope this expands the awareness of US who see what the conservatives lack and focus more on that than what WE could improve on. This storm needs to be a wakeup call for EVERYONE on many different levels.

We, as the people of this government of OURS, have to accept this 2-party system is a myth, failure, and against the very things the majority have in common. Although I'm currently supporting Obama, it's not because I think he's gonna save the world, this country, or even our broken democracy. Democrats and Republicans both have something in common that separates them from the common human interest, and that's that they're rich. As much as we like to think people remember where they come from, the fact of the matter is that the SYSTEM rewards them to forget.

The hope I have in Barack can't be found in any Politics Handbook or resume. It's the fact that he is a great LEADER and MOTIVATOR. If you listen to him speak, you hear the inclusiveness and call to action. He admits that it's about US. He's understands that HE'S NOTHING without US. Although he's questioned for his experience on an executive level, it cannot be denied that the communication skills he possesses are backed up by plenty of experience. We need a leader that knows how to MOTIVATE THE HOPELESS. Not a leader with war experience, especially when you're experience is from behind enemy lines.

The other hope of mine I have for Obama is that just by his being a minority, it inspires those that have been victim of the father figures conspired upon them by Slavery, The War on Drugs, and a propaganda war by the media, that THEY CAN BE PRESIDENT. Or at least better than most of the other portrayals they see of those who look like them. I also hope it inspires the conservative, white, rural, seniors (and their descendants) when they see a person of color running this country, and to a large extent the world, and not just as the robbers, rapists, and all-around scary THINGS they see in the NEWS everyday.

Once these folks are aware of the power they possess, we must have ORGANIZATION in place to harbor this inspiration into action and TRUE CHANGE. THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER! As in 3rd-party; and not that the 3rd party is THE answer. But with the acceptance of a third party, will come a 4th, 5th, 6th...and more overall involvement. America boasts of its freedoms and voting rights, but ranks last in participation amongst the Western World.

ALL of us will be called upon to act in the near future. It's time to find the CHANGE we're looking for in ourselves.

HANOI HILTON: Humility, Humanity, & Hilarity

I've been waiting and wondering when and why Senator McCain was gonna use this most dirty of political tricks. This trick of playing with the emotions of the DUMB/NUMB majority of this country. By exploiting himself and the others that sacrificed in the same manner for longer times. But last weekend, he officially let the cat out of the bag that he is going to use this to win votes. His record, his experience, his service...in general though...no specifics.

Not to downplay his courage and sacrifice (too much), but in terms as that qualifying him as President, that's simple-NOT A CHANCE. I agree with General Wesley Clark.

For example, McCain recently has said that "he knows how to win a war." Based on what? The Vietnam War, as far as I know, is the lone war that the US doesn't mind to admit it's lost. And since he has decided to open the topic of his POW experiences, let's take an honest look at them. 6 years is a long time, no doubt. But it's Smurf pellets compared to the 100 years he's willing to commit towards American Iraqi occupation. Even for those who mistakenly use the logic that his being tortured for 6 years gives him the knowledge to "win a war," a higher-ranking POW in the same camp, Wes Shierman says that "he couldn't really win any battles, but he was a good resister, an honorable one."

I'd be curious to know a better place to measure one's True character than the cliff of life, that must have been Hoa Lo, and continue today in Guantanamo Bay, Abu Graib, and many,many more too secret to have names. And that is how his former brother in arms remembers him. Add to that McCain's recent statements "in the 21st century, nations don't invade other nations," which either is another "senior moment" or total disregard of the circumstances of our CURRENT illegal war.

Bottom 5% of educational peers, maverick, outcast, crashed 5 planes, intellectually inept- the list goes on and on. He doesn't deny any of it.

The Republicans have given us Ronald Reagan, a former actor, who must have been suffering from Alzheimer's while serving to not see the CIA funding a war in Central America by flooding our inner cites with Cocaine, more specifically Crack. Or was it genius to look the other way because of Nancy's "Just Say No" bullshit, and the twisted, oppressive, racist WAR ON DRUGS. Then there's George H W Bush. Just Google George Herbert Walker. Then GW Bush, with his drug and alcohol problems, poor academic performance, and stubborn disregard of everything common-sensical. And we want more Republic leadership, why?

Wouldn't it be a relief, or a change, to have a president that could actually understand the problems and work through them to get to the root of these problems. In my opinion, a white male will never get to the roots of any of the problems that lead to many of these "wars" on this or that.

Obama will not solve this country's problems by any means, but let's not hold intelligence against him. We already tried that "have a beer with him" approach. How'd that work out? I guess we'll see in the coming decades (hopefully).

ALL JOKES ASIDE

2008 seems to be just flying by. Seems odd to me that it has been over a year since my Day of Action and 9/15/08 will be one year since I marched down Pennsylvania Ave., with tens of thousands of others, to exercise our rights, express our discontent, and demand impeachment. I must admit that progress has been made in regards to restoring Habeas Corpus. As good as progress is, the problem isn't fixed. And, in my opinion, Impeachment is more important now than ever.

As confused as America, as a whole, seems to be right now, the majority will still proudly (and blindly) rant and rave about being a CHRISTIAN NATION. So to my Christian brothers and sisters, I ask you to take the following events into account. This year, God has taken 2 of the greatest, funniest American comedians EVER - Carlin and Mac. Shoot, even the Iraqi government has quit joking around this year. With that being said, could we not take this as divine intervention? God wants us to start taking life seriously.

To my non-Christian brothers and sisters and those who care about facts, we have to stop "giving passes." We can't continue to let the ignorant, apathetic majority of this country send us to our makers. We must educate our fellow citizens. That's our responsibility. We must also hold our representatives ACCOUNTABLE. If we continue along this same path of helplessness, our only security will come from the government. GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, without the people , leaves the government.

Many Americans are just "sick of Bush." This is an emotional reaction. The mere fact of his absence from office will not fix the problems he's caused. He's put many laws in place that are contrary to true American Values. Not to mention the laws he's broken, and in some cases, the combination of the two. For example, disregarding the FISA requirements of warrants (up to 48 hours after the tap), and then when brought to light , somehow gets immunity for himself and the Corporations that helped him break the law. On top of that, he pretty much spit on government protocol and "checks and balances."

It's irresponsible for us, as citizens, to coast through the rest of this year, distracted by the campaign of the next president, and not hold GW Bush accountable for his disrespect of the Office of President, Constitution, and our reputation as a country.

Both candidates are licking their chops for a chance to be the most powerful leader in the history of the world. We're setting the precedent NOW. If the president in 2030 "wiretaps citizens to keep them safe," he will be doing so based on actions by American citizens in 2001-2008. And people wanna talk about personal responsibility...

"STOLEN"

The old bird laughed.
It felt like a staff.
Swallow longer than giraffe.
"Americans can't even do the bloody math."

Pre-911.
Gift straight from Heaven.
She taught me that day
Watch what I say.

Outside lookin' in.
Seen all my kin
Get their votes stole.
Mine's still on a boat.

I don't know what happened.
Pap, no longer knee-slappin'.
Sister's mouth still keep flappin'.
Mother, brother, dad keep on clappin'.

"CRIME AFTER CRIME"

Wine. Dine. Intertwine.
Time after time, continually blurring the line.
Designed not by bloodlines of mine.
Please opine: Pork rind or prime swine?

Play all day, no need to pay
Lay men. Men lay at the total dismay
Of they who wanna sell, but not harvest the hay.
One day we will just say no way. Till that day...

My mind will just grind
Till that day goes astray.
Used to be a dime for a lime.
May not pay with delay.

A sign of the times,
While they so just go pray.
Enjoy your freedom, just stay away.
But continue paying US when it's YOUR payday.

"ECONOSLAVE"

Reform through labor.
Hard tastes to savor,
For anyone's mouth.
Especially the bitter that Barrack spoke about.

Capitalist society,
Salesmen always eyeing me.
Safety claims when GOV wants to see.
Fair Isaac not all that fair, you see.

They chime me when not paid timely.
Didn't used to see such usury.
Contemplating bankruptcy
To avoid rewarding bourgeoisie.

Paying fees, exceeding needs,
False leisure feelings sown from greed.
Foods, clothing, shelter - second rate.
Warned by so many about this date.

BOYCOTT THE OLYMPICS!!!

There's an unexplainable level of pride involved in representing your country on foreign soil. If you've ever traveled outside of these borders of ours, you've felt it to an extent. But REPRESENTING/SERVING the country, wearing USA on your uniform- whether military, sport, or business- everyday is entirely different. People are curious and definitely have their own opinions of what Americans are. Quite interesting indeed, some of them. As tourists, many may disregard the effects they have on the American image and reputation. We pay for that, but many more don't care or refuse to realize the reality of the WORLD. Then there's those who proactively volunteer to represent the image of America to others around the world.

There's the obvious multi-national corporation ambassadors, soldiers, and athletes (and mercenary armies). I'd like to focus on the soldiers and athletes.

People seemed to be surprised that W is in China right now, representin'. Not me; I don't think he has much of a choice. For one, he only has a short-list of countries from which to choose and not land behind bars; and 2, CHINA OWNS US. He should write a personal check while he's there because they put him right in his place as soon as he hit the ground. Basically saying to mind his own business in regards to his criticism of their human rights violations.

Mr. Bush says he wants to keep the politics out of this visit. I guess he's on vacation too (on our buck.) He's representing the government of the US, me and you.

The American athletes will proudly compete in the name of America. They will perform to levels we've never witnessed. World records. The air will be a big factor unfortunately. But the swimmers and hoopers will be sportin' GOLD in the end.

Let's remember these icons are people too. They have the kind of determination most of us only dream about, but they're human. And there has to be some sort of awkwardness or embarrassment when they speak with athletes from different countries. And think of the Iraqis. We shouldn't be there, especially Bush, if the Iraqis cannot compete.

This is going to be the most surveilled Olympics ever, and the media is going to be just as interesting as any race, game, or competition. Pay attention because some of what you see, and are disgusted with, is happening here and will continue to increasingly resemble the Chinese system of REEDUCATION THROUGH REFORM.

WE, THE PEOPLE HAVE A DEBT TO PAY. AND WE OWE IT TO CHINA. HOPEFULLY, WE WIN A LOT OF GOLD BECAUSE THEY PROBABLY WON'T TAKE OUR DOLLARS.

I'm gonna start studying Chinese...

IRRESPONSIBLE DECISIONS?

"The one who is punished is no longer the one who did the deed. He is always the scapegoat." - Nietzsche (1844-1900)

"THE HOUSING CRISIS! THE HOUSING CRISIS! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

I am so sick of hearing about whose fault this is? "Personal responsibility" this, "Irresponsible decisions" that! And I have a problem with the same people who BUY the right to DEREGULATION blaming people they practically harrassed to get their "business." It's rather interesting how the FCC had to implement a DO NOT CALL LIST in response to the endless calls by countless mortgage companies, who hire very talented salespeople. And of course they all have the "lowest rate," but won't tell you what it is.

I've worked for three different lenders in the sub-prime universe. Two are now bankrupt, the other bought by BOA. I say universe because of my experience specifically at AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE COMPANY. Based on all my knowledge and experience of this supposed surprise consequence of inventing a new business based on predatory lending and "emotional sales" tactics, AMC started this Gangsta Shit.

Proud Sponsor of the American Dream, sponsored the Super Bowl, NASCAR, their infamous "DON'T JUDGE TOO QUICKLY" commercials, "you're more than a credit score," "it's OK to make mistakes," ...it was quite a culture. And the Godfather of all this, the late Roland Arnall, Forbes 85. I'm not one to spit on somebody's grave, but when someone requires you to sign a silence order for 2 years after he sends his cronies to fire you IN THE AFTERNOON, after months of promoting the opposite on weekly conference calls, that's shady to say the least.

The pressure put upon salespeople and managers was intense. LOTS of money on every level. An unofficial marker was the number of DIALS one would have, especially if you don't have a SALE. Competitions, POWER HOURS, UNIT bonuses, SPONSORED LUNCHES. Most salespeople have college degrees. To think that targeted-clients, based mainly on education level, cannot be manipulated into something they do not understand is against their best interest, is to be very ignorant of the power of the sales techniques. The basis is getting PERSONAL, and getting the customer to LIKE YOU, be LOYAL to you, to TRUST you. You then come to an agreement in principle, the PAPERS get mailed as required by RESPA, then you GO TO THE TABLE. A goal at AMC was to CLOSE A LOAN in less than 24 hrs. Legally impossible, but frequently done. Forged signatures, COPY/PASTE, STATED LOANS, AVM's, APPROVED APPRAISERS. This was a very aggressive industry.

This fact cannot be swept under the rug when it comes to any debate on placing blame. One last thought about AMC: Roland Arnall was a Bush cronie, appointed to be the Ambassador to Holland after being a major fund-raiser.

Is it really irresponsible decisions made by the people, or the calculated manipulation of the market by the bankers at fault here?

"BE YOU"

The background's so hard to play
When everyday I hear people say,
With such conviction, that the cruci-fiction
Explains all lies. Well, surprise!

It's not all written.
How many times must you be bitten?
Good riddens
To George Bush when he finally leaves the building.

But leaves our children
Colder than what mittens
Are designed to withhold.
Break your mold!

Now listen to the voice.
It leaves you no choice,
But to love all your brothers,
Sisters, play-cousins, enemies, and lovers.

"PURPOSE OF THIS CIRCUS"

What in the world did this girl say
On TV today? Dismay with bombing
Everything from here to Bombay.
Hey! Whataya say WE make a new day?

What's the purpose of this circus?
Short circuitin' these vermits like a
Mergin' of three virgins.
69 more - makes you fight a war?

A jihad, free pad and pencil.
What's in store for the folklore
Passed forth to mine and yours?
Scores of sores; Force fed smorgasbord.

Receding reading has risen the ceiling
Between the proles and rich white men.
Told which right, when stopped by cops,
Once had, now gone like wind.

HARD-WORKING, WHITE AMERICANS...LISTEN UP

So I'm watching C-SPAN Thursday morning while I'm getting ready to WALK to work. Representative Steven King (R), Iowa was taking phone calls about FEMA's response to the floods in his state. Of course many were comparing it to the Katrina embarrassment. The last call before I turn off the TV comes in from the Republican line. A lady in her sixties blurts out "...at least you weren't looting there in Iowa." !!!!!

Then Friday morning, this guy Stephen Halbrook, representing the NRA says "criminal activity is disproportionately done by illegal immigrants." BASED ON WHAT?!?

Both of these statements are rooted in Racism. Ignorance to the highest degree. God bless the hard-working, white Americans in their sixties and beyond. You know, the ones who still see no problem calling people COLORED. Racism is at the core of who these people are. We tend to give these older folks a pass because we think of them as our harmless little grandmas. This can no longer be. These Racist views, intentional or not, perpetuate the oppression that Racism is. Guess what the biggest percentage of voters is. Ages 65-74 = 92%

Many reasons for that, including the number of people in that generation can remember when they COULDN'T vote- minorities and white women. They often are set in front of the TV like children as well. If you set grandma in front of FOXNEWS all day, she's gonna be spouting off Bill O like your kids spouts of Dora the Explorer.

If you never leave the house or live somewhere with no people of color, your opinion comes from TV. SCARY. For those who still think that people of color are not intentionally portrayed negatively in the media, don't know any for one. And also, probably can't comprehend how it's mathematically impossible for their FAIR AND BALANCED newscasts to be proportionately accurate.

US POPULATION AS OF JULY 2007
White = 245,373,882
Black = 40,744,132
Asian = 15,165,186
American Indian/Alaska Native = 4,536,857
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander = 1,019,301

Even if you take a mere 10% of Whites (cuz they're so GOOD) and take 50% of Blacks (cuz they're so EVIL), that would be 24.5M Whites and 20M Blacks. Anyone with ANY sense knows that one out of two Blacks are not criminals. Be honest with yourself about this. WHY are so many Black scary faces on the news? Or Brown ones stealing your jobs?

This is not an attack. It's Truth and something that needs to be understood by ALL colors. DENIAL is the biggest trait of Racism. To deny this is happening without PROOF of the opposite is fundamentally Racist. The denial doesn't have to be intentional either. That's the point. This is not personal; it's universal. Even if you do choose to ignorantly deny, it's still happening.