A Flight of Moxy...To the Left

Today the vote for The Defense Authorization Bill failed to pass because of Senate Republicans and one Senate Democrat. Why did the bill fail? Was it because the military no longer needs funding for the multiple wars we are engaged in? Nope. Did it fail because the arms dealers we supply called to say they are fully stocked and good to go? Not even! The bill failed to pass because it contained...hold you breath...a measure to repeal the very discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Once again, the Right and their cohorts on the Democratic side chose politics over doing the right thing. It is completely insane to think the men and women who serve this country; many who give their lives and others who give their limbs and minds must also give their integrity. The military is supposed to be about serving your nation with honor, but how can a person be told to be honorable and lie at the same time? That is what DADT asks of Gay and Lesbian servicemen and woman every single min

You will get no argument from me, the "deal" made by President Obama with the Repulicans extending the Bush-era tax cuts is really not a deal at all. Where I will take issue is with the outrage coming from the Left and the Democratic Party. Since the announcement of the deal, House Democrats have gone on a tear about the deep disappointment they feel with the President's concession. To them I say, "Where were you?" For the passed 2 years of the Obama Administration, the Democrats have done what they always do: lose the message war. The Right has done a fantastic job painting the Left as a spendthift party who wants to put this country in greater hoc to the Chinese and other countries who hold our debt. Meanwhile, it is the Right who champions the cause of the top 1%. Can anyone really be surprised the President came to the "deal" he did with the Right? While the Right won the message war (and the Midterm elections), the Democrats tucked tail and ran.

Ok...ok...so I have been slacking. But I am back. So much as been going in the vast political world that is hard to recap all of it, so I won't do it! I will be posting more frequently...promise. Before I go, please checkout http://wearecitizenradio.com/home.htm this is a fantastic podcast! Ttyl

Once again, the Right and those who have nothing else to do with their time, have created a controversy where there really isn't one and America is in full panic over it. The proposed Mosque that is to be built in lower Manhattan is not on hallowed ground, in fact it is four blocks away. Also, the Mosque will be but a part of a community center that also trains chefs. I mean really? Must we as America always have someone to hate? There were Muslim Americans in the Towers that day. There were Muslim Americans among the First Responders as well. Islam did not attack us, terrorists did. We must learn to separate. Should we stop building churches each time some Right-wing Nut bombs an abortion clinic? Of course not. This country was founded on religious freedom, and here we seek to deny that to others simply because of fear-mongering? I am not so proud to be an American right this moment. Let us do something right, and tell the crazies they are...well crazy.

Gov. Jan Brewer (R), Arizona, signed into law the most sweeping and controversial anti-immigration legislation since Black people had to prove they were free or slave. The bill give police officers the ability to stop and question anyone they believe may be an illegal immigrant. This means, anyone darker than tan, Hispanic-looking, etc. can be stopped without cause and asked to prove their immigration status. This is a travesty. A complete and utter failure of the Governor to stand for the right thing and not go along with a party seeking to turn back the clock on American race relations and civil rights. My heart breaks for America.

Since August 2009, Tea Part Rally's have been promoted and funded by the likes of Fox "News" and Freedom Works, well now it is our turn! Thousands of teachers are losing their jobs and schools are losing funding. The tea partiers say it's time to defund the Dept of Education. If they can be loud (and obnoxious) about protesting the WRONG things, can we let our voices be HEARD about the RIGHT things? Nothing is more American than Freedom of Speech, and it is time to exercise that Right. The Tea Partiers and their ilk gather to protest everything but the RIGHT thing. Those of us should gather to protest the RIGHT things such as teachers losing their jobs, racist immigration policies, the NEED for Health-care Reform, the need for more jobs, and so on. We are "real Americans" too, and our voices deserve ...to be heard also! Bring your signs, wear your shirts, etc. We have a voice too. If you believe their is a role for government, understand Social Security I

For the passed 3 days, I have been listening to the Mark Liven Show via Itunes. My head is about to explode. this guy is nuts. What prompted me to listen? Randi Rhodes has mentioned him on her show several times, and I decided to check him out. I think, in my professional opinion, it is safe to say this guy is insane. His show starts with a voice over stating he has been contacted in his secret, underground bunker. Why would he need to be in a bunker if he believes in his message? As I listened to the show, I wanted to tear my ear-buds out! His is loud, rude, mean-spirited, and angry--and this is with his own listeners. Those who call in are often treated as if they are morons, and they agree with him. I also got to hear several African-American callers who described themselves as Conservative who belief "Obama is giving the country away." These caller chastised other Black Americans for voting for and supporting the President, and they charge those who do so are ignoran

Billboards in Georgia are causing a stir, rightfully. The billboards feature a little black boy, with the tag: "Black Children are an Endangered Species." The message is clear, Black women are aborting too many children and that needs to stop. Pro-life organizations are using race to get a point across. In Georgia, black women are more likely to abort a fetus than a white woman. The billboards are designed to shame women and follow the line often used by anti-abortion groups. There is a need for education and parenting classes for women in Black communities, that is known, but it seems to me this is taking it a step too far. Here is a snippet from an article by AP's Errin Haines: "The effort is sponsored by Georgia Right to Life, which also is pushing legislation that aims to ban abortions based on race. Black women accounted for the majority of abortions in Georgia in 2006, even though blacks make up just a third of state population, according to the Centers for D

She is way too funny! In her keynote speech to the Tea Party Convention, half-governor Palin spent the bulk of her time lambasting President Obama and the Democrats. She spoke of that "hopey-changey-thingy" and wonder how it was working out, she congratulated the new Senator of Massachusetts, Scott Brown, and defended the Tea Party Movement itself. When it came time for a little q and a, the governor often seemed to glance down at her opened hand. What was that about? She hand her top priorities written on her hand!! This is the same woman who blasted the President for using a teleprompter! How can you not remember you "core principles?" Can she get any phonier? Not one person on the Right thinks this might be a problem? Sarah Palin is a mess, and she would be a caricature of a caricature if she wasn't so serious and popular with a large portion of the Right. To have to write "you CORE prinicples" on your hand in order to not forget them is simply

Republican Sen. Susan Collins is in a long line of Republicans who have been blasting the White House for how it has dealt with the so-called "Underwear Bomber." What she and others forget is that many of the procedures the Obama Justice Department has in place came from the Bush era. They would rather the country be seen as less than honorable and torture the guy, than honorable and do things in the moral and legal manner. They keep making a big deal about his having been read his rights, that is U. S. law! Anyone captured or arrested in this country is read their rights and given a lawyer, even illegal immigrants. The family of the attempted bomber chose to cooperate with the government because they we assured he would not be tortured. As a result, he has been fore coming with information, real and actionable Intel. What more could they ask for? For him to be water  boarded? Of course! It is a mistake on the Republicans part to continue to try to take cheap shots at the A

Child abuse drops dramatically in U.S. Study: Incidents declined by 26 percent from 1993 to 2006 The Associated Press updated 5:38 p.m. ET, Tues., Feb. 2, 2010 NEW YORK - A massive new federal study documents an unprecedented and dramatic decrease in incidents of serious child abuse, especially sexual abuse. Experts hailed the findings as proof that crackdowns and public awareness campaigns had made headway. An estimated 553,000 children suffered physical, sexual or emotional abuse in 2005-06, down 26 percent from the estimated 743,200 abuse victims in 1993, the study found. "It's the first time since we started collecting data about these things that we've seen substantial declines over a long period, and that's tremendously encouraging," said professor David Finkelhor of the University of New Hampshire, a leading researcher in the field of child abuse. "It does suggest that the mobilization around this issue is helping and it's a problem

I generally do not post full video of a particular event, but in case anyone missed it, you have to see it! President Obama sauntered into the lion's den and slayed them all! It was magnificent to watch! Every Republican talking point was on full display during the Q&A session and he met each question head on. For months, the Right has blasted the President as having to have a teleprompter in order to answer "the hard questions." I think it is safe to assume that lie has been lain to rest. The President was cool and confident as he was assaulted verbally by the opposition. Every question asked was answered, and in the end, he shone. I found the honesty with which he met outright lies and misdirections to be refreshing and pleasant. There were several times when I couldn't help but cheer! The man showed why he deserves to be the leader of the Free World. No matter what questions or assertions the Republicans made, he held his own, and I could not have been proude

Scott Roeder was found guilty of first-degree murder for the assassination of Dr. George Tiller. Despite mounting a "justified murder" defense, Scott Roeder was convicted today of the First-degree murder of Dr. George Tiller by a Kansas jury! Roeder, and avid anti-abortion rights activist shot and killed Dr. Tiller, an abortion provider as the Doctor attend Sunday morning services last year. Roeder, an extremist, sought to convince the jury he was justified in killing the doctor because the doctor performed late-term abortions. Dr. Tiller's was one of very few clinics where women could go to have their pregnancies ended in the Kansas area. Prior to his death, Dr. Tiller was charged with a criminal act in performing the abortions, but was later acquitted. It took the Kansas jury only 37 minutes to convict Roeder. He has been found guilty of premeditated, first-degree murder in the assassination of Dr. Tiller. No matter which side you come down on concerning abor

You know, I never think it is the "people's business" when a politician or anyone in the public eye cheats on their spouse. After all, they made and broke the covenant they made between themselves, their spouse, and God...not me. BUT this guy is a cad! Not only do you cheat on your wife, but your wife who has cancer! It's just in bad taste all around. Now, there is a sex-tape? What more can go wrong for this guy? I don't care what anyone says about Mrs. Edwards, she is a classy lady! Buying Christmas gifts for the child of her husband's mistress. Talk about grace! She is an amazing woman for that alone. I had hoped Edwards would have done great things, in fact, he was my choice before Obama as I was learning about the now-President. Now I just see him as smarmy! What a waste. His public image was shiny clean, but in the private realm he was really grimy. AND to say he had to stay in the race because "a black man or woman couldn't win." Jeez John.

Do you remember this guy? James O'Keefe. His "investigative reporting" was at the center of the onslaught against the activist group ACORN last year. Seen here dressed as a pimp, O'Keefe and his co-horts went to ACORN offices seeking ways to get around the law. The resulting YouTube videos set off calls by the Right to defund the grassroots organization. See the MSNBC and AP report below for the most recent antics of O'Keefe and others which just may land him in jail! Activist filmmaker arrested in senator’s office Man who exposed ACORN accused of seeking to wiretap Landrieu’s phones BREAKING NEWS msnbc.com staff and news service reports updated 3:50 p.m. ET, Tues., Jan. 26, 2010 NEW ORLEANS - A conservative filmmaker whose undercover videos shone a spotlight on alleged corruption by the liberal activist group ACORN was arrested with three other men and accused of plotting to wiretap the New Orleans offices of Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.

South Carolina LT. Governor Bauer...mhm mhm mhm...this guy! In discussing his state's poverty, school free lunch program, and ways to reform it, the Lt. Governor likens the more than 50% of those receiving government aid to animals. In the words of his dear Grandmama, "if you keep feeding strays...they will keep breeding!" This is how the Right views its constituents, always has and always will. While it is trues there is a correlation between parent involvement and high tests scores, the Lt. Governor slams those parents who do not fully participate in their children's education. Everyone can agree, parents need to be more involved in their children's school lives, without doubt. But what of the single mothers and fathers who can't make the parent-teacher conference because they are working 2 jobs to put food on the table for their families? The Lt. Governor really should think about that and how he is speaking so terrible in regards to those who are trying

There have been calls for Parliament to ban outright the wearing of Burkas by Muslim women. While there has been no all out ban, there has been a call for such women to be made to remove the covering when dealing in public situations. I find this entirely absurd! These women are practicing their faith and harming no one in doing so. The anti-Islam/Muslim sentiment is going way too far. Christians all around the world would be in an uproar if they were told they could not wear a Crucifix in public as would any other Religious practice. We are creating an environment in which those who are radical in a religion can say, "see how they treat us? This is why we are angry and act out."  This is not the way to go. Every single person should have the right to practice their beliefs in whatever manner they choose as long as it is not harming anyone else. I find myself being very proud of Muslim women when I see them wearing the Hijab. I am a Christian, more spiritual than religious

Meet Jim Demint. Republican Senator from South Carolina, and the reason the TSA does not have a leader AND the reason the countries airports will not be as secure as they could be. Because this guy was concerned the nominee would unionize workers at the TSA, he held up confirmation until the nominee bowed out. This is the Senate. In the Senate there are Democrats. Democrats are the party in power. the have the ability to get A MONKEY confirmed if they want to BECAUSE THEY ARE IN THE MAJORITY! Unfortunately for the American People, those guys chose to roll over and let the guy above have his way instead of slapping him down! The Dems in the Senate LET Demint WIN! Instead of fighting for their nominee, the bowed down and let Demint WIN!! This is the Transportation Security Administration. This group is charged with ensure public safety in places, say like, AIRPORTS where TERRORIST try to BLOW THEMSELVES UP! Now, because of the aforementioned, this organization will not

worldharvestmissionsoutreach.org http://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/eappeal.nsf/egift-haiti-earthquake-relief?Open&campaign=113655125&cmp=KNC-113655125

Do you know this man? If not, his name is Erroll Southers. Mr. Southers is currently the Associate Director for educational programs at the U.S. homeland security Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) at the University of Southern California (USC). He is also an adjunct Professor of Terrorism and Foreign Policy, a former FBI Agent, was once deputy director of the California Office of Homeland Security, appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger, and was responsible for the oversight of counter-terrorism policy and national pilot programs. Impressive huh? Wait his credentials go on: he studied counter-intelligence in Israel, was a member of the FBI SWAT Team, is the Assistant Vice President at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, is A Certified Institutional Protection manager and is certified in homeland security by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute. Mr. Southers also consult international firms on security issues and is an expert on matters

If you go to airamerica.com the following letter is what you will find. I am so sad! It is with the greatest regret, on behalf of our Board, that we must announce that Air America Media is ceasing its live programming operations as of this afternoon, and that the Company will file soon under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code to carry out an orderly winding-down of the business. The very difficult economic environment has had a significant impact on Air America's business. This past year has seen a "perfect storm" in the media industry generally. National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection. From large to small, recent bankruptcies like Citadel Broadcasting and closures like that of the industry's long-time trade publication Radio and Records have signaled that these are very difficult and rapidly changing times. Those companies that remain are facing audience fragment

Having the unfortunate opportunity to catch the Bill O comedy hour, I came across Bill badgering the representative from Doctors Without Borders.  He demanded to know if the "thugs" and "gangsters" were taking their money, etc. The poor woman had to tell him several times that was not the case. Again, Bill O shows himself to be very anti-poor people. H e goes on to ask his viewers if they will be sending monies to the Relief Effort.

I have had it with the hoopla over the Facebook Status update. In 2000 my 43 year-old mother died from breast cancer. When I saw the email on FB, it warmed my heart because at the very least, Breast Cancer was on the minds of those forwarding the message and changing their status. I gladly changed my status. My mother had a double mastectomy, but she had a wonderful doctor who helped her get bras that gave her "breasts" and she felt so much better. Everyday, as a young mother, I worry about my risk for developing cancer and I worry about the risk my daughters may face. Breast cancer does not only belong to those who have experienced it alone. It belongs to the mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, friends, etc. of us all, and any thing that will make it a topic of discussion is fine by me. Of course, changing your FB status won't resolve the cancer issue, but it will get young women talking about this very serious illness. When my mother developed breast cancer, there was

On Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's comments: I absolutely do not believe he should resign. I agree with his comments. Had Pres Obama been Tyrone Jenkins, he would not have been elected. America was barely ready for a Obama. We saw the racist slurs and posters throughout the campaign and we continue to see them. I agree that had Obama been a few shades darker and was not as Harvard refined, he would not have been elected. Please America, let us be adults. We cannot and will not ever have a realistic conversation about race when we pounce on the hysterical. For those stating the President should have attacked Reid and demanded his resignation: grow up! He stated the truth about this Nation, and for that he is being raked over the coals. Pres. Obama accepted the apology, let it go. President Obama did not need to hit Reid over the head for these remarks. Reid was not trying to assault the Pres or black people. In fact, Reid championed Obama's run! There has to be a moment wh

As Vanity Fair Cashes In, Tiger's Image Gets Tossed Into the Gutter -- FanHouse

The Black Culture Blog...We're Global!: Do You Cross Racial/National/Ethnic Lines?#links

Dear (Former Vice President) Dick Cheney, From the moment then-Senator Obama launched his bid for President, you and your Party have set out to de-legitimize him. You speak of love for Country and a desire to protect the "Homeland." When in office, you demanded everyone bow to your plan for the Nation, and anyone so bold as to question your tactics was drummed out of government and slain on the public stage. You all co-opted Patriotism, denied truths, and committed "High Crimes and Misdemeanors," all while waiving the flag. You know your history; more importantly, we know your history. Now you have all but charged the current President with Treason. Does that make you unpatriotic Mr. Cheney? The fact that you go on television to undermine the President almost daily make you worthy of losing your Civil Liberties, or are you still above us all? While I cannot agree completely with the Presidents tact in Afghanistan, I know he is only cleaning up the mess you gift