Sarah Palin, Going Rogue, everyone’s to blame!

Sarah Palin’s heads across the country promoting her new book “Going Rogue”, which blames everyone for the problems she had during the campaign from Katie Couric to John McCain himself.

Truthfully few took her seriously in the first place, candidates for public office have to be looked at seriously, and no matter what excuses Palin delivers in her book “Going Rogue’, the truth is she was not ready and not qualified to hold the office as vice president.

Part of me really just wished she would have been honest and admit to the facts which were she was not knowledgeable on political issues, policy or even some current events.

There is something respectable about truth and accountability from those running for office. Palin would have gained additional supporters to her team with truth instead of excuses. Politicians do it all the time as the learn from mistakes and continue to seek office in the next election.

 However there is a problem at starting at the top and working your way up when it comes to knowledge. Maybe you need the basic skill set and the other things come along the way

It’s Katie Couric’s fault Palin didn’t know the name of  one single newspaper or magazine during her infamous interview last year. As for most of her other issues they were the fault of McCain’s handlers who treated her as a robot and she had no choice but to jump and ask how high? 

There is no doubt that it was hard for her being a female candidate, but Hillary Clinton was also a female, yet she was able to speak clearly and intelligently on issues concerning the government and Country.

Maybe Palin should simply say the truth, she was in over her head and no one including McCain say the train wreck awaiting which would  follow the announcement of  her as his selected running mate. 

Everyone is not suited for every job in life, or sometimes preparation is required in advance to make a solid respectable attempt. basically, not many people wanted anything to happen to McCain with fear of Palin as number one in life for the oval office.

The smoke has all cleared, and actually even I like Palin better these day’s, because it was never personal, but during the election it was like watching a crash over and over again wanting to jump in and save her from herself.

McCain and his camp were responsible, but it was for placing her in that position in the first place, especially when there were women who could have served them better based on experience and knowledge of government.

That poor Sarah song is old, she is nice and funny and certainly we all have areas where we are smart, but politics is not her area of expertise and the sooner she admits this, or works to change this by studying issues, current events and government, Palin would get more  respect from women and also be seen as a candidate serious enough to claim her faults and take this time to work on her politics.

 Every day women fight the fight and lose battles based on gender, but her problems were not that she was a woman, it was the material she herself presented which was used against her instead. If a man said he could see Russia from his back yard and used it as an example of his foreign policy knowledge, he too would have made the news in a negative light. It wasn’t always get her because she is a woman, sometimes it was amazement of the answers being delivered to media.

The same looks that hurt her based on lack of knowledge on issues got her there in the first place. Unless Palin  really believes McCain’s selected her based on her knowledge of policy. Truthfully she would have to know she was selected because she was a woman. Plain and simple.

Palin does have a future within her party , but what role she will play if anyone’s guess, but her in a political office would require a make over which seems impossible if the person refuses to be accountable for her actions and words during the campaign.

This would mean not blaming others for her lack of knowledge in government or world affairs, and simply state this is an area she is working on and has learned much since the election.

 Apparently her current handlers are not teaching her the art of public relations. Humility and honesty plays out better than the blame game,  adult women can’t blame everything on men, especially when they stay in the game til the end.  Palin waited to the games was over to call out foul! She displayed a confident fiery attitude often in public, now we are to believe she was meek  and vulnerable and  everyone made her do things she didn’t agree with, and say things she didn’t want to say?  Right!

A Nation Hopes With Uncertainty!

Hope is the direction of the country as the President addresses the nation in one of the worst economic times ever faced.

As President Barack Obama assured all that better days are ahead,  and assuring the world that as a nation we will rise above the current economic disaster facing the country. His words were listened to and each word held onto by many Americans  facing crisis such as job loss and home foreclosures.

Right beside mainstreet is wall street which continues to wavers with stocks  declining while many of the nations largest banks struggle to stay afloat. Then there are the big three auto makers unsure of their future, yet the president gave hope as he spoke of the United States as  the country that invented the automobile therefore they too will rise to the occasion.

Optimism and hope are words we hang on too, the small business owners around the country seeing doom as they see larger stronger companies dismantle. Hope is a word which encourages us to hold on because something better is ahead, this attitude is the fiber of the country.

It seemed like only yesterday when all of the word was normal. Families able to pay for homes, jobs available, industry moving as if there were a future somewhat secured. Those days are not today, and hope is what the country needs, along with something tangible at the end of a dark tunnel.

As the nation hopes and works with a president burdened with the woes of many, they feel the pain which has not lessened. They see the hope of a future that must be brighter in order to sustain sanity of the man working to feed his family, and the mother struggling to feed her children.

As we look to a stronger economy and hope for a better future we also see hope in education and health care, the presidents message was inspiring and hopeful addressing the concerns of the country. Yet, a little bit of America remains uncertain.

The next step is for mainstreet to feel relief and get back to work, and for wallstreet to once again trust in our markets and be accountable as major forces of power that can crumble the economy with greed and failure to be responsible. People will return to what was once known as normal and as always the market will re adjust itself in time, the question remains how much devastation will take place during the process. 

The presidents strength and confidence allows many to hold on in belief that “that day” will eventually arrive and once again the reality of the dream to prosper will be the light shinning that guides many to our country on faith and hope.

Burris…Blago..say it isn’t so for Chicago

Roland Burris as Illinois Senator seemed like the right thing to do, but questions today swarm around his sudden revelation of being asked by Blagojevich’s brother to donate money to the former governor’s campaign.

Once again the Chicago political circle is looking notorious as Burris is in question as to his truthfulness in answering questions about his knowledge of three request from the governors brother about campaign contributions. Burris was appointed by the governor to fill the senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, he had undergone scrutiny by the senate as well as local politicians opposing his appointment.

Following his appointment Burris headed to the Senate seeking confirmation only to be turned away, he made clear his intentions to seek justice from the senate refusing to acknowledge his appointment due to Governor Blagojevich’s political challenges in Chicago. After consideration the senate agreed to seat Burris, but also noted he needed to be clear of any affiliation to the governor’s current scandal. That was then.

We’ll its no surprise that a tangled web continues to tangle itself instead of unraveling and straighten out, the latter action would require compromise and a setting aside of ego’s and power for the good of the people. Burris set his self up for a challenge accepting the nomination and was obviously well prepared to fight for his right to serve as Illinois Junior Senator. The question remains did he mislead the people and intentionally leave out the information of conversations with the governors brother which would have raised questions due to the current scandal?

An omission, mistake or lie however its put would once again cause the citizens to suffer and make the senate look as if they didn’t do such a good job checking out the candidate. On the other hand was it legal to omit information not requested directly, probably so, yet the omission does not assist with moral or ethics when it comes to the citizens of Illinois.

Blagojevich it appeared made a perfect choice selecting someone well qualified to serve, a one time opponent and most importantly he was thought to not have a number given to his name as someone potentially involved or named in the play for pay scandal.

However the recent development questions once again truth and ethics. Burris say’s he answered all questions asked truthfully; maybe a technicality occurred in answering the correct question in delivering a truthful answer. Either way he is currently in the seat representing Illinois and a cloud of doom lingers as his credibility is questioned as many are now wondering what he knew about the alleged allegations of pay to play involving Blagojevich.

Burris said in a news conference to reporters that he did not accept or pay out any money to the governor’s campaign. The problem with that answer is that all of the initial candidates in question for the seat could have accurately made the same claim. No one actually paid for a seat or made any donations to the governor’s campaign.

Singer Etta James unhappy with Beyonce!

Beyonce Knowles is by far the most applauded female singer today, but most would understand why legendary singer Etta James was upset that Knowles performed a rendition of her most popular song “At Last for the historical dance of President and Mrs. Obama during the Inauguration’s Neighborhood Ball.

Etta James 71 is an icon and history maker who endured levels of sacrifice that a young artist like Knowles could never even began to understand. It is a natural understanding that James would expect a certain level of respect as the woman responsible for a song which has stood the test of time through generations as a popular love song and in some case wedding anthem. This could have been avoided if someone either in the planning department or from Knowles management reached out to James and informed her that her song would serenade the first couple.

“At Last” was obviously a song with great sentiment to the first couple and my guest is that it was the original rendition that attracted them to the song and not the recent re-make performed by Knowles which was well executed according to her talent and personal interpretation of the ballad. However the original version of the song still delivers from a depth a young artist could have never achieved, this has nothing to do with talent, its about life experiences from an era that no longer exist, and life experiences of a woman living through that era beginning in the 50’s and delivering a beautiful song from her own pains, joys and definitions.

Knowles also will become a historical woman having paved a way through her numerous success, but that one built on the song “At Last” belonged to James and it is unfortunate that she was not allowed to perform the song for the first couple. Knowles could have performed as well, just one of her own songs and not that of an icon still around and able to sing her own song to the first couple.

In all fairness this was probably an over site where the song was selected and because Knowles is so recognized as one of today’s most popular artist it was she that was asked to perform for the first couple and James may not even have been thought of because she has been out of the public light for sometime. Even with this said industry persons such as in the Knowles camp were well aware that Knowles just portrayed James in a movie which she received pretty good reviews, and the role played would not have existed for her acting star to shine without James having created a life story to have such historical value today.

As for James she owns the song in talent even though she does not have official ownership as a songwriter, which technically her permission was never needed, but when it comes to history there is a certain amount of responsibility, even rappers reach out to artist seeking personal permission before sampling certain songs of legendary singers, their rap and hip hop music recordings. As this is black history month this is a good time to say it and hopefully artist will respect those that came before them in this industry enough to consider the work, the journey of that artist and find an amicable way to blend your talents with someone else’s ownership of personal brand.

Michael Steele brings Change to GOP!

The Republican party has elected Michael Steele the first African American to lead the GOP, and he has without doubt already signaled a new look for the struggling party as they too have sought to find change or think a black leader is needed to go up against a black president..

Steele is a former Maryland Lt. Governor and attorney who competed against four other candidates seeking the post to head the troubled party. He is considered a conservative, but compared to those he competed against for the position he is also the most moderate from the group. Steele has also had his bid as being first upon winning the 2003 election as Maryland’s first black governor.

However Steele advanced to this position remains a good thing for this country continued path toward change. Hopefully this choice was based on what is good for the republican party overall and not a placement of Steele just because he is a black male. As much as I want to see blacks continue to elevate in high level positions, it is important that they are placed in positions for the right reasons in order to be most effective and representative of the party values and the majority of its members. This does not mean the small group needed to put a leader in place. This references that large group of members that showed up at the many rallies supporting John McCain and Sarah Palin during the presidential election and the large group of supporters around the country. We have come along way if Steele is the man representing those groups.

This selection brings to mind a race between another black republican Alan Keyes who was moved to Chicago some years back as a replacement opponent to run against then Barack Obama for the Senate seat should have sent a clear message that you just can’t stick any black person on a ticket to compete in political races. Blacks really don’t vote for blacks just because of race, and whites and other races won’t support just any black candidate. If the candidate is qualified and just happens to be black well there is a strong level of support. Hopefully history will not repeat itself.

Steele landed a hot spot for himself and based on all of the issues the party faces including the racial overtures which sent many republican members up in arms during the past presidential election will be a starting place for this new leader. The interesting thing is the black vote is up for grabs when the candidates running are of a different race, but when a black candidate who is qualified, smart runs it unifies the black vote which is largely democratic. The question would be if Steel will be able to pull more blacks into the Republican Party and in doing so how will he rebuild the image to attract young and older groups of blacks and other minorities?

The interesting part of the selection of Steele is it’s coming upon the heels of the country electing its first black president. The difference is that this president was heavily supported by blacks with a record high turnout, but he was also supported by whites, Hispanics and other races due to his ability to appeal to each ethnic group with a sincere ability to understand and relate on some level.

Steels job is to revive the party as they go up against the empowered Democratic Party and the country’s first black president beginning with next falls mid term elections. With all of the ills of the current party this will be all of a challenge for the new leader who promises the dawning of a new republican party which is inclusive to all races and ages. Something he knows is important upon looking at the numbers, maps, ethnic make up and ages of those putting the current president in office.

This selection is historic and again shows that anything is possible, and if the guess is right the man that bought change to the country is responsible for Steele in this position as the new GOP leader.

Blago is out!

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is out following an impeachment trail today where he is on the way to cleaning out his office as his peers voted him out with a needed 2/3 vote.

Blagojevich made his rounds on every talk show last week allowing him air time to present his story to the people. Although he knew his job was on the line and this blemish would ultimately become part of his resume, he claimed he was being treated unfairly by his colleagues.

While his peers prepared to have him removed from office last week seeking to get a vote of 40 to deliver a two thirds vote needed to oust Blagojevich for good and allow his Lt. Gov. to be sworn in replacing the man accused of attempting to sell Barack Obama’s senate seat to the highest bidder.

The Gov. Said he was not being allowed the opportunity to present witnesses that would prove he was innocent. When asked directly if he tried to sell the senate seat he said no. Also, adding that the rest of the tape if heard would prove his innocence.

Not only was the secret five in the running for the hottest senate seat in town, according to Blago he even had his eye on NBC news anchor Cheryl Burton and the media diva Oprah Winfrey as replacements. Oprah said she could do the job but would have had to turn the governor down due to her other many jobs probably getting in the way.

Everyone who thought they had the Gov. Blagojevich situation all figured out got a curve ball when he appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the Illinois Senate seat once held by President Elect Barack Obama.

One thing Governor Blagojevich has is nerve; he defied all opposition from state leaders and lawmakers in his appointment of Burris to a seat of controversy due to an alleged pay to play scheme where the governor was said to be asking for money and favors in exchange to appointment to the seat.

The allegations of the pay to play scandal named several persons speaking to the governor about a possible appointment to the Illinois Senate seat. The appointment of Roland Burris shows the Governors keen knowledge on how politics work and he is a master of the game. He selected a candidate of good standing and unquestionable ethics in leadership, a former Illinois Attorney general; this makes it difficult for his opposition to challenge, although they had already laid the groundwork saying any appointment made by the Governor would not be accepted.

The problem with this is that the Governor did not select any candidate mentioned or related to the pay to play issues alleged. Instead he went to someone previously not even considered, and that person happens to be very qualified to serve in the position. Therefore he should be allowed to do so, and this should not be turned into further politics where others are more concerned about themselves getting the appointment over the fact that the governor in the end did his duty with an appointment of someone not tainted by the allegations.

Whatever the outcome is for Blagojevich has nothing at all to do with Burris, his record speaks for itself and unless he can be tied to the charges against the Governor, or has his own set of credibility issues, he should be allowed to serve.

Instead of adults, sometimes it appears that our politicians behave more like children, whining and manipulating to get their way. Blagojevich can say check mate with this appointment.

Burris was sworn in as the replacement for Obama and Blago continues his fight to hold office as his peers push to get him out.
Today he is out, the next step is his lega woes.

President Barack Obama Changed America

Tears flowing down the faces of men and women of all races as never before seen in the history of this country. Over a million people united in celebration in the nation’s capitol as they witnessed the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44^th president of the United States of America.

 

An emotional and overwhelming moment at times seemed to take many back in history to times when things were much different. Blacks fighting for civil rights and equality for years and maybe the very thought of this new first family making what was thought to be impossible a reality . Many thought they were prepared but learned how touching it was as the moment arrived on this cold January day. Young men and women champions of this election watched with pride in this moment of our history as a black president is sworn into office.  Someone who many feel represents all of America. His story gave way to a world far different from the one we knew yesterday on some levels.

 

 The thing about history is that we are all a part of it, just as blacks weep and thought of the past, there were many of other races embracing change, hope and goodwill to all mankind in order that our world be unified. The greatness in us all pays it forward in someway during our lifetime, and today gratification came to all representing change in America.

 

Whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics were all living in the moment while seeing a new beginning. History teaches us all something about ourselves and it doesn’t matter if you lived it or not, what matters is acknowledging the lessons and taking part in re writing stories of hope and triumph to pass along to our children.

 

Today an African American family moved into the White House, a mother, father and two little girls. The thing is they represent families across the country. Their race is only important today because they are the first black family, as adults we take notice, but little girls of all races will look at the two Obama girls watching what they wear and the music they like. Women will look at the First Lady and take on her style while admiring her and the family, or simply critique her as they have first ladies in the past. Men will see Obama as the most powerful man in the world and continue their own quest to power to obtain that oval office.

 

The basics in life we all relate to and want, sometimes it takes moments like today to remind us in this country how much more alike we are than not, how life delivers lessons to this country right on time when a need exist. There was Martin Luther King Jr. who marched and delivered words that would years later bring tears to our eyes; yes his words still remind us as a nation to come together, while reminding us that some elements of his dream speech are still not present.   There was also John F. Kennedy Jr. who fought for equality and captured the hearts of generations during a time we needed change. His family continues the legacy of fighting for the people.

 

The word change is simple yet powerful enough that amazingly every so often a leader comes along and change actually happens. A small word that moves people stirs thought and leads the country forward to heal at precisely the right moment. The need for compassion and someone who sincerely believes he can make a difference grips at hearts and souls of Americans. The strength and determination to lessen the burden of our leaders by offering ourselves is truly what individuals are made of in the country, sometimes it just takes the right leader to remind us of how great and capable we are, and that reminder comes at the right moment and time always in our history.

 

Burris Boldness provokes Senate Silliness

Roland Burris headed to the Senate only to be turned away, and he intends to seek justice from the senate gang refusing to acknowledge his appointment due to Governor Blagojevich’s political challenges in Chicago.

We’ll its no surprise that a tangled web continues to tangle itself instead of unraveling and straighten, the latter action would require compromise and a setting aside of ego’s and power for the good of the people. Burris set his self up for a challenge accepting the nomination and was obviously well prepared to fight for his right to serve as Illinois Junior Senator.

Blagojevich made a perfect choice selecting someone well qualified to serve, a one time opponent and most importantly he did not have a number given to his name as someone potentially involved or named in the play for pay scandal. As If there isn’t enough to worry about with a failing economy, now the senate chooses to fight an appointment based on the Governors credentials instead of the candidates.

Right or wrong for taking the position, Burris is qualified and since he dared to accept the appointment, he should be seated as long as he is qualified regardless of the Illinois Governors troubles. Maybe action against the Governor’s actions earlier would have prevented the citizens from having to witness more rumblings in the political circus of what should be the US Senate. Those who should know and understand the law, and who have previously tried to exercise the power to prevent another Senator from being seated named Adam Powell.

I would agree that the trouble facing Blagojevich is outrageous accusations and if, the big question if found to be true are disgusting for the city and its political climate. However until he is charged he is still Governor and has the power to exercise his granted powers, and it is a problem with our system when people can alter and change laws to accommodate disagreement and or exercise personal preferences. The laws are in place to avoid such behaviors and the courts are in place to discipline behaviors of a proven failed politician who misuses his or her office and or power, that right does not belong to the US Senate to punish the governor, it belongs to the courts.

Power seems to drive every aspect of government in this Country, yet in areas where these officials are needed to step up to prevent, credit card rates from skyrocketing, gas prices from rising and foreclosure assistance and jobs for people, you don’t see them running to a camera pushing ethics and concern for the people. Give me a break, Burris sitting as Senator is more of a concern for the senate and politicians than the citizens of Illinois; they already know the man and his record. The concerns of Illinois citizens at the moment are not as shallow, they unlike the members on the Senate floor are facing trying issues of job loss, homelessness and a host of other serious issues which directly impact their lives negatively, and Burris as senator is not one of those issues, only the politicians appear to be whining.

Saltsman’s family holiday gift to friends!

 Republican Chip Saltsman obviously is in need of attention as he seeks to lead his party,  and he got it upon sending out a CD “Barack the Magic Negro” to his friends, what a great person he is to think so much of those he likes to send this billboard chart topper to his friends, a must have for the holiday season for families to enjoy while sitting around the fireplace.

 

Saltsman sent out Christmas gift to members of his party with a CD including a song “Barack the Magic Negro. The debates are once again on, some say its innocent humor, and others say its racism. I think it’s stupid and ignorant to follow the road already traveled by a female Republican member earlier this year. The food stamp incident obviously wasn’t funny enough because Saltsman selected to compete by taking things a step further with a musical track racially degrading.  Had he been smart he would have left the song where it originated.

 

The reality is that there are people that think and feel just like Saltsman, humor or racism disguised as parody, a joke so to speak. Idiots are continuously making there way into political office which is quite disturbing. When one takes a position such as to send out holiday gifts calling a future president a magic negro, there is something to be said about who he really is as a person, as well as what he represents in this country. I would like to know what a magic Negro is and how it is determined that one is such a phenomenon?

 

The song is not new, yes that person on the Fox news network thinks the song is an appropriate musical selection, but hey, a drug addict can’t be held accountable for every action, there are just times that reality and fantasy blend when you don’t say no. As for Saltsman he can breathe and release now that he got that out of his system, maybe he needed that to feel good about himself at someone else’s expense. What a leader he would make for his party.

Blago’s appointment say’s checkmate!

Everyone who thought they had the Gov. Rod Blagojevich situation all figured out got a curve ball when he appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the Illinois Senate seat once held by President Elect Barack Obama.

One thing Governor Blagojevich has is nerve; he defied all opposition from state leaders and lawmakers in his appointment of Burris to a seat of controversy due to an alleged pay to play scheme where the governor was said to be asking for money and favors in exchange to appointment to the seat.

The allegations of the pay to play scandal named several persons speaking to the governor about a possible appointment to the Illinois Senate seat. The appointment of Roland Burris shows the Governors keen knowledge on how politics work and he is a master of the game. He selected a candidate of good standing and unquestionable ethics in leadership, a former Illinois Attorney general; this makes it difficult for his opposition to challenge, although they had already laid the groundwork saying any appointment made by the Governor would not be accepted.

The problem with this is that the Governor did not select any candidate mentioned or related to the pay to play issues alleged. Instead he went to someone previously not even considered, and that person happens to be very qualified to serve in the position. Therefore he should be allowed to do so, and this should not be turned into further politics where others are more concerned about themselves getting the appointment over the fact that the governor in the end did his duty with an appointment of someone not tainted by the allegations.

Whatever the outcome is for Blagojevich has nothing at all to do with Burris, his record speaks for itself and unless he can be tied to the charges against the Governor, or has his own set of credibility issues, he should be allowed to serve.

Instead of adults, sometimes it appears that our politicians behave more like children, whining and manipulating to get their way. Blagojevich can say check mate with this appointment, unless there is a good reason to deny Burris this seat based on his credentials, not those of a tainted governor.