Bobby Jindal

I was anxiously anticipating Bobby Jindal’s response to President Obama’s speech on Tuesday night. After only a few minutes I could no longer stomach it and had to change the channel. The look on Jindal's face, his tone of voice, the cadence of his speech – everything was so annoying I couldn’t even “hear” him. The content of his speech may have been 100% on point (I don't know) but if so, his delivery completely detracted from it.

I thought this man was supposed to be ready to “stomp with the big dogs”. If he is the best the Republican Party has to offer – this is a party in trouble for real! I'd like to suggest that we go back to the drawing board . . .

Our 44th President

We keep hearing it and I must say I feel the same way -- "I never thought I'd live to see the day." My kids asked me a few times over the years, "Do you think there will ever be a Black president?" My quick, canned answer remained, "Not in our lifetime." In spite of my lack of faith in the American people, today Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. Despite my own personal political views, this is a very emotional and exciting day.

Seeing Michelle Obama at center stage is especially thrilling. I think I've always paid particular attention to First Ladies. I loved Laura Bush and I am already feeling similar admiration for Mrs. Obama. I am certain that she will add her own style, class and dignity to the White House.

Yes, today is a day of celebration but it should also be a day of prayer. Today we party, tomorrow back to reality.

Inaugural Prayers

There’s been a lot of fuss over the Inaugural prayers and who is being asked to lead them. Obama has asked an openly homosexual bishop to offer a prayer at an inauguration event next week. My mother always told me that “you can’t please everybody” but Obama sure is trying. Asking the Bishop V. Gene Robinson to pray was to satisfy those opposed to the invitation he extended to Pastor Rick Warren. Oh brother!

Anyway, Robinson said that he will not use the Bible and "will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."

So my question is this – when you are being careful to not be “especially Christian”, to whom are you praying? Is that kind of prayer just kind of thrown out there in hopes of being answered by any old god who happens to be available and listening? He can leave me off his prayer list. . .

Obama Trivia

A friend sent an e-mail today reporting the following bits of trivia about Barack Obama:

• He collects Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comics
• He was known as "O'Bomber" at high school for his skill at basketball
• His name means "one who is blessed" in Swahili
• His favorite meal is wife Michelle's shrimp linguini
• He won a Grammy in 2006 for the audio version of his memoir, Dreams From My Father
• He is left-handed – the sixth post-war president to be left-handed
• He has read every Harry Potter book
• He owns a set of red boxing gloves autographed by Muhammad Ali
• He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream
• His favorite snacks are chocolate-peanut protein bars
• He ate dog meat, snake meat, and roasted grasshopper while living in Indonesia
• He can speak Spanish
• While on the campaign trail he refused to watch CNN and had sports channels on instead
• His favorite drink is black forest berry iced tea
• He promised Michelle he would quit smoking before running for president – he didn't
• He kept a pet ape called Tata while in Indonesia
• He can bench press an impressive 200lbs
• He was known as Barry until university when he asked to be addressed by his full name
• His favorite book is Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• He visited Wokingham, Berks, in 1996 for the stag party of his half-sister's fiancé, but left when a stripper arrived
• His desk in his Senate office once belonged to Robert Kennedy
• He and Michelle made $4.2 million (£2.7 million) last year, with much coming from sales of his books
• His favorite films are Casablanca and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
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• He carries a tiny Madonna and child statue and a bracelet belonging to a soldier in Iraq for good luck
• He applied to appear in a black pin-up calendar while at Harvard but was rejected by the all-female committee.
• His favorite music includes Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Bach and The Fugees
• He took Michelle to see the Spike Lee film Do The Right Thing on their first date
• He enjoys playing Scrabble and poker
• He doesn't drink coffee and rarely drinks alcohol
• He would have liked to have been an architect20if he were not a politician
• As a teenager he took drugs including marijuana and cocaine
• His daughters' ambitions are to go to Yale before becoming an actress (Malia, 10) and to sing and dance (Sasha, 7)
• He hates the youth trend for trousers which sag beneath the backside
• He repaid his student loan only four years ago after signing his book deal
• His house in Chicago has four fire places
• Daughter Malia's godmother is Jesse Jackson's daughter Santita
• He says his worst habit is con stantly checking his Blackberry
• He uses an Apple Mac laptop
• He drives a Ford Escape Hybrid, having ditched his gas-guzzling Chrysler 300
• He wears $1,500 (£952) Hart Schaffner Marx suits
• He owns four identical pairs of black size 11 shoes
• He has his hair cut once a week by his Chicago barber, Zariff, who charges $21
• His favorite fictional television programs are Mash and The Wire
• He was given the code name "Renegade" by his Secret Service handlers
• He was nicknamed "Bear" by his late grandmother
• He plans to install a basketball court in the White House grounds
• His favorite artist is Pablo Picasso
• His speciality as a cook is chilli
• He has said many of his friends in Indonesia were "street urchins"
• He keeps on his desk a carving of a wooden hand holding an egg, a Kenyan symbol of the fragility of life
• His late father was a senior economist for the Kenyan government

Interesting but I wish there was a tidbit referencing his relationship with Christ.

Thank you President Bush

There are lists and blogs and articles and editorials about the awful presidency of George W. Bush. He was especially dogged during this presidential election – by both Democrats and Republicans. While he certainly made some serious mistakes and I didn’t agree with all of his decisions – it is sad that the main (and possibly only) thing that anyone will remember about President Bush is the war in Iraq.

Whatever your personal opinions about George W. Bush, he must have done at least one or two things right because he was re-elected in 2004. He served our country in the most demanding, highly scrutinized and difficult job in the world. The citizens of this country owe him a simple “thank you” if nothing else.

As we move forward and begin to support and pray for our new president – let’s not fail to thank and continue to pray for our outgoing president. Thank you President Bush!

Proposition 8 -- California

My home state got it right. Californians passed Proposition 8 yesterday. Proposition 8 eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Great job Cali! This will be a continued war for sure but every battle victory on this issue should be celebrated.

President Obama

Congratulations to Barack Obama!

I Can Only Imagine – Part II

So what might an Obama presidency look like?

With Obama in the White House, Black folks will have a direct and private line to the President of the United States. We will finally have someone in the White House who will make significant, positive changes in minority communities. We will have change beyond anything we could ever imagine.

With Obama in the White House our financial woes will be no more. He will make sure that all of the “little people” are not only heard but paid. Obama (the Robin Hood of “The Hood.”) will right all that is wrong with the world. President Obama will create peace on earth and good will toward all men. There will be hope at last for all the people who have been forgotten over the last 8 years.

I swear – this is what I hear on Black radio every day! Comical ain’t it?

I Can Only Imagine

What might a Barack Obama victory look like? Black radio and TV stations are absolutely working themselves into a frenzy with anticipation. Black folk know how to party and an Obama victory will have “us” literally dancing in the streets. Honestly, the history making aspect of it makes me proud as well.

For the first time in American history there will be an opportunity for Black folks to celebrate a significant event -- simultaneously. Not even the freeing of the slaves could have been as momentous (in terms of a collective celebration) because the news of freedom was spread so slowly. It will be a celebration like nothing we have ever seen.

Democrat or Republican, pro-Obama or pro-McCain – no matter how you vote, if Obama wins, I believe (at least initially) every Black person in America will celebrate the extraordinary moment. Just a few short years ago I said that I did not think there would be a Black president in my lifetime. And now, it’s a real possibility – even an eventuality.

But OK, Black folks, after the celebration be mindful of the fact that the excuses that we’ve used for so very long will no longer be valid. Hopefully we will begin to look to ourselves for solutions. Hopefully we will begin to accept responsibility for our own “stuff”. No longer will we be able to point to that obscure “man” as the reason for our continued struggles. If Obama wins – “the man” will be one of us.

A Black Republican Chick

 
I’ve avoided writing about anything political in a while because all of this has just been so draining. This is probably a tough time for Republicans in general, but to be Black and Republican is a truly test of my resolve and convictions.

CNN had James T. Harris on a few days ago. He is the Black man who dared to stand and show support for McCain at a McCain rally. Sadly, he has been called an Uncle Tom and totally vilified by the Black community because he is bold enough to stand by his conservative principles. It’s that continuing expectation – all Black people must vote for Barack Obama. Should someone dare to support the McCain/Pallin ticket they are considered out of touch, a traitor, ignorant, trying to be White or a “suck up”. It’s just all so tiring I’m just about ready to cry.

A close friend (knowing that I am Republican and will not be voting for Obama) challenged me about the intelligence of Sarah Pallin the other day. It was disguised as a joke but the tone really bothered me.

My daughter nearly walked out of her Sunday school class last week because the leader brought up the election and everyone (except my daughter) jumped on the Obama bandwagon. She literally begged them to return to the lesson but they refused.

Many of my neighbors have McCain/Pallin signs in their front yards. I was thinking of putting one up too but my aunt will be here next week –visiting from California – and I just don’t want to deal with her response.

My sisters and I speak regularly but it is as if the presidential race is not even taking place. We dare not speak of it. How I wish that we could simply agree to disagree. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. It would definitely get ugly if we were to talk politics.

So with all of this in mind I’ve just not been in the mood to write about politics – especially considering the fact McCain is losing in the polls. A line in a song from the movie Hustle and Flow goes, “you know it’s hard out here for a pimp”. For some reason every time I think of this battle I sing to myself, “you know it’s hard our here for a Black Republican chick”. :-)

Calgon Take Me Away

This is the point in my life where the entrepreneur, mother, Christian and concerned American in me are all taking big chunks of my time and energy. This past month has been a whirlwind and November promises to be more of the same. I can hardly believe that it’s been a month since I’ve written anything. Where did the time go?

Well, on September 7th we bought a puppy -- a mini-schnauzer named Euro. On September 8th my son’s childhood friend moved in with us. On September 9th my first grandchild (Pharyn) was born. In mid-September I decided that I needed larger offices for my business and began the search. I found the perfect office a few days later and we are moving next week. My daughter’s 17th birthday is this October 26th and I am shopping for a used car as a gift. When I add the election and the financial crisis to the mix – Calgon take me away!


Today I was “inspired” to write when someone emailed the picture above to me. I think it absolutely hits the nail on the head. Obama is seen as some type of superhero coming to save the nation. The problem with that view of course, is that this is not a movie. Or, as Jay-Z puts it, “this ain’t a movie dawg”

Republican National Convention Notes

There’s really not much that I can add to all of the accolades that Sarah Palin has received for yesterday’s speech. It was informative, challenging and forthright. I loved her “I’m stompin’ with the big dogs” demeanor. Thus far, she is the highlight of the entire convention. I like her.

On the other hand, I could have done without Rudy Giuliani. His speech was so abrasive it grated on my nerves. He just sounded mean, vindictive and angry to me. Not the best way to woo voters. I had to change the channel on Rudy.

Lastly, I simply have to comment on the lack of diversity among the delegates. I read that minorities make up 13% of the delegation at the convention. I think that number may be more accurately reported simply as 13. And, it seemed as if the cameramen were trying really hard to pick out the Black folks in the audience but were hard-pressed to find any in attendance.

I was watching the convention yesterday with a Democrat. I was thinking what he immediately voiced, “it’s all White folks”. I’ll say about the Republicans’ efforts to reach out to Black people what I just said about Rudy Giuliani – “not the best way to woo (Black) voters”

It’s no wonder Black folks are wary of Republicans. It doesn’t appear that they have invited us in. I suppose for most Blacks it is a whole lot more comfortable to be with the Democrats. At least there they know that they won’t be alone. As the adage goes, “there is (perceived) safety in numbers.”

I know that Black folks play a big part in this as they’ve not even considered the Republican Party as a viable option. But it is still shameful. The Republican Party must address this issue in 2012!

In The News

Hurricane Gustav, Sarah Palin, Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol and the Republican National Convention – wow, these last few days have been quite a whirlwind. There’s been room for little else in the news.

I was very excited about John McCain’s choice for a running mate. I had actually read about Sarah Palin a few months ago and was very impressed. I was reading about her and whispering “you go girl” to myself.

It is true that she lacks foreign policy experience but so did Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Though they lacked foreign policy experience they ran for president and they each continue to be loved and lauded by their respective parties as great and effective presidents. Everyone keeps crying for change – Sarah Palin may help to facilitate that change.

A couple days after learning that Sarah Palin was chosen as McCain’s running mate, we learned that her 17 year old daughter, Bristol, is pregnant. My heart goes out to that family. The pregnancy alone would be a difficult situation for the average family to handle -- but for the Palin’s to have to deal with the pregnancy, presidential race and the media scrutiny simultaneously? My prayers are with them all.

Hurricane Gustav threatened to be, as Mayor Nagin put it, “the mother of all storms”. I am thankful that Gustav’s bark was worse than his bite. While there was significant damage in the area, it wasn’t nearly as bad as predicted. Thank you Lord.

During his sermon yesterday, my Pastor went off topic and asked, “Isn’t it funny that the only thing that could ruin the Republican Convention would be an act of God and then here comes Hurricane Gustav?” Celebratory clapping and laughter followed his rhetorical question. My daughter and I gave each other “the eye” and fidgeted uncomfortably hoping that he would quickly wrap up his political rant. I attend a very small Black church and as Black folks typically do, my Pastor assumed that everyone in the congregation was a Democrat. I was very offended and am actually still trying to decide if I should say anything to him about the incident.

Well, in spite of Gustav, the Republican National Convention goes on – albeit with an abbreviated schedule. What I really want to ask my Pastor is how he knows it wasn’t satan trying to ruin the convention!

DNC Final Day -- Barack Obama

Last night featured Barack Obama – the Democratic nominee himself. After his speech Michelle, their two little girls and Barack Obama all held hands and walked out to the front of the stage. With music blaring and streamers flying they smiled and waved to the crowd. As a Black American, it was a very proud moment for me. This beautiful Black family was presented to the world. That presentation was not a Democratic or Republican moment. It was an American moment. It was a moment to be especially relished by Black America. It was a moment that clearly signifies that while we as a people still have a long way to go to achieve true equality – we have also come a very long way. It is enormously profound.

The dichotomy between being proud of the accomplishments of this Black man and voting for someone else is what I kept thinking about last night. I don’t agree but I do understand how so many Black people are caught up in the emotion and historic significance of it all.

I tried very hard last night to focus on the words in Barack Obama’s speech. It is almost natural to hear to a speech but not really listen to what is being said – so I really concentrated. Aside from the expected McCain bashing, I heard several contradictions and vague promises. From a personal standpoint, his beliefs and values remain at odds with mine. Like the other speeches of the week, Obama’s failed to move me.

Alright GOP, your turn. You'd better come with it. . .

Love Train

I'm watching the Democratic National Convention highlights right now. Can someone help me understand why they sang the O'Jays song "Love Train" afte making Obama's nomination official? I could be slow, but I don't get it.

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton was the yesterday’s headliner at the Democratic National Convention. Hillary fans should have been pleased with her speech. I was actually amused and even got a chuckle out of a couple of her comments. Yes, she delivered a few successful jabs.

Her “No way. No how. No McCain” line was a good one. It was low but cute. That line is certain to be incorporated into the Obama campaign.

The thought provoking question posed to her followers was clever and bold -- “Were you in this campaign just for me?” I’m sure most of her staunch supporters are on the Obama bandwagon now.

I can only imagine what’s in store tonight and tomorrow. The Republicans are going to have to “come with it” next week. I hope they are taking thorough and complete notes. As the kids would say, “it’s on and poppin’ now!”

One last gratuitous comment -- orange is my favorite color but I was not feeling Hillary's suit. Can politicians be nominated for the show "What Not to Wear?". Enough with the loud pant-suits already. Stacy and Clinton, she needs you. . .

Michelle Obama

I, like many Americans, watched Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention last night. She was pretty, her hair was perfect and she was very articulate. I had, however, hoped to learn at least a little more about the Obama family. It just all sounded so boring, rehearsed and even a bit defensive.

Mrs. Obama is an intelligent Black woman and of that I am proud. But as far as Barack Obama as president – I heard nothing compelling.

As a basketball fan, I found it very interesting that her brother is a basketball coach. He and his sister clearly love one another. And as for their girls – they are absolutely adorable.

Great American family? Yes. First family? We shall see. . .

Obama/Biden on Abortion

I'm in the research stage where Joe Biden is concerned and am taking the issues one at a time -- beginning with abortion. I prefer Biden's position on abortion over Obama's. See below:


Biden On Abortion
• Accepts Catholic church view that life begins at conception. (Apr 2007)
• Supports partial-birth abortion ban, but not undoing Roe. (Apr 2007)
• Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
• Rated 36% by NARAL, indicating a mixed voting record on abortion. (Dec 2003)


Obama On Abortion
• Undecided on whether life begins at conception. (Apr 2008)
• Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
• Rated 100% by NARAL on pro-choice votes in 2005, 2006 & 2007. (Jan 2008)


More comparisons to come. . .

William Philip "Phil" Gramm

My how my “Please Go Sit Down Somewhere And Close Your Mouth List” is growing. Today I’ve added Phil Gramm.

During the course of presidential campaigns we have come to expect the candidates and their supporters to do and say dumb things. And, we know that the media eagerly reports each and every misspoken word. Knowing that we live in a world addicted to gossip and/or news – whether concerning politicians, celebrities or athletes – you’d think that these same people would be discerning in choosing their words.

Now we have Phil Gramm with the microphone. On Wednesday he unapologetically called Americans who are having financial struggles “whiners”.

These are the stupid comments that give so many Americans the impression that the Republican Party is only for the elite. While Gramm may not be hurting financially or otherwise, money (or lack thereof) is a real and critical issue for many of us. Trivializing what people are feeling the way he did just widens the gulf between Republicans and Black folks.

Mr. Gramm, please take a seat in the corner next to Jesse Jackson.

I Agree With Obama On This One

There’s a group of people that I wish would just go sit down somewhere and close their mouths. I won’t name them all – but Jesse Jackson is at the top of the list.

Last Sunday Jesse Jackson was overheard on a live microphone saying that Barack Obama talks down to Black people. He also made a couple other stupid comments that I don’t care to repeat. Of course he has apologized to Obama but his comments were very telling – we were allowed yet another peek under the mask.

When Jackson was asked to explain his comments he said that "My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility.'' Jackson's response is truly a bunch of gibberish.

I’m with Obama on this one. In the speech that started all of this (given at a Black church) Obama said, ''There's a reason why our families are in disrepair," Obama said in a Father's Day speech at Apostolic Church of God on Chicago's South Side. "And some of it has to do with a tragic history, but we can't keep on using that as an excuse. Too many fathers are AWOL, missing from too many lives and too many homes. They've abandoned their responsibilities. They're acting like boys instead of men."

We have to stop placing the blame for all of our woes on everyone else and we have to stop looking to everyone else to help us. We have to look to ourselves for the answers. We’ve already waited far too long for solutions, answers, jobs, happiness, money and peace to come from White folks and/or the Government. Been there, done that, not happening. . .

So, Barack Obama, while you have a captive audience I hope you will continue to encourage personal responsibility.

As my grandmother used to say, “Stop him when he starts lying.”