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Obama vs. Cain, the Black Women with White Men List and Other Insults

November 2, 2011 by slyram

People get and give insults in the South all day every day.  If you have thin skin, you should move.  These insults come to mind.

The Michael Basiden Show’s list “8 Reasons Black Women Should Date White Men: First, Black Women should date whoever makes them happy and treats them well.  But, the list from Basiden’s show ticked me off because I don’t think the desired traits are rare among my friends. I did like the list’s view on our community’s glorification of thug life.

http://madamenoire.com/22660/8-reasons-to-date-a-white-man-30188/

Obama vs. Cain: I once worked at the U.S. Congress across the hall from Rep. John Conyers’s office and he had a young bright chief of staff named Julian Epstein.  At my Black college homecoming last weekend, many old classmates asked my opinion of the Herman Cain presidential candidacy and I told them that Obama vs. Cain was great for several different reasons from several different angles. I am insulted by Black people who think the Black electorate isn’t intelligent and crafty enough to vote for Cain in the open primary states if they want to see him faceoff with Obama.

While watching Fox News yesterday (yes, I watch Fox News sometimes), Julian Epstein let the cat out of the bag by saying that Democrats aren’t behind the recent Cain drama because smart Democrats want Cain to be the G.O.P nominee.  Epstein then seriously said that Democrats would donate to Cain’s campaign.  As we say in the South, Julian should “hush” because he is telling family business in the streets but he is so right.

Cain is to Obama as LBJ was to Kennedy: Yes, I can insult my political friends by stating that crass LBJ passed bills that smooth Kennedy didn’t get to before his tragic departure.  Those Kennedy boys were no match for the Dixiecrats but old Lyndon knew how to fight fire with fire.  LBJ said that he was insulted when a lifelong Black employee of his family would drive from Texas to the White House and if she need to use the bathroom in route, she had to squat in the woods. 

Obama is my favorite president but possibly too nice to turn the nation around.  He is too nice with the loyal opposition and he is too nice with his base regarding personal responsibility.  If you read the 8 reasons Black women should date White men, you will see that the president and the first lady could say more about their development and growth relative to teaching the next generation of all colors.  If Obama won’t get brass, Cain certainly would and that might be the answer.

Herman Cain, Bill Clinton and Thomas Gipson:  I worked at Albany State University with old school southern gentleman Thomas Gipson..God rest his soul.  Mr. Gipson, like Rev. Jeremiah Wright, had knowledge and wisdom for you everyday but he got a pass or was grandfathered on political correctness.  Gip said that the university’s harassment policies were nonsense and that he would never stop complimenting lovely women. 

Bill Clinton, one of my three favorite presidents, insulted me with that whole Monica mess as did Bush 43 with weapons of mass destruction.  If I gave Clinton and Bush passes, Herman Cain gets one also.  If people from Albany, Georgia, want to know what Cain likely said, they should remember Thomas Gipson and know that what was once tradition is now litigation.

In summary, “yes we can.”  We can reelect President Obama.  We can elect a Georgian as president if not Obama.  We can better position ourselves to enhance the lives of Black women.  We can understand if said women find happiness elsewhere.  We can understand that no candidate is perfect and neither are we.  We can use insults as positive dialog starters.   

We can put on that Sade’s remake of Timmy Thomas’s 1972 classic “Why Can’t We Live Together,” sit back and explain to Cain’s supporters why they are alienating the massive political center.  You can’t win the White House without the center.

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Red State Democrats and Hillary’s PUMAs: Inconsequential or Potential Game-changers

October 25, 2011 by slyram

To hear experts talk, the next presidential election will be decided in a few swing states.  Democrats in red states must sit back, donate and watch.  The only say many moderates have during the process is the primary elections. 

President Obama will be the Democrat nominee but should Dems hedge our bets by voting in the GOP Primary for the most moderate Republican or the candidate we would like to see faceoff against the president.

When told to fall in line in 2008, Hillary Clinton’s supporters created the moniker PUMAs (Party Unity My Ass.)  They felt it was her turn and that she was better prepared to be POTUS.  Eventually, they got behind the Dem nominee and without them it would be President McCain and yes Vice President Palin.

In 2012, the passionate, committed conservatives won’t compile with party bosses so easily if their guy/gal doesn’t make the final cut.  They talk a good game but must make a PUMA-like decision between selecting a nominee who is most like them (Herman Cain, Rick Perry, Michelle Bachman) or selecting someone who can appeal to political moderates and independents (Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman.)

Did I mention that Red State Democrats have nothing but time on our mischievous hands?  

Red State Democrats should consider these GOP Primary options:

Those Who Love Obama’s vibe: vote Huntsman.

Those Who Love An Economic/Jobs focus: vote Cain, Romney or Gingrich.

Those Who Want to See a Georgian In the Oval Office: vote Cain or Gingrich.

Those Who Want to See the GOP nominee be Just Like the Average Far Right Conservative and therefore Unappealing to the Political Center thus Improving Obama Chances: vote Cain or Perry.

Summary: Red State Democrats are consequential after all but can they be organized to make such crafty, cunning poll move.  “Hell Naw” is the likely answer.

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Conversation Starters: Hear Me Out/Unlikley Allies Project

October 22, 2011 by slyram

The “Hear Me Out” effort under the Unlikely Allies Project is a two-way conduit of information; we seek to listen as well as speak.  With that in mind and in the tradition of Helen’s Political Roundtable, we are creating a short simple list of conversation starters which will serve as the foundation of our viral and offline discourse.  

Primary Options: Voters should know they have the option to vote in either major parties primary in Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Break Bread/Mix It Up: Network with Substance-Young and Old; Black, Yellow, Red and White; liberal and conservative; Urban, Suburban and Rural.

Art/Science vs. Entertainment: Reality Show mentality blurs the lines between fact and friction. Glenn Beck, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart rightfully point out their roles as entertainers as opposed to political scientists or elected leaders.  Can you tell the difference?  

Dial Down the Vitriol: While concerns and facts are valid, anger and questionable techniques can unhealthy.  Seek an emotional healthy community where civility exists.   

Respect Others: Don’t ignore other cultures; acknowledge the right to be wrong; stop categorizing people. Moral Compass vs. Faith Police. Is codifying Holy books fair?

Turn, Turn, Turn: Turn to a different news outline occasionally; turn a different corner in your community; turn to a different web blog for range.

Priorities and Agendas: What’s their angle?; Support Regional Interests; Respectfully Question everything and everybody.  Follow the money, find the agenda.

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Politics and Football’s Veer Option Offense

October 21, 2011 by slyram

Triple Option Veer

Presidential politics puts college football’s option offense in my mind.  Mixing metaphors is risk as we remember Obama/Palin with lipstick on a pig and more recently Herman Cain’s 999 with apples and oranges.  Those other candidates at the Western debate knew full well what he was saying.  State sales tax will still be there anyway on apples…whatever. I like a flat 14% income tax personally.  

While I am no expert on football, I know that the triple-option, the veer or the wishbone is the base formation that allows three running options: the fullback receiving the handoff, the quarterback side pitching to the half back or the quarterback running the ball himself.  The quarterback might also pass to a receiver.  With the new “spread” option, the quarterback is in the shotgun formation and the defense is spread because several wide receivers are used. 

In 2008, Barrack Obama was basically the quarterback of a spread, wildcat offense because we put the best player on the team at quarterback and said run fast and think on your feet. 

(Here is where the metaphors get murky and confusing.)

Today, the American voter is the quarterback, Obama is the tailback; Biden is maybe the blocking fullback; and Hillary joins Timothy Geithner as wide receivers going deep.  A sound economy is the goal line/endzone and some feel that Hillary should be quarterback.

We can stay with the current starters or put in the red-shirt (red as in Republican) freshmen who really to play.  Romney wants to be tailback while Rick Perry is a tight end who needs to block but can also catch the ball.  In from the pizza concession stand, Herman Cain could be Hershel Walker or another Marcus Dupree.  Coach Newt Gingrich knows the Xs and Os but coaches don’t suit up.

Bottomline: Voters need options.  If something isn’t working, we need to pitch, pass or put someone else in the game.  Of course, the GOP could be the other team and they are keying on Obama because he might be all the weak Dem team has.  Check this out, we are all on the same team and penalty flags are flying everywhere. 

Ultimately, the people drive the economy and we have been weak in the weight room, weak in practice and unprepared on game day.  The developing world might be the other team and they have become the manufacturers we once were.  The game shouldn’t be decide in the press box (the media) by has-beens or never-weres….dog- gone Monday morning quarterbacks.

Oklahoma’s J.C. Watts was the sweetest option quarterback in history while Texas’s Earl Campbell and O.U. Billy Sims were the best running backs.  You never knew if Watts was running or pitching to his tailback and sometimes he pitched down field.  Former GOP Congressman Watts recently brought liberal former House Armed Services Chairman Ron Dellums into his governmental lobbying firm.  J.C. is smart enough to know that you scheme for gameday by knowing the other side or using a scout team of red-shirts.

The presidential primary is like the recruiting process and we want good red-shirts on the team because we might need to change late in the game or season if the starters aren’t producing (double-digit unemployment, four dollar gas.)

Obama is my starter but who do we need on the sidelines in waiting—Romney, Cain, Perry, Gingrich.   “Veer right…and pitch down field on two.”  

  http://www.ktvu.com/news/29525390/detail.html

  Longtime Democrat Dellums working for Republicans

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Double Dog Dare: Primary Vote for Herman Cain

October 17, 2011 by slyram

Herman Cain’s presidential campaign has created a fascinating scenario for southern voters.  Since folks are digging his simple, straight-forward style, I will break it down straight, no chaser.

Romney vs. Obama:  The White House is prepping for Romney because he is the candidate, as a former moderate, who would be most attractive to centrist voters.  His downside to conservatives is that he is a traditional Chamber of Commerce establishment guy without dirt under his nails.  

Newt Gingrich vs. Obama: Newt is as smart as President Obama and fully prepared to govern but the GOP base sees him as a nerdy professor.  I like the idea of a Georgian in the W.H. to protect our regional interests.

Rick Perry vs. Obama: While the media is insinuating that Rick isn’t ready, we must remember that he governs the planet of Texas, a state that was once a republic and a state which has the world’s 14th largest GDP.  We should never sleep on a Texan with power and funding.   

Cain vs. Obama:  First, see the Georgian comment under Newt’s section.  Georgian Cain must have been raised on Coke, peaches and peanuts like me.  Cain is a real southern conservative.  In his senate race, he was to the political right of Senator Isakson.  Southern conservatives want leaders who are just like them– leaders who shoot from the hip and cast a big shadow like John Wayne.  Herman Cain and Rick Perry fit that image.  

Summary:  10,000 Maniacs isn’t a political convention but a cool band that wrote “Candy That Everyone Wants.”  The 10K maniacs who will be at the GOP National Convention will be manic for a red meat Republican like Herman Cain when Romaine lettuce Romney would be a select the Center would find more appetizing in November.  Oh yeah, the Far Right does not care what the GOP establishment or the Center wants because they think they have the numbers. 

It’s like a kid in the candy store and parents should let a kid have all the candy he wants once then watch him get sick.  As Natalie Merchant and the 10,000 Maniacs sang, “Give ‘em want they want.”  I want a Georgian to be president if not Obama; so, I am a Democrat who will be voting for Cain or Newt in the GOP primary since Jon Huntsman will be long gone by then.

Herman Cain is like candy to my Tea Party friends and they swear they have the numbers to win the general election with him.  As southern kids say, I “double dog dare” you all to put Cain up against Obama.

Centrists and moderates in the South (whose primary vote would be otherwise wasted) should vote in the GOP Primary and give them what they want.  If Cain became president, regular folks would know that they need to get their “blank” together because it will officially be survival of the fittest. Guess what, it’s survival of the fittest NOW but the Democrat leaders are too soft to admit it.  The Piss and Vinegar conservatives might actually be healthy for the nation….like a drill sergeant.   

Democrats voting for any Republican isn’t approved by the D.N.C. but my father is dead so nobody tells me what to do (except the police.)

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Herman Cain’s drive, energy inspired me to run for office

October 16, 2011 by hba1

An Op-ed by Helen Blocker Adams

It was 2003 and I was planning my 4th Annual Regional Minority Small Business Conference. My previous events had attracted small, minority and women-owned business owners from Georgia andSouth Carolina with over 100 people in attendance. We were expecting similar numbers that year. But I hadn’t decided on a Keynote Speaker yet. I ran across some information about a successful and wealthy businessman who owned several Godfather’s Pizza restaurants. Even better this was a Black man who was a perfect match for the caliber of speakers I was accustomed to being a part of our conferences. After I researched a little more, I discovered he was running for the U.S. Senate as a Republican. Senator Johnny Isakson was currently in office and former Rep. Mac Collins was also vying for that seat.

I thought to myself. Bingo. What a great opportunity to invite this man to come toAugustaand speak. First and foremost as a successful businessman who could be an inspiration to our small business community. When I contacted his staff, they immediately returned my call. It took less than 24 hours for him to decide that yes, he would come and speak and would not charge me a fee. The only thing he wanted to do was bring campaign material for distribution.

This man was Herman Cain, currently a Republican Candidate for President of United States.

I had absolutely no idea how much this man would affect my life. I’ve been a registered voter since I was 18. I’ve voted in every election. I was not politically astute by any means. I just knew the importance of voting. Living overseas in the early formative years of my life, I don’t recall having conversations with my parents about voting for one political party or another. I’ve always voted for whom I thought was the best candidate. The candidate who values and ideology was closest to mine. So the notion of having this Black Republican come and speak inAugustawas not really a big deal to me. Remember I asked him to be the Keynote Speaker at the luncheon for my regional minority small business conference.

As it turned out, it was a big deal- in many ways. We doubled the number of attendees at that year’s conference. The ballroom at the former Sheraton Hotel was packed with curious people, black and white, to hear the luncheon speech of this man running for U.S. Senate who also was a successful, wealthy businessman. He rocked the house. He had people sitting on the edge of their seat. I watched people, who typically vote Democrat no matter what, sitting there shaking their heads in agreement with many of the things he talked about. He didn’t make a campaign speech. He spoke about business and common sense.

He did take a couple of minutes at the end about his speech to talk about key points of his campaign. His first run for political office, by the way. His campaign materials were strategically placed in a room next to the ballroom. After the luncheon, the beeline to that room to meet and greet and shake hands with Herman Cain was absolutely unbelievable. He remained almost two hours after his speech talking with people while the rest of the conference took place in another area of the hotel.

I was hooked. I made a decision to work on his campaign. I had never worked as hard with a committed drive as I did with him. I even put a bumper sticker on my vehicle to the dismay of my former pastor who thought I was crazy for having a Republican sticker on my car. I attended events; I canvassed neighborhoods, made phone calls and had a great time working in the 2004 race.

I watched how Herman worked his campaign. I learned a lot, but not with the intent of running for political office one day. Herman and I became friends. He became my mentor. And it wasn’t because I agreed with everything that came out of his mouth, it was so much more. And frankly I don’t know anyone that I totally agree with on every topic.

Herman represented the professional and successful type of person I was striving to become. He is an author and motivational speaker. I am an author and inspirational speaker. He later became a radio talk show host. I am a radio talk show host.

So in 2005 when I decided to run for Mayor of Augusta, I reached out to my friend Herman. He was encouraging, inspiring, frank and candid about running a campaign. He didn’t sugarcoat any of his pearls of wisdom. He talked to me like a loving father would — someone who had ‘been there, done that.’ I don’t recall asking him for a donation in that campaign. I really felt the mentorship he provided was much more than money can accomplish.

And then I ran for a House Seat in 2006, after the unsuccessful run for Mayor. Once again I spoke to Herman. He was encouraging and gave me courage. I remember sitting in the Augusta Marriott talking with him one day. I was able to connect with him on one of his few visits to Augusta. We sat in the restaurant for about an hour and he asked me pointed questions. Questions he knew people on the campaign trail would ask me. He was preparing me, but I didn’t know it at the time. He was excited for me. I was excited. He loved my spirit and energy.

I met with him mentally prepared to ask for a contribution. And I did. He looked at me after I asked and didn’t say anything. He was waiting for me to say how much I was asking for. And I told him. He didn’t blink. He told me that I should not ever be hesitant about asking for a donation. He said campaigns take money, lots of it. He said, people will respond in a receptive way when you simply ask and be confident about it. It was wisdom I carried with me throughout the campaign. By the way, he wrote me a check that day.

Just as Herman Cain inspired me to run for public office there have been dozens of people over the years who have told me that because I ran for Mayor and the House Seat, they too were inspired to run. And that is amazing to me. Politics is very personal and emotional.

The relationship I’ve built with Herman over the years has nothing to do with his political affiliation. If he wore the badge of another political party and the story I just shared was the same, he would have still been an inspiration for me to run for political office.

The 2005 and 2006 races were two of the most exciting and impactful years in my life that I will cherish forever. I thank Herman Cain for that.

Helen Blocker-Adams, is a radio talk show host, published author, Life Coach and mental health advocate. Her book, Unlikely Allies: 8 Steps to Bridging Divides that Impact Leadership can be purchased at http://www.authorhouse.com or http://www.amazon.com

This Op-Ed appeared in the Sunday, October 16, 2011 edition of The Augusta Chronicle newspaper. 

http://chronicle.augusta.com/opinion/opinion-columns/2011-10-16/herman-cains-drive-energy-inspired-me-run-office?v=1318734256

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“Hear Me Out” -Unlikely Allies Project: A Grassroots Voters Education Initiative

October 13, 2011 by slyram

Have the presidential opponents for November 2012 been determined a year early? We aren’t comfortable with that notion because our community should have more say in the matter. 

Because there is nothing better than a well-informed electorate, we are starting an Unlikely Allies Project called “Hear Me Out” to educate Americans about the primary process and voting options; and to encourage hearing all candidates in every election. Listening to all sides could be considered educational or it could be considered reconnaissance.

 While blogging and social media are useful, real Americans discussing information, issues and options in person is better.  We feel the first option should be pointing out the fact that Georgians and other southerners may vote in either major party primary if they choose.  While party purists dislike that idea, the option should be on the table. 

In the tradition of Helen’s Political Roundtable,  we hope to bring mixers, meetups and socials to your community soon.  So, the “out” in Hear Me Out refers to interesting discussions out or off-line as well as listening to other sides points of views and opinions.  

Hear us out and we want to hear you out.  We might have more in common than you think.

Ted Sadler                             Helen Blocker Adams

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Cain/Huntsman 2012?

October 8, 2011 by slyram

When looking at presidential possibilities, two questions should come to a voter’s mind: who do you want to be president and who ensures that the other team’s guy isn’t president.  As a centrist Democrat, I want Obama and if someone from the other side became president with a snap of my fingers, it would be Jon Huntsman.  Note: I don’t have magic fingers.

From my standpoint, the nuttiest GOP candidate would help make Obama a second term president and hardhead far Right conservatives are careening down that path.  Thanks.   Gov. Mitt Romney is presidential and decent enough to centrists and that is the reason the GOP doesn’t want to pick him. 

The GOP candidates who could easily take the White House are Jon Huntsman and Herman Cain.  Really.  Huntsman is a GOP version of President Obama and therefore is polling two points above Ron Artest and me.

If Herman Cain gets all of the conservative voters in November 2012, he goes over the top with your mamma’s vote.  Some older Blacks quietly feel that President Obama, a wonderful person, isn’t scarred and hard enough to hang in the rough and tumble world of politics.  It’s painful from them to see such a nice young man get punched day in and day out.  “Lord, get that fellow out of there before his heart grows dark like Jimmy Carter.”  Others feel that the nation doesn’t deserve Obama and I understand their point.

If we look at Herman Cain, we see someone who is self-made, older and rich—old rich dudes can cut loose because they are already paid. Cain is a southerner and a Morehouse product.  He can say anything he wants but down inside Cain is a Baptist brother from the dirty South.  Obama was raised in nice places by nice people but Cain and every Black son of the old South is seasoned and hard on some level. I can’t believe that Cain recently said that he is American first, Black second and conservative third.  

If Cain adjusted his message a bit by getting Shay and some of the other Black moderates and conservatives who write on the Booker Rising blog in his ear, he should secure 20% of the Black vote—half from those who want him in the White House and half from those who want Obama bashing to end.  Hell, the First Lady might vote for Cain because she is tired of folks dumping on her man.

How do you balance a Cain ticket with Obama-like smoothness, public executive experience and international knowledge?  Cain/Huntsman sounds mighty interesting.   Black Georgians should vote in the GOP primary with this post in mind.

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Brainwashed: Herman Cain And Me (Luke 6:42)

October 1, 2011 by slyram

Herman Cain said Black Democrats are brainwashed and he is right.  Also, he is brainwashed and I am brainwashed.  Hell, everyone I know is brainwashed to a certain degree by someone or something—some negative and some positive.

My dictionary tells me that brainwashing is an intensive indoctrination, usually political, aimed at changing a person’s basic convictions and attitudes and replacing them with a fixed and unquestioned set of beliefs.  The negative connotation comes with the unquestioned part because I will question everything that comes out of a human’s mouth…any human…pastors included. 

To start, some brains need washing.  We know that U.S. Marines basic training on Parris Island begins with breaking down the old person and ends with building a warrior.  Thugs and gangbangers need their brains washed as do most of the greedy bastards on Wall Street and many in congress. Some people argue that the loving nature of the Black college fraternity pledge process was sullied by veterans on the G.I. Bill who mixed in methods learned while dealing with the enemy in war.  Newsflash, fraternity pledges aren’t the Vietcong so stop brainwashing college kids. 

Fat folks need their brain’s washed and their colons cleansed. I can say that because I am little heavy and realize that the proper practices of diet and exercise are vital.  Is it brainwashing if it is welcomed? 

I personally know and like Herman Cain; he is a great guy.  As an older gentleman, he has earned the right (like Rev. Jeremiah Wright) to say some interesting things.  When he was going-off about Muslims, I wished I had his Blackberry number because I was convinced that the far-Right had brainwashed that Morehouse Man (that or he deserves an Academy Award.)  Cain later met with peaceful Muslim leaders and walked back his comments about no Muslims in his cabinet.

We should all be cautious around those who seek to indoctrination us—just make your point and I will consider it.  Actually, we have seen a redirecting in the political arena over the last forty years.  Public policy was once driven by political scientists and policy wonks—the eggheads charged with better governing.  Today, ad men and Madison Avenue types are running the show in government as every idea gets tested before market research groups.  They are looking for buzz terms that can brainwash the voters—Death panels, Death tax, stimulus, reinvestments.  It is a dirt chess game and we the people are the pawns. 

Yes Mr. Cain, some far-Left Democrats have been brainwashed into an entitlement mentality.  But, Cain should realize that some far-Right conservatives have been brainwashed into an “us vs. them” mentality that pits Americans against Americans and continues the mentality that an elite segment of the electorate should make decisions alone.  I shouldn’t get started about what happens when that segment (who are often correct on policy) don’t get their way.  They have been brainwashed into circling the wagons and starting revolutions.

Mind you, those on all sides who seek to brainwash the masses do so with power and money as their personal motivators.  I have pretty good filters (everyone thinks they have) so you can’t tell me that Obama and Huntsman aren’t good dudes who sincerely want to improve the nation. However, the political arena is so dirty these days that a leader must be an angel with dirty wings because nice guys finish last.

Fox News on Right and MSNBC on Left slowly have brainwashed people and I learned that from my CNN brainwashing.  On some level, we are all brainwashed and I leave you with Luke 6:42.

Luke 6:42  How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

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Natural Resources/Interior Department: Unlikely Allies Project

October 1, 2011 by slyram

Are we stewards of God’s green earth?

A comedian once asked why is the Department of the “Interior” in charge of everything outside. While other departments get more attention, protecting the natural resources of this lovely nation should be a top priority.  I loved watching Ken Burn’s PBS Series on the National Parks and some of my greedy friends put money over natural beauty–drill baby, drill.   As FDR proved, we can help the economy by creating public works efforts that put young people to work in nature.  We know that exposure to hard work in pristine natural areas starts a life-long bond with the great outdoors. 

It hurts my heart to hear adults say that they have never seen the ocean or a real mountain but the same people spend countless hours in church.  The pastors need to crank up the church buses and have some field trips to the Natural Parks to — as Al Jarreau sang in the song Mornin–”touch the face of God” because every knee will bend when you think about who made such majestic wonders.

Finally, the Indians got robbed.  They should have had better homeland security but the Interior Department should be respectful when addressing them.       

Al Jarreau, Morning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzoWqMkMXng

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Uncle Sam and Rev. Wright

September 26, 2011 by slyram

For me, being an uncle is an important role and we should all know our roles.  Avuncular is an adjective that means “of or pertaining to an uncle.”  Uncles and aunts serve as part-time parents like the Parents Reserves—one weekend a month and two weeks per year.

A kid may hangout with good old uncle Teddy for a short period of time and then it’s back to the parents because Sports Center or Jeopardy is on the box.

History buffs know that the term Uncle Sam came from meat-producer Samuel Wilson who provided barrels of processed meat to our troops during the War of 1812.  That aid is the source of the term pork barrel spending.

An uncle shouldn’t take the place of parents and young people should never have kids with plans for mama, daddy, uncle, aunt or Uncle Sam to provide long-term support.    

Readers of this blog know that Uncle Teddy welcomed the Obama campaign and presidency in part to hear the Obamas/Robinsons cut loose on their methods for family success: education, hard work, hose to the grin stone, eyes on the prize, and avoiding toxic people.  I am still waiting for them to speak frankly but I can tell that the First Lady is going to write one important book on the subject after they exit the White House.  She is going to tell us what is really wrong with us in her opinion and she will be so very right. 

Uncle Sam isn’t your daddy.  Uncles can help create nurturing environments but uncles and aunts cannot do for you what you must do for yourself.  The late, great Bernie Mack took in his sister’s kids but that guy was rich.  Most uncles and aunts aren’t rich and neither is Uncle Sam.

The Obama Administration (the current Uncle Sam) should explain the national debt to regular Americans and employ the JFK statement about “what you can do for your country.”  You should have kids after age 25 with someone with a proven income who is emotionally-developed.  You should focus on a career path in school.  You should honor the fight for freedom by staying out of jail.  

I might be eccentric Uncle Teddy in my family because “there is no-telling what Uncle Teddy might say next.”  But time will tell that “unc” or auntie say what the parents didn’t or wouldn’t.

To me, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was Obama’s uncle and the White House’s message would be better if he was around.  Yes, the old guy said some wild things but all old guys do that—they earned the right as combat vets.  When the old guys who drink coffee at McDonald’s ask me if I am my father’s “boy,” there is no need to trip. 

But, Rev. Wright’s directives to Black America are rooted in the self-determination mentality that existed before the welfare state.  Rev. Wright is actually as conservative as Rev. Herman Cain and could sit and listen to a discussion between them for hours.

Uncles will praise your accomplishments but we will grind you up when you mess up.  It will take the uncles and aunts in my community “reading” the youth if our futures are going to be better.  Man, my Aunt Della could get you told  for “old and new” with a quickness.  I am keeping the family tradition.    

Aunt Della

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Starbucks CEO: No Campaign Dollars

September 15, 2011 by slyram

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is on a mission to fix Washington and he is starting with campaign donations.  Schultz, who spends more on employee health benefits than coffee, is challenging his fellow CEOs to put money that normally goes to campaigns into job creation.

On this blog, we have been saying that for years.  In Georgia, the only congressional districts with a real contests next year will be the newly created district in North Georgia and the reconfigured 12th in the Augusta area.  I say the rest of the incumbents are safe and should spend time finding solutions rather than dialing for dollars.  Oh, when someone gives you dollars, you can best believe they will want something for it later. 

Congressional candidates should consider voluntarily limiting their warchests to say 200K because an outstanding legislator doesn’t need to scary off opponents with big money.  If and when I see them with big money, my first question is where did they get it. 

Schultz, like Donald Trump, is sounding the alarm on the fact that America does make things anymore and that is the reason for low job numbers.  The guy makes some great points.  He is to the Middle what the Tea Party is to the Right and that is a good thing.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/14/eveningnews/main20106281.shtml?tag=currentVideoInfo;videoMetaInfo

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2011-09-08/Starbucks-CEO-ask-peers-to-withhold-polticial-contributions/50326932/1

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The Entitlement Mentality: Unlikely Allies Project

September 1, 2011 by slyram

An entertainer called Chapter recently released the satirical video “It’s Free, Swipe Yo EBT.”  I was ticked off until I realized the song was a poor attempt at parody.  But, the bigger questions are the social responsibility of so-called artists and the direct effect they have on the entitlement mentality.

  Warning: strong language

If you grew up when and where I did, you know that the government isn’t your friend.  The limited role of government ranges from delivering the mail and defending the borders to helping hungry children.  The truly heartless are the only ones who want to see hungry babies resulting from some people have children at the wrong time with the wrong people.

Chapter or Keywanda actually started an important discussion.  When people on the far Right argue that the federal government should be extremely limited, they should remember that Black people appreciate the intervention of the fed into the affairs of southern states during the struggle for freedom.

In the 1990s, Newt Gingrich pushed  Bill Clinton in the correct direction and Speaker Gingrich had me convinced that the roles of federal, state and local governments are to create a level playing field or fair opportunity for Americans to develop.  If an individual blew those opportunities in the best country on earth, that person made their bed.

We spend so much government money addressing bad personal decisions and it’s not free.  Yes, temporary assistance is a needed safety net but some people misunderstand the intent.  With medical science, proper diet and regular exercise, people are living longer.  So, young people should enjoy being young, develop a career path and have fun until they are in their mid 20s—there will be ample time for marriage and parenthood after the club days are over.  Club sweethearts aren’t necessarily spouse material.   

This video was made in California but southern Blacks who actually vote are appalled by the mindset that this video highlights.  We must get and keep the government out of our business and no one should need to tell any parents of any color to care for kids who didn’t ask to be born.

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Congressional Map: Rep. Bishop and Rep. Austin Scott safe at home

August 23, 2011 by slyram

Georgia’s proposed congressional map is out and I feel just fine.  President Obama once said don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.  I would have liked my hometown to remain in Rep. Sanford Bishop’s district but we took one for the team. 

Since my county is GOP-dominated, it’s better for Bishop that we bounce into the 8th congressional district and Rep. Austin Scott is much more open to debate and discussion than the average southern Republican.  The guy can go toe to toe while keeping the punches above the belt.

Being comfortable in a conservative congressional district was prepped by having two conservative U.S. senators and surprisingly by the moderate service of Blue Dogs like Sanford Bishop and former Rep. Jim Marshall.

We must ask ourselves if GOP congressmen are more influenced by the energetic Tea Party Movement or the sizeable moderate sections of their areas.  To be honest, Democrats and Black folks need to build a functional relationship with whoever serves them because elected officials sometimes look at election results and get punitive. 

If this map stands, it would be a waste of time and energy running candidates against Bishop and Scott.  The battleground is the new 12th district and my good friend Helen Blocker Adams might be kingmaker over there because she knows Augusta like the back of her hand and real people trust her.   

Man, I wish Bishop and Scott could take the time they would spend (waste) fundraising and campaign and use that energy to find a common ground.

http://www.legis.ga.gov/Joint/reapportionment/Documents/congprop1.pdf

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Our Youth, Soft Skills and the Chameleon Project

August 11, 2011 by slyram

What are soft skills?  The front of the Albany (Georgia) Herald today has a story about state official Melvin Everson coming to Albany to emphasis soft skills in K-12 education.

http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/Officials_Soft_skills_important_in_the_workplace_127499653.html

Soft skills include punctuality, ability to learn, appropriate business attire and teamwork.  Really?  Reading that article was a long blink second for me.  My homeboy Richardson (Fort Valley State, Omega, teacher) talks about long blinks when realizing what the youth today don’t know or refuse to learn—it’s called good, old fashion common sense or home training.  You learn it from the community, church, sports, band or working (as we did) in the “fields.”

Because I could talk and dress, I got out of the watermelon fields in high school and behind the microphone at “WRSG…radio Sylvester.”  To be honest, I did say there was a 60% chance of precipitation during a downpour but I was trying.   A lady called and said, “genius…there is a 100 percent chance..look out the freaking window.”

Many Americans learned soft skills from watching Leave It To Beaver, Father Knows Best, Family Ties, The Cosby Show, Family Matters and Good Times.  James and Florida raised quality kids in a rough environment; they were a strong family. 

Guys learn it by listening to oldheads in the barbershop and I imagine girls do the same in hair salons.  Everson learned it at our Albany State University and in the U.S. Army.  During his candidacy for state labor commissioner, I told Melvin that he would have had my vote in the general election because he was a Golden Rams and gets it. 

Everson is a conservative and fully conscious of the budget constraints facing the state and national governments.  So, I want to help Everson and former congressman, now Governor Nathan Deal save some money (Deal is cool because he always supported peanuts and other south Georgia crops.)

Georgia should create a program called the “Chameleon Project.”  As we know, the chameleon is a little lizard that changes to camouflage itself in different settings.  Of course, today’s youth want to be hard and thuggish like some hip hop stars.   Newsflash: your hip hop heroes send their kids to prep school in the suburbs because only a nut wants to be in the hard life–ask prisoners.  As the late, great Bernie Mack said, “If you went to jail for someone else…you aren’t a punk…you are a new fool.”  The Mack man said he would have been jumping up and down in court with his hand up, “he kilt that boy, your honor..I tried to call you but I didn’t have your number.”   I digress. 

The Chameleon Project would show young people how to learn from everyone, how to switch attire to secure the cool mall job and how to speak clearly and properly.  Watching the right T.V. shows can improve soft skills.  If a person says “youknowwhatIsayin” constantly, I don’t.  The smooth tone on NPR radio would give a young person a vocal camouflage option.  Cuban immigrant and former CEO of Coca Cola Robert Goizueta taught himself English by watching the same movies over and over.  We know some people can turn it on and off like a faucet but if you can’t, default to the manner of speech that puts legal money in your pocket.

It is a shame that young people spend so much money on clothes (not made in America) but don’t have a dark suit to wear to their grandmother’s funeral.  FYI: cut the tag off the sleeve.  The unofficial hero on the Chameleon Project is Eddie Haskell from Leave It To Beaver.  Eddie was a cutup but he could pour on the charm when parents were around.  In the courtship and employment interview processes, we oldheads like to see a young man who can rock the classics….Blue Blazer…presses white button-down…khakis..penny loafs… prep tie.  I was crushing the sweethearts’ mommies with that gear in 82 and it was the same gear my father wore at A&T in 32.  That functional outfit could be put together in Wal-mart for under $100 bucks.  

That Eddie Haskell

I once worked in a job skill training program and the clients/students always said that this information should have been introduced to them ten years earlier–before certain paths were chosen.   So, Deal and Everson are on the right track because moving into management will require more than the basic technical skills.   I bet the youth in developing nations are as sharp as a razor and clean as a whistle; they have the eye of the Tiger.

Melvin, check this out, oldschool..holla at your boy.”  Translation: “Mr. Everson, look here, fellow alum..contact me for additional discussions regarding this matter.”

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Crystal Ball: Georgia Reapportionment and 2012 Elections

August 9, 2011 by slyram

If crystal balls were real, I would look into one and tell Georgia what will happen with congress reapportionment and the 2012 elections (no need to state the obvious in safe seats.)

Georgia 2nd District: Macon, Columbus and Albany will again be in this district and it will be Dem for the next ten years.  If Rep. Bishop decides to move into a position with the next administration (Obama or some GOP POTUS), the GOP should start grooming a likable African American candidate who is less bitter (a Black Scott Brown.)  If Bishop is unbeatable in 2012, wise guys in the GOP should discourage anyone from running just to be running because Bishop’s campaign apparatus serves as the S.W. Georgia foundation of Obama 2012. 

Georgia 8th District: This district becomes unwinnable for a Democrat with the exit of the Dem. sections of Macon.  As in the 2nd, energy and resources spent running a candidate could be better spent in truly contested congressional districts or charitable contributions.  If we free up members from raising money, they would have more time to seek solutions and would be less beholden big money donors.

Georgia 1st District: While members don’t own districts, Rep. Jack Kingston is one conservative who doesn’t deserve token Dem. opposition.  Kingston has built a strong relationship in the Black community with his work on regional interests, frequent visits to “Democratic” events and his long history of hiring minority staffers.  He covers southeast Georgia like the dew or that funny smell from the paper mills.

Georgia 12th District: With the exit of Savannah to the 1st, this congressional race will be hotter than fish grease.  A few GOP members of the state legislature will run because it’s their turn but they should dust off Michael Steele’s old diversity plans and find a woman, a minority or a minority woman.  From the political center, I will say that the GOP doesn’t understand how easy it would be for women and minorities to support a less bitter conservative who adds range to the old boys club.  Rep. Barrow could switch to the GOP now and be safer; but he will likely stay Dem and count on the GOP producing a primary winner with little appeal to the center.  

Georgia New District: Hall County based…safely conservative.

Summary: Georgia is the biggest state east of the Mississippi River and President Obama needs to win it to have a second term.  Half of Georgia lives in metro Atlanta and there are a dozen different types of Black folks and a dozen different types of White folks in the peach state.  While urban Blacks are real liberals, rural Blacks could support certain conservatives in certain situations.  In this crystal ball, I see President Obama leaving office in 2013 or 2017 (hard to make out) but the aftermath is rough on the Black community.  We put all of our political eggs in one basket and an elephant is kicking that basket across the South. 

With secondary concern with presidential politics, our community should build a functional relationship with conservatives—at least the Black ones.  My dear brother Obama thought he would find a few conservatives interested in dialog and compromise but hell no.  If I could see into the conservative strategy meetings, it seems that the plan is to beat up on the president so much that we would say, “come home, man, before the stress beats you down.”  He said he was tough (which means the ablilty to take punishment like the only Black kid in a whole school.)  But to lead in this times, he needs to be rough also (like elbows on the basketball court.)

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Education and School: Unlikely Allies Project

August 1, 2011 by slyram

What should children learn as they head back to school?

The start of the school year is filled with promise but I have serious concerns about the American education system.  First, kids have much better resources than we had but we had home training, which was actually home, church, and community training.  It was important that we knew when to sit down, be quiet and focus.  From 150 T.V. channels to Xbox, today’s kids like flashy and that makes good old fashion teaching boring.

Newsflash: much of life in the real world is boring and making yourself do what you don’t want to do is an important part of growth and development.  Children should arrive at the logical conclusion that they will be in school anyway so why not gain knowledge that will make their futures better.  Every subject from my school years has come up in life at some point and in some way.  When Black kids study American history, they should develop an understanding about the past and their obligations to strive into the future.  The revolving door on American prisons indicates that should young people don’t value the freedom many fought to obtain. 

High school economics is a needed subject in my opinion because kids need to know about conspicuous consumption, cost-benefit analysis, risk/reward and delayed gratification.  Even people who make 60K plus working in industry without college degrees should know that material things aren’t that important and everyone shouldn’t know what you have.  We should hope that kids learn to be balanced, law-abiding, happy citizens.  They should also learn that it’s not the government’s job to take care of you; the government doesn’t love you like that.

Teachers enter the profession fully prepare to perform but the half-raised part of the student body will ruin the learning process for all involved.  A stress-out teacher’s thoughts turn to mortgage and SUV payments—so they take it.  As the Negro hymn goes, “before I be a slave..I will be buried in my grave.” I would sooner stave that allow a student to disrupt school while disrespecting me.  To be honest, the wrong folks are having too many kids at the wrong time and they would be the first to tell you that—ten years later.

[http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhP91JK3E2gM29c5O8]

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Creep: John McCain vs.Tea Party Caucus

July 29, 2011 by slyram

Okay, I finally get the House Tea Party Caucus.  From jump street, these members stated that they were there to address the spending and that they didn’t care about being long-term members of congress.  The Progressive Caucus on the far left and the T.P. Caucus on the far right aren’t team players and love that fact—rebels, renegades, revolutionaries.

It took me awhile to realize that many members of the state legislators were balling so hard in private life that being a U.S. Congress member would be a pay cut or take them from their families too much.  The state house and senate isn’t the minor leagues to congress.  With that in mind, some ballers feel that it might be cool being a congressman for a quick minute so they run, win and roll into D.C. with a creep-type attitude.  They think they know everything but the job is complex and complicated.

Speaking of jobs, I think hard hitters on both sides have realized that congress and/or a presidential bid is a quick ticket to a lucrative gigs on T.V., radio or the speaking circuit.  My friends from the Hill joke that the average Congressional Black Caucus member makes more money as a MOC than they did before congress and than they will after congress.  Oh, other southern members and their staffs know how to “parlay” a few years at the congress into big money as K Street lobbyists or governmental affairs consultants in industries they monitored as committee members.  “Do I know the Farm Bill…hell, I wrote the darn thing.”

Senator John McCain is a guy about order.  As a POW, he had an opportunity to bounce out of captivity but didn’t out of respect for his fellow prisoners.  Recently, he gave the Tea Party Caucus his behind to kiss because protest and governing is two different things.  Speaker Tom Foley use to say that a jackass could kick down a barn but it took a carpenter to build one.  Tea Party have provided some useful protest but legislating requires compromise and negotiations.   

We should hand-out cool points to young members of congress like Rep. Tom Graves and Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia who (while really conservative) didn’t let the tide push them into the Tea Party Caucus.  Sen. Saxby Chambliss gets cool points for his work with the Gang of Six and yes, that will get him a Tea Party primary opponent.   As conservatives go, some are “less worst” than others  and this moderate still can’t understand why the Tea Party movement hates centrists like Rep. Sanford Bishop who is with conservatives a surprising percentage of the time.  McCain did what Bishop should have.

It’s one thing to be a congressional creep but relishing the status just isn’t cool.  (Okay, this post was simply an excuse to rock Radiohead on my blog beause I thought about the Tea Party Caucus when dude sang, “I don’t belong here.”)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/27/john-mccain-tea-party-_n_911189.html

Update: I just saw “the social network” and found a cover of “Creep” that use in the movie’s trailer.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2knzLgNsJG8&feature=player_embedded#at=60

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Worst Congress Ever?

July 26, 2011 by slyram

On Chuck Todd’s MSNBC show recently, he had a segment asking the question “Is this the worst congress of all-time.”  While I am not sure about all-time, it might be the worst of my adult life for the reasons discussed by former Senator John Breaux and Political Scientist Norm Ornstein.

[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43880181#43880181]

Congress and the White House in the past started with the center (where most Americans still reside politically) and worked on the Left and Right.  Today, policy starts on the Left and Right and goes nowhere.  I think 90% of congress were decent people when elected but they get that “gang mentality” from their political parties and it’s battle battle battle.

Who wants to go through life constantly pissed off?  Senator Breaux was an endangered species as a moderate to conservative Democrat.  The segment rightfully pointed out that there is no more overlap in congress today since centrists like Breaux exited.  In the past, there were a few southern Democrats who were more conservative than California Republicans. 

Why can’t members work together?  When did compromise become a dirty word?  I personally refuse to let anyone pit me against fellow Americans.   Some of MSNBC is slowly becoming the same as Fox News.  If the negativity fostered by media continues, a center-based, anti-party centrists movement might be in order.  

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/07/19/worst_congress_ever

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New Congressional Districts: Keep On Keeping On

July 22, 2011 by slyram

Political district lines on a map don’t reflect the reality of how people live.  Georgia Rep. Jack Kingston supports the naval mission in Jacksonville, Florida, because some employees at the base live in southeast Georgia.  The same statement can be made about Augusta, Savannah and Columbus.  suburbanites often work, eat, shop, heal, pray and play in other congressional districts. 

Georgia’s cities serve as regional hubs and elected officials know they should work together.  Because I grew up Black in the South, the scariest thing to me are groups who want decisions made with little or no input from all involved segments of the community.  It’s not rocket science: officials should maintain a line of communication and/or grow a network with everyone.  From Rep. Sanford Bishop meeting with sons of the confederacy to Rep. Jack Kingston explaining fiscal conservatism at Savannah State University, decent people respect listeners and reasonable folks understand that others live in the area.

During the last election season, naïve activists constantly complained that swing district congressmen didn’t do what the activists commanded.  Hello.  What about the majority (albeit thin) that support what the members of congress are doing.  We are in the redistricting process in Georgia and there is a strong possibility that my county will move in a GOP district.  Will my head explode? No. The Blue Dog Democrats of today are similar, in my opinion, to the traditional GOP establishment of old.  Their moderation prepped us for certain conservative elements. 

Rep. Austin Scott defeated Blue Dog Jim Marshall but Marshall was so conservative that some Dems can’t tell the difference.  If a congressman stays away from the craziest parts of his side and takes care of regional interests, I am fine.  Black moderates should be breaking bread with Black conservatives as we team up to explain to the community that it isn’t about elected officials.  It’s mostly about personal choices, decisions and consequences.  

The worst case scenario would be my community being 100% blue and the next election being a red landside.  In big cities, we have real liberals but rural Blacks are moderate to conservative.  If a Republican wins an election, you better hope he or she isn’t far, far right.  Someone should light a fire under groups Democrats help.  Al Gore knows that Democrats help people who don’t bother voting.  

To diversify our political portfolio, we should grow a new hybrid southern Black conservative. We need a bro with a goatee who was radical in college and knows all the Public Enemy lyrics or a sista with a natural who knows that we are going cuturally backwards.  Oh snap, the new southern Black conservatism could simply be based on people who remember how we once “carried ourselves” and that community once meant something.  It’s a shame that smart –sses on the right demonized Black nationalism because those cats’ primary thoughts was self-reliance and don’t depend on the government.    

Gladys and the Pips said we got to use our imagination to “keep on keeping on.”  Dominique Wilkins played well with the Georgia Bulldogs but the year after his departure for the N.B.A., the Dawgs went to the Final Four.  They had spent all of their effort trying to get Wilkins the ball.  UGA made the “best of a bad situation” and rural moderates should do the same.  Hell, rural Blacks might have more status in districts without big cities and those GOP congressmen should know that a third of the Black electorate could mean they never face opposition and won’t need to dial for dollars–think about it.  If they need a model, they can look at Rep. Bishop and Rep. Kingston.

The Pips said, “You’re too strong not to keep on keeping on.”

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