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Teachers and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

July 28, 2010 by slyram

We have all seen the Geico commercial where Charlie Daniels takes the violin from a strolling player in a fancy restaurant, rips some righteous fiddle licks and gives it back to the guy before saying, “That’s how you do it, son.”  I enjoy everyone on the violin from Daniels to the brother in Dave Matthews Band to Israeli-born Miri Ben-Ari, who puts it down over hip hop beats, to Novi Novog, the lady who played stings for The Time and Prince in the 80s.    

To me, there are different ways of doing things and it’s good to study other methods and approaches.  New Jersey’ Governor Chris Christie is one to watch because the big fellow is one conservative who is going to tell it like he see it – right or wrong – and let the chips fall where they may.  Baller style, that’s how you do it son.  I think candidates Obama and McCain were planning the same thing.  We remember the talk from both about reforming the system and walking away from the game on top like NFL great Jim Brown.  Of course, elected officials often find that easier said than done.

Governor Christie is hell-bend on reigning in state spending and bumping heads with key groups in the process.  The recent video clip of his confrontation with a teacher over pay and benefits was an instant classic.  The teacher said she was not being paid for her education and experience and Christie basically told her to work somewhere else.  Ouch.

Christie says NJ teachers are well-paid and have excellent benefits but they need to understand that average citizens have cut back in these rough economic times and governmental employees must do the same.  My mouth dropped when the teacher made her point because we “assumed” in the 80s that we would at least make enough money to paid for our educations.  Hell, I simply wanted to make my age and grow old.  The price of everything has skyrocketed but salaries are stuck in 1990.

Can a person walk away from a job offer with a salary of the same amount as that person made 20 years ago?  No.  Our parents always said people with bills should take any income source they can until hard times pass.  Guys with children should drop fries, wash windows or collect cans because those kids did not ask to be born.  The guy Joseph in the Bible told pharaoh to store away in times of fat in preparation for times of lean.

The now defunct cable channel Fine Living produced a show called Radical Sabbatical about rich people who decided to cash out on Wall Street do things like starting kayak businesses on lovely western rivers.  While that might be extreme, I admire my homeboys who made good money in production, the military or teaching and could retire to enjoy family by their early 50s or work less stress, giving back jobs.  In actuality, people spend money like money will always come in and the result is sometimes similar to NBA veterans who are penniless by forty.  That’s not how you do it, son. 

If the budget hawks approach matters like Christie, the average America could see their point.  Dave Matthews Band, Miri Ben-Ari and Novi Novog fused hop hip and rock with strings and the results introduced everyone to something new; Novog on Time’s Chili Sauce was brilliant.  The same thing must happen in Washington with spending because something has to give. 

People on the outside think something has got to give with the education system because teachers are making good money but Johnny can’t read.  Of course, the teachers will tell you that we went to school reading back in the day and the family should do more to prepare little Johnny to sit his blank down in class and focus.  I still like the programs that bring military veterans into teaching because some kids need a little guidance.  That’s how you do it, son.

Christie and the Teacher video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw0aBkt8CPA

http://www.miribenari.com/

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America- Prince

July 27, 2010 by slyram

Prince was so moderate with his political lyrics back in the day.

America–Prince

Aristocrats on a mountain climb
Makin’ money, losin’ time
Communism is just a word
But if the government turn over
It’ll be the only word that’s heard

CHORUS:
America, America
God shed His grace on thee
America, America
Keep the children free

Little sister make minimum wage
Livin’ in a one-room jungle monkey cage
Can’t get over, she’s almost dead
She may not be in the black
But she happy she ain’t in the red

Freedom Love Joy Peace

Jimmy Nothing never went 2 school
They made him pledge allegiance
He said it wasn’t cool
Nothin’ made Jimmy proud
Now Jimmy live on a mushroom cloud
Freedom Love Joy Peace

Teacher, why won’t Jimmy pledge allegiance’

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The Obama White House Needs Some South

July 26, 2010 by slyram

Is the Obama White House too New England?  To me, that’s is an interesting question but I do think the South is not “representing” in that camp as well as it should be. Columnist Maureen Dowd just broke it down and made some compelling points based on the comments of  a Who’Who in Black politics.  A flag should have gone up when the name “Sherrod” was first mentioned.  I am proud to say I knew the name and would have known Foxman, Chavez, Evers, Long or even Duke (North Carolina or Louisiana.)      

People running America should know America.  My pastor recently mentioned the famous “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline and after church I pointed out that the telephone poll of voters only reached people who had phones.  I lived long enough to see a president who looks like me (I would have voted for Powell or Rice also) but this gentleman is so unique in his background that he doesn’t know “the trouble I have seen.”

During the presidential campaign, many CBC members were initially for Hillary Clinton because they knew she knew “the history” from living in Arkansas and having friends like Marion Wright Edelman and Grant Hill’s mother Janet, a Clinton college roommate.  For some, a Black president was enough but zero members of the CBC are in the cabinet was a concern. I knew our south Georgia congressman would have made a great Secretary of Agriculture.  In an interesting twist, my congressman grew up as a member of the Black intellectual elite while Secretary Tom Vilsack’s life story is Sherrod-like and poignant.

My friends from the Clinton-era Official Washington (the administration, Congress) saw it coming: the new White House would be full of Ivy Leaguers and brainy wonks who while diverse still don’t understand regular folks.  I don’t care; I still like Obama as much as Clinton and LBJ.  Yes, I said LBJ.  LBJ was no angel on race matters—none of us are- but he push legislation through congress and knew how to get tough when needed.     

The most successful business people surround themselves with the right advisors and the same should be said for elected leaders.  An urban senator should have some NRA member, pickup driving, America-feeding farm boys on his staff to provide a range of views on issues.  To be honest, every member of the CBC has forgotten more about my community than I will ever know but my background was valuable in other congressional camps.  Hey, that’s life. 

President Obama and Herman Cain seem puzzled if someone mentions Black issues and I like that.  They both seem to think that every issue is a Black, White, Brown and Yellow issue and they are right…in theory or in a perfect world.

Congressional offices, congressional campaigns and every White House should seek a certain amount of “range”.  I love the word range because nothing is cooler than having the loyal opposition learn that you have been listening, can outline their arguments and respectfully disagree.   Everyday, I learn a little something about people and as Don Henley sang, the more I know the less I understand.   

Dowd’s Column

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/opinion/25dowd.html?_r=1&ref=maureendowd

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Obamacrats: Get Smart and Scrappy

July 23, 2010 by slyram

I don’t care what anyone says; President Obama is exactly the president “candidate Obama” said he would be.  The problem is people don’t know how to listen.  He isn’t big on party politics because he didn’t spend that much time in the national arena before ascending to the top.  That’s why he is constantly looking for Republicans with whom to work.  He thinks that is natural and logical in D.C. 

Of course, the GOP leadership dares their members to seriously dialog with the White House—let them fail so the Red Team can take the presidency in 2012.  Can any good American really say “let them fail”?  “I hope Hurricane Katrina kills thousands so the Democrats can win in ’08.”  “I hope BP’s oil reaches Key West, turns and goes up the East Coast so we can get the White House back.”  How sick can someone be to think those thoughts? 

I don’t know the plans of the Democrats or Republicans but we Obamacrats still believe in changing the way Washington works.  (Okay, this is just me thinking out loud.)   First, we must remember that Obama is not Superman or the second coming.  He is a very smart person and I think he is malleable.  The president would come toward the center if it produces results and keeps decent conservatives from drifting into radical ranks on the far Right  The center is mandatory to lead in America–belive that.

The situation with Mrs. Shirley Sherrod shows what I have always known: Obama is not familiar with the plight of southern Blacks because he thankfully has not been through our troubled past.  I am glad the brother grew up around sweet people and it reflects in his considerate nature but is he mean enough to scrap like Clinton—Bill and/or Hillary.  Mrs. Sherrod’s Baker County, Georgia, is similar to Hope, Arkansas so Bill knew how nasty things could get.  Speaking of nasty, we should discuss the fact that thuggish youth of all colors are more of a domestic terror threat than the Klan and the  Taliban put together.  In the public policy arena, one must have a certain amount of nasty in them. 

How can we help our community during this election season?  We should support our traditional candidates but develop a line of communication/dialog with a select group of reasonable conservatives (wrestle them from the Far Right.)  If a candidate is lock-step with the far Right’s approach of misinformation and hate-speak, they should be defeated for pitting Americans against each other and scaring folks for political gain (the same applies to the far-Left.)  

In the 90s, our community overwhelmingly supported the Democrats. When Newt Gingrich and company took the Congress, we were toast.  Conservatives vote when the only election on the ballot is a run-off for dogcatcher but our community is fickle about hitting the polls. 

Obamacrats (Republicans, Democrats, and Independents) should dialog on understanding, policy and logic. Personally, I could trade a few anti-Obama Blue Dogs for conservatives who are about dialog with the whole community.  Senator Johnny Isakson would be the best example of such a Member of Congress and moderates should have as much influence with him as the Far Right.  Those conservatives would be essential for this White House over the next two years and the people will decide in 2012. 

President Obama is one of the smartest people in American history but he can’t know everything.  We remember governing without our community’s input and must work to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.  The African American community is very diverse and our conservative brothers and sisters believe in a limited government than in many ways makes good common sense.  They should talk with their other family about the questionable methods and techniques of the recent past because maybe we can make progress or at least peacefully function. 

I still believe in the version or incarnation of Newt Gingrich that simply stated that the limited role of the federal government was to foster an opportunity for children to grow, learn and achieve if they focus, work hard patiently and keep it clean.  If not, the life they get will be the life they made.  I can live with that. 

I can’t live with people who benefit from the Obamacrats but ignore us or worst slam the White House.  Obama is a nice guy but the rest of us grew up with these scrappy Tea Party people.  Scrapping and calling someone out is nothing new to us.

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Sarah Palin and Mrs. Shirley Sherrod: Take This Job and…..

July 22, 2010 by slyram

If Sarah Palin is Mamma Grizzly, I am naming Mrs. Shirley Sherrod the Brown Thrasher because since Palin and I were college students, Mrs. Sherrod has been fighting the good fight patiently. Notice how you can’t say “Shirley” or Sherrod anymore than you can say “Rosa Parks,” “Lena Horne” or “Nancy Wilson”—that’s how we do it in the real South.  “Mrs.” and “Mr.” are signs of respect.  The lady in the cafeteria is “Mrs.” and it is “yes madam”  –a lesson one Capitol Hill intern learn the hard way from yours truly.  It was a teachable moment. 

The Thrasher is the state bird of Georgia but most people did not know that until Atlanta’s hockey team took the name.  Mrs. Sherrod and Mr. Charles Sherrod have been encouraging Georgians to want more from themselves and aim higher for years–basically transition from the plantation mentality.  Their efforts to keep Black farmland in family hands were noble but as soon as granddaddy’s body was cold, that land was sold and the greedy grands were heading to the BMW dealership.   Land: they are not making any more of it.

Mrs. Sherrod taking that position with USDA was seen as the crowning event in a long career since she had been working for “rural development” her whole life.  Why do people sleep on the USDA?  Every person needs safe, affordable food; clean water and fresh air.  While urban improvement generally falls under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USDA covers the farmland and rural communities.  If you want to slow the flight of rural people into the bulging cities like Atlanta, it starts with Mrs. Sherrod and others (like me) who haven’t given up on small town America.  We can’t forget about the suburbs are which are blurring the line between city and country.  If you travel north on I-75, Atlanta starts about 15 miles above Macon.  There isn’t a wildcat in your backyard; you are in the wildcat’s backyard.  Watching young professionals move to rural areas, tend their own gardens and telecommute with their laptops is too cool.

Mrs. Sherrod should think Sarah Palin, Herman Cain, Dr. Howard Dean, and Mike Huckabee then passing on that USDA job.  These former candidates are doing bigger and better outside elected office or governmental employment.  Book deal, T.V. show, and the lecture circuit—it’s her turn to have a victory lap and thanks to the tape-cutting blogger who made this all possible. 

We shouldn’t forget that Mrs. Sherrod was speaking freely on the mic about race—a little too freely when you work for “the man” —even when “the man” looks like you.  You want to have a national discussion about race relations in America.  Let’s do it.  Let’s put the NACCP in the room with the Tea Party and toss in the moderates.  They will discover what wise people already know: we are all Americans with common interests who have plenty reasons to be mad.  But, blowing a gasket will not help anything…so simmer down, have some Sweet Tea and let’s get a better understanding of each other. 

Coming soon, The Sherrod Show on Fox News.  It’s fair and balanced.

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Shirley Sherrod, USDA, and P.C.

July 20, 2010 by slyram

Shirley Sherrod and her husband are civic rights icons in my community.  My father, a former high school agriculture teacher and big supporter of minority farmers, admired Mrs. Sherrod’s efforts to help Black farmers save their family lands. 

After being at the hospital with my mom yesterday, I was surprised to hear the Sherrod situation on MSNBC at 6:30 a.m.  Say what?  Stop the madness.

The snippet was clearly taken out of context and is similar to statements made by any of us who are fortunate to work in and around the federal government.  When I served as a congressional staffer, I loved loved loved the opportunity to help farmers, ranchers, veterans and business owners who never imagined that a young Black guy could be pivotal to sorting their problems with the big bad Fed. 

I heard Mrs. Sherrod speak at a UDSA event this year and was so pleased that an advocate for small farmers was now part of the establishment; Daddy is smiling on the other side.

In this time of PC and hungry new media, shall we just chill for a second and understand that older people get a pass on statements because they have earned it.  The nicest person in the history of Sylvester, Georgia, was Mr. Charlie Moore.  At the local gym, Mr. Moore went out of his way to be PC when talking about impressive “Black, African American fellows” on T.V.  Mr. Moore could say Negro if he wanted because he earned it by being nice to Black people….downtown…..in retail….in the 60s. 

My mother’s nurse (who doesn’t look like us) mentioned Proverbs 17:22 and I thought it was a cool passage as we prepare for the election season. 

A cheerful heart is a good medicine.  But a broke spirit drieth up the bones.  A wicked man receiveth a bride out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.  Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding: But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.  A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. 

Also to punish the righteous is not good (nor) to smite the noble for their uprightness.  He that spaerth his word hath knowledge, and he that is a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool,  when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise,  When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.  ……. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.

Update: Mrs. Sherrod just said on CNN that she gave the same speech at Albany State Univsersity at a USDA event.  I was there and heard every word…no problem.  Are they tossing an icon under the same bus Mrs. Rosa Parks…..I better leave that alone.

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NAACP and Tea Party: With Malice Toward None

July 15, 2010 by slyram

Lincoln and Booth

This drama about the Tea Party movement and the NAACP has me thinking.  Are racists at Tea Parties?  Yes.  Are racists at NAACP rallies?  Of course.  If you get a big group of people together, heaven only knows who is in the crowd.  Anyone who says Blacks can’t be racists is delusional.  Is that racism justifiable?  Is the thug mentality more detrimental to our community than racism?  I better leave that alone.     

PBS’s brilliant documentary about the assassination of President Lincoln includes a photo with John Wilkes Booth in the crowd at the second inaugural.  The last paragraph of that great speech reads:

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. 

As a congressional staffer who lived blocks from the Capitol, I found myself stopping by any rally on the National Mall on Saturdays because I was compensated to serve as a conduit of information between all the people and my congressional bosses.  From pro-gun to gun control, pro-choice to pro-life, treehuggers to drill in the tundra, I listened just so I could say I listened.  The fetus pictures at the pro-life rallies were as rough as the concentration camp pictures at the Holocaust Museum. 

The Million Man March was a historic event but without doubt there were some people in the crowd who had considered taking the fight to another level; that’s what zealots on both sides do. I like to think that positive messages from that event introduced peaceful options to them. 

All of my African American friends who are conservative have attended and/or have spoken at Tea Parties.  When they looked into the crowd, they were hoping that no signage when overboard.  Like President Obama, I understand and respect their concerns with the size and role of government.  Of course, I also have moderate African American friends who wonder if leaders of the traditional civic rights organizations are battling for equality or seeking to stay paid.  That’s the thing: organizers of groups on the right, left and center often have their personal income in mind before anything– this blogger needs to get paid also.  A ruckus is good for donations and the NRA guy and the Handgun Control lady could be dining together in a D.C. tony eatery…. private dining room of course.

As I say weekly, our community should be supportive of a few sensible conservatives or those really nutty folks will be running things.

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Politics and The Pusillanimous Public

July 13, 2010 by slyram

I am watching a movie the other night and heard a word for the first time in my life.  Pusillanimous means lacking courage, weak or fain-hearted cowardice.

In my part of the South, one can’t be pusillanimous.  Boldness and courage define a person’s character.  Upon further review, it shouldn’t be that way.  People should make coolheaded, rational decisions after weighing all options and seeking counsel from wise elders.  Being brass, bold and overconfident can lead to drug use, early parenthood and poor educational choices. 

It’s all about balance between cowardice and boldness.  In America, some citizens feel that the government’s eagerness to help people creates a culture of softness.  I enjoy being in barbershops and listening to rags to riches stories of those who made it and made it cleanly.  Those tales usually include advise about not waiting for or relying on the federal government “because the government doesn’t really care about you.”

If ultra conservatives take over the congress, the blessing in disguise might be that folks function with caution because the government safety net will be thinner.  That tough love is some rough love but ultimately is healthier. 

We should remember that President Obama was raised by Midwesterners and those corn-fed people have that Little House of the Prairie vibe.  The current occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have grandparents on both sides that epitomize the American dream and weakness to them is a nightmare.  The “change I can believe in” will be a president and congress making sensible policies that reduce American pusillanimity—yes we can.

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Knots Prayer

July 12, 2010 by slyram

Knots Prayer

Dear God,

Please untie the knots
that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots,
the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind.

Erase the will nots,
may nots, and
might nots that find
a home in my heart.

Release me from the could nots,
would nots and should nots
that obstruct my life.

And most of all, dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind
my heart and my life all of the am nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought
that I am not good enough.

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Murphy, Honeycutt, and Scott On Trail In Georgia

July 7, 2010 by slyram

The 13th District congressional race in Georgia is interesting because Dr. Deborah Honeycutt is again facing Democrat Rep. David Scott.  Former Honeycutt campaign manager Michael Murphy is also in the race but as a Democrat.

When Murphy decided to move from the GOP to the Democrats, I was surprised and disappointed that a comfortable place did not exist for someone like him in that party.  As a Democrat with many conservative friends, I like options and choices for southern voters and don’t get me started about putting all of our eggs in one basket. 

Some observers think that the move farther Right signaled moderates and centrists toward the GOP exit door—let’s hope not.  But, my conversations with Murphy in the past have centered on a lack of an urban agenda in the GOP; which is sad because the party of Jack Kemp shouldn’t be that way.

Dr. Honeycutt has always seems like a positive person and should she enter congress I don’t see her standing idly as ugly rhetoric becomes the foundation of the GOP agenda.  In that regard, I think all voters should keep a hopeful eye on GOP candidates who are about constructive policy-making and yes, there are several out there. 

In a recent T.V. news story, Scott, Murphy and Honeycutt pounding the pavement as the primary election approaches.  Like Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton, a health competition keeps all involved sharp and keen.   

http://www.11alive.com/news/politics_govt/story.aspx?storyid=146049&catid=12&GID=8F2NzPXAx2JQvPfbdDgU6nR7C+hayMyaTYusKTUf6YI%3D

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The Political Slate

July 6, 2010 by slyram

While blogging has been interesting, the time has come to put political concepts in play or as my daddy use to say “take it out of the talking phase.”  Americans have been attentive to politics and policy continuously for the last few years and that is a good thing.

During this important election year, the collected knowledge of the voters could make this of the most informed elections in history.  The major political parties are in a state of flux so let’s hope this transition period will produce healthier, goal-oriented policy-making in which leaders consider the people and the future more than money and power.  Yea, right.

Moderates and centrists should hope for a reduction of the classic political party slate. Getting our whole community to blindly support every candidate in one party is insulting on some level; especially when we see that parties don’t always monitor the legislative activities of officeholders.  But if the candidate has a “D” or “R” on his or her jersey, we started with the assumptions.

I appreciate the Democrats who battle with the Far Left over wild spending and expanded size of government.  More Republicans should do the same with the Far Right when they generate rhetoric that fires voters’ blood dangerously.

The Slate is a relic that should be blown off in the general election; if you like a candidate from another party, you should vote for that person.  In a complex twist, we should stop hating the other guys for being so wrong and hope that a few of them add reason and logic into their debates, plans and discussions.  We shouldn’t think that voting for all Democrats is helping the Democrat Team and President Obama because some Ds are in it for themselves and a few better Republicans could look at the others sternly when they start with that crazy talk.

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July 4th and Military Songs

July 4, 2010 by slyram

The best 4th of July for me was the year the troops came back from Operation Desert Storm and we had a huge welcoming celebration on the National Mall in D.C., which included the Vietnam Era veterans.  When the military bands play patriotic songs and use artillery blast for drums, it is something special. 

At a command change ceremony on Fort Gordon last month, I realized that I had been sleeping on the Army Song, which is rather good.  Which military branch song is best in your opinion?  In this area, we are partial to the Marine hymn.  While eating your brats and pull pork this weekend, we must remember troops in the field.

Yes,  “Air Force Blue” is the newer official song but “Wild Blue Yonder” is much better.  I still like my old blog post about miltary and music. 

https://projectlogicga.com/2009/02/11/combat-duty-the-fun-side/

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Favorite Sermons: Get Fed

July 4, 2010 by slyram

My favorite church sermons are on my mind because I must make some major life decisions soon.  While I am no stranger to sin, the pastors get the same attention I gave the professors in school.  Like I tell the kids on my block, you might as well learn something if you are going to be at church or school anyway.  Have you seen the alarming dropout rates for schools…..and church.   

At the funeral of our political science professor, the pastor said that our grave markers will likely have the day we were born and the day we died with a dash in between the two dates.  The dash….it’s all about that dash.  Everything we do on earth is in that dash.  Someone else once said that life is God’s gift to you and what you do with that life is your gift back to him. 

The lady pastor at my Methodist church once said that she hears some many people praying and pleading  “God they need you over here…Father they need you over there.”  She said she imagines God is thinking, “Why do you think I put you down there…go see about it then come back and tell me what you did to fix it.”

The former pastor at the First African Baptist Church hit me with this pearl of wisdom.  He said people find justifications for worldly actions and dress up their activities but when he was in the “world” he knew he was in the world doing wrong.  I like that.

As a former altar boy, the communion service is in my memory.  The Call to Communion begins, “Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors and intend to lead a new life following the commandments of God…”  I talk vows, oaths and pledges seriously if not literally so I often skipped going down for communion if I had some fun or partying planned.  Our current pastor says “intend” means intends so there is some flex there. 

During communion, a prayer states that we are sorry for “our misgivings that we have commended against your divine majesty in thoughts, words and deeds.”  Since beliefs from church should reflect in our daily actions, the “thoughts, words and deeds” part has always fascinated me.  People in politics can think or say something but what did you do; what were your deeds because actions speak louder than words.  On the other hand, people can conveniently interpret the Bible to account for everything from slavery to ugly political attacks.  

One favorite faith message wasn’t a sermon but the Shug Avery song in the movie Color Purple.  God is trying to tell you something and you might not want to hear it.  Someone once said that God answers pray but sometimes the answer is no…however it’s in your best interest.  Garth Brooks had a song called “Unanswered Prays” and it’s a rural classic.  People are always joking about sinners in church and pastors needing to get those messages on the streets and corners but we all have our crosses to bear.  

I had the best time sitting under a 100-year-old oak tree and listening to my cousins in Ty Ty, Georgia today.  While I left before the barbeque was served, I got fed with that knowledge and wisdom from family.  

Unanswered Prayers (cover)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Y3b_2OJE8&feature=related

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Political Comfort Level

July 2, 2010 by slyram

When you grow up in the diverse South, you should learn to put yourself in the other guy’s shoes, walk in his moccasins or generally imagine life and government from his perspective.  No one wanted to be slaves, current senior citizens should be barricaded in their homes from fear of young thugs and American foreign policy should respect the cultural richness and history of others around the world.  If the Native Americans had a better immigration policy…..

To me, it’s all about political options and agendas.  Elections are for selecting the leaders who will govern in a reasonable manner but the cart is in front of the horse or the tail is wagging the dog.  Today, the campaign process and year-round activism are more lucrative than serving in office.  For example, Sarah Palin status in the game reaps millions more than being governor, vice-president or president and I can’t blame her for staying paid. 

My friends and I pragmatically thought our community should explore positive political options that reflect the sizable African-American demographic that is moderate to conservative.  Our agenda grows from concern that all of our political eggs are in one basket.  In reality, the aggressive agenda of those who love fear overshadows the few efforts toward governing with bridge building and understanding.  Their facts are sound but their methods are detrimental.

During this primary and general election season, southerners should ask themselves if candidates have a good comfort level with citizens across the political spectrum.  Do you see the candidates meeting and listening in areas where few votes can be found because the actions of people there create governmental spending for everyone?  In clearly liberal or conservative areas, the direction is obvious but swing areas or statewide is different. 

On election night in November, we shouldn’t learn that a new group of leaders will govern next year and we never talked with them.  A sad fact about southern living is that we have much in common with the other side of town but never had a conversation.  National groups that relish division and conflict between Americans should be ashamed because that energy and attention should be focused on supporting our troops in two major theaters of war and completing their missions safely—remember we have troops in the field.  

While the far-left and far-right are vocal, the sensible center is larger and sways elections.  I want to see Blue Dog Democrats continue listening to conservatives in their areas and Republican challengers who are comfortable explaining their positions to centrists, moderates and even liberals.  Centrists outnumber extremists from both sides overwhelmingly.

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Georgia On My Mind

June 26, 2010 by slyram

Milt Jackson on vibes and Ernestine Anderson on vocals. 

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Obama or Bill Clinton On The Georgia Campaign Trail

June 26, 2010 by slyram

In the Fall, Georgia should have a campaign visit from one or more of the Democrat Big Three: President Obama, President Bill Clinton or First Lady Michelle Obama.  Where is my ticket or can I get the hook-up.  The logical facility for this historic event would be the Macon Coliseum because Georgia is the biggest state this side of the Mississippi River and logistics can be a bear. My county, Worth County, is half the size of Rhode Island.   

Macon would mean that Georgians could drive equal distances to the venue and the congressional districts that need a little Dem star power converge in that region (the 2nd, 8th and 12th districts.)  The problem that the congressmen from the 2nd and 12th have nice relationships with the White House while Rep. Jim Marshall from Macon has chosen to go it alone. 

In the early 90s, I was worked for the Democrat congressman who represented Augusta and Athens, and a visit to the district from Energy Secretary Hazel O’Leary was on the schedule.  A reporter asked my boss if he wanted Bill Clinton to campaign with him in Georgia and the congressman said basically he would do his own campaign.  O’Leary call our office and when on about “Bill is my friend and you don’t ask me to help you and disregard my friends.” 

Secretary O’Leary is currently the president of Fisk University and is saving that historically rich Black college from the brink of closure.  Fisk alumni include W.E.B. DuBois, Nikki Giovanni, Congressman Alcee Hastings, James Weldon Johnson, Congressman John Lewis, Mrs. Alma Powell and Secretary O’Leary.  In 2005, the financial situation at Fisk was so dire that they considered selling artwork given to the school by painter Georgia O’Keeffe.  If anyone can save Fisk for future generations, O’Leary is that person. 

When the White House and the DNC consider where to dispatch the big guns, Macon should be at the top of the list.  If not, Rep. Marshall must have said “no thanks”—a move that hurts the entire Dem ticket in Georgia.  Albany State University or Fort Valley State University would host a big three event but the Georgia Dome will likely get the nod and Rep. Marshall will not think about being on that stage.  They should send Hazel O’Leary to rap with him.  “Look here…let me holler at you for a second, partner….you don’t ignore Bill nor this outstanding young couple in the White House.  Keep this up and you will find yourself by yourself.” 

Secretary Hazel O'Leary

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Michael Steele: The Battles of “Scottland” and Black Watch

June 23, 2010 by slyram

When Michael Steele sought the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, he produced a glossy “Blueprint” outline for moving his party forward in a productive and positive manner.   As a Black moderate, I was hopeful that the brother would do for their team what Obama would be doing for our team.

Then, the anger started and that blueprint because a footnote.  Or did it?  In South Carolina, Republican Nikki Haley took the high ground and is on her way to joining Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as Indian Americans in governorships.  State Rep. Tim Scott is an African-American who defeated Strom Thrumond’s son for the GOP nod for congress.  The Low County of South Carolina is evidentially Scottland. 

Georgia has two “Scottland” battles with Black Watch monitoring closely.  In military history, the Black Watch is the name of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.  Of course, they worn the Black and Green tartan we came to love while rocking the preppy look in the early 80s and ordering from L.L. Bean.   In Georgia’s 13th congressional district, Rep. David Scott faces a primary challenge from grassroots candidate Michael Murphy and Michael Frisbee before facing likely GOP nominee Dr. Deborah Honeycutt.  Murphy speaks about our state’s future with wisdom and concern.  Honeycutt should give Democrat leaders nightmares because she manages to go from Tea Party event to Black suburbs to the inner city without missing a beat. 

The central concern for moderates this election is finding officials who support the middle class while working with everyone for real dialog and real results.  Honeycutt could be the model for selecting African-American women with positive dispositions who firmly speak about the limited role of government rather than more programs and Band-Aids.     

 The other “Scottland” battle in Georgia pits Rep. Jim Marshall against Austin Scott.  Readers of this blog know that I questioned Marshall’s commitment to the Democrat Party and felt he should have taken the highland by attending the Democrat National Convention event that nominated Barrack Obama.  Black “watched” that occur and wondered if Dem officials were asleep on their watch.  Austin Scott is a Republican who remains conservative while connecting with young people and occasionally working across party lines.  In Georgia, the Blue Dogs have gotten us familiar with such cooperation so considering Deborah Honeycutt, Austin Scott or the GOP challenger to Rep. John Barrow seems natural. 

The other “Scottland” battle in Georgia pits Rep. Jim Marshall against Austin Scott.  Readers of this blog know that I questioned Marshall’s commitment to the Democrat Party and felt he should have taken the highland by attending the Democrat National Convention event that nominated Barrack Obama.  Black “watched” that occur and wondered if Dem officials were asleep on their watch.  Austin Scott is a Republican who remains conservative while connecting with young people and occasionally working across party lines.  In Georgia, the Blue Dogs have gotten us familiar with such cooperation so considering Deborah Honeycutt, Austin Scott or the GOP challenger to Rep. John Barrow seems natural.

The media loves the drama of the Tea Party but Colin Powell spoke of the sensible center.  If the GOP spent some time, energy and resources, Michael Steele could have candidates with a better comfort level in all communities.  It’s time to gift a few congressional seats to our GOP friends who supported Obama and the gift to the president will be a congress more like the average American.   

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Georgia Politics: I Spy With My Political Eye

June 21, 2010 by slyram

The kids in my family play a car game called “I Spy With My Little Eye.”  While driving around Georgia this weekend I did the same with campaign signage.  On Highway 300, a candidate has decided that he can be trusted while I have always found the incumbent to be trustworthy. 

It’s funny that candidates leave the Republican or Democrat off their signs if they hope that voters from the other party won’t notice.  The party situation in Georgia is awkward because the GOP requires a serious level of party commitment while the Democrats allow candidates leeway to get elected.  The question becomes how much leeway is acceptable. 

I spy with my political eye any opportunity or dilemma in Georgia with congressional race between Rep. Jim Marshall and Austin Scott.  First, I am a Democrat who actually likes Rep. Marshall on paper because he has impressive credentials.  I can’t figure out why the Democrats allow him to miss major votes yet still enjoy the full privileges of membership. Since Senator McCain won that congressional district in the presidential race, Democrat leaders may realize that Marshall must vote the mindset of his district or the seat goes GOP.

However, a congressman of Marshall status (Ivy League, Army Ranger) voting against White House legislation actually makes the Far Right giddy—watch the Democrat slam the Democrats.  Is my eye missing the fact that Marshall helping the Ds hold the House is the ultimate goal despite any individual votes?     

It is no secret that Far Right people worry me.  While traditional pro-business Republicans are part of the political tradition in the South, these new people in the game are like bulls in the China shop with their conspiracy theorists and watering the tree of liberty with blood.  Yikes. 

How many reasonable GOP members of the House and Senate would say in their conference meetings that they should stick to the fiscal issues and avoid teetering on a second Civil War.  While Marshall carries value in the Democrat Caucus, would trading him for a more dialogue-oriented GOPer be more practical for our state.  

I spy with my political eye that campaign operatives love pitting “good vs. evil” or good vs. bad.”  That is not always the case because I personally respect R.J. Hadley, Michael Thurmond and Johnny Isakson.  The choice for Senator in Georgia will be between good, better and best with the voters deciding.  The same is true in my opinion between Marshall and Scott but as a moderate I actually think Scott’s history of challenging his party by voting his mind bodes better than Marshall’s constant challenge to the Obama White House.   

LBJ said he rather have J. Edgar Hoover “inside the tent pissing out than outside the tent pissing in.”  Of course, Marshall is no Hoover but at some point someone must say “dude, what up….with friends like you…”  LBJ couldn’t have passed major civil right legislation with many blatant party defectors and someone needs to remember how that old school Texan corralled the party.

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Georgia Primary Voting

June 14, 2010 by slyram

I went to the courthouse today to vote and not for actual court—which is a good thing.  The Democratic primary found me voting for the incumbent congressman and was uneventful except for two races.  In the U.S. Senate race, R.J. Hadley got my vote at a political forum this weekend because the guy has worked hard in this Georgia heat that is hotter than fish grease.  In a minor race, I ghost voted because I didn’t know much about any of the candidates.

Michael Thurmond and Johnny Isakson are giants in Georgia politics but Hadley has a bright future in public service.  On facebook, a picture of Hadley at the Democratic National Convention seemed encouraging to me.  He had an optimistic look on his face as the party selected Barrack Obama and he continued that hope for better communications between all Georgians by speaking and taking questions at conservative events—that’s bold.  On the voting machine, Hadley’s first name was Rakiem and old school hip hop fans know the best M.C. ever is Rakim of Eric and Rakim fame—which I took as a sign.  Hadley is a leader in introducing moderate and conservative elements in the kitchen table issues debate in the Democrat Party so a nice showing in this primary is an investment in the political future.  Hey, I saw the Oliver Stone movie “W” last night and Bush (like Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama) didn’t win a congressional bid but you know about later.   

 The Alvin Greene situation in South Carolina and Bush v. Gore in Florida tells us to take every vote seriously.  The Ghost Vote technique was employed in one minor race when I wasn’t crazy about any of the candidates.  Skipping that race is better than pulling an Alvin Greene.  “I thought I was voting for Al Greene and ‘Let’s Stay Together’ is the number one smooth jam of all time.’”

Let’s Stay Together my foot—you can’t keep a major political party together when some candidates are allowed to play it safe by skipping major votes and major national events.  R.J. Hadley is an Ivy League educated moderate Democrat who when to the DNC Convention with pride…I wish I had the coin to be there myself.  Georgia has a current Democrat member of congress who is also Ivy League educated and skipped one of the most important events in history to my community.  

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Speaker of the House: “Who You With”

June 11, 2010 by slyram

The Washington Post has a database of congressional votes and I decided to look at votes for Speaker of the House. There have been times when moderates and/or centrists couldn’t bring themselves to vote for certain candidates for Speaker.

I remember my first congressional boss saying that he liked Democrat Gene Taylor of Mississippi because he was a smart guy and stood by his convictions.  After legislative business for the day, Taylor would join others in floor speeches about waste, fraud, and spending.

Taylor voted “present” for speaker in the 104th Congress and Newt Gingrich became Georgia’s third Speaker of the House (Howell Cobb and Charles Crisp being the others.)  In the 105th Congress, Gingrich won again but three other Republicans received votes and Rep. Connie Morella joined four other GOPers in voting present.  Mrs. Morella was a Maryland moderate from suburban D.C. who was often at odds with the Far Right in her party. 

In the 108th Congress, Taylor voted for defense hawk John Murtha for speaker while Texas conservative John Stenholm voted present with two others.  He did the same in the 109th Congress and Dennis Hastert again won the speakership.  In the 110th and 111th Congresses, Taylor voted for Speaker Pelosi but you get the feeling that he respectfully couldn’t vote for a fellow Democrat he didn’t want to be speaker.

In the 108th Congress, Republican Ginny Brown-Waite voted for Pelosi but Hastert of her party won. 

Since the speaker controls the House, that second vote of every congress is the most important vote for two years.  The speaker vote is public record but a members’ record in presidential voting isn’t.  The strongest indication of a House members’ views might be who he or she backs for speaker, the person who will control the committees and the legislation that reaches the House floor. 

Rep. Jim Marshall of Georgia has voted for speaker four times and voted Mrs. Pelosi each time.  He could have voted present, voted for a conservative Democrat like Murtha or even a Republican but he voted for the gentlelady from San Francisco.  Her leadership helped support the election of President Obama and her ultra liberal district’s opinions don’t dominate her speakership as some might think. 

At the same time, Hillary Clinton, Barrack Obama or John Edwards never got Marshall’s public support during the  presidential race.  He didn’t support McCain, who won Marshall’s congressional district, or any of the GOP presidential candidates.  His support would have been welcomed in rural Georgia.  So, he voted for Pelsoi but can’t tell us whom he picked for the White House.  I wished he said he was with the Democrat team and fighting daily to pull them away from the Left, which I think is the case, but this mystery stuff is inexplicable.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/speaker-elections/

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