Discourse Around Food Security and American Politics

Well,
 I established this blog a long time ago. For those of you who had read my political views before, I am adding a new twist to my previous political observances. '

I have recently began a graduate program called Food Systems and Society. While many people initially think that my coursework is related to the food service industry, it is really a program geared toward social justice, especially the inalienable right to food.

In a country where forty percent of the food produced in this country is thrown away, there is really no reason why anyone in the United States should be hungry, or food insecure.

My friends (though few) who have been with me in the past, may know that I am basically socially liberal. I believe in the equal opportunity/access to food, as well as other resources, but for now, I will concentrate on food.

There is a Democratic struggle right now between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. As a Blue Representative, I was initially unsure of whom I should support. At first, Hillary seemed like the right choice, but upon examination, I have decided that Bernie is my guy.

He has named himself as a socialist democrat, which automatically sets people, especially the right, off. However, Bernie is geared toward affordable education, an equalized rate of pay, and equal access to health care. After all, he was one of the authors of "Obama Care."

I am not going to delve into the reasons why an attention to food justice and food equality is completely necessary, but the truth is that the American Dream of upward class mobility is being constantly threatened. People are beginning to think that they are resigned to their current economic situation and that there is no sense in working hard toward a better future.

The underrepresented in the political discourse is continuously unnoticed. The one percent, as Mitch Romney articulated have far too much influence and dictate the future of those unrepresented by mainstream politics.

No matter your political affiliation, an acknowledgement of the basic human right to food must be an obvious one. We all should have access to nutritionally sound food, no matter our economic situation. Are we not, as an enlightened nation able to appreciate our common need for food?

One week and counting

I began this blog as a venue to express my personal political opinions. Unfortunately, lately, because of a serious bout with depression, I haven't much felt like writing it, and for that I am regretful of.  The election is one week away and I can honestly say that I am shocked that this election is in such a precarious state.

On one hand, we have President Obama; a man of integrity, honor and intelligence who has worked so very hard for the past four years to help ensure gender equality, the availability of health care to all, killed Osama Bin Laden and brought this nation out of one of the worst financial crises that this country has ever seen.

On the other hand, we have Mitt Romney who deems himself a successful business person, yet the only real world practicum has been in buying troubled businesses, firing all of the middle men, exploiting the working stiffs, then selling it for a size able profit the leaving the companies to go bankrupt. If Mitt's mouth is moving, you can bet he's undoubtedly telling a lie or intentionally misleading people. He has been labeled as an "Etcha-sketch" as he has no problem with changing political positions on a dime. He threatens women's rights almost with the conviction of completely dismantling the Women's Suffrage Movement, attacking Roe vs. Wade, all the while maintaining a complete disregard for the middle class.

I recently heard something that really rang true for me. The argument stipulates that if the was not this intense hatred of Obama, then Romney would not have a chance. I can not help wonder from where this hatred stems? Is it racially based? If anything lends truth to that theory it is the whole "Birther" phenomenon, often touted by the likes of Donald Chump and other crazy right wing fanatics.

Additionally, we have Murdoch and his crazy views on rape and the conception of life. How is it that one can be OK with conceiving a child via rape and equally believe that a child conceived via  invetro fertilization is unnatural and wrong? Is this not the same party that believes that every life is a gift from God and yet Paul Ryan supports abolishing the opportunity to conceive a child in this manner.
On another note, the East Coast of the United States is being hammered by an act of nature and millions of people have lost power, been flooded, snowed in or just plain isolated as a result. Romney/Ryan see it fit to dismantle FEMA but who exactly do they think should pay for the billions of dollars of distraction left in hurricane Irene's wake? You? Me? Isn't the point of being a part of The United States of America is that we stand united? Willing to help our neighbors during the midst of chaos and destruction? Is that not what tax dollars are meant for?

During one of the debates, I responded to a local news anchor requesting opinions on how the debates  were going via Twitter. I innocently gave my perspective and received the following disparaging comments in return.

"You are too stupid to pull your head out of your ass to figure it out." I responded with a comment of how his comment lacked class and was then tweeted this " Screw classy crap! PC is killing everything about America. Classy? How about take the office of Presidency seriously?  Then, " try taking an economics course, business or international law class! If any Lib understood that, the US wouldn't be in this mess. I then questioned why he assumed I was uneducated, because clearly he did' and the final tweet was "First off, as a lib, can you honestly say that you LOVE working? Baby, I will go rounds with economics."

I was, and continue to be offended by not only his tone, but in the idea that I am uneducated, hated to work and had no understanding of political policy, history or common sense. From my perspective, those series of tweets are just on example of the inherent intolerance that has been continually displayed by the GOP. I DO NOT VOTE ON ANY ISSUE OR CANDIDATE BASED SOLELY ON POLITICAL AFFILIATION. I research, contemplate and vote, just as I would hope any other red blooded American would do. I urge people to think for themselves and vote with conviction.

There's this quote from the Holocaust memorial located in the Rose Garden of Portland, Oregon that says this: OUR PRECIOUS LIFE RESTS NOT ON OUR ABILITY TO SEE WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT! ONE FROM ANOTHER! BUT RATHER ON OUR ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE WHAT MAKES US THE SAME? WHAT ULTIMATELY DEFINES US ISTHE MORAL STRENGTH TO BELIEVE IN OUR COMMON HUMANITY, AND TO ACT UPON THIS BELIEF.

What is right? What feels right?

Here is the deal: things have been rough, I have been very, very down. In this space and place, wondering if your path was right, is never a comfortable feeling. We are on the verge of an enormous political insurgance. Some douchebag made a video that was anti- Islam, however the timing in suspect. On September, 11,2012' a diplomat for the US and Afganistan was killed, including 4 others, one of which was an Oregon, retired military man. No matter the deaths, it is the same result. Anyone that has lost someone knows that pain.
I am not ignorant: I pay attention. Voting Romney is ABSOLUTELY the wrong vote.While his rhetoric and verbiage is confusing: it is meant to be. If it is vague and indecipherable then you , or, I, cannot attack it. There is a clear reason for the vagueness.
This man, and his running mate are running on fumes. There are ARE two signifigant issues: gay rights and abortion. In reality, what is Romney offering the average constituent? He believes that middle class is 200-250k household and we all know that is so inappropriate, it is not worth discussing.
Unfortunelately, we live, in the US in this vicious cycle; we want all of the amenities, but resist paying for it. Yes, I am a Democrat, but that is based on social, not fiscal policy. We, as a nation, have a huge responsibility, and YES, taxes suck, but our infrastucture depends on our dollars. Yes, there is government reform needed, but, this a government for the people by the people. Our current ignorance is unacceptable. Our parents and grandparents etc. came here for a reason: And it was NOTto have their voices ignored.
How many US citizens make upwards of 250k a year? Not the majority, that is for sure. I am disclosing very personal information here and now. I was 20 years old when I discovered that I was pregnant. My boyfriend at the time was very abusive and I could not, with good conscience put a child through that.  He was a drug dealer, highly manipulative, but that ,does not change MY decision to terminate my pregnancy. Please realize that this is something that i have shared with few. I am a Christian and  I know many of my family will condemn me. Does anyone think that making this world wide statement is easy? Well, it is not.
I own that choice. It was mine to make . I understand the it is unpopular, but I would like you to walk a mile through my sorted past, then tell me that what I CHOSE wad wrong.  The idea of being forever linked to an abusive drug dealer for the rest of  my and my child's life was too much.
For a long time I did not discuss this. I felt too ashamed, but I am NO longer ashamed. Romney wants to take that choice away and while I do not discount the value of human life, I respect the enormity of the commitment.
Whatever hour situation is, the option of not putting a child through the horrible events of your childhood is not right you should readily discard .,
If you had an idealic childhood, you are quite lucky. Most did not,me included. Form your own opinion, think what you will ,
It is never a decision taken lightly, by any woman.

Donald Trump? How about Donald Chump

Yesterday, I read that the phoniest millionaire poser, Donald Trump said that "President Obama was born in Kenya." I had heard through the grapevine that the "Birthers" had begun to fling their fallacy laced dung at the President because of the totally played out idea that President Obama was indeed NOT a United States citizen, I almost shrugged it off, but then I read that Donald Chump decided that it was his obligation to continue to spew that irrational nonsense all over again and I became completely annoyed and infuriated.
One thing that ALL politicians go through is a vetting process in which an inquiry is launched to seek out the most hidden truths, secrets or falsehoods. Let the record show that no such documentation that the Commander in Chief was not a United States Citizen. (Hawaii, though tropical, actually is a state within the United States.
So, this morning, a thought occurred to me: How many of our former POTUS had at least one parent who was not a nationally born American and strangely it turns out that seven of them fall into that category.

• Andrew Jackson
• Thomas Jefferson (my favorite past president)
• James Buchanan
• Chester Arthur
• Woodrow Wilson
• Herbert Hoover
• Barack Obama (my personal favorite)

We have had 44 POTUS and the truth is that according to the ration, 16% of our past and present Presidents fall into that realm. The REAL only difference is that Barack Obama is black. Now, I understand that in the early days of the U.S. that the circumstances were a bit different; we were a nation of immigrants, so of course some of the founding fathers and other early presidents were the product of immigrant parents. There has even been speculation that Chester Arthur was actually a Canadian as his father was a Canadian citizen and resident.

I recently posted my opinion on Facebook and was immediately met with the assertion that the "Birther" propaganda was not racially fueled. I am the last person that would like to see race play such a huge part on the political stage, but I can not help but disagree. If it was NOT racially fueled, then why during the '08 campaign did the GOP and the Tea Party people consistently call President Obama Barack Hussein Obama. IT was just another ploy of misinformation used to confuse voters and assert the idea that President Obama was a Muslim and not an American.

The GOP is threatened by the hope and inspiration that Barack Obama brought to the down trodden American people. The GOP is a party of fear mongering politician who not only focus on the negative but capitalize on the lingering fear of terrorism and the memories of 911. The allegiance now formed between Donald Chump and Mitt Wrongmy is just another example of how out of touch the GOP has become. I think the GOP should abandon all attempts at discrediting the legitimacy of our President's right to serve and focus on what is actually important. Stop making it about race and religious creed and stick to the issues that are actually of some importance. . . . .there must be at least a few more pressing issues facing the United States and it's constituents.

Get over it! Barack Hussein Obama was made in the USA and I am damn proud of it!

Feckless?

The Webster's dictionary defines the word "feckless" as 1.Weak, Ineffective and 2.Worthless, Irresponsible. I am really not trying to give a vocabulary lesson here, but have been bothered by the context in which this adjective was recently used.  I watched the President's Public Address last Super Tuesday and one of journalists in attendance quoted Mitt Romney as saying that "President Obama is the most feckless President since Jimmy Carter.
First of all, Why does he have to burn Jimmy Carter? I don't see Mitt Romney out building houses for Habitat For Humanity, and I am guessing that he also doesn't transport his pets on top of his Thule like camping gear.  (maybe Mitt doesn't like that "wet dog" smell) and second and most importantly: Calling President Obama feckless is a total lie in so many ways it is unbelievable that Mitt Romney could even conceivably make that statement without laughing.
So, in response to the component of "feckless" in which Ineffective is alluded to:

A SAMPLE OF CAMPAIGN PROMISES KEPT BY PRESIDENT OBAMA:

No. 4: Extend child tax credits and marriage-penalty fixes
No. 16: Increase minority access to capital
No. 33: Establish a credit card bill of rights
No. 36: Expand loan programs for small businesses
No. 37: Extend the Bush tax cuts for lower incomes
No. 38: Extend the Bush tax cuts for those making less than $250,000 (couples) or $200,000 (single)
No. 48: Close the “doughnut hole” in Medicare prescription drug plan
No. 51: Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions
No. 53: Give tax credits to those who need help to pay health premiums
No. 55: Require large employers to contribute to a national health plan
No. 56: Require children to have health insurance coverage
No. 57: Expand eligibility for Medicaid
No. 58: Expand eligibility for State Children’s Health Insurance Fund (SCHIP)
No. 63: Require health plans to disclose how much of the premium goes to patient care
No. 65: Establish an independent health institute to provide accurate and objective information
No. 69: In non-competitive markets, force insurers to pay out a reasonable share of their premiums for patient care
No. 70: Eliminate the higher subsidies to Medicare Advantage plans
No. 93: Reinstate executive order to hire an additional 100,000 federal employees with disabilities within five years.
No. 105: Increase the Veterans Administration budget to recruit and retain more mental health
No. 109: Fully fund the Veterans Administration
No. 113: Expand the Veterans Administration’s number of “centers of excellence” in specialty care
No. 121: Fully fund the Violence Against Women Act
No. 125: Direct military leaders to end war in Iraq
No. 126: Begin removing combat brigades from Iraq
No. 132: No permanent bases in Iraq
No. 161: End the abuse of supplemental budgets for war
No. 167: Make U.S. military aid to Pakistan conditional on anti-terror efforts
No. 172: Open “America Houses” in Islamic cities around the globe
No. 182: Allocate Homeland Security funding according to risk
No. 195: Seek verifiable reductions in nuclear stockpiles
No. 196: Extend monitoring and verification provisions of the START I Treaty
No. 197: Stand down nuclear forces to be reduced under the Moscow Treaty
No. 215: Create a rapid response fund for emerging democracies
No. 222: Grant Americans unrestricted rights to visit family and send money to Cuba
No. 225: Establish an Energy Partnership for the Americas
No. 229: Expand the Nurse-Family Partnership to all low-income, first-time mothers
No. 239: Release presidential records
No. 241: Require new hires to sign a form affirming their hiring was not due to political affiliation or contributions.
No. 244: Provide affordable, high-quality child care
No. 247: Recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession
No. 259: Reduce subsidies to private student lenders and protect student borrowers
No. 269: Increase funding for national parks and forests
No. 275: Expand Pell grants for low-income students
No. 290: Push for enactment of Matthew Shepard Act, which expands hate crime law to include sexual orientation and other factors
No. 293: Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy
No. 315: Establish ‘Promise Neighborhoods’ for areas of concentrated poverty
No. 359: Rebuild schools in New Orleans
No. 371: Fund a major expansion of AmeriCorps
No. 411: Work to overturn Ledbetter vs. Goodyear
No. 422: Create new financial regulations
No. 427: Ban lobbyist gifts to executive employees
No. 433: Sign a “universal” health care bill
No. 435: Create new criminal penalties for mortgage fraud
No. 449: Raise fuel economy standards
No. 458: Invest in all types of alternative energy
No. 483: Invest in public transportation
No. 495: Double federal spending for research on clean fuels
No. 500: Increase funding for the Environmental Protection Agency
No. 507: Extend unemployment insurance benefits and temporarily suspend taxes on these benefits
No. 513: Reverse restrictions on stem cell research

Is that a lot? Damn! I am still proud of the ONE New Year's Resolution that I have kept up from 08!

Weak

One doesn't rise within the Democratic Party from obscurity to become the leader of the most powerful country in the world in such a short amount of time by being "Weak." I would say that takes fortitude, diligence, hard work, strength, stamina, courage, audacity; frankly the list could go on and on. A word that is the antithesis of all of those words is "Weak." Granted, the example I am using to argue my point is from before his presidency, however "Weak" (in this instance) is intrinsic to one's character, and character is not easily changed. And one doesn't keep that many campaign promises by being weak or passive.

Worthless

Just to get my mind around it, Mitt Romney said that President Obama has an absence of value as a president. After eight long and torturous years under the George W administration, what this country needed was hope. It was the promise of change along with extreme intelligence and wit, that caused people to elect him as president. It was the reason that I teared up on election night when it was decided. It is the reason I spent eight long hours waiting to hear him speak at the Kitzhaber rally and why I volunteered for his campaign. Gauging by his list of accomplishments listed above, I think that attributing the word "worthless" to our President is insulting and naive. Plus he killed Osama Bin Laden so there!

Irresponsible

There are many examples of how responsible he has proven to be, but none greater than that of being responsible with human life. Remember that victory banner that George W stood in front of on an aircraft carrier proclaiming that we had won the war in Irag, well it turns out that we didn't! I know, shocking. Obama ended the war in Iraq, he pulled troops out and sent them home. A war that served no purpose other than an ego boost was ended and countless lives were saved because of that. There is nothing irresponsible about that call.

So, Mr. Romney, I hate to say it is a liar and a mere mouthpiece for the GOP agenda. The average Joe (except Joe the Plumber) can not relate to The GOP any longer. They alienate people and make blatant falsehoods while spinning the rhetoric so thick that it is impossible to understand. 

President Obama is an extremely effective President. Just sayin'. 

And the GOP winner is. . . . It is a trick question, if you are in the GOP there is no winner.

The political commentary is a little mind numbing right now to say the least. For the GOP candidate for the 2012 election there is no clear cut choice. It comes down to Mitt Romney, (puke) Rick Santorum (double puke) or Newt Gingrich (puke fest 2012.) The GOP is as discombobulated now as ever. We have Rush Limbaugh calling women who want contraception covered by their insurance sluts and prostitutes,  but Viagra being covered seems to be a non-issue. I really wonder if they are doing this on purpose? How can one party be so totally out of touch with the reality of America? The total scope of the GOP has missed the mark. . . . is this really the crem de la crem of the GOP? These guys? Really?These three numb nuts is the best that the Republicans have to offer? Newt (the epitome of family values) Gingrich clearly has no chance in winning enough delegates to run as the GOP candidate so it really comes down to Mitt(my family defected to Mexico in order to practice polygamy)Rpmney of Rick(I am fucking crazy) Santorum. I wonder where on Earth has Sarah Palin gone? Doesn't her name just bring you back to simpler times? I am beginning to believe that the GOP really does not want it's name on the cluster fuck that George W left us. .Let's just let the Democrats figure that rubix cube of disasters out, we will just sit on the sidelines, make passive aggressive moves in Congress and wait until 2016, then ATTACK! Unless the GOP somehow figures out a way to pull their head out of their asses anytime soon and figure out how the "Average American" thinks then it is unlikely that they will find a candidate that really resonates with the country.

Taking Liberty for Granted

When my husband and I were invited to dinner by our Bosnian neighbors I appreciated the invitation, but did not know what to expect in terms of commonalities and conversation as we had always exchanged pleasantries and were cordial, you know, neighborly. We had watched their cat while they were away, they had watched ours while we were away, but that had been the extent of the relationship. That was, until my husband shared the task of rebuilding our shared fence..
Upon completion, the invitation for dinner was extended by Vladamir's wife, Maria. So, with a bottle of wine, we went  and as we sat outside on their covered patio, we ate, drank and talked. Before dinner, I glanced down at the glass patio table which was adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. It seemed a bit overboard for a casual dinner. I remember thinking how similar their china looked to the pattern that Jeff and I had selected as our wedding china, which was only used for very special occasions.
While we ate, I inquired about the china and Vladamir commented on how one should enjoy the things they have when they have it. A bit puzzled I contemplated the comment, then he expanded.
The Family Cingel (our neighbors) immigrated to the United States in 1993 after fleeing Bosnia during the Bosnian War. They were forced to leave their home in the middle of the night and left every single possession behind; other than what they could carry out in a backpack. They had left their photos, their clothes and other personal items behind for freedom, which included the wedding china bought for them by their best friend. "Now," Vladamir said "we appreciate what we have and use it when we can."
My neighbors now are citizens, own a home, have stable jobs, contribute to society and have wonderful, civil serving children. They are kind and generous people, people that I am proud to call friends and a great representation of an exemplary U.S. citizen.
Over the last twelve months I have come across similar stories. Stories of immigrants turned U.S. citizens. People who left the confines of their inherent nation just to become citizens of the United States of America.
Those who know me, know  that I volunteer for the 2012 Obama campaig; for which,  I make countless phone calls to former Obama supporters and on Sunday, I called Ron, a name on my call sheet,  twice, as my first call went to voice mail so I tried again later.
Which brings me to today. While watching television tonight after a long day of work, my Democratic Party designated phone rang and when I answered I knew not what to expect on the other end. On the other end was Ron who was returning a call that he thought was attributed to a Craigslist ad that he posted. I explained to Ron the reason for my call,  and our conversation made an otherwise frustrating day amazing and rewarding.
I learned that Ron came to the US for school and fell in love with this country. He attended Cornell University and gained a PHD and subsequently employment here. He became a citizen in 1994. He married and had two American born citizens who are now in law and medical school. Later, his mother immigrated and became a citizen at the age of 65 years! Ron said it was the proudest moment of his life.
He is a proud American citizen and supports our President. He believes the problems that face Obama are the product of a past administration. He still supports the President and believes in American government.
These stories of people impassioned by the American Dream and have seen it realized, makes me cherish what it means to be an American, no matter what the political view. We have an amazing country and should never take our liberties for granted.
It is a truly wonderful privilege being a citizen of the United States. We should be grateful for our opportunities and realize that it is the difference in opinion that keeps us free.

Today, I remembered why I am a Democrat

I am a small business manager; a job that intrinsically is much different than my former career choice. In addition, I volunteer for a Pro Obama organization in an effort to take the pulse of the community and determine how they feel about the current administration and President Obama.
Most days, I resolve my volunteer activities without incident. Of course there is perhaps a hang up or an "I hate the president" comment, but most days people are cordial and treat me with dignity and respect. Today, that absolutely did not happen.
While I was on my lunch break and in between meetings I decided to "canvass" part of my designated "turf" which is essentially the people in which that I need to communicate and interact with in order to find out whether or not they support the president and how they feel about how the country's trajectory is going.  Unknowingly I encountered,,  which was by far, my most difficult and combative individual/Republican, with whom I have ever engaged.
My friends and family know that I am a Democrat: No question. Growing up in Salem, Oregon where the majority of residents are a bit more on the conservative side, my views often rub many of my friends the wrong way, but we accept each other for who we are and look beyond our political differences and identify with the individual and who they are at the core and not their political views.
While canvassing, I ALWAYS say," I don't care how you vote or who you vote for, just use your Constitutional right and FREAKING VOTE!" So, today I approached a few people who were admiring a particular rose bush with the question: "Are you registered to vote at your current address?" Unknowinglly I had embarked on a quest.That simple question led to the most painful and frustrating experience with the opposing side.
I was called "foolish" which insulted my  intelligence. I was also called ignorant and a sheep. "A woman who could not think for herself."
He told me to get a job and when I explained to him that I was a manager of a successful business he replied with "Than how can you have time to do this?" I then explained that I was able to allocate my time in accordance to my schedule demands and that was none of his concern.
He told me that President Obama was a racist and that the only reason he was elected was because people felt badly that there had not been a black President.  He implied that I had no concrete evidence of the President's accomplishments or lack there of.
This man was unnecessarily cruel and harsh. I politely asked him to stop calling me names and tried to engage in a polite conversation, but it soon became evident that there was no way that I could dissuade this man's interpretation of reality. He was spewing FOX news propaganda and told me that "Just because I was educated did not mean that I was smart." Women have no place in politics apparently, according to him.
I handled this lashing with as much poise and kindness as possible, and as he verbally assaulted me, I tried to assure him that I heard and understood his concerns and promised to look into his arguments. This man insulted me personally and tried very  hard to break my composure, but I would not give him that satisfaction.
I left the conversation with "I appreciate your input and hope that you have a great day." The ONLY thing that this man did was make me appreciate what the non-judgmental attributes of the Democratic Party.
It is very clear that the repugnance and stench of the Republican Party is beyond repair and it is clear that the drastic personalities of the extreme right are against the very nature of our Nation's Constitutional Beliefs.
Our Constitution clearly identifies that we, as people have the right to hold difference in opinion and still coexist; then why would any American find it necessary to make the conscience effort to diminish the competence or legitimacy of another person's view or efforts?
This was a hard day for me and a blow to my efficacy of a human being of the female variety. This man can hardly help himself with FOX news relaying misinformation to the  perfect ear. I try not to take it personally and know that he was not directing his anger toward me, but it was still hurtful and difficult and a day that I will not soon forget.
The upside is that this man made me realize why  I am a Democrat and proud to be so. As far as I am concerned, although he verbally assaulted me, he did not , in anyway diminish my passion for my country  or my President.

The Worst Thing to Happen to Women in Politics: EVER!

As a female that likes to pay attention to politics and would consider myself to be politically involved, I just have to say that I HONESTLY believe that Sarah Palin may just be the worst set back for women in politics: EVER.

There are some brilliant and effective female politicians that have made and continue to make positive impact in this world; Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, serious left-wing Nancy Pelosi (sorry Jeff), Barbara Boxer and Condalisa Rice for example, but Sarah Palin is DEFINITELY not one of these women.

I have a friend who commented earlier this week that a very " Right Winged" friend of hers made the comment "When is this woman going to go away?" I completely agree. Her persistence has become so pervasive that I would have equate it to toxic black mold.

The level of her ignorance is staggering and I would love, L.O.V.E. to see her in a political debate with Barack Obama, who has brilliant mind and a firm grasp on political concepts. He taught Constitutional Law for crying out loud.
The thought of Sarah Palin being the Commander in Chief would make me sick if it weren't so laughable.

Some impeccable Sarah Palinisms (and my thoughts) below:

"So we discussed what was going on in Africa. And never, ever did I talk about, Well, gee, is it a country or is it a continent, I just don't know about this issue.''—Sarah Palin, asked about the post-election revelation by McCain staffers that Palin thought Africa was a country, not a continent, Fox interview with Greta Van Susteren, Nov. 11, 2008

(Possible contestant on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?)

"The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's 'death panel' so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their 'level of productivity in society,' whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil." –Sarah Palin, in a message posted on Facebook about Obama's health care plan, Aug. 7, 2009

(Weird, I have really been waiting for this Death Panel Thing to take off. What's Up With That?!)

"We used to hustle over the border for health care we received in Canada. And I think now, isn't that ironic?" -Sarah Palin, admitting that her family used to get treatment in Canada's single-payer health care system, despite having demonized such government-run programs as socialized medicine that will lead to death-panel-like rationing, March 6, 2010

(Really? After mocking "Obama Care" you admit to using socialistic medicine because it was cheaper? Does Canada have a "Death Panel too?)

"I don't know if I should Buenos Aires or Bonjour, or... this is such a melting pot. This is beautiful. I love the diversity. Yeah. There were a whole bunch of guys named Tony in the photo line, I know that.'' - Sarah Palin addressing a Charity of Hope gathering , Hamilton, Ontario, April 15th, 2010

(Ohhhhhh? And here I thought that The United States of America was known as THE melting pot and FYI, I am pretty sure that there are a whole bunch of guys named Tony everywhere in North America AND Buenos Aires? WTF?)

"Refudiate,' 'misunderestimate,' 'wee-wee'd up.' English is a living language. Shakespeare liked to coin new words too. Got to celebrate it!" --a Tweet sent by Sarah Palin in response to being ridiculed for inventing the word "refudiate," proudly mistaking her illiteracy for literary genius, July 18, 2010

(So, you compare yourself to the brilliant playwright, William Shakespeare. . . . you maybe a bit more like the "Shakespearean Fool", say, for instance the character " Puck" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream".)

"He who warned, uh, the British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and um, makin' sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed." -Sarah Palin, botching the history of Paul Revere's midnight ride, June 3, 2011

(Does that once popular catch phrase "THE RED COATS ARE COMING! THE RED COATS ARE COMING!" ring even the tiniest bell? Seriously, this is first grade history people. Unbelievable.)

There are people in this country who whole heartedly think that this woman is capable of running what is arguably the most powerful country in the world. Give me a break.

FDR's Final Address

An excerpt from "Nothing to Fear" by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
FDR died on April 12th 1945, this speech was intended to be delivered at the Jefferson Day Dinner on April 13th 1945. It has eerie similarities to our current plights both politically and economically. He was unable to make this final address to the country, but his last address was found and published.

Americans are gathered together this evening in communities all over the country to pay tribute to the living memory of Thomas Jefferson-one of the gr; and greatest of all democrats; and I want to make it clear that I am spelling that word "democrats" with a small "d."
I wish I had the power, just for this evening to be present at all of these gatherings.
In this historic year, more than ever before, we do well to consider the character of Thomas Jefferson as an American citizen of the world.
As a minister to France, then as our first Secretary of State and as our third President, Jefferson was instrumental in the establishment of the United States as a vital factor in international affairs.
It was he who sent our first Navy into far distant waters to defend our rights. And the promulgation of the Monroe Doctrine was the logical development of Jefferson's far-seeing foreign policy.
Today this Nation which Jefferson helped so greatly to build is playing a tremendous part in the battle for the rights of man all over the world.
Today we are part of the cast Allied force-a force composed of flesh and blood and steel and spirit-which is today destroying the makers of war, the breeders of hate in Europe and in Asia.
In Jefferson's time our Navy consisted of only a handful of frigates-but that tiny Navy taught nations across the Atlantic that piracy in the Mediterranean-acts of aggression against peaceful commerce and the en the enslavement of their crews was one of those things which, among neighbors, simply was not done.
Today we have learned the agony of war that great power involves great responsibility. Today we can no more escape the consequence of German and Japanese aggression than could we avoid the consequences off attacks by the Barbary corsairs a century and a half before.
We, as Americans, do not choose to deny our responsibility.
Nor do we intend to abandon our determination that within the lives of our children and our children's children, there will not be a third World War.
We seek peace-enduring peace. More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginnings of all wars-yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical method of settling the difference between governments.
The once powerful, malignant Nazi state is crumbling, the Japanese lords are receiving, in their home land, the retribution for which they asked when they attacked Pearl Harbor.
But mere conquest of our enemies is not enough.
We must of on to all in our power to conquer the doubts and the fears, the ignorance and the greed, which made this horror possible.
Thomas Jefferson, himself a distinguished scientist, once spoke of the "brotherly spirit of science, which unites into one family all its votaries of whatever grade, and however widely dispersed throughout the different quarters of the globe."
Today, science has brought all of the different quarters of the globe so close together that it is impossible to isolate them one from another.
Today we are faced with the pre-eminent fact that, if civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships- the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together and work together in the same world, at peace.
Let me assure you that my hand is steadier for the work that is to be done, that I move more firmly into the task, knowing that -you, millions and millions of you-are joined with me in the resolve to make this work endure.
The work my friends, is peace, more than an end of this war-an end to the beginning of all wars, yes, and end, forever, to this impractical, unrealistic settlement of the differences between governments by the mass killing of peoples.
Today as we move against the terrible scourge of war-as we go forward toward the greatest contribution that any generation of human beings can make in this world-the contribution of lasting peace, I ask you to keep up your faith. I measure the sound, solid achievements that can be made at this time by the straight edge of your confidence and your resolve. And to you, and to all Americans who dedicate themselves with us to the making of an abiding peace, I say
" The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith."


The correlation of our wars and influence on the world are clear. Whether it be Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya or North Korea. The intent and responsibility of the United States is ultimately peace.

School's In Session: Rockfish Gap

Oh to be a fly on the wall on August 4th. The year, 1818 and in a small tavern in Rockfish Gap, VA twenty-one men gathered together. However, they were not there to solely partake in a refreshing pint of ale. Instead, the men, Commissioners for the University of Virgina gathered together to forever set the stage for future American thought. The University of Virgina is our country's first university, and the only university founded by a U.S. president. These well intentioned American thinkers, led by Thomas Jefferson, together established the foundations and principles of our current educational system which was there established, discussed, ratified then later published. (Thank You)

I suppose I never really put a lot of thought into the inception of our public education, the curriculum of both primary and high schools, and the formulation of our publicly funded universities. (Something which I will further discuss in future post) I now know that I really took the concept for granted and never fully enveloped the details of how and why into my conciseness . It wasn't until yesterday while watching a completely unrelated television program, that I began consider the details and read more about why the importance of education and the adherence to our First Amendment Right became such a critical component of the United States of America and our government and the subject of much debate today in political banter.

In the television program, the point was made that while seeking advice from John Adams about the professors of our Nation's first university, Adams suggested that Jefferson should not look for professors in Europe as the components of Christianity and education were so entwined that the educators would be unable to teach pragmatically and leave religion and God out of it, thereby violating our Constitution and First Amendment Right.

In the Report of the Commissioners for the University of Virginia, Jefferson points out that in the United States, all religions are equal. He writes "In conformity with the principles of our Constitution which places all sects of religion on equal footing, with the jealousies of the different sects in guarding that equality from encroachment and surprise, and with the sentiments of the Legislature in favor of freedom of religion, manifested on former occasions, we have proposed no professor of divinity. . ." thereby intentionally not integrating religion as a lesson funded by public monies and later Jefferson did make provisions for future private universities that chose to teach divinity ensuring a cohesiveness in educated minds. A value forever instilled in the American collective.

Inevitably, my mind wandered toward the catechism and contention concerning the Pledge of Allegiance and its place in the the protocol and regimen of public, primary schools. As many people know the addition of "Under God" was not added to the Pledge of Allegiance until the Cold War in 1954 and was clearly added for a passive aggressive religious stance to the world. As a child, I remember the daily ritual, facing the flag with my right hand over my heart and reciting the words not really paying attention to nor contemplating their meaning it reminded me of another oration habitually performed in another arena. I was raised Lutheran, I recited the Apostle's Creed as a child and recited every Sunday at church; again without paying attention to, nor contemplating, nor fully understanding their implication until much later in life.

I have much respect for the intent of teaching the Pledge to our children and believe that knowing it is critical. It is an unparalleled symbol of patriotism and loyalty, while I question the legitimacy of adding the "Under God" in the first place, I believe a greater emphasis should be placed in teaching our children what the words mean fully, so they are completely knowledgeable when oath is sworn.

I find Jefferson's thoughts and opinions about education and the effects of our actions on the Constitution and each other both poignant and well formed. He rightfully placed the United States absolute and rigorously sought adherence to our Nation's code. I believe that one would be hard pressed to find a current politician more articulate, educated and as well intentioned today.

"Education generatess habits of application, of order and the love of virtue; and controls, by the force of habit, any innate obliquities in our moral organization. We should be far, too, from the discouraging persuasion that man is fixed by the law of nature, at a given point; that his improvement is a chimera,and the hope delusive of rendering ourselves wiser, happier or better than our forefathers were." Thomas Jefferson Well said T.J.

GOP: Credit for Bin Laden?

First and foremost, I must apologize for my noncompliance with my original intentions with this Poly-Blog; all I can say is that life interfered.

I have resolved to again speak my mind on current political events and attitudes.

Clearly the death of Bin Laden has created quite the media stir. Unlike finding Saddam hiding in a hole, being captured and undergoing a meaningless trial, Osama Bin Laden was found by Navy SEALS and exterminated. . . a feat that in all honesty, came to fruition a decade late.

During the 2008 campaign, Obama proclaimed that he would reestablish the CIA team to locate Bin Laden and eliminate him as a threat. A year and a half later Bin Laden is dead. Now the GOP Spin machine wants some of this credit to go toward the Bush Administration. . an Administration that blatantly lied to the American people about the pretext of war and subsequently lead our country into a decade long war resulting in countless American soldier casualties.

It has been CLEARLY documented that Bush no longer considered Bin Laden a threat and in 2006 ended the committee organized to find and kill Bin Laden. I suppose that since he was able to capture and prosecute his nemesis, Saddam Hussein that he was no longer interested in pursuing the individual personally responsible for the Twin Tower demise, the attempt on the Pentagon and the death of thousands of innocent people.

Osama Bin Laden continued to create videos, make threats and denounce The United States and specifically stated that he planned further attacks on our country. I find it repugnant that the GOP has the audacity to claim credit for the death of Bin Laden! The Bush Administration ignored the warning signs that preceded the Twin Tower attacks, went to war with a country that ultimately had no hand in the attack and lead Americans into a long, drawn out war that has left us drained and disillusioned.

Finally! A victory to celebrate and a win for the Obama Administration. The war in Afghanistan is drawing to a close, the Tali Ban is losing velocity and it has NOTHING to do with the blundering actions of the former Administration.

Again, the GOP Spin chooses it's so called facts selectively, emphasizing the positives while ignoring the obvious failures. (FOX NEWS exceeds at this so well it is shocking!)

I read a poignant statement yesterday that rang surprisingly true:

"Those who forget history vote Republican."

The Success of President Obama

First and foremost, I apologize for my lack of blog posts over the few weeks. I have been dealing with some health issues and a myriad of family crises and issues.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a political rally in which our esteemed President, Barack Obama attended, lending his support to Oregon's gubernatorial candidate, John Kitzhaber.

I found the President mesmerizing and articulate while witty and clearly intelligent. I was pleased to hear him take credit for the successes of his presidency, something that I believe that he and my party have been lousy at communicating, which I find strange since communication has always seemed to be one of his strong suits.

The President stated that the Republicans must be under the impression that the American people suffer from amnesia. That we seem to forget that many of the current dilemmas that our country faces were the making of our previous Presidency and the political party in power. He is right. The Bush administration took a country with a strong economy, low unemployment rate, international respect and drove it all into the ground. The analogy made by the President Obama was amusing and accurate.

You have a situation where the Republicans drove a car into a ditch, and so the President and other Democrats rolled up their sleeves and attempted to rescue the car from the ditch while the Republicans watched, unwilling to actually help retrieve the car, but all the time criticizing the efforts being made saying "You're not pushing hard enough," or "You're pushing the wrong way!" So, the Democrats got the car out of the ditch, and it was a little beat up, needed to visit the body shop and get a well deserved tune up. He said it is funny how now that the car has been recovered from the ditch the Republicans want the keys back! Why would we, the American people give YOU the keys back?! You are the one's who drove the car into the ditch in the first place! We don't want to go backwards! We need to move forward, after all, you have to put the car in "D" (Democrats) for drive (forward) and "R" (Republicans) to go in reverse.

It was a humorous analogy and was right on the money. For a moment, let us account for what the President has accomplished during his first two years of his presidency.

1. He averted a depression: Sure the recession sucks, but if it weren't for the President's intervention, the financial crisis would have surely spiraled into a deep financial abyss, similar to that of The Great Depression. According to economists from Princeton and Moody, more than 16million jobs would have been lost if not for the TARP intervention, the Recovery Act and the Federal Reserve. Unemployment would have soared from the dismal 9.5% that it is now to 16.5%. The president has achieved through patience and
pragmatism what he was unlikely to win through political warfare.

2. Sparking recovery: In an attempt to brand his presidency in ways similar to that of FDR and the New Deal an and LBJ and the Great Society, he spoke of a "New Foundation." The Recovery Act was designed to lay the cornerstones of recovery and included the most progressive middle class tax cuts ever enacted, delivering benefits to 95% of working families, invested $94 billion in clean energy and $100 billion in education. If any one president had passed each of those legislation independently, it, in itself would have been a very significant record of accomplishment and rivals the biggest reforms of the Clinton presidency and it is extremely significant that it passed on Obama's 24th day in office.

3. Saving Detroit: The president injected $60 billion into the American Auto industry and in doing so placed a bet on the future of the U.S. auto industry. If the administration had allowed GM and Chrysler to go under, like the Republicans had wished for, it would have caused the collapse of part suppliers, and dealerships nationwide, creating such collateral damage that even Ford would have gone belly up. Additionally, it would have resulted in the loss of more than one million jobs and would have devastated the economies of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana where the unemployment rate is among the highest in the country.

4. Reforming Health Care: Obama's crowning legislative achievement is by far, Health Care Reform and true to Joe Biden's pithy and profane assessment, it's a "Big Fucking Deal." All progressives since Theodore Roosevelt wanted it and all Democrats since Harry Truman have fought for it and Barack Obama is the only president who got it. The health care reform extends coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans by expanding eligibility for Medicaid and subsidizing insurance for low and middle income citizens. By the end of the decade, 95% of Americans will have health insurance. Both extreme liberals and Republicans criticize Obama for both his concessions and lack there of, however, the Administration contends that if they would have stuck on the public option component of the initiative, then reform would not have happened at all. The choice came to letting Health Care Reform fail or or taking a huge leap forward for everyone who will benefit from this now and for generations to come; when it came down to it, it wasn't a hard choice to make.

5. Cutting Corporate Welfare: The health care bill is paid for partly by $136 billion paid out under Medicare Advantage, a Bush era debacle under which private insurers were larded with subsidies for the underhanded service of inserting themselves as middlemen between patients and governement run Medicare. He also cut out megabanks such as Sallie Mae, who have reaped the rewards by receiving millions by doing the paperwork for student loans, while still allowing the government to assume all of the risk. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act kicked out private banks from the student loan lending program, cutting lending costs by $60 billion over the next decade, while reinvesting $36 billion into federal education grants, historically black schools and community colleges. In addition places a cap on student loan repayment, placing a repayment cap of 10% of a borrowers annual income.

6. Restoring America's Reputation: I shouldn't need to say much more. When I spent time abroad during the early days of G.W. Bush's presidency, it was clear what a joke America and it's president were to those residing outside the confines of the U.S. borders. When talking with foreigners as well as U.S. citizens while in a different country I was embarrassed by the people's presidential choice, and I would like to mention how terrible it felt to be ashamed of my country, which happens to be the best country in the world. This was after 9-11 and after "freedom fries." Despite the dwindling NATO troops, U.S. approval ratings in western Europe have soared into the 60th and 70th percentile, needless to say, much much higher than during that of the Bush era. U.S. approval ratings have increased 10 points in Poland and Russia, 20 points in China, and 30 points in Indonesia, France and Germany. Overall, the world's confidence in the United States has increased from 21% in 2007 to a staggering 64% today, just three years later. Thank you Barack Obama: Thanks for nothing G.W. Bush. Obama has already repaired much of the damage caused by the latter Bush. Former Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, said in September, "(Obama) has restored America's reputation on the world stage."

7. Protecting Consumers: With the government TARP intervention, came financial institution reform. These reformations protect the consumers by preventing banks and other financial institutions making bets on wall street initiatives that would ultimately hurt the American economy and consumers (think about the mortgage crisis.) What I find most interesting about these newfangled reformations is that they are merely a reiteration of the former post "Depression Era" financial reforms. During the Clinton administration and the tech boom those financial restrictions were amended because we incorrectly assumed that the "Great Depression" was long ago and given the high flying times of the tech boom, seemed improbable at the time; the economy was great, people were employed and making a money hand over fist, and certainly the parameters that existed during the pre-depression times could not exist then. . . . .clearly we were wrong and those means of protection should have never been lifted. The new addition to the current financial reform was the restrictions placed on creditors; credit card companies have to list how long it will take to pay off debt with the minimum payment required, along with preventing them from placing deceitful increases in percentage rates without warning. It also makes it more difficult for credit card companies to lure college kids from accruing a lot of debt.

8. Launching a clean energy moonshot: Living in Oregon we are fortunate enough to live in one of the "greenest" states in the country. Portland is the most livable urban cities in the country. If you travel throughout the Columbia Gorge, you are confronted by the troves of wind/energy generating turbines nestled upon the rolling hills of the windy gorge. They are a site to be treasured and adored. Portland has also become the solar city of the country. The administration has mandated that all federal agencies are now required to reduce their carbon pollution by 28% in the next decade. That alone is enough to reduce carbon emissions by 101 million metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere.

In contrast to the ingenious political spin orchestrated by the GOP and the Tea Party, the Democrats have done a terrible job capitalizing on their achievements. Most progressives can not get over the compromises made in an effort to achieve such monumental acts of political reform. Average Americans are mostly clueless about the presidency's key achievements. Polls show that only 12% of Americans realize that Obama actually cut their taxes, and indeed most believe (inaccurately) that he in fact increased their taxes. Only 29% realize that the stimulus did in fact boost the economy while 81% believe that the health care reform will ultimately increase the national deficit.

While, my post today is lengthy, please pass it along to those who are clueless about the gains made by our charismatic President. The important message in all of this is to vote and make your voice heard. Be aware of what is, not what it seems to be. The political spin and Republican rhetoric is not indeed the truth. Seek out the truth and be an informed and educated American and Voter.

A small addition to the Serioulsy? No Death Panel?

There were a few things I failed to mention when I wrote my previous post today. I know that it is hard to believe, but I did not want to go on and on about the subject, but I feel ltike there are a few things that I should have included, and for that I am sorry.

First of all, The Constitution was loosely written because it was imperative that each of the original states ratify the concept, hence the Bill of Rights.

Additionally, in all fairness to the GOP a similar health plan bill was introduced during the Clinton administration, in fact nearly identical to our current "Health Care Reform Bill" was proposed by the GOP, namely Bob Dole, and the President (Clinton) declined to participate and all of this nonsense could have been avoided. Politics is politics and Clinton did not participate because of political implications and now, the GOP given a similar scenario, says the same. If Clinton had promoted the health care bill in 1994 then perhaps we would not be in the same situation we are now.

Maybe I am an Idealist and believe in the intrinsic good in people, but I truly believe that all Americans strive for the same thing. We have different perspectives, we may not agree on many of the "hot t0pics" but REALLY the division, is it that great that we should doom ourselves to the dismantlement of our core values? Afterall, we are of the same race and equal on levelness, with the exeption of creed.
I propose, put that BULL SHIT aside and act on what is right. Living in a contry that allows the freedom of religion and speech, we are entitled to our opinion. Remember, we are a GLOBAL socierty and everyone communicates.
It is our DUTY to participate in the governemtal process and if you don't (which is your choice) IF YOU HAVE A VOICE, USE IT
It is an opportunity to be heard, which id the acceptation to the rule, but without it we are lost>
FOR REAL USE IT

What? No Death Panels?

Six months ago after a long tumultuous fight, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, despite the death panel threats and the perceived immanency of the sky falling. We certainly dodged a bullet there, didn't we?!
The first step of the complete Act begins today puts an end to some of the worst insurance company abuses.

• Insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny insurance to those with preexisting medical condition to both children and adults.
• All new health plans MUST provide free preventative medical tests such as mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, and prenatal care.
• College students will now be allowed to remain on their parents' insurance plans until they are 26 years old, allowing the opportunity to find that well paying job that allows them to afford their own insurance premiums.

In 2011 the Medicare "donut-hole" will be closed and those utilizing the medicare plan will be able to afford all of their medications. At this time their medication coverage has nominal limits and senior citizens have to pay the remaining cost out of pocket.
I am having a difficult time figuring out the downside of all of this. Fox News said that the signing the Affordable Care Act was essentially shredding the Constitution.

The Preamble of The Constitution states "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Additionally, The Declaration of Independence declares "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

Under the Commerce clause in the Constitution, the government CAN force companies to offer insurance to their employees and there is no specific statement about presidential mandate for individual insurance.

Health insurance and the preventive care provided by insurance ensures our unalienable right to fight to secure our life and in this case, their health.
Everyone in our Executive and Legislative Branches were elected by the us, the people (at least those that voted) and in effect WE are the people responsible for "The Affordable Care Act."

In any case the act has been rolled out and no, Chicken Little, the sky is not falling, but in case something does fall from the sky and knocks you on the head, you will now have the opportunity to go the the doctor without paying through the beak.

How Can TEXAS rewrite history?

In May of this year, the Texas educational board voted and manipulated history, social studies and science. In an effort to enhance the role of "God" and the conservative agenda throughout our country's history and world sciences. One significant change made when rewriting history states is the idea that the founding fathers of our great nation were Christians and indeed, many of our founding fathers were Christians.There were large groups of many religious factions; Mennonites,Amish, Puritans, Jews and in fact several of our Founding Fathers were Deists.
Deism is a religious belief not big in practice today. The core of Deism believes that there is indeed a God who created man, then left man alone making him solely responsible for his own actions on this planet, to act on critical thought and reason. Deism pays no attention to the supernatural or miracles, and believes all things can be explained through reason. Deism reached it's height of popularity during the late 18th century, after the Age of Enlightenment and its ideals and perspectives were entral to the conception of our nation's Constitution and was the religious orientation of such scholars as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and John Adams. One of the most central and discussed component "the separation of church and state" is a direct result of the Deist influence.
Our country was founded nearly 250 years ago. . . the founding fathers; George Washington, Alexander Hamilton or Thomas Jefferson read many of the same books and studies that high school and college students read today. Authors like DesCartes and Nitsche and were well versed in the sciences such as the discoveries and hypothesis of Isaac Newton. These were men of knowledge and intelligence who were specific in their quest for a superior form of government and intentional with their diction.
Apparently, the Texas Board of Education didn't want to stop with changing what Texas students learn about history, they would like to ban "pro-Islamic" texts from Texas schools, removing books that could be interpreted as anti Christian or pro Islam instead of teaching them about the beliefs and cultures of others.
I find it appalling that we, as a nation who's First Amendment right protects freedom of speech and the freedom of religious practice and beliefs, continually stand by and allow our recorded history to be edited to reflect an inaccurate historical view AND remove books from the hands of students that teaches the belief system of Islam, which in it's true form is a peaceful religion.
Separation of Church and State. Let us not forget that we are a country built on religious freedom which was designed to protect its inhabitants from religious persecution, no matter what one's religious orientation is, whether one is a Deist, an Atheist, a Muslim or a Christian.

The Sarah Palin Effect

"The Oprah Winfrey Effect," is a well known phenomena detailing how a product endorsement by Oprah Winfrey generates companies millions of dollars. "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is the highest rated talk program in television history, with an estimated 44 million U.S. viewers a week – a demographic that has contributed to the success of products ranging from clothing to cake. The influence that Oprah Winfrey has on consumers is staggering.

I liken the influence of Oprah over consumers is similar to the influence that Sarah Palin has over her "Tea Party" sheep. It is becoming clear that a Sarah Palin endorsement can lead to great things if you are say an inexperienced "Brawny Man" like politician such as Alaskan Joe Miller or a homophobic, extremely right winged radical like Delaware's Christine O'Donnell who, incidentally believes that one can be "cured" of being gay. (Please!)The Tea Party Express, a major Tea Party organization has said that they would donate as much as $600,000 dollars toward the O'Donnell campaign. Really?

Unfortunately for the GOP, the Tea Party movement is gaining momentum and creating large divide between the more moderate Republican and the radical whack job Tea Party supporters. Lisa Murkowski lost her incumbency in Alaska, as did the three term Senator Bennett of Utah. Charlie Christ jumped the political fence to Independence when faced with losing the the Republican nomination in Florida. As the GOP is revs up toward the 2012 election they are not particularly in love with the fact that a Sarah Palin candidacy for President would ensure in an a second term for President Obama.

Sarah Palin could be the worst thing to happen to women in politics since, well, ever. As the subject of a criminal investigation concerning her governorship in Alaska, one would think that any critically thinking individual would give a second thought about cheering for someone who abused power as a governor and endorsing them as a Presidential candidate. But, I guess it just reinforces the collective level of intelligence of the Tea Party movement.

Who can forget the fact that Sarah Palin can see Russia from her house? This was just one of the many ridiculous things uttered by Sarah Palin. When asked by Glenn Beck which of her founding fathers were her favorite, she replied “You know, well, all of them because they came collectively together with…so much diversity in terms of belief but collectively they came together to form this union.” Eventually, after being prodded by Beck she said "George Washington," but any first grader could name our first U.S. President, right?

Equally as dim, but not surprising, while at a rally held in Alaska held on the observance of 9/11, she said “This Statue of Liberty was gifted to us by foreign leaders, really as a warning to us, it was a warning to us to stay unique and to stay exceptional from other countries. Certainly not to go down the path of other countries that adopted socialist policies.” I suppose she confused "foreign leaders" with the country of France and the thinks that "a warning" is synonymous with a gift of friendship.

Her influence and ignorance are incredible, but I wonder which is worse; Being the fool or the crowd of people cheering the fool on?

Democracy

Lately, I have been casually talking with people about my new blog. Surprisingly I have been caught off guard by the amount of people with whom I interact, who have little or no interest in current politics or policies; including those in my immediate family.

The root of the word "Democracy" comes from the Greek in origin; "Demo" or "Dem" which means people while "Crat" means rule or ruler. Therefor meaning, ruled by the people

John Adams, the second President of the United States of America and the first Vice President of our great country said "Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide."

Within the historical record there have been a few societal groups that gave democracy a try. The Greeks tried initially to demonstrate the integrity of democracy, giving all an equal voice but were eventually brought down by Alexander The Great, a representative of Macedonia.

Later, the Romans nearly mirrored the fallen Greek ideology, but eventually succumbed to the inherent conflicts of religion and societal values.

When the founding fathers contemplated the imminent government of the Americas, they settled on, after much debate, a version of past democracies. Ultimately it was decided that a system of check and balances, including The Executive Branch, The Congressional Branch (which includes The Senate and The House of Representatives) and the Judicial Branch, would be the most effective.

In our most recent presidential election, only 56.8% of eligible voting Americans showed up to the polls. In an election where such polarizing affects could be present, why would so few turn out to cast their vote?

We live in an incredible nation where we are fortunate enough to have an actual "say" in our politics. Many Americans feel as though their vote doesn't count, but I call "Bull Shit" on this. . .clearly the Electoral College has an effect on our presidency, but the voters declare their state governors, senators and congressional representatives.

In the past, I was the most complacent of Americans. I felt as though my vote did not count, my views were inapplicable and my voice meant nothing, but after casting my vote for President Obama, I waited and witnessed the inauguration of our first African American president I was overwhelmed by the importance of what had transpired. I was now a part of history. The question of "What would happen first; an African American president or a female president had been answered. I am in awe of the progress made within our country in just forty years, but at times am saddened by the lack of progress made within the being of some individuals.

Voters and non-voters: I appeal to you. Our republic, our democracy is built on public participation. Our forefathers gave us a voice and it is our responsibility to voice our opinions and contribute to the fate of our nation. If we choose not to participate in our innate American voting rights. our government and country will fold upon itself as was predicted by John Adams over 200 years ago

Our government has, to this point, been the exception of past democracies. To continue all, must participate in the voting process and cast out vote and opinion about our city, our state and our nation, or else the American experiment we call our government will be no longer.

A Picture is Worth a Million Unintelligble Words!

All of these shirts and the people wearing them attended the "Non" political event hosted by Glenn Beck on August 28th 2010. WOW!

Ground Zero and Starting Over

In 1803 in a letter to Edward Dawes, a mayor of Wilmington, Delaware at the time, Jefferson wrote "I never will, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance, or admit the right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others. On the contrary, we are bound, you, I, and everyone, to make common cause, even with error itself, to maintain the common right of freedom of conscience. We ought with one heart and one hand hew down the daring and dangerous efforts of those who would seduce the public opinion to substitute itself into . . . tyranny over religious faith."

I have read and reread this statement made by Jefferson, who, as most know, penned the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. This ideology is of equal importance today as it was when America declared emancipation from England and signed the Declaration of Independence into law, which matriculated to the writing and enactment of the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights; Freedom of Religion.

The very principal of our First Amendment supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or simply choose not to follow any religion at all. Additionally, the amendment also provides Americans the freedom to leave or discontinue membership in a religion or religious group.

The proposed mosque near Ground Zero has had very polarizing effects on our country. The "progressives" believe that disallowing the construction of said mosque infringes on our first and most integral of our amendment rights. While the extreme right side, aka "The Tea Party" believe that construction of the mosque spits on the holy site of the fallen twin towers.

I wonder how many of the Fox-watching protesters of the “ground zero mosque” know that Fox’s profits are flowing to a Saudi billionaire, bin Talal, who not only sympathizes with President Obama but also has a seven percent share in News Corp, the owner of Fox News. As summed up recently by Jon Stewart, the protesters who want “to cut off funding to the ‘terror mosque’ ” are aiding that funding by watching Fox New.

In the past, Democratic Presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Great Depression and John F. Kennedy and The Civil Rights Movement, have faced tough economic and social pressure and civil unrest, and they fought back fiercely toward their attackers for what they believed in and were able to establish and maintain a united sentiment.

The GOP has proven themselves to be masterful puppeteers equipped with the ability to manipulate and spin even the most innocent of comments and situations. The Democratic party needs to be more aggressive, organized and proactive acting with the intensity and vigor that has been demonstrated in the party's past.