Well, I have to admit that I officially have Winter Olympic fever. My roommate and I have been taping the Olympics via dvr everyday. Our recordings list has been taken over by Olympic programming. The bizarre thing is that I originally started taping the Olympics to keep up with the figure skating. However, I find myself watching just about any event cheering on team U.S.A (I mean who would have thought that snowboarding could be such a riveting sport). In the past, I wouldn't have given the Winter Olympics a second glance, but I am now anxious to get home to see check out the medal count. While I am prattling on about the Olympics, I must commend Vancouver on their excellent opening ceremonies. I was telling my friends that Vancouver's opening ceremony was the visual equivalent to China's technical masterpiece in August 2008. I also would be remiss if I didn't admonish the Vancouver Olympic officials for their poor handling of the luge incident. It appears to me (and anyone else with half a brain) that there was a design flaw in the track that caused the unfortunate death of the Georgian athlete (Nodar Kumaritashvili). The International Luge Federation (ILF) claimed the accident was due to athlete error yet made several changes to the track including lowering the men's start. At the end of the day, blaming the victim was in poor taste and beneath Vancouver Olympic officials and the ILF.
Moving on, I couldn't quite understand why I and millions of other Americans (the Winter Olympics is enjoying some of it's highest ratings ever) are so inexplicably drawn to these particular games. On the surface, it could be something as simple as the Olympic games are being held close to home (Vancouver is a stone's throw away from the U.S). However, as I pondered this interesting phenomenon, I began to wonder if the Olympics offer most Americans a break from the constant divisiveness that seems to plague our nation. When we watch the Olympics, we get to cheer for team U.S.A. We aren't cheering for a particular team from a certain state, or a political party, or a community, or a church or charitable organization. We collectively are pulling for our team representing the stars and stripes to bring home the gold. It is a refreshing change of pace from the continuous bickering that we see happening in Washington and around the country.
The Olympics are also a wonderful reminder that dreams do come true. As I watch the various athletes participating in the games fulfill their Olympic dreams, it gives me a little more hope that the problems that currently plague America can and will be fixed (I say this at the risk of sounding extremely bubble gum, sugar pop. Gag me now!). I am a die hard political junkie, and I enjoy the political differences and nuances that can make American politics so exciting. However, at the end of the day, I want to see our government getting things done so that my fellow citizens don't have to suffer from poor or no healthcare, lack of educational resources, unemployment, foreclosures, fear of terrorism, etc. Our politicians could learn something from the Olympics. Friendly competition is fine and fun to watch, but it is really the accomplishment at the end which can make all the difference in the world. Therefore, if making America better is the ultimate "gold", why are there members of Congress fighting so hard to keep "team U.S.A" off the podium?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
State of the Union and all that jazz.....
Last week, President Obama gave his State of the Union address before Congress. Now, I must say that at this point I'm still some what skeptical of the President's ability to lead instead of follow Congress, but this speech was definitely a step in the right direction. The major theme of the speech was, drumroll please, JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!!! The president outlined several bills and initiatives that he would like to see approved by Congress to aid in job creation. This included my personal favorite which is giving money to small, community banks to loan to small businesses. I believe that the administration did a good job in salvaging the big banks. However, the big banks are still steam rolling over the middle class. Therefore, I think that it is time for Americans to take their money and put it in credit unions and smaller banks, effectively pulling the plug on the steam rollers. For Americans to have trust and confidence in many of these smaller banks, they will need to be shored up by Washington. The President also used his SOU time to talk about healthcare (really there was only about 5 minutes on this issue), he discussed the military policy of keeping homosexuals in the closet (aka Don't Ask, Don't Tell), and he even took a swipe at the Supreme Court (yes, apparently even the mighty 9 can be dressed down). As pleased as I am by Obama's speech, actions speak louder than words, and the American people are ready for more than just lip service out of Washington.
Now, I would like to give a high five, dap, fist bump, and a h*ll yeah to our Commander in Chief. More impressive than the SOU speech, has been the President's Q & A sessions with Republicans and Democrats (see links below). The first session was held with Congressional Republicans, and it was anything but nice for the Republicans. They hurled thinly veiled attacks at Pres. Obama in the form of legitimate policy questions and concerns. Due to his cool demeanor, this is the arena in which Obama absolutely shines. He not only answered each question and addressed each concern, but he did it in such a way as to depict the Republicans as clearly the party of No, uh-uh, and all out obstructionism. The beauty of this little chat fest was that the President requested that it be aired on television which was a stroke of pure, political genius (I must say this is one of those rare instances where Republicans were actually caught being off their game). In the same spirit, he discussed policy issues with his own fellow Democrats on the air, and he wasn't any easier on his former colleagues in the Senate. He let them know in no uncertain terms that Americans are tired of the constant political BS in Washington, and they needed to be about the business when it comes to resolving many of the challenges faced by American citizens (he also laid this out to the Republicans. Of course, I giving the general gist of his conversation). For a political junkie such as myself, it was fascinating and interesting television. These are the types of transparent conversations that Obama needs to have more often so that the American people can actually understand why nothing can be accomplished in D.C. However, he still needs to drag defecting members of his own party (mostly Democratic Senators who are in hot water at home) into his office for a private chat. My suggestion would be that he let these particular Democrats know that he helped many of them get into office, and if they expect his help come November (and they most definitely will need his help), they better get in line behind his policies because there are bills which need to be passed immediately (in short, get 'er done!). If the threat of no campaign help doesn't work, he will have to utilize the big guns which would be basically the threat of a slash and burn campaign on any "pet projects" the Senator may hold dear. The bottom line is that before bipartisanship can be adopted, the Democrats still have to get their own house in order. The Q & A sessions at least show that the train is starting to roll out of the station, and this folks could be a very good thing, a very good thing indeed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1-jasxb7NY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AsM7bQ_JTU
Now, I would like to give a high five, dap, fist bump, and a h*ll yeah to our Commander in Chief. More impressive than the SOU speech, has been the President's Q & A sessions with Republicans and Democrats (see links below). The first session was held with Congressional Republicans, and it was anything but nice for the Republicans. They hurled thinly veiled attacks at Pres. Obama in the form of legitimate policy questions and concerns. Due to his cool demeanor, this is the arena in which Obama absolutely shines. He not only answered each question and addressed each concern, but he did it in such a way as to depict the Republicans as clearly the party of No, uh-uh, and all out obstructionism. The beauty of this little chat fest was that the President requested that it be aired on television which was a stroke of pure, political genius (I must say this is one of those rare instances where Republicans were actually caught being off their game). In the same spirit, he discussed policy issues with his own fellow Democrats on the air, and he wasn't any easier on his former colleagues in the Senate. He let them know in no uncertain terms that Americans are tired of the constant political BS in Washington, and they needed to be about the business when it comes to resolving many of the challenges faced by American citizens (he also laid this out to the Republicans. Of course, I giving the general gist of his conversation). For a political junkie such as myself, it was fascinating and interesting television. These are the types of transparent conversations that Obama needs to have more often so that the American people can actually understand why nothing can be accomplished in D.C. However, he still needs to drag defecting members of his own party (mostly Democratic Senators who are in hot water at home) into his office for a private chat. My suggestion would be that he let these particular Democrats know that he helped many of them get into office, and if they expect his help come November (and they most definitely will need his help), they better get in line behind his policies because there are bills which need to be passed immediately (in short, get 'er done!). If the threat of no campaign help doesn't work, he will have to utilize the big guns which would be basically the threat of a slash and burn campaign on any "pet projects" the Senator may hold dear. The bottom line is that before bipartisanship can be adopted, the Democrats still have to get their own house in order. The Q & A sessions at least show that the train is starting to roll out of the station, and this folks could be a very good thing, a very good thing indeed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1-jasxb7NY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AsM7bQ_JTU
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What's going on???
I have thought quite some time about how I would like to address the various issues in the media right now. I have to start with the devastation that occurred and is still going on in Haiti. My deepest condolences go out to all those who lost loved ones, and the Haitian people who are fighting a seemingly hopeless battle for survival. At long last, there seems to be some progress being made, and it is my hope that this country will be rebuilt stronger than before. It is also my hope that the Haitian people are not forgotten in the weeks to come, for they will need continued international aid and support for the forseeable future.
On the homefront, I am more confused than ever about the Democratic strategy and agenda. How is it that Massachusetts now has a REPUBLICAN senator? The truly disgraceful fact is that Senator-elect Brown is taking over the seat held by the late Ted Kennedy. The same Ted Kennedy who championed health reform for the majority of his life. Health reform that is now in serious jeopardy due to the election of Mr. Brown. Futhermore, why is it that this president has not learned how to effectively whip his party into line? Tonight President Obama delivers his State of the Union address before Congress and the nation. Now, I propose that there needs to be a a State of the Union address publicly, and a state of the Democratic party address privately.
In the State of the Union address, President Obamas is going to have to level with the American people. He needs to lay out the accomplishments of his administration (such as they were) over the previous year. He also needs to explain how his administration will be correcting any mistakes over the next year. He will also need to lay out his plan in terms of this country for the upcoming year. This essentially means that he should be discussing in great detail how he plans on getting people back to work and recreating middle class wealth. Americans don't want to hear about anything else with the exception of an update on security issues . I would also like him to put it out there to his opposition in Congress that the time for games is over, and he will basically being utilizing his steel toed boots and kicking some bootay this year (ok, I know he can't say this, but wouldn't it be nice to see a President go there in a State of the Union address for once). It would also be a good time for him to send out pink slips to certain members on his team who have been quite frankly DISASTROUS (Yes, Mr. Geithner, security will have to escort you out). After all, it is kind of weird to say that you will be getting tough with the banks when you have employed their best friend as the head of your economics team.
In terms of the state of the Democratic party address, he needs to let Democrats in Congress know that the game is most certainly about to change. It is no longer about them, but it is only about him and his plan for some real, substantial CHANGE. He needs to admit that he made a mistake in handing the reins of this party over to them, and he needs to kindly let them know that contrary to popular belief, he is indeed the HNIC. He needs to finally distribute the talking points for the next 3 months (I can't say enough about Democrats getting on the same page and staying there). These talking points will involve rescuing the healthcare bill and getting it wrapped up and put away. Then it is all about jobs, jobs, jobs, period. In the mean time, David Plouffe has been brought on to ensure that Democrats get elected in November. This means that there should be some type of major "get out the vote" campaign coming sooner rather than later. The bottom line is that the Democratic party looks absolutely pathetic. They control the white house and both houses of Congress, and what did they get passed last year outside of the stimulus which has banks rolling in the dough?? Basically, President Obama needs to let his party know that it is time to either shape up or ship out. With the 2010 elections being about 10 months away, the time to make this decision is NOW.
On the homefront, I am more confused than ever about the Democratic strategy and agenda. How is it that Massachusetts now has a REPUBLICAN senator? The truly disgraceful fact is that Senator-elect Brown is taking over the seat held by the late Ted Kennedy. The same Ted Kennedy who championed health reform for the majority of his life. Health reform that is now in serious jeopardy due to the election of Mr. Brown. Futhermore, why is it that this president has not learned how to effectively whip his party into line? Tonight President Obama delivers his State of the Union address before Congress and the nation. Now, I propose that there needs to be a a State of the Union address publicly, and a state of the Democratic party address privately.
In the State of the Union address, President Obamas is going to have to level with the American people. He needs to lay out the accomplishments of his administration (such as they were) over the previous year. He also needs to explain how his administration will be correcting any mistakes over the next year. He will also need to lay out his plan in terms of this country for the upcoming year. This essentially means that he should be discussing in great detail how he plans on getting people back to work and recreating middle class wealth. Americans don't want to hear about anything else with the exception of an update on security issues . I would also like him to put it out there to his opposition in Congress that the time for games is over, and he will basically being utilizing his steel toed boots and kicking some bootay this year (ok, I know he can't say this, but wouldn't it be nice to see a President go there in a State of the Union address for once). It would also be a good time for him to send out pink slips to certain members on his team who have been quite frankly DISASTROUS (Yes, Mr. Geithner, security will have to escort you out). After all, it is kind of weird to say that you will be getting tough with the banks when you have employed their best friend as the head of your economics team.
In terms of the state of the Democratic party address, he needs to let Democrats in Congress know that the game is most certainly about to change. It is no longer about them, but it is only about him and his plan for some real, substantial CHANGE. He needs to admit that he made a mistake in handing the reins of this party over to them, and he needs to kindly let them know that contrary to popular belief, he is indeed the HNIC. He needs to finally distribute the talking points for the next 3 months (I can't say enough about Democrats getting on the same page and staying there). These talking points will involve rescuing the healthcare bill and getting it wrapped up and put away. Then it is all about jobs, jobs, jobs, period. In the mean time, David Plouffe has been brought on to ensure that Democrats get elected in November. This means that there should be some type of major "get out the vote" campaign coming sooner rather than later. The bottom line is that the Democratic party looks absolutely pathetic. They control the white house and both houses of Congress, and what did they get passed last year outside of the stimulus which has banks rolling in the dough?? Basically, President Obama needs to let his party know that it is time to either shape up or ship out. With the 2010 elections being about 10 months away, the time to make this decision is NOW.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The year ahead...
2010 has finally arrived, and I wish everyone a very Happy New Year!!! New Year's is my favorite holiday. This statement usually garners strange expressions from people. Most people want to know how New Year's Day could be anyone's favorite holiday considering it is a celebration of just a day that happens to begin another year. I, however, find it to be an incredible blessing to be allowed to remain on this earth to see another year (the gift of life is always something to be celebrated). I also find that New Year's day is the one day out of the year where people are genuinely hopeful about their future, and they actually have faith (no matter what your religious affiliation) that their lives can be better tomorrow than it is today. 2009 was certainly a whirlwind of a year politically beginning with the inauguration of America's president (it was a moving moment in history, but it was freaking cold!!! I still have flashbacks every now and again, brrr.) to the passage of the healthcare reform bill in the Senate right before Christmas. Now that we have arrived at 2010, there is a lot of work that has to be done to continue to move our local, national, and international communities forward.
First, Atlanta held the inaugural ceremonies for our new mayor, Kasim Reed. It looks as though there is a change happening here, and we now have some new, young faces at the helm of city leadership. It will be interesting to watch the changes that our new mayor and city council president, Ceaser Mitchell implement. For all my Georgians, come November, we will elect a new governor. This is the time for us to start getting informed about the various issues facing our state and our individual cities. We need to take a hard look at the candidates and the positions that they have on various issues. Georgia, like most states, has been plagued with budget deficits, a failing healthcare and education system, a shortage and debate over water supply, out dated transportation systems, and most recently a state congressional scandal that is making things look extremely bleak for state Republicans. Over the coming months, I will discuss the candidates and their political stances on my blog. Once an informed decision has been made, the most important thing that we can do as citizens is go to the polls and vote.
Second, 2010 is the year that healthcare reform must be put to bed (ASAP), and the job situation has to be front and center for President Obama. The number of unemployed Americans is still relatively high. A new plan for resolving this issue needs to be created and implemented, and it will have to happen this year. The war on terrorism is another issue that needs some serious review by leadership. As we all know, a terrorist attempted to blow up a plane headed into Detroit on Christmas Day. The young bomber claims to have gotten his "materials" in Yemen. Okay, if Osama Jr. got his "materials" (and instructions which he clearly DIDN'T read. I guess suicide bomber isn't a career option for more educated, young men.) in Yemen, why have we been fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?? A war on terrorism can not be fought in any one country. If American leaders don't accept this one concept rather quickly, our young soldiers will be planted in the Middle East for the rest of our lives. Furthermore, if we continue to invade, occupy, and destroy other people's countries, they will only re double their efforts to come here and try to destroy our homes.
Finally, this is a huge election year for Congress. The balance of power in Congress will be determined by the coming election in November. It seems to me that Americans are always excited and geared up for presidential elections. However, when it comes time for midterm elections, we lose our gusto, forget about them, or simply don't care enough to go and vote in them. I would argue that this would not be the year to have that type of attitude. Now, obviously, not every seat in the House and Senate are up for re-election, but for those people sitting in districts where there are seats up for election, you need to start educating yourself on the candidates now. If you are an Obama supporter or Democrat, you have some big decisions to make about how you are going to vote in November. The Democrats did get a little lily livered toward the end of 2009, and there are many people that would like to punish them for caving on a number of issues ( I don't entirely disagree with this thinking). However, if people choose to put Democrats out of office in November, they could just swing the power in Congress into Republican hands. If President Obama can't get his agenda through Congress now, will he really be able to pass anything with a Republican controlled Congress? If he can't deliver on some of his 2008 campaign promises, what will his chances in 2012 be? There is no doubt that Democrats are in serious trouble come November, but the ultimate decision lies in the hands of the voters. Democrats need to wake up, smell the coffee, and realize this fact so that they can make a better case for keeping them around. Republicans have a little bit of an easier job because their base will be out in full force come November due to their hatred of this president and Congress. Republicans, however, should not count their chickens before they are hatched. They still have yet to propose any ideas that will offer real change to this country. As with the Georgia gubernatorial candidates, I will periodically discuss various congressional seats up for grabs and the candidates seeking them in my blog. With the retirement announcements this morning made by Sen. Dodd of Connecticut, Sen. Durgan of North Dakota, and Gov. Ritter of Colorado (all Democrats), 2010 is already looking to be an exciting and interesting political year!
First, Atlanta held the inaugural ceremonies for our new mayor, Kasim Reed. It looks as though there is a change happening here, and we now have some new, young faces at the helm of city leadership. It will be interesting to watch the changes that our new mayor and city council president, Ceaser Mitchell implement. For all my Georgians, come November, we will elect a new governor. This is the time for us to start getting informed about the various issues facing our state and our individual cities. We need to take a hard look at the candidates and the positions that they have on various issues. Georgia, like most states, has been plagued with budget deficits, a failing healthcare and education system, a shortage and debate over water supply, out dated transportation systems, and most recently a state congressional scandal that is making things look extremely bleak for state Republicans. Over the coming months, I will discuss the candidates and their political stances on my blog. Once an informed decision has been made, the most important thing that we can do as citizens is go to the polls and vote.
Second, 2010 is the year that healthcare reform must be put to bed (ASAP), and the job situation has to be front and center for President Obama. The number of unemployed Americans is still relatively high. A new plan for resolving this issue needs to be created and implemented, and it will have to happen this year. The war on terrorism is another issue that needs some serious review by leadership. As we all know, a terrorist attempted to blow up a plane headed into Detroit on Christmas Day. The young bomber claims to have gotten his "materials" in Yemen. Okay, if Osama Jr. got his "materials" (and instructions which he clearly DIDN'T read. I guess suicide bomber isn't a career option for more educated, young men.) in Yemen, why have we been fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?? A war on terrorism can not be fought in any one country. If American leaders don't accept this one concept rather quickly, our young soldiers will be planted in the Middle East for the rest of our lives. Furthermore, if we continue to invade, occupy, and destroy other people's countries, they will only re double their efforts to come here and try to destroy our homes.
Finally, this is a huge election year for Congress. The balance of power in Congress will be determined by the coming election in November. It seems to me that Americans are always excited and geared up for presidential elections. However, when it comes time for midterm elections, we lose our gusto, forget about them, or simply don't care enough to go and vote in them. I would argue that this would not be the year to have that type of attitude. Now, obviously, not every seat in the House and Senate are up for re-election, but for those people sitting in districts where there are seats up for election, you need to start educating yourself on the candidates now. If you are an Obama supporter or Democrat, you have some big decisions to make about how you are going to vote in November. The Democrats did get a little lily livered toward the end of 2009, and there are many people that would like to punish them for caving on a number of issues ( I don't entirely disagree with this thinking). However, if people choose to put Democrats out of office in November, they could just swing the power in Congress into Republican hands. If President Obama can't get his agenda through Congress now, will he really be able to pass anything with a Republican controlled Congress? If he can't deliver on some of his 2008 campaign promises, what will his chances in 2012 be? There is no doubt that Democrats are in serious trouble come November, but the ultimate decision lies in the hands of the voters. Democrats need to wake up, smell the coffee, and realize this fact so that they can make a better case for keeping them around. Republicans have a little bit of an easier job because their base will be out in full force come November due to their hatred of this president and Congress. Republicans, however, should not count their chickens before they are hatched. They still have yet to propose any ideas that will offer real change to this country. As with the Georgia gubernatorial candidates, I will periodically discuss various congressional seats up for grabs and the candidates seeking them in my blog. With the retirement announcements this morning made by Sen. Dodd of Connecticut, Sen. Durgan of North Dakota, and Gov. Ritter of Colorado (all Democrats), 2010 is already looking to be an exciting and interesting political year!
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