Does Your Vote Have A Price?

October 14th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Does the 15th amendment come with a price tags attached?   I’m starting to wonder.  This isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue.  This is an American Issue.  We are all given the right to vote, if we don’t take advantage of that right, should we be paid to do so?

I’ve started to talk to my friends more about politics in the last few weeks.  I usually leave the subject alone because they don’t really pay attention to the news.  When I throw the facts at them, they tell me I’m getting my information from the wrong places.  So I ask, where do you get your information?  They say, Ted from my job said.  And I stop them right there.

I got into this heated debate with my “life coach”, the person I talk to about personal stuff, and she said it’s about time the Government paid her for a change.  Now I know she is in the 40% of Americans that don’t pay any Federal Income Tax.  When I bought that up to her, she said I shouldn’t have to pay any taxes.

I could tell you the rest but I bet you can guess where this headed.  So now I asking, How much does your vote cost?

Most people think I’m talking about money.  That’s only half the equation.  Are you putting a price tag on your skin color?  There are black people that are voting for Obama just because he’s black and there are white people that are voting for McCain just because Obama is black.  And neither is right.  They are both putting a value on a non issue.

But that’s not the real issue at hand.  The major issue should be, If you have the right to vote, why do groups like Acorn even need to exist.  My “life coach” says, Most black people don’t think their vote counts and therefore they won’t vote.  What was the purpose of the 15th amendment?  What was the purpose of all the civil rights marches in the deep south?

People died so that black votes would count.  Not just black people, white people too.  Your vote counts.  And if you don’t believe that, Acorn has a cigarette and a dollar to prove it does.  Is that what your right is worth?

If it is, you shouldn’t be able to vote.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.  I can respect you voting because you think a candidate will lower your taxes but if you don’t pay taxes I don’t understand how you could use that as a reason to vote for any candidate.  Let me explain.

When Barack Obama says he’ll cut taxes on 95% of Americans, it’s a lie.  I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings but it’s the truth.  40% of Americans don’t pay taxes, so how will they receive tax cuts.  He changes the words so he doesn’t have to say I’m creating a welfare state.  Where I’ll take money from the Rich that pay taxes and send a check to those who don’t.

My husband to be wanted to vote for Obama.  And I have had a hard time trying to explain why that wouldn’t be a good thing.  Luckily Obama did it for me.  At a campaign stop, Obama was asked by a small business owner if he was going to have to pay more taxes.  Obama responded by saying he is trying to spread around the wealth.

Finally my man got mad.  He works 6 days a week and the thought of free checks for those who refuse to work made him mad.  He finally got it, with no assistance from me.   Obama will create a government where the top pays for the bottom.  It sounds good, unless you plan on getting to the top in this life time.

Now McCain isn’t free from criticism on this issue either.  He had the perfect opportunity to put his money, I mean the American People’s money, where his mouth is and he didn’t.  McCain should have voted against the Bailout but he didn’t.  He too attached a price tag to your vote.  He doesn’t plan on making a welfare state, but he still let the government, wall street, and the American People who signed on the dotted line off the hook for this crisis we are currently in.

Are these two candidates really the best America has to offer?  Or do we as Americans like the Quid Pro Qou of politics?  If you vote for me, I’ll give you this.  Should we change our standards and make the candidates run on policy not on profit for ourselves.   Should we limit emotion and vote more practical.

If you don’t believe in Abortions, then why would you vote for Obama.  Is it because you think you’ll no longer have to pay for healthcare?  If you don’t believe in War, then why would you vote for McCain?  Is it because you make over $250,000 and believe Obama tax increases would cause you to lose your home.    That’s what our politics have come down too.  What’s best for me, not what’s best for the country.

And if that’s the truth, then you can’t blame the politicians for not listening when we speak out.  Well you can blame them but it’s not fair.  They are only doing what you respond too.  If you said we don’t want any new spending and any candidate that offers more government spending will feel the wrath of American voters, how would that change the landscape of Politics?

What could a Politican promise if the American people wanted facts instead of fairy tales.  If you believe any candidate that says I’ll fix all the problems in America, then you are a fool.  Problems will continue to exist no matter who is President.  We can’t control actions other nations.  Hell we can’t control actions of the American People.  And being that we all are human, mistakes will me made.

So instead of asking who will give you more, ask who will make an effort to not create more problems. If you are pissed off that the government is now into banking, imagine what will happen if they get their hands on Healthcare, College Tuition, or any thing else in the private sector.  Does government intervention help anything?

Pay attention when they put the price tags on your rights.  When they figure out they can pay for your vote, then they don’t have to run on policy.  They can run on your emotion.  They can use fancy words or straight talk without mentioning how they actually plan on running this country.  And this is up to us as the American People to stop.  But it’ll only happen when we put our Country’s needs before those of our individual needs.

The truth is, betting on America as a country, is way better than voting for any single politician.  Then your vote will be priceless.

Waiting For Perfection To Pray

October 13th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

In my first post this morning, I prayed.  I prayed for God to continue to guide me.  And what do you know, I get a call questioning whether it’s hypocritical to pray when you are a sinner.  God works in mysterious ways.

First, he let’s you know he’s listening.  He let’s you know your prays are heard and for that I am eternally thankful.   Then, he sends you a message to let you know you are on the right path.  When strife or uncertainty come it’s wonderful to know you have someone on your side.

Now let me tell you what’s on my heart right now.  If you wait for perfection to pray, you will be waiting forever.  We are human and we sin.  No one is without it and no one is above it.  The difference comes in the acknowledgment.  Can you admit you are not perfect?

Criticism is often hurled my way that I think I’m better or above those around me.  I’ve never made such an assumption of myself.  I know I have short falls and I’m the first to admit to those.  But I also know that I am a work in progress, that might never be fully completed, but I continue on.  Because I’ve been without God’s guidance and I know what that gets you.

So instead of focusing on me.  Focus on you.  When you feel the world begin to crumble around you, take it to God and leave it there.  He will answer.  Don’t expect your problems to disappear, it doesn’t work that way.  But you can expect peace.  That feeling that comes and eases your breathing, relaxes tense muscles, and destroys the once present knots in your stomach.  I’m a witness.  God is Good, All The Time.

So when the turmoil starts.  You should start to pray.  Don’t worry if you are a sinner.  God knows you.  He knows your heart and if you come to him with sencerity, then he would know that too.  And no matter how bad you think you are, God has seen worse.  And he will not hold against you things in your past.  In fact it’s just the opposite.  He will wash your past away.  And will love you like a new born child.

Just give him the chance.  Close your eyes and open your heart to him.  He will fill the spaces that are currently occupied with doubt and darkness.  He will mend old wounds and give new purpose, if you let him.  So today, tonight, and tommorrow I will pray for you.  And I know God answers prayers.  So when you feel that tap on you heart, answer.  I’m sending my love with it and I hope you will accept.

This site isn’t supposed to be super religious.  But I can’t deny God’s presence.  When he tells me to write in his name, I will.  When he tells me that my place is lighting darkness, I charge my batteries.  When he blesses me, I have to give a blessing back.  So if you came here today because you heard I was a spitfire, maybe you’re meant to be one too.  Maybe my journey isn’t meant to be alone.  Maybe I’m supposed to light your life and bring you with me.  I’ll say it one more time.   God Is Good.

A Prayer For My Daughter

October 13th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

The last few days have been tough for me.  In one week and two days my daughter will undergo eye surgery.  So I’ve been looking at her and feeling the knots in my stomach tighten everyday.

I’ve felt some of the passion I use in my writing melt away.  Instead I’ve been focusing on lucky I am to be blessed with such a beautiful, thoughtful, and intellegent child.  So please bear with me until the dust settles.

<a href=”http://whydidyousaythatgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/hpim0741.jpg”><img title=”hpim0741″ src=”http://whydidyousaythatgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/hpim0741-300×223.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”223″ /></a>

A Prayer For My Daughter

Dear Lord,

You are indeed great.  When the doctor’s said I could never concieve, you had different plans.  When my friends said I would never find a man that could handle my attitude, you made one just for me.  When I thought I wouldn’t have the patience to handle a baby, you gave me strength.  God is Good.

When I first had my daughter I was scared out of my mind.  I thought I would kill her because I didn’t have the experince of handling an infant.  I lost my mother the day I found out I was pregnant so my support system was low.  But I had you, Lord.  I felt your hand calm my soul.  I let my voice sing your praises and you answered.  Giving me patience, compassion, but more than that, you gave me faith everything would be O.K.

I come to you now asking for that faith one more time.  God, please put your hands on me and calm my soul.  Put your hands on my daughter and watch over her in the coming days.

I’ve spent years worrying how I would raise her.  Would I give her the self confidence installed in me by my mother?  Would she love and trust in you like I do?  Would her struggles by lessened by the struggles I’ve endured?

But you have taught me, I’m not my mother.  I can give my daughter self confidence without installing fear.  I can teach her to love the Lord by showing her how much I do.  But most of all, I will not try to lessen all her struggles because that’s what will give her strength.  And with you by our side, I know that every thing will be all right.

Dear God

During my time of uncertainty I also ask to you to keep my voice fresh.  When I sit to write, I don’t think of what will come out.  I let the words you put in my heart come through my fingers and onto a page.  And I thank you for that ability.  Lord I just ask that you keep me doing your will.  I know I can not fail with you by my side.

While I’m here praying for myself, dear Lord, I also ask that you keep your hands on our troops in harm’s way.  Let them know that you are watching and give them strength continue on.  A selfish prayer would be to ask for them to come home without first completing what you have sent them to do.   So instead, I ask that you take my prayers to them and let every heart know that they are being prayed for.  Let every woman and man know they are respected and appreciated because without them there would be no me.

And Lord, keep your hands on our country.  Watch over our President, both candidates for the presidency, every politician, every member of the upper, middle and lower class.  Give us all ability to see that this is nothing more than your will.  And you would never take us where you couldn’t watch over us.  Give us calm to know you guide us, so we can’t go wrong.

All these things I ask in your name.  Amen.

Will Republicans Wimp out on Race?

October 12th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I usually don’t post something someone else has written, but this will be an exception.

Will Republicans ever fight back when it comes to charges of racism or racial insensitivity? Democrats—and many of their allies in the mainstream media– are masters at putting Republicans on the defensive on race—even when significant numbers of their own in Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania said that race was a factor in supporting Clinton over Obama .

Regardless of their racial “glass houses,” when the political battles begin in earnest, you can be certain that many liberal Democrats and Obama supporters will throw the usual “racism stones” and make race baiting a key tool of the fall campaign. It has already begun. When Democratic Chairman Howard Dean recently said that Republicans use race baiting, hate and divisiveness, there was nary a peep from the National Republican Leadership or its surrogates. The same when he said that that the Republican National Committee could get a large number of people of color in a single room only if the “hotel staff” were present.

The Obama candidacy is cheapened when his supporters in the liberal media, including some black journalists, and their allies, are quick to label any criticisms or lack of support as racism. If working class white Democrats in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, along the I-4 corridor and in the Panhandle do not identify with Obama’s elitist comments on guns, or religion or his liberal views on domestic and foreign policy they must be unenlightened “rednecks” or “hillbillies.” If black or Hispanic, they must be “sellouts” for not supporting a “person of color.” Indeed, it cheapens Obama’s success for his supporters to claim any criticism is race based.

When the racial shoe is on the other political foot, however, white liberals and the media do not sing the same “they must be racists” tune.

Just two years ago, Kenneth Blackwell, former secretary of state of Ohio and Republican nominee for governor, was the first black person to be a candidate for governor of a major party in the state. Lynn Swann was the Republican nominee for governor of Pennsylvania and Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor in the state of Maryland and the first African-American to serve in statewide office, was candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Steele especially was the object of vicious racist attacks by black and white liberal Democrats. All three of these outstanding black candidates lost. Were the whites who voted against them racist and the blacks and Hispanics who supported their white opponents traitors? Where was the call for racial loyalty by blacks and the so-called enlightened liberal progressivism of the elite liberals in these elections? I do not recall hearing cries of racism from black or white Democrats—or Republicans. Were these men rejected because of race, philosophy or political affiliation? Liberals, black and white, would say it was—surprise–political philosophy.

If white and black liberals can have the luxury of rejecting black Republican candidates because of political affiliation and philosophy, why can’t black, white, and Hispanic Republicans or Independents oppose a black Democrat—Obama—because of his positions on domestic and foreign policy matters?

When it comes to race baiting, given their party’s history, Democrats should be the last group to criticize anyone on race and Republicans should not wimp out and be silent when they do. Republican leaders, black and white, should remind liberals and the media that it was the Democratic Party that gave us slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, opposition to anti-lynching laws and George Wallace-Lester Maddox stand-in-the-doorway obstruction to civil rights.

Let it not be forgotten that it was the Democratic Party—including Obama and Clinton who agreed with the process—that disenfranchised nearly two million Floridians until that process was reversed recently by the party’s Rules Committee. Prior to that action, the silence and lack of protest from state and national civil rights and liberties establishments, as well as black and liberal leaders, was deafening. Remember how they shouted “every vote counts” and descended on Florida attempting to blame Republicans for allegedly “disenfranchising” Florida voters in 2000? The hypocritical message on disenfranchising voters: “If Democrats do it, no problem; if Republicans, then we protest.”

Finally, Democrats should be reminded how they and their allies have turned race baiting and racial divisiveness into an art form as we saw in a Missouri Democratic Party ad implying that electing Republicans would bring about cross burnings and the 2000 NAACP ad accusing then Gov. George W. Bush of being complicit in the dragging death of James Byrd, even though Bush supported the death penalty for the perpetrators.

There is perhaps no better way for state Republican Parties and the McCain campaign to respond to such attacks than to take a cue from the Republican Party of Florida and work to develop their own corps of black, Hispanic and women surrogates who will fight back. These surrogates would let Democrats and their friends in the media know that race baiting will not be met with silence and the usual Republican “turn the other cheek” philosophy. This would forcefully remind the media and the electorate that the issues in this campaign are not about race, gender or ethnicity, but rather who has the integrity, experience and judgment to be Commander in Chief; who best understands the threats to our freedoms from those who want to destroy us; and who will demand accountability in K-12 education so that black and Hispanic children can compete in the 21^st century world.

Such surrogates would remind working class and blue collar independents of all races that Obama and the Democrats will raise taxes, convert our health care system into a post office- like “take a number and stand in line” government monopoly, and will turn the other cheek to terrorists.

They would remind Americans and the world that it is the United States, at the direction of President George W. Bush, which has given billions to fight HIV/AIDS and disease in Africa; worked to end genocide in Darfur; sends millions in food aid and relief to disaster stricken areas of the world and supports free trade in our hemisphere to aid our neighbors and benefit our and their economies—all of which are ignored and discounted by the Obama machine. Democrats and their media allies usually ignore the good that American does in the world.

Clarence V. McKee is communications chair of the Broward County Republican Party and a member of the African-American Advisory Council of the Republican Party of Florida.

A Different View for Whoopi Goldberg

October 8th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Elizabeth Hasslebeck catches a lot of grief for telling her views on The View. I won’t pretend I watch the show. I never have. If you know anything about me, you know that’s not how I roll. But if I ever had the chance to go on the view, it would go a little like this.

First off, I want to thank you, Whoopi. Since I was a little girl, I looked up to you. I watched your movies like a religion when I was young and they are still ranked high on my list of best movies ever. Of course, Color Purple is my all time favorite. I’ve watched it 4 to 5 times a year, sometimes more, for the last 15 years.

Celie inspired me to pray harder; God doesn’t take you through the bad stuff without a plan. Celie inspired me to want to teach myself; I was living with my dad and and evil step mother, I didn’t get much encouragement. Celie and Nettie’s relationship made me want to stay close to my sister; which is funny because we watch it on those days we have nothing to do and we still do the hand slaps every time. And you, Whoopi Goldberg, gave me inspiration that one day I could make my dreams come true.

One day I was sitting around with one of my older brothers and I said ‘I think Whoopi Goldberg is beautiful’. Oh, he laughed and laughed and I got mad. See, he didn’t think you fit into what was beautiful. I saw this black woman doing it by not trying to fit in, but by trying to stand out. I own Sarafina, Jumpin Jack Flash, Fatal Beauty, Corrina Corrina, Made in America, Sister Act 1 & 2, Clara’s Heart, Ghost of Mississippi, hell I even watch “Call Me Claus” every year.

That’s why I’m so pissed off at you. I don’t think you understand the power you have over young women’s lives. Because I know that there are women like me that can’t wait until their daughters get old enough to watch and understand ‘The Color Purple’. You could be spread a message to all women that we can make it.

Prior to this show, I did a little research into your career. And I noticed something I normally don’t pay attention to. You are one hell of an accomplished woman. One of only a few to win an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy, and a Grammy. I don’t pay attention to stuff like that because I think so many movie roles go unnoticed on Award Shows. But hell, you rack them up. And reading that only made you more of an inspiration to me.

I know how to separate the lessons from the people. Because right now, I agree with my brother, you are one hell of an ugly woman. To see you trying to fit in makes me want to vomit. O.K. maybe I’m being a little melodramatic. It sure makes me want to curse.

It makes me want to say things like. How in the hell can you sit here and tell me that there are not opportunities for me now, when your ass started acting 20 something years ago. You trying to tell me that times are worse now than they were then. Bullshit.

Right about now, probably a lot earlier, one of the white co-host would make a comment. To which I would respond. “You’re a Racist. I’m trying to talk to my black sister and you want to bring me down. You must be a Racist.”

And then as everyone starts yelling the stupid shit I see in clips here and there, I would look at Elizabeth Hasslebeck and say “Chill out, I got this one. Enjoy.”

I’m going by the standard of God All Mighty Barack Obama. If anyone questions anything about him, they must be a racist or if black, a self hater. Oh wait. Does that only apply to the “Messiah”. So if you don’t want to hear the word “Nigga” out of Elizabeth’s mouth, then I don’t want to her shit out of Barbara’s or Joy’s. Or are you some how the only special one that can decide who can say what.

So Whoopi, As I was saying. You make me want to say things like. “How in the fuck could you have been the all time highest paid actress at one time and turn around and tell me the system is going to hold me down. Did the system breakdown after you became a Millionaire.” Or

The basic stereo type for a woman is Tall, Skinny, Straight Hair and you are none of those. Could it possibly be because your talent stood out. Are you trying to say I don’t have the talent you had to stand up and make them take notice? To over achieve my wildest dreams just like you did?

Or are you trying to tell me that once you make it to the top it’s just better to fit in? All you viewers out there understand that. She didn’t try to fit into what the world thought she should be. But she would not be denied. Her Talent would not be denied. So when she tells you, “The government is out to get all black people, question why they haven’t got her ass.” So when she asks if she’ll ever be a slave again, “Tell her ass she ain’t never been a slave before.”

But maybe because you’ve been such a inspiration to me, Ms. Goldberg, I’ll ask you this. “Would it kill you to look into that camera and tell every single black girl and boy, man and woman watching that no matter who becomes President, just look at me as inspiration that you can do it.?”

Can you look into that camera right there and tell the Viewer’s, “Your success depends on nothing but the work you put into it. There is no phantom in the night waiting to steal all your hopes and dreams. They are out there for the taking.”

Or explain to me Barack Obama, Jay-z, 50 cent, every black doctor, lawyer, judge, C.E.O., every small business owner; why can they do it, even when times are bad, and I can’t. We are everywhere now. And you should be using your position to let everyone know that. Instead you feed them crap to make them want to fit in. To make them want to use excuses I’m sure you never used when working your way up the ladder. Because excuses don’t get you anywhere. Action does. Tell that to the cameras.

How much did you have to sacrifice to make it? Tell them, so they can understand they are not the only one’s to have doors slammed in their faces. It’s only important that you keep on knocking. Tell them don’t try to fit in because then you don’t get noticed. Use your wit to explain what would have happened if you straighten your hair and tried to be the sexy vixen. Tell them what would have happened if you didn’t value your own opinion of yourself more than the opinions of others.

Instead you install fear. Fear to even try. What’s up with that?

——————————————————————————-

Now I’d expect the fast, slick talking Whoopi to be ready with a response. I doubt very seriously she would sit there and take the words of a “Nobody” like me. But what does that tell you about how they think about you. All of the One’s that make it to Millionaire status and only tell one half of the story. They speak as though it’s impossible to make it in America, then you see them on cribs.

I’m not be a Millionaire, yet, so I can understand your hesitation to lock on to this. If you try to fit in with out being a Millionaire first, then you will go unnoticed. But if you go in with talent that can not be denied, if you go in and stand out, then any thing is possible. Don’t worry, when I get to the top, I’ll still be pushing the same message. It’ll just be a little more like, “Come with me. How can I help you get rich, too.”

And when the excuses come, I won’t validate them. Even if they happen to be true. Because it’s only a speed bump, it’s not the be all end all. Just get up. We got more knocking to do.

P.S. The only reason I put the link for The View on my page was to show the hypocrisy. I’ve seen the clips of how they treated John McCain in his interview. The they put the nice cozy picture on the front of their web page, with no pictures of Barack Obama. Yeah, like we’re buying that.

Who’s Your Friend? The Keating Five and Bill Ayers

October 7th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

The campaign is really beginning to heat up. With Barack Obama leading in the national polls, it’s time for the gloves to come off. The heat up started after the outstanding performance by Governor Sarah Palin at the V.P. debates. And neither campaign in stepping down.

McCain’s campaign began to bring up Barack Obama’s ties to Bill Ayers. And in response, Barack Obama brought up McCain’s ties to the Keating Five. Now comes the comparison of Character. Should we take a look?

The People Involved

McCain and the Keating Five- Charles H. Keating Jr. was the owner of American Continental Corp. One of it’s subsidaries was Lincoln Savings and Loans. The shit hit the fan in 1987. The federal government had Keating under investigation for defrauding bond holders. 23,000 people lost most of their life savings, including many elderly. The Keating Five consisted of Four Democrats, Alan Cranston (CA), Dennis DeConcini (AZ), John Glen (OH) and Donald Riegle (MI), and one Republican John McCain (AZ).

Obama and Bill Ayers- Bill Ayers was a member of the Radical Group, the Weather Underground, in the 1960’s. They were made famous when they bombed the Pentagon. Then Ayers went on to found the CAC, The Chicago Annenberg Challenge, were Barack Obama held affiliation from 1995-2001. A group that lobbies for more liberal teaching in Public Schools. To this day, Bill Ayers holds no remorse for bombing the country he calls home.

Were They Really Involved

McCain was friends with Keatings. That was never in dispute. Before the S&L debacle, Keating was a major contributor to the McCain Campaign. McCain even vacationed at Keating’s place in the Bahamas on Keatings’ dime. When Keating called on Senators to help him with the probe of Lincoln Savings and Loans, McCain showed up. McCain stated that he wanted to make sure one of his constituents was not being treating unfairly by over regulation.

Bill Ayers founded the Group CAC, and Barack Obama was it’s leader. Is that enough to link Ayers to Obama? Just think about this. If you founded a company that handed Millions of Dollars to organizations in your state, would you play a role in picking the leader of your company? There are CAC Archives in the Richard J. Daley Library at the University of Illinois at Chicago that would point at Obama and Ayers being partners in the growth of the CAC.

The Outcome

John McCain refused to speak to regulators on Keatings’ behalf. Leading Keating to call McCain a wimp. Keating came to McCain with a laundry list of demands and McCain told Keating he was only there to make sure Keating was being treated fairly and nothing else. The Senate Ethics committee found no wrong doing for McCain. He was tacked with “poor judgement”. McCain later wrote a book that called the debacle the asterisk on his career.

It’s hard to write these things about Barack Obama. The media has made the story a none issue and it’s hard to find information about the subject. All I can say. The CAC is still giving money to Acorn and Barack Obama uses Acorn to maximise minority voter registration. So there are still ties between Obama and Ayers, even if you put another company in the middle.

The Character

McCain never once said, “I don’t know Keating.” He never said, “I played no part in this scandal.” He even wrote a book detailing his role in the whole debacle. He even notes, “That’s what made we work so hard towards reforming our government.” It also struck me that McCain was the lone Republican in this matter. Even when he was young and stupid, he went across party lines. That has to say something for the man’s character.

Obama said, “Ayers is just some guy from my neighborhood.” Obama has written two books with no mention on Ayers or his time at the CAC. Most of the work he did there is left up to interpretation. We know he handled the money. And when educational groups came to this educational reform body asking for money to help with Math and Science programs they were turned down. The cause wasn’t liberal enough. So math and science isn’t as important as teaching minorities to continue to protest against the government. So for 6 years Obama sat on a Board with Ayers and claims he doesn’t know him.

The Point

Sarah Palin is ushering in a new type of Politician. In the past you had to be connected to established members of a Party to be considered eligible to run for office. You had to have the backing of certain money men and the influence of present and former Politicians. So you can’t actually blame Obama or McCain for some of their acquaintances. You have to play the game to get into the action.

Having said that, your connection to the acquaintances are fair game. I thinks it’s reprehensible that when trying to bring up the matter of character, race is thrown into the equation. If you want to question Barack Obama’s affiliations, then you are a racist. If you want to question his decision making, then you are a racist. If you want to know anything about Barack Obama that he hasn’t said himself, then you are a racist.

Well the truth of the matter. If Barack Obama had came out and said, “Yes, Ayers was once a terrorist but now he has mended his ways. Since serving with him, I’ve learned alot. Whether I agree with his tactics or not.” He knew the American People would roast him alive. See, it doesn’t matter if Ayers bombed the Pentagon 20 years ago. He still bombed the Pentagon and the American People are not that forgiving. So instead of taking the bumps that go with the decisions you’ve made, you deny there ever was a connection. And the media follows suit.

Another Point

When McCain brings up Reverend Wright, what will Obama’s response be? To link McCain to Pat Robinson or John Hagee? The truth again will get distorted. McCain was never a member of either Pastor’s church. Not like Obama who spent 20 years, a marriage and two baptismals in Trinity United Church of Christ. Not to mention the fact that Obama said he never heard anything hateful from his Pastor. Does this hit on character?

Or does it mean the Rev. Wright waited until Barack Obama started to run for President before beginning to spout all his non sense. I don’t think so. Rev. Wright was one of Barack Obama’s most avid supporters. Wright even said, Obama is playing politics when it comes to denouncing Trinity. And I wonder why Obama didn’t leave when Oprah left. I mean she’s one of his biggest supporters today, why is there no questioning of why she left. It couldn’t be she didn’t like sitting in a church where the Pastor damned the country that made her a Billionaire, could it? So if Oprah heard the hate speech and left, why didn’t Barack Obama hear it. I’m just saying.

For more info on Keating Five

For more info on Bill Ayers

Social Welfare or Corporate Welfare; The Here and Now or the Future

October 6th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

The main issue on the heart of Americans right now is the $700 Billion Bail Out of Wall Street. Most of Us don’t want it and are pissed off the bill was passed into law. But that’s said and done and there is no real reason to continue to protest. So I decided to take a look from another perspective.

A term used to explain this bail out is corporate welfare. Allowing companies that continuously make decisions based on the right now and not the future, to continue to exist no matter how detrimental. Blame is placed at the feet of Wall Street and the entire country wants them to be held accountable for the mess. The Politicians don’t want to point fingers at themselves. The American people don’t want to take responsibility for their actions. So all fingers are pointed towards Wall Street.

When did we stop pointing fingers at the people that take advantage of Social Welfare? You know the ones’ that make decisions based on the right now and not the future, no matter how detremental. They want to point fingers else where, but that’s o.k. When did the calls cease to make these people stand up and take responsibilty for their actions or inaction?

Oh there she goes picking on black people again.

Let me fill you in on something. There are more than just black people on public assistance. Why do you always jump to throw black people into the category of the poor and needy? That’s a sterotype you need to work on. Stop bringing it to me.

Now back to what I was saying. Let’s deal with some of the differences first. Get the arguments out of the way.

Wall Street is already rich; Why do they need a bail out?

O.K. Wall Street is a place. Without people Wall Street would be a road with some buildings. So the true statement is most people on Wall Street are rich. But let me break that down for you even more. If you have a 401K then you are a part of Wall Street. If you own a home, then you are a part of Wall Street. If you invest in anything, stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, you are a member of Wall Street. Now tell me again that most people on Wall Street are rich.

Wall Street is greedy; Why do they need a bail out?

Americans are greedy. You know it and I know it. It isn’t a bad thing though. It forces companies to compete, lowering prices and garnering more choices. It forces Average Americans to continue their educations and save money to reach the American Dream. It’s when you lose track of your purpose that the problems come in.

When you begin to think owning a home is a birth right and not a privilege, you are letting your greed out weigh common sense. As a politician, if you think it is more important to give some one a house instead of teaching them to be home owners, your political greed outweighs common sense. As a business owner, if you think it’s more important for your C.E.O. and Board of Directors to get large checks instead on focusing of the over all strength of your company, you guessed it, your greed outweighs common sense.

Side note: Giving houses instead of teaching people to be home owners. Please read my article “I want to eat for a lifetime” Then you can understand the importance of this comment.

So how does the Bail Out of Wall Street compare to the yearly Bail Out of Main Street? Basically, Corporate welfare Vs. Social Welfare.

Last year, the Federal Government spent $570 Billion on Social Welfare programs. That’s welfare and Medicaid, combined. So if you take the one time major Bail Out of Wall Street, (I’m not so stupid to think another one isn’t coming) and compare it to the annual Bail Out of Main Street, who actually should be getting alot more blame placed at their feet?

It’s right to say that Wall Street took a risk with it’s money. It’s right to say that they are greedy. But it’s also right to say that Main Street should look at itself when talking about huge deficits and more government spending. Just because the numbers aren’t loudly talked about, doesn’t mean they don’t exist and don’t have a tremendous impact on our economy. Not just in a crisis but overall.

With all the finger pointing, alot of things get lost in the translation. The first step in this process was a good premise. Let Wall Street help Main Street by giving more loans to more people. You would call Wall Street greedy for going along with this but they didn’t have much of a choice.

There is Group called ACORN, the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now. Are there any famous community organizers you know? Of Course, Barack Obama. He was once a lawyer for this group. They mainly work on Voter Registration but they also dabble into housing issues. Well a young Barack Obama stood with ACORN against the state of Illinois for not offering an adequate amount of loans to lower class citizens and he won.

Making it more difficult for financial institutions to turn down mortgage loans. See, what started as Main Street Assistance lead to the big Wall Street Bail Out. Then when the shit hits the fan, nobody wants to take responsibility. So we all point the finger at a road with some buildings on it because the road can’t fight back.

So the next question becomes, “What will happen with more Social Bail out on top of the Corporate Bail Out? Will that make everyone happy? Or is that exposing the real greed of America? Wanting everyone to get something, no matter how it weakens our Government as a whole.

Are we really that greedy? Or is this the time we strap down and conserve. Maybe the retail stores would hit a snag but that would be better than major finanicail institutions going under. This should be the time we do invest. Show confidence in your Country to do more than Bail Out Wall Street or Main Street. Show your Country you have confidence in her recovery. Show the world we are not Greedy and when times get tough we suit up and move out, even when it doesn’t include our military.

Show the world we still believe in self responsibilty, so when we question actions of others, we don’t seem hypocritical.

They say that every generation should have to fight a war and deal with financial strife. Well we got both in the the first decade. I just hope we can learn the lessons quickly and have some time of peace. But I fear we’ve learned nothing.

The American People have forgotten how it felt to be hit on 9/11. How it was so important then that we let the world know we would react instead of waiting to be hit again. So we went into Iraq after Afghanistan. It seems that everyone has forgotten that the entire world thought there was weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. There was U.N. records of the weapons, not the mention the fact Saddam Hussein used them on his own people. Who do you think would have gotten the blame if we didn’t invade Iraq and those weapons made it to the streets of the U.S.? Bush would have been roasted.

Many of us were not alive during the Great Depression. So we take for granted what social programs were initially used for. For people who had nothing. Not because they didn’t work hard, but because they were wrapped up in a Government that failed them. Now Social Dollars are given to those who don’t want to work and still blame the government for their inability to reach the American Dream.

One more time for reference. If we, the American People, contiue to thinkof the right now instead of the future, what does that make us?

Sarah Palin and Joe Biden Debate

October 5th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I didn’t get to watch the debate in real time. I was a guest on the Specta Show @ 100radio.com. Check it out.

But I did stay up to watch the replay. I think it’s real important that you watch yourself and not get clips from a News Show. They get to pick what they think is important and you don’t get to catch the little nuiances.

Gwen Ifil has to be given credit for her performance. It’s refreshing to see a moderator with known bias towards a candidate act in a non partisan manner. Many of the pundits on television predicted that she would be fair, but I think she was more than fair. She did her job. She was fair and balanced.

“Can I call you Joe?”

Sarah Palin had a lot of expectations to meet in this Debate. I was actually kinda scared for her. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I really like this women. Especially when she started talking about Personal Responsibility. I supported her in the past because she sounded a lot like me. Loved sports. Picked politics because she knew that’s where she could make changes. And had a good man to help her along the way.

Joe Biden did impress me at moments as well. I loved the way he laughed with Palin. He let his personality show. You could see he was shocked and impressed with Palin’s performance during the debate. You often saw him smiling when she made a point or he got the joke she told. He hit back but he enjoyed the debate. I don’t think Obama would match up well with Palin in a Debate.

I think they both failed when they started pointing fingers. It was Bush’s policy that got us in this mess. We should thank John McCain for sounding the bell two years ago. The truth is Barack Obama won a case for Acorn that forced the government to give more of these shaky loans. And McCain may have spoken up two years ago but how loud was his voice. If he’s a real maverick, this would have been the main focus since the beginning of the campaign. So every single person in the U.S. should stop pointing fingers and do their individual part in bringing back our economy.

Let’s talk about Foriegn Policy

In this effort, I think Joe Biden failed. He didn’t knock her out of the box. She held her own with a man that’s been in the Senate for 36 years. Joe Biden was so busy making the little mistakes the media gives him passes on, he didn’t show he knew any more than Palin. In fact, if Sarah Palin had made a few of the mistakes Biden did, the whole subject of this discussion would be different. She would once again be unfit to be a heatbeat away from the Presidency.

All Biden did was show people even the most seasoned politician makes mistakes. But what I don’t understand is why they are given a pass. If the C.E.O. of a company can’t put together coherent thoughts without mistakes, I don’t think the people of that company would have a lot of faith in him. I think that should go double for a man or woman who has a voice in making public policy. I’m just saying.

Why did Joe Biden get upset when Sarah Palin talked about speaking with Henry Kissinger? Obama brought his name up in the first Presidential Debate. But when Palin name drops, Biden had an “Oh Please” look on his face. Does his name only hold credence when used to explain why Barack Obama would sit down with Ahmadinejad with out preconditions? It couldn’t be Politics could it?

The body blows came when Sarah Palin gave her respect to Joe Biden. It’s hard to argue with someone when they are praising your personal decisions. It was Biden’s task to uplift Obama but he had said so many things while campaigning against Obama, Palin came loaded with ammunition. I respected you when you said “The presidency doesn’t lend itself to on the job training.” Those were your words. And Biden couldn’t destroy his own persona to protect Barack Obama’s; so he found himself double talking his way out of comparisons. I love body blows.

Both did well in their own way. So what decides who wins? This is my blog, so let me tell you what I think. They say Sarah Palin can speak likes she’s an average American. I laughed to myself because I don’t know many Americans that say “Gee Willikers” or how ever you spell it. So what I did was insert my own slang into her funny words. “Joe, get up off that mess. McCain isn’t Bush. I’m not Cheney. You playin yourself with the comparison.” Now that wouldn’t win many votes, but if translated properly then you would get the point. She uses that Alaska talk, I guess, but it means the same thing some of us believe. We just find her choice of words funny.

So I say, Congratulations Palin and Biden. Sarah Palin gave John McCain a pass to fight another day. Joe Biden didn’t give Barack Obama a reason to regret his V.P. With less than a month to go, I think this is just the beginning of the the most interesting portion of the campaign. For the most part, the V.P. picks have played their parts and now it’s up the the Head of the Ticket.

The next debate is Tuesday night. I hope McCain and Obama put on a show like Biden and Palin.

My Missing Week; In a Nutshell

October 5th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I was going through some stuff this week. So I missed a chance to tell my opinion on this week in the news.

So here it goes in a nutshell.

Politics in Church- Last Sunday Pastors’ around the country took on the I.R.S. for freedom of speech from the pulpit. I believe every person has freedom of speech, but please leave Politics out of the church. If you are a Pastor and you want to endorse a candidate, do it in a Newsletter. Not from the Pulpit.

Many Americans need to hear from God, not from a Man with his own opinions.

The Bail Out Bill fails in the House- Some politicians are listening to voters in their districts. I am among the Americans that say let the banks fail. Let them implement their own policies that will ensure this crisis never happens again. This can’t happen with a bail out.

The Senate picks up the Bail Out Bill- When the House stood up to the President and members of the financial community, the Senate stepped in to be the Heros. Politicians are not listening again. Damn that didn’t even take a week. And what do they do? They add more money to the bill. Tax breaks for wooden arrows and rum. Are you kidding me? It past overwhelmingly.

The House passes the Bail Out Bill and the President Bush Signs it into Law- I used to think History would record Bush’s Presidency with applause. I don’t any more. I’m not a politician and I know another bureaucracy is on the horizon. More people hired by the government only works with national security and even then it has it’s pitfalls. This bill will cause more problems in our economy down the line.

Harry Reid tries to get the Insurance companies to fail- I wish someone would do some research into both parties ties with insurance companies. They are going to be the next to get a bail out. When Reid tells the country a major insurance company with a name everyone knows is going to fail, he’s basically setting them up to fail. You don’t believe me. Check the drop of insurance companies in the markey after Reid’s comments. I wonder which one of his friends wants to get some government funds in their pockets.

Auto Bailout goes unmentioned- Hey, we’re asking the American people for $700 Billion for Wall Street, let’s not even mention the $25 Billion we’re giving to the Auto industry. I don’t believe the Auto Industry should be blamed for this need though. With an ineffective energy policy, the American People’s desire to have the biggest car, and the recent oil prices; they have been hit hard. Why build the cars the rest of the world enjoys, if our major source of energy is oil? The American people went crazy with SUV’s and Hummers; so the car companies started making what the people wanted. Until gas prices hit $4 a gallon. Probably explains why McCain pulled out of Michigan. Democrats got them that money, who do you think they are going to vote for?

And through all this, the stock market has went up and down. Loans are only being givin to those who can afford them. Congress has been pointing fingers. Politicians have been using this whole experience as a campaign tool, not as a necessary step to fix the American Economy. And the American People are stuck wondering, “How did this happen?”

That’s it. My missing week in a Nutshell.

Just Do Your Damn Job! Barack Obama and John McCain

September 25th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I was sitting this morning trying to relate this subject to a story. You know write some fairy tale scenerio that would cause you to relate the gravity of the situation at hand. But instead I decided to go straight out because this is not the time to be playing around.

As you know, I am against the Bail Out. I don’t think rewarding companies with a clean slate is the way to impose reform of any sector of our Country. But I am not in a position to make decisions and it seems the bill will pass; whether I agree or not.

So that makes you take a look at the people that are in power. Our Elected Officials. Now I’m not one to question Bernanke on financial policy. But I do think the Fed has a more important job than meddling in the Private Market. With a dollar already hitting lows, that’s where his focus should be.

Nor could I question Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on his knowledge of world finance. But as a citizen I do have the right to question handing him a blank check. Especially with all the bureaucracy that occurs in the United States. How much would actually make it to the banks instead of the men that got us into the position at hand?

The President of the United States George Bush gives a speech; trying to explain the need for this bail out. I watched the speech. I wasn’t impressed but I can understand the pressure on the President. With all the head money men in the country clamoring for a solution; the desire for action must be strong. He has to do some thing.

Every member of Congress. Not just those who don’t have a national campaign to run. Every Member of Congress should be doing their jobs.

When John McCain annouced he would be suspending his campaign to go to Washington, of course I thought Political ploy. But when Barack Obama came out and said that he had people there to handle the situation for him, it hit me. Who are you working for?

Both Senators had a chance to give up their Senate seat before campaigning began. They both choose to remain Senators. They both are still getting paid by the American People to do a job. This is the time to do your damn job or sign your paycheck back to the people of your state. They did not elect you to have Harry Reid tell you what’s best. Or Nancy Pelosi to let you know every thing is good. The People elected you to be on the Senate floor fighting for them.

If this is the Pearl Harbor of our Economy, then you are supposed to be using your big stick; not listening to second hand reports of the situation. Just imagine if Bush were in Saudi Arabia when this crisis hit and he told the American People, “I got people to handle that for me. I’m going to continue my business here and if I’m needed to sign a bill; I’ll catch a plane.”

The Democrats would lose their damn minds. He’s over there with his friends the Saudi’s instead of here taking care of the American People. Well, here’s a thought. Barack Obama, we have a President. You may not like him but that is irrelevant. We also have 100 U.S. Senators. You are one of them. And until you get enough votes to become President, you should act as such.

We are all mad at C.E.O.’s that didn’t do their job. They let other people deal with the mess, while they reaped the benefits. They allowed people to tell them every thing is O.K., so their bonuses were heavy. Well, we are in the middle of a economic crisis and that usually gives Democrats a boost. Donations for Barack Obama should be up during this time. And he doesn’t want to suspend his campaign because their are people keeping him a breast of the situation. He doesn’t want to deal with the mess but he doesn’t mind benefiting from it.

As long as he can sign his name on the bill, he can claim to have helped the situation. He doesn’t have to be the one that fights, he can just be the one that signed. Then he said he wouldn’t help the situation by bringing presidential politics into the debate in Congress. Suspend your campaign. Stop being a candidate for President and Just Be A U.S. Senator. Don’t bring politics into it. Just keep the American People at the center of your reason for being.

Or does this pose a problem for you? Is your desire to become President more important than the postion the people of Chicago gave you? If you do become President, can I count on Reid and Pelosi running your administration, while you give hope to the American People? Is the change you promise giving more power to the people around you, instead of your beliefs and ideals? Will you fight for the American People? Or will you fight for the image that is Barack Obama?

All I ask. Do your damn job. When you can break away to campaign, do so. If you still want to debate, ask for a change of subject. Why would you want to talk about Foreign Policy when every one is focusing on the economy? Or are you scared you would lose in foreign policy so you would love to have this debate over shadowed by the economy? Are you playing politics? Is this the time?