A Scott Brown Victory: I’m Making A Cake

January 20th, 2010 | By Sonnie Johnson

WOW!  Scott Brown won in Massachusetts.  I wonder what Teddy Kennedy would say, God rest his soul.  I’m so excited, I want to make a cake.  Follow along.

So, I start off with a box of butter recipe yellow cake mix and a tub of chocolate frosting.  I follow the directions, as is, on the box and thirty minutes later there’s a cake.  Now, I have to be patient and let it cool.  Next, I spread chocolate frosting all over the cake.  We now have CAKE, yeah.  Everybody cheer.

My family drops by and I realize, I don’t have enough Cake.  “Oh, we’re here to help”,  “We’ll make better Cakes”,  “I make mine from scratch”,  “Well, I can make the frosting”; and the fun begins. 

“Oh, we’re here to help” turns into “Girl, you should really re-paint this kitchen, blue does nothing for these walls” or “Are these all the cakes pans you have?  You should go to the bakery store, I got a dude that could hook you up for free.”

“We’ll make better cakes” turns into “Why you want yellow cake?  Strawberry is better.  Where’s the Strawberry?” or “See, your problem is you bought Pillsbury, you should’ve bought Duncan Hines.  A cake tastes better with Duncan Hines.”

“I make mine from scratch” turns into “My grandma owned a shop and I used to watch her everyday.  Do you have one of those big mixing things?”  or “You don’t have everything I need but I can make it work.”

“I can make frosting” turns into “Here’s the frosting, now where’s the cake?”

In Massachusetts, Scott Brown was in his kitchen, alone, making a cake.  He followed his convictions, as is, and a couple months later he has a victory.  He’ll have to be patient and wrangle through the obstacles Democrats lay in his path.  But eventually, his voice will be heard in the halls of Congress.  Everybody cheer.

What happens when he gets there?  Will he fall into the trap of those trying to help, of a caucus that would love to have a new member, the group that thinks its better to start from scratch, or the group that wants to put chocolate frosting on the cake we already have?  The sad truth is, we don’t know.  Let’s have faith he stays with the original recipe.  Congrats Scott Brown.

There is a bigger picture in this analogy.  Our Constitution is the cake mix and we haven’t been follow the recipe, as is, for a very long time. 

We have politicians who say “We’re here to help”, when their real intentions are to control every aspect of American life.  They allot welfare, public housing, and food stamps.  In return, they control how much you make, where you live, and what you eat.  Is that really HELPING?

We have politicians who say “We can do it better”, when they have never run a business or made a payroll in their entire lives.  They’ve never lost it all in a bad venture and had to struggle back to the top; vowing along the way never to make those same mistakes again.   They look for short cuts and side streets to avoid their first inevitable failure.  Are these the people we want running our country?

We have politicians that say “Let’s start from scratch”.  What?  Republicans wanting to be more like Democrats.  Democrats wanting to be more like Socialist.  This isn’t a new recipe, this isn’t starting from scratch.  This is the reason our founders made the original recipe.  They were running from the burnt Souffles’ of Europe to a simple American Pie.

Do we have any politicians that say, “let’s just follow the recipe for the cake”?  We can make any frosting we choose and if it doesn’t taste good, we’ll just make another batch.  As long as we have the cake, the frosting doesn’t matter.

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And where are the American People in this analogy?  It’s our kitchen.  If we let them in, we can’t complain about cleaning up the mess.  We must roll up our selves and learn from our mistakes.

Rev. E. V. Hill: A Parent’s Guide

January 18th, 2010 | By Sonnie Johnson

Thank You Melvin Whitlock (Facebook Shoutout)

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Conversation with our Future

January 18th, 2010 | By Sonnie Johnson

How do you teach a 5 year old the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

Sky(my daughter): Hey Mom, I want to read my new book to you.  I know you’ll like it, it’s about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Me: Sure, I Love to hear you read.  But first, tell mommy about Dr. King’s dream.

Sky: My teacher didn’t talk about his dream.

Me:  So, I talk to you all the time about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  I talk to you about his dream.  Now, what was it?

Sky:  Let me read the book first.  Then you’ll know about Dr. King.

Me: O.K.

Sky(Reading):  Martin Luther King Jr. was a Civil Rights activist.

He marched for equal rights of black Americans

Martin Luther King Jr. won a Nobel Peace Prize.

Me: That’s it?

Sky:  Yup.  Martin Luther King Jr. won a Nobel Peace Prize just like Barack Obama.

Me:  Hold up!   Wait a minute.  Who told you that? (thought I was going to have to spend more time in her classroom)

Sky:  You did.  You said Barack Obama won a Nobel Peace Prize.

Me: OK.  Let Mommy tell you the difference between Dr. King and Obama.  First, what was Dr. King’s dream?

Sky: Judge a man on his color, not his content (she paused for a moment and did her reverse dance)  I mean judge a man on the content of his character and not he color of his skin.

Me:  Yup.

Sky: But what does Civil Rights mean?

Me: Well back in the day, white and black people weren’t allowed to go to the same schools, the same swimming pools, or playgrounds. 

Sky: That’s stupid

Me:  Sure is.  But its a part of our history and as you get older, you’re going to learn more bad things about how blacks were treated in America.

Sky: But we’re not black, we’re brown

Me: Sure are.  But let me question you this, does it matter?  If our goal is to live Dr. Kings dream than does the color of our skin make a difference?

Sky:  Mom, I just wanted to read you a book.  Not have this long conversation.

Me:  Too bad.  You are going to grow up in a world where you get it from both sides.  There are white people who will hate you, just because you’re black and there are  black people who will hate you because you don’t show hate towards other races.  My job is to teach you how to navigate through with the same dignity, pride, love and preservernce as Dr. King.

Your father and I work hard to ensure you can achieve that dream.

Sky: What is prese……?

Me: it means to never stop.  You want to become a veterinarian, than you work hard to achieve that dream.  If someone tells you you’re not good enough, prove them wrong.  If someone tells you it can’t be done, do it and inspire them to follow.  If someone tells you its impossible, tell them you are the master of impossibility. 

Sky: Master of impossiblity, that sounds like a Super Hero

Me:  it does, doesn’t it.  Fly, Master of Impossibility, Fly

(Sometimes you just have to let a kid be a kid.  Maybe it’ll get easier at age 6)

Black Billionaires and Multi-Millionaires under Bush: Hip Hop and Capitalism

January 17th, 2010 | By Sonnie Johnson

Question:  Why do Hip Hop Artist only talk about LIBERAL Policy when they talk about how broke they were, never when referring to how rich they are?

Answer:  Do as they DO not as they say.

During the 2008 election, the vast majority of Hip Hop Artists and Black Elite backed Barack Obama.  Some were direct and stated his black face won their approval.  Others were direct and stated racism of the past made them vote for Obama.  Yet, there was one group that lied through their teeth and stated hard times as a reason for “CHANGE”.   Surprise, Surprise  Most of them reached Billionaire or Multi-Millionaire status under President George W. Bush.

Back to the question at hand, name the Hip Hop song that promotes “Welfare as a mean to Wealth”.  Don’t get it twisted.  Not “Welfare to Riches” because most artist fit that category.  I mean the Hip Hop anthem that encourages public assistance as the pathway to the house on Cribs, the worldwide vacations, or the highly gas efficient Lambo Hybrid (yeah, right).

Question:  If life teaches lessons, why are the Black prevayers of Multi-million dollar businesses not truthfully sharing those lessons with the rest of the black community?

Answer: “Your single was 99cents, mine was Four bucks”  Jay-Z  or “I didn’t enter the game for the music, I did it for the business”  50 cent

They are!  You just hear it in the music, not in their endorsement of a candidate for office.  Hip Hop Artist and Black Elite separate the success they’ve garnered with the policies that got them there.  If you don’t believe me, here’s the proof:

All Under Bush

Oprah Winfrey– avid Obama supporter, yet no friend to the Hip Hop Community.  Oprah has been on T.V. for 25 years and made it on the Billionaire list in 2003.   I know what you’re thinking,  it took her time to build her audience, I agree.  In five years, all under that evil George W. Bush, Oprah tripled up.  She is now worth 2.7 Billion.  Look at the ratio, 20 years to 1 billion and 5 years to 1.7 billion. 

How?  Bush tax cuts that allowed her to invest in O magazine, Oprah.com, and Dr. Phil.  She got to keep her own money and made that money work for her.  That’s capitalism, yet she backs the “spread the wealth” candidate.   Oprah is spreading the wealth, think about all the people she employs.  Why won’t she back the capitalism that made her who she is and provides her opportunity to say, “you get a car, you get a car, you get a car”?

Bob Johnson– backed Hillary Clinton in Democratic Primaries and Obama in National Election.  The founder of BET made his fortune designing a successful business targeted at the black community.   In building his own financial security he provided numerous opportunities, behind and in-front of the camera, to the black community.  He provided Careers, not jobs, for a willing economic group.  Capitalism!  Let’s see how he fared under Bush.

Mr. Johnson was added to the Billionaire list in 2001.  Two years later he was dropped from list after divorce from wife (Yup, 50% straight down the middle).  In 2007 he recouped his loses and made it back to Billionaire Status, all under that evil Bush.  Hey, doesn’t he now own a NBA Basketball team?  Some dream of playing, others dream of owning the team.  Gotta love Freedom.

Jay-Z– Avid Because He’s Black Obama Voter.    (Remember this:  I can’t say I’ve never kneeled before God and asked for better cards, sometimes to no avail.  But I never sat back feeling sorry for myself.  If you don’t give me Heaven I raise Hell)

Let’s take Roca-wear, formed in 1999 as a basic collection of clothes.  During Evil Bush’s tax cuts, Roca-wear grew to purses, shoes, belts, jewelry; basically you name it, they have it.  Jay-Z opened 40/40 club, his own fragrance line, a vodka company, and a small stake in the New Jersery Nets.  His estimated value is around $720 million.

Now, while I’m a huge fan of “Reasonable Doubt” and ” Life and Times, Vol. 1″,  they didn’t sell like they should’ve.  That forces me to believe majority of his funds came during the Bush Administration.  I guess a little money to invest in yourself goes a long way.  (Would you like Liberal Version: I never kneeled before God and prayed for better cards cuz Government prevails. So I always sit back feeling sorry for myself.  They say this is Heaven, what’s hell?)

Ludacris-avid LIAR Obama Voter.   Ludacris made is preliminary fortune selling cd’s out the trunk of his car.  Say it with me, Capitalism.  I strongly dislike the music he produces, but I have to respect his business savvy.  He owns his own record label, has created his own line of Cognac, and owns multiple satellite radio stations.  Did I mention all under Bush?  His net worth is around $500 million.  Not bad.

Sean “Puffy” Combs– avid LIAR and Scare Tactic Obama Voter.  Seriously, hiding under a sheet afraid of a White Woman.  Why did he retain his black card?  He doesn’t make music anymore, at least music anyone listens too, I’m sure he suffered under evil Bush. 

No, Capitalism to the rescue.  Bad Boy (laugh), Sean John (Chi-ching), cologne and perfume, t.v. shows, and production companies (yup, check Run’s House credits).  He does it all and occasionally guest stars in a music video.  Those evil Bush Tax cuts garnered a mere $600 million for P. Diddy.

50 Cent– admittedly not interested Obama Voter.  Fifty didn’t drop his first CD until Bush was fully in office, let’s see how he’s fared. (Remember:  If I can’t do it, homie, it can’t be done.)

G-unit records, Vitamin water, clothing line, movies, production companies, and a promise this is only the beginning.  Wow, those tax cuts make it impossible for the little man to get ahead.  All under George W. Bush, Curtis 50cent Jackson has stacked over $500 million dollars.  (Could he do it with the Liberal Lyrics:  If Government can’t do it, homie, it can’t be done”?)

The proof lies in the number of zero’s lining these icons bank accounts.  None of them list welfare checks or extended unemployment as a major contribution to their uprising.  Instead, they all display belief in their individual abilities to succeed.  When they garner a small amount of success, they take those profits and reinvest in themselves.  That’s the beauty of Capitalism.  You are allowed to fail or succeed by your own desire. 

It is also the prevailing message in Hip Hop.  I sell more  than you, so I have a bigger car.  I’m hotter, so the hood feels me more.  We are in constant competition over who’s the best.  What is the difference in the competition between Exxon Mobil and Shell?  Or Ford and GM? 

It’s all capitalism and ignoring the similarities puts Hip Hop in a position of failure.  If $250,000 a year is rich, how do you think the Billionaires and Multi-millionaires will fare under Obama administration?  The Hip Hop Career creators will stop investing. (Have you heard Oprah turned over Oprah.com to broadcasting network and planned to cancel her show in 2011.  Wouldn’t have anything to do with those pesky taxes in the pipeline, would it?)

Not to mention, the over-whelming damage not acknowledging Capitalism creates in the inner city.  They can listen to a song and dream of living “the good life” but that same artist turns around and advocates for more public housing, food stamps, and overall government dependency.  When will Hip Hop draw the line and share the whole story about their success with the very people that need the most inspiration? 

 As Heard on

WHWDRadio

Harry Reid Turns Conservatives into Racial Victims!

January 12th, 2010 | By Sonnie Johnson

Here we go again.  I’m beginning to think the strength in the Republican party is reaction.  This coming from the party that wants to be proactive in every other arena.  But when it comes to the Obama Administration and its destruction of our country, Republicans wait until its politically sound to speak up.

Then to add insult to injury, they play the Liberal game.  Harry Reid has taken a racial statement from his own mouth and used it as a weapon against the GOP.   Instead of sticking up for the 1st amendment and an idiots right to get caught with his foot in his mouth, they want to label Republicans as victims.  What?

Isn’t that what we’re fighting against?  Political Correctness that hinders our ability to stop a terrorist from getting on a plane because we don’t want to point out his ethnicity.  I mean isn’t that what all this profiling talk is about?  Destroying political correctness?

You have the Leader of the Senate, Harry Reid,  caught telling his own self truth.  His mind still reverts to a time when we were called “Negro” and I’m guessing he didn’t hang with many black English Professors during that period.  So let’s put two and two together.  During the time period when he fought for us lil ol’ Negros, he didn’t know any of us, or at least none that matched his standard of what was acceptable?

This is another example of how the Democratic Elite views minority communities!  WAKE UP!  Either you are light- skinned or you’re pookie.  Remember, house nigger and field nigger, same difference.  A white man in a position of power just divided our race into the acceptable and the unacceptable and the blacks around him defend it.  What group do you think they’re in and what do you think they label you?

Why isn’t that the focus of all the condemnation?  Harry Reid told the truth and the Democrats that surround him are assisting him in getting off the hook.  I’m not talking about losing his Leadership position, I’m talking about forcing Liberals to have a real conversation on Race and their true held beliefs.   Are they fighting for minorities because its the right thing to do?  Or do they hold the “Helter Skelter” mentality that one day we’ll destroy ourselves and beg for their wisdom?

Instead, we’re talking about Trent Lott and Strom Thurman and I have yet to hear anyone point out Thurman was in a segregationlist splinter cell of the Democratic Party.  They say Dixiecrat, like we don’t know what they’re talking about. 

(For those that don’t know; A Nutshell:  Strom Thurman, the man they vehemently oppose and are offended by, was a DEMOCRAT.  He broke from the main branch of the party to a splinter group, the Dixiecrats.  These are “White Power” Democrats who were mad at the party’s attempt to undo their champion, (DEMOCRAT) Woodrow Wilson’s federal segegregation laws.  They were fighting with other Democrats about how openly racist they should be.)

And that’s where we are, Democrats still fighting about what level of racism is allowed and by whom.  By becoming VICTIMS, Republicans miss the opportunity to point out truth.  We have a first amendment, Reid knew there would be no legel reprecussions for his comment. Why were these comments made in private?    Why did he call Rev. Al Sharpton to apologize?  I’ve got the answer to these questions, but you’ll have to tune in to WHWDRADIO  Wednesday at 6 p.m. eastern to hear it.

Did She Say That: 2010 Resolution

January 7th, 2010 | By Sonnie Johnson

A week into the New Year and I’m still working on a resolution.  By no means am I perfect or without flaws, but this year can’t be superficial.   This years’ resolution can’t be about outside appearance, personal wants, or unrealistic expectations.

I thought I had it.  I’ve been lax on decision making.  I postpone and put off easy and simple decisions and I’m not sure why.  So I prayed on it and received a message from God via FaceBook

 God has more in store for us then we can ever predict, and what we fear are bad choices frequently turn out for the best, because our hidden aspirations know better where we are going than our rational minds.

That sounds just like me.  My mind just isn’t ready to accept what the Lord has prepared for me, all it takes is faith.  Good, Problem Solved.  Yeah right, when is anything ever that simple?   I’ve experienced the battle of inner-faith with God.  I’ve tried to walk the path I thought best and failed, and I’ve walked God’s path and found light at the end of the tunnel; faith is not my issue.

So, I’ve spent the last couple of days trying to figure out exactly what is it that prevents me from making little decisions, even though I have faith that God is by my side and his will shall be done.    So God sent me another Message via FaceBook and this time he attached a member of his army.

Happy Warriors Needed, Nadra Enzi A.K.A. Capt. Black

I wasn’t that happy warrior.  Hey, wait.  I thought I was supposed to be focused on decision making, why is there now a question of my overall attitude?  Where’s the connection?  

After a conversation with Capt. Black, this is what I realized.  We all come from different circumstances.  We may live in the same communities, experience the same situations, and battle the same demons; yet we all have a different perspective on the same journey.   This is unavoidable, lonely, and the greatest gift anyone could ever hope to receive.  We all have the ability to take the same situation and make of it what we desire.

But we have to be willing to make the tough decisions.  How can you be sure of what you desire if you’re stuck between yes or no, stay or go, to forgive or not to forgive, or any other number of small questions we delay answering?    Before you say it, I know those questions that really stick us in place aren’t small, per se.  As we contemplate the outcome they seem huge, but are they really? 

Here’s the twist.  Before you can make a decision, you have to be in control of your own mind.   This is not a question of intelligence or wisdom, more of trust.  Alot of us have faith in God, what we lack is the basic trust in ourselves.  Who knows better the truth behind your indecision?  And if you’re anything like me, a vision just popped into your head and you understand why dieting isn’t working, your business is failing,  or you continue to overspend. 

It’s that little voice in the back of your head that says, “remember last time” or “it was so much easierwhen”.   As Capt. Black pointed out, “That’s the old part of you trying to hold on for its very existence.”  And you listen to that voice becausethe person you were got you to where you are, when everyone else from the same community, the same situation, battling the same demons didn’t make it.

We forget our communities have changed, our situation altered, yet the same demons are after us.  We get stuck due to our inabilityto trust our own personal growth, even though we are self aware, confident, and guided by faith.  We are still human, faulty, and bound to pauseor delay because we just don’t know what’s on the other side.

So the 2010 Resolution for Did She Say that is…..

Trust yourself to be wise enough, strong enough, confident enough, experienced enough, to make decisions, especially the mountains you’ve made of mole hills.

Are You “Pookie”?

December 21st, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

(to get all references watch New Jack City)

Seriously, do you remember Pookie?  “Prom Queen?  You ain’t nothing but a Prom Fiend.”   You know, New Jack City Pookie.

Is this the image in the mind of policy makers when they think about the minority community?  Are we all “Pookies” and “Prom Fiends” that need the federal government to provide us with hope?  For just a moment, I want to take a look back at the life of “Pookie”.

Pookie was an addict, a straight up funky, junkie.  The absolute example of buying what you want and begging for what you need.  Until one man reached out to him; watched him during the shakes, encouraged him during the weak moments, and refused to let him fail.  A single man lifted a weary and broken soul. 

 It took the government to destroy it.  Good intentions, yes.  Bad outcome, always.  After Pookie cleaned himself up and got his life on track, government gave him a job.  They sent him back to the very same streets that trapped him in the first place.

Was this in Pookie’s best interest?  No, even though in government eyes,  it was in the best interest of the community.  A man that decides to go back and help his community is one thing, forcing- by guilt or “moral obligation”- is completely different.  Pookie could’ve developed his own personal way of giving back, instead Government to the rescue.

Governments’ good intentions were wrong, Pookie self-destructed and died, and to top it off the bad guy got away.  That is, until a single man with bad intentions did what the Government could not.

Are you O.K. with being compared to “Pookie”?  I’m not the trivial type,  I use mass associations all the time but POOKIE.  I’d use Nino before I used POOKIE.  Pookie is what dealers call fiends when they are too unimportant to remember their names.  I can only see this one of two ways; either it’s an insult and the black elite think that Pookieitis is rampant amongst us or as middle class black Americans we are not on Governments radar.

I don’t buy into Pookieitis.  I believe most black Americans-poor, rich and in between- are really capitalist at heart.  Given the chance, they would prefer working to build wealth over government hand outs.  If Pookieitis were to exist the remedy would be capitalist training, the basic understanding if you want to be rich, you have to learn to live poor.  Sacrifice.

I believe its more about middle class minorities grouping themselves amongst those that need the most help.  Government doesn’t see it that way.  You are not an example they can hold up for the suffering in Urban Communities.  They can’t point to you as a prime motivation for why wealth redistribution is necessary.  You are not dependent on Government for your home, food, car, clothes, health insurance, or anything else.  You are privileged.   

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.  It doesn’t matter how hard or how long you worked and sacrificed to maintain your lifestyle, the only thing that matters is you have it and somebody else doesn’t.  So when I say “Pookie” is an insult, I mean its insulting you would voluntarily demean your work ethic and urge to excel by cheering for policy meant to reduce you back to “Pookie”.

Until They Blame YOU!

December 16th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

Hurry, we need to pass Healthcare.  Let’s blame big pharma. 

We can’t.  We made a deal with them.  They go along with healthcare, we won’t allow Canadian medicine into America.

O.K. Blame Canada. 

We don’t want to say anything bad about the healthcare system we’re trying to force on Americans, plus I think South Park already took that line.

Then Blame Doctors

The people don’t believe their doctor would cut off their foot for profit

Blame Insurance Companies

That could work. 

I question, Who’s next?

Hurry, we need to save the Planet.  Let’s blame Car Companies

We can’t.  We own car companies now.

Climate Change Opposition, blame them

That’s about 72% of all Americans, I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Why didn’t I think of this before?  Let’s blame Big Oil

Again?  How about if we add the coal industry this time, change it up a bit.

I question, Who’s next?

Hurry, we need jobs.  Blame Bush

That was easy.

We still need jobs.

Blame Bush.

Ahhhh….That’s not working anymore

Blame Wallstreet

We’re telling Wallstreet to stop paying people.  I don’t think that would work.

Do I have to do everything?  Blame Banks for not lending.

We’re telling the Bankers they participated in risky behavior that caused our Country to slip into a deep depression.  Now you want them to go back to that risky behavior with the American Taxpayer backing them up?

Just Blame the Bankers and Bush.  That should work

 I question, Who’s next?

We are getting the Government we deserve.  Yet, no one is placing the blame at our footsteps.  We want a Government that obeys the will of the people and that’s what we have.  A Government that blames someone else for the problems they create, just like many of us do in our personal lives.  When things go wrong  because of personal decisions, we can easily point at Republicans or Democrats and say they are the problem.  Why should we be surprised our Government reflects that?

So, let’s get to the question at hand.  Who’s next?   I mean, when everything hits the fan and the blame game is no longer fun, who will be left holding all the chips?  Government!  While we’re busy paying attention to Tiger Woods and White House party crashers, the Executive Branch is collecting and consolidating power.  What happens when America wakes up and Government has complete power to place blame?

American Citizens, we blame you for the exorbitant cost of healthcare.  You and your drinking alcohol, soda, and milk.  You think you have the right to free healthcare when you eat meat, don’t get enough exercise, and spend all day combing the Internet for new information on what we’re doing.  You got your free abortion, why are you complaining because Granny can’t get a hip replacement?  You will live by our rules because we know what’s good for you.

What happens when there is nothing you can do about it?  At least with insurance, you could go to government with a grievance. 

American Citizens, we blame you for the destruction of our planet.  You and your big screen t.v.’s, monster SUV’s, and big houses.  You think the planet will keep on spinning if you continue to have multiple child families, dogs and cats for pets, and keep multiplying the cattle population?  Do you know the carbon foot print of farting cows, crying babies, and animals you can’t eat?  You have experienced the privilege of Capitalism and you squandered it, now you will bow to the will of  Government.

American Citizens, we blame you for the lack of jobs.  Where is your ambition?  Where is your desire not to settle?  We gave you high minimum wage, the right to a union, and a Trillion dollar stimulus.   And what about unemployment benefits, we gave you two years and you still need a job.  Don’t worry, we’ll give you what you seek.   I’ve got an opening to dig and refill ditches.

Realize  none of these things are your fault, unless you believe the standard of living in America is too advanced compared to the rest of the world.  The rest of us shouldn’t be blamed for the price of healthcare, the destruction of our planet or lack of jobs.  That blame rightly falls on the politicians in Washington.  Our fault lies in continuing to send the same people back to represent us.

We send them back with no punishment for earmarks, violating the Constitution or refusing to hear the will of the people; then we wonder why all we ever see is blame instead of results.  If you’re a Republican, you blame the Democrats.  If you’re a Democrat, you blame the Republicans. 

To steal a phrase from Rev. Wright, “When will the American Domestic agenda chickens come home to roost?’  And how will we respond when the Democrats and the Republicans have the power to put the blame and consequence directly on our shoulders?

The Government and The Individual American

December 10th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

I wonder if during The Great Depression, the people carried the same sort of angst we hold now. Whether they believed they had destroyed America for the generations to follow or were they more worried about their current plight?

With the pre-election crash in the market, a continued fear of market investment, high unemployment, high taxes, and a government that leans to protectionism and massive spending; the scene is set for a Great Depression. Two major factors keep us on the brink of what we deserve and what we will allow; the individual American and the Government. This doesn’t bode well for us.

Government’s heavy handiness occurred during the Great Depression. The individual American had legitimate arguments. They hadn’t lived out-side of their means or risked it all in the stock market; their only sin was depositing money in an unsecured bank. As banks failed, they lost everything and the first “US” generation was born. “We, the people” was forgotten and selfishness and entitlement set in.

We are entitled to benefits when we get older! Why? We fixed the problem and now bank deposits are insured. Save for yourself to ensure it will be there when you need it, instead of when Government says you can have it.

We are entitled to jobs! Why? There were no jobs when the Pilgrims came. They opened stores, created industry, and started the building blocks of our modern economy. If you don’t have a job, go and create a job. We are entitled to a chance at wealth, not a chance at Just Over Broke.

We are entitled to a house! Why? A house is nothing more than wood and bolts; a home is truly what you seek. If you mature to a place where you can create a home, getting a house will be no problem. If you can’t pay your bills you won’t have a happy home and more than likely you don’t deserve a house.

You would think I’m talking about the current situation, but sadly this argument was waged and defeated during The Great Depression. Social Security still exists and is deemed ‘popular’ even though Congress has raided it’s lockbox. People still look to Government to create jobs and wonder why those jobs don’t create wealth for the lower class. And the introduction of the Federal Housing Administration has brought us Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the housing bubble. Government made it’s mark.

Did the individual American make a mark? Indeed. The car radio, the Laundromat, the supermarket, chocolate chip cookies, copy machines and Monopoly all got their start during the Great Depression. People with no job, or jobs that didn’t provide security, branched out and invented something new. They created wealth in companies that still exist today; Parker Brothers, Xerox, Tollhouse, and Schick razors.

Remember, this is the first generation of ‘US’. They set limits on what they would allow by utilizing the freedom found in America. Times were hard but in America anything was possible. They took advantage of the economic downturn by creating a demand even when consumer spending was dismal. They created REAL WEALTH, while the Government spent Millions and Millions of dollars and failed miserably at creating permanent JOBS.

In today’s crisis, we are dealing with generation ‘me’. Forget “we, the people”, forget ‘us’, and focus on ME. What are you going to do for me? More and more individual Americans are willing to give away their right to build wealth. That’s the most disturbing aspect looking towards the future of America and the individual American.

The government is still up to its same old tricks, showing its heavy hand at every turn; healthcare, cap and trade, and increasing regulation. How much will we allow? Will we look to government to create jobs that don’t last and don’t create a better situation for its workers? Or will we look to ourselves and create a demand even when consumer spending is at a stand still? How can we make the individual American understand the strength of this country comes from his or her sweat and determination and not the Government Pocketbook?

If You Give An UnderAchiever a Handout……

December 8th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

My daughter is now into reading anything she can get her hands on.  Her favorite books are: If you give a mouse a cookie…, If you give a moose a muffin…..  You know the books I’m talking about.  Well, I’ve decided to add my own to the title list.  Hope you enjoy.

If you GIVE an underachiever a handout……

…..He’ll never ask where you got it

And if you attempt to tell him…….

……It won’t matter because he feels entitled

If you question his entitled status…….

…..Be prepared to get called out of your name

If you counter with facts…….

……Don’t be surprised they fall on deaf ears

Once you’re too mad to argue……

……Expect a nice session of BLAME GAME

Challange the rules of Blame Game……

……And all of a sudden the underachiever pulls Get Out Of Jail Free card

So, you question the difference…….

…….Pointing out Government Provides Both

The underachiever grows silent…….

……Until you bring up JOBS

Then the Underachiever stikes a mighty blow

……And while you’re tired from working two weeks with no day off

The UnderAchiever

…..Gets another Handout