I haven't wrote on this blog in a very long time. To be honest I haven't felt inclined or motivated enough to put down what I'm feeling. Nothing that I thought was important enough.
However, after a very interesting and enlightening conversation with an Atlanta based actress, a very good point was brought up. This point lead me to the question, what do Black people want?
Black people do a lot of talk about change; how we're treated unfairly; racism is still holding back our community; the way the system is set up its disadvantaging the black community economically; we aren't given a chance to succeed.
But I wonder, out of all the people that complain about these issues, how many people are really doing something about it?
During President's Obama first campaign everyone was so hopeful for change. Those who supported it were convinced that this country needed change, that Barack Obama was going to fix our problems. And those in the Black community believed that with a Black man in the White House, he would fix the issues and speak on the issues faced within the Black community.
But those who had such high hopes have been let down, at no fault of our president, but at their own for having such high and unreasonable expectation.
President Obama is just one man. He was not sent from Heaven to fix all the issues that America faces and or what the Black community faces. Obama has a job, and that is to the leader of the free world, which entails many other responsibilities than to be the voice of the African American community. I say all this as a preface to the point that many people expect someone else to be the answer to their problems; for someone else to make a change so we can reap the benefits; someone else to open a door and make way for our success. This way of thinking is the exact reason why so many people stay stagnant in their life.
Yes some opportunities are just handed to people. But the majority of people do not have that luxury. The millionaires and billionaires that we see fought their way to the top. They did what they had to do to be successful. Whether it was thinking outside the box to create a product or investing in something, they made things happen for themselves.
One thing that a majority of Black people do not do is invest. Whether it's investing in themselves, investing in a project/product or investing in others. How can we ever expect for something to succeed if someone does not invest in it. Not only investing financially, but investing time can have a huge payoff. President Obama invested in himself with his time and all the resources he had to become Senator and then to the White House.
Putting in the work and taking risk is the only way that something can be successful. Bill Gates had an idea based on an article in Popular Electronics in 1975. He contacted the creators of a new microcomputer, he took a chance and threw out there a crazy idea he had, the company took a chance on him and now he is one of the wealthiest men in the world.
Yes Bill Gates is a generic example, but he took a chance, someone took a chance on him and look where he is today. I could go on with a full list of innovators including Mark Zuckerberg, Tom Anderson (your first Myspace friend), Robert Johnson (founder of BET), Nnamdi Azikiwe (first president of Nigeria), Michael Jordan, Ntozake Shange (writer of For Colored Girls...), Spike Lee, and Tyler Perry. These people did not wait for something to be handed to them, they did the work and went out there to get it.
We all have a chance to succeed. We all have a chance to make a difference. There is absolutely no good excuse why someone can't get something they realistically want. But then again, what does it mean for something to be a realistic want? We set boundaries and limitations on ourselves. Beyond incarceration and maybe a disability, there is absolutely no excuse to not pursue something.
We do a lot of talk about supporting one another. But when was the last time you've reached out to an individual trying to succeed at something and helped them out?
We do a lot of talk that our communities are impoverished. But when was the last time you have given back to the communities financially or community service wise?
We do a lot of talk that our voices aren't heard, ie not enough Blacks in the entertainment industry. But when was the last time you supported a Black production that isn't backed by these big studios?
We do a lot of talk that our kids need uplifting, and need to be taught one thing or another to succeed. But when was the last time you've taken someone younger than you under your wing and supported them?
We do a lot of talk that we aren't given opportunities. But when was the last time that you stopped waiting for opportunities and you made your own opportunities?
We do a lot of talk about laws and how blacks are unfairly treated. But when was the last time you've actually studied the politics and values of people running for office? Or even considered running for office in the future to be that change?
We do a lot of talk about police brutality and the unfair advantage that whites may have. But when was the last time you've taken a stand, made your voice heard beyond your Facebook and Instagram?
Something that the Black community is missing today is a leader. A leader that would give us a common goal; A leader that can be a voice of our community; A leader to motivate and congregate the masses for one common purpose.
Since the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, the Black community has not been able to have a common goal, a way of thinking that we can all agree on to call for change in and for the Black community. It's been decades since these men left this earth, and it seems as though we have lost the connection with ourselves. The connection that empowers all of us to not just talk about change, but to be the change.
If the Black community knew exactly what we wanted, pursued what we want, support those who are trying to fill that void for that want, then maybe we would get what we want economically and politically, which would trickle down for all of us to succeed.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Thank you Seth Rogen for This is the End
Last night I went to the movies and saw This is the End. A comedy starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson.
I wasn't too thrilled to be going to see the movie, I'd rather go see Purge - even though Purge seemed to be a scarier concept than This is the End and I hate scary movies. But I figured This is the End seemed kind of funny so I didn't protest when my friend said she would rather see that.
For me, the beginning of the movie was very uninteresting. I thought this is going to be just a movie with a lot of celebrity cameos, which will bring in the big bucks and not the actually storyline. But that all changed when the "End" actually began. And boy was it a heart pounding shock when it all started.
As the movie continued, I found my heart pounding at several points and my whole body jumping in my seat from fear. The humor of the movie was a lot similar to The Hangover to me. A lot of moments where I was just confused as hell as to why would something like this happen in a movie, and what the hell is on that character's mind to do that. Yes I laughed a few times, but had a more confused and scared look on my face more than often.
The concept of the movie was nothing like I thought it would be. I know it clearly reads in the title This is the End, but I was completely in awe when I learned that the "End" concept of it was not about the world going to shit because of global warming, aliens or a world war, but instead was about the end as the book of Revelations tells it in the Bible.
Besides the blood and the big random booms in the movie, much of my fear at the end of it all stemmed from the thought "Is this what will really happen when God decides to end the world as we know it." It's just so bizarre to think, the Bible actually tells us what will happen yet when it does finally happen so many of us will question is that what is really going on.
As a Christian I know I have said that I don't want to be left behind. I want to be taken up with the first round of righteous people that are worthy enough. That I know some will be left behind for a reason, to help others get to the Lord, but I don't want to be one of those people to experience the last days/years of the earth. But after physically seeing the horrible destruction, the death, the chaos, the fear, the desperation and the utter insanity I must really reconsidering am I really living my life as a good enough person to go in that first round?
I've seen christian movies about the apocalypse, but those movies were filled with more of a hope theme than what many will be experiencing in real life. There was talk of hope in this movie, however it was a more realistic view of fear, confusion, and anxiety mixed with hope.
Ultimately, I say all this because I think Seth Rogen may have just done something that I don't think anyone else has been able to do before. He has bought the idea to the masses of living your life in a way that is acceptable in God's eyes so that you may go to heaven. For that, plus the most awesome ending of a movie ever, I think this may have been one of the best movies I have ever seen! Thank you Seth.
I wasn't too thrilled to be going to see the movie, I'd rather go see Purge - even though Purge seemed to be a scarier concept than This is the End and I hate scary movies. But I figured This is the End seemed kind of funny so I didn't protest when my friend said she would rather see that.
For me, the beginning of the movie was very uninteresting. I thought this is going to be just a movie with a lot of celebrity cameos, which will bring in the big bucks and not the actually storyline. But that all changed when the "End" actually began. And boy was it a heart pounding shock when it all started.
As the movie continued, I found my heart pounding at several points and my whole body jumping in my seat from fear. The humor of the movie was a lot similar to The Hangover to me. A lot of moments where I was just confused as hell as to why would something like this happen in a movie, and what the hell is on that character's mind to do that. Yes I laughed a few times, but had a more confused and scared look on my face more than often.
The concept of the movie was nothing like I thought it would be. I know it clearly reads in the title This is the End, but I was completely in awe when I learned that the "End" concept of it was not about the world going to shit because of global warming, aliens or a world war, but instead was about the end as the book of Revelations tells it in the Bible.
Besides the blood and the big random booms in the movie, much of my fear at the end of it all stemmed from the thought "Is this what will really happen when God decides to end the world as we know it." It's just so bizarre to think, the Bible actually tells us what will happen yet when it does finally happen so many of us will question is that what is really going on.
As a Christian I know I have said that I don't want to be left behind. I want to be taken up with the first round of righteous people that are worthy enough. That I know some will be left behind for a reason, to help others get to the Lord, but I don't want to be one of those people to experience the last days/years of the earth. But after physically seeing the horrible destruction, the death, the chaos, the fear, the desperation and the utter insanity I must really reconsidering am I really living my life as a good enough person to go in that first round?
I've seen christian movies about the apocalypse, but those movies were filled with more of a hope theme than what many will be experiencing in real life. There was talk of hope in this movie, however it was a more realistic view of fear, confusion, and anxiety mixed with hope.
Ultimately, I say all this because I think Seth Rogen may have just done something that I don't think anyone else has been able to do before. He has bought the idea to the masses of living your life in a way that is acceptable in God's eyes so that you may go to heaven. For that, plus the most awesome ending of a movie ever, I think this may have been one of the best movies I have ever seen! Thank you Seth.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Excuse me if I'm Offended
I receive daily emails with news articles and blogs that relate to African Americans. Dr. Boyce Watkins' blogs/commentary are seen in every edition. Most of the time I find his blogs very informative and more than often agree with his thoughts. However, today there was a post that I completely disagree with and just had to speak on it.
His article found at http://yourblackworld.net/2012/03/black-news/dr-boyce-so-they-are-telling-us-not-to-re-nig-in-2012-let%E2%80%99s-talk-about-that/ , highlighted an anti-Obama bumper sticker that read Don't Re-Nig in 2012. Clearly this bumper sticker is not just against our president, but is extremely racist. In the article Dr. Boyce notes the bumper sticker is racist, but he then goes on to say that for a large amount of Black people to get up-in-arms about the sticker is unnecessary.
Dr. Boyce I truly appreciate you, your thoughts, and respect you but you lost me on this time.
"But I’m tired of going bonkers every time somebody out there finds something to indicate that there are some white people who hate our guts," Dr. Boyce says in his article. Of course it's expected for Blacks to act in such a manner when racially offended, but it's also appropriate. I understand the idea that sometimes you must pick and choose your battles and the idea that complaining about every little thing may not get you far. But keeping our mouths shut about the little things will make our job even harder when we have to deal with the big things.
We all know there is still racism in America. Every African American has or will face racism at some point of time in their life. It's inevitable. Any minority in any culture will face racism. However, many simple reminders like cause an increased chance of reaching those who aren't as effected or can't relate to other incidences.
The young Black motorist will see this bumper sticker and be able to make the connection and feel offended. But that same person may not be able to understand the importance of the 'fact that there is a smaller percentage of black homeowners today than there was in 1990's.' But presenting both the issues with the same amount of importance can open the eyes of the people in different groups who have different concerns, causing a more unified effort and increased knowledge.
We must be reminded how blatant people can and will be, thus we must be more blatant and not take anything on the chin. Situations like this simply are not okay and ignoring or downplaying such things causes us to lose an opportunity to reach someone else who can strongly be effected by it.
No, racism is never going to go away, but the least we can do is demand respect in our face.
Dr. Boyce, no we can't kill every rat, fly and pigeon in New York City. But if we continue to spread knowledge about this infestation, express our concern and address it, then maybe...We'll maybe our grandchildren won't have to buy as much rat poison and fly traps.
His article found at http://yourblackworld.net/2012/03/black-news/dr-boyce-so-they-are-telling-us-not-to-re-nig-in-2012-let%E2%80%99s-talk-about-that/ , highlighted an anti-Obama bumper sticker that read Don't Re-Nig in 2012. Clearly this bumper sticker is not just against our president, but is extremely racist. In the article Dr. Boyce notes the bumper sticker is racist, but he then goes on to say that for a large amount of Black people to get up-in-arms about the sticker is unnecessary.
Dr. Boyce I truly appreciate you, your thoughts, and respect you but you lost me on this time.
"But I’m tired of going bonkers every time somebody out there finds something to indicate that there are some white people who hate our guts," Dr. Boyce says in his article. Of course it's expected for Blacks to act in such a manner when racially offended, but it's also appropriate. I understand the idea that sometimes you must pick and choose your battles and the idea that complaining about every little thing may not get you far. But keeping our mouths shut about the little things will make our job even harder when we have to deal with the big things.
We all know there is still racism in America. Every African American has or will face racism at some point of time in their life. It's inevitable. Any minority in any culture will face racism. However, many simple reminders like cause an increased chance of reaching those who aren't as effected or can't relate to other incidences.
The young Black motorist will see this bumper sticker and be able to make the connection and feel offended. But that same person may not be able to understand the importance of the 'fact that there is a smaller percentage of black homeowners today than there was in 1990's.' But presenting both the issues with the same amount of importance can open the eyes of the people in different groups who have different concerns, causing a more unified effort and increased knowledge.
We must be reminded how blatant people can and will be, thus we must be more blatant and not take anything on the chin. Situations like this simply are not okay and ignoring or downplaying such things causes us to lose an opportunity to reach someone else who can strongly be effected by it.
No, racism is never going to go away, but the least we can do is demand respect in our face.
Dr. Boyce, no we can't kill every rat, fly and pigeon in New York City. But if we continue to spread knowledge about this infestation, express our concern and address it, then maybe...We'll maybe our grandchildren won't have to buy as much rat poison and fly traps.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
In That Case, I Don't Mind Being a Snob
Today I heard an outlandish quote that made me laugh almost to tears. The statement was "President Obama once said he wants everybody in America to go to college. What a snob!"
If you don't know who said this by reading it, I'm sure you could have at least guessed one of the 'well spoken' (and I use this term loosely) members of the republican party who are running to be the next president of our country said it.
Rick Santorum said this at a campaign stop in Detroit, and it completely baffles me that he honestly thought this statement made the least bit of sense. A graduate of Penn State, U. Pitt and the Dickinson School of Law, Santorum once said as a senator he was "committed to ensuring that every Pennsylvanian had access to higher education."
I understand that while running for President it is tempting and seen as a strategic move to downplay the policy's and ideals of your opponents, but the republicans this time around have gone so far that they lost the intelligence of being logic and are looking like the (excuse my lack for a better term) biggest flip-floppers to have ever ran for a public office.
Between switching their views on healthcare in order to dismay the recent health care plan back by Obama, their ideals on the bailout for American car makers, and now this, it seems that these republicans don't think Americans are intelligent enough to recall their former stances on issues or even realize the absurdity of their statements.
"I understand why he wants you to go to college," Santorum said. "He wants to remake you in his image. I want to create jobs so people can remake their children into their image, not his."
Was Santorum saying he wants people to go to work instead of going to school to make a generation of working class, blue collar individuals that have no education? Even so, I always thought the best way to have a successful job industry is for people to be educated. I must've been misinformed all these years.
I could go on and on how much Santorum and other republicans make my head hurt from their backwards thinking, which I'm sure they'll change if by some fat chance they make it into office, but I digress.
At the end of the day though, if a man who came from the working class and made his way to become the first African American President of the United States wants to make me into his likeliness, then that's fine by me. I guess I'd prefer to be a snob like him.
If you don't know who said this by reading it, I'm sure you could have at least guessed one of the 'well spoken' (and I use this term loosely) members of the republican party who are running to be the next president of our country said it.
Rick Santorum said this at a campaign stop in Detroit, and it completely baffles me that he honestly thought this statement made the least bit of sense. A graduate of Penn State, U. Pitt and the Dickinson School of Law, Santorum once said as a senator he was "committed to ensuring that every Pennsylvanian had access to higher education."
I understand that while running for President it is tempting and seen as a strategic move to downplay the policy's and ideals of your opponents, but the republicans this time around have gone so far that they lost the intelligence of being logic and are looking like the (excuse my lack for a better term) biggest flip-floppers to have ever ran for a public office.
Between switching their views on healthcare in order to dismay the recent health care plan back by Obama, their ideals on the bailout for American car makers, and now this, it seems that these republicans don't think Americans are intelligent enough to recall their former stances on issues or even realize the absurdity of their statements.
"I understand why he wants you to go to college," Santorum said. "He wants to remake you in his image. I want to create jobs so people can remake their children into their image, not his."
Was Santorum saying he wants people to go to work instead of going to school to make a generation of working class, blue collar individuals that have no education? Even so, I always thought the best way to have a successful job industry is for people to be educated. I must've been misinformed all these years.
I could go on and on how much Santorum and other republicans make my head hurt from their backwards thinking, which I'm sure they'll change if by some fat chance they make it into office, but I digress.
At the end of the day though, if a man who came from the working class and made his way to become the first African American President of the United States wants to make me into his likeliness, then that's fine by me. I guess I'd prefer to be a snob like him.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Who's with you against the world?
Today I cried. I cried because I lost my best friend.
No she didn't die. No she didn't move away. Actually she's in the same place that she's always been...right down the street.
We actually haven't spoken in over a year over something that best friends should be able to get over. But because of our strong personalities, we both waited for the other to call and apologize, and obviously neither of us budged.
Until today.
I called her. I called her and asked how she was doing. I called her and I apologized. She apologized too.
Very rarely do I say I'm going to be the bigger person when I feel like someone did me wrong. But today I got sad. I thought of all the people I'm friends with, all the people that I've been friends with. I realized that she was always the one person that I could always rely on.
For a long time, it was me and her against the world. Even when we both were in relationships, it was me and her against the world. And today, I felt like I was against the world, and it killed me to know that it was just me, just me against the world.
I love my boyfriend, and I know he's always going to be there for me. But he can't offer me that best friend relationship I need because he's got his own best friend.
So I screwed up. A year ago I didn't think about how rude and crude this world could be. I didn't think how much I needed her. I was only thinking of how she hurt me at that moment. But I didn't think about how much other people hurt me and how often she was there.
We had a strong friendship. Although I've found people that I had more things in common with, they still didn't get me the way she did.
So today I called her. I called her and asked how she was doing. I called her and I apologized. She apologized too.
But at the end of the conversation, she still felt a million miles away. I lost my best friend.
So if you read this, I encourage you to tell that one person who is with you when you're against the world and the world is against you that you never want to lose them. Because when you don't have that person, its the most empty feeling in the world.
No she didn't die. No she didn't move away. Actually she's in the same place that she's always been...right down the street.
We actually haven't spoken in over a year over something that best friends should be able to get over. But because of our strong personalities, we both waited for the other to call and apologize, and obviously neither of us budged.
Until today.
I called her. I called her and asked how she was doing. I called her and I apologized. She apologized too.
Very rarely do I say I'm going to be the bigger person when I feel like someone did me wrong. But today I got sad. I thought of all the people I'm friends with, all the people that I've been friends with. I realized that she was always the one person that I could always rely on.
For a long time, it was me and her against the world. Even when we both were in relationships, it was me and her against the world. And today, I felt like I was against the world, and it killed me to know that it was just me, just me against the world.
I love my boyfriend, and I know he's always going to be there for me. But he can't offer me that best friend relationship I need because he's got his own best friend.
So I screwed up. A year ago I didn't think about how rude and crude this world could be. I didn't think how much I needed her. I was only thinking of how she hurt me at that moment. But I didn't think about how much other people hurt me and how often she was there.
We had a strong friendship. Although I've found people that I had more things in common with, they still didn't get me the way she did.
So today I called her. I called her and asked how she was doing. I called her and I apologized. She apologized too.
But at the end of the conversation, she still felt a million miles away. I lost my best friend.
So if you read this, I encourage you to tell that one person who is with you when you're against the world and the world is against you that you never want to lose them. Because when you don't have that person, its the most empty feeling in the world.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Who is new artist J Rab?
With the businessman mentality of Diddy, the work ethic of Jay-Z and the rawness of Tupac, up and coming rapper J-Rab is Determined.
J-Rab, born Jonathan Graham, started life in Chester, Pa. where he recalls it being dangerous and crazy.
“Every night gun shots, never knew who’s getting shot at,” said the young rapper who lived with his mother and sister at the time.
His mother, who worked a 9-5 job, did everything she could to provide a good life for her children. It was also due to his mother that he was first introduced to music.
“Every time I went home it was nothing but WDAS,” he said. “I remember Saturday mornings with the Temptations. I remember being in the car, 70’s hits…I loved the emotion they brought to music, it felt good.”
At the age of 7, J Rab and his family moved to Wilmington, DE to live with his father whom his mother then married. The transition from one environment to another was tough for the young boy. His experience moving to a new location and making new friends is featured on a song called February 1st which is on his first mixtape – Distracted.
“First it was a thrill song, just the emotion of what I’ve been through in Chester and childhood, the things I went through and the people I met. [The song] was my life story until now,” he said.
However, just as any child new to a neighborhood, he became close friends with his next door neighbor, a strong friendship that has lasted until this day.
Continuing to live life as a regular boy, there was a connection to music that while it was not strong at the time, it still persisted. Looking up to rappers LL Cool J and Biggie Smalls, the young Jonathan grooved to the sounds of rap, slowly growing a stronger appreciation for the content and artists.
“My favorite rapper was Will Smith. He was just fun and fearless. He took chances with music that a lot of people weren’t doing and that’s what hip-hop is about. That’s what makes icons.”
J Rab recalls the first time he heard Tupac’s “Keeping Your Head” and Jay-Z’s “Dynasty” as moments in his life that he realized the power of words.
Around the same time in his life Jonathan and his friend created a rap group called Baseline, where he acquired his rap name.
“J Rab is that guy that shows the true emotion how Jonathan actually feels. J Rab is the spokesperson for myself and people around me. J Rab is the artist…Jon is the down to earth business guy that you can talk to about anything.”
While working with Baseline that’s when he realized “this is what I want to do every day.”
One of his first songs was called Romeo & Juliet. The amateur song was about the excitement of new relationships and young love.
“Did Romeo find his Juliet? Juliet replies with saying yes. And also Romeo your amazing and I just laugh and say Juliet you crazy,” were the words of the hook that reflected Jonathan’s relationship with a girl who you called Juliet and she called him Romeo.
The high school years were some of the most influential years for J Rab. During these years he gained his business sense, was introduced to dressing in business attire, met and acquired a tolerance and appreciation for people in other cultures.
When deciding to further his education, he enrolled at Lincoln University, the first Historically Black College/University. Although Lincoln is a predominately black institution, the experience allowed him to continue to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds.
“It showed me diversity,” he said. “It was priceless, best memories of my life were going to Lincoln.”
Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties and family issues, he had to withdraw from Lincoln after freshmen year.
In the summer of 2010 J Rab relocated to Memphis, Tenn. with his grandmother, aunt and cousin on his mother’s side.
“I had Memphis and Atlanta as an option, and the mature decision was to go to Memphis…just to become a better man.”
Now fully focused on creating and promoting his music, J Rab is finishing his second Mixtape called Determined.
“Determined is the everyday life story of people trying to reach success. This is more hard, more griddy,” he said when comparing to his last project.
Pulling inspiration from any and everything, J Rab admires and recently began researching one of the most powerful yet ruthless men in history – Hitler.
“His moves were very strategic, like a chess player, always one step ahead. He just knew when it was his time to go,” said J Rab. “You have to be strategic in life…have to know when to make that right move and when to be two steps ahead.”
And that’s just what he is trying to do by using internet websites and social media networks to promote his music. He even created an event called Turn It Up Tuesdays, the weekly release of original tracks.
“You can’t promote music like you live in the 90’s. If you do something that has been done in the past, people are not going to get with that.”
J Rab’s next move consists of relocation to Atlanta where he say’s the energy is unheard of and he believes is a great place to grow as a person and an artist.
The release date for Determined is undetermined but one thing is for sure, the album is guaranteed to cause some buzz.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Political Protest
Greece, Tunisia, Belarus, and Libya are just a few countries within the recent and current months that have had political protests against the government and their leaders.
When watching the news this morning I was shocked to see thousands of people protesting in Athens, Greece. Many people, including myself, have thought that the recent protests have only occurred in third world countries and Arab countries. However, clearly Greece is a place that someone would not think of as a third world country.
In this report about Greece, the news reporter actually had a mask on to protect himself against the tier gas that was in the air. As he reported you could hear shots in the background, possible gunshots. They showed men hit armored police and in return getting beaten with night sticks.
This protest in particular, like many others, are about the government's policy on spending, cutting expenses and budget cuts.
Wait....isn't the same thing happening here?
Governor Corbot, as well as Gov. Christi, have been cutting state budgets to save the decificit. However, by cutting budgets they are taking money away from expenses that have used and needed the same money for years. Our federal government is in the same pardiciment very often as well. Trying to figure out what to do with our budgets, where to cut so we can save money, but too often is the cutting hurting the little people such the elderly with their social security and the small business owner.
These issues are very high concerns for US citizens and President Obama who I believe has tried his best to address some of these issues.
But my question is, with one wrong step and/or vote in the wrong way, are we just one step away from Greece? Is it possible that we could see such protest in this country. Aren't we dealing with the same sentiments as these other countries? With us helping other countries when they're dealing with simple protests, are other countries going to send in their troops to help us?
Honestly, some of the politicians in Washington have absolutely no concern for the small business owner. With people such as Mitt Romney, who has more than enough money to fund his own political campaign without any fundraisering, could these politicians really understand the hardships and interest of everyday people.
President Barack Obama is a person that clearly understand what it means to be a working class citizen and I believe when he went into his first presidential campaign he had their interest in mind. However, with the power and opposing views that he faces in Washington I think he lost sight of that.
Obama needs to get back to the basics. His healthcare bill was definately something that looked out for the little people. However, one bill is not enough. I don't except Obama to change the US completely. However, wasn't the whole ideal of his campaign 'change.' I now must question, how much change was he talking about?
However, at the end of the day I'd rather go with the interest of the little people and helping change things for them, even it's one thing, over someone who has no idea what it means to be a single mother raising two kids at a minimum wage job...over someone who has no idea what it means to have thousands and thousands of dollars in educational debt that they have no way to pay back...over someone who doesn't understand how important social security is for older people...Those are just my thoughts...
I challenge you to watch the news today. Just watch at least one hour of news. And from there, I want you to decide, what you're going to do about it. That's what the people in Greece did. That's what the people in Tunisia did. That's what the people in Belarus did. That's what the people in Libya did.
When watching the news this morning I was shocked to see thousands of people protesting in Athens, Greece. Many people, including myself, have thought that the recent protests have only occurred in third world countries and Arab countries. However, clearly Greece is a place that someone would not think of as a third world country.
In this report about Greece, the news reporter actually had a mask on to protect himself against the tier gas that was in the air. As he reported you could hear shots in the background, possible gunshots. They showed men hit armored police and in return getting beaten with night sticks.
This protest in particular, like many others, are about the government's policy on spending, cutting expenses and budget cuts.
Wait....isn't the same thing happening here?
Governor Corbot, as well as Gov. Christi, have been cutting state budgets to save the decificit. However, by cutting budgets they are taking money away from expenses that have used and needed the same money for years. Our federal government is in the same pardiciment very often as well. Trying to figure out what to do with our budgets, where to cut so we can save money, but too often is the cutting hurting the little people such the elderly with their social security and the small business owner.
These issues are very high concerns for US citizens and President Obama who I believe has tried his best to address some of these issues.
But my question is, with one wrong step and/or vote in the wrong way, are we just one step away from Greece? Is it possible that we could see such protest in this country. Aren't we dealing with the same sentiments as these other countries? With us helping other countries when they're dealing with simple protests, are other countries going to send in their troops to help us?
Honestly, some of the politicians in Washington have absolutely no concern for the small business owner. With people such as Mitt Romney, who has more than enough money to fund his own political campaign without any fundraisering, could these politicians really understand the hardships and interest of everyday people.
President Barack Obama is a person that clearly understand what it means to be a working class citizen and I believe when he went into his first presidential campaign he had their interest in mind. However, with the power and opposing views that he faces in Washington I think he lost sight of that.
Obama needs to get back to the basics. His healthcare bill was definately something that looked out for the little people. However, one bill is not enough. I don't except Obama to change the US completely. However, wasn't the whole ideal of his campaign 'change.' I now must question, how much change was he talking about?
However, at the end of the day I'd rather go with the interest of the little people and helping change things for them, even it's one thing, over someone who has no idea what it means to be a single mother raising two kids at a minimum wage job...over someone who has no idea what it means to have thousands and thousands of dollars in educational debt that they have no way to pay back...over someone who doesn't understand how important social security is for older people...Those are just my thoughts...
I challenge you to watch the news today. Just watch at least one hour of news. And from there, I want you to decide, what you're going to do about it. That's what the people in Greece did. That's what the people in Tunisia did. That's what the people in Belarus did. That's what the people in Libya did.
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