current events

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Perfection the Enemy of Progress

As I’ve been listening to reactions on social media and in the news media, there are many people who are disappointed that the old, White Democratic Socialist, isn’t going to be the nominee for President from the Democratic party. Instead, the people chose a more moderate-left leaning old, White guy who is the former Vice President, to the only Black President in this nations history. Somehow we’ve forgotten what it is we’re looking to accomplish. For some reason, people tend to think that only the loud mouth, angry, Socialist, Senator Bernie Sanders, is the right candidate to lead the party. Now to be clear I was not a supporter of either man because for one, both of them are old and White. Second, Sanders doesn’t have the most complete record of progressiveism and those who are trying to sing his praises now because he has adopted very liberal policies in terms of Healthcare and Immigration and Climate Change, are slightly misguided to me. Yes, he was championing causes that help many demographics, but to be honest, real and fair, we all know the majority of the shit he was talking was NEVER going to happen. The fact that so many out here are willing to be so outraged and upset is laughable to me.

Lets examine a few things as we prepare to shift from a party nomination fight to the general election and choice between these candidates. I’ve seen quite a bit on social media that people are now willing to sit on their vote, yet again, because people decided they didn’t someone promising to blow up the system, when the last guy who promised to do that, the current occupant of the White House, got there and has done the polar opposite of what he promised. In fact, he has pulled a complete 180 and has more political insiders, money grabbers, big donor money than his predecessor. So now you want a country that is very wary to elect another candidate who has a lot of bluster and grand ideas but knows they will not get further. Lets also not forget that this country is not ready to give free healthcare to everyone, free college to everyone. I’m not saying they’re not great vote getting policies, because they are, but they’re also not realistic and once some you sit and realized that you will see that the person who really stood the best chance of the two is former V.P. Biden.

Again, I really feel that we lost an opportunity to send a message, because we had the most diverse field ever for President and we shot all the candidates down. Some you have given disparaging nicknames to some of the candidates, again you’re  hyper progressive I get it, but are you realistic? Probably not. And then why let your vote go in vain, or vote for a third party candidate you’re assuming will come, that has no shot at winning. I get it you’re trying to send a message that you aren’t happy with the choices or system. But here is my problem. If you were so hell bent on another candidate what the fuck did you do to get your candidate the votes to remain in the competition? What did you and those like you do to make sure people understood the realistic dimensions of your candidate? The other thing I really don’t understand is why so many of you are calling people stupid because they chose someone they felt could actually win, with actual policy stances that Americans can support. And honestly, a large part of their policy initiatives are closely aligned with where Senator Sanders is but with a more moderate hue.

I hope that those who support Senator Sanders will realize that now voting for Joe Biden is not a slight to Bernie. It is the best way to honor the policies he wants. Because with a Democrat in the White House and a House of Reps controlled by the Dems there is a greater than likely chance of getting some things done, rather than having a Republican still occupying the White House, setting the agenda from his end and Democrats have to fight to get their ideas pushed. Instead of trying to reinforce the reasons as to why Sanders supports won’t or shouldn’t support Biden, how about you take the approach one of my social media friends took. He said that his vote for Biden is not a given. That Joe has until November to prove to him that he is deserving of his vote and if not then he will vote a third party candidate. I can respect and honor anyone who takes that kind of reasoned, adult-like approach. Lets be honest, we were never going to get perfection in a candidate this cycle or any cycle. We had to decide between options that really didn’t inspire us to great lengths. So we made decisions. People all across this nation made decisions and Biden was the choice.

Now it’s time to make sure that Mr. Biden does the work to earn our votes for sure. But we also need to do the work to allow the space for the man to be able to define himself, and endear himself to the needs of the constituents of the Democratic party. Don’t let progressive perfection become the enemy of winning the war and further advancing our agenda. Because to be fair and honest, we are under assault by this President and his administration. Roe is in question, gay marriage is in question, immigration policies are in question, an many more things. Education is not settled as we have a Education Secretary who is very incompetent and doesn’t have the back of American students and educators. But you are all ready to hand her and the rest another four years because you didn’t get the one person you wanted, who was dangling some candy in your face on a string. America, lets have a discussion. I know there are many feelings and opinions and I definitely want to discuss them. #staysafe

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Defeat In Ignorance

Far too often I’m hearing many of my peers talk about not having a clue about what is going on in our modern day political or real world. I’m more and more unsettled by this the more I hear it. When you’re in your early 30s you need to be in tune to what’s going on with the political world around you. Simply because that is the world that will be impacting you’re every day life. The discussions, laws and platforms being displayed are the rules and boundaries we will have to overcome.

It’s not enough to claim ignorance to the current president. That in itself a the recipe for failure and disaster. That is what cost this country in the last election cycle for President. Too many people not engaged and either not voting or simply following the popular trade winds. Saying you didnt vote and having no reason why is sad and shameful.

We’re living in a time where we have a White House that’s lying to us daily. We have a President who constantly lies, blisters, and bullshits the country. We are in the midst of a bruising fight for the nomination of the democratic party. Which means we need all of us to pay attention. Young, middle aged, old and everything in between, the time has been past for you to inform yourself. Yet now more than ever there can be no excuses as to why you’re not engaged and involved.

Please make no mistake about this. The more people who say they’re not informed. They say they dont keep up, the more it plays to the advantage of Trump and Republicans. If you stay home and don’t vote you’re in effect doing the same thing. You’re making it one vote easier for whomever you oppose. And for those of you who say your one vote doesn’t matter, let’s do some math.

If one million people thought the same way and stayed home and didn’t vote imagine what could happen. You realize in 2016 Hillary Clinton lost Michigan, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania all by a total of less than a million votes. Still think your vote doesn’t matter? Every state needs your vote. Change happens when you’re informed and you make a decision using that information to affect change.

Time to stop sitting on your as and get involved. Learn about the candidates and what their positions are. Because what’s happening now shapes what the future society you live in looks like. Step up and do your part.

Posted on current events, Politics, Uncategorized

The Black Vote

Sadly I have to write this post again to remind people why in the Black community, the Gay, White, former Mayor of South Bend Indiana will never get the Black vote in enough numbers to become the nominee for President of the Democratic party.

See unfortunately, Black people are still socially conservative on the whole. Which means they still don’t like accepting the LGBTQ+ community. Amongst the highest number of gay teens homeless are Black. Among the highest number of adults withdrawn from their families and disparaged are Black, gay men. For whatever the reason is Black people are still operating in a black of ancient beliefs. They still cling onto the bible and the misinformed passages regarding same sex relations.

No matter how religious Mayor Pete says he is that will never allow him to be endeared to the Black community. One he is white and a little too clean cut. He’s also seen as uninspiring and privileged. He also comes from a state that has had its share of stereotyping that make it difficult for the community to support him. Couple that with the issues of his police department with a Black resident of his city and most definitely that lends itself to failing to gain traction among us.

While it’s not completely indicative of all of the Black community, in the Deep South, it is definitely the practice of many of those people to not support the gay community too steady. If you listen to his stances and policy positions, he actually would be good for the Black community. He also has the experience of being a war vet, you would think that makes him capable of handling the military, where many of our people enlist as well. His other big problem is he’s still young. Pete is only 37 years old. That too for whatever the reason scares Black people because many seem to think that you gotta be older with some grey showing to take you seriously.

So good luck Pete, but this isn’t the right time, you’re not in the right place and you aren’t the right candidate for this moment.

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ImpeachWhat

Yes, as with all other important topics of the day, I do have a very strong opinion on whether or not this President should be removed from office. As we are all well aware of Donald J Trump, 45th President of the United States became only the 3rd President to ever be Impeached. I’m sure Donald didn’t have this type of history in mind when he told office. Yet, here we stand.

Ironically enough I predicted this a couple years back when talking with friend about his Presidency. I said that I felt at some point in his first term he was going to be Impeached. I didn’t know what for, but just watching his first few months in office, it became clear that it was inevitable. Yes, that also means I figured that Democrats would win the house in the midterm elections in 2018, which they did. And I also saw this as the likely outcome as long as Republicans held the Senate. They would never remove Trump. Trump is too powerful a Republican figure to be taken down by mostly spineless Republican Senators.

Yes I have no problem calling a spade a spade. You all who were on the right were outraged at Clinton for lying under oath about gettin head from an intern in the Oval Office. But you’re not outraged, defiant and emboldened by a man who abused the power of his office to look up dirt on a rival? I struggle to find the differentiation except one was a Democratic President and the other a Republican President. The facts about this are clear in my opinion. If this was Barack Obama, it is my belief he would’ve been gone. Democrats would’ve understood the need to protect the democracy and Republicans would’ve salivated at the opportunity to get rid of the nation’s first black President.

We sit here and watch as the House Managers present a case that is definitive and clear. They paint the picture and leave no doubt. Yet, we know that whenever this is all done, Republicans are going to vote to acquit. Let’s have winds open eyes, open minds and clear conscious. Listen to the evidence. Listen to what is being told and be honest with your assessment. If you do, you know you must convict.

No matter where you stand or what ur affiliation is, we are truly in the midst of history. It’s something your kids and grandkids need to see and understand.

Talk to me and lets discuss

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We Are King

Today as we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I want us all to remember that we can be King. The premise of King’s legacy is that we all are capable of greatness, if we protect the basic tenants of freedom we all are entitled to. The inability for us to care for the well being of all races, nationalities and creeds is what makes King’s message still so relevant today.

We have activists and celebrities that are leading the charge forward. We have some politicians who are trying to legally advance the cause of equality and justice for all, but it’s not enough. For all of these people we have the prejudicial people, the racist people, the discriminating people. These are the things that are keeping us back as a people, as a nation.

See the reason that King’s message is so relevant is because today we have a President who spews racist, hateful, divisive rhetoric daily. We have a U.S. Senate full of individuals who refuse to take a stand against such behavior and verbal discourse. They turn a blind eye to the harmful discourse this President perpetuates because they want to keep their jobs.

We have a block of citizens who refuse to call bull shit on this President. They accept his idioms and boastful comments as him shaking up Washington D.C. and breaking from the norms, that they feel is necessary. When in reality it is a form of quiet racism and hatred that prevent us from becoming a better people. Why is it acceptable for us to allow for a political party to divide us as a nation? Is it because we are too comfortable being boxed into our circles that we can’t call out negativity.

King said Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. That should ring true in all walks of life. It should be true in all corners of this nation and society as a whole. King said that he had a dream that we would live in a world we won’t be judged by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character. We have not reached that dream just yet. We’re making progress but we’re still far behind.

That statement from King was momentous. We’re currently sitting in a place where we have seen the first black president, the first female candidate for president from a major party, we’ve seen the most diverse field for President by Democrats, but more work is needed. We need more inclusion in all areas, we need more accountability and empathy in this society. King wanted us to be that type of people where we move beyond the racial divisions and religious differences of people.

As we sit here today the first month of the decade of the 20’s, we’re still faced with many question from the past. Will we ever see true equality; racial, sexual, financial? I have a dream on this day.. I have a dream that we achieve the first woman president. I have a dream that we will see true equality for the LGBTQ+ community. I have a dream that black and brown people will take their place as equals, that all people from all creeds will stop being discriminated against. I have a dream that we will be able to love each other for who we are.

From whatever view you look upon. No matter if you are white or black, gay or straight, rich, poor or middle class, American, Asian, African, Muslim and all in between. Understand and know that this is still one nation. We ultimately will rise and fall on the unity amongst us all. So stop looking at the person who is different from you as a threat or challenge. Look at them as your brother and sister. Encourage, up lift and help one another. Do this and the dream of King and me and others will come true.

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Justice isnt equal

I’m sure all of you who have heard of the former Dallas officer who shot and killed an unarmed, nonaggressive man in his home. I’m sure, also, you know the officer was white and female, while the victim was a black male. Asking me why this matters would ignore the obvious. We live in a world where young, black men are killed by white officers at alarming rates for just being black.

This situation to me is no different. She walked into that young man’s home, claims to have been preoccupied on the phone, startled when she saw him and shot him cold blooded in the chest. All he was doing was sitting on his couch eating ice cream. Now he is dead and she only got 10 years for her crime of Murder.

The bullshit here is if she were anywhere but his house l, I believe she would be free today. And if he were a white male or she a black female I’m sure her sentence would far more severe and punitive. Yes we all could read the tea leaves and see they were fucking. Just look at all the clues provided. There is no way a judge should have allowed a passion defense for her walking into the wrong fucking apartment and killing a man in cold blood. His house was unlocked, is that really what we do at home, expecting no one to come? He didnt mount any defense or struggle against her.

Say what want and there will be many who will. There is not sufficient justice here and until we recognize that White privilege is still an issue and cops have more mercy given than others, we will never have a fair and equal justice system. My heart bleeds for Mr. Jean’s mother, father and siblings. What happened to him and his family was a betrayal. No one thought she would get just 10 years. When you have people in jail on lesser drug charges for 20, 30 years. Wake up America we still have a major problem and we need to fix it.

Sound off. Talk back

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Welcome back Dave Chappelle

Yo if you haven’t watched his special on Netflix, please watch it. It’s edgy and controversial but it’s funny as hell and very much so on point. He uses his comedy to discuss today issues in America. He gives his opinion on what the current events are and to be honest he ain’t that wrong about it in my opinion. He talks about the dumb shit Jussie Smollett accused white men of doing, that’s been proved false. He talks about abortion rights and I agree with part of his point that a women should not be forced to have a child.

He talks about the conflict schools have regarding the shooting occurring in them. Whether to have these drills to prepare the children. While at the same time paralyzing and scaring the kids to be in school to a degree because of this reality. The answer to that may never be known because the world we live in today, people don’t respect common decency, nor share boundaries that innocent children are off limits.

He speaks a real truth about the gun situation in America. Many dont believe in them, but because of the dangers of people, they have them to protect themselves and their families. He makes light of the poor and disenfranchised because as he said he too was once poor. He discusses Michael Jackson and R Kelly sex issues. He gives his opinion on why he believes one set of accusers over the others. It is in my mind a fascinating view of the world from one of the best comedians within in.

He gets personal and discusses a situation on his talk show that to me encapsulate the world view today from the top down and I’m firmly behind him, being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He talked about being censored on his show because he wanted to use the derogatory gay term faggot. He asked the head of that department why cant he use that word but they didn’t censor him from using nigger and he had no punitive measure for doing so. He said, she told him because he’s not gay so he can’t use the word faggot. He retorted, I’m not a nigger either. And said there was silence.

What a powerful statement and illustration to make. The world still sees negative black terms as narrowly acceptable if said by a black person, but a derogatory gay word isnt acceptable. Maybe none of the insensitive, incendiary words should be used.

I’m intentionally not giving details of the special because I need you to watch and listen. Make your own conclusions and hey come back here and let’s discuss.

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1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

What the fuck was that shit show yesterday in the White House? So you mean to tell me of all the people the President could speak with, he chose Kanye. No offense and by all means if he helps to get real things done for the Black community, then more power to him. But the truth is that was as whacked and nutty as it comes. Won’t shit come of this but publicity for the President about meeting wit a black rapper and how much support he has.

Then what the hell was Kanye talking about. He made as much sense as Trump does when he’s discussing foreign policy. It was embarrassing and a sham. It was pathetic and so disheartening. Lemme be clear, Kanye us free to voice his opinion as is his given right. But the fuck you mean we need to do any with the 13th amendment. What fucking planet you live on son?

I’m going to be very honest here. I’m not under any nieviety that if we abolished the 13th amendment we wouldn’t have slavery. I believe with all the fiber in my soul we would still have some form of real legal slavery in this country if we removed thst amendment. For Kanye to say that it’s a trap door, What the fuck? Son who taught u? Moreover, where is your wife?

Are we this starved for attention and relevancy that you will hitch your wagon on to Donald Trump and you’re talking like this? Folks I’m not saying that all Trump people are delusional, because they aren’t. A large number are Republicans who believe most of the policies Trumps people, and he, push are correct for our country. But there are far more whack jobs, like Kanye that support this man.

I need some serious people to tell me why is happening anyway. There was nothing constructive that came from that meeting. My suggestions are as follows: President or not, don’t entertain stupidness like this, push the conversation back to the relevant stories, the Russia probe, Trump and tax evasion, the Washington Post reported feared dead, the feds response to Hurricane relief. The continued mistreatment in the justice system and in this country as a whole. The masogeny of this President.

Less than 30 days til election day folks. Let’s not get distracted by the window dressing and typical class war being raged by the President. Stay focused, motivated and vote. Show that man his dog and pony show has consequences and we will get that ass out

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My Final Thought

As I watched and discussed the outcome possibilities of the new Associate Justice on the Supreme Court, my calculation was one based on logic, not partisanship.

I’ve heard many pundits on many television stations discuss the merits of all the flash points surrounding Justice Kavanaugh. I was almost certain that two of the three Republicans, if not all three would vote no. But that meant ignoring the tea leaves and the cover job given by Sen Flake.

Let’s think about it for a minute. I believe he was deeply torn, but I also believe he was always going to be a yes vote for Justice Kavanaugh u til he got called on it. The same with Sen Collins. She was always a yes until the allegations. Sen Murkowski she was the one to watch thou. She was never on board with the nominee and apparently nothing was said to convince her.

But what he did last Friday calling for an FBI review, ultimately provided cover for him, Collins and Sen Manchin to all vote for this man. Claiming they believe Dr Blasey Ford, but the evidence didn’t support her. Well truth is the investigation wasn’t thorough or complete and the reality is you can’t have double speak like that. If you believe Dr Ford, then u think Justice Kavanaugh was lying. To say both of them were honest nd believable is bogus. Everyone knew 1 week wasn’t going to solve this allegation but it was all Dems could get nd it was all the time the Reps needed.

Sadly the lies told will be the silo that hangs over the court. This Justice appears the most partisan justice to be confirmed. The demeanor and vernacular used show to me his poor temperament. The narrative coming out of it is disgusting. I heard a Republican say on tv this morning that a woman came with baseless accusations and ruined a good man. Let me be clear, I had doubts at first because of the manner that the store at behaved. But after fully engaging I wanted to hear the testimony. Her claims aren’t baseless, sadly they can’t be corroborated so some wanna smear her. To suggest that it’s baseless because you’re a Republican hack, that just wanted the con rush job approved is awful.

That’s why this country is so broken, divided and distrusting. We want to sensationalize everything, rather than have empathy for something and disagree gracefully. We are in a very new time. Maybe all this continues to push people to vote for change. For candidates who reflect their politics, not this bull shit we see. One can only hope.

Whatever your position on the matter few things are true. One, this process harmed everyone involved, two the nation is further divided nd distrusting than ever, three Trump is doing what he promised and we are all along for the ride and finally, if you want to stop what’s happening then use your fucking right given to you and vote!

If you care about the country, your family, friends and people period, get off ur ass nd vote!!

America sound off, lets talk

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I Was Wrong.. Kinda

So I’ve spent the past couple days reflecting on the amazing events that occurred on Friday afternoon. Arizona Senator, Jeff Flake, had a real come to Jesus moment with himself which possibly changed the course of history.

Following the emotional and gripping testimony of Dr Balsey Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, it was hard not to come away believing that the Judge was lair. As I sat and watched his performance, because that’s what I think it was, it was hard not to see the striking similarities to all the over predators that get accused. First he says he’s a wholesome man who never did anything out of line. Second, he says well he did things when he was young, but never to the magnitude he’s accused of. Third, he became defiant claiming it was a conspiracy to root him out from the Supreme Court bench.

I watched some of The View on Friday and the picture they showed was stunning. There before Dr Ford were a panel of all White, old men, judging her for her words and demeanor. Amazing, in a country so diverse and rich the people in power are still old, White men. But I also was thinking about the histrionics and antics on display during Judge Kavanaughs testimony. From Senator Graham going full Jerry McGuire, to all those Republican men graveling over themselves to portray the Judge as a victim and the hearing as a farce.

It was then I began to think this was 1993 again and Anita Hill all over. That the Judge was gonna skate by the skin of his teeth and women again would lose. The country would lose and we would be forced to accept that the movement doesn’t apply to priveledged White men. And then Jeff Flake happened. There were grumbling that numerous Senators were deeply troubled by Kavanaugh, suggesting they knew something was foul, but they didn’t have the guts to vote their heart.

Well two women with a story, emotion and courage told Jeff Flake about himself and now we have an effort to find the truth. What a fascinating day it was. What drama and what courage.

America the movement is alive and well