Debt Ceiling/ Deficit Reduction...Senator Recall

Why is America constantly faced with a self-inflicted crisis? Why in the middle of economic peril are the "haves" somehow having even more and the "have-nots" somehow have even less? With the debt ceiling/ deficit reduction talks going on now, it may get even worse. What will be cut will be taken from those that don't have anything left to give. The temporary fixes, if you can call them that, coming from Mitch McConnell and Eric Cantor are a slap in the face to the citizens of this country. More on what to do about them later...

With deficit reduction and the debt ceiling increase taking center stage on America's political landscape, Iceland and Greece immediately come to mind. Because Iceland went bankrupt and defaulted on $85 Billion in debt and Greece Gets World’s Lowest Credit Rating by Fitch on July 13, 201, cutting their rating three levels from B+ to CCC. Iceland definitely has a way to go to recover, but the Credit Raters Who Didn’t Predict Iceland Crisis Miss Rebound. Because Iceland defaulted, recovery is taht much harder, and expensive. How do you feel about the debt ceiling and deficit reduction talks? Is your Senator's vote inline with you or playing party politics with your future?

Does your Senator not vote the way you would like? Few states allow for a recall of a senator-only 18 and the District of Columbia. If you're not living in one of these states you have no constitutional rights to recall. The 18 states allowing for recall are as follows: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin. Learn how to recall your Senator here.

I know most of the MAJOR players in the budget/ debt ceiling debate are not Senators within these states. However, generating majority support can be achieved with the constitutional right to recall within these states. Force the Senators of your state to push the Senators that are major roadblocks to the deficit reduction/ debt ceiling increase negotiations to realize that they could possibly lose a majority or become even more of a minority. Eighteen states may only be thirty-six percent of the union, but thirty-six percent can swing the balance of power within the Senate in one fell swoop.

What if the President Wasn't Black

I have a lot of progressive friends/ associates that may not approve of what I am about to do...yes, I am about to play the "Race Card." President Obama has been in office for 904 days and the majority of his policies have been based on economic status more so than race...so of course more whites (being the majority) will benefit from his policies. But that isn't the point, the point is the blatant disrespect given the Commander and Chief by political leaders of Both Parties. The White Men or descendants thereof that have been running this country since the Revolutionary War. 

I see what you and your cohorts are doing Congressman Boehner...and I include you too Reid. Yes, I feel that Harry Reid and other democrats thought they were getting a "Charismatic Face" that would "shuck and jive" their policy to the masses, not thinking that the ideological Senator from Illinois would actually try to deliver on his campaign promises. Instead of pushing policies when Democrats had the majority and watching the country prosper, you Mr. Reid and Ms. Pelosi have embarked upon a course of action that lead to a loss of the majority during the mid-term elections. I continue to ask myself why, and the only answer I get is the one that Republicans haven't done a better job of shielding...IT'S BECAUSE HE'S BLACK. Don't get me wrong, I am not calling them RACISTS, I am merely saying that they have not given their full support because they find it hard to view a Black Man as their boss/leader, because it is in fact unprecedented.

Now, Mr. McConnell, Boehner, etc...you guys have outright REFUSED TO DO YOUR JOBS with the hope that the Black Man in the White House will get all the blame. Stop hijacking benefits and filibustering every possible solution to every problem. I know you find it hard to believe that your position is subordinate to a Black Man, but it is...and driving the country into the ground to ensure that another Black Man will not be trusted with the keys the country for another 232 years is downright dastardly, but brilliantly...who knew when McConnell stated the goal of having President Obama be a one-term president meant one-term for the entire Black Race.

And to you Black people out there (I aint forgot about you). Stop falling for the okie-doke. This goes for citizens and political leaders alike, criticize when criticism is needed, IT HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT HIM BEING BLACK ENOUGH, but about him being a good president...there is still time if we can get our elected officials to stop the shenanigans and RUN THE COUNTRY like they were elected to do. Our President catches it coming and going, for some he isn't black enough and for others, he wouldn't be there if he wasn't black. The double-talk is tiring and the country is suffering because of it.

Looking for a Job?...Don't Hold Your Breath

Historically, job loss/ high unemployment usually hits and hits hard with an immediate effect. The recovery however, moves at a snail’s pace. Per the diagram below, unemployment was at 10.8% in November of 1982 and did not hit the safe zone of 5% until February of 1989. In the early '90s, unemployment hit 8% and did not reach the safe zone until five years later. In the earlier part of the millennium, it took a little over two years to recover from an unemployment rate of a little over 6%. In March of 2010, the unemployment rate hit 9.7%; now by my calculations based on history, we will hit the safe zone in January of 2016.

Not what you were expecting to hear, huh? Yeah, me either...not sure if the unemployment benefits will continue to be extended indefinitely. In the meantime, we will have three one-term presidents switching control from Democrat to Republican/Tea Party back to Democratic with the 2016 election. While we attempt to stave off a depression, politicians will have us believe that job creation lies within the bill not supported by the other party; all in an attempt to gain control of the White House.

As much as I dislike the blame game, this crisis will always lie with George W. Bush. The lack of domestic oversight (big government)/ regulations has caused a meltdown of epic proportion. So much so that it took the TARP (band aid) and an $800 billion stimulus (tourniquet) that merely halted the crisis, but did nothing to make it better. Here is to that continued job search until 2016...

Think Tank Suggestion

Just yesterday a friend of mine posted an article by Ezra Klein from washingtonpost.com. The article came with this comment by my friend:

"Ezra Klein is doing the best work out there in making a case for why Democrats should be spend the next few years building support in Kentucky so they can defeat Mitch McConnell. He's the single most destructive force in American politics and he ain't never gonna change. He gotta go. Of course, the likelihood that Dems know this is slim since they suck."

With that quote, I submitted a request to my "Think Tank" to provide the blueprint needed to assist the Democrats. Every Democrat in the Senate and Congress should push for "Constituent Polls" to be conducted on every Senator and Member of Congress’ respective page. The poll would look something like this:

I, for one, get tired of hearing Representatives say they are representing the interest of their constituency, yet continue to vote to the contrary. So, in addition to the Political Aptitude Test I suggested in early April, let’s really bring about transparency in the process in which our elected officials operate.

This way we can see if Mitch acts in the interest of the citizens of Kentucky, or in the best interest of himself.

Disclaimer: Eleanor Holmes-Norton's page will have a "Constituents Response" poll, but will not have a Rep. Vote ledger.

What is Al Qaeda?

Al Qaeda announced a new leader this morning. Ayman al-Zawahiri, longtime #2 to Osama bin Laden's, Dr. Evil, has been named the new leader of this terrorist organization. To me, this begs the question, not who but, "What is Al Qaeda?" Many times they are described as, "Muslim Extremist or Islamic Militants, Jihadists, etc." There is always a description that links Muslims and Islam to terrorist. Let's take a look at some of the more prominent faces of Al Qaeda:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/bin-laden-is-dead-but-al-qaeda-is-not/2011/05/02/AFZqpZbF_graphic.html

The faces of the bottom left and right may surprise you:

Anwar al-Awlaki

Nationality: United States. Holds dual American and Yemeni citizenship.Leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Adam Gadahn

Nationality: United States

Propagandist. Grew up in California and converted to Islam as a teenager. Moved to Pakistan in 1998 and appeared in several al-Qaeda videos. Indicted and charged with treason in 2006

From this day forth, I personally choose not to use any term to describe Al Qaeda, than simply referring to them as Al Qaeda. The faith of Islam, based on my own knowledge, is PEACE. But before I get off topic, back to my question, “What is Al Qaeda?” Are they simply a terrorist network? A very well-organized terrorist network with an Org Chart, succession plans, expense reports and healthcare benefits...not to mention hiring from within for positions of leadership.

To quote the Washington Post about the vetting and selection process of a successor:

Zawahiri, 59, is regarded as a deeply religious leader who had the skill and experience to help turn an Afghan guerrilla movement into a global terrorist organization. But he is also considered rigid and lacking in charisma, and terrorism experts say it is unclear whether he can rebuild an organization that has been under siege by U.S. military and intelligence forces.

U.S officials and terrorism analysts had speculated that Zawahiri might face competition for the job of al-Qaeda leader from other candidates, such as Libyan jihadis Atiyah Abd al-Rahman and Abu Yahya al-Libi, both of whom were considered more personable.

But the al-Qaeda’s general command put out a statement on Thursday announcing Zawahiri’s appointment, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors developments in radical Islamic groups.

Really, Zawahiri's weaknesses are that he is “considered rigid” and “lacking in charisma”; other candidates were considered because they are more personable...something about this synopsis really rubs me the wrong way. I'm not sure if it’s because we have the "intelligence" to gather this information, or if it’s the rational thinking makes me believe that the war with this "enemy" could indeed take 100 years (although the question was posed as Iraq) as John McCain stated during the 2008 Presidential primaries.

Will Osama bin Laden become the “Ronald Reagan” of terrorist cells worldwide? That charismatic leader that all vying for a position that he once held will strive to live up to.

Al Qaeda has [jihadist] websites, a la any “.gov” here in the U.S.; they have broadcast networks that lean towards their “political/ religious” positions a la FOXNEWS and NBC depending on your party. Al Qaeda even has different branches located throughout the globe a la the U.S. and military bases/ compounds. The branch that gives the U.S. most concern is in Yemen, which reportedly has emerged as the most powerful and active.

As much as it pains me to admit it Al Qaeda has a global presence, and operates as a Fortune 500 company or any other body of government. They apparently have a selection committee, board members and an unquestionable mission and vision for the world. So for me to finally answer my own question, “What is Al Qaeda?”

I still don’t know…

Party Distractions: The Left Hand Doesn't Know What the Right Hand is Doing

On the Right side we have Sarah Palin; the greatest single political distraction in my lifetime. However, only the press, Late Show comics and those on the Left show her any attention. Republicans and Tea Party members don't take the bait though, treating her as the (insert description) aunt that has an opinion on EVERYTHING although she knows nothing. She has a book deal and a tour bus to travel the country and dispell american history. She was made a grandmother from a pre-marital sexual relationship her daughter had; the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for then Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son in the midst of an economic crisis; and most of all, SHE QUIT HER JOB AS GOVERNOR TO PROFIT FROM A PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITY.

On the Left side we have Anthony Weiner; a New York Congressman, who by all acounts is very good at his job (although he had unfunfilled dreams of being a Chip-N-Dale dancer). He too gets attention from the press, Late Show comics and those on the Right. The difference here is, those on the Left take the bait- taking stabs at Weiner that cut deeper than Lorena Bobbitt. Yes, his actions were inappropriate for a married man and I will not attempt to defend him; I will also not call for him to resign as his colleagues in Congress are doing. What Congresman Weiner tweets is between him, the recipient and his WIFE.

Not much about Sarah Palin screams conservative or intellectually qualified; she is a sound-bite machine used by the RNC to deflect the fact that they are holding up job creation...

They are holding the economy hostage by FIGHTING AGAINST HIGHER TAXES and FOR TAX BREAKS (for people that don't need or want them).

Anthony Weiner on the other hand (Left) represents his constituency well. As a New York City councilman 1992-98: Weiner initiated programs to tackle quality of life concerns. He started a program to put at-risk and troubled teens to work cleaning up graffiti. He spearheaded development plans for historic Sheepshead Bay that led to a revival of the area; and, when supermarkets started leaving the neighborhood, Weiner worked to reverse the trend. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on public housing, he fought to increase federal funding, to ban dangerous dogs, and to add more police officers to the beat. His investigation into the cause of sudden, fatal stairwell fires made headlines; he exposed dangerous practices that eventually led the city to replace the paint in developments citywide.

He is also a big supporter of gay marriage (human rights if you will)...because he fights for his constituency; his party though, would much rather fight amongst themselves instead of showing the solidarity that the country needs to see. The democratic base will falter along with the elected political leaders because their focus continues to be deflected away from real issues.

The Right hand showed this solidarity during the first of the GOP Presidential Nomination debates. There were plenty of opportunities for them to turn on themselves, yet they took the platform to show a unified front against the current White House...without involving Sarah Palin...who is somewhere near Mount Rushmore looking for the image of Limbaugh.

The Right to Choose; Quality of Life and Death

Usually when the phrase, "The Right to Choose" is used, it’s the beginning of a Roe V. Wade debate. Not many know of Oregon's Death With Dignity Act:

On October 27, 1997 Oregon enacted the Death with Dignity Act which allows terminally-ill Oregonians to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose. The Oregon Death with Dignity Act requires the Oregon Department of Human Services to collect information about the patients and physicians who participate in the Act, and publish an annual statistical report.

In 2006 the United States Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that stated that "Death With Dignity protected a legitimate medical practice.” Of course, by this time Dr. Jack was one year away from being released from prison for a second degree murder conviction in which he assisted a terminally ill patient in committing suicide (by injecting the patient himself, as opposed to the patient taking the “final action). I point to a paragraph of the Hippocratic Oath that justifies the Dr. Kevorkian's actions:

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given to me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

Dr. Kevorkian provided a medical service to patients that was not available to them; to stop being a patient. All of these people were of sound mind; with family members that may not have agreed with the decision, but respected the wishes of their loved ones. Bedside manner and hospice care for the terminally ill has changed for the better since Dr. Kevorkian; and I don't see anyone seeking to prosecute Congress for the assisted suicide of our economy. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Back to the topic at hand, the right to choose. Many of us are currently without health insurance, PERIOD, and lack the financial means to be able to make any medical decisions that could possibly save our lives. If the best medical decision for a patient is to end their own suffering, is that not the same as denying treatment that could “possibly” cure them? The real problem society had with Dr. Kevorkian is that he made it clear that we will all die one day. Death wasn’t supposed to be viewed as a cure…and that was the cure that Dr. Kevorkian offered to end the pain and suffering involved with terminally ill patients. The great doctor often referred to his medical critics as, “hypocritic oafs;” because they could not see the big picture.

Dr. Kevorkian was the first to propose giving murderers condemned to die the option of being executed with anesthesia in order to subject their bodies to medical experimentation and allow the harvesting of their healthy organs. He delivered a paper on the subject to a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1958.

How can we call someone that had the foresight to advance medicine by way of soliciting organ donations from a previously untapped source, Dr. Death? As unlikely as this is, I believe that Dr. Kevorkian deserves a posthumous pardon.