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Pat's Pet Peeves

Lets All Give Rihanna A Break!!!!!



            Rihanna


Yes we were all shocked that Rihanna went back to Chris Brown so quickly after their incident which led to Rihanna's hospital visit.  Many were shocked that she went back to him at all and everyone seems to be chanting, "Leave him, leave him."  We know that that  is easier said than done.  Who are we to be judging her and  to be giving unsolicited advice?

One thing I've learned to do is never tell a friend that they should leave their guy or spouse.  I would give advice like, "one person cannot be in a marriage or it takes two to tango," but as we all know no matter what advice they receive the person going through stuff will have to make that decision for themselves.  Affairs of the heart are not simple to explain. 

Many of us that are chanting "Leave him" might be in abusing relationships of our own.  It might not be physical abuse, but emotional abuse that we stay and take.  Some of us are in loveless relationships and are just too afraid to leave.   We need to back off and give Rihanna her space and let her figure out stuff for herself.   I do believe that one day she will look at those pictures (that were taken at the time of the incident) and come to the realization that she does not need to be with that person.  She has to get to that place herself before she can ever leave him.   In the meantime lets remember she is a victim and give her some support and empathy.

By the way, I play and enjoy her music all the time.

 

Just Something About Him - Movado



Movado


Many try to copy the sounds of reggae and dancehall music.  Even Hispanics have adopted the dancehall music and chants, and while they do a decent job, they can never imitate the soulful, deep harsh sounds from dancehall Kings like Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Movado.   Their sounds come from a deep place - the pain and the grit of the street and thug life.  Movado is able to create such a  unique sound.  It seems everything he touches turns to gold because of the passion and pain that spills out from the guts of his stomach onto the vinyl or CD.  

You can hear it when he cries out to God to protect him from those who might want to harm him or bring him down in "I'm on the rock."   This passion can never be imitated, because its his pain, his passion, his story.  Amazing Grace is so hard to listen to as it depicts hard core street life (and how he managed to survive it.)  His most recent "So Special"  chart buster is as sweet as it is rough;  Not to mention the dances that have been invented to go along with his winning hits.    The gully creep might have  emerged from this thug life - hiding out from whomever - maybe the helicopter shining bright lights "a-groun".   All I know is the dance just fits the rythm and the lyrics  just so.   Of course, everyone puts their own unique spin on it and that makes it even more beautiful.   

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with dancehall music, because, while we do not condone or encourage the gangster lifestyle, the compilation and delivery of the lyrics and rhythms are so magnetic its hard to resist.   Many leaders have lashed out against artists like Movado, saying that the lyrics in their songs might negatively influence the youths.  Large sponsors have banned big concert events because of them.  These artists sing about what they know, and you have to give most of them credit for their belief in God and his grace.  Movado, while he sings and chants about street life, he always seem to manage to give reverence to God.  You have to give him and other artists credit for that.  This is one main difference that I find between  (Jamaican) dancehall artists and rap artist, they always include, Jah or God in their lyrics. 

The good thing is - its a way out of the street life, when they are  able to succeed in the business. 

 

If Push Comes to Shove, Will Pride Get in the Way?





Just recently in California, a man killed his entire family and himself after he and his wife lost their jobs.  Instead of buckling belts and cutting back, he made the decision to not go on.   The question is - was pride the reason for his actions?  It was reported that they were fired subsequent to the falsification of company documents.  They were trying to get child care assistance for their 5 children.   After being fired, they removed the children from their schools with the explanation that they were moving to another state.  The children were out of school for two weeks prior to the killings. 

Some believe that the act of withdrawing the children from school was an effort to save face after the dismal from their jobs.  Thats one thing, but was it also pride that prevented these parents from joining  the food stamp line or moving to a smaller home or taking a less attractive job just to make ends meet?  

Many people feel like they have to maintain a certain lifestyle in order to impress others.  With the economy the way it is,  people have to ask themselves if push comes to shove will they be able to downsize, or will they melt from the pressure of trying to keep up with the Joneses  Newsflash - the Joneses are probably taking less atractive jobs  or staying in a much smaller home themselves. 

It was just reported during a newscast that the wealthy are not splurging like they used to.  Lavishness and big spending have now become associated with  shame.   New York's upper crusts are no longer splurging on expensive art, nor are they flying in the private jets as they used to.  Its not so much that they can't afford to - its more the guilt associated with the indulgence as the middle class continues to struggle. 

Do you believe the California family tragedy was a result of too much pride or just hopelessness?

It Defies Common Sense to Be an Atheist






In one of my earlier blogs, I wrote about how it defies common sense to practice certain religious rituals  in different denominations.  I should have ended that blog by stating it also defies common sense to be an  Atheist.  Since I did not, I will give the topic its own blog. 

All one has to do is look around them.  Look up at the stars, the sun and the moon to realize that there is some being greater than us.  Are men responsible for how the earth turns and how the moon and sun revolves around the earth?  Do men tell the bees to pollinate the flowers?  Do men tell the body to store fat for future energy when you don't eat for a long time.  Is it man, that go in and turn the baby around in the mothers womb as it gets ready to be born.  No, all of this gets done amazingly, on its own,  in sync and timely.  Isn't that beautiful.  And you say there is no God?

The bible says, only a fool says in his heart there is no God.  All you have to do is look at the amazement of how certain things work on their own;  Look at the ocean and the mountains.   I remember watching a TV Church service some time ago,  where this lady was testifying about how she changed from being an Atheist to a believer.  When she witnessed the birth of a baby, in all of its amazement, she became a believer. 

One has to be really arrogant, and ignorantly so, to  think that they are it - that there is nothing or no one greater than them.  It just defies common, common sense.  Someone called a radio show recently belittling the word God, by saying that when it is spelled backwards it is dog.  They said it's just another word and it has no meaning to it.  Well let me give you my connection between God and dog.  Dog was created to serve man and man was created to serve God.  How about that as an epiphany!!  I remember watching a small part of the dog whisperer, and he was telling the dog's owner that the dog wants to be your servant, they like commands and wants you to be their master, that is why they act out at times.  Dogs want to serve their masters.  Turn that around  -  men should serve God.  That is the connection my friend. 

All God asks us to do is believe and the rest will be revealed.  Some scholars spend all their time reading and trying to find or not find some evidence of God.  They are missing the boat completely.  Others are trying to reduce god to their level,  in trying to understand it all.  You probably won't ever understand it all, but I believe that if one believes and opens their heart,  little by little god's glory will be revealed to them. 

Can I get an Amen?

The Secret Service (Men) Not So Secret



Barack Obama flanked by SS Men


I watched today as President-Elect Barack Obama made his way through the crowds in Delaware and Baltimore -  two stops on his way to the White House in Washington D.C.  Even though he was in a mostly black crowd, and, of course, he and his wife are black, the Secret Service men that were assigned  to protect him stuck out like  sore thumbs.  

The whole purpose of the "secret" service men is for them to blend into the crowd and be inconspicuous as the President makes his way through crowds or attends  his engagements.  Well,  as the President-Elect and his wife made their way through the crowds, there were three to five  pink heads surrounding his back.  I have to say it was a little amusing.  Now, I don't mean to be disrespectful to the Secret Service men when I say pink heads, but I am trying to paint a graphic picture. 

I am not sure what branch the Secret Service men emerge from - the CIA or the FBI, but I am sure both organizations have black men .  I am sure the men assigned to the soon to be President are the very best as I observed them being extremely intense as they watched the crowd for anything suspicious;  But a note to whomever is in charge of assigning protection for the President, please get some African-American Secret Service men, who can blend in and not be so conspicuous.  Better yet, get a diverse number of men and/or women.


(Written on  01/17/08)
 

Bush's Presidential Legacy



Federal Budget Deficit Chart


The title of this blog could very well have been "Thirsty for Blood - Thirsty for Oil."  Recently the President was interviewed by one of ABC's journalists regarding his faith.  One's spiritual belief is personal, and we have to take him at his word when he talks about his relationship with God.  However, his actions and decisions do not align  with someone with a deep spiritual relationship with God.  In the Bible it is mentioned that when you give to the poor, the sick and the under served you give to God.  In other words, being compassionate to the under-served is one of the basic ways to serve God. 

Bush's tax breaks have always been geared toward the wealthy.  Under his Administration, many after school programs, aimed at keeping at-risk students off the streets, were terminated .  There were no major programs that were installed  under his administration that were geared toward the poor and the rehabilitation of those who needed to get back on their feet.   There were no true indication of compassion toward the poor, needy or under served.   This should be the main focus of government.   With Special Interests Lobbyists  and greed this has switched around to the government serving the rich. 

Lets not forget Hurricane Katrina.  Government dragged their feet to get help to thousands of stranded folks  along the gulf coast  who did not have the means  to get themselves out of harm's way.  Again, the poor were  ignored for days and left behind.   Its reported that people are still reeling from the effects of being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, with little or slow help from the government. 

Of course, the war in Iraq will be one of Bush's main presidential legacies;  A war he thought would be over in a couple of weeks.  To his dismay, the Iraqis fought back.   In the meantime, thousands of civilians died and billions and billions of dollars were and is still being spent - to pay American Contractors.  Wait a minute, does this statement sound familiar - "If someone is bombing your country don't you have the right to defend yourself?"  This is being asked in defense of the Israelis attacking the Palestinians.  So, didn't they expect Iraqis to fight back in the same notion?  Outsiders were bombing their country and their oil fields were threatened to be taken away from them.  (By the way, Iraq was not an eminent threat to the U.S.)

There are statements made that  the US was not attacked since 9/11 - therefore the President must have done a good job keeping terrorists away.  Well, the US was not attacked prior to 9/11 (since  Pearl Harbor) either, so in the same breathe, one could say the Bush Administration did not do a good job keeping America safe, since it happened under his watch.

When Bush took office, the country had a budget surplus for the first time that anyone can remember.  This was due to Bill Clinton and  the work of  his Administration.  Bush and his Administration managed to take that surplus and turn it into a trillion-dollar deficit really quickly.  They had a party over  the last 8 years and now the country is left holding the buckets of their  hangover filth, the stench of which is smelt through the four corners of the world. 

The Obama Administration has a lot of work ahead of them.  Turning around a Trillion Dollar deficit; fixing a broken economy: ending the war in Iraq; Keep America safe;  Returning a more positive global view of America;  Helping to stabilize tensions between Israel and Palestine;  Stabilizing the Middle East tensions on a whole;  and Hunting down Osama Bin laden.  

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, you have to admit, a lot of damage was done under the Bush Administration which means the new Administration has a lot of repairing to do.

Barack and Gaza



    


When President Elect Barack Obama won the elections, I could not celebrate like others.  I was quiet solemn about his win.  I was numb and wondered why I could not get in the celebratory mood like others.  Don't get me wrong, even though I was not a great fan of Obama,  I absolutely did not want McCain to win.  I was relieved that Obama won over McCain, but I was numb when he won.  Maybe its because of the big job that is laid out ahead of him.  If the Gaza conflict is not resolved before January 20th, this is one of the many tasks  that Barack Obama faces when he sits down in the Oval Office. 


Many around the world, are opposed to Israel's attacks against the  Palestinians.  Even though they say they are fighting Hamas,  they are targeting Palestinians.  Realistically, there is no way to directly target Hamas, a political organization in Palestine.  Because, many around the world see Israel's attacks as unfair as they have done far more damage than Hamas.  It puts a great burden on President elect Obama, because he is expected to stand by and support Israel.  He is in between a rock and a hard place, because the leaders of Hamas wants him to speak out about the Israel occupation in their country. 

Many believe that President Elect Obama should be more verbal and involved in the current conflict between Israel and (Hamas) Palestinians.  I believe the statement he made is  enough until he is officially sworn in.  I don't believe he needs to be more verbal about the conflict until he is sworn in.  Of course, he needs to be working on it behind the scenes with his advisory team.  He and his team need to collaborate with the current administration.  Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Senator Hillary Clinton and others  need to exchange thoughts, but what Obama has stated about the situation, I believe, should suffice until he his actually sworn in.  

Many are pressuring him to speak out more about the Gaza situation, forcing him to make a decision between  one side  or the other.  I don't believe he should bend under this pressure.  Behind the scenes he should keep abreast of the situation and take a diplomatic stance, but any further action, should wait until January 20th. 

Weigh in.  Should Barack Obama say more  or take a position about the Gaza conflict? 


Text Vs. Talk

 




I hope I don't sound like an old fowl, when I say I'm not really into texting.  How annoying is it when you are trying to drive and read a text message.  Just call me - that way I can keep my eyes on the road, while I'm talking to you.  When someone is into texting, it really says a lot about their age, lifestyle and generation category.  Can you imagine being slightly tipsy and trying to read a text on top of it; then trying to respond (while driving?)  This is not a good idea.  Please do not ever do this.  I finally gave up and responded with a call back.    I don't get it!!  It takes that much longer to type out a sentence, than just  speaking the words.  

Most of my friends and peers do not text;  Maybe once in a while, if we are trying to be hip. So, when this new acquaintance of mine  just kept  texting, I said wait a minute - How old is this guy anyway?!!!  He must have asked the same question of me when  I insisted on calling instead of texting.  (LOL)                                            

Seriously though, especially when driving, its best not to be on the phone at all.  If you have to be on the phone, its better to  just talk - even better  -   hands free with the phone on speaker.   I say, wait until you reach your destination, but if you  have to respond to a call really quickly call instead of text.   Of course, if you are not driving - by all means, knock yourself out and put those thumbs to work.  I must admit, texting does have it's place though, especially if  the topic is a little awkward and you don't necessarily want to have a verbal discussion about it.

OMG -  I can't believe it.  I am a talker not a texter - Am  I old-fashioned???    I don't think so!!!!

Are you a talker or a texter?


(By the way, texter and texting have not reached the dictionary as yet.)

Are we Allowed to Laugh (At the Hurling Shoe?)



Angy Iraquis


By now you have had numerous discussions about the infamous (or famous) hurling shoe - the shoe that was thrown at the President.   I want to know if you think its ok to laugh at the incident.  A shoe being hurled in mid air is just hilarious to me (if no one gets hurt in the process of course.)  However, its seems some take offense to  people having a good laugh at the matter.   Take away the President from the equation for a minute, would you laugh then?  However, in all honesty the President being the target, combined with him ducking  adds to the craziness of this  picture.     I guess it all depends on how you feel about the person on the receiving end.  Some Hispanics who were scowling at the fact that people were laughing at the incident, would probably do the same if it were Castro instead of Bush on the receiving end.  If it were done to Obama for instance, it would probably be seen as a hate crime  There are many facets to this incident - some humorous and some not so humorous.

Anyway, to Bush's credit he made light of the situation, which is even more reason why its ok to chuckle or have  a good hearty laugh about it.   The second part of the story is the security issue.  From what I understand about secret service men, their main purpose is to protect the president and keep him out of harm's way.  If there is an incident, their initial response  is to cover the president (or whomever they are protecting) and remove him from the harmful environment.  There was a secret service man that  approached the president, but he brushed him off with an "I'm ok"  gesture.   Its not practical to have secret service men in every row of every audience, especially at a news conference.  They would more likely be close to him to cover him and remove him from any potential harm. 

Last but not least, is the message behind the hurling shoe, which  is not so funny at all.  This was a representation of  how many Iraqis feel about Bush and his Administration.  They hold him in very low regard.  They have little or  no respect for him and their feelings border on loathing.  The Journalist is now seen as a hero by many  in that country.   What is sad is the president's comments, "I don't know what his beef is."  If you think the Governor of Illinois suffer from narcissism, take another look.  It seems he feels he has done nothing, and can't do any,  wrong. 

Some  might take offense  to people laughing at this incident, but I say, better we laugh about this, than be sad or shocked about something that could have been worse. 

Using the Bad Economy as an Excuse for Irresponsible Behavior.




You hear about it everyday - people walking away from their homes and their mortgages, even before the foreclosure process fully plays out.   Someone called in on the  Suzy Orman show concerned about a friend who stopped paying her mortgage and instead started going on indulgent shopping sprees.  Suzy mentioned that this was more common than we thought.  I suspect that some people might be using the bad economy and the foreclosure frenzy  as an excuse to indulge in reckless spending behavior. 

I mentioned in a previous blog that just because you are in an upside down mortgage, it's no reason to panic and walk away from your home.  You have to pay mortgage or rent anyway, so go ahead and keep paying the mortgage and keep your home.  I can understand a situation where your payments may have doubled or tripled over the recent years.  Still, this is no reason  to behave recklessly and use  your mortgage payment in a department store or at a car dealership.  Speaking to your bank or mortgage broker (or lawyer) is the more responsible thing to do. 

I know some people absolutely had no choice, but to leave their homes.  I think the important thing is to get back into a home (whether it is by rent or mortgage) before everything shows up on the credit report.   That means using the mortgage payments on the new home, not on shopping sprees.  Its Christmas time and it is probably tempting to make excuses and indulge in flat screens and other gadgets instead of  keeping up with your important payments.  Lets get a grip, some people are just getting way out of hand!!

OJ, OJ, OJ..........Oh No!!!!!



OJ Simpson at Recent Trial


It seems the same reason why some say OJ should have laid low is the very same reason he kept tempting his fate.  O. J. Simpson was acquitted on double murder charges over ten years ago.  The evidence seemed  to have been stacked against him.  Even though his Lawyers were able to get the jury to acquit him, many whispered that they knew OJ did it.  If OJ really committed these crimes and he got away with them, this seems to have made him feel indispensable.He probably felt that he could walk on water.  Add to this, he was already a mega star and had many fans.  No one can get him now!!!!!!  With this disposition, he seemed to keep pushing the envelope.  

Writing his book  "if I DID IT,"  was what cracked the camel's back - no it did not quiet brake it, but he sure came close to the edge.  Many comedians used OJ's acquittal as part of their material, making comments like we know he did it!!!  Earth to OJ -  just because others whispered he did it, doesn't mean you should do the same.  The book and the title was a bad, bad joke.  The rule, OJ, is that you cannot be charged for Murder twice, not "they cannot charge me for anything again, and I am indispensable."

The other part of this whole ordeal is knowing the people who you hang around with.  They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer.  Maybe it should be the other way around, since you kind of already know that the enemies don't have your best interest at heart.   Bob Marley's lyrics say, "Only your friends know your secret, so only he can reveal it........"   It seems like OJ's friends really blind sided him, with this quest to recover his stolen items.  Many say he was set up, why else tape the ambush.   Wow, how could he have known they were out to get him?    And, got him they did. 

OJ should have been extra cautious , knowing his alleged victims' family were out for blood (revenge - justice?)


(written 12/7/08)

Huge Corporate Competitors Merge All The Time




Clinton/Obama on the Same Team

So, Senator Biden and Senator Clinton were once President Elect Obama's competitors at one point.  This does not mean they cannot merge for the common good of the people.  The media keeps making the comment that these individuals chosen to serve on Obama's team were once his opponents and they made certain remarks while on the campaign trail.  Senator Biden made comments that Senator Obama was not ready to be President and Senator Clinton ran an ad suggesting that Obama was not prepared to take a  3:00AM call about a possible security issue.  Well now Mr.  Obama can take that call and pass it on to Senator - soon to be Secretary of State -  Clinton - Its all good!!!!

Big corporations merge with their competitors all the time.  They come together and discuss what's in everyone's best interest.   The result is a win-win for all.  Of course this comes with a lot of skillful negotiations and everyone has their own agenda.  The trick is to highlight what you are giving up or giving to the other party, as opposed to what you what to receive. 

So what if they bad-talked each other during the campaign?  The important thing is putting together a skillful, experienced and diplomatic team,  that  the president-elect knows will represent him well.  He will have to call on them for advice and solutions.  He knows he cannot make all the decisions himself so its in his best interest to appoint  the best, even if they fought in the past.  its just business!!!

It's All About The Gravy





I finally found out last year what makes a good Turkey - The gravy.  I made the gravy from scratch last year (no store bought packets of powder) and I was scared of myself.  It came out so great, it dawned on me that that was what made a good thanksgiving turkey dinner.

Many people from the Caribbean that live in America, find the turkey intimidating and adding to that, its not a dinner that we have a lot of practice in preparing; so many just avoid cooking it.   Some take part in the Thanksgiving Turkey tradition, but put their native spin on it by jerking turkey legs.  They ask the butcher to slice up the turkey legs (like oxtail) then they either jerk them or bar-b-que them.  So these folks are doing as the Romans do, but they put their own spin on it.   Others roast the entire turkey, but with jerk seasoning, or some other type of Jamaican seasoning.   These folks are getting even closer to participating in the real tradition.

I would encourage yo to go ahead and try doing  the Turkey, the traditional way - gravy and all.   If a large turkey is too intimidating, use a small (young) turkey.  Its a little bigger than a large chicken roaster.  Many of us, use the drippings from the roasted turkey as gravy.  That is mostly oil, and even though it has a lot of flavor that is not real gravy.  Try this.  Start with about one-half to one stick of butter and about two to three table spoons of flour and sauté these over low  heat, stirring constantly.  Add to this, one half to one cup of chicken broth and continue to stir over medium heat.  Add to this, about one half cup - two thirds cup of the turkey drippings and continue to simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.  This my friends is real turkey gravy.  Try it and turkey will no longer be intimidating to cook. 

I recommend seasoning the turkey over night as well.  Whatever seasoning you decide to use, try getting it under the skin of the breast, and then all over and inside of the turkey.  Let is sit over night and your turkey will have lots of flavor.  Remember to baste frequently to avoid drying the meat out.

When the turkey is done, slice and cover with real gravy. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

A Woman (Pumped with Male Harmones) Had A Baby - What's The Fuss About?







So the new definition of a man or woman (male or female)  is not determined by  their sexual organs, but rather what they feel in their head.   Barbara Walters asked the woman who changed her features and had a baby, if having a baby makes her a woman.  He/she replied by saying  having  female reproductive organs does not mean one is a  woman.  Rather it is what one  feels in their head that determines their sex.   I know the Webster Dictionary is constantly changing, but the last time I checked, one's sexual organs defines what sex a person is.  When the baby is still in the mother's womb, we scramble  with anxiety to find out what sex the baby is with the help of a sonogram machine.  .  Should we do away with this practice then - Finding out what the sex of the baby is so that we can buy the clothes and decorate the nursery accordingly?   

This woman who decided she wanted act like a man had a baby and is acting as if some strange medical phenomenon took place.   You have a big belly and a baby is inside of it -  that's  confirmation that you are a woman.   Sorry - No strange medical mystery  here.  Then, they tried putting the mother as the father on the birth certificate and the State said - "Not so fast - the person that gave birth must be listed as the mother.  They settled on listing them as parent and parent.  Dear Lord, isn't life complicated enough as it is? 

I have always felt that confusion about one's sexuality stems from some childhood trauma.  Sure enough in this case - the woman, that has changed her features to appear like a man, lost her mother to suicide.  I empathize with people that are confused about their sexuality, but when you go around trying to create some false medical mystery and trying to bring attention to yourself thats a whole other story.  I am convinced that this couple is just seeking attention and trying to gain publicity.   Barbara Walters interviewed another person that went through the same thing without bringing it to the public's attention.  This person also said that they know of about 35  women who are living as men who had babies.  They all manged to do this without  bringing attention to themselves. 

I believe that this person is deprived of  something  and is trying desperately to bring attention to herself.

The Voting Rights Act Passed in 1965, not 2008





Some may be proud that many blacks came out and voted for the first time in the recent Presidential election.   Others may question, "What rock have you been under?"  Some are acting as if Blacks have just been given the right to vote, especially when you hear about the 100 and odd year old woman coming out to vote for the first time.  I'm glad these people that voted for the first time,  finally made use of  their right to vote, but my question is, "Where have you been the last eight years?"  If they had come out to vote, maybe we could have avoided the recent  Bush deBacle. 

Some may think that these voters came out for the first time because Senator Obama was running.  That might be part of it, but I think they came out because of Senator Obama's popularity.  They saw history in the making, so many thought they should have a part in cementing this history making moment.  Many came out because they just wanted to see the first Black President elected. 

One might be tempted to ask, Did these folks also vote on the local amendments on their ballots?  Did they vote for their School Board members, congressmen and Judges?  Were they just caught up in the sensationalism, and not paying attention to larger concerns? More importantly,Will they continue to vote in future elections?

The First Black President - What Does It Mean To You?





I am very proud that a black family will occupy the White House for the first time in America.  They seem like a very "model family" - a beautiful family and I am sure this is as an exciting time for them as it is for many across American and across the world. 

I am not, however, falling off my chair about this.  Maybe it's because I never thought the idea of a black president was as far fetched as many were thinking it was.  To see a black person hold a position of power is not out of the realm of the norm for many Caribbeans.  Many of us were/are familiar with droves of   black men and women walking up the steps of a metropolitan building with their briefcases and dressed in their suits going to a high profile job.  We are use to seeing  black prime ministers and other political ministers in the Islands.

I guess one could say that  the people who are crying and wooing in amazement (even though they supported Mr. Obama) are the ones that really did not believe that it was possible.   I never believed that a black president was that far fetched, so  while I congratulate the President Elect and his family for their  achievement,  I am more thankful that there is now a Democratic Senate and House and a  Democratic President , who will help the country overcome these challenging economic times.   I do believe that the Clintons are more capable of fixing the economic mess that the previous administration left behind; however, I can appreciate that many blacks who have experienced so much negativity and regression, and who probably never thought it was possible for a black person to be president,   are overcome with elation and pride.; and I celebrate along with them. 

The question now is what does this mean to the many who are so proud and celebrating  that there is now a black president.  What does this mean for you as an individual?  Will this give you the inspiration to be more involved in your children's education? Will this give some black men the inspiration to be fathers and not just sperm donors?  Will you now start attending your child's school's PTA?  How is this inspiring and historic moment going to affect you?  Will this historic moment inspire you to practice more personal responsibility?  Will this decrease the amount of AIDS victims in the black community?  Will this historic moment inspire you to take better care of your health and diet?  If so, I join in celebrating with you.   If you were jumping on top of a car 11:00pm Tuesday night banging a spoon against a pot with your pants falling down to your upper thighs, then you really don't get it and this is all pointless.

I guess there are folks who always believed that the sky is  the limit regardless of your race.  These folks are happy for the president, but are not beside themselves.  And then, there are those who (even though they supported Mr. Obama)  are in disbelief and shocked.  Maybe these were the true doubters beneath the cheers and tambourine noise.     In any case, I am happy for those who now see the possibility of greatness (regardless of race) and I hope, in between the celebration, this inspires them to do something great themselves. 

(Written 11/06/08)

What's Wrong with Wanting Jeans and Sneakers?



Barrington Irving


Just recently Barrington Irving, the first African American (he is also Jamaican) and youngest person to fly around the world solo, mentored some Miami students.  These students, under his guidance, were able to build a plane in 10 weeks.  This kind of plane would normally take about a  year to build.  This is just awe- inspiring and remarkable.  Barrington gets double kudos and double respect from me because he did not approach 4.0 students, but students that were at risk of falling through the cracks.  He mentored 1.5 grade point average students. 

I am particularly proud of Barrington  because he saw  the bigger picture and stepped outside of the box.  About a year ago, Oprah built a multi-million dollar school for students in Africa.  No one is criticizing Oprah for going to Africa to build a school if thats what she felt she was called to do.  But, when she said she did not help failing students right here, because they said they wanted Jeans and Sneakers was just ludicrous.  Because of the great disparity in education in poor neighborhoods compared to more affluent areas, the question of "why not help these kids that are dropping out of schools at an alarming rate?" was only a natural one.  Her  lame response to this question was, "When I asked these kids in America what they wanted they said they wanted Jeans and Sneakers."  Might I remind you Oprah that you are known for giving away houses and cars and all kinds of other gadgets on your show.  If you asked me what I wanted, I would give my laundry list as well, as long as you are giving away stuff. 

It would be so great for someone like Oprah to put her face behind this educational issue and bring some type of attention to it - Build some Charter schools while you're at it.  Well, Barrington sees the vision and I'm so glad he is helping these forgotten kids, who would  have been left behind.  These kids were beaming with pride to know that they built a plane under the guidance of this inspiring Pilot.  I hope that this Program that  Mr. Irving started continues to grow.  I am sure this is giving hope to many kids who otherwise would probably have made bad choices. 

Rent Is Not a Bad Word





Two to three years ago before the real estate market took a downward turn,  everyone was flying through hoops and making magic  just to say they owned a home.  It was just ridiculous -  you heard mortgage brokers preaching to the people that they were making their landlords rich while they were throwing money out the window.   What they did not tell them was that you would need a substantial amount of down payment and another lump sum for closing.  Others were lured in with  no-down payment and a others yet were lured with no-verification loans.  What these folks were not told was that they would have a very low manageable rate for a year and then their payment would double after the first year. 

Some people that are whining did have fixed rates and were offered 100 percent financing.  I don't really feel sorry for these people, because it was laid out what their monthly payments would be.  Just because your mortgage is upside down is not a reason for panic and is not a reason to sell or ask for a bail out.  If you bought this house to live in, and you were given a fixed rate, it should not matter if your house is worth less now than it did when you bought it.  You would have had to pay mortgage or rent any way.  You have to pay for a roof over your head.  You did not enter this loan for equity, you entered this loan for a safe place to live, so continue to pay the mortgage and the market will regulate itself.  So, I don't think people should whine or want to jump ship just because they are in an upside down mortgage.

If, on the other hand you entered into an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, and you are paying twice as much as you did when you first signed the loan, then there is a need for panic.  Its all about the payment and what you can afford on a monthly basis.  The uncertainty of an adjustable rate mortgage is what is scary.  These are the folks that should get a bail out, because, even though you  should have known that the rate would increase, most did not know by how much, and certainly did not expect it to double. 

Home ownership is not the same as it was years ago, when people stayed in the same home long enough to pay off the mortgage.  Most people today would not dream of staying  in the same house this long.  People today, want to upgrade and there are too many choices to just be stuck in the same house for a very long time.   So in essence you could say people who own a home are really renting because the majority will not pay the mortgage off completely.  Once upon a time, the home ownership attraction was that you could build equity, but thats only if prices are going up and nowadays they are not.  So, in this regard paying mortgage is the same as paying rent and some would say renting is more attractive now, because of the risk factor. 

On the other hand, real estate is at an all time low and this is the perfect time to buy.  If you are looking for a home  and not an investment, this is a good time to buy, as long as you have decent credit.  Bear in mind, that housing prices will probably continue to drop before they go up again.  So, if you are not looking for a quick return on your money, this could be a good time to buy.  If, however,  you are not budgeted for mortgage, insurance and taxes, down payment and closing costs, continue to rent.  Renting is not a bad word. 

Who The Heck is Joe The Plumber? (The Debates)



McCain/Obama Greeting


During the third Presidential debate held at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York on October 15th, Senator McCain grabbed onto  Joe the Plumber's coat tail and held on for dear life.  He held on to  Joe the Plumber's coat  like his life depended on it.  If I were an artist, I would draw a cartoon with Senator McCain in a house that is flooded and him calling out to Joe (The Plumber) to come save him.

Wow, you would think Joe was running for the Presidency.  Again, this is where Senator McCain is out of touch with middle class America.  Joe the Plumber does not represent middle class if he can buy the business he is working for and potentially make $250,000 or more per year.  Many would like to be in Joe's boots!!  Joe the Plumber was brought up during the debate so many times -  when they talked about taxes, when they talked about balancing the budget and when they talked about health care.  McCain's economic plan (if one can say he has one) is not focused on the middle class and during the last two debates, he rarely even mentioned the middle class - so Joe the Plumber was his best bet.  Unfortunately, most people that fit into the middle class cannot even dream about buying the business they work for, so unfortunately for Senator McCain, he again missed the mark. 

Earlier this month there was a debate between the Vice Presidential nominees, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden.  Many Republicans sighed a sigh of relief that Governor Palin did not make a major blunder.  This calls to the question - do you want a Vice President that you have to cross your fingers toes and legs every time she enters the room, and hope and pray she  does not embarrass you  or herself?  What kind of confidence is that?  This is your pick for the running mate for the top guy for your Party and you have to walk on egg shells around her?  Every time she opens her mouth you have to say a prayer?  I'm sorry, but  not making a major mistake is not good enough!  The bar should be set much  higher. 

About the candidates' over-all demeanor - While Senator Obama seems to display a stoic and calm composure, Senator McCain had moments where he seemed uncomfortable, especially when he displayed that silly, plastic grin (or grimace.)  Senator McCain blinks a little too much and Governor Palin winks a little too much.   Too many blinks and winks seem to have sinister undertones.   Of course, Senator Biden has been doing this too long to come unraveled.

Chime in on your thoughts about the debates.

(Written 10/15/08)

Diplomacy, Diplomacy, Diplomacy



Colin Powell,
Former Secretary of State


Do  you realize how powerful that attribute is?  Some would go as far as to say it can make the difference between life and death.  Anyone can sit down and talk to their friends.  Some are even good at manipulating their friends.  If, on the other hand you can sit down with your enemy and get what you want from your enemy - that demands  a whole other level of respect.  The person that can talk  his confronter into putting  down his gun or his arms, is the person that is skilled in diplomacy. 

Someone once described diplomacy as someone saying here, here, good dog, while looking around for the biggest stone to help defend yourself against its attacks.  I would not put it that harshly though.  I would say it is using charisma, charm and smarts in order to manipulate another into doing something to your benefit. 

In a panel discussion with five of the former Secretaries of State, all five agreed that they would sit down and have talks with leaders of  countries like Iran, North Korea and Venezuela - and, why not.  If you are the World Leader, you should be able to engage in diplomatic discussions with other countries, especially if you are trying  to convert them to your political ideologies, or at least have them come to some agreement that will have a positive global effect.

Diplomacy involves the art of negotiations.  It could be the difference between life and death if it can be used instead of resorting to wars.  Remarks from certain leaders and others who are campaigning to be leaders, that they will not sit down and engage in discussions with countries like Iran for whatever reasons, seems so filled with empty arrogance.  It is statements like these that have helped to fuel a negative image of America held by some in the international  arena.

Divorced parents, as much as they resent each other,  have to sit down in discussions for the common good - their child or children.  Lawyers representing opposing sides, can come together and reach a suitable settlement or they can have a drag-out trial to the expense of their clients.  Sitting down with your opponent does not mean you are buddies with them, however it is a means to an end - reaching your objective - agenda.  So, it is the bigger, smarter guy that will engage in discussions with his rival.  The arrogant, closed-minded person will not.