The issue of the Federal Legalization of Same Sex Marriage and Religious Beliefs came to the forefront of the news this week when a County Clerk in Kentucky decided to take the law into her own hands and refused to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples in her County. The Clerk, Kim Davis, believes that two people of the same sex shouldn't marry, according to "her" Christian doctrine. Well, if it bothers Ms. Davis so much that two people of the same sex marry than why didn't she just quit her job? The reason she didn't quit is because Ms. Davis wanted to play God and try to push her backwards doctrine on people who don't hold the same belief on love that she does but still collect a paycheck that is funded by the tax payers, some of whom are Homosexual.
This is the issue with people who do not understand that there is a separation of Church and State for a reason. America is a melting pot with people of many backgrounds and religions, which is what makes this Country so dynamic and amazing. The Constitution did not give the Federal or State Governments the right to tell us who we can love and marry. It is people like Kim Davis who sets us back in the quest for true equality in this Country. What if Kim Davis didn't like African Americans or Jewish Americans? Would she have denied a marriage license to a Heterosexual Jewish couple because they don't believe Jesus is the Messiah?
The Kim Davis' and Josh Duggar's of the World are the biggest hypocrites when it comes to evoking their Religious Beliefs into Government Policies and on other people. We are all made in Gods Image according to Genesis 1:27. A Righteous Person should judge people for the type of person they are on the inside, if they treat their fellow man and woman with kindness and forgiveness, and most importantly have the capability to love without judgement. A Righteous Person will always stand up against the Kim Davis' and fight for Equality.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Gun Control and the Second Amendment - A Never Ending Civil Liberty Saga
There are many topics that have divided our Nation over the past two centuries but gun control is unique in that it is an issue that does not discriminate. Innocent Americans are dying every day at the hands of people who have obtained a gun whether or not they were "fit" to be carrying a weapon. As we have seen over the past several years victims of gun violence are of all races, income levels, children and adults, male and female. There are two central arguments that go along with gun control; the Second Amendment and the ease of the process in purchasing a gun.
The Second Amendment entitles every American the Right to Bear Arms, but what was the true intent of the Constitutional Congress in 1787 when it comes to the writing and meaning of the Second Amendment? The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." In 1787, Our Fore Fathers were concerned because the British and French for that matter still had troops in North America. If the States needed to raise or sustain a Militia, then individuals could respond quickly if there was a need. Hence most male adult citizens owned a gun and keep it in their homes.
The other premise behind the Amendment was to protect Americans from being forced Ito oppression, i.e a foreign army could not force a citizen out of their house and take away their possessions. There is no way James Madison could have predicted the advancements in technology and way of life in 2015 America. The second argument taking place is the "ease" of obtaining a weapon. The background checks and waiting periods in each State are weak and insufficient at best. Every day there are news stories of school children being shot, police shooting unarmed individuals and individuals retaliating. Massacres are even happening at movie theaters!
It's time for citizens to demand our Federal Government take control of this issue and make our cities, towns, and homes safe again. Unfortunately, gun possession is here to stay, but the process needs to be overhauled. Americans need to realize that ALL LIVES MATTER! Whether you are black, white, male, female, homosexual, heterosexual, transgender,Republican or Democrat ALL LIVES MATTER!! Guns don't discriminate but people holding them do.
The Second Amendment entitles every American the Right to Bear Arms, but what was the true intent of the Constitutional Congress in 1787 when it comes to the writing and meaning of the Second Amendment? The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." In 1787, Our Fore Fathers were concerned because the British and French for that matter still had troops in North America. If the States needed to raise or sustain a Militia, then individuals could respond quickly if there was a need. Hence most male adult citizens owned a gun and keep it in their homes.
The other premise behind the Amendment was to protect Americans from being forced Ito oppression, i.e a foreign army could not force a citizen out of their house and take away their possessions. There is no way James Madison could have predicted the advancements in technology and way of life in 2015 America. The second argument taking place is the "ease" of obtaining a weapon. The background checks and waiting periods in each State are weak and insufficient at best. Every day there are news stories of school children being shot, police shooting unarmed individuals and individuals retaliating. Massacres are even happening at movie theaters!
It's time for citizens to demand our Federal Government take control of this issue and make our cities, towns, and homes safe again. Unfortunately, gun possession is here to stay, but the process needs to be overhauled. Americans need to realize that ALL LIVES MATTER! Whether you are black, white, male, female, homosexual, heterosexual, transgender,Republican or Democrat ALL LIVES MATTER!! Guns don't discriminate but people holding them do.
Friday, August 21, 2015
I'm Already Sick of The Race for the White House and the Election is 15 Months Away !!!!
It is August 21 and I really am getting sick of hearing about the Candidates for President and the press coverage they are getting. The election is 15 months away and I don't think I will make it until then. It's sad, but it's almost to the point that I don't care who wins because most of the Republicans sound like idiots and Hilary Clinton is self imploding with her email server issues. We are a citizen government and it is our civic duty to make an educated decision in picking the next leader of the Free World, but I can't take it! I love American History and Politics but this is to much!!
The type of press coverage the candidates are generating should be happening in January 2016. Shame on you American news outlets! This is the United States of America; aren't there any other news worthy stories worth covering? There are a few thousand brave fire fighters putting their lives at risk trying to put out the wild fires out West, shouldn't that be getting most of the coverage along with the Kardashian Clan? Anyway, since the news media has been shoving this election down our throats for months on end, let's look at the race from the point of view of a middle class American male, married, aged 45 with 5 children and a registered Democrat.
Republicans are slowly ruining what was the Party of Lincoln by arguing among each other and debating who is a "real" Conservative. They want everyone to believe that their lack of being able to get anything accomplished in a Congress that they control is the fault of Hilary Clinton and her unsecured email server. All of the Republican Candidates sound like robots and are out of touch with reality and what the average American has to deal with on a daily basis. Most of voters in the large populous States are not wealthy Evangelical Christians, but from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. No wonder a self promoting hypocrite like Donald Trump is leading in the polls. I have a feeling that the Whig Party will be making a comeback within twenty years.
The Democrats are no better. They have no one who is currently running that really is in touch with Americans. Hilary Clinton would like you to think she can relate, but the stupidity and pure obnoxious decisions regarding her email server makes her look terrible and untrustworthy. This server situation is going to be her Watergate. On top of it all and as much as she tries, Hilary Clinton will never have that connection with average Americans like her husband has. Ms. Clinton's issue is that she is running against her husband and he can't run!
This is all opening the door for Joe Biden, who is running this race like one should be. He is out of the spotlight and when every other candidate either self implodes or peaks to early, he will step forward in December or January and announce his candidacy. For someone that all the late night talk show hosts make fun of, Vice President Biden is pretty smart. So, like most disgruntled Americans, I will start seriously following this election season when it supposed to start, January 2016. This way I won't be pissed off and I will make an educated choice when it is time to vote.
The type of press coverage the candidates are generating should be happening in January 2016. Shame on you American news outlets! This is the United States of America; aren't there any other news worthy stories worth covering? There are a few thousand brave fire fighters putting their lives at risk trying to put out the wild fires out West, shouldn't that be getting most of the coverage along with the Kardashian Clan? Anyway, since the news media has been shoving this election down our throats for months on end, let's look at the race from the point of view of a middle class American male, married, aged 45 with 5 children and a registered Democrat.
Republicans are slowly ruining what was the Party of Lincoln by arguing among each other and debating who is a "real" Conservative. They want everyone to believe that their lack of being able to get anything accomplished in a Congress that they control is the fault of Hilary Clinton and her unsecured email server. All of the Republican Candidates sound like robots and are out of touch with reality and what the average American has to deal with on a daily basis. Most of voters in the large populous States are not wealthy Evangelical Christians, but from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. No wonder a self promoting hypocrite like Donald Trump is leading in the polls. I have a feeling that the Whig Party will be making a comeback within twenty years.
The Democrats are no better. They have no one who is currently running that really is in touch with Americans. Hilary Clinton would like you to think she can relate, but the stupidity and pure obnoxious decisions regarding her email server makes her look terrible and untrustworthy. This server situation is going to be her Watergate. On top of it all and as much as she tries, Hilary Clinton will never have that connection with average Americans like her husband has. Ms. Clinton's issue is that she is running against her husband and he can't run!
This is all opening the door for Joe Biden, who is running this race like one should be. He is out of the spotlight and when every other candidate either self implodes or peaks to early, he will step forward in December or January and announce his candidacy. For someone that all the late night talk show hosts make fun of, Vice President Biden is pretty smart. So, like most disgruntled Americans, I will start seriously following this election season when it supposed to start, January 2016. This way I won't be pissed off and I will make an educated choice when it is time to vote.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Jon Stewart, The Democratic Nominee For President
It was a bitter sweet night last night when Jon Stewart signed off as the anchor of his long running news program. That's right I said "news program". For in reality, that is what it really was. For 16 years, Jon's nightly pokes and jabs at our political and world leaders educated us about the truth of what was going on in Washington and beyond, and he did his best not to let our Leaders put a smoke screen in front of what their real political agenda was. It didn't matter if you were a Republican or a Democrat, from Fox News or NBC Nightly News, you were fair game in Jon's pursuit to let his viewers know what the real "lay of the land" was.
Jon Stewart left us but was it really to spend time with his family and work on his farm or is it what Hilary Clinton fears the most outside of Marco Rubio winning the Republican Nomination for President, that Jon Stewart is going to "put his hat in the ring" and run for the Democratic Nomination for President. He would have the totally opposite effect on the Democrats in relation to the nightmare that Donald Trump has released on the Republicans. We would welcome him with open arms! He is knowledgeable, very likable, has no ties to Washington lobbyists, and he is honest.
Jon Stewart is just what the United States needs to get back to where we were during the period right after WWII. If an actor can become one of the greatest post-war Presidents, why not a comedian? This Country would be jugging along on the true meaning of political correctness and most importantly people would be treated by their actions and not their race, religion, or sexual orientation.
How many people would tune in to see Jon (put those Fox News blowhards) I mean be interviewed by Sean Hannity, Megan Kelly, or Bill O'Reilly. He could have Jimmy Fallon as his running mate and Stephen Colbert as Secretary of State! However, it looks like we'll be stuck with Hilary Clinton but One can dream can't they?
Friday, July 17, 2015
Jimmy Fallon - Every American's Best Friend
You can't talk about American pop culture in the first decade and a half of this Century and not discuss the entertainment genius of Jimmy Fallon. I have never met Jimmy but I feel like I have known him for years. My wife and I are avid fans of the Tonight Show and we are always laughing at his jokes, the skits, and how he interacts with the Roots, his celebrity guests, and the audience. Most of the time it feels like that we are not watching TV, but we are in his living room and he is telling a story on the other side of the table and has everyone intently listening, hanging on his every word.
This is the magic of Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy is a comic genius but it is his ability to befriend rock stars, rappers, boy bands, politicians, Presidents and First Ladies, movie and TV celebrities that make his shtick work. Celebrities and public figures, even the ones he makes fun of night after night in his monologues, want to be on his show and volunteer to be on EW, Beer Pong, or whatever crazy game he and his staff come up with. The fact he comes up with new "episodes" of EW that are funny is amazing. What does he hang out with 12 year old girls for a week before he writes the script?
Jimmy Fallon embodies what America is about. He talks "to" people not to their race, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. In fact, I don't know which side of the political aisle Jimmy sits and I don't care. I still would tune in every night. So, thank you Jimmy for making myself, my family, and the rest of America smile and laugh away our worries and stresses and welcoming us into your home.
This is the magic of Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy is a comic genius but it is his ability to befriend rock stars, rappers, boy bands, politicians, Presidents and First Ladies, movie and TV celebrities that make his shtick work. Celebrities and public figures, even the ones he makes fun of night after night in his monologues, want to be on his show and volunteer to be on EW, Beer Pong, or whatever crazy game he and his staff come up with. The fact he comes up with new "episodes" of EW that are funny is amazing. What does he hang out with 12 year old girls for a week before he writes the script?
Jimmy Fallon embodies what America is about. He talks "to" people not to their race, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. In fact, I don't know which side of the political aisle Jimmy sits and I don't care. I still would tune in every night. So, thank you Jimmy for making myself, my family, and the rest of America smile and laugh away our worries and stresses and welcoming us into your home.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Why Trump Is Wrong About Immigration
It is funny how someone can run for President of the United States and forget what is the fabric of this Country. This Country is made up of immigrants from the first voyage of the Mayflower in the 1620's. Unless Donald Trump is 100% Native American, then I guess his relatives from years past came from outside these shores. In fact, his mother was from Scotland.
Human's should be judged by the type of person they are and how they treat their fellow man and they should not be pre-judged because of the color of their skin, their ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, there are evil people in this world. There are rapists, murderers, and kidnappers in the United States, Canada, UK, Mexico, Bolivia, France, Kenya, and every country on this Earth.
Mr. Trump will never win the Presidency because he is arrogant and in watching his interviews since he became a "candidate " he is a bully. Take away his $10 Billion, Mr. Trump would be reduced to a Republican blow hard who calls into the Sean Hannity show on a daily basis to rant his views. Great President's and Statesman recognize that America has their enemies, but they also know that there are good people from all creeds and backgrounds and a true leader stands on the side of the good and protects the weak. Mr. Trump, I just finished watching Caitlyn Jenner's speech at The ESPYS, a fellow Republican, you could learn a thing or two from her.
Human's should be judged by the type of person they are and how they treat their fellow man and they should not be pre-judged because of the color of their skin, their ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, there are evil people in this world. There are rapists, murderers, and kidnappers in the United States, Canada, UK, Mexico, Bolivia, France, Kenya, and every country on this Earth.
Mr. Trump will never win the Presidency because he is arrogant and in watching his interviews since he became a "candidate " he is a bully. Take away his $10 Billion, Mr. Trump would be reduced to a Republican blow hard who calls into the Sean Hannity show on a daily basis to rant his views. Great President's and Statesman recognize that America has their enemies, but they also know that there are good people from all creeds and backgrounds and a true leader stands on the side of the good and protects the weak. Mr. Trump, I just finished watching Caitlyn Jenner's speech at The ESPYS, a fellow Republican, you could learn a thing or two from her.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
American Independence - Don't Take It For Granted
Today is Independece Day, where we celebrate with fireworks, hot dogs, baseball, apple pie, and beer. But as Americans, we should take time to cherish our Independence. Most of us don't really appreciate or take for granted what it means to be Free. I know I didn't until I met my friend Irwin a little more than ten years ago right after I moved to Orlando.
Irwin moved to the United States with his wife and two children from Venezuala. We met through our kids, who played on the same recreational soccer team and we soon became good friends. Irwin was a kind man who would go out of his way to do you a favor and never asked for anything in return. One of the few people I have met who is truly unselfiish. Irwin is the same age as me and when we met, he was working at McDonald's unloading the morning delivery trucks and working in maintenance. One day, I asked him how his family came to America and that is when he told me his story.
Irwin used to work as the CFO of a major Venezualian Corporation during the Hugo Chavez dictatorship a few years prior to when we met. He was also a skilled piano player and played in his church. In the late 90s, early 2000s, Chavez was crazy enough to believe that the United States would attack Venezuala and wanted every male to sign an oath of loyalty to him, which also meant that without warning you could be drafted into the army. Irwin refused to sign and not only was he threatened with jail time, but the Dictator would put his Wife and pre-school aged children in jail as well. Irwin knew he needed to move his family to a safer place where his kids could grow up and be what ever their hearts desired and most importantly, live a life of happiness and freedom.
Irwin had close friends, who belonged to a Christian Church in Orlando. The only way to get Irwin out of Venezuala was for the Church to ask for assylum for Irwin and eventually his family. The Church told the American Government that they needed a piano player for their congregation and Irwin was their "Piano Man". Irwin came to the United States first and then his wife and children followed.
Irwin told me something that has stuck with me for a long time. He said that he would rather work at McDonalds for the rest of his life if it meant that he and his family could be free than to make good money as a CFO in Venezuala and live in fear. Irwin went on to fulfill another dream of his; becoming a real estate agent and owning his own real estate agency. Irwin and his family wound up moving and unfortantely over the years we lost touch, but I will never forget his courage, kindness, and how he made me realize how precious our freedon is.
May God bless Irwin and his Family and May God Bless the United States of America!
Irwin moved to the United States with his wife and two children from Venezuala. We met through our kids, who played on the same recreational soccer team and we soon became good friends. Irwin was a kind man who would go out of his way to do you a favor and never asked for anything in return. One of the few people I have met who is truly unselfiish. Irwin is the same age as me and when we met, he was working at McDonald's unloading the morning delivery trucks and working in maintenance. One day, I asked him how his family came to America and that is when he told me his story.
Irwin used to work as the CFO of a major Venezualian Corporation during the Hugo Chavez dictatorship a few years prior to when we met. He was also a skilled piano player and played in his church. In the late 90s, early 2000s, Chavez was crazy enough to believe that the United States would attack Venezuala and wanted every male to sign an oath of loyalty to him, which also meant that without warning you could be drafted into the army. Irwin refused to sign and not only was he threatened with jail time, but the Dictator would put his Wife and pre-school aged children in jail as well. Irwin knew he needed to move his family to a safer place where his kids could grow up and be what ever their hearts desired and most importantly, live a life of happiness and freedom.
Irwin had close friends, who belonged to a Christian Church in Orlando. The only way to get Irwin out of Venezuala was for the Church to ask for assylum for Irwin and eventually his family. The Church told the American Government that they needed a piano player for their congregation and Irwin was their "Piano Man". Irwin came to the United States first and then his wife and children followed.
Irwin told me something that has stuck with me for a long time. He said that he would rather work at McDonalds for the rest of his life if it meant that he and his family could be free than to make good money as a CFO in Venezuala and live in fear. Irwin went on to fulfill another dream of his; becoming a real estate agent and owning his own real estate agency. Irwin and his family wound up moving and unfortantely over the years we lost touch, but I will never forget his courage, kindness, and how he made me realize how precious our freedon is.
May God bless Irwin and his Family and May God Bless the United States of America!
Monday, June 29, 2015
Barak Obama - Progressive President
President Obama had by far the best week of his Presidency last week and the best week for Progressive Politics in years. The legalzation of same sex marriages, banning of the Confederate Flag, and affordable health care truly bought the United States into the 21st Century and has placed Obama into the same category as Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson as the top Progressive Presidents this Country has ever seen.
Same Sex Marriage has been legal in many Christian European countries for years so the fact that it was not recognized throughout the most recognized Democratic Country in the world was ridiculous. Opposition to the recognition of same sex marriage in this country, i.e mostly Republicans, forget that our country is built upon the Separation of Church and State for a reason. I am a heterosexual male who is personally against abortion but I would fight for the rights of my fellow citizens to make decisions about their own body and whom they love and I am glad President Obama and our government are doing the same!
It is wrong that some Southerns still associate the Confederate Flag as honoring their ancestors who fought for the Confederacy. Your ancestors fought to keep the horrible and disgusting institution of slavery as a fabric of this Country. They were traitors to this Nation. You don't see Germans honoring their descendants who fought in World War II marching around with Nazi paraphernalia. The flag will be banned but only a strong education will get rid of racism in future generations.
All Americans have the right to affordable healthcare. Opponents to Obamacare equate it to socialized medicine. Those opponents should go live a few years with their families in a country that truly has socialized medicine such as Canada or Sweden. We are the richest country in the world and no American with good intentions should have to go through the nightmare of not having access to good doctors and medicine for themselves and their loved ones. Obamacare insures that won't happen.
I have not always agreed with all of President Obama's policies but last week he showed me something. He took the lesson he learned growing up as a bi-racial American and fought for legislation that is for the Good for All of Us and that's what a true leader does.
Same Sex Marriage has been legal in many Christian European countries for years so the fact that it was not recognized throughout the most recognized Democratic Country in the world was ridiculous. Opposition to the recognition of same sex marriage in this country, i.e mostly Republicans, forget that our country is built upon the Separation of Church and State for a reason. I am a heterosexual male who is personally against abortion but I would fight for the rights of my fellow citizens to make decisions about their own body and whom they love and I am glad President Obama and our government are doing the same!
It is wrong that some Southerns still associate the Confederate Flag as honoring their ancestors who fought for the Confederacy. Your ancestors fought to keep the horrible and disgusting institution of slavery as a fabric of this Country. They were traitors to this Nation. You don't see Germans honoring their descendants who fought in World War II marching around with Nazi paraphernalia. The flag will be banned but only a strong education will get rid of racism in future generations.
All Americans have the right to affordable healthcare. Opponents to Obamacare equate it to socialized medicine. Those opponents should go live a few years with their families in a country that truly has socialized medicine such as Canada or Sweden. We are the richest country in the world and no American with good intentions should have to go through the nightmare of not having access to good doctors and medicine for themselves and their loved ones. Obamacare insures that won't happen.
I have not always agreed with all of President Obama's policies but last week he showed me something. He took the lesson he learned growing up as a bi-racial American and fought for legislation that is for the Good for All of Us and that's what a true leader does.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Fatherhood - The Modern Dad
Yesterday was Father's Day and I had te pleasure of spending the day with three of my five children and it got me thinking about what type of Father am I? I am a 45 year old man with three kids from my first marriage, all born in the mid to late Ninties, a 10 year old step-daughter and a 11 month old son, whom I had with my wife.
Being a father is the thing I am most proud of . I am involved in my children's lives and am not afraid to show the softer side by showering them with hugs and kisses, and telling them how much I love them. For all my children, I change(d)their diapers, feed them, and rock them to back to sleep in the middle of the night singing Bruno Mars, Billy Joel, and Kermit the Frog. In a positive way, my wife says that my fathering is similar to Phil Dunfy. So,is it better to be Phil Dunphy or Howard Cunningham?
Mr.C did not have to deal and adapt to situations that the modern dad has had to such as divorce, step-children, and different mothers. Dads have the same pressures of building a career and building your relationship with each of your children, making sure that you are not only meeting thier needs financially but emotionally as well. Children have easier access to information in this day and age that I did not when I was young, so as a parent I need to possess the characteristics of being diligent, real with my emotions, and one step ahead in this ever changing world.
I love ALL my children with ALL of my heart. It doesn't matter if their mother is my ex-wife or current or if I am their biological father or not. In this "You Owe Me" generation, I am ardent that my relationship with my kids is based on trust and love, not how much money I spend on them. Love is not based on materialistic things and that is the most important lesson I can pass on to them. I am happy to be a "Modern Dad"; a Phil Dunphy, a father filled with love, compassion, understanding, sensitivity, and a goofy sense of humor.
Being a father is the thing I am most proud of . I am involved in my children's lives and am not afraid to show the softer side by showering them with hugs and kisses, and telling them how much I love them. For all my children, I change(d)their diapers, feed them, and rock them to back to sleep in the middle of the night singing Bruno Mars, Billy Joel, and Kermit the Frog. In a positive way, my wife says that my fathering is similar to Phil Dunfy. So,is it better to be Phil Dunphy or Howard Cunningham?
Mr.C did not have to deal and adapt to situations that the modern dad has had to such as divorce, step-children, and different mothers. Dads have the same pressures of building a career and building your relationship with each of your children, making sure that you are not only meeting thier needs financially but emotionally as well. Children have easier access to information in this day and age that I did not when I was young, so as a parent I need to possess the characteristics of being diligent, real with my emotions, and one step ahead in this ever changing world.
I love ALL my children with ALL of my heart. It doesn't matter if their mother is my ex-wife or current or if I am their biological father or not. In this "You Owe Me" generation, I am ardent that my relationship with my kids is based on trust and love, not how much money I spend on them. Love is not based on materialistic things and that is the most important lesson I can pass on to them. I am happy to be a "Modern Dad"; a Phil Dunphy, a father filled with love, compassion, understanding, sensitivity, and a goofy sense of humor.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Racism in America Today
It is hard to believe that in 2015, racism and the poor treatment of Black Americans and other minorities still an issue in today's America. The massacre in Charleston, SC was done at the hands of a young, white aryian supporter who was looking to start a race war. What is happening in our Country with white police racially profiling and shooting unarmed black citizens, and massacres at places of worship?The foundation for this way of thinking is a lack of a proper education in schools and homes across America.
What does it say to our youth when the Confederate flag is allowed to fly in the South in States such as Georgia, South Caolina, and Florida. This is a symbol of hatred. If it wasn't for the forward thinking of Abraham Lincoln our Republic would not exist. That flag represents the biggest stain in the history of the United States. It represents slavery, lynching, Jim Crowe, and Segregation. I don't buy into the thinking that Southerners are honoring their relatives who fought in the Civil War. Your relatives were fighting to preserve an institution that was inhumamain. They were rebels. Germany does not allow the Nazi Flag to be flown as to what it represents. It's time for our federal government to follow suit and ban the Confederate Flag.
It falls on parents and teachers to teach our children that we are all Americans and people should be judged by whom they are and not the color of their skin, religion or their sexual orientation. It is hard watching history repeat itself. Yes, America has come far where Black Americans have become doctors, lawyers, governors, congressman, evening news anchors, and President of the United States. It is time for the one person, who can relate to both the Black and Caucasian races to stand up and make a difference. The hate crimes that have increased over the last year have come under the President's watch. America is so quick to act against atrocities around the World but we are still fighting the same fight at home since 1776. Now is the time for the President to make his mark on history and end racism in America.
What does it say to our youth when the Confederate flag is allowed to fly in the South in States such as Georgia, South Caolina, and Florida. This is a symbol of hatred. If it wasn't for the forward thinking of Abraham Lincoln our Republic would not exist. That flag represents the biggest stain in the history of the United States. It represents slavery, lynching, Jim Crowe, and Segregation. I don't buy into the thinking that Southerners are honoring their relatives who fought in the Civil War. Your relatives were fighting to preserve an institution that was inhumamain. They were rebels. Germany does not allow the Nazi Flag to be flown as to what it represents. It's time for our federal government to follow suit and ban the Confederate Flag.
It falls on parents and teachers to teach our children that we are all Americans and people should be judged by whom they are and not the color of their skin, religion or their sexual orientation. It is hard watching history repeat itself. Yes, America has come far where Black Americans have become doctors, lawyers, governors, congressman, evening news anchors, and President of the United States. It is time for the one person, who can relate to both the Black and Caucasian races to stand up and make a difference. The hate crimes that have increased over the last year have come under the President's watch. America is so quick to act against atrocities around the World but we are still fighting the same fight at home since 1776. Now is the time for the President to make his mark on history and end racism in America.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Why Hillary Clinton Will Win The Democratic Nomination For President
Hillary Clinton will win the Democratic Nomination for President and most likely the Presidency making history as the first female President of our United States. This statement does not surprise a lot of people. After all Hillary has been apart of mainstream American politics since I was a junior in college in 1991. She was an active when her husband was President championing for health care for all, a Senator from New York during 9/11 and the immediate aftermath, Presidential Candidate in 2008, Secretary of State, and now candidate again. However, is her virtually unchallenged candidacy good for the future of the Democratic Party?
Hillary Clinton is a great orator and probably the best I have heard since 1988 from either party behind only President Obama and her husband, President Clinton. All of the candidates from both sides are wealthy, but if anyone can "relate" or pretend to "relate" to the average American and on top of it has the experience to deal with international issues, it's Hillary. She has become such a polarizing figure, there is no one in her party that has come far enough in their political career to challenge her and keep her humble and hungry for the next year and a quarter.
As great as Hillary is she is lacking one major characteristic; the "it" factor, the intangible that the great politicians have that gives Americans hope and comfort that they will get things done in Washington and they actually acheive their goals. Today, Americans are asking politicians "how" will they acheive the agendas they lay out. Lincoln, TR, FDR, JFK, Elenor Roosevelt, Reagan, and yes Bill Clinton are the Presidents and First Lady possessed that special something. As of June 17, 2015, Hillary Clinton is the best candiate for President, but to be great, she'll need to study the Greats of the past in order to secure our future.
Hillary Clinton is a great orator and probably the best I have heard since 1988 from either party behind only President Obama and her husband, President Clinton. All of the candidates from both sides are wealthy, but if anyone can "relate" or pretend to "relate" to the average American and on top of it has the experience to deal with international issues, it's Hillary. She has become such a polarizing figure, there is no one in her party that has come far enough in their political career to challenge her and keep her humble and hungry for the next year and a quarter.
As great as Hillary is she is lacking one major characteristic; the "it" factor, the intangible that the great politicians have that gives Americans hope and comfort that they will get things done in Washington and they actually acheive their goals. Today, Americans are asking politicians "how" will they acheive the agendas they lay out. Lincoln, TR, FDR, JFK, Elenor Roosevelt, Reagan, and yes Bill Clinton are the Presidents and First Lady possessed that special something. As of June 17, 2015, Hillary Clinton is the best candiate for President, but to be great, she'll need to study the Greats of the past in order to secure our future.
Friday, June 12, 2015
When Will The Owners of the New York Mets Hear The Fans Frustration?
The purpose of this blog is to cover my thoughts on various aspects of American life as we have entered the 21st Century. I know most people are scratching their head on my first topic for this blog but believe it or not, the New York Mets and the rest of the New York major sports teams have become part of the fabric of America with so many New Yorkers migrating to other parts of the Country. If you go to Met games in DC, Philadelphia, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Arizona there are always a good portion of the crowd that come out to support the Mets.
I have been a fan of both New York baseball teams for most of my life with a slight leaning towards the boys from Queens. The Mets seem to have a bond with fans and seem more approachable and like one of "us". Ever since these lovable perrenial loosers gave us hope and inspiration with their 1969 "Miracle Mets" team. Seaver, Swaboda, Koosman, and company gave us reason to believe. This was so important because of the time this happened in American History. Vietnam, Civil Rights, a "beaten" President, and the assasinations of Martin Luthor King and Robert Kennedy were front page stories and the major news stories every night. Despite all of the negativity going on, the Neil Amstrong's landing on the Moon, Joe Namath and the NY Jets, and the Mets gave Americans hope.
However, since 1973, the Mets have gone through major periods of losing and then a few seasons of winning in the mid to late 1980's, to mostly loosing again. The Wilpons sent this team and its fans to new lows with their financial support of Bernie Madoff. Proceeds that the team received from it's fans for tickets, jerseys, television deals was basically flushed down an illegal toilet (ponze scheme). The only thing this ownership has done is to lie and ruin the hope that this team bought to the city and the country.
Somehow the baseball gods blessed us during the tough years with great drafts and the building of a strong farm team and David Wright. Now in 2015, the Mets have given it's national fan base hope with Matt Harvey, "the Dark Knight", Jacob DeGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Lucas Duda, and David Wright. The Wilpons have financially rebounded from their disasterous financial relationships and have the money to put a winning product on the field. As I am writing this post, the Mets are in first place by a 1/2 game over the Nationals, largely due to the strong pitching they have been blessed with along with the under acheiving Nationals. The Mets could be running away with the NL East, but those Wilpons have decided to hand cuff their front office from pursuing big time hitters. I guess adding a few million to your already swelling bottom line is more important than hearing the fans frustration. If the Mets don't win this year, it will be 30 years next year since the Mets won it all in 1986. For the fans sake, let's hope it does not get that far.
I have been a fan of both New York baseball teams for most of my life with a slight leaning towards the boys from Queens. The Mets seem to have a bond with fans and seem more approachable and like one of "us". Ever since these lovable perrenial loosers gave us hope and inspiration with their 1969 "Miracle Mets" team. Seaver, Swaboda, Koosman, and company gave us reason to believe. This was so important because of the time this happened in American History. Vietnam, Civil Rights, a "beaten" President, and the assasinations of Martin Luthor King and Robert Kennedy were front page stories and the major news stories every night. Despite all of the negativity going on, the Neil Amstrong's landing on the Moon, Joe Namath and the NY Jets, and the Mets gave Americans hope.
However, since 1973, the Mets have gone through major periods of losing and then a few seasons of winning in the mid to late 1980's, to mostly loosing again. The Wilpons sent this team and its fans to new lows with their financial support of Bernie Madoff. Proceeds that the team received from it's fans for tickets, jerseys, television deals was basically flushed down an illegal toilet (ponze scheme). The only thing this ownership has done is to lie and ruin the hope that this team bought to the city and the country.
Somehow the baseball gods blessed us during the tough years with great drafts and the building of a strong farm team and David Wright. Now in 2015, the Mets have given it's national fan base hope with Matt Harvey, "the Dark Knight", Jacob DeGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Lucas Duda, and David Wright. The Wilpons have financially rebounded from their disasterous financial relationships and have the money to put a winning product on the field. As I am writing this post, the Mets are in first place by a 1/2 game over the Nationals, largely due to the strong pitching they have been blessed with along with the under acheiving Nationals. The Mets could be running away with the NL East, but those Wilpons have decided to hand cuff their front office from pursuing big time hitters. I guess adding a few million to your already swelling bottom line is more important than hearing the fans frustration. If the Mets don't win this year, it will be 30 years next year since the Mets won it all in 1986. For the fans sake, let's hope it does not get that far.
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