Donald Trump's goal is to break the moral fabric of America. He wants to burn to the ground everything that this glorious Country has achieved in the World since 1945. Trump only cares about two things, money and being the Fuhrer of the United States. Only two years in office, it has become quite obvious that he has made some sort of agreement with Putin, and only Mueller and God know what he has gotten in return. However, his latest policy of separating immigrant children from their parents will test if the United States will survive as a Democracy.
Trump wants to create a "White Christian" America which is will be reminiscent of Nazi Germany or the old Soviet Union. One of the ways to achieve this goal is to stop the flow of immigrants coming into America, especially from poorer countries to our south. The cruelest and most evil way to accomplish this goal is to implement a policy of separating infants, toddlers, boys & girls who have traveled under treacherous conditions from their parents. No other administration since 1945 has developed such a disgusting and ugly policy.
Republicans have been inexplicably nervous to call out Trump on his lies, false statements, corruption, and treasonous acts. Now is the time for them to grow a back bone and be on the correct side of American History, Our History! If the line is not drawn at the torture of children and parents, most of whom are looking for a better life, than what does that say about the United States to the rest of the World. I implore you to Stand up to Trump and hold him accountable! No amount of lobbyist money or promises from the White House is worth the screams of a child looking for the comfort and security of their mother while sitting in a cage in an unknown place.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Friday, November 17, 2017
Losing Our Moral Compass
I keep thinking that each day that I turn on the news or look at my Twitter feed that today we, as Americans, have reached a new "low" under the leadership of Donald Trump, but the next day comes and I am proven wrong. It used to be that "right" and "wrong" were clear cut choices on issues of morality, but now it seems that the conservative right wants to politicize every issue past and present. Here are my thoughts on the "hot moral topics" of today.
Racism, Confederate Statues & the Civil War
Despite recent comments by Chief of Staff John Kelly, the underlying reason for the Civil War was slavery and nothing has changed since the war ended in 1865. Judging people on their skin color, background, religion, or sexual orientation is wrong. People should be judged for the type of person they are and how they treat other people.
The Confederacy broke away from the United States in 1861 because they wanted to keep the institution of slavery and expand it into new territories. They were rebels and Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and all Confederate Generals were traitors and led a revolt against this Nation. Having statues erected in their honor is ludicrous. Should we erect statues of General Cornwallis and King George III? There is a reason that Germany does not erect statues of Hitler, Goering, and Himmler.
Gun Control and the 2nd Amendment
The debate over the second amendment has gotten to the point where our lawmakers are not making choices based on what is best for the citizens of this great country but based on the money they are receiving from the NRA. People should have the right to carry a hand gun in order to protect their home as long as they pass all of the appropriate background checks. However the slaughtering of people at the concert in Las Vegas and the church in Texas needs to stop.
I don't care what pro-gun loving, NRA supporters rationale are but no one needs to be carrying AKA firearms and/or bump stocks. You need an AKA rifle if you are serving in our armed forces or part of the SWAT team, not to protect your home and family. A hand gun will do just fine. There needs to be stronger vetting on people who want to purchase a weapon and if you are on the "No Fly" list, then that person should not be able to purchase a gun. If we can implement stronger vetting policies for immigrants than we can do it for gun control. The blood of each person that is killed in these mass shootings is on the hands of the lawmakers that are financially backed by the NRA.
Roy Moore, AL Franken, & Sexual Harrassment
Sean Hannity, Donald Trump, Steve Bannon and the Evangelical Right should be ashamed of themselves for not strongly condemning the actions of Roy Moore and even worse politicizing it. As Nicole Wallace stated several times on MSNBC, Roy Moore's accusers have absolutely nothing to gain by telling their story. If anything they lose because they have to relive their personal nightmare again. Sean Hannity has enough influence with his listeners in Alabama where he could come out and denounce Roy Moore's actions. There is politics and there is what is morally right and Hannity and Trump once again picked the wrong side.
The actions of Senator Franken, Louie C.K., and Harvey Weinstien are disgusting. At least Senator Franken apologized for his actions and is welcoming an ethics investigation into his conduct. The fact that Donald Trump took advantage of the Franken situation but remains silent on Roy Moore's actions shows the world that our leader stands on the wrong side of moral issues. The world probably already knew where Trump stands after all, he made his thoughts perfectly clear on the Access Hollywood bus.
Racism, Confederate Statues & the Civil War
Despite recent comments by Chief of Staff John Kelly, the underlying reason for the Civil War was slavery and nothing has changed since the war ended in 1865. Judging people on their skin color, background, religion, or sexual orientation is wrong. People should be judged for the type of person they are and how they treat other people.
The Confederacy broke away from the United States in 1861 because they wanted to keep the institution of slavery and expand it into new territories. They were rebels and Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and all Confederate Generals were traitors and led a revolt against this Nation. Having statues erected in their honor is ludicrous. Should we erect statues of General Cornwallis and King George III? There is a reason that Germany does not erect statues of Hitler, Goering, and Himmler.
Gun Control and the 2nd Amendment
The debate over the second amendment has gotten to the point where our lawmakers are not making choices based on what is best for the citizens of this great country but based on the money they are receiving from the NRA. People should have the right to carry a hand gun in order to protect their home as long as they pass all of the appropriate background checks. However the slaughtering of people at the concert in Las Vegas and the church in Texas needs to stop.
I don't care what pro-gun loving, NRA supporters rationale are but no one needs to be carrying AKA firearms and/or bump stocks. You need an AKA rifle if you are serving in our armed forces or part of the SWAT team, not to protect your home and family. A hand gun will do just fine. There needs to be stronger vetting on people who want to purchase a weapon and if you are on the "No Fly" list, then that person should not be able to purchase a gun. If we can implement stronger vetting policies for immigrants than we can do it for gun control. The blood of each person that is killed in these mass shootings is on the hands of the lawmakers that are financially backed by the NRA.
Roy Moore, AL Franken, & Sexual Harrassment
Sean Hannity, Donald Trump, Steve Bannon and the Evangelical Right should be ashamed of themselves for not strongly condemning the actions of Roy Moore and even worse politicizing it. As Nicole Wallace stated several times on MSNBC, Roy Moore's accusers have absolutely nothing to gain by telling their story. If anything they lose because they have to relive their personal nightmare again. Sean Hannity has enough influence with his listeners in Alabama where he could come out and denounce Roy Moore's actions. There is politics and there is what is morally right and Hannity and Trump once again picked the wrong side.
The actions of Senator Franken, Louie C.K., and Harvey Weinstien are disgusting. At least Senator Franken apologized for his actions and is welcoming an ethics investigation into his conduct. The fact that Donald Trump took advantage of the Franken situation but remains silent on Roy Moore's actions shows the world that our leader stands on the wrong side of moral issues. The world probably already knew where Trump stands after all, he made his thoughts perfectly clear on the Access Hollywood bus.
Friday, October 20, 2017
One Nation - Indivisible
President Trump is putting forth a plan to bring unprecedented power to the Executive Branch of our Government while weakening the Judicial and Legislative Branches. Trump is trying to achieve his goal by dividing Americans through a formula of spreading fear and hatred throughout our society. Trump and his cohorts Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, Sean Hannity, Jeff Sessions and Company are achieving this by bending the truth or blatantly lying in their daily communications with the public. What his buddies don't realize is that in Trump's quest for absolute power, Donald Trump only cares about Donald Trump.
People like Donald Trump, who are self absorbed and power hungry, normally don't wind up on the right side of history. Just ask Hitler, Napoleon, Jefferson Davis, and Senator Joe McCarthy. Our Democracy has faced numerous challenges over the past two centuries and it is by no means perfect, but we have evolved. George Washington taught us our most valuable lesson, that not one person, one group, nor special interest is bigger than our Democracy and the Freedoms and Happiness Americans are entitled to by our Constitution. Twice Washington set this precedence when he resigned as Commander in Chief at the end of the Revolutionary War and when he declined to run for a third term as President. Over the years, we have been blessed with leaders like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, T.R., Wilson, F.D.R., Truman, Ike, JFK, Reagan, McCain, and Obama who understood that the United States and the values we represent of "Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness" have a greater meaning that goes way beyond our borders.
Donald Trump's biggest mistake is that he under estimates the exact people he was elected to lead. America will make the adjustments and reject Trump's selfish policies of racism, bigotry, sexism, antisemitism, and homophobia. If Trump doesn't make the necessary adjustment, voters will. We are "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"
People like Donald Trump, who are self absorbed and power hungry, normally don't wind up on the right side of history. Just ask Hitler, Napoleon, Jefferson Davis, and Senator Joe McCarthy. Our Democracy has faced numerous challenges over the past two centuries and it is by no means perfect, but we have evolved. George Washington taught us our most valuable lesson, that not one person, one group, nor special interest is bigger than our Democracy and the Freedoms and Happiness Americans are entitled to by our Constitution. Twice Washington set this precedence when he resigned as Commander in Chief at the end of the Revolutionary War and when he declined to run for a third term as President. Over the years, we have been blessed with leaders like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, T.R., Wilson, F.D.R., Truman, Ike, JFK, Reagan, McCain, and Obama who understood that the United States and the values we represent of "Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness" have a greater meaning that goes way beyond our borders.
Donald Trump's biggest mistake is that he under estimates the exact people he was elected to lead. America will make the adjustments and reject Trump's selfish policies of racism, bigotry, sexism, antisemitism, and homophobia. If Trump doesn't make the necessary adjustment, voters will. We are "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"
Friday, October 13, 2017
Trump: Destroying Democracy one tweet at a time
One of the great aspects of our Democracy is that "We, the People" have the freedom to develop our own opinion on topics that occur in life whether it is social, economic, political, sports,fashion and that we are allowed to express those opinions in a non-violent way. There have been issues that have divided us to the core, i.e. Slavery, Women's Suffrage, Equal Rights, Civil Rights, and Vietnam. It is because of our Democracy that America has always eventually evolved form these issues for the better. However, this is the first time that our Nation is facing a crisis where our President wants to destroy our Democracy and make himself "judge, jury, and executioner".
Donald Trump wants to achieve this by infusing and promoting hatred between the citizens of the United States. The American political system is no longer made up of the Republican and Democratic Parties but the Alt Right or Pro Trump and the Alt Left or Anti Trump. The Alt Right wants to move this Country back to Pre-WWI era where all aspects of life were dominated by White Christian Men. In the world that Trump and his alt right supporters want to take us back to, we would be isolationist on the international stage, Jim Crow laws would be reinstated, women and Hispanics would be second class citizens, and homosexual and transgender rights would cease to exist. Racism and antisemitism is already on the rise as Nazis and Klan members have no qualms about spreading their evil doctrine thanks to the support they receive from Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and Donald Trump.
The Alt Left believes in the good and common decency of humanity. We believe that ALL men and women are created equal in the eyes of the law and the Lord. People should be treated with compassion and kindness and if we have our differences we can discuss and debate them like adults. This is what makes America the Greatest Country on Earth! Americans would not get these freedoms if we lived in Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, etc. The President of the United States should be promoting the traits that Americans have that bind us together not tear us apart.
Unfortunately, Donald Trump does the latter with the obnoxious, vindictive, and self serving words he spews out during his speeches, on Twitter, or through his rotating door of press secretaries and mouth pieces in the White House and on talk radio. Trump treats people like we are his possessions or property. He could care less about the average American citizen whether you are a U.S. Senator or a worker in a factory in Ohio. Trump cares about himself and his quest to not only undo all of President Obama's achievements but to rip apart the Constitution. Leaders like Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans to reach goals that no one else could achieve but more importantly to judge their fellow man based on their actions and not their nationality, color of their skin, sex, religion, or sexual orientation.
My 9th grade history teacher taught me that we should not "study history in a vacuum" & to "learn the lessons from the past". All Americans have a responsibility to make sure that Donald Trump does not destroy our Democracy and that America remains the "shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere"
Donald Trump wants to achieve this by infusing and promoting hatred between the citizens of the United States. The American political system is no longer made up of the Republican and Democratic Parties but the Alt Right or Pro Trump and the Alt Left or Anti Trump. The Alt Right wants to move this Country back to Pre-WWI era where all aspects of life were dominated by White Christian Men. In the world that Trump and his alt right supporters want to take us back to, we would be isolationist on the international stage, Jim Crow laws would be reinstated, women and Hispanics would be second class citizens, and homosexual and transgender rights would cease to exist. Racism and antisemitism is already on the rise as Nazis and Klan members have no qualms about spreading their evil doctrine thanks to the support they receive from Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and Donald Trump.
The Alt Left believes in the good and common decency of humanity. We believe that ALL men and women are created equal in the eyes of the law and the Lord. People should be treated with compassion and kindness and if we have our differences we can discuss and debate them like adults. This is what makes America the Greatest Country on Earth! Americans would not get these freedoms if we lived in Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, etc. The President of the United States should be promoting the traits that Americans have that bind us together not tear us apart.
Unfortunately, Donald Trump does the latter with the obnoxious, vindictive, and self serving words he spews out during his speeches, on Twitter, or through his rotating door of press secretaries and mouth pieces in the White House and on talk radio. Trump treats people like we are his possessions or property. He could care less about the average American citizen whether you are a U.S. Senator or a worker in a factory in Ohio. Trump cares about himself and his quest to not only undo all of President Obama's achievements but to rip apart the Constitution. Leaders like Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans to reach goals that no one else could achieve but more importantly to judge their fellow man based on their actions and not their nationality, color of their skin, sex, religion, or sexual orientation.
My 9th grade history teacher taught me that we should not "study history in a vacuum" & to "learn the lessons from the past". All Americans have a responsibility to make sure that Donald Trump does not destroy our Democracy and that America remains the "shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere"
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Guns Don't Kill
Guns don't kill, people do. But people with military weapons kill them by the truck load. No American citizen who is non-police or military needs semi automatic weapons and George Washington & Friends didn't intend for that when they wrote the Bill of Rights!
The GOP would rather discuss Gun Control later on when the Las Vegas Massacre is on the back pages of the news cycle. Jimmy Kimmel was correct in saying that if the shooter had a beard & was from another land, we would build walls & pass stricter laws, but we won't pass stricter laws when a 64 year old white male mows down husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, & daughters. How much blood needs to spill before Congress tells the NRA no more?
The GOP would rather discuss Gun Control later on when the Las Vegas Massacre is on the back pages of the news cycle. Jimmy Kimmel was correct in saying that if the shooter had a beard & was from another land, we would build walls & pass stricter laws, but we won't pass stricter laws when a 64 year old white male mows down husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, & daughters. How much blood needs to spill before Congress tells the NRA no more?
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
The Great Divider and the Future of Democracy
The events of the last few days have bothered me as a Husband, Father, & Jewish American. Donald Trump's agenda is to clearly divide America & he is doing it with the #1 controversial topic in the history of our great Country: race & inequality. People have different opinions as to whether or not Trump is a racist, a chauvinist, & an egomaniac. I think he is based on his statements regarding the Birther issue, Charlottesville, Pardoning Arpaio, Access Hollywood tape, Megan Kelly comments, & the list goes on. Trump is the "Great Divider" and he has instigated the latest debate around our Flag & National Anthem (most likely to detract attention from Mueller's investigation).
I am personally against kneeling during our Anthem. The American Flag represents ALL Americans, from the soldiers serving overseas, the school teacher on Long Island, the cop in Iowa, the farmer in California, & the football player on the Steelers. The conversations we need to be having with our children, friends, & co-workers is the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. We can live wherever we want to live, pick whatever career we choose, freedom to worship at any church, temple, or mosque, love & marry without restriction, & peacefully demonstrate when change to our Democracy is needed.
Instead of debating whether or not the NFL players are disrespecting the flag, there needs to be the discussion as to why they are protesting. There is no law against kneeling during the National Anthem, just as there was no law broken by the white supremacists who chanted "Jews will not replace us" in Charlottesville, and there were no "fine people"marching with the white supremacists. Most pro athletes donate their time and millions of dollars to charities & other worthwhile causes. This is done a majority of the time when there is no press around.
It is up to us as parents to be the role models for our children and to teach them that hate mongering against people of different backgrounds is wrong. People should be judged based on their achievements & how they treat their family, friends, & neighbors. Most of all, we should not judge people based on the color of their skin, religion, or sexual orientation.
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make" - Paul McCartney
I am personally against kneeling during our Anthem. The American Flag represents ALL Americans, from the soldiers serving overseas, the school teacher on Long Island, the cop in Iowa, the farmer in California, & the football player on the Steelers. The conversations we need to be having with our children, friends, & co-workers is the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. We can live wherever we want to live, pick whatever career we choose, freedom to worship at any church, temple, or mosque, love & marry without restriction, & peacefully demonstrate when change to our Democracy is needed.
Instead of debating whether or not the NFL players are disrespecting the flag, there needs to be the discussion as to why they are protesting. There is no law against kneeling during the National Anthem, just as there was no law broken by the white supremacists who chanted "Jews will not replace us" in Charlottesville, and there were no "fine people"marching with the white supremacists. Most pro athletes donate their time and millions of dollars to charities & other worthwhile causes. This is done a majority of the time when there is no press around.
It is up to us as parents to be the role models for our children and to teach them that hate mongering against people of different backgrounds is wrong. People should be judged based on their achievements & how they treat their family, friends, & neighbors. Most of all, we should not judge people based on the color of their skin, religion, or sexual orientation.
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make" - Paul McCartney
Friday, February 17, 2017
The Trump Doctrine - Leading America in the Wrong Direction
After four weeks in office, Donald Trump is strongly showing his inexperience at governing and his inability to appoint strong candidates to his cabinet and his staff. Being the leader of the Free World is far different that being the leader of "Celebrity Apprentice".Trump's first mistake is thinking that every issue and topic is about winning and losing. It is about what is best for America and her citizens and what policies should be put in place in order to continue to American Prosperity for future generations. Instead of moving us forward, it is apparent Mr. Trump wants to take us back to 1937 America.
Trump does not seem to get that everyone from the press to the average 15 year old has access to something called the Internet. When he switches his story, tells a lie or as Kelly Ann Conway likes to call it "alternative facts", anyone can go online and verify it. It boggles my mind that no one on his staff realizes this? The President can keep calling events that don't shine a positive light on him or his policies "fake news" but facts are facts and they can't be changed. Every time he uses the phrase "fake news" all I think about is "Cover Up".
What is even more disheartening is Trump direct and indirect promotion of racism and anti-Antisemitism. Not only does he refuse to answer questions about these topics, but he is combative i.e. his press conference on 2/16/17. Asking a reporter, who is African American to set up a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus for him is demeaning and disgusting. Mr. Trump is the President and has several assistants and advisers who could do that for him. The fact that he failed to mention the 6 Million Jews that perished at the hands of a Fascist Lunatic on Holocaust Remembrance Day is also sickening. Didn't he think to pass the official White House Statement released regarding Holocaust Remembrance Day by Ivanka or Jarrod Kushner?
The President's views on legal and illegal immigration are solely based on race and religion. Don't get me wrong, there needs to be stringent vetting process for people coming into the United States, no matter where they are from. The stringent vetting needs to be based on the individual coming into the United States not which Country or what Religion they are. Banning refugees was a pure scare tactic and all it did was show Trump's inexperience and made American look bad. By the way, did anyone seriously think Mexico would willingly pay for a boarder wall? Yes, people need to come in to our Country legally but wouldn't we be better off working with Mexico in coming up with a solution that is satisfactory for both of us and that we can equally pay for? In the end it might be cheaper than laying out the money to build a wall which will in turn take away funds from much needed domestic programs like education and social security.
Donald Trump thinks that he is a modern day Theodore Roosevelt. However, they are far apart in their actions and philosophies. TR put America first and foremost. Trump puts himself first. TR spoke softly and carried a big stick, Trump speaks loudly and carries a nuclear stick. Scary.
Trump does not seem to get that everyone from the press to the average 15 year old has access to something called the Internet. When he switches his story, tells a lie or as Kelly Ann Conway likes to call it "alternative facts", anyone can go online and verify it. It boggles my mind that no one on his staff realizes this? The President can keep calling events that don't shine a positive light on him or his policies "fake news" but facts are facts and they can't be changed. Every time he uses the phrase "fake news" all I think about is "Cover Up".
What is even more disheartening is Trump direct and indirect promotion of racism and anti-Antisemitism. Not only does he refuse to answer questions about these topics, but he is combative i.e. his press conference on 2/16/17. Asking a reporter, who is African American to set up a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus for him is demeaning and disgusting. Mr. Trump is the President and has several assistants and advisers who could do that for him. The fact that he failed to mention the 6 Million Jews that perished at the hands of a Fascist Lunatic on Holocaust Remembrance Day is also sickening. Didn't he think to pass the official White House Statement released regarding Holocaust Remembrance Day by Ivanka or Jarrod Kushner?
The President's views on legal and illegal immigration are solely based on race and religion. Don't get me wrong, there needs to be stringent vetting process for people coming into the United States, no matter where they are from. The stringent vetting needs to be based on the individual coming into the United States not which Country or what Religion they are. Banning refugees was a pure scare tactic and all it did was show Trump's inexperience and made American look bad. By the way, did anyone seriously think Mexico would willingly pay for a boarder wall? Yes, people need to come in to our Country legally but wouldn't we be better off working with Mexico in coming up with a solution that is satisfactory for both of us and that we can equally pay for? In the end it might be cheaper than laying out the money to build a wall which will in turn take away funds from much needed domestic programs like education and social security.
Donald Trump thinks that he is a modern day Theodore Roosevelt. However, they are far apart in their actions and philosophies. TR put America first and foremost. Trump puts himself first. TR spoke softly and carried a big stick, Trump speaks loudly and carries a nuclear stick. Scary.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Trump, Clinton, Sanders, and the New York Jets
I wanted to give a little commentary on some of the political events of the past couple of weeks.
Most sane people are amazed that Donald Trump won or will win the Republican Nomination. However, it is amazing how Washington Republicans are shocked of his win. I think they live in a sheltered world where there is life according to them and life according to the rest of the Country! Trump is a smart and established business man and a very good in marketing. He let the established Republicans hang themselves by letting them go forward with this pledge to support the eventual nominee and now that he has won, former candidates like Jeb Bush have said that they are not going to honor the pledge. This just helps him prove the point he has made all along to his "followers" that Washington is dysfunctional and your current long time elected representatives don't understand you.
Most sane people are amazed that Donald Trump won or will win the Republican Nomination. However, it is amazing how Washington Republicans are shocked of his win. I think they live in a sheltered world where there is life according to them and life according to the rest of the Country! Trump is a smart and established business man and a very good in marketing. He let the established Republicans hang themselves by letting them go forward with this pledge to support the eventual nominee and now that he has won, former candidates like Jeb Bush have said that they are not going to honor the pledge. This just helps him prove the point he has made all along to his "followers" that Washington is dysfunctional and your current long time elected representatives don't understand you.
I drove by a house the other day that had an American flag, a Confederate Flag, and a "Trump for President" sign in the front lawn. This a perfect example of the people that respond toTrump's rhetoric. He is rude, a racist, and a chauvinist and his supporters don't care. Hilary Clinton cannot under estimate Trump. She needs as much time as necessary before the November election to focus solely on defeating him, which is why Grandpa Sanders needs to step aside. Sanders has no path to victory and to be quite honest he does not give a crap about the future of the Democratic Party. Every time I hear Sanders speak, he reminds me of a crumby old man who argues with the manager at a restaurant for 20 minutes in order to get his meal for free. It behooves Hilary and the Democrats to take the key points of Sanders campaign and integrate them into the platform that she will run on this Fall.
Lastly, this has nothing to do with politics, but Ryan Fitzpatrick, please! What is the matter with you! I understood your tough negotiating stance when Denver and Los Angeles were still looking for a QB, but your only suitor is the New York Jets. It is the only place that you will be a starter and you have chemistry with the receiving corps. There are many 33 year old men who would die to get $8 Million to be QB1 for the J-E-T-S! Stop your Harvard temper tantrum and sign on the dotted line! We Jet fans can't take the drama anymore!
Lastly, this has nothing to do with politics, but Ryan Fitzpatrick, please! What is the matter with you! I understood your tough negotiating stance when Denver and Los Angeles were still looking for a QB, but your only suitor is the New York Jets. It is the only place that you will be a starter and you have chemistry with the receiving corps. There are many 33 year old men who would die to get $8 Million to be QB1 for the J-E-T-S! Stop your Harvard temper tantrum and sign on the dotted line! We Jet fans can't take the drama anymore!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
The Decline of the Republican Party & It's Affect on America
"Ted Cruz and Donald Trump Decide to Run For President..." If you heard that sentence 18 months ago, you would be waiting for the punch line from Fallon or Kimmel. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that it is not only a reality, but these two men are the front runners for the Republican Nomination for President with only a few months to go until the Convention. One is an over zealous evangelical and the other is a racist egomaniac and through their campaigns they have put a spotlight on negative political and social issues that still exist in America.
Most of us would view America as a modern, technologically advanced Nation, but every night when I watch the news, all I hear about are topics that were prevalent 50 years ago. America was supposed to be the social leader on race, religion, and equality for woman, minorities, and same-sex & transgender couples, instead it sometimes feels as though we are back in the 1960's or in some cases, the 1860's. Donald Trump has shown that he is publicly a racist, i.e. his treatment of Mexican and Muslim Americans, as well as a male chauvinist. His treatment of woman is awful. Trump has built a legion of followers who act on his every command. The United States would definitely loose a bunch of Allies and its good standing in the International Community if he is elected.
The scary thing is that Trump makes Ted Cruz "likable" and this is the guy whom his own party can't stand! My issues with Cruz are similar to my issues with his fellow Evangelicals. They are more worried about the "negative" effect Homosexuals, Blacks, Jews, and Transgenders will have on their communities, i.e. how much will their property values go down, versus the more prevalent issues. Cruz gave an interview the other day in support of the new discriminatory laws in North Carolina and Mississippi, but there is no mention from Cruz, Trump, as well as Sanders on the continuing gun issue in this Country.
In the last week, a man in the Orlando area ran over his estranged wife with his car in a restaurant parking lot and then proceeded to shoot and murder his 4 year old and 1 year old children. His estranged wife had a restraining order. Why aren't we talking about this? Or about the 8 members of a family that was murdered execution style in Ohio!! Republicans need to stop worrying about whether or not a woman chooses to have an abortion (it's her choice!!) and start worrying about how to stop rape and sexual violence against woman.
We need to become a more accepting society and not a segregated nation. Donald Trump and Ted Cruz will eventually cause the down fall of the Party of Lincoln, but if Lincoln were alive today, he would want nothing to do with the Grand Old Party he put on the map.
Most of us would view America as a modern, technologically advanced Nation, but every night when I watch the news, all I hear about are topics that were prevalent 50 years ago. America was supposed to be the social leader on race, religion, and equality for woman, minorities, and same-sex & transgender couples, instead it sometimes feels as though we are back in the 1960's or in some cases, the 1860's. Donald Trump has shown that he is publicly a racist, i.e. his treatment of Mexican and Muslim Americans, as well as a male chauvinist. His treatment of woman is awful. Trump has built a legion of followers who act on his every command. The United States would definitely loose a bunch of Allies and its good standing in the International Community if he is elected.
The scary thing is that Trump makes Ted Cruz "likable" and this is the guy whom his own party can't stand! My issues with Cruz are similar to my issues with his fellow Evangelicals. They are more worried about the "negative" effect Homosexuals, Blacks, Jews, and Transgenders will have on their communities, i.e. how much will their property values go down, versus the more prevalent issues. Cruz gave an interview the other day in support of the new discriminatory laws in North Carolina and Mississippi, but there is no mention from Cruz, Trump, as well as Sanders on the continuing gun issue in this Country.
In the last week, a man in the Orlando area ran over his estranged wife with his car in a restaurant parking lot and then proceeded to shoot and murder his 4 year old and 1 year old children. His estranged wife had a restraining order. Why aren't we talking about this? Or about the 8 members of a family that was murdered execution style in Ohio!! Republicans need to stop worrying about whether or not a woman chooses to have an abortion (it's her choice!!) and start worrying about how to stop rape and sexual violence against woman.
We need to become a more accepting society and not a segregated nation. Donald Trump and Ted Cruz will eventually cause the down fall of the Party of Lincoln, but if Lincoln were alive today, he would want nothing to do with the Grand Old Party he put on the map.
Friday, September 4, 2015
The Legal Right to Marry vs Religion
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.
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.
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.
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