Republican Extremists: Terrorists In Political Clothing

I was recently asked this question by a 19 year old: "Why is it that the Republicans are always on television and radio saying bad stuff about the President and other people but nobody comes on to say things about them?" Although the question seemed simple enough to answer, I actually had to pause and ponder.

"After a few moments of pausing and pondering, I concluded that although many others do in fact rebut and counter statements made by some Republicans, the Republicans make their points more forcefully, rudely, loudly, arrogantly, and ignorantly, thus appearing to hold the stronger, more effective position. It is indeed appearance only.

I'm not anti-Republican. Really I'm not. But something has run amok in America as it pertains to the GOP. Something has gone horribly wrong. Something has turned the party of Lincoln and Reagan into a club of mean-spirited, hateful, paranoid, vitriolic racists. These guys don't get it. They just don't get it. They feel that it is their "patriotic" duty to save the country from the big bad wolf called Barack Obama and his big bad compatriots known as Democrats and liberals. They intend to save it by ANY MEANS NECESSARY! Let me use some specific examples to bolster my thought.

Let's take the first look at Scott Roeder, the assassin who ended the life of Dr. George Tiller, owner of the Women's Health Care Clinic in Wichita, Kansas. Roeder killed Tiller at church because of his performing abortions. It has been stated by family members that Roeder suffers from mental illness. Couple that with extreme rhetoric from the likes of, let's say, ummmm, Bill O'Reilly, and you have danger on your hands. O'Reilly has referred to Tiller on more than one occasion as "an executioner" but states that he bears no responsibility for his death. Maybe not directly but probably very indirectly. A mentally ill individual with a deep desire to be known and revered, will do almost anything, including murder. What's this? TERRORISM!

Next up, Hal Turner, Talk Radio Host. This crazed individual is identified as a white supremacist and anti-semite. Turner threatened to release home addresses of several state officials in reaction to a controversial bill affecting the way that Roman Catholic churches are governed. These are his words as reported by the Huffington Post: The comments in question included, "It is our intent to foment direct action against these individuals personally. These beastly government officials should be made an example of as a warning to others in government: Obey the Constitution or die," and "If any state attorney, police department or court thinks they're going to get uppity with us about this, I suspect we have enough bullets to put them down, too."
These sorts of threats of impending violence are nothing new to Turner.
In December of 2006, Turner called for political assassinations:
"We may have to ASSASSINATE some of the people you elect on Nov. 7! This could be your LAST ELECTION CHANCE, to save this Republic... Sorry to have to be so blunt, but the country is in mortal danger from our present government and our liberty is already near dead because of this government. If you are too stupid to turn things around with your vote, there are people out here like me who are willing to turn things around with guns, force and violence. We hope our method does not become necessary."
In March of 2008, when Sean Hannity was confronted with having been previously associated with Turner, Hannity's forceful denials seemed to anger a betrayed Turner:
I was quite disappointed when Sean Hannity at first tried to say he didn't know me and then went on to say that I ran some senate campaign in New Jersey. In fact, Sean Hannity does know me and we were quite friendly a number of years ago.
Turner went on to threaten: "Another big difference is that I am perfectly willing to use force and violence against my enemies while Sean Hannity and others are not. Those using me as a prop to attack Sean Hannity would do well to remember this fact."
A month later, Turner was inciting violence against Paul B. Ash, the Lexington, Massachusetts superintendent of schools:
"I advocate parents using FORCE AND VIOLENCE against Superintendent Paul B. Ash as a method of defending the health and safety of school children presently being endangered through his politically-correct indoctrination into deadly, disease-ridden sodomite lifestyles. The Huff Post article goes on to suggest that Turner's actions goes beyond the protection offered by the First Amendment's freedom of speech. It states:"Mr. Turner's comments are above and beyond the threshold of free speech," Capitol Police Chief Michael J. Fallon said in an e-mail announcing the warrant. "He is inciting others through his website to commit acts of violence and has created fear and alarm. He should be held accountable for his conduct." Okay, do you hear me now? Hey Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, Beck, Bachmann, Palin, et. al. are you listening? The First Amendment does not and should not offer protection for criminal behaviors through speech. What's this? TERRORISM!

Turn the corner with me while I shake up Pat "the clueless" Buchanan. Normally, I'm reluctant to attack elderly persons. I love the elderly and children. But Pat Buchanan is tearing my nerves up! His presence as a talking head irritates me as much as nails on a blackboard, someone popping chewing gum, or a slow drip from a water faucet. First of all, he always look as though someone fed him lemons for dinner. His sour face alone is enough to make you remove all television sets from your home. If it wasn't so sad it would be amusing. However, this is no laughing matter. Buchanan and his far right thinking is a gift to the media in order to stir up controversy to boost ratings. This guy makes it known that he not only disapproves of President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, but that he actually loathes her. Consider these statements by Buchanan: "Sotomayor's justice is raced-based. Her career has been advancing persons of color over whites, based on race and national origin. What's happening to white males now is what happened to blacks years ago." Will someone clue the clueless Buchanan in on the state of race in the United States? Tell him that White Males are still in the forefront of every aspect of American life. White men own most of the property, buildings, companies, corporations, high-paying jobs, and more. I guess Buchanan's comparisons to the treatment of blacks years ago was without whips, hangings, water hoses, dogs, arrests, and murders. He states on one television broadcast that white men are losing jobs, education, etc. to minorities. with all the crazies in the world today, statements like that could be the long-awaited opportunity for some mentally unstable person to commit despicable and heinous acts in the name of God and Christianity. What's this? TERRORISM!

Let's step on the curb and set our sights on Governor Sarah Palin. I still can't wrap my mind around the concept that Palin feels qualified and ready to become America's first female Commander-in-Chief. Governor Dum-Dum spoke at an event before introducing Michael Reagan (Ronnie's son) in which she verbally attacked President Obama on foreign policy. Huff Post blogger Shannyn Moore reports that Palin was in a short skirt and wearing red, platform sandals, an ideal outfit for citizens of skeezertown. Remember her campaign rhetoric regarding Obama palling around with terrorists? Those comments sparked an outcry from anti-Obama supporters of Palin that included "terrorist!, kill him!, and off with his head!" Now, she's out speaking again with her palinics, Sarah's native tongue. Her speech was a fifteen minute run-on sentence devoid of substance and full of confusion. What's this? TERRORISM!

And then there's the mentally-challenged congresswoman from Minnesota, Michelle Bachmann. (By the way Minnesota, you ain't looking to good in the eyes of the American public these days!) This nut case called for people to be armed and dangerous. Consider this statement recorded in the Huff Post: Controversial Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) said this weekend that she wants residents of her state "armed and dangerous" over President Barack Obama's plan to reduce global warming "because we need to fight back."
Asked about the White House-backed cap-and-trade proposal to reduce carbon emissions, Bachmann told WWTC 1280 AM, "I want people in Minnesota armed and dangerous on this issue of the energy tax because we need to fight back. Thomas Jefferson told us 'having a revolution every now and then is a good thing,' and the people -- we the people -- are going to have to fight back hard if we're not going to lose our country. And I think this has the potential of changing the dynamic of freedom forever in the United States."
This type of rhetoric is sure to rally some cracked up (cocaine) heroin-addicted, demon-possessed individual with access to guns and ammunition to do whatever is necessary to take the country back. What's this? TERRORISM!

As we fix our focus on Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, N. Korea, and other areas for signs of terroristic behaviors, The United States of America continually entertain terrorists on its own soil-- those with the potential and ability to cause pandemonium and mass destruction.

AfterThoughts Signing Off...

From Gangbanging To Gamechanging: The Transformation of Two Lives

Join me on Saturday, June 6, 2009 as I welcome Pegine Echevarria, former girl gang member turned scholar, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. She has been inducted into the motivational speakers hall of fame. Also on that show we will have Otis Lyons (aka Vegas Don), who founded a street gang in Durham, NC some years ago. Today Vegas tours the country with a powerful anti-gang message and is giving back to the community that he took from through gang activity. We will also welcome Investigator Griffin of the Albany,Georgia gang task force to give us his take on the impact of gangs in smaller towns and communities. You don't want to miss this episode!

Republicans Make Me Ashamed And I'm A Democrat! By The Way, Democrats are Christians Too!

This is probably the most serious blog that I've ever written. It may very well be the most serious blog I'll ever write. I'm writing this one out of the depth of my heart, my soul, my mind, and my spirit. I'm troubled. I'm really troubled and writing this blog allows me the opportunity to confront and release.

I've never been interested in following politics. At least not until 2008. Sure, I've voted in the past, watched a few speeches in the past, and wore campaign buttons in the past. The difference was that I really didn't care if my candidate won or not. After all, a politician is a politician and they all think alike right? I mean, they all promise you milk and honey but deliver crackers and water don't they?

I've never paid much attention to Democrats or Republicans. Oh sure, I know they have opposing views on issues such as abortion, taxes, gay marriages, the role of government, etc. I've always known that. But I chose a candidate on how he looked--his image. I didn't care if he was Republican, Democrat or the two-headed freak Republicrat or Demoblican. If the guy looked sincere, sounded sincere, and acted as though he really cared about my general welfare, he had me. I went to the polls, voted for him, pinned on the "I voted" button, and returned home to await the next election cycle. That simple.

But politics turn a drastic turn for me in 2008. Hillary Clinton was running for President. Wow! A woman and someone I genuinely liked. I loved Bill Clinton as President. Bill was smooth and he could play that saxophone! Bill was likable, he seemed to be concerned for the welfare of all Americans. To me, it didn't get any better than Bill and Hillary Clinton. So guess what? I threw my whole support behind the former First Lady. A woman would be more willing to listen and not throw testosterone or testicular fits. She would reason and not be hasty. She would balance the budget with ease. She would stand before foreign dignitaries with grace and power. She would be reluctant to declare war but rather compromise and make the two parties shake hands and be friends. You know, like all moms do. But then something happened. A subtle, gentle breeze blew in this Senator from Chicago. He flashed a million dollar, winning smile and a mind so brilliant that Einstein could be sent to a special education class.

Who is this guy attempting to steal the Clinton's thunder? Who is this handsome black guy with the beautiful black family? What makes this dude think that he can possibly do what Jesse Jackson couldn't do? Become President? Yeah, right. I didn't like him. I'd read all the rumors on the net about his religion (Muslim), his heritage (Kenyan), and his ties to colorful characters like Tony Rezko and Bill Ayers. Hmmm. He's cool and all, but he can't beat my girl Hillary. Go Hillary!

I rejected everything about Barack Obama. His name was goofy and sounded un-american. His ears were big. He was from Hawaii. Is that really part of the United States? Hillary did well for a while. But then she made the ultimate mistake in my opinion. She cried. She cried when she lost the Iowa caucus. Now, my mind began to change. She can't cry or become emotional as President. God, how would that be perceived by those tyrants and despots like the leaders of Iran, North Korea, and Iraq? They would have her for dinner and use her bones for toothpicks.

I turned a slow, reluctant ear towards this guy from Chicago. He was fighting an uphill battle. I still didn't like him a whole lot but I did find him interesting. The media and most Americans swore that he couldn't win. "America would rather have a white woman than a black man in the white house" I'd hear often. Yet, he continued on. He was loaded with information and armed with deep knowledge of American politics. He was for real. He was undeterred and completely focused. Mud was thrown at him frequently. He would wipe it off and smile at the slingers, promising to be a President to all--even those who dirtied his clothes.

I began to thaw. The Jeremiah Wright thing had to be the ultimate Obama-killer right? Sorry, that was wrong. It only proved to be a temporary distraction. His momentum continued and his supporters grew. I was becoming a puddle of water. This guy was winning me over. Why? I-m-a-g-e. He began to look quite presidential and I began to envision him in the oval office. I'm getting to the whole embarrassed by Republicans, Democrats are Christians too issue. Bear with me here. I told you that this is going to be a serious blog.

I'm not necessarily anti-Republican or pro-Democrat. As I mentioned before, the guy with the best image got my vote. But the Republicans today, particularly those of the conservative bunch, are making fools of themselves in many ways. I am extremely embarrassed by those representing the Republican party. Who could possibly be proud of Rush Limbaugh? Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich or Michael Steele? You don't have to be an Obama supporter to be respectful of the office. I have never in my life seen such blatant disrespect for a Commander-in-Chief as I've seen towards this President. As a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, it is a despicable thing to witness. And no, George W. was not treated this horribly!

The aforementioned bunch, bombard the airwaves with misleading information, half-truths, and outright lies. The bitterness and hatred that they have for President Obama causes them to go into these rants of insanity, complete with swollen veins and bulging eyes. They oppose each and everything that the President does with no forethought. Cheney and Gingrich didn't speak this much when they were relevant! Cheney needs to shut his pie hole, Gingrich needs to seek therapy, Limbaugh needs to become the "biggest loser," and Steele, well, he needs to research the word "token." I'm sure he'll find his name right next to it. No one, not even those in his party, really respects this guy. They thought he'd be the answer to Obama to stop his momentum but they quickly learned that Steele was way out of his league.

These guys are so deprived of political oxygen that they're flailing around like fish out of water. Who can take them seriously? They appear (and remember my position about image) incompetent, unsure, disjointed and divided. At this point they couldn't lead a team of toddler ball players. It certainly doesn't help that they constantly oppose the President without cause.

Regarding abortion and homosexuality, I oppose both. Yes, this liberal democrat is against abortion and homosexuality. Why? Because they are both biblical no-nos. Conservatives want to scream and holler about their religious beliefs when it comes to homosexuals. But they're forgetting one important thing. If they read the bible they'll see where it is already written: Romans 1:26-27: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet." This scriptures let's me know that homosexuality is a reality and that consequences as a result will come. My point? Although homosexuality is indeed wrong, it is a choice to be made by individuals. So many want to point to the "founding fathers and constitution" to bolster their arguments about what should and should not happen in America. But choice is something that comes along with freedom. And at last check, people in this country are free to choose.

Even God himself does not make man serve him. Instead, he gives man choices and hopes that he makes the right decisions. Consider these scriptures: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.” (Proverbs 3:31)
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) (If we had no choice, then knowing to do good would necessarily result in doing good.)

My point here is that homosexuality is indeed a choice and not a freak occurrence at conception and with that being the case, the President or no one else has the authority to tell these folks what they can do with their individual liberties. It is God's job to judge and He will do just that. Some Republicans are now directing their hostility, bitterness, and rage at President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor. They have gone as far as call her a bigot and racist based on a comment she made years ago that was taken out of context. Rush Limbaugh took this one and ran. Well, he probably trotted because his big frame certainly can't handle running. Newt Gingrich added his unsolicited "two cents," and Pat Buchanan, the old gentlemen who really needs to get a clue, verbally attacked her as well. Do these Republicans know that the general public is watching them and concluding that "Insanity in the Ranks" is their slogan and the straight jacket their new symbol?

I'm embarrassed by the GOP. It is one thing to try and become relevant and respected again. It is quite another to try and do so by any means necessary. The American public is smart enough to identify a game, gimmick, plot or ploy. We won't have our minds manipulated or intelligence insulted. There are many well-respected Republican politicians in Washington, DC and around the globe. It would behoove the party to hunt one, tie him up, and thrust him kicking and screaming before the public if they want to become real contenders and party of relevance.

AfterThoughts Signing Off...

America Underestimated The Power Of Image and Hope

It's all about image. And on November 4, 2008, image adorned herself in a sea of red, white, and blue, proclaiming loudly and boldly: "Change has come to America! Now is the time to depart from the political status quo! Now is the time to seek common ground as we embrace a new direction, a new era, and a renewed hope in the greatness of this nation!" Change opened the heart of America. Image opened the eyes of America. Hope opened the heart of America.

You see, it really wasn't the Republican's message that was so brutally rejected. They talked a pretty good game. They promised lower taxes, stood firmly against abortion and gay marriages, and ran on a platform of experience. Mr. McCain was tough. The war hero instilled a sense of pride and gratitude in most Americans when recalling his grueling days as a POW. One would have to be a devil incarnate not to feel a sense of gratitude to Senator McCain for his very unselfish sacrifice while protecting this nation during war. So what was rejected? Why did many Independents and some Republicans turn away from the GOP and to the Democrats in the 2008 Presidential election? Five letters, two syllables: IMAGE. Four letters, one syllable. HOPE.

During the election, Image said that Repbulicans were racist, bitter, and fearful of anything new and different. McCain's town hall meetings (pre-Palin) were dry, boring, and lacked substance. The crowds were so thin that he could have fit them all at his dinner table. After selecting Palin as a running mate, the much larger crowds at the rallies showed racist attitudes and called for harm to come to Senator Obama. The McCain/Palin ticket did little to stop it. For the Democrats, Image said that they were caring, compassionate, intelligent, and refreshing. America was ready to see something different, say something different, and be something different. Image afforded them that great opportunity.

Anything that Image was unable to do, hope brought home. Hope blanketed the nation as a quick moving snowstorm; beautiful to behold and strong enough to cripple entire states. Hope was not the result of blind following, party loyalty, or racial preference. It was the anxious desire to see a nation guilty of the bondage and oppression of human beings correct her wrongs. It was the belief that the last can become first--that equality was not just a dream yet to be fulfilled.

Barack Obama's amazing ability to connect with the hearts of Americans strengthened hope. In him was the hope that the family home of 30+ years could be saved from foreclosure, that the family salary would be able to survive the economic crisis, that the ailing elderly person would be able to continue obtaining life-sustaining medications, that young people in this country could still attend college, and that loved ones fighting the deceptive, senseless war in Iraq would soon return home. His unwillingness to back down or give up when negative news reports saturated the airwaves opened the closed doors of hope, allowing it to break forth with power.

Pretty speeches and racial support did not and could not deliver victory to Obama on a silver platter. Although they certainly had their place in the campaign and election, it was ultimately America's desire to see and welcome change that trounced the GOP and deprived them of political oxygen.

Image broke the back of the GOP. Hope was the stretcher that carried them away.

AfterThoughts Signing Off...

I Know Why Barack Obama Is President

Never Underestimate The Power Of Hope

From the start, the odds were against him. A virtual unknown. An inexperienced Senator from Illinois. A half black man rumored to be a Muslim. A Christian under the leadership of a black, radical Pastor. A man in America with a very Muslim, foreign sounding name. An American? Indonesian? Kenyan? What's on the birth certificate? Although viewed with some skepticism, he was followed with intrigue.

When Barack H. Obama threw his name into the political ring to compete for the Presidency of the United States, very few took him seriously. After all, he had to go up against some stiff competition--H. Clinton, J. Edwards, J. Biden, C. Dodd, D. Kucinich, and B. Richardson. Surely that guy with the weird name would succumb to the popularity and power of say, Hillary Clinton and Chris Dodd.

But perseverance ruled the day. Barack Obama was neither intimidated or reluctant to press forward in his goal to be America's Commander-in-Chief. He was ridiculed in some ways, mocked in others. Along the way he lost friends and acquaintances. Yet, his focus remained on Pennsylvania Avenue. He trotted along, like that little engine that could, amid death threats, and open hostility. When the field was finally narrowed down to two, Obama and Clinton, a shift began. Barack Obama was now a serious contender for the oval office, and all eyes were on him.

Hillary Clinton supporters were at a loss for words. This was not supposed to happen. She was expected to lock up the nomination and send baby boy Obama packing, with his thumb in his mouth, back to Chicago until he "grew up some more" and matured politically. However, the delegate numbers that he began racking up was a force to be reckoned with and ultimately proved to be too much for the former First Lady.

Once he defeated the popular and well-liked Hillary Clinton, jaws dropped and hearts stopped. He beat Hillary Clinton? Wow. As with the Tea Baggers, the PUMA movement (party unity my a--) used the occasion to rally anti-Obama voters across the nation. Bitter, hateful, divisive, vitriolic feelings peppered the nation. Many Hillary supporters threatened to vote Republican before supporting Barack Obama. Still undeterred, Obama looked forward to his next fight; his next victim. The aging Senator from Arizona and war hero, John McCain.

By now, Mr. Obama had acquired the attention of the entire nation, the world even. Could it be? Could it possibly happen? Could a man of African descent actually defeat his opponent and become leader of the free world? The skeptics remained. They would not be silenced. But in spite of it all, he stayed on course.

His unwillingness to give up or be "punked down" by political heavyweights, strengthened his character and resolve. His "youth," hippiness, and ability to connect to any and every voting bloc and constituent made him an icon of sorts. Young people begin to take notice. Black people began to listen. Whites, Latinos, and Asians began to pay attention. His speeches and mantra of "change" began to instill hope and excitement. Black Americans held their breath while daring to believe; afraid that they would be rudely awakened from a beautiful dream. Hope left the shores of Africa in the belly of slaves. Hope was tossed to and fro during the voyage to America, yet it survived and firmly fastened itself to the spirits of African captives in America. Hope endured the lash. Hope would bend but never break when the sun's heat beamed violently down upon the heads of slaves. Hope would caress the mother who was torn from her children and ripped from her husband during slave trades. Hope would catch the tears that flowed from eyes that could only see bondage as freedom became a fading memory.

And so, Barack Obama stayed the course. Hope's power increased. Obama connected in an unprecedented manner with voters across the land. He used technology to his advantage; reaching millions of unregistered voters. Something new and exciting was sweeping the nation. How could the momentum be stopped? Republicans and others who opposed the fresh, new movement dug up everything but the bones of Judas Iscariot to cripple Obama's candidacy. At times it seemed that they would prevail. Jeremiah Wright became an Achilles heel. Obama's reference to small town citizens clinging to guns and religions became a daily talking point. His wife Michelle's "For the first time in my adult life" statement sent political pundits and commentators into a complete frenzy, not to mention stupor. None were able to derail the plan.

As election night 2008 drew closer, hope increased. With each debate, hope became more bold. And finally, hope transformed herself into victory. Obama's victory was not his alone. No, it wasn't. The victory belonged to those who wanted to see a break from the norm in America. It belonged to those who wanted to see real change come to a nation that operated on deceptive political agendas. It belonged to those who lived under the heavy hand of oppression and intolerance, injustice and inhumane treatments. The election of Barack Obama would be the reparation that would bring equality to a divided states of America. Or would it?

To Be Continued...

AfterThoughts Signing Off...

Partisan Politics: The New Civil War

Americans are no longer fighting two wars, but three. Two are on foreign soil--Iraq and Afghanistan. The other is right here in America. In some ways, the domestic war that's being fought is much more intense than the two abroad.

Although political fights and wrestling matches are not new to Americans, this current round is so full of bitterness, opposition, and hatred, that it appears to be unlike anything that we've witnessed in modern times. With the passing of each new day, and emergence of any new issues, the fight becomes more intense and dangerous.

For starters, the culprits (the schoolyard bullies) need to be identified. It is their interference and stronghold that keeps the fight alive, with no exit or strategy for victory. They are: misinformation, tainted information, lack of knowledge, self-righteousness, unethical behaviors, and hidden agendas. This six-pack of dynamite, if left unchallenged, is poised to detonate and blast bipartisan efforts into further oblivion.

There is so much mudslinging and name calling from the left and right that the middle ground is caught in the crossfire and looking for cover. The absence of the middle makes the body of politics a freak of nature. Without a middle (chest) the left and right arms can not function, have nothing to connect to, and serves very little purpose. They both fall helplessly to the ground. The middle keeps the left and right grounded, not letting any side gain an unfair upper hand, but allowing both sides to carry out their functions for the good of the body.

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States. We know that. Most of us accept it. He has managed to keep most of his campaign promises and those that he hasn't comes as no surprise. Most Americans are intelligent enough to know what can and will work versus what can't and won't. In the humble opinion of one American, I believe that he is doing a pretty good job with what he's been given. He doesn't come off as angry or bitter. Instead, he seems to be methodically and carefully considering the best interests of this nation. George W. Bush is no longer President of the United States. We know that. All of us accept it because he reached his two term maximum. He governed in accordance with the beliefs and ideals of the Republican right. I'm not sure if his governance was motivated by a desire to effectively lead and represent the American public, or to secure a legacy for himself and scrub the stains from the tainted one of his father, Bush 41. I'm still pondering that one.

Although Bush 43 walked out of office and the public eye nearly 120 days ago, residue from his Administration remains. An unstable economy, high rate of home foreclosures, job losses, financial disasters and more, rests heavily upon the backs and minds of many Americans. Obama comes in, assesses the damage, and looks for ways to stop the bleeding until solutions can be found. However, political rancor rips away the band-aid, exposing the deep wound to more infection, until the situation becomes gravely ill.

Who's right? Is it the Republicans who say the stimulus and bailouts will only lead to more financial and economic disasters later down the road? Or the Democrats who say we have to act now or the country goes from a moderate recession to an acute depression? Who do we believe? Who is more sincere? Who seems to genuinely care about the state of America?

Well, after considering all the talk, analysis, press conferences, news articles, blogs, and opinion polls, this American decided to support the Democratic position. No, I didn't do it based on party affiliation or political popularity. I didn't do it because of the "still-quite-popular" President Obama or the influential First Lady Michelle Obama. For me, image was the deciding factor.

Although the Republicans seemed passionate about their position, their reaction to the crisis was superficial. Sure, they took advantage of photo ops and sound bites to oppose the democratic agenda for the "good of our children and grandchildren" years from now. I listened intently to their commentaries. I looked for sincerity and concern. I found little. What I found abundantly was consistent rejection with little or no thought or consideration. The answer to every Democratic proposal was an emphatic no. Now, when people are forced from their homes, struggle to feed their families, lose their jobs, and face hopeless situations daily, partisan wrestling matches and street brawls does not cast a positive light on leaders. The American public depends on elected officials to make their lives better, and when that fails to happen, consequences abound. The heat of battle rises. The civil war rages. Generals and Commanders are clueless and have difficulty devising a winning strategy.

The negativity and bitterness surrounding the Republican party is destroying credibility. Some times less is definitely more. The airwaves are saturated with divisive, venomous rhetoric from the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, Lou Dobbs, Michelle Bachmann, Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich and others. Democrats are not much better. They are in the political driver's seat at the moment but they keep looking in the rearview mirror, often suffering avoidable crashes. In the process, the American people suffer. Image is everything. When your words say "I care" and your image says, "so what?" you can best believe that those bearing tainted images will see a political freefall in 2010 and 2012.

AfterThoughts Signing Off...

How Do You Define The Black Woman?

HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE BLACK WOMAN?

Is she defined by her nose and lips broad or straight, full or thin

or could it be her monster hips which makes her a perfect ten?

Is she known by her famous butt thick and round, petite and flat?

or could it be her peacock strut which lets you know she's all that?

however you see her, let me say that the black woman is well on her way

to becoming phenomenal and it's all good!

Is it by her sassy mouth you define loud and boasting, humble and meek

or her ability to know a played out line she tells you when your rap is weak

maybe you see her as low class or define her as cold and brash

no matter what her complexion and size she's black and you need to recognize

you don't have a clue you see the black woman is whatever she wants to be

fearless and strong, she's got it going on!

Is it her unwillingness to back down which makes you scratch your head and frown?

the black woman is not easily bent she stands her ground and represents

her skin is not what makes her black let me define her while you step back

the black woman is...

From midnight black to almost white nappy or straight, she gets it right

tall or short, fat or thin, it doesn't matter, she's loved by men

brown eyes, green eyes, quiet or loud she gets attention and can draw a crowd

So when you see her give her respect, for she's the best thing you've ever met

she's bold and beautiful, real and precise

she's america's sugar and africa's spice!

by S. Denice Newton