Vanessa: Unplugged!

I Believe Harry Reid

All this back and forth conversation in the media about Sen. Harry Reid saying he has a source that says presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney didn't pay taxes is maddening. Romney supporters and GOP strategists making the news talk circuit are just so incredibly unbelievable. Invoking the number of income tax returns John McCain provided and even Ronald Reagan is just such a stretch and obvious show of desperation.

Gov. Romney can put a stop to the discussion by just providing the requested tax returns and moving on with his campaign. If he doesn't, the public will continue think he has something to hide. It's really just that simple and no attempt at deflecting the issue will prove successful.

Until Romney provides his income tax returns to the American voters, I believe Harry Reid.

 

Public Service Announcement: Today is Memorial Day and Memorial Day is not Veterans Day

In Memory of Sgt. Edmond L. "Dakie" Randle

I do believe in our zest to show rightfully show appreciation to our service members, we have blurred Veterans Day with Memorial Day, thus not showing proper reverence on this solemn day of remembrance.

Here is one of the FAQs (frequently asked questions) from the Department of Veterans Affairs:

Q. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

A. Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

Let’s live in appreciation of the service of our men and women every day whether they are living or deceased or made the ultimate sacrifice while in service or transitioned through other means. For those service members who lost their lives while in service to our country, today is their day, let’s honor them accordingly.

 

Photo:  2012 Election Central

 

Related links:

Memorial Day

South Florida veterans: Memorial Day is a day to mourn, not celebrate

 

We Can't Turn Back Now [VIDEO]

Five years ago presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama ignited a fire in Americans yearning for change in our government. Americans yearning for a better life…better opportunities…jobs…education. Hope. Change.

Unlike any presidential candidate before or since, Obama’s obvious racial difference was not the factor that endeared him to so many.  No, Barack Obama’s American story was the glue that weaved him through the hearts and minds of so many Americans who could identify with the challenges he overcame to attain a comfortable lifestyle in these United States of America.

Now five years later, after a historic victory, this man we know as Barack Hussein Obama, 44th President of the United States of America, remains the same intelligent, dignified, level-headed leader this nation needs. President Obama’s tenure has been met with such vitrol, disrespect and unsuccessful attempts to destroy this nation, it is almost unbelievable. These attempts have not come from outside but from within the leadership of this very nation who claim to be patriots. 

Now is the time to continue to move America forward with four more years of an Obama presidency. We are on the right track by addressing economic disparity and helping the poor and middle-class among other issues. We can’t turn back now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Coronation of Bishop Eddie Long, Not a Good Move [VIDEO]

 

UPDATE: Bishop Eddie Long has apologized to the Anti-Defamation League for the inappropriate use of Jewish religious symbols during the coronation ceremony at New Birth.

I finally saw the controversial video of Bishop Eddie Long being anointed a king at New Birth Church in Lithonia, GA. Rabbi Ralph Messer who is unlike any rabbi I’ve ever met or even seen conducted this anointing or coronation ceremony.

You have to watch the video to see the show and that’s exactly what it was. At one point Long is wrapped in a torah. He is also seated and in chair, lifted and carried by four men as if he is on a throne. The sight is amazing; I understand why there was so much controversy.

I have largely not taken a public position on Bishop Long’s challenges of the sexual scandal or his marital strife. I can only say that this latest “crowning” incident does nothing to help him in the eyes of reasonable, prudent individuals. This is just sad and disgusting.

Moreover, since this crowning ceremony used sacred symbols of the Jewish religion, an even larger audience of religious practitioners offended by his actions will now form opinions about Long’s troubles --- and not in a good way.

By the way, Bishop Eddie Long is now king of what?

 

 

 

President Obama's State of the Union Address 01/24/2012 [VIDEO] [TRANSCRIPT]

President Barack Obama delivered a rousing State of the Union address last night that addressed a myriad of topics from the economy to education to healthcare to bipartianship and Republican obstructionism. When the President mentioned the takedown of Osama bin Laden early in his address, it was apparent that he was in the zone.

Some criticize the President by attacking his gift of public speaking others accuse him of being divisive. That's a shame. The President spoke to the heart of the issues that Americans face every day. He expressed the frustration that Americans feel about government and the partisanship bickering. The President challenged Congress to do their job.

Here are the video and text of the President's speech.

 

Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address

United States Capitol
Washington, D.C.

9:10 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq.  Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which more than a million of our fellow citizens fought -- and several thousand gave their lives.

We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world.  (Applause.)  For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq.  (Applause.)  For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country.  (Applause.)  Most of al Qaeda’s top lieutenants have been defeated.  The Taliban’s momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.

The U.S. Debt Ceiling Update and the Republicans Refusal to Compromise

Last night, President Barack Obama gave an update on the debt ceiling negotiations and House Speaker John Boehner followed with the GOP response. The President was empathic and deliberate in the delivery of his address and in positioning the Republicans as uncompromising in efforts to prevent the United States from defaulting on paying its bills for the first time in history.

Incredibly, the Republicans are single-minded in their refusal to address the issue of the wealthy paying their fair share of taxes and continue to focus only on spending cuts as the way to resolve the country’s financial crisis. It is unbelievable and egregious that the Republicans have been so disingenuous, disrespectful and dishonest in dealing with Barack Obama as President of the United States. So much for a post-racial America after the election of Barack Obama as POTUS.

Republican Party leaders seem hell bent on doing all they can to embarrass President Obama and disrupt the governing of the nation. There also seems to be a problem of collective amnesia on the part of the Republicans when it comes to raising the debt ceiling and the number of times previous presidents have been allowed to do so without such vitriolic push back. The bald-faced lies about President Obama not offering a plan and not working with the GOP leaders are an insult to the intelligence of the American people that have been following this situation. 

The President has been more than accommodating with the Republicans. It’s time for the President to call the Republicans bluff and do what is right for the American people. We, the people, deserve leadership not these mean-spirited divisive attacks. It's time for us to let the Republicans know their divisiveness and disrespect will not be tolerated. 

President Obama’s Message for the New Year [VIDEO]

It’s difficult to find something wrong with this message but surely someone will. I don’t agree with all of the President’s decisions but I respect and support him as our leader. We shall definitely sink or swim together unless our elected leaders make decisions that benefit the people rather than those of lobbyists and business interests.  

 

Senator Harry Reid and President Barack Obama: We Can’t Handle the Truth [VIDEO] [POLL]

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is under fire big time for saying that Barack Obama could be president because he is light-skinned and doesn't speak with a Negro dialect unless he has to. Those comments were made in either 2006 or 2007; the timeline is in dispute and that's not really important in this situation. What is clear is that Reid unwisely voiced points that were thought by many. Except for that antiquated 'Negro' terminology, Senator Reid made the same assessment a lot of whites probably made and some blacks also; let's not kid ourselves.

To be politically attractive, candidates are advised to look and speak a certain way. Candidate Barack Obama fit that mold and his Ivy League education sealed the deal. Am I a Harry Reid fan? No but I'm not hating on him either. I also don't think his comments were nearly as racially-charged as Trent Lott's 'Dixiecrat' comment, that 'Barack the Magic Negro' song and controversial comments by others.

The GOP is attempting to keep this topic in the media by claiming 'double standard' in the treatment of Republicans who have made racial comments compared to Democrats who do the same. Should Harry Reid resign? No. Is Harry Reid a racist? I don't know. Is he out-of-touch? Absolutely --- as are the folks over at the Census Bureau.

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Protect Insurance Companies [VIDEO]

Obama, why?

I love this video because it so puts the country’s current state of affairs in proper perspective. Okay, so it’s satire but it’s true. When we stop electing folks who sell out the rest of us we don’t have most of the problems we’re dealing with now.

 

 

President Obama's Message for America's Students [VIDEO]

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZ6GrzWkw0