You can say what you like about embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, but his appointment of Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama was a brilliant move.

As expected, race has come to the forefront of this situation and Blagojevich can just sit back and watch the Democratic Party leaders squirm while tries to save himself. Now that President-elect Obama has gone on record siding with Democrat senate leaders, this political circus will continue.

It’s unfortunate that this situation has come to this; the people of Illinois are the real losers.

It seems that Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston have sold the rights to photos of their baby boy to People magazine for $300,000. Baby Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, was born December 28. From all reports baby and mother are fine which is a great thing.

When I saw the tweet from Don Lemon of CNN about the RNC (Republican National Committee) releasing the “Barack the Magic Negro” song, my first thought was --- What’s the big deal? That’s so last year. Then when Lemon sent us non-believers a link to more info on the issue, the reason for the hoopla became apparent.

It seems that Chip Saltsman, a candidate for chair of the RNC sent out a CD with that song on it. I think I sent Lemon a tweet with something about Saltsman being SOS --- Stuck On Stupid.

My position on Saltsman hasn’t changed but we should step back and look at the situation from different perspective. I think many in the mainstream media did this story and their viewers or readers a disservice. The focus of the reporting of Saltsman’s faux pas is on the Magic Negro song but it’s my understanding that there are 41 songs on the CD.

Rather than focusing on the Magic Negro song, how about equal reporting on the cut titled Star Spanglish Banner? Are we to be lead to believe that the GOP are insensitive bastards only regarding blacks? I don’t think so.

In this post-racial soon-to-be-lead-by-Barack-Obama nation in which we live, the truth is that folks like Saltsman and those who defend him really find no fault in that compilation of supposed parody. “You people are too sensitive. Can’t you take a joke?” Yadda…yadda…yadda.

Speaking of those defending Saltsman, enter one Ken Blackwell, former Ohio Secretary of State, also candidate for RNC Chair. Blackwell condemns the hypersensitivity to race. Blackwell is black. Other black Republicans may not publicly protest the distribution of the CD, but clearly understand the heat they will take from other blacks for their political affiliation.

So, where’s the outrage from Latinos about the Star Spanglish Banner foolishness? It’s difficult to find comedy in the mean-spirited words and images of that song.

This is funny.

Well, when all is said and done, we really shouldn’t be surprised by this latest incident from Republican leaders. They are just being true to themselves.  Does that reflect the position of all Republicans? Of course not. Will the Republican Party suffer because of this? Of course, it will. But, here’s a safe bet – Chip Saltsman will not be RNC Chair.

Many investors were duped by the Ponzi scheme of Bernard Madoff. The impact of that scheme has probably yet to be realized all while Madoff is confined to his luxurious home. Sounds a lot like that Paris Hilton foolishness a few months back, doesn’t it?

Well, Madoff, the mortgage scams and Wall Street abuses and destruction of the financial fabric of our nation make a person just want to scream. Especially when Congress feigns righteous indignation after Wall Street firms refuse to disclose how the bailout funds received are spent.

This is the same Congress that increased the bailout from$700B to $800B with funds for pork projects. These are the same folks that beat up on the heads of the automakers who requested bailout. Is that the pot calling the kettle black or what?

Americans should be livid with the heads of the automakers but Congress should get their grilling also. Handing over billions without any strings attached or reporting requirements is not stupid; it’s sinful and should be unlawful.

It also speaks to the character of the leaders of the organizations who received those bailout funds. Those taxpayers that expected the Wall Street firms to report usage of the bailout funds have just been subjected to a reality check.

Not only does Wall Street not give two hoots about Main Street, they couldn’t care less about side streets and your street either. Is there any wonder Americans have such little confidence in Congress? One would think a congressman’s internal barometer would say enough is enough, let’s get this right for the American people but that hasn’t occurred. Not really. Talk and no action mean absolutely nothing.

Photo:  AP

I was a young child during the John F. Kennedy era in American politics. I do recall his effect on the adults in my life. The Kennedys were American royalty. It is a tad uncomfortable, even from a distance, to watch the clumsy debut of Caroline Kennedy’s political career. As a woman, I am insulted and borderline ticked off on several levels.

You see, politics is what it is, a game. Sometimes politics is a poorly written situation comedy also.  Case in point, the emergence of Caroline Kennedy in New York politics as the possible person to replace Senator Hillary Clinton when she is confirmed Secretary of State as part of Barack Obama’s cabinet.

Ms. Kennedy has been placed on display, scrutinized, criticized and her qualifications questioned. Then as if she has to campaign for the appointment, her handlers start the road tour that has her eating collard greens and cornbread at Sylvia’s soul food restaurant in Harlem and appearing very uncomfortable when questioned by soldiers. It is painful to watch this intelligent, capable woman appear to grovel for a position that she is qualified to hold.

Am I a Caroline Kennedy supporter? Well, whether I am or not is not the point. The point is that she’s qualified and shouldn’t be made to feel as though she has to jump through any hoops. There’s too much of a hard sell of Caroline Kennedy to the public for a position that will be appointed by the governor. It’s a big mistake. It makes her look as if she needs a favor to get the job. As a woman, that is infuriating.

Clearly, the Kennedy name has lost some of its luster as evidenced by the hoopla over this situation in the first place. Some resistance is likely tied to the resentment of Kennedy’s strong support for Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the presidential primary. Let’s not forget that New York Governor Paterson supported Clinton.

My advice to Caroline Kennedy is to be herself. The only person that has to be convinced she’s the best choice as Senator is Governor Paterson. If appointed, Kennedy has until the 2010 election to prove that she’s the best.

There will be plenty of time for eating at Sylvia’s and kissing babies when she campaigns for 2010 whether she’s appointed now or not.

© 2008, Vanessa: Unplugged!, www.vanessabyers.net

Vote for this blog for Best Political Blog and for Best Blog Design in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.

Today is the first day of the Winter Break at my job. That means I do not have to report to work for two weeks, work weeks that is.

Like many of my co-workers, I am both physically and mentally exhausted. You see the economic recession depression continues to wreak havoc upon our organization and more of our work friends will be without jobs soon after the new year starts.

Is this intended to be a depressing blog post? No. What I'm trying to get to in this sleep-deprived state I'm in is that this Christmas is a real Christmas for me and many others.

There was more talk of being grateful for family and friends. These same people discussed sacrificing a portion of their salary to save two co-workers who would have been let go shortly after the new year.

I don't know the details of how it was worked out; I just know that there were tears of joy shed when we found out there would be funding made available to keep the two co-workers on board for six more months.

Some of us had been in prayer and working quietly to help our co-workers. Our prayers were answered and so were theirs. That was the best present ever.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Muntazer al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist now famous for throwing his shoes at President George W. Bush, did not appear in court. The investigative judge went to al-Zaidi’s jail cell yesterday morning. It is understandable that many believe he has been savagely beaten and his physical appearance would anger the Iraqi people. Iraqi officials and a brother have denied that the journalist suffered severe injuries.

Al-Zaidi has been hailed as a hero by some. His shoe-throwing action carries a minimum two-year sentence for insulting a foreign leader.

© 2008, Vanessa: Unplugged!, www.vanessabyers.net

Vote for this blog for Best Political Blog and for Best Blog Design in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.

It's hard to believe but the Minnesota Senate race between incumbent Norm Cloeman and challenger Al Franken still has not been decided. Can you say recount? There have been ballots that were lost and ballots determined ineligible. It's incredible.

The see-saw lead in this election has been interesting also. Now Coleman is entangled in a lawsuit regarding $75,000 funneled to his campaign through his wife's company. Stay tuned.

Minnesota, the people of Florida thank your for taking the election foolishness award from them. 

My sister from another mother, Linda, from Ramblings of an Ageless Hippie Chick tagged me a few weeks ago with a meme on my seven favorite music albums. I’m such an eclectic music lover that I’ve started and stopped this blog post more times than I care to remember. Since it’s cold outside and I’m in for the night while I continue to fight off a cold, I’m going with whatever I write this time.

Besides, I am so tired of the Rod Blagojevich scandal and the Jesse Jackson Jr. denial tour that I really must move on for my own sanity.

THE RULES:

1. Post your list of the seven best albums, the seven bloggers you will tag, a copy of these rules, and a link back to this page.
2. Each person tagged will put a URL to their Blogger Album Project post along with a list of the seven best albums in the comment section HERE.
3. Feel free to post the “I Contributed to the Blogger Album Project” Award Graphic on your sidebar, along with a link back to this page.
4. Post a link back to the blogger who tagged you.


MY SEVEN ALBUMS:

1.       A Love Supreme – John Coltrane:  I can listen to this album over and over and over again. Coltrane was a musical genius and I’d choose his tunes over many of today’s musicians. That’s not a slap to just a testament to the groundbreaking sound of John Coltrane.

2.       Exitos Eternos - Celia Cruz:  There is only one Celia Cruz. I love watching her and predecessor, La Lupe. Celia Cruz mesmerized the Latin music industry and showed just why she’s the Queen with her modern tunes. My favorite song from this album is La Negra Tiene Tumbao.

3.       Electric Circus – Common:   This album is probably the least commercially successful of Common’s tunes. I happen to like the 1970’s flavor of the tunes. Common was obviously heavily influenced by his relationship with Erykah Badu at the time this album was made. There’s also a collaboration with Mary J. Blige that is underrated.

4.       Heaven – BeBe & CeCe Winans:   Before Kirk Franklin broke ground as a contemporary gospel star, BeBe and CeCe Winans paved the way with this album. Many secular radio stations found several cuts from the album in heavy rotation on their playlists. I love every track on this album. One of my favorite songs from this album is Lost Without You.  

5.       West Side Story – Leonard Bernstein:   Since my mom taught dance when I was a kid, I grew up listening to show tunes. I recall watching the movie version of West Side Story and memorizing all of Rita Moreno’s lines. While I liked Natalie Wood’s role but Rita had fi-yah.

I did get that the story was based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It’s really interesting to hear some of the songs today but I still love the album.

6.       3 Years  5 Months & 2 Days in the Day of the Life of… - Arrested Development:   I love this album and I love this group. They remind me of Sly & the Family Stone. There tunes are upbeat message music. I love the mix of reggae, rap and R&B. This is another album that I would turn the volume up on real loud and sing as I drove in my car on long distance trips.

7.       The Isaac Hayes Movement – Isaac Hayes:   This album was released in November 1969. I remember it vividly because of the song I Stand Accused. I had just become a teenager and the older kids talked about how long the song was. Since it was a slow song, it provided couples an opportunity to dance really close for a really long time. That song was the first song I danced close with a boy. I didn’t see what was such a big deal. I was really young. LOL

Here are the SEVEN BLOGGERS  I’m tagging. Play if you want, if not, that’s cool too.

TGrundy of RIBS

Regina of Regina’s Family Seasons

Mr. Chap of Mr. Chap Morning Show Live

Angie of What Floats My Boat

Marty of Marty BLOGs

Theo of Now That’s What I’m Talkin’ About

 and Matt of  A Bowl of Stupid.

My brain is fried; that was hard work. Your responses will be interesting. Peace and Blessings, y’all.

© 2008, Vanessa: Unplugged!, www.vanessabyers.net

Vote for this blog for Best Political Blog and for Best Blog Design in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.

OK, so I knew very little about Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich prior to his stance with the takeover of the Republic Windows and Doors plant by fired workers. Now that his indiscretions have been made public, we get to know way more than we want about his background and relationships. Excuse me, this guy appears to have been sheisty deisty for quite some time; it’s not really news.

I’m not going to regurgitate everything I’ve heard and read about this guy but let me just say that he is a piece of work if there ever was one. His lack of finesse is astounding and an insult to Mafioso everywhere. What’s with this guy and his wife?

I mean to shakedown a children’s hospital is about as low as you can go. Then to try to finagle jobs and board appointments for the wife is there no limit? Oh, yeah, there was a request regarding his wife’s real estate license and helping the Chicago Tribune sell Wrigley Field. Heck, Gov. Blago probably has boosted The Trib’s sales with this “pay for play” scandal.

Then there’s the selling of President-elect Obama’s former senate seat to the highest bidder. There were six candidate for the seat according to published reports. Allegedly Obama wanted Valerie Jarrett, Candidate #1. Allegedly, she removed herself from the running after Blago did his sales pitch.

Then there are a few other folks whose identity is speculative and there’s Candidate # 5 --- Jesse Jackson, Jr.  Jesse Jr. made no secret of his desire to be appointed to Obama’s old seat. Would he promise Blago a half million dollars for the senate seat? Hmmmm....inquiring minds want to know.

Jackson should have played it cool rather than go the press conference route and talk way too much as he precisely did. Me thinks thou doth protest too much. Hello, what happened to Jackson’s advisers?

Jackson should have allowed the situation to play itself out. Folks who think he’s guilty of agreeing to pay for the appointment will feel that way regardless. The more Jackson spoke, the more his body language worked to his disadvantage.

One thing is certain is that the calls for his resignation will be just that. Blago needs his position and knowledge of other corrupt folks as bargaining chips. Folks who may have something to hide are shaking in their boots.

This situation will get worse before it gets better. Blago is not going down alone. Let’s see who else gets caught in the web.

© 2008, Vanessa: Unplugged!, www.vanessabyers.net

Vote for this blog for Best Political Blog and for Best Blog Design in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.