"Big Girls Don't Cry!!!"

It is a sad thing that happened in Pakistan today...
I am sure Bhutto's death was very sad news for those who knew her personally.
I listened as all the presidential candidates weighed in on the conversation...
Then the news person said, we will hear from Sen. Clinton about her friend, Former Prime Minister Bhutto's tragic death today in Pakistan. I first thought, wow it must be hard to hear that a friend has met such a tragic end and especially a woman.
Then my mind raced back a few days when Hillary was told that one of the candidate's was brought to tears over a comment he had made.
The news person asked Hillary, "what brings you to tears?"
Hillary laughed off the hypo' and moved on...
Today though, I thought, this is not a hypothetical question she is being asked...
This is fore real...
I am going lateral here for a moment, don't weary, I will not forget my thought...

I have seen several men in high positions over the last seven years be moved to tears during a tragic or sad situation. There was a time when you knew that the man was going to be the pillow of strength on the outside in any crisis, even if he was a torn up mess on the inside.
So, in this season where men are breaking down on every hand, what hope was there for a woman to hold it together in the time of crisis?
Especially after receiving the news of a friend being murdered...
Back to my thought!!!
Told you I would not forget it(I put a pin in it...).

So when the film went to Hillary, to my surprise and delight; she was calm, strong, and diplomatic; as she spoke of her friend.
Not a tear in sight...
If at any time I would have given her a pass, that time was today!!!
But Hillary did not need a pass...

"Big girls don't cry!" (to borrow a phrase from a very popular song).

Hillary displayed the integrity, professionalism, and diplomatic calm that is required of one to hold the highest office in the land (not to mention the world).
I believe today was proof positive of how she holds up under pressure...
I believe that she displayed the strength that America needs in a leader to reestablish it's place in the world as world leader...

"Big girls don't cry!!!"
At least if their name is, "Senator Hillary Clinton!!!"

What do we say to these things???

bAs this year comes to an end, "what do we say to these things?

This year has revealed to me that our great country has come to a cross road.

When we look back, it is obvious that we have come a long way in many different aspects.

We have forged several streams.

Some were rapids, some were calm, and some were a beautiful even flow.

But now we find ourselves at a crossroads.

Some would say, that this is just a widening in the road.

That all our crossroads are behind us.

But I have traveled all over this great nation several times over the last year and, no we are certainly at a crossroad.

We are more divided than ever before!

We are more money conscious that ever before!

And we are more politically confused than ever before.

The lines of life are blared on every aspect of our society.

Racism is on the rise.

Bigotry has taking root in a new way.

Poverty and homelessness is at a chronic level (and this syndrome is color blind).

We are being force to choose between tradition and patriotism (which I use to think were the same thing.)

We are being driven by a real but invisible fear that leaves us feeling helpless (something we as a nation are not accustom too).

We are force fed news from biased news venues twenty-four hours a day.

Each pulling us in the direction of their own divisive agenda.

So we are at the crossroads.

Which road will we choose?

The interesting thing about a crossroad vs a junction is that we have three directions to choose from instead of two.

To me this is a very auspicious place for us to be in.

What are our choices?

What direction shall we take?

How do we define our future existence as a nation for ourselves and for the world?

This is unmistakably the most perplexing question of this new millennium.

The answer to this question will ultimately establish the route we take and the direction this nation will navigate for generations to come.

At this point, I believe we are in a quagmire.

We are bogged down at the crossroads of decision.

Which way will choice to go from here?

I don't believe we will have a lot of time to make this decision because the rest of the world has come of age.

With age comes agility.

And with agility comes speed.

If we don't decide soon, we will be overtaken and/or ran over by young eager ambitious neophytes looking to make their mark on the world.

This fact is obvious from the response America received from a global warming conference participate who challenged us to either; "Lead, follow, or get out of the way!" We are at a crossroads alright and it's decision making time.

The one thing that we cannot afford to do is regress...

Growing pains heal quickly but old wounds reopened heal very slowly if ever completely at all.

We, of recent days, are experiencing old wounds of racial tensions, poverty, and classicism being torn open all over again. Some examples of these are: the Katrina aftermath; the Jena 6 and the Duke 3 cases; a rise in police brutality and gang violence; the mortgage crisis; church, mall, and school shootings; and high gas prices to name a few.

Has America lost her way?

Is she off her path? The path that is marked with great suffering and sacrifice. With the blood, sweat and tears of pioneers of truth, justice, peace and the American way (we the people) that has trodden before us. Or is she at a respite. Allowing time for new pioneers to take their place and lead her into her destiny.

Whether off her path or at a respite, America is at a crossroad.

So where will we go from here?

Will we choose the road that symbolizes the first letter in "USA?"

Or will we choose to take a road that leads us into a different direction?

I believe that we as a nation cannot afford to get off the path that we have forged, tried, and provened. The path that serve as the example of the road to democracy for the rest of the world.

Our decision determines whether we will continue to lead instead of follow (and to me get out of the way is not an option we can afford to except).

So you see, America must make a decision.

America is at a crossroad!

What do we say to these things???

Hillary's a "Spade!"

I am surprised at the response I am getting from the title of this post, "Hillary's a "Spade!"
Well it's true.
I am not much of a card player so, it never crossed my mind the reference to the card game by the same name.
I am an engineer by training.
I am also a word smith.
And last but certainly not least, a culturally conscious philosopher.
Learning that one can only acquire by talking with the ancestors, past and present...ooohhh!!!
All that said, please allow me to clarify what I mean when I say, "Hillary's a Spade!"

First of all, I am sure most of you have heard the phrase, "Calling a spade a Spade!"
This phrase is synonymous with phrase, "The real McCoy!"
These two phrases originated during the time when men and women worked hard with their hands in the fields and industrial plants. It was the industrial age! The real McCoy refers to a black man name "McCoy" who designed a self lubrication device for the steam engine. Several imitations followed his design but were not up to the McCoy standard which prompted buyers to ask for, "the real McCoy!" aaahhh!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah_McCoy

Now, "Calling a Spade a Spade" originated from the original meaning of the word, meaning a digging or entrenching tool. Tradesmen like to make the distinction between a "spade" and a "shovel!" Quite frankly, the only obvious difference is the width of the blade (spades are more narrow for more detailed work).
From this distinction, over time the phrase became to mean,
"Call it what it is."
If it is a shovel, then call it that.
But if it is a spade , then don't call it a shovel; call it a "spade!"
Direct and to the point; without any euphemism.
It is what it is...
Nothing more, nothing less!!!
http://www.worldwidewords.org/topicalwords/tw-spa1.htm

Now, as always we must to keep it exciting!
If Bill was the first "Black" president (get in line Obama)??? Ouchhh!!!
Then maybe I was not looking at this thing with "one eye wide shut!"
Just exploring my horizon...

I am sure now you get my meaning... uuuhah!!!

Now, for all of you who hung around to the end,
"What a cat fight developing in the democratic campaign????
Have you heard the news???
Cynthia Mackinney is entering the Presidential race...
Things are really going to get exciting now....
This is a post to follow...
But quickly, Mckinney is going to be Obama's Achilles Heel....
And she will be a not so fond rememberence of "PMS" to Hillary...

But this can only be good for both of these candidates.
Talking about taking it up a notch!!!
And look to see debates like the "Tyson Holyfield" fight...
Debate side seats will be going for record amounts...
People will be having debate parties...
Bookies are going to have a new venue...
It is going to be very exciting...

"Hillary is truly a "Spade!""

"Blue Light Special" vs "Black Friday!"

I really did not think when I started blogging that I would be blogging about politics, but the only power we have in this country to make change is with whom we vote into office. I plan to exercise my power to help put the person in office with whom I believe will speak for me...That said, the leading contenders of the Democratic party are like the

"Blue Light Special" vs "Black Friday!"

I know what you are thinking, "White vs Black?"

No, not at all. This is what I believe most voters are looking at, "Race!" I am evaluating these two candidates on the values system of life that equates to results.

So, what do you think of when you hear the phrase, "Blue Light Special?" Most of us think of the place that we all shop weekly for something. Yes, Wal-Mart.... That was an easy one. So when you think of wal-mart, don't you think of value?The place where you get the most for your hard earn buck... It is the place under one roof with one name that you can address practically every need you have.

Now, what do you think of when you hear the phrase "Black Friday?" The biggest shopping day of the year! There is a lot of hype, excitement, and pushing on this day. You can find values on this day as well or you might be looking to splurge on something. But either way, this is a one day event that bring a lot of fulfillment but will not last the entire year long. Actually you will do a lot of your "Black Friday" with the "Blue Light Special?''

Now, technically both attributes greatly to the year-end figures of "Boom" or "Bust?" But only one figures into the fulfilment of your daily life....

To put this in plane talk, if you are real with yourself, the only person with all the essentials under one roof is "Hillary!"

At the end of the day when it comes to who can reach into their storage room of experience and pull out the goods, it's Hillary. " Obama" is an educated man but at the end of the day if ask the same, I believe his case would be, if it's not on the shelf we are either out or never had it. Hillary is also well educated but she has tested those academic principals against the wall of hard knocks and has either proved or disproved them. "Obama", I believe will have done the same in time, but I don't think now is the time...

I have always prided myself in being one that will call a "spade a spade!"

Hillary is a "Spade!"

OK, Here's the money question...

"Do the Dem's really want a sure victory over the republicans on election day???"

If so, then nominate Hillary and have "Obama" as her vice...

Now, that's a winning ticket...

(note: Now don't knock Oprah's move to support" Obama"... "Ms O," could be building bridges, if you know what I mean... And if "Ms O" builds it, we all can walk across safely as one...

Let's make this interesting!!!

I believe that there is only one person on the Republican side that could "Hillary" a run for her money....

None other than, "Ambassador Condoleeza Rice!"

I mentioned this to a "white" woman recently and she said, "Do you think that the Republican Party would nominate a "Black" (she hesitated) woman? They would lose first.."

So the "Big Money Question" is:
"Would the Republicans nominate Ambassador Rice if they thought it was a sure winner???"
Now that makes you want to scratch your head, doesn't it (don't scratch)!

In conclusion, for that matter, the color of the winning hand in this presidential race is "Green!"

"Oprah, Rev. Al, Rev Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Danny Davis, and D'em in prison attire???"

Can you imagine Oprah, Rev. Al, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep Maxine Waters, Rep Danny Davis, and D'em (all the rest of the true "Believers") in prison attire?
The headlines would read, "Oprah,Rev Al, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Danny Davis, and D'em wait to hear their fate from the Judge..." The people would be divided... Some speaking in their defense and some speaking their disdain and some would even cheer... The papers would fly off the shelf, the Internet would be a buzz, and the cell phones would be one constant hummm...

Wow!!!
Isn't this an unbelievable thought??? Well, it was until Oprah stood-up and Rev. Al, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Danny Davis, and D'em stood up again... People have asked on the Michael Baisden Show, where is Oprah??? When is she going to say something??? So now Oprah has taken a side and stood up... She did not have too, but she did... So now she is subject to same attack as Rev. Al and everyone else who stand up for equal justice. All the other true "Believers who stand-up daily... She is no longer one of the "untouchables." Rev. Al and the rest never were (untouchables)... And now there is no turning back for Oprah... For standing up, she has lost some so-called friends... She has moved from the "A" list in some circles to the "N" list... Yes, to some, she will always be/is just another "N" we made rich... To many; Rev. Al, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Danny Davis, and D'em have always been just loud mouth "N's."(No change there...)

This might sound unreal but "get real" because it is the real deal... Life for her will never be the same again... But for Rev. Al, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Danny Davis, and D'em who have been standing up for a long time, it's business as usual...
But there are those like those who tune into the "Badboy" radio show who are elated that she has finally come out... She is a powerful voice that can get her words heard around the world...

You may be asking yourself, how can I say something like this? Dah, just look at the headlines (especially today). It does not matter how many white guys shoot up malls and churches and schools around this country, they are still portraying the "Black male/female" as a criminals... Ask Rep. Danny Davis-IL, who was stopped for driving black... They are aggressively attacking us all across this great land... This is a new move by the racist bigots who hates everything that is not white... And no one is exempt, not even "Ms O!!!"

Well Oprah, please allow me to be the first to welcome you to the real world where money will not exempt you. Where standing up can get you knocked down... Where you are constantly being watched and attacked... They start checking every aspect of your life; i.e. taxes, browsing habits, who you hang with (and they will tell your secrets) and every word that comes out of your month, just to name a few...
Oh, and not to forget your personal relationships...

And like it has happened to me just the other day, as I drove on I-20 from TX into LA, a prison truck nearly cause me to wreck. When I stop at the DOT scales (I was in a big truck) to file a complaint, the tables were turned to make it seem that I had a problem and should not be so agitated. The officer said, "what do you expect from prisoners? They are stupid!" That is well and good, except if I had wrecked then I would have been held to the fullest letter of the law... Prisoners don't set their schedule, so someone else was pulling those strings...

So, Oprah, take it from me and Rev. Al, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Danny Davis, and D'em black men and women who stand-up for Justice and total equality, "You are now a true "Believer..."

Thank you for picking up the Torch... Here is an original just for you and Rev. Al, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Danny Davis, and D'em- everyone who has the intestinal fortitude to pick up the torch...

"A True Believer!!!"
By: J. Angus John

Will you carry the Torch?
Will you carry it on,
The torch of life and liberty,
But you must be forewarned...
For the road is hard and the way is rough,
It's not for the weary or the weak at heart!
But if you are tough enough,
To except the rejection and the ridicule,
if you can withstand the name calling,
Being treated like a criminal or even a fool,
If you posses the intestinal fortitude to overcome,
The hardships that befall all who dare to Trod...
Then come along with me,
For there is plenty of room for your courageous tenacity,
for your fresh pure convictions and your unwavering desire,
To march fearlessly, and boldly into the line of fire,
For you are truly a "Believer!"

***Post if you are a "True Believer!"
Stand up with a post and shout it out load, "I am a Believer!!!"***

Oprah and Rev. Al in prison garments???

Can you imagine Oprah and Rev. Al in prison garments?
The headlines would read, "Oprah and Rev Al wait to hear their fate from the Judge..." The people would be divided... Some speaking in their defense and some speaking their disdain... The papers would fly off the shelf, the Internet would be a buzz, and the cell phones would be one constant hummm...

Wow!!!
Isn't this an unbelievable thought??? Well, it was until Oprah and Rev. Al(stood up again) stood up! People have asked on the Michael Baisden Show, where is Oprah??? When is she going to say something??? So now Oprah has taken a side and stood up... She did not have too, but she did... So now she is subject to same attack as Rev. Al and everyone else who stand up for equal justice... She is no longer one of the "untouchables." Rev. Al never was... And now there is no turning back for her... For standing up, she has lost some so-called friends... She has moved from the "A" list in some circles to the "N" list... Yes, to some, she will always be/is just another "N" we made rich... To many, for most of his life, Rev. Al has always been just another loud mouth "N."(No change there...)

This might sound unreal but "get real" because it is the real deal... Life for her will never be the same again... But for Rev. Al, who has been standing up for a long time, it's business as usual...
But there are those like those who tune into the "Badboy" radio show who are elated that she has finally come out... She is a powerful voice that can get her words heard around the world...

You may be asking yourself, how can I say something like this? Dah, just look at the headlines (especially today). It does not matter how many white guys shoot up malls and churches and schools around this country, they are still portraying the "Black male/female" as a criminals... Ask Rep. Danny Davis-IL, who was stopped for driving black... They are aggressively attacking us all across this great land... This is a new move by the racist bigots who hates everything that is not white... And no one is exempt, not even "Ms O!!!"

Well Oprah, please allow me to be the first to welcome you to the real world where money will not exempt you. Where standing up can get you knocked down... Where you are constantly being watched and attacked... They start checking every aspect of your life; i.e. taxes, browsing habits, who you hang with (and they will tell your secrets) and every word that comes out of your month to name a few...
Oh, and not to forget your personal relationships...

And like it has happened to me even yesterday, as I drove on I-20 from TX into LA, a prison truck nearly cause me to wreck. When I stop at the DOT scales (I was in a big truck) to file a complaint, the tables were turned to make it seem that I had a problem and should not be so agitated. The officer said, "what do you expect from prisoners? They are stupid!" That is well and good, except if I had wrecked then I would have been held to the fullest letter of the law... Prisoners don't set their schedule, so someone else was pulling those strings...

So, Oprah, take it from me and Rev. Al, black men who stand-up for Justice and total equality, "You are now a true "Believer..."

Thank you for picking up the Torch... Here is an original just for you and Rev. Al and everyone who picks up the torch...

For you are a Believer!!!
By: J. Angus John

Will you carry the Torch?
Will you carry it on,
The torch of life and liberty,
You must be forewarned...
For the road is hard and the way is rough,
it is not for the weary or the weak at heart!
But if you are tough enough,
To except the rejection and the ridicule,
if you can withstand the name calling,
Being treated like a criminal or even a fool,
If you posses the intestinal fortitude to overcome the hardships
that befall all who dare to Trod...
Then come along with me,
For there is plenty of room for your courageous tenacity,
for your fresh pure convictions and your unwavering desire,
To march fearlessly, and boldly into the line of fire,
For you are truly a "Believer!"

***Post if you are a "True Believer!"
Stand up with a post and shout it out load, "I am a Believer!!!"***

Oprah, in prison garments???

Can you imagine Oprah in prison garments?
The headlines would read, "Oprah wait to hear her fate from the Judge..." The people would be divided... Some speaking in her defense and some speaking her disdain... The papers would fly off the shelf, the Internet would be a buzz, and the cell phones would be one constant hummm...
Wow!!!
Isn't this an unbelievable thought??? Well, it was until Oprah stood up! People have asked on the Michael Baisden Show, where is Oprah??? When is she going to say something??? So now Oprah has took sides and stood up... She did not have too, but she did... So now she is subject to attack like everyone else who stand up for equal justice... She is no longer one of the "untouchables..." And now there is no turning back for her... For standing up, she has lost some so-called friends... She has move from the "A" list in some circles to the "N" list... To some, she is just another "N" we made rich...

This might sound unreal but "get real" because it is the real deal... Life for her will never be the same again...
But there are those like those who tune into the "Badboy" radio show who are elated that she has finally come out... She is a powerful voice that can get her words heard around the world...

You may be asking yourself, how can I say something like this? Dah, just look at the headlines... It does not matter how many white guys shoot up malls and churches and schools around this country, they are still portraying the "Black male" as a criminal... Ask Rep. Danny Davis-IL, who was stopped for driving black... They are aggressively attacking us all across this great land... This is a new move by the racist bigots who hates everything that is not white... And no one is exempt even the "Ms O!!!"

Well Oprah, please allow me to be the first to welcome you to the real world where money will not exempt you. Where standing up can get you knocked down... Where you are constantly being watched and attacked... They start checking every aspect of your life; i.e. taxes, browsing habits, who you hang with (and they will tell your secrets) and every word that comes out of your month to name a few...
Oh, and not to forget your personal relationships...

And like it has happened to me even yesterday, as I drove on I-20 from TX into LA, a prison truck nearly cause me to wreck. When I stop at the DOT scales (I was in a big truck) to file a complaint, the tables were turned to make it seem that I had a problem and should not be so agitated. The officer said, "what do you expect from prisoner? They are stupid!" That is well and good, except if I had wrecked then I would have been held to the fullest letter of the law... Prisoners don't set their schedule, so someone else was pulling those strings...

So, Oprah, take it from me, a black man who stand-up for Justice and total equality...

Thank you for picking up the Torch...

For you are a Believer!!!
By: J. Angus John

Will you carry the Torch?
Will you carry it on,
The torch of life and liberty,
You must be forewarned...
For the road is hard and the way is rough,
it is not for the weary or the weak at heart!
But if you are tough enough,
To except the rejection and the ridicule,
if you can withstand the name calling,
Being treated like a criminal or even a fool,
If you posses the intestinal fortitude to overcome the hardships
that befall all who dare to Trod...
Then come along with me,
For there is plenty of room for your courageous tenacity,
for your fresh pure convictions and your unwavering desire,
To march fearlessly, and boldly into the line of fire,
for you are a True Believer...

Obama, Obvious Change-but is that enough?

I watched the news bites about Obama and Oprah on the campaign trail.
Two very different people, treading the same path.
The crowds were massive and the excitement electrofying and then
came the speeches from them both...
I am sorry that I did not get to hear them in there entirety but allow me
to comment on the part that I did...

First of all, let me say, I am not convinced that all the hoopla about Obama
from many of his so called supporters is genuine.
I believe that this massive political machine can draw you in for it's own
gain, chew you up, and spit you out if you are not fully aware of it's operations.
So the wise, watch as well as pray...

I can understand Oprah's appearance with Obama...
She has a way of navigating shark infested waters and getting others to follow.
She can draw the crowds and besides, what does she have to lose???

Now, how can Obama use what she brings to the table and turn it into votes?
Well, I hope he knows that answer, because there are several other candidates watching to see if he can. They have already started to measure his leadership ability. They consider Oprah as a freebee... Of course, she will join Obama's camp...
He's Black...
I don't think anyone found that to be a surprize. What I think is Obama's new hurdle is how to get people to see him as a potential presidential candidate and not a black man. Now, even though, him being a black man is very significate, it cannot be his defining factor...
So hopefully he can use Ophrah's influence to show people that he is a lot more than just a black man runnning for president...
Now, that brings us to who Obama really is...?
Some one said to me that "Obama is a grass roots man..."
Ok!!!
But if we take his grass and roots then measure it beside other's grass and roots; their grass would be much higher than his and their roots much deeper...
So let's not use that measurement...
Another person said, "Obama has fresh new Ideas...?"
Ok!!!
But everybody running have fresh new ideas... That in itself will not make the grade...
So, then another person said to me "Obama would be obvious Change!!!"
Now this is true... A black man president of the United States should speak volumes about change in this country...
But is change enough...
Is the world itself not in such a flux that it would not give much notice to the change in color verses the change in influence...
Let's face it, eight years of George Bush has revealled a new meaner world. A world that is not as friendly to the USA as it once was...
A world that no longer thinks twice before affending us...
Now anything is possible...
So will this change be enough to reestablish ourselves as world leaders or will this change simply give us a warm and fuzzy while the world jockeys for leadership...
Am I saying, I don't believe Obama can lead?
No, not at all.
I have not seen his leadership skills yet...
That in itself could be part of the problem...
But I am saying that this new meaner world will not give another American President the pass for on-the-job training...
Then where will all these so-called supporter be???
I say Obama has the right to run and the potential to win,
but I want to hear how just change is going to reestablish our position in world as well as advance it...

"Fried Chicken, Corn Bread, Collard Greens;
Somebody Please Pass Those Black-Eye-Peas!!!"

The "Duke 3" vs the "Jena 6!"

First of all let me say that I am not passing judgment on whether or not any of these young men are guilty or innocent. I am simply laying out some parallel observations.

The Duke 3 vs the Jena 6!

Duke 3: all white males
Jena 6: all black males

Duke 3: all students at Duke University
Jena 6: all students at Jena High School

Duke 3: all from affluent families
Jena 6: all from poor families

Duke 3: accused of a crime against a black female
Jena 6: accused of a crime against a white male

Duke 3: arrested and charged
Jena 6: arrested and charged

Duke 3: post a $400,000 bond within 24 hours
Jena 6: all struggled to post bails from 70,000 to 138,000 and Bell could not

Duke 3: Prosecutor allegedly made inflammatory remarks
Jena 6: Prosecutor made inflammatory remarks-i.e. "with this pen!"

Duke 3: North Carolina Attorney General intervenes, wipes all crimes away
Jena 6: Federal Attorney for Louisiana says, "At the end of the day, there are only certain things that a United States attorney can do."

Duke 3: Duke University receives record levels of gifts amounting to $341.9 million
Jena 6: High School is burned: tree cut down

Duke 3: DA disbarred, threatened jail
Jena 6: DA at his desk

Duke 3: Players back on the field with a League Championship to record crowds
Jena 6: Bell in Jail and the rest waiting their turn

Duke 3 vs Jena 6

Obama's Tough Long Hard Row to Hoe...

I am optimistic that Obama could attract the numbers in the general election to become president. BUT for that to happen, I believe that Obama would have to attract a majority of women; especially white women and the majority of black men.

I hope we can agree to disagree that black women are more woman than black. In today's culture, the black woman for the most part has somewhat of a negative opinion of black men (Obama is a black man). But black women are very much in step with women's rights and advancement.

I also believe that black men are apprehensive toward Obama because of what I call the "Clarence Thomas" (Uncle Tom) syndrome. We can add Federal Attorney to Louisiana's western district; "Donald Washington" overseeing Jena La, to that list. We know what he did when the opportunity to stand up or shut-up knocked on his door. He chose the latter. So black men will have to be convinced that Obama is not just another "Uncle Tom."

Again, I would be delighted to see Obama sworn in as the first black president, but he has a tough long hard row to hoe.

About Hilliary!

I believe if she gets the nomination, she will change her focus to simply the economy. Race will be off the table and gender will reign supreme. Therefore when the choices are no longer black and white they become green. And Hilliary knows that very well.

If Hilliary Clinton does not win the election...Its effect...

Even though I am an African American and would be delighted to see the first Black President in American History, I am optimistic about Obama's Chances BUT I must make this observation.

Women around the world are being persecuted like never before and are always looking to the United States women as leadership to liberate themselves. Now for the first time in American History there is a creditable and highly qualified woman running for the highest office of the land. It is my belief that if American women fail to elect Hilliary Clinton, it would be the greatest set-back to women rights not only in this country but around the world.

As stated earlier, I would love to see Obama as the first minority to hold that office but the numbers don't add up. If every voting age African Americans in the entire United States voted for Obama, he would still not have enough votes to win the office. But on the other hand, if every woman in the United States voted for Hilliary, she would win by a landslide.

Let's look at what it would mean for the opportunities of women in the future if this opportunity was allowed to slip away. I believe that women in the future would not get another opportunity for many years. They would be constantly reminded that when you had an opportunity to elect a highly qualified woman candidate, you failed to do so. Your opportunity has past for a generation.

How does this effect women around the world that look up to American women for guidance and support? I believe not only would these women be let down, they would redirect their attention to countries that had the unity to elect a woman (i.e. the German chandler and the President of Liberia).

This was made very clear to me how the actions of a person(s) given the opportunity to stand up and be counted and does not, extremely effects all those looking to that person for leadership and support! This can be especially devastating if that person is the first minority to hold that office. Given this opportunity says that he/she, if nothing else, will be more sensitive to the concerns that greatly effect him as well as those with similar concerns.

Allow me to give an example, but first let me say, I believe that the only other woman in Politics that is as qualified and has the potential to become president is Ambassodor Condelica Rice. Not only is she qualified, she is also a minority. I was/am still shocked that the Republican Party did not make her a nominee. "Go FIgure!!!"
On the other hand, we have the example of the first African-American, Donald Washington, appointed as U.S. Attorney for Louisiana's western district covering Jena Louisiana. When confronted with a matter that should have been very sensitive to him, he failed to act. What does this say about future opportunities for African-Americans to hold his position. One thing is true, Mr Washington will be the example for all in the future who follows him.

www.voanews.com/english/2007-10-17-voa57.cfm

It seems to me that when given the opportunity to make permanent change is lost, it creates a ripple effect that is felt many years and even generations down the road. As Congresswoman Shiela Jackson-Lee stated to Donald Washington during the congressional hearings on the Jena 6 case, "This (sic) broken lives could have been prevented if you had taken the symbolic responsibility that you have being the first African-American appointed to the western district."

Lost opportunites greatly effects lives.
So how will the lost opportunity of women not electing Hilliary Clinton to the office of Presidency greatly effect women's rights for years or even generations to come? Well time will tell, but either way, the effects will be felt...

vbbbbbbb

We The People...Say So!

Wakeup People,

"Enough Is Enough!"
Let's put them on Blast...

Gas Prices are too High...

As american citizens why can't we sue Opec for "Price Gouging?"
Check out the link below where our Federal Government passed a bill against this exact thing...

http://ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/07Jul/RS22236.pdf


Last holiday fuel cost went up substantially.
Not to mention that Gas Gouging has been outrageous since 2000. Let put it on Blast...

We the people of the United States do have a say, if we say so...

Highway Alert! DOT's response!

Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:11:29 -0500
From: "DOTComments" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
Subject: RE:'DBMainID=109-402' Concern for highway safety!
To: "John Jacobs"
Dear Mr. Jacobs,

To file a complaint against a motor carrier, please contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Hotline for Household Goods/Driver Complaints by calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) or by filling out a webform at: http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/HomePage.asp
For further assistance, please contact the FMCSA Field Office nearest you: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/contact/offices/displayfieldroster.asp



To contact FMCSA Headquarters in Washington , DC , please see: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/contactus/hq.htm

For unsafe driving by vehicles not registered with the US DOT, you may want to contact state/local law enforcement.

Sincerely,

Reference Services
National Transportation Library
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
U. S. Department of Transportation
=

-----Original Message-----
From: John Jacobs (jangusjohn@yahoo.com)
Date: Monday, December 03, 2007 06:41 PM
To: DOTComments (dot.comments@ost.dot.gov)
Subject: RE: Concern for highway safety!

Thank you for your response.
I am a professional truck driver. I am presently leasing a truck from Underdog Trucking, Gilbert AZ. I drive from California to Florida hauling mostly produce now. I started experiencing these attacks shortly after driving for J B Hunt in May and June time frame until as present as last night on I-8 going into Ca..

These are mostly white people driving several different vehicles including commercial motor vehicles. The POV's most common are GMC pickups and SUV's. I have taken down license numbers and truck numbers. Most of the time, I am driving very defensively in order to stay a head of these guys.

I don't know why they have targeted me but I have experienced this harassing behavior on several major highways in several different states.
To name a few:
-I-85 (Between Atlanta Ga and Charlotte NC- Greenville SC & Spartanburg area being the worst stretch),
-I-485,
-I-285 around Atlanta (the complete loop-I have tried both sides no difference),
-I -20 (from beginning to end in TX- Longview and Ft Worth TX area recently being the worst stretches),
-I-10 (from I-75 in Fl to the end in Ca- El Paso & San Antonio TX and Ca. area being the worst areas),
and
I-40 (from its beginning into Tenn- OK City area being the worst).

The fact that this has happened to me from coast to coast is alarming to me and I believe that I can't be the only one. I have called these people a syndicate because of this. I am ex-military and police therefore I know the importance of reporting these matters to the authorities for my safety and others. I don't know how they track me but I believe they use cell phones to organize their attack because I see them on the phone often.

I can now see the set-up as it is coming together more often and back out of it which causes it to fall apart. But there are several times when they have almost caused me to have an accident. There most common set-up is an on-ramp situation with several of these vehicles speeding down the ramp, then another vehicle which is often languishing in my blind spot until the right time then speeding by on my left preventing me from getting over. The clincher is the lead vehicle coming on the Highway slows down shortly after getting on causing a near rear-end collision or sideswipe.


Thank you for your immediate consideration and response to my reply.



John Jacobs
678-270-0982



DOTComments wrote:
Dear Mr. Jacobs,

Are these commercial motor vehicles with DOT numbers?

Sincerely,

Reference Services
National Transportation Library
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
U. S. Department of Transportation
=

-----Original Message-----
From: John Jacobs (jangusjohn@yahoo.com)
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 08:47 AM
To: dot.comments@dot.gov (dot.comments@dot.gov)
Subject: Concern for highway safety!

Hello,

I am John Angus Jacobs, a professional truck driver. I drive from cosat to coast. I have reported on several occasions to the FBI, US Representatives (Rep. John Lewis-Ga, and Rep Danny Davis-IL) and well as the press (Michael Baisden national radio show) about people who I call "Highway Terrorist" because they try to cause accidents and traffic slow downs(which cause accidents). This has happened to on several of our major highways; I-10, I-85, I-20, and I-40 to name a few.
I am really getting concerned now because they track me and know where I am going. This has got to be against the Law. Please contact me in refer to this concern ASAP.
John Angus Jacobs
678-270-0982
678-522-6397
Thank you for your immediate response...

Jena 6; Casualties of War???

"What has to happen to cause people to wake up, stand up,and take some action?"

"Jena 6; Casualties of War."

If the Jena 6 are truly casualties of war it is all our fault.

We cannot blame the white man because he has not changed his strips,

We cannot blame the leaders because they brought it to the light,

We cannot blame the rappers because they broke it off clean and true,

Can only blame ourselves for not following through,

If the Jena 6 are truly casualties of war,

It's our fault for not doing more, for not putting our two cents worth in,

two cent times 30 million,that's alot of Ching! Ching!

If the Jena 6 are truly casualties of war,

then we have all failed,what do we look like,

50,000 marched and Bell's still in jail?

If the Jena 6 are truly casualties of war,

then who's next? You,

Or your son, your daughter, your neice or your nephew?

What happen to "No Justice, no Peace,"

Or, that was just for the photo opp???

All bark, no Bite?

I guess that dog never had any teeth.

If the Jena 6 are truly casualties of war,

then we really showed them what we stand for,

Anything,

The man wants to throw,

it's perfectly fine,

because we have already proven that marching is as far we will go.

Oh, lets not forget the wonderful bus ride,

the Fried chicken,

and somebody please pass the black-eye-peas!!!

If the Jena 6 are "Truly Casualties of War?"