What I look for before I vote

Written by Michael Vass

As 2010 mid-term elections drawn near, or at least the election cycle, I thought about what it is I value in an elected representative. And I came up with the following.

1. They realize they are an elected official, thus they work for voters and not the other way around. (Someone might remind Nancy Pelosi of this)
2. They are intelligent – which is not the same as having a college degree.
3. They have achieved something in life, outside of politics
4. They are over the age of 40. Yes people can be wiser than their age, but as a rule they aren’t.
5. I prefer that they have served in the military.
6. They are relatively honest. All politicians lie, I just like it if the percentage of lies is less than 40% of what they say (IE President Obama would not pass this test)
7. I would love it if they were dirt poor, or a billionaire. Sadly neither really gets into politics, so I would settle for someone with an income that is substantial but not dependant on political winds (IE Nancy Pelosi’s stock investments in wind energy)
8. No political activists. Activists that seek office tend to be fanatics, and ALL fanatics are wrong (ie Al Gore)
9. Super religious – see number 8
10. Willing to answer a question, with an answer that is appropriate and doesn’t take a roadmap and a year to receive. (ie VP Biden)
11. Owning a business is a plus. They understand what it takes to make a buck, and to pay people what they are worth.
12. Their immediate friends and family are not political activists.
13. Their friends are not CEO’s of a single sector of industry
14. They should be disliked by Hollywood and the Bible Belt equally
15. They are from the region that is electing them. (ie Who knows where Hillary Clinton is from – it seems to depend on what she was running for)
16. They have lived a decade or more in a major city – exceptions are for states like Montana, North Dakota and such. Also excepted are local elections.
17. Must be able to read – illiteracy explains the Obama Stimulus approval
18. Must be able to do math – bad math skills explains Barney Frank and the mortgage crisis

Were all these things to be found in an elected official, I’d vote for them. No matter the political party they might be with. Well depending on their platform, but it would have to be pretty screwed up to not get my vote.

Since this is a dream candidate, it would be nice if they were my friend and a person of color. But back in the real world I settle for ¾ or even a simple majority of these items. Even that is hard to find.

People in elected office that would not fit this list: Almost all of them. In fact I’m hard pressed to think of a political figure that does not violate more than 50% of the list. In either political party.

Which begs the question, Why are they in office?

Maybe voters should ask themselves this question as the election cycle starts up and the political ads of greatness flood the airwaves.

Things you might want to know before 2010 mid-term elections

Written by Michael Vass

I’ve been thinking about how my senators – Sen. Schumer and Gillibrand – refused to speak to their constituents over the 2009 summer break about health care. Which of course lead me to think about how Sen. Gillibrand wouldn’t even send me a email confirmation on my letter to her, Sen. Schumer sent me back a form letter response that had about as much information as a glass of kool-aide, and Rep. Hichney just didn’t care enough to do anything.

But the 2010 mid-term elections are coming up soon. And elected officials all over the nation have begun to ramp up their political ads swearing they are working hard and deserve our votes. It’s time for another ride on the polispeak spin cycle.

Which lead me to this. Any elected official who is seeking re-election should be able to answer a couple of simple questions to their voters. If they can give a real, direct, simple answer they deserve a vote (assuming you agree with the answer) and if they can’t they need to be ejected. Simple enough right?

I would love to see answers to these questions:

Ten simple questions. They each should have simple direct answers. And I’m willing to bet that 90% of the elected officials won’t answer all of the questions, nor will the answers be simple clear or direct. In fact I doubt most voters will get an answer to even 1 question.

These questions are based on one thing, is your elected official doing their job. If they are they should be able to answer every question without pause. You may not like the answer, but that does not mean they are not doing their job.

But if you have an elected official like mine – Sen. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand, and Rep. Hichney – you can expect to be ignored. Which is fine as I will ignore their ballot when it comes time to vote.

I ask all my readers to provide these 10 questions to every elected official they have. Especially those that are up for re-election. Especially if they are running ads on television – and won’t appear in a town hall or other event to answer your questions.

I want to hear back from you all about which elected officials actually answer any of the questions. Not form letters that say nothing, but an actual answer.

I guarantee that if we band together and make them publicly accountable for failing to respond, they will answer our questions for fear of losing their elections. Which they should lose if they can’t do the first RESPONSIBILITY of their job – being accountable to their voters.

Trust that as 2010 mid-term elections move forward I will be on Sen. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand, and Rep. Hichney about their refusal to acknowledge voters and concerns. I don’t work for them, they work for me. Time we remind ALL our elected officials of that fact.

I was wrong about President Obama

Written by Michael Vass

Recently I have been discussing the Health Care Reform Bill that is before Congress and heavily promoted by the White House. To that end, in an effort to resolve some of the most important and critical questions I have heard, read, and considered I sent emails and physical letters to Sen. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand, Representative Hinchey, and President Obama. To date I have only received an automated response of receipt of my email from Sen. Schumer.

But like many that have been called Nazis, fanatics, and schills for corporations because they oppose or question the Health Care Reform Bill, and/or other Obama Administration policies, I too have been attacked and challenged. Many of these challenges or attacks have come personally to me in person or via email.

One point that I thought was quite interesting was a challenge to address a statement I have made multiple times over the past 3 – 6 months. That 70% or more of the promises by the Obama Administration have been broken. I was challenged to prove this statement.

Thus I can say without any reservation that I was wrong. Of the 515 campaign promises recorded by Politifact, an organization I have no connection to but have used as a source on multiple posts especially during the 2008 election, only 7 promises qualify under their standards as having been broken.

To be explicitly clear, only 7% (34 of 515) of promises made by President Obama have been kept to date. 73% (374 of 515) of all promises made by President Obama have been completely ignored. And to be fair, some 77 promises are or have been compromised to varying degrees to date. Several campaign promises that are under way are connected to the Health Care Reform.

Of course all promises made by President Obama are not equal. Included in the 7% are promises like getting a dog for his children, and appointing a Republican to his Cabinet. The last being an item I dispute as President Obama did not appoint any NEW Republicans, nor has he ADDED any. He in fact just kept Gates in his role with Defense, and is the only Republican. That to me is not an Obama action but a Bush action. I would count that as a broken promise.

Additionally there are 12 items that have completely stalled. These are promises like those pertaining to Gitmo and the detainees held there, the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell program, the Windfall tax on oil companies, and the Pay-As-You-Go budget. Again I find his actions in regard to the budget to be a complete failure from what was promised. But I did not count that in any of the figures stated above.

Nor do I find the question of going “line by line” over earmarks to prevent wasteful spending to be a questionable promise. With earmarks in the Stimulus package (no matter how few or relatively small compared to the $787 billion spent) and another 9,000 in the $410 billion Government Spending Omnibus (keeps the Gov’t operating) and not a single complaint or attempt to remove them, I find this to be another Obama broken promise.

But of the promises made that there is no question have been broken I think it is a glaring statement that transparency has been the hardest hit. President Obama campaigned on promises of change, of getting the public involved, or cutting the size of Government and reducing waste and spending.

President Obama promised to provide 5 days of public comment before signing any Bill. Not only has he not done that repeatedly, the White House website is designed to make finding legislation and/or commenting about legislation that is found, extremely difficult to do. Thus eliminating transparency and ignoring public concerns.

Which is not unlike what is happening with the Health Care Reform now. Top Democrats are calling dissenters and those with questions about the 1000+ page Bill in Congress radical mobs and un-American. This is happening while EVERY poll in America states that at least 50% of the public oppose the current Bill. And it is also going hand in hand with another campaign promise that was blatantly broken. President Obama promised to negotiate health care reform in public sessions broadcast on C-SPAN for the entire nation to behold.

So all in all I am wrong. President Obama has not broken explicitly 70% of his campaign promises. He has ignored, broken, compromised and left in the dust 93% of every campaign promise he has made. Which says nothing of what has happened with the promises he has kept

“…20 in some way grow or expand the federal government. Just six make the government smaller, more transparent, or more accountable.

…campaign promises PolitiFact says Obama has unquestionably broken, five would have limited his own power, provided tax breaks, or provided more accountability and transparency to the federal government… So far, he hasn’t broken a single promise that would grow or expand the government, though he has compromised on a few, and many have been stalled.”

I do think I have addressed the challenge place before me. I fail to see the improvement in what the Obama Administration has done. I honestly believe that supporters of Democrats and President Obama were better off not having the facts brought to light. My impression of 70% wrong and blatant lying is far better than the 93% fact that he has failed to live up to on campaign promises that caused him to be elected.

Lastly, I will whole-heartedly agree with one campaign promise that President Obama made repeatedly and has kept. Change. America is in the throes of change all right. Though only the most Liberal, and the majority of the major media, find these changes to be positive for the nation.

Did the Congo kill a Clinton Presidential run in 2012?

Written by Michael Vass

By now everyone has had a chance to laugh at (not with) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over her outburst to a question from a student in the Congo. But in case you didn’t see it, here is the video.

I too viewed the whole incident in more of a chuckle than anything else. Though my laughter emanated from the way in which President Obama has relegated Secretary Clinton into a non-figure in his Administration. He has completely shut her out of anything that has critical importance to the United States. The real political slap in the face had to be when former President Bill Clinton was sent to North Korea to pick up the 2 reporters.

So I understand how Secretary Clinton was likely on edge. Maybe she was even having a bad day in general. But the outburst is more than that. And I just caught that today. Not that anyone is talking about it in the major news media.

Secretary Clinton was put in a box to strip her of a chance to run for the Presidency in 2012. It removes her ability to say that she is qualified to do the job of the President, because she will have nothing to say she did. And if she is foolish enough to quit, she will be branded on any attempt to run for a Presidential nomination as incapable of handling the top office in the land.

Still Secretary Clinton has gained one major benefit from being in the box. She has not had her approval ratings plummet as President Obama has. She remains one of the few top Democrats that have yet to be tarnished by the Obama Stimulus, Health Care Reform, Cap & Trade, the North Korean missile launches, or all the rest of the missteps of the Obama Administration so far.

This means she must be thinking she still has a shot with Democrats in 2012. But for anyone that shares that thought, pray that this video disappears before the 2012 election cycle starts.

This video clip is the clearest indication why Hillary Clinton should never be President of the United States. In fact I am amazed she got the job she currently has – her political backstabbing paid off well.

If Secretary Clinton cannot handle the pressure of having no news coverage, being in the Congo, and a misinterpreted question from a student, how in the world would she handle negative press coverage, political adversaries in both political parties, and the multiple international entities that hate this nation? Would anyone truly want a potential President that gets flustered because of a minor question from a mere student?

I’m sure many believed the polispeak and political double takes that was Hillary Clinton during the election campaign. I’m sure many ignored the close relationship with a known wanted criminal, the acceptance and refusal to return $1 million in stolen money, and the multiple opposing answers to the same questions (at one point 3 different answers to the same question in 2 minutes on national television). But no one should ever ignore this outburst.

I disagree with President Obama on virtually every policy decision so far, but I must compliment him on keeping a cool head. He rarely gets flustered or angry, even when he is blatantly wrong. And that kind of composure is needed when dealing with international heads of state, as well as politicians in this country. Something Hillary Clinton obviously cannot do.

So I hope the political spin doctors are getting prepared. I can’t wait to see how this will be excused. Maybe they will just ignore it, like the invisible intangible bullets that video never recorded but she insisted existed. Yes, some of us did cover the entire 2008 election cycle and we remember. Just as we will remember in 2011.

But just maybe Secretary Clinton will get the hint. Maybe she will accept that she is unqualified for the Presidency. And perhaps hell will freeze over as pigs fly and a cow jumps over the moon.

Secretary Clinton still too weak to be noted

Written by Michael Vass

Guess what? Our Secretary of State is still on the job. In case you might wonder who that is, it is still Hillary Clinton. But I can understand how you might not remember her.

Secretary Clinton has been way out of the political spotlight since almost the moment she was confirmed as Secretary of State. She has been so shut out that in all of the major international events since President Obama has taken office that she has not once even been mentioned as I recall. In fact it was her husband, former President Clinton, that did the publicity work in taking reporters imprisoned in North Korea home.

But now Secretary Clinton has something she can call her own. And it is something that she really can’t screw up. Discussing women’s rights overseas. Well, she can’t get recognized for what she is doing either, which is a shame.

Her position is so weak that it took her notorious anger flaring against a student to grab any headlines. The exchange took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“What does Mr Clinton think about it [China and the World Bank’s involvement in the Congo]?” he said to the befuddlement of the crowd.

Clinton replied in a forceful voice: “You want to know what my husband thinks? My husband is not the secretary of state, I am. You ask my opinion, I will tell you my opinion. I’m not going to channel my husband.”

You kind of feel bad for the student. I mean Bill Clinton has made more headlines and done more work internationally than apparently Secretary Clinton. One would be more likely to think he was in charge of her job based on the coverage she has gotten.

All of this makes me thing 2 things:

1) that I am happy that this will prevent a Hillary Clinton run for President, as she has nothing to present as a job well done. 2) is the sad fact that because she is so weak issues that need more attention are going by the wayside, like ending mass rapes (or any rapes) of women across the globe.

As I stated before, this is a direct consequence of President Obama’s view of Clinton. She was a major problem for him, and he has effectively nullified her. He has made her the most ineffective Secretary of State that I can recall in decades. And politically her career really takes a nosedive if she quits the high profile position.

But it’s a shame that the side-effect of this is that issues that need to be discussed are also ignored. Like Darfur. Millions of men women and children continue to suffer in the Sudan, and with our Secretary of State in Africa, nothing is being said. Not that Congress or the Executive Branch have done anything more than polispeak about that genocide since it started.

One thing is very clear. A 2012 run at the Presidency for Hillary Clinton will end quickly. Which may also end her entire political career. Too bad it will take so long to happen, and it will weaken so many just causes that deserve greater attention.

You mean we have a Secertary of State?

Written by Michael Vass

There is one thing I have to say that I like about the Obama Administration. They put Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a box. They have effectively put her aside and shut Former President Bill Clinton up. It’s a feat few politicians have been able to do since either Clinton was visible on the national scene.

The reasoning for the virtually complete lack of coverage of Secretary Clinton seems to be multiple. There is the fact that no one wanted the media to connect her and her campaign to the conviction of Norman Hsu. There is the fact that putting her in a box prevents her from establishing a presence to try to run against President Obama in 2012. There is the fact that the Obama’s don’t like the Clinton’s, at all.

It’s a great plan too. Secretary Clinton has been useless and unseen since almost right after her confirmation. Up until the most recent comments about North Korea you would be hard pressed to know that she was even in the Administration. President Obama has handled almost every aspect of foreign relations directly, too bad it can’t be said that he was effective as well.

It puts Secretary Clinton into an interesting position. If she stay on as Secretary of State she will continue to be mostly ignored. She will be relegated to the most trivial of tasks, or to tasks that she can’t resolve. Thus making a bid for the Presidency a moot point as she will have nothing to stand on. But if she leaves the White house, then she is a quitter and incapable of handling the pressure that the Presidency requires.

Essentially, unless North Korea suddenly caves to the same pressure that the U.S. has placed on it for the last 2 or 3 decades, Secretary Clinton is stuck in a position that has been made powerless. Something that I am sure she did not expect in her bargain for the position. Had she known how pathetic her Cabinet position would be, I’m sure she would have bargained for more than just the $20 million in debt and the title.

But when I consider the chance of a Clinton Presidency, cold chills run down my back. As bad as President Obama has run the economy and foreign relations, I believe that Secretary Clinton would still be far worse. A truly terrifying thought.

A friend of mine surmised that the only chance Secretary Clinton has is if an international crisis was to arise while President Obama was away (like at Camp David). And she was able to rush to the cause before President Obama could muster a response. Not that he is in an rush to respond to international events, ie. Iran’s elections.
Such are the internal politics of the Democrat Party. Now if only Vice President Biden could be muzzled, that would really be a treat.

Alan Colmes - the smartest commentor on television?

Written by Michael Vass

I was at my weekly pool league game yesterday when the topic of the departure of Alan Colmes from Hannity & Colmes came up. Several people were surprised at the move, and a couple claimed that it’s just what they would expect from Fox News.

Putting aside the far-left promoted misconceptions of Fox News for a moment, I thought about why this might be happening right now. And I also remembered a recent Word of the day from Stephen Colbert – which was on love lost and love found (highly pro-Obama). And I came to a conclusion that was interesting.

I expect that Stephen Colbert will lose his show, and so will several liberal commentators in both television and radio. Also Sean Hannity will lose his #1 rating, and possibly his time slot. The reason is because Democrats now lead the Congress and Presidency. It’s just that simple. After years of promoting liberal issues (Colmes), and (liberals) demonizing in the most personal way President Bush, they are getting out of the way.

Comedians and political satirists on the airwaves have flourished since the 2000 election of President Bush. Besides the fact that he is as eloquent as a stroke victim (no offense meant to those that have suffered this) it was the fact that President Bush won (liberals still say stole) the election by the slimmest of margins. It was taken as a personal slam by many liberals, and they never forgot it. Most of liberal media was motivated by this to attack President Bush on every issue and front they could cover.

For those that chose comedy and were less venom filled than the extremes, there was success. That led to huge moves forward by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert as examples. They had an easy target, and they had the support of many liberals. But the most extreme individuals were shunned.

But now there is the media promoted, near flawless (according to many liberal pundits) President Obama. The popularity of this elected official is enormous. As such he cannot do anything but fail these ridiculously high standards placed in front of him. And liberal commentators are realizing that when he fails to keep up to the lofty expectations they will have to critique him harshly. None of them wish to do that.

Add to this the fact that as an African American critique of President Obama will be seen with an eye towards race and race relations. That is an issue America has yet to come to terms with. It’s the dirty secret that everyone knows and few acknowledge. As such comments about President Obama in the negative, from those that lauded him prior to the election will be seen as especially harsh. And that can’t be good for ratings or future career prospects.

So the smartest move is to get out of the way. To let the focus fall on conservatives that oppose the liberal plans of the Democrats. That any opposition will look as if it is entirely partisan (and some of it will be). Thus they can return at a later point and look like shiny defenders of the realm. It’s an interesting political plan, if I am correct.

The problem is that some cannot get out of the way. Like Colbert. And thus he will suffer. Since his television program is meant to mock conservative views, in an Administration of liberal programs he will be hard pressed to mock the Administration and keep the support of his followers. Comedians with similar objectives will face a similar problem. Many will fail as they are too far to the extreme to balance in the new environment.

Alan Colmes may be one of the smartest political pundits the Democrats have. By leaving the #1 rated program on the #1 rated news channel BEFORE President Obama enacts any of his programs (though not before he has broken several campaign promises) he leaves on top. He will continue to support President Obama and the Democrat policies, as an occasional and maybe regular pundit, but that’s not the same.

This will make the views of Sean Hannity seem even more extreme (not to say that several of his views are not already). And it might make some room for critique of President Obama and the Democrat-led Congress to be taken only as partisan. It will definitely make his return, on a more liberal focused program, seem more fair and bi-partisan. Thus Colmes will win big.

All of this makes me see one thing. The news media is far too political and commercialized. There is no room for objective analysis anymore. We have already heard several organizations declare how they slanted their coverage to promote President Obama in the election. Going forward there will be the continuation of this, to the detriment of the public they are supposed to be serving. All in the name of ratings.

And those that critique the politicians, have equally been partisan. Whether it’s David Letterman, Jon Stewart, Chris Matthews, or whomever. But their reward will be the loss of much of these ratings. At least at first.

Television and news media coverage of politics are about to change. Many liberals won’t like what it turns out to be. Neither will conservative be thrilled by the media response. In effect, over the next 2 years the public will lose as will the media. If I am correct, Alan Colmes saw this outcome and stepped out of the way. That makes him the smartest commentator on television at the moment.

Election promises: polispeak to win

Written by Michael Vass

The Presidential election is now 14 days over, and President Obama has already violated several campaign promises. Can you imagine what things will be like in 2 years? I realize that a multitude of Obama fans are getting rabid over that statement so I will make it clear that this is not an opinion, but factual.

President Obama ran his election campaign on a couple of basic concepts. While most of his promises were very vague it was clear that he promised change, and exit from Iraq, and a new style of politics in Washington D.C. Of course the first item on the list, change, was both abut as vague as you can get, and at the same time the most blitheringly stupid thing to promise since President Bush was not up for re-election.

But when it comes to change it seems that President Obama really meant reliving the past. Like much of the Democratic rhetoric over the election the point was to go backwards in time. Anything that reflected or brought back memories of the Clinton Administration was a positive. Thus he has been very busy in filling positions in his new Administration with ‘old politics’ politicians from the Clinton Administration, plus a few friends from Chicago.

How this is a new way of doing politics is beyond me. Other than perhaps the fact that since Congress is Democrat-led, and thus capable of passing almost any liberal platform it wishes, he will push his agenda forward no matter what Conservative think. Of course that is also entirely partisan, blindly following Party dogma, and violates his pledge to work in a bi-partisan manner. But maybe he meant that bi-partisan as in the Executive and Legislative branches working together. It’s a stretch, which is the closest we can get so far.

President Obama was very clear that he was against fighting in Iraq. He made it absolutely clear that he will retreat from Iraq and bring America’s soldiers home. His plan was for an organized retreat, over several months. This would allow opposition forces plenty of time to gather their strength and bide their time. This plan took hold of the Iraqi government, and is currently being debated in that nation. The deal on the table will force American combat troops out of Iraq just in time for the nomination of the next election cycle.

But what is important there is the word combat. Because the deal in hand will do what President Obama wrongly misinformed the public Senator McCain wanted to do. It will provide America with base(s) for land, sea, and air troops in Iraq for 10 years.

That wouldn’t be a big deal, except that President Obama campaigned to remove all troops from Iraq and not staying in Iraq in any form (until he was embarrassed to admit that was a bad idea). But after correcting his initial plan he campaigned with careful wording to imply he was still going to remove all the troops. And if anyone thinks that President Obama did not help shape, and is currently involved with, this Iraqi proposal they don’t understand international politics – in my opinion.

So new politics are out, as is leaving Iraq. And change was just for anyone too blinded to notice the obvious. But wait, there more.

As a bonus there is the economy. President Obama was elected on this basis more than any other factor according to polls by just about everyone. Because the economy needs help, and President Obama was going to make a change. Even though he could not be bothered to be involved in the discussions of the single largest economic policy act in over 2 generations – the mortgage bailout – without having to be called to discussions like a truant schoolboy.

But this massive issue is one that President Obama promised to be on top of. It was issue number one, alongside a new stimulus plan (cost between $300 and $500 billion in money that doesn’t exist). And how has President Obama reacted for the first goal in his Presidency? He’s avoided it.

President Obama could help calm the markets with an announcement of who he is considering for Treasury Secretary. But he hasn’t. He’s worked on several other positions, none as vital to the nation as who is going to be in charge of some $350 billion from the mortgage bailout, plus at least $25 billion for the auto industry, and who knows what else. And people wonder why the stock market is jumpy.

I have to say that this does not bode well for President Obama. Especially since he is looking to compound his Presidency with multiple problems. That would be VP Biden, and now a potential Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. And it’s Mrs. Clinton that makes me really laugh.

The problem with Hillary Clinton is that the donors to the Clinton organizations are unknown and potentially a deal-breaker. Ties to foreign countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others look bad. Not to mention favors made to people like Mark Rich. But that is being dealt with as we speak, with a couple hundred of the donors being revealed – and it’s unlikely the major news media will check to connect the dots of donations made and favorable deals happening for the donors.

The funny part is that since Senator Clinton is having such problems getting cleared for Secretary of State, how in the hell was she ok to become President? Well more on the problems of having a viper in your backyard later.

Politicians use polispeak to get elected. It happens all the time. It’s old politics. And President Obama seems to be following that path to the tee. The only questions that remain are what other campaign promises will be broken, and how will it affect America.

Obama lovers can now begin their rants, all of them avoiding the fact that President Obama is breaking from his promises.

Race relations in 2009 and beyond

Written by Michael Vass

“Many ___ feel that the country their forefathers built has been … stolen from them, so there’s in some places a real boiling rage, and that can only become worse as more people lose jobs.”

This is about President Obama, the economy, and America. But not exactly the way you might be thinking. The above comment is a quote missing just one word. And that word changes the meaning completely.

That word is “Whites”, placed after many in the first sentence.

But take a moment and imagine that in its place the word African American. The meaning changes, but how it changes might be really interesting for the nation.

The reason why this is important is because since the election, 200 racially motivated hate incidents have occurred. Each of these incidents are crimes, of varying degrees and severity. And the offenders have been across the gambit of age ranges from teens to far older adults. And of course some are small minded racists.

The thing is that most of these people, though White, are not the stereotypical image the media has created of modern-day racists. Many are high school and college educated. Some are from middle class or higher income homes. Of course the traditional isolationist, less educated, poor, weak willed, and essentially backwards racist still have not disappeared from the earth yet.

It seems that since the election many Whites are coming to the view that the current status of the Government is exemplified by the Presidency of Barack Obama. And that’s without him having taken the Oath of Office, or serving a single day in office yet. Which is even more baffling when the fact that Government has been run by Whites for 232 years is ever considered.

But I started this conversation considering the quote. And I asked what you thought when you interject different races into the spot where Whites was stated.

As an educated Black Puerto Rican the change in the word makes the statement make sense. It is the anger of living in a nation that was literally built on the bones and blood of ancestors – and never receiving a thank you or I’m sorry. It’s the anger of being kept from schools, jobs, homes for hundreds of years. It’s the way America has been everyday up to and including today. And tomorrow looks only slightly better.

Considering history, especially any aspect of Black History in America beyond the paragraph that existed when I was in school, it makes sense for that statement to be said by Blacks. And it seems foolish for Whites to say it. It actually sounds laughable when I hear it worded that way.

But if some Whites, who today have a greater potential to achieve virtually anything they want than I do after 40 years of work, believe this statement to be true what does that mean for America? When people who enjoy ownership of 99% of the wealth of the nation, 90% of the Government positions, 95% of ownership and executive management positions, start to get anxious where is the nation going?

I had a statement back when I was a kid

“If it takes more than 1 guy at the same time to beat me in a fight, I must be a badass and damn intimidating.”

President-elect Obama has yet to pass a law, take an Oath, or even pick a Cabinet. But the fearful are already reacting, shifting blame of any perceived or real ill on Obama’s back. This isn’t about politics, this is just racial. And Obama must be the biggest badass of all.

The more I hear of these things, the more concerned I become for the nation. Because if we do not speak about and come to terms with the issues of race that pervade every instance of life in America, we are going to have an explosion. Maybe not during the Obama Administration (though it could be), but at some point in our collective future.

And it will be bad. For everyone.

But what does that quote make you think?

Marilyn Manson performs for Obama: what if it happened?

Written by Michael Vass

Here is something you don’t hear everyday. In fact I just heard about it today. Supposedly Marilyn Manson was going to have a performance that would have been in behalf of President Obama (then Senator Obama). Can you imagine it?

Now the source of that would be performance is Manson’s ex-girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood. So there is some question on the fact of this. And even more questionable when you factor in that the Obama campaign immediately denied the suggestion.

But I have to wonder what if Manson had performed?

Yes I realize that some find Manson to be weird. His music is not the most mainstream, though he is very popular. His appearance is really the most disturbing part of him to many older Americans I think. Which is a shame as it has nothing to do with talent or ability or his opinions.

The appearance of Manson is also irrelevant to his actions. It was Manson that has gone out and discussed the Columbine massacre in an honest manner. And he is a voice of change and self-responsibility. I may not agree with everything he says, or how, but I respect and understand his position. And much of that is the same kind of change that Obama has campaigned on.

“I think it’s terrible when anyone dies, especially if it is someone you know and love. But what is more offensive is that when these tragedies happen, most people don’t really care any more than they would about the season finale of Friends or The Real World. I was dumbfounded as I watched the media snake right in, not missing a teardrop, interviewing the parents of dead children, televising the funerals. Then came the witch hunt.

… Right now, everyone is thinking of how they can prevent things like Littleton. How do you prevent AIDS, world war, depression, car crashes? We live in a free country, but with that freedom there is a burden of personal responsibility. Rather than teaching a child what is moral and immoral, right and wrong, we first and foremost can establish what the laws that govern us are.”

It scares me that anyone could be restricted in voicing their comments about America, politics, and life in this nation. Marilyn Manson has as much right to support Obama (or any other politician) as has Jennifer Hudson, Will.I.Am, Oprah, or even Chuck Norris for McCain. They are all Americans and they all had opinions, as did over 120 million other Americans.

I wish Manson did perform on behalf of a politician. And in that performance I would have loved for him to state that appearance, whether it is clothing styles, skin color, or a name are all excuses to close our minds to anyone in those clothes, of that color, with that funny name.

I doubt the Obama campaign would have crumbled. I doubt that it would have gotten Obama more votes. But it might have motivated more of the youth that feel left out of the mainstream. And that itself would have been enough reason for me.

Why do I care about this after the election, and considering the fact it might not be true? Because if Manson did not perform or state his support because of appearances and potential outcry it was a voice in America being silenced. If any American is silenced like that, then we all are less free. And if appearance can silence us, appearance can again become the cause of enslavement of us.

And I won’t allow that to happen without comment or a fight

President Obama’s first 100 days: a prediction

Written by Michael Vass

Ok, now that the Obama election win inspired drunkenness has passed the question for many is what is he going to do. Fantastic speeches, and pointing fingers at the past are wonderful ways to get elected, but mean nothing when you need to lead. What can we discern now?

Well we know that Obama is leaning heavily on his old Chicago political contacts. And so far they have been very non-partisan Democrats. I am speaking of Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. So that means that bi-partisan policies are likely going out the window right after President Bush exits the White house door.

This bodes well for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and the Democrat-led Congress. They will have a field day passing all the laws they hoped for. Whether that will be good for the Average American is highly questionable.

Speaker Pelosi is relatively giddy right now, because he 2nd stimulus plan is well on the way of being passed. After her failure to slip the plan into the $700 billion dollar bailout (then only a mere $50 billion plan) without notice – and the failure to fund ACORN and other pro-Democrat organizations with any proceeds from the bailout (instead of paying back Americans) – Pelosi didn’t give up. Her next step was to approach the Bush Administration with a $150 billion stimulus package, right after the auto industry received $25 billion for their woes. When that also failed (something Pelosi has been familiar with) she got quite and waited for after the election. And just as was expected President Obama has promised that a 2nd Stimulus Plan, for at least $300 billion will be passed.

The problem here is that it won’t work and will either increase taxes, the national debt, or both (most likely). Why won’t it work? The same reason the first was a failure. The economy sucks.

The stimulus plans are in essence the equivalent of adding more water to a leaky bathtub. It doesn’t solve the problem, it just gives you more water on the floor. The first time most took the money and paid down on their gas and oil costs. A few were able to lower their credit card debt slightly, and a small portion actually went and bought something.

That was all before several massive banks and brokerages failed, Fannie and Freddie died (to the apparent amazement of Chris Dodd and Barney Frank), several industries started to lay-off jobs or close, and the auto industry walked up to the free money line. And just as many are in danger of losing their homes, if not more.

What will a second Stimulus plan do? Well since gas and oil are cheaper, pay down mortgages, go into the bank savings incase you lose your job, buy extra food in case you lose your job, pay down on the credit card debt in case you lose your job – notice a pattern? Buying Christmas or Easter (depending on when the checks go out) gifts just doesn’t rate very high compared to losing your job, and thus will not promote the economy.

Another thing we can expect that has been stated is higher taxes. Yes the start of that plan is the $250,000 bracket. But with over $1.2 trillion spent this year, and other $837 billion proposed in new program spending, and $300 billion at least of a stimulus plan, higher taxes is not an exclusive tax the rich option. And we know President Obama favors removing the President Bush tax cuts, so that’s 3% more tax for everyone above $31,850. Expect quite a bit more very soon. My guess, a net 7% tax increase across the board.

To go with the higher taxes, expect higher unemployment and inflation. Someone has to pay for the higher cost of business, and corporations will always be the last to accept that bill. So the higher costs of everyday goods and fear of losing a job really kills the stimulus plan – which was a dumb idea in the first place.

To further ensure that the economy rattles at the bottom of the barrel capital gains taxes are going to go higher. This expectation is already hitting the stock market. As I was saying to a friend and former stockbroker

“The smart money is getting out. They started once it was likely that Obama would win the election. They cleared most of their positions before the election, waited for mom and pop to buy into the market before the election to raise prices, and the second President Obama won they started to get all the way out. My bet is that we lose 500 points on or in the week of the inauguration.”

I mean why wouldn’t you hold cash right now. Bond rates are useless, and capital gains taxes means you need a 35% profit just to break-even, which in a good market is tough to nail down.

You can also expect to see even less revenue in the media arena. Because of the Fairness Act, which requires that any talk show or political program must be followed with equal time of the same format for the opposing side. Liberals may love to say that the election was a mandate, but since liberal radio and programs lose money faster than Nancy Pelosi can increase stimulus plan budgeting it seems to be nothing but bluster. Still Air America Radio has a final chance to hit the airwaves again (they went bankrupt in 2 years because no one was listening). Until the loss gets so excessive that radio stations get rid of both liberals and conservatives.

What a great plan. If you can’t get anyone to listen to what you have to say, shut down your opponents from speaking too. Even if people are listening to what they say. Because silence is more fair than debate and criticism. It also helps to cut down on people noticing that your policies do more harm than good.

So far if the prospect of rising inflation, fewer jobs, higher debt, lower stock market, and the continued prospect of losing your home haven’t got you excited - while losing the distraction and/or conversation of talk radio – you can smile at the thought of higher wages. A minimum wage hike is very likely to come early in an Obama Presidency.

The hike must happen early in my opinion because the economy will worsen as the year progresses, and all the goodwill President Obama has will evaporate as fast as stimulus checks hitting the consumer market. But higher employee costs will mean more money the corporations have to pass off to the consumer, and more people that will need to be fired to maintain current (or even slightly reduced) profit levels.

Most of all this are items I expected and discussed prior to the election. And just as I predicted President Obama is following every step of what I mentioned. And the outcome is becoming more of what is obviously a bad plan. But there is something that most did not expect.

There will be no healthcare reform. Not in the first 100 days, not in year 2. The nation can’t afford it. The Government is too inefficient to run it. And because Biden believes that the nation will be under duress within the first 6 months of the Obama Administration, we will be too preoccupied (so much for a President doing more than one thing at a time). That campaign promise is out the window. As is stopping jobs from going overseas. In fact more companies will choose to go to cheaper markets rather than pay the rising cost of staying in America.

So in the first 100 days taxes will go up, as will inflation. The economy will get worse, and the stock market will drop to about 7600 – a true rout. National debt will increase, several more banks will fail. The auto industry will get a bailout of their own (around $100 billion at a guess), and so will AIG (again). Domestic drilling won’t happen, because that would make energy cost cheaper – which President Obama has directly stated he does not want. And we likely will have an international crisis that will bring us close to war, and cause Europe to go bi-polar again and dislike President Obama - though not as much as President Bush.

That’s my prediction of the first 100 days. I hope that I am wrong. I really want President Obama to hit the history books as a great President. I’m selfish and Black. I want to see his historical image live up to his speeches. But his policies as they stand means it won’t happen.

A real long prediction, President Obama loses in 2012 to a Republican. His legacy will be worse than President Carter. Expect inflation at about 15% and unemployment to match. And as I said Average taxes will be at least 7% higher across the board. Hope you’ve been saving money.

M V Consulting, Inc. election poll results

Written by Michael Vass

For those that were curious about the results of the polls that were on the sites of M V Consulting, Inc. about the presidential election I have the numbers. These polls were on the site for a year, and visitors were able to vote only once each.

The visitors of the M V Consulting, Inc. sites broke down as follows:

In addition 84.2% stated they were old enough to vote, 81% had voted before 6% were to young prior and 6% just did not vote. 50% had family members in the military and 17% of those were in Iraq. 83% felt their jobs were not secure.

29% believed one candidate was a dead-on choice for them, 64% felt one candidate was 50% or more aligned with their views.

43% felt the next President would affect their daily lives a lot or more, 28% thought the effect would be a little or not at all, and 29% were unsure.

83% follow politics everyday.

The top issues affecting America were ranked from most important to least

Economy
Iraq/Afghanistan
Education
Illegal Immigration
Crime
National healthcare
Foreign Policy
National Defense
Race Relations
Other

Final votes ended up as 64 million votes and 52% overall for President Obama, 56.4 million voters and 46% of overall votes for Senator McCain.

So do you agree with my readers that voted? Do you feel these results reflect the concerns and attitudes of the nation?

President Obama - the expectations start now

Written by Michael Vass

President Obama has won the 2008 election. I am as elated by that news as any African American or minority in America right now. But at the same time I am looking at what the nation said last night.

At 6pm initial exit poll results started to flow and there were several important facts that were provided by the polls, granted that the information was slanted as all exit polls have been shown to be.

While 93% stated that the economy was negative right now, only 47% thought the economy would improve in 2009 and 40% supported the $700 billion bailout package that is still working it’s way into the economy. This bailout may be part of the reason that 73% disapproved of the job the Democrat-led Congress has done. And it may also be part of the reason that 70% predict that taxes will be higher under President Obama.

And that’s the important thing to note. The economy was the single most important issue among those polled. 62% felt the economy was priority #1. It was that thought and the thought that Senator McCain would continue the policies of President Bush (50%) resonated with the masses along with the feeling that President Obama was in touch with them (57%).

Honestly these are dumb reasons.

Several key Democrats presided over the downfall of the mortgage crisis, thus directly requiring a bailout, which had it’s creation in the Democratic policies of President Clinton and Democrats pushing loans to people that did not qualify to receive them. Somehow this escaped the public notice. As did the thought that there is nothing to stop a Democratic President with a liberal agenda and voting record, backed by a Democratic Congress, from creating more bad policies that even more Democrats may ignore in favor of Party unity in a time of an economic downturn.

$1.2 trillion dollars may well look cheap before the next 4 years are up. Especially since President Obama has promised to expand the Government by $837 billion and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is waiting for the inauguration to present a $300 billion stimulus plan (at least, it may be higher by then based on her comments). That means 2009 may well start with a Congress approved budget, passed without consideration in full, with a stimulus plan that doesn’t work in an economic downturn. That’s another $1.1 trillion and that does not include anything necessary yet. And all of it must be paid by the American public at some point soon.

Still 51% felt that Obama’s policies were just right (obviously they didn’t have a calculator handy), though the polls also showed that 60% felt that Senator John McCain and not President Obama has the experience to traverse things properly.

And for those like Harry Reid that want to say that President Obama was elected as a statement of the people, the polls (which skew Democratic) stated that only 30% of voters picked President Obama because he shared their views. That’s piss poor low. What is more accurate and clear is that voters made a statement about President Bush – whose disapproval was just 2 points better than Congress at 73%. Sadly he wasn’t the one that was up for election so the point is moot.

It was the economy, and the promise of President Obama to provide money to low income Americans even if they don’t file taxes that made the election – which was stated in the poll by the 51% that thought the Government should do more to solve problems. So the more that pundits and politicians alike explained why this plan to offer the equivalent of welfare at the cost of the economy, the more it guaranteed a win for President Obama. For the 81% that feared that their family finances would be hurt by the mortgage crisis/credit crunch, it was like manna.

Don’t get me wrong, millions were voting in this election (in excess of 105 million by the last count I saw). Not all of those that voted agreed with all of the above. But more than enough did to provide President Obama with the win. Also in that group are Americans that voted for Obama based on race – some 47% believing that President Obama would mean an improvement in race relations for the nation. That part I hope is true, both for selfish and national reasons.

But while the electoral vote was huge, and will be the focus of comments by Democrats in justifying their agenda and giddy news media, the popular vote was quite close. For most of the race up until the well after 11:39pm there was only a 3% difference in votes (which was the margin I had previously mentioned I thought would decide the election). This was no landslide victory.

The nation is still as center-right as it was yesterday. But it will be lead by a left of center Government in the Executive, Legislative, and potentially by the end of 4 years Judicial branches. That means higher inflation, higher taxes, Government run healthcare (equal in stature and performance to the way the VA is run), retreat from Iraq and likely Afghanistan, legal abortion at any stage (so effectively an alternative contraceptive), gay marriage, public votes for unions, higher electricity costs, and no nuclear power. Oh I forgot fewer coal plants, higher demand for electricity due to electric car mandates and less supply, more ethanol gluts, and limited if any domestic drilling.

Doubt me if you will but just keep track of these items as the next 4 years go by. In fact I expect the 111th Congress to vote on these 4 items in January or February

2nd stimulus plan
Tax code change for people below $200,000 - $250,000 and corporations and investments
End of secret ballots for unions
Passing the Fairness Doctrine – effectively either limiting free speech that does not express liberal views or glutting media with liberal speech that would not make it without Government intervention

Some may find all the above appealing. But almost half the nation did not, and with reason. Reasons we all may well learn very quickly.

Not to mention the crisis that Vice President Biden promised to occur. And that President Obama would seemingly fail at, again as VP Biden promised.

But I could be wrong. The economy could rebound without help, or inflation and slowdown. The stock market might not sell off another 1000 points by the end of the inauguration in January. Americans might just go right out and spend all the credit they can find this holiday season and Wind energy may become effective in 6 months (much to the benefit of Nancy Pelosi’s stock account). I hope I am wrong.

Because I honestly want the First Black President to be the greatest President ever. I want him to be seen as a strong leader. A world leader that will defend America with force if pushed, with wisdom to improve – or at least stabilize – the economy. A President that lifts the nation such that teen pregnancy and high school dropout rates fall lower. A President that inspires small business start-ups and job creation. And if he can convince China to join us in cleaning the earth, and ensure quality healthcare I’d love it.

Throw in reparations and an apology for slavery and I’d be tickled pink.

But we all know that isn’t going to happen. But we will get change. And I will blog about the positives, negatives, promises kept and broken. And I’m more than willing to eat crow and say I was wrong – especially if the First Black President can sustain history in the manner I described above.

We will see. It all starts in 76 days.

President Obama - America is changed

Written by Michael Vass

President Obama has won the election and history has been created. There is no limit to the feelings some have about this moment, and I have trouble describing my feelings as well.

I have always respected President Obama, though I differ with his views for America. But that is the essence of America. People having different views and yet working together for a greater good.

I know some are elated right now. And they should be. As one person mentioned to me

“You all don’t know what it really means. You grew up in a time that you could sit where ever you want on a bus or train. Could eat at any restaurant you want. And not have to enter restaurants, stores, movies buildings through the back door only. Or drink from a water fountain, or use a toilet marked “Colored Only”.

My heart is heavy, I can hardly breathe. Now a person of color Can say to their child that they can grow up to be the president and mean it!!”

So tonight is a night of jubilation. Enjoy it.

But tomorrow I hope for us all to work together in supporting our President, remembering the promises made to the public, and making America better.

Presidential election update at 9:30

Written by Michael Vass

So far the votes are on-going, but at least Fox News currently calls the election 200 - 90. With the loss of Ohio to Obama, McCain virtually needs the entire mid-west and west coast to win the election.

While the electoral vote leans strongly to Obama, the popular vote is a near total tie. Currently it’s 15.9 million to 15.8 million. So while the electoral vote is in favor of Democrats the people are evenly divided.

If Obama continues to hold out the lead he has currently, which seems likely, that means that we will have a Democratic President, who is the most extreme liberal in the Senate. He is also the 4th most partisan Senator. But once elected the facts will no longer matter.

I am not too happy right now, and I’m making plans for where I need to move my money as I expect a 500 point drop in the stock market by January and another 500 right after the inauguration.

But it’s not over, and McCain still is in the running. Florida, California, Texas, and many other States have yet to be called - or even close voting.

More soon

First set of exit poll results in the Presidential election

Written by Michael Vass

The early results are starting to come in. At 5:30 the first exit poll results I have heard of (from Fox News) have been announced for Ohio, Indiana, and Virginia. These results are based on 10% of the vote. As with all exit polls there is a tendency to exaggerate Democratic results, and at this early a stage nothing is concrete.

So if you haven’t voted yet, there is still time. Don’t let early poll results sway your choice. Any result at this point will change, guaranteed.

But that said here are the results.

47% expect that race relations will improve if Obama is elected President

70% are fear/expect another terror attack

62% are worried about healthcare

68% favor domestic (offshore) drilling

70% expect higher taxes if Obama is elected

In addition the voting is turning out with 10% new voters and likely will hit 130+ million voters this year – short of my hoped 150 million but a record. So far 36% of all voters have been White men.

With 10% of the vote as represented by exit polls, not actual votes,

Indiana – 73% for Obama
Ohio – 69% for Obama
Virginia – 63% for Obama

Of the White male vote, which is an Obama weak point

Indiana – 44% for Obama
Ohio – 47% for Obama
Virginia – 39% for Obama

Late deciders may be very critical in the eventual tallies. So far it seems that late deciders made up their minds within the last 3 days and account for 7% of the vote.

Indiana – 52%
Ohio – 54%
Virginia – 44%

Based on all this little can be said for sure. If this trend continues Virginia will go to McCain. Ohio might slip to Obama. Indiana is a toss up. But it seems that late deciders are very mixed on who they chose.

No data on Black voters, women, age groups, or any other category has been released yet.

More throughout the night.

Presidential candidate quotes to start your voting juices

Written by Michael Vass

As we all head out to vote today, and I do urge all my readers that are American citizens to vote, I stopped to notice a couple of the better quotes of this Presidential election. Now I won’t go all the way back to the Primaries, just looking at the McCain and Obama campaigns since they each got the nomination.

Each of these quote reflects an aspect of the candidates. And I think these sum up my thoughts about the campaign well. I invite you all to send in your favorite quote as well. I’ll add them up and let you know what is the winning vote (not counting my selection) and if that matches the winning candidate.

Should be interesting.

From best to bottom for me are:

Senator Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago. – Senator John McCain during debate with Obama

I don’t know what’s next. By the end of the week, he’ll be accusing me of being a secret communist because I shared my toys in kindergarten. I shared my peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich. – Senator Obama on the question of his socialist ideals

I’m looking forward to meeting [Joe Biden]. I’ve never met him. I’ve been hearing about his Senate speeches since I was in, like, the second grade. – Gov. Sarah Palin

Senator Obama has the most liberal voting record in the United States Senate. It’s hard to reach across the aisle from that far to the left. – Senator McCain stump comment

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities. – Gov. Sarah Palin at RNC

What the naysayers don’t understand is that this election has never been about me. It’s been about you. – Senator Obama at DNC

I think when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody. – Senator Obama to Joe the plumber

Time flies before election, questions arise like a wave

Written by Michael Vass

The eve before the Presidential election. And the media is losing it’s mind.

As I was playing in my Monday night 8-ball pool tournament (I’m currently 12 for 12) and happened to look up at the television. It was about 7:30 and on ABC News there was George Stephanopoulos and a reporter. The 2 were discussing projections of who will win the Senate races in various states. This is a day before anyone has voted!

Tell me how ABC is not influencing voters a day before they go to vote. All of this ‘projection’ was based on the early votes made so far. And the early vote is never the majority of a State’s vote. Just doesn’t happen. So they are telling the public what might well amount to blatant lies once votes are done on Tuesday. Unless they influence the voters to not show up, since the outcome has already been decided – by that news media organization.

While ABC News is busy trying to garner Democratic votes, in an act that has never occurred in an election ever before, there is more news hitting the air.

Senator Obama has apparently stated that he will bankrupt coal power plants. This of course will drive electricity costs through the roof and leave tens of thousands unemployed. I’m shocked that this has been so well hidden up til now.

This goes along with the plans of Senator Biden to end coal power usage

The defenders of Senator Obama will rant away about Fox News publishing this video and how not to trust Fox News, but those are Obama’s words coming out of his mouth. The same is true of the video of Biden.

I have raised these issues before over the summer. This is not new information. But for some reason Senator Obama was never connected with what he has said.

Under an Obama Administration the American public will pay more for electricity, as a punishment and a means for reducing energy use. In the next video you don’t need to pay attention to the editorial words added, just listen to what Obama says.

Again these are the words of Senator Obama.

When you go to vote tomorrow remember these facts:

• Obama is in favor of higher electricity prices to force people to conserve energy
• Obama is aware that his plans could cause higher unemployment and difficulty for Americans
• Obama is aware that the higher costs would be felt directly by Americans and not corporations
• Obama promises to raise costs of corporate taxes, but does not believe this will be passed on to the public
• Obama does not believe that the higher unemployment will affect America negatively since he will take money from Americans to give to Americans he chooses
• Obama disagrees with secret ballots, at least when it comes to unions
• Obama supports spending more money the Government doesn’t have to create another stimulus plan (Nancy Pelosi’s idea, cost $300 billion and increasing, did you notice how well the last one worked, and you will pay for that from taxes)
• Obama defends Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, and the others responsible for lying to the public in July about how safe Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were – the failure of which led to the bailout you will pay for in upcoming years
• Obama’s foreign policy plans are disputed by his Vice Presidential pick Biden
• Obama voted in March 2008 to raise the taxes of every American making $31,850 or more
• Obama believes the Government that can’t run the post office or the VA can make better healthcare decisions than you can
• Obama believes the Government can run a healthcare department efficiently, yet there has never been a department or agency of the Government that has cost less than the year before in 40 years – paid for with your taxes
• Obama has never explained his relationship with the self-admitted terrorist William Ayers – who helped launch Obama’s political career
• Obama and Biden routinely punish news agencies that ask questions they don’t like – Florida television, and newspapers alike can’t ask questions any more even if you want an answer to that question

Every item is something I have covered about Obama since 2007. Every item can be found on my blog, or you can search the net and verify it yourself. Every single item is an important issues for the next President of America.

Are these issues you can live with?

You get one vote, make it wisely. Be informed.

Picking a President doesn’t make you more or less Black

Written by Michael Vass

I find it interesting as we come upon the 2008 election to reflect on what has occurred in this year. From the surprising Democratic Primaries up til now there has been a shift in politics that will never be undone. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime, and now I look forward to the fact that it will happen again and again.

Obviously I am speaking about Senator Obama, his rise in prominence, and the potential of his becoming the First Black President.

It’s a proud moment for every African American. Especially for those of us that have lived decades without the chance even being a glimmer in possibility. This in many ways is the culmination of the struggles of the 1960’s.

To bad that I won’t vote for him.

And that is the big thing. I have been slammed by associates, readers, and too many others on this one point. The non-acceptance of my decision to not vote for Obama has been a sledgehammer in my blogs and my personal life. You would think I was stabbing someone.

This has been a very personal election, unlike any other in my life. I’ve been questioned, insulted, disputed, and more often than not cursed. Were it not happening to me I’d even say it was sort of funny.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told I’m not Black. That I’ve done something wrong. That writing about the issues, and noting the problems I have with Obama’s policies is somehow a disservice to my race. I’ve even been told I’m un-American. And of course there have been more than a few racists that have misused my words and thoughts for their own twisted ends.

But tonight I was just sitting back writing and listening to my MP3 (I bought my first one just this year) and James Brown’s Say It Loud came up. I listened to the lyrics several times and then read them.

Uh! With your bad self!

Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!

Some people say we’ve got a lot of malice
Some say it’s a lot of nerve
But I say we won’t quit moving until we get what we deserve
We have been bucked and we have been scorned
We have been treated bad, talked about as just bones
But just as it takes two eyes to make a pair, ha
Brother we can’t quit until we get our share

Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!
One more time!
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!

I worked on jobs with my feet and my hand
But all the work I did was for the other man
Now we demand a chance to do things for ourselves
We’re tired of beatin’ our head against the wall
And workin’ for someone else

Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud

We’re people, we’re just like the birds and the bees
We’d rather die on our feet
Than be livin’ on our knees

Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud
Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud

I’m Black Puerto Rican and I’m Proud. I’m also insulted that I have to make such a statement because of my political beliefs.

I have worked hard, lived through fights, slurs, been denied jobs, and been homeless twice. I’ve gained an education, never been hooked on drugs, lived overseas, been part of the military, and helped more than a few on my path to where I am today. And every day I’ve lived I woke up as Black Puerto Rican as the day before. I have no illusions, and no problems with that.

But to try to discredit my lineage and birthright because of a political position is just absurd. It pisses me off.

This election is not about righting the wrongs of racism, segregation or any other race based issue past or present. Obama is not Malcolm X, Martin Luther King or any other civil rights activist. Electing Obama will not suddenly make police forces in L.A., New York, Philadelphia or anywhere in the nation treat Black, or any other racial and ethnic group, any better than the day before. And racists won’t wake up with larger minds or a better understanding of humanity.

I respect and admire Senator Obama. He’s accomplished things I wouldn’t try to do. The fear of being murdered, especially before I could enact positive change on some issues is too strong in me. He is going for it anyway and that takes balls.

But that does not mean I must follow blindly and accept his every word and policy as best because he said so. His path was no less difficult or extraordinary than my own, and that of millions of other non- and White Americans. As such he is subject to the same critique as anyone. In fact I would consider myself much less of a man, and less of a Black Puerto Rican, if I did not judge him in the same way I would anyone else.

Listen to that song. James Brown didn’t ask for any corners cut. He didn’t demand obedience to a color, in fact he demands the opposite. He demands that we empower ourselves and live by the standards we create. That everyone that meets us shows the same respect and dignity that we exemplify individually and as a group.

And when I have lived a life of just that, how dare anyone try to denigrate me for that.

Obviously I am speaking about a few people. Many have sound reasons for believing in Obama. Many never considered race and they came to a separate decision than mine. And I respect that.

But that’s not who I am talking about.

I’m talking about the people that loved me when I supported Senator Obama over Senator Clinton in the Democratic Primaries. They also ignored my support of Fred Thompson and Senator McCain at the time. They ignored my strong Republican views. They only saw my race and that of Obama. Some where White, and some where not.

It’s those same people that have abandoned my blogs, or attacked them since. And I have to wonder how they came to see me as any less of a man, no matter my color.

When America comes to a point where race is more important than the man or the message, the nation is in trouble. Just as the nation was falling in the late 50’s and 60’s the same threat still exists. And when that same color-focused blinders are on and any deviation is attacked we return to the same dangers that existed a mere 40 years ago.

Maybe I’ve followed this election for too many years, been too involved in trying to cover the facts that too few have the time to see. Maybe I’m up to late every night and day for you my readers. Maybe I need a vacation as my skin is getting a bit thin.

So yes I’m venting. But as that may be, I’ll get some sleep and be back at it tomorrow like I have for years now. I hope to see you all then.

The election issues that decides it all?

Written by Michael Vass

MoveOn.org blames Michael Vass for President McCain win

Written by Michael Vass

I heard about this vide that was being sent across the net and I was just waiting to see how long it would be until I received it. I didn’t have to wait long.

Of course this is a video created by and circulated originally by my friends at MoveOn.org. What lovely people they are. But this video was sent to my by a reader I don’t know, Donna (last name withheld).

I’m happy to know that I have made an impact.

In all actuality I am amused that I received this video. But if you look at it closely you see it’s a bit insulting as well.

First off it equates a vote for Senator McCain as a non-vote. That’s a pretty high pedestal to be standing on, but considering that MoveOn has attacked the very military that protects its freedom to say what it does, I’m not surprised.

Be clear, a vote for Senator John McCain is no less a vote than for anyone else. And not voting for Obama does not make you a racist, if it is based on issues and not the fact that he is Black. Even if you are African American it’s ok to disagree with the bigger Government, spend today tax tomorrow, Government knows best policies of Democrats and Senator Obama. This is not akin to a mandate of your Blackness, its not part of the commoditization of Black culture.

But if I were to be the responsible party in a McCain vote, which by my numbers and expectations is a real potential, I would not be upset. I made my opinion clear, and my reasons. And I have yet to hear an argument, or policy, that gives me pause for that choice. (I would also love the attention and income that such responsibility would provide my blogs and company)

I love the way this video equates a loss for Obama as a national outrage. It completely ignores the fact that nearly ½ the nation (according to polls of committed voters, and who knows about the undecided votes) does not agree with Obama’s policies. If this video is conveying the outrage that might occur in San Francisco, Berkley, or Eugene, Oregon then I will sleep well at night.

In fact in looking over this video again I can see why MoveOn made it. It’s an attempt to scare, cajole, and/or shame voters to vote for Obama. It’s like high school cliques in video form. If you don’t do this you won’t be part of the massive crowd of kids that think they stand out and are different – even though they wear, speak and act exactly the same. How dare you have a brain, know the issues, and have an opinion they don’t like.

The fact that it goes so far as to use religion to slam home the thought that even God must like the politics of Obama. Please. It’s a bit hypocritical for an organization that would support the removal of all hint of religion from all aspects of the nation and public life, to use it as a selling point for their political views. God doesn’t care about politics, Moveon, unless every verse I’ve read in all religious tomes are wrong.

Some would say “Mike, this is just funny.”

No, it’s a targeted attempt to use subtlety and humor to force an opinion onto people. To give the impression that voters have an obligation, instead of a choice, on who to choose for President. It’s the classic move of some liberals and Democrats, to support freedom of speech until someone disagrees with your position. They then need to slam them hard and force them to change their mind to their side, or else. Kind of like what the Obama campaign did to Florida reporter Barbara West, among others.

The best part might just be the absurdity of the thought that McCain would bomb some ubiquitous goat herder. Though the counter thought of Obama sitting down with Iran’s President - to ask him to play nice with Israel, stop making nukes to bomb America, cease funding terrorist groups that plan to kill all Americans (including pacificst and Democrats), and if he is still listening maybe raise the cost of oil so Americans can’t afford it and be forced to use less energy until some new discovery makes an alternative to oil possible – that is terrifying and real.

Of Course MoveOn wants to really sell the Republicans are evil thought. And reinforces the thought that a vote for anyone beyond Obama, and democrats, is a non-vote. MoveOn has a personal gripe with President Bush, and so he is one of their biggest scare tactics. But be honest, to have ANY President mention your name in a positive manner while speaking to the nation is an honor. I wish I had that much influence. I may be a megalomaniac but I’m not insane. (Though I hope to get Bill O’Reilly to comment on a post or speak about me one day. It would be fantastic for my business.)

I will say this, if MoveOn.org is for Obama it is yet another reason not to vote for him. They are the most extreme far-left political group short of communists in China. Ok, that was a bit overstated – maybe the North Koreans and Castro. Of the political opinions they hold that I am aware of I know only 1 person out of about 10,000 in my life that agrees with them. Talk about outside the curve.

So the future I fear is an Obama win. His tax plans will hurt my business and the national economy. He will promote a healthcare plan that will make my health about as important, and as high a quality, as regular mail. He will endanger American lives, and lead us into a war within 5 – 7 years because of his weak stance on foreign policy. He intends to give more to those that do less. He is unbending on his views, and uncaring about other political opinions. He is duplicitous in what he will say to the nation to achieve his goals (though not as bad as Hillary Clinton). And all of that, if not quite a bit more, can all be found in following his campaign since his announcement to run for the Presidency – something I have followed virtually everyday.

I respect Senator Obama. My dislike of his policies is not personal. I admire the fact that he is a Black man that has overcome many obstacles to reach this point. I think he is an incredible orator. And I do not question his intelligence. But none of that is enough to cause me to vote for him.

Voting is always important. Choose who you think matches your hopes for the nation. There is no stigma, no social pariahs. You cannot be singled out, and all the bad jokes and peer pressure in the world will not make someone else’s opinion your vote.

A vote for McCain is as American as a vote for Obama. A vote for Republicans is as valid and honest as a vote for Democrats. A vote is your Right, exercise that Right. But don’t let stupid gimmicks disguised as a joke curb your opinion, nor limit your right to vote. Be informed – from both sides – then get out and make your voice heard.

Senator Obama speaks to nation

Written by Michael Vass

For those that missed it here is the video of Senator Obama’s 30 minute ad.

I will note one thing for now, the only reason this was made and ran on 3 broadcast television networks was because of him breaking his promise to accept public financing.

Presidential election levity

Written by Michael Vass

You know what? I’ve been following the Presidential election everyday for 2 years now. It’s been serious and informative. It’s been important and annoying. And I am tired.

So for a brief moment of complete levity I present the following videos. Because sometimes we all need to relax from the stress this election can bring.

and now the candidates please

Ok, now go vote!

Was Barbara West’s Senator Biden interview fair?

Written by Michael Vass

In response to my post on Barbara West’s interview with Senator Biden I have heard many people excuse the response of Senator Joe Biden, and defend Senator Obama’s flexible tax plans. Even more have chosen to attack or dispute the questions of Barbara West.

First is a fact that this election seems to have avoided, at least in the sense of the major media. There are few questions that can be asked of candidates that are unfair. Any question that is based in whole in the words and meanings of a candidates statements is always fair and deserving of an answer.

In addition it is the responsibility of the major media to ask the candidates tough questions that some or all citizens have. When the media in question is more local those questions should be more locally motivated, but otherwise the questions should be asked. This has rarely happened with Senator Obama, even as far back as the Democratic Primaries.

The statement in question is Senator Obama definitely stating and standing by his desire to “share the wealth” of Americans, and doing so via Government mandate. This is beyond taxation and a statement of redistribution of wealth forced upon Americans. This is in no part an ideal of Democracy. The closest style of Government that reflects such attitudes is the socialism that Karl Marx discussed and wrote of – communism being a far more extreme form of that same government style.

Taxes are not meant as a means to check the power of Americans. In fact it is impossible to do so as a billionaire is still drastically wealthier than the middle class or less Americans. Yet they have only one vote and are equally as restricted in their campaign contributions. Taxes are a means by which the Government is able to enact policies it believes are in the best interest of the nation as a whole.

Barbara West did not ask the same question twice because the first is speaking on a Gallup poll and the effect of the Obama tax plan. The second question on the tax plan is asking to clarify the distinction of the tax plan versus socialism – which really does not exist as redistribution of wealth is a core point of socialism. That is the reason I believe that Senator Biden refused to answer the question, besides the fact that he was visibly upset at being asked tough questions which is rare for the Obama campaign.

And it should be noted that virtually every independent study of news coverage of the election has shown that Senator Obama has been treated with an unfair bias. He has been asked fewer tough questions and has had less complete investigation of his policies and past political votes.

Were the major media fair there would be questions on how Obama could claim he is a moderate when he has been consistently ranked by his voting as far back as the Illinois Senate as extremely liberal, as an example. The media has avoided coverage of several gaffes by Senator Biden that refute or question Obama policies. The media has failed to ask for clarification of several controversial or unclear policies and statements of the Obama campaign. Even right now you can go to Yahoo and see a poll result for the Presidential election that is unmatched by several of the most reputable polling companies including Rassmusen.

But the question at hand is the comment of “sharing the wealth”. There is no question of what Senator Obama has meant. He has repeated and defended his belief. Such a belief is liberal at the least and socialist in definition. It is effectively a cap on the productivity of all Americans.

A friend of mine explained this to her son who asked what it meant as follows:

“Say you were to do a job, like rake leaves, and be paid $20 for it. The guy across the street did nothing but watched you. Before you get paid the Government would take $15 dollars out of your $20 and give $5 to the guy across the street that watched you, and another person like him down the block, and another. But you get to keep the $5 for all your hard work.”

Her son felt this seemed unfair since they did nothing. I agree that giving people money that they did not earn and cannot justify, based on the will of the Government, is unfair. And in my experience, having lived in Moscow and Tsblisi while the USSR still existed, it does reflect aspects of the socialist style of Government.

I did not open my business to share the wealth I generate. When I chose to make a donation that is my choice, and any donation will go to something I support. I do not trust the Government to spend my money, and neither does Warren Buffett, John Kerry or other famous Democrats.

If Warren Buffett were so confident of the Government he would have left his money to the Government as opposed to a foundation run by Bill Gates. If John Kerry and other extremely wealthy Democrats were so in favor of sharing wealth with Government allocating the funds they would have donated millions (Kerry is worth in excess of $300,000,000) without any change of lifestyle. And I won’t even go into the donations of Senator Biden, which I outpaced.

But again I detract. Barbara West was justified in asking the questions she did. Senator Biden had an obligation to the citizens in Florida and the nation to answer the question. Senator Biden failed his obligation, not Barbara West. And the Obama campaign compounded that failure when they then had a tantrum and canceled the access of that media organization (including its Philadelphia affiliate) to the candidates. Because not being presented to Americans just prior to an election benefits whom on Election Day?

Carl E. Heastie, NY State Assemblyman - up for re-election

Written by Michael Vass

**I realize this is not a Presidential issue, but with the election up-coming I felt that this was important for me to address and to depart from the normal content of this blog.**

In mere days the nation will be out looking to vote in their choice of Presidential candidate. On that same day there are a multitude of other decisions that will be decided as well. Various referendums and local and state officials will gain, maintain, or lose their positions. While I tend to not be as directly involved in local elections outside of where I live, I was born and raised in the Bronx – so I have a vested interest.

As those who have looked at my bio are aware, I went to Evander Childs High School. It was a decent public high school, with books older than I was at the time, and I have fond memories of the place. Evander has been closed and in its place (literally) there will now be 4 separate high schools. As stupid as that decision may sound it is what has happened. But in May 2008 there was a final reunion of all alumni.

The final reunion gathered hundreds of teachers and students going back as far as the 1930’s. It was impressive to see all the successes that all had spent time at this one local Bronx institution on learning. Also at the event was Carl E. Heastie, NY State Assemblyman.

Assemblyman Heastie is up for re-election, his district is the 83rd and his local office is at

1351 East Gun Hill Road
Bronx, NY 10469
718-654-6539

I met Assemblyman Heastie at the event, and after a short discussion we set up a plan to see if I could interview him. It would be good for his election hopes, and I’m never reluctant for good publicity as well. So I started to do my homework.

Elected in 2000, Assemblyman Heastie is a member of the Democratic State Committee and was Chair of County Elections Committee of the Bronx Democratic Party from 1996 – 2000. He is a member of the NAACP (Williamsbridge), did not go to Evander but did go to public school, did go to Stonybrook College for his B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Baruch College for his M.B.A.

Assemblyman Heastie is a native New Yorker, and like many people in the Bronx a Democrat. He grew up within years and miles of me. He was not rich, and he is involved in the community. He sits on Aging, Housing, Labor, and Small Business committees. He is highly involved in education and is directly involved and leads in creating new schools.

Learning all this I was very interested in interviewing Assemblyman Heastie. I tried to contact him within a week of the Evander reunion. After 3 attempts I let it go. A month later Assemblyman Heastie had his office contact me in reply.

This was mid- to late June. The office of Assemblyman Heastie informed me of their interest in having the interview. They were excited in the fact that I have an international presence, and that my political comments are followed by enough people to fill a small city. I asked at this point if they had read any of my blog posts, which I learned they had not. I suggested that they do so, and we arranged a date for the interview – 2 days later – which had to be via phone since Assemblyman Heastie was too busy to meet with me in person (I was willing to go to the Bronx to interview him in person).

A bonus I noted was the fact that not only would this interview appear in my blogs, but I had the ability to include it on one of the biggest blogs in the world (in the top 5,000 out of 55 million at the time – 1800blogger.com – ranked higher now) as well as several blogs related to the subject. I also planned to release a press release to ensure maximum exposure.

The next day I was contacted by the office and told that they were very excited by the chance to be interviewed by me. They were

“…looking forward to express on a national basis the support Assemblyman Heastie has for Senator Obama”

In addition Assemblyman Heastie wanted to highlight his work on education. I had no problem with this and stated that I was willing and eager to allow him to discuss the issues he supported. I again repeated the fact, that I have stated many times to every person I have interviewed or discussed the matter with, that I would provide them the opportunity to review (but not alter) the final interview 24 hours prior to publishing – factually incorrect data would be corrected in this manner (ie. typos or incorrect transcription). I also stated, as is my policy, that any additions, clarifications, or expansion of points they might wish to include would be posted as well, verbatim.

Thus, as with all my interviewees, they had the opportunity to discuss even more any issue that Assemblyman Heastie felt was important to his constituents and the nation. That could be his support of Senator Obama, need for funding and reform of Bronx schools and education on a national level, and/or even cheerleading the Democratic Party. Whatever he wished, I would have published verbatim.

Again the office of Assemblyman Heastie expressed interest and eagerness. Then they failed to contact me.

I contacted them 3 more times up to the end of July. Each time I was not allowed to speak with the staff in charge of the scheduling that I had previously spoken to. Each time I was told to leave a message. Each time I received no follow-up, or any form of information explaining why Assemblyman Heastie had abandoned our scheduled interview.

Now I am not vindictive. I’m a grown man and I can take a hit. My blogs do not rise or fall with the influence of any politician. So I let the issue go. But it has nagged me since. Not because I still have yet to hear from Assemblyman Heastie but because of what it might mean to my readers.

My concern is not for Assemblyman Heastie. My concern is his inability to face questions from an ordinary person just like his constituents. As an interviewer I wanted to discuss issues that I believe are important to the people he represents. Many have no idea of how to contact him; and fewer believe that even if they could contact an elected official that that official would pay attention to their concerns. This was an opportunity for Assemblyman Heastie to alleviate those concerns and express his beliefs. Obviously he has a desire for greater political office at some point, an interview of this nature and international exposure could have done that. I have no doubt that in the future he will attempt to do this again. But the fact that he backed out so suddenly made me wonder why.

What might I have asked Assemblyman Heastie?

• Do you support any candidate for President?
• What does the campaign of Senator Obama for Democratic nominee mean to you? What does it mean to African Americans in your view?
• What is your position on Iraq and Afghanistan?
• Many African Americans were divided by the Clinton campaign during the Primaries – what would you say to those with questions/hesitation?
• You are quite young for a politician, what motivated you to enter politics?
• Growing up in the Bronx, how important has education been in your life?
• How important is the youth vote?
• How is the current mortgage crisis affecting the 83rd district compare to the rest of New York City, NY State, and the nation?
• How are your constituents being affected by the economy?
• As a native New Yorker 9/11 had to have a massive impact on your life – what efforts have you worked on to provide safety in the world’s largest city and ensure that no America is ever compromised again?

Those were exactly the prepared questions I had for Assemblyman Heastie. I do not think they are too harsh or difficult to answer. I believe that in June, July, and August – if not now – many in America would like to see their elected officials answer these questions.

I was not asking Assemblyman Heastie why he did not respond to the 2006 and/or 2008 Political Courage Test. I did not question his political ratings that include his votes such as:

• 45% in favor of business
• 37% in favor of conservative issues
• 90% in favor of liberal issues
• 54% in favor of animal rights issues
• 100% in favor of environmental and anti-gun issues
• and an unclear stance on pro-life, choice, or abortion issues.

Overall I felt I was fair, or would have been. But why did Assemblyman Heastie back away?

Was he afraid of an issue he thought I might have researched and learned of? Did he believe that via my ties to the community he serves I had heard something that he did not want to address nationally about his past or present? Was he not committed to his support of Senator Obama and feared that being brought to life after the interview? Does he have a prejudice against Republican Black Puerto Ricans, or at least this one in particular?

I cannot answer any of these questions. Assemblyman Heastie has refused to give me the opportunity to ask these questions. Assemblyman Heastie has refused to allow his constituents to hear the questions or answers up til now.

Assemblyman Heastie may be a very good man, and/or a great politician, I do not know. All I can say is that he agreed to and then ran from an interview without stated cause. I presume he has political ambitions beyond State Assembly. He may or may not be re-elected.

I neither support nor am against Assemblyman Heastie. His constituents will decide what to do in the voting booths next week. I ask Assemblyman Heastie to respond to the questions I have placed here, and am still willing to interview him – whether or not he is re-elected. If he chooses to respond via email I will provide that response on my blogs verbatim. If he chooses to contact me, and he has all my contact information, via phone or regular mail I will transcribe the information verbatim as best is possible and provide that on my blogs. But in all honesty I do not believe that Assemblyman Heastie will do that.

Assemblyman Heastie has acted in a manner that I personally find rude at the least. This may or may not be reflected in his political actions. But if I were still in the 83rd District on Election Day and I were posed with a choice of re-electing Assemblyman Heastie I would be hard pressed to vote for him over a rabid dog.

This is my opinion. I look forward to hearing from anyone that knows of Assemblyman Heastie or his political actions that would like to respond.

** I should note that I am sending a copy of this to Assemblyman Heastie after it was posted. Again, any response will be posted verbatim.**