Witnessing History--The Sequel

Some of you may remember my post "Tyson Chandler: Witnessing History," where I told you about a meeting between the NBA rising star and Senator Barack Obama on the campaign trail. Chandler had written how the experience gave him a different perspective on politics, in general, and society, as a whole.

Shortly after Senator Obama became President-Elect Obama, Chandler added another post to his blog about watching the election night coverage with his wife.

One passage in particular from Chandler's blog post stood out to me. In reference to a story about one of his assistant coaches growing up in the South and remembering the "white only" water fountains and having to enter stores and restaurants through the back door, Chandler wrote, "A lot of times we lose touch of the opportunity that we have. It makes you respect it a lot more when you hear something like that, or you get a chance to hear Bill Russell speak about playing back then. You say, 'Man, I've got the opportunity to do what I love night in and night out, and there were people before me who fought and died for this.'"

Obama's Election Day Pickup Game

One of the reasons Barack Obama became an early favorite of mine is because he is one of the few modern-day politicians I know that plays basketball. Several play golf, albeit poorly, while others run or play racquetball. But the overwhelming majority of today's politicians aren't exactly what anyone would call athletic.

In keeping with his Election Day routine, President-elect Obama put together a pickup game with some of his closest friends after he finished campaigning. CNN was given exclusive, behind-the-scenes access and recently shared some of that video.




As far as President-elect Obama's skills are concerned, for a politician, he's actually not bad. I have played with much worse on the pickup courts through the years. Plus, I give him extra credit for that smooth behind-the-back dribble. If you are going to get this country back where it needs to be, Obama will need to be able to go both Left and Right.

Now, I just need to find out where I can score one of those "That One" jerseys!

LeBron James And Jay-Z To Host Rally For Obama

As I noted in an earlier post, today's high-profile professional athletes seem to stay away from political and social causes out of fear of losing endorsements. But this recent AP story reveals that LeBron James does not hold such reservations.

Oct 23rd, 2008 CLEVELAND -- NBA superstar LeBron James and Grammy-winning recording artist Jay-Z want people to get out early to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

James and Jay-Z will host a rally Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland which will include a free concert by the hip-hop star.

James attended a Cleveland rally earlier this month to encourage people to vote for Obama. He's also contributed $20,000 to a committee supporting the presidential nominee.

UPDATE: I recently came across an article in the Washington Post talking about this very subject. Check it out: Jock The Vote: NBA Players Raise Their Voices

Obama Takes Heat For Possible Delay Of World Series Game

Check out this story from CNN about how Barack Obama's 30-minute infomercial to the nation might push back the start of a World Series game.

(CNN) – The Republican National Committee took aim at Barack Obama Wednesday over the Illinois senator's half-hour ad buy that will delay the start of a World Series game by 18 minutes.

"It’s unfortunate that the World Series’ first pitch is being delayed for Obama’s political pitch," RNC spokesman Alex Conant said. "Not only is Obama putting politics before principle, he’s putting it before our national pastime.”

Major League Baseball has agreed to a request from Fox to delay the start time of Game 6 of the World Series (if a Game 6 is necessary) so the network can air the 30-minute Obama spot, a Fox spokesman confirms to CNN. The Illinois senator has also bought similar time on CBS and NBC, set to begin at 8 p.m.

“FOX will accommodate Senator Obama's desire to communicate with voters in this…format," Fox spokesman Scott Gorgin said. "We are pleased that Major League Baseball has agreed to delay the first pitch of World Series Game 6 for a few minutes in order for FOX to carry his program on October 29."

It's the first time a presidential candidate has bought that length of airtime on network television since Ross Perot purchased several 30 minute blocs in 1992.

"This is a big platform, this is a big megaphone, the interest level is clearly there and people will watch," Evan Tracey of Campaign Media Analysis Group, CNN's consultant on campaign advertising said.

The October 29 game will now start at 8:38 instead of 8:20.

Obama Takes Heat For Possible Delay Of World Series Game

Obama Is In The Game

From the time he first entered the race for the presidency, Barack Obama and his campaign managers have recognized the importance of new media. And that recognition has played a major part in Obama being in position to be elected to office.

Beyond just a website, Obama's campaign has been using popular social networking sites such as youtube, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to build a broad base of support. And nowhere has this effort shown more results than with young voters.

However, the Obama campaign is not stopping there. Check out this story about Obama becoming the first presidential candidate to buy advertising inside a video game!

Obama and his campaign staff are quickly redefining modern political strategy.

By Devlin Barrett
updated 1:55 p.m. PT, Tues., Oct. 14, 2008

WASHINGTON - Too busy playing video games to watch presidential ads on television? Barack Obama has found you, too, by becoming the first presidential candidate to buy ad space inside a game.

Nine video games from Electronic Arts Inc., ranging from the extremely popular "Madden 09" football game to the street racing "Burnout: Paradise," feature in-game ads from the Obama campaign. The ads — they appear on billboards and other signage — remind players that early voting has begun and plug a campaign Web site.

The idea of embedding advertising temporarily inside a video game is relatively new, having only begun about 18 months ago, and Obama is the first presidential candidate to buy space, company officials said.

Ads For Obama Campaign: It's In The Game

Obama Directly Addresses America In Two-Minute Ad: Plan for Change

Visit BarackObama.com/plan to read Obama's plan for the economy now.

Don't Play Me Like I'm Stupid

I don't care if we are talking sports or politics, one thing I absolutely hate is for someone to insult my intelligence by lying dead to my face. It's somewhat of a common practice in sports.

We, in the media, call it coach-speak. Coaches will say certain things they know may not be completely true in order to keep their team focused on the task at hand or so they won't tip their hand before a game is played. Oftentimes, it's blatant, but always harmless in the grand scheme of things.

However, in the world of politics, insulting society's intelligence isn't just commonplace, it's the norm, and as we have seen with Iraq, it can be gravely dangerous.

Politicians have made a career out of saying whatever is necessary to get re-elected, and voters have been falling for such tactics for centuries.

But to quote an old, wise sage from the 90's, "Homey don't play that!"

I know in some parts of our country--especially the part where I live now--it's acceptable to openly lie to any and everyone about any and everything. But I grew up in the South, and down there you can't just knowingly lie to people and expect them to take you at your word. As we Southerners like to say, "Don't piss on my head and tell me it's raining!"

I raise this point, because I'm starting to get a little upset at the current presidential campaign, particularly the Republican party. I've already touched on the hypocrisy of the McCain campaign.

Check out this latest example:



So, being a mayor or governor for only a short time disqualifies you from the presidency, but it doesn't disqualify you from being one heartbeat away from it? Whew, I feel so much better now.

But beyond the hypocrisy, it's the outright, blatant lies that are originating from McCain supporters, and oftentimes his campaign itself.

New York Times Columnist Paul Krugman writes, "Did you hear about how Barack Obama wants to have sex education in kindergarten, and called Sarah Palin a pig? Did you hear about how Ms. Palin told Congress, "Thanks, but no thanks" when it wanted to buy Alaska a Bridge to Nowhere. These stories have two things in common: they’re all claims recently made by the McCain campaign — and they’re all out-and-out lies."

Charles Babbington from the Associated Press says, "The "Straight Talk Express" has detoured into doublespeak."

And James Rainey writes in the Los Angeles Times, "News organizations and these admirable truth-squadding outfits, including PolitiFact.com, do not collaborate. But in independent news reports and commentaries this week, they seemed to reach a consensus to say ‘enough’ to the McCain camp's efforts to demonize Barack Obama."

Enough already. I'm beyond fed up with these low-rate political tactics. Don't disguise your lack of solid viewpoints and arguments on the issues that affect us the most with lies and smears of the opposition.

Don't play me like I'm stupid. Don't play the American voters like they are stupid. This election is too damned important to be playing games!

Tax Plans: Obaba vs. McCain

There seems to be quite a bit of confusion about the differences in the proposed tax plans of Barack Obama of John McCain. A recent article in The Washington Post broke down the numbers according to annual salaries.

I will be honest and tell you that my tax burden will go up under Obama's plan. However, losing a few additional thousand dollars a year will not hurt me financially. I am much more concerned about the larger population of tax payers. Plus, if the economy grows under Obama has it has historically done under Democratic presidents, I will recoup that money down the road. (see earlier post)

So, check out the numbers below and decide for yourself which plan makes the most sense for not only you, but for the country.

Obama and McCain Tax Proposals
According to a new analysis by the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are both proposing tax plans that would result in cuts for most American families. Obama's plan gives the biggest cuts to those who make the least, while McCain would give the largest cuts to the very wealthy. For the approximately 147,000 families that make up the top 0.1 percent of the income scale, the difference between the two plans is stark. While McCain offers a $269,364 tax cut, Obama would raise their taxes, on average, by $701,885 - a difference of nearly $1 million.

(Courtesy: The Washington Post)

Allegations Of Racist & Sexist Remarks By McCain/Palin Surface

I don't know the authenticity or credibility of these respective articles and internet sites, but someone please, please, please tell me these stories aren't true.

Unfortunately, however, my life experiences have prepared me not to be shocked in the least if any of these stories turn out to be true. I pray for the day when I will be shocked.

McCain: racist, bigot & homophobe

Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean”

More Of The Same: Bush = McCain

Are You Registered To Vote?

I just received the following e-mail from voteforchange.com, and regardless of your candidate of choice, it's important that everyone registers to vote and then casts their ballot on election day.

I would encourage everyone to forward this e-mail to their friends/co-workers. You would be amazed at how many people have never registered to vote.


Turning everyone's passion and enthusiasm into votes is the only way we'll bring about the change we all want. But knowing when, where, and how to vote hasn't always been easy -- until now.We've created a new online tool -- VoteforChange -- that will give you customized answers to all of your voting questions, personalized just for you.

Try it now: https://voteforchange.com/

Need to find out how to register to vote? Not sure if you're already registered? Just enter some basic information and get instant answers.

Need to find out your Election Day polling location, absentee voting information, or other registration requirements? Or perhaps you want to find out if your state allows early voting or vote by mail. We've got it all covered.

Once you get the information you need, pass it on to all of your friends with our easy-to-use sharing feature. We all know people who’d like to vote but just don’t have the information. With VoteforChange.com, they’ll have no excuses.

Making sure that everyone's voice is heard in the political process is what this movement for change is all about. Make sure you and everyone you know isn't left out: https://voteforchange.com/

Republican Inaccuracies And Hypocrisy Show No Bounds

I realize that in this day and age of modern American politics, one side is going to constantly attack the other side on the issues-- both real and unreal. So, as much as I hate such tactics, I get it.

However, the only thing I would ask for--and I assume the majority of Americans would hope for as well--is that the attacks are factual in nature and they are not hypocritical. The speeches and some of the commentary we heard Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention did not live up to those requests.

In the words of Associated Press journalist, Jim Kuhnnenn, Sarah Palin and her Republican supporters "stretched the truth" in their reproach of Barack Obama and their praise of one another.

As far as the hypocrisy is concerned, I think I'll just turn it over to The Daily Show's Jon Stewart.




Again, I understand the relentless attacking of the other side, but those attacks, even if aimed towards my favored party, would carry much more weight with me if they were accurate and fair.

I'm beginning to think, unfortunately, that such a request is far too much to ask in today's political forum, especially from conservatives.

UPDATE: Speaking of hypocrisy!

Georgia Republican Congressman Westmoreland Calls Barack And Michelle Obama "Uppity"

Damn! Really?

Hell, why didn't he just add nigger to it? I mean, no one's ever been called an "uppity cracker."

It's funny how no one wants race to be a factor in this election, but the Republicans keep referring to it and always in a negative manner.

By Mike Soraghan
thehill.com

Georgia Republican Rep. Lynn Westmoreland used the racially-tinged term "uppity" to describe Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Thursday.

Westmoreland was discussing vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's speech with reporters outside the House chamber and was asked to compare her with Michelle Obama.

"Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they're a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they're uppity," Westmoreland said.

Asked to clarify that he used the word “uppity,” Westmoreland said, “Uppity, yeah.”

Other Democrats have charged that the Republican campaign to paint the Illinois senator as an “elitist” is racially charged, and accused them of using code words for “uppity” without using the word itself.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/westmoreland-calls-obama-uppity-2008-09-04.html

Sarah Palin: "Iraq Is A Task Of God"

Check out this excerpt from a recent address Sarah Palin gave at her hometown church where she referred to the Iraq War as a "task of God."

My question is, Who exactly gets to determine God's plan?

Click the link below for the video portion of this address.

Three months before she was thrust into the national political spotlight, Gov. Sarah Palin was asked to handle a much smaller task: addressing the graduating class of commission students at her one-time church, Wasilla Assembly of God.

Her speech in June provides as much insight into her policy leanings as anything uncovered since she was asked to be John McCain's running mate.

Speaking before the Pentecostal church, Palin painted the current war in Iraq as a messianic affair in which the United States could act out the will of the Lord.

"Pray for our military men and women who are striving to do what is right. Also, for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God," she exhorted the congregants. "That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan."

Religion, however, was not strictly a thread in Palin's foreign policy. It was part of her energy proposals as well. Just prior to discussing Iraq, Alaska's governor asked the audience to pray for another matter -- a $30 billion national gas pipeline project that she wanted built in the state. "I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that," she said.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html

Leave Palin's Daughter Out Of The Campaign

As much as the news of Sarah Palin's daughter's pregnancy flies in the face of all her conservative beliefs as it relates to sex education and the practice of abstinence, I do not believe her daughter's pregnancy should into question Palin's ability to serve in public office.

Nor do I think it should be a road that Obama/Biden should venture down that road during the campaign. Leave that up to the liberal blogs and talk show hosts because we all know, if the situation was reversed, the likes of Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity would be all over it. But just because conservatives seem to always use such mudslinging practices, it doesn't mean everyone or anyone else should.

I think a much bigger issue is the investigation underway in Alaska as to whether she tried to force the firing of a state trooper involved in a custody battle with Palin's sister. And after the state commissioner would not fire the trooper, the governor allegedly turned around and fired the commissioner. This would be a huge abuse of power and further call into question her judgment as a public official.

Barack Obama Delivers On The Biggest Stage

Coming from someone who minored in political science and once considered a career in public office, I think Barack Obama hit a home run with his acceptance speech.

He hit the game-winning jumper at the buzzer.

He scored the game-winning touchdown with no time on the clock.

He sank the birdie put on the 72nd hole of a major.

He was Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, John Elway and Tiger Woods all rolled into one.

He was simply brilliant, or better put, he was presidential!

As I assume with so many of you, I am so moved by what I saw tonight. I am extremely proud to be an American, and more specifically, just like Barack Obama, a bi-racial American.

So I guess now the question is: What are we, as a people and individually, prepared to do to put this man in the White House?

http://my.barackobama.com/page/m/692b67550d64b5b6/nLv4QJ/VEsH/

McCain Congratulates Obama In TV Ad

I just witnessed something so rare in modern American politics that I could barely believe my eyes.

A new John McCain television ad features the Arizona Senator actually congratulating Barack Obama on his historical nomination. McCain even referred to the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech, which took place on this day 45 years ago without actually mentioning it by name. As I said, he "referred" to it.

But nonetheless, I thought the ad was actually heartfelt and sincere. McCain actually seemed genuine in his congratulations, and for the first time since his campaign started, I felt as if he was speaking from his own heart, instead of the notepad from one of his advisors.

But don't expect this type of civility to continue. As McCain, himself, said in the ad, "Tomorrow, we will be back at it."

It's Official: Democrats Nominate Barack Obama

It's not often one is able to witness such an historical moment as just what happened at the Democratic National Convention. I am so proud of my people and, especially, my country right now. I just wish my father was still alive.

DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- Democrats Wednesday officially nominated Barack Obama to be their candidate for president, making him the first African-American to lead a major party ticket.

Sen. Hillary Clinton asked to cut the roll call short saying, "With eyes firmly fixed on the future, and in the spirit of unity with the goal of victory, with faith in our party and our country, let's declare together with one voice right here, right now that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president," she said.

"Is there a second?" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California asked the crowd of more than 4,400 delegates, prompting a roar of approval.

"The motion is adopted," Pelosi said with a broad smile, officially capping a long and hard-fought battle between Obama and Clinton.

Delegates then affirmed Obama as their choice with cheers.

There were hugs and handshakes as "Love Train" blasted from the arena speakers.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/27/dnc.main/index.html

US Deficit Zooming To Half-trillion As Bush Leaves

What if you gave me $236 only to find out later that I now owed several people in excess of $482? So, not only did I blow through the money you gave me, but then I turned around and spent another $482 that I didn't have.

Well, that's exactly what the George W. Bush administration has done since taking office, except we aren't talking dollars, but rather BILLIONS of them.

That's right, President Bush will leave office with the United States facing a record deficit of nearly $500 billion. How's that for a welcome gift for Barack Obama or John McCain?

As bad as that number is, I fear it will only get worse if the Republicans run the White House for the next four years. Senator McCain has publicly admitted several times that the economy is not his strong suit, thus one could conclude that he will be more likely to be swayed by Republican economic strategists, and that would mean more of the same from the White House.

What? You're saying just because President Bush subscribed to a certain economic plan that it doesn't mean Senator McCain would do the same thing if he became president? Really?

Well, I've always believed the reason we study history is to prevent us from repeating mistakes from the past, but evidently the Republicans do not believe in such a philosophy.

Check out this excerpt from an article written by Robert Freeman on CommonDreams.org in October of 2004:

When Reagan took office in 1981, the national debt stood at $995 billion. Twelve years later, by the end of George H.W. Bush’s presidency, it had exploded to $4 trillion. Reagan was a “B” grade movie actor and a doddering, probably clinically senile president, but he was a sheer genius at rewarding his friends by saddling other people with debts.

Bill Clinton reversed Reagan’s course, raising taxes on the wealthy, and lowering them for the working and middle classes. This produced the longest sustained economic expansion in American history. Importantly, it also produced budgetary surpluses allowing the government to begin paying down the crippling debt begun under Reagan. In 2000, Clinton’s last year, the surplus amounted to $236 billion. The forecast ten year surplus stood at $5.6 trillion. It was the last black ink America would see for decades, perhaps forever.

George W. Bush immediately reversed Clinton’s policy in order to revive Reagan’s, once again showering an embarrassment of riches on the already most embarrassingly rich, his “base” as he calls them. He ladled out some $630 billion in tax cuts to the top 1% of income earners. In true Republican fashion, they returned the favor by investing over $200 million to ensure Bush’s re-election. Do the math. A $630 billion return on a $200 million investment: $3,160 for $1. I’ll give you $3,160. All I ask is that you give me $1 back so I can keep the goodness flowing. Do we have a deal? Republicans know return on investment.

But the cost to the public has been a return to the exploding deficits of the Reagan years. Bush blew through Clinton’s surplus in his first year. The 2004 deficit reached $415 billion, a record.

And it's only gotten worse sense.

Look, I am not saying I am some sort of economic genius. Heck, I didn't even take one money-related class in college. However, I do have sense enough to know when something isn't working that I should try something else. And the republican economic strategies simply do not work for the entire population.

Giving the wealthiest people tax breaks with hopes of them investing that money on Wall Street is not a proven means of boosting the economy. It never has been. What really moves the stock market is when companies show positive gains in their annual projections, and that money does not come from investments, but rather people and companies actually buying their goods and services. And we all know that goods and services are mostly purchased by working and middle-class families.

If Ronald Reagan taught us anything, it was that the economy does not trickle down, but rather up!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/29/AR2008072900539.html

Obama Tells NAACP Blacks Must Take Responsibility

Amen!

CINCINNATI (AP)- Democrat Barack Obama insisted Monday that blacks must show greater responsibility for their actions.

In remarks prepared for delivery at the annual NAACP convention, the man who could become the first black president, said Washington must provide greater education and economic assistance, but that blacks must demand more of themselves.

"If we're serious about reclaiming that dream, we have to do more in our own lives, our own families and our own communities," the Democratic presidential candidate said. "That starts with providing the guidance our children need, turning off the TV and putting away the video games; attending those parent-teacher conferences, helping our children with their homework and setting a good example."

He added: "I know some say I've been too tough on folks about this responsibility stuff. But I'm not going to stop talking about it. Because I believe that in the end, it doesn't matter how much money we invest in our communities, or how many 10-point plans we propose, or how many government programs we launch — none of it will make any difference if we don't seize more responsibility in our own lives."

Obama speaks often on this issue.

A similar speech on Father's Day prompted an awkward rebuke from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a Democratic presidential contender in 1984 and 1988, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a fellow Chicago political activist.

Jackson apologized last week after being caught saying on an open microphone that he wanted to castrate Obama for speaking down to blacks.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain is scheduled to address the convention on Wednesday.