Ohio Democratic Debate Notes

Yes, I tuned into the Tuesday night debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and here are a few of my observations:

First, I honestly have not made up my mind on which candidate would make a better general election nominee; or, more importantly, a better president. Clinton and Obama both share common goals: universal health care; non-imperial foreign policy; and, a domestic platform that addresses the country's environment, infrastructure and common citizen's concerns. I would embrace either candidate that wins ... so let us not demonize either one in this competitive yet spirited race.

Hillary was energized and in attack mode. She continued to harp on the theme that her experience trumps Obama's message of hope. The debating edge goes to Hillary; however, Obama has significantly improved since the early debates. He seems much more relaxed, confident and even presidential.

The Farrakhan question: I thought this relic litmus test was buried in the past. Once again this golden oldie reappeared. A prominent black leader is asked does he renounce Farrakhan. In the past when Farrakhan was at his zenith, the question's intent was to confound black leaders. On one hand, renounce Farrakhan and lose black grassroot support; or, on the other hand, fail to adequately renounce Farrakhan and be tagged anti-Semitic.

Without hesitation, Obama stated that he has a track record of repudiating perceived (my word) anti-Semitic statements Farrakhan has made. At this point, I thought Hillary, eager to interject, was going to magnanimously take the high road by stating this election is about serious issues and the Farrakhan question was a mere superficial distraction. She didn't take this road. Instead she responded that renouncing Farrakhan was not enough, he (Obama) had to flat out reject Farrakhan.

Obama retorted by stating: "There's no formal offer of help from Minister Farrakhan that would involve me rejecting it."

"But if the word 'reject' Senator Clinton feels is stronger than the word 'denounce,' then I'm happy to concede the point, and I would reject and denounce," he added.

The irony of this exchange, initiated by commentator Tim Russert, is that he (Russert) is a defender, enabler and supporter of Don Imus. Russert, of Meet The Press, was and is a regular guest on the Imus show. Russert has playfully tolerated the crude, sexist and racist comments frequently uttered by Imus and his cohorts over the years.

Economic Empowerment

I recently read a compilation list of the top 10 things African Americans should do, and I couldn't agree more with the following recommendation:

Start a business. In the bestseller "The Covenant", author Tavis Smiley urges blacks to start their own businesses. Why? A business is the one thing that can boost the economic wealth of a group or community. We've seen it done by our Asian brothers and sisters. So, it's our time now. Go to www.businesslicenses.com to obtain a license to sell and then get down to work. Even if it doesn't directly impact your own wealth, it will improve the well-being of your legacy.

Amen, I concur 1000%. We, as a community, have fought on the battlefield to end slavery; we have created organizations to fight for our judicial rights; we have boycotted to achieve equal social status; and, we have marched on congress to demand political rights - yet too many of our communities in city after city, rural area after rural area still suffer from poverty, crime, ignorance and high unemployment.

However, I am encouraged by the growing entrepreneurial spirit among African Americans. A recent report issued by the Census Bureau suggests:

The report, "Survey of Business Owners: Black-Owned Firms: 2002," says that between 1997 and 2002, the number of black-owned businesses in the United States rose 45 percent to 1.2 million, while the combined revenue increased 25 percent to $88.8 billion.

Each ethnic group that has voluntarily immigrated to America quickly learns the correlation of economic growth to improved status in this country. These immigrates understood that language, racial, religious and cultural differences could be overcome by creating a strong economic base. The wealth accrued by economic development allowed them to send their children to the nation's top prep schools and universities. At these institutions their children learn to become the power brokers of our society and the world beyond.

Do your homework, develop a plan and start a business - let's build a strong legacy for our future generations!

Dedicated to Family

Healing remains the focus of my blog. Healing is the restoration of health – and from a metaphysical and holistic perspective – I am speaking about spiritual, political, social, physical and economical health.

I believe the healing process begins when one better knows and understands self. Who am I? Where am I going? What is my mission or purpose in life? Our journey to answer these existential questions helps us form our personal theology or relationship with god.

In my continual quest for my purpose or mission in life, I have been greatly assisted by the two most endearing people of my life – my mother and father. Next, my three siblings or sisters have provided me with the stamina, motivation and vision to continue on. First, I would not be writing if my oldest sister, a brilliant writer, did not set an example of achievement from grade school to adulthood. Second, my two youngest sisters have, by their success, continued to set the bar high for achievement.

But back to my parents; the example and commitment of my parents to excellence demonstrated that anything is possible through hard work and dedication. Their philosophy remains: All it takes to succeed is persistence and integrity. Yes, integrity, because to my parents you could be a millionaire and still be an unsuccessful bum or you could be a dedicated street cleaner and be the model of success.

Additionally, they instilled in my sisters and me a profound sense of family. I can not tell you how much this alleviates stress and anxiety in life – the knowledge that you have unconditional support and love from family.

In our household, we suffered the normal trials and tribulations that most families face. We were not spared hardships. However, we always had a resilience to not only bounce back but to even climb to higher heights after a set back.

What am I saying: In your quest for healing, cherish and do not take for granted your biggest support system – family.

Obama sweeps DC.VA and MD

The Obama express continues to roll on in overwhelming victories in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland. The results were: VA – Obama 64%; Clinton 34% DC - Obama 75%; Clinton 24% MD – Obama 60%; Clinton 37%.

The total delegates needed to win the democratic nomination are 2025. The current delegate scorecard reads: Obama 1253 and Hillary 1211; this number could change when the remaining superdelegates decide which candidate they support.

Furthermore, Clinton has suffered critical and high level shake-ups in her campaign team and was forced to lend $5,000,000 of her own money to her campaign. These recent events has increased the pressure for her to do exceedingly well on the March 4th primaries in Ohio and Texas.

The question now becomes: Can Obama withstand the glare of being a frontrunner? We understand how this youthful and charismatic man has charmed voters and the press. His message of unity and hope resonates well. Yet, we understand, the far-right (or should we say the far-wrong) propaganda machine is awaiting the opening of Obama hunting season. They, unlike Hillary Clinton, do not lose points from their base if they play cheap and dirty. These scurrilous people will try to either Willie Horton or Swift Boat Obama.

The march continues…

Oh, one other thing, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, please stay off the stage. You two have got to know how the opposition will use you (baggage and all) to marginize Obama (that was code for: scare white folks). You two had more than your share of the center stage; hence, please do not become a campaign issue.

My Readers Talk

Greg Allen writes:

The big question that most people are asking of both Obama and Clinton is "Whether there is the possibility of seeing both names on the ballot in November as President and Vice President"?

Some say this won't be possible because of their stark contrasts. They say that there is no way Obama, if selected as the Presidential candidate would select Clinton because she is too polarizing and would outshine him as a Vice President. Others say that Clinton, if selected as the Presidential candidate, would most likely make an offer to Obama to be Vice President, event if it's just for GP, but they say that Obama would not accept second in command to Clinton.

One thing I am certain of and that is that we cannot go wrong with either Obama or Clinton or vice versa. But can you imagine how things would be if these two phenomonal energies teamed up. It most certainly would be a winning ticket for America.

Keep up the good work. Greg Allen, Atlanta, GAFebruary 9, 2008 12:14 PM


Greg, thank you for your well thought out comments. I agree a presidential ticket with Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton would be great. Whatever transpires, history is unfolding right before our eyes. Please continue to read and send this blog to your friends and associates. Ben

Rod writes:


Hey, I am glad this is an issue you are pressing. I am excited about this election and I hope as this process proceeds our next (President) democratic candidate can surface. This election for me is having a candidate that can unite all Americans and restore the greatness of America internationally. Together we can change this nation.February 6, 2008 9:25 AM

Rod, I couldn't agree with you more. I hope our next president puts an end to the Karl Rove strategy: politics of division. Ben


Russell Roberts writes:

I greatly admire Senator Clinton for all she has done on behalf of the American public and the Democratic Party. And I definitely believe she’s more than qualified for the job of President. However, I think that Senator Obama’s message resonates so deeply because folk the world over are simply tired of what, I think, appears as our American political dynasties (Bush and Clinton eras) that entrench themselves in the Presidency and the White House...

I, like many Americans, am frustrated and sick of the politics of this current president. They simply don’t work for me. I’m tired of the division among our elected leaders and the situation this country is in. I’m appalled at the senseless loss of lives endured through the war in Iraq and I honestly can’t see how we’re to realistically get our troops out of harm’s way without the additional loss of our soldiers. I remain hopeful, however. That's all I can do. I won't even start with healthcare and education. Whew! I’d actually like to see our political process really and truly affect the much needed change we need the world over. Then again, who wouldn’t?February 6, 2008 1:06 PM

Wow, you cover a lot of ground. Thank you for your comments. Please continue reading and sharing with others. Ben

Obama's Appeal - Newt Gingrich Fox News

GINGRICH: I don't know that I'm surprised because I went into it curious about what would happen. The only really big surprise to me was that in California you saw the impact of early voting, because my sense is that people who voted on election day were much more for Romney and for Obama, but that the number of votes that McCain and Clinton got before election day in absentee ballots, which are very big in California, really made a huge difference in the final outcome.

I guess the other surprise to me in California was that Obama actually carried both the white vote and the African-American vote. Senator Clinton survived by the Asian-American vote and the Latino vote, but lost both white and black voters to Senator Obama. That surprised me a little bit.

The other thing I'd say that I thought was a real surprise, I'm talking to you from Idaho, which is one of the states that Senator Obama carried. He did an amazing job of focusing on Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, a number of states, Alaska, where he was picking up, I thought, very impressively, caucus after caucus, in states that don't have a very large African-American population, but clearly liberal activist whites had decided that Obama was their future

Don't Mistake Complaining For Action

As many already know, I relish a good debate or substantive political discussion. As a child, I enjoyed listening to my very informed parents and their friends discuss political, social and economic issues of the day. Our family's Sunday breakfast was spent with mom and dad poring over the New York Times and discussing their personal opinions on the important news topics.

In high school, college dorms and various jobs, friends and associates know I like discussing political and social issues. In saying all that, I must add, I never confused political debate as action. Nor do I confuse complaining as action. I fervently believe if one is greatly upset with status quo in society, one has the responsibility to organize and bring about change. Failure to do so renders all of your arguments and observations as moot bellyaching.

Life has taught me that anything worth having is worth the fight. Let us stop the defeatist mentality that introduces failure before we even start fighting. Jump into the fray and help bring about justice. There no guarantee we will win, but there is a guarantee that complaining from the sidelines will just give you more of the same.

The Only Thing To Fear Is Fear Itself. FDR

CALL TO ACTION

We should say never again to George Bush and the fanatical right wing of the Republican Party. We should pledge never again will we allow, without an all out battle, the ilk of Dick Cheney to highjack our country's government.

These crooked politicians have raided the country's budget surplus in order to reward their friends. They have ignored the issues that impact the average American. They have lied to start a war in Iraq. Meanwhile, thousands of young soldiers have been killed, maimed and seriously injured because of faulty equipment and incompetent war management. During this immoral war, Cheney's Halliburton Company has garnered no bid contracts while overcharging and failing to render adequate services. To add insult to injury; after Halliburton looted our tax dollars they have moved their corporate headquarters to Dubai - thus avoided American taxes (read Sen. Pat Leahy's comments):


Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., called the decision to move as "an example of corporate greed at its worst."

"This is an insult to the U.S. soldiers and taxpayers who paid the tab for their no-bid contracts and endured their overcharges for all these years," Leahy said in a statement.

Yes, our mantra should be never again!

Over these past 7-8 years, Bush, who pre-Sept 11th failed to respond to terrorist threats, has used the 911 attack to push his warped agenda down the throats of shelled-shocked America. This upcoming election we all must send a resounding rejection message to the right wing Bushees.

My friends, its not enough to complain - we have to become engaged and fight like hell. I advise all my readers to go to www.barackobama.com or www.hillaryclinton.com and join and participate. Let's take back our country!

SUPER TUESDAY - SUPER CHOICES

Ahh, primary season, for a self-acknowledged political junkie, this is truly my holiday. I have been mesmerized by the electricity in the air. The electricity from anticipation of history unfolding. For the first time in USA history, a woman or African American will be nominated as a major party's presidential candidate - Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

I find the energy, sincerity and commitment by both candidates as refreshing. I believe both Obama and Clinton would bring passion, clarity and voice to issues the GOP routinely ignore or evade such as universal health care, education, environment, our country's eroding infrastructure and poor/working class/middle-class people. I believe Obama and Clinton would usher in a more progressive foreign policy that represents the best of America rather than this pseudo John Wayne cowboy approach by Bush.

I am especially proud that these two fine candidates have decided, after the contentious and divisive antics of South Carolina (where some believe race and gender were infused in the campaign via surrogates), to behave like adults and seize the high ground.

They both are accentuating their positive attributes. Hillary is a determined, methodical fighter for her party's platform. She is very studied and has learned to be more practical in her approach. Obama is a transcendent and inspirational figure that creatively thinks outside the box without alienating those that do. With his youthful vigor and politics of hope message, he reaches beyond conventional categories.

My only endorsement is to become involved and learn the candidates' positions on issues important to you and your local community. Send e-mails to friends reminding them to participate and vote. Join a campaign, just be active. Remember my friends: People get the leaders they deserve.

Personal Spirtuality

I am not a church going person. I do understand how regular church attendance is critical to spiritual growth for the vast majority of the faith based population. I appreciate the fulfilling spiritual nourishment of a timely message and the warmth of a heartfelt gospel song.

As an African-American, I am humbled by the role of the black church in providing hope during the dark days of slavery. The church was a place of inspiration and refuge for the civil rights movement. The black church gave meaning and purpose to a downtrodden people. The church was our beacon that guided our ships through the perilous seas that begged to steal our hope and dignity. The church was there.

In my own life, I remember, as an 8 year boy, my grandmother, an AME pastor, charismatically delivering the word to a congregation partnering with her in a call and response emotional exchange. I vividly recall her excitement and passion as she rejoiced in exclaiming "hallelujah". I remember rediscovering my spiritual quest at 15 years old by joining a Baptist church in Camden, New Jersey. Oh yes, I have fond memories of listening to the inspirational and practical sermons of Rev. Mills.

I do fervently believe in the power of prayer. In fact, my days are spent in perpetual conversation with my god. My mission in life, albeit my personal flaws and shortcomings, is based on thy will be done and not for the sake of pursuing material reward as an end to itself.

Yet, I am not a church going person. Is it because I blame organized religion for the terror, violence, wars, poverty, hatred, racism and ignorance in the world today? Is it because I loathe the self-righteous and smug demeanor of the religious ilk? Is it because I see people with cold hearts pretend that one Sabbath/service a week of worship transforms them into a holy person?

While the above rings true to a certain extend (present company not excluded) the plain simple truth is I have not found a spiritual home.