Read this, voice your concern, and be aware; very aware of your actions

I was over at Oh Hell Nawl and came across a sad, but ABSOLUTE MUST READ post.

Please make time to check it out and please share your concerns/opinions on the story either on here or on the OHN site.
Real Talk

it's a fantastical (my special word) day in the neighbourhood

This is a day like no other. It's the day when the 44th President is elected into office. Not just any 44th President, but the first black/bi-racial one and one who the United States of America elected into office proudly. While I wish I could be in D.C to be in the midst of this historical moment, I'm still happy that I'm alive and well to live this day in history and with God's blessing the entire term of Barak Obama's presidency.

I'm proud that this nation and the world has come out to rally their support for Barak Obama, Joe Biden, and their respective wive and families. I truly hope and pray that change will come and that nationally and globally we will all be effective in making this world a better place.

I love that Barak Obama truly is African-American. I love that Barak is proud of his bi-racial/bi-cultural background. I love that he has a black wife and is a great father. I'm honored to have a First Lady that looks like me; that shares the same values as me, and who'll be a fantastic role model for the young ladies out there. The Obama's are The Black Family that we should want to be and be a part of; however, this is not solely about blacks or people of color to aspire to, but for ALL people.

This country needs guidance, a good moral foundation, and the ability to believe that whatever you put your mind to is achieveable and I think we've got someone who's going to provide that which we need, but we have to play our part too. We elected Barak Obama & Joe Biden into office so we have to step up; step up; step up! Now is not the time to become complacent because we've finally gotten something we feel we deserve or were owed. We as a people; as a nation; and as a collective need to pray for our leaders, lend our support where necessary/applicable, and do something that exceeds what we've grown accustomed to. Stand for something, be a part of something good, lead, feed, and if you seed; take care of your children. We've shown we can come together as a people; hence, our current President-elect, so let's stop the fighting, killing, and negativity and walk tall and proud.

Swaggarlicious is how I recently described Barak Obama as I watched the Innaugaral Concert while talking to my cousin on the phone. He's got what it takes; do you?

Love to live; live to love!

Awed, humbled, and thankful

Words are something I'm usually not at odds with, but I truly am on the verge of being speechless in regard to our President-elect Barack Obama. Not only am I happy to have been a part of this electoral process, but having lil lady txt me her vote because she couldn't do it herself, showed me that she's actively participating in what will be her future.

I think about my Godchildren and how their future has more promise than ever before and when they're told that they can be anything they put their hearts and minds to, I know it's not said with a bitter pill on my tongue.

I'm not simply awed and humbled by Barack Obama, but by his wife, Michelle. Her unwavering poise, grace, support, and love for her husband eminated each and every time she was interviewed or gave speech. She truly is That Woman! Their children are beautiful and I'm sure grounded and focused on being more than historical pawns; though they're still a bit young to fully understand and appreciate what's happening. I feel confident saying that their parents will continue to center themselves on them and provide the foundation of family for them; one in which I pray we will strive to aspire to.

I received this picture and tears came to my eyes as I saw the warmth and love radiate amongst them.

God bless this family, their future, and all the lives they've touched and will touch.

Love!

Stop calling me!!!

I realize it's that time of year; the political race is one and every candidate wants my vote, but damn!

I have an unlisted number, yet I'm getting calls from the local democratic offices representing Hilary and Barack respectively. They all read from pretty much the same script and can't seem to take I'm not interested for answer. Now, it's not that I'm not interested in the political race; I am. What I'm not interested in is sharing my views with them or answering any of their questions. STOP CALLING ME!!

I've been going through this spiel for about two weeks now and I've had enough. I've asked that my name be taken off their lists, but I guess they figure they'll have Michael call instead of Lisa thinking I might be more receptive to a male's voice than a females...NOT!

The New Jersey primary is forthcoming and we're expected to cast our votes next Tuesday, which I will do. What I won't do is give anyone any information prior then; they can sit with ants in their pants and wait for Tuesday night's count.

Caller ID is a wonderful and I don't answer if/when they go through their calling cycle again, but it sure as hell is annoying!

Is anyone else going through this?

Run; Barack Run!

A couple days ago, I read an editorial in a local newspaper about the pasts of those who run for president. Bill Clinton's acknowledgement of smoking weed, but not inhaling. I've always thought that funny because you have to inhale in order to say you've smoked; but whatever; it's his story and he's sticking to it. Gee-Dubya likened his alcohol and cocaine use to his being young and reckless. Barack Obama admitted he used drugs when he was younger in a book. The author blabbed on and on about the acts of what these man did in their younger years and asked whether we'd want a man or a mouse in office (loosely translated). Personally, I don't give a flying fig if any of these men smoked weed, sniffed coke, or had homosexual sex in their younger years. What I care about is if they can do the job they've been sworn to (well, a certain someone named has proven himself ineffective). Everyone has done something in their past that they'd rather not discuss, but since they know that everything they've once done will be thrown in their face; I guess it's best to put it out there before hand.

The past lives of people should not dictate what they can do now. As previously stated, we've all done something shady, illegal, or inappropriate at some point. For some, we've not gotten caught or felt the need for disclosure. In addition, we're less likely to be raked over the coals for it either. I say again, I really don't care (unless it's something of major detriment) what they did in the past as they're all human and entitled to make mistakes. I want the person running for a position who might get my vote to be honorable in his character, live by his word, effect positive change, and strive to be the best of what his position requires.

From everything I've read and heard about Barack Obama, he's someone worthy of runinng for the presidency. I believe he'd be good for a country that is currently under seige, suffering from low morale, and in dire need of an effective and positive change. Lord knows he'd have his work cut out for him considering the muck he'd have to clean up, but given the chance and with a supportive cabinet, I believe he could do it. This isn't about his race; it's about being what the country needs. His former drug use means nothing and if that's the best they can dig up about him to sway a person's opinion of him, then they're proving nothing; especially when he's already declared it.

I'll continue to do my research, listen to his proposals, and not settle for the lesser of two evils. I want to cast my vote knowing it will actually mean something to the person on the ballot; though he won't know me personally. I want to support a man of prinicples, strong beliefs, with a love for his constituents, and overall; someone who says what he means and means what he says. I want societal restitution for the chaos currently in effect and I hope that he's the man that can make one hell of an improvement. I know it shouldn't fall solely on his head, but his influence could sway the change and foster favorable results. Maybe the United of the currently Untied States will once again mean something and morale will reign again.

I understand that running for the presidency is no easy chore, but I wish him well and hope that he has his Nike's on cause the race to the White House isn't going to be easy.

Is he serious?

Okay, so I know you all read a newspaper or listen to the news, so what I'm about to say shouldn't come of any surprise to you. Bush wants to send another 20 thousand troops to Iraq! In his state of the union assdress (intentionally spelled) tonight, he'll speak on this subject. I'm sure it's not just me who has a problem with this. Although I'm not one for political debates, I couldn't help but speak my mind on this matter. As a soon to be retired service woman, I still do not in any way support this so-called war. I do; however, support my brothers/sisters in uniform. I pray for them daily and I pray for their friends and families in their respective home states. I've sent money, products, lent my services to help affected families because I know their loss is great.

I known men/women sent overseas to fight; fight; and keep fighting with no end in sight. One or two of them have done more than one tour and have come home to find their lives in complete disarray. From the PST (post traumatic stress), to the adjustments to civilian life, to disconnection from their family members, just to name a few. Some of the people I know overseas were National Guard and Reservists who were quickly and in some ways inadequately trained (physically. mentally, or emotionally) and prepared for such a major transition. Hell, I'm sure the active duty components weren't all jumping for joy either.

Back to my original thought. The president wants to spend more and more billions of dollars in a war that has no end in sight and risk more than the already 3000 thousand dead, and the countless injured because he's a bitch ass limp dick (all my opinion only so don't get your knickers in a twist if you've got love for the moron...I mean; man) who's making money and getting his jollies off with this so-called war. With his proposal to send more troops to Iraq, who the hell is gonna be left here to take care of things should there be a need? National Guard and Reservists who are already overseas or in the stages of being sent aren't going to be here as needed. A highly valued and highly needed comodity is going to be across the world doing who knows what leaving the country in a precarious position. Can you say bent over ready to be fuck with no KY jelly? I can.

I'm sorry people, I'm looking forward to my retirement; I've earned it. The many that have done multiple tours need their time at home. Another sad reality is that those returning to Iraq aren't in the 20-25 year old range. They are in the 35-45 range whom are also looking to retire or at least spend their remaining time not being shot at for reasons unbeknownst to them. Again, I recognize and realize that they signed up for whichever branch of service, but hell, when is enough; enough?

Every time I read the paper, I hear of another life lost; another life injured; another life impeded because of this shit. Young men and women are coming back to the U.S to nothing. Their lives and time vested isn't compensated by their so-called Uncle Sam. He basically sends them home with the bare minimums and they're on their own. I heard of a woman who had to give her son up for adoption because she suffered so much trauma that she couldn't raise him. When asked what services are being provided for her to help her mentally, socially, and financially, and she said, she was receiving little or no care. WTF? This young woman has risked her life for her country and gets pissed on upon return. Ugh!

As you can see, this is a very sensitive topic for me and one that I can go on and on about, but I'll end here. I have one last point I need to make before I end though. So, how come the pres can spend billions of dollars on a war, but can't send or allocate funds to rebuild from the damage of hurricane Katrina? People are still displaced; lives are still in turmoil; losses have been substantial and yet, still nothing is being done. FEMA and their bed fellows have royally fucked millions and no one is fighting for them. Again WTF??? I'd much rather see the National Guard and Reservists doing things in Louisianna and the other adversely affected states than seeing them sent overseas.

I'm done...