Real Talk

Quick Hit - Detroit is Now Republican

by JuJuan Buford

 

Detroit is now Republican. Don’t believe me? Well, let’s start with three words.

Mayor Dave Bing.

And if you still need convincing, consider the following. Ask yourself, if Republicans were sitting on the Detroit City Council how would they vote? Seriously! Let, me preface this statement by stating that I’m not arguing that the interests of citizens and business owners are necessarily antithetical. Nevertheless, how many times have members of the Detroit City Council (a majority of them) voted against the interest of the common everyday Detroiter, and in favor of corporate or business interests? I’m just saying.

And for those that would argue different. This is a Quick Hit, but I’ll be sure to innumerate the instances in a future blog.

And the coup de grace.

Let’s face it; a lot of Detroiters literally hang off the lips of their pastors’ and or ministers’ lips, regardless of whether they’re right or wrong (scary). Am I the only one who found it strange that the voice of the Black Church was chillingly silent during the gubernatorial race? How about the fact that more than a few prominent (power to the people) folk of the religious cloth have been sharply critical of President Barack Obama?

It’s not that our POTUS doesn’t deserve criticism. It’s just interesting, eh? Remember when “Proposal E was EEEVIILLLLLL”?

I mean, I heard through the grapevine there were some that actually caught the fever and danced after the election results. I’m just saying.

Republican. Yep. Republican indeed.

_____________________________________________________________

As an aside, you can’t help but feel good about being a Detroiter when the President of the Detroit Public School Board, Mr. Anthony Adams, and Vice President, Mr. Tyrone Winfrey, speak to the progress and future of public education in Detroit. They are shining lights.

And probably the last two Democrats left in Detroit. Ha!

Quick Hit

by J.S. Buford

Just for the sake of full disclosure. I'm not a Democrat or Republican. Both parties have done a tremendous disservice to the community that raised me, and when it's all said and done neither party is truly committed to accomplishing much more than the status quo. This is a Quick Hit, so I'll elaborate later. Just take a moment to reference Brother Malcolm X's The Ballot or the Bullet before you summarily dismiss the aforementioned statement.

All that being said, I'm leaning towards Mr. Rick Snyder for Governor of Michigan. Yep, I said it. Why? Whenever I've heard the man speak, he simply hits the nail right on the head. Snyder has repeatedly spoke to the need to develop and support Michigan (and Detroit) based entrepreneurship, as opposed to begging corporations to relocate here; corporations that will not (I repeat, will not) hire enough natives to make a difference. Detroit we need jobs. Small business owners create jobs. Well over 70% of this nations jobs. It's commonsense.

Entrepreneurship creates wealth and financial independence. Snyder repeatedly beating this drum is music to my ears.

Snyder appears to be far more pragmatic in his responses regarding issues regarding the Detroit Public Schools and the possibility of receivership concerning Detroit. He has not promised anything one way or the other.... I like politicians that don't make promises they know they may not be able to keep. Unlike Granholm for instance who seems to do an about face every week nowadays.

As an aside, I recently heard Snyder state quite clearly that he believes the citizens of Detroit should control their own schools, and expressed a decided distaste for being directly responsible for the school system or the management of Detroit. Like a true business person, Snyder would rather delegate.

Lastly. When was the last time a Republican running for anything made multiple forays into the city of Detroit, and actually fielded questions from the citizens? Whether you like his responses or not, Syder does not strike the type of disrespectful tone that his predecessors have. Matter fact, he seems more engaged and concerned about Detroit than its own mayor at times.

So where is Bernero? I don't know. He is certainly not nearly as accessible as Snyder. Yep, I said it. I haven't heard a particularly potent agenda regarding urban development from neither candidate. For Bernero, that is totally unacceptable.

Where are you Bernero? By now, I should be hearing about your agenda on every radio station; there should be broadcasts of your intentions on YouTube, late night television spots... Where's your ground game? Why I don't have much affinity for either party, historically I have voted Democrat. I've chosen the python as opposed to the rattlesnake. I'm searching for a reason to vote for you, but all I'm hearing is why I shouldn't vote for Synder.

Yes, I do fear a state government dominated by Republicans. However, I'm done voting out of fear. I want to be inspired to vote for something for once. Snyder is presenting alot of that something.

Where ya at Bernero? Where ya at? Do you hear my frustration? Know that I'm not an anomaly. So much for a Quick Hit.

Quick Hit

 

It is so incredibly easy to be critical of our POTUS. Obama's forays into the African American community, throwing black men under the bus. Where's the urban agenda Obama? Where it at? Why does he refuse to exercise some tenacity and unleash his uncommon intellect upon the imbeciles: the super-majority of tea party activists, Republicans rehashing ideas that led this country to the brink of a Depression, etc., etc.. Why did he not go harder for universal health care? And oh, when are we going to see some of that stimulus money stimulate small business development in our communities? 

No one with any sense should have expected President Obama to be any kind of revolutionary, nor remotely radical. So there is no need to go there.

 

 

On the other hand, if citizens actually vote their interests (a big if) much of the health care legislation will begin to make a demonstrable impact in the coming years. President Obama did save this country from a Depression. And that's a decent accomplishment, eh? The draw down in Iraq. It was gangsta how he pretty much put the smack down on GM to remain in Detroit. The list could go on and on.

Too bad the Democratic Party is being the Democratic Party, lacking the backbone to tout the many successes this administration has under its belt. It's obvious President Obama could really use some surrogates to go out and do some dirty work, but it appears as if he is simply unwilling to engage.

I can't help but to recall the dap, then candidate Barack Obama and Michelle Obama exchanged during the campaign trail. It was an authentic glimpse into the heart of candidate and wife that led many (including myself) to believe that President Obama might be more than simply an exceptionally gifted politician with a darker hue.

Time will tell. Thankfully, there is still alot of time left.   

 

 

 

 

Quick Hit

by J.S. Buford

The Obama administration is getting its derriere kicked as a result of its appalling lack of judgment and leadership regarding the firing of former director of the Agriculture Department's rural development in Georgia, Shirley Sherrod. If it is true that President Obama caved under the possibility of a Glenn Beck interview .... Well look, Obama threw black men under the bus with the gusto of a Alabama Christian conservative during his campaign. Should we be surprised?

The NAACP. You think they'll ever be relevant ever, ever again? Not! Here's some advice for the NAACP. How about you start with the issues that are the most pressing for Black America today: Education, Employment & Access to Capital, Incarceration, Incarceration, Incarceration. I understand that your leadership is comprised of bourgeoisie, black brass folks who are too removed from the supermajority of Black America to truly give a rat’s ass about the aforementioned issues. I get it.

However, maybe while you’re planning your next chicken and dumpling cabaret to celebrate yourselves, you can take a moment to reflect on the absurdity associated with the Sherrod firing, and the fact that if you approach most young men under the age of 30 and inquire whether they are even somewhat familiar with the NAACP (purpose, what the acronym stands for, what have you done lately), there will be nothing but silence.

You're quickly becoming more and more irrelevant every single day. Accept it. Deal with it. Then do something about it.

Quick Hit

Interesting.

The Detroit City Council is facing its first test of leadership, accountability, and integrity. Pastor Marvin Winans has committed to address the proliferation of strip clubs throughout the city of Detroit, and predictably...unfortunately the Council is proving to be woefully inadequate.

If only the Council defended the interests of small businesses that contribute to the posterity of Detroit - for example, Seldom Blues - as vigorously as they are defending (not all of the Council persons) strip clubs.

Absurd. Truly absurd. Once again we have a Council populated by individuals who are more beholding to interests who could care less about the welfare of Detroit's citizens. It's obvious that the supermajority of them are only interested in padding their wallets and purses, rather than serving the people.

CNN's Black in America 2

by J.S. Buford

While CNN's Black in America 2 is inarguably informative, where is the analysis? Indeed for those of us who actually read and make it a priority to be conscious of the ills that plague African American communities, CNN’s endeavor is nothing more than a broadcasting of these challenges.

Is it valuable? Of course it is. Anything that raises the nation’s consciousness regarding the challenges faced by African Americans – particularly given the relative silence nationally concerning the extent of the devastation resulting from the recent recession – can only help.

However, without delving into the root causes of the inequities that exist within this country, coupled with solutions very little progress will occur. Perhaps it is wishful thinking to believe there would have been more of an effort to do so.

Quick Hits

by J.S. Buford

It's the natural order of things.

You are either living or dying. We try to deny it, ignore it, bend the rules. After all, we are humans. But it's the simple law of the universe. Nothing in this world is static. If you be a farmer you are tilling the fields in anticipation of a harvest, or preparing for a famine. If you be a lion, you're either extending your bloodline or you're dying.

Trees have thick rings and thin rings depending on how plentiful the ground they're planted in. But the day the leaves drop never to return. The day the rings cease to multiply, it's done growing. It is the same of our enterprises, if you be a business owner. It is the same of your practice, be you a physician, realtor, financial professional, or lawyer.

Nothing in this world is static. And time waits for no one. It is the great equalizer. We all wake up with only 24 hours to get busy living, or get busy dying.

The natural order of things applies to our relationships as well. Either you are tilling the fields of love, respect, consideration, honesty, camaraderie, and empathy. Or you are just working it out, waiting it out, patiently, surely, dying.

It's the natural order of things.

Quick Hit

by J.S. Buford

Imagine waking up in the morning and hopping into some type of vehicle as you listen to your iPod, read the paper, sip on your coffee, listen in on a phone conference, or surf the Internet. Imagine hopping out of the unit without concern for where to park, how much cash you need to have on hand to refill a black hole of a gas tank, or paying an exorbitant amount for car insurance.

As the day proceeds along, you jump into the unit from time to time to fetch some coffee, meet a client for lunch, and return to your office without worry of parking tickets, congestion, and fender benders. Imagine returning home from a long day of work, jumping out of your unit without concern of theft, oil changes, or replacing your brakes.

How much time and money would it save? How many jobs would this vision create? How cool would it be? Imagine it.

Would it not be provocative, inspire enthusiasm, and imbue a desperately needed sense of hope if U.S. auto companies vested their future in becoming leaders of a new transportation industry?

Imagine that.

by J.S. Buford

So, can anyone answer this question for me? How is it that the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan are blessed with some of the most outstanding educational institutions in the world - Wayne State University, University of Michigan, Wayne County Community College, and I guess you can include Michigan State University among others and....

We cannot create and implement economic policies that reward employers that educate and employ Detroiters and Michiganders, and exercise benevolence toward those that don't. Reward entrepreneurs - the driving force of economic revitalization.Come up with something exciting that makes sense... like put a sweet a$$ mall in Renaissance Building downtown Detroit.

The United States is the Titanic

by J.S. Buford

I can hear the chorus of voices all set and ready to debunk the notion that the United States is in serious, serious trouble.

However, what happens to a nation that invests more in its prisons than the education of its people? The signs are there aren’t they. What happens when communities become more efficient at producing fodder for the prison industrial complex rather than Nobel Prize laureates? Too lofty…how about college graduates then.

What does it mean when a grossly undereducated population is faced with the reality that they are not prepared to take on the demand of a 21rst century market place?

What does it mean when a nation spends more than it saves? What happens when a household spends 120% of its income?

The massive stimulus package was proffered as a means to jump-start the U.S. economy. It is not the solution to our nation’s woes. Unless, you are one of a handful of corporate banking and finance institutions that gulped down billions of dollars, while refusing to quote unquote share the wealth with the thousands of small businesses that employ the supermajority of U.S. citizens.

Let’s revisit the production question though, and let’s assume that green technology will ultimately be one of the industries that will ultimately lead to wealth generation in the future. What does it mean when countries like China for instance are light years ahead of us in this respect?

Is it not frightening?

Indeed, while it may be entertaining to watch the circus transpiring on Capital Hill as politicians bicker and posture to win elections, where is the resolve and intellectual prowess required to steer this country in a direction that will spur the transformation of our economy?

Yes, we have the most impressive military on the face of the earth, but bombing people into oblivion does not put food on the table. After all, after awhile it becomes very difficult to stick out your chest and exert might on an empty stomach.

Here’s a thought? So, citizens are required to carry car insurance right? However, we all know a huge swath of the U.S. population can’t afford it, and consequently are criminalized because forced to choose between paying rent, making mortgages payments, and feeding their children, many simply forego acquiring insurance. So state governments are willing to force citizens to acquire coverage they can’t afford, yet do nothing to check absurd rates charged by insurance companies who could give a rat’s ass whether families are on their knuckles or not.

Now imagine a similar relationship between the health insurance industry and the government?

Does this not amount to government subsidizing of corporate greed? Aren’t our elected officials supposed to be working on behalf of U.S. citizens? Is it reasonable to believe that politicians are more vested in insuring the welfare of citizens, than the proclivities of corporations that contribute millions of dollars to their re-election campaigns?

All the government bureaucracy; government stagnation; all the corporate capital… is this the extent democracy can achieve? Is this democracy or plutocracy at work?

Are the aforementioned questions just cacophonies? Is everything ok, or are we basking in the inebriation of arrogance? Are we not in serious trouble?

Quick Hit - Overexposed & Underexposed

by J.S. Buford

Am I the only one that finds all the chatter regarding President Barack Obama’s albeit inordinate visibility at this point in his presidency curious?

Could it be that we, United States citizens, have grown so accustomed to elected officials' unwillingness to address the public with such candor, courage, and humility that we are failing to appreciate President Obama’s effort?

Let me preface what is to follow by stating, I’m not a quote unquote Obama fan. However, despite his missteps – attempting to build consensus with recalcitrant Republicans who are overtly rooting for his failure, allowing a dysfunctional Congress (Republicans and Democrats alike) to commandeer health care reform, and allowing opponents of reform to define the terms of discourse – you’ve got to admire him for putting it (possibly his presidency) on the line.

Let’s face it; it’s a wrap for the public option. And thusly, it’s a wrap for U.S. citizens who voted for change, but have been bamboozled by fear, misinformation, and some sprinklings of racial animus into opposing any real chance for the well to do and the disenfranchised alike to access affordable, effective healthcare. The reality of the matter is major medical carriers will continue to do what corporations do: find ways to profit as much as possible.

Hey, this is America. I’m not mad at them. I’m just flabbergasted to the extent that so many can be dissuaded from acting in their best interests. The circumstances require a full overview, but the bottom line is Obama doesn’t have many options left, and he is well aware that his administration is going to take a loss on this one.

Yet, President Obama continues on. Overexposed? How about adamant? I guess people who are unaccustomed to politicians actually being willing to take a public stand in the face of blistering opposition on both sides of the partisan isle can’t appreciate it.

On another note, the paucity of attention being paid to the race for the Detroit Charter Commission is absolutely preposterous. Inarguably, the revision of the city’s charter has the greatest potential to reshape the dynamics that have for far too long crippled the city. It represents a chance to elicit greater accountability from elected officials, and further democratize the election process allowing greater opportunities for the principled and gifted among us to make decisions for the betterment of the city.

The reality of the matter is if the status quo continues… I don’t even want to allow my to mind drift there. Know that things can and will get much, much worse.

Quick Hit - What Would Jesus Do?

by J.S. Buford

How much more ridiculous can the rancor regarding the overhauling of healthcare become?

Seriously.

There’s no need for extensive elaboration upon the dimwittery (yes dimwittery) exhibited by South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson during President Barack Obama’s speech last Wednesday. It just speaks to the extent that those of his ilk are willing to diminish the office of President; ignore millions of U.S. citizens who are woefully underinsured or without healthcare altogether; sabotage the efforts and quite frankly the dreams of the supermajority of citizens who desire a better government and more humane society.

We have observed throughout Obama’s presidency – specifically – the extent to which conservative radicals and Republicans in general have been willing to fan the flames of racism and xenophobia, gleefully proliferate lies just for the sport of it, and quite frankly appeal to the lowest common denominator in an effort to advance…what?

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) offers shortly after Obama’s speech that he was incredibly disappointed, thought Obama diminished the dignity of the office, and made it more difficult to find common ground with…what? Find common ground with what?

A Republican agenda that is constituted upon increasing the agency of corporate America over everyday citizens' lives, and sponsoring bills that will further erode the tax base, further exacerbating the national debt,…but hey as long as the rich keep getting way, way richer and the poor continues to suffer it’s all good.

It would be hilarious if the evidence of the futility of their agenda weren’t so alarming.

Was it not government sanctioned, unfettered corporate excess that precipitated this period of economic pain in the first place; felt most acutely by what’s left of the middle-class, and the less fortunate? And individuals like Graham would respond by unleashing another unrequited wave of disenfranchisement and corporate skullduggery. On top of that, despite all evidence to the contrary Republicans want to resale trickle down economics as the solution.

I have a question for you? Here’s a question? How many of the wealthy are willing to trickle down adequate funding for our deteriorating U.S. public school system (which happens to be responsible for the education of the supermajority of citizens); crumbling roads and bridges; wages citizens can actually maintain a roof over their heads with, and a plastic cup to drink out of and piss in; and healthcare options that allow people to live and die with dignity?

How many? Line them up?

It’s absurd. And for all these religious, Christian conservative hypocrites…. What would Jesus do?

Quick Hits

by J.S. Buford

DON’T SLEEP: THE UNITED STATES IS STILL THE TRUTH. When it comes to killing people.

Those who follow this blog will have to forgive me for this temporary suspension of my higher consciousness. You know what I really wanted to title this one, “Don’t sleep, the United States of America is still not to be (insert profane six letter word) with.” President Barack Obama finally had enough of Somali pirates boldly challenging the most effectively trained killing force on earth, and ordered the hit.

What I found particularly interesting about the standoff was that even Democrats and liberal media pundits were actually beginning to question President Obama’s stomach and the efficacy of U.S. armed forces as if they were suffering from some extreme form of extreme naiveté or ignorance. Let there be no mistake, this nation’s armed services is the most lethal force implemented by humans on the face of the earth.

I can imagine the stoic look on Obama’s face as these idiotic bobble head Republicans choke on their nonsense…. you know the look. What dumb %!$%?! What.

Let’s not get it twisted. I don’t agree with, nor support the murderous inclinations of this nation. However, give me a break. God would have had to descend from Heaven himself, and literally catch the synchronized metal aimed at those pirates with his teeth to save those poor foolish souls. Was there any real doubt as to whether Capt. Richard Phillips was going to be liberated from his captors expressed by anyone with any commonsense whatsoever?

Dag.

Quick Hits

By J.S. Buford

Can you hear the silence?

As I was surfing the web and cable networks for news that was worthy of my mirth or attention, I realized that there was less Republican cacophony to take note of then usual. Or perhaps I’m just too fatigued from the 24/7 cycle of political chatter, and concerned about how our society is going to deal with the reality that another 663,000 Americans lost their jobs in March to pay too much mind to Washington news. However, the growing numbers of the unemployed did catch my attention.

Hmmm. A proliferation of guns, coupled with people who are struggling to feed their children, a paucity of good news regarding the availability of employment opportunities in the near future, and repeated exposes of CEOs getting paid. To channel a little Michael Steele, that’s what I’m talking about baby!!! And you actually have knuckleheads making the argument that being concerned about gun control measures is un-American?

Ok, back to the original purpose of this Quick Hit. Can you imagine the grandiose proportions that Obamania could expand to if the economy recovers within the next two quarters? Conventional wisdom (I wouldn’t buy any of it for a dollar in this economy) says that the market is typically six to eight months ahead of the economy, and some are making pointed arguments that the market has in effect bottomed out.

So, if we follow this school of thought to its logical end, the economy would indeed recover within the next three to six months.

Can you imagine the explosions of depression, absolute disgust, and outright tomfoolery that might emerge from Republican quarters all over the United States if the economy was to rebound this year? It would be the perfect stimulus package for my back pockets I’ll tell you. The money I’d save from not having to commute to movie theatres, renting movies, or driving downtown to observe some random ignorance.

Priceless.

On a more serious note…the killings that have been occurring, as of late are a sign of something truly ominous within our society right now. Too often we quickly dismiss acts of violence that breach our scope of understanding as simply a matter of cowardice. We need such anti-intellectual nonsense like we need another eight years of former President George W. Bush's "authoritarian" stewardship.

REPUBLICAN CHITTLIN CIRCUIT

by J.S. Buford

It’s amazing, absurd, pathetic, sometimes abhorrent, disappointing, and as of late tragically hilarious. It’s the useless, but absolutely entertaining Republican jabberwocky broadcasted across a television screen near you!

Seriously though.

AMC and Star theaters must be aghast at the Republican Party for compounding their problems. You can just hear their theater executives yelling to the top of their lungs, stop it you incompetent bastards, it’s a recession, you fu%!ing buffoons!!! At least have the decency to take your chitterling circuit overseas, and stop depressing our ticket sales. Damn.

Ok seriously though.

So, three of the most entertaining nitwits – Rep. Eric Cantor, Rep. John Boehner, and Rep. Mike Pence – showed up front and center to posit an alternative budget to the one proposed by the Obama Administration. However, what they presented can best be characterized as a Scooby Doo coloring book without the fun illustrations. Admittedly, a glass of brandy was in order, as they showcased how fortunate the United States of America is for having rejected the Republican agenda over the past two years.

The only quantitative data the Republican Party could scribble together, proposed a set of tax cuts that would eviscerate the federal government, at precisely the time this nation’s economy requires a capital infusion from who: the federal government. After such a display of buffoonery, the only thing missing was for Cantor, Boehner, and Pence to break out in song, and begin singing “we are the Chipmunks.”

By the way, was anyone taken aback by a significant number of Republicans actually supporting what was for all intents and purposes a punitive 90% tax on the bonuses of some wealthy white men? The Republican Party is beyond dysfunctional right now, lacking a serious agenda to speak of, and any semblance of ideological relevancy whatsoever.

And then of course there was Newt Gingrich. Yes, the same Gingrich that equated bilingual education as the “the language of living in a ghetto” approximately two years ago. So fruity Newty decided that the Obama Administration’s attempt to regulate financial service companies in much the same way that the banking industry is regulated is an attempt to establish a dictatorship.

Talk about an abdominal crunching belly laugh.

So, the most powerful democratized, democratic republic on the face of the earth, where guns are traded like peppermints is in danger of being transformed into a dictatorship by what will more than likely go down as one of the most liberal administrations of all time.

Do you hear them? Stop it you incompetent bastards, it’s a recession, you fu%!ing buffoons!!! At least have the decency to take your chitterling circuit overseas, and stop depressing our ticket sales. Damn.

No, please don't.

A DUMBED DOWN NATION?

by J.S. Buford

The more the Republicans scream and holler about the audacious plans the Obama Administration is attempting to implement to overhaul the nation’s economy, the more it becomes readily apparent that they are banking on the U.S. citizenry having devolved into a collective of simpletons.

The Republicans’ obstinacy – those who actually have some brain wave activity – is steeped primarily in the desire to halt what they view as a “liberal” agenda. Their arguments taken to their logical end, lack merit and given their utter incompetence as a whole concerning the most pressing issues of the day, lack credibility as well. However, there’s nothing wrong with debating how to solve the critical issues that are plaguing the nation.

There is something wrong with the virtual absence of discussion regarding how the current economic crisis has exacerbated conditions within Black America that were already pitiable to start with. But, I digress…but not really.

What is particularly nauseating about the other yahoos politicking as rationale human beings committed to the common good is the incessant yelping that President Obama is doing too much. Perhaps after eight years of President Bush, the public and Washington is unaccustomed to leadership that can hold a conversation, chew gum, and tie their shoes at the same time. Yet, that is precisely why the nation is in this predicament.

Frankly, it’s insulting to insinuate that citizens are unable to grasp the concept of addressing more than one issue at the same time. And it proves positive that the Republican Party has nothing to offer at this point, but more of the same morally and intellectually bankrupt notions that nearly crippled the country.

Here’s to the Obama Administration continuing to aggressively work to right the ship.

That being said, black folks wake up. A rising tide lifts all ships, but too many of us are still occupying the lower decks. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

MICHAEL STEELE’S BACK PROBLEM

by J.S. Buford

Yes, this article is a little dated. Blame it on a hectic schedule and an unabashed commitment to being a doting father. Nevertheless, its salience is and will be palpable for months to come. Perhaps, unfortunately.

Many interpreted and proclaimed Michael Steele’s ascension to Republican National Committee Chairman as a new beginning for the Republican Party, no matter how disingenuous their effort may have been. Nevertheless, Steele and the Republican Party were presented with a golden opportunity to reestablish themselves as a 21rst century body, and they simply dropped the ball.

The come upping the Republicans experienced over the last two election cycles was a long time coming; the result of pandering to a dwindling segment of society whose influence in terms of the electoral map politically and ever changing demographics – culturally, ethnically, and phenotypically – all but insured their current state of irrelevance. In other words their shameless appeal to identity politics in an effort to incite the guttural fears and anxieties of those who hold tightly to a vision of America consistent with let’s say an episode of “Leave it to Beaver” was their undoing.

Steele’s commentary regarding Rush Limbaugh (a.k.a. dumbass, drug addict, sloppy Cro-Magnon), referring to Limbaugh’s rhetoric as “incendiary” and “ugly” was dead on. However, rather than stand on principle or at the least exercise some ambitious resolve (Come on aren’t you a politician Steele? Don’t you want to be more than an elevator man?), Steele capitulated, or to exercise a more urban vernacular Steele interestingly seems to enjoy employing: he got punked. Rush Limbaugh took to the airwaves and gave lil lil polly tician Michael Steele a 21rst century whipping to be YouTubed for the ages. So much for posterity, eh?

Whether Republicans are willing to admit it in public or not, Limbaugh presented them with a golden opportunity to usher in a new era of relevance. The reality of the matter is there is some intrinsic value in having at minimal two political parties actively vying for agency within our Democratic Republic. The market place of ideas is only enriched by the jousting of competing points of view, assuming the arena isn’t reduced to competing for the sake of consolidating power or egoistic, retarding obstruction as opposed to pursuing the best interest of the U.S. citizenry.

The Limbaughs of the world only serve to retard the nation’s growth.

The United States of America at its best serves as an example of what a nation can accomplish when committed to being a beacon of hope, freedom, prosperity, and justice. Yet, we know too often this country’s demons have served to blunt its progression. Still, the United States is still a relatively young nation, meaning there is still some hope. A slight glimmer of hope, but hope nevertheless.

It is to society’s detriment that the agenda of any of its powerbrokers yield to factions that are more vested in divisiveness and regression. If Michael Steele would have at least had the backbone to go out on his shield, it may have inspired (no check that)…may have at the least provided space for the more (how can we say it politely) astute and progressive voices in the Party to fashion an agenda that is constructive; and politically constituted upon the future.

As an independent I have never been able to stomach the pathos of the Republican Party that emerged in the 20th century – it stopped being the party of Lincoln a long time ago, though he was not a friend of people who share my phenotype either (Black America you must learn). However, there have been brief periods whereas the arguments resonating from the Party were at least meritorious. Oh well.

__________________________________________________________________________

As an aside, didn’t Michael Dyson absolutely crush Andrew Breitbart on the Bill Maher show (Real Time with Bill Maher)? I mean brother just chewed my man’s lunch like Samual Jackson in Pulp Fiction. It was vainglorious. Dyson is not above criticism, but I had to salute him.

REPUBLICANS TREASONOUS?

by J.S. Buford

In an ever-growing segment of the body politic, the notion of the Republicans as treasonous obstructionists is gaining some traction. Indeed, Warren Buffet among other exceedingly wealthy individuals intimated their beliefs that the current financial crisis is tantamount to the 9/11 security crisis. And yet the Republican Party appears to be determined to forestall the efforts of an Obama Administration that was elected to save this nation from economic collapse.

What is even more flabbergasting (perhaps not) is that in their intransigence, Republicans have not presented anything that could be considered cogent or comprehensive enough to deal with the issues that are lambasting the economy. The Republican agenda is obvious: obstruct, limit, misinform, and hope that the President of the United States of America fails. In other words hope that millions of Americans join the ranks of the unemployed, end up in foreclosure, and/or standing in line waiting for a bowl of soup.

Of course they’re absurd.

In fact, they are so dysfunctional and devoid of a 21rst century agenda that antithetical jingoism is the best Republicans can come up lately. All of a sudden the party of unbridled capitalism (in other words unlimited wealth accumulation at common folks’ expense) are posing as advocates for the middle class. If the circumstances weren’t so dire, it would be one of the most hilarious feats of all time. I almost choked on my glass of Jose Cuervo when I read an Associated Press article quoting Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa stating, “Somebody has to pay — if not the middle class now, then later. Eventually the middle class gets hit."

Interesting. Where was the concern when the Bush Administration blew billions upon billions of dollars prosecuting a war that was not only unnecessary, but without merit? You know, fabricated. Well this crisis is not fabricated, but it seems that the Bobby Jindals of the world have been too busy watching The Muppet Show for the last thirteen months to understand the severity of the circumstances.

Still, the Bush Administration’s portrayal of Democrats as disloyal for having the nerve to oppose the bleeding of U.S. coffers for his blundering efforts to distinguish himself and secure a presidential legacy (boy did he) was abhorrent: even anti-American. Therefore, it rattles the consciousness to characterize Republicans, in spite of their fickle behavior, as traitors. Though many are definitely tip toeing along the line.

After all, this is America. If the Republicans want to take the bull by the horns and totally detonate any opportunities they may have to be relevant again within (lets be generous) a decade, they have a right to do so. In the meanwhile, I’ll continue to kick back and cheer.

Go Limbaugh, go Limbaugh. It’s your birthday, go Limbaugh.

NOT SO FAST

by J.S. Buford

Political pundits and Republicans in general are promoting duel storylines that somehow the Obama administration is failing America, and is simply not up to the task. Really?

Let’s see, the Obama administration has inherited twenty years of government apathy and irresponsibility, time and time again refusing to take on the primary culprits that are plaguing us today: health care and education reform, energy independence, and economic gluttony gone wild.

And how could we ever forget the gift that keeps on giving? The Bush administration’s overall incompetence, intellectual impotence, and international skullduggery will haunt the United States for decades to come.

In the face of the aforementioned, you have pundits posing as journalists actually ascribing the Obama administration (barely two months on the job) with blame for the economy’s malaise.

Is this not the largest and most complex economy on the face of the earth? Kind of makes you go hmmm doesn’t it?

Talk about fast food culture.