Thursday, May 24, 2012

Is GOP stall hurting Obama?

No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American Public.  Henry Mencken

President Obama was elected in 2008 with the mandate to get us out the economic disaster wrought by the GOP party. 

Under the stewardship of a GOP congress and Bush/Cheney, the American economy (and world economy) was in the midst of the greatest financial peril since the Great Depression of the 1930's.

The American people were suffering and President Obama, with the aid of the Stimulus Package, assiduously worked to alleviate the GOP mess. From the get go, the leadership of the GOP emphatically stated -- via obstructive posture and words -- to the Democrats and Obama: You have no partnership with us, you are on your own.

As would be GOP king maker Rush Limbaugh exhorted: I hope you fail.

Open letter from Donna Brazile: Meet two presidents -- airfare and hotel covered

 
I've been around the political block a few times, and I have to say: You don't want to miss this chance to meet President Obama and President Clinton.

Two presidents, a night in New York City, chatting it up and telling stories -- with you.

Chip in $3 or more to help Democrats win this year, and you'll be automatically entered to join them. I'm told airfare and hotel are covered for you and a guest.

I've known President Clinton since he was governor of Arkansas, and I worked hard to help elect him -- and re-elect him -- president.

I'm not shy about my support for President Obama either -- for how he's turning this economy around, how he's fighting for women and speaking out for marriage equality.

They come from very different backgrounds -- one from a town called Hope, the other from the island of Hawaii (sorry, birthers). But what unites them, and this party, is the belief that we are stronger together. That when everyone comes together and does their fair share, we can give everyone a shot at the American dream. They've both lived it.

If you and your guest are picked to go to New York and meet these two presidents, take my word for it: The conversation will be anything but dull.

One DNC supporter is going to be picked next Tuesday at midnight. Don't pass this one up.

Make a donation to Democrats today, and you'll be automatically entered to meet President Obama and President Clinton in New York:

https://my.democrats.org/Two-Presidents-and-You

Thanks,

Donna

Donna Brazile
Vice Chair
Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- As vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, I also can't stress how critical your support is to helping Democrats win -- from President Obama to the smallest of local state races.Any donation you make today will make a difference.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The burden of black generation Y by Starsha Valentine


As a 20-something educated black woman, I sometimes question if the education and privilege of my demographic has been squandered on the frivolous dreams of Reality TV

As black educated people, we constantly and consistently try to portray the distorted illusion of wealth and happiness depicted on these programs.

Despite all the struggles and growing pains we go through, we try to maintain that face of arrogance in a world that is chipping away at our spirit and identity in God.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Corey Booker goes HAM on Obama...then tries to walk it back

What I meant to say
Corey is in the Dog House...

I must admit, I have been impressed with Corey Booker's performance, rise and heroics  -- yes, heroics similar to the Caped Crusader, he risked life and limb to rescue a neighbor from a burning fire -- as mayor of Newark. Booker is indeed a rising star in the Democratic party.


Corey's  firestorm

But exactly what was he thinking when he went HAM on an Obama campaign ad, on NBC's Meet the Press, that legitimately scrutinized Mitt's Bain Capitol resume -- even fellow Republican Newt G. questioned Mitt's Bain Capitol record -- by comparing it to the negative Rev. Jeremiah Wright ads:

Food trade grows between Middle Eastern, African markets


Many look at trade shows like AB7, largest food, beverage expo on continent, as vehicle for exploring new markets, increasing growth.
Middle East Online
Middle East is an important potential market for African food products
GAUTENG (South Africa) - “Africa is becoming a major new emerging market to the rest of the world due to its strong economic growth and rapidly expanding population of middle class consumers,” declares John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of Africa’s Big Seven (AB7). “Africa is even more attractive as a market for Middle East companies due to its relative proximity.”

A growing number of Middle Eastern producers are realising this and exploring trade links with
African companies; many are looking at trade shows like AB7, the largest food and beverage expo on the continent, as a vehicle for exploring new markets and increasing growth. AB7 takes place from 15 to 17 July at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Kobe Bryant throws a teammate under-the-bus, again

Kobe Bryant remains one of NBA's most dynamic and prolific players -- of all time. His competition is not his peers -- Kobe competes against NBA history: Magic, Bird, Doc J, and of course, Mike.

 Kobe uses NBA royalty as his measuring stick for his greatness.

And no one can deny Kobe's work ethic nor his intensive commitment to his craft -- dude has put in his gym time and so much more.

However, we all wanted to be like Mike, but we don't want be like Kobe...

Kobe, unlike NBA royalty of yesteryear, is far from being an endearing figure. His talents and clutch performances are begrudgingly acknowledged.

Why?

By several accounts, Michael Jordan could be harsh and a bully with teammates -- behind closed doors. We all recognize that the warm and fuzzy MJ from the Hanes underwear commercial does not accurately reflect the hyper-competitive reality of MJ. However, unlike Kobe, MJ -- on the NBA floor -- emanated authenticity.

Kobe -- the way he greets his kids after a victory and who can forget the furling of the lip look against the Celtics a couple years ago -- comes off as manufactured or even contrived. Furthermore, can anyone remember MJ publicly feuding with a teammate, or yet in still, throwing a teammate under-the-bus in a press conference.

Kobe -- talent aside -- just doesn't get it:


The Los Angeles Lakers trudged off the Staples Center floor late Saturday, a single loss now separating them from season's end, another fourth-quarter collapse once again causing their undoing. They didn't show much poise in the locker room, either, with Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum pointing blame at others for allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to steal their second victory in three games.
Bryant missed eight of his 10 shots in the final quarter, but shrugged off his struggles by saying his teammates' lack of aggressiveness "forced" him to take tough shots. He also left no question which teammate deserved the most blame for the 103-100 loss in Game 4.
Pau Gasol.
Bryant faulted Gasol for not playing aggressive enough. It was also Gasol's turnover that led to Kevin Durant making the winning 3-pointer with 13.7 seconds left.
"Pau's got to be more assertive," Bryant said. "He's the guy they're leaving [open]. When he's catching the ball, he's looking to pass. He's got to be aggressive. He's got to shoot the ball or drive the ball to the basket. He will be next game."
Pau Gasol had 10 points and five rebounds in the Lakers' loss. (AP)Bryant has periodically targeted Gasol with his public criticism, hoping to motivate him to lift his performance. But with the Lakers now down 3-1 in the series and facing Game 5 on Monday in Oklahoma City, Bryant's patience has been exhausted. Gasol's inconsistency has been a problem for the Lakers throughout the season, and he never seemed to recover after the team tried to trade him in December to the Houston Rockets in a deal with the New Orleans Hornets for Chris Paul. NBA commissioner David Stern blocked the trade, and Gasol has admitted his tenuous status with the franchise has bothered him.
Gasol totaled just 10 points and five rebounds in Game 4. Most recently, Bryant criticized both Gasol and Andrew Bynum after a listless performance in a Game 6 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Gasol responded with 23 points and 17 rebounds in the Lakers' clinching Game 7 victory. source