Picture Vs Policy: Virginia Governor Ralph Northam Does the picture represent the man?

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Image result for RALPH NOrtham BARACK OBAMA

So quick we are to judge. Who needs facts or details? One blip ,one bump and your career in over.   When my children were growing up, I would tell them its not what your say, its what you do.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam was young when he took a picture in Blackface standing next to someone in a Ku Klux Klan costume.   Both pictures are offensive to this blackman.     As difficult as its seems, there are people who are  racially tone deaf, even in 2019.   Usually individuals who live in mono,environments ( Megan Kelly comes to mind )  because these individuals have limited contact with people outside their communities, they are often shocked when they are called insensitive or racist, because they work with people of color.

There is a difference between working and socializing and this is where I struggle with the Governor, who graduated from a predominately black high school.   He reportedly has strong personal ties with blacks in Virginia.  So the picture is not only a shock to the black citizens of the state, but a surprise to his black friends.

As a flawed human being I try not to rush to judgement.  Throughout my life as a flawed human being, I have made some poor decisions in my youth and as an adult.  When he took the picture nearly 35 years ago, he wasn’t thinking about the impact that picture might have on his personal and professional career.

The Picture ,was published February 1, 2019 on the website  Big League Politics   . Big League Politics was founded by former Breitbart News Employees and is considered a far right wing conservative website.

Is the picture a representation of who is Governor Northam is? 

In Virginia’s 2017 Gubernatorial election, Ralph Northam received an estimated 87% of the black vote, 67% of the Latino Vote and 61% of the women’s vote.  He was supported by many groups notably  the Latino Victory Fund and Planned Parenthood and support by many black political organizations,  most are now asking the Governor to resign.

His Positions:

The Governor supports a $15.00 minimum wage and is against a state constitutional amendment enshrining right to work legislation. That would allow employees in unionized workplaces are banned from negotiating contracts which require all members who benefit from the union contract to contribute to the costs of union representation. 

Northam “has called for phasing out the grocery tax on low-income people and ending business taxes in struggling rural areas.

The Governor as a record of supporting Abortion rights, ( Planned Parenthood supported him in his election campaign)  He is against a bill called the Repeal Act that would allow third trimester abortions to be performed if a single physician determines that there is any physical or mental health risk to the mother. Currently, Virginia law only allows third-trimester abortions to be performed in the state if three physicians determine that continued pregnancy would be “substantially and irremediably” harmful to a woman’s health.  This bill is supported by many Republicans and may be a topic in the 2020 Presidential Campaign.  

Northam has proposed making it free for students to pursue a community college education or apprenticeship in a high-demand field (such as cyber security and early childhood education under the condition that they commit to a year of paid public service. He opposes public funding for private schools. (wiki)

In February 2017, Northam cast a tie-breaking vote in the state Senate against a bill to ban sanctuary cities in Virginia

In Washington Post, Article Titled  “Anger and sadness as African Americans in Virginia consider Northam’s fate”

In conversations at churches, salons and coffee shops, African Americans disagreed about whether Northam must resign, but all voiced a sense of betrayal. In public office, Northam worked to expand Medicaid, the health program that serves the poor, and he helped to restore voting rights for felons, a policy that helps many black men. Many in the black community saw him as an ally, and as one of the good guys.

It’s a real slap in the face. You pretend to be my friend, and you’re really not,” said Thomas Parham Jr., as he arrived for worship Sunday at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Old Town Alexandria. It’s one thing, he said, to encounter a racist public official. It’s almost worse when it’s someone perceived to be an ally. “I’d rather know where you stand.”

The Democratic Party Image

What is disconcerting about this controversy. is the Democratic tidal wave against this Governor.  Not based on his record, or actions or public statements but a silly misguided picture taken when he was in medical school.

Governor Northam is no Steve King the Congressman from Iowa. Who, for more than thirteen years has on record said:

 “Mixing culture will not lead to higher quality of life but a lower one.

 He wanted to make English the official language of Iowa.

He sued Iowa for posting voting information on an official website in Spanish, Laotian, Bosnian and Vietnamese.

King suggested shocking (via electricity) immigrants who climbed the wall.its successful in containing livestock

One the house floor, he said Profiling was an important component of law enforcement.

Suggested paying for the border wall with federal dollars coming from welfare, food stamps and Planned Parenthood

January 2019:  Steve King was stripped from all committee assignments after bipartisan condemnation of his remarks on white supremacy (A theme of his for the last 10 years)

From my chair in the balcony, the Democrats want to demonstrate they unlike ,the GOP they walk the talk.   I am reminded of Minnesota Senator Al Frankel who admitted and apologized to sexual misconduct when he was a citizen in 2006, his apology was accepted.  However when other anonymous woman came forward. he denied the accusations.  Members of his party demanded he resign without a full hearing.

In his resignation speech he made comparisons to Republican politicians, saying he was “aware of the irony” that President Trump remained in office despite the comments Trump made in the Access Hollywood tape released a month before his election, and that the Republican Party supported Roy Moore‘s Senate campaign despite the many allegations of harassment and molestation against Moore (wiki)

 

Self Inflected Wound

Governor Northam may have been flying solo (without council) when the news broke Friday Afternoon.  A good publicist would have advised and prepared him before appearing on camera.  However, as bad as Friday was, Saturday was a tsunami of bad press.

On Friday, he was almost there.  He apologized for the pictures and went on to say  “I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work”.  Someone, from his office might have spoken to the press, touting his record, his reputation with the black community and the suspicious timing of the picture,

Over night, they may have linked release of the picture to the date of his comment regarding his position on the Repeal Act  and reminded the press of his reputation. 

But that didn’t happen!  Flying solo, taking a page out of Donald Trumps playbook.  He said, that may not be me?  and like the 45th President of the United States, he was unable to stop himself.  He admitted, “Blackfacing” in the past AS Michael Jackson.  A talent contest that he WON, after practicing the moon walk!

The “State” of Virginia 

Should the Governor resign, the Democratic Lieutenant Governor, Justin Fairfax would become the Governor.

Sunday, February 3,   Patrick Howley of the conservative website  Big League Politics . reported Vanessa Tyson, a professor of politics at Scripps College, said she was sexually assaulted in 2004 by a campaign staffer who was now up for a “VERY BIG promotion” in Democratic politics. Howley, who was also the first to obtain the Northam yearbook photo, noted that Fairfax was a campaign staffer for presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004 and that he was now poised to become governor of Virginia. 

It is reported, she brought her 2004 story to the Washington Post and another media outlet.  Both outlets investigated the story and found no corroboration and did not publish the story.

In the State of Virginia, if the Lieutenant Governor is ineligible, it would fall to the Attorney General, Mark Herring a Democrat. If he for any reason can’t serve,it would fall   to the Speaker of the House of Delegates would be next in line to take the role. The Virginia House is currently controlled by Republicans and Speaker Kirk Cox would be the interim governor.

Slow Down The Train……

The Democratic Party and the citizens on Virginia, should slow the train down. Dont solely judge the Governor on this picture.   Judge is life from there forward. What has he said?  What has he done?   Then look hard at the coincident via Big League Politics before rushing to judgement.

Wouldn’t you want someone to judge you on your complete body of work rather than one picture or a single incident.?

CityFella

 

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Dear, Canada, Britain, France, Mexico, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Nigeria, Argentina,Japan, New Zealand and the rest of the world.

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Dear, Canada, Britain, France, Mexico, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Nigeria, Argentina,Japan, New Zealand and the rest of the world,

Despite what you read and see on television. America and Americans haven’t lost our minds or our way.  We realize you are bombarded with negative sounds and images emanating from our great nation, leaving the impression we aren’t the welcoming nation we once were.

These aren’t the best of times for the United States

Our current President, businessman with no experience on the world stage    Who in short time, has become the President his competitors warned us about during our presidential primary.

He is easily played.   Compliment him and you’re in.  In his mind, he is always successful.

Like you, most Americans are in a constant state of shock .  Many Americans are overwhelmed by the amount of negative and often destructive news emanating from the White House.

Just when we think our President has reached bottom, he finds a way to go even lower.  He has insulted our neighbors ,Canada and Mexico.  Damaging long-term relationships with our Allies and forging relationships with enemies of our nations.    He is impulsive, and often acts without council and doesn’t fully understand protocol.

Most Americans (not all) are frankly embarrassed.

Its seems, by the hour he is dismantling, environmental laws in favor of business.  Relaxing and reversing laws that benefit the poor, laws that once protected women, members of the gay communities and people or color.

 Two America’s

This picture taken last Thursday in Montana,  gives the impression that Americans  overwhelmingly support the President and his policies.   The reality is far from the truth.  Look at the participants in this photo.  They are good Americans, however they do not represent the majority of Americans.

Donald TrumpImage result for president obama crowd

Compare this picture to the one above.  The participants represent the real landscape of America.

Donald Trump rarely travels beyond his fan base.  Our great cities  with their diverse populations, New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco,or Honolulu are not on his itinerary.

At these rallies, the Real Estate business man and Reality Television personality  is energized by his fan base.  Where he seems more comedian than politician, here in a friendly enviroment is where he is the happiest, places where he feels loved.

 His words and global intentions, are often designed to keep this narrow base happy.   Our Commander-in-Chief, goes his own way, he doesn’t like to be told what to do.  He oftens ignores the advice of those with decades of experience in global affairs, to spout conclusions that is loosely based on facts.   Which often confuses and angers our allies and friends around the world

He has often said, he and he alone have the answers to the worlds issues.  The Tariffs he is levying on our friends and neighbors and China, does not have the support from most Americans.   Politicians in both parties and the business community and yet he continues.

In Montana, he made fun of the #MeToo movement.  He insulted our war hero’s, Senator John McCain and former President Herbert Walker Bush, who are highly regarded members of his political party.  Both of these men are ill, one is terminally .

In the United States, he has always been a bit of a social media bully, who often acts differently when in the presence of the people he’s attacked.

While he insists upon loyalty, he hasn’t demonstrated any loyalties to anyone including those he appointed and placed in positions of power.

I have lived in the United States  my entire life.  When one group is attack , we react!    Many Americans are currently outraged by the treatment of children, who were stripped from their parents.  Simply to intimidate those who want to immigrate to the United States.  This has never been a policy of America to separate families.  Again, this was done to appeal to some of the  Presidents supporters, many of whom have long wanted to limited the number of  individuals immigrating from south of our Border.

Many of family members and friends who live outside the United States often asked ,how was he elected?   I believe the fault lies with our leaders. 

The day Donald Trump announced he was running for President and then went on to insult Mexican American and citizens of Mexico.  There was no major outrage from either party.

In 1968, George Wallace the former Governor of Alabama ran for President.   Wallace supported segregation and was outraged by the Passing of the Civil Rights Legislation.  The Governor stood at the entrance of the University of Alabama to prevent a black student from enrolling .

Forty eight years later, both parties were relatively silent.  Presidential candidate and former Governor of Florida, (Father George HW, and his brother George W,  were both Presidents of the United States)  Jeb Bush, whose wife is Mexican American, and has three bi-racial children and other bi-racial family members  wasn’t outraged enough to speak against Trump.    Not one candidate from either party, went in from of the Cameras and screamed “The statement made by Donald Trump goes against everything that America is!  They were all playing politics.   There was an assumption, Donald Trump would never be elected president.

Today, most members of the Republican party remains silent.  Unlike most of the world, the United States, has primary elections then ,General Election in November.   In the majority of the states.  Members of a party can only vote for members of their party in the primary election.  Only in the General Election can citizens vote for any candidate.

Because of our electoral system, and Donald Trump’s current popularity in his party. members of his party is choosing him over party and country.   To criticize him could mean losing in the primary.    While his actions go against many tenets of the Republican party and against many conservative views of the party.   Most Republican bite their teeth and support the President even though his views and actions are not only damaging to the Republican Party and the United States, it’s having a negative effect on our friends and allies.

His insistence in meeting in Vladimir Putin is a slap in the face to Prime minister May  after several Russian based poisonings in the United Kingdom.

If the Russians intent was to destabilize the Western Alliance by meddling in the US election then they were successful.  Our friends very concerned.  Nothing would make Putin happier than a dismantled Nato.

The majority of his party are afraid to speak out against him  because they need to survive the primary .  Even though his practices conflicts with the party and is damaging to the country.  The few member of his party who are critical of him and his policies are not running for re-election.

There is a bright high!     After the initial shock and disappointment,followed by proposed ban on Muslim immigrants.   Americans are angry!   People are all walks of live are getting involved , in numbers we haven’t seen since the 1960’s

The challenge, unlike the 60’s, it’s not just the Vietnam war,  it’s not just civil rights.   There are so many issues,created by this president we are overwhelmed.    We are less confident.  Conventional wisdom says ,with all of this outrage by the American public, there will be a change after this fall’s midterm elections.    However, conventional wisdom said, Donald Trump could never get elected.

To our all of our friends in:  Canada, Britain, France, Mexico, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Nigeria, Argentina,Japan, New Zealand and the rest of the world. .  America is still America, the land of immigrants and the place where dreams can come true.   America is at a crossroads, many American are disappointed with our government.

For nearly 10 years, there has been a civil war within our government.  A war of a zillion words which has been damaging to Americans as our needs have been ignored.   Many frustrated Americans wanted something different, something new, as the old guard had placed their political ambitions and party over the needs of its citizens.

Something you maybe currently experiencing in your country.  In America, we basically have a two-party system, this was deliberate.   The Republicans and the Democrats have made it difficult for other parties to participate in the system.  There are many political parties in the United States.   However, Americans are unlikely.  to hear from them.  They are not allowed to participate in public media debates.

 As a result, we have limited choices in this great nation.   Some, angry americans chose, a business man whose “business” reputation is so poor, he cannot get a loan from an american bank,   A man who had well known credibility problem, a man whose family has a legal history of not renting to people of color,and a man who has little respect for women, over the status quo.  Despite all the money in world, spent to prevent him from being elected,  Donald Trump became President of the United States.

I do not represent all Americans in my views.  But I am sorry.

I hope you learn from our mistake.  I believe in choosing a leader, demand experience, and integrity, empathy and heart.   Avoid, shiny objects, with promise, but doesnt have a history of performance or you may just elect a Donald Trump

Better days to come

CityFella

 

 

 

The Nation might be better served by politicians with less grey hair

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Image result for state of the union address 2018 DEMOCRATS

Americans Held Hostage Year 10

If you regularly read this blog, you know I’m not a fan of Donald Trump.  While we have never have seen a man as divisive as President Trump.  It impossible to blame the political climate on Trump. 

There where serious problems within the individual parties  before he was elected. After becoming President, the GREAT DIVIDE between the two parties has grown wider. Child like, finger pointing in the order of the day.  “But what about what they did ”  .

Let’s be clear, its Party Before Country!!!!

Prestige Position and Power! men and women shaking the hands of the right people in the parties. Voting as told, a lifetime of patience waiting to be assigned to an influential and powerful committee.  A few years ago, the Tea Party opposed the system and nearly divided the Republican party as members of the Tea Party weren’t life long politicians and demanded a place at the table. 

 As Americans are entering  the tenth year as hostages of their government.  There isn’t any indication of a meeting of the minds between the two parties.   As the infighting between the two parties continues, important legislation remains unsigned  Bipartisanship is simply a word or Idea.  Americans are still waiting.

___________________________________________________________

The Current State of the Union

“Given a choice, I would prefer you to marry out of  your race and religion than to marry a Democrat”

“I Don’t Care how nice his mother is ! You are not allowed to play with ANY Republicans “

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Grace 

1. simple elegance or refinement of movement “she moved through the water with effortless grace”.

2. To honor or credit to (someone or something )by one’s presence.  “he bowed out from the sport he has graced for two decades” 

____________________________________________________

A few Democrats boycotted the President’s State of the Union Address.  A mistake in my view..   We may not  like or respect the views of the man in office, however as politicians they need to respect the office.   

We teach our children to be respectful, to be a good sport ,to stick it out and not retreat because we don’t like their opinion or their personality.

Someone has to rise above, the Crazy.  Someone who st remembered the basic lessons from his parents.   Perhaps we would be better served by those who still remember.  Perhaps someone with less gray hair.

It cant be any worse than it is today

CityFella

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day After New York

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Forget the second or third largest state. New York was the ‘If you can make it here?” State!

An outsider, who entered politics in the seventies. Running for the President of the United States in his seventies.  His  views and opinions are considered extreme by members of his own party.  During the early months he was ignored by the media.  But his message appealed to a non traditional voting bloc, voters under 30.

His anti-establishment views ,defending the importance of free enterprise and the limited role of government appealed to this group. He ignited this group, who’s enthusiasm grew by the week.   This appeal, initially ignored by the other candidates was rapidly gaining ground and by spring it was clear, he owned this bloc of voters . Not only did they pledge their allegiance to him, they opened their wallets in large numbers.

In 2008, Ron Paul ran for President as a Republican.Twelve years earlier he was a Libertarian.  His presence annoyed Mitt Rooney, John McCain  and most of the GOP establishment. His team used You Tube and Social Media (a technology underused by the GOP) to help spread his message. Donations to his campaign though small, kept him in the race through June.

Ron Paul did not endorse any GOP candidates in 2008, preferring third party candidates.  If someone within the Republican Party brokered a deal with Paul as the Democrats did with Howard Dean in 2005, 2012 may have had a different outcome.

In 2004, the former Governor of Vermont campaign appealed to younger voters.  Many Democrats considered Dean an outsider.  But Dean’s campaign could not be ignored, and his non traditional campaign utilizing the net and social media was the foundation of Obama’s 2008 Presidential bid.

Not Yet

Bernie Sanders is the ticket, his campaign is drawing thousands. People want to be near him and feel the bern.   As for drawing power there  isn’t a close second this political season he is the Rock Star.   Like Ron Paul ,those large crowds and the enthusiasm does’t necessarily translates into votes.

Lynn Vavreck, a professor of political science at UCLA, noted that it was early in the election cycle and that support for Sanders may not translate to votes.  “Just because people are interested, it does not mean people will actually cast a ballot in support,” Vavreck said. “People showing up for these rallies have a strong interest in politics. They’re not average voters, who are barely tuned in to the election at this point.”

Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, and two associates, “It’s important to remember that crowd size fundamentally doesn’t matter much. Comparisons between how large one candidate’s crowd is compared to another are ripe for misunderstanding.”

They cite 2012, “when press reports and GOP partisans frequently mentioned the large numbers that Mitt Romney was drawing on the campaign trail. Did this end up mattering? Obama won the popular vote by about 5 million votes. “

Bernie Sanders isn’t going to sing anytime soon.  He has loyal followers who will finance him to the Convention.  Like Paul, he has a large following and if current polling holds true, only one in four Bernie supporters will vote for Hillary in the fall.
Sanders is an outsider, like Paul he changed his party affiliation from Independent to Democrat to run for President.  Like Paul, he has little support from the establishment in the Democratic Party.    However, the Democrat’s needs to regain those voters who enthusiastically supported Obama in 2008.

Real Change Happens from the Bottom up

Many of the young voters who supported Obama in 2008 are disappointed many are still waiting for the Change he promised.   Many of those young voters are disillusioned and have walked way from politics.
In an ideal world, those voters would have participated in local and state races.  This is where real change happens.   However, most of the members of the House and Senate have been in office for decades and holding on to power is the goal.   These (establishment) politicians have prevented change on both sides of the aisle and will continue until there is change from the bottom up.
In 2005 Howard Dean became the chair Democratic National Committee (DNC) he held that position for four years.
If the DNC is wise, they would broker a deal with Bernie Sanders. Again like Paul, many of his supporters would follow him.
The real failure of Ron Paul, was not using his appeal to generate interest in the Libertarian  Party.

Yes The System is Rigged

The are local, state and Convention rules for the Delegates. The objective is control over members of the two parties.  Its important that are choices are limited to Skippy or Jif.

The top of the ticket is important for the make up of the Supreme Court..
American are angry!   For eight years we are hostages in the war of  Rhetoric and ideologies.    Unfortunately most people believe its the President who has the power.
In the red states if you are poor, Obamacare isn’t an option. Many counties are without clinics and people are without medical care.   If you are a woman,your legal right to have an choice has been stripped away  with new laws intending to make it difficult for physicians and their patients are on the books. Texas the second largest state in the country with over 26 million people has less than 6 clinics.
If you are Gay or Trangendered your civil rights have been stripped and businesses  can legally fire you for being Gay.  In resent weeks some states have added new law that further restricts the LGBT community.
Stagnation plagues many of the blue states.  Internal issues power struggles within the Democrats prevents movement within the states.  Lost in the middle is  adequate funding for education, repair roadways and polices that will attract business.
The President can not change these policies that adversely affects Americans. These changes can only happen when we change the make up state and local politicians.
The Day After New York expect more of the same.
CityFella
Sources: (Larry Sabato)
(Lynn Vavreck)

Asian Voices: Progressives, Are You Listening?

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By:Jarryd Willis/Huffington Post

Start including Asian voters in any discussion of Black and Hispanic issues. We’ve heard little of the 1.4 million undocumented Asians or 200k Asian youth who qualify for the DreamACT. Remember, Bill Clinton never won the Asian vote, and we shouldn’t take it for granted in 2016.

Asian-Americans appear to be the only large (and growing) voting group whose interests align with the Democratic Party and yet they are rarely afforded the same share of the ‘debate spotlight’ as social issues relevant to women, LGBT, Black, Hispanic, religious minority, middle-income and low-income voters. The absence of Asian voters’ concerns in the public debate allows the GOP to take a revanchist approach to legislation affecting minority populations with the belief that they’re acting in impunity. To be blunt, they may feel the Black/Latino/LGBT demographic groups affected are inexorably members of the Democratic Party, and therefore there’s nothing to gain by supporting a law and/or no cost in repealing a law tailored to the concerns of such groups.

The Republican Party DOES, however, believe it should be winning the Asian vote. Thus, if Progressives reached out to the Asian-American community and sought their engagement on key issues, it may bring more Republicans to the table to prevent Democrats from completely filling that vacuum.

The Immigration Reform debate provides an excellent example. Democratic politicians, Progressive news hosts and analysts, and many Liberal bloggers engaged in this debate have focused on the importance of the legislation for Hispanic youth and families. Almost no attention has been paid, however, to what Immigration Reform means for the 1.4 million undocumented Asian immigrants, or the 200,000 undocumented Asian youth who qualify for the Dream ACT. According to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, nearly half of the 4.3 million people in our immigration backlog are individuals from Asian countries waiting to be reunited with their families.

If the implications of Immigration Reform for Asian voters (which the GOP believes they ‘should’ win) were given the same attention as the implications for Hispanic voters (which the GOP may believe they will never win again) and LGBT voters with international spouses (which the GOP apparently never wants to win), then there may be more House Republicans open to supporting it.

There are several other key issues where Asian-Americans’ and Progressives’ policy preferences align. Consider the following:

Abortion. During the 2012 election, Mitt Romney gave an interview where he stated he wanted to see a prohibition on abortion. This strongly conflicts with the views of 54 percent of Asian-Americans who feel abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

End Racial Profiling Act. Like Blacks and Hispanics who are stopped and frisked due to their skin color, and LGBT who are attacked by gaycists on a regular basis, Asian Americans face profiling. Imagine an Asian woman walking home one night when she notices some unknown man following her in his truck. She starts moving faster to get away from him but he gets out of the vehicle and catches up to her. She defends herself fearing the stalker may try and rape her, and he takes out a gun and shoots her. Without legal protections against profiling, this woman’s family would likely see the man who killed their daughter walk free on self-defense.

ObamaCare. While the GOP has attempted to repeal ObamaCare for the 40th time (going on 1,000), a majority of Asian-Americans support the health care law whereas only 18 percent are opposed.

SCOTUS Voting Rights Act Decision. Asian-American groups have been fervently opposed to the decision to strike section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. This is related to my earlier point: because the GOP likely thinks the VRA only applies to Blacks, a voting group they don’t care to engage with, they had no problem striking it down & have no interest in amending it. However, if the concerns of Asian voters (and Hispanic & Indian/Native American) are brought to the VRA debate, the GOP will be more a more attentive audience.

Affirmative Action. Another issue where the GOP is largely opposed whereas the Democratic Party and Asian-Americans are aligned in support.

Gay Marriage. Despite Asian-Americans’ support for same-sex marriage being lower than the national average, there has been an increase in support in the past few years (similar to the national trend).

Right now Republicans are more concerned with their NRA Scorecard than Compromise Scorecard, but as the Asian-American community continues to grow at a rate faster than Hispanics, as there are more majority-minority districts that are primarily Asian-American, and as they grow in swing-states such as Nevada, Virginia, & Texas, the GOP will have to respond appropriately to the concerns of diverse groups tethered by common fates. Should the Republican Party fail, the Whig Party will welcome their company.

 

 

Wasting My Vote

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By CityFella,

A Sea of Democrats 

From a child I loved politics, at 15 I was a member of a youth commission.    For years, I walked the precincts and manned the phone banks for various candidates and issues.

A billion years ago, A friend asked if I wanted to meet George McGovern, he was speaking at the Cow Palace, just outside of San Francisco.  Meet turned out to listen, and after hearing him, I  immediately volunteered to work for his campaign.   Even though I was to young vote, I did anything they asked of me.  It took a while to recover from his loss to Nixon.

A look outside of  the Democratic Party and Republicans 

Everyone I knew was Democrat.  I didn’t meet a Republican until college, my first meeting almost turned violent, as my Republican neighbor told me, I liked the Democrats because of welfare.  He assumed this black man, as every black man was getting a check.    The save, was his Republican friends didn’t share his racist views and called him an asshole.   While I didn’t like my neighbor, I liked his friends, some are friends today.

Exposure to Republicans changed my view on Republicans, I put away my giant brush and learned there were different Republicans.

I changed my party affiliation to Independent more than 20 years ago to support Presidential Candidate John Anderson, who changed from his affiliation from Republican to Independent.                     ( At the time I thought I was limited to Democratic Candidates)

Ideology aside, I began to see many similarities in the two parties.

Many of us are led to believe, a vote for someone other than a Democrat or Republican is wasted vote.

There is some truth to this.  In most states, third parties candidates are invisible with some members of the two parties suggesting they are cult candidates.

Most Americans are not privy to the positions of third party candidates.  They are often ignored by the local press and other media outlets.   On a national scale, there is a convoluted policy that prevents them from participating in televised debates.   Of course this limits their ability to raise funds.

Americans are being held hostage by Congress who despite our anger and despair is ignoring the electorate.  Americans are simply collateral damage.

The Democrats can blame the Republicans who’s current slogan should be just say no.  However, when the Democrats were the majority, little was done due to the infighting in their party.

Beginning this year, I plan to waste my vote.  Its clear as an American, I am not important.  From bad highways and dangerous bridges, to the well being of Veterans who have fought and served this country, we are simply collateral damages in the war of policy and opinion.

Beginning this fall, I will only vote for a third party candidate running for Congress and the Senate, any third party candidate.

I’ve had my fill of cake.  I want someone who will act in my best interest.

Most states have closed primaries, limiting your vote, to those candidates in your party.

HOW ANGRY ARE YOU?  

This fall most Americans will vote for a member of the majority party, ensuring more of the same.  Insuring more of the same.

If ten percent of Americans vote for a third party candidates, the two parties will notice.    10 percent will not elect a third party candidate.  Its a beginning.

This is just the first step.

The next is opening the primaries, which have been effective in shutting out third party candidates.

If your angry and want change, join a group, there are many across the country.

I have a small group on Facebook called:   “Taking Back America-No Prisoners-Kick Them all out”

https://www.facebook.com/groups/598268403570564/

There are many others throughout the country.

This is my personal revolution change can happen one vote at a time.

 

Are the Republicans misreading the polls again? The Cliff and what it means to you

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During the  November election  Republican  strategist’s  misread the polls. Will they misread them again?   Or will they they choose to honor the “Norquist Pledge” ?

What is the Norquist Pledge?

The Pledge,” the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) Taxpayer Protection Pledge

I, ______, pledge to the taxpayers of the ______ district of the state of ______ and to the American people that I will:
One, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses; and
Two, to oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates

In the current Congress, 238 representatives and 41 senators have signed the Pledge. In the next Congress, ATR claims 219 representatives and 39 senators as adherents–although a small handful have already backed away from their commitments.

The Pledge goes back to 1986 when Ronald Reagan was President.

The Cliff and what it means to you

If Congress and the President are not able to reach an agreement a number of tax cuts that were passed years ago will expire.

Taxes

  1. An expiration of all the Bush era tax cuts which lowers rates for nearly every American
  2. An alternative minimum tax break which decreases the rate for over 30 million Americans
  3. A payroll tax cut which lowers the Social Security tax by 2% for 160 million Americans
  4. A 0.9 percent increase in Medicare taxes for very high income earners
  5. A tax on very expensive health care plans, sometimes referred to as “Cadillac plans”
  6. A phase out of itemized deductions, capital gains tax cuts, and personal exemptions for upper income individuals under the Bush-era tax cuts

Automatic Spending Cuts 

  1. A $55 billion cut in defense spending, which constitutes nine percent of the overall defense budget
  2. Another $55 billion cut in domestic programs, includes a large cut to Medicare providers
  3. An across the board cut to discretionary spending that would have dramatic effects on government.
  4. An expiration of jobless benefits for the long term unemployed

The average American could see an tax increase by $3500.00 .

The spending cuts would also be very painful. For example, the cuts to “discretionary programs” are so deep that many airports would need to be shut down for a lack of Federal Aviation Administration traffic controllers. Many national parks would shut down due to a lack of rangers. The FBI would have to layoff agents and the FDA would have to lay off meat inspectors.

If the defense cuts are passed the military would have to reduce their personnel and likely consider more base closures. Many large defense contracts with private companies would be on the chopping block.

Straight Talk

Increasing taxes on the 2% will not balance the budget, the 2% will always have an advantage over the 98%, but this is a beginning.   The reality there will be difficult cuts in the budget however some   like the oil subsides (1.7 billion)  should be eliminated completely.  There has to be some  future  tweaking in Social Security, Medicare and other programs.

2014

The majority of Americans have agreed with the president for some time, tax the 2%.  The house has resisted, holding the country hostages  for some time now.    The tea party took a hit this month.  it’s clear, Americans have had enough.   throughout the country, Americans have taxed themselves to improve the quality of life.   The sentiment is lets get on with it..  A do nothing congress is non longer acceptable. Recent polls suggests if the country goes over the Cliff, they will blame the Republican party.   Democrats should not  find comfort here,  there are no sacred programs, they must be reminded they are passengers on the same ship.

This time out we are the supervising and looking out for the slackers and it doesn’t matter if they are wearing a Red or a Blue sport coat .    Extra pressure should be applied to all House/Senate  members who’s terms end in 2014.

Contact your representative  tell them you demand a solution  to find yours, click on the link below! 

http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/