Congress Votes To Cut Up Nation's Credit Cards?

In a symbolic vote designed to appease the American people-- who are largely against raising the debt ceiling –– Congress voted overwhelmingly against The Bill.

According to an article in the New American:

"As expected, the bill to raise the federal debt ceiling that House Republicans brought to a quick vote today failed overwhelmingly. The bill, which would have unconditionally increased the debt limit by $2.4 trillion — the precise amount requested by the Obama administration — garnered only 97 Yea votes, all from Democrats. A combined 318 Democrats and Republicans voted Nay, and seven Democrats voted Present.

There was political maneuvering all around. The bill was introduced by Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, who then took to the floor of the House to denounce his own legislation, saying his bill “will and must fail ... because it sends a clear and critical message that the Congress has finally recognized we must immediately begin to rein in America’s affection for deficit spending.”

The Obama administration has for some time been requesting a vote on a “clean” bill such as this, so the GOP gave it to them. However, Republicans also handed their adversaries the means of escape in the process. First, they announced loudly that the vote was to be purely symbolic and that the bill would be defeated, even going so far as to call “Wall Street to assure them this was nothing more than theater,” according to Politico. Second, they brought the bill to a vote under a suspension of rules, meaning it would come to a vote quickly and with limited debate — but it would also need a two-thirds vote in favor to pass, something that was most assuredly not going to happen with a GOP majority. Democrats were thus able to dismiss the vote as “a sham” (Connecticut Rep. John Larson), “demagogic” (Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer), and “irresponsible grandstanding” (Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards) and to safely vote against it".

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/congress/7692-symbolic-debt-ceiling-bill-voted-down

The next few weeks will be critical as all eyes are now on the GOP-led Congress to see if this was a prelude to getting America's fiscal house in order ... or just a ruse to try and fool the American people while those in Washington keep playing games and this nation continues to slide further into bankruptcy.

Beware elected Leaders! Americans are tired of shenanigans. Hear us: CUT UP THE CREDIT CARDS NOW...AND LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS. We are watching you!!!

McCain/Obama: It's About to Get UGLY!

While Americans "say" they prefer campaigns based on issues, meaningful debate, and substance, and many claim they abhor mudslinging gutter politics... don't believe it for one second! Quite to the contrary, the American public–– and this includes Democrats, Independents, and Republicans––salivate and literally feed on dirty ads and low-road campaign tactics.

It's unfortunate, but the more obscene, dirtier, and contemptible campaign ads are of late, the more likely a 'win" for the candidate whose campaigns promote them. With that said, look for the next 90-days to be one of the nastiest, slime-riddled, sewer-resembled presidential elections in history. During an earlier blog post, it was noted that Barack Obama and John McCain already had a vitriolic history, and exhibited disdain for each other long before now:

... my hunch is that the next 6-months is going to be brutal. The prevailing wisdom suggests there remains bad blood from the [McCain/Obama] Ethics Reform break-down and the Flak Jacket heated exchange. And any promise by these two of rising above the usual divisive, negative, detrimentally damaging politics of destruction was just the same-old-same-old Washington, DC political posturing in an effort to look noble! www.vberryhill-soulvoice.blogspot.com/May 9, 2008

Well, so much for the pretense and promised pre-General Election political posturing by these two. As in any gladiatorial contest, the fight is to-the-death, with the last man standing (bloody as he may be) the victor. It's sad that the primary reason these vile ads and untoward behaviors by the candidates are unchallenged and allowed to pollute the 'spirit' of the electoral process, is the cheering fans/electorates "love" the mayhem and the gore, and the networks make millions of dollars.

Let's admonish the faint of heart, and political do-gooders right now. It's best to turn your televisions off beginning today, as the contest leading up through November is NOT going to be pretty, whatsoever. Both sides know that too much is at stake for a patty-cake fight this year.

So... just as soon as Obama officially clinches the Democratic nomination, and Senator Hillary Clinton has successfully been removed from even the most remote possibility of being the Democrat's representative in the Fall... look for the Republicans to unleash the 'kitchen', 'bathroom' and 'laundry room' sinks––a furor unmatched in the history of politics––on Obama.

And... not to be out done, the Obama camp, Moveon.org, and others will have to get down in the trenches and get 'blood' on their hands as well, or get mowed down mercilessly by the opposition. The Democratic 527's groups will have no choice but to counter with some of the meanest, filthiest ads of their own, leveled against McCain. All while the voters feign repulsion... but talk around the water coolers about who has the best of the worst ads!

You've been forewarned! Just get ready for a long, hot bath from November to swearing-in day, January '09. But... even then, the stench from this election cycle will be too pungent to be permanently removed from our nation's history for a long time...


JG8D69D

John McCain? How Can it Be???

Pollsters, pundits, and political junkies are scratching their heads in bewilderment as this year's General Election campaign defies rhyme, reason, and rationale. This was to have been a run-away year for Democrats to triumph over Republicans and re-take the coveted prize: the White House. But recent polls, conducted by such noted surveyors as: Gallup, Rasmussen, USA Today, Real Clear Politics and the likes, have this 2008 Presidential election virtually tied... and in a dead heat. How can this be?

How can it be that Senator John McCain, the septuagenarian Republican nominee, is polling neck-and-neck with the middle aged, vibrant Illinois senator, Barack Obama? It doesn't add up.

How can it be that Senator McCain, who is running the most unexciting, discombobulated, boring campaign in the history of politics, is within the margin of error in most of these polls... and even slightly ahead of Obama in others? It just doesn't jive!

How can it be that Senator McCain, who has yet to 'fine-tune' a theme, or present one over arching campaign message to the American people that would give reason to vote for him in 95 days, is so close in a head-to-head match up with Obama? Are the masses being bamboozled by pollsters or what?

How can it be that John McCain, who is scrapping almost daily for any media attention or honorable mention of any kind, compared to the media domination (both in paid advertising and media coverage, interviews, etc. of the Democratic nominee) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without fail. And... McCain is still able to be competitive in the polls against Obama? What's up with that???

Someone please answer the question: Who are these poll companies polling? Are any of these surveys being conducted via E-mail? Snail mail? or are they being conducted only by telephone?

If the telephone is the mode for gathering survey data ... then what is key, especially with the increased number of folks who now use "cell phones only", is how are pollsters sampling those who don't have or use a conventional land line phone? How, pray tell, are these polls being executed–– particularly since they reflect such a tight, close race?

Who is being selected or targeted for these political surveys... and how can it be that no one has ever contacted me... or for that matter, anyone that I know... to get input on this year's election.

If McCain (who appears to be using Senator Hillary Clinton's failed talking points and the handbook she used in the Democratic primary) is not already blown-out of this year's race... considering all the money, message, and media Obama has to his credit... then perhaps there is something wrong with the polling. But then again, maybe McCain's got a mo-jo that really works, and he is really working it.

Your feedback is welcomed!

The Plight of Black Republicans... GOPs Need To Worry

The national spotlight is quickly focusing on what has customarily been an ignored ... and often "unappreciated" constituent base: Black Republicans. With Senator Barack Obama's foot literally on the doorstep of the White House, some Black Republicans find themselves betwixt and between in this election cycle.

In a nutshell, here is the complexity of the situation: How do Black Republicans reconcile supporting the liberal Obama/Democratic platforms that basically go against every long standing, deep-rooted, typical "Black Church", social value of Black conservatism, i.e.: don't kill your babies just because you become pregnant; general opposition to gay marriages (remember what the preacher said, "God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve"); and an overall toughness on crime: (if you do the crime you do the time... and even your mama will turn you in!)

Long term GOP talk radio host, Armstrong Williams, articulated the present Black Republican conundrum in regards to Obama in this manner, “I don’t necessarily like his policies; I don’t like much that he advocates, but for the first time in my life, history thrusts me to really seriously think about it,” Williams explains. He adds: “I can honestly say I have no idea who I’m going to pull that [lever] for in November. And to me, that’s incredible.” (digitaljournal.com)

The angst so many Black Republicans now face is: 1) not wanting to be on the wrong side of history by not casting their vote for someone who looks like them and whose very cultural roots are entwined... and, 2) not wanting to be viewed––––any worse than already labeled by Black Democrats–– as "Uncle Toms".

Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, and one of the highest ranking Black Republicans in the world, issued a 'tease' over the weekend, stating that he had not ruled out voting for Senator Obama in November. Powell, who served in both President Bush 41 and 43's administrations quickly clarified that IF he votes for the Black senator from Illinois, it would not be simply because both are Black. "I will vote for the individual I think that brings the best set of tools to the problems of 21st century America and the 21st century world, regardless of party," Colin Powell said.

Well, that is a noble statement by Secretary Powell... but most Black Republicans–– while torn between what Obama's liberal positions will do "to" and/or "for" this country–– still face the question of whether to support this brother-- primarily because he is Black. PERIOD.

The flip side of this complex issue for Black Republicans... and which may make the decision easier, as they toy with the possibility of voting for Obama... is that many feel this Republican administration has not, and did not, share the financial spoils, such as major contracts, subcontracts, and grants to African Americans (Democrat or Republican) in an equitable manner. Consequently, would they fare better by putting their "hope"/vote with Obama? Indeed, President Bush appointed some key cabinet posts to "individual" African Americans. But overall, Black Republicans, who worked hard and voted in big numbers in 2000 and 2004 to deliver the highest African American voting percentage ever to a Republican candidate, admit being chafed over the past seven years, as their support, by and large, went ignored.

So, with that in mind, maybe... just maybe, as Black conservatives ponder who to give their votes to over the next few months, a Black Obama maybe an option that remains on the table. The GOP may need to be worried....