Truth-teller Biden Is America's Last Hope

You have to hand it to Vice-President elect Joe Biden, what comes into his head, indeed comes out of his mouth. And, when you think about it, that is not such a bad thing... because at least so far, he has demonstrated that whether we like it or not, he is 'not' going to yank the publics' chain. He is going to give whatever-the-news... straight and to our faces!

Such is the case regarding his recent comments about the dismal U.S. economy. In a recent ABC interview, Biden said:

“The economy is in much worse shape than we thought it was in. There is no short run other than keeping the economy from absolutely tanking. That’s the only short run.

The single most important thing we have to do as a new administration, to have - to be able to have impact on all of the other things we want to do, from foreign policy to domestic policy, is we’ve got to begin to stem this bleeding here and begin to stop the loss of jobs in the creation of jobs, said Biden to George Stephanopoulos."

Wow... Joe! That's what I call dousing the American public with a dose of ice-cold reality. Biden must be appreciated for being 'man' enough to tell what we here in the heartland of America already knew: "It's bad out here... and about to get worse!"

There is no misunderstanding or mistaking the meaning in this dire warning from Biden. It is quite clear: "Hold on to your hats boys and girls, as all of us (the use-to-be rich, the 'always-been' poor and what's left of the middle class) are now in the same boat: the TITANIC!"

Although Biden has been ridiculed for his gaffes over the years... but if the truth be told, Biden's real criticism is that he will tell the American people what is really going on. And the truth is especially crucial at this challenging time in our history, as the trusted pillars that have been the anchors holding this nation up: the mortgage companies, the auto industry, the insurance business, the banks, and job/employment security, are now crumbling before our eyes! And folks are afraid, and are looking to leaders such as Biden, to tell it like it is.

So, as America waits until after the Christmas holidays to see which shoe will drop next...we can only hope that Joe won't let the powers that be, and those in the news media who have lost all credibility with the American people, put a muzzle on him. We 'need' him more than ever to keep sharing the real deal with his fellow Americans, so we can be as informed as our elected officials are in Washington, DC, and govern our lives accordingly. Because of all the folks in the DC beltway who live to give us the political 'spin'... Joe Biden has never been one of them. Here's hoping he won't start now.

What Does Race Have To Do With Running a Country?

During this historic election, how often has the question been asked, “Are Americans really ready for a Black president?” And how many times has the answer to the statement been: “Yes We Are Ready... It’s time!”

While this is a great conversational question... a more appropriate question, and one which hasn’t been 'asked' or answered frequently enough in this political debate is: “What does race have to do with running a country?”

Most Americans, whether old, young, Black, White, Latino, Jew, Christian, Islam, etc., wake-up every morning to confront some very real personal issues and concerns in their lives. Thus, our next President’s ethnicity or nationality doesn’t even register a blip on most voter’s radar screen.

With that question as the premise: “What does race have to do with running a mortgage company?” With a deepening mortgage crisis threatening the very core of our nation... does the mortgage company care the race of the mortgage holder? No! Lenders could care less about race. Most just want the note paid, and paid on time... or, if not, move.

Also... “What does race have to do with running a gas station?” Tell Mr. and Mrs. John/Jane Q. Public–– many of whom are robbing "Peter-to-pay-Paul" just to keep gas in the car. When these voters pull their automobiles into the local gas stations, where gas prices are edging $4 per gallon... does the gasoline station attendant, oil producers, or petroleum companies really care the ethnic origin of 'that' consumer? NOT! (As a matter of fact, at the gas pump everybody is equal: equally being treated or (mistreated) the same).

Wake up American baby boomers, seniors, and generation X’ers! We are at a pivotal time in this nation. And far too much energy is being spent on the subject of 'race', 'race-baiting', and 'race-hating'. This is our country! And, if the United States goes under on our watch, then all of us, regardless of our race, creed, or color, are going to drown together!

Let's focus on resuscitating our failing economy, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and lifting this nation back to the great country we have long been known-to-be. Now, to do that requires us all putting aside racial, and other differences–– sacrificing and working together as a cohesive group... as 'one' people united for the common good.

In addition, we must select a leader from the candidates currently running. Will McCain or Obama be the most competent, efficient Captain to lead America through this difficult period? Who––of the two major party candidates–– can and will take the helm of this ship and navigate us through the stormy waters we find ourselves in? Who will Americans trust this fragile nation to the next 4 years? That's the question... and, race should not be of any relevance whatsoever!”

Phil Graham Called Us Whiners... Was He Right?

by Guest blogger – Mrs. Frances Smith;
Louisiana Republican State Committee Member District 100

Senator Phil Graham, former adviser to Republican nominee John McCain's presidential campaign, recently called Americans "a nation of whiners?" Although he was sorely reproved for his comments... the question that begs to be answered: "Was he truthful"?

Without a doubt... the answer is a resounding: Yes! Absolutely. Now granted, Graham did not demonstrate much compassion in his expression. But it is high time truth is placed squarely in the public debate!

Today, Americans are faced with so much debt and inflationary costs, primarily because we have not demanded accountability from our political leaders. But, more so because many have not, and will not exercise fiscal discipline with our own household budgets.

Americans have been sucked into a "buy now pay later" mentality... and most of today's purchases are for unnecessary "junk and stuff". Unfortunately, when monthly bills become due, too many Americans are forced to delay payments... opting to pay those debts–– with additional late charges–– some time in the future.

Our spending habits have gone too far out of whack, and it is time we (as a nation) admit that our spending is out of control and get to work to get out of debt. Many of us are our own biggest problem–– having made 'bad' purchases, and continue indiscriminate buying... and actuated some ill-thought-out financial decisions in the past. The seriousness of today's fiscal situation calls for drastic measures to be taken which will lead to long-term solutions.

During a recent speech, I shared with the audience this fascinating perspective from noted writer, Eric Snow:

"...empires experience similar cultural developments. [And] Each stage helps lead to the next, as the values of the people change over time as influenced by military, political, religious, and economic developments". [The Life Cycles of Empires and America's Destiny; Snow]

The audience added education to that list.

So, let's put this into context. Senator Graham's comments, harsh as they may have seemed, was an accurate assessment of where we are right now today–– using the above referenced "developmental stages" model. It is time for the instant gratification generation, who want what they want... when they want it... regardless of if they can afford it... to stop whining and get a grip! If this generation does not begin immediately exercising discipline and individual responsibility in the area of personal finance... then what financial carnage will we leave to the next generation?

The government can only do so much. It is time for all of us to roll up our sleeves and sacrifice to knock down our individual and national debt, as the financial well being of all of of us, lies within exercising sound fiscal decisions by each of us!