The Mirror Holder

Base-less Ball.

2009-06-08T10:46:00.007-04:00

I heard Derek Jeter state on www.jumpman23.com that an education is always something you can fall back on. A lot of people have dreams of being a professional athlete but first, and foremost, an education and good grades should come first because if those dreams of becoming a professional athlete don't come true then your education will be something to fall back on. We hear this message a lot from professional athletes and celebrities in general, right? It sounds good, positive, and "role-model"-worthy. But this statement strikes me as funny and for the first time I heard this message of "getting an education" as mildly offensive and a bit backwards. An education is something to fall back on? Really?

I would say that "to fall back on" implies a secondary option, a contingency plan. Sure, to be recognized as a world-class athlete, with the celebrity treatment, all that money and influence is an enticing nugget to obtain but should it really be the primary motivator for kids? Shouldn't the priorities be the other way around? Get a great education, in fact, never stop being educated and become a star athlete if that comes to be. Primarily, be a person who loves to learn and eventually pass along that knowledge to others so as to change the world. Secondarily, have a celebrity plan to fall back on. What are the ends which are institutionalized in our culture and teach our children?

Education should be placed before celebrity status. Educators, not professional athletes, should be placed higher in the societal hierarchy. But let's be honest, if money drives our economy and our economy is what America is known for then celebrities must exist to help push along consumerism; most educators just don't have the celebrity power of someone of Jeter's caliber.

Finally, I'd like to end by saying I don't think Jeter meant any harm in what he expressed. He promoted education in the societally acceptable manner, but I say that the societally acceptable understanding that celebrity and not educational and intellectual excellence needs to flip in the cultural hierarchy of ends in order for human fulfillment.

Obama is Good, But He Could be Better

2009-05-13T09:59:00.005-04:00

According to popular majority, the first 100+ days of President Obama's term have been a welcome change at least and absolute bliss at best. A fairly articulate speaker has replaced a seemingly bumbling moron. A masterful diplomat has ousted a loner cowboy with something to prove to his daddy. A man who seems to exude confidence in his strengths, while at the same time address his weaknesses by surrounding himself with people admittedly smarter than him has exercised the ghost of a president whose eyes gave away his greatest weakness - that weakness that has led to the downfall of so many leaders, the one where a person cannot admit the job is too big for him to do alone and pride steeps the spirit to squelch the necessity for humility. Obama, in short, has been a refreshing change that has done more good for a country's psyche (let alone, the world's)than my memory is aloud to recall. Personally, I began paying attention to politics when Clinton was roasted for sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky and more egregiously, for perjury. Since then Washington has seen more bad times than good. However, as I sing the praises of our new President there are areas that need to be improved. In this lengthy posting I will outline some areas where Obama and I don't quite see eye to eye. And that's OK. I'm sure Axelrod and Emanuel could write an expose of greater length and depth. So, I invite you to read at your leisure and come back a few times to get through the entire posting.

The Economy
Thank God Obama did something. The idea of giving the American people a tax holiday or simply doing nothing and letting the situation run its course is ludicrous. From a public relations standpoint, while millions are losing their jobs and others are losing retirement funds, homes, and confidence, the government would have been seen as inept for sitting on their hands. For the good of perception, President Obama's stimulus plan was necessary but the manner in which it was distributed, without a plan for accountability left me feeling very uncomfortable. It made it easy for pet projects to be pumped up without the greatest consideration for the general public in mind. Like the banking bailouts, the chance for frivolous spending is inevitable, in my opinion. Something more could be put in place to make sure the money is being spent more wisely.

Bank Bailouts
Speaking of those bailouts, who didn't see this corruption and greed coming down Wall Street? Just to recap, human nature failed once again in the capitalist society when individuals were given licenses to make as much money as they could, any way they could. So, by taking some crappy deals, wheeling and dealing on the confidence of a solid market, in the end banking executives made off like bandits leaving their companies and those that represent their financial interests in the toilet. Who's going to pick up the bill? Only the group large enough to handle it. The one who prints the money. The government started handing over billions in relief to keep the WORLD economy propped up. Don't you think it might be a good idea to reorganize and "de-monopolize" these giants that have the entire weight of the world's economy rest on them so this doesn't happen again when people succumb to avarice.

As for the banks leadership, they should be ashamed of themselves and internally blackballed from running anything larger than their kids soccer team. The audacity to take bonuses and buy jets on the taxpayers dime is despicable. President Obama could have and should have been harsher on these individuals. After all, he is the leader of the majority stake holders of these companies now. Step up, Obama, and get rid of the trash!

Stem Cell Research
On a heated topic, with drastic medical ramifications, the debate to use embryonic stem cells as a means to remedy such diseases as Parkinson's and ALS has become the newest chapter on the fight between the pro-life and pro-choice camps. Just so my readers know, I fall more into the pro-life camp than the pro-choice one. You can see where this is going, I'm against using EMBRYONIC stem cells. I don't think that the media or the president has clarified the distinction between embryonic and adult stem cells enough. Most of the language I have heard in mainstream media has simply been "stem cells" and that just isn't the case. Just doing some simple research will justify funding for adult stem cell research over embryonic stem cell research.

From a scientific perspective, embryonic stem cell research has found success in regrowing any human cell but published studies have reported that they have a high propensity to develop tumors. On the other hand, researchers have found numerous advancements in using adult stem cells. Why in the world are we not looking at this? Why is President Obama not playing this in the media more? It is reportedly cheaper and evidently more effective.

I have my theories. In the state I am registered in, Missouri, an amendment was passed in the 2006 to guarantee the legality of embryonic stem cell research and provide state funding. Here is a point to consider. $28.7 million was spent on this campaign by proponents of Amendment 2 and $27.9 million has been provided by James and Virginia Stowers, who own a private laboratory in Kansas City, MO. This is the most money spent in the history of Missouri on any campaign. Is the campaign about patients or patents? Adult stem cell lines cannot be patented but embryonic stem cell lines can be and can be profited from.

A direct link can been made between the research of embryonic stem cell research and financial gain. If Obama is aware of this, then shame on him. And if he is ignorant of the differences between adult and embryonic stem cells then he better get educated on the real reasons embryonic stem cells are being pushed and adult stem cell research is not.

Communications
As good as President Obama is at maintaining a popular (rock star) persona among the media heads which provide the public with the daily images, he could be better. He's so much better than most. It is impossible to not come across as a doofus every once in a while when one lives in a fishbowl. As is normal, most politician's actions in front of the cameras (for Obama, it is all the time) seem premeditated and contrived. If there was some way for him to look more natural it would help. Also, he could really learn to make his points without reading from the teleprompter exclusively. His press conferences have been good but he could be smoother when answering questions off the cuff. This is a minor thing. It has nothing to do with policy. I've been happy with his selection for the chair of the FCC, Julius Genachowski. I was so happy that he didn't re-activate the "Fairness Doctrine." These suggestions only deal with the presentation of the president. And let's be fair, he's miles ahead of President Bush's media ineptitude.

Immigration Policy
For the most part President Obama's policy on immigration is good. I like the fact that he wants to sure up the boarders, not to insulate the United States but to secure it and authenticate those who wish to apply for Visa's. What I do have a problem with is his plan to make those who have entered illegally pay a fine and learn English. If the people coming to the United States because they don't have enough money to support themselves in their home countries is it just to fine them? I don't think so. And to make them learn English goes against the First Amendment. The right to speak includes the right to speak whatever language you want. Enforcing the English language is unconstitutional.

Ban on Gay Marriage
I am not sure what to think of this stance by Obama. I can't tell if he really believes it or is just playing politics and choosing his battles and not swinging at this one.

Check out the YouTube video to see what I mean.

I, for one, think a governmental recognition of gay and lesbian unions should be allowed. Moral and ethical arguments have no barring on this topic. If science is correct and people are genetically hardwired to be attracted to one sex or the other, then how is it constitutionally right to discriminate between who loves one another and who wants to marry one another. A government cannot make concessions for heterosexual partners, while leaving the homosexuals on the sidelines. That is unfair and unjust. So, when President Obama came out and opposed Proposition 8, I had to disagree with him on the matter. OK, he doesn't want them to marry but wants them to have the same rights in the government as heterosexual marriages. His line between the civil recognition and the church's recognition are clear but his messages are mixed.

Torture
I wrote a bit on this in an earlier blog post. Congratulations, President Obama on starting the process of closing down the detention center in Guantanamo Bay but more could be done. There are different forms of torture that need to be extinguished. The School of Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia is just one example of how the U.S. government aids in the dissemination of torture techniques. This should not be aloud. The world looks to the United States for guidance in many areas. If our military is going to use torture techniques, then that gives the rest of the world license to use it. We will be feeling the ramifications of the decisions of the past administration for decades. U.S. soldiers, if captured, will be subjected to the same treatment as the rest of the world saw us using on those detained. My greatest fear is that this type of behavior will snowball. The adage, violence breeds violence is ripe in the current climate of warfare where information must be had at any cost. I'm scared of the moral decline of such acts. The world sees these images and read the reports, that leaves the entire nation and all its citizens with a terrible black eye.

Do you know how difficult it is to live in another country and have to tell everyone that you are from the U.S.? While living in Canada I was subjected to some very harsh treatment because I was a citizen from the U.S. And this is Canada we are talking about. This is not some middle eastern nation. This is the closest country to our own, culturally, and I was being ridiculed for being American because of the decisions my government made. I want to see torture end and I want those responsible for legalizing it brought to justice and serve prison time.

Poverty

You can skip ahead to about 1:12 to view Obama's campaign promises to combat poverty.

Related to the bad economy and the toxic environment of corporate greed, poverty has become a very serious issue. Within our own boarders people continue to struggle to meet their financial necessities of affordable housing, food, transportation, and basic utilities. A severe rift between the rich and the poor continues to grow. In some way, Obama has to change the individualistic mentality and culture that breeds greed. It just isn't sustainable. The rich are getting richer off the backs of the poor. This has serious ramifications down the road. As a nation we have to continue to fight the urge to horde wealth and live altruistically for the sake of our fellow people.

The same can be said about the distribution of wealth around the globe. By pillaging the resources from other countries so as to make more goods for us, we are not maintaining a commitment for the livelihood of those people in other countries. This incredible video for kids explains very well how this line of thinking is unjust.

Obama's administration needs to do more to curb the poverty in this country, as well as, abroad. I know this isn't a popular stance because it calls for sacrifice but something needs to change to bring about a better standard of living for the poorest of our fellow persons.

Concluding Remarks
It may seem like I am asking a lot from Obama, perhaps even wanting him to be the Messiah, but I cannot deny the fact that some things in the Obama presidency need to change. Yes, he's done remarkable things in this short time he's been in office but still more can be done. It is unreasonable to think he will be able to accomplish everything but it is not unreasonable to voice that changes that I think need to be changed in the Obama doctrine. You've probably seen that I am more conservative than Obama in some respects and more liberal in other areas but the fact of the matter is, the ability to share ideas and views is principally the most important matter that President embraces and encourages. That is the purpose for this blog. We will always be able to better ourselves as people and as a nation, therefore it is important that we never grow weary in our effort to envision and express a different and better reality.

Obama Continues to Build Bridges

2009-04-06T13:17:00.004-04:00

One of the greatest rifts in the current political world is between the nations defined by the Muslim religion and the west, consisting primarily of Europe and The United States. President Obama has continued to define the relationship between these two seemingly different cultures. Today in Turkey he made an important statement when he said that The United States was not at war with Islam.

This is so true and inexplicably important to state to the world. It probably bears being repeated numerous times over. Although, Islam is the national religion of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, all countries with whom we are having diplomatic difficulties with at the moment, the religion itself is not the target of aggressive measures.

Obama even went so far as to link himself to the Muslim religion through his father and point to the fact that Muslims are making a positive contribution to American culture. This may seem like political suicide but I applaud the president for this candid and honest appeal to redefine the relationship between the Muslim world and American culture.

The religion of Islam is a beautiful one; sharing many of the same tenets of other major religions. I for one have learned much from the teachings in the Koran and look forward to continuing that education.

All Eyes on Obama in London

2009-04-01T12:04:00.003-04:00

You may have noticed that I haven't written anything in nearly a month. I just couldn't! I was so disgusted by the reports from Washington concerning the economic crisis that I really was stymied by the negativity. But NOW we have some uplifting and positive vibes coming from the political world with the commencement of the G-20 summit. The world is watching! Everyone wants to see how America's new President is going to handle the leaders of the other nations.

Meetings kicked off today, highlighted by talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown where reports have been positive and perhaps relationships mended over assumed coolness between the two nations. More importantly were the congenial talks between President Obama and Russia's President Dmitri Medvedev. Reports are saying that the two sides have agreed to enter discussions regarding the reduction of warheads. These are two good indicators that President Obama is making some positive steps towards mending the American image on a very global stage.

I am happy to say that optimism seems to be reigning again. This is a major reason why Obama was elected President, to reclaim that swagger among the heavy-weights of the world. Keep your eyes on this event.

Republicans Gaining Momentum?

2009-03-04T13:50:00.005-05:00

I had intended for these next few weeks to be writing about the Republican response to the stimulus bill that was passed just a few days ago. The immediate reaction was wonderful. All of the Republicans voted against the bill was the first remarkable response. Then, Republican Governors were threatening to use only parts of the money afforded to their care because of idealogical differences. Governor Jindal's Republican response to the Obama's address to Congress was a johnny-come-lately debacle which set a sore taste in Republican and Democratic mouths alike. Finally, Newt Gingrich arises from the underbrush of the Republican jungle to seemingly take a lead in the party. Needless to say, since the stimulus bill the papers and blogs have been as rich as New York cheesecake. I know I've enjoyed the ride. But, alas, the joyride that is the Republican Party's ineptitude is slowly coming to a halt, at least when it comes to the economy. I only need to chat with my family in Kansas to understand that the gripes of inevitable higher taxes are beginning to peeve my somewhat centrist/right-leaning clan. I get the feeling that public patience is starting to wain.

There has been a turn in the confidence in the Republican Party it seems. Am I crazy to say that? Perhaps, but just look at the swagger in John Boehner's response to the stimulus bill release today. This just serves as a little example that the Republicans stood up to the extremely popular President Obama and are still alive. They've discovered that there are enough people out there that are not so keen on Obama's ideas to turn around the economy to make themselves relevant.

Don't get me wrong, the Republican Party has a long way to go to get back to the stronghold it held nearly 15 years ago, but it seems as though they have found a bit of strength in banding together. They would be wise to not get too big for their britches and over stretch this new found confidence. They are still the minority party and will have a hard time getting any initiative through Congress these next few years. They would be foolish to turn their backs on the Obama administration this early, especially with Obama continuing to make such centralest moves, i.e. staying with Bush's troop withdrawal from Iraq plan, (although, I think most people believe Obama and didn't believe Bush). There are plenty of things that Republicans and Democratics can work towards together. Just look at the numerous mutual ovations Obama received during his Congressional address. The principles of patriotic living - jobs, energy, and education - are held by all, I believe, and I hope that this will be the catalyst for progress rather than partisan nonsense. Here's hoping for change.

Back to the Republican Future

2009-03-04T10:21:00.004-05:00

You know the old adage, 'history repeats itself.' It seems as though that is just the case for the Republican Party. In a show of absolute disarray, Newt Gingrich has now become the mouthpiece for the Republican Party.

Here is a man who nearly a decade ago was run out of Washington after the 1998 elections. He was one of the most powerful people in Washington as Speaker of the House but was badly outplayed by a more savvy President Clinton - portrayed as a whiny hypocrite. Having lost all favor inside and outside the power-ranks he was discarded and thought to never be heard from again.

But somehow he's been able to weasel his way back into the public sphere without holding an office. Sure he runs his think tanks and charities but for the most part he's been a behind the scenes brainchild for the Republicans.

The New York Times Magazine ran a profile on Mr. Gingrich last weekend, mapping out his life during the last ten years. Primarily he keeps busy by coming up with ideas and passing them along to his buddies on the hill. This along with the lack of leadership and direction has set Gingrich up to once again lead this party back from obscurity.

But how do you fight a party who has a president with a 65% approval rate? Well, you better believe Gingrich has a plan. In his mind there are two ways to go about it. Take this stimulus plan for instance. Newt's idea was to create a tax holiday, where tax payers would be given a reprieve of taxes over a lengthy time period. It would put money into the consumers pocket and continue to move the economy along. OK, sounds like a straight forward plan. But can you really be so radically different from a president who is trying to move towards the center of the political pendulum? In Gingrich's words, "you look like you’re a nihilistic party of reactionary opposition.” Well, that's exactly what the Republics did - they unanimously voted against the stimulus bill and to the surprise of everyone seemed to be stronger for it.

Now with some momentum on their side the Republican party rolled into Washington last week for the Republican jamboree where Gingrich took the podium for the fervorino and implored the party to get back to the principles that made the party what it once was. Read: when Gingrich ran the show. And for all intensive purposes, the Reagan, G. W. H. Bush, Gingrich era was a pretty strong dog and pony show but look where it got us.

The deregulation of Reaganomics showed us the worst in people. Avarice took precedence and the clever got rich while those who played by the rules of justice are now taking the lumps. To say the least a Pandora's box was opened and unleashed was a part of human nature that is ugly and distasteful. Now, Obama and the government is left to reign in those lost with greed so that the rest of America can survive.

Thanks you very little, Newt!

Republican Governor's Looking After #1...Shocking!

2009-02-22T11:30:00.003-05:00

The country has been engrossed with the stimulus package over the past few weeks. This is an understatement. Really there is nothing else more pressing for the government than trying to turn around the dire state of the economy. This country depends on it and the entire world is looking towards the US to see what the next step is going to be.

OK, well, the economic stimulus package has been modified, passed by both branches of government, and signed into law. Some $787 billion later it looks as though that money is going to trickle down to the states and federal government departments. And now the real political jockeying takes place.

Most republican governors are going to take a pass on some of the money. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has rejected some of the funds coming his state's way because of an interpretation of the ESP that makes it mandatory for the states to continue to pick up the tab for the unemployed once the money runs out in a couple of years. Gov. Barbour concludes that this will cause an employment tax to subsidize the funds to be covered by the federal governments money now. Likewise, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is rejecting money for the same reason. But will take a good chunk of money to repair roads, bridges, and essentially creating more jobs. But isn't there a way for the state governments to take the money offered to them by Washington and work around this permanency clause in the ESP? Couldn't the state governments simply take the money now and agree to but the law on the books and then change the law when the money runs out? Governments overturn laws all the time and take them off the books. I don't understand why this couldn't happen now. To me, this sounds like political grand standing. I understand the Republican Governor's disagreement with the permanency clause but simple rejecting money for the sake of political face when thousands of citizens could use the aid is just simple wrong. It is uncharitable and I hope that it will come back to haunt their political careers.

Why not take a stand like Florida's Gov. Charlie Crist? He's going to take any help he can get to help the sunshine state because as he said on Meet the Press, he's looking after the people of the sunshine state first and foremost.

Republican Governors who refuse to accept the money can hide behind what seem to be idealogical differences in the ESP, but it doesn't negate the fact that this is political partisanship at its worst. And who's going to pay for it? Those citizens who need that money the most will pay the price for governors attempt to toe a party line so as to rise in the party rather than look after the people they serve. It's despicable!

Israeli Tennis Player Banned from Dubai Tourney

2009-02-19T09:48:00.004-05:00

A sad event has taken place in the sporting world this past week. The collision of politics and athletics has happened. It happens a lot, I'm afraid, and the circumstances are usually never pretty. The United Arab Emirates have denied the visa of an Israeli tennis player by the name Shahar Peer because of "security threats."

Clearly, because of the fact that Ms. Peer is an Israeli she will be barred from playing in the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships. She will miss out on a chance to earn points to bump her in the ranking, (where she currently holds strong to the 45th position in the world. Not too shabby!), and of course, prize money. But for all the injustice that she has endured by the United Arab Emirates' government, she has made a statement asking for the tournament to continue for the sake of the other players. She says that it wouldn't be fair to the other players if the entire tournament would be canceled for her sake.

What is the right thing to do? The Tennis Channel has announced that it would not broadcast the tournament because of Peer's plight. That's a good start. What about the players though? Pam Shriver of ESPN says that they should all agree to not play in the tournament, just like when the men walked out of the 1973 Wimbledon when Niki Pilic was banned by his home country, Croatia, because he refused to play in the Davis Cup. And what about the World Tennis Association who sanctions this event? They should take a good long look at this tournament and if it can remain affiliated with a country who excludes because of nationality.

This is a blatant injustice against a woman who has done nothing wrong but be a citizen of a country who is at odds with UAE. Sport should be about the bridging of political and idealogical differences. It should be a healing mechanism for the wounds caused by poor communication and deaf ears. It should rise above the petty differences between nations. But in this instance is only has caused more division. The tennis world needs to react strongly against this action because they are bound by duty. The players hold a significant amount of power. With one voice they can communicate that the exclusion of one player means the exclusion of all. This would send a clear message to the government of the UAE and the WTA.

Welcome to the GOP 2.0!!!

2009-02-15T11:01:00.004-05:00

The Grand Ol' Party had themselves a little pow-wow this past Friday. No, it wasn't about the current state of its floundering party. Nor was it about the economic stimulus bill. It was about, of all things, technology and how the party can better utilize the latest and greatest communication inventions to broadcasts its messages and ideas. What a concept! They should have had this summit about three years ago. The RNC is only second behind the Catholic Church when it comes to ineptitude regarding the current capabilities of the Web 2.0.

Although the statement of this conference is newsworthy enough, I'd like to consentrate on a quote by Newt Gingrich: "Every generation has to use the technology of their generation," he says. Thomas Paine saw the power of the pamphlet. Abraham Lincoln understood the rotary press. FDR got radio, JFK got TV, and Obama gets the Web. But "what really matters is not how you communicate but what you communicate."

Ah, the famous oversight of the power of the medium. Newt's comment is well received and I understand what he is trying to say but, if the content was really more important than then medium, then, Mr. Gingrich, you wouldn't be having this conference in the first place. One major reason that President Obama was elected was because he understood the new media capabilities of the internet and its mobility. For God's sake, he's the first president to use email and a Blackberry. In my opinion, his techy saavy was a key contributor to attracting young voters to believe that he would be better capable to understand AND adapt to a rapidly changing world. John McCain failed to show the American people that despite his age he had these same qualities, which are so essential to govern in world that is more closely nitted together by communication and information technology than ever before. Neither does it seem to be slowing down.

Congratulations to the Republicans for finally figuring out one of its major downfalls in the last two federal elections. It will be a lot of fun to track their progress as they attempt to catch up with the Democratic Party heading towards the midterm elections of 2010. One piece of advice, however. DON'T LISTEN TO NEWT!!!

A-Rod: On Trial

2009-02-11T09:39:00.004-05:00

OK, since my last post I've had some time to calm down. As reported on Saturday, A-Rod was reported to have used steroids. Sunday was silent other than the fact that thousands of bloggers, media, and everyday Americans were talking about the "scandal." Then Monday happened. Alex Rodriguez sat down for an interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons (probably the most heralded baseball commentator of our day) and admitted to using steroids. Ah ha! I knew he would come clean. But did he really?

I watched the interview a couple of times and never really got the impression that he was truly, sincerely sorry. It's a tough argument to make but I wanted to see remorse in his eyes. I wanted to see some shame in his body language. Instead, we got a canned and rehearsed "apology" that felt more like an eighth grader sitting in the principal's office being made to admit to something he couldn't care less to have done. And what did we get out of A-Rod? Nothing more than we already knew. That's what drives me crazy.

The interview was an opportunity to come clean and really make a mends for the wrong committed to the integrity of the baseball. He had a chance to tell the entire world how he had cheated himself, all those guys who were playing without the juice, the kids that look at him as a role model, and the thousands of fans that he has marginalized because of this selfish action.

But the blame is not entirely his own. Major League Baseball officials are also at fault. Having a policy that prohibits steroids but without a punishment is merely rhetoric. The bark without the bite is as worthless as blanks in a gun. Clearly, once a punishment was put into place the players got scared. A-Rod says that he quite using in 2003; ironically enough that's also the last year MLB tested without punishment. Did MLB really care about steroids use? One could make a convincing argument that it did not, as long as the fans continued to go through the turnstyles.

Can you blame A-Rod for taking the stuff knowing that he wouldn't be punished? That's a difficult judgment to make when you see that numerous other players are using and the only way to stay on top was to go along with them. I wish it wasn't that way but I'm afraid that we are prone to look after ourselves and our livelihood before fairness of others. Remember it wasn't until the public eye caught the attention of the rampant steroids use in MLB that policy was changed. So, let A-Rod be judged in the public arena.

He had a great chance on Monday to make serious headway in this very fickle court of public opinion but because of his lack of outward sincerity he has lost. I don't like cheaters, but I can understand why they cheat. What's more, I don't like liars. Period. And I don't like A-Rod.

A-"lightning"-Rod of Controversy

2009-02-07T19:16:00.006-05:00

What are we going to do about A-Rod?

If you haven't heard yet, the Yankee third baseman, slugger was reported by Sports Illustrated to have tested positive for steroids in 2003.

A few issues on these allegations that are noteworthy. First, the test done on Rodriguez was done in 2003 when there were no punishments in place for those who tested positive. Second, it was a selective test done by MLB to see if mandatory testing needed to take place. (5% of tested players came back positive, sufficing the necessity to test all players and hand down harsh punishments accordingly) Finally, the report that had Rodriguez's name on it was to be confidential.

So, how did A-Rod's name get leaked to the SI? Well, the FBI, on cleaning up some other steroid-related issues, found a copy of the report and then someone's big yap opened up the story of the sport's year, thus far.

How does this affect A-Rod? I'm not sure if it does, on a strictly professional level. He didn't break any rules. He hasn't reported as testing positive since 2003 and he has continued to put up some very impressive numbers. So, he can go on playing baseball like nothing happened if a team wants him and I don't think that's in question at the time.

However, this may playout much differently in the court of public opinion. When one of the best is found out to have cheated, the backlash can be tremultuous. Already not particularly loved by Yankee fans, this could be the last straw for the home team. They may turn their backs on him and completely shun him from the Yankee family. And on the road, the taunting, name-calling, and general merciless crowds will be amped 100 fold. Just think of 20,000 Spike-Lee's at every game, night in and night out. Lock up the kids and keep away the women, because this could get ugly.

As for the media, this could spell disaster for A-Rod. The media are the one's who vote players into the Hall of Fame. If it is true that A-Rod took steroids during the 2003 season where, he won the Home Run crown and the AL MVP, then that could cast a severe and ominous cloud over his worthiness to be part of the legion of greats. Just look at Mark McGwire who has not been found to have used steroids and still the writers have kept him out of the Hall for pleading the 5th when asked by a congressional commitee, under oath, if he had ever taken steroids. It could be that bad, if not worse, for A-Rod if this allogation is true. Clearly, the writers don't need a court virdict to sentence judgement of their own on a player.

Combined with his domestic issues last season and the Yankee faithful already questioning his lack of Yankee persona, does this spell the beginning of the end for A-Rod? Only time will tell, so stay tuned for more.

Obama's Reading My Blog!

2009-02-05T13:41:00.003-05:00

It seems as though our 44th president has been keeping up with what I am saying on my blog. Well, at least his speech writers. After my latest entry, ripping the CEO's of those companies accepting government help and then taking multi-million dollar bonuses. My last words were "Shame on you!" And what did Obama say later on? Those exact words! So, what's the logical conclusion? Yup, Barack Obama is a Mirror Holder!

OK, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but I am so pleased to see that Obama is taking measures to radicate this atrosity. By limiting the salaries of the CEO's that are recieving aid from the government Obama is sending a clear message that it is unexceptable to be taking huge amounts of money for yourself while fellow American citizens struggle.

I'm very proud of Obama's actions.

Fantastic Financial Fiasco!

2009-01-29T09:25:00.003-05:00

Where do these bank executives get off accepting bonuses when hundreds of thousands of their fellow citizens are losing their jobs? Where is the justice to accept billions of dollars in bonuses when school boards are planning on closing schools and in effect, hampering the learning environment of our young people, our future? The audacity of these people!!!

Don't tell me that you have to pay these exorbitant amounts of money to keep these "great" minds of the business! Clearly, they aren't that great. If they were, then we wouldn't be in this mess. If these executives have any self-honor and pride in the work that they did this past year, then they would be handing ever cent of those bonuses over to a charity or a school.

By definition, isn't a bonus supposed to be a privilege for a job well done? Obviously, our rich and haughty friends in the financial sector didn't quite get the job done. They are the Bill Buckner's of Wall Street, but at least Buckner felt remorse for his error. These people are turning a blind eye to this misdeed and disgracefully taking their chips and running. Who's running this scam anyway? Danny Ocean?

I'm hurt and appalled at the moral judgment of my friends on Wall Street. Have they done anything illegal? It doesn't look like it. They simply took what they wanted because they are the ones calling the shots. But in this time of hardship for so many people, in this time when kids education is going to be axed, can a person really look at themselves in the mirror and think that accepting bonuses in the millions is ethical? The answer is clearly and resounding, YES! And I say, SHAME ON THEM!!!

Close Gitmo AND the School of Americas, President Obama

2009-01-25T11:30:00.006-05:00

President Obama has released an executive order to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. This is a fine effort to fix the wrongs committed by the Bush administration, namely those occurred against the rights of humanity. But President Obama must go farther. This is not the only atrocity in the United States that maintains the doctrine of torture as a means to secure information. President Obama must also close the School of Americas/Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (SOA/WHINSEC).

What is SOA/WHINSEC?

The School of the Americas (SOA) is a U.S. Army training school that equips military personnel from Latin American countries with knowledge in subjects like counter-insurgency, military intelligence and counter-narcotics operations. Under Department of Defense jurisdiction, this school is funded by U.S. taxpayer money, all of the training is conducted in Spanish, and most of the classes are taught by Latin American instructors. According to the SOA itself, more than 60,000 members of Latin American militaries have attended the SOA since its inception in 1946.

Why should the SOA/WHINSEC be closed?

SOA/ WHINSEC graduates have included some of the worst and most notorious human rights abusers in Latin American history, and for much of the world, the school, under any name, is synonymous with torture and impunity. SOA graduates have led military coups and are responsible for massacres of hundreds of people. Among the SOA's more than 60,000 alumni are notorious dictators Manuel Noriega and Omar Torrijos of Panama, Leopoldo Galtieri and Roberto Viola of Argentina, Juan Velasco Alvarado of Peru, Guillermo Rodriguez of Ecuador and Hugo Banzar Suarez of Bolivia. SOA graduates were responsible for the Uraba massacre in Colombia, the El Mozote massacre of 900 civilians in El Salvador, the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero and the massacre of 14-year-old Celina Ramos, her mother Elba Ramos and six Jesuit priests in El Salvador and hundreds of other human rights abuses. Closing the school would send a strong human rights message to Latin America and the world.

So, if President Obama is serious about justice and human rights as laid out by the United Nations, then he will have to close the SOA/WHINSEC. There have been too many people that have been taught how to torture people in our neighboring countries of Latin America for this institution to remain open. A direct link between the rational of closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay and the SOA/WHINSEC is evident and obvious. Based on the rhetoric offered by President Obama, there is no longer room for this institution of torture to remain open.

Much of my information was found at a School of America watch website called http://www.soaw.org/ I'd invite you to educate yourself about this issue and then make a judgment for yourself.

Senator who?

2009-01-23T11:17:00.002-05:00

Today Governor Paterson (NY) appointed Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to take the vacant New York Senate seat. Who is this woman? Do New Yorkers know her? The answer is no.

So, why Ms. Gillibrand? 1. This choice is a woman. 2. She is a representative from upstate NY. Are these two reason stable enough to choose a seemingly unknown?

The New York Times is reporting that she has some political chops. She did, as a matter of fact, beat her 4 term, republican incumbent in a heavily republican district - without having held a public office before in her life. This is a fairly remarkable accomplishment, but does it warrant an appointment to the Senate after only two years in the House of Representatives? I'm not convinced.

She poses other problems. She is a staunch supporter of gun rights - not a very popular stance in NYC. Plus, she has been reported to be a supporter of an extension of the Bush tax cuts. These seem to go against the grain of the wider NY constituency.

She won't be around forever, however. In 2010 she will have to run for the position in the scheduled election. Stay tuned on this story. She has a huge opportunity to bolster her own political career but it if she fails she'll be swiftly defeated and replaced in a fairly timely manner.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T15:24:00.002-05:00

Today, I have decided to blog through the inauguration. I'll do my best to report what is being reported by the TV journalist and, of course, what Barack Obama et al. are doing on this very historic day.

10:04 0 I decided to get some mundane grocery shopping out of the way before the big events began. And I am glad I did, because I got out of my apartment in time to get a real sense of the mood of the upper west side of Manhattan. As you can imagine, one of the most Democratic areas in the country, was a buzz with glee and anticipation for the possibilities of a new government. In the check out line I was even wished a "happy inauguration day" by a woman. We exchanged some pleasantries about our hopes for almost-President Obama. It was an extraordinary experience that has left me with goosebumps. It is such a wonderful feeling to have a country that backs teh president so reverently. I hate to compare this experience to the last 8, even 12 years (practically the entire time I've been following politics as an adult), but something is so different. As I've been saying to my friends and family since Obama began campaigning, if Obama doesn nothing more, he will inspire and motivate a majority in this country to reclaim the fundamental goodness of liberty and life. He will create an attitude among the people to participate in their government in an authentic manner. This will be one of the most positive days in American history.

10:45 - Governor Paterson just announced that Michelle Obama will be named the next NY senator. Bad timing. Bad joke.

10:46 - Michelle Obama looks fantastic, even regal in her gold dress as she and Laura Bush exit the White House. She'll certainly be remembered as one of the most attractive first ladies.

10:47 - VP Dick Cheney in a wheelchair? Wow, that might be an auspicious metaphor for the outgoing administration.

10:48 - President and President-elect depart the White House on their way to Capitol Hill in the new Presidential limo, which has been described as a monster for it's size and weight. What do you think Bush and Obama are talking about?

10:50 - The motorcade departs. I wonder what the gas mileage is on the new limo.

10:53 - Note: President-elect Obama won't be driving anytime soon. That must be a strange feeling to not drive for four years (maybe more).

10:55 - The crowds along the parade route are spectacular. In some spots the people are 10 deep. I can feel the energy that is coming from their cheers!

10:59 - The motorcade arrives at the Capitol. Everyone is greeted by the congressional leadership.

11:03 - Chief Just Roberts and the rest of the Supreme Court are present.

11:05 - NBC keeps claiming that Michelle Obama's brother is Reggie Love, Obama's lead aid. WRONG!

11:08 - The former VP's have shown up.

11:13 - Joe Biden mother has arrived. It is so wonderful to see that this 91 year old woman is here to witness her son sworn in as the new VP. She looks cold but spry.

11:16 - The Clinton's look pensive and reflective. Hillary came so close to this being her moment. I think she could have beaten McCain, too. And of course, Bill is probably thinking back on his own inaugurations. It is good to see so much history in one place.

11:18 - Seeing all these shots of the enormous crowds, I am thinking of all my friends right now that are present for this historic event. Tom, Kate, Chad, Lubna, Pat, and so many other I am forgetting by name will represent my generation well.

11:20 - George H Bush is introduced and on his way by gives a little butt slap to the guard on his right. Probably didn't need to see that on international TV!

11:23 - The Clinton's get a huge ovation upon their introduction!!! WOW!!! They really are superstars.

11:24 - Wind chill temperatures are at a balmy 14 degrees. I feel pretty cozy in my apartment.

11:25 - A shot of the moving personnel moving out the Bush's belongings and moving in the Obama's.

11:26 - The Obama daughter get a wonderful receptionto the inauguration stage.

11:31 - Michell Obama and Jill Biden are on their way. May today Jill will be able to contain herself when it comes to sensitive material. And what is that red box Michell is carrying?

11:36 - President Bush is introduced to subdued applause. This will be the last time "Hail to the Chief" will be played for him. How is Cheney going to get down those stairs in a wheelchair? NBC didn't show.

11:37 - Joe Biden is introduced and he looks shocked to be there. He's going to be a lot of fun to follow these next 4 years. He going to have plenty of sound bites and funny mannerisms to comment on.

11:40 - First Shots of Obama. He looks calm, poised, confident, and PRESIDENTIAL!!! We haven't seen that out of our leader in some time.

11:43 - Barak H. Obama is introduced to some of the biggest cheers I've ever heard. I wonder how many people are there. I'm in awe. The Obama chants have begun.

11:45 - Diane Feinstein offers the wolcoming address. It is brief and charming.

11:48 - Invocation by Rick Warren - a controversial choice by Obama. Longer than the opening address. In my opinion, it came across as pompous, arrogant, and insincere.

11:53 - Aretha Franklin sings "My Country tis of Thee." She sounds pretty good, though she's lost some of her chops, understandably. Major fashion problem with the bow. Christmas was a month ago! She certainly does demand attention.

11:57 - Joseph Biden is sworn in as the Vice President.

12:00 - "Air and Simple Gifts," arranged by John Williams is performed. It is beautiful, especially when the clarinet solo was introduced. Very classy moment for this celebration! Bravo! It was a monumental and impassioned performance that I think will encapsulate the struggles and delights of this new government.

Note: Obama is now the President even though he has not taken his oath because the constitution states that at high noon on January 20th the new President shall take office.

12:05 - Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. He fubles on some words - some understandable nerves. "Hail to the Chief" and the 21 gun solute are offered for the new President.

12:07 - Barak takes the podium to address the nation. I hear bells in the neighborhood being run in honor of our new President. I will highlight some key points.

Obama begins by thanking Bush and expressing feelings of humility.
Challenged by war, the economy, the crashing housing markets, poor schools, weakening of a power structure, but a lack of confidence is the foundational problem.
Hope must win over fear.
A call for all to join the challenges of labor rather than luxury like the Americans that have gone before us.
Claims that America is ready to lead once more for all who want peace.
To the Muslims: we seek a common interest

12:26 - The speech ends. Nearly 20 minutes, by my watch. It was an inspirational speech with a solid grasp of history, the current struggles, and the strength of the foundational principles that continues to motivate this country.

12:27 - A poet, Elizabeth Alexander presents her piece. This must be a daunting experience, having to follow Obama who is a poet in his own right.

12:32 - Joseph Lowery offers the Benediction.

12:38 - The singing of Our National Anthem by The United States Navy "Sea Chanters."

12:39 - The First Family exits to embark on their chance to lead our country.

In closing, I'd like to offer some thoughts to coincide with the inauguration activities I just witnessed. First of all, I would like to comment that the greatest attribute that Obama has as a leader is as a rhetorician. Through his power of speech he can motivate and inspire people to make an effort in making this a wonderful country of peace and prosperity. He will not have all the answers but he is wise enough to know this and surrounds himself with a legion of people collected from all walks of life to offer perspectives that he, as a fallible human being, cannot see. This is commendable. Secondly, it occurred to me that the wake of his efforts will be greater than his term as president. I believe that he will melt away cynicism so that other great people will no longer be turned off by Washington politics and continue to lead in the spirit of Barack Obama. This will be his legacy; as person who believes in service to his fellow people, he will create a rip tide that will rake away those who look to only themselves, leaving only those who, in their heart of hearts, love humanity and want to see it exist in tranquility and abundance.

Inauguration Eve

2009-01-19T09:58:00.006-05:00

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the eve of the inauguration of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States.

Now, I am only in my late 20's but never have I experienced such a buzz around an incoming president. Expectations are unbelievably high for Obama but I think that is OK as long as people don't mind being disappointed. There is no way that Obama will be able to accomplish everything that people expect him to rectify. From fixing the situations in the two conflicts the country is a part of, to the economic and work force woes, to very immediate fact that this is the first black president in what still remains a racist state, all seems to be stacked against him as he begins his term. However, he has the ability to motivate and dream. He maybe an idealist in some respects but I believe that is exactly what we need.

We need to dream that the ideals of the United States Constitution are still plausible and worth fighting for. Life, liberty, and happiness are never completely realized but ceaslessly have to be discovered by every citizen. President Bush, for all the words that he spouted about these unalienable rights, never seemed to believe them enough to move people by oration to live and even die for the fundamental rights engrained on every persons soul.

So, here we are at the present moment celebrating our annual day for Martin Luther King, Jr. who believed in the extreme idealism for all people and the eve of the inauguration of Barack Obama, our current leader for the journey to the mountain top. We continue to search every day for life and I thank God Obama has the words and charisma to make me search within myself for what I desire the most so that I can help others discover it as well.

I'd like to end with a YouTube mashup of MLK and BHO:

Live the Dream.

Obama Paraphernalia

2009-01-17T10:51:00.002-05:00

With the inauguration just itching to take place, I've notice a substantial bump in Obama brand goods. Slate.com reported today a magnificent plethora of goods that you could pick up, put on, and show off to all your friends back home. Some of my personal favorites were the collector coin set, cuff links, and of course, the ever-necessary thong. Nothing screams change like some butt-floss.

Here are some other Obamatic best-sellers that haven't hit the market yet:

Obama long underwear - From the weather reports it looks like it's going to be a chilly January 20th. Compound that with the atrocious delays you will encounter just trying to get to the Capitol and you are bound to find this item handy.

Obama condoms - After the apparent rise of STD's from the 2007 report that just came out, this is certainly a change that needs to made.

Obama inspired Air Jordan - With our president-elect's love of basketball and the overly popular Air Jordan this is sure to be a slam dunk.

Obama beer bong - Something for all those college kiddos that helped get Obama elected.

Obama shampoo and conditioner - Lather and rinse as many times as needed to help get that filth of the last 8 years off of ya.

Obama's own version of the children's game "Shoots and Ladders" - This could be an appropriate game with the inevitable ups and downs he's going to experience his first year as president.

Obama throat lozenges - With the amount of talking he does (and most of it's worth listening to), something to keep that voice going is really going to come in handy.

So, those are a few of my suggestions. Good luck to my entrepreneurial friends. Feel free to produce, market, and sell any of my ideas.

Music "Keeps Love in Your Heart"

2009-01-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

It seems that Illinois' Governor Blagojevich has sparked some creativity around the accusations that he tried to sell the Illinois senate seat. A song writing contest was held and the winner was allowed to perform their song on WGN's midday news. The contest was created by the Chicago web-paper, redeye.chicagotribune.com .

Isn't wonderful when corruption and the arts can come together? It's such a healthier way of channeling some of the frustrations of politics. Of course, this is not a new form of expression when it comes to the shortcomings of our government's leaders. Music is constantly being produced that is centered around political ideologies - more specifically, those ideologies that don't necessarily match up with the artists. Think back to all those wonderful hits created because of the war in Vietnam - "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," "Blowing in the Wind," "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," etc. And more recently, the band Rage Against the Machine made an entire career from songs that questioned the government's actions.

Although it may seem silly and commercial to have a song contest centered on Governor Balgojevich's troubles, I think it's a great form of expression for the public to express their feelings and ideas on the matter. Plus, it gets the winner a little face time on a major network. Not a bad trade off, when all you're doing is just letting out some frustrations about your leaders. Consider this just making the most of a bad situation.