The Essence of Politics

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

CNN & YouTube Debate Report Card


Delaware U.S. Senator Joe Biden C
New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton A-
Connecticut U.S. Senator Chris Dodd C-
Former North Carolina U.S. Senator John Edwards B
Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mike Gravel A
Ohio Congressman Dennis Kunich C-
Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama B-
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson C+

CNN & YouTube Debate Historic





The first of its kind and a historical event is truly what it was. The CNN & YouTube debate which showcased videos made by ordinary Americans who asked various types of questions lived up to its hype completely. While the debate featured some humorous videos, it actually had a more intellectual and intriguing questions than expected. In fact many of the questions allowed candidates to show their human being side in terms of answering questions such as who was your favorite teacher and why? That type of questions is usually never seen or heard of at a debate but it truly brought about a lot of interesting comments and it gave some insight into the hearts of many of the candidates.



For instance, former Senator Mike Gravel gave a comment about how one of his teachers took the time out to teach him how to speak and it has led him to the opportunity he has tonight on stage. Also Senator Barack Obama gave an insightful comment about how his 5th grade teacher who spent time in Kenya taught him that growing up in another country is not a bad thing but it rather helps one in terms of presenting a different mindset than most. However the most interesting responses came in the question about No Child Left Behind and whether or not the candidates would scrap it all together or revise it. All the candidates said they would scrap it all together and look to improve education by decreasing class sizes, improving teacher training and making sure funding is going to school districts and schools equally and fairly so that all children can learn.



Also the candidates were asked would they be willing to accept minimum wage if they are elected President. Many of the candidates said yes but let’s be real, I don’t think any of the candidates would be willing to serve as President if they were only paid minimum wage. Also Anderson Cooper through an interesting twist in the question and said they would not be paid for overtime either. Therefore I truly felt that the candidates did not really answer the questions truly but rather said what they public wanted to hear.



Questions ranging from the war in Iraq, health care, education, foreign affairs, diplomacy social security, and the environment all were asked. Thus the CNN & YouTube debate really gave a lot of voters’ insight into the passions and sincerity of many candidates as well as how quickly each candidate can think on their feet. Overall I felt that each candidate did well but clearly some stood out more than other in this type of setting. Senator Mike Gravel was very enlightening and passionate in his responses. I felt he really stood out and this setting really helped him but many will not take his candidacy seriously. Senator Gravel spook the truth and did not bit his tongue one bit when he replied too many of the questions.



Now Senator Obama did much better in this type of format and gave more concrete solutions than he had done in the past. While Senator Hillary Clinton continued to show she was the front runner and was here to stay. Senator Clinton was humorous as well as engaging in her responses that showed me she was charismatic. Former Senator John Edwards really gave a lot of concrete and accurate solutions as well as gave some serious insight into many of the things that plague America. So to be more accurate I feel that Senator Edwards was suited for this format and really responded well. Now while the top three Democratic candidates did well in this first of a kind debate format. I must say that Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Joe Biden were good in their responses but they did not really overlap the top three Democratic candidates. However they did well enough to stay above water and gave some good responses to many of the questions. Congressman Dennis Kunich and Senator Chris Dodd did not do well in this format by any means. While at times they gave good responses, they did not really sell me on many of their stances. However I do believe that each of them being in the debate served its purpose in terms of presenting various views on the debate.



Most of all, I do believe that the CNN & YouTube debate was historical and pure brilliant in terms of showing the humor of each candidate as well as giving Presidential debates life. Many political pundits and non-pundits believe that debates are boring and possess no charisma or humor. However this first of a kind debate lived up to his hype was clearly one of the best debates I saw in a long time in terms of really putting the candidates on the spot and allowing the candidates respond as freely as they wanted. While a lot of people were judging and looking at this debate to see who won, clearly Senator Gravel won and was the most open and real about the issues in terms of telling the truth and not just saying what he felt the audience or the people wanted to hear.



Senator Clinton and Senator Obama might be the Democratic frontrunners but they did not show that really understand all the issues clearly because they really did not answer all the questions completely and accurately. While I do feel that Senator Edwards answered the questions great except for the question dealing with gay marriage. Senator Edwards did not avoid the question but he did do a lot of back tracking in his responses which I felt showed that he has not completely made up his mind on the issue and is willing to listen. However Senator Edwards needs to understand that using religion to justify why one does not or does support gay marriage or civil unions is never justifiable no matter how you try to portray it or cut it. However Senator Edwards now understands that and showed that in responding to the issue. Therefore other candidates for future reference need to see what Senator Edwards did and don’t avoid the questions that are controversial to their campaigns.



Simply put the CNN & YouTube debate is here to stay and people should look forward to this type of format to be done in future Presidential, Senatorial, Gubernatorial, Congressional and Mayoral races’.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Sudan President to visit Darfur


Now after 4 years of conflict in Darfur, Sudan, the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will be visiting the region for the first time since the conflict erupted. Clearly this has been overlooked in many newspapers and on many newscasts. However it needs to be discussed because that would be similar to if President Bush didn't visit the Gulf Coast region after Hurricane Katrina ripped. I think the American public would not let that fly one bit and the international community would make sure he never forgets it until he perhaps go to the region.

Therefore we sit here and I wonder, why hasn't the Sundanese President been to the region of Darfur in over 4 years since the conflict erupted and spread thus sending shock waves of reports that a genocide was taking place in Darfur. So is the international community fair when it implicates President Omar in being involved in what is taking place in Darfur. I am not one to point the finger but clearly he has a lot of explaining to do as to why he hasn't been to the region prior to now.

I don't know what all he has done to improve the situation in Darfur but clearly he hasn't done much if he hasn't even been to the region in 4 years to sit down with the tribal leaders of the region as well as the people to help see what aid the region really needs from not only the Sudanese government but the international community. President Omar visit to Darfur comes a shock to me because it has been 4 years since he was last there. So how much longer will the people of Darfur have to wait until his next visit I must ask.

Things like this should not occur in any place in the world. The people of a country should or a part of a country should not wait 4 years until the President or there elected official comes to their region to visit. Elected officials need to be held more accountable and it starts with Sudanese President Omar answering why has it been 4 years since you last visited Darfur?

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Bush threatens to veto Student Loans & Grants Bill


As College tuition continues to raise and students having to take out more on more loans, finally Congress is trying to help students with the Student Loans and Grant bill that would not only raise the maximum of a Pell Grant to $5,200 but it would also change provisions on the FASFA form so that homeless or foster children can be considered independents now. Therefore by homeless or foster children claiming as independents on the form, they can now be eligible for Financial Aid unlike in the past.

However President Bush and other GOP leaders have criticized the bill because of a loan forgiveness proportion of the bill that would practically allow certain loans not to be paid back after a certain period of time if students work in the public sector and start paying on the loans constantly for a while. Also the bill is criticized because it is said that while it helps low income households, it hurts the middle class households in terms of they will not be eligible for certain loans that used to be eligible for if they were not eligible for grants (http://www.newswithviews.com/Ryter/jon180.htm). Now while this is the first I have heard of this, there are also critics who say the bill is reaping off loan lenders such as Sallie Mae who will have to deal with some of their loans not being paid back completely.

Now at the same time the bill is being criticized so heavily, President Bush might have to compromise on it and not veto it as apart of a Iraq funding compromise. Let's be real, enough is enough, if any member of Congress has children in college and if they are paying out of their pocket for college or their child is having to take out loans than they should know that college loans are not cheap and they interest rates are high way robbery at times. Therefore President Bush and all of Congress should vote unanimously in favor of any education bill that would increase Pell Grants, cut loan interest rates or subsidize them, and provide more financial aid to students who want to attend college no matter their age. Enough is enough so I hope that Bush doesn't veto this bill and that the Senate votes yes on the Student Loans & Grants bill like the House did over a week ago(http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Jul11/0,4670,StudentLoans,00.html).

So while looking at the bill carefully, one can only imagine why President Bush and loan lenders such as Sallie Mae are upset about the bill. They are upset because Sallie Mae is a huge contributor to many political campaigns and that's why they have to protect their investment by having lobbyists on the hill as well as politicians in their pocket at times to sway the vote particularly in the Senate where it is so hard and close to pass any bill depending on how a couple of Senators vote. So if Sallie Mae is sincere about providing affordable loans to college students than they should be in favor of one interest rate of 3.4% that's what I say. Also they should be willing to forgive certain portions of the loan if students pay constantly on it for 10 years I believe that is what the Senate is proposing.

I am in favor of the bill and I hope others get behind it and make sure Congress makes higher education affordable to more households.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Bush veto threat on health bill draws criticism


President Bush is now threatening to veto a health bill because it would provide health care to families who make $80,000. Now I don't know what is up with President Bush but clearly he is out of touch with the American people and the tough times facing America. Now my father recently switched jobs over a year ago but while he gets paid more money, he doesn't have free health care any more which his old job provided. My dad used to be able to go to the doctor for free and pay $3 for any of his medicine practically. However because he switched jobs and gets more money, he has health insurance but has to pay $25 each time he visits the doctor and he pays more for his medicine.

Now my dad has a regular doctor and a foot doctor. Therefore he has to visit two places and get medicine from both places. So if my father has to go through this than I can imagine how many other Americans parents have to face the same problem or how many other Americans face this issue. While President Bush wants to fight a war overseas and wants the troops to be funded no matter what, I say what about the average American citizen. All Americans need healthcare and it is up to the President and Congress to find ways to make healthcare in the country affordable and feasible to all Americans no matter how much they make.

Now my dad only makes a little over $30,000 and I don't care if he made $80,000 or not, sometimes we need to look at what is taking place and try to make somethings in America affordable for all like healthcare and education. It isn't a black or white issue, it is a American isssue and until President Bush realizes that than he is only hindering America. While President Bush wants America and Congress to support the war, he needs to support Congress and the American people by not vetoing any bills that would only improve the current status of healthcare in America.

Winfrey, Obama just the ticket

Finally, Barack Obama's biggest supporter on terms of who wanted him to run for President of the United States is finally backing him with a hugh fundraiser. Yes folks, billionaire Oprah Winfrey is set to open up her Santa Barbara estate to a huge Obama fundraiser in September. So what does all of this mean, it's simple. It means Obama will be getting more money as he heads into 2008. Everyone including myself was waiting to see when Oprah would chip in to the Obama campaign since she was the first to suggest that he run and even some Oprah fans wouldn't mind seeing Oprah as his running mate. However while Oprah stays out of the political eye in terms of being a candidate, she is still backing Obama over Hillary who could be the first Female President in the U.S. history.


Oprah's backing of Obama is nothing new or a suprise to me but don't be suprised if Obama doesn't win the Democratic Presidential nomination and you see Hillary on the Oprah show sometime in 2008 with Oprah backing Senator Clinton. You heard it here first.

Obama Says He, Too, Is a Poverty Fighter


Alright is this monkey see, monkey do. First Presidential Candidate John Edwards launches his 8 city poverty tour and now Obama is speaking out against poverty saying he is a poverty fighter. Let's be real folks, politicans will do anything to garner a few more votes now days! Now I am not trying to take anything away Senator Obama because I know he fought against poverty and economic strife for 25 years in Chicago. However, Senator Obama until now has spoken about poverty and even been very vocal about it. In fact no other candidate has championed it like former Senator Edwards has. Therefore, I ask you, why did Senator Barack Obama take the time today to speak on poverty and how he has fought against it way before now while offering solutions to the mater.

Senator Obama did it because Edward's 8 city tour ended today so Obama wanted to show people he had a plan to fight against poverty. While Senator Obama is a good candidate, however I question his motives sometimes and what he really stands for. Senator Obama needs to step out and really speak on what he stands for and not just follow the other candidates and jump from issue to issue as he sees Hillary or Edwards speak on an issue so someone tells him he has to speak out against it. Senator Obama speak about how you plan to bring hope and change and lay out that plan and the intiatives that you have.

I am tired of monkey see, monkey do because clearly if this continues my support for Edwards will only grow as he continues to lead on the issues in terms of stimulating dialogue on many of the issues before the other candidates say anything about it.

Elizabeth Edwards on Hillary Clinton!



Elizabeth Edwards is at it again but this time she is attacking Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Edwards says Senator Clinton isn't really an advocate for women's issues as she proclaims to be and she said neither is Senator Obama before continuing to speak about Senator Clinton. Mrs. Edwards continued to say that Senator Clinton isn't the advocate for women's issues as she proclaims to be and that Senator Clinton needs a better rationale for her campaign than she's in it to win it. Mrs. Edwards also said Obama had no rationale. However the main point is that Mrs. Edwards feels her husband is the only candidate who has advocated for women's issues because poverty is the biggest women's issue out there since a lot of single parent mothers are the one's who are living below the poverty line while raising children at the same time.

Mrs. Edwards says that Senator Clinton should be advocating for this but hasn't. While Senator Clinton response to Mrs. Edward's words were that she is going to continue to talk about the issues and run her campaign how she has been running it (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=18684.) So so far there is no sparring going on and Senator Clinton is taking the high rode once again as the Democratic Presidential continues to heat up heading into the July 23 Debate in South Carolina that will be broadcasted on CNN.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

From Obama, Clinton, Dueling Ideas of Change

Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) took aim at his main Democratic presidential rival during his July 4 campaign swing through Iowa, saying that "change can't just be a slogan" -- days after Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) introduced her new slogan, "Ready for Change, Ready to Lead."

Obama has long cast himself as part of the future of politics, in contrast with a Clinton era that he portrays as part of a divisive past.

But Obama had a ready target on Wednesday: Both Clintons were campaigning nearby in Iowa, their first swing together. Bill Clinton repeatedly introduced his wife with reminders of the 1990s. The former first lady embraced the role of virtual incumbent on their holiday-week tour, promising to restore conditions -- in the economy and in the government -- to the way they were during her husband's administration.

Obama praised the former president, then quickly shifted his tone. "I think he did a lot of fine things, and I think he's a terrific political strategist," Obama told the Associated Press. "What we're more interested in is looking forward, not in looking backward. I think the American people feel the same way. What they are looking for is a way to break out of the harsh partisanship and the old arguments -- and to solve problems."....

Jay-Z - History



(Jay-Z - History)Jay-Z - History with Lyrics

LYRICS : [Chorus: Cee-lo]
Now that all the smoke is gone
(Lighter)
And the battle's finally won
(Gimme a lighter)
Victory (Lighters up) is finally ours
(Lighters up)
History, so long, so long
So long, so long

[Verse 1: Jay-Z]
In search of victory, she keeps eluding me
If only we could be together momentarily
We can make love and make history
Why won't you visit me? until she visit me
I'll be stuck with her sister, her name is defeat
She gives me agony, so much agony
She brings me so much pain, so much misery
Like missing your last shot and falling to your knees
As the crowd screams for the other team
I practice so hard for this moment, victory don't leave
I know what this means, I'm stuck in this routine
Whole new different day, same old thing
All I got is dreams, nobody else can see
Nobody else believes, nobody else but me
Where are you victory? I need you desperately
Not just for the moment, to make history

[Chorus: Cee-lo]
Now that all the smoke is gone
(Lighters)
And the battle's finally won
(Lighters)
Victory is finally ours
(Yeah)
History (yeah), so long, so long
So long, so long

[Verse 2: Jay-Z]
So now I'm flirting with death, hustling like a G
While victory wasn't watching took chances repeatedly
As a teenage boy before acne, before I got proactiv I couldn't face she
I just threw on my hoodie and headed to the street
That's where I met success, we'd live together shortly
Now success is like lust, she's good to the touch
She's good for the moment but she's never enough
Everybody's had her, she's nothing like V
But success is all I got unfortunately
But I'm burning down the block hoppin' in and out of V
But something tells me that there's much more to see
Before I get killed because I can't get robbed
So before me success and death ménage
I gotta get lost, I gotta find V
We gotta be together to make history

[Chorus: Cee-lo]
Now that all the smoke is gone
(Lighters. Up.)
And the battle's finally won
(Lighter. Up.)
Victory is finally ours
(Lighters. Up.)
History, so long, so long
So long, so long

[Verse 3: Jay-Z]
Now victory is mine, it tastes so sweet
She's my trophy wife, you're coming with me
We'll have a baby who stutters repeatedly
We'll name him history, he'll repeat after me
He's my legacy, son of my hard work
Future of my past, he'll explain who I be
Rank me amongst the greats, either 1, 2, or 3
If I ain't number one then I failed you victory
Ain't in it for the fame that dies within weeks
Ain't in it for the money, can't take it when you leave
I wanna be remembered long after you grieve
Long after I'm gone, long after I breathe
I leave all I am in the hands of history
That's my last will and testimony
This is much more than a song, it's a baby shower
I've been waiting for this hour, history you ours


[Chorus: Cee-lo (2x)]
Now that all the smoke is gone
And the battle's finally won
Victory is finally ours
History, so long, so long
So long, so long



Man in the Mirror--By Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - Man in the mirror

I'm gonna make a change,
for once im my life
It's gonna feel real good,
gonna make a diference
Gonna make it right...

As I, turn up the collar on
my favorite winter coat
This wind is blowing my mind
I see the kids in the streets,
with not enought to eat
Who am I to be blind?
Pretending not to see their needs

A summer disregard,a broken bottle top
And a one man soul
They follow each other on the wind ya' know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)

I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me, pretending that they're not alone?

A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
And a washed-out dream
(Washed-out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me
(Starting with me!)

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Ooh!)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Change his ways - ooh!)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that..
(Take a look at yourself and then make that..)
CHANGE!

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror - Oh yeah!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
No message could have been any clearer
(If you wanna make the world a better place)


Michael Jackson - Man in the mirror

A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cook






It's been a long time coming but a change is surely going to come in America and the World! I am the Future of America and the World and that is the message that each of us must carry with us each and every day that we wake up on Earth! I am the Future! You are the Future! We are the Future of America and the World! That is way every election is important--primaries, special elections and general! So vote every year and hold our politicians accountable. Hold our political officials accountable by writing them, calling them and making sure they attend meetings that we the people have. "The Time for Change is not Now but Right Now!"

"EmPOWERment By Any Means Necessary" should be our anthem and should be our creed as we make the positive differences in America and the world that so many people beg for and hungry for year after year! A Change is Gonna Come, A Change is Gonna Come, that's what we must say as we say "God grants us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courge to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference" each morning before we go about the task of making a positive change in America and the world a reality.



Born In The U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen


“When will people realize that we are Americans first and foremost, not Democrats or Liberals, not Republicans or Conservatives, not Independents or moderates. We are Americans. Stop putting a political party above America and stop putting any politican above America. America succeeds because of us the people holding our government responsible no matter the political party because the main two political parties are to blame for the condition America is in."—Hodari P.T. Brown

America with its flaws and all is a country I am proud to have been born in. America is not perfect but my love for it is perfect. That’s why all Americans must realize that we are all Americans. In fact we are Americans first and foremost. We are not Democrats or Republicans. We are Americans.

We are not Muslims, Christians or Jews. We are Americans. Too many times we recognize our differences with others rather than appreciating our similarities which are, we are Americans. We are Americans first and foremost, no matter if we were born here or moved here legally. We are all Americans, here in this country to make not only our lives better but the lives of other Americans better so future Americans can enjoy the rights and freedoms that make us all Americans.

We are all Americans. We are one party united under God. We are Americans and this is the only political party that matters. We are Americans and this is our country so let’s make sure that we make America better than how we found it so future Americans can live prosperous and joyous lives. We are Americans and must not ever forget that.

America will prosper as long we make sure we are doing our part to make it prosper and that means we can’t put any political party or politician above America. Long live America forever and long live America’s service to the world. Together, America and the world will prosper for future generations to enjoy America and the world we live in.


Lift Every Voice and Sing


This video of the ' Negro National Anthem' was originally screened at the historic African-American Church Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC on January 18th, 2009. Many of the esteemed individuals featured in this video in attendance and we presented with the ' Keepers of the Flame' award for the monumental contributions to social justice.

This version of the song was performed by the Grace Baptist Church Cathedral Choir, conducted by Derrick James. The video was produced and donated by Ascender Communications, LLC (www.ascender-c.com) at the request of The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

If I Was President--Wyclef Jean




If I was President that is the people's anthem. We all have ideas of what we can do as President and through this website, we will fulfill our deam as a people!

Somethings Gotta Give--Big Boi ft Mary J Blige



Somethings Gotta Give people and it begins today for all us to make sure that something is us. We the people are sick and tired of suffering. Where is our piece of the Dream that so many people dead for so that we all could see today. This is our time people to change America and the world so that the Next Generation has a better future than the past we inherited.

This is our call to service. This isn't about one political candidate or one political figure. This is about us as people coming together to finally leave up to our potential and achieving the great feats that those before us have achieved. This is our moment to lead our nation and our world to greater heights.

Somethings gotta give people and it starts with us the people making it happen. We have to improve our education system in America. We have to rid the world of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We have to go to the streets and lift a hand to another in order to decrease poverty in this world. We have to take a stand today and make sure that the future of America and the world is brighter than it has ever been.

Somethings Gotta Give and that is why we must "Remember Each One, Reach One and Teach One so America's future and the World's future continues to prosper."

John Legend - "If You're Out There"


If you're out there than you need to get started in helping to change America and the world. The world and America won't change until you get involved in making the changes you want to see in this world. If you're out there, than you must know that tomorrow started now and today started yesterday so you are behind in helping to the change. If you are tired of hatred, racism, poverty, war, and violence than the time to change it is now. If you want universal health care, world peace, democracy for every nation, equal rights, and happiness for all than you must get involved now to help the save world.

You must believe in the change that you want to see and you must act on making that change a reality. If you're out there than say it aloud and show the rest of America and the world that you're out here to make a real positive change in the communities we stay in. If you're out there than get involved now. I'm calling every women and men to join me as we take back our country right here, right now. If you're out there than the future started yersterday and we are already late so we have lots of work to do but I know we can do it together as one.

YES WE CAN



Yes We Can accomplish anything that we set out to do! We don't need charismatic or inspirational leaders to believe in ourselves and to take responsiblity for our own faith, we just need each other. Yes We Can build a new America and a new world if each of us would take action now to make the changes that we want to see in the world. Yes We Can control government by holding our political officials accountable for their actions by calling them out when they don't pass legislation that supports the common good of all man and by voting in every election to ensure that we have people representing the people locally, state wide, nationally and in the world.

Yes We Can be great! Yes We Can be what we want to be! Yes We Can be glorious in not only America but the world! Yes We can put action behind our worlds and change the world starting right here, right now! Yes We Can as Republicans, Democrats and Independents become one as we freely think about our fellow men and women and make decisions that will be in the best interest of all people and not one single group.

Yes We Can be the change that we want to see in the world! Yes We Can show the world that the youth are ready to lead! Yes We Can put our egos, our social economic statuses, our religions, our educational statuses and our skin color to the side for the better good of the world! Yes We Can be Greater than we have ever been and help others be Greater than they have ever be!

YES WE CAN and YES WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS IN ALL THAT WE DO! YES WE CAN, no matter what others may say, we will be glorious! YES WE WILL and YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!

YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN is what will be sung from every mountaintop, every riverbank, every household, every school yard, every factory, every sporting event, every college campus and even every place you can imagine in the world is where YES WE CAN, will be said and heard!

YES WE CAN!

Keep On Pushing - Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions


Wake Up People! No matter who is elected to any public office, we have to “Keep On Pushing” as a people to make sure they don’t leave us in a worst state than what they inherited. We as a people have to “Keep On Pushing” to make a difference in the lives of others. We have to have an “EmPOWERment By Any Means Necessary” attitude as we continue to push our agenda that we the people deserve and want better. We have to “Keep On Pushing” to bring about change in a positive way that will benefit all Americans no matter their age, their religion or skin color. We have to “Keep On Pushing” to bring about change that will improve our education system, improve our military, improve our national security, improve our healthcare system and improve our economy. We have to “Keep On Pushing” to bring about change that will leave America’s future in a better than how we found it and that will leave the world’s future in a better state than we imagined we could live it. We have to “Keep On Pushing” to make life better for our neighborhoods, our families and even our quote on quote enemies. We have to “Keep On Pushing” to inspire, to uplift and to guide those who need help spiritually, physically and mentally. We have to “Keep On Pushing ” so that our lives, our future generation’s lives and the lives of those who came before us does not die in vein.

“Keep on Pushing”

A War For Your Soul

A War For Your Soul-regular version from Erisai Films on Vimeo.


The moment has come for us as a nation of people to finally wake up and realize that our destiny and fate in society has rests on our shoulders. We cannot allow the forces of evil and darkness to drain us out. We have to continue to overcome all odds in order to make the future of our nation better and the future of future generations of Americans better. We have to continue to pray to our Lord and we have to continue to uplift each other in prayer as well as take action against those things that are trying to destroy us. We have to stand up once and for all and be the future that we want to be. Now is our time and we shall do together by any means necessary.

This video was created to inspire young African-Americans not to fall prey to some of the problems they face in society. The use of the voice "Master of Darkness" represents evil, which is where the blame of all problems should be placed, and not on any one group of people. This video should not to be used to divide people (Black & White), there are images of heroes that are white in this video, and there are images of Black & White coming together with the words of Dr. King in the background. Some of the images from the past can be unsettling, but they are used to show all Americans how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. This film is being strategically placed in school systems, churches and youth orgs around the country, in hope of helping a lost generation of kids that we as Americans have forgotten. As fellow Americans we must continue to love each other, and take that love and spread it to the rest of the world. **THIS VIDEO IS NOT FOR SALE & I AM NOT ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR THE FILM, I ONLY WANT THE MESSAGE TO REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT ANY HIDDEN POLITICAL OR FINANCIAL AGENDA.

Sitting On the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding



"The time for sitting is over! The time for action is now! The time for hope without action is hopeless! The time for change without a positive attitude is a change that we can't believe in! We need change that is positive of helping all people! Our time for action is now, our time for hope is now, our time for change is now and our time to believe that we can do whatever we set our minds to is not now but right now!"

STAR SPANGLED BANNER


The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key

O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming;
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?


On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream;
'Tis the star-spangled banner; O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave,
From the terror of flight and the gloom of the grave;
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!


O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land,
Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just.
And this be our motto— "In God is our trust; "
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Black President



Our Time is not now but Right Now! Our Time has finally come to change the world not now but Right Now! If you don't believe that we can change the world than watch as we do it by changing your mind into believing in us and what we can do! This is OUR TIME RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

FIGHT THE POWER



We got to FIGHT THE POWER! We can no longer sit on the sidelines and watch injustices take place. We can no longer sit by and allow our right to vote to become unexercised. We must FIGHT THE POWER for our past, present and future! We can no longer allow our rights to be oppressed and our voice to become drained by the powers at be. We must FIGHT THE POWER and show that we have a lot to say that needs to be heard by the mainstream media. We must FIGHT THE POWER and live up to our potential as dynamic, unbelievable and phenomenal people.


We must not believe the hype but we must become the hype. We are not Harriett Tubman, Marcus Garvey, MLK, Malcolm X, Booker T. Washington, Carter G. Woodson, W.E.B. DuBois, the Black Panther Party, SNCC, or any other activists but we are the fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, uncles, aunties, and relatives of those who came before us to pave the way for us to FIGHT THE POWER! We are not next Generation of leaders who will not be honored and praised until they die but that’s the fight we accept. We are not fighting the power for glory or fame but we are fighting the power for just causes that most men and women will not understand until years or decades later.


We are fighting for our sisters and brothers in Darfur, Georgia, Iraq, Iran, China and Mexico. We are speaking for those who are poor and have no food or water. We are fighting for those who are sick and dying. We are fighting for universal healthcare across the world and human rights for all people. We are fighting for rich and poor! We must FIGHT THE POWER no matter how hard and tough the road may be. We must FIGHT THE POWER for a better today and an even greater tomorrow!


FIGHT THE POWER!

PEOPLE GET READY


“People Get Ready” our time is coming! We have come too far to turn back now. Our train is coming and it is coming in waves. “People Get Ready”, we don’t need a ticket but we need faith and the Lord will help guide us as we take back America and the world. “People Get Ready” our moment is now and we are ready to see the change we want in America and the world. All we got to do is have faith, hope and prosperity. “People Get Ready” to face your fears. “People Get Ready” to face your demons and the challenges of yesterday because today and tomorrow we will conquer & be victorious. “People Get Ready” a change is coming and our actions will make sure that change is a real positive change that lasts forever.


“People Get Ready” because we have had enough of just talking but now is our time to show action. “People Get Ready” to take back America and the world. “People Get Ready” to take back our communities and to make our streets safer and schools better. “People Get Ready” to make all our dreams come true. “People Get Ready” to see a better present for everyone and a better future for future generations. “People Get Ready” to live up to your potential and to help others live up to their own potential. “People Get Ready” to move past hatred, bigotry, racism and sexism. “People Get Ready” to fulfill the dreams of those who came before us and those who will come after us.


“People Get Ready” as we make our actions speak louder than our words. “People Get Ready” to make words mean something again as we put action to back up our rhetoric. “People Get Ready” as we embark on a new journey that will re-write America’s history as well as the world’s history. “People Get Ready” as we make the lives of others better and the lives of future generations better. “People Get Ready” because all we need is faith, hope and action to make this world a better place. “People Get Ready” to make a difference. “People Get Ready” to fulfill the American dream. “People Get Ready" to live out the American Dream as our founding fathers wanted us to live it. “People Get Ready” because our time is now, our moment is now and our moment in time to change America & the world is not now but right now. “People Get Ready” because a change is coming!


Alicia]
(Let me tell you now)
People get ready, there's a train comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket, you just thank the lord

[Lyfe]
People get ready, for a train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board them
There's hope for all among those loved the most

[Alicia]
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all man kind just to save his own (believe me now)
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there's no hiding place against the kingdoms throne

[Alicia & Lyfe]
So people get ready there's a train coming
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels humming,
You don't need no ticket, you just thank the lord


“PEOPLE GET READY!”

God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood


Lee Greenwood-god bless the U.S.A