My Perspective: Housing Foreclosures need to be Priority Number 2

Stimulating America’s economy should be the first issue that President Barack Obama and Congress deal with. However the housing foreclosures should be priority number 2 if America is going to get out of this economic recession. Our economy started to get worse when the housing crisis got really bad last March. Now as our government tries to stimulate the economy with spending initiatives, they have to now try to address the housing crisis before it gets any worse.

Many Americans are continuing to lose their homes and many of the banks that are closing on the homes of many American citizens are the same banks that have received TARP funds. So as the financial industries got a bail out last summer and they have not let on up foreclosing many homes of the same taxpayers whose funds are keeping many of the banks afloat as we speak. That’s why President Obama needs to come through on his promise to many taxpayers that he will deal with the housing foreclosure crisis so that Americans can keep their homes in the midst of an economic recession.

While Ohio U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur advocates for her constituents from Toledo to be squatters in their homes instead of living once they receive a notice of eviction because she feels many of them were not properly told about what they were signed. However what Congresswoman Kaptur is advocating is illegal but nonetheless, she is looking to help out her constituents who are vulnerable right now to many of these banks who are preying on vulnerability. At the same time, Congresswoman Kaptur advocates that she is doing everything she can to have her colleagues in Congress address the housing foreclosure as quickly as possible. In fact Congresswoman Kaptur ahs even spoke to President Obama about acting now on legislation to private any further housing foreclosures from taking place.

The housing foreclosure issue needs to be priority number 2 if our economy will bounce back. People cannot continue to lose their houses in this economic recession. People cannot to be tricked and threaten out of their homes by banks that are not willing to work with the American people. Priority number 2 needs to be the housing crisis because that is a part of the reason why our economy began to collapse. The financial institutions in America and the deregulation of Wall Street caused this huge collapse of not only our financial institutions but the very foundation that our economy is standing on.

The housing foreclosures need to stop otherwise with more people being laid off of work; they will not be able to pay for their homes. That’s why President Obama and his administration need to put together some of TARP plan that deals with the housing crisis immediately because at the rate house are being closed on in America, no matter how much the economy begins to stimulate, it won’t be felt by many Americans because they will be without homes. Our government needs to look for solutions to the housing foreclosure crisis otherwise many Americans will become too frustrated with this government as they deal out more dollars to business and banks that are their tax dollars.

Priority number 2 needs to be the housing foreclosures because that is a part of the problem that made our economy sprawl to the point where it is in a recession. Until real solutions are put in place to deal with the housing foreclosures than our economy will not fully bounce back. As long as citizens can’t afford to pay for houses and as long as the banks are not getting money on the mortgages of many homes than the economy will continue to not make money in the housing market. A housing moratorium needs to be put in place so that no more houses or buildings are foreclosed on without all housing foreclosures being properly investigated on a case by case basis.

The housing foreclosures have played a part in the recession and that is why they need to be priority number 2 for our government. A full investigation needs to go into this subprime loan issue and a full investigation needs to be launched into each case within the housing market. The housing crisis is in desperate need of being addressed and if it isn’t dealt within the next month than we will continue to see our economy be hindered no matter how much money we spend. Until our financial institutions are giving credit and loans again to potential homeowners that are fair and righteous than many homes and properties will not be bought but nonetheless that is the issue that we are faced with.

America needs to properly deal with the housing crisis while it is ripe. There is no time to waste with this housing foreclosure. Immediate action should be taken to improve the housing crisis. If America’s economy is to recover it must begin with a stimulus package followed by a housing foreclosure. President Obama and his economic team need to finally implement those six measures that they talked about being in the TARP bill and they need to make sure it is attached to the second half of the TARP money going to the financial institutions. If those six measures are fully enforced in this TARP bill along with a housing moratorium than perhaps the housing crisis will be subdued and properly fixed.

Priority number 2 has to be the housing foreclosure issue not now but right now. Otherwise many Americans will continue to suffer even when a quote unquote economic stimulus package is supposed to come their way. If President Obama and Congress fixes the housing crisis than their economic stimulus package will truly have a better chance of being more effective to a degree. The housing crisis must be priority number 2 otherwise we will continue to see our economy sprawl out of control. If our government fixes housing foreclosures than our economy will have a stronger chance of bouncing back a little bit more quickly.

Housing foreclosures need to be priority number 2 and Congresswoman Kaptur needs to be commended for her efforts for making sure many of her colleagues and President Obama knows that there’s still a housing crisis out there that needs solving. So let’s make sure that we the American people are holding our politicians accountable by making sure they know that we are suffering. We have to make sure that Congress remembers that while we are in a recession that we are also dealing with a huge housing crisis that is damaging to our economic status. Congress might need a reminder so we the American people need to make sure that housing crisis is dealt with right along with the stimulation of the economy.

So until the housing foreclosures are priority number 2, our economy will have a tough time recovering. Housing foreclosures need to be priority number 2 and us the American people need to make sure that our Congress makes it priority number 2? Save our homes President Obama and Congress. Save our homes that’s all we the American people should be asking for after the economic stimulus package passes through. Housing foreclosures need to be priority number 2 and us the American people need to make sure that it stays at the forefront of our new Congress and President Obama’s agenda?

Housing Foreclosures need to be Priority Number 2!

My Perspective: America’s Government needs some Fiscal Responsibility

In a time when America is facing an economic downturn and many economists as well as financial analysts are referring to America’s economy as being in a recession, it seems as if our Federal politicians have not gotten the memo. Many United States citizens are not noticing this but it seems as if the change that was supposed to Washington has not yet arrived yet. Even before Barack Obama was inaugurated into office and officially became the 44th President of the United States of America, many Congressional leaders held parties and receptions as soon as the 111th Congress was sworn in. Therefore, many U.S. citizens are not aware of this but many of these parties, receptions and welcoming events are paid for by the U.S. taxpayers.

I hope this isn’t a shock to many of you but the $30,000 dollar bottle of wine and $10,000 dollar crab cake or Cavour came from us the taxpayers. Nonetheless as many of us are struggling to pay our bills and feed ourselves, our politicians in Washington seem to not mind using our tax dollars to wine and dine each other. We’re in a recession and our government still has not tightened its belt the way it should be tightened. While President Obama should be commended for putting a pay freeze on his senior staff members, that is really not enough fiscal responsibility. It is a fair start and a nice gesture but nice gestures are not what are needed in a time when so many American’s are suffering.

How can our government chastise and criticize the big wigs of huge corporations and Wall Street executives for their bad spending habits and reckless irresponsibility when our Congressional leaders are just as reckless with the U.S. citizens’ money. The Legislative and Executive Branches of government are proceeding down a path of irresponsibility when they need to practice fiscal responsibility. The media is not covering all the wine and sip receptions that have been taking place in D.C. the last three weeks. The news media is not telling us the American people that many of these events and activities are costing us thousands of millions of dollars in a time when we as ordinary Americans are struggling to keep a roof over our heads.

All the receptions, luncheons and parties that have taken place in D.C. are not the only ways that America’s taxpayer dollars are being wasted by our federal government. For example, the 647 pages stimulus package bill cost us the American taxpayers at least $10 million just to print up all the pages and distribute it to the 435 members of the House of Representatives plus their staff, media outlets and others. That’s just an estimate of how much it probably cost. Nonetheless the question that we the American taxpayers should be asking is why aren’t we trying to save money plus paper by not printing out 647 pages and have our U.S. Congress members read the legislation through laptops and computers.

Many of you who have seen the Senate and House floors of our federal government on C-SPAN and other news outlets, might notice that there are not computers in the House or Senate chambers. That has become mind bothering to me and it is clear that our government who talks about saving mother earth can’t save mother earth when they are continuing to print off thousands of millions of pages of bills for each legislator when they could have simply looked at the bills on a computer. America’s government needs some fiscal responsibility especially in a time when our economy is in a recession.

America’s government has been on a spending spree since the new Congress has been sworn in and it is clear that if we the American people don’t speak up now and say something than they will continue to spend our taxpaying dollars as freely as they want. We the American people deserve better than what we are doing. Our government needs some fiscal restraint just like they are telling Wall Street to have. How can our federal government criticize Wall Street for their spending habits and for looking for bailouts without practicing fiscal responsibility when our own federal government has not done so themselves? How can our federal government talk about responsibility when they are not practicing any? How can our federal government tell us the American people that we need personal responsibility when they haven’t practiced any whatsoever when it comes to spending our tax dollars on things that don’t benefit us the American people?

Our government needs some fiscal responsibility and until our nation’s leaders tighten their own belts and stop spending our taxpaying dollars as if it is there than our nation will continue to be in a recession. Our government needs some fiscal responsibility because we, the American people can’t be the one’s paying for the parties, luncheons and receptions that our Legislative and Executive Branches are hosting. Their needs to be some real fiscal responsibility in Washington and that all begins with our nation’s leaders particular President Barack Obama declaring that no taxpayer dollars will be used for any more wine and sip receptions the rest of my Presidential term.

It is clear that as our economy gets worse that our government needs to find ways to save money. That can only occur when our government practices some fiscal responsibility with our tax dollars. It’s bad enough that the U.S. House of Representatives just passed a huge $819 billion dollar stimulus package and our U.S. Senate is proposing a $900 billion dollar stimulus package with only 10% of that money going to the economy this year. So as our governments prepares to pass this huge stimulus package, they need to be passing legislation that prevents them from spending our taxpayers on their own personal receptions, parties and luncheons amongst each other.

Don’t ask us the American people to tighten our budgets if our own federal government isn’t willing to tighten theirs. What’s even worse is that our federal government is spending our money on things that they don’t need while we are suffering during this economic recession. Therefore America’s government needs to not only practice fiscal responsibility but they need to apply it not now but right now. America’s government needs some fiscal responsibility badly and that is the responsibility that we the American people must demand from our federal government particularly our legislative and executive branches.

Stop spending our tax dollars as if it is your very own piggy bank. Our tax dollars are not the legislative and executive branches personal piggy banks so they to start showing some fiscal responsibility during a time when our nation is facing a recession. Until America’s government starts showcasing fiscal responsibility than we will never get our economy back on track. So we as the American people need to ask our government to have fiscal responsibility during a time when we are facing an economic recession that could slowly but surely turn into a recession. We the American people need to demand that our federal government practice some fiscal responsibility right here, right now!

America’s Government needs some Fiscal Responsibility!

My Perspective: Illinois Politics Need a Major Shake Up

As the impeachment trial of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich comes to an end, I watched in amazement how the citizens of Illinois could have allowed their state politics to be so rotten and ill-willed. The state of Illinois politics needs a major shakeup because Governor Blagojevich is not the only person who is foul in Illinois’s state politics. Come on people, how can you allow Lt. Governor Pat Quinn to go nearly two years or more without speaking to the Governor of the state. Is this how the political systems in America suppose to work? Lt. Governor Pat Quinn is just as corrupt as Governor Rod Blagojevich because he is greedy and power hunger.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn was all on television as soon as Governor Rod Blagojevich was charged with a criminal complaint by U.S. Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn even predicted that Blagojevich would be out of office before the 200th Birthday anniversary of Abraham Lincoln. In fact Lt. Governor Pat Quinn benefits the most with Governor Rod Blagojevich being impeached. The reality is that Lt. Governor is an opportunist and knows that he would never be Governor of the state of Illinois unless Rod Blagojevich was impeached.

The voters didn’t vote for Pat Quinn to be Governor in 2002, they voted for Rod Blagojevich because he has a better personality and was more in tone with the ordinary citizens of Illinois. So as soon as Blagojevich legal troubles begin, Pat Quinn was on all the television networks and gave all types of interviews to print media as well as held a press conference to discuss Governor’s Blagojevich and how he needs to resign from office. Clearly if that wasn’t a sign of greed than I don’t know what is but now Lt. Governor Pat Quinn becomes Governor Quinn despite the citizens of Illinois not voting him in. Therefore now Governor Quinn will be the Governor of Illinois for two years until the seat is up for election in 2010.

It’s clear that Illinois politics needs a major shakeup because as the Blagojevich impeachment trail aired on C-SPAN, it is clear that many of the politicians in Illinois’s state government are using politics to get rid of Rod Blagojevich. The evidence that was presented to impeach former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was weak and full of speculation rather than actual concrete evidence. The burden of proof in the impeachment trial of Blagojevich was weak and unfair because they never gave him a chance to defend himself properly.

How can you impeach someone from office without giving them a fair shot at defending themselves? The mindsets of all of Illinois’s State Senators were mind up before they even heard the arguments of the impeachment trails. The mindsets of nearly all of Illinois’s State House of Representative members were made up the day a criminal complaint was filed against Blagojevich. Many of Illinois’s State Legislators didn’t like the way Blagojevich ran the state and felt that he was not receptive to many of their policies. So when they saw an opportunity of weakness in Blagojevich’s armor that they haven’t been able to pierce until now, they stuck it too him.

Many of Illinois’s State Legislators saw former Governor Rod Blagojevich as a throne in the side of many of their political ambitious because of his charm, captivating speeches and tough hard ball style of politics. Therefore as soon as many of them saw that he was charged with a criminal complaint for trying to sell President Barack Obama’s former U.S. Senate seat, they saw an opportunity to finally take the “Big & Bad” Blagojevich down for good. In fact they didn’t just want to take him down but they banned him from ever running for office ever again in the State of Illinois. Clearly former Governor Blagojevich had his own faults but when having an impeachment trial, you have to give the Blagojevich and his defense team the opportunity to defend themselves properly before passing judgment.

I’m not saying that Governor Blagojevich should not have been impeached but the reality is that, if this is the land of opportunity and justice for all. Then Blagojevich deserved an opportunity to properly defend himself from impeachment. Blagojevich deserved fair justice in his impeachment proceedings and that is something that he was not given. How can you start an impeachment trial and end it in less than a week. That does not sound like fairness to me and does not sound like equal justice whatsoever. A fair impeachment trial is one where the defense and prosecution both have an opportunity to present their case. A fair impeachment trial is one where both the defense and prosecution can call their witnesses. A fair impeachment trial is one where both the defense and prosecution can cross examine each other’s witnesses.

It is clear that former Governor Blagojevich did something wrong but was it unethical, immoral and unjust, that is up for debate. Blagojevich will hopefully get a fair criminal trial whenever the U.S. Prosecutor Fitzgerald finally decides to indict him. However what the Illinois State Legislation did was unfair and unjust in so many ways than one. It is clear that the only time politicians put politics and partisanship to the side is when they have an opportunity to get rid of their own political enemy and when they have an opportunity to look good for the next upcoming elections. Just watch how many people in 2010 run for Governor of the State of Illinois. I can literally guarantee you that many of the Illinois State Senators I saw on C-SPAN today and many of the Illinois State Representatives who were on television talking about Blagojevich needs to resign back in December will line up to run for the Governorships of Illinois. Members of both parties will begin to jockey for the Governorship of Illinois and watch the circus begin for who will lead one of the largest state governments of the United States of America.

Illinois politics need a complete overhaul and in 2010, I hope the citizens of Illinois vote if not all but ¾ of Illinois’s State Legislators out of office for their complete bias when the citizens of Illinois are suffering. Many of the legislators in Illinois’s State Government are clearly political ambitious and would rather focus on impeaching someone than to work on legislation that will help the citizens of Illinois. The citizens of Illinois deserved better and it is clear that even with Rod Blagojevich being impeached that the citizens of Illinois won’t get it with the likes of Pat Quinn and others leading the State government. Illinois citizens don’t need opportunists but they need people who care for the well being of them as a people.

That is why I fear that Illinois citizens will continue to suffer until they can find a leader who loves doing the work on behalf of the people and not for themselves. Illinois politics need a major shakeup that goes far beyond ousting Rod Blagojevich from the Governor’s office. My prayers will be with the citizens of Illinois because they need real leadership who will serve them in the best interest of the people rather than in the best interest of their own political ambitions. Truly this is not the way America’s politics was set up or America’s quote unquote justice system. Therefore Illinois politics must have an overhaul now in order to put the state back on good footing so that its political future no longer is a disgrace.

Nancy Pelosi Is Too Divisive and Partisan

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi since becoming the Speaker of the House after the 2006 midterm elections has been perhaps one of the most divisive and partisan politicians in the last two years. Last summer, Nancy Pelosi gave a speech on the House floor that was filled with harsh rhetoric for Republicans as she was trying to get the votes for the passage of the TARP bill. Nonetheless, Pelosi’s harsh words went on death ear and not only did TARP not pass in the first go round in the House but many members of Pelosi’s own Democratic Party and members from her own state voted against the TARP bill. Thus Pelosi went before the media with many of her top notch Democratic colleagues blaming the Republican Party and the GOP in the House for the TARP bill failing to pass.

Nancy Pelosi has continued to be divisive even after the leader of the Democratic Party President Barack Obama has tried to be bi-partisan. As the Senate went to vote on the $819 Billion dollar stimulus package, Pelosi once again gave a speech in which she criticized Republicans for not willing to work with Democrats in helping to recover the economy. As I set here watching C-SPAN, all I was partisanship by Speaker Pelosi as she never indicated for any moment that she was willing to listen to the ideas of the House Republicans and the ideas they had to offer. Therefore as the $819 billion dollar stimulus package passed the House with no Republican voting yes and 11 Democrats voted no, it should me that Speaker Pelosi is a part of the problem in Washington.

The politics of old begins with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her divisive and partisan rhetoric as well as actions will continue to drive a wedge between House Republicans actually working with President Barack Obama. While President Obama wants to work with House Republicans and implement some of their ideas, it is Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who is driving a wedge between that happening because she isn’t trying to come to any compromises or at least hear the Republicans out on their issues. In fact Speaker Pelosi is becoming like a dictator since she has become Speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi doesn’t’ even listen to her own southern conservative Democrats on many issues. Therefore why are many Democrats continuing to support Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House when she isn’t producing any positive results for the country?

The Southern Dog Democrats have continued to advocate that Speaker Nancy Pelosi is divisive to not only Republicans but conservative Democrats as well. Speaker Pelosi has proven that she would rather play the blame game than to work with members of her own party who disagree with her and Republicans. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has used her position as Speaker House to divide this country not unite it. It all started last summer for me as I slowly saw her use her position of power in a way that I thought it was filled with political rhetoric during a time when she needed the votes to pass a bill that I was against anyway but she just helped my cause with her speech.

Until Nancy Pelosi realizes that by chastising and abusing her power as Speaker will only keep this country divided than, we as Americans need to demand that President Barack Obama start talking to members of his own power about trying to work with Republicans. We the American people need to encourage President Obama to give his own party tough talk about putting partisanship and politics aside in order to deal with some critical issues in this country that are of urgency right here, right now. It is clear that Speaker Pelosi needs a private meeting with President Obama where he reads her some marching orders that include work with House Republicans and find compromises with them on many things. President Obama needs to will in his own party if he truly wants this country to come together.

It is unfair that Nancy Pelosi continues to get a pass on her actions when it is her actions that are troubling and the reason why not one House Republican voted yes on the stimulus package. If Nancy Pelosi would stop being a divisive figure and start being a true leader of the House, than she would start to communicate better with House Republicans by having a closed door meeting with those members where she offers cooperation and collaboration instead of take this and shove it. Speaker Pelosi needs to let her own House Democrats know that we are in the business of working with House Republicans on many issues but at the same time, we will not change our entire agenda just to please all House Republicans. However we can bend a little to appease a few of them who offer some ideas on some things that make our programs and policies stronger in legislation and in practice.

Until Speaker Pelosi does that than, we will continue to see party line voting on many pieces of legislation coming out of the United States House of Representatives and that is something that President Barack Obama does not want. However until President Obama has a real tough talk with Speaker Pelosi and many House Democrats about putting politics and partisanship aside so that Democrats can work with Republicans to find compromise on some things. This is what needed and this is the message that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi needs to have so that she becomes a uniter rather than a divider during these tough times in America.

Nancy Pelosi needs a wake-up call because she is a part of the problem with America not a part of the solution. Anyone who thinks that the Speaker of the House of the United States Congress shouldn’t be someone who works with both sides of the aisle than I don’t know why we even need a Speaker of the House if they are going to be bias anyway. Speaker Pelosi is not a real leader and is simply too partisan to help Barack Obama and his agenda of uniting America. Speaker Pelosi will only continue the politics of the old way of D.C. and that is not the change that many America’s voted for last November.

Nancy Pelosi needs to step aside and allow new leadership in the House to lead the House of Representatives to a point where Democrats and Republicans work together to finally put America back on track. Nancy Pelosi needs to relinquish her position as Speaker of the House because she is ineffective toward rallying her own troops as well as the troops of the other party. America we need a better leadership in the United States Congress but we must first get rid of Nancy Pelosi. No more divisive and partisanship from Nancy Pelosi that’s what we as Americans must demand starting not now but right now.

Change has come to America and HBCU’s might be next

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been in existence since 1837. However HBCUs have undergone many transformations since their existence and have faced many difficult challenges such as mergers with pre-dominantly white institutions (PWIs), enrollment decline, and state financial cutbacks. Despite it all, HBCUs like Tennessee State University (TSU) have survived each obstacle set before it. Now as TSU attempts to celebrate its 100th year history in 2012, it is apparent that as the times have changed in America, it appears times might be changing at HBCUs like TSU.

Tennessee State University can just look one state over at proposed legislation in Georgia where two HBCUs might be merged with PWIs. However one of the HBCUs which is a four year university, name might be changed to the name of one of the PWIs that is a two-year community college. Since when do two year colleges dictate become the main college in mergers with four year institutions? Nonetheless this is the legislation that is being considered in Georgia’s State Legislature. While it is only discussions right now, opposition is already building to oppose any merger where the HBCUs name truly becomes extinct like many other HBCUs.

Therefore any such legislation passes in Georgia’s legislator because the state is trying to find ways to cut its state budgets. Then with all the rumors swirling around in regards to Tennessee State University perhaps being merged with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) or better yet MTSU just simply taking over TSU, thus placing TSU into the history books like many other HBCUs. So in a time when America has elected its first African American President and with affirmative action being under attack constantly, it is clear that change in America has not only come but it is expected. Thus it is no wonder why now more than ever, the significance of HBCUs is slowly but surely becoming null and void.

When states all across America trying to figure out ways to save its states money, it is clear that many will look at education as a cost saving measure because they have been cutting from everywhere else for years while sparing education to a degree. Now education is no longer safe so the proposed legislation being considered in Georgia might set a new precedent in how many states with HBCUs deal with funding and merging of HBCUs. For many years and decades, states with HBCUs have tried to close the doors of our fine institutions.

But now the chicken might have come up to roost as many HBCUs are finding it difficult to get not only the proper support from state governments but from its own alumni. That’s why as America is slowly changing and the fight for affirmative action in regards to education has only been about minorities getting into PWIs. It is clear that HBCUs in the eyes of many people particularly African Americans as well as some alumni of HBCUs have outweighed its welcome when many HBCUs are not seeing the alumni give back both financially and in time besides during Homecomings.

Think about it people, when the state of Michigan passed legislation banning affirmative action statewide in the wake of the University of Michigan admissions practicing. The argument that was presented was that this would hinder many minorities particularly African Americans from obtaining a quality education at a prestigious 4 year university or college. Not once did any groups or people say that this might be an opportunity for many African Americans to reconnect to their educational roots. An opportunity for many minorities in the state of Michigan to look toward attending out of state colleges like HBCUs who are prestigious 4-year universities and colleges that have produced the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Harold Ford Sr., Jesse Jackson, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In a time when America is changing, it is clear that the state of affairs for HBCUs like TSU is in jeopardy. With enrollment being down, financial support being low, and alumni being little to non-existent, it is clear that HBCUs have to look to each other in order to survive. That’s why the change that HBCUs like TSU needs can only come from alumni, students, parents, faculty and administration. We are the ones who have to stand up and find ways to increase our enrollment, give financial support and most of all make our alumni associations stronger and more relevant by joining a chapter near you as well as devoting more time to our HBCUs than just around Homecoming.

Change has come to America but that doesn’t mean that HBCUs are not important any more. In fact HBCUs are just as important as they were when the first one opened up its doors in 1837. HBCUs do need to change but not the change that results in many of them being extinct. Instead the change that HBCUs need is in its recruitment policies because HBCUs needs its current student body and its alumni to be spokespersons for our believed institutions if we are going to get our enrollment up. The change that HBCUs need is in its fundraising policies because HBCUs needs its alumni, students, faculty, staff and administration to be fundraising agents for it. The change that HBCUs need is in how its alumni interact with the university. HBCUs need for its alumni associations to be stronger, more efficient, and more productive.

Times are changing and HBCUs must adjust with the times but that doesn’t mean that HBCUs should dissolve into PWIs. In fact as the times change, HBCUs should adapt and become stronger in how it does business. As America changes, HBCUs should look to help in the change that America wants and needs. That’s why the alumni of HBCUs like TSU must be stronger than it has ever been. The alumni of HBCUs must be strong in numbers and in finances so that we can combat any challenges that may come to the doorsteps of our beloved institutions.

So while change has come to America, we must be willing and able to make sure that the right change comes to HBCUs that will allow our beloved institutions to grow so that its history lasts forever. This is the change that HBCUs need and this is the message that we need to send to state legislations like Georgia’s who are attempting to undermine many HBCUs existence in its own states. As America changes, HBCUs need to change for the better as we stick together to make sure that the last 100 and so HBCUs that still exist remain in existence. This is the opportunity that has been placed at our doors and this is the mantra that we will live by.

Together, HBCUs can live on forever as long as we the alumni, students, faculty, staff, and administration make sure everyone else in the world understands the importance and relevancy of HBCUs in not only today’s America but in the world.

AMERICA NEEDS A TRUE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE PLAN

The United States House of Representatives recently passed the HR-1 bill entitled the American Recovery and Reinvest Act on January 28, 2008 with partisan support. Only 10% of the $819 billion dollar quote unquote economic stimulus package will be spent this year. Therefore it is clear that only $8.19 billion dollars will go toward America’s economic woes does not sound like much of a stimulus package to me. America needs a true economic stimulus package plan that will create jobs as well as stop the job losses in America. America needs an economic stimulus package that isn’t filled with 2/3 spending on projects and things that will create jobs later on the down the work.

Think about, we can’t afford inaction but we can’t afford to be spending $550 billion dollars on things that will not help this economic climate within the next year. A real economic stimulus package should focus on stimulus because stimulus is supposed to be targeted and focused on spending that creates immediate results for the economy. While much of the spending that is attached to the HR-1 bill is good but it won’t stimulate the economy right here, right now. America needs a true economic stimulus package plan that is rooted in job creation, job loss prevention, tax cuts and a safety net.

America needs a true economic stimulus package that is targeted and focused as well as detailed and strategic. If America’s in a recession than we need to focus on job creation that is targeted toward creating more manufacturing and hands on jobs. America needs to a re-boost in terms of being a nation that creates and manufactures goods not just a nation of service. America needs job training where we retrain many workers who are being laid off the assembly lines of the auto industry and other manufacturing areas to learn how manufacture new products and goods that not only Americans need but the world needs. America needs a true economic stimulus package that lays out a strategic timeline of what goods the world needs and what goods Americans need.

America’s economy needs a boost that begins with job loss prevention because we should be in the business of rewarding those companies and businesses that keep jobs in the United States with tax incentives by way of tax cuts. America needs to look at penalizing those American based companies who continue to ship jobs overseas in order to save a buck. America’s economy needs to look to the world and look toward bringing more foreign businesses into the U.S. that will help boost our economy in ways that they have done for other nations. America needs to be direct in its dealings with big business instead of being indirect. America needs its government to meet with the heads of corporations instead of their lobbyists and lawyers.

America’s economy needs a true economic stimulus package that has tax cuts for not only the poor but for the working and middle class. America needs a true economic stimulus package that has fair tax cuts for small businesses where they can expand their business as well as hire more employees. America’s economy needs tax cuts for families with college students and for couples that make less than $125,000 per year together. America’s economy needs tax cuts that don’t give the wealthy the most but give the least of us the most. However America doesn’t need to raise taxes on any of its American people in the form of income taxes but it has to perhaps raise other taxes in small increments.

America’s economy needs a true economic stimulus package that has a safety net in it that is focused on the most vulnerable during a time of an economic recession. America’s economy needs a safety net that is targeted on temporary programs that protect those most vulnerable to the effects of the recession. While the safety net should not be wasteful because wasteful spending will only create more problems to this economy that we don’t need. America’s economy needs to make sure its safety net is aimed toward unemployment benefits because those who are being laid off need some of their benefits extended beyond the normal months given to find a job because there are not many jobs out there during a recession.

America’s economy needs a true economic stimulus package that gives a tax credit for recently laid-off employees to help pay for discounted health care. Lastly during an economic recession, we need a safety net that allows people to feed themselves. Therefore America needs to assist in feeding the hungry during a time when so many are perhaps struggling to keep a roof over their head and feed themselves. So America’s economy needs a true economic stimulus package that is aimed toward providing support to many social programs that provide food to the needy, underprivileged and laid off. However with this assistance their needs to be specific guidelines for how it will be given out and how much will be given to each case.

America cannot be reckless in a time when we are in a recession otherwise this recession will slowly but surely turn into a depression. That’s why America needs to a true economic stimulus package plan that truly stimulates the economy. America can’t simply spend its way out of this recession and that is why we need to apply some of the traits of a “supply-side economy” if we are going to get of this recession. First, we need for our economy to create a demand for our supplies both domestically and abroad. Secondly, we need for our government to stimulate the production of goods and services, thus creating a demand for our goods and services which in turn will strengthen our economy. Nonetheless we cannot deregulate during this time like in a traditional “supply-side economy” unless the deregulation is beneficial to our economy.

America’s economy needs a real economic stimulus package that is focused on real fair trade amongst America and other nations. America should be sending the same amount of goods to other countries as much as we are accepting goods. However at the same time, America needs to start producing more of the goods we are accepting in so that we are putting our own people to work and our people are buying our own home born manufactured goods. America needs a true economic stimulus package that is focused on clogging and plugging up the job losses that America is facing in greater numbers by the day. Simply focusing on creating jobs without stopping job losses will not help America’s economy.

If America is to get out of this recession and is truly to stimulate our economy than we need to focus more on preventing job losses especially to foreign nations otherwise no matter how many jobs we create, we will always be playing catch up to job losses. America needs a true economic stimulus package not just a spending pork filled package. America needs a true economic stimulus package that doesn’t just stimulate our minds but stimulates our wallets. America needs a true economic stimulus package that is focused and targeted toward job creation, job loss prevention, tax cuts and a safety net. America needs a true economic stimulus package plan not now but right now.

My Perspective: FRIENDSHIPS

Webster’s Dictionary defines a friend as someone who we know, like and trust. It also defines a friend as someone who is an ally in a struggle or cause such as comrade. However a friend goes so much further. A friend is someone who cares for you, listens to you, and is there for you through the good times but especially through the rough times. A friend is someone who picks you up when you are down and celebrates with you when you have achieved success. While many of us might have many of them and others might have a couple or a few of them, the reality is that life is all about building friendships. We can’t go through life not making friends but we can’t go through life seeking friendships. Friendships are not something we seek, they just happen as time progresses.

Friendships are uplifting and encouraging to us but the reality is to make sure you don’t burn bridges that you don’t need to burn. Friendships help us build character and help us deal with some of the toughest moments we face in life such as the death of a loved one, break-ups, fights with other friends, rejections and firings. Friendships are truly incredible because our friends are those people who understand you more than anyone and sometimes they might understand you better than your family.

Friends are truly special and that special bond that you develop with someone is something that is very rare. Some say that you can count on one hand how many true friends you have and if you have more than five than you must be truly blessed. Nonetheless, friendships are worth having and they come in so many different ways. Regardless of what type of friendship you have with someone, hold on it as long as you can. While sometimes friends might make you mad or they might upset you, don’t end friendships unless the friendship is truly unbearable to repair.

A friendship that is repairable should be repaired but one that doesn’t should be cried about. While sometimes it hurts to end friendships, we must learn to move on in life no matter how many memories we had with that friend. Friendships worth keeping won’t end and those friends who want to be a part of your life will make it known.

Friendships are developed through organizational associations or through random parties or social settings but regardless of how one begins, it is about where it ends. Friendships are building blocks to great partnerships that we all need in life. Friends tell us the things we don’t just want to hear but what we need to hear. Friends keep us humble and keep our spirits high when we need them.

Friends are people who sympathize and patronizes with us. Friends are people who stand by our side when we face our most difficult moments in life and they are with us during our most successful moments. Friends are people who don’t forsake us or talk about us behind our back. Friends are people who defend our honor even when others try to bash us. Friends are people who stand up for us no matter how many people might be against us. Friends are incredible people who many of us are thankful to have in our life.

Those true friends that become our best friends are even more incredible because they share the burden of shouldering our secrets and they are the main one’s we confide in no matter the situation. Best friends are truly people that we know they will be there for us not only when we need money or a place to stay but when we need someone to talk to in the wee hours of the night and when we need shoulder to cry on in the middle of the day. Best friends are those individuals who will fly from way across the country just to stand by our side when we are having surgery. Best friends are those people are one of the first to wish Happy Birthday and are one of the first to check on you when they haven’t heard from you in day or two.

Nonetheless, friendships are truly special because it is your friends that uplift you in pray and they are the ones you can always depend on to pray on your family. Friendships are rare for some of us but be thankful for those that you do have. Friendships are incredible to have and a blessing to enjoy. That’s why we can’t reflect on those friendships that we lose but we must be thankful for those friendships that we still have.

So as many of us reflect on friendships, we need to understand that many that are special when we have them and are sobering when we lose them. However no matter how many friendships we gain or how many we lose, we need to make sure that with each friendship we lose, we understand why they are ending and with each friendship we gain, we need to realize why we gained this friendship. Friendships can develop over pizza or a hamburger but the reality is that we should just rejoice in the friendships we have had throughout our lives no matter if they were good or bad. With each friendship we as people have had, we have learned important lessons throughout them.

Nonetheless, a friend no matter if they are a Christian, Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, Jew, Hindi, Buddhist, Jehovah Witness or a non-believer, we can learn something about ourselves in each of them. A friend no matter if they are an African American, Chinese, Caucasian, Japanese, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, African, etc. we can learn diversity through diversifying our friendships. No matter if your friend is big, tall, short, or slim; all friendships offer us something that we sometimes take for granted. That’s why we need to cherish our friendships for what they give us and what we gain from them.

Friendships can teach us so much about life so hold on those you can hold on to and repair those who can still be repaired. Friendships are truly a blessing that all of us need to help us get through life a little bit easier. Friendships make life so much more memorable and sometimes they can make life regrettable but if we only focus on the positives than we will see that God has blessed us with many outstanding friends through our life. Friendships are worth having and are worth keeping as long as we can.

So hold on to your friends, tell your friends how you feel, and make sure your friends know you appreciate them. Tell your friends you love them when you can and make sure you always keep the lines of communication open between you and your friends. Uplift your friends, encourage your friends, and motivate your friends whenever the opportunity arises. Make sure your friends know how truly thankful you are for having them as a friend. Friendships are wonderful to have and for those of us who have them, let’s cherish them for as long as we can.

Always help a friend in need when you can. Never abandon your friend. Help your friend achieve their goals and trust me, a real friend will help you achieve yours. A friend will make you stronger mentally, spiritually, culturally and emotionally. Keep your friends encouraged but most of all keep your friends motivated. Above all else, make sure your friends know how important they are to you.

Friendships are unique, special, and truly inspirational. So make sure your friends understand just how much you care for them. Make sure your friends are inspired by you and you are inspired by them. Build up your friends don’t tear them down. Friendships are what you invest them. If you invest in your friends properly and positively than 9 times of out 10, you will receive the same results back. Life is not about the amount of breaths you take but it’s about the amount of breaths that take your breath away. Those moments that take your breath away should have been experienced with your friends. Your friends are the ones who should take your breath one or they should help you experience those moments that will take your breath away.

Friendships are building blocks to success. Friendships are building blocks of character. Friendships are building blocks of spirituality. Friendships are building blocks of diversity. Friendships are building blocks of cultural immersion. Friendships are building blocks to a more fulfilling life. But most of all friendships play a role in whom we are and who we become.

Friendships are what we make of them. No matter how many times you talk to your friends, should not define your friendship. No matter how little you take to your friends, should not define your friendship. Friendships should be defined by the moments that you share with them and the amount of things you share in common with them not you all’s differences. Friendships should be defined by not what you take from it but by what you share in it. Friendships are partnerships developed with people you like, trust and are honest with. Friends accept you for your flaws and alls but most of all friends don’t ask no more of you than you can handle.

However remember above all us that true friends are put in your life for a reason, not a season. True friends are hard to come back so hold on to those types of friendships. Hold on those true friends who will go to bat for you even when you are wrong about your actions but then they will tell you that were wrong later on in a more private setting…lol. True friends are blessings so don’t end those unless you absolutely have to. True friends guide you in the right direction and will follow you in the right direction so don’t abuse those friendships. True friends don’t mind playing second fiddle when they have to but you shouldn’t mind playing second fiddle to them. True friends will take that “L” for the team and those are the friendships that you should really cherish the moment.

HOLD ON TO FRIENDSHIPS FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN!
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL EVER FIND FRIENDSHIPS LIKE THE ONES YOU HAVE NOW!

America—The Debtor Nation

Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The United States of America is slowly but surely becoming a debtor nation. In fact America’s national debt is $11 trillion dollars and our economy is being referred to as a debt based economy. The truth of the matter is that America for the last four decades has been in debt and the national debt continues to grow with each waking day. The national debt is not a Democratic or Republican problem but it is an American problem that even independents and moderates like me share in. America’s national debt did grow under former President George W. Bush watch but it also grew under Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.

Nonetheless, America’s economy has become borrow, borrow, borrow. Many Americans especially our own government has lived on a streamline of credit because we believe that as long as we don’t have to use cash right now, we can pay for it later and enjoy the benefits of it. Our nation has borrowed and borrowed while enjoying all the perks now but the reality is that we are so much in debt that even if our economy bounces back, it won’t erase our national debt. The debt of this nation will not be solved by balancing our budget although having a balanced budget will help to stop the bleeding of our national debt.

With an $11 trillion dollar national debt and with the United Congress proposing an $825 billion dollar economic stimulus plan to begin this new Congress, it is clear that America’s national debt over the next 4 years will perhaps increase by at least $1-2 trillion. Either way, America owes too many nations right now particularly China who has been allowed to come in and buy up American stock bonds like they were penny candy. Now as America’s economy suffers, it seems as if China’s communist government economy remains viable and lively while the rest of the world including America suffers.

America is being called the debtor nation and it is slowly but surely becoming more and more a country that believes in the borrow system rather than the barter system it was intended to become. America’s national debt is a part of the underlining problem with our economy and while many economists won’t admit it, it is something that Americans for Generations to come will have to deal with. When will our politicians start to find solutions to deal with our national debt so that we don’t pass this debt on to future generations?

It is clear that the nation’s national debt will continue to grow as long as we as the people of this great nation expect government to solve our problems instead of us having some fiscal and personal responsibility in our lives. Our nation’s government will continue to spend out of control whether good or bad as long as they are given the opportunity to do so without proper checks and balances put in place to prevent our nation’s politicians practicing fiscal and personal responsibility for our nation’s assets. Think about it people if don’t start to practicing some fiscal responsibility in regards to our nation’s economy and national debt than our nations’ debt will continue to grow $1 trillion dollars at least every four years or less. Is this something we as American’s can afford to accept?

The national debt in this country is to a point where if we add any more without paying some of our debt, we will continue to face major issues for years to come. Therefore we must act now to pay some of our nation’s debt otherwise; we are just passing the bulk of America’s problems on to future generations who had nothing to do with this nation’s debt in the first place. America’s national debt cannot be solved or paid off if we continue to spend, spend, spend in this nation or borrow, borrow like it’s no tomorrow. Our nation needs to focus on the tasks at hand and our nation’s debt is a problem that will continue until we finally act on paying some of it off.

If America acted now and started paying at least $500 billion to a trillion a year on its debt than it could perhaps eliminate our national debt within 20-25 years as long as we don’t add any more debt while paying off our current debt. America’s economic system cannot fully recover as long as our nation ignores the national debt that it has created for least 4 decades now. America’s economic policies in regards to big business and trade has created some of our nation’s debt but we the American people with our borrow, borrow, borrow type attitude has helped contribute to our nation’s debt. In fact, America’s economy will not be on full ground as long as we continue to ignore out national debt issue.

With an $11 trillion dollar national debt, it is clear that our government would rather spend, spend, and spend than deal with the real issue of paying off some of this debt. If we don’t act now in regards to America’s national debt, we are simply passing on a huge burden to future generations of America’s to deal with. Our nation cannot continue to be a debtor nation and expect to survive or be revered as the world Superpower if we owe another nation approximately $5 trillion or more. The reality is that our nation needs to properly deal with our national debt. Otherwise we will continue to see our nation is trouble for not only years to come but decades to come.

We the American people need to urge our nation’s leaders to start paying off our nation’s national debt now. We cannot allow our nation to pass on this huge national debt to future generations to deal with. That is not fair and it is not the way life is supposed to be. If we continue to do business as usual in this country, than we going to see our nation’s national debt sprawl so far out of control that future generations to come will have shrug the burden of all this built up national debt that we are acquiring as Americans. It’s very clear Americans that if we want to live this world and live America a better place for future generations to come than we can’t pass on this huge national debt to them without paying some of it off. Each generation needs to do its part starting now to pay off the nation’s national debt so that future generations to come won’t have to deal with as much of the national debt.

We can’t afford to see America’s national debt grow any further. We have to properly deal with this issue now and start to bury our national debt once and for all. America will soon be referred to as not a Superpower but a Debtor power who owes more countries than any other nation in the world. Is this the time of country our founding fathers established. Is this the republic that our founding fathers created and wanted us to live in? We cannot allow our nation’s national debt to grow and grow without paying on it once and for all.

By ignoring our duties to pay the nation’s national debt, we are not promoting the general Welfare of this great nation as stated in the Preamble of our nation’s Constitution. If the nation doesn’t realize that our national debt is a problem than how will the Prosperity of America continue for future generations. If we don’t act now to solve the nation’s huge debt problem than how will we insure domestic Tranquility for our nation’s future? America’s $11 trillion dollar national debt needs to be properly dealt with and if our nation doesn’t deal with it than we as American’s are not giving future generations of Americans the opportunity to live out the Preamble of our nation’s Constitution.

America is on a path to be a debtor nation for decades to come if we don’t properly deal with it now. America we need to change the way we do business in this nation but we all must contribute to this change by wanting to pay off some of our nation’s national debt. Now is not the type of partisanship or blame but now is the time for all of us to accept the responsibility of wanting to pay off the $11 trillion dollar national debt, our great nation of America has accumulated. America the debtor nation, no more if we work to start paying off our debt once and for all so future generations of Americans can have the opportunity to live out the Preamble of our nation’s Constitution.

AMERICA—THE DEBTOR NATION

Stimulus 101: What's in the Bills--by David Goldman

Stimulus 101: What's in the Bills--by David Goldman

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/106490/Stimulus-101-What's-in-the-Bills

HR-1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act bill is the most unprecedented sum of money America has ever used to not only revive the economy but towards any program in America’s history. President Barack Obama and his economic team are really trying to find ways to stimulate the economy in this quote unquote recession we are facing. However President Barack Obama and House Democrats rolled out an economic stimulus package of $825 billion dollars to not only the American public but to House Republicans and the entire GOP. While many House Republicans and GOP leaders have rebuffed the original package presented to them because it had no GOP input whatsoever, it is apparent that even that many GOP members bring up great points regarding the $825 billion dollar stimulus package or economic recovery plan.

While President Obama should be commended for not only reaching out to House Republicans and GOP leaders but for meeting with them personally, although many of them disagreed with his $825 billion dollar stimulus proposal. Nonetheless, President Obama left that meeting on January 27 saying that he is willing to compromise on his billion dollar stimulus proposal. Many GOP leaders have even said the meeting was very productive and look forward to their ideas being a part of this economic stimulus package.

Despite President Obama leaving the meeting saying it is willing to compromise, he criticized many politicians of playing politics in a time when politics is not needed. Therefore many in the news media can assume that President Obama was referring to GOP members but I am going to give President Obama the benefit of the doubt and say that he was talking about his own party as well. As the House hearing on HR-1 transpired on January 28, all you could see was partisanship from House Democrats. The more the hearings were aired on C-SPAN, it was clear that House Democrats did not have the same sentiments their beloved leader President Obama.

In fact, many House Democrats just want the proposed $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package to just go through without any House Republican input whatsoever. President Obama is right that this is no time for politics but it is time for real thoughtful solutions and not just speedy passage of any bill. America can’t afford to waste time that’s why both Democrats and Republicans need to work together to bring about a positive economic stimulus package that will work for all Americans and not just a few Americans.

However while many Americans want a quick and fast economic stimulus package passed, we can’t afford an economic stimulus package passed too fast without proper oversight and insight being put into the plan thoughtfully and strategically. How soon do many us forget that we passed the TARP bill this summer too fast and now we don’t even know where the first half of that $700 billion dollar plan to the banks even went, yet alone, the banks have not even told us how they spent it whatsoever after being asked by many media outlets. Therefore we need to properly send much of this $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package through the proper chain of commands such as committees where debate can only help flourish and polish the economic stimulus package.

If politics are properly put to the side by both House Democrats and Republicans than both parties and sides can get what they want out of the deal. For example, Republicans are advocating for less spending and more tax relief but the Democrats are not willing to budge on this issue and would rather submit a separate tax relief plan in a later bill. It is bad enough that the current $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package is filled with hundreds of thousands of pages of legislation that all 435 house members must have a copy of. So if we are talking about fiscal responsibility in a time of a recession than why have we already spent nearly $1 billion on making copies of this nearly 650 page bill for House members and media outlets?

Right now the $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package as it sits will not revive our economy unless we really think carefully about how this money is spent and implemented into our economy carefully. While I commend President Obama for creating the www.recovery.gov website as a resource or tool for many Americans to see how the stimulus package money will be used, it is not enough. What we as Americans need is for more tax cuts for small businesses and the American people as well as rewriting the TARP legislation in order to recover the American tax payer $350 billion dollars used by the banks from August to now where many banks don’t know what they did with it. What we as Americans need is for some of this billionaire dollar companies that we acquired or saw tax payer dollars go into such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG, Merrill Lynch, etc. to give us our money back and for our government to lock up many of these former as well as current CEO’s and board members.

GOP House members are right when they say that spending is not stimulative because that is the same ideology as the Bush administration back last winter when they wanted to give the American people stimulus checks in hopes that we the American people will spend more. Nonetheless, many Americans want more stimulus checks but not simply handouts but in the form of tax cuts. The $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package won’t have a quick impact and it is not enough of a relief in my opinion. However we have to do something but we need to do it in the right way. We need to do it together as Americans, not as Democrats and Republicans but as Americans.

We can’t simply throw money at the problem as we have done in the past but we need to invest in what works but we don’t know if any of what we are proposing will work. So that’s why we can’t simply dull out a $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package without properly looking at what works and what doesn’t work because none of the ideas in the bill are rather done. Many of the initiatives that are in the $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package are not new whatsoever but are the same old rhetoric from previous decades. If we carefully look at the last 30-40 years of America’s economic system than we will find out that both Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate are proposing ideas that we have applied to our economy already. Some of which has worked and some of which hasn’t.

That’s why it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to look at the $825 billion economic stimulus package and find what in the bill is good and what isn’t. The only way this can happen is by having more than one committee meeting in the Appropriations Committee and Ways & Means Committee. While swift action needs to be taken to improve our economy, we can’t do it too fast that proper discussion and debate doesn’t take place as well as good sound ideas aren’t put into this $825 billion economic stimulus package. Democrats need to follow their leader President Barack Obama and listen to GOP leaders in order to find compromise on this HR-1 bill. If House Democrats want the bill to pass with bi-partisan than they need to come off their high horse and stop trying push through the same old policies that they haven’t been able to get through Congress in previous decades and look to only put in good sound proven policies that will truly help our economy.

The American Recovery and Renewal Act is not enough and deals with too many things that it won’t properly succeed the way it should succeed because each issue within the bill will have to come back to the House and Senate separately in order to get more money for many of the programs within this bill. The act is too large and really doesn’t give enough to things such as small business development, state relief, education, healthcare, and alternative energy. So for those who look at the amount of the bill, we will expect for it to work but the reality is that it is only a small chuck of what is really needed for America’s economy to be revived. In fact we are under investing with this act and will only cause more harm than good with these short term small chuck attack.

No matter how one looks at the American Recovery and Renewal Act, it is clear that it is partisan effort where President Obama is trying to be a mediator that brings both Democrats and Republicans together. Nonetheless President Obama is commended for his efforts for trying to sell the $825 billion economic stimulus package especially during his news conference on January 28 before the House voted for the act where he stated that “Business, not government, is the engine of growth.” While business not government is the key to growth, but many big businesses have failed us the American people and that’s why more small business relief needs to be implemented into this plan.

America’s economy will not recovery until we deal with the amount of jobs being lost in this country and the home foreclosure issue. America economy will take time to bounce back but the American Recovery and Renewal Act is too broad and not specific enough in dealing with each issue addressed in it properly. While the stimulus package is large enough in size, it isn’t large enough in being very specific in addressing all the needs it covers and it isn’t large enough to properly address all the issues it addresses in a way that is sufficient and efficient. So if you properly look at the merits of the American Recovery and Renewal Act, you will quickly respect it and appreciate President Barack Obama as well as economic team and House Democrats efforts.

But at the same time, you probably would appreciate the act even more if it was broken up into separate acts and if the amount of money shelled toward each issue was increased more. America can’t recover with simply shelling out amounts of cash here and there but we need to properly concentrate our efforts more specifically on the issues that the American Recovery and Renewal Act aims to do. While shelling out $142 billion dollars in Education might be a lot of money to sum, it is actually not enough to properly do what President Obama is proposing to do too many schools in America. President Obama, his economic team and House Democrats want to rebuild thousands of schools by modernizing classrooms, labs and libraries and would also increase funding for Pell Grants. If you really look at all of that in its entirety, you will understand that perhaps $500-800 billion dollars are needed to properly modernize thousands of schools in America and to increase Pell Grants for many would be and current college students in America. That’s why this $825 billion dollar economic plan is a good proposal in merit but it would be more sufficient and efficient if each component was broken up into separate acts of legislation and given the proper funding to do so.

However to read more about President Obama’s and the House Democrats economic stimulus package, you can read the following article below from www.cnnmoney.com, where it points out the pros and cons of the major issues involved in the legislation. After reading the article, you will understand how this piece of legislation is not a enough but simply a snack that won’t fully fulfill the hunger of America’s economy.


Tuesday, January 27, 2009 provided by CNNMONEY.com

The plan by Obama and congressional Democrats to revive the economy is taking shape. Here's what we know so far.

You've probably noticed: The Obama administration and Congress are talking about spending an unprecedented sum of money to try to revive the economy.

President Obama and House Democrats laid down the marker with an $825 billion package of spending and tax cuts.

Dozens of proposals. Hundreds of pages of legislation. Billions of dollars.

What are some of the headline proposals, and what is the debate all about? The legislation is a work in progress, but here is an overview.

Infrastructure
The case for: By investing in renewable energy, health care, education and modern construction projects, the Obama administration expects to create between 3 million and 4 million jobs and address key sustainability issues.

The case against: Opponents argue the spending will lead to a rapidly increasing and unsustainable deficit. They also say that a majority of infrastructure projects will take too long to implement.

Construction projects: $90 billion. Fund the rebuilding of crumbling roads and bridges, build clean water and flood control mechanisms and provide funding for mass transit systems.

Education: $142 billion. Rebuild thousands of schools by modernizing classrooms, labs and libraries. The plan would also increase funding for Pell Grants.

Renewable energy: $54 billion. Double production of alternative energy in the next three years. Weatherize low-income homes, modernize 75% of federal buildings and update the nation's electrical grid with a new, cost-efficient "smart" grid.

Health care records: $20 billion. Modernize the health care system by computerizing all of the nations' medical records in the next five years.

Science, research and technology: $16 billion. Invest in science facilities, research and instrumentation to create new industries, new jobs and medical breakthroughs. Expand broadband Internet access in rural and underserved areas.

State Relief
The case for: As states face budget shortfalls, Obama's plan seeks to help states pay for Medicaid and unemployment benefits. State fiscal relief will be allocated to prevent increases in state and local taxes.

The case against: Opponents say the bill should focus on job creation that will make an immediate impact on the economy. Republicans have specifically criticized a provision that would expand a government matching program for states that provide abortion and contraceptive funding through Medicaid. A Democratic official told CNN the House Democratic leaders are planning to remove the provision.

Medicaid: $87 billion. Increase Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage so states do not have to cut eligibility for Medicaid due to budget shortfalls.

Law enforcement: $4 billion for states and municipality funding for law enforcement.

Safety Net
The case for: Obama proposed temporary programs to protect those most vulnerable to the effects of the recession.

The case against: As with state budget relief, opponents say the bill is too big and should simply aim to create new jobs. Some lawmakers have said some of the "safety net" spending provisions are wasteful, and many have called the bill unfocused.

Unemployment benefits: $43 billion. Extend through December 2009 emergency unemployment insurance assistance to states. Increase weekly unemployment benefits by $25, and provide incentives for states to expand unemployment coverage.

Cobra: $39 billion. Tax credit for recently laid-off employees to help pay for discounted health care. Obama estimates the plan will help 8.5 million people who recently lost their jobs.

Feeding the hungry: $20 billion. Increase food stamp benefits by 13%, and provide support for food banks, school lunch programs and WIC.

Tax Cuts for Individuals
The case for: The president proposed the so-called "Make Work Pay Credit" as part of an effort to spend at least 75% of the package in the first 18 months after its passage. Obama hopes that fast-spending provisions like tax cuts will quickly help low- and middle-income workers in need of spending money.

The case against: Opponents say the size tax cuts do not go far enough and on the whole don't make up a big enough portion of the entire package. Furthermore, they oppose giving tax breaks to people who do not pay taxes.

Middle-class tax cut: $145 billion. Tax cut amounting to $500 a year for individuals and $1,000 for couples. The full credit would be limited to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 or less for workers filing joint returns).

Low-income tax cut: $5 billion. Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a refundable credit for low-income workers. Furthermore, the Make Work Pay Credit would be refundable, meaning that even tax filers without any tax liability -- typically very low-income workers -- would receive one.

Child tax credit: $18 billion. Temporary increase in the amount of the child tax credit that would be refundable.

Tax Cuts for Businesses
The case for: In an attempt to get money out quickly to low- and middle-income workers, the president has pushed for tax cuts for certain individuals.

The case against: Opponents say too small of a percentage of the total package -- 2.7% -- goes to small businesses. They also say that much of the proposed tax relief essentially amounts to spending, due to the provisions Democrats placed on the tax credits.

Small business write-offs: Obama would increase the amount of expenses small businesses can write off to $250,000 in 2009 and 2010 from the current $125,000 level.

Tax cuts for companies suffering losses: $17 billion over 10 years. Obama would temporarily broaden the "net-operating loss carryback" to five years, up from two years currently. The provision would let companies apply their 2008 and 2009 losses to past and future tax bills so they can get money back on taxes they've already paid or would otherwise have to pay.

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The Dream Act—Kills many Legal Americans Dreams

For many of you who have not heard of the Dream Act, it is an act being proposed by illegal immigrant proponents in California that could be taken up in the U.S. Congress that would all financial aid to go to illegal immigrants. Many of you might be thinking that anyone who is against this measure is against illegal immigrants and Hispanics everywhere. However the reality is that the Dream act will kill many legal American dreams if it is enacted. The Dream Act is unfair to many Americans because it is already bad enough that nearly 10 million or more illegal immigrants live in America and we as Americans are paying for them as well as their children.

Think about this people, many illegal immigrants come to America and give birth to children in America making their children legal Americans. However if America actually protected its borders than we would not be faced with situations where children are born in America from illegal immigrants while naturalized, born, and legal American citizens are having to flip the education, health, and perhaps now the college bill of many of these children. If the Dream Act is enacted and passed, it would create an even greater problem for many Americans because it is already bad enough that many legal American children don’t receive any form of financial aid because their parents make too much. However those same parents that make too much are the very ones who are paying taxes in America are currently flipping the bill for the children of illegal immigrants who don’t pay any taxes in America except for a sales tax.

With the raise of a college education going up and many states starting to have students pay for each credit hour they take, the Dream Act comes at a time when it might kill the educational dreams of many legal Americans children while aiding in the educational dreams of illegal immigrants dreams. Those who believe this act is fair than tell it that to the tens of thousands or more college students who don’t receive any grants each year and have to take out loans just to go to college. For those of you who believe the Dream Act should be enacted than tell that to the hundreds of thousands of students who receive no financial aid whatsoever but their parents are flipping the bill for illegal immigrants kids. To those of you who believe that the Dream Act will save hundreds of dreams of the children of illegal immigrants than tell those hundreds of thousands of college graduates who have loans out the butt hole and got little to no grants while in school that this is a good piece of legislation.

The reality is that the Dream Act is not fair to the parents who are legal citizens of this country because we are the ones who will be paying for the children of illegal immigrants to obtain financial aid. Let’s be real, many illegal immigrants are poor in the first place and once their children are allowed to fill out the FAFSA form, that means nearly 50,000 children of illegal immigrants will have the opportunity to get financial aid thus taking federal dollars from the children of legal citizens and immigrants. The Dream Act is not a righteous act and those who oppose the act are fair in what they are saying. We can’t even afford to send the children of legal citizens and immigrants to college but we are arguing that the children of illegal immigrants should have the opportunity to obtain financial aid to go to college in order to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Just look at many of the southwestern states as well as states like California and Alabama, where illegal immigrants have found permanent homes. Many of those states are so in the red that they are in desperate need of a bailout from the federal government. Illegal immigration has been a major issue in America for years now but our federal as well as state governments have not properly dealt with this issue. Thus the children of these illegal immigrants are being placed on the shoulders of legal citizens and immigrants who pay income taxes and other taxes in this country while illegal immigrants pay nothing for their own children outside of food, shelter and clothing for the most part. In fact, it is hard to tell how many illegal immigrants are on Medicaid and food stamps illegally in many states as well as are receiving perhaps unemployment.

Therefore the Dream Act is not fair to those of us who are legal citizens of American. I understand that many America is the “Beckon of Hope” and the “Land of Opportunity”, however there needs to be a better way for the American Dream to be obtained. There needs to be a better way for the American Dream to be obtained so that legal citizens aren’t paying for the children of illegal immigrants to go to school while struggling to send their own children to school. The Dream Act will see many dreams of children of legal American citizens a whole lot tougher and unfair.

While life is not fair, the reality is that the Dream Act makes life a whole lot unfair in more ways than one. That’s why organizations, groups and people who support this act are not looking at how much this will hinder the homes of legal American citizens’ who are trying to figure out ways to send their own children off to college. However many of those same legal American citizens’ make too much so their own children can’t get financial aid while the children of illegal immigrants will be able to obtain financial aid if the Dream Act is put into place in any state or federally. Do they not see the error in the Dream Act and how passing the burden onto legal Americans whose own children can’t get financial aid but the children of illegal immigrants can?

The Dream Act might create the dreams of a few but it will make the dreams of others a whole lot tougher. The Dream Act does help many children obtain a college education but as it stands today, it is unfair for people who pay taxes and are legal citizens to pay for the college education of children of illegal immigrants while their own children can’t get a dime from the federal government. The Dream Act is more like a nightmare for many Americans and many college students who are suffering already to figure out how they will pay for the rest of this semester yet alone tuition for next year.

America can’t afford the passage of the Dream Act until it can provide financial aid for all of America’s children who are born to legal citizens of this country. The Dream Act can’t be passed in this time of atmosphere because illegal immigrants have put their own children in this situation and our government is to blame for our nation’s illegal immigration problem. The Dream Act will crush many dreams not create as many dreams as many would think it would.

The implementation of legislation like this one is unfair for those of us who are legal Americans because we are continuing to flip the bill for the children of illegal immigrants. Those illegal immigrants need to be flipping the cost of their own children like many of us are doing with our children as we attempt to send our own to college even without being given an opportunity to obtain financial aid. So until the dreams of our own children are achieved than the dreams of those children born from illegal immigrants cannot take place at the expense of legal citizens. The Dream Act shatters the dreams of thousands if not millions of Americans. Can America afford to place the dreams of a few at the expense of the dreams of many? The Dream Act is planning to do that and until someone else shows me otherwise, I cannot and will not support the Dream Act.

Any politician who supports such an act right now without trying to find a way to make sure that the children of legal citizens in America can get financial aid than I can’t support those politicians either. America’s financial aid structure is unfair and the Dream Act makes it a whole lot more unfair. The Dream Act kills many legal Americans dreams. This is the tragedy that is not being talked about and this is the tragedy that if we as American’s don’t’ fight against is about to be placed on our shoulders as many of us are trying to stay afloat in this nation. The Dream Act cannot fly by during a time when a 4 year college or university is becoming more and more out of reach of affordability for hundreds of thousands of American college students born to legal Americans.

The Dream Act will not make college more afford for those hundreds of thousands of American college students born to legal Americans and will in fact place the expense of continuing to pay for the educational endeavors of children of illegal immigrants on the shoulders of legal American citizens with children of our own. Does this sound like a Dream Act or a Nightmare Act that will kill many legal American dreams?

THE DREAM ACT KILLS MANY LEGAL AMERICANS DREAMS!

My Perspective: SEX IS NOT A LEISURE and A PLEASURE—Part II

No matter if you are pro-choice or pro-life; you can’t deny the fact that America has a sex addiction problem. No matter if you are for or against abortions; you can’t deny the fact that their needs to be some personal responsibility when having sex. Those of you who argue that a woman has a right to choose and those who argue about when life is conceived can’t deny the fact that there are too many abortions taking place in America and even more children born out of wedlock than ever before.

The reality is that sex in America and throughout the world is glamorized to the degree that many think sex can heal all wounds. Sex is not the answer and it has become apparent that many of us who don’t advocate for personal responsibility when participating in sex are simply repeating sinful habits in our society. The reality is that a woman should have a right to choose but not at the expense of all taxpayers. Just like a woman who gives birth has to pay some form if not all of her hospital bill during pregnancy; a woman who has an abortion should pay for their own pregnancy.

Government should not be in the business of contributing to sexual acts but it should be in the business of educating the masses about the sex. America’s government should not be providing Viagra to men through Medicaid but instead it should be teaching men about personal responsibility when having sex. America’s woes when it comes to sex are simply that we haven’t been in the business of educating our masses properly on having personal responsibility when participating in sex. Those who advocate for a women’s right to choose, I agree, as long as it isn’t at the expense of the rest of us. Those who advocate for life, I agree with you but if we as ordinary American’s aren’t paying for any abortions than we have no say in what a woman does with her body.

Education is the key to dealing with this sex issue that we have in this country that has gotten out of control because for decades we have not talked about personal responsibility. President Barack Obama when he spoke about personal responsibility while on the campaign trail, he was referring to issues such this one. We as American’s need to have some personal responsibility when participating in sexual acts and we need to stop expecting our government to bail us out whenever we make mistakes. The reality is that we as American’s can avoid many of our mistakes when it comes to sex if we just practice some personal responsibility.

Many times the man or woman who contracts HIV/AIDS gets it because they didn’t use protection. Therefore if they only practiced some personal responsibility, they could have perhaps lessened their chances at contracting the HIV/AIDS virus. Many times, a young lady who comes pregnant from some knuckle headed boy, it could have been prevented if they only used some personal responsibility. If either the young lady or knuckle headed boy had of practiced some personal responsibility before having sex by using a condom than perhaps they could have prevented the pregnancy. Many times, the young man who wants the girl they slept with to get an abortion could have prevented the debate or discussion from happening. If either the hot-headed young man or hot in the pants young lady had of used some personal responsibility before engaging in their sexual deed, than they would not be having this debate or discussion in regards to an abortion. Think about it, if the hot in the pants young lady would have just got on birth control and actually used it and if the hot-headed young man would have just used some protection than they would not have to even think about having an abortion.

When will we as American’s learn that we must educate our masses about how to properly have sex instead of simply passing the buck too many of us who pay taxes? The reality is that many American’s who don’t care how tax payer dollars are used; don’t care because they don’t pay taxes or don’t make enough to pay taxes. However so many of them reap the benefits of our tax dollars without our government properly putting measures in place that would educate the masses on personal responsibility. Those who support or are against abortions, need to work together to advocate our government to start educating the masses rather than favoring one side over the others. Our government needs to properly use our tax payer dollars toward education not toward abortions or simply abstinence education.

If our government would simply educate the masses about personal responsibility not only when it comes to sex but to our daily lives than maybe many Americans could finally find their American dream. I know I wouldn’t mind my tax dollars being used toward properly educating the masses but until that is done then many Americans will continue to see their tax dollars to be wasted. Education is the gateway to prosperity some believe and if we properly educate the masses about personal responsibility than who would be against tax dollars going toward that.

No matter if you are pro-choice or pro-life; you can’t argue that personal responsibility is needed in America. No matter if you are for or against abortions; you can’t argue that if we properly educate the masses about personal responsibility when it comes to sex than we won’t help fight against this sexually driven society that we have all contributed to a degree. Simply dulling out tax payer dollars toward abortions, Viagra, birth control, or educating about abstinence does not properly use America’s tax dollars in the right way. This sexual epidemic will not be resolved until we start educating and advocating for personal responsibility. We can’t continue to use the same old rhetoric and political policies of the past decades.

Many of us who pay taxes want our tax dollars to go toward education that will properly educate the masses about personal responsibility rather than our tax dollars going toward abortions, Viagra, and other sexual deeds. Let’s be real, our government has for decades have spent money on not only abstinence programs but free condom giving programs that have proven not to work. In fact the free condoms that have been given out by programs that use our tax payer dollars have actually caused more harm than good. Condoms such as lifestyle has messed up many lifestyle’s and the reality is that if we continue to use the same old policies of the past than we are not doing anything about this sex epidemic that we are facing in America.

Sex is not a leisure and a pleasure; therefore the debate is not about pro-choice or pro-life but it is about personal responsibility. The reality is that we can’t continue to do what we did in the past. We need a new way of dealing with this sexual epidemic in America and throughout the world. So we need to start with education that deals with personal responsibility. No matter if you are for or against abortions; you can’t deny the fact that tax payer dollars would be better used if we teach education about sex that is rooted in personal responsibility. No matter if you are pro-choice or pro-life; you can’t deny the fact that tax payer dollars would be better used teaching personal responsibility to the masses rather than continuing to bail out the masses for every sexual deed or urge that the masses has.

Sex is not a leisure and a pleasure; therefore teaching personal responsibility is the only way we can properly deal with this issue. We need a new direction and that direction is educating about personal responsibility. Teaching about sex not being a leisure and a pleasure is the proper way to use tax payer dollars as long as we are advocating for personal responsibility within that teaching. The reality is that America cannot continue to use the tax payer dollars as they have done in the past to deal with the sexual behaviors of society. It is time America adopted a new policy of dealing with sexual behaviors that includes educating about personal responsibility and about sex not being a leisure and a pleasure.

Sex is not a leisure and a pleasure; therefore personal responsibility is needed to address the sexual epidemic in America and the world.

My Perspective: Ooh Child, Someday—By: Donnie McClurkin & Kirk Franklin

CHORUS
Ooh child things are gonna get easier
Ooh child things will get brighter
Ooh child things are gonna get easier
Ooh child things will get brighter

VERSE 1
some day yes we'll put it together and we'll get all down some day yes
when the world is much brighter some day
yes we'll walk in the rays of the beautiful sun
some day when the world is much brighter

CHORUS
Ooh child things are gonna get easier just you wait
and see things will get brighter
oh my baby boy things are gonna get easier baby girl things will get brighter

VERSE 2
Some day yes we'll put it together and we'll get all down some day yes
when the world is much brighter some day
yes we'll walk in the rays of the beautiful sun
some day when the world is much brighter

Vamp
if you're tired of the crying com'on(com'on)
if you're tired of people dying com'on(com'on)
if you're tired of the fighting com'on(com'on)
no more wars, no lying com'on(com'on)
all the people in the world com'on
every boy every girl com'on(com'on)
if you know it ain't over until God says that it's over com'on,
com'on, comon (lets go)

repeat chours

'til you wake up in the morning child
(repeat until finish)


Ooh Child, someday, life will truly be better. Someday life will be a little bit easier. Someday life will be a little brighter. This is the anthem for many of us. This is the anthem that so many of us live our lives for because we believe that life will truly get a little bit easier for us.

When we are going through rough stretches or difficulty moments, we look for that day will life will be a little bit brighter. Someday, life will get better for many of us but some of us, we will not see that day. However we all march on as if we will see brighter days.

Many of us believe that life will get easier for us and the reality is that some day it will. Believing that someday life will be a little brighter for some of us are what keeps many of us going. The hope for brighter days and days that are easier is what keeps many of us believing in something. Someday life will get better for many of us while some of us will go on believing life will be better regardless if we never see those better days.

Ooh Child, someday, we will all see good times reign again and brighter days be supreme once more. Someday life will truly be less of a hassle for many of us. Many of us hope for peace on earth and greener pastures. While some of us look for beautiful sunrises and sunsets in order to reflect on life.

Someday can’t come soon enough for some of us and for others, it is merely a beckon of hope for so many of us. Life will be a little bit easier for many of us while for many of us, life will be what it is. Regardless of what we want in life, we all live in hoping, wishing and believing in something. We all go through life and experience life’s ups and downs which makes life what it is. For some of us, we experience so many ups that when we experience a down, we find it difficult to bounce back from. While for others, we experience so many downs that when we experience an up, we find it a blessing that will uplift us.

Someday life will be a whole lot better for some of us and for others life will be a whole lot easier for us. Brighter days will come for many of us and life will be easier for some of us. The world will be a better place some day and we will all experience the rays of sunshine that will shine brightly upon the earth. Someday life will be a dream for many of us instead of a nightmare for a few of us.

Life will be a better place for many of us as long as we believe in brighter days. The sun doesn’t set on our dreams but they shine on it. That’s the life we live and the life we strive to obtain. Life is what we make it and it can be brighter as long as we work to make it better. Life is a whole lot greater because we make it that way. With all our wishing and hoping for better and brighter days, we strive to make our dreams a reality.

Ooh Child, someday, we will all achieve our dreams and break down the barriers that once denied us. Ooh Child, someday, we will all live up to our potential and start to make this world a better place. Ooh Child, someday, we will all be faced with difficult decisions that we will make because life helps shape us for the better as long as we learn from life’s endeavors and not be hurt by it.

Ooh Child, someday, we will all find peace and solace within each other. Ooh Child, someday, we will all see the sun rise to its highest peak in the sky and think that we can rise to our highest peak in life. Ooh Child, someday, we will see the sunset and think that we can always witness beauty like this if we just take the time to reflect on the little things in life. Ooh Child, someday, life will be a little bit brighter. Ooh Child, someday, life will be easier for us.

Someday, life will be what we make it. Someday life will be fabulous for all of us. Some day life will be a wonderful place for us to live. Someday life will be as magnificent as we see in so many fairy tales we read. Some day life will be a great time for all of us to rejoice in.

Someday the Lord will make all our dreams come true. Someday the Lord will help all of us become greater than we ever thought we could. Someday the Lord will uplift all of us to newer and greater heights. Someday the Lord will guide all of us to a place where we find peace with our enemy or enemies. Someday the Lord will help all of us see how blessed we truly are.

Ooh child, someday, the Lord will show us all better and brighter days. Ooh child, someday can’t come fast enough but when it comes rejoice and be glad in it.

Ooh Child, someday, life will get easier and brighter!