The Indiana House of Representatives passed Governor Mitch Daniel property tax relief for homeowners. However, some slight modifications to HB 1001 were made by the legislators. Some of the modifications were targeted at seniors with fixed income, to rental property owners with an increase in the deduction on tax returns for low income families. Another amendment was to revise a provision allowing the state's oversight division for property taxes, the Department of Local Government Finance to ignore assessors' criminal behavior of failing to follow the rules in figuring the value of property. The old rule:
1. An individual assessment is deemed accurate if it is a reasonable measure of true tax value as defined in the reassessment manual;
2. A technical failure to comply with the procedures of a specific assessing method does not violate the assessment rule if the individual assessment is a reasonable measure of true tax value; and
3. Failure to comply with the reassessment guidelines does not, in itself, show that the assessment is not a reasonable measure of true tax value.
The changes offered under HB 1001 only requires that folks follow the rules, which is what homeowners have been screaming year after year when arguing the unfair assessment of their property, "under this proposal, the section of the assessment rule cited above would be voided and an assessment would be deemed an unreasonable measure of true tax value if there is a failure to comply with statutes, rules,
regulations, manuals, guidelines, bulletins, or directives adopted by the DLGF."
The HB 1001 failed to include criminal charges against assessors who fail to follow the rule which would be a deterrent to the over assessing of property by these incompetent and scheming officials.
There are other necessary amendments that needs to be included in the property tax relief, such as returning the undetermined amount of money that was stolen from churches that should have been exempt from taxation, or given an extension in filing for the exemption. Also, the 2% property tax such be reduced to 1% for this year because of the fraudulent assessment of many of the property under the flawed trending conducted by many of the assessing officials and ignored by the DLGF.
The bill now moves to the Indiana Senate for other amendments.
(
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Gina McCauley--interview about Clinton, Jesse and Obama
Jesse Jackson: Jesse Jackson On The South Carolina Primary
Jesse Jackson talks exclusively to Essence.com about Obama's win, the Clinton strategy and the long road ahead
By Gina McCauley
On Sunday afternoon, while members of the media were analyzing former President Bill Clinton’s comments comparing Barack Obama’s victory in South Carolina with those of the Reverend Jesse Jackson in 1984 and 1988, Rev. Jackson spoke with blogger Gina McCauley for ESSENCE from New Delhi, India. He’s there participating in events recognizing the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Jackson is proud of his legacy and cautioned the Democratic candidates and their supporters to keep one eye on November as the campaign heats up heading into Super Tuesday, February 5.
Essence.com: In South Carolina, the Democratic campaign took a negative turn with charges and countercharges of injecting race, yet the numbers are indicating that there was a record turnout. Clearly, South Carolina voters weren’t completely turned off by the tone of the race in the final days.
Reverend Jesse Jackson: They were inspired by it.
Essence.com: We’ve gotten used to the whole red state vs. blue state narrative. When you hear that 87,000 more Democrats voted in the Democratic primary than Republicans voted in the Republican primary, do you think we could see a change in the whole concept of what “swing state” means?
J.J.: In ’84 we put on two million new voters. In ’86 we regained the Senate because of the new southern vote. We regained the Senate in North Carolina, in Georgia, in Louisiana, in Florida and in California in ’86. A surge in Black voters in the South is the key to the Senate and the White House.
Essence.com: They were inspired by it? Okay, that’s what I was going to ask you. To what do you attribute the record turnout?
J.J: We have the inspiration that Barack brings to the scene. Hillary, Bill—are well liked in many circles. Edwards is from South Carolina. You have an interesting combination of three people with appeal in that state. This is the first state beyond Iowa and New Hampshire where Blacks had a chance to express their vote in what has been a yearlong campaign. Blacks were courted by the media in ways that they seldom are, and those Blacks wound up being the critical difference in the election.
Essence.com: As somebody who was born in South Carolina, what do you think about the way African-American voters were portrayed by the media leading up to the primary? For example, they started talking about the barbershop and the beauty shop vote. Do you have any problem with the way South Carolina voters were portrayed?
J.J: No. My concern is that while focusing on the color of the vote, they were not focusing on Black issues and substance. For example, student debt—I think student loans are like a billion dollars. The disparity between Black and White student loans is alarming. The great disparities in infant mortality and life expectancy—great disparities.The income disparity… The college enrollment disparities… The largest industry in that state is no longer cotton. It’s the jail-industrial complex. There’s 24 state prisons in South Carolina and only one state college, South Carolina State. So we are free, but not equal. We live in one America under one flag, but there are some structural inequalities. Stop focusing so much on the color of our vote and start focusing on the substance of our situation.
Essence.com: Considering how much attention was given to the Black vote, do you think that African-Americans sufficiently stressed their demands with these candidates? Did we demand enough of them?
J.J: The civil rights agenda must always be kept out front: the civil right to equal opportunity. The civil right to health care, the civil right to adequate housing, the civil right to fair employment. There was this assumption that we’re all free now and it’s over. We’re all free, but we are not equal. Dr. King said that the next big chapter of our struggle was that we’ve won the battles of decency over barbarism, but equality? That was in the coming campaign.
Essence.com: I’ve encountered many people who say we shouldn’t question Senator Obama about what he will do specifically for African-Americans, that we should just get him in the White House and then worry about specific issues. Should we be attempting to nail him down?
J.J: Every issue that came up, he addressed. The issue of affirmative action; he’s for affirmative action. The issue of jail or criminal disparities; he’s addressed that issue. The issue of should every vote count; he’s addressed that issue. I think in this setting, we really have to look at the common ground that includes our interests. For example, in South Carolina, 62 percent of the people who work don’t have health insurance. That affects everybody. The subprime crisis. It affects us disproportionately, but it affects everybody. The Iraq War affects everybody. In Iowa I was talking about family farmers. By the time we got to Chicago, I was talking about urban abandonment. I am about addressing the structural inequalities. The media has some responsibilities to ask the right questions.
Essence.com: Do you think that there is such a thing as a candidate being able to transcend race?
J.J: Of course not. You can’t transcend who you are. That’s very spiritual, isn’t it? The racial issue is too serious to ignore, and it is too immoral to ignore, but it is an opportunity for healing. Racial justice is the key to social justice, and that’s the key to America. America’s moral dilemma is how it relates to matters of racial justice. Racial justice precedes racial reconciliation. Once Barack had to start spending more time in Black churches and fight more openly for the Black vote, it did not run white people away of goodwill. He still got 25 percent of the White vote. When Jimmy Carter ran, he had to tell southern Whites, “If you want me to be president, I have to reach out to Blacks at Ebenezer Church. You’re my ally, but I can’t win with just southern Whites. I need Blacks.” In some sense, Barack’s allies must say that to win, you’re going to need Whites, so you’ve got to build that coalition on what I call common ground issues.
Essence.com: I’m sure you’ve heard the comments Senator Clinton made about Martin Luther King and the remark about Obama and a fairy tale.
J.J: I wrote an article urging both of them to stay away from those edges. For example, it was unfair to attack her on that basis [Senator Clinton stated that Dr. King did not act alone. She said that he needed a politician to get civil rights legislation enacted]. The reality is that that was not an insult to Dr. King. Dr. King campaigned for Lyndon Johnson. Because if Goldwater had won, we wouldn’t have had the Voting Rights Act of ’65. You need a combination of litigation, people like Thurgood Marshall, and demonstrations, [people like] Dr. King. And legislation, [people like] Lyndon Johnson. You need that combination. That was gotcha politics. On the other hand, trying to make Barack somehow a Reaganite also was wrong.
Essence.com: Did you hear President Clinton’s comment yesterday in Columbia, South Carolina, after someone asked about it taking two Clintons to beat Obama, and he answered, “Jesse Jackson won South Carolina in ’84 and ‘88. Jackson ran a good campaign. And Obama ran a good campaign here.” Many people are taking that as President Clinton’s attempt to tie Obama to you or to inject race back into the discussion.
J.J: We are tied together. Barack is the result of all the struggles, from Selma to South Carolina. They are factors in his ascendancy, which is accurate. Again, I think it’s some more gotcha politics. I did win in ’84 and ’88, and because we ran in ’84, the Democrats regained the Senate in ’86. I just think that we’ve got to be very sensitive to what I call gotcha politics and not take the attention away from [issues like] student loans? The reason I keep going back to that is, kids are going to college now graduating with these $60,000 debts. You know?
Essence.com: Yes I do!
J.J.: Let’s get back to our agenda. Let’s get back to what really matters. I guess that’s my struggle.
Essence.com: I understand that. But Rev. Jackson, there are a whole lot of Black folks who are very upset with the Clintons. They see a pattern. This is Bill Clinton, he knows how to craft words. So are you saying that the press is misinterpreting what President Clinton said?
J.J: I don’t know what he said. I was on my way to India. My point is I know that in November, whoever wins, Clinton and Barack are going to need each other. I saw in 1980 there was such a dog fight between Carter and Kennedy that they could not reconcile at the convention, and that opened the door for Reagan to get through to win. So, however tough this thing gets right up in here, keep one eye on the primary and an even bigger eye on the Super Bowl, which is in November.
Essence.com: It’s interesting that you say that, because I’m a younger voter. I’m a blogger and a lot of bloggers are saying that they are so turned off, and they are so irate about how the Clintons are treating Barack Obama that they absolutely will not vote for her if she wins the nomination.
J.J: That means that they’re going to vote for some anti–civil rights Republicans, who’s going to further stack the Supreme Court. And they’re going to vote for some anti–affirmative action Republicans. So you have to be mature in this process. You have to think this thing through. Politics also comes down to options. In this marathon race, you have to be walking through a storm and thinking at the same time. Barack has my vote. My point is that when it’s over, the two of them and the others who ran must close ranks because you cannot beat the right wing unless you do.
Essence.com: Many of the old lions of the civil rights era have come out in favor of Senator Clinton, and I’m thinking about John Lewis and Andrew Young. They’ve been out front and prominent as well as some members of the Congressional Black Caucus, such at Stephanie Tubbs and Charlie Rangel. At times it seems as if Barack Obama was battling both Clintons, and he also seemed to be battling these African-American surrogates. Do you think that Senator Obama amassed enough support from members of the Black political establishment prior to making his run?
J.J: Most Black officials are endorsing Barack. Most of the Black mayors are supporting him, most of the Black Caucus. It’s relationships. Most people met Barack on television. So you have to grow into relationships. Hillary had, at first, more relationships. So I think the more people know him, the more they like him, and the more he’s growing on them. When I ran in ’84, a lot of the Blacks—Andy Young, John Lewis, Mrs. King—supported Mondale. But we kept working and remained respectful of their choices. We were still friends. We just had different points politically. A lot of Blacks who weren’t with me in ’84 were with me in ’88 because I would not let those votes destroy lifelong relationships. We should be that mature about the process.
Essence.com: In ’88 was there a point at which you thought you were going to win it all?
J.J: We won Michigan and we came into New York with the lead. The party panicked with kind of “anybody but Jesse,” and Gore pulled back. I could have won New York in a three-person race, and then it would have been real difficult to stop us. We were intending to expand the civil rights social justice agenda. That was part of our intent.
Essence.com: So were you running to win, or were you running to bring Black issues to the forefront?
J.J: I was running to do both, because I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive.
Essence.com: Well, then, does it annoy you at all that people are somehow portraying Barack Obama as the first credible Black candidate or the first Black candidate with a chance to win? I know many people in my generation thought, erroneously, that he was the first Black man to win a state primary when you have won eleven.
J.J: That’s the job of ESSENCE and other media—to educate so we will know better. We’ll do better when we know better. We talk about Black history and all of that. In ’64 we were leading a demonstration outside the convention trying to get a seat in Mississippi. The next year we had the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It’s a nonstop battle. This is the evolution of our struggle. This is not something new. This is something wonderful; it’s not new. This is the evolution of our struggle; we must keep putting it into context.
Essence.com: Will we necessarily be better off as African-Americans just because a Black person is in the White House?
J.J: The pressure to make a president responsive must never stop. It’s never just the president. We elect a president. Not a king. We chose Kennedy over Nixon, but we still had to march on Washington to get a public accommodations bill. We chose Johnson over Goldwater, but we still had to march to Selma to get the voting rights act. It doesn’t matter who the president is, it’s good to have sensitive people in the White House, like Lyndon Johnson was, like Barack Obama would be. It will not negate our need to negate various pressures to affect the Congress and the White House and the courts. It’d be good to have a friend in the White House, but he or she will not be King or Queen. They cannot do anything unilaterally.
Essence.com: I think it’d be harder to pressure him.
J.J: I don’t think so at all. We’ll still be fighting for more Pell grants for education. We’ll still be fighting. We’ll still be fighting for an attorney general that will enforce the law. We’ll still be fighting against foreign policy that leads to unnecessary war. You will not need to pressure him as much because he already has a certain sensitivity.
Essence.com: Do you think that in your lifetime you will see an African- American woman win eleven primaries or caucuses?
J.J: She has to run first. You can’t ask the question that way. You’ll never know what’s possible until you put the pedal to the metal. They have to run. They have to go for it. You can’t guess that. You have to work for it. There are qualified Black women who can do that, to answer that question. There are Black women who are qualified, but you have to take the risks, do the work and take the hits because politics is a contact sport.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Scott Wims-Fort Wayne Track Star
Scott Wims does it again. A national best Wims, "reached a NCAA provisional mark, new personal best and moved up to fourth all-time on the Nebraska indoor list in the 200m dash with a lighting fast time of 21.20. Wims, an All-American last year in the outdoor 200m, now owns the fastest 200m time in NCAA Division I as of January 26. After the race, Wims was not focused on what he did right, but what he can do to better his time by the end of the season."
"I just have to run faster and see what I did wrong as opposed to what I did right. I can use that to my advantage in the upcoming weeks," said Wims
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
African-American Women are you for or against Obama?
No more excuses. I am tired of hearing about the historical opportunity to vote a woman in as president of the United States of America. Excuse me it is not going to happen. I don't care if this woman's husband used to be the President of the United States of America!!! It is not going to happen. America is not going to allow a woman to be President of the United States of America.
And sistas, what is up with all of ya'll and this championing Hillary to the White House. Excuse me again, Shirley Chisholm ran for President of the United States of America in 1971. And raced white women was not knocking over their men to trying to get the first woman elected into the white house thirty-six years ago. OOps, I forgot, Chisholm was a BLACK woman!!!
You forgot that too, huh. This is not a first,for a sista or a brotha it just the first time that a brotha is kicking some serious butt, check it out below this joint is not about raced white woman or raced black male, it's the package, Democrats or Republicans. Hilliary has moved on to the Latino crowd and could care less rather or not an African-American vote for her. There is America, meaning there are other groups able to get her into the white house..come on PEOPLE.
Hillary and Obama: Is America Ready for a Non-White or Female President?”
By Darrell M. West, Brown University
The 2008 U.S. presidential election may turn out to be a historic event. For the first time in our country’s existence, there is a serious chance voters may elect the nation’s first female or African-American president. There also are serious contenders who are Latino and Mormon, respectively. In this report, I look at the changing attitudes of Americans on issues of race, gender, and religion, and how these shifts may affect the presidential candidates.
Historical Attitudes
Since the 1930s, the Gallup polling organization has asked Americans the question, “if your party nominated a generally well-qualified person for president who happened to be (Jewish, Catholic, Female, Black, atheist, gay, or Mormon), would you vote for that person?” This is a way to track general views about candidates of various backgrounds regardless of the specific individual.
Table 1 Voter Willingness to Support Candidates of Various Social Backgrounds
1930s 1950s 1970s 1990s
Jewish 46% - - 92%
Catholic 60% - - 94%
Female 33% - - 92%
Black - 37% - 95%
Atheist - 18% - 49%
Gay - - 26% 59%
Mormon - - 75% 79%
Table 1 reveals that in the 1930s, Americans were not very open to presidential candidates from non-white male backgrounds. At that time, only 46 percent of Americans indicated they would vote for a Jewish American, 60 percent said they would support a Catholic for president, and only 33 percent claimed they would support a woman for president.
In the 1950s, only 37 percent of Americans said they would vote for a black for president and 18 percent indicated they would support an atheist. And in the 1970s, 26 percent said they would vote for a gay for president and 75 percent indicated they would vote for a Mormon.
By the 1990s, though, these views had liberalized on most groups. The numbers saying they would vote for a Jew, Catholic, woman, or black rose to the low to mid-90s. However, only 49 percent said they would vote for an atheist, 59 percent admitted they would vote for a gay presidential candidate, and 79 percent indicated they would support a Mormon candidate.
These changes suggest America is more open to candidates of diverse backgrounds, as long as they are not atheist, gay, or Mormon. Voters openly admit to unwillingness to vote for individuals from these backgrounds, unlike the situation for women or black candidates.
Of course, these views do not mean there is no prejudice against female and/or African-American candidates. Voters may say they are willing to vote for a woman, but refuse to do so in the privacy of the ballot box. Or they may harbor private attitudes that make them unreceptive to a candidate with an unconventional background even if in the abstract, they are willing to say that they would vote for a woman or black.
Bush Fatigue
After eight years of President George W. Bush, it is likely America will be more open to candidates from diverse backgrounds. It is not like the white males have been doing such a great job. Three-quarters of Americans are dissatisfied with the Iraq War. Many worry about the economy. Large numbers lack adequate access to health care insurance. And 71 percent percent believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
This is a perfect recipe for candidates from different kinds of backgrounds to run well. In a situation of unhappiness with the status quo, voters may opt for a women, an African-American, a Latino, or a Mormon presidential candidate. This gives these candidates a much better shot than they ever have had before.
An Open Field of Candidates
Most presidential candidate fields feature white, male candidates. While there occasionally have been individuals who ran who had unconventional backgrounds, such as Shirley Chisholm (female African-American), Jesse Jackson (African-American), Pat Schroeder (female), or Carol Mosley-Braun (female African-American), the vast preponderance of American presidential candidates have been white male.
Of those women or minorities who have sought the presidency, none have been considered a top-tier candidate. Most have been poorly financed and have not featured the type of broad-based support that gave them a meaningful shot at the presidency.
In 2008, however, the front-runners for the Democratic nomination are Hillary Clinton (female) and Barack Obama (an African-American). Both are well-known and likely to be well-funded. Each has support from across the political spectrum. Both are serious contenders.
In addition, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico is running and he is a Latino. A former member of the Clinton Cabinet, he is bright, articulate, and well-respected. He furthermore comes from the ranks of state governors, which has been the source of four of the past five American presidents (Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush). Of the presidents from the past 30 years, only George Herbert Walker Bush came from the national position of vice president, as opposed to being a state governor.
Finally, Republican Mitt Romney of Massachusetts is attempting to make history on the GOP side as that party’s first presidential nominee to be Mormon. Unlike public attitudes on Jews, Catholics, women, and African-Americans, voters remain reluctant to support a Mormon candidate. Whereas 92 percent say they would vote for a Jewish candidate and 94 percent claim they would support a Catholic, only 79 percent say they are willing to cast a ballot for a Mormon presidential candidate. This lingering prejudice may handicap Romney in his contest for the Republican nomination against John McCain and Rudy Giuliani.
The Nomination Calendar
Although it appears that the 2008 presidential campaign is getting an early start, the Iowa caucuses are less than a year away. Indeed, in looking at the nomination calendar, there are a number of states that are choosing delegates to the national nominating convention early in 2008. The first caucus will take place in Iowa on Jan. 14, followed by the Nevada caucus on January 19, the New Hampshire primary on January 22, and the South Carolina primary on January 29. Other states will follow with caucuses and primaries starting on February 5 and thereafter.
National versus State Polls
In an early national poll conducted by the Washington Post and ABC News, Hillary Clinton is the leader for the Democratic nomination with 41 percent of the vote, followed by Barack Obama at 17 percent, and John Edwards at 11 percent.
These numbers confirm the openness of many Americans either to a female or African-American president. The willingness of large numbers of voters to say they will support Clinton or Obama, respectively, bodes well for those individuals.
However, little stock should be placed in national surveys because the nominating process is a sequential process taking place state-by-state. There is no national nominating process in either party because each state runs its own primary or caucus.
A more meaningful indicator of early success are the polls in early states. There, the polls indicate a more fluid situation. For example, a Zogby poll of Iowa shows John Edwards in the lead with 27 percent, followed by Barack Obama with 17 percent, Hillary Clinton with 16 percent, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsak with 16 percent, and others trailing these candidates.
In New Hampshire, a recent Zogby survey reveals that 23 percent say they support Barack Obama, followed by 19 percent who say they support Hillary Clinton, 19 percent who support John Edwards, and others trailing these front-runners.
On the Republican side, John McCain is ahead of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani by 26 to 20 percent among New Hampshire voters, followed by Mitt Romney at 13 percent. In Iowa, Giuliani leads with 19 percent, followed by McCain at 17 percent, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 13 percent, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at 9 percent, and Mitt Romney at 5 percent.
Things to Watch
Look for lots of volatility over the course of the next year as a big field of candidates battle for their party’s nomination. This is the first race since 1928 when there has not been a president seeking re-election or a vice-president wanting to move up.
1) The Money Primary
In the short-run, all attention will be focused on the money primary. This is the informal contest to raise cash in 2007. Leading contenders will need something between $75 and $100 million by the end of this calendar year. The need for lots of financial resources advantages candidates such as Clinton, Obama, Edwards, McCain, Giuliani, and Romney who are well-known and have demonstrated fundraising capacity.
2) Iraq War
The issue of Iraq remains the 800-pound guerrilla in this presidential contest. Voters across the country continue to point to this unpopular war as their most important national concern. With President Bush committing additional troops, voters must see more calm and stability in that country by late summer or early Fall in order for the president to maintain this policy. If by late 2007, America continues to suffer serious casualties in this war and there is a continuation of sectarian violence in Iraq, this issue will be the dominant issue of the presidential campaign, and it will not be an easy election for Republicans.
3) State of the Economy
Most American elections focus more on domestic economic considerations than foreign policy. However, the last two election cycles have been contested mainly on foreign policy. Unless Iraq improves significantly in the next six months, look for that pattern to continue.
However, the economy is an issue that always affects the campaign. Although the economy slowed at the end of 2006, it looks like economic growth may pick up to 3 percent in the coming year. Watch the personal income numbers, consumer spending, and the housing market as barometers of economic well-being. The stronger those numbers are, the better off Republicans will be in 2008.
4) The Gender and Race Gaps
With Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama among Democratic front-runners, pay attention to how men and women as well as whites, African-Americans, Latinos, and Asian-Americans and people from different regions view the candidates. Candidates must secure their base early in a crowded field, but also make sure they reach out to other groups different from themselves.
5) Party Prospects
Right now, Democrats are well-positioned for 2008. Due in large part to voter discontent with Iraq, Democrats recaptured control of the House and Senate for the first time in 12 years. A Newsweek national survey shows that when asked whether voters want a Democrat or Republican president in 2008, 49 percent indicate they prefer a Democrat, while only 28 percent say they want a Republican.
And sistas, what is up with all of ya'll and this championing Hillary to the White House. Excuse me again, Shirley Chisholm ran for President of the United States of America in 1971. And raced white women was not knocking over their men to trying to get the first woman elected into the white house thirty-six years ago. OOps, I forgot, Chisholm was a BLACK woman!!!
You forgot that too, huh. This is not a first,for a sista or a brotha it just the first time that a brotha is kicking some serious butt, check it out below this joint is not about raced white woman or raced black male, it's the package, Democrats or Republicans. Hilliary has moved on to the Latino crowd and could care less rather or not an African-American vote for her. There is America, meaning there are other groups able to get her into the white house..come on PEOPLE.
Hillary and Obama: Is America Ready for a Non-White or Female President?”
By Darrell M. West, Brown University
The 2008 U.S. presidential election may turn out to be a historic event. For the first time in our country’s existence, there is a serious chance voters may elect the nation’s first female or African-American president. There also are serious contenders who are Latino and Mormon, respectively. In this report, I look at the changing attitudes of Americans on issues of race, gender, and religion, and how these shifts may affect the presidential candidates.
Historical Attitudes
Since the 1930s, the Gallup polling organization has asked Americans the question, “if your party nominated a generally well-qualified person for president who happened to be (Jewish, Catholic, Female, Black, atheist, gay, or Mormon), would you vote for that person?” This is a way to track general views about candidates of various backgrounds regardless of the specific individual.
Table 1 Voter Willingness to Support Candidates of Various Social Backgrounds
1930s 1950s 1970s 1990s
Jewish 46% - - 92%
Catholic 60% - - 94%
Female 33% - - 92%
Black - 37% - 95%
Atheist - 18% - 49%
Gay - - 26% 59%
Mormon - - 75% 79%
Table 1 reveals that in the 1930s, Americans were not very open to presidential candidates from non-white male backgrounds. At that time, only 46 percent of Americans indicated they would vote for a Jewish American, 60 percent said they would support a Catholic for president, and only 33 percent claimed they would support a woman for president.
In the 1950s, only 37 percent of Americans said they would vote for a black for president and 18 percent indicated they would support an atheist. And in the 1970s, 26 percent said they would vote for a gay for president and 75 percent indicated they would vote for a Mormon.
By the 1990s, though, these views had liberalized on most groups. The numbers saying they would vote for a Jew, Catholic, woman, or black rose to the low to mid-90s. However, only 49 percent said they would vote for an atheist, 59 percent admitted they would vote for a gay presidential candidate, and 79 percent indicated they would support a Mormon candidate.
These changes suggest America is more open to candidates of diverse backgrounds, as long as they are not atheist, gay, or Mormon. Voters openly admit to unwillingness to vote for individuals from these backgrounds, unlike the situation for women or black candidates.
Of course, these views do not mean there is no prejudice against female and/or African-American candidates. Voters may say they are willing to vote for a woman, but refuse to do so in the privacy of the ballot box. Or they may harbor private attitudes that make them unreceptive to a candidate with an unconventional background even if in the abstract, they are willing to say that they would vote for a woman or black.
Bush Fatigue
After eight years of President George W. Bush, it is likely America will be more open to candidates from diverse backgrounds. It is not like the white males have been doing such a great job. Three-quarters of Americans are dissatisfied with the Iraq War. Many worry about the economy. Large numbers lack adequate access to health care insurance. And 71 percent percent believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
This is a perfect recipe for candidates from different kinds of backgrounds to run well. In a situation of unhappiness with the status quo, voters may opt for a women, an African-American, a Latino, or a Mormon presidential candidate. This gives these candidates a much better shot than they ever have had before.
An Open Field of Candidates
Most presidential candidate fields feature white, male candidates. While there occasionally have been individuals who ran who had unconventional backgrounds, such as Shirley Chisholm (female African-American), Jesse Jackson (African-American), Pat Schroeder (female), or Carol Mosley-Braun (female African-American), the vast preponderance of American presidential candidates have been white male.
Of those women or minorities who have sought the presidency, none have been considered a top-tier candidate. Most have been poorly financed and have not featured the type of broad-based support that gave them a meaningful shot at the presidency.
In 2008, however, the front-runners for the Democratic nomination are Hillary Clinton (female) and Barack Obama (an African-American). Both are well-known and likely to be well-funded. Each has support from across the political spectrum. Both are serious contenders.
In addition, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico is running and he is a Latino. A former member of the Clinton Cabinet, he is bright, articulate, and well-respected. He furthermore comes from the ranks of state governors, which has been the source of four of the past five American presidents (Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush). Of the presidents from the past 30 years, only George Herbert Walker Bush came from the national position of vice president, as opposed to being a state governor.
Finally, Republican Mitt Romney of Massachusetts is attempting to make history on the GOP side as that party’s first presidential nominee to be Mormon. Unlike public attitudes on Jews, Catholics, women, and African-Americans, voters remain reluctant to support a Mormon candidate. Whereas 92 percent say they would vote for a Jewish candidate and 94 percent claim they would support a Catholic, only 79 percent say they are willing to cast a ballot for a Mormon presidential candidate. This lingering prejudice may handicap Romney in his contest for the Republican nomination against John McCain and Rudy Giuliani.
The Nomination Calendar
Although it appears that the 2008 presidential campaign is getting an early start, the Iowa caucuses are less than a year away. Indeed, in looking at the nomination calendar, there are a number of states that are choosing delegates to the national nominating convention early in 2008. The first caucus will take place in Iowa on Jan. 14, followed by the Nevada caucus on January 19, the New Hampshire primary on January 22, and the South Carolina primary on January 29. Other states will follow with caucuses and primaries starting on February 5 and thereafter.
National versus State Polls
In an early national poll conducted by the Washington Post and ABC News, Hillary Clinton is the leader for the Democratic nomination with 41 percent of the vote, followed by Barack Obama at 17 percent, and John Edwards at 11 percent.
These numbers confirm the openness of many Americans either to a female or African-American president. The willingness of large numbers of voters to say they will support Clinton or Obama, respectively, bodes well for those individuals.
However, little stock should be placed in national surveys because the nominating process is a sequential process taking place state-by-state. There is no national nominating process in either party because each state runs its own primary or caucus.
A more meaningful indicator of early success are the polls in early states. There, the polls indicate a more fluid situation. For example, a Zogby poll of Iowa shows John Edwards in the lead with 27 percent, followed by Barack Obama with 17 percent, Hillary Clinton with 16 percent, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsak with 16 percent, and others trailing these candidates.
In New Hampshire, a recent Zogby survey reveals that 23 percent say they support Barack Obama, followed by 19 percent who say they support Hillary Clinton, 19 percent who support John Edwards, and others trailing these front-runners.
On the Republican side, John McCain is ahead of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani by 26 to 20 percent among New Hampshire voters, followed by Mitt Romney at 13 percent. In Iowa, Giuliani leads with 19 percent, followed by McCain at 17 percent, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 13 percent, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at 9 percent, and Mitt Romney at 5 percent.
Things to Watch
Look for lots of volatility over the course of the next year as a big field of candidates battle for their party’s nomination. This is the first race since 1928 when there has not been a president seeking re-election or a vice-president wanting to move up.
1) The Money Primary
In the short-run, all attention will be focused on the money primary. This is the informal contest to raise cash in 2007. Leading contenders will need something between $75 and $100 million by the end of this calendar year. The need for lots of financial resources advantages candidates such as Clinton, Obama, Edwards, McCain, Giuliani, and Romney who are well-known and have demonstrated fundraising capacity.
2) Iraq War
The issue of Iraq remains the 800-pound guerrilla in this presidential contest. Voters across the country continue to point to this unpopular war as their most important national concern. With President Bush committing additional troops, voters must see more calm and stability in that country by late summer or early Fall in order for the president to maintain this policy. If by late 2007, America continues to suffer serious casualties in this war and there is a continuation of sectarian violence in Iraq, this issue will be the dominant issue of the presidential campaign, and it will not be an easy election for Republicans.
3) State of the Economy
Most American elections focus more on domestic economic considerations than foreign policy. However, the last two election cycles have been contested mainly on foreign policy. Unless Iraq improves significantly in the next six months, look for that pattern to continue.
However, the economy is an issue that always affects the campaign. Although the economy slowed at the end of 2006, it looks like economic growth may pick up to 3 percent in the coming year. Watch the personal income numbers, consumer spending, and the housing market as barometers of economic well-being. The stronger those numbers are, the better off Republicans will be in 2008.
4) The Gender and Race Gaps
With Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama among Democratic front-runners, pay attention to how men and women as well as whites, African-Americans, Latinos, and Asian-Americans and people from different regions view the candidates. Candidates must secure their base early in a crowded field, but also make sure they reach out to other groups different from themselves.
5) Party Prospects
Right now, Democrats are well-positioned for 2008. Due in large part to voter discontent with Iraq, Democrats recaptured control of the House and Senate for the first time in 12 years. A Newsweek national survey shows that when asked whether voters want a Democrat or Republican president in 2008, 49 percent indicate they prefer a Democrat, while only 28 percent say they want a Republican.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Bias Crime Bills House 1076 and Senate 306
From Indiana Equality website:
On January 16th, 2008, by a vote of 8 to 3 - House Bill 1076, the Bias Crimes bill authored by Representative Greg Porter and co-authored by Representatives Ralph Foley, Jon Elrod and Clyde Kersey, has successfully passed out of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee and is now eligible for second reading by the full Indiana House of Representatives in the coming days.
All Hoosiers have a stake in an effective response to violent bigotry. Bias crimes demand a priority response because of their special emotional and psychological impact on the victim and the victim's community. The damage done by bias crimes cannot be measured solely in terms of physical injury or dollars and cents. Bias crimes may effectively intimidate other members of the victim's community, leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable and unprotected by the law. By making members of minority communities fearful, angry and suspicious of other groups -- and of the power structure that is supposed to protect them -- these incidents can damage the fabric of our society and fragment communities.
Bias crimes laws punish actions, not speech or thought
The criminal justice system focuses on intent or motive all the time, particularly in sentencing. For example, the legal distinction between murder and manslaughter rests on whether the killer intended to kill, and whether it was premeditated.
Bias crimes send a message of terror to an entire group, and are therefore unlike a random act of violence. Bias crimes laws recognize the particular social threat of bias-motivated violence.
Proposed bias crimes legislation
The proposal would amend Indiana's sentencing law to add the following as aggravating circumstances for persons who commit "bias crimes," specifically the person who committed the offense knowingly or intentionally: (A) selected the individual who was injured by the offense; or (B) damaged or otherwise affected property by the offense; because of the color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of the injured individual or of the owner or occupant of the property. The proposal also creates a private cause of action.
From Indiana Equality Blog:
The Full List of Testifiers:· Ms. Clare Pinkert (Midwest Area Civil Rights Counsel; Anti-Defamation League)· Mr. Carl Brizzi (Prosecutor, Marion County)· Ms. Barbara Bolling (President, Indiana State Conference, NAACP)· Ms. Betty Williams (person with disabilities from Richmond, IN)· Connie Thurman (United Auto Workers)· Rev. E. Anne Henning-Byfield (President Elder, Indiana Annual Conference, 4th District, AME Church)· Ms.Karen Pulliam (President, James C. Kimbrough Bar Association, Lake County)· Fred Hash (Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homeless Issues)Murial Ryan (Terre Haute Branch, NAACP)
See also Senate Bill 306 which passed t
On January 16th, 2008, by a vote of 8 to 3 - House Bill 1076, the Bias Crimes bill authored by Representative Greg Porter and co-authored by Representatives Ralph Foley, Jon Elrod and Clyde Kersey, has successfully passed out of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee and is now eligible for second reading by the full Indiana House of Representatives in the coming days.
All Hoosiers have a stake in an effective response to violent bigotry. Bias crimes demand a priority response because of their special emotional and psychological impact on the victim and the victim's community. The damage done by bias crimes cannot be measured solely in terms of physical injury or dollars and cents. Bias crimes may effectively intimidate other members of the victim's community, leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable and unprotected by the law. By making members of minority communities fearful, angry and suspicious of other groups -- and of the power structure that is supposed to protect them -- these incidents can damage the fabric of our society and fragment communities.
Bias crimes laws punish actions, not speech or thought
The criminal justice system focuses on intent or motive all the time, particularly in sentencing. For example, the legal distinction between murder and manslaughter rests on whether the killer intended to kill, and whether it was premeditated.
Bias crimes send a message of terror to an entire group, and are therefore unlike a random act of violence. Bias crimes laws recognize the particular social threat of bias-motivated violence.
Proposed bias crimes legislation
The proposal would amend Indiana's sentencing law to add the following as aggravating circumstances for persons who commit "bias crimes," specifically the person who committed the offense knowingly or intentionally: (A) selected the individual who was injured by the offense; or (B) damaged or otherwise affected property by the offense; because of the color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of the injured individual or of the owner or occupant of the property. The proposal also creates a private cause of action.
From Indiana Equality Blog:
The Full List of Testifiers:· Ms. Clare Pinkert (Midwest Area Civil Rights Counsel; Anti-Defamation League)· Mr. Carl Brizzi (Prosecutor, Marion County)· Ms. Barbara Bolling (President, Indiana State Conference, NAACP)· Ms. Betty Williams (person with disabilities from Richmond, IN)· Connie Thurman (United Auto Workers)· Rev. E. Anne Henning-Byfield (President Elder, Indiana Annual Conference, 4th District, AME Church)· Ms.Karen Pulliam (President, James C. Kimbrough Bar Association, Lake County)· Fred Hash (Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homeless Issues)Murial Ryan (Terre Haute Branch, NAACP)
See also Senate Bill 306 which passed t
Thursday, January 17, 2008
South Carolina Voters Obama or Hillary?
The Obama watchers are about to find out whether or not African-American voters will support Obama. Because South Carolina has a large African-American population, folks are suggesting that the only reason Obama will beat out Hillary is because of a race identity rather it was Carl Rove who stated it best after the Michigan turnout, that Hillary ran against nobody and nobody got 40% of the vote.
Hillary ran against nobody and got only 60% of the votes, what's wrong with that picture?
This morning newspaper tries to water down a potential Obama win, with a headline from the Washington Post, Race has entered the race. The fact of the matter is that, Obama is being baited to enter the race debate, and refuse to bite. With Obama unwillingness, the Hillary camp have had to go outside the Obama camp and find a well-known African-American to tell other African-Americans that Obama is not really "black" or worthy of being the "first" African-American male to throw their support behind because of his prior drug use.
It's getting ugly.. and its only going to get uglier if Obama takes South Carolina by a landslide.
Note: The Democratic Party can go ahead with a plan to let casino workers take part in Saturday's Nevada caucuses in "at-large" precincts set up in their workplaces, a federal judge ruled Thursday according to Obama website.
Hillary ran against nobody and got only 60% of the votes, what's wrong with that picture?
This morning newspaper tries to water down a potential Obama win, with a headline from the Washington Post, Race has entered the race. The fact of the matter is that, Obama is being baited to enter the race debate, and refuse to bite. With Obama unwillingness, the Hillary camp have had to go outside the Obama camp and find a well-known African-American to tell other African-Americans that Obama is not really "black" or worthy of being the "first" African-American male to throw their support behind because of his prior drug use.
It's getting ugly.. and its only going to get uglier if Obama takes South Carolina by a landslide.
Note: The Democratic Party can go ahead with a plan to let casino workers take part in Saturday's Nevada caucuses in "at-large" precincts set up in their workplaces, a federal judge ruled Thursday according to Obama website.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
It's your money-happy rapid refunders
He almost ran over me. Some guy who just had his taxes prepared. How much did it cost, I say. He little over $200.00 was his response. And he adds to get my refund on the same day.
If he had a bank account, he could have gotten every penny of his refund including the $200 if he could have waited ten days and efiled. Many folks like this young man spend hundreds of dollars for speed and misinformation.
Every year I volunteer to prepare taxes free..it is part of the concept of service that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. talks about and for years I have been trying to institute a tax seminar in honor of his birthday.
Here are a few locations that are announcing that they will be preparing taxes free.
Community Actin of Northeast Indiana Starting January 26-April 12
227 E. Washington Blvd
Monday-Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday 9-3
Closed March 22
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1101 S. Lafayette Street
Monday-Wednesday, 1-3 p.m.
C;psed Febriaru 6 and March 19
Euell a. Wilson Center, 1512 Oxford Street
Appointment available Monday-Friday call 260-456-2917
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
February 4-April 15
The Community Center/Parks and Recreation Department, IRS and AARP have teamed up to offer free Federal and Indiana state income tax preparation for seniors (age 55+). You have a choice to IRS E-file or file using the traditional method of mailing your forms.
AARP and the local libraries
FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
MAIN LIBRARY:
Tuesdays, 4:00 -7:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
ABOITE BRANCH
Mondays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
4, 11, 18 & 25 February
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March
7 & 14 April
DUPONT BRANCH
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
GEORGETOWN BRANCH
Tuesdays, 12:00-4:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
Wednesdays, 3:00 - 7:00 pm
6, 13, 20 & 27 February
5, 12, 19 & 26 March
2 & 9 April
HESSEN CASSEL BRANCH
Tuesdays, 10:30am-2:30pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
LITTLE TURTLE BRANCH
Mondays, 12:30 - 4:30 pm
4, 11, 18 & 25 February
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March
7 & 14 April
NEW HAVEN BRANCH
Thursdays, 10:30am-2:30pm
7, 14, 21 & 28 February
6, 13, 20 & 27 March
3 & 10 April
PONTIAC BRANCH
Mondays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
4, 11, 18 & 25 February
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March
7 & 14 April
SHAWNEE BRANCH
Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
6, 13, 20 & 27 February
5, 12, 19 & 26 March
2 & 9 April
TECUMSEH BRANCH
Wednesdays, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
6, 13, 20 & 27 February
5, 12, 19 & 26 March
2 & 9 April
WAYNEDALE BRANCH
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
GRABILL BRANCH, MONROEVILLE BRANCH, WOODBURN BRANCH: State and federal tax forms available; no help sessions.
Please bring the following information with you: current W-2 forms, 1099 statements, property tax receipts to qualify for a reduction on the Indiana Tax Return, a copy of your 2006 tax return forms and other income and deduction records.
Just remember to make sure those who are preparing your taxes know a little something, but in my over 40 years of doing taxes, I found a lot of folks don't know what they are doing. And if they don't they are giving away your money.
Remember, it's your money.
If he had a bank account, he could have gotten every penny of his refund including the $200 if he could have waited ten days and efiled. Many folks like this young man spend hundreds of dollars for speed and misinformation.
Every year I volunteer to prepare taxes free..it is part of the concept of service that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. talks about and for years I have been trying to institute a tax seminar in honor of his birthday.
Here are a few locations that are announcing that they will be preparing taxes free.
Community Actin of Northeast Indiana Starting January 26-April 12
227 E. Washington Blvd
Monday-Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday 9-3
Closed March 22
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1101 S. Lafayette Street
Monday-Wednesday, 1-3 p.m.
C;psed Febriaru 6 and March 19
Euell a. Wilson Center, 1512 Oxford Street
Appointment available Monday-Friday call 260-456-2917
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
February 4-April 15
The Community Center/Parks and Recreation Department, IRS and AARP have teamed up to offer free Federal and Indiana state income tax preparation for seniors (age 55+). You have a choice to IRS E-file or file using the traditional method of mailing your forms.
AARP and the local libraries
FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
MAIN LIBRARY:
Tuesdays, 4:00 -7:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
ABOITE BRANCH
Mondays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
4, 11, 18 & 25 February
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March
7 & 14 April
DUPONT BRANCH
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
GEORGETOWN BRANCH
Tuesdays, 12:00-4:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
Wednesdays, 3:00 - 7:00 pm
6, 13, 20 & 27 February
5, 12, 19 & 26 March
2 & 9 April
HESSEN CASSEL BRANCH
Tuesdays, 10:30am-2:30pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
LITTLE TURTLE BRANCH
Mondays, 12:30 - 4:30 pm
4, 11, 18 & 25 February
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March
7 & 14 April
NEW HAVEN BRANCH
Thursdays, 10:30am-2:30pm
7, 14, 21 & 28 February
6, 13, 20 & 27 March
3 & 10 April
PONTIAC BRANCH
Mondays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
4, 11, 18 & 25 February
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March
7 & 14 April
SHAWNEE BRANCH
Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
6, 13, 20 & 27 February
5, 12, 19 & 26 March
2 & 9 April
TECUMSEH BRANCH
Wednesdays, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
6, 13, 20 & 27 February
5, 12, 19 & 26 March
2 & 9 April
WAYNEDALE BRANCH
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
5, 12, 19 & 26 February
4, 11, 18 & 25 March
1, 8 & 15 April
GRABILL BRANCH, MONROEVILLE BRANCH, WOODBURN BRANCH: State and federal tax forms available; no help sessions.
Please bring the following information with you: current W-2 forms, 1099 statements, property tax receipts to qualify for a reduction on the Indiana Tax Return, a copy of your 2006 tax return forms and other income and deduction records.
Just remember to make sure those who are preparing your taxes know a little something, but in my over 40 years of doing taxes, I found a lot of folks don't know what they are doing. And if they don't they are giving away your money.
Remember, it's your money.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Reject those who deflate your spirit
This post is in honor of my friend AWB and my very own birthday. It appears both AWB and myself birthdays' are in January. This could explain his stubbornness. As you get older you find yourself trying to escape folks of negativity. Today was just such a day. Happy Birthday AWB and thanks to Salee Reese for the article.
Peace for 2008.
“How do I end up with this type of guy? Am I some kind of magnet for users and abusers?”
Natalie’s anguish was unbearable as she sought advice on how to deal with a verbally abusive boyfriend.
“No, you’re not a magnet,” I assured her. “It’s just that you force yourself to endure too much. A more-evolved you wouldn’t hang around after the third or forth uncaring comment.”
I told her that an enlightened butterfly may land on an unsuitable spot – accidentally – but after she realizes the terrain is treacherous, she takes flight. On the other hand, an unenlightened butterfly hangs around far too long. Quite possibly, she takes up residence on that spot, sponging in negativity and thus poisoning her spirit.
The moral: A smart butterfly doesn’t make herself tolerate the intolerable. A dumb butterfly settles for inhospitable conditions.
The people we choose to get chummy with should be folks who are positive for our well-being, not harmful toward it.
Natalie asked an important question: “How do I know where to draw the line?”
The key is to listen within yourself, I replied. Be wary and become protective of yourself whenever you start feeling emotionally assaulted.
Another client, Tiffany, is numb to such feelings. Many examples in her life tell me that valuing and protecting herself have taken a back seat. As a child, she was the target of ongoing abusive treatment. Consequently, she has grown to expect it – even feeling like she deserves it.
In a nonchalant manner, she described frequent occasions in which her boyfriend harshly assaulted her with his mean words.
“What are your limits in terms of tolerating abusive treatment?” I asked.
She replied: “Verbal abuse doesn’t faze me. I let it roll off my back.”
I responded: “How sad, Tiffany, that you’re not offended by unkind treatment.”
She suddenly dropped her head and cried softly – clear evidence that her self-denial had collapsed.
Until she was ready to speak, I remained silent because the solemnity of the moment was invaluably self-affirming for Tiffany.
Her tears – a natural occurrence derived from self-compassion – signaled me that she was well on her way to becoming her own caring protector.
Being connected to our feelings is necessary to protect ourselves from harmful and degrading treatment. For example, by experiencing the pain of a hot stove, we learn to back off – we avoid it. On the other hand, if we’re numb to our pain, we’re vulnerable to injury.
We need our pain. It helps us stay clear of danger zones.
Logically, then, we need to evict abusive people from our orbit unless they are willing to change.
I’m reminded of the movie, “As Good As It Gets,” starring Jack Nicholson as Melvin and Helen Hunt as Carol.
Raw callousness was Melvin’s style. Without batting an eye, he would knife a person with a ridiculing or cutting remark.
Carol, the woman he loved, was no exception, and at one point, while poised to walk out, she announced to him: “I don’t think I want to know you anymore. You make me feel bad about myself.”
When we tune in to the outrage of being violated, no matter what the degree, it’s the beginning of putting up a protective shield.
We’re designed to be invested in self-preservation.
It appears that for the duration of our lifetime, we’re assigned to one person to fully watch over, to love unconditionally and bathe with constant caring and protection. We inhabit that person’s body. How else can you explain survival instincts, defense mechanisms, and pain?
I urged Natalie and Tiffany to never let put-downs, name-calling, insults and nasty accusations go unchecked. “Instead, nip them in the bud,” I advised. When a person allows even one oral zinger, the abuser gets a message that he or she can dish out more.
Abuse deflates the spirit of the other person. So I suggested to Natalie and Tiffany that they stand tall and say, “When you treat me that way, it drives me away.”
It’s not so important to figure out why we might be inclined to attract the wrong type, as to why we continue to accept their poison.
Any of us can attract a wide variety of types. For example, any moth may show up at the light bulb, just as any person can come knocking at the door. But not everyone is welcome, and that’s how it should be.
We’re supposed to reject those who deflate our spirit.
Peace for 2008.
Monday, January 14, 2008
New Indiana House member Phil Gia Qunita think Short session is too short for property tax reform
INDIANAPOLIS —— With the 2008 legislative session under way, now would be a good time to look at the unique nature of a short session for the Indiana General Assembly, since it is crucial to our consideration of property tax relief and other major issues.
A short session, which takes place every even-numbered year, must be completed within 29 calendar days. Since the Legislature doesn't meet every day of the year, those 29 days are spread out over the next two-and-a-half months. The actual deadline for completion of our work is March 14.
In other words, we have half the time to conduct legislative business in a short session than is available to us in a long session. That change is most obviously reflected in the various deadlines for action that House members face.
The deadline for filing bills in the House is Tuesday (January 15). Since each representative can file only five bills in a short session, we will be able to consider a maximum number of 500 bills this year. Many times the final count is far less than 500.
Compared to a long session, when it is common that more than 1,000 bills are filed in the House alone, that 500 bill limit in a short session certainly sounds more manageable. However, here is where a compressed time schedule begins to take its toll.
House committees must complete action on House bills by January 24. With less than two weeks to handle bills, many of these proposals will fall by the wayside, simply because there isn't enough time.
And with the third reading deadline to complete all work on House bills set for January 30, that means we have less than three weeks to complete debate and take votes on some form of property tax relief for Hoosier families.
This schedule shows the need for starting work on the governor's tax relief plan, which is contained in House Bill 1001. This week, members of the House Ways and Means Committee conducted their third and fourth public hearings on the legislation, giving residents of the Fort Wayne and South Bend areas a chance to make their feelings known.
Can we complete action on property tax relief in the next three weeks? The people of Indiana are demanding that something should be done, and I sense there is a willingness on both sides of the aisle to provide more relief.What I cannot do is predict how this schedule will affect those issues that might gain more attention in other legislative sessions.
Although we have not reached the deadline for filing bills in the House, an early look at the legislation that has been put up for consideration shows a number of proposals that offer tax breaks of varying kinds, ranging from creation of a yearly "holiday" that enables people to pay for items without paying a sales tax (House Bill 1039) to a property tax freeze for seniors making less than $30,000 per year (House Bill 1018).
It is difficult to believe that the Legislature will have time to fully consider the extensive government reform proposals offered by the commission led by Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard and former Gov. Joe Kernan, but some lawmakers want to give it a try. It is more likely that these proposals will be examined by a legislative study committee this summer.
But there are many other worthy topics that might not get the chance to become law in 2008. Several bills would place additional restrictions on smoking in public places in Indiana. One such measure (House Bill 1056) would penalize anyone who smokes in a vehicle with a passenger less than 13 years of age. Another bill in the Indiana Senate would mandate the use of "fire-safe" cigarettes that extinguish on their own if left unattended.
With so many proposals on the table, and so little time to consider them, it will be hard to keep track of everything that can come up this session. I encourage you to contact me whenever you have questions about particular bills or want to register your opinions on issues before the Legislature.
You can reach me by calling the toll-free Statehouse telephone number of 1-800-382-9842, emailing me, or writing to me in care of the Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
A short session, which takes place every even-numbered year, must be completed within 29 calendar days. Since the Legislature doesn't meet every day of the year, those 29 days are spread out over the next two-and-a-half months. The actual deadline for completion of our work is March 14.
In other words, we have half the time to conduct legislative business in a short session than is available to us in a long session. That change is most obviously reflected in the various deadlines for action that House members face.
The deadline for filing bills in the House is Tuesday (January 15). Since each representative can file only five bills in a short session, we will be able to consider a maximum number of 500 bills this year. Many times the final count is far less than 500.
Compared to a long session, when it is common that more than 1,000 bills are filed in the House alone, that 500 bill limit in a short session certainly sounds more manageable. However, here is where a compressed time schedule begins to take its toll.
House committees must complete action on House bills by January 24. With less than two weeks to handle bills, many of these proposals will fall by the wayside, simply because there isn't enough time.
And with the third reading deadline to complete all work on House bills set for January 30, that means we have less than three weeks to complete debate and take votes on some form of property tax relief for Hoosier families.
This schedule shows the need for starting work on the governor's tax relief plan, which is contained in House Bill 1001. This week, members of the House Ways and Means Committee conducted their third and fourth public hearings on the legislation, giving residents of the Fort Wayne and South Bend areas a chance to make their feelings known.
Can we complete action on property tax relief in the next three weeks? The people of Indiana are demanding that something should be done, and I sense there is a willingness on both sides of the aisle to provide more relief.What I cannot do is predict how this schedule will affect those issues that might gain more attention in other legislative sessions.
Although we have not reached the deadline for filing bills in the House, an early look at the legislation that has been put up for consideration shows a number of proposals that offer tax breaks of varying kinds, ranging from creation of a yearly "holiday" that enables people to pay for items without paying a sales tax (House Bill 1039) to a property tax freeze for seniors making less than $30,000 per year (House Bill 1018).
It is difficult to believe that the Legislature will have time to fully consider the extensive government reform proposals offered by the commission led by Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard and former Gov. Joe Kernan, but some lawmakers want to give it a try. It is more likely that these proposals will be examined by a legislative study committee this summer.
But there are many other worthy topics that might not get the chance to become law in 2008. Several bills would place additional restrictions on smoking in public places in Indiana. One such measure (House Bill 1056) would penalize anyone who smokes in a vehicle with a passenger less than 13 years of age. Another bill in the Indiana Senate would mandate the use of "fire-safe" cigarettes that extinguish on their own if left unattended.
With so many proposals on the table, and so little time to consider them, it will be hard to keep track of everything that can come up this session. I encourage you to contact me whenever you have questions about particular bills or want to register your opinions on issues before the Legislature.
You can reach me by calling the toll-free Statehouse telephone number of 1-800-382-9842, emailing me, or writing to me in care of the Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Is Asher Agency and FWCS New Logo Political ?
Everything is political. FWOB has stirred up some dust from the battle of the blue and yellow ribbon campaign about Fort Wayne Community Schools. One of the comments posted a strongly worded post back in July, 2007 about the need to do the right thing concerning FWCS:
"Having heard a HUGE number of opinions on the topic, it boils down to this:
1. The schools need to be fixed. Walls that are crumbling today won't be in any better shape tomorrow. And yes, we also should focus on academics, but 89 degree classrooms sure as hell don't make anyone perform better--teachers or students. Fixing academics and fixing buildings are not mutually exclusive.
2. We have people on either side of the argument who are passionate about what they believe. Those who volunteered--VOLUNTEERED--on either side of the argument should be thanked for their time. There was very little personal upside for most people involved. I know a woman who lives in but the FWCS district, but even though she has no children, she felt the Yellow side was the right choice. She knocked on doors. I don't know Everet Mol, but he took the time to stand up for what he felt was right. And he knocked on doors. We have people in this community who are willing to work on big issues. That's a good thing.
3. Given this level of engagement, the only thing missing is common ground. We need more collaboration and less name calling. No more political posturing. The blue and the yellow side need an honest, open discussion about what's getting in the way. If the bickering continues, we lose more time. The price tag goes up. And we still haven't gotten anywhere. And guess who suffers? You. Either your kids have substandard buildings or your neighbors don't get the education they deserve or your taxes go up or you lose an employee or prospective relocating employer because they see an education system in disrepair (again, could be buildings, could be academics, could be both).
4. This is easier said than done, of course, but what we need is a petition drive where people pledge that "whatever it takes, I'll work to fix the problem within 12 months. And I won't stop working until we reach a consensus. And I have to work with people from both sides."
Who's in?
Ed. note: Mr. Juliano is an employee of the Asher Agency, an advertising and public relations firm."
Well Mitch editor or owner of FWOB has recently been elected to city council. And one of the hot topic will be property taxes, that will have an impact on school funding. Well, Mitch famous for his little sly way of getting in a dig, has attacked FWCS, again, this time on spending money for a redesign of its Logo, which has brought back the July commenter with a longer post this time:
I told you it was long, anyways. Mitch got his digs in and wins a friend, that's my MAN MITCH oh so subtle!
Here's Mitch stance on the Chamber of Commerce logo change.
"Having heard a HUGE number of opinions on the topic, it boils down to this:
1. The schools need to be fixed. Walls that are crumbling today won't be in any better shape tomorrow. And yes, we also should focus on academics, but 89 degree classrooms sure as hell don't make anyone perform better--teachers or students. Fixing academics and fixing buildings are not mutually exclusive.
2. We have people on either side of the argument who are passionate about what they believe. Those who volunteered--VOLUNTEERED--on either side of the argument should be thanked for their time. There was very little personal upside for most people involved. I know a woman who lives in but the FWCS district, but even though she has no children, she felt the Yellow side was the right choice. She knocked on doors. I don't know Everet Mol, but he took the time to stand up for what he felt was right. And he knocked on doors. We have people in this community who are willing to work on big issues. That's a good thing.
3. Given this level of engagement, the only thing missing is common ground. We need more collaboration and less name calling. No more political posturing. The blue and the yellow side need an honest, open discussion about what's getting in the way. If the bickering continues, we lose more time. The price tag goes up. And we still haven't gotten anywhere. And guess who suffers? You. Either your kids have substandard buildings or your neighbors don't get the education they deserve or your taxes go up or you lose an employee or prospective relocating employer because they see an education system in disrepair (again, could be buildings, could be academics, could be both).
4. This is easier said than done, of course, but what we need is a petition drive where people pledge that "whatever it takes, I'll work to fix the problem within 12 months. And I won't stop working until we reach a consensus. And I have to work with people from both sides."
Who's in?
Ed. note: Mr. Juliano is an employee of the Asher Agency, an advertising and public relations firm."
Well Mitch editor or owner of FWOB has recently been elected to city council. And one of the hot topic will be property taxes, that will have an impact on school funding. Well, Mitch famous for his little sly way of getting in a dig, has attacked FWCS, again, this time on spending money for a redesign of its Logo, which has brought back the July commenter with a longer post this time:
I’ll preface my comments with a disclaimer: my employer worked with FWCS on its new logo. I wasn’t involved in any of the work, so I don’t know how the logo change fits into a larger branding effort (if at all). I do, however, want to share a few thoughts on branding, logos, and FWCS.
I certainly agree with that a new logo is best created as part of a larger rebranding effort when an organization has the resources to do so. But it's not necessarily true that a brand is broken just because the logo could be improved. The brand is much, much larger than logo, and there are a lot of great brands out there with less-than-stellar logos. It's true that sometimes "when an organization…changes its logo,” it's because that organization is "facing challenges." But sometimes--and not infrequently, mind you--that organization just needs a new logo.
Now, it’s obviously true that FWCS is an organization that’s facing some challenges. And my sense is that FWCS is at a point in its history when it could benefit from a comprehensive branding effort, one that includes input from students, parents, teachers, administration, and marketing professionals (in that order, with the marketing professionals acting as advisory and everyone else sharing the authentic brand experience and what needs to change). But it also seems like any effort that FWCS makes to change its image is shot down as wasteful, wrongheaded, or insincere. Damned if you change the logo, damned if you don’t. And god forbid if FWCS should invest in a larger branding effort. After all, look what happened when it tried to invest in its facilities.
Mitch, as a leader in this community I think it’s irresponsible for you to take FWCS to task before asking whether the logo change is part of a more comprehensive effort (instead of just assuming that it is). I also think that you’d be better served to offer solutions to the true challenges FWCS faces instead if taking petty shots at the organization for changing its logo. It appears, though, that you’re more willing to stand on the sidelines and criticize instead of rolling up your sleeves and trying to be part of real change.
You’re right that a new logo, on its own, doesn’t change much. But neither do comments like the ones you’re making here.
Ed. note from Mitch Harper:
I think you owe an apology, Anthony. And, I don't mean that rhetorically.
There is nothing in the post which remotely warrants the petty shot you take in your last paragraphs.
First, you agree with me that branding is much larger than a logo. Then you agree with me that, as you described it, a "brand is much, much larger than [sic] logo."
This sentence, framed by the two lines that agree with me, is not related to any assertion made in the post: "But it's not necessarily true that a brand is broken just because the logo could be improved."
Then you just plain make leaps of illogic before engaging in an uninformed ad hominem attack.
I am already working in a collaborative way on intertwined fiscal issues between FWCS and the City of Fort Wayne. One are the effects of existing and proposed property tax caps that affect all local units of government in an interdependent way. Another is the the effect of tax abatements that affect the revenue - and in some cases very directly - the expenditures of school corporations.
These are issues affecting all four school corporations in Allen County for all now serve students inside the Fort Wayne city limits.
There are two other issues involving fiscal policy and another, personal one, involving a project to serve students, that I have worked on in just the past week.
Really, you need to read the paragraph and not just take a cursory glance and respond with an ill-considered comment. It coarsens the debate and that is not something that supporters of better education need or want."
I told you it was long, anyways. Mitch got his digs in and wins a friend, that's my MAN MITCH oh so subtle!
Here's Mitch stance on the Chamber of Commerce logo change.
Hillary Clinton does an Abigail Addams Plays the Race Card
"Remember the ladies", it appears to be the message that Hillary is sending to raced white America in a recent comment about Lyndon Johnson and the Civil Right Act of 1964, which the provisions of this civil rights act forbade discrimination on the basis of sex as well as race in hiring, promoting, and firing.
Some suggest that Hillary was saying if it was not for Johnson, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. would seemly be just a footnote in history, instead of the hero he is to many Americans. In other words it took a raced white person in a powerful position to improve the lives of African-Americans and others rather than the dream maker. Oh my just before Dr. King's birthday !!
Clinton was quoted just before the New Hampshire primary as saying King's dream of racial equality was realized only when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.But Hillary is heightening the awareness of women that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 open more doors for women than its did for African-Americans in colleges and jobs.
Some black leaders have criticized that the remark suggest Johnson deserved more credit than the slain civil rights leader for the passage and enactment of major civil rights legislation.
This reference is no different than Abigail's admonishment to her husband, President John Addams that if anyone was to get full citizenship rights first it should be raced white women before African-Americans and foreign men.
Hilliary playing the race card may prove that there is still a great divide in America as to who should be considered first, raced white women or the whole African-Americans population. Hilliary campaign has been heavily laced with racial comments directed at Obama, even the one that suggested that voters needed to pick an electable candidate..suggesting Obama is part of America's Negro problem.
Read News Blogger
American Thinker
And don't forget the bloggers in the afrospear spearing each other over woman vs man, or raced white woman vs black man or gender vs. race politics
Indiana's Voters ID-United States Justice Roberts disappointed in Indiana
The federal government sued the state for not keeping its registration lists cleared of people who had died or moved.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who grew up in Indiana, seemed skeptical about Indiana following it's own laws in protecting the rights of voters in Indiana.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who grew up in Indiana, seemed skeptical about Indiana following it's own laws in protecting the rights of voters in Indiana.
Broken Spirit
She's done her share of ill will against the world
Society thought that she should be locked away
Lock her away and you break her spirit
Break her spirit and she'll learn
Little did they know. . .
You see Daddy couldn't break her spirit
Try as he might as he reached his hand in places they ought not go
Momma couldn't break her spirit
Calling her names a child should never hear
The men she sold her body to even THEY in a moment of pleasure couldn't break her spirit
The crack pipe and liquor bottle, her means of self medication, even SHE couldn't break her own spirit
So behind these doors that go clink, these windows with no scenery, these walls that contain her cries
She sits. . . tired. . . but UNbroken, hearing God, not for the first time but HEARING God for the first time
She peacefully awaits her new destiny
You see what man meant for harm God has used for GLORY
Her time is up, her season has changed
She listens to doors go clink but THIS time with each sound she is drawn closer to the light
She emerges from the walls of the prision that has held her
And she again faces society who is looking for her to be broken
She grins, her spirit in tact, and the only thing broken is her yoke
Lisa Renee 01/12/08
Society thought that she should be locked away
Lock her away and you break her spirit
Break her spirit and she'll learn
Little did they know. . .
You see Daddy couldn't break her spirit
Try as he might as he reached his hand in places they ought not go
Momma couldn't break her spirit
Calling her names a child should never hear
The men she sold her body to even THEY in a moment of pleasure couldn't break her spirit
The crack pipe and liquor bottle, her means of self medication, even SHE couldn't break her own spirit
So behind these doors that go clink, these windows with no scenery, these walls that contain her cries
She sits. . . tired. . . but UNbroken, hearing God, not for the first time but HEARING God for the first time
She peacefully awaits her new destiny
You see what man meant for harm God has used for GLORY
Her time is up, her season has changed
She listens to doors go clink but THIS time with each sound she is drawn closer to the light
She emerges from the walls of the prision that has held her
And she again faces society who is looking for her to be broken
She grins, her spirit in tact, and the only thing broken is her yoke
Lisa Renee 01/12/08
Warmed over hash-local government
During the housing market boom, it seems like overnight, everyone jumped on the real estate bandwagon. Even our very own local government entered the housing market, buying and selling property as if they were experienced real estate agents, brokers, and developers.
The bottom line for these cats, property and land was overpriced guaranteeing profits far greater than the property taxes that government could collect under the Indiana Constitution as revenue from taxpayers. These conning entities’ representatives, unable to entice new businesses into the community, decided to compete with the private market or start joint venture at the expense of taxpayers. The sad fact of the matter was government entities unlike private markets played a role in determining the profit from some of these ventures.
Nevertheless, just as pyramid scheme eventually comes to end so would profitable flipping of properties, as the housing market went into a slump. See County Home building down 24% in 2007 by Jenni Glenn of the Journal-Gazette.
So these same government officials are now looking into another area of real estate investment, rental property. This time government entities will be competing with the private market to capture government subsidies.
Take for example, the debate about building temporary housing for offenders in the downtown area by Allen County officials. According an article published in the Journal-Gazette on January 11, 2008, entitled,
Sounds good, marinating a little bit with the details in the story may lead you to the conclusion that the objective of the County has nothing to do with helping offenders.
The article goes on to say, “The County already has an $833,000 state grant for transitional housing which is supposed to be spent by June 30…”
BAM, there it is M>O>N>EY!!! The County needs a symbolic building to get the state to give them that grant money. However, the state has imposed a stipulation on when they will release the dollars. The article goes on to state, “… state government is unlikely to provide ALL the money upfront to building a NEW structure.”
The State is requiring a new structure and local or private investment!!!
Therefore, that means the County has to put up some money first. And just where will the County get the dollars? The county has either to get it from the taxpayers or con some private investor to go into partnership with the county.
Can you say a miniature Harrison Square investment scheme?
If you do not think it profitable to provide transitional housing for offenders, the article goes on to say, “[a]bout 400 offenders are released from prison and return to the community each year, whether they have a place to live or not.”
If transitional housing is built more than likely, state, and federal dollars will be avail for a number of years to support such housing. Officials cannot govern for trying to taking over the real estate business and profit their families and friends.
Now churches and non-profits have been providing this service for years. Why is it now that Allen County wants to get into transitional housing…they want to now play landlord., and collect the state and federal dollars that would have gone to the churches and nonprofit.
This is the same lying government that stood before the legislators not wanting to giving homeowner property tax relief
The bottom line for these cats, property and land was overpriced guaranteeing profits far greater than the property taxes that government could collect under the Indiana Constitution as revenue from taxpayers. These conning entities’ representatives, unable to entice new businesses into the community, decided to compete with the private market or start joint venture at the expense of taxpayers. The sad fact of the matter was government entities unlike private markets played a role in determining the profit from some of these ventures.
Nevertheless, just as pyramid scheme eventually comes to end so would profitable flipping of properties, as the housing market went into a slump. See County Home building down 24% in 2007 by Jenni Glenn of the Journal-Gazette.
So these same government officials are now looking into another area of real estate investment, rental property. This time government entities will be competing with the private market to capture government subsidies.
Take for example, the debate about building temporary housing for offenders in the downtown area by Allen County officials. According an article published in the Journal-Gazette on January 11, 2008, entitled,
Housing for ex-convicts“county officials are examining the possibility of building a structure across Calhoun Street from the Allen County Jail. It would include temporary housing for offenders, as well as offenders for Community Corrections, the county program that provides the Re-entry Court services and monitors criminals on home detention.”
Sounds good, marinating a little bit with the details in the story may lead you to the conclusion that the objective of the County has nothing to do with helping offenders.
The article goes on to say, “The County already has an $833,000 state grant for transitional housing which is supposed to be spent by June 30…”
BAM, there it is M>O>N>EY!!! The County needs a symbolic building to get the state to give them that grant money. However, the state has imposed a stipulation on when they will release the dollars. The article goes on to state, “… state government is unlikely to provide ALL the money upfront to building a NEW structure.”
The State is requiring a new structure and local or private investment!!!
Therefore, that means the County has to put up some money first. And just where will the County get the dollars? The county has either to get it from the taxpayers or con some private investor to go into partnership with the county.
Can you say a miniature Harrison Square investment scheme?
If you do not think it profitable to provide transitional housing for offenders, the article goes on to say, “[a]bout 400 offenders are released from prison and return to the community each year, whether they have a place to live or not.”
If transitional housing is built more than likely, state, and federal dollars will be avail for a number of years to support such housing. Officials cannot govern for trying to taking over the real estate business and profit their families and friends.
Now churches and non-profits have been providing this service for years. Why is it now that Allen County wants to get into transitional housing…they want to now play landlord., and collect the state and federal dollars that would have gone to the churches and nonprofit.
This is the same lying government that stood before the legislators not wanting to giving homeowner property tax relief
Going thru
Why Do I Cry?
Ask me about my life and I doubt I’d make it through my testimony before my eyes began to glass over, overflowing with tears, running down my face, falling to the floor.
I know people look and wonder “Why is she ALWAYS crying?” . . .Why Do I Cry?
I cry because I am not who or where I should be
But I am not who or where I used to be . . .Why Do I Cry?
I cry because that which once had me bound I now bind it
Once held in captivity now oh but NOW I AM FREE. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry for my brothers and sisters who are still bound, possessed, lost, unsaved. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry because there is confusion, chaos, and destruction all around me
Yet I have clarity, order. . .I’ve been restored. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry because I’ve been persecuted, mistreated, used and abused
Despite all that I am precious, valuable, worthy of HIS love. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry when I praise Him because He’s been just that good. You see I am a kept woman. I’ve watched my enemies become my foot stool. He’s provided for me when I couldn’t provide for myself. He loved me when no one else would and I am grateful. So when you see the tears streaming down my face know they merely represent who I am so don’t judge me just pass the tissue.
Lisa Gaunichaux
October 2007
Ask me about my life and I doubt I’d make it through my testimony before my eyes began to glass over, overflowing with tears, running down my face, falling to the floor.
I know people look and wonder “Why is she ALWAYS crying?” . . .Why Do I Cry?
I cry because I am not who or where I should be
But I am not who or where I used to be . . .Why Do I Cry?
I cry because that which once had me bound I now bind it
Once held in captivity now oh but NOW I AM FREE. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry for my brothers and sisters who are still bound, possessed, lost, unsaved. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry because there is confusion, chaos, and destruction all around me
Yet I have clarity, order. . .I’ve been restored. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry because I’ve been persecuted, mistreated, used and abused
Despite all that I am precious, valuable, worthy of HIS love. . . Why Do I Cry?
I cry when I praise Him because He’s been just that good. You see I am a kept woman. I’ve watched my enemies become my foot stool. He’s provided for me when I couldn’t provide for myself. He loved me when no one else would and I am grateful. So when you see the tears streaming down my face know they merely represent who I am so don’t judge me just pass the tissue.
Lisa Gaunichaux
October 2007
Friday, January 11, 2008
Gov. Mitch Daniels will be drilled by the Ways and Means Committee
The taxpayers have being asking the Ways and Means Committees some tough questions about the restructing of funding government. Now, Governor has been summoned to address the Ways and Means Committee.
Gov. Mitch Daniels said this morning he will testify before the House Ways and Means Committee next week to push for his property tax proposal.
This will be the first time Daniels has testified before a legislative committee, though other governors in the past have done so on rare occasions.
Fort Wayne Pat Roller and Crew vs Mitch Daniel Circuit Breaker
Fort Wayne budget of $99.4 million is not enough for Pat Roller and crew. The controller will ask the new city council to extract more money from the taxpayers.
Roller suggest Governor Daniel HB 1001 caught the city off guard. NOT! And the crew tries to put fear in the heart of taxpayers by saying, they will have to layout police officers, cut sheriff salary...
But, none of this seemed a problem when they were running around trying to give folks increases in their salaries.
Here's a post on the circuit breaker back in March 2007.
What happen was that the city failed to buy into the option before the extended deadline and got stuck in their "wait and see" attitude that is now going to cost the taxpayers.
Roller is asking for a do over to undo the last administration smugness.
Roller suggest Governor Daniel HB 1001 caught the city off guard. NOT! And the crew tries to put fear in the heart of taxpayers by saying, they will have to layout police officers, cut sheriff salary...
But, none of this seemed a problem when they were running around trying to give folks increases in their salaries.
Here's a post on the circuit breaker back in March 2007.
What happen was that the city failed to buy into the option before the extended deadline and got stuck in their "wait and see" attitude that is now going to cost the taxpayers.
Roller is asking for a do over to undo the last administration smugness.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
2008 Bias Crime-Senate Bias Crime Bill 306
Introduced Senate Bill 306
Bias crimes. Requires law enforcement officers to receive training in identifying, responding to, and reporting bias crimes. Allows an individual who suffers a personal injury or property damage caused by a criminal offense to bring a civil action to recover damages, including punitive damages, if the person who committed the offense knowingly or intentionally selected the victim because of the: (1) victim's actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or homelessness; or (2) actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of an individual affiliated or associated with the victim. Makes commission of a crime because of the: (1) victim's actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or homelessness; or (2) actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of an individual affiliated or associated with the victim; an aggravating circumstance that may be considered by a judge when the judge imposes a sentence for the crime.
Current Status:
First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
Bias crimes. Requires law enforcement officers to receive training in identifying, responding to, and reporting bias crimes. Allows an individual who suffers a personal injury or property damage caused by a criminal offense to bring a civil action to recover damages, including punitive damages, if the person who committed the offense knowingly or intentionally selected the victim because of the: (1) victim's actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or homelessness; or (2) actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of an individual affiliated or associated with the victim. Makes commission of a crime because of the: (1) victim's actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or homelessness; or (2) actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of an individual affiliated or associated with the victim; an aggravating circumstance that may be considered by a judge when the judge imposes a sentence for the crime.
Current Status:
First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels 2008 State of the State Address
Indiana Government Newsroom:
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will deliver his 2008 State of the State address on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, to a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly in the House Chambers. The address will begin at 7 p.m. (EST) and is expected to fit in a 30-minute window.
Here is information for television and radio stations to access the pool coverage, produced by Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, and information about accessing live streaming on the Internet.
Satellite: AMC 3
Transponder: C - 5
Audio: 6.2/6.8
Position: 87 degrees west
Downlink: 3800 (H)
Trouble no.: 317/633-7410
Testing from 6:45 p.m. (EST)
Network Indiana radio affiliates can access coverage on satellite CHANNEL TWO. Non-Network Indiana affiliates that want to broadcast the address can receive audio of the radio pool feed by dialing 317/684-8817. The feed will go up at 7 p.m. For questions, contact John Emerson at WIBC/Network Indiana at 317/684-4171.
The State of the State address also will be available live on the Internet. It may be accessed at these Web addresses: www.in.gov/gov or www.in.gov/legislative/session/video.html.
Journalists who do not regularly work in the Indiana State House but would like to cover the governor's address from the House Chambers are asked to contact John Schorg, House Democratic communications director, at 317/232-9621, to arrange for access.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will deliver his 2008 State of the State address on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, to a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly in the House Chambers. The address will begin at 7 p.m. (EST) and is expected to fit in a 30-minute window.
Here is information for television and radio stations to access the pool coverage, produced by Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, and information about accessing live streaming on the Internet.
Satellite: AMC 3
Transponder: C - 5
Audio: 6.2/6.8
Position: 87 degrees west
Downlink: 3800 (H)
Trouble no.: 317/633-7410
Testing from 6:45 p.m. (EST)
Network Indiana radio affiliates can access coverage on satellite CHANNEL TWO. Non-Network Indiana affiliates that want to broadcast the address can receive audio of the radio pool feed by dialing 317/684-8817. The feed will go up at 7 p.m. For questions, contact John Emerson at WIBC/Network Indiana at 317/684-4171.
The State of the State address also will be available live on the Internet. It may be accessed at these Web addresses: www.in.gov/gov or www.in.gov/legislative/session/video.html.
Journalists who do not regularly work in the Indiana State House but would like to cover the governor's address from the House Chambers are asked to contact John Schorg, House Democratic communications director, at 317/232-9621, to arrange for access.
New City Council jockeying for power
This morning a little before 8:00 a.m. Tom Didier spoke to Charly Butcher about the little tiff erupting at the first City Council Meeting. Didier, President of City Council explains that he was following the normal procedures. Didiers also stated the biggest issue before City Council would be Indiana House Bill 1001. Didier will travel to Indiana Statehouse as well as Karen Goldner on February 12, 2008.
Read more about the tiff from Indiananewscenter.
Read more about the tiff from Indiananewscenter.
Sen John Kerry endorses Obama
Glen Jones of Seattle times Senator John Kerry endorses Obama.
Barack Obama is being endorsed by fellow Sen. John Kerry, the Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee who lost to George W. Bush that year and gave up his own plans for a 2008 run a year ago.
Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, planned to announce his support Thursday at 11 a.m. EST at a rally at the College of Charleston, said a Democrat familiar with Kerry's decision. The 2004 nominee was to argue that Obama can best unite the country and has the potential to create transformational change, the person said.
Indiana House Ways and Means Committee Appears in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Indiana House legislators appeared in Fort Wayne during the legislators’ short session. The traveling road show of members of the Ways and Means Committee provided an opportunity for taxpayers to sound off about Governor Mitch Daniels’ property tax reform bill. Special interest groups and lobbyists turned out in force to argue their points about House Bill 1001
The legislators gathered here for support to amend House Bill 1001. The bill comes in responses to the outrageous over the unfair and sometime false assessment of property resulting in outrageous increases in homeowners’ property taxes. The bill reduces the number of assessing officials, increasing the circuit breaker credit, standard deduction for homestead credit, additional State Homestead credits for 2008 and eliminates the State Property tax Replacement Credits after 2009, the transfer of funding obligations to state and increase in Sales Tax; such as school tuition support levies, including levies imposed to fund charter schools, school transportation fund levies, county medical assistance towards fund levies, family and children’s fund levies, children’s psychiatric residential treatment services fund levies, the state forestry fund levy, the state fair fund levy, the part of the state forestry levy used by the Department of Local Government Finance to ay for management of the Department’s property tax data base on January 1, 2009 and increase the sales tax to 7% tp pay for these expenses, New limitation on Growth in Property Tax Levies with a County Board of Tax and Capital Projects Review Board, the use of referena requirement on bond issues and lease agreement and the use of local income taxes.
A lobbyist for Mayors, apartment owners, Mayors from various cities, elected officials such township trustees, school superintendent, transportation leader, and school board members were the first to address the body of 25 members. These prominent leaders almost shut out the single voice of over taxed property owners. One or two single property owners were allowed to speak within the first four hour, only after a woman rose from the audience and interrupted the filibustering process against some of the provisions in House Bill 1001.
The audience broke out in a roaring laughter when Allen Commissioner Nelson Peters attempted to sell the legislators on how property owners were spared the tax burden of over 24 percent with Allen County’s homeowners average 7%.
Tom Henry Fort Wayne newly elected Mayor appeared out of touch as he touted the fact that he believed that the 2nd largest city in Fort Wayne was fiscal conservative. It was obvious the city was trying to present themselves as a city that supported it’s citizen. It was a little over the top, especially when saluting the auditor Lizabeth Blosser, receiving auditor of the year, without mentioning the fact that this award comes from a small group of her peers.
Another laughable moment was the many officials attempted to spin their effects for exemption because of their concern for the poor:
The only concern school districts have is if the state would take over 100 percent of the general fund; … there are safety nets in place so that in economic downturns there’s a rainy day fund so school districts receive all of the funding schools are supposed to receive,” Friend said.
Nevertheless, one woman would speak truth to the
polished messas she stood up and stated her property rose over 200%, and many in the Aboite areas experienced increases averaging over 57%. With so little oversight, the treasurer was able to collect millions of dollars from folks who did not understand the appeal process.
As District 84. Rep. Randy Borror pointed out in a letter mailed September 2007, “99% of the local budget comes from property taxes.” Mistakes in over assessment provides windfalls for auditors, that would not be available if the move to income tax and sales tax.A survey by Indiana University Education and Evaluation Policy reports that the governor’s suggestion to move to income and sales taxes to support local budget is a move in the right direction. The survey suggest that only 15% support using property taxes, 35 % support using state income taxes and 29% support using sales taxes while 21% support using a combination of all three.
Hearing in South Bend here.
The 39TH NAACP Image Awards inducts Stevie Wonder
Legendary artist, songwriter, musician and producer Stevie Wonder will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, it was announced today by NAACP Image Awards Executive Producer, Vicangelo Bulluck. The prestigious Hall of Fame Award will be presented during “The 39TH NAACP Image Awards” in Los Angeles.
The 39th NAACP Image Awards nominees were announced today during a press conference at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Richard T. Jones (Actor, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Kevin Frazier (Host, Entertainment Tonight) and Mara Brock Akil (Exec. Producer/Writer, The Game and Girlfriends) joined Dennis Hayes, interim President of the NAACP, along with NAACP Image Awards Committee Chair, Clayola Brown, and Vicangelo Bulluck, Executive Producer, to announce the categories and nominees. The 39th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Thursday, February 14 (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT Tape-Delayed) on FOX.
The NAACP Image Awards honors projects and individuals that promote diversity in the
arts in television, recording, literature and motion pictures. The theme of this year’sshow is “Stand Up and Be Counted.” During this crucial election year, the NAACP
encourages everyone to be socially conscious and take a stand on critical human and
civil rights issues.
Additionally, in recognition that today’s environmental crisis will become tomorrow’s civil rights issues, this year the NAACP is incorporating eco-friendly initiatives to reduce the Image Award’s carbon footprint and reduce the ceremonies impact on the world’s climate.
The 39th NAACP Image Awards nominees were announced today during a press conference at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Richard T. Jones (Actor, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Kevin Frazier (Host, Entertainment Tonight) and Mara Brock Akil (Exec. Producer/Writer, The Game and Girlfriends) joined Dennis Hayes, interim President of the NAACP, along with NAACP Image Awards Committee Chair, Clayola Brown, and Vicangelo Bulluck, Executive Producer, to announce the categories and nominees. The 39th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Thursday, February 14 (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT Tape-Delayed) on FOX.
The NAACP Image Awards honors projects and individuals that promote diversity in the
arts in television, recording, literature and motion pictures. The theme of this year’sshow is “Stand Up and Be Counted.” During this crucial election year, the NAACP
encourages everyone to be socially conscious and take a stand on critical human and
civil rights issues.
Additionally, in recognition that today’s environmental crisis will become tomorrow’s civil rights issues, this year the NAACP is incorporating eco-friendly initiatives to reduce the Image Award’s carbon footprint and reduce the ceremonies impact on the world’s climate.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
NAACP wants statewide ban on Sale of Drug Paraphernalia
The NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County Branch #3049 proposed a statewide ban on the sale of Drug Paraphernalia. Michael Latham, President of the local branch has been fighting the selling of certain glass vases sold in gas stations.
“I don’t believe the businesses we support should be selling this, and we want it out,” said Latham, who is concerned that the made-in-China “love roses” selling for $2 or less at several southeast-side gas stations are often used as pipes for smoking crack cocaine. “We make people rich buying their gas, and they do this. It’s a slap in the face.”
The purpose of the ban is discourage the selling of items in the community with epidemic drug use that can be used for smoking crack or meth. The president of the local branch will call for a ban if several gas stations do not stop selling chore boy and glass encase roses as a single item.
The ban would eliminate the readily available access to these items. It would also make the community a safer place for children. Check out Wichita NAACP branch on a similar issue.
The Sentencing Project just released a report on the background of the disparaties sentencing of individuals who use crack versus powder cocaine on January 8, 2008.
“I don’t believe the businesses we support should be selling this, and we want it out,” said Latham, who is concerned that the made-in-China “love roses” selling for $2 or less at several southeast-side gas stations are often used as pipes for smoking crack cocaine. “We make people rich buying their gas, and they do this. It’s a slap in the face.”
The purpose of the ban is discourage the selling of items in the community with epidemic drug use that can be used for smoking crack or meth. The president of the local branch will call for a ban if several gas stations do not stop selling chore boy and glass encase roses as a single item.
The ban would eliminate the readily available access to these items. It would also make the community a safer place for children. Check out Wichita NAACP branch on a similar issue.
The Sentencing Project just released a report on the background of the disparaties sentencing of individuals who use crack versus powder cocaine on January 8, 2008.
United State Supreme Believes ID requirement for Votes is just a slight inconvenience
The issue is whether or not requiring a photo identification from registered voters, who are eligible to vote, is a severe burden that impinges on their fundamental right to exercise the right to vote. If it is, the photo identification requirement must be necessary or the requirement must be deemed as narrowly tailored to meet the objective of the state to prevent voter fraud.
If not, the photo identification is limiting and is only preventing one type of fraud, impersonation fraud and is not preventing the overall objective of the state. Therefore the measure of the state is so limited and unwarranted, to accomplish it goal, that the requirement of the photo identification is too much of a burden on the fundamental right of its citizens to vote.
Indiana suggests that since it will allow those eligible voters who cannot afford a photo identification to vote with a provisional ballot or that the Bureau of Motor Vehicle will issued such voters a free photo identification therefore offsetting this burden. On it face, it might appear that the free photo identification is cost free, but it is not. There is a cost..the purchase of a birth certificate or passport to obtain the state issued photo identification. This fee is not, but is similar to, a poll tax, where the courts have ruled that, "wealth or fee-paying has. . .no relation to voting qualification; the right to vote s too precious, too fundamental to be so burdened." Harper, 383 U.S. at 663, 670 (1966)(cited in Kathleen Weinschenk, et al., Respondents, v. State of Missouri).
The Missouri Court ruled that when a fundamental right is impinged the challenge to its statute should require a strict scrutiny. This means that the state's interest in preventing impersonation fraud should be weighed against the degree of burden that it places on it citizens to exercise their right to cast their vote at the poll. The burden of a photo identification, when other types of identification are available, is too much of a burden for the citizen to shoulder.
The evidence presented to the Missouri court showed that 3% to 4% percent of it voters did not have a photo identification. It showed that the provision ballot signature requirement would not guarantee the voters' signatures would match and their vote counted with the provisional ballot. Thus these eligible registered would be prevented from participating in the electoral process because of Missouri statute.
Indiana statue is similar to the Missouri statute and should be reviewed under the strict scrutiny standard and not simply defer to the wishes of the state in prevention of voter fraud. The court has no direct evidence of voter fraud. And unlike Missouri, which had direct evidence, Indiana only offered theoretical arguments.
It is not individual citizens who are the problem, it is the body of corrupt folks who would do anything to circumvent the election process. Evidence is a plenty for organized fraud, such as fraud committed by voting buy, ghost voting, double addresses voting, and absentee ballots voting, according to the brief submitted by the Brennan Center for Justice. These issues of organized fraud were to be addressed by the Help Americans Vote Act. HAVA laws regulating the updating of voter's registration records.
Comments from Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita from the United States Supreme Court steps.
If not, the photo identification is limiting and is only preventing one type of fraud, impersonation fraud and is not preventing the overall objective of the state. Therefore the measure of the state is so limited and unwarranted, to accomplish it goal, that the requirement of the photo identification is too much of a burden on the fundamental right of its citizens to vote.
Indiana suggests that since it will allow those eligible voters who cannot afford a photo identification to vote with a provisional ballot or that the Bureau of Motor Vehicle will issued such voters a free photo identification therefore offsetting this burden. On it face, it might appear that the free photo identification is cost free, but it is not. There is a cost..the purchase of a birth certificate or passport to obtain the state issued photo identification. This fee is not, but is similar to, a poll tax, where the courts have ruled that, "wealth or fee-paying has. . .no relation to voting qualification; the right to vote s too precious, too fundamental to be so burdened." Harper, 383 U.S. at 663, 670 (1966)(cited in Kathleen Weinschenk, et al., Respondents, v. State of Missouri).
The Missouri Court ruled that when a fundamental right is impinged the challenge to its statute should require a strict scrutiny. This means that the state's interest in preventing impersonation fraud should be weighed against the degree of burden that it places on it citizens to exercise their right to cast their vote at the poll. The burden of a photo identification, when other types of identification are available, is too much of a burden for the citizen to shoulder.
The evidence presented to the Missouri court showed that 3% to 4% percent of it voters did not have a photo identification. It showed that the provision ballot signature requirement would not guarantee the voters' signatures would match and their vote counted with the provisional ballot. Thus these eligible registered would be prevented from participating in the electoral process because of Missouri statute.
Indiana statue is similar to the Missouri statute and should be reviewed under the strict scrutiny standard and not simply defer to the wishes of the state in prevention of voter fraud. The court has no direct evidence of voter fraud. And unlike Missouri, which had direct evidence, Indiana only offered theoretical arguments.
It is not individual citizens who are the problem, it is the body of corrupt folks who would do anything to circumvent the election process. Evidence is a plenty for organized fraud, such as fraud committed by voting buy, ghost voting, double addresses voting, and absentee ballots voting, according to the brief submitted by the Brennan Center for Justice. These issues of organized fraud were to be addressed by the Help Americans Vote Act. HAVA laws regulating the updating of voter's registration records.
Comments from Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita from the United States Supreme Court steps.
Monday, January 07, 2008
President Pro Tem David Long and amending the Indiana constitution on property taxes
Senate President Pro Tem David Long wants all property tax legislation to clear committees and pass the Senate by January 17th.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana legislature convenes tomorrow, and property taxes are likely to be the main focus during the 2008 session.
The governor and leaders of the House and Senate are optimistic a significant plan to reduce reliance on property taxes can be worked out before the end of the session in March.
But all of them say it will be difficult because of the complexity of the issue and because of objections by special interest groups. Governor Mitch Daniels sent all of the lawmakers a letter last week urging them to put the interest of taxpayers first.
The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on Daniels' plan in December. They also plan to have hearings in Fort Wayne on Wednesday and in South Bend on Thursday.
The Senate broke Daniels' plan into several bills and modified parts of the proposal, and Senate President Pro Tem David Long wants all property tax legislation to clear committees and pass the Senate by January 17th
Bill Bradley selects Obama
Bill Bradley, a former presidential hopeful and senator, on Sunday endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president.
Barack Obama is building a broad new coalition that brings together Democrats, independents and Republicans by once again making idealism a central focus of our politics," Bradley said in a statement released by Obama's campaign. "Because of his enormous appeal to Americans of all ages and backgrounds, Obama is the candidate best positioned to win in November. ... His movement for change could create a new era of American politics - truly a new American story."
Bradley, a hall of fame professional basketball player, will campaign for Obama on Monday, Obama aides told The Associated Press.
Indiana House Representive Hate Crime bill 1076
News Sentinel
Synopsis: Bias crimes. Requires law enforcement officers to receive training in identifying, responding to, and reporting bias crimes. allows an individual who suffers a personal injury or property damage caused by a criminal offense to bring a civil action to recover damages, including punitive damages, if the person who committed the offense knowingly or intentionally selected the victim because of the: (1) race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or homelessness; or (2) actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of an individual affiliated or associated with the victim; an aggravating circumstance that may be considered by a judge when the judge imposes a sentence for the crime.
Synopsis: Bias crimes. Requires law enforcement officers to receive training in identifying, responding to, and reporting bias crimes. allows an individual who suffers a personal injury or property damage caused by a criminal offense to bring a civil action to recover damages, including punitive damages, if the person who committed the offense knowingly or intentionally selected the victim because of the: (1) race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or homelessness; or (2) actual or perceived color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex of an individual affiliated or associated with the victim; an aggravating circumstance that may be considered by a judge when the judge imposes a sentence for the crime.
Was Obama Win in Iowa a fluke?
The Hillary Camp tried to treat the Obama beatdown as a fluke. The explanation was that it was some young folks who were independents that won Iowa for Obama. It won't happen again.
Matter of fact, Hillary camp suggested that Hillary only needed to regroup and tell the voters that Obama is just talk while she had proven experience. Hillary is that your proven experience or is that Bill's proven experience.Hillary camp even suggested that voting for Obama were pushing false hope to the America,(that no way in America would Obama win the presidency).
Perhaps, that is why the mainstream media is hyping a Hillary come back Queen. And that Sam Donaldson even suggested that the season champion(meaning Hillary) will out trump the hustler. Not saying out loud that the hustler was Obama.
But somebody forgot to tell the grassroot folks. It seems that the polls are saying that Obama is running away Hillary. Matter of fact that Obama is leading Hillary in several polls:
Obama is hot. Young folks like Obama, young folks can relate to Obama.
Many of these young professional folks have completed college, and they are unable to find jobs to support themselves or their new family.
And the truth would come to the light in New Hampshire.
Matter of fact, Hillary camp suggested that Hillary only needed to regroup and tell the voters that Obama is just talk while she had proven experience. Hillary is that your proven experience or is that Bill's proven experience.Hillary camp even suggested that voting for Obama were pushing false hope to the America,(that no way in America would Obama win the presidency).
Perhaps, that is why the mainstream media is hyping a Hillary come back Queen. And that Sam Donaldson even suggested that the season champion(meaning Hillary) will out trump the hustler. Not saying out loud that the hustler was Obama.
But somebody forgot to tell the grassroot folks. It seems that the polls are saying that Obama is running away Hillary. Matter of fact that Obama is leading Hillary in several polls:
A USA Today/Gallup poll said Mr Obama had opened up a 13-point lead over Ms Clinton in New Hampshire, 41 per cent to 28 per cent, to 19 per cent for former North Carolina Senator John Edwards.
Another poll showed Mr Obama leading Ms Clinton by 39 per cent to 29 per cent. Earlier polls had shown the race to be a heat between the two.
Obama is hot. Young folks like Obama, young folks can relate to Obama.
Many of these young professional folks have completed college, and they are unable to find jobs to support themselves or their new family.
And the truth would come to the light in New Hampshire.
Hate Crimes beyond Race
My daughter sent this song written by Pink and Billy Mann (and featuring the Indigo Girls:
Dear Mr. President
Come take a walk with me
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly
What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep
What do you feel when you look in the mirror
Are you proud
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why
Dear Mr. President
Were you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
How can you say
No child is left behind
We're not dumb and we're not blind
They're all sitting in your cells
While you pave the road to hell
What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away
And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay
I can only imagine what the first lady has to say
You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
Let me tell you bout hard work
Minimum wage with a baby on the way
Let me tell you bout hard work
Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away
Let me tell you bout hard work
Building a bed out of a cardboard box
Let me tell you bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
You don't know nothin bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
Ohhh
How do you sleep at night
How do you walk with your head held high
Dear Mr. President
You'd never take a walk with me
Would you
Dear Mr. President
Come take a walk with me
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly
What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep
What do you feel when you look in the mirror
Are you proud
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why
Dear Mr. President
Were you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
How can you say
No child is left behind
We're not dumb and we're not blind
They're all sitting in your cells
While you pave the road to hell
What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away
And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay
I can only imagine what the first lady has to say
You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
Let me tell you bout hard work
Minimum wage with a baby on the way
Let me tell you bout hard work
Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away
Let me tell you bout hard work
Building a bed out of a cardboard box
Let me tell you bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
You don't know nothin bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
Ohhh
How do you sleep at night
How do you walk with your head held high
Dear Mr. President
You'd never take a walk with me
Would you
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