LEADERSHIP CULTIVATION

President Obama Works For Mid-Term Surprise

President Obama is fighting back against his Republican troublemakers and has gotten his supporters "fired up and ready to go." It's this President Obama we need to re-ignite and lead the charge for the change we need to change America. It's this Obama that will once again beguile his competitors and keep this nation on a forward progress track that thwarts the return the GOP seeks of a return to their failed policies that put this country in the mess that it is in. 

The President warned that change would not be easy and it has been just that with Republicans being hell-bent on denying the President a victory on any solution he brings forward. Although progress has been slow, I think the media and pollsters have miscalculated the true mood of the majority of voters in this country in their prediction of wide-sweeping GOP victories in the mid-terms. Let me be the first to say they we supporters of real change have not been drinking the kool-aid. We may have taken a nap because of the toughness of the fight to elect Mr. Obama in the first place, but we are now awakened. And quite frankly, we don't intend to sit these elections out because they are just too important. 

There is a surprise coming in November when voters will soundly reject the GOP politics of no progress. Maybe then, Republicans will stop their stupidity and their selfish 24/7 campaigning and honestly work to dig America out of the hole that their leadership put it in. We can only hope. 

Tonight I Gave a Homeless Man Five Dollars…Was It Socialism?

When the temperature outside is 26 degrees it’s not a good time to make overly critical value judgments about the plight of another human being.  That’s why tonight I gave five dollars to a man down on his luck asking for a handout. I later wondered if some might consider my action, Socialism.

It wasn’t subsidizing a major corporation or giving tax breaks to the rich and famous, both acceptable behaviors, but instead mine was an act of compassion for another person in need. And it felt good. It was freezing cold outside and I wish I could have done more.  The man thanked me as he hurried inside the supermarket perhaps to buy some hot coffee by which to stay warm.

Socialism and its meaning as defined by some, comes into the equation, because as I listened to the many arguments against health care reform, a recurring theme was that most people were happy with their insurance coverage and health care reform was socialized medicine. Well, I too am satisfied with my insurance, but my support for health care reform is less of a personal need and more of a desire to help persons less fortunate.

We certainly are a nation of hypocrites. We can heartily profess love and concern for the welfare of our brothers and sisters inside our church walls and exhibit little or no empathy for others once we exit our places of worship. So is it really Socialism to help someone or is it merely a distortion of Christian virtues? All too often the answer will depend on where the question gets asked.

The Best Thing About Mondale and Gore Losing

The best thing about Walter Mondale and Joe Lieberman losing their races to the White House is that we didn't get Geraldine Ferraro and Joe Lieberman as Vice Presidents. I believe that Mondale and Gore would have been good U.S. Presidents if they had gotten the chance to serve. On the other hand, I get a level of satisfaction in knowing that Ferraro and Lieberman did not get close to the seat of power. Unlike the beer commercial that declares "they were who we thought they were", those two certainly were not who we thought they were. 

I didn't recognize the Geraldine Ferraro that showed up during the 2008 Presidential Campaign that pitted Barack Obama against Hillary Clinton. That was a case of former Democratic Vice-Presidential nominees gone wild. And Joe Lieberman?  I have to admit that I never had any passion for that guy, but I did like Al Gore. But with Gore, you would have gotten Lieberman and that quite frankly was worth Gore losing. Lieberman is turning out to be quite the "career politician." He seems to be willing to do or say anything to hold on to his Senate seat. His interference to achieving worthwhile health care reform is unacceptable. Too bad he isn't putting the amount of required effort into passing legitimate health care reform as he is in the global warming initial. I hope that Connecticut can field a credible candidate to run against this wolf sheep's clothing. Nuff said.

Reason for Celebration: Lou Dobbs Leaves CNN

The first question that comes to mind with the news that Lou Dobbs is out at CNN, is CNN what took you so long? Dobbs really had become a drag on the station and its trademark slogan of being unbiased in its reporting. It seems that Dobbs was forever talking through clenched teeth at the mere mention of President Obama.  I guess he never could get over the President taking him to task during the 2008 Presidential Campaign about his negative views about immigration. Dobbs wouldn't let his Obama chastisement go and now it's time for him to go. And it's not a second too soon!

CBS Video recommendation

Check out this free video from CBS. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/15/obama-asked-why-do-people_n_323251.html Watch it now!

President Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize...Another Proud Moment

The poet Robert Burns wrote that "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray." That astute observation is never more evident than today when despite his many naysayers, President Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The President must be feeling an energy infusion. When President Obama "failed" to deliver the 2016 Olympics to Chicago, his detractors celebrated even though when I last checked, Chicago was still a part of the United States. "Obama was losing his influence in the world", they scoffed. I assume these flag waving critics wanted an exemption for their "uncharacteristic" un-American behavior. When the President showed that he was really serious about tackling the numerous problems that stressed this country like the economy, health care, climate control, and the Iraq War, his critics recoiled even more.  “Wait” they said. To their surprise and apparent disappointment, he was trying to do too much too soon. President Obama was not trying to protect his "rock star" image and it really must have been agonizing for them to watch their "empty suit" myth be so easily dispelled.

Now by awarding him the Nobel Peace prize, members of the global community have given the President a huge pat on the back and encouragement for his attempts to restore a sense of civility and cooperation in the world. So in an encore to the exhilaration I felt on November 4, 2008 with the election of Barack Obama as U. S. President, this is a proud moment for me and no doubt many others who believe that the time for change has come. The President continues to remind us that change will not come easy. Yet even when blowhards like Rush Limbaugh attack him 24/7 on talk radio and television, or during fake demonstrations, or by displaying bad manners during national presidential addresses, I hope that President Obama knows he is not alone and that many more of us have his back. 

Mr. President, we really are proud of you and celebrate this very special moment with you. So press on in your efforts! Keep pressing on! Your labor has not been in vain.

Limbaugh Says He Is Not a Racist

Rush Limbaugh on his radio show today said that he is not a racist.  He was trying to make the point that white people who criticize blacks or in particularly President Obama are wrongly classified as racists.  He gave an example how his dear old mammy, I mean his family's domestic servant, Bertie helped raise him and his brother. And he continued to say that one day when his family took Bertie home they were appalled by her living conditions.  They were so concerned in fact that his father helped Bertie move to a better home.  Rush seemed to imply that since he had empathy for his dear old mammy, I mean house servant Bertie, he can't be racist. 

Rush would be even more shock to know that old Bertie probably only worked as his family's servant because better jobs were denied to her because of her race. So cleaning up behind his nasty posterior was probably more of a necessity than a choice. But I don't know whether Rush is racist or not because I don't know what is inside his heart.  However, his actions and rhetoric are consistent with those of someone who is a race-baiter.  I think that playing upon the prejudices of other white people is a game for him and a means to an end. A very lucrative end I might add.

Lee Atwater whose Willie Horton ad helped elect George H. W. Bush president, was a master political strategist and expert race-baiter. On his death bed while dying of cancer, Atwater repented for his sins and asked forgiveness from the people he had harmed through his political campaigns.  His contrite act prompted Atwater's Republican colleagues to turn on him more viciously than a lion chomping on its prey. Now I doubt if Atwater was a racist, but he was adept at pushing the buttons of the people who were.  So the lesson is simple. You may not be a racist, but if you engage in race-baiting tactics, it doesn't make a difference.

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) Calls the U.S. President a Liar...Are You Kidding Me?

There is no hiding place for Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) who called the President of the United States a liar during President Obama's speech to millions of Americans. Are you kidding me?  This lame-brain from my neighboring state of South Carolina went mad-mob town hall style crazy and made a complete fool of himself.  The people who sent this idiot to Congress must be feeling really proud. Surely there was someone else available. Anybody.

As much as anyone, I was surprised when Joe Wilson made his stupid and childish outburst.  Then I became angry.  This guy is a United States Congressman.  I initially had harsh thoughts about the State of South Carolina.  But there are good people in South Carolina.  Joe Wilson stands alone on his own island and rightfully so.  Does anyone expect Wilson to contribute anything of value to a grownup discussion about health care reform?

Joe Wilson and a lot of his Republican colleagues definitely do not have the best interests of everyday Americans without adequate health care at heart. They apparently still harbor too much anger about losing a national election to effectively do their jobs.  This is the mentality that President Obama must defeat in order to bring about health care reform.  Although I know it was not his intention, I think that Joe Wilson with his silliness actually helped the President's cause.  And President Obama impressed me that he is ready to rumble.

Health Care Reform is GOP's Waterloo, Not President Obama's

Senator Jim DeMint and his Republican cronies would have you believe that health care reform will be a Waterloo moment for President Barack Obama. It is quite the contrary. The Waterloo moment belongs to Republicans who have everything to lose.  After having maintained a 24/7 assault upon President Obama in an attempt to weaken his presidency, Republicans now perceive they have a winner with their organized opposition to health care reform.  Imagine that, the GOP for political gain has no shame in their game nor any reservation to sticking it to everyday Americans. Republicans are desperate for a victory and see a defeat of health care reform as the Promised Land.  Anything less than their total defeat of health care reform means farewell to the Republican Party as a major political force in America, but the demise of the GOP is eminent.

America has changed and is not excited about reversing course on a movement away from political gridlock.  Sensible Americans want progress to continue and are smart enough to understand that helping a neighbor who is less fortunate is not Socialism, but a principle of compassion taught and advocated by Jesus Christ. You would think that Bible-thumping Republicans would know better. A question I hear posed repeatedly is whether an individual is satisfied with their insurance plan.  More times than not the answer has been yes.  But health care reform is biggest than looking out for number one. It is needed to help the 48 million Americans whose insurance coverages are inadequate or nonexistence.  

It defies logic how right-wing Republicans can be so selfish or how Blue Dog Democrats can so easily check their spines at the door in order to retain Congressional seats. Dedicated servants of the people would rather lose their precious seats than lose their integrity by being a sellout.  It is a pathetic situation to witness. Some of these good men and women sing "When We All Get to Heaven" in church on Sunday morning, then exit the church doors and proceed to make life a living hell for many others who are less fortunate. For some, even Christian values are not sacred.  But there is another song sung entitled "They Will Know We Are Christians" by our love. It is not a selfish love for ourselves or our possessions, but refers to the love we demonstrate to others by our actions.

In the end, it is by our love that we show people we care about their problems. Every American should have access to adequate health care.  It is a need that is everyone's responsibility to ensure that it becomes a reality. We cannot leave that humanitarian act to chance or allow complacency to result in a self-serving GOP victory enabled by faux Democrats or the mainstream media that long ago lost its way.  It is time for compassionate people to mount up and join the fight for health care reform.  I think that President Obama will make it clear in his Wednesday night speech that he will lead that charge. I predict the eventual outcome will not favor the opposition.

Win One For Teddy, Pass Health Care Reform

America lost a genuine hero and champion of everyday people with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.  Teddy showed us how much we can achieve when we refuse to succumb to personal failings.  It's a known fact we can be our worst enemy and the biggest hindrance to personal success. But Teddy after experiencing so many bumps in the road, recovered to become maybe the greatest Senator in the history of the United States. His many detractors unwittingly may have been his biggest motivators.

Teddy had a problem with alcohol abuse and who can blame him after having to deal with the loss of all his brothers and a sister early in his life.  What an awesome burden?  I think I can cut him some slack.  Yet I am amazed that so many people with weaknesses (that would be everybody) hold Kennedy and others like Michael Vick to hypocritical standards that lack empathy or compassion.

A major lesson we can learn from Teddy's life is never delegate responsibility for personal success or failure to others. This week as television fed us a steady diet of Teddy's successes and failures, I couldn't help but think about Senator Jim DeMint's proclamation that "passage (or the lack thereof) of health care reform would be President Obama's watershed moment." If DeMint was paying attention, surely he came to the realization that life and political careers are full of watershed moments. Using DeMint's rationale, it could be said that health care reform is a Teddy Kennedy watershed moment as well. But given the obvious respect and affection that Democrat and Republican lawmakers had for Teddy, I hope they will put partisan politics on hold and pass a comprehensive health care reform bill.  What better opportunity exists to solidify the legacy of a friend. The "Gipper" aside, I hope they do it for Teddy.  May he find rest from his labor.

GOP Staging "Spontaneous" Protests to Healthcare Reform...Really?

Democrats are claiming that GOP operatives are staging fake spontaneous outbursts during town hall meetings held to talk about health care reform.  Wow imagine that, the GOP playing games with health care reform.  I find myself being redundant by asking the question, where is the surprise...isn't that what the GOP does? More pressing questions are why do Americans tolerate such theatrics and where does the GOP find these members of the so-called "country first" crowd who reveal by their actions that they care about anything but the best interests of Americans or America. Millions of Americans suffer daily from not having adequate or any health care and this bunch of clowns only care about playing and winning at political games.  It just boggles the mind that these shenanigans are allowed to work. The GOP is counting on that trend to continue so that they can accomplish their stated mission to prevent President Obama from being successful at any cost.

Republicans are consistent with their efforts to be obstructionists. Sensible people must be just as consistent with their efforts to stand up for righteousness and fight, fight, fight for what we know is right. Are we our brother's keepers? I think so. Political detractors call that Socialism. I call it being sensitive to the plight of others and caring about those who may be less fortunate.  I listened to an interesting conversation on the radio the other day where it was stated that most Americans are satisfied with their current health care coverage or the current health care system.  If that's true, the "satisfied" referred to must be those who have never been unemployed and uninsured or never been denied coverage or payment of an insurance claim because of a "pre-existing medical condition." Satisfied? I don't think so.  Can we have a better health care system?  Yes we can. Will it be easy to accomplish? No it will not because preservers of the status quo never sleep. Americans who want an improved health care system must not let sleep either!

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Blue Dog Democrats or Just Plain Yellow on Health Care Reform?

President Obama must be thinking "Ain't this a Beeswax" in reference to some Democrats collaborating with the GOP to try and derail the President's intent to bring much needed health care reform to America. Talk about working across the aisle. At a minimum, the President must be hearing in his head the old O'Jays hit, "Back Stabbers." One has to wonder about the motivation of these so-called Blue Dog Democrats who side with the obstructionists Republicans. The Republicans have made no secret of their wish to challenge the President for the sake of the exercise. Isn't that what they do? However I am particularly offended and irritated by Democrats who may be wolves in sheep's clothing. Maybe these Democrats should change their name from Blue Dog to Old Yellow with apologies to the real Old Yeller.  That description or just plain yellow seems to better fit their actions.

With the election of Barack Obama, the country voted for change instead of more of the same. The President warned us about those who would fight to keep the status quo.  And let's be fair about this, they are not all Republicans.  The actions of Republicans and Old Yellows alike who appear immune to the pain and suffering of everyday Americans living without adequate health care, should not be applauded. Their feet should be held to the fire by persons in their districts when they run for reelection.  Why should they be reelected when they have shown themselves to be insensitive to the health care needs of their constituents. Don't they care that people are suffering?  Old Yellows should look into the eyes of those who lack health care and ponder the effect of their delay on the health and well being of many who are suffering.

To know pain is to feel pain.  Do they feel pain? Most Old Yellows are very wealthy with the added luxury of having a congressional health care plan. Still they should be ashamed if their actions prevent the country from adopting an effective health care plan and settles for the watered-down version supported by their GOP comrades.The GOP has been grasping at straws since the election. They must be especially gleeful that their obstructionistic plans are getting an assist from insiders. "Et tu, Brute"? The President should be very wary of back stabbers who call themselves friends. " Somehow, I think he is and won't be terribly surprised when he emerges victorious despite the land mines being placed in his path by "allies."

The Professor, the Police Officer, and the President

I think most of us are familiar with the phrase "let cooler heads prevail." On the outside looking in that was probably not the case with the situation where Harvard Professor Skip Gates was arrested by Cambridge Massachusetts Police Officer James Crowley. I can see where Professor Gates might have gotten a little testy if he perceived that Officer Crowley had pressured him more than was required to establish his identity as he stood in his own residence. I can also see where Officer Crowley might have intentionally pressed harder if he perceived that Professor Gates had unduly resisted his request for cooperation.

I also understand President Obama coming to the defense of a friend whom he felt might have been mistreated or been the victim of racial profiling since it falls within the realm of reality. Since he is the President of the United States and doesn't always check his polling numbers before he responds, President Obama's candidness, Professor Gates' resistance, and Officer Crowley's insistence on making what was in my opinion an ill-advised arrest, extended the shelf life of an unfortunate incident. 

Yet hindsight is 20/20. I think all principals would agree to a do-over if it was possible. In Bible study, my pastor taught that it is not a sin to get angry.  He said the sin occurs when we stay angry. Judging from their recent positive actions, it appears that the central cast members of this short story are repentance, wish to reconcile their differences and move forward. It remains to be seen if casual spectators, the mainstream media, and interfering back seat drivers let them.

The GOP and Their Waterloo Moments

U.S. Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina called President Obama's push for sensible health care reform as his Waterloo moment.  But wait, for Republicans hasn't everything that the President has tried to accomplish been his Waterloo moment? Do we detect a pattern here for the GOP? Oppose everything and if the President fails, make some ridiculous assertion that the President's agenda is facing widespread rejection by the American people.

Surprise, surprise. President Obama who has a lot of fight in him is not rolling over for DeMint as he hasn't for any of his political opponents.  Now it sounds like Sen. DeMint wishes he had chosen his words (or his opponent) more carefully. What's that rule, "to kick butt you have to bring butt." In other words, the good senator from South Carolina should have anticipated that when he threw a punch at this President, this President would punch back. I guess with one South Carolina politician out of the presidential picture, the good senator had hoped to fill the void. Oh well, all is not lost. With a name like DeMint, he can always open up a candy store. However, I would advise him against stocking jawbreakers. Ouch!

Rush Limbaugh Gets Stimulus Package from President Obama

I just left my car where "for entertainment purposes only", I listened to Rush Limbaugh rant about President Barack Obama. Limbaugh repeatedly referred to "our side", "us" and "we" as being this huge ground swell of opposition to the President and his policies. He said that "they" didn't need to moderate their viewpoint but instead should promote "a good looking conservative with charisma" to offset similar qualities found in the President. I thought to myself, who are these people that Rush keeps referring to and why haven't they stepped forward to be recognized? He can't be including Colin Powell and Tom Ridge and Karl Rove doesn't count. I guess Limbaugh after trying to sell President Bush to the American people is ecstatic to have President Obama as a convenience "prop" for his talking points that will allow him to grow his profit margin for years.

Call that Limbaugh getting a stimulus package from President Obama. It may be an indirect bailout, but make no mistake about it, the great entertainer is taking full advantage of it. Limbaugh sounded absolutely giddy as he went through his monologue on the radio. Ching, ching. Limbaugh complained about the stagnant GDP. Does he even know what the letters represent? I doubt it. Does it matter to his followers (now that's a scary thought)? Ditto. Like the "Energizer Bunny", Limbaugh went on and on jumping from one Obama criticism to the next. Blah blah blah blah blah. Try listening to that gobbledygook for an extended period of time. Talk about torture, water-boarding has nothing on Rush Limbaugh.

If you really want to make an enemy combatant talk, pipe Limbaugh into their cell and they will sing like a canary, "Make it stop, I will tell you everything!"  As nauseating as it is, don't expect Limbaugh to change his script any time soon, because President Obama is going to be around for a long time. Limbaugh is counting on it. He can't be so stupid to think that his gibberish is winning converts. The GOP numbers are shrinking. So if the goal is not to increase the base, then it's reasonable to conclude that it must be to sell the product line! Therefore, it's not credible for Limbaugh to accuse the President of moving the country towards Socialism. Since as long as Limbaugh shamelessly uses the President as a prop, he presents himself as evidence that the Free Enterprise System is in no danger of collapsing.

Powell to Rush, Cheney: There is room for me in the GOP

"Rush Limbaugh says, 'Get out of the Republican Party.' Dick Cheney says, 'He's already out.' I may be out of their version of the Republican Party, but there's another version of the Republican Party waiting to emerge once again," Powell told a crowd of 1,500 business leaders in Boston that included the Patriots QB, Tom Brady.

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A Chorus of Republican Voices Struggles With Tone

It is certainly not lost on Republicans that there has been a sharp rise in the number of Americans who think the country is headed in the right direction since Mr. Obama has taken office.

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Obama pokes fun of Republicans Clinton self at annual dinner

"During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days."


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Palin Popularity Plunging in Polls

Sarah Palin is no longer the most popular governor in the country...Alaskans are starting to get it. Palin's job approval numbers have dropped consistently since she came back from the Hate Talk Express tour. Neglect doesn't play well here..Sarah Palin has dug her naughty monkey heels in; she is selfishly refusing $28.6 million in State Energy...

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Dave Bing Elected Detroit's Mayor

Dave Bing Elected Detroit's Mayor

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Fox News Caught Repeatedly Cropping, Manipulating Video

Yet more evidence of Fox News' attempts to deliberately misrepresent the words of Democratic Party officials through editing videos.

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Senate Guru: Stupid Republican Tricks

Some Republicans are just mind-numbingly stupid. Here are three such cases from the last 24-hours or so:

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Obama Press Briefing Visit: Outlines Supreme Court Views

With his chief counsel and chief of staff by his side, Barack Obama made a surprise visit to the press briefing room on Friday, addressing the retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter and laying our what kind of appointment he would make in his place.

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White House already on a hunt to replace Souter

A process begun months ago among White House lawyers to quietly compile a list of possible Supreme Court picks has accelerated with word Justice David Souter plans to step down form the bench later this year.

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Obama: Stamp out credit card 'abuses'

President meets with execs to press his case for consumer protections - a day after House panel OKs bill limiting increases on rates and fees....

My credit card company raised my rates by more than 6 percent even though I have excellent credit, when I told him I would have to go shop around he reminded me that my credit score would go down.

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