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. 

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."

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.

Rush Limbaugh Subjects Are Still Kissing His Ring

Some of us have been there.  When we tried to hide our collective deceit we asked the other person to try not to make it look so obvious.  You know, like sit on the other side of the table or show up at a different time, come in a different door or play the good cop, bad cop routine. I suspect that Rush Limbaugh has required more.  The leader of the Republican Party appears to have demanded his subjects to enter the room at the same time and kneel down and kiss his ring...in public. 

Rush Limbaugh has made it no secret that he wants President Obama to fail.  In his normal arrogant manner, the entertainer shouted it to the world.  When Michael Steele, the figurehead leader of the GOP objected, Limbaugh banished him to the dungeon. Now it's Bobby Jindal and Fred Thompson in a lockstep unity chorus singing praises to King Limbaugh that they want the President to fail.  Is it coincidental that Jindal and Thompson are singing the same GOP lyrics? I don't think so. One is a past presidential hopeful failure and one is a hopeful doomed to fail. To earn their commission, it seems that Limbaugh has required them to market an outdated product to an enlightened public. It won't sell beyond talk radio, because we the American people have tasted change and we like it much better.  

Persons with common sense will never allow Limbaugh to pick the next or any future president of the United States.  Sadly for some, presidential aspirations is an addictive drug that clouds good judgment. So expect the kissing of Rush's ring by the GOP to continue. If Jindal and Thompson have friends, someone should wake them while the train is still at the station to help them avoid the fate of becoming modern day "Rip Van Winkles" forced to face the reality that (civil)ization has left them behind.

It's the GOP's Mini Initiatives vs. Obama's Many Initiatives

President Barack Obama has undertaken a very ambitious agenda for his administration.  The economy, the War in Iraq, stem-cell research, health care....  The GOP wants him to proceed more slowly.  They claim that the President's plate is too full and his strategies are wrong.  Having observed Mr. Obama during the presidential campaign, I am confident that he has a well thought out plan to achieve his desired objectives.  I think the President's decision to go full speed ahead is a firewall against efforts by the GOP to act as obstructionists.  It is no surprise to me that yet again his strategies appear to be far superior to those of his opposition.

Nonetheless, the GOP is still trying to promote an outdated agenda that the American people soundly rejected with their election of President Obama.  Similar to questionable tactics used during the campaign season, the GOP is tossing things up into the air and waiting to see where they land and it they sprout roots. In other words, while the President to pushing ahead with many initiatives, the GOP is pushing ahead with mini initiatives designed to derail him. 

There have been the Rush Limbaugh silliness about wanting the President to fail, GOP Governors playing politics with stimulus bailout monies and the latest, GOP U.S. Congressman Bill Posey trying to get traction with yet another silly Republican effort to insinuate that the President is not legally qualified for his office. They are using their trademark wedge driving tactics to try and distract the public from serious business. Are Republicans really that dense? Do they think that Americans are in a "hoodwink me" state of mind?  They don't get it. Then again, maybe they do and just don't give a damn about anything but a selfish obsession to return GOP dinosaurs to power. A mid-term elections spanking may be the only stimulus that will convince them to straighten up and walk right.