Upcoming Essays for 2011

It's never too late to say what you think. So this year I will finally finish writing my essays on the Tea Party movement then I will write so much more as time allows. Here are the following titles:

Tea Party Whine
Who are these people? Before it was just another political splinter group, just another lame protest movement that probably thought they compared to the political movement of the 60's but were really just a mockery. Now they've placed Republicans into half of the Senate and pushed the Democrats back into a minority in Congress. Before I thought that there might be some people interested in them and what they stand for. Now I'm filled with unease with these people and the people they support. Stay tuned.

Oh Shit! The revolution was televised!
Who would have bet that there would be a revolution in Tunisa? Not a lot of people to be sure! But that there are three revolutions happening one after another? Amazing! So of course I had to write my take on it. And as soon as I write it you'll see it here first. :)

A fine time to be neutral! Do something Washington!
Of course once the 'Wow' factor had worn off, I couldn't help but to wonder what we as Americans should do to help. Should we help at all? Should we mind our damn business? American Foreign policy is kinda batting at 000 in things that American government shouldn't be involved in. Iraq keeps spring up as an example.
But in the case of Libya the American government should help. If only to clean up the mistakes of previous adminstrations. Although I'm not gunho for another war by any means perhaps a minor distraction of Naval boats just might give some of Muammar Gaddafi's paid mercenaries pause. Further research on my part might pull out some insights that some people might share.

So that's three of my planned essays. Hope I pull it off! Please stop by and read them. Even if you don't agree with my opinions I can only hope for some kind of dialog.

Congratulations Mr. President: Now En Guard!

Started the Draft on old-fashion paper in November, finished writing it on the day of our Presidents inauguration in my blog. Hope you enjoyed it. If not I at least I hope it engenders intelligent and civil debate. Peace! Clueuin

On November 10, 2008 Daily News headline: Smiles, Tension.

 It was about the transition of presidential power in the White House and the meeting between Former President George W. Bush and then President Elect Barack Obama. The article by Kenneth R Bazinet also mentioned the possible reversal for Bush's longstanding orders; (or should we call them edicts?)

That article started me thinking about the long road ahead for president-Elect Obama. I promised myself that I would take a deep look into how President-Elect; now President Obama will be doing as our current President. But as he just started his presidency I don't have much to say. However as with everybody and their grandma I do have an opinion on what he should do during his first 100 days.

First things first, watch you back President Obama. Right now your the media's darling and almost everyone's hero but heroes have an Achilles heal and people in Washington D.C (mostly in the media but in the Capital Buildings as well) have a way to blow up weakness and mistakes.If you don't think so just ask your collegleuges and predecessors who have had the job before you. Just today just after your inauguration their were pundits already talking about not enough applause in space in between your speech. I for one found myself for the first time since Clinton firmly focused on what you had to say. Those who were looking for stirring moments that would drive people into a frenzy of cheers and hoping weren't really listening to you firmly shake people out of their 'what are we going to do' pity party into a 'pick yourself up, dust yourself off' and do something to facilitate change as soon as possible speech. Your speech was about remember how Americans in the past worked hard in the best and worst of times to make this country great and that we Can do it again. What they wanted was for your to practically hold then in your big lean arms, hug them and say 'there, there'. They have yet to realize that you are not that kind of President.

President Reagan did that to the intelligentsia, Big Business, and the disenfranchise and all we Americans got for it was Tax incentives for the Rich and the Nicaraguan Scandal. Not to mention we're still recovering and had a repeat of a recession that leads us to be the highest debited country in the world.

No Mr. President, I for one would not accept platitudes and lies in exchange for honest truth and wise solutions. Just as we didn't need former President Bush promises to make things better for middle-class Americans but instead plunged American into a War we did not need to get into and an economy that was blinded to the idea of fair play and honest dealings.

So what are some of the things you must watch out for? Well I've comprised a couple of things that you Mr. President, (oh how I love writing that!), might want to look out for.

Firstly don't let Congress lull you into a false sense of security. Not that your can't trust your Congresspeople in the Democratic party and some of the Republican that are willing to cross party lines for you, (however few), but as the days and weeks go by they might convenietly forget that your have lifted their tails from between their legs and given them pride in the Democratic Party once more. Their minds might start to drift to lobbyist, Corporations, and Critics and such people who's only need is their need to collect as much money and power as they can amass. Their only human of course and they might get the idea that you are just a flash in the pan that they can used as their poster boy for how great opportunities can be had in American.

Show them that your more than just a symbol and a convenient figurehead that they can use to bamboozle the American public into thinking that things can be that bad in Washington. 'Look we have a Black President ain't life grand!' Put them to work President Obama and keep an eye on them!

Secondly, although it is nice that you can be civil to some Republicans and other Conservative members of the Politico you must keep this in mind. Some of them are not your friends, they are the smiling masks that will tell you that everything is fine the next minute then turn right round and find something wrong that they did and make you the fall guy. Case in point, Former President Clinton, not only did they make him look like a philandering fool, (mind you he didn't need much help in that regard, but it's just the hypocrisy of those a-holes in Washington just grinded my oats I tell ya!), but way after he left office they practically had the nerve to try and blame President Clinton for the situation in Iraq. Here he is trying to be the best Diplomatic President since Kennedy and there they are trying to say that if he had just continued the Gulf War past Saudi Arabia into Iraq we wouldn't be in this difficulty. So what the Republican Politico's were saying was that if only Clinton had become a War Monger in Chief we wouldn't be in such grief now. They have practically blamed 9/11 on the guy! Sheesh!

These are the people whom you will have to deal with and work with on a daily basis. I don't mean to total bash all Republicans of course some of them work very hard for their constituencies  and want to keep a level eye on spending. It's just that some will cut and slash needed programs in a rush to save money one minute and the next spend lavish amounts on pork policies before your can say, 'Bridge to Nowhere'. Keep an eye on the bad ones and cultivate to good ones till they wouldn't take a tax break for the Rich even if the NRA had guns to their Grandmas' heads!

Finally, Mr. President I wish to advise you to pay close attention to the needs of the average Americans like me who are living paycheck to paycheck, deferring their dreams until things get better. We need your help now more than ever and if you disappoint us the Media, pundits, and Critics will be the least of your worries.

Mr. President, En Guard!

Willamsburg: Welcome to the 21 Century!!!!!

This was written some months ago and I think you get a feel of where I'm coming from when you read this. This aian't your mama's liberal democrats ba-by! Enjoy! I'm working on the article even as we speak. I promise you'll likey! ;)

It's all cool really, to believe in what you want to believe in that is why I call myself a Spritual Activist. I'll be the first @itch on line to defend anyone's right to pray, meditate, sing, jump up and down in airports, whatever! I'm not perfect, sometimes I slip, then I just pray or meditate or joke about my flaws, ask God to forgive me and move on. But some people think that their religions viewpoint is the only viewpoint that matters. I guess it's o.k when it's inside your home, at your church, sometimes those people get lucky and get whole blocks of like minded indivduals to impress their religious viewpoint on each other. Like the Amish, the luckless people in Texas, or our friends in Williamsburg. So at this point your wondering what had gotten me on this tear. Well I'll tell you, in fact I'll show you.

HASID LUST CAUSE
CULTURE CLASH OVER SEXY CYCLISTS

By RICH CALDER

(Saw this little bute in the New York Post this morning. This my friends is one Genuine No holds barred Genifried Neighborhood. Told you Kensington and maybe sometimes Flatbush isn't as bad as some neighborhoods. But enough of my blabbing, read on.)

It's the Hasids vs. the hotties in a Brooklyn bike war.
Leaders of South Wil liamsburg's Hasidic community said yesterday that bike lanes that bring scantily clad cyclists - especially sexy women - peddling through their neighborhood are definitely not kosher.
The red-faced religious sect is calling on city officials to eliminate the car-free lanes on Wythe and Bedford avenues, and to delay construction of a new one planned for Kent Avenue.

(O.k for more of this precious tidbit go tohttp://www.nypost.com/seven/09122008/news/regionalnews/hasid_lust_cause_128750.htm

enjoy and discuss friends, enjoy and discuss)

To my friends in Williamsburg,

I say this:

Welcome to the 21 Century!

Moving Out of your Political Comfort Zone- The Bailout, folks don't panic!

I usually don't do this; I mean write political articles, except for the occasional comments I send to my favorite blog: Life on Terra Firma, (I like the articles written by NY Nerd. Hey Gurl!). My fellow blogger 'Chris' is one of the members that run the blog, (and I'm thinking runs the thing with NY Nerd). At anyrate no more shout outs, let's get back to business.



The reason why I'm writing this on this blog today is that this whole bailout thing is pissing me off. It's got me so heated up that I'm writing in my blog that is usually dedicated to fun stuff going on in Brooklyn and NYC. But I had no other choice, it's a writer's responsibility to write the truth as they see it and this writer is got to write the truth as I see it!



Now everybody has heard the reason's why this bailout is soooo important and hopefully have heard the other side of why it's not. I mean the Government and Wall Street have pressed the panic button and cried wolf because their afraid of what this means to their rich supporters pocket books.



They've gotten half of Congress and via them half of some Americans thinking that if this bailout doesn't happen that if Wall Street falls we will be headed for another recession.

News Flash people, we are in a Recession Now! We have been since last year as Unemployment steadily climbed up and foreclosers where coming up left and right. So what do they do? Ignore the problem till it becomes to late, affect Wall Street because of the loans they supported with the mortgage companies via stock loans. Oh look now it's Fall 2008 and oh dear we have a problem Huston! Now would the government please be so kind as to give us the money to pay of the debts of the failing banks and mortgage companies so that they don't go bankrupt. Huh!



No matter that taxes go up, the very thing that the Republicans swear up and down that their going to prevent. No matter that the American people will be the ones cleaning up the mess. Oh no let's go down to Washington vote for the bill and then while we're added drag the Democratic Senate into the mess!



Now I know that their are some people that noted that Pelosi supported the bill the first time around but the ole gal had a bit of a trick up her sleeve where as she ask dems to support the bill but not if their consciences or their constituents would not let them. There by lessening the votes and making it easier for some in Congress, (Strangely enough both Rep and Dems), to not vote yes. So as you can see their are some people in Washington with some sense. (Not much but it's all we got, for now. Shush NY Nerd! I know, I know!)



But now what is happening the Dow Jones takes another dip and all of a sudden it's a certainty that this bill is needed. (Luckily for me I checked that little box that said all this is adult content but pardon my french anyway.) Bullshit! The media had said it's because that the first time it didn't go though it was because constituents called up their Representatives in Washington stating that they didn't like the idea because it affected Wall Street not Main Street. But now these same constituents seeing how the low Dow Jones has fallen down to 777 think that now all of a sudden that this will affect Main Street. Yeah, hmm, hmm, yeah right whatever!



Look just in case there is a minority group of people out there who are shaking in their boots right now about what will happen if the bail out doesn't go thur. (Though as of this writing it looks like your fondest wish will come true.) I am going to drag you from out of your comfort zone for a bit.



First of all, now listen cause I'm only going to say this once, it will not have that much of an effect on Main Street America. I'm no financial analyst or a political pundit but I'm going to give it a go and break it down for you. If you don't have any investments in Wall Street it won't affect you, if you don't have a bank account with these following banks it won't affect you : Wacovia,IndyMac Bancorp, AIG, Washinton Mutual, and countless others, if you don't have an investment in one of the investment firms like Bear Sterns, one more time people, it won't affect you! If you own a home that is in mortgage with one of the formentioned banks then yes you are having some issues and I feel for you I really do. (But hey I live in an apartment building and if my Landlord has trouble with his bank I'm as screwed as you are. So back to Main Street shall we?)

So of course your saying well Clueuin let's say I am one of those people, what the heck can I do?
If you can pay off your mortgage before it's to late. If your in forecloser; well I did mention that I'm not a Financial analyst or anything? So all I can say is that my prayers for what is worth are with you. If you haven't been laid off due to the carelessness of Corporate American then your better off than you think and when you move to new digs (if God forbid your not homeless or anything), do not what ever you do when you get a second chance to get a home and your paid off, get a second mortgage. It is in my humble opinion one of the reasons we're in this mess to start with. Real and more honest Financial analysts have been saying for years that this borrowing money with credit and getting second mortgages to pay off your debts was not a good financial idea. (Now in the interest of full discloser I've got credit card debt up the ying yang because I thought that it was a good idea at the time to use my college loans as collateral to get credit. That might be a subject for a later time, might not but take from my experience a cautionary tale at best.) As it is I can see no light at the end of the tunnel from Wall Street getting this Bailout.

So there you are in the majority of people who didn't do all those things to get yourself in this mess or in some cases the mess the banks and corporations have gotten some people in; and your wondering if this will affect you. It won't if your not in the above mentioned situations.
So why does America need this bailout. It doesn't! If the banks were doing there jobs safe keeping our money instead of speculating in Wall Street, if the mortgages hadn't loaned people with bad credit at high interest rates that they could ill afford to payback when this mini-recession hit leading to the forecloser crisis, and if Wall Street had not backed this same loans, they wouldn't need the U.S government to pull their fat out of the fire.

All those years of threatening to cut spending to programs that help people like medicaid, all those years of throwing a hissy fit as the mere mention of a United Health Care (which would save millions for small and big businesses alike), all those years of overseas investments and sending jobs over to India (without due compensation to said employees of that country I might add), then expecting the American government to give these same business taxes breaks. Then turning around and saying that; 'America is a country that expects people to pick themselves up by their own boot straps and should not expect the American government to aid them through government aid'. (Whoever said that is a booby!) And what happens when they fuck up?

I tell you what! Waa, waa, if you don't help us America is going to be in a financial crises and fall into a recession if you don't help us clean up our mistakes. If any social needing group like the elderly, the unemployed, or any disenfranchise group came to Congress with the same plea all Congress would do is cater to any lobbyists making a squawk about how this will affect what ever Corporate industry felt like they would take a hit in making profits and say no. But because it's Wall Street and other corporate identities we the American tax payer is suppose to Bail them out! They must be crazy!

Ladies and Gentlemen if this bill goes through it will be the American people on Main Street that will be screwed! If not with higher taxes because as of this writing this bill is being revised to prevent that. (Big F*ing deal!) Then with Corporate America never ever again taking responsibility for it's actions because all it's has to due is continue what it's doing in it's laid offs, transfers of business overseas that will bring about even higher unemployment. Then (and this is when it get confusing even for me folks) that's when Main Street will feel it babies! That's when we will all be standing on line at the food banks. (As it is I know I'm seeing my fair share of former middle management types standing in line with me as late.) So as it stands I hope that their are still some holdouts in Congress that will not say yea to this bill in any of it's guises.
It's time Corporate America to pull up you own freaking bootstraps!

That's my two cents for what it's worth.

Peace,
Clueuin

Congradulations President-Elect Obama- Please be Patient as I am working on a piece that just might help you out. :)

Yeah folks you heard me. (Or at least you've read the title.)

It's taking me awhile to complete my article. Not my fault the guy keeps introducing new potential cabinet members every few days. Sheesh!

Any if Mr. Barrack Obama and you are patient then you will see that it was worth the wait.

Meanwhile enjoy and oldy but goody from when the shit hit the fan and the writing was on the wall. See ya!

Peace,

Clueuin