Democrats Buyer’s Remorse

        So, are you buying it?  Are you buying the idea that the celebrity,the media and political pundits are perpetuating; that the Democrats and Barack Obama has this Presidential election all tied up?  And if you are buying it…are you hearing a little voice inside your head saying…anything that looks too good to be true, probably isn’t True?  If so, you should listen to it.  Vote your conscience…the voice in your head that tells you the the right thing to do.

         Have you ever debated with yourself over a big purchase?  You know the drill…should I or shouldn’t I, buy it?  Then, you find yourself tempted beyond belief and give in, because the next, new, pretty, shinny thing catches your eye and looks good to you?  It is the latest, the greatest…everyone has it…everyone says you must have it…your life will be better if you only…join in and buy it.   Immediately, that little voice inside your head tells you…You should not have done that!  You know you are going to regret doing that.  There will be consequences…and then….THEN, THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES, and you have to live with them.

          That is called buyers remorse.  Don’t buy into this perfectly rosy picture that is being painted by the very slanted media and online chanting going on…Barack Obama is not God.  He cannot, by himself turn this world around on a dime.  No, he will have to have help.  Yes, there are plenty of people willing to help him do that…for a price.  Are you willing to put a man into office, that has so many questions swirling around him about the quality and allegiences of the people that he involves himself with, who will have that much influence over what laws govern your life, what level of quality of life you live, and a man that seems so very above it all?  He barely registers emotion when he is before the cameras.  What is his leadership like behind the scenes?  Maybe you should check this out: http://hillbuzz.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/confession-of-an-obama-blogger-by-sarah-p-as-posted-to-this-site/

         Don’t vote for Barack Obama and expose us all to a huge portion of buyer’s remorse.  Some of us can’t afford it and the impact will be felt around the world!

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Godless Politics-In America?

        This election has electrified American’s like no other election in my memory.  People have strong reactions to the ups and downs on the daily news.  The media’s interpetation of what is happening minute- by- minute in the run for the Presidency of the United States is very slanted in it’s presentation.  It gives the impression that one doesn’t even need to vote…that it is already a done deal…IT IS NOT!  Everyone who is able must vote.  Everyone has a voice and must use it to choose who they wish to represent them in the leadership of their country.

          It has been called everything from a very prettified “Historic Election” to “A Mess”.  From the outset of this journey…it was touted as an election to take notice of, be a part of and yet; once the Democrats chose their candidate…and the Republicans chose theirs, the battle lines have been drawn.  The media has all but declared a win for Barack Obama.

           Each candidate has claimed that it is time for change.  Most Americans couldn’t agree more with that; however, the last few weeks have been increasing in ugliness.  Citizens are not happy with the direction our country has taken in the quality of life, nor in the image that has been projected of Americans around the world.  That has to be addressed.  Add into the chaos of the multi national financial systems collapse, and the housing market crisis, and throw into the mix health care & job losses; and you should have a clear platform for a political candidate to voice their position and their solutions.  It hasn’t happened yet.  The candidates are too afraid of voicing their true position on the issues in fear of alienating some section of voters…so we are left to our own impressions of where the candidates stand.

          Part of the fear and anxiety in this country has been the lack of information needed to make an informed decision.  Questions have been raised about personal integrity, honesty and positions of faith.  Candidates can say what they want about the image that they try to project…however, actions speak louder than all of the words written for them by their well-paid speech writers.  The truth of who a candidate really is will eventually come out.  I just hope that each will reveal themselves before the actual election.  We are in real trouble when the media and celebrity spokespersons are the go to sources of information.  We only learn what they want us to learn. 

           Hate and violence should never have a place in American politics.  Let the candidates show and declare their true value systems and positions on the issues.  There is a huge movement that has building over the last decade or so, against people of faith who try to vote their values and who hold their political leaders to some level of positive role modeling.  Why is that wrong? In my opinion, it isn’t.  Standards of behavior should be based on an acceptable level to the people that the candidates represent.

           We have, over the years, removed God from our schools, we have demanded seperation of church and state, and some talk of taking that even farther by removing the “Under God” from our pledge of allegience.  There is even an organization dedicated to supporting non-believers in God or atheists in their candidacy; it is called, Godless Americans Political Action Committee.  They have a right to form their committee just as others have a right to question a candidate about their alliance to such an organization and how it will affect their position should they be election to a position of power.  Plain and simple; let the truth be known if you are associated with such an organization and let the voter’s decide whether you merit a vote or not; don’t hide your involvement and don’t lie to the people who you would represent if elected.

            Really, if you are a Christian…this election is about staking your claim for your personal beliefs and value systems.  Don’t vote in this election based just on your economic situation; or, on falling for the one liner…”we want change”….because…if you don’t vote your Christian values then you and the rest of the citizens of the United States are on a slippery slope.  Quality of life is in question as it is with all of the challenges to traditional religious views such as one man one woman marriages and standing up for family values.  If we allow our leadership to rest in the hands of people who don’t consider themselves accountable to a higher power or authority under God, then we really are in trouble as a nation.

            I don’t think that America is ready, willing or able to endorse Godlessness in our Political leaders; do you?

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Spending Twenty Three Hours A Day With Yourself-Kwame Kilpatrick

      Spending twenty three hours a day with yourself, in jail…would lead most people to do some real introspective deep thinking about the reasons you find yourself sitting behind bars.  Especially for a person who had been living the high life as Mayor of Detroit; it is a big lifestyle adjustment.  Kwame Kilpatrick will have just such an opportunity to do some of that self examination.  Yesterday, Mr. Kilpatrick began to serve a 120 day sentence for a variety of offenses.  He lied to the court about a sexual relationship with his Chief of Staff, Christine Beatty, he lied about text messages to the court which confirmed the affair and he also got into a scuffle with officers trying to serve a subpoena.  There were several offenses that the mayor had been accused of.

       At least two of those offenses ended with him pleading guilty to obstruction of jutice & no contest to felonious assault.  He lied to the court…effectively tying the hands of the legal system, for most of the summer, by using his legal team to fight his removal from office.  Michigan’s Governor Granholm had to hold a hearing to forcibly remove him.  After that hearing he was heard to say, “You done set me up for a comeback”.  This arrogance and defiance moved the judge to sentence him to the full 120 day sentence; typically, a person who exhibits good behavior can shave approximately 20 days off of their sentence, not in Kilpatrick’s case.  The judge was clearly put out by the demeanor of the former mayor throughout this whole process.

        The thing is…if someone has been publically shamed by their private and professional behavior; and then, goes on to be legally chastized and still continues to mock and make light of the situation…you have to wonder if they have learned anything at all about how to conduct themselves appropriately.  Will spending this punnitive time in jail help Mr. Kilpatrick to re-evaluate the direction of his life? 

        The things that he has sacrificed by conducting his affair(s) and lying to the authorities and the court, thereby, possibly harming his relationship with his wife and children, having to give up his law license, as well as his freedom; should be counted as natural consequences for living outside the bounds of legal and moral responsibilities to those to whom he was supposed to be accountable to.  And yet, from reading accounts of yesterdays events…it sounds as though Mr. Kilpatrick mocked the prosecutors by saying things like, “I love you man” and asking them “How you doing?  Can’t even smile”?  This doesn’t bode well for learning from his mistakes. 

          Some people would say that his demeanor is encouraged by his supporters; such as those who observed the former mayor being led from the court room, who shouted encouragement to him such as “Be Strong, We got your back, We love you mayor”.  Will he have a political future when he is free to pursue such goals  Where is the accountability?

          After serving the 120 day sentence, Mr. Kilpatrick will also be on probation for 5 years, give up his law license, and repay the city of Detroit $1 million dollars.

         So I say, if you are going to spend 23 hours a day with someone…it might as well be someone you like alot.  Only 119 days to go, Mr. Kilpatrick.  The people that i truly feel sorry for is his wife and children.  I am sure they are suffering more than he is.  They have had to move out of their home, they have lost a large part of their financial support, and, they have to endure the publicity for their husband and father’s actions for a long time to come.  Should he be allowed to run for public office ever again with this legal black mark on his record?

        

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Juliane Hough From Dancing With The Stars Has Surgery

       Last night, if you had a chance to watch Dancing With The Stars; you probably already heard…but, Julianne Hough announced that she would be having surgery today to have her appendix removed.  If you remember, last week after competition, Julianne took a trip to the hospital in an ambulance for stomach pains.

        It was disclosed that Julianne has endometriosis; and, that is why she is having her appendix removed.  Endometriosis is a condition that is very painful, it is caused by abnormal growth of the lining of the uterus.  That growth can extend outside of the uterus and spread to the internal organs.  It can contribute to fertility complications. 

        In any case, we send best wishes to Juliane.  During her absence, while recovering, Julianne’s dance partner Cody Linley will be partnered with Edyta.  Julianne hopes to be back in a week…but that would be pushing it by most people’s expectations.  I am sure we will get an update on Julianne’s condition tonight on the results show of Dancing With The Stars.  related story:  https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/dancing-wthe-stars-maurice-greene-is-a-good-sport/

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Death of Jennifer Hudson’s Nephew Is Confirmed

       The authorities have now confirmed that the young child found in the white SUV this morning on the west side of Chicago did in fact contain the body of Jennifer Hudson’s sister Julia’s child, Julian King.  It is terrible that someone not only took the life of Julia and Jennifer’s mother and brother; but now, the life of Julia’s son. There is a person in custody who is a person of interest…but law enforcement is still trying to investigate this horrible tragedy for a motive.

        Hopefully, whoever is responsible for this horror will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Deepest sympathies to both Julia and Jennifer for the loss of each of their family members.  It seems unbearable to have to endure such loss and to have to do it in the eye of the public…they are just a hurting, grieving family who needs lots of support at this time.

See related post:  https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/vehicle-related-to-jennifer-hudson-tragedy-found/ and https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/when-your-safe-place-has-been-invaded/

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Suspected Skin Heads Planned To Assasinate Barack Obama

        Breaking news…it appears that the ATF has arrested two “skin heads” for a plan to assassinate Presidential candidate Barack Obama.  There is no further information released at this time.  I will update as the information becomes available.

Update on this post:  The alleged plotters, Daniel Cowart and Paul Schlesselman planned to kill 88 people by shooting them and then, they planned to decapitate 14 African-Americans.  It is sickening to think that people actually would kill someone based only on the color of their skin.  This plan allegedly was going to be accomplished after they robbed a gun shop, to arm themselves for the attacks…then, their plan was to assassinate Barack Obama.  A plan that is illegal and immoral.

Race really seems like just an excuse to justify this “attempted” violence.  Thank God that this plan was discovered…violence doesn’t solve anything.  This election should be decided strickly by votes.  Attacks such as this is usually motivated by some disturbed or misguided person or organization to gain attention or fame by creating a “historical moment”. 

Whether a person is for Barack Obama for president or not…he is a real person; a man with a family who does not deserve to be targeted in such a way.

 If these two individuals are part of a neo-nazi (skin head) movement or organization they have only succeeded in guaranteeing themselves some prison time; if they are in fact, convicted of attempted murder.  Hate crimes should never be tolerated or allowed to be swept under the carpet.  No one group of people is better than another…people are individuals and should be evaluated as such…there is no justification for directing violence towards any group of people or individuals based solely on the color of their skin or which country that they come from. 

 It just doesn’t make sense to be consumed with anger and hatred…but, there is always a sliver of people in any society, that lives in that zone.  Both those for Barack Obama’s Presidency and those against it need to stand up and say that this behavior is wrong; and, that there should be major long term consequences for such actions.

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Vehicle Related to Jennifer Hudson Tragedy Found-Body of Child Inside

       Breaking news…a vehicle possibly related to the tragedy of the murder of Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother…as well as, the kidnapping of Jennifer’s sister Julia’s son, Julian has been found.  There is a body of a young black child inside.  Police were looking for Julian since friday; when he disappeared after the murder of his uncle and grandmother.  Jennifer had offered a $100,000 dollar reward for the safe return of her nephew Julian.  This is heartbreaking all the way around.  Will update when the information is available.   See related post:  https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/when-your-safe-place-has-been-invaded/

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When Your Safe Place Has Been Invaded

       For those of you who have been following the tragedy of the murders in Jennifer Hudson’s family and the kidnapping of her young, seven year old nephew; think about this, what happens when your safe place, your place of foundation has been invaded or attacked?  This family is going through a nightmare of epic proportions and because of fame, they are having to do it publically.

       Jennifer and her sister Julia have lost their mother, Darnell Donerson and their brother, Jason Hudson; and, Julia’s son Julian is missing.  This home that the murders took place in was Jennifer’s refuge from the crush of the world that she stepped into as a celebrity when her star began to rise from her singing and her acting over the last several years.

       The Hudson family was and is a family of faith.  Jennifer has said that she grew up in that home, that neighborhood and her home church.  It is an integral part of her support system.   It is part of who she is.  Her mother did not want to move when her daughter became famous…they didn’t want that celebrity to change who they were as a family.  Their home was the center of their family.  It was where all things sprouted for them.  Where they came to; to be together.  It was a safe place.  A place of nurturing.

        What happens now; other than trying desperately to get answers to where Julian is….and what happened to their mother and their brother?  Julia and Jennifer are on automatic pilot i am sure at the moment.  Trying to make sense of things…hoping and praying for the safe return of Julian.  But, their safe place has been invaded.

        How will they ever be able to look at that home and feel what they once felt.  Will it ever feel like home again?  Or will they always feel loss and hurt when they look upon the face of the place that has so many memories for their family.  What about Julian when he comes home…did that poor baby witness the murder of his beloved grandmother and uncle?  Will he ever feel safe there again?  Will he ever feel “at home” somewhere else?  What does this kind of trauma do to a human mind and soul? 

         Many people experience such traumas in their lives…it is something that can be overcome…but, it does shake the foundation of a person/family to rebuild that sense of trust and safety.  Please pray for the Hudson family…as well as, anyone else who has had to go through something so violent and traumatic.  Their faith in God will help them through this time.  However, they are human…and will go through much before they are able to recover and overcome.  Have you ever gone through a trauma that has made your safe place feel violated or unsafe to you?  How did you handle it?

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News Anchorwoman’s Passing-Anne Pressly

       Sad news tonight, Anne Pressly, the Little Rock Arkansas news anchorwoman who was found, by her mother, severely beaten this past week in her own home, has died.  Just earlier this week, the reports that we heard on the news, was a little bit more encouraging because some of the swelling, in her brain, was shrinking…and, it was looking as if she would survive; albeit with a long recovery.  She was beaten in the head, face and neck.  I heard someone say that almost every bone in her face was broken. 

       It is hard to imagine that one human being could do such a thing to another.  It is terrible that she will not be able to survive and help find her attacker.  At this point, it is being considered a random attack; others disagree because of the savagery with which she was beaten.  Some say there was too much violence for it to have been a random attack; and because of that…someone who knew her; or felt they knew her, caused this terrible attack. 

       Anne was only 26 years old..but, she had already been making a name for herself on television and more recently in the movies.  She had achieved much success.  She had a small cameo in the new movie, “W”.  Anne was on the morning news show, Daybreak, at the Little Rock affiliate news station KATV.

        Last week on Good Morning America, Anne’s father gave an update on her condition.  He seemed guarded, yet hopeful…all the while, thanking viewers for their thoughts and prayers.  They are a family of faith.  Robin Roberts seemed visibly moved as she expressed the fact that she had only just met Anne recently.  I am sad for the Little Rock community of viewers; for Anne’s family and friends.  I pray that the person is caught who caused her death.

        After the attack, Anne’s purse was discovered missing and someone used one of her credit cards.  I can only hope and pray that there is video of the person who was using the credit card and that it can be traced to the person responsible for this beautiful young woman’s injuries and death.  Please keep her family in prayer at this time of loss.  They will need privacy and healing time and lots of support.

For update see:  https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/11/27/finally-a-named-suspect-in-the-murder-of-anne-pressly/

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High Traffic Scores

       Yahoo… I am so excited.  I did a little test on this blog site on www.HubSpot.com.   I got a score of 48…which they say means that, out of the hundreds of thousands of sites that they have tested, my blog scores higher than 48% of them in terms of marketing effectiveness.   Whoooooo Hooo. 

         But, i am a bit confused.  I am not a marketer.  I just write a blog on all kinds of interesting subjects (at least they are interesting to me).  However, I have written on so many subjects…that evidently, i have hit upon enough various subjects to be effective! 🙂  Cool Beans, I say. 

         Technorati has given me a rank of 372,003 which puts it in the top 0.53% of blogs that they track.  Yes…but, how can this be?  I am not a very technological person.  I only started blogging about 16 months ago.  There are things that I have discovered, which would now cause me to do a few things differently were I to start up another blog…but, that is how I know that I am growing and learning.  That is alright…that knowledge can be applied to future projects.   There is so much more to learn.  It is interesting…but learning new things leads a person to discover new passions.  Before long, you start accumulating large amounts of information that crosses over into other projects or areas of interest in your life.

         If we knew everything when we started out trying something new…would we ever push ourselves to go a little farther?  Probably not, human nature wants to be on familiar ground…to feel confident and comfortable in what we do.  However, the most personal and professional growth comes from pushing yourself to test your mettle…doing something that you do not think you are capable of doing.  I never thought i could do something like write a blog; and have someone come to it, and be interested in what i wrote.  But, i discovered when i gave myself permission to do it for myself…then, i was able to follow through. 

         Everyone tells me that it is simply because of content…regular, consistent postings that the blog is growing.  Writing is fun, reading the interactions in the comment section is rewarding to me.  Touching on subjects that can inform, or, share information is exciting.  Getting to know regular readers is the best part; because, they start to share who they are and what is important to them.  Some of the readers even post things that make a difference in someone else’s life…such as the comments on triple negative cancer…or, suicide prevention; or, some other post that affects people in a real personal way.

         It is a challenge to find something in everyday life that gives a small glimpse into what is happening in the world at that time…trying to make sense of how it affects me or others, that I care about.  Still…reading the report on the rankings of the blog…was eye opening to me.  That is because that isn’t why I started to write the blog; however, it is encouraging to learn as i go… and find ways to improve what i do.

        On top of that…my blog received a Google page rank of 4; but, now that i know it has room for improvement…i want to make it better.   A four is not too shabby.  But, what really excited me was that in the area of traffic…the blog was in the top 4.61% of all websites. 

        This, is like winning some kind of award; such as an Emmy, or an Oscar…maybe a Tony; Is there some kind of award for someone addicted to blogging?  hahahah.  Ahhhhemmmm, I would like to thank my mom, and my dad, and my teachers, and my bus drivers, and anyone else who NEVER let me talk when i felt the need (just kidding) ….LOL     Blogging is fun….Go check out your website rating on www.HubSpot.com.  It is a great tool to work with; if you are in the hopes of improving your site and making it more effective by reaching the people you most want to communicate with.  Find out what you are doing right…and, oh by the way, did you find out anything that you could improve from testing your site on Hub Spot?

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