Rev. William Barber calls NC State Amendment One -- 'Trojan Horse'!

Today, North Carolina voters have to make a decision about same sex marriage (SSM). But Rev. William Barber, president of North Carolina NAACP, argues
that the question of SSM is the wrong question to ask. "This is a religious question", he believes. Considering The Constitution of the United States established separation of Church and State, Rev. Barber reminds his followers that the same [political] tricks of the old south are once again at play. He charges that right wing, Tea Party-type, ultra conservative forces "want us to join them". 

"Not on our watch!" 

-Rev. William Barber, Pres. NC - NAACP

"Who would dare attempt to divide and deny others their constitutional rights, whether we agree or not, with same sex marriage?" 

Rev. Barber says "these same forces, the same money, ultra conservative, Tea Party [type] forces" are the same ones that have fought against voting, labor and civil rights, equal justice under the law, and have sponsored radical legislation such as [the] stand-your-ground law (a law that's sure to be challenged in the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting).

Marijuana: If granted second term, would Pres. Obama decriminalize 'it'?

"The Global Commission on Drug Policy reported that between 1998 and 2008, global use of opiates increased 34.5 percent, cocaine 27 percent, and cannabis 8.5 percent."

 

Specific to American voters, one might consider a more focused question about America's drug policy; Will President Obama legalize or decriminalize it [medical marijuana]? The short answer is -- not likely. Although he's perceived to possess plenty of swag, at least compared to Mitt Romney, Pres. Obama's certainly not inclined to legalize it. But decriminalization of 'Mary Jane' for medical purposes may be something worth having a national conversation about, including the right of individual states' to opt-out, of course.

 

 

Let's be clear;  this issue isn't partisan.

 

Voters (democrat, republican, and independent) have strong beliefs, pro and con, about the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes - regardless of political affiliation(s). While the political argument(s), however, continue between believers and non-believers, the so-called "War on Drugs" seems to be increasingly less popular with most Americans, who view the policy as a war on citizens (especially minorities).

 

Is "War on Drugs" a successful national policy, or tragic unequal enforcement of laws, and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars?

 

 

For medical or social reasons, Americans both conservative and liberal, consume more pot than ever before. Truth be told, these "law breakers" include [the] rich, poor, conservatives, liberals, religious folk, atheists, neighbors, friends, relatives,...and yes, even politicians, enforcement officers, judges and grandmas. 

  

In 2010, the United States spent over $15 billion dollars on War on Drugs [source:  ONDCP]

In 2009, about 858,408 persons were arrested for cannabis violations. Approximately 89 percent were charged with possession only [source: FBI] 

Like it or not, the use of cannabis has not declined in the U.S., but in fact has skyrocketed since the 'War on Drugs' policy was instituted. 

This is perhaps good news for those who have a vested [financial] interest in the prison industrial complex, but it is by contrast sobering news for taxpayers whose hard earned dollars are being used to warehouse so-called "criminals" for possessing pot intended for personal consumption, rather than sales distribution.

 

So here's the real question:  Is this issue a matter of morals, money or politics? 

 

As far as morals are concerned, who can argue beliefs and faith? History has shown, regardless of facts, there will always be those who oppose -- based largely on spiritual/religious conviction(s).

 

For the need or love of money, and in the spirit of 'capitalism', especially during tough economic times, many states, counties and cities are benefiting from the large sums of tax revenue(s) generated by [a] regulated cannabis economy.

 

In Oakland, California, for example, 1.4 million dollars was collected from dispensaries in 2011.

 

Politically speaking, most politicians these days, tend to blow whichever way the wind (code word for dollar) blows. 

 

 

But as one great generation of Americans is replaced by another -- 'Generation-X', the decriminalization of marijuana just may become more appealing to the electorate, in spite of good or poor economic conditions. 

 

Pres. Obama connects with University of North Carolina students against student loan interest rate increase

Students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill began lining up, before the break of dawn, in anticipation of President Obama's speech on student loans.

If congress fails to act, by July 1st, student interest rates could double to 6.8%! Unlike Mitt Romney, who agrees with the president on the issue, Obama connected with students' concerns about the financial aspects of educational funding by describing he and wife, First Lady - Michele Obama's huge educational debt incurred after completing law school. "Michele and I, we've been in your shoes. When we married we got poor together", said the president. He also revealed that it wasn't until eight years ago that their SL payments were finally paid off. The president also told students that he and Michele's mortgage payment for their condo was less than [the] payments for student loans. 

Highlighting his success about leading the charge to remove the middle man (banks) from receiving billions of dollars in subsidies from student loans, students applauded when he reminded them that [now] "money goes directly to students", making it (college tuition) more affordable.

By the time Obama finished his speech and headed toward the exit, students began applauding and chanting, "four more years!"

According to [the] polls, Obama still holds a solid lead over Romney with young voters. Why? Because young Americans overall don't feel that Romney can relate to their issues, especially considering he clearly seems to represent the interest of the 1% -- a class that would rather see their pockets inflated more than a majority of minds cultivated. During Romney's time as governor, college fees rocketed to 63%!

With numbers like that, Pres. Obama can continue to push the line on behalf of students across America...and rather creatively.

Jimmy Fallon and Barack Obama 

"wanna slow jam the news!"

  

Are there "secret" mysteries of America's origins?

In today's ever shrinking global village, thanks mostly to the power and technology of the internet, for instance, voters and seekers of "truth" realize that understanding (including what some may not wish to acknowledge) of history leads to future empowerment, hopefully of a governed people. The people want to know "how" and "why"!

 Is America, the United States, an experiment of a "secret" society - a Masonic Order poised to usher in [a] New World Order? Or, is it all just 'hype'? One of the best ways to understand a society, a nation of people, is to examine its foundational 'roots'. When doing so, one must be brave and receptive enough to discover not only see the beauty, but inhale the funky onions, too. 

When there's possibly and probably more to [a] story it is always wise to at least explore the issue and recognize whatever facts, good or bad, which may prove to be a great learning example for any civilized group of citizens. 

Besides, who does not hold secrets? To guard them is to be limited of the knowing of one's behavior and philosophy as leaders and fellow citizens of a free nation. 

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."  -Albert Einstein

VP, Joe Biden talks [political] issues in exclusive interview on MSNBC's - 'The Ed Show'

In an exclusive interview on MSNBC's - The Ed Show, hosted by Ed Schultz, Vice President - Joe Biden

responds to questions and topics ranging from "class warfare" to the Bush tax cuts. "The Bush tax cuts don't work", Biden said. He also slams Mitt Romney's economic policy and the GOP's record in support of women voters. Biden challenges the opposition and general voting public to simply check the record of both political parties with regard to which group, republicans or democrats, has a credible history when it comes to women's rights. 

And as can be expected, 'Big J.B.' pulls no punches when given the opportunity to remind voters who "caused this mess" (referring to Mitt Romney's argument that 92% of job loss are among women). In simple cool-and-calm fashion, Joe Biden, in so many words, drew a picture of hypocritical elephants, frankly.

"The republicans WAR on women is real and will intensify..." - VP, Joe Biden

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

U.S. House of Reps' - Allen West says Democrats do Marxism

What is in the O.J. in Florida? Really though, people! The first major indication of political dysfunction in this southern state was the voting racket and supreme court endorsement of Bush's "win" over Al Gore. Next, Floridian's allow NRA lobbyists to write and sponsor vigilante-type laws like 'Stand Your Ground', which allow haters like George Zimmerman to kill a promising creation of God - Trayvon Martin. 

And recently, the African American male featured in the photo with swastika flags in the backdrop, U.S. House of Representatives - Allen West, answered what he considered a good question regarding the so-called true political allegiance of house democrats; "I believe there is about 78 - 81 members of the Democrat Party that are members of the Communist Party. It's called the Congressional Progressive Caucus", West said to an audience of possibly brain-washed zombies or frequent sippers of that special O.J. at their tea party supported gatherings. 

If Allen West has actual proof that such a number of house members on the left are in fact communists and followers of Marxism, then he should present his irrefutable legitimate evidence to the American public; he won't and he can't because, like far too many political figures, he's not concerned about what is "true" or "factual". 

But as long as his rap, hustle and flow keeps ignorant folk(s) in fear and diggin' deep in their shallow pockets just to hear a pimp sing songs of hate and doom, Mr. West will eagerly keep playin' the political-gamers'-game, fuh show! 

'Bishop Magic Don Juan' would be mighty impressed with 'A-Dubb's' colorful style and form of showmanship. And in the end, the right people get played, while pimpin' gets rich...what an interesting form of American southern righteousness..."church"!