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!"

  

Romney and Nugent: The Odd Couple of Cowards?

At first Romney was all too excited to beg and finally secure an endorsement from NRA whack-job, Ted Nugent. Both men never served in the military, by the way, yet both seem so 'gun-ho' about the use of fire arms. And what's the deal with all the fear and hate coming from, generally speaking, angry white guys? 

So far, all the fears they've expressed through PAC's, political representatives or radio talk show hosts, have yet to materialize. 

Looking at this hateful [Romney] endorsement speech, by Ted Nugent, before an audience of what appears to be white angry males, looks a bit odd without any women present. After all, it's a political function, right? But considering all the anti-women legislation and anti-immigration bills that have been reported since republicans took over the majority in the House of Representatives, women probably weren't welcomed.

Nugent's comments have earned attention of secret service! 

It seems like these men fear just about everything (women, immigrants, positive progress, helping others, so-called minorities, students, workers/laborers)...everything except one another. 

And all the tough talkers who don't have an ounce of courage to at least put their dukes up, should raise more than a few eyebrows among the angry mob of NRA attendants and supporters; there's always an instigator and an opportunist armed with colorful language that suckers sucka's into doing dumber-than-dumb deeds. 

With friends like Ted Nugent, coupled with endorsements from the likes of Donald Trump and other characters, this "Romney for President" thing has to be an intentional joke to ensure President Obama's re-election...seriously! In a general election, a public audience of rational thinking common sense voters, how will Willard attempt to square the difference between Mitt Romney and ttiM yenmoR?

Now that Nugent has shown his true redness (verbally that is), Romney's only response to his inflammatory hateful comments were as plastic as he can only and always make them -- phony bologna.  

History has shown that those who lack imagination and great ideas for the common good, who refuse compromise and rig the game at whatever cost, are those who live with the most fear...not of others, but of themselves. 

And to think these men probably consider themselves bible-toting Christians and followers of Jesus Christ. Um, didn't Jesus preach love, not hate? Any Mormons care to comment? 

"Both Nugent and Romney are doing a great job pimpin' these poor fellas. Get paid, 'mayne', get paid!"

U.S. Secret Service Agents sent home for refusing to 'pay for play' in Colombia

Before president Barack Obama visited Colombia to seal the U.S./Colombia trade deal, secret service agents,

a group considered among the world's top professionals with regard to conduct and ability to protect and guard life, were sent back home to the United States for conduct unbecoming; allegedly, one of them failed to pay a prostitute for services rendered. Instead of keeping their discipline and ensuring the safety of an American president, especially while abroad, 12 secret service agents chose to get 'jiggy' with it, causing a national scandal - an embarrassing moment for the United States. 

What's the deal with the appearance of lack of discipline with regard to security for President Obama? Something seems odd about the few incidents that have placed an American president at risk. Although the president waits for the conclusion of an investigation of the incident in Colombia, armed dogs chasing cats while abroad, Obama said he'll be pissed if he learns the allegations are confirmed. 

This is politics, after all, and it may be possible that not all secret service agents have protecting [this] particular American president as a top priority. It would be no surprise to many supporters of the president if there is a lack of will to secure the president's safety as vigorously, and with as much commitment and dedication, as has been given to past presidents'. 

It's hard to believe the agencies claim that "the president's safety was not compromised", when the alleged acts clearly place their credibility and President Obama's life and U.S. diplomatic potency at risk. 

 

President Barack Obama visits Port of Tampa, in Florida, to talk U.S./Latin America Trade

Today at the Port of Tampa in Tampa, Florida:

 "President Obama talked about the benefits of U.S.-Latin America trade. In addition, he announced a new initiative, the Small Business Network of the Americas. The initiative is intended to promote job creation in small-and medium-sized enterprises and encourage trade throughout the Western Hemisphere."  
[source:  C-Span Video]. 

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

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