What really does matter?

 

It has been so difficult not to spend endless hours bemoaning the current state of politics and society in the US.
As the Talking Heads said, "This ain't my beautiful house ..." How prophetic. Certainly, America is rapidly a palcethat is no longer beautiful, not the physical beauty, but rather a creeping ugliness in society, tearing at the seams and ready to burst.
This is a far cry from Leave It To Beaver and Happy Days. To be sure, those days were far from perfect for many in our nation. POC, LGBQT, the disabled, those with special needs, women, and others did not lead perfectly happy lives. Changes were made, there was, at least on the books, progressive legislation that sought to improve the well-being of most.
Festering between the pages of civil rights was a mold. One kept in check by a nation that elected officials who, even in the worst of cases, upheld the rules and laws of the land. The tide came in and out but the beaches were generally safe for most.
Now, we're being hit by a rogue wave that's feeding that mold and allowing it to spead everywhere.
Most of what we see and hear is beyond belief. This can't be happening, and yet it is. Forget the whys and hows, there are way too many theories to analyze and even if we settled on answers, it won't stop the spread of the social/political pandemic. There is only one immediate fix, the research can come later, this disease needs a hit of humanitarian vaccine, otherwise known as votes. After that, then the underlying problems can be addressed. But all the shouting and anger and head banging and depression will solve nothing.
So my question to you is, What really does matter?
An end to violence?
Helping the sick and elderly?
Quality education?
A safe and thriving environment?
Meaningful and enjoyable jobs?
The right to live as you desire, believe as you will, as long as it harms no other?
Fair treatment for all?
Free and open elections?
The right to get ahead but not on the backs of others?
The right to know?
Freedom from lies, deceit, and tyranny?
A world at peace?
Help when events beyond your control give you setbacks?
A safe environment free of fear?
A willingness to assist others escaping tryanny?
Equity in all matters?
A fair chance to be what you want, do what you want, live how you want, again, as long as it harms none?
I think you get the gist.
But really, this shit has got to stop. If not, the world as we have known it will surely end. The prophecies fulfilled, the end of times, all without a rapture, just one big rupture.

Do Americans Have a Redline?

 
 "a recommended safety limit : the fastest, farthest, or highest point or degree considered safe;"
Merriam-Webster

Politicians are fond of claiming redlines that must not be crossed. Crossing such lines, they say, will trigger a massive negative response.
The questions is, Do the American people have redlines regarding their politicians?

Are we okay with politicians that lie? Not just once, but hindreds/thousands of times?
Are we okay with the destruction of our environment so that a few may profit at the expense of the many?
Is it all right for politicians to be bigoted, racist, xenophobic?
Do we care if promises are made but there is no intention to fulfill them?
Do we mind that those who are being regulated are now in control of the regulators with the approval of the politicians?
Does the destruction of our standing in the world community have no meaning?
Does the perversion of our justice system for self-profit and to hide criminal activity count for anything?
Does the total disrespect for our constitution, the law of the land, separation of powers, freedom for all, equal opportunity, and justice acceptable?
Do we care about freedom of the press?
Are we concerned about keeping church and state separate?
Does it matter that species on the verge of extinction are no longer protected?
Do we not care about our air quality?
Do we not care about water quality?
Is art no longer something to be treasured?
Is mocking the disabled or even poorer nations now acceptable?
Is making profits from a political office now not a problem?
IS COLLUDING WITH A FOREIGN POWER FOR SAKE OF GAINING POWER NOW AN ACCEPTED PART OF OUR POLITICAL PROCESS?
Is placating the widows while robbing them blind the way to go?
Is "let them eat cake" now the American way?

The list could go on. My guess is that any one or two of the items would be a redline for most Americans (at least it should be). So now we have a politician that has done all of the above and yet many Americans feel that no lines were crossed.
IS THIS TRUE, AMERICA?

The Vulgarization of America and most other places.

We used to live in a polite society.
Regardless of economic class, we said please and thank you.
Swearing was reserved to behind closed doors or bars.
We had at least some respect for our elders.
Debates were conducted with a degree of professionalism and politeness.
People cleaned up if they made a mess.
Doors were open.
There were few lewd displays ....



It's not that things were perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But there was at least some structure, order to the way people lived, and a code of public conduct. There was a sense of what was acceptable and not acceptable.

Yeah, times change ... that's to be expected. But it doesn't mean that people need to be vulgar, crude, impolite, or downright rude. Certainly, we do not need that from public leaders here or abroad. And you wonder why our youth act the way they do?

 

You can read more:  https://www.google.com/search?q=vulgarity+in+politics&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

The Red Shift

Science minded folks are aware of the Red Shift in astronomy; proof that universe is expanding as objects moving away shift their color spectrum to the red. But the red shift I speak of concerns politics, not the stars. In this case, the red is the right, the GOP. And this tone of red is not very pretty.

From tax relief, the social net, to health care, people programs are being assailed. "Since taking control of the House in 2010, Republicans have crafted dozens of bills ostensibly devoted to "streamlining and simplifying" the federal government. They've pushed them through the lower chamber, promising to cut red tape and create jobs. But on Tuesday, they let the cat out of the bag. These bills, it turns out, are essentially efforts to undermine Wall Street reform and Obamacare while greenlighting pollution" (Huffington Post 3/19/15).

We see it everywhere: assaults on collective bargaining, tax breaks for the wealthy, attacks on renewable energy in favor of oil, cuts in welfare, health care, and even new waves of racism and bigotry. The goal is to undo rather than do, tear down rather than to build up, stonewall rather than moving forward. Basically, the system is a mess. There is no conservation, no support for helping those in need, no support for real job creation, no helping people get back on their feet, no protection for the environment, nothing for education, and nothing to help job producing small businesses. The focus is on the top. This is not being a conservative, it's being extreme right wing, oligarchic ... wrong.

Of course, we are not alone, this shift has happened elsewhere, most recently, Israel. In this case, the shift may put an end to any hope of peace and may result in war. Moving to the extreme of the political spectrum, in either direction, never turns out well.

Hold on to your hats, this will not be a fun ride. The shift to the red will not end in a field of poppies.

Two realities diverge in the woods

Which one will you take? How about the reality less traveled?





It is said that  "if the scientists or observer is expecting a certain outcome to his experiment then that in itself has a large impact on the final results, increasing that potential of that particular probability to manifest from the quantum field, from his 'desired or expected expectation'". 

This same principle holds true in every aspect of life and it is becoming increasing clear that reality is a function of perception and one that changes with each decision we make. We have all experienced waking up in a bad mood and the rest of the day goes to hell. Conversely, approaching a day with a light heart and a positive attitude creates a positive change in all of those around us. We have seen prophecies of doom and gloom come to naught, but perhaps this is really because the warning was heeded and changes were made. And yes, we have also approached issues with high expectations, only to see our hopes crushed. Creating a shared vision can sometimes be difficult. And yet, there are time when the greatest benefit arises from what had been perceived as the greatest disaster.

Throughout our socio-politico-economic systems, we see altering realities at work. Up until recent times, tell people that the economy is great and consumers respond with confidence and the economy improves. Tell people GMO products are wonderful and, at least for a while, everyone buys them. Tell people that the flu or some new manufactured disease is going around, and people respond accordingly-they get sick. Label a politician as too liberal and spend millions in attack ads and the politician is defeated. Each of these acts are reality altering events-conceived in the mind and created in the world.

In physics we have learned that if you measure an electron as matter, you get results for matter. But, measure it as a wave, and you get a wave. The observer and observed are one. So here we stand on a timeline, each moment making decisions that alter the reality. Turn left, you end up in Ohio, turn right and you end up in Maine. Be warned of disaster and expect it, and that's what you get. Be warned of disaster and refuse to accept it and act accordingly and the disaster is averted.

So here we are in the woods of time.  What reality, what path, do you choose to travel? It's really quite funny and quite simple. We each, and collectively, have the power to alter the course of all events. We know the 'secret,' but all to often, let others decide for us.

A BIG THUMBS DOWN MR. PRESIDENT

While I still maintain that Obama was the better choice in 2012, I will have to admit that he has been a disappointment on environmental issues. It just goes to show that $$$ speaks louder than protests and that the real power remains on the Wall Street throne. Nothing new, really, but sad. Even worse, these types of 'caves' to monied interests are kind of 'forever.' Destroy the environment and it leaves a lasting scar. Some actions are simply not reversible,or,alter future event permanently.

2012 PROPHECIES

I am often asked, “Will 2012 happen?” Barring a hit by an asteroid or the arrival of Niburu, earth’s nemesis, December 21, 2012 will arrive. The world will not end. That’s the good news. So here is the rundown on the 2012 WAKING GOD PROPHECIES.

ECONOMY - No good news here. The EU debt crisis will create world-wide economic turmoil. The European Central Bank wants to be able to approve member nation budgets. Can you imagine, bankers having to approve a budget passed by Congress-Oh wait…. Even if this passes, (update: the EU has approved a version of this plan) the first time a member nation budget is not approved, all hell will break loose. Or, if this does not happen, investors are saying that nations that do not agree to this will not have their support. Chaos will ensure either way. As far as the American economy goes, it is already being negatively impacted by the EU debacle. Add the China economic constriction to the mix and the news is bleak. The out-of-control consumer spending is at an end. Watch for big drops in retail sales. Consumers will once again look to credit cards but we all know where that will end up. A Global economy brings Global economic problems. In a sense, we are experiencing the “Global Company Store.” But, as the top heavy economy crumbles, look for more localized, small is beautiful systems emerging. Continued depletion of resources will lead to scarcities. Continued environmental catastrophes will be a major factor in 2012. This is a positive event as the earth can no longer sustain the current level of rape and pillage. Advice? Keep basic necessities on hand. Have as many energy back-ups as possible-ways to cook, heat, light and eat. Rice and beans will get you through. Many more jobs will be lost, be prepared for the worst because the choices our leaders have made, or haven’t made, spells disaster!

CLIMATE – Totally no good news here either. Just look at all of the severe weather records that have been broken and the total inaction on the part of world leaders to ameliorate human impact on climate. Environmental disasters will continue to decimate insurance funds, destroy personal lives, and add to economic collapse. We are in the midst too many eco-system collapses and, much to the dismay of many, we are a part, not above nature. Climate tipping points have been reached and there is nothing we can do to avoid reaping what we have sown. However, forewarned is fore armed. Plan for the changes that are coming. Move away from any area that is prone to violent weather, quakes, water shortage, or sea rise. Get away from places that allow fracking, your water is poisonous and watch for damaging quakes in the west and mid-west. What we keep hearing is that scientist are constantly underestimating the effects of this or that factor; e.g. release of methane from Tundra, very fast glacial melts, sea current shift …. People think that climate change is always slow. This is not true and rapid changes have occurred in climate history. We are at one of those points now. Advice? I am not suggesting becoming a survivalist and hiding out in the mountains, although … I am suggesting that you have a Plan B where you can fend for yourself and family for at least 6 months. By those non-hybrid seeds this spring, assuming the climate will let you grow them. The wild card, solar flares! We have had several near misses. If we are hit head on, goodbye internet, power and ….

POLITICS – Can you say chaos? The left and right are sharply divided and nothing seems capable of bridging the gap. Not just in the U.S., you will see this division globally. People versus greed, those are the choices. I think we will see the brother against brother scenario and much social unrest. Don’t be surprised to see troops, illegally, deployed stateside. Fun times will not be had this summer, at the latest. Climate disasters and economic gridlock will create amazing tensions between haves and have nots. Cities will not be pleasant places to be. As for the Middle East, lots of danger lurks. It is quite possible that Israel will bomb Iran’s nuclear centers. The recent explosion at one of Iran’s missile sites could have been a test run. And, the downing and capture of an American drone by use of electronic jamming could put the U.S. in a supporting role. The Saudis would have no problem with this and with most of the Middle East in disarray, few are left to protest. Advice? Duck and cover! No, I don’t see a major nuclear exchange. But should this happen, relations with China would sink to an all time low. Remember, they hold trillions in U.S. debt and could make life even more economically miserable. Further, with public protests in Russia against Putin, he could use new tensions to demand more authority and become a true dictator, flouting the U.S./Israel as the scapegoats and lead the world to a new cold/semi-hot war. The other option is that Putin will be ousted but with Russians used to central authorities; it is possible another could rise from his ashes promising reform while instituting greater control, Stalin style. All in all, global politics will create further economic turmoil and the oceans will rise while politicians debate how to give banks more money. The whole in the dike is too big for a thumb. So keep an eye on events and plan accordingly.

So what’s the plan? SAVE YOURSELF! We create our reality and the reality that is coming this way is the fruit of our collective labors. However, we have all been advised to ‘be in, but not of’ this world. Meaning, yes, we live here, but don’t have to be caught up in the madness. This is the double edged sword. It is important to know what is going on, but even more important not to let events pull you into the whirlpool. A higher frequency is not affected by a lower one. The more you visualize your life as being filled with love and abundance, the greater your chances of avoiding the worst. This is the Time of Choosing discussed in the Waking God books. Not a religious choice, but a spiritual choice to consciously create a new reality for ‘your’ world. Sorry, as the character Mantrella says, “It’s not about saving humanity….” You can’t and all of the great master teachers tell you this. Actually, there really is no saving involved. Learn, experience, grow in wisdom and rise above the trials and tribulations and create a new earth. Evolve and let the dormant genes within you express themselves. We call these genes ‘god seeds.’ Again, not in any sense of worn out religious dogma, but rather, in the sense that we do and can create our reality and now is the time to do so consciously. Science is now telling us that the mystics are right. We live in an illusion of our own devices. So, is a way, by “Knowing thyself, you save yourself.”

Many prophets have pointed to this time as one of extreme danger or one of extreme evolution and enlightenment. The likes of Nostradamus, DaVinci, the Hopi, Mayans and others always painted two pictures; disaster or revelation. They told us that the bridge ahead has been washed out and that we need to detour. Many do not believe that the bridge is damaged and are unwilling to put on the breaks and veer to the less traveled road. Many cultures also talk about the ‘return of the gods.’ Is it not possible that the gods they refer to are us?

7 WAYS WALL STREET CONTROLS THE DEBATE

If you control the question, you control the debate. Think about all of the problems confronting the world: climate change, droughts, floods, food shortages and spiraling prices, refugees, the economy, environmental degradation and ad infinitum. Yet, what are we talking about? Deficits, taxes, who’s running for president, who’s the best dancer, singer and a variety of other topics that divert our attention for the crises at hand. Enter Wall Street, the symbol of power and money who are controlling the national and international debates on policy. Wall Street, and by definition, the right wing, have managed to control the questions. How do they do that? Here are a few examples.

• Create a Straw Man – Wall Street has done a great job at diverting attention to credit ratings at the expense of other key issues. By scaring the nation with talk of reducing credit rating (done by members who are employed by multi-national corporations), they have managed to take the ‘heat’ off of global warming and climate change.
• Focus on the Numbers, Not the real Issues – The questions they raise are over amounts and not the substance. The issue is not how much Medicare or SS costs, the real question is how do we best care for an aging population? By forcing upon billions in costs rather than the needs of the population, they have people crunching numbers rather than coming up with solutions.
• Question the Premise – Science is wrong, there is no climate change! Big business has poured millions into trying to reduce the credibility of anyone that opposes their goals.
• You’re Not Worthy – It is fairly easy to make people think that they are undeserving of a social safety net. If they had worked harder they could have been wealthy, also, rather than suck off the public dole, regardless of the fact that the people contributed payroll deductions for such programs.
• Make Absurd Demands – Rather than argue about the issue, Wall Street has been expert about asking for outrageous demands about the economy, regulations, budgets and cuts that have kept the debate on the demands and not the substance of the issue. This tactic keeps debate on the lines, rather than what’s behind the lines.
• Scare the People – Threats of an oil shortage, loss of jobs, bad credit rating, inability to make loans, stifling regulations being bad for business, higher taxes will be bad for business, etc., are subtle threats that keep the public at bay for fear that dramatic actions will even make things worse. Oddly enough, even with soaring profits, this gambit is still very effective.
• Welcome to Our Show – Remember the Roman Coliseum that kept the masses happy and entertained? The goal is to divert attention from the real problems. A few clowns in a presidential race keep the media occupied. Ads that promise new drilling, fracking, coal, bio-fuels, all electric vehicles and more give people a false hope that solutions are just around the corner. All the while, people are told that any interference will slow these plans down and thus the suffering will persist. In the meantime and behind the scenes, millions are being spent to gut environmental regulations, to lobby for free access to drill anywhere and to eliminate barriers to greater profit.

Yes, there are groups that are trying to expose these tactics but they must compete with the billions of dollars that Wall Street spends to hide the truth and to divert attention. Given that the media loves a good show, they unfortunately fall prey to covering the glitz at the expense of the gore. Since Wall Street is framing all of the questions, they have managed to control the debates.

ECONOMIC FACT AND FICTION

On the one hand we keep hearing that the economy is getting better, while on the other hand we are told we are on the brink of disaster. Politicians and economists know that consumer perception is THE driving force. If consumers are worried they don't spend. It seems to me that lately, politicians have been trying to put a positive spin on what is a very negative situation. Basically, we are being lied to. One cannot help but think about the prophecies regarding 2012. Economies are collapsing. The environment is collapsing. Religion is collapsing and/or going mad.

Are the worst of the Nostradamus, Hopi, Mayan prophecies about to hit us in the face? While they all implied that we have a choice at to what the future may hold, has humanity chosen wisely? Is there no hope? Is there noting we can do?

Yes, there is.

SPECIAL INTERESTS AND THE "STATE OF CONFUSION"

Perhaps the best way to defeat an opponent or to throw them off track is to create a state of confusion. It is a tactic that has been used since the beginning of civilization by religious leaders, political tyrants, politicians, corporations, political parties and just about any organized group seeking to further its own ends. In the time of Jesus, religious orthodoxy confused the people and the Romans by claiming that Jesus said that he was God. In World War I the Germans thought to confuse the allies by attacking France via Belgium. In World War II great efforts were made to convince the Nazis that the invasion would not occur at Normandy. Today, it is clear that corporations and special interests seek to confuse the public on a host of issues that they simply do not want to be addresses.

What is the best way to derail health care reform? Easy, claim that the proponents of such reform will take away benefits from the burgeoning ranks of senior citizens. Add to that a pinch of government death committees, claims of higher costs and lack of choice and the average person will shy back from any meaningful reform. Of course, such claims do not have to be true; they just need to make the headlines which are more than ready to accommodate sensationalists’ claims.

How about global warming and climate change? It is clear that special interests, the oil industry in particular, do not want to change their business and profit as usual method of operation. With ever mounting evidence that the planet is facing some kind of major change, the best strategy is to confuse the public, and even politicians, by condemning the data. Find one flaw, like the Himalayan glacial rate of melt, and then argue that all of the climate change data is wrong and suspect. Throw in a southern snow storm and one can easily argue, “See, the planet is getting cooler, not warmer.” It is like poor Johnny who gets one answer wrong on his test so the teacher assumes that all of the answers must be suspect also. Despite clear and irrefutable data and on–the-ground observations, corporations have managed to create an air of skepticism around any climate change or warning trend. They have managed to throw into the background any headline about all of the glaciers that are rapidly melting, loss of major water supplies, severity of storms and droughts, rising sea temperatures (December was the highest sea temperature on record), ocean acidification, crop failures, rising sea levels (even in Rhode Island and Florida), and growing climate chaos. By pointing to a couple of years of cool weather, they have managed to take any attention away from a temperature line that is still going up and up. Oh, did I mention the Northwest Passage and ice free arctic waters?

What about the economy? Moneyed interests have managed to steal billions of dollars from the public, make record high profits, pay ludicrous bonuses, foreclose on millions of homes, increase profits by not re-hiring and then getting away with putting holds on regulatory reform or any legislation that is geared to protecting the consumer. How do they manage this? Simply put, by confusing the issues. They claim that Obama is not creating jobs (How many people can he hire at the White House anyway?), his policies are anti-business and job growth (Of course they have no problem taking the billions for their own purposes), regulation would destroy the free market (What free market?), and that if you want the best, you’ve got to pay. Of course, it is the “best and the brightest” that created the economic mess in the first place.

The best part of “confusion” as a strategy is that what you say does not have to be true. You do not need supporting facts and figures. You do not have to justify your claims to the public or the politicians. You do not even really have to lie. All that is required is that you create skepticism and uncertainty. These conditions grind the decision making process to a halt. Few politicians will support a worthy and valid cause if, by some chance, they may be blamed if the cause becomes faulty. If you can create the question, “What if you are wrong,” then you have succeeded in toppling or paralyzing your opponent. It is easy to convince others to “take it slow,” and to be cautious, particularly if votes are involved.

The “State of Confusion” is a wonderful place for special interests. By raising the specter of possible error, such interests can achieve their goals and spend very little doing so. They can fund a study, put a scientist on the payroll, give a grant to a medical institution, or bankroll an economist to create doubt and inaction. One would think that with all of the information that is available, people could see through the smokescreen. Although, special interests can even flood the internet with confusing information. Perhaps if time was of no concern, this would not be as big an issue. But time lost means jobs lost, lives lost and a climate that might have a hard time supporting human habitation. Tick, tock. So how confused are you?

How Obama Governed by Earl Ofari Hutchinson – Now Available

Hopefully, many of you watched the State of the Union address. There is no question that President Obama is a great speaker. When he was elected, the nation was a buzz with hope and promise. A year later, political reality has set in. It is clear to this writer that we may well be in a time of political grid lock. The main goal of the right is to block the plans of the left and they will do whatever is necessary to stall and defeat any legislation proposed by the President. After all, there main goal is to try to recoup their losses in the next mid-term election. A time of promise has become a time of blockage. Who is caught in the middle, you and I. But, what else is new? The following book may shed some light on where the President and you and I stand in this great political debacle. Hopefully, we will not stand with our heads in the sand or our backs to the wall. Has the 'defining moment' become the 'moment of crisis?' Read the book and decide for yourself!

How Obama Governed: The Year of Crisis and Challenge. Author and political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson takes a no-political holds barred look at President Barack Obama’s first year in office. He answers one compelling question: Did he fulfill the massive and sweeping promise he made to restore hope and effect change in America?

This promise energized millions, reshaped the nation’s political tapestry, and propelled the first African-American into the White House. Hutchinson examines where and how Obama kept his promise, and where and how he failed to keep it. He examines in laser detail the attacks and counterattacks from the GOP and the Democrats. He delineates the differences and similarities between Obama and Bush in waging the war on terrorism. He assesses the towering battles over health care, the economy, racial attacks, the GOP counterinsurgency, Afghanistan, and the Henry Louis Gates flap. He provides readers with a guide as to how Obama will continue to govern.

He examines the attacks and counterattacks from the GOP and the Democrats on Obama. He delineates the differences and similarities between Obama and Bush in waging the war on terrorism. He assesses the towering battles over health care, the economy, racial attacks, the GOP counterinsurgency, Afghanistan, and the Henry Louis Gates flap. He provides readers with a guide as to how Obama will continue to govern.

How Obama Governed: The Year of Crisis and Challenge offers a virtual political clinic on the crisis and challenges that the nation and its first African-American president faced his first year in the White House.

About Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Dr Earl Ofari Hutchinson featured interviews and comments on race and politics have appeared in: Time Newsweek New York Times ABC’s World News Tonight. He has been a guest analyst on: Fox News John Gibson Show, O’Reilly Show, Hannity & Colmes, Glenn Beck Show, PBS Lehrer Report, NPR’s Talk of the Nation and CNN News Shows. He is the National Political Writer for New America Media and a regular contributor to: the Huffington Post

His three most recent books are:
* How Obama Governed: The Year of Crisis and Challenge
* How Obama Won
* The Ethnic Presidency: How Race decides the Race to the White House

To book Earl Ofari Hutchinson for an interview and/or commentary on the promise and pitfalls of Obama’s first year in office. Call 1-323-383-6145 to schedule. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is a nationally acclaimed author and political analyst. Hutchinson is the author of ten books on race and politics in America.

Title – How Obama Governed
Author – Earl Ofari Hutchinson
Author’s website link – http://www.howobamagoverned.com
Publisher – Middle Passage Press
Genre or category – US Politics
ISBN-10: 1439259925
ISBN-13: 978-1439259924
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/How-Obama-Governed-Crisis-Challenge/dp/1439259925

200 DAYS

Following the election, President Obama was hailed as a savior by some, and a devil by others. Those on the political left hailed his election as a victory for peace, tolerance and the end of worn out dogma. Those on the right shuddered in their three piece suits and cried that this was certainly the End Times.

Critics of his first 200 days say that he has failed to achieve anything except driving the nation deeper into debt. He has not achieved consensus on health care, climate change legislation or our true role in Afghanistan and has put having a beer before the crucial issues facing our nation.

There are apologists on the left who blame the right for any failures and delays and who claim that any financial concerns are merely a holdover from the eight years of the Bush administration. If we have learned anything from our political history, it should be that truth is rarely found in the right or the left. For that matter, it is not even found in the middle, as that seat on the political spectrum is the result of compromise, where bits of truth come together to form a consensus which is merely a place of acceptance, not one of truth. Each side gets a little, but the solution is not necessarily the right thing to do, it is the expedient thing to do.
Have President Obama's first 200 days been a success, despite political failures? My answer is yes. Not because all kinds of new and progressive legislation has been passed; not because we are now at peace in the Middle East; and not because our budget has been balanced. It is a success because we are now talking about the crucial issues that affect our nation and the world. We are talking about climate change, health care reform, education reform, and about others ways to solve political tensions, other than by use our military might. We are thinking about new ways to do things, new approaches to pressing issues, and new solutions outside the old political boxes. To me, this is encouraging.

As a Republican, I voted for Mr. Obama. The old ways were crumbling and doing business as usual was no longer acceptable. There was little chance for dialogue, and information that was crucial for decision-making was fabricated or suppressed. Shoot first and ask questions later were no longer an option. Our nation and our planet is at the edge. The decisions we make now will determine if we rise or fall. The real issue is not have we passed programs in 200 days, it is that we are trying to solve the issues and not hide them in some CIA vault. The remaining problem is that we cannot talk about solutions forever. Decisions must be made now. We know that the ways of the past were a failure. Politicians from both sides of the aisle must now come together and decide. If Obama fails, we all fail!

HOW OBAMA WON

Despite early skepticism, President–Elect Obama defeated all of the odds to win the 2008 election. Why and how did this happen? Is Obama the right man to lead us toward 2012? Was his vision of our future just what the seers ordered in what many feel this is the Time Troubles? Does his election mean that, perhaps, America is back on the right track to regaining world confidence that we can lead others into a new golden age? HOW OBAMA WON, by Earl Hutchinson, explains the how’s and why’s of Obama’s victory in a brave new look at our 44th President. Only time will tell if Obama is the right choice, but Hutchinson tells us now why the choice was made.
CHAPTER 3 (Excerpt) - t Was Still the Economy Stupid
In a two minute nationally paid campaign broadcast billed as a "presidential style" talk to the nation in mid September, 2008, Obama talked about one issue, and one issue only, the economy. There wasn't much new in his talk. But it really didn’t have to be anything new. Polls by then showed the economy; or rather the train wreck of the economy was really the only thing on voter’s minds.
Obama again vowed to cut taxes for the middle-class, clean up Wall Street's mess, and create lots of jobs for everybody. He aimed to firmly seize back the high ground on the defining issue of economic misery of the middle and working class, the Bush-GOP caused economic misery that is. This was widely regarded as his sure fire ticket to the White House. It was a play on the old political truism that it's the economy stupid that wins or loses presidential elections.
From day one of campaign 2008 the enshrined article of political faith was that voters were so furious at Bush for causing massive plant closings, farm failures, corporate bungling, fraud and corruption, the housing collapse, soaring gas prices, and the wholesale flight of jobs to the far corners of the planet, that all a Democratic presidential contender had to do to win was pass the breath test on Election Day. It of course wasn’t quite that simple.
How Obama Won is a provocative, hard hitting critical assessment of the issues, events, forces, politics, pressures and controversy that shaped and ensnared Barack Obama in his historic 2008 presidential campaign.

Political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson examines the impact of race and gender, campaign strategy, the key political players, the nature of presidential politics, the changes in the Democratic and Republicans parties, the importance of the black, Hispanic, youth, women and blue collar white worker votes, the role of corporation and special interests in American politics.

Hutchinson tells what the first African-American to win the White House means to America and the world.

How Obama Won

Hutchinson tells why:
• Race was not a factor in Obama’s win

• The Iraq war and the terrorism were not compelling issues in the campaign

• Sarah Palin hurt McCain

• Many blue collar whites and rural voters supported Obama

• Obama was able to top McCain in fundraising

• Ultraconservatives did not unite behind McCain

• The economy ultimately sunk McCain

• Obama’s win will and won’t change politics in America
Earl Ofari Hutchinson is a nationally acclaimed author and political analyst.

He is a frequent guest analyst on:

The John Gibson Show

O'Reilly Show

Hannity & Colmes

Glenn Beck Show

PBS Lehrer Report,

NPR's Talk of the Nation

Various CNN News Shows.

He is the National Political Writer for New America Media and a regular contributor to: the Huffington Post, and BlackAmericaWeb.Com

E-book of How Obama Won is NOW Available - https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=2174906
How Obama Won by Earl Ofari Hutchinson: Win A FREE Copy of How Obama Won http://tinyurl.com/8jjbhm -- It’s easy to enter to WIN a FREE book

BLOGGERS: THE 21ST CENTURY ESSAYISTS

When you think of essayists names like Paine, Thoreau, Emerson or Elliot might come to mind. But in the 21st Century, the bloggers are the new essayists. Never before have so many been allowed to reach so many with new ideas, personal thoughts and commentaries on society. From supporting great human rights causes to exposing corruption, raising political awareness, providing alternative news, championing health issues or just being plainly anecdotal, bloggers are the new conscience of society.

In my new book, WHAT'S WRONG WITH US ANYWAY? COMMENTARIES ON A TROUBLED WORLD, I have compiled my blogs into major topics including: Politics, Religion and Spirituality, The Environment, The Economy, Society and Health containing over 60 blogs, essays, on my views of events in the world over the past year. In a sense, these essays are "blog-shots" of the world. The book, published by ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS, is on Amazon and is also available as a Kindle Edition and E-Book. Hard copy can be ordered at this url:
http://www.amazon.com/WHATS-WRONG-US-ANYWAY-Commentaries/dp/1440436843/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229185659&sr=1-1

All Things That Matter Press will soon be publishing the collected blogs of Marvin Wilson, from his FREE SPIRIT blog site. Bloggers are welcome to submit a query to allthingsthatmatterpress@gmail.com and you can visit allthingsthatmatterpress.com

NO SHAME-GREAT BOOKS!

Speaking of books, what a great gift for this Holiday season! They are not very expensive and very rarely end up in clogged landfills. Here is some shameless self-promotion. I hope YOU will consider my books which are all available on Amazon.com. They include:

A MAINE CHRISTMAS CAROL-A wonderful retelling of the classic set in contemporary Maine. Deals with the issues of teen drug use, suicide, Iraq and being responsible for one's actions. Very uplifting and a strong message to families.

POLARIZING YOUR LIFE TOWARD PERFECTION- Don't let current times get you down! You can use the principles of Polarity to dramatically alter your life and create your own reality!

COLLECTED MESSAGES: GUIDES FOR PERSONAL
TRANSFORMATION, BOOKS I, II AND POSSIBLY III. Let leading experts guide you in the Law of Attraction, health and diet, relationships, music and more.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH US ANYWAY? COMMENTARIES ON A TROUBLED WORLD-Review the major issues of the past couple of years in terms of politics, climate change, the environment, education, health, food and many more. These are "blog-shots" of what has been going on in our world.

JESUS TAUGHT IT, TOO: THE EARLY ROOTS OF THE LAW OF ATTRACTION, 2ND EDITION-In the top 2% on Amazon since October 2007, this book will lead you to a greater understanding of the LAW OF ATTRACTION, and it early roots as taught by the Master!

RAPING LOUISIANA: A DIARY OF DECEIT-Think you can rely on the federal government if disaster strikes? Think again.

WAKING GOD-A spiritual treatise in the guise of a very controversial novel. Not for fundamentalists. Being re-released in December with Book II, THE SACRED ROTA scheduled for release after the first. Hold on for a ride to enlightenment and the end of religious dogma.
Also, please check out the other great books being offered by ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS, http://allthingsthatmatterpress.com!

E-Books and Kindle versions of the above books are also available for that last minute gift idea.

POLITICS, ELECTIONS AND THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

Politics and the Law of Attraction definitely mix. When people think of the Law of Attraction (LOA) they tend to focus upon money, health, relationships, employment and generally personal issues. However, the basic tenet of the LOA is that it operates all of the time, in every situation and at every level of society. There is no time or place or issue that is not under the LOA. Gravity works on the planet for the rich and the poor, for the young and the old, for Republicans and Democrats as doe the LOA.

On a societal level, the LOA has determined the course of history. It has brought peace or war, abundance or poverty, power or weakness, freedom or slavery to the world’s nations. The LOA basically states that form or reality follows thoughts. The more powerful the thoughts, and the emotions and intentions behind those thoughts; the greater the manifestation of those thoughts. This occurs either consciously or unconsciously. Nations whose people live with an underlying fear of neighbors are frequently at war with those neighbors. A nation that is confident of its goals, hopes and future tend to thrive. People, both individually and as a society attract what they either desire or what they fear.

With respect to the American election process, it is clear that it is adversarial; one party against the other. The “Secret” indicated that all too often, people fight against something, rather than for something. In this process more energy is often put into what is not wanted than what is wanted. Frequently, this results in the undesirable being manifested. The more energy, thought and emotion that goes into fighting against a candidate results in that candidate winning; form follows the thought. This is why those who teach the LOA try to get people to understand not to fight against something, e.g. war on drugs, war on poverty, war on terrorism, fight against cancer or obesity. This very mindset creates and attracts what is not desired. My new book, POLARIZING YOUR LIFE TOWARDS PERFECTION (soon to be released by Cambridge Book), shows how this process works and how to avoid this mindset.

In the current campaign for president, both Obama and McCain have fallen into the same old process of campaigning against each other. Debates are scheduled, the rhetoric is flying and ads attack the position of the other. Furthermore, supporters of these candidates tend to be ‘against’ the opponent more so than ‘for’ their desired the politician they support. Most discussion is centered on what is disliked rather than what is liked. The result is a polarized thought form that creates tension and discord. Perhaps Obama came closest to a proper understanding of a more correct process when he said that the election is not about him, rather, it is about the people. If the election process ran on this basis, we would not have debates, but rather forums. There would be no negative ads, but rather commercials that say what the candidate believes. We lean very little when debates are merely one politician attacking the other. A better system would be to have each candidate present their ideas, their record and their programs with audiences able to seek clarification, but not debate. In this way we attract quality discussion void of negativity.

The bottom line is that Americans must decide what they are for, not what they are against. In this way the LOA will create the desired result. When the focus is on the problem, even if you are seeking solutions, you still add energy to the problem. But if the focus is on what we want for education, health care, jobs, culture, and what we see as our role in the world, we have created a positive mindset that will create positive results. If you desire to consciously use the Law of Attraction in this election, give your thoughts, attention and emotions to what kind of future you want for America. Be ‘for’ something and not ‘against’ something. It is the only way to create a process with positive outcomes.

WHO IS OWEN FIDDLER?

OWEN FIDLER by Marvin Wilson is a “stop and make you think” book. The main character, Owen, is like many people we know, perhaps our neighbors, perhaps even ourselves. His outlook on life would be laughable if it was not so common and predominant in our culture. Marvin brings us some important messages in this latest work; messages that all would do well to ponder in this age of turmoil.

I had the pleasure of interviewing OWEN FIDDLER! We discussed his views on politics, the environment, oil, religion and a few other hot topics. This interview will give you an inside look at what makes Owen tick and hopefully will lead you to explore his character and life in Marvin Wilson satire on this contemporary “nowhere man.”

(Phil) Mr. Fiddler, you seem to have had a rough childhood. Do you think that society owes you a better life now that you are an adult?
(Owen) Better life? How about A life! I got more month than money, no future worth a (bleep) and if gas prices go any higher I’m gonna lose what little of my mind I got left. Society owes me? Well, it sure ain’t helped me none, that for damn sure.
(Phil) What do you think about welfare and programs aimed at helping the poor?
(Owen) Cancel ‘em – all of ‘em. Nothin’ worse than lazy third generation welfare recipients laying around on their fat asses collectin’ free money from my over-taxed-hard-earned-meager little income.
(Phil) Do you think the government should do more to protect the environment?
(Owen) Well, I’m no tree-hugger or nothin’ like that, but I’m not stupid either. The government does more to protect its own interests than it does to protect the environment. Fat cats, with their fat incomes and their luxurious spending allowances and free health care, voting themselves raises while us down-on-our-luck folks’re tryin’ to eke out a living. Sucks.
(Phil) What is your view on all the oil we import?
(Owen) What the hell difference does it matter what my view is? The government don’t give a damn what I think. It’s all a scam. The politicians and the super-rich got it all figured out. We proles get these news flashes that the price of oil is gonna go up cuz there’s been an outbreak of mumps in Istanbul or some lame (bleep) like that, and we just gotta bend over and take it up the (bleep) while they sit back and laugh at us poor suckers as we line up at the filling stations and pour out our blood for a (bleep)ing gallon of gas.
(Phil) What do you feel are the major problems in America?
(Owen) Man, you’re makin’ my head hurt with all this heavy (bleep). Ahm, okay, lets see – major problems in America. Well, taxes are too high, the government spends those taxes on bull(bleep) instead of stuff that would help the little guy, the judicial system favors the wealthy, the prisons are breeding grounds for contempt of society and criminal intelligence, the educational system isn’t worth a (bleep) for folks from the lower middle class down, and the price of a cup of coffee is too (bleep)ing much. How ‘bout that for starters? I could write a book. Fact, I might just bring that up to Marvin.
(Phil) Are you a religious man? And if so, what do you think about gay marriage and the curent moral fiber of America?
(Owen) Religious? No, no, nooooo – hell, no. I know how to ACT all religious, you know, go to church and play that game. Buncha phonies, that’s what religious people are, ask me. All smiles in your face ‘n talkin’ behind your back. I read the Bible, y’know, when I was a kid. Mom made me. Jesus, he was all right. I couldn’t never be nothin’ like him, though. Turn the other cheek, love your enemy, ya can’t get ahead in life tryin’ to live like that. But at least I’m honest about it. Church folks I’ve known talk that (bleep) but they don’t walk it.

Oh, gays? Each to his own, that’s what I say. Just don’t get in my face with it. If same sex couples wanna get married ‘n diddle each other ‘til death do ‘em part, that’s their business. The current moral fiber of America isn’t really anything I have any business judging – I’m not a very ethical person myself. But I ain’t about to judge others, I ain’t no holier than thou kinda guy.
(Phil) If you were elected president, how would you deal with our allies? What would you do about Iraq and terrorism?
(Owen) First of all, if I were ever elected president, then this country’s already gone to hell in a hand basket! (laughs – then pauses, gets a serious look) I guess I’d try ‘n keep everybody happy, our allies. Those terrorists scare the bejeebers outa me, though. They’re crazy, man. I can’t imagine believin’ in somethin’ enough to die over it. I’m kind of a wild and crazy son-of-a-(bleep), but those cats‘re outa their flippin’ minds. See, that’s another thing – ‘bout religion – that I can’t stand. Like I say, I ain’t no role model or nothin’ but I ain’t stupid, either. I read the Bible and the Koran – It’s the same thing – the same god. Why the hell are Jews and Muslims killing each other? Where’s the rub? I don’t get it. And I don’t want no part of it.
(Phil) What advice would you give the youth of today?
(Owen) Man – you just don’t stop, do you? Who the hell would get any use out of advice from the likes of me? (sigh) I dunno – don’t be like me, that’s for sure. Read my book – Marvin tells me it’s got some kinda spiritual message that’s really great for people getting’ along with each other – s’posed ta be some magical kinda wonderful experience I’m gonna have. (gets a mock look of holiness) I’m a changed person! (laughs) But I really can’t tell ya. I don’t much believe in all that mumbo-jumbo spiritual spooky stuff. Seein’s believin’ – that’s me.
(Phil) What is the key to happiness?
(Owen) I don’t know. I know I don’t have it. Marvin says I’m gonna find it, but I’ll have to see it to believe it.
OWEN FIDDLER was published in 2008 by Cambridge Books.
You can visit Marvin Wilson at: Owen Fiddler and Rock of All Ages.com

ONE VOICE, DEAF EARS? THE IPCC

When the Tsunami devastated Southeast Asia and hundreds of thousands of lives were lost, the first cry that went out was, “Why was there no warning?” Now, we are faced with an environmental tsunami but the difference is we have a warning. According to the U.N. panel of scientists as reported by AP writer Arthur Max on November 17th, global warming is “unequivocal.” U.N. Secretary General Ban said, “The world’s scientists have spoken clearly and with one voice.”

What are the unequivocal changes that will occur regardless of actions? Here is the short list: A sea rise of 4-6 feet; water shortages for 75-250 million Africans; coastal and river flooding for major Asian cities; heat waves and water competition in North America; and the extinction of up to 70% of all plant and animal species. We are not looking at a distant time frame, many changes are expected by 2020 and that assumes no more unknown environmental factors emerge. We all know predictions as recently as a year ago had to be modified as the environment decided to react on its time plan, and not ours. Everything is happening faster than expected. Secretary Ban said, “Only urgent, global action will do.”

The IPCC has been bold in its warnings and leaves little room for doubt that we are in for some “interesting times.” Keeping in mind that almost nothing has been done by the largest nations to even address the issue, only the foolish would expect that the calamities would not be worse than predicted. When new diseases are added to the picture, aggravated by rising temperatures, water shortages and overcrowding, the scenarios take a turn for the worse.

Obviously, two things must happen; governments must act and, people must heed the warnings. Governments are not acting so that leaves the rest up to us. We have received an early warning, and like the tsunami, if we do not heed that warning, there is no one to blame but ourselves if lives are lost. There is no question that rather than flocking to coastal cities, people need to start thinking about relocating inland. This will reduce exposure to disease and the loss of life and property due to flooding. Just look at Bangladesh, is this the kind of life you want to live? Move to the country and start growing your own food. All one has to do is read my book called, RAPING LOUISIANA: A DIARY OF DECEIT and see how FEMA and governments are not only incapable of evacuating populations, they have no clue how to deal with the aftermath of situations like Hurricane Katrina.

People must begin to leave flood plain areas and areas prone to drought-it will only get worse. Pressure will increase on rural areas and these areas must start thinking now how they will accommodate an influx of population. Precious farms cannot be lost so some real planning is in order. Life as we know is changing and people have a choice, live or die. If you wait until governments order evacuations, it will be way too late.

The consuming public must begin to demand that new and sustainable sources of energy be released at reasonable prices. Reliance on oil serves no one but the oil companies. Current prices of oil is just another wake-up call that all need to heed. Your next vehicle purchase must be a hybrid at a minimum. The fuel will not be there or at least not at an affordable cost. The technology is out there for non-polluting vehicles and the consumer must demand that this technology be made available. All new construction that has even a hint of public financing must demand that alternative energy be incorporated into the design. The public must also demand, for the sake of our children, that rules be passed to reduce the billions of tons of pollutants added to the environment each year. No, is not an option.

Great care must also be spent in preserving our bio diversity. People just do not realize that the numbers being discussed in terms of extinctions will result in ecological collapse. It is not just about saving the polar bear or some exotic species, if the ecological systems collapse, our systems will collapse with them. We are all interconnected and most of the relationships are not even understood. But one thing is certain, lose the number of species discussed by the IPCC and life as we know will be altered forever.

The list of actions could go on but I think you get the point. We have been warned. Change will happen. We can make them changes for the better by altering the way we live and the way we do business. The alternative is to continue to be led like lambs to the slaughter down the road of environmental collapse. This is not science fiction, this is science fact. I can only hope that the “one voice” does not fall on deaf ears!

OIL COMPANIES: WHITE COLLAR CRIME AT ITS WORST!

The recent surge in oil prices is the epitome in white collar crime. One cannot help but wonder how long people and politicians will sit idly by while oil corporations steal from the poor to fatten their overflowing wallets. On Friday oil hit $95.93, down slightly from Wednesdays high of $98.62 a barrel. Just out of shear delight my guess is that forces are at work to reach the $100/barrel mark, just to say that it did.

The rationale for such high prices has become an annual refrain. One reason is the drop in U.S energy reserves. How do people become billionaires by not having enough reserves for the winter? This excuse is heard every year. Do oil companies not have calendars? Why should reserves be low going into heating and holiday travel season? That would be like stores letting their stocks of goods dwindle before the holiday shopping season. Does that make any sense? Is it a secret that people use oil to heat their homes?

Another excuse is the proverbial storm. Okay, a North Sea storm closed some Norwegian platforms. Doesn’t this happen at the beginning of every winter? Of course there are storms. In hurricane season there are, let me guess, hurricanes? We all know this and so do the oil companies. Don’t they plan for this?

These are my favorites: there might be a revolution somewhere so prices go up. There may be a storm somewhere, so prices go up. A prince in Saudi Arabia sneezed, prices go up! This is all ridiculous. There is no question in my mind that oil prices will have to rise. This will probably be the major stimulus to forcing people into using alternative energy, most of which products are owned by oil companies anyway. Oil will not last forever.

The Washington reported that consumers are paying $4-5 billion more per DAY for oil than they did just 5 years ago. This adds some $2 trillion to the oil companies bank accounts. How much more do oil companies want? When oil hits these kinds of levels it affects every aspect of the economy. The list of petrol based products is astounding. As consumer dollars are increasingly spent on energy, little is left for other products. My guess is that this year’s holiday retail sales will be abysmal. Who will lose? The outlook is not good for small businesses who cannot offer deep consumer discounts. So the winners will be Wal-Mart and other super retail chains. Can we see the trend here? Small will not only “not” be beautiful, small will not exist!

So where does this leave us? Up the creek, I would say. Oil companies and speculators are going to destroy small businesses and drive the consumer into the ground while they fill their bank accounts. Where are our political leaders? Why are they not forcing change? Why are they letting oil companies commit the crime of the century? The middle and lower classes in America are bleeding to death and they do nothing. Have they given us an alternative? No! Are their heads in the sand? Yup! Elections are coming and he/she who is willing to take the oil companies on will get my vote!