An Insult To The Intelligence Of His Own Race

by RF Schatten

When Herman Cain was interviewed on Television recently, he spoke about something, that he has persistently been questioning...ever since his declaration to run for the Republican Party: “Why can people understand that a Black man, can be a Conservative?”

I don't know, why he is so persistent on letting people know that he is a Conservative? His insistence, appears more a problem with his own inner mind, than anything else. The reality of the matter, is that no one cares...whether he's Conservative or not. But to Herman Cain...it is he, who keeps bringing the subject out...certainly, is not the Press, who are genuinely trying to cover his Candidacy, as just another GOP candidate...a former CEO of a Pizza Chain, who did good as a businessman, and now wants to run for President, on the merits of his financial business knowledge.

Now, he has gone a step further...saying that Blacks have been “Brainwashed” into voting, not being open-minded, not even considering a conservative point of view, and being part of the Democratic Party. I'm not Black, but in all honesty...it appears as an Insult to the Black Community...and, to all my Black fiends and colleagues...that they are not intelligent enough, or not educated enough, or not even, just have plain common sense... to be able to make up their own minds.

What Herman Cain may not understand...or maybe, he's too naïve to understand, is that Blacks do remember “History”...and what lessons they have learned about the Grand Old Party. Now, you mix in Social Conservatism and Fundamentalist Christianity...into the GOP, and it's a clear big sign, that reads: “We don't want people of Color, to mix with our Women and Children, or Ourselves”. Actually, they just don't want Blacks to succeed. A clear indication is Barack Obama...and the treatment, and disrespect he gets from the GOP Tea Party...as Jon Stewart said: The Tea Party claims that they are not Racist...no! they are not Racist!, they just don't like the Blacks.

It's not about Conservatism, Herman...it's about Racism and Bigotry. There is this confusion, that probably, only Herman Cain has...a very large portion of the Black Community is Conservative, and a large portion is against Abortion, and Drug use...and, favor Family Values. But Conservatism, unfortunately...don't care much about the Issues most important to the Black Community. The GOP has been the Party for the Conservative American Aristocracy, for pro-business Corporate America, and tend to favor a limited role for Government in Society.

What Cain refuses to understand, is “that” History. The Republican Party's basic philosophy, has never changed...and now, they have taken on, even more Radical positions.They are in favor of the total elimination of Welfare, Unemployment Compensation, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid...all programs that are invaluable to the Black Community.

Look at what the Black Community, has gone through...KKK lynchings, Cross Burnings, “Poll Tax” and the disenfranchising of the African-American Vote, the determination to make the Civil Right Act, and its Movement, not succeed. Segregation, Martin Luther King and Medger Evers, assassinated...Bobby Kennedy, a white man, who fought for the Rights of Blacks, assassinated. The dehumanizing laws of White/Colored Restrooms, White/Colored Drinking Fountains. Lester Maddox's Refusal to Serve Black People, Blacks sitting in the back of the Bus or for Blacks to come in and leave, through the back door, in an all white establishment. In Miami Beach, FL. Blacks needed an ID Card to travel into the City...and only to work as Domestics...after 6PM...they had to leave and return to the City of Miami. Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis, Jr...and all other Superstars, had to enter the Hotels, where they were Headlining the Shows...through the kitchen entrance...and had to leave the Hotel, because they were not allowed to stay there, and go to Miami, and stay at the Hampton House...in Liberty City (the Black Neighborhood, in Miami).

All along, where was the GOP in its defense of the Black Man? Where the Hell were they??...I know where the Democrats were..where Bobby Kennedy was, June 11^th, 1963...making sure 2 Black students got their Right to enter, and call themselves Crimson Tide...and earlier, on October 1^st, 1962, when James Meredith became the first Black Student at the University of Mississippi. The Democrats were right behind the Black Community...and when LBJ passed the Civil Rights Act...and ever since, the Democratic Party has been behind the African-American all the way. It's no coincidence, that of the 41 Black members of the US House of Representatives, now...40 are Democrats. The only Republican? Allen West, if that's any surprise.

The fact that Herman Cain, came out of poverty, studied and worked hard, to achieve his great success, is admirable...his hate and resentment for rising up, literally from the gutter, goes deeper than his Virtues...the truth, whatever happened to him as a child, may or may not be important. What you really see, is his character, a man that went after his goal, at any cost, and who, he had to step over people...a ruthless back stabber, like all big Corporate Execs. He's a Conservative? Fine, that's his right...but, a fool? or is he? Want to be a Conservative? Be a “Republican” Conservative like Edward Brooke, a kind and decent man (91 years old, bless him!)...but, aligning with the Tea Party??...that's just selling your soul!! A group that includes KKK factions, extreme Right Wing Radicals, John Birch Society, Fundamentalist Christians, who really don't like any other Flavor than Vanilla. This is Obscene! It's no wonder, Cain is associated with “Uncle Tom” ...a fool, that acts as their token Black, used by the Tea Party as they wish...and ultimately, will be caste aside. I cannot imagine Herman Caine, side by side with Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, and the likes.

What else do you want to know, Herman? You said; "I have received some of that vitriol simply because I am running for the Republican nomination as a Conservative."

That's not true, Herman! Those criticisms, are not because you're a Conservative, or because you're Black, or because some people think of you as an Uncle Tom. It's because of your pompous attitude, as if you were above all other Blacks. Because of the way you have Insulted the Black Community...your race, your people!!

But, my personal feeling...the best way I can put this, is...why so many, don't like you? It's because, you're simply, an Asshole!

Can Obama Deliver?

by Lorenzo Canizares


That’s a question in many people’s mind. Pundits are debating back and forth if the American Jobs Act (AJA) could be implemented or not. Have no doubts about it, it will be very important to regular common-folks if AJA was able to succeed. But knowing the cast of players we can safely suspect that if the bill passes it might not be as attractive as the original proposal. After all, Republicans see the solution to the economic crisis through gutting regulations, keeping taxes on the rich low, cutting government programs, and preventing inflation from diluting the wealth of the wealthy.

But, as important as it is, the drama of the bill should not be the main concern of the progressive movement. The main concern of the progressive movement is to continue doing what it has started doing – organize people to take independent action. If we get organized it will help all, including Obama. It will provide the American people the ability to express their frustrations through organized channels, and maximize their power. Occupy Wall Street has shown to the rest of us that anger is widespread. It’s much broader than just the working class, women, gays, and minorities. I sincerely believe progressives speak to what most Americans have on their mind, our inaction in organizing or total dependency on Obama’s appeal could be disastrous for the nation. Representative Peter DeFazio, Democrat from Oregon, says it correctly “In my district, the enthusiasm for him has mostly evaporated. There is tremendous discontent with his direction.” (NYT 9/11/11.) We are talking here about a district that Obama won by 11 points in 2008.

The United States political movement went through a major change when the people that were the backbone of Roosevelt’s support in the 1930-40’s labor and community struggles, were expelled from the AFL-CIO and also had to suffer the McCarthy period. After cleansing the labor movement of first class political activists there was a failure by the Democratic Party to step up to the plate and organize the American people against the ideological offensive being directed at them from conservative forces. Many Democrats couldn’t lead any fight back because many of them “agreed” with what the conservatives were saying.

Obama still has magnificent appeal. Even though columnist Charles Blow points out that according to a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released in early September, Obama’s approval as a leader have descended from 70 percent when he took office to 42 percent last month. But, a turnaround is not out of the question especially if he shows people that he has a backbone after all. He has promised to take the case of AJA to every corner of America. Progressives should wholeheartedly support that, and furthermore, be participant in organizing people to wherever he is going to be speaking at. As Paul Krugman recently stated “ I was favorably surprised by President Barack Obama’s new jobs plan, which is significantly bolder and better than I expected…If it actually became law, it would probably make a significant dent in unemployment.” We need to create a movement independent of the Democratic Party but this movement certainly needs to open its doors wide to include most of the people that are Democratic Party loyalists.

A large movement will make everybody pay attention to the issues. Part of the Tea Party beginning appeal to common-folks was because it looked strong and could get things done. The progressive movement needs to create the same image and also use the same intertwining that is used by the Tea Party regarding the Republican Party. There are many trying in earnest to organize the progressive movement towards action. All of these independent efforts, including theAFL-CIO, will not mean much if these efforts don’t find common ground to act together. Grouping of a few thousands will not inspire fear or reflection.After all, we are trying to solve the nation’s stagnation peacefully and constructively, and working in peace always requires more strength to get things accomplished.

One very positive aspect that have been developed in the past few weeks is that organizations are making a serious attempt to provide an ideological platform with which we can rally the American people around. The spread of these ideas are indispensable to energize the American people into action and provide direction on what to fight about.

The American Jobs Act is a very powerful tool. As Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, says “The plan, if enacted would boost economic growth next year by2% and create 2 million additional jobs.” Also as Jules Witcover has stated “AJA is designed , if the Republicans slam the door on it, to give Obama more tangible evidence that the opposition party is responsible for what he called the ‘circus’ of partisanship and inaction in Washington.” The American Jobs Act is also a clear indication that Obama has abandoned the belief that you can work with Republicans to improve the economic conditions of the country. Maybe,he is also finally getting ready to remind the nation how Clinton left a balanced budget and how Bush/Cheney turned this balanced budget into a $10.6trillion national debt, with an ongoing $1.3 trillion annual deficit. And that the Wall Street collapse, as well as Europe’s, originated through the same speculative housing bubble.

To conclude,Progressive forces need to come together under a minimum program that will be able to have massive appeal, come together with as many as people as we can from the Democratic Party that agree with the common points, and start working energetically to defeat the Republicans attempt to change the character of our nation.
If we organize and fight back with a minimum program of positive proposals we will win.

Class Warfare In America...But, By Who?

 by RF Schatten

It's remarkable, how the Republican Party can turn “Words” to fit almost any situation they have...and make it sound as if they are the “Victims” of all social ills.

The President, recently announced that the upper 1% and 2% should pay their fair share in Taxes. Is it, that much of a crime, for the wealthiest Americans to pay a larger percentage in Taxes, than a Middle Class or Lower Class individual?

On March 5^th, 2011...Michael Moore gave a speech, and said...that there are 400 individuals in the United States today, that have more wealth, in combined Cash, Stock, and Property...than the assets of 155 Million Americans COMBINED!!! Those facts have been disputed by the GOP, but has been “Verified” as True, by Politifact's Truth-O-Meter. 400 individuals, crying that they should not have to pay their fair share in Taxes...because it would “Hurt Them” financially...as Bill O'Reilly stated...he may even have to quit his show!!! There is one Billionaire though, that believes, he should pay more in taxes than his maid...but, Warren Buffett is not a Republican...instead, he is a decent and honest human being.

And this, is not new...Dave Johnson, a Fellow at the Commonweal Institute, said that in 2007, the combined net worth of the 400 wealthiest Americans, as measured by Forbes Magazine, was $1.5 trillion; and the combined net worth of the poorer 50 percent of American households was $1.6 trillion.

But, the GOP and Tea Party is singing a different tune...BLAME EVERYTHING, all the Social Ills of this Country, all the Economic Ills in America, to the Working Class and the Poor. The GOP Presidential Candidates are saying it (with the exception of Jon Huntsman), the GOP Leadership, the Tea Party...naturally...blame the Poor and the Working Class. FOX News a citing that if the Poor can afford to buy a TV and a Refrigerator, why do they complain about not having money?? That is pure Cynicism! The worst, most blatant acts of Bigotry in US History.

Now, they're accusing Barack Obama and the Democrats of “Class Warfare” because he wants...and the Majority of the Nation wants...that the Wealthiest Americans pay their Fair Share. This, while very openly attacking the Poor and the Working Class of Ad hominem, Labeling, Name Calling, Stereotyping, Appealing to Prejudice, and other means of Bigotry and Racism. Hypocrisy in Action!! Who really is promoting “Class Warfare”?

The Definition of Class Warfare is: A Conflict between Social or Economic Classes (especially between the Capitalist and Proletariat [Lower and Working] Classes). Throughout the 19^th and 20^th Century, Class Warfare has been associated with Socialism and Communism...Hitler used it on his People...but you never see or hear the Right, ever say that. Now the Right, and all Social Conservatives are vehemently denying that they would ever do that, through one side of their face...while, with the other side of their face...blaming the Dems of doing it...it's not surprising that they are 2 Faced, so they can protect “their” pocketbooks.

How can they increase Taxes on their Benefactors?...Everything is the fault of the Poor, the Gays, the Liberals!!...those damn Commie Bastards!!

The Republicans??? why! they are the Party of God...Family Values, Morality, Goodness, Purity, Patriotism, God Bless America!!...and if the Dems don't agree with us? “LET THEM ALL DIE!!”

The Blame Game

by RF Schatten

All you hear today, is...who is to blame for all the ills that is facing this Country?

Social Conservatives blame the Poor, and the Middle Class...Progressives and Liberals blame Obama, and the GOP Congress.

While talking to some friends on Facebook, it really struck me, how Progressives, feel so frustrated with all these issues...The Economy, The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, The Social Conservatives' Anti-Gay agenda, The Immigration Issue, The Healthcare situation, controversies over Evolution, Creationism...and Science!!...and so many more. Very few, though...are willing to see who really, is to blame.

So, since someone had to do it, I came out with my opinion on who is:

No one is to blame on what is happening today, more than the Progressives and the Liberals...we elected someone, but cannot understand whatever is going inside his mind. No one has taken over a Presidency with so many problems ahead of him...as Barack Obama has...an economy that has been doomed, since Ronald Reagan started changing the entire Economic structure in 1981...George I, was right...Voodoo Economics; it's all Smoke and Mirrors...an Illusion! Then 2 Wars at the same time, and during a time when Social Change was evolving, both Conservative and Liberal...throughout this Nation.

If that wasn't bad enough...he happened to be the wrong Flavor...elected by people who didn't care about what Color a man is. But, Social Conservatism, only likes Vanilla! All this, has given the American Right Wing Movement and specially the John Birch Society, the opportunity to spread their wings...something that has been in the works for many years, but, never has had the opportunity till now...allowing Racism, Bigotry, Hate, and Fear to flourish...after being dormant for so many years. Being President is not an easy Job...specially when you have people wanting to make it as hard as possible to accomplish anything...people who are pissed, because they believe he should be "Serving" them, and going out the back door...instead of being "their" Superior...their Boss...and placing the Red Carpet, while opening the front door for him.

We have to have think Reality...and try to understand what he is doing...because as much as we don't like it...it's more, and better than what the opposition really, deeply wants to do. And if anyone wants to criticize Obama, or criticize the GOP/Tea Bags...then they better start criticizing themselves...by allowing this Radical Fringe, the take over of House of Representatives, and causing the President to have to play their games...just to keep the Country from completely collapsing. We, Progressives and Liberals alike, did not Vote, or Voted for someone else...call it a “protest vote”, if you like, but we didn't try to stop the GOP or The Tea Party from winning in November, 2011. Don't blame the Republican Voters...lets blame ourselves.

The Great Texas Success...Not Told By Rick Perry

By RF Schatten

What's really funny in Politics, is when Politicians run for office...they will always criticize the failures of their opponents...and boast their accomplishments, noting, how much better their achievements are, and how they can do the same for everyone else. “Elect me, and what I have done for my constituency, I can do for you!!”

In the case of Governor Rick Perry, known for his intent to re-write American History to fit his own personal Ideals...it appears that he, is also re-writing the current State of the State, so it would show how marvelous a job, he is doing...building his great success in Austin.

Here is Rick Perry's “Great Success” as Governor of the Lone Star State:
EDUCATION:

High School Graduation Rate - 50^th in the Nation (79.9% - National Avg 85.3%)
College Graduation Rate - 30^th in the Nation (25.5% - National Avg 27.9%)
Verbal SAT Scores - 49^th in the Nation (493)
Math SAT Scores - 46th in the Nation (502)
Per Pupil Education Expenditure - 42^nd in the Nation ($8,350 – National Avg $10,297)

INCOME:

Median Household Income - 26^th in the Nation ($48,259 – National Avg $50,221)

Poverty Rate by Household Income - 46^th in the Nation (16.2% - National Avg – 12.6%)

WOMEN VOTER INFORMATION

Women’s Voter Registrati­­on – 45^th in the Nation

Women’s Voter Turnout – 49^th in the Nation

HEALTH

Percentage of Non-Elderl­­y Uninsured – 1^st in the Nation

Percentage of Low Income Population Covered by Medicaid – 49^th in the Nation

Percentage of Population with Employer-B­­ased Health Insurance – 48^th in the Nation

Total Health Expenditur­­es as % of the Gross State Product – 43^rd in the Nation

Per Capita State Spending on Mental Health – 50^th in the Nation

Per Capita State Spending on Medicaid – 49^th in the Nation

Health Care Expenditur­­es per Capita – 44^th in the Nation

Physicians per Capita – 42^nd in the Nation

Registered Nurses per Capita – 44^th in the Nation

Avg. Monthly Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Benefits per Person – 47^th in the Nation

Percent of Population Who Visit the Dentist – 46^th in the Nation

Overall Birth Rate – 2^nd in the Nation

Teenage Birth Rate – 7^th in the Nation

Births to Unmarried Mothers – 17^th in the Nation

Percentage of Women with Pre-Term Birth – 9^th in the Nation

Percentage of Non-Elderl­­y Women with Health Insurance – 50^th in the Nation

Rate of Women Aged 40+ Who Receive Mammograms – 40^th in the Nation 

Cervical Cancer Rate – 11^th in the Nation

Percentage of Women with High Blood Pressure – 16^th in the Nation
Percentage of Pregnant Women Receiving Prenatal Care in First Trimester – 50^th in the Nation
Percentage of Residents with Health Insurance - 50^th in the Nation (76.2% - National Avg 84.9%)
Percentage of Children with Health Insurance - 50^th in the Nation (83.7% - National Avg 91.4%)
Percent of Children above the Poverty Line - 44^th in the Nation (75.6% - NH 1^st with 89.2%)


Many of these Records reflect Healthcare, so here is other facts about Texas Healthcare...According to AMA records: In 2008, the number of physicians in patient care per 10,000 civilians was 20.2 In the United States, the average, was 25.7. Thus, Texas ranked near the bottom of the 50 states.
Perry also has talked about how many Physicians have come to Texas to Practice Medicine, because of Texas Tort Reforms. He said it gained 21,000 doctors. The accurate increase is 12,788.  That’s about 8,000 doctors fewer than his claim. What he doesn't say, it's because the normal increase in the state's population. And even that figure is inaccurate, because it's just those Licenses given out...you do not have to live in Texas to receive a State Medical License...it's for use as a visiting Physician too. The more accurate count, based on the Texas Alliance for Patient Access is about 5,000...much less than the 21,000 listed by Perry.

Re-writing Facts, like Re-writing History...could be very advantageous!!

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Texas continues to be the state with the highest percentage of its residents without coverage, 25% last year, compared the National 16%. It ranked 50^th in the Country in 2003...this year, Texas ranks 50^th again.

One thing that Texas ranks, among the top in the Nation...and very proudly for the Texas GOP, is: In 2010, the average premium for family coverage in Texas was $14,526. The National Average was $13,375...that's $1,151 higher than the U.S. Average.

His record on Health, Education, Family Income, and Poverty are among the lowest in the Nation...when nearly a quarter (24.4%) of the Children of Texas live in Poverty...I would not think, that is something to be proud of. Neither would be his record on Education, with Texas being 50^th in the Nation with High School Graduation...and for 10 straight years!!!...2001 – 2010.

The one area, that he, all the GOP, and the Tea Party, have been raving about...has been his Economy and Job growth. But how much of it, is totally correct?...how much is what Conservatives say? While a lot said, could be true...you have to take into consideration the fact that most business successes, have come in the Oil Industry, where the Industry have been making Record Profits...and benefiting, most of all... the Wealthy...and, as for Jobs, Texas has had the largest population growth in the country! thus creating more Jobs...but, 90% of those jobs created are minimum wage jobs...with no real future. For an example of low wage jobs, you have to take a look at the Toyota plant in San Antonio. And Texas...still has a $27 billion deficit!

One more quick note...and a very interesting one, indeed. This comes from an article I recently read on Mediaite.com: “Texas Cuts Volunteer Fire Departments Funding By 75%”

Under Rick Perry this year, Texas slashed state funding for the volunteer fire departments that protect most of the state from wildfires like the ones that have recently destroyed more than 700 homes.
Volunteer departments that were already facing financial strain were slated to have their funding cut from $30 million to $7 million, according to KVUE-TV. The majority of Texas is protected by Volunteer Fire Departments. There are 879 Volunteer Fire Departments in Texas and only 114 paid Fire Departments”

All this, from a man who wants to do for America, what he has done for Texas.

THE ONE AREA, THAT RICK PERRY, DOES RANK #1 IS...BULLSHITTING!