Thankful.

THANKFUL

This is the time of year that we all pondering the old and look forward to the new. What genius decided that this was a worth while activity to end the year should be hog tied. Consider the stress to contemplate 12 months, 365 days (366 leap year), 8760 hours (8784 leap year), 525, 600 minutes ( 527,040 leap year) or 31,536,000 seconds (31,622,400 leap year) of living and breathing and life.

I write this because I was thinking about my parents who I lost last year and how I would love to have one more holiday season with them.  The great dishes my mother would fix and how the house would fill up with family, friends and new acquaintances. I never took those moments for granted considering I have lived on the east coast since I was 18 and my entire family is on the west coast; up and down the coast.  When I journeyed to the California Bay Area, I always take the time to see everyone I can and savior each second, minute, hour and day. Yes, this is the time to be thankful and to share the blessings. Sometimes it takes misfortune for one to realize how fortunate they are.  I was raised with seven brothers and sisters so it wasn't hard to understanding your blessings when there was so many mouths to feed. My mother's cooking skills made it that more difficult because each one of my siblings and me would always have a friend or two or three that refuse to go home until they ate some of moms delicious food. When I reflect, I never, ever recalled mom mentioning there was not enough for our friends.  She always made sure she cooked for an army on top of cooking for her restaurants.

So today I decided to sit and write in honor of my mother and father and express how thankful and grateful I am for them. I will wait until the end of the year to contemplate the past year. For now , Thank You mom and dad.



Curtis L. Pree

Joe Scarborough Demonstrates a Clear Divide

On Cyber Monday on Morning Joe the host Joe Scarborough threw a tantrum about what he views as a liberal media bias in the reporting of the protesters after the August police shooting of 18 year old, unarmed Michael Brown by Ferguson, Missouri policeman Darrin Wilson and America’s reaction to the grand jury not indicting officer Darrin Wilson and the lionizing by the protesters of Michael Brown, the young man left on the streets dead for more than four hours in Ferguson, Missouri.

Joe Scarborough may never understand.  In his statements he demonstrates a true misunderstanding of the situation and may not realize that he was possibly manipulated by the Ferguson police department when it released the tape of Michael Brown purportedly robbing a convenience store. In his remarks, he references the store video while comparing Michael Brown to, in his words, the “thuggish” George Zimmerman, the self- appointed neighborhood watchman who killed Trayvon Martin. Unfortunately, Joe displays a naive belief that Michael Brown is being held up as a hero. The tape was released by a police department that tried to sway public opinion from the very start with the hope that the tape would extinguish the anguish of protesters and any supporters. The police department was quick in releasing the convenience store tape even though it would not release the police report of the incident, the autopsy report or the accused police officers name and picture. Does that mean the police chief may have intentionally attempted to mislead the public by saying the tape was released because of a freedom of information request? It was later determined that no such request was made. The police department did admit that the released tape had nothing to do with the case; causing many to wonder why the tape was released in the first place.

Joe Scarborough may not understand that despite the so called "ghetto" where Michael Brown was killed or what his family looks like or what Michael looks like, he has civil rights that were violated. Most importantly, Joe may not understand that the movement sparked by the Ferguson homicide was like the Million Man March; the movement was inevitable but waiting on a much needed spark. As the O.J. trial can be credited with fueling the mass participation of the Million Man March, the death of another African-American child at the hands of police sparked today's unrest throughout the country.  I believe the continued protest is much more about the decades of police brutality across America's minority communities. Everyday there is a story about police injustice and how police change the narrative and make the victim a tainted suspect unworthy of sympathy or, as officer Darrin Wilson referred to Michael Brown in his grand jury testimony, a demon to be despised. Cameras on many of America's streets today capture a true picture of the encounter with law enforcement and with it, often times, police in the act of undermining a citizens civil rights. For example,  the recent killing of 12 year old Tamir Rice in Cleveland playing alone with a toy gun, 43 year old Eric Garner in Brooklyn accused of selling single cigarettes, 22 year old John Crawford III in Wal Mart for holding a display toy gun, etc. The list seems endless. I personally feel the pain of these families as an American who is Black and professional and a college graduate who has been profiled and lost friends at the hands of police under questionable circumstances; Prince Jones killed by a Prince Georges County Maryland police, shot 4 times in the back at 3 am in Virginia after being followed through three jurisdictions without the undercover officer contacting police in any of the jurisdictions and Tyrone Guyton, a 12 year old gunned down in Oakland California by Emeryville California police; both unarmed and tainted by lies and innuendo.

Joe Scarborough and many Americans of similar age and background who have been privileged for most or all of their lives and, yes I believe, as Joe stated, there are many that feel like he does, just don't get it. Individuals who don't realize the protest, while sparked by the shooting death of Michael Brown, is as much about America's continued blind eye every time this happens; where the public returns to business as usual, spending money to prop up a weak economy that under-employs Brown people and merely says shame the next time similar deaths happen under strange and unexplainable circumstances. We must find a way to end the division and come together as One Nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

 

Senator Edward Kennedy, Giant Among Giants, Rest In Peace

Senator Edward M Kennedy, affectionately known as Teddy, passed on last night to a legislative body that knows no partisanship. A legislative body that does not fight over health care because everyone is free of disease and bad blood. It is a peaceful chambers where mortals hope to have entrance upon their final days on earth . It is customary when such a giant dies that everyone put away the swords and say nice things for the moment. Many have paid tribute to Teddy as a fighter of everyday people; citizens who are the least of those who fight everyday just to be heard and seen. I have a unique tribute of my own that I would like to pay to Senator Kennedy which speaks volumes of his spirit and humanity.

During the 1984 Democratic Convention in San Francisco, while serving as an advanceman for the Mondale/Ferraro Presidential Campaign, I was responsible for a number of surrogates, mostly elected officials, who were in support of Vice President Walter Mondale's campaign. On this particular day, I had to drive Mayor Richard Arrington of Birmingham, Alabama to a breakfast on San Francisco's Nob Hill at a Kennedy family private residence where he was to have breakfast with Senator Kennedy and three other prominent Americans. Upon arrival, the Mayor departed the car and took the elevator up to a private dining area while I was seated in the parlor. When Senator Kennedy learned that I, the driver of surrogates, was in the parlor, he had Secret Service direct me to the elevator to join him and his guest. If I were to say the surroundings were opulent, I would be giving a disservice to the description; fine porcelain china, sterling silver flatware and more valets than attendees to serve at our beck and call. Me, a 23 year old Howard University graduate from West Oakland, California was indeed in heaven. I felt quite privileged to be there listening to Senator Kennedy and guest talk about local, state, nation and international affairs. The conversation was serious and measured and Senator Kennedy was describing his concerns for those less fortunate and his desire that they get a fair break. From that moment on, Teddy was my hero.

For those who know me and wonder why sometimes its so hard to get my head through the doors, it is because ever since the day I met Senator Kennedy and he treated me, a poor West Oakland kid, like royalty and with respect and humility, the swelling of my head will not abate. Don't blame me, take your grip up with Teddy!

A Main Street Stimulus Package To Rescue The American Economy

While American businesses report grim economic news at lightning speed and consumer spending and optimism about the future diminish, the overall American economy is contracting at a nightmarish pace; a 7.6 percent unemployment rate as of January with more than 11.6 million Americans actively seeking work. As Americans come to grips with this new reality, our elected officials’ strategy to get America’s economy moving and to spur the banks to lend money is stuck in neutral. President Obama’s attempt to promote his $819 billion stimulus package on Capitol Hill has been met with frank skepticism. In fact, the out of power Republican Party seems more interested in being in opposition to the White House then offering substantive solutions to a broad economic crisis. While these issues are not new and the approach to stimulating the economy by cutting taxes, investing in infrastructure projects and providing tax credits to small business seems old hat, what is needed is a new approach to solving America’s economic woes.

During the 2008 general election, former United States Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson trotted to Capitol Hill with the intensity of a movie-goer inside a crowded theater who screams “fire,-fire” and stated to Congress “unless this body immediately passes a $700 billion dollar bailout for the banking system, the world financial markets could collapse and America could fall into a deep economic depression”. Despite tremendous criticism of the former Treasury Secretary’s three page, $700 billion dollar request, Congress passed the bailout package and the banking system was infused with new capital. Unfortunately, the bailout package had the opposite effect then was intended. Instead of the banks loaning money to get the economy moving, many banks sat on the funds while others bought smaller banks and invested in growing their businesses without providing new home loans and other investment capital to the small business community. No matter how much money is thrown at the banking institutions, it is clear that the only way to get the economy moving is to try a new approach that will put money in the hands of Main Street America.

Hence, all is not lost. A new approach to getting our economy back on track would be to relieve consumers of debt. For example, the solution begins with paying the credit card debt of tax payer s who eventually will be financially responsible for these bailouts. While it seems a stretch, let’s examine the merits. Last year former President Bush provided tax payers with a $150 billion stimulus package that provided checks directly to taxpayers to do as they pleased. It was hoped that the money would immediately circulate into the economy whereby providing a much needed stimulus. It didn’t happen. Fast forward to the general election and you have the $700 billion bailout that has had the effect of a fizzled fire cracker on the Fourth of July. The two Bush packages total approximately $850 billion in spending and for that the taxpayers see TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) monies being used to buy planes, vacation at posh resorts and provide huge bonuses to unworthy executives . Now, President Obama is proposing an additional $819 billion- a number of economists have expressed this level of spending may not be nearly enough to give the economy the jolt necessary to bring prosperity (after a highly contentious conference, the Senate and House approved a massive $787 billion measure). We are talking about $1.63 trillion dollars and Main Street America is still experiencing the deer in the head light syndrome; tax payer’s dollars in and no Main Street relief in sight. “According to the Federal Reserve’s monthly G19 report released January 9, 2009, the revolving credit category – made up most exclusively of credit card debt – saw a 0.2 percent decline in October.” Overall, revolving debt is estimated at $976.3 billion. Let’s look at my approach to stimulating the economy and bringing much needed aid to Main Street. If the federal government paid off the estimated $1 trillion in consumer credit card debt, a multitude of effects will occur. For one, credit card debt would no longer be an agonizing issue for the American tax payer. Second, the credit ratings of those with credit card debt will soar. Third, the banks would not need a bailout because they would have an infusion of much needed cash and limited government oversight. Fourth, this stimulus package, unlike packages before, can be directly tracked. Hence, being credit card debt free, the American consumer can use their credit cards at a more disciplined pace thereby stimulating the economy and forcing the banks to find other areas to make profit and ending the slave mentality of 30% interest rates on consumer credit cards. Additionally, since American tax payers have a majority interest in Citibank, deposit all bailout and rescue money in Citibank. Citibank can put out a shingle that says “Open for Business...We Are Providing Loans”. Now if the banking community wants to engage in lending money again, they would be encouraged via competition to start lending or find another line of business.

In conclusion, while President Obama’s economic recovery package navigates through the majestic angles of the Capital’s Statutory Hall, Main Street America fights to keep food on its’ table and a roof over its’ head. Any stimulus package aimed at moving America’s economy forward must include comprehensive legislation that is bold, that provides immediate relief to the America taxpayer who has lost or is close to losing their job, home and are in survival mode and that guarantees capital will be available to Main Street.

The meaning of insanity is doing things the same old way and expecting different results. Let’s get off the psychiatric sofa and try a new approach to stimulate the economy and move America forward.

Congratulations Obama, Howard University and the Legends Living and Deceased

As we prepare to witness the event of the century, I wanted to send a special message to all who played a part in this day. If you are receiving this message, then you hold a part of the Obama victory in your hands. Who would have ever thought that our participation in marching to make Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday a holiday would lead to this event? Wow! At this moment, I recall how many of us marched with Stevie Wonder in the early eighties to push for the designation of the King holiday. At times, the temperature was in the single digits, but we never gave up as we walked down Georgia Avenue.. freezing (for those of you who don't know, I am from California and all I had was a Gerry Curl and leather jacket)......alright no laughter here.. If you recall, Ronald Reagan was President of the United States and he stated that Martin Luther King was a communist and that he would not sign any legislation to make MLK Day happen. With perseverance and hope, we prevailed. Let's not forget and as we mark January 20, 2008, as the day America took a tremendous leap forward for equality and diversity, let's not forget that the struggle has only just begun. Let us also remember that one person can make a difference and continue making a difference. I'm grateful that I was selected to have participated in making this moment happen and that I can stand-in on behalf of all those who sacrificed and are unable to be here because of distance, time, money, etc. I'm going to be like the postal man; neither rain, sleet nor dark of night will prevent me from attending the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States! With a broad grin on my face and a heart that's pumping a thousand miles and hour, I want to say to Dr. Martin Luther King...Happy Birthday To Ya!!! Happy Birthday!!!!!

Democracy and Debate

As the Democratic nomination process for president comes to a close, the debate about the fairness of the Democratic process and the direction America is going will no doubt intensify. Questions surrounding the preparedness of America for a women or Black to hold its highest office abounds.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama should be commneded for the historic significance of their candidacies. That a women and an African-American in the literal sence made it to become the final two contenders out of a field of eight, highly qualified, mostly white males is a tribute in and of itself. One of the final contenders stands a 50/50 chance of becoming President of the United States of America; the highest elected office in the land and the most powerful leader in the free world. While the tone of the debate, at times, drifted South towards the racial divide that has plagued the Democratic process for generations, the outcome will be historic and written about for years to come.

No one could have written a more perfect script. A fearless, tenacious candidate in Hillary Clinton and a steady-as-she-goes, humble and thankful Barak Obama. Both should be applauded for their courage, sacrifice and commitment to the Democratic process. America is a better nation because of the 2008 Democratic nominating process.

Voter rolls have swelled, young people are believing again in the Democratic process and particpating in unprecedented numbers and women and African-Americans have a level of pride not to be discounted.

No matter the outcome of the 2008 Presidential general election, be assured that our Democracy is stronger and the debate about America's future richer because of Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama.

Bitter Battle to the End

Round 12 in a 15 round knock out, drag out battle for the Democratic nomination for President has turned Barack Obama into a punching bag for inferring that when an economic downturn occurs, voters in Pennsylvania turn to guns and religious initiatives in an effort to cope. In fact, history tells us that in an attempt to change the political conversation, conservative opponents are apt to look into their grab bag for abortion issues, affirmative action legislation and, God forbid, welfare reform. Wedge issues are used to divide white and black, latino and black, poor and destitute, east and west, north and south, light skin and dark skin, and Baptist and Catholic.

The battle for the White House has never been easy and Barack Obama should know this. His opponent is not just the Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton, but former President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Republican John McCain and, lastly, the entire Republican Party including President Bush. So at the very least, Barack Obama has five immediate opponents to keep him busy. The battle over how bitter the Pennsylvania voter is and whether the word "bitter" should have been used is relative. This debate was begun in an effort to change the conversation from how much Hillary Clinton exaggerated her assertion that she had to run from sniper fire while on a visit to Bosnia or whether she would even be awake at 3am to pick up the phone in the White House especially after Bill Clinton stated she misspoke because she was tired, and getting older and it was 11pm. Should the America people be bitter at the Clintons for the truck load of money, more than $109 million to be exact, they have pocketed since vacating the White House or how many more truck loads could be made if they were to reign in the White House again.

This bitter battle to the end, while being promoted as good for America, in fact could create for the Democratic Party what the Clintons were able to accomplish in 1994, a Republican Revolutionary nightmare!

Sound off and let America know how you feel. Whether the economy has you bitter, frustrated, angry or numb, make sure in November your voice is heard.