* Have you listened to the week's SCLC RADIO SHOW? If you haven't, you missed a good one. Listen to a replay of "THE SCLC RADIO SHOW" by clicking on "THE SCLC RADIO" link posted above.
* Bill Clinton has lost his mind. Bill Clinton is playing racial politics against Barack Obama. This is the Willie Horton campaign all over again from when Daddy Bush ran for President. Remember what Bush did in the 1988 Presidential campaign? Bill has taken a page from the Republican play book.
* The Clintons think some Black folks are stupid, that we can't tell the difference between racial politics and political spin.
* I'm a 51-year-old Black man. I've never voted for a Republican for President. I've never sat out a Presidential election. I voted for Bill Clinton, twice. In June, I had decided that if Obama didn't win the Democratic nomination, I'd support the Democratic nominee for President in November.
* Not now. I wouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton even if she were the only person on the ballot. In November, I'll either vote Republican or I'll stay at home on Election Day. I don't vote for people who play racial politics.
* Now some Blacks may on down to the voting booths and vote for Hillary. Not me. I take my vote seriously. You have to earn my vote. I don't give my vote to anyone racially attacking a Brother. Never have, never will. If we let the Clintons slide on racist political attacks, the next time someone Blacks run for office, these racist attacks will get worse. The Clintons have drawn a line in the sand. We can't let them get away with this.
Let me be clear on this. If Obama had tried to hide his drug use and it came out in the political campaign, that's one thing. If Obama tried to hide anything about his personal life, that would be fair game in this election. But, he's hidden nothing. The Clintons are simply playing on racial stereotypes to win an election. They think they can get away with playing the race card because they are liberal and are supposed to be friends of the Back community.
What's sad is some misguided Blacks are looking the other way while the Clintons play the race card.
* At one time, the Democratic Party was the political party of the working man. At one time, the Democratic Party was the so-called guardian of Black people. I'm moving and I won't be back with a new ARTIS BLOG until Feb. 11. However, until then, let me once again ask about something I wrote about in my 1/14/08 ARTIS BLOG.
* Why is the Roanoke, Va. City Council/Mayoral Democratic Firehouse Primary on Feb. 9, being held at a time and at a location where Black people and working people won't be able to vote?
* Many working people work 7 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Saturdays. Some working people work Friday night from 11 P.M. until 7 A.M. Saturday morning. The primary is being held from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. Voting during a lunch hour simply isn't an option for many of these 7-4 working people. Staying up until the polls open is not an option for the 11-7 working people after a hard night's work.
Plus, voting for the Feb. 9 Democratic Primary is only being held in one location. The location is Patrick Henry High School in Southwest Roanoke, across town from Roanoke, Va.'s Black community. No voting places will be set up in Northwest Roanoke, Va. where the majority of Roanoke, Va.'s Black people live.
* It's clear the Feb. 9'th Democratic Primary was set up to keep the Black vote down and to prevent more Black representation on the Roanoke, Va. City Council. No, this isn't racist. Why? Two Black men, Va. House of Delegate member Onzlee Ware and Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party Chairman Tony Reed, are doing the dirty work of those wanting to keep the Black vote down in Roanoke's Northwest community, themselves included. These two partners in crime are also trying to make sure more Blacks aren't elected or re-elected to the Roanoke, Va. City Council.
Plus, Blacks aren't the only voters affected by the time and location of the Fed. 9 primary. The voting strength of working men and women, regardless of race, will be adversely affected by the time and location of the Feb. 9'th primary.
This primary is a disgrace. This primary is a slap in the face to those working men, working women and people of color who are being denied their right to vote through some tricks and through political backstabbing.
* Bravo to former Roanoke, Va. Mayor David Bowers for leaving the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party. When a political party becomes a political party for a chosen few at the expense of the masses, it's time to leave.
WE THE PEOPLE
THE ARTIS BLOG
1/23/08
* How angry are some members of the Black community at those Blacks who take cheap shots at Barack Obama while supporting Hillary Clinton for President? Check out this ad for MediaTakeOut.com. Interesting stuff.
JOHNSON AD
* Black support for Hillary Clinton runs along two lines; generational and institutional. Older Blacks like Clinton. Younger Blacks like Obama. Those Blacks in the "Black Good Old Boy Network," (those Blacks who want to maintain the status-quo and who owe their political and economic power to White liberals), like Clinton. Those Blacks not in the "Black Good Old Boy Network" like Obama. Yes, Blacks have Good Old Boys, too.
* Obama is a threat to the "Black Good Old Boy Network." They know if Obama is elected, they may get pushed out the door. An Obama win means these Blacks will not be able to control the Black community as they once did. Again, the "Black Good Old Boy Network" wants to maintain and perpetuate their political and economic power. They want control. An Obama win changes their world in many, many ways.
* Politically speaking, younger Blacks are much more politically savvy than older Blacks give them credit for. Younger Blacks know how the system actually works. They know the hustle. They are aware of the sell outs, the pay offs and the compromises Black people have made in the past with White liberals to maintain and perpetuate their political and economic power.
* Younger Blacks also know the Clintons cannot go after Obama on certain issues unless Black people go after Obama on those issues first. Trust me, Bob Johnson's comments about Obama and drug use were no accident. Trust me again when I say the Clintons were surprised when many Blacks said, "Oh, hell no!" concerning Johnson's comments.
* White folks have been getting Black folks to do their dirty work in the Black community for years. It's nothing new. What is new is Black folks calling White folks on the use of these types of Black folk.
* Younger Blacks also know that all of the talk on how the Clintons are the "friends" of the Black community is nothing more than a fairy tale. I'll make this easy for those who take issue with that sentiment. Can anyone tell me what the Clinton's have done in the area of Civil Rights in the past 30 years? That goes for both Bill and Hillary.
* Yes, the Clintons feel comfortable around Blacks. Big deal. Where's the legislation? Where are the programs? Where's the commitment to addressing the problems facing the Black community? I hear talk. Talk is cheap.
* The only thing I see from the Clintons these days are the two of them trying to play the race card against Obama and hypocrisy. I bet you didn't know that both Bill and Hill have said Ronald Reagan was a great President. Bill said so in a speech in 2002. Hill said so in Tom Brokow's latest book on the Baby Boomers. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.
* One final thing. Can we stop all of this Bill Clinton was the first Black President nonsense? When Bill gets called a n*##!r, when Bill can't catch a cab because cab drivers refuse to pick him up, when Bill gets stopped by the police for no reason or when you find legislation Bill signed into law that actually helped the Black community, call me. Until that happens, let's stop the craziness.
As for Hillary, Hill will win the Democratic nomination. I also see a significant number of Blacks staying home on Election Day.
WE THE PEOPLE
SEE YOU FRIDAY
THE ARTIS BLOG
1/21/08
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KING According to Hillary Clinton, today should be dedicated to Lyndon Johnson instead of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I will forgive Hillary for her silly statement to FOX NEWS. As for her feeble attempt to pass off her silly remarks to Barack Obama, well, that's Hillary Clinton. After all, we all know that personal responsibility and accountability aren't any of Ms. Clinton's biggest virtues. The same holds true for her husband.
However, those of us who know our history and those of us who are not out there fishing for votes, know the real history of the Civil Rights Movement. We know that while President Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights Bill into law, we also know that it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, who was the driving force behind America's Civil Rights Movement. We know that without Dr. King, there would not be a 1964 Civil Rights Act. There would not be a 1965 Voting Rights Act. There would not be Fair Housing laws, affirmative action and the other human and civil rights victories that came out of the Civil Rights Era.
Dr. King was the leader of the second American Revolution. He was victorious without firing one gun, or dropping one bomb, or launching one missile. In the 13 years he was at the forefront of this revolution, Dr. King was truly an amazing leader. Dr. King was a man who not only sought to improve Black America, Dr. King sought to improve all of America; Black, White, Red, Brown, Yellow, man and woman, rich and poor. Dr. King did this in spite of the fact that the threat of death was a constant companion.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s mission was a complicated one. Still, he made his decisions on the simple concepts of right and wrong. Dr. King supported right. He speak out against wrong. That make Dr. King unpopular in some circles. That was fine with him. Dr. King was not trying to win a popularity contest. He was trying to make America live by its spoken and written creed of freedom, justice and equality for all people.
Last year, the SCLC celebrated its 50'th anniversary. As you know, the SCLC was founded by Dr. King. Much has changed over the past 50 years thanks to Dr. King and countless others. However, we still have a ways to go before America can truly say we are a society that practices, "with liberty and justice for all." Dr. King died so we can live free. We must never forget his contribution in making America live up to its ideals. We must continue to work to make Dr. King's "Dream" of a colorblind society a reality.
TO SEE MORE ON DR. KING AND THE ROANOKE, VA. SCLC'S DR. KING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK.
* I should name this blog, " DEMOCRATS GONE PLUM CRAZY!!!!!!!!!" Maybe I should name this blog, "DEMS DO THE BACKSTROKE!!!!!!!!!" Perhaps I should name this blog, "DEMS SAY THE DEVIL MADE US DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!" If young folks didn't read "THE ARTIS BLOG," I would name this blog, "WHAT IN THE H**L ARE THE DEMS DOING?"
* First, Hillary Clinton. Hillary upset a lot of Black folks with her Lyndon Johnson/Martin Luther King, Jr. comments last week before the New Hampshire Primary. What did Hillary say? Hillary told Major Garret of Fox News, "Dr. King's dream began to be realized when President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It took a president to get it done."
* Let's forget for a moment that in 1964, Hillary Clinton was a Goldwater Republican and Barry Goldwater was against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Clinton's comments angered me and Black people nationwide because Dr. King set the stage for Johnson to sign the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as well as, the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Because of Dr. King, Civil Rights became an issue not only in America, but worldwide. The Civil Rights Movement became an international embarrassment for America. Johnson had no other choice but to sign the 1964 Civil Rights Act into law.
Simply put, no Dr. King, no 1964 Civil Rights Act. No Dr. King, no 1965 Voting Rights Act. Yes, Johnson, (who, gutted the 1957 Civil Rights Act), signed the 1964 Civil Rights Act into law. Yes, Johnson was forceful in getting the 1964 Civil Rights Act passed. However, it was Dr. King who forced the issue. It was Dr. King who made Civil Rights an international issue. It was Dr. King who turned Civil Rights into one of the most embarrassing moments in American history. And today, it is Dr. King who is rightly credited for getting the 1964 Civil Rights Act signed into law. Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights into law. Dr. King, as well as, the workers in the Civil Rights Movement were the ones who did the heavy lifting.
* Black folks have let Hillary know they weren't too happy with her Johnson/King comments. In typical Clinton fashion, she did not take responsibility for her comments. Instead, Sunday morning, on NBC's "Meet the Press," Hillary blamed the Obama campaign for causing this controversy.
That claim doesn't fly with me. I heard Hillary's comments. I read Hillary's comments. I saw the video of Hillary making these comments. I didn't get this information from the Obama campaign. Like most Black people, I got this information from ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX NEWS, MSNBC, THE HUFFINGTON POST, TIME.COM, NEWSWEEK.COM and other sources. In fact, I'm on the Obama mailing list. I haven't received anything from the Obama campaign concerning Hillary's comments. Yet, she blames the Obama campaign for causing this controversy.
Maybe Hillary thinks Black folks are so dumb that we can't tell the difference between comments coming out of the mouth of a White woman and those comments that come out of the mouth of a Black man. You tell me. I know I'm tired of Hillary and her campaign, Bill included, playing the race card against Obama. And you don't diss Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to win elections. I don't care if folks foolishly claim Hillary's husband is the first "Black President."
* And now for the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party. The Chairman of the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party is a Black man. His name is Tony Reed. The Number 2 elected official in the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party is a Black man. His name is Onzlee Ware. Why then is the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party City Council and Mayoral Primary being held at a time when working Black folks and other working folks won't be able to vote?
* If I were a voter in Roanoke, Va., I would not be able to vote in the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party City Council and Mayoral Primary. Why? I work on Saturdays from 7 A.M. until 4 P.M. The primary is being held from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. And no, there isn't enough time for me to go vote during my lunch hour.
The primary is also being held at Patrick Henry High School in Southwest Roanoke, Va. Because of housing patterns, most Blacks who live in Roanoke, Va. live in Northwest Roanoke, Va. In order to vote in the primary, most Blacks will have to drive across town. Whites, on the other hand, aren't in this situation. For example, most White children in Roanoke, Va. actually go to Patrick Henry High School. Again, this is due to housing patterns in the city.
* The easy solution for this problem is to have two polling places open from 7 A.M. until 7 P.M. One polling place would be Patrick Henry High School. The other polling place would be at William Fleming High School. William Fleming High School is located in, you guessed it, Northwest Roanoke, Va.
* The interesting thing is, several candidates who have either announced they are running for Roanoke City Council or who have expressed interest in running for Roanoke City Council have their main support in Northwest Roanoke. I smell a rat. Oh, did I forget to mention that those who vote in this primary have to sign a "loyalty oath" saying they will support the Democratic ticket in the upcoming Roanoke City Council Election? No, I'm not making this up.
* And now for Roanoke, Va. City Councilman, Bev Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is also a Democrat. In an interview to "The Roanoke Times," Fitzpatrick talked about his recent announcement of running for re-election to Roanoke City Council in the upcoming election. Fitzpatrick also took aim at the Roanoke, Va. Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Once again, Fitzpatrick took issue with the Roanoke SCLC for saying he should have resigned from Roanoke City Council over his role in $2.5 million scandal involving his friends and the Roanoke, Va. Housing Authority.
Fitzpatrick claims the Roanoke SCLC launched into a "personal attack" on him for his role in the scandal. He also claimed the Roanoke SCLC was trying to make a name for itself by portraying Fitzpatrick as a bad guy.
* Fitzpatrick needs to quit whining. What Fitzpatrick and his buddies did was wrong. I know people who have gone to jail for much less. Their actions represented a massive exploitation of the poor. At the very least, Fitzpatrick was guilty of a massive conflict of interest, unbecoming of a sitting Roanoke, Va. City Council member.
Plus, let's not forget that pesky HUD report of a few years ago that said Fitzpatrick should break ties with his buddies because his ties with his buddies represented, at the very least, a conflict of interest. Oh, that's right. Fitzpatrick has said publicly that he didn't read that HUD report. My bad.
And let's not forget that Fitzpatrick was part of a group that billed the Federal Government for work they did not do, among other things. Fitzpatrick got caught with his hands in the cookie jar. The Roanoke SCLC called him on it. Now, Fitzpatrick is upset with the Roanoke SCLC? I don't think so. Bev Fitzpatrick should only be mad at himself. After all, the SCLC is 50-years-old and was founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The SCLC doesn't need Bev Fitzpatrick to make a name for itself. And we don't make personal attacks.
Oh, those crazy Democrats.
TO THE PEOPLE
SEE YOU MONDAY, JANUARY 21'ST. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KING.
THE ARTIS BLOG
1/9/08
In 1968, Dick Gregory announced he was running for President of the United States. I thought Gregory’s announcement was “groovy.“ In 1972, Shirley Chisholm announced she was running for President. I thought it was nice that a Black woman was running for President. In the 1980’s, Jesse Jackson announced he was running for President. I knew Jackson was going to address issues that weren’t being addressed and possibly win a primary or two. I also knew Jackson, like Gregory and Chisholm before him couldn’t possibly win.
Other Blacks, some good, some bad, have run for President. I felt they had the right to run for President. I also felt they had a snowball’s chance of winning. Until now.
As the readers of THE ARTIS BLOG know, I am a huge Barack Obama fan. Obama is the first Presidential candidate to come along that reminds me of one of my political heroes, Bobby Kennedy. Obama doesn’t play the politics of race. Obama plays the politics of hope. And unlike past Black candidates who have run for President, I support Obama because he is a candidate who wants to stick up for all people in America, not just Black people. This is an important distinction. I don’t support Obama because he is Black. I support Obama because he is the best candidate for the job. Given the truly historic results of the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary, much of America feels the same way.
I was born in the “Colored” section of the Winchester Memorial Hospital in 1957. “Colored” is my race according to my birth certificate. I remember segregation. I remember thinking after the 1964 Civil Rights Act was passed that I might live long enough to see racism disappear in America, that one day I might even live to see someone Black elected as President of the United States.
As recently as last year, I thought the first Black President would be a Republican. I thought the Republican Party was the only place in the political landscape where there were Black people who had political viewpoints that were palatable enough to the American people to be elected President. I knew the Jackson’s, the Sharpton’s and others scared people. On the other hand, I knew the Powell’s, the Rice’s and the Thomas’ didn’t. I felt the Powell’s could become President while the Jackson’s couldn’t.
My thinking is beginning to change. Now, there are those who say Obama isn’t Black enough. Silly. Rush Limbaugh has referred to Obama as “a Halfrican-American” on his radio show. More silly. Regardless of these attitudes, Obama’s candidacy clearly shows America is turning a page regarding its racial history. I don’t know if Obama will win the Democratic nomination for President. I’m sure racism will raise its ugly head as Obama gets closer to the Democratic nomination. But, for now, Obama represents Dr. King’s “Dream” that a person be judged by the content of their character and not judged by the color of their skin. It’s a beautiful day in America.
WE THE PEOPLE
SEE YOU FRIDAY
THE ARTIS BLOG
1/7/08
* Sometimes people say things so stupid that there's really no need to elaborate on the stupid thing that person said. Conservative Bill Bennett, known for his stupidity, had this to say last Thursday night on CNN about Barack Obama's victory in the Iowa Caucus. "He (Obama) has taught the Black community you don't have to act like Jesse Jackson, you don't have to act like Al Sharpton." Did someone put something in Uncle Bill's coffee? This from a man who belongs to a political that plays racial politics to win elections.
* Last Saturday night's New Hampshire debates were a wash for both the Democrats and the Republicans. Hillary did well after having problems early. However, Hillary did not do well enough to overtake Obama in the polls. McCain was his old self. About time.
* I see an Obama and McCain victory in New Hampshire on Tuesday.
* Mitt Romney says he's an agent of change. The only thing Romney changes more than his socks is his mind on the issues. Romney's a bigger flip-flopper than Hillary.
* Let me be perfectly honest. The election of Tony Reed as the head of the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Party was as crooked as a West Virginia road. Oh well. The Roanoke Dems are happy with Reed. Some of them are anyway. Hey. Why bother about rules and procedures when picking a new leader for your political party? Those things only get in the way.
* "Gangsta' politics" in Roanoke, Va. Roanoke, Va. House of Delegate member, Onzlee Ware, has been telling people who didn't support him in last November's election that they better not come to him for help because he won't help them.
I've discovered what Ware's problem is. Ware failed basic government in school. You see, Ware doesn't comprehend the basic concepts of democracy, citizen/government accountability and the concepts of government of the people and for the people. I suggest Ware take the time to read the United States Constitution. Then again, maybe Ware doesn't understand the Constitution, that document that says elected officials work for us, not the other way around.
* Two interesting articles appeared in "The Roanoke Times" newspaper last week. The first article concerned the possible sale of the paper. In the article, Claudia Whitworth, publisher of "The Roanoke Tribune" said, "I've never been happy with (newspaper) coverage of our part of the community." Ms. Whitworth want on to say, "Even today, I just don't think there's been too much progress in that direction."
Many people in Roanoke's Black community say they either don't read or subscribe to "The Roanoke Times." Personally, I have mixed feelings about the newspaper's coverage of Roanoke's Black community. I haven't forgotten about the hatchet job they did on me during my 1995 Virginia House of Delegate campaign. The newspaper's coverage of Mac McCadden's 2005 House of Delegate's campaign was just as bad.
To read the article on the possible sale of "The Roanoke Times", please click on the following link.
* Case in point was an article that appeared in the 1/5/08 edition of "The Roanoke Times" concerning the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge. Simple put, the article contained some errors. To read this article, please click on the following link.
* For the record, I'm not too concerned about the sale of "The Roanoke Times." Nor am I concerned that the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be placed at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge won't arrive in time for the bridge to be formally opened on Dr. King's Birthday. To be honest, if the statue of Dr. King is late in arriving, it's no big deal.
February is Black History Month. March is when "Bloody Sunday" happened. April is when Dr. King was assassinated. As long as the statue of Dr. King gets here in one piece and it looks good, I'll be happy. So will everyone else who worked to make a memorial to Dr. King a reality.
I do have one question. Why does "The Roanoke Times" insist on ignoring Roanoke, Va. Congressman's Bob Goodlatte's contribution to the Dr. King Bridge? I understand why I'm being frozen out. But, Congressman Goodlatte? There are only three people who worked from the very beginning to the very end to make a memorial to Dr. King in Roanoke, Va. a reality. Those people are Perneller Chubb-Wilson, Congressman Bob Goodlatte and me. Congressman Goodlatte deserves his props.
* Are you getting as tired as I am seeing NFL players get in each other's faces after every doggoned play?
WE THE PEOPLE
SEE YOU WEDNESDAY
THE ARTIS BLOG
1/4/08
* Have you signed the SCLC on-line petition supporting "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT?" If you haven't, click on "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT" link posted above. We must all work to save our children. Signing this petition is a start.
* Have you checked out the events being held by THE ROANOKE, VA. SCLC, celebrating the birthday of SCLC founder, DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.? If not, click on the "ROANOKE SCLC HOME PAGE" link posted above. Dr. King died so we can live free. We can never forget this.
* Have you checked out this week's "SCLC RADIO SHOW?" To listen to this week's show and other broadcasts of "THE SCLC RADIO SHOW," click on "THE SCLC RADIO SHOW" link posted above.
* Check out "THE ARTIS BOOK CLUB," a new feature on JeffArtis.com. Good books for good people. "THE ARTIS BOOK CLUB" link is posted above.
* Yes, I'm VERY surprised at what happened in Iowa. A Black man running for President of the United States winning a caucus in a state that is 2% Black? History was made. Can Obama win in New Hampshire? Yep. Can Obama win in South Carolina? Yep. Can Obama win the Democratic nomination for President of the United States? We will see. Still, Obama is my man.
* As for Hillary? Look for Hillary to go after Obama like a lioness going after an antelope on one of those "Animal Planet" programs. Also, look for Hillary to start using parts of the Republican playbook; using code to play the race card. What do I mean? Look for the following from the Clinton campaign. 1) "We've got dirt on Obama that we really don't want to make public but we will if we have to." 2) "Obama is unelectable." 3) "Obama isn't qualified to be President." 4) "Obama not only used drugs, he was also a drug dealer." 5) "Obama has a hidden personal problem." Look for other things to be said about Obama by the Clinton campaign as well. Politically speaking, Hillary is the female version of Richard Nixon.
* For years, the Democratic Party has said it was the political home for Black folks. We are about to find out if they Democratic Party practices what it preaches. Personally, I know a number of Democrats who are racist, both liberal Democrats and conservative Democrats.
* John Edwards will benefit from Hillary's slash and burn tactics against Obama. But, I have to tell you. An Edwards/Obama ticket in November is a ticket I can support.
* Huckabee also had a good night in Iowa. I just don't think he can continue his good political fortune. I think Mayor Rudy and Mitt Romney are done. I think McCain will be the Republican nominee.
* Has hell frozen over in Roanoke, Va.? Roanoke Mayor Nelson Harris and Roanoke City Councilman Sherman Lea have become political allies. Harris is supporting Lea for City Council in the upcoming Roanoke City Council Elections. Lea is supporting Harris for Mayor in the upcoming election. Actually, it's a smart move by both men. But, I've got to tell you. I didn't see this one coming. It will be interesting to see what comes next.
WE THE PEOPLE
HAVE A NICE WEEKEND. SEE YOU MONDAY.
THE ARTIS BLOG
1/2/07
* Happy New Year. I hope your holiday's were as good as mine were.
* I've added a new page to www.jeffartis.com to help us in our fight against gang violence. I'm asking all readers of www.jeffartis.com to support the new legislation introduced into the United States Congress by Virginia Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT." It's good legislation that will help greatly in our fight against gang violence. To learn more about "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT," please click on "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT," link at the top of this page.
I also ask that you sign the Roanoke SCLC's online petition supporting "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT." We must save our children. Supporting "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT" is a great start.
* Just so you know, my sources tell me the stabbing at William Fleming High School last month in Roanoke, Va. was gang related, the latest of several gang related incidents to hit the Roanoke City Public School System this year.
* Is the Hillary Clinton Campaign trying to play the "race card" in dealing with Barack Obama? The Clinton campaign claims that Obama is un-electable. Obama has better "electability" numbers than Hillary. The Clinton campaign has suggested that Obama was a former drug dealer as a teenager. Well, that claim feeds into an old stereotype. Plus, Obama has been more honest about his drug use than Bill "I Didn't Inhale" Clinton was about his. I'm waiting for the Clinton campaign to claim Obama has a thing for White women or has a few "hidden" children that no one knows about. We will see.
* As the Presidential primary season starts, don't count out John McCain and John Edwards. In all of the years I've been following Presidential politics, I've never seen such a wide open Presidential race in both political parties.
* Former Georgia Congresswoman, Cynthia McKinney, is running for President of the United States as the Green Party candidate. Why?
* I'm not making this up. You've gotta love Republican Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. Romney said he saw his father, former Michigan Governor George Romney, march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights era. Romney then said that while he saw his father march with Dr. King, he didn't actually see his father march with Dr. King with his own eyes. Say what? And Romney wants to be President of the United States?
I saw it. But, I didn't see it with my own eyes? Come on now.
* My New Year's Resolution? This year I want to become the CEO or a CFO of a Fortune 500 bank or securities company. That way I can be incompetent, run the company in the ground, lose the company lots of money, get fired and still walk away with tens of millions, maybe even, hundreds of millions of dollars in my severance package. Sure bets trying to do an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.
* I was truly shaken over the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. The reason she was assassinated? 1) Bhutto was a woman. Strong women are despised in parts of the Muslim world. 2) Bhutto simply wanted to make her country a better place to live. Bhutto's assassination was a mindless act of violence that should never, ever take place anywhere in the world. I don't know what it will take to stop the Islamic extremists who are responsible for Bhutto's murder. But, I know this. These people have to be stopped. The sooner they are stopped, the better.
