The presidential elections of 2008 and 2012 now seem like a century ago in terms of where the country is now headed. In 2008 and 2012, President Obama campaigned on hope and change which resonated with voters. In 2016, we see an extreme form of racism, xenophobia and misogynist campaigning by Donald Trump appealing to many voters. And with a little of over a month until the election, there appears to be a growing trend leaning now towards Donald Trump. In November, we could be calling Donald Trump our next president. In the eight years of President Obama’s two terms, I came to realize that racism is alive and well in the U.S. In fact, it never really went anywhere. While many persons speak of patriotism towards the U.S. and against protests during the playing of the national anthem, there was often little patriotism shown towards our Commander in Chief with many persons, including Republican members of Congress and the GOP Senate disrespecting President Obama throughout … [Read more...] about No Trump, No Way, No How
election
Hillary Clinton Can No Longer Play it Safe
According to a recent CNN poll conducted September 1- 4 of this week, Donald Trump is in the lead for the Presidential race. All other recent polls show that Hillary Clinton is in the lead and in some polls leading by a decent margin. However in politics as in sports, apparently most voters and especially the media hates a run-away game. If the game is too close to call, it becomes more exciting. CNN’s poll may be a good thing for Hillary Clinton. It shows Trump's lead by 2 percentage points- albeit within the margin of error. Despite the polls, most voters, myself included, are somewhat apathetic to this election. The apparent reality is most voters, except perhaps the minority of fear mongering Trump folks, appear lethargic by this election cycle. Voter apathy is an understatement. Who the apathy curve will benefit remains to be seen. The media is trying to infuse some excitement in an otherwise dull apathetic election by constantly putting Trump on display and bringing up … [Read more...] about Hillary Clinton Can No Longer Play it Safe
Why Do Clinton and Trump Hate Following Rules?
As many people have already discovered, this election year is like no other in recent history---perhaps ever. Both candidates seemingly hate to follow and play by the rules. I must admit that Donald Trump’s unorthodox rule hating methods make Hillary Clinton’s rule mishaps look like child’s play. As a child growing up, my brother and I played just about every board game imaginable. That’s how I developed a love of games and learning. In Scrapple, we could not make up words and expect to win. This presidential election for the highest office in the U.S. has shown that practically no rules exist anymore and words don’t matter. Donald Trump appears to be making everything up as he goes along. Every Republican presidential candidate since Richard Nixon has released their tax returns. Democrats from Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton released their tax returns. Yet, Trump refuses to … [Read more...] about Why Do Clinton and Trump Hate Following Rules?
Hillary Clinton Owes a Debt to Shirley Chisholm
Hillary Clinton made history on June 7, 2016 in becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for President. Since the passage of the 19th amendment legally giving women the right to vote, we’ve seen the first woman run for democratic nomination as president of the U.S. No, it was not Hillary Clinton. It was Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (D. NY) in 1972. It has taken another 44 years for a woman to accomplish the goal that Shirley Chisholm set out to accomplish. History often erases the accomplishments of women and particularly African American and other minority women. And that's why I want Hillary Clinton to unequivocally and repeatedly acknowledge her debt owed to Shirley Chisholm. Congresswoman Chisholm (D. NY) was the first woman to run for the democratic nomination as President of the US. She was also the first African American woman elected to Congress. In 1972, Chisholm became the first African American candidate for president. In doing so, she blazed … [Read more...] about Hillary Clinton Owes a Debt to Shirley Chisholm
Justice Scalia’s Vacancy is a Win-Win for Democrats
The vacant Supreme Court seat due to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will likely be a win-win for Democrats should President Obama nominate an African American woman to replace Scalia. Republicans vowed to fight any nomination asserting that Pres. Obama should not nominate anyone. GOP leaders and presidential contenders strongly urge that the next President elected in November, 2016 should nominate the next justice. This would mean the country would be without the full highest court for approximately over a year—placing many cases and decisions in disarray. The inauguration of the next President will occur in January, 2017. And any High Court nominations would likely not occur until Spring, 2017, if a replacement is not confirmed in 2016. President Obama intends to nominate a replacement for Justice Scalia in the very near future- despite Republicans complaints. Currently, there are four liberals and four conservatives on the Court. A confirmation … [Read more...] about Justice Scalia’s Vacancy is a Win-Win for Democrats
First DC Attorney General Race Heats Up
Having written a letter commentary to the Washington Post editorial board on October 21, 2010 on why the DC Attorney General should be elected, I am elated to see that day has finally arrived with five viable and diverse candidates seeking the office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia. The 5 candidates seeking the office are attorneys Lorie Masters, Karl Racine, Edward “Smitty” Smith, Lateefah Williams and Paul Zukerberg. I was finally able to see all 5 together in a forum on Tuesday, October 21 hosted by the Women’s Bar Association and moderated by Zoe Tillman, reporter for the National Law Journal/Legal Times. At the outset, I must say there are many similarities between the candidates on some of the issues. And in all honesty, I wish I could clone them into one candidate placing their best qualities in one person. When asked what would be their number one priority for the office of Attorney General, they all gave practically the same answer. Each candidate wanted to … [Read more...] about First DC Attorney General Race Heats Up