The Economy finally hits home. Time for a new deal..

You know we have heard about "tough economic times" for at least the last 5-6 years. That message never really hit home to me - even when I quit my last job and was looking to find another. At that time - I seemed to be the only person who didn't have a job - so it wasn't really a "global" problem if you will. Now, the shoe is on the other foot - I have a job (crossing fingers now) - but daily I hear about people in my circle that are recently unemployed. That may not seem like much to you - but think about. Can you ever remember a time when at least once a day - EVERY day - you talked or heard about someone in your network of friends and associates being out of a job? I surely can't.

In a time of bailouts, stimulus packages, and "fundamental" differences on economic policy - I really don't hear any long term solutions. I mean think about it - they gave these large banks and lending companies a bailout in order for the companies to begin issuing loans again - what did they do with it? Horde it away. They put out the economic stimulus package earlier this year - what did we all do with it? Pay debt. No real positive effect on the economy at large as intended.

To me - really what it comes down to is a very unbalanced equation. There is a lot of $$$$ going to a lot of different people for little or no real return on investment. Let's be serious. What good does it do us to bailout the BIG 3 automakers so they can build more fuel efficient cars -if we really aren't going to buy them? Aside from some references in a few rap lyrics - fuel efficient cars still are far from being not only mainstream - but the preferred type of transportation.

I could go on and on about the problems - you all know what they are so there is no need. I think what we need as a country is something to produce - something that either we can sell/export to other places or that gives us a a competitive advantage here in world.

A long time ago President Roosevelt (FDR that is)

came up with a new plan called the "THE NEW DEAL" - where instead of just giving away money to the public to help them financially - he actually put them work! I think a similar plan could work here.

For example we keep talking about alternative fuels and energy independence right?
(BRACE YOURSELF). What if we stopped welfare for able body adults under the age of 60. Instead of giving money to people through welfare - we would start a program to build better mass transit systems (light rails, fast trains, etc.). The money from the program cuts could be used to pay the workers during training and through project completion. This way they are gaining valuable skills and work experience. In the global economy they may be even able to turn that page into a long standing job -internationally.

Before you say it - this is not an attack on the poor or homeless. I am just saying that money invested into the American people - they should get something back right? And I don't mean taxes - something that really helps us grow.

Not just singling the poor either.

There needs to be more safeguards to address all of the corruption and bad decision making out there. I am a fan of free markets as well - but if its broke fix it. Right now we don't have anything to make sure people are on the up and up or at least making good decisions for the long term. Stop these companies from playing Monopoly with peoples 401K.

Instead of sending these corporate level CEO-s to band camp for 1-2 years. Send them to


We all know thats not going to happen anytime soon. So as a family of friends we need to come together and really have each others back. Keep your friends on alert to any job opportunities that may come.

In the meantime - take care of each other.

Wedding Website is up!

On the "its getting real scale" nothing has topped getting joint bank accounts. However, this ranks as a close second. I did this website myself - so I'm extra proud. (and forever thankful for the templates out there - whew!)

Enjoy

http://aliahandeddie.com

Blackberry.. I have crossed over to the dark side of the force

So its true what they say - the blackberry is addictive. I mean but you kind of have to expect that right? We live in a SUPER connected world (come on - twitter? that's too much) - it so important for us these days to "reach out". The blackberry takes all of the need and channels it into this handheld device. Giving you access to all of your inter-connected vices 24/7. Too much.


My first night - a erroneous decision to link it to my gmail account (and consequently favorite list serves) - led to alerts through the night and little sleep for my fiance. Our bedroom may very well be a:

(What? ~I hadn't even read the manual yet - and the guy at the store set it up! What was I to do? I didn't know!). But I am pretty slick with the tech gadgets so a quick internet cry for help (again to the list serve), a couple of downloads and I am all good. Ready to rock with the masses.


So that leads me to my next (and slightly more embarrassing point). There are a good portion of you that read this blog -who I HAD (that's right - past tense) telephone contact info for. Please take this "opportunity" to send me your preferred method of contact (cell phone, home phone, or PIN for all you other dark-siders LOL). No seriously I am not kidding - I need to repopulate all my precious contacts (all evidence to the contrary). Which now that I think about - probably will just further my addiction. LOL


P.S. - shout out to my Dacorna affiliates for the quick help. Thanks!

A Whole New World - YES WE DID!

Last night was amazing. Really it was. I mean I know that in a lot of parts of the world there were large outburst of joy - dancing in the streets. But really overall I think there was more pause than anything else. Not pause as in hesitation - but a moment of processing. I saw it in the faces of so many people - so many news reporters, people walking by - everybody - just taking a moment to really processed what just happened - and what it meant for the future.

I mean really think about it. What have we know for so long - limitations, doubt, discrimination - and I am not saying that just to Black people - because many Americans are part of many different kinds of minorities (a fact I think we forget all to often). But to know these invisible and intangible barriers for so long - to see one of them smashed - its well humbling. Its like waking up in your house - it looks like your house - smells like your house - but everything in you is telling you -this is not what your house really is like. Its strange. I feel like I moved to a new place - when I know that I haven't. Is this America? The United States of America? Yes.. Yes it is.



Then the emotions came. People really started to either just simply celebrate - or cry tears of happiness. Knowing what this meant for our parents, and their parents, and for so many who really DIDN'T get to see this day.




The passing of Obama's grandmother all of a sudden really did hit home in a very real way.


Next the celebration - I mean because you have to celebrate - I even saw my pastor out celebrating - its all good --nah its all great. I watched as groups of people stood with our eyes and ears glued to the TV screen to listen to his acceptance speech. Hitting down the road in to uncharted territory. I felt like quoting Star Trek "to boldly go where no one has gone before".


Yeah - we were celebrating.


But then he said something - what lies ahead may not be easy and that it would take some time. The words brought it back to me - what this REALLY means. YES we have reached a great moment in history. But now there are many more to write. A quote from the late President Kennedy came to mind- "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country".


I hope people really learned the lesson of November 4, 2008. The lesson is not that a Black Man can be President in the United States. The real lesson is that with a little effort and sacrifice (say 2 hours or more in line voting) a group of people can really change and or affect the world, our history, and our collective future.





Realizing that - the question is simple - what future do we choose? Do we choose to make this presidency about simply getting elected - or about a great administration - the revival of the US to is former prominence and respect in the world. Or do we simply concede to "dancing in the streets"? What are we willing to sacrifice to make ourselves better? And make no mistake there WILL be sacrifices.


So there it is... all of this searching for an answer to our problems and the answer is a question:

What are you prepared to do?

A fitting tribute... RIP Madelyn Dunham (Grandmother of Barack Obama) -[video]

I am pretty sure that everyone can relate to the genuine desire to impress your parents and your family. Well tragically Barack Obama's last living parental influence has passed away. Though her story and her accomplishments as a woman, citizen, mother and a grandmother will live on in history books - its still a sad thought to think she won't be able to witness this great day we have upon us.

It really goes to show that you need to give flowers to people while you can. Tell them you love them and show them you love them while you can. I think about my grandparents that have passed on - and how I would have liked for them to have met my future wife or the kids I may one day be blessed with - and its sad that they won't. So I can feel Sen. Obama when he lets a tear fall to deal with the pain of loss- we understand.

Its interesting with all of the "he thinks he's the messiah" comments from the likes of Rush Limbaugh and others - I wonder what they are saying now? when he has this very human moment. I hope they at least have enough respect to not mock this moment or its sincerity. And us? What are we going to do.. I say we lift him up - make tomorrow the climax of one of the greatest stories in American history. Not just the story of Barack Obama - but of Madelyn Dunham as well.

I just wanted to comment and send my condolences out in my own way - like so many others. At first I just thought it sucked that she didn't make it to see tomorrow. But actually seeing this speech moved me to tears. So I gotta say something about the moments that move me.

If you can't see the video above use the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5oMY6_kCoo

Change Manifesto - Yes We Can..

Do you see this picture? This is a 2004 picture of several hundred Florida voters still in line 2 hours AFTER the polls were supposed to have closed for the day. Its also a reminder of the types of things that can put a last minute hitch in the plan to bring about "change we need". They say that those that fail to plan - plan to fail, and a lot of times its the little things - not one thing - but a number of smaller issues combining to create HUGE problem. That's my concern for November 4th - and I think it should be yours too.

Voter turnout is expected to be extremely high this year - more than ever before. While we can't say we've seen these kinds of numbers before. This is not the first time we have faced high voter turnouts. While the number of voter registrations have gone up the last 3 elections - we are still seeing similar "turnouts" with regard to actual votes. I think that is an inaccurate assessment. I find it hard to believe that so many people would register to vote - but ultimately fail to actually cast a ballot. Is it impossible? No. But for so many people to do it - is unlikely (at least to me). So where does that leave us? If people are registered to vote, and have an opportunity to do so, what's keeping them from the ballot box?

The answer is simple -- themselves. They are in their own way.

Look again at the picture above. The polling place in this pic only had 5 voting machines. FIVE! That ultimately kept all these people out of the booths - maybe out of the election altogether. How many people had to step out of line to make it to a job - or to go home and tend to their family? That's understandable right? Look where it got us. We have got to do better. We have got to do more.

Let's face it - the GOP is behind bad - really bad. The way I see it, they really only have one shot to win - and its not cheating. Its sabotage. Not in the sneaky computer virus sense. But rather by slowing down the process - making it difficult for people to cast their vote or trying to prevent them from casting it at all. Last but not least (especially thanks to ACORN) - if it's close - influencing a recount. It would be a dirty win, probably creating a new rift of bitterness for years to come. Do you think their not up to it? What to know what I think? I don't want to find out.

So here are my 3 points of advice for everyone getting ready to cast their votes in less than 48 hours (early voters I envy you!):

1) Be aware - study up on your local voting laws (they vary by state). You don't have to do law school crash course. Just make sure you know:

a) Where is your polling place?

b) What types of ID are required to cast your vote?

c) The proper response to any challenges to your vote.

YES THERE COULD BE SOMEONE THERE CHALLENGING YOUR BALLOT - don't make a scene. Simply ask what must be done to address that situation and handle it. No sense in making a scene that will slow down the process for more people. But if you take care of the first two points - you should be good.

2) Be prepared - again - make sure that before you leave to go to the polls - that you have everything you need as far as ID goes. But don't stop there. Check the weather - make sure you are dressed to get through any rain, sleet, or snow (HEY ALASKA!). Going to be there for awhile Take a lunch or a snack. We already know lines are going to be long - get ready for it. Above all make sure you set aside enough time to be able to get to the polls and cast your ballot no matter what. I know that most workplaces cannot penalize your for exercising your right to vote - but you gotta be smart folks. Get together tomorrow (Monday Nov. 3rd) with the people at your job - if need be -and decide who is coming in early and who can come in late. There are going to be plenty people up at the crack of dawn this go around - so don't just rely on being an early morning voter. Be ready for whatever. Whatever you do - don't wait until after 5pm to try and cast a vote. If you do - stay there until you get your chance to cast your ballot.

3) Be there - nothing that I've typed will mean a thing if you don't actually go cast your ballot. I mean REALLY cast your ballot. Its not going to be enough to say "Oh well I went - and the line was too long." Or "I couldn't find a way to get there." Most polling places are LITERALLY within safe walking distance from your residence. Find out where you are supposed to be - and BE THERE to cast your vote. When you are done - if you have time - help others cast their vote. The more we get on the record - the better.


"You'll be on your way - when you get out of your way" - Eddie D. Holman IV

Let's get out of our own way. We can do this. We just have to be smart about it. We've been very smart thus far - lets finish strong.

Music Review: T-Pain Feat. Ludacris

I admit at first I wasn't a big T-Pain fan. But I have to give dude his props. For a one-trick pony, he sure knows how to ride it to the legs fall off. Good news for him - seems like its a young pony and he's got a long ride ahead of him. I am really feeling this last track "Chopped and Screwed" - its a great concept that he executes well from start to finish. I am not sure how Houston natives will feel about putting an ATL rapper on the track - but it doesn't matter because Luda killed it (as usual - can someone give this man his due! PLEASE!).

Anyway if you can't see the video link above here you go.

http://videos.onsmash.com/v/IFNMJrJVEk1kGVRU