It’s time--yes, it’s time for you and me to address welfare reform. We continue having a discussion on reform, and yet nothing is truly been implemented to change the system. We must begin today to create and implement tangible solutions of a growing concern. Of course we have debated that fact that public assistance was not meant to be a permanent form of income; however, it becomes a way of life for certain people of all nationalities in society.
I advocate for public assistance to aid the less fortunate in society, but more specifically, only people who are unable to work due to illness or mentally challenged. Understanding that jobs are limited at this time in America and incomes among the masses are horrendous, if there are people receiving welfare, they must do community service work in order to continue to receive assistance.
This could include:
1. Classroom aides in public schools.
2. Aides in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices.
3. Aides in after school programs for children.
4. Supports at playgrounds and recreation centers doing activities with children.
5. Clean-up crews in neighborhoods where there is decay.
6. Support for senior citizens who need shopping or assistance in getting to a doctor.
To ensure that public assistance is effectively implemented I also advocate that we include:
1. Home visits required for all forms of assistance.
2. Increase the salaries of social workers and advocates.
3. Proof of community service employment or proof of attendance at a place of education (GED program, college, vocational school).
4. If a person needs assistance because he or she does not receive child support, we must effectively create and implement a system to better help collect that child support.
Conversely, this will be a win-win situation. Let’s be honest, Philadelphia and other cities in the Republic have eliminated so many of these support programs from state budgets. If people are required to work to earn public assistance, they gain a work ethic. No one would get a free ride, pure and simple. Just imagine how many positive benefits would come out of this form of welfare reform.
This is the one hope of doing away with “generational welfare” and the abuse of welfare funds for people who choose not to work, individuals suffering from drugs/alcohol addiction, as well as those who practice irresponsible parenting. The change has to begin somewhere. This is where it should begin.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
“How the Citizenry Perverted Welfare Benefits.”
In this country, why are there some people receiving welfare benefits who think they are entitled to keep having children knowing that they cannot afford to support these children financially and socially attend to the children's needs?
Public assistance was created to aid senior citizens and other Americans that were going through a difficult financial period. Welfare was not implemented to become a cultural way of life--but unfortunately, that is exactly what it has become.
What we've been witnessing over the last three decades is how welfare has created a generation of families who have become dependent on it. Are we to believe that over the last 30 years there haven’t been any effective academic and economic resources available for those receiving assistance to become self-sufficient to provide for their families? This addiction-like mentality to welfare has made some of the citizenry 21st century slaves. To be blunt, this is a national disgrace!
Several weeks ago, my students and I viewed the movie "Precious," and at least half the student population knows an individual like the mother of Precious. Male citizens of Caucasian American, African American, and Latino American also increase the rolls on public assistance--young and able bodied men. Yet, we've seen many of these males have two or more children while receiving benefits. So, if people cannot support their families, should they continue producing children for tax payers to support? There are intelligent and tangible solutions to addressing the welfare issue such as educational and entrepreneur resources made available to everyone. But sadly some refuse to seek those opportunities.
Immediate action needs to be taken by lawmakers stopping this insanity of welfare. If people choose to have children while they receive benefits, then the responsibility of the support of these children must revert back to the parents, not the tax payers. Don't reward "welfare pregnancies" by increasing the subsidies for additional children. Instead of giving cash assistance to the parents of children who often abuse it, let the government give housing vouchers instead of cash. Let food stamps for welfare recipients be limited to healthy food similar to the way WIC does it instead of loading children up on sugar and soda pop creating hyperactivity in children so that they can't focus on their school work.
Children who are born into generational welfare also suffer from the symptoms of poverty which include physical illnesses such as asthma, learning disabilities, and emotional problems. Children born from drug users suffer neurological problems creating a myriad of health and behavioral problems taxing the cost of medical care and behavioral specialists. If people are not able to take care of themselves, how can they possibly take on the responsibility and extra burden of caring for more children? Quite frankly, they can't. They need to be discouraged--not encouraged.
Let me be perfectly clear--Public assistance was created to aid senior citizens and other Americans that were going through temporary financial hardship of no fault of their own and they should continue to be aided. However, for those that think they are entitled to these benefits are misguided and are perverting a system created to help Americans in need.
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."---Cicero, 55 BC
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson
Public assistance was created to aid senior citizens and other Americans that were going through a difficult financial period. Welfare was not implemented to become a cultural way of life--but unfortunately, that is exactly what it has become.
What we've been witnessing over the last three decades is how welfare has created a generation of families who have become dependent on it. Are we to believe that over the last 30 years there haven’t been any effective academic and economic resources available for those receiving assistance to become self-sufficient to provide for their families? This addiction-like mentality to welfare has made some of the citizenry 21st century slaves. To be blunt, this is a national disgrace!
Several weeks ago, my students and I viewed the movie "Precious," and at least half the student population knows an individual like the mother of Precious. Male citizens of Caucasian American, African American, and Latino American also increase the rolls on public assistance--young and able bodied men. Yet, we've seen many of these males have two or more children while receiving benefits. So, if people cannot support their families, should they continue producing children for tax payers to support? There are intelligent and tangible solutions to addressing the welfare issue such as educational and entrepreneur resources made available to everyone. But sadly some refuse to seek those opportunities.
Immediate action needs to be taken by lawmakers stopping this insanity of welfare. If people choose to have children while they receive benefits, then the responsibility of the support of these children must revert back to the parents, not the tax payers. Don't reward "welfare pregnancies" by increasing the subsidies for additional children. Instead of giving cash assistance to the parents of children who often abuse it, let the government give housing vouchers instead of cash. Let food stamps for welfare recipients be limited to healthy food similar to the way WIC does it instead of loading children up on sugar and soda pop creating hyperactivity in children so that they can't focus on their school work.
Children who are born into generational welfare also suffer from the symptoms of poverty which include physical illnesses such as asthma, learning disabilities, and emotional problems. Children born from drug users suffer neurological problems creating a myriad of health and behavioral problems taxing the cost of medical care and behavioral specialists. If people are not able to take care of themselves, how can they possibly take on the responsibility and extra burden of caring for more children? Quite frankly, they can't. They need to be discouraged--not encouraged.
Let me be perfectly clear--Public assistance was created to aid senior citizens and other Americans that were going through temporary financial hardship of no fault of their own and they should continue to be aided. However, for those that think they are entitled to these benefits are misguided and are perverting a system created to help Americans in need.
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."---Cicero, 55 BC
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson
Thursday, December 16, 2010
“Entitlement Be Damned.” Part I
Why do some Americans believe that they are entitled to stuff? At first glance you might be thinking “Yeah! Why do poor people always think they are entitled to stuff?” Although there are some middle class, low-income, and poor citizens that embrace the philosophy of “something for nothing;” some of America’s wealthiest have also purchased a ticket to this rhetoric. We are not entitled to anything other than--in the words of Anthony “Tony” Soprano“ informing his wife, “You’re entitled to sh*t.”
1. Why does the GOP feel the wealthiest of Americans are entitled to a tax cut?
2. Why do some Americans believe that if they make $8,000,000 or more they should not have to pay any taxes?
3. Why does the GOP feel they are entitled to repeal the 14th, 16th, and 17th amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
4. Why does the GOP feel that the 9/11 first responder's bill is yet another “entitlement” bill aimed at helping lazy Americans?
5. Why does the GOP believe the only entitlements Americans need is to serve the banks?
6. Why does the GOP believe they are entitled to send American jobs oversees?
We have elected officials that believe that they are entitled to go on vacation without first addressing the issues that affect millions of citizens and even though many Americans are starving for the basic necessities—well, then they are entitled to their suffering.
As America’s public school system continues to fade further into oblivion, school administrators believe they are entitled to request and receive unlimited amounts of funding to fix the infinite amount of decaying infrastructure the schools face--despite the fact that they are already receiving huge amounts of tax dollars with minuscule academic and social results for the students. At the higher education level, some students believe they are entitled to receive a passing grade in their courses just for showing up to class. Huh?
Why do some middle class, working poor and poor Americans believe that the American government should take care of them instead of demanding that the government provide them with effective academic and economical resources in order to achieve economic prosperity for their families and the nation? America has now become the "entitlement country" of the world. When did the origin of this behavior arise? There is still the “can do spirit” in America and when given the opportunity, the citizenry has produced marvelously while others continue to wallow in self-pity and choose not to partake in the opportunities that are available to them.
The “entitlement toxin” is infecting the fabric of the nation, and only the injection of the antidote of self-motivation, self-worth, and the entrepreneur spirit can cure the Republic of this infection.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
1. Why does the GOP feel the wealthiest of Americans are entitled to a tax cut?
2. Why do some Americans believe that if they make $8,000,000 or more they should not have to pay any taxes?
3. Why does the GOP feel they are entitled to repeal the 14th, 16th, and 17th amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
4. Why does the GOP feel that the 9/11 first responder's bill is yet another “entitlement” bill aimed at helping lazy Americans?
5. Why does the GOP believe the only entitlements Americans need is to serve the banks?
6. Why does the GOP believe they are entitled to send American jobs oversees?
We have elected officials that believe that they are entitled to go on vacation without first addressing the issues that affect millions of citizens and even though many Americans are starving for the basic necessities—well, then they are entitled to their suffering.
As America’s public school system continues to fade further into oblivion, school administrators believe they are entitled to request and receive unlimited amounts of funding to fix the infinite amount of decaying infrastructure the schools face--despite the fact that they are already receiving huge amounts of tax dollars with minuscule academic and social results for the students. At the higher education level, some students believe they are entitled to receive a passing grade in their courses just for showing up to class. Huh?
Why do some middle class, working poor and poor Americans believe that the American government should take care of them instead of demanding that the government provide them with effective academic and economical resources in order to achieve economic prosperity for their families and the nation? America has now become the "entitlement country" of the world. When did the origin of this behavior arise? There is still the “can do spirit” in America and when given the opportunity, the citizenry has produced marvelously while others continue to wallow in self-pity and choose not to partake in the opportunities that are available to them.
The “entitlement toxin” is infecting the fabric of the nation, and only the injection of the antidote of self-motivation, self-worth, and the entrepreneur spirit can cure the Republic of this infection.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
“I Don’t Think He’s Going to Do It.” Part II
I am a fan of President Lyndon Johnson partly because he was a masterful politician and for his vision of attempting to create a great society within the nation.
During the early stage of their Presidencies, LBJ and Obama immediately pursued massive social programs to aid 98% of Americans, but the GOP calls it massively expensive programs of “wealth redistribution” and “domestic entitlements.” For LBJ it was the “Great Society” programs, and for Obama the economic stimulus package and healthcare. It is true some of Johnson's programs did not live up to expectations, but the “Great Society” could have accomplished so much more. Unfortunately, many programs went underfunded. As for Mr. Obama, I believe his legislation, too, will meet the similar fate as LBJ’s.
Johnson’s "Great Society” policies provided tax cuts to the citizenry, which was his declaration of an unconditional war on poverty creating programs and training for the poor while it established various community action programs to provide the poor with a voice in housing, health, and education programs. In addition, through what I believe to be some of the greatest pieces of legislation: Medicare for the elderly, and Medicaid, health-care assistance for the poor came at a time when poor and the elderly were treated like second class citizens, or not citizens at all. Fast forward to 2010 and there is an unconditional war dedicated to eliminating these programs
In addition, LBJ would not seek reelection possibly because he was faced with the possible escalation in an effort to win the war in Vietnam with an enemy who seemed determined to fight and win no matter what the cost of life was. In 2010, it also appears equally important why I believe with the possibility of escalation of America’s military presence in Afghanistan, President Obama will not seek reelection in 2012. Mr. Obama must deal with the realities that like Johnson; he too is combating an enemy that is willing to sacrifice millions of lives to win this war.
President Obama’s recent compromise with the GOP for additional unemployment benefits for America has come with a hefty price tag. The wealthy will be granted a 2 year tax cut extension while millions of other Americans, i.e. the “99ers,” will be left out of those future unemployment benefits. President Obama has been vehemently criticized for the deal from political enemies, but some of his political allies are ready to burn him in effigy.
Conversely, LBJ grew tired of the never ending and growing death toll of American soldiers in Vietnam, the political back-stabbing, and the lack of intestinal fortitude from elected officials to do what was right for all Americans--and he was a political giant in Washington politics. In the end, the “Big Texan” had had enough and left, quite possibly, on his own terms. Fast forward to 2010, and President Obama is faced with many of the same issues. As many Americans look forward to the 2012 Presidential election, some are thinking will it be Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee or Gingrich who will face President Obama. However, some us are thinking--will he even seek reelection?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
During the early stage of their Presidencies, LBJ and Obama immediately pursued massive social programs to aid 98% of Americans, but the GOP calls it massively expensive programs of “wealth redistribution” and “domestic entitlements.” For LBJ it was the “Great Society” programs, and for Obama the economic stimulus package and healthcare. It is true some of Johnson's programs did not live up to expectations, but the “Great Society” could have accomplished so much more. Unfortunately, many programs went underfunded. As for Mr. Obama, I believe his legislation, too, will meet the similar fate as LBJ’s.
Johnson’s "Great Society” policies provided tax cuts to the citizenry, which was his declaration of an unconditional war on poverty creating programs and training for the poor while it established various community action programs to provide the poor with a voice in housing, health, and education programs. In addition, through what I believe to be some of the greatest pieces of legislation: Medicare for the elderly, and Medicaid, health-care assistance for the poor came at a time when poor and the elderly were treated like second class citizens, or not citizens at all. Fast forward to 2010 and there is an unconditional war dedicated to eliminating these programs
In addition, LBJ would not seek reelection possibly because he was faced with the possible escalation in an effort to win the war in Vietnam with an enemy who seemed determined to fight and win no matter what the cost of life was. In 2010, it also appears equally important why I believe with the possibility of escalation of America’s military presence in Afghanistan, President Obama will not seek reelection in 2012. Mr. Obama must deal with the realities that like Johnson; he too is combating an enemy that is willing to sacrifice millions of lives to win this war.
President Obama’s recent compromise with the GOP for additional unemployment benefits for America has come with a hefty price tag. The wealthy will be granted a 2 year tax cut extension while millions of other Americans, i.e. the “99ers,” will be left out of those future unemployment benefits. President Obama has been vehemently criticized for the deal from political enemies, but some of his political allies are ready to burn him in effigy.
Conversely, LBJ grew tired of the never ending and growing death toll of American soldiers in Vietnam, the political back-stabbing, and the lack of intestinal fortitude from elected officials to do what was right for all Americans--and he was a political giant in Washington politics. In the end, the “Big Texan” had had enough and left, quite possibly, on his own terms. Fast forward to 2010, and President Obama is faced with many of the same issues. As many Americans look forward to the 2012 Presidential election, some are thinking will it be Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee or Gingrich who will face President Obama. However, some us are thinking--will he even seek reelection?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Friday, December 10, 2010
"A Thorough Investigation."
District Attorney Seth Williams
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Friday December 13, 2010
Dear District Attorney Williams,
Perhaps I missed something, Sir, but when a city official admits to participating in the re-election campaign by deliberately misleading voters, I would think her actions would warrant an in depth investigation from your office. This is in view that the Ethics Board found the individual guilty and that it should not matter who is the perpetrator’s mother. Am I correct?
It’s clear that Ms. Renee Tartaglione, the 27 year veteran chief deputy of the City Commissioners Office, participated in illegal activity going as far as assisting Jonathan Ramos in his failed attempt to defeat Angel Cruz for State Representative, blatantly violating a long-standing ban on political activity by city employees. This happened specifically in Ms. Tartaglione’s office which is charged with ensuring that elections are fair and impartial. And at this point, aren’t her actions corrupt enough to trigger the interest of District Attorney’s Office?
Although the Ethics Board did not refer the Tartaglione incident to your office, I would hope that you will consider reviewing and addressing this matter.
To be candid, Sir, Ms. Tartaglione’s illegal activity has directly affected the residents in the 180th District, and we are asking that you “place the needs of the people first" in starting a thorough investigation into this matter.
I would appreciate your response so I can report back your intentions to our community group.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Organizer
The "180th Watchdog Coalition"
Terri L. Willmott
Communications Director
shadoerip@hotmail.com
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Friday December 13, 2010
Dear District Attorney Williams,
Perhaps I missed something, Sir, but when a city official admits to participating in the re-election campaign by deliberately misleading voters, I would think her actions would warrant an in depth investigation from your office. This is in view that the Ethics Board found the individual guilty and that it should not matter who is the perpetrator’s mother. Am I correct?
It’s clear that Ms. Renee Tartaglione, the 27 year veteran chief deputy of the City Commissioners Office, participated in illegal activity going as far as assisting Jonathan Ramos in his failed attempt to defeat Angel Cruz for State Representative, blatantly violating a long-standing ban on political activity by city employees. This happened specifically in Ms. Tartaglione’s office which is charged with ensuring that elections are fair and impartial. And at this point, aren’t her actions corrupt enough to trigger the interest of District Attorney’s Office?
Although the Ethics Board did not refer the Tartaglione incident to your office, I would hope that you will consider reviewing and addressing this matter.
To be candid, Sir, Ms. Tartaglione’s illegal activity has directly affected the residents in the 180th District, and we are asking that you “place the needs of the people first" in starting a thorough investigation into this matter.
I would appreciate your response so I can report back your intentions to our community group.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Organizer
The "180th Watchdog Coalition"
Terri L. Willmott
Communications Director
shadoerip@hotmail.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
“Yeah, that’s fair!”
We tell our children to go to school, earn a college degree, and in return they will have a rewarding career and be financially secure. At this point in America though, an individual with a B.A., an MA or Ph.D. will be happy with any job, but alas--will not find it.
Today's youth are hip to the talk about how education pays--but when Americans that have followed that academic game plan and are unable to obtain any type of employment, why would the youth want to strive for academic excellence?
The “99ers" exhausted all their benefits and savings at least a year ago, and these workers are about to be cast aside on the road of “I am not my brother’s keeper.” The 99ers only want a job--a job! Yet, there are not even training programs or internships available to them. There are no welfare or social security benefits, hell, not even Burger King will hire them.
Congress ignored the 99ers, i.e. our American brethren praising themselves for saving the other unemployment extensions. Here, in AMERICA, we have the longest group of unemployed workers, and it is as if Congress wished they did not exist, and think by ignoring their existence they might dissipate.
So, this Christmas, the 99ers will be the group of unemployed citizens without food, clothing, and shelter while the wealthy receive an additional 2 year extension totaling 12 years of tax breaks. Yeah, that’s fair!
We tell our children to go to school and earn a college degree because without it they will have few opportunities with only poverty being available for them. Many of the 99ers have earned a college degree but the opportunity for them to provide the “basic necessities” to their families appears to be irrelevant to our elected officials because as some of them have said, "People receiving unemployment benefits are lazy and unmotivated.” Yeah, that’s fair!
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Today's youth are hip to the talk about how education pays--but when Americans that have followed that academic game plan and are unable to obtain any type of employment, why would the youth want to strive for academic excellence?
The “99ers" exhausted all their benefits and savings at least a year ago, and these workers are about to be cast aside on the road of “I am not my brother’s keeper.” The 99ers only want a job--a job! Yet, there are not even training programs or internships available to them. There are no welfare or social security benefits, hell, not even Burger King will hire them.
Congress ignored the 99ers, i.e. our American brethren praising themselves for saving the other unemployment extensions. Here, in AMERICA, we have the longest group of unemployed workers, and it is as if Congress wished they did not exist, and think by ignoring their existence they might dissipate.
So, this Christmas, the 99ers will be the group of unemployed citizens without food, clothing, and shelter while the wealthy receive an additional 2 year extension totaling 12 years of tax breaks. Yeah, that’s fair!
We tell our children to go to school and earn a college degree because without it they will have few opportunities with only poverty being available for them. Many of the 99ers have earned a college degree but the opportunity for them to provide the “basic necessities” to their families appears to be irrelevant to our elected officials because as some of them have said, "People receiving unemployment benefits are lazy and unmotivated.” Yeah, that’s fair!
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
“Dammit, Mr. President”
There is such a huge gap between rich and poor in the Republic that we have the biggest schism of all industrialized nations on the planet. And if you listen to the right-wing theory, the American poor are a bunch of lazy, no-good free loaders always wanting something for nothing.
Of course I wouldn't be okay with my unemployed brethren not having the means to provide for their families and to the Republic's economy. But are you okay with negotiating with what I believe to be American terrorists, i.e. the GOP? Every time they want something for the wealthy they will use middle class, working poor and the poor to get their way--even at the cost of watching most Americans starve and go homeless.
Further, I know all too well of the mess that President Obama has inherited and yet, the GOP aim is to keep the mess in place under his administration so that they can heap the blame upon Mr. Obama in 2012. Make no mistake, many Americans have short-term memories. On November 2, 2010 they voted for the Tea/Republican Party to take control of the House of Representative the very party responsible for America's financial peril.
As I stated recently, I am a proud Progressive, and although I support Mr. Obama on many of his initiatives, there are some and as well as his approach that I don’t agree with. Up until this point I think President Obama has done an effective job, but more must be done and the citizens that want better schools, effective healthcare, an end to political corruption, support for the middle class, working poor and the poor must demand it from him, the Democratic Party, Tea/Republican Party and Progressives alike.
Conversely, some believe that Democrats, Independents, and Progressives will abandon Mr. Obama in 2012 and cast their support for Palin. Registered Democrats at the time demonized President Carter for the financial mess in America when in fact; it was the Nixon/Ford administrations that sent the Republic into financial ruin. Nonetheless, it was Democrats that abandoned President Carter and cast their votes for Ronald Reagan.
I cannot speak for Democrats or Independents--but Progressives will never support Palin or anyone from the Tea/Republican Party because their allegiance is to the wealthy--pure and simple--and this Progressive allegiance is for the middle class, working poor, poor and the nation. You may not like us--but we make no pretention about our loyalty.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Of course I wouldn't be okay with my unemployed brethren not having the means to provide for their families and to the Republic's economy. But are you okay with negotiating with what I believe to be American terrorists, i.e. the GOP? Every time they want something for the wealthy they will use middle class, working poor and the poor to get their way--even at the cost of watching most Americans starve and go homeless.
Further, I know all too well of the mess that President Obama has inherited and yet, the GOP aim is to keep the mess in place under his administration so that they can heap the blame upon Mr. Obama in 2012. Make no mistake, many Americans have short-term memories. On November 2, 2010 they voted for the Tea/Republican Party to take control of the House of Representative the very party responsible for America's financial peril.
As I stated recently, I am a proud Progressive, and although I support Mr. Obama on many of his initiatives, there are some and as well as his approach that I don’t agree with. Up until this point I think President Obama has done an effective job, but more must be done and the citizens that want better schools, effective healthcare, an end to political corruption, support for the middle class, working poor and the poor must demand it from him, the Democratic Party, Tea/Republican Party and Progressives alike.
Conversely, some believe that Democrats, Independents, and Progressives will abandon Mr. Obama in 2012 and cast their support for Palin. Registered Democrats at the time demonized President Carter for the financial mess in America when in fact; it was the Nixon/Ford administrations that sent the Republic into financial ruin. Nonetheless, it was Democrats that abandoned President Carter and cast their votes for Ronald Reagan.
I cannot speak for Democrats or Independents--but Progressives will never support Palin or anyone from the Tea/Republican Party because their allegiance is to the wealthy--pure and simple--and this Progressive allegiance is for the middle class, working poor, poor and the nation. You may not like us--but we make no pretention about our loyalty.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Saturday, December 4, 2010
“I Don’t Think He’s Going to Do It.” Part I
I will be honest with you; I don’t think he’s going to do it! I don’t think President Obama will run in 2012! When you really consider it--should he? President Obama is doing something that I haven’t seen since the FDR and Truman years--he’s not running a continuous campaign.
From the moment Bush II stole, eh, won the presidency in 2000, he was already campaigning for 2004. His first day in office, President Bush's 1st act was putting his George W. Bush for President ‘04’ campaign team together. His first day in office, the current President’s 1st act was putting out so many fires in the first 2 years of his administration that when I recently heard that David Axelrod was going back to Chicago to begin the 2012 campaign, I realized Mr. Obama was two-years late and that he didn’t read the memo THAT is what modern day Presidents do the first day in the Oval Office.
As an avid admirer of presidential history, I thought those outdated, fat and bloated politicians at the time hated President John Kennedy, partly because of his youth, intelligence and exuberance. Compared to the treatment that Mr. Obama has endured in his short-term as President from some of the "new" outdated, fat and bloated politicians; Kennedy's foes look as if they were preparing to canonize him for sainthood.
With the exception of President Lincoln, never has a President endured this type of single-minded hatred from elected officials, from Republican and Democrat alike who are gleefully willing to see the rest of America become a Third World Country than to support ANY of President Obama's initiatives that would benefit the Republic.
T.R., FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Bush I had their political enemies but damn it, when the country was in dire need of food, jobs, schools, security, etc., these men knew how to find commonality with their enemies. Unfortunately, no matter what President Obama offers his political adversaries to promote bipartisanship; they would rather spend a three-day weekend with the devil than acquiescence.
With only 36,000 jobs created for October, America’s unemployment at 9.8%, and more than 3,000,000 Americans without unemployment benefits; even middle class and working poor Americans are now throwing Mr. Obama under the bus for all that has befallen the nation. At the same time, Americans give Senator Mitch McConnell and the rest of the GOP a pass despite the fact that many of the initiatives that President Obama needs to implement in order to increase jobs, decrease unemployment and employ millions of citizens, are being blocked by them.
Again, if President Obama decided not to run in 2012, could you truly blame the man?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
From the moment Bush II stole, eh, won the presidency in 2000, he was already campaigning for 2004. His first day in office, President Bush's 1st act was putting his George W. Bush for President ‘04’ campaign team together. His first day in office, the current President’s 1st act was putting out so many fires in the first 2 years of his administration that when I recently heard that David Axelrod was going back to Chicago to begin the 2012 campaign, I realized Mr. Obama was two-years late and that he didn’t read the memo THAT is what modern day Presidents do the first day in the Oval Office.
As an avid admirer of presidential history, I thought those outdated, fat and bloated politicians at the time hated President John Kennedy, partly because of his youth, intelligence and exuberance. Compared to the treatment that Mr. Obama has endured in his short-term as President from some of the "new" outdated, fat and bloated politicians; Kennedy's foes look as if they were preparing to canonize him for sainthood.
With the exception of President Lincoln, never has a President endured this type of single-minded hatred from elected officials, from Republican and Democrat alike who are gleefully willing to see the rest of America become a Third World Country than to support ANY of President Obama's initiatives that would benefit the Republic.
T.R., FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Bush I had their political enemies but damn it, when the country was in dire need of food, jobs, schools, security, etc., these men knew how to find commonality with their enemies. Unfortunately, no matter what President Obama offers his political adversaries to promote bipartisanship; they would rather spend a three-day weekend with the devil than acquiescence.
With only 36,000 jobs created for October, America’s unemployment at 9.8%, and more than 3,000,000 Americans without unemployment benefits; even middle class and working poor Americans are now throwing Mr. Obama under the bus for all that has befallen the nation. At the same time, Americans give Senator Mitch McConnell and the rest of the GOP a pass despite the fact that many of the initiatives that President Obama needs to implement in order to increase jobs, decrease unemployment and employ millions of citizens, are being blocked by them.
Again, if President Obama decided not to run in 2012, could you truly blame the man?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
Monday, November 29, 2010
“I’m just saying…”
Since there is no war draft, what if all future non-gay and non-lesbian Americans refuse to join the military until DADT is dropped? Even in the 21st century Americans are being denied to serve based upon sexual orientation. Haven’t we been down this dark and hollow road before?
The START Treaty is a good start but if a few senators toss the proverbial monkey wrench into the program and getting it off course; Iran and North Korea will not be the only countries brazenly flashing nuclear materials in the world.
Recently, President Obama received 12 stitches while playing basketball. Compared to the beat down he’s received over the last 2 years--12 stitches is a paper cut.
Tom DeLay is an American embarrassment, pure and simple.
Sarah Palin makes yet another gaffe. This time she has difficulty differentiating who is America’s real ally--North Korea or South Korea.
Sarah Palin isn’t going anywhere so we should simply accept the fact that she’s a constant reminder of the alcoholic aunt that continues misquote Cookie Monster for Keats.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
The START Treaty is a good start but if a few senators toss the proverbial monkey wrench into the program and getting it off course; Iran and North Korea will not be the only countries brazenly flashing nuclear materials in the world.
Recently, President Obama received 12 stitches while playing basketball. Compared to the beat down he’s received over the last 2 years--12 stitches is a paper cut.
Tom DeLay is an American embarrassment, pure and simple.
Sarah Palin makes yet another gaffe. This time she has difficulty differentiating who is America’s real ally--North Korea or South Korea.
Sarah Palin isn’t going anywhere so we should simply accept the fact that she’s a constant reminder of the alcoholic aunt that continues misquote Cookie Monster for Keats.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
“History Waits for No One.”
In a recent Quinnipiac survey, 49% to 43% of Americans believe President Obama doesn't deserve to be re-elected.
Unlike Philadelphia's Mayor Michael Nutter, President Obama is deserving of another term as Commander and Chief. President Obama has 245 accomplishments over the last 2 years. These are years that have been tumultuous at best.
But alas, President Obama might end up like Truman. When he left office, Harry Truman had an approval rating of just 39%, and it was only after he died did historians and citizens begin to see his great achievements. If President Obama is not re-elected in 2012, how long will history take to judge him for being an effective President?
Like time--history waits for no one.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
Unlike Philadelphia's Mayor Michael Nutter, President Obama is deserving of another term as Commander and Chief. President Obama has 245 accomplishments over the last 2 years. These are years that have been tumultuous at best.
But alas, President Obama might end up like Truman. When he left office, Harry Truman had an approval rating of just 39%, and it was only after he died did historians and citizens begin to see his great achievements. If President Obama is not re-elected in 2012, how long will history take to judge him for being an effective President?
Like time--history waits for no one.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
Monday, November 22, 2010
"I Am America!"
I am the present, the known, and the unknown future.
I am America!
I am a citizen, a foreigner, a scholar, a pimp, a prostitute, and a psychopath.
I am America!
I am a racist, a bigot, xenophobic, illiterate, misguided, and corrupt.
I am America!
I am the body elect that serves my own interests.
I am America!
I am balanced, compassionate, empathetic, charitable, humble, and a servant to humanity.
I am America!
I am the body elect that promotes the interests of the constituents.
I am America!
I am strong, confident, unflinching, brave, assertive, fearless and self-motivated.
I am America!
I am afraid, fearful, terrified, prone to cowardly acts, I am arrogant, apathetic, self-centered, and self absorbed.
I am America!
I am peace, I am violent, I am the storm, I am the calm before the storm, I am veiled, I am thinly veiled, I am simple, I am complex, I am full of love, and I am brimming over with hatred.
I am America!
I watched the inhabitants respect and cherish me, while other nationalities have bought me to near extinction by way of destroying the environment, famine, wars, and injustice.
I am the beacon of hope for some nations and for other nations--to despise, but for better or worse--I am America!
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
I am America!
I am a citizen, a foreigner, a scholar, a pimp, a prostitute, and a psychopath.
I am America!
I am a racist, a bigot, xenophobic, illiterate, misguided, and corrupt.
I am America!
I am the body elect that serves my own interests.
I am America!
I am balanced, compassionate, empathetic, charitable, humble, and a servant to humanity.
I am America!
I am the body elect that promotes the interests of the constituents.
I am America!
I am strong, confident, unflinching, brave, assertive, fearless and self-motivated.
I am America!
I am afraid, fearful, terrified, prone to cowardly acts, I am arrogant, apathetic, self-centered, and self absorbed.
I am America!
I am peace, I am violent, I am the storm, I am the calm before the storm, I am veiled, I am thinly veiled, I am simple, I am complex, I am full of love, and I am brimming over with hatred.
I am America!
I watched the inhabitants respect and cherish me, while other nationalities have bought me to near extinction by way of destroying the environment, famine, wars, and injustice.
I am the beacon of hope for some nations and for other nations--to despise, but for better or worse--I am America!
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
Thursday, November 18, 2010
“Intellectual Limitations”
Sarah Palin is contemplating whether she'll run for President of the United States, and if she wins the Republican nomination, Palin believes she can beat President Obama in 2012.
Sarah Palin loves talking about the American Hero, aka, Ronald Reagan and how he made government smaller during his tenure as President. Ms. Palin is wrong! Under President Reagan the government ballooned to epic proportions that even his staunchest supporters admit he was guilty of doing.
Ms. Palin says President Obama's big spending and big government must end in order for the private sector to grow. In 2 years under President Obama, there has been more growth in the private sector than there was in the last 8 years.
Sarah Palin thinks President Obama's massive spending is what’s hurting America’s economy, and yet she continues to “selectively” forget that it was Bush II that began the slippery slope into financial chaos that is currently stifling the nation’s economic growth and prosperity.
Sarah Palin believes the next President must be willing to make the tough decisions for the safety of the nation, but isn't that exactly what President Obama is doing--making the tough decisions?
When asked directly if Palin thought she could defeat President Obama in 2012, it was reported the former Alaska governor replied, "I believe so." Based on what?
• Quitting as governor of Alaska,
• A foreign policy philosophy in which America will declare war on Iran, North Korea, and China
• Supporting political candidates that are so extreme that the Ku Klux Klan seem moderate
• The inability to make decisions that will benefit all Americans
…and that’s just the appetizer.
I believe I can defeat Philadelphia’s incumbent Mayor Michael Nutter if I ran--but I’m short of about $2,000,000. I understand and accept my financial limitations.
Perhaps, Ms. Palin should learn to accept her “intellectual” limitations.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
Sarah Palin loves talking about the American Hero, aka, Ronald Reagan and how he made government smaller during his tenure as President. Ms. Palin is wrong! Under President Reagan the government ballooned to epic proportions that even his staunchest supporters admit he was guilty of doing.
Ms. Palin says President Obama's big spending and big government must end in order for the private sector to grow. In 2 years under President Obama, there has been more growth in the private sector than there was in the last 8 years.
Sarah Palin thinks President Obama's massive spending is what’s hurting America’s economy, and yet she continues to “selectively” forget that it was Bush II that began the slippery slope into financial chaos that is currently stifling the nation’s economic growth and prosperity.
Sarah Palin believes the next President must be willing to make the tough decisions for the safety of the nation, but isn't that exactly what President Obama is doing--making the tough decisions?
When asked directly if Palin thought she could defeat President Obama in 2012, it was reported the former Alaska governor replied, "I believe so." Based on what?
• Quitting as governor of Alaska,
• A foreign policy philosophy in which America will declare war on Iran, North Korea, and China
• Supporting political candidates that are so extreme that the Ku Klux Klan seem moderate
• The inability to make decisions that will benefit all Americans
…and that’s just the appetizer.
I believe I can defeat Philadelphia’s incumbent Mayor Michael Nutter if I ran--but I’m short of about $2,000,000. I understand and accept my financial limitations.
Perhaps, Ms. Palin should learn to accept her “intellectual” limitations.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
"The World Beneath Us is Now On Top."
An estimated 19,400 fugitives from Philadelphia will be given a free pass in the city's effort to reduce the criminal courts docket of criminals. That's right: rapists, pedophiles, repeat drug dealers and prostitutes who were on the run can now come in from out of the cold.
The buffet of fugitives that have committed violent acts against law abiding citizens is not limited to the following:
• One predator forced his way into a home where the victim was made to perform oral sex.
• A babysitter who sexually assaulted two children.
• Drug dealers that are habitual repeat offenders.
...and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
When people cannot depend on the justice system for justice, who can they turn to? This decision is wrong, pure and simple.
For some, this decision may alleviate the courts bloated criminal case files--but at what cost? Not even factoring in the psychological effects this decision is having on the victims, if 1,000, 3,000 or 5,000 of the fugitives repeat their acts of terror which is likely, imagine how this burden will affect the already meager resources the city and state currently have. And wouldn't their repeated acts increase the already inflated criminal cases the courts are already addressing?
If the nation falls it will not be at the hands of outside forces; the nation will fall because of the failure of the elected body to protect the citizens that will plunge the fatal dagger that will bring its demise.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
The buffet of fugitives that have committed violent acts against law abiding citizens is not limited to the following:
• One predator forced his way into a home where the victim was made to perform oral sex.
• A babysitter who sexually assaulted two children.
• Drug dealers that are habitual repeat offenders.
...and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
When people cannot depend on the justice system for justice, who can they turn to? This decision is wrong, pure and simple.
For some, this decision may alleviate the courts bloated criminal case files--but at what cost? Not even factoring in the psychological effects this decision is having on the victims, if 1,000, 3,000 or 5,000 of the fugitives repeat their acts of terror which is likely, imagine how this burden will affect the already meager resources the city and state currently have. And wouldn't their repeated acts increase the already inflated criminal cases the courts are already addressing?
If the nation falls it will not be at the hands of outside forces; the nation will fall because of the failure of the elected body to protect the citizens that will plunge the fatal dagger that will bring its demise.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
Monday, November 15, 2010
"Stimulating the Economy Requires Bold Leadership."
More than 18,000 Philadelphians are scheduled to lose their unemployment benefits in December 2010. So, what happens to them and their families? Shouldn't the benefits be extended to these residents residing in a city where the unemployment is hovering around 11%?
Perhaps Mr. Nutter could offer the following:
• Give small businesses in Philadelphia a tax credit between $25,000.00-$30,000.00 so the owners would be motivated to hire more employees.
The $10,000.00 tax credit he offered businesses to employ ex-offenders was a "phenomenal embarrassment" because it was a small tax break with too many stipulations.
• $25,000,000-$30,000,000 of the $60,000,000 the city collected in owed taxes from businesses could have been used to create new small businesses that would have stimulated economic growth in Philadelphia.
$20,000,000 was given to the School District of Philadelphia, but specifically, how was the other $40,000,000 invested in the city?
• Request that the state/federal government extend the jobless benefits for the next 6-8 months.
Any city that has double digit unemployment--and there's a few; elected officials should be demanding congress for an extension 10 hours a day.
Up to this moment Mr. Nutter's tenure as mayor has been abysmal where "failure" has become synonymous with his leadership. He could however, actually start tabulating some victories if he finally takes bold steps in addressing Philadelphia's horrible unemployment.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
Perhaps Mr. Nutter could offer the following:
• Give small businesses in Philadelphia a tax credit between $25,000.00-$30,000.00 so the owners would be motivated to hire more employees.
The $10,000.00 tax credit he offered businesses to employ ex-offenders was a "phenomenal embarrassment" because it was a small tax break with too many stipulations.
• $25,000,000-$30,000,000 of the $60,000,000 the city collected in owed taxes from businesses could have been used to create new small businesses that would have stimulated economic growth in Philadelphia.
$20,000,000 was given to the School District of Philadelphia, but specifically, how was the other $40,000,000 invested in the city?
• Request that the state/federal government extend the jobless benefits for the next 6-8 months.
Any city that has double digit unemployment--and there's a few; elected officials should be demanding congress for an extension 10 hours a day.
Up to this moment Mr. Nutter's tenure as mayor has been abysmal where "failure" has become synonymous with his leadership. He could however, actually start tabulating some victories if he finally takes bold steps in addressing Philadelphia's horrible unemployment.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
What I Want for My Precious Vote…
What I want for my precious vote is for elected officials to create solutions to decreasing the more than 2,313,000 currently incarcerated and the closing of all future prisons for 15 years, I want an increase in the construction of innovative public schools, protect the environment from predators, provide “affordable and effective” healthcare for all Americans, ensure government is free from corruption, implement term limits for elected officials at every level of government, and address illegal immigration with a clear and insightful resolution.
What I want for my precious vote is expanded job creation, increased financial support for current and new small businesses--the backbone of the nation; I want the fear mongering, racism, xenophobia and hypocrisy to stop. Stop! If those of us cannot debate varying opinions factually, intellectually and respectfully--then we must deem them “irrelevant.”
What I want for my precious vote is for the citizens to continue moving America forward; I want an ending to America's involvement in wars and that DADT is struck down once and for all-time. What I want for my precious vote is for the United States to have a balanced budget that is--“consistently balanced” so that future politicians will no longer have this issue to use as a campaign ploy to get elected.
I know fully that when I vote and participate in the electoral process only then will I become the outcome in my community.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
What I want for my precious vote is expanded job creation, increased financial support for current and new small businesses--the backbone of the nation; I want the fear mongering, racism, xenophobia and hypocrisy to stop. Stop! If those of us cannot debate varying opinions factually, intellectually and respectfully--then we must deem them “irrelevant.”
What I want for my precious vote is for the citizens to continue moving America forward; I want an ending to America's involvement in wars and that DADT is struck down once and for all-time. What I want for my precious vote is for the United States to have a balanced budget that is--“consistently balanced” so that future politicians will no longer have this issue to use as a campaign ploy to get elected.
I know fully that when I vote and participate in the electoral process only then will I become the outcome in my community.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
Friday, October 29, 2010
"A Rainbow of Economic Prosperity Awaits the Nation."
On November 2, 2010, we will gather to decide on what direction to take the nation. Do we continue moving forward despite the current economic torrential blizzard where beyond this awaits an economic rainbow of prosperity, or do we--gulp--move backwards?
On one side; and there are sides, is a political party that has in essence declared war on the middle class, working poor, and the poor citizens. A political party whose members supports outsourcing American jobs to countries they say that the Republic should not do business with because they practice communist philosophy--and yet, this political party accepts millions of dollars from China.
This is a political party that has members who have campaigned on overthrowing the government and eliminating the 1st, 14th, 16th and the 17th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution--the Constitution! This is the living document that keeps us from tearing each other and the Union apart.
This is a political party that refuses to create jobs; wait, not just jobs--good paying employment opportunities that will benefit families and stimulate the economy, health care for all Americans, and new innovative education policies that will produce scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and medical professionals, and environmental and finance reform.
This is the Tea/Republican Party. This is the party of Wall Street, corporations, the wealthy, aka, the party of "NO" to the other 98% of America.
On the other side, there is the political party that has members that have lost their way and at times those members mirror the principles of the Tea/Republican Party, and have at times capitulated to the party of "NO."
However, the Democratic Party HAS members that are serving the needs of the dwindling middle class, working poor, and the poor citizens, they support education, Wall Street and health care reform, support for small businesses, gay rights and are the last line of defense on protecting the environment from those that don't give a damn about the quality or there lack of water we drink and the air we breathe. The Party of Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Clinton and Obama has served the will of the people and battled the "Beast of Intolerance, Racism, Poverty and Unemployment."
On November 2, 2010, we can vote to abandon the "failed policies of empty rhetoric from the past" or we can continue implementing solutions that will strengthen and empower our current fractured Republic.
On November 2, 2010, we will once again--be the outcome.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
On one side; and there are sides, is a political party that has in essence declared war on the middle class, working poor, and the poor citizens. A political party whose members supports outsourcing American jobs to countries they say that the Republic should not do business with because they practice communist philosophy--and yet, this political party accepts millions of dollars from China.
This is a political party that has members who have campaigned on overthrowing the government and eliminating the 1st, 14th, 16th and the 17th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution--the Constitution! This is the living document that keeps us from tearing each other and the Union apart.
This is a political party that refuses to create jobs; wait, not just jobs--good paying employment opportunities that will benefit families and stimulate the economy, health care for all Americans, and new innovative education policies that will produce scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and medical professionals, and environmental and finance reform.
This is the Tea/Republican Party. This is the party of Wall Street, corporations, the wealthy, aka, the party of "NO" to the other 98% of America.
On the other side, there is the political party that has members that have lost their way and at times those members mirror the principles of the Tea/Republican Party, and have at times capitulated to the party of "NO."
However, the Democratic Party HAS members that are serving the needs of the dwindling middle class, working poor, and the poor citizens, they support education, Wall Street and health care reform, support for small businesses, gay rights and are the last line of defense on protecting the environment from those that don't give a damn about the quality or there lack of water we drink and the air we breathe. The Party of Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Clinton and Obama has served the will of the people and battled the "Beast of Intolerance, Racism, Poverty and Unemployment."
On November 2, 2010, we can vote to abandon the "failed policies of empty rhetoric from the past" or we can continue implementing solutions that will strengthen and empower our current fractured Republic.
On November 2, 2010, we will once again--be the outcome.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
“Using Thomas Jefferson--When It’s Convenient.”
Many of the “loons who sat by the door of democracy” are in full support of Wall Street and corporations, and how they love to quote Thomas Jefferson--when it fits their needs. They like to talk about how sharing one’s wealth is wrong and how poor people need to get off they're assess, get a job, and make something of themselves. They tell the soon-to-be-extinct middle class that poor people are irrelevant and that Mr. Jefferson said:
“The democracy will cease to exist
when you take away from those
who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”
The Angle’s, Miller’s, Paladino's, McMahon’s, and Rand (“My Goons Will Stomp On Your Head”) Paul says government is too big and trying to control our lives. They invoke Thomas Jefferson--again, with quotes to stir the soul:
“My reading of history convinces me
that most bad government results from too much
government.”
They say too much government is bad and limited government is good. Yet, if you ask them to name at least three Republican Presidents that lived by the “limited government” mantra, they’d gleefully say Reagan, Bush I and Bush II--and I’d gleefully say “Wrong,” “No and “LOL.”
Then they would be angry and infuriated. Ms. Angle, Mr. Tancredo, and Mr. Perry would utter the quote by Mr. Jefferson that is now a catch phrase craze in America:
“The tree of liberty must be
refreshed from time to time with the blood of
patriots and tyrants.”
All the while saying Wall Street and corporations are good for America. One can place what appears to be the never ending economic nightmare in America on President Obama. I guess it’s easy to do so when you’re the one holding the hot potato and no one else is around to toss it to or catch it for that matter. But make no mistake--it was Wall Street and the corporations that have bought us to the current doom of despair and it was Thomas Jefferson who said:
“I believe that
banking institutions are more dangerous to
our liberties than standing armies.
If the American people ever allow
private banks to control the issue of their
currency, first by inflation, then by
deflation, the banks and corporations that will
grow up around the banks will deprive the people
of all property - until their children
wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers
conquered.”
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
“The democracy will cease to exist
when you take away from those
who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”
The Angle’s, Miller’s, Paladino's, McMahon’s, and Rand (“My Goons Will Stomp On Your Head”) Paul says government is too big and trying to control our lives. They invoke Thomas Jefferson--again, with quotes to stir the soul:
“My reading of history convinces me
that most bad government results from too much
government.”
They say too much government is bad and limited government is good. Yet, if you ask them to name at least three Republican Presidents that lived by the “limited government” mantra, they’d gleefully say Reagan, Bush I and Bush II--and I’d gleefully say “Wrong,” “No and “LOL.”
Then they would be angry and infuriated. Ms. Angle, Mr. Tancredo, and Mr. Perry would utter the quote by Mr. Jefferson that is now a catch phrase craze in America:
“The tree of liberty must be
refreshed from time to time with the blood of
patriots and tyrants.”
All the while saying Wall Street and corporations are good for America. One can place what appears to be the never ending economic nightmare in America on President Obama. I guess it’s easy to do so when you’re the one holding the hot potato and no one else is around to toss it to or catch it for that matter. But make no mistake--it was Wall Street and the corporations that have bought us to the current doom of despair and it was Thomas Jefferson who said:
“I believe that
banking institutions are more dangerous to
our liberties than standing armies.
If the American people ever allow
private banks to control the issue of their
currency, first by inflation, then by
deflation, the banks and corporations that will
grow up around the banks will deprive the people
of all property - until their children
wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers
conquered.”
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
Monday, October 25, 2010
"So, Who's the Real Terrorists?"
I am so sick and tired of these cowards with their cowardly threats about overthrowing the United States if they aren't elected in November. This is treason pure and simple and those that are fanning the flames--traitors to the Republic.
Sharon Angle from Nevada and Rick Perry from Texas are some of the culprits who began this acidic behavior for this election cycle and people are in full support of them.
Elected officials--here in a America openly and arrogantly talking about invoking their 2nd Amendment and seceding from the Union if they don't get what they want. Five years ago the faux public servants would have been arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for their "cowardly and treacherous act."
No! We are heading in the wrong direction when citizens are accepting this type of rhetoric from individuals s who aspire to sit at the table of our government.
Oh the irony. Citizens were branded "Un-American" when they didn't support Bush's War, so what shall we call Americans campaigning on terror, fear, threats, and secessionism--patriots?
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive.
Sharon Angle from Nevada and Rick Perry from Texas are some of the culprits who began this acidic behavior for this election cycle and people are in full support of them.
Elected officials--here in a America openly and arrogantly talking about invoking their 2nd Amendment and seceding from the Union if they don't get what they want. Five years ago the faux public servants would have been arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for their "cowardly and treacherous act."
No! We are heading in the wrong direction when citizens are accepting this type of rhetoric from individuals s who aspire to sit at the table of our government.
Oh the irony. Citizens were branded "Un-American" when they didn't support Bush's War, so what shall we call Americans campaigning on terror, fear, threats, and secessionism--patriots?
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive.
Friday, October 22, 2010
"The Unthinkable Becomes a Reality?"
Whether the opposition is Rendell, Katz, Green, Street, Knox, Santa Claus, Elmo, or the Easter Bunny, Mr. Nutter should not be reelected as mayor.
Since 2008, I've written extensively about the misadventures of Mr. Nutter and how woeful he's been as mayor for one of the greatest cities in the Republic. Since his stint as mayor, all we've gotten from him is:
• Unlimited excuses
• Elimination of services
• Lack of depth in creating and implementing effective policies to stimulate economic growth
And
• Arrogance
Philadelphia and its residents deserve better than this poor leadership that Mr. Nutter has provided up to this point. Could it be that the Philadelphia Democratic Party regarding its mayors is taking nearly 30 years of support for granted?
We've had 8 years of Mr. Goode, 8 years of Mr. Rendell, 8 years of Mr. Street and quit possibly, gulp--8 years of Mr. Nutter.
Mr. Goode had his moments and was on his way to being considered one of the best mayor's the city had until well, the MOVE Massacre. Ed "America's Mayor" Rendell was responsible for the face lift to Center City that re-energized economic growth at the time but not much else, and John Street increased social services in the city that was sorely lacking, but he also had an administration and associates so corrupt that they never met a kickback they didn't like. This brings us to Mr. Nutter. His achievements have been so far and few that I would have to grade them on a curve in order for him to receive a passing grade--and on too many occasions Mr. Nutter looked lost and dazed like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights of the issues in Philadelphia.
Mr. Nutter's supporters will say he inherited a horrific economy, but in Mr. Street's defense, he managed to leave the city with a surplus when he left office. In my humble opinion, that type of rhetoric doesn't even fly with President Obama. Mr. Nutter wanted the job because he had a better mouse trap--well, you got it! Now shut-up about how bad the economy was when you became mayor and fix it. We are at 11.9 percent unemployment. If we Philadelphians tighten our belts anymore, third-world nations will begin sponsoring a Philadelphian.
Maybe what Philadelphia needs is a Republican mayor. Maybe they would be effective, and in the process, awaken the Democratic Party to the reality that their hibernation in which they've been in for nearly 30 years is over.
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive.
Since 2008, I've written extensively about the misadventures of Mr. Nutter and how woeful he's been as mayor for one of the greatest cities in the Republic. Since his stint as mayor, all we've gotten from him is:
• Unlimited excuses
• Elimination of services
• Lack of depth in creating and implementing effective policies to stimulate economic growth
And
• Arrogance
Philadelphia and its residents deserve better than this poor leadership that Mr. Nutter has provided up to this point. Could it be that the Philadelphia Democratic Party regarding its mayors is taking nearly 30 years of support for granted?
We've had 8 years of Mr. Goode, 8 years of Mr. Rendell, 8 years of Mr. Street and quit possibly, gulp--8 years of Mr. Nutter.
Mr. Goode had his moments and was on his way to being considered one of the best mayor's the city had until well, the MOVE Massacre. Ed "America's Mayor" Rendell was responsible for the face lift to Center City that re-energized economic growth at the time but not much else, and John Street increased social services in the city that was sorely lacking, but he also had an administration and associates so corrupt that they never met a kickback they didn't like. This brings us to Mr. Nutter. His achievements have been so far and few that I would have to grade them on a curve in order for him to receive a passing grade--and on too many occasions Mr. Nutter looked lost and dazed like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights of the issues in Philadelphia.
Mr. Nutter's supporters will say he inherited a horrific economy, but in Mr. Street's defense, he managed to leave the city with a surplus when he left office. In my humble opinion, that type of rhetoric doesn't even fly with President Obama. Mr. Nutter wanted the job because he had a better mouse trap--well, you got it! Now shut-up about how bad the economy was when you became mayor and fix it. We are at 11.9 percent unemployment. If we Philadelphians tighten our belts anymore, third-world nations will begin sponsoring a Philadelphian.
Maybe what Philadelphia needs is a Republican mayor. Maybe they would be effective, and in the process, awaken the Democratic Party to the reality that their hibernation in which they've been in for nearly 30 years is over.
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
“Dinner is Served…In the Public Schools?”
Washington DC public schools, is one of the most impoverished regions in the Republic and is struggling to cope with sharp increases in poverty over the last 5 years.
According to 2009 census more than 6,000 DC residents fell below the poverty line for 2008-2009 and as unemployment continues to grow in 2010, more families have fallen into poverty.
According to the Washington Post, Washington DC public schools are responding by expanding their school meal programs even further that includes serving dinner to more than 10,000 hungry children in the district. It is estimated that the program, which will cost the school system about $5.7 million this year, comes at a time of heightened concern about childhood poverty in the city.
Let me be candid, for millions of children in the Republic, school meals are the only source of food they will eat within 24 hours. We’ve been focusing on decreasing childhood obesity all the while our youth are being underfed in the process.
As a great nation, can we not feed the children and has the Republic become a third-world nation or is it that we just don’t care? I guess the money that’s earmarked to construct new prisons than innovative public schools that could also feed those in need will provide three square meals for the youth once they arrive there.
Anthony P. Johnson
According to 2009 census more than 6,000 DC residents fell below the poverty line for 2008-2009 and as unemployment continues to grow in 2010, more families have fallen into poverty.
According to the Washington Post, Washington DC public schools are responding by expanding their school meal programs even further that includes serving dinner to more than 10,000 hungry children in the district. It is estimated that the program, which will cost the school system about $5.7 million this year, comes at a time of heightened concern about childhood poverty in the city.
Let me be candid, for millions of children in the Republic, school meals are the only source of food they will eat within 24 hours. We’ve been focusing on decreasing childhood obesity all the while our youth are being underfed in the process.
As a great nation, can we not feed the children and has the Republic become a third-world nation or is it that we just don’t care? I guess the money that’s earmarked to construct new prisons than innovative public schools that could also feed those in need will provide three square meals for the youth once they arrive there.
Anthony P. Johnson
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
“The Republic: Our Commonality.”
My hope is that the parties of Democrats, Tea/Republicans, Green, Libertarian, Independents, and Progressives, can find commonality in our beliefs about how to provide for all the citizens in the Republic.
If many of us could simply talk to one another other instead of "at" each other I think--rather I know--we could move the Republic in a direction that 10,000 years from now poets will still have difficulty writing sonnets about our descent to the stars.
Many use the term "Yes We Can" as a catch phrase, but it means so much more:
• Yes We Can find a cure for Cancer and HIV/AIDS
• Yes We Can end poverty and homelessness
• Yes We Can end illiteracy and build innovative schools that will create entrepreneurs, and scholars
• Yes We Can create a government that will be above corruption, and when needed, prosecute Wall Street and elected officials that violate effectively serving its citizenry
• Yes We Can remove, rebuke, refute, render powerless, repudiate--not to be confused by Mrs. Palin's "Refudiate" those Americans whose intent it is to divide us through fear, lies and misconceptions.
I want to be clear when I say yes we can once again be the beacon of hope that the rest of the world has come to admire in us--if only we are willing to make what's best for the Republic our commonality.
Anthony P. Johnson
If many of us could simply talk to one another other instead of "at" each other I think--rather I know--we could move the Republic in a direction that 10,000 years from now poets will still have difficulty writing sonnets about our descent to the stars.
Many use the term "Yes We Can" as a catch phrase, but it means so much more:
• Yes We Can find a cure for Cancer and HIV/AIDS
• Yes We Can end poverty and homelessness
• Yes We Can end illiteracy and build innovative schools that will create entrepreneurs, and scholars
• Yes We Can create a government that will be above corruption, and when needed, prosecute Wall Street and elected officials that violate effectively serving its citizenry
• Yes We Can remove, rebuke, refute, render powerless, repudiate--not to be confused by Mrs. Palin's "Refudiate" those Americans whose intent it is to divide us through fear, lies and misconceptions.
I want to be clear when I say yes we can once again be the beacon of hope that the rest of the world has come to admire in us--if only we are willing to make what's best for the Republic our commonality.
Anthony P. Johnson
Saturday, October 16, 2010
"Death of the Charitable Spirit"
What happened? Where did we go wrong?
There was a time when Americans of different ethnicities, religions, sexual orientation, cultures, and political views had one thing in common--homelessness is a problem in our cities, and it needed to be addressed.
Perhaps "how to address it" should have been further explained because wishing that the homeless would just go away will not work; neither does moving, eh, chasing them from one area of Philadelphia to another will solve this crisis.
On Saturday October 16th, I was invited to participate in the "Feed the Homeless" Program in a park at 18th and Vine Street. I quickly learned that Mr. Craig Stroman, Jody ‘Tru Story’ Austin, and their family and friends do more than just serve meals to a population that has increased exponentially especially among Philadelphia's youth--they offer compassion and support that for many being served may have never experienced.
Mr. Craig Stroman greets the homeless with a hearty handshake, hugs, and words of encouragement. Right away I discovered that Mr. Stroman has been in the "trenches of serving" the homeless population for quite some time. There is a comfortable familiarity between them that invokes mutual respect.
Jody ‘Tru Story ‘ Austin, a nurse and 21year veteran from the U.S. Air Force, has the tender affection for those she serves that Florence Nightingale would envy. She moves throughout the park giving hugs and lending her support wherever needed. She is the true embodiment of strength and dedication to serving those in need.
Philadelphia is one of the great cities in the Republic where the current mayor continues his castration of social service programs as well as what seems to be the death of a charitable spirit that has infected many of its citizens.
However, the "Feed the Homeless" Program at 18th and Vine Street is a beacon of hope to many that the charitable spirit still stubbornly exists.
Anthony P. Johnson
There was a time when Americans of different ethnicities, religions, sexual orientation, cultures, and political views had one thing in common--homelessness is a problem in our cities, and it needed to be addressed.
Perhaps "how to address it" should have been further explained because wishing that the homeless would just go away will not work; neither does moving, eh, chasing them from one area of Philadelphia to another will solve this crisis.
On Saturday October 16th, I was invited to participate in the "Feed the Homeless" Program in a park at 18th and Vine Street. I quickly learned that Mr. Craig Stroman, Jody ‘Tru Story’ Austin, and their family and friends do more than just serve meals to a population that has increased exponentially especially among Philadelphia's youth--they offer compassion and support that for many being served may have never experienced.
Mr. Craig Stroman greets the homeless with a hearty handshake, hugs, and words of encouragement. Right away I discovered that Mr. Stroman has been in the "trenches of serving" the homeless population for quite some time. There is a comfortable familiarity between them that invokes mutual respect.
Jody ‘Tru Story ‘ Austin, a nurse and 21year veteran from the U.S. Air Force, has the tender affection for those she serves that Florence Nightingale would envy. She moves throughout the park giving hugs and lending her support wherever needed. She is the true embodiment of strength and dedication to serving those in need.
Philadelphia is one of the great cities in the Republic where the current mayor continues his castration of social service programs as well as what seems to be the death of a charitable spirit that has infected many of its citizens.
However, the "Feed the Homeless" Program at 18th and Vine Street is a beacon of hope to many that the charitable spirit still stubbornly exists.
Anthony P. Johnson
Thursday, October 14, 2010
"The Loons Who Sat By the Door of Democracy"
Carl Paladino, Christine O'Donnell, Rand Paul, Joe Miller, and Sharon Angle are not mentioned in this election cycle based upon having solutions to creating a better infrastructure or tackling political corruption that has so infected our government that it stinks like a brothel at low tide.
No, Paladino, O'Donnell, Paul, Miller, and Angle are mentioned in this election cycle because of their platforms based on hate for gays and Muslims, abolishing the minimum wage, invoking Americans 2nd Amendment rights if the Republican Party doesn't win the House of Representative and the Senate in November, placing poor Americans in refurbished prisons so they can learn about proper hygiene, and eliminating pro-choice.
Is this what we've come to as citizens of the Republic? Are you going to cast a vote for candidates campaigning on fear, hate, xenophobia, racism, and infringing on individual rights?
If you cast your vote in support of this ideology--don't expect anything different on November 3rd. Don't expect Paladino, O'Donnell, Paul, Miller, and Angle to create jobs or affordable health care for every citizen, build a coalition dedicated to creating an incorruptible government, constructing innovative public schools, and balancing America's budget.
Expect them to be exactly what they are--a group of "loons" who sat by the door of Democracy that you let in.
Anthony P. Johnson
No, Paladino, O'Donnell, Paul, Miller, and Angle are mentioned in this election cycle because of their platforms based on hate for gays and Muslims, abolishing the minimum wage, invoking Americans 2nd Amendment rights if the Republican Party doesn't win the House of Representative and the Senate in November, placing poor Americans in refurbished prisons so they can learn about proper hygiene, and eliminating pro-choice.
Is this what we've come to as citizens of the Republic? Are you going to cast a vote for candidates campaigning on fear, hate, xenophobia, racism, and infringing on individual rights?
If you cast your vote in support of this ideology--don't expect anything different on November 3rd. Don't expect Paladino, O'Donnell, Paul, Miller, and Angle to create jobs or affordable health care for every citizen, build a coalition dedicated to creating an incorruptible government, constructing innovative public schools, and balancing America's budget.
Expect them to be exactly what they are--a group of "loons" who sat by the door of Democracy that you let in.
Anthony P. Johnson
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
“Good Citizens Begin in the Classroom.”
An educated citizen is a productive citizen not just for the Republic but to the world at large. We continue to struggle with the hard truth that our youth are ill-prepared to lead America in the 21st century and beyond. We debate that our children are failing because of the:
• Music
• Television
• Drugs
• Clothes
• Video Games
• Lack of parental support
Although they may play a part they are not the sole reason for the youth and adolescents academic and social impotents. There are several reasons why are public schools are failing and thereby turning our youth into unproductive citizens.
There is a lack of accountability. Very rarely is the public education system held accountable for the undereducated students it produces. A great number of public schools have the ability to completely ignore parents and anyone else they do not receive funding from. And when a school is rifled with ineffective teachers and administrators what happens? Zero! Nothing! There is a void in the concept of student and parental satisfaction and neither realizes that they are being scammed until the student cannot enter college or the workforce. Fact, since 1960, the amount spent per pupil has more than tripled after dollars have been adjusted for inflation and yet the education of our children is subjected to quit possibly the most dismal academics in the world.
Despite higher-than-average per-pupil expenditures, public educated students in the U.S. are so far behind public-educated students in other countries that I believe that it is a crime against humanity. According to the Department of Education, public schools receive an average of $9,969.00 per pupil; twice the average amount spent per student at private and charter schools. Some areas, like the District of Columbia, spend in excess of $12,000.00 per public school educated pupil. So, where is the money going to? Does anybody know or perhaps more importantly--does anybody care? Those who run schools have no personal risk and no incentive to cut costs or increase revenues. In fact, when a school does poorly or spends all of its money, more often than not that school receives even more funding. Without a healthy jolt of public outrage, the funds are almost guaranteed to be wasted--again.
Fact of the matter, public schools are not required to answer to parents, but they are lock-and-step to the will of politicians and school boards, all of who have their own political agendas. I am not exaggerating when I say that these agendas have weakened the foundation of the entire public school system. Good teachers are frequently forced to deal with so called brilliant education plans thought up by state judiciaries, legislatures, and bureaucracies.
The taxpayers are then expected to pay the bill to incorporate the plans. For this reason alone, a separation of school and state is needed. By removing the interference of politicians and giving the power to the parents and teachers, the true essence of accountability will become a reality.
Unlike a pair of sweats, there is no one size fits all prescription for education and yet that is exactly what most students receive from a public school education. What is also discouraging is that gifted students often taking the same classes as students who require extra help. In rural areas for example, very rarely AP courses or other academic options will be available for students to excel and thus, creating a dropout rate of gifted students three times more than students who require additional academic enrichment. Effective teachers aren't given a chance to expand on innovative academic endeavors because they are forced to follow the plans that have been laid out before them. In the end, it is the children and our society that suffers from the one size fits all teaching style.
The No Child Left Behind Act was created to repair our horrific public schools, but in fact, it may have done more to damage the system and may take more than a decade to fix. Under this law, extreme emphasis is placed on test scores and punitive action. What's worse is that school districts have been forced to train students for NCLB tests versus offering them an expanded education they’ll need to survive and thrive in an ever changing society. And while the House Education Committee refers to the act as 'unfair', there is virtually no evidence that NCLB has done anything effective since its inception, and therefore must be eliminated post haste.
Conversely, if we continue to fail to address America’s broken education system then the final chapter in the demise of a first-rate public school education for youth and adolescents will be assured, and the philosophy of an “educated citizen is a productive citizen” will be no more than empty and baseless rhetoric.
Anthony P. Johnson
• Music
• Television
• Drugs
• Clothes
• Video Games
• Lack of parental support
Although they may play a part they are not the sole reason for the youth and adolescents academic and social impotents. There are several reasons why are public schools are failing and thereby turning our youth into unproductive citizens.
There is a lack of accountability. Very rarely is the public education system held accountable for the undereducated students it produces. A great number of public schools have the ability to completely ignore parents and anyone else they do not receive funding from. And when a school is rifled with ineffective teachers and administrators what happens? Zero! Nothing! There is a void in the concept of student and parental satisfaction and neither realizes that they are being scammed until the student cannot enter college or the workforce. Fact, since 1960, the amount spent per pupil has more than tripled after dollars have been adjusted for inflation and yet the education of our children is subjected to quit possibly the most dismal academics in the world.
Despite higher-than-average per-pupil expenditures, public educated students in the U.S. are so far behind public-educated students in other countries that I believe that it is a crime against humanity. According to the Department of Education, public schools receive an average of $9,969.00 per pupil; twice the average amount spent per student at private and charter schools. Some areas, like the District of Columbia, spend in excess of $12,000.00 per public school educated pupil. So, where is the money going to? Does anybody know or perhaps more importantly--does anybody care? Those who run schools have no personal risk and no incentive to cut costs or increase revenues. In fact, when a school does poorly or spends all of its money, more often than not that school receives even more funding. Without a healthy jolt of public outrage, the funds are almost guaranteed to be wasted--again.
Fact of the matter, public schools are not required to answer to parents, but they are lock-and-step to the will of politicians and school boards, all of who have their own political agendas. I am not exaggerating when I say that these agendas have weakened the foundation of the entire public school system. Good teachers are frequently forced to deal with so called brilliant education plans thought up by state judiciaries, legislatures, and bureaucracies.
The taxpayers are then expected to pay the bill to incorporate the plans. For this reason alone, a separation of school and state is needed. By removing the interference of politicians and giving the power to the parents and teachers, the true essence of accountability will become a reality.
Unlike a pair of sweats, there is no one size fits all prescription for education and yet that is exactly what most students receive from a public school education. What is also discouraging is that gifted students often taking the same classes as students who require extra help. In rural areas for example, very rarely AP courses or other academic options will be available for students to excel and thus, creating a dropout rate of gifted students three times more than students who require additional academic enrichment. Effective teachers aren't given a chance to expand on innovative academic endeavors because they are forced to follow the plans that have been laid out before them. In the end, it is the children and our society that suffers from the one size fits all teaching style.
The No Child Left Behind Act was created to repair our horrific public schools, but in fact, it may have done more to damage the system and may take more than a decade to fix. Under this law, extreme emphasis is placed on test scores and punitive action. What's worse is that school districts have been forced to train students for NCLB tests versus offering them an expanded education they’ll need to survive and thrive in an ever changing society. And while the House Education Committee refers to the act as 'unfair', there is virtually no evidence that NCLB has done anything effective since its inception, and therefore must be eliminated post haste.
Conversely, if we continue to fail to address America’s broken education system then the final chapter in the demise of a first-rate public school education for youth and adolescents will be assured, and the philosophy of an “educated citizen is a productive citizen” will be no more than empty and baseless rhetoric.
Anthony P. Johnson
Sunday, October 10, 2010
“No, Really?"
Forget for a moment that she "dabbled in witchcraft,” and that she believes China is attempting to take over America, or that scientists have experimented on mice by implanting them with human brains. Christine O'Donnell is ill-equipped to lead the 1st State--Delaware as its next senator.
While middle class and the working poor are having difficulties paying their mortgage because of predatory loans and the apathetic behavior of local, state, and federal governments to be more supportive, Ms. O'Donnell cannot even manage her own financial affairs, and yet she is attempting to convince citizens that she can balance the Republic's budget?
As a society, have we become so apathetic and disconnected that we elect public servants that lack honesty, sincerity and integrity? Perhaps Ms. O'Donnell is banking on it because we cannot even get a straight answer as to what college she attended and graduated from--really.
A conspiracy theorist in its highest form, fiscally incompetent, and a lack of sincerity and humility that would astound even Dick Cheney, is what Delaware--the 1st State--and the rest of the Republic will inherit in a senator if Ms. O'Donnell is elected in November.
Anthony P. Johnson
While middle class and the working poor are having difficulties paying their mortgage because of predatory loans and the apathetic behavior of local, state, and federal governments to be more supportive, Ms. O'Donnell cannot even manage her own financial affairs, and yet she is attempting to convince citizens that she can balance the Republic's budget?
As a society, have we become so apathetic and disconnected that we elect public servants that lack honesty, sincerity and integrity? Perhaps Ms. O'Donnell is banking on it because we cannot even get a straight answer as to what college she attended and graduated from--really.
A conspiracy theorist in its highest form, fiscally incompetent, and a lack of sincerity and humility that would astound even Dick Cheney, is what Delaware--the 1st State--and the rest of the Republic will inherit in a senator if Ms. O'Donnell is elected in November.
Anthony P. Johnson
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"We Will Be Heard."
We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men, women, and children of every nationality are to be treated with humility, fairness, and equality, and that each and every one of us are only impeded by our talents.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that we are to be judged on the content of our character and not by our political affiliation, religious beliefs, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that we'll hold elected officials accountable that place partisan politics, corruption, and excuses ahead of effective results and the citizenry by removing them from elected office--permanently.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that Illegal immigration is not to be tolerated in the Republic and we will prosecute the politicians and corporations to the fullest extent of the law that spew hatred of the practice but are, in fact, practicing illegal immigration.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that despite the misconceptions, your vote does count and will make a difference in electing a strong and effective governing body.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that on November 2nd, the citizenry will once again rise to the occasion and vote for leaders that serves the will of the people instead self-servant--and we will be heard.
Anthony P. Johnson
We hold these truths to be self-evident that we are to be judged on the content of our character and not by our political affiliation, religious beliefs, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that we'll hold elected officials accountable that place partisan politics, corruption, and excuses ahead of effective results and the citizenry by removing them from elected office--permanently.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that Illegal immigration is not to be tolerated in the Republic and we will prosecute the politicians and corporations to the fullest extent of the law that spew hatred of the practice but are, in fact, practicing illegal immigration.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that despite the misconceptions, your vote does count and will make a difference in electing a strong and effective governing body.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that on November 2nd, the citizenry will once again rise to the occasion and vote for leaders that serves the will of the people instead self-servant--and we will be heard.
Anthony P. Johnson
Sunday, October 3, 2010
"On November 2: The Rise of the Republic's Citizenry."
On November 2nd, the mission is clear: Vote for the party that despite receiving "NO" support from the other political party, passed legislation to pull the middle class and working poor from the brink of oblivion and from one of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, or you can cast your cherished vote for the Tea/Republican Party that for more than 2 years supported the wealthy and corporations as they continue their zealous crusade in moving America backwards.
Registered Progressive Independents and Democrats--we cannot go back! Yes, there are members of the Democratic Party that are not supporting the party for moving the country forward as well, but the Tea/Republican Party has not served any of us--the middle class, working poor, and poor. That is not a talking point--that is the truth!
My dissatisfied middle class and working poor registered Republican brethren--are you happy with your elected officials? Have they served you, your families, and the community where you reside with diligence and integrity?
You may dislike President Obama, but did he not make good on his promise that he would reach out to the elected officials in the Tea/Republican Party you voted for in order to get the government to work for you and me? And what was the response of the Tea/Republican Party to President Obama's gesture? They politically slapped him around for more than 2 years voting "No" on every piece of legislation he offered which in many instances was legislation they previously supported.
The way to change our government is to vote out career, corrupt, and partisan politicians. Those types of politicians are detrimental to democracy. What they have become are political prostitutes. It is unfortunate that they just don't step aside and let new public servants bring innovative ideas that represent the needs of all Americans.
The fact is the Tea/Republican Party cannot bring balance to the Republic. When the Tea/Republican Party supports candidates with extremist ideology such as making abortion illegal even if a woman has been raped or molested, eliminating social security, and forcing Muslims to renounce their religion to become Christians, that is not what America represents.
On November 2nd, we the citizens are called upon once again to rise for the sake of the Republic's future--vote. By not voting, you are part of a self-fulfilling prophecy of allowing those who refuse to help you to take control. Those who look down on you are counting on that!
Anthony P. Johnson
Registered Progressive Independents and Democrats--we cannot go back! Yes, there are members of the Democratic Party that are not supporting the party for moving the country forward as well, but the Tea/Republican Party has not served any of us--the middle class, working poor, and poor. That is not a talking point--that is the truth!
My dissatisfied middle class and working poor registered Republican brethren--are you happy with your elected officials? Have they served you, your families, and the community where you reside with diligence and integrity?
You may dislike President Obama, but did he not make good on his promise that he would reach out to the elected officials in the Tea/Republican Party you voted for in order to get the government to work for you and me? And what was the response of the Tea/Republican Party to President Obama's gesture? They politically slapped him around for more than 2 years voting "No" on every piece of legislation he offered which in many instances was legislation they previously supported.
The way to change our government is to vote out career, corrupt, and partisan politicians. Those types of politicians are detrimental to democracy. What they have become are political prostitutes. It is unfortunate that they just don't step aside and let new public servants bring innovative ideas that represent the needs of all Americans.
The fact is the Tea/Republican Party cannot bring balance to the Republic. When the Tea/Republican Party supports candidates with extremist ideology such as making abortion illegal even if a woman has been raped or molested, eliminating social security, and forcing Muslims to renounce their religion to become Christians, that is not what America represents.
On November 2nd, we the citizens are called upon once again to rise for the sake of the Republic's future--vote. By not voting, you are part of a self-fulfilling prophecy of allowing those who refuse to help you to take control. Those who look down on you are counting on that!
Anthony P. Johnson
Thursday, September 30, 2010
“But Who Gives A Damn.....Right?”
The greatest crime of the current economic debacle in America is that the children are the new face of poverty.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 American children are living in poverty and that 1 in 4 American children are on food stamps. 1 in 5 children are impoverished, here--in America. What’s more striking is that nearly 50% of all children in America will be on food stamps at some point before they reach their 18th birthday. To make matters gloomier, the Tea/Republican Party just “assassinated” the extension of the Welfare-to-Work Program that would’ve assisted families in obtaining employment so that they could provide food and shelter to their children.
And the nightmare continues:
• Almost 500,000 American children are homeless
• In 2010, 21% of American children are living below the poverty line
• America’s poverty rate is 3rd worst among developed nations
• 45 million Americans are living in poverty,
• More than 40 million citizens are receiving food stamps
• The largest rise of poverty in America since 1959
• 1 in 6 Americans are being served by at least one government anti-poverty program
• 9.7 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits
• 1 in 7 mortgages in the United States are delinquent or in foreclosure
• 46% of those currently unemployed in America have been out of work for more than six months
• 1 in 4 residents are impoverished in Philadelphia ranking as the second-worst in America
Consequently, we are a nation that’s become so obsessed in admiring our greatness that by not addressing poverty when it was in its infancy just like we failed to do with racism, religious intolerance and political corruption, poverty has now morphed into an entity so strong that it stubbornly clings tightly to the Republic and refuses to let go.
Anthony P. Johnson
It is estimated that 1 in 5 American children are living in poverty and that 1 in 4 American children are on food stamps. 1 in 5 children are impoverished, here--in America. What’s more striking is that nearly 50% of all children in America will be on food stamps at some point before they reach their 18th birthday. To make matters gloomier, the Tea/Republican Party just “assassinated” the extension of the Welfare-to-Work Program that would’ve assisted families in obtaining employment so that they could provide food and shelter to their children.
And the nightmare continues:
• Almost 500,000 American children are homeless
• In 2010, 21% of American children are living below the poverty line
• America’s poverty rate is 3rd worst among developed nations
• 45 million Americans are living in poverty,
• More than 40 million citizens are receiving food stamps
• The largest rise of poverty in America since 1959
• 1 in 6 Americans are being served by at least one government anti-poverty program
• 9.7 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits
• 1 in 7 mortgages in the United States are delinquent or in foreclosure
• 46% of those currently unemployed in America have been out of work for more than six months
• 1 in 4 residents are impoverished in Philadelphia ranking as the second-worst in America
Consequently, we are a nation that’s become so obsessed in admiring our greatness that by not addressing poverty when it was in its infancy just like we failed to do with racism, religious intolerance and political corruption, poverty has now morphed into an entity so strong that it stubbornly clings tightly to the Republic and refuses to let go.
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, September 27, 2010
"An Irrelevant, Insignificant and Obsolete Political Party."
For better or worse, the Republican Party and their supporters can manipulate and blame the failings of the Republic's current financial, education, and unemployment crisis on President Obama and the Democrats, but I ask you, the dwindling middle class and increasingly working poor Americans--are you better off today than you were 4 years ago?
Candidate Ronald Reagan asked that question to Americans during his debate with then President Jimmy Carter who was seeking re-election. Reagan would go on to become President based on skillfully convincing the citizens that the problems of the times were the result of the Democrats and President Carter. However, if you look closer, it was Republican Presidents Nixon and Ford who were greatly responsible for many of the social ills from 1968-1975.
Three of the last five U.S. Presidents have been Republican and those Presidents and the Republican/Tea Party were instrumental in thrusting America into two wars and several economic crises that nearly ruined the country. President Clinton was able to accomplish what Reagan, Bush I and Bush II campaigned on and failed mightily to do-- balance the budget.
Today, in spite of the Republican/Tea Party's feeble attempts to instill hysteria in Americans and the unveiling of their most recent pathetic policy of "Pledge for America"--the follow-up to their 1994 incoherent, weak, and vacillating "Contract for America"--the party cannot lead us to prosperity, pure and simple.
For the record, citizens of the Republic are being assisted, and we are moving in the right direction, albeit not as fast as many people would like, but we are on the path to prosperity.
As we watch the Republican/Tea Party members devour each other one thing becomes clear: decades from now the only memory of the GOP will be found in the history books marked under "an irrelevant, insignificant and obsolete political party."
Anthony P. Johnson
Candidate Ronald Reagan asked that question to Americans during his debate with then President Jimmy Carter who was seeking re-election. Reagan would go on to become President based on skillfully convincing the citizens that the problems of the times were the result of the Democrats and President Carter. However, if you look closer, it was Republican Presidents Nixon and Ford who were greatly responsible for many of the social ills from 1968-1975.
Three of the last five U.S. Presidents have been Republican and those Presidents and the Republican/Tea Party were instrumental in thrusting America into two wars and several economic crises that nearly ruined the country. President Clinton was able to accomplish what Reagan, Bush I and Bush II campaigned on and failed mightily to do-- balance the budget.
Today, in spite of the Republican/Tea Party's feeble attempts to instill hysteria in Americans and the unveiling of their most recent pathetic policy of "Pledge for America"--the follow-up to their 1994 incoherent, weak, and vacillating "Contract for America"--the party cannot lead us to prosperity, pure and simple.
For the record, citizens of the Republic are being assisted, and we are moving in the right direction, albeit not as fast as many people would like, but we are on the path to prosperity.
As we watch the Republican/Tea Party members devour each other one thing becomes clear: decades from now the only memory of the GOP will be found in the history books marked under "an irrelevant, insignificant and obsolete political party."
Anthony P. Johnson
Sunday, September 26, 2010
"GOD's Agents on Earth--Not."
If it's true, unquestionably true, then they can never go back to the way things used to be because they've changed things--forever.
If it’s true, unequivocally true then all that awaits Mr. Long, Mr. Dollar, and others that pervert the word is condemnation, but we must remember that these individuals are not GOD'S agents on earth--they're not!
However, in their position they do have a responsibility to rebuild decaying communities by providing services that they need. With that said, Pastors, Ministers, Bishops, Rabbis and the Iman are NOT entitled to take advantage of wounded neighborhoods nor their parishioners that are broken spiritually, pure and simple.
If Mr. Long is innocent, then his accusers must be brought to justice, and no expense must be spared to ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for attempting to destroy this individual's reputation and his life.
If Mr. Long is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, then he has betrayed the people that looked to him for spiritual guidance, and redemption will be long and arduous for him to come by. If Mr. Long has, in fact, stolen the innocence of his accusers, then most importantly, he has betrayed GOD and thereby proved he is not the spiritual agent on earth he thought he was.
Anthony P. Johnson
If it’s true, unequivocally true then all that awaits Mr. Long, Mr. Dollar, and others that pervert the word is condemnation, but we must remember that these individuals are not GOD'S agents on earth--they're not!
However, in their position they do have a responsibility to rebuild decaying communities by providing services that they need. With that said, Pastors, Ministers, Bishops, Rabbis and the Iman are NOT entitled to take advantage of wounded neighborhoods nor their parishioners that are broken spiritually, pure and simple.
If Mr. Long is innocent, then his accusers must be brought to justice, and no expense must be spared to ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for attempting to destroy this individual's reputation and his life.
If Mr. Long is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, then he has betrayed the people that looked to him for spiritual guidance, and redemption will be long and arduous for him to come by. If Mr. Long has, in fact, stolen the innocence of his accusers, then most importantly, he has betrayed GOD and thereby proved he is not the spiritual agent on earth he thought he was.
Anthony P. Johnson
Thursday, September 23, 2010
"DADT Be Damned."
So, you want my brethren who are gay and lesbian that are serving and protecting the Republic and its citizens from foreign and domestic foes to be dismissed from the military based on their sexual orientation?
So far more than 13,000 soldiers have been kicked out of the military not to mention the countless men and women that have died in defense of America and her allies solely on the basis of their sexual preference.
DADT must be purged from our society once and for all, and it can if elected officials like John McCain and Lindsey Graham get out of the way and stop interfering with progress.
Mr. McCain, you may be a military hero but you're a "political coward" who doesn't represent the people--you represent political interests. Mr. McCain, Mr. Graham, and their ilk are the follies of the Republic's political system and our carbon copies of those politicians that bought about the end of the Roman Empire.
Imagine if the remaining soldiers in all the branches of the military--3 million strong--decided in solidarity to stand-up and say, "I am gay" and "I am a lesbian." What would our military resemble once they were shown the exit?
On November 2, remember the elected officials that embrace DADT and continue to treat gays and lesbians like second class citizens.
Anthony P. Johnson
So far more than 13,000 soldiers have been kicked out of the military not to mention the countless men and women that have died in defense of America and her allies solely on the basis of their sexual preference.
DADT must be purged from our society once and for all, and it can if elected officials like John McCain and Lindsey Graham get out of the way and stop interfering with progress.
Mr. McCain, you may be a military hero but you're a "political coward" who doesn't represent the people--you represent political interests. Mr. McCain, Mr. Graham, and their ilk are the follies of the Republic's political system and our carbon copies of those politicians that bought about the end of the Roman Empire.
Imagine if the remaining soldiers in all the branches of the military--3 million strong--decided in solidarity to stand-up and say, "I am gay" and "I am a lesbian." What would our military resemble once they were shown the exit?
On November 2, remember the elected officials that embrace DADT and continue to treat gays and lesbians like second class citizens.
Anthony P. Johnson
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
“They Couldn’t Give A Damn.”
Americans have every right to disapprove of the job performance that Democrats have done. But if you take a closer look, Democrats have accomplished and implemented policies such as the stimulus package that despite the rhetoric has created millions of jobs, expanded federal healthcare to millions of uninsured citizens, and Wall Street reform.
However, why would Americans want vote for candidates of the Republican/Tea Party when they’ve done "absolutely nothing" to support the middle class, working poor and poor Americans? In fact, the Republican/Tea Party voted to cut off unemployment benefits for hundreds of thousands of Americans that are in dire need, threatened to cut-off state aid that would lead to hundreds of thousands of additional layoffs of citizens, created a massive deficit where none existed, and in 2008 failed to address the current financial crisis that the Republic is mired in, as well as involving us in two wars that cost the lives of thousands of American troops and a war debt that will take several decades to pay-off.
From 1994 until 2006 Republicans “Contract with America” was considered a failure--by Republicans, and during this time the Republican/Tea Party grew the size of government and also shutdown the federal government.
So Progressives, Democrats, and Independents--we have a decision to make on November 2nd: Either vote for the Democratic Party that despite “No” support from the Republican/Tea Party passed legislation that is aiding Americans in one of the worst recessions post WWII or vote for the Republican/Tea Party that couldn’t give a DAMN about the middle class, working poor, and poor American.
Anthony P. Johnson
However, why would Americans want vote for candidates of the Republican/Tea Party when they’ve done "absolutely nothing" to support the middle class, working poor and poor Americans? In fact, the Republican/Tea Party voted to cut off unemployment benefits for hundreds of thousands of Americans that are in dire need, threatened to cut-off state aid that would lead to hundreds of thousands of additional layoffs of citizens, created a massive deficit where none existed, and in 2008 failed to address the current financial crisis that the Republic is mired in, as well as involving us in two wars that cost the lives of thousands of American troops and a war debt that will take several decades to pay-off.
From 1994 until 2006 Republicans “Contract with America” was considered a failure--by Republicans, and during this time the Republican/Tea Party grew the size of government and also shutdown the federal government.
So Progressives, Democrats, and Independents--we have a decision to make on November 2nd: Either vote for the Democratic Party that despite “No” support from the Republican/Tea Party passed legislation that is aiding Americans in one of the worst recessions post WWII or vote for the Republican/Tea Party that couldn’t give a DAMN about the middle class, working poor, and poor American.
Anthony P. Johnson
Friday, September 17, 2010
"Open Letter to My Disinterested and Registered Citizens”
Registered progressives, democrats and independents--on November 2, 2010 we must be heard loud and clear by the power of the ballot and send a clear message to elected officials that desire to stagnate the Republic’s future.
When we don't vote it’s not just your family that will lose out on a prosperous future; it is also many other American families that are left in the wasteland of apathy. Progressives, if we don't vote on November 2, all that we want to achieve for the middle class and the working poor will not come to fruition such as:
• Healthcare/public option for every citizen
• Provide care for senior citizens
• Ensure government is free from corruption
• Create educational and career opportunities for every citizen
• Protect the environment from predators
• Keep a balance budget--consistently
• Implement term limits for elected officials at every level of government
• Address issues like illegal immigration, homelessness, and education with clear and insightful resolutions.
• Eliminate hunger and poverty
• Funding support for small businesses--the backbone of the Republic
• “Objective” Supreme Court Justices
My disinterested and dissatisfied registered citizens--we cannot allow the Union to fall back into the hands of the Republican/Tea Party. They are ineffective and out of touch with the middle class, working poor and poor American. In fact, they spend the bulk of their time saying "No" to implementing a better infrastructure and fighting for tax cuts for the wealthy. The Republican/Tea Party cannot lead America. They “must not” be allowed to lead America.
Progressives, Independents and Democratic voters--we will be the outcome in this election, and in doing so; we'll bring a balance of peace and prosperity to America.
Anthony P. Johnson
When we don't vote it’s not just your family that will lose out on a prosperous future; it is also many other American families that are left in the wasteland of apathy. Progressives, if we don't vote on November 2, all that we want to achieve for the middle class and the working poor will not come to fruition such as:
• Healthcare/public option for every citizen
• Provide care for senior citizens
• Ensure government is free from corruption
• Create educational and career opportunities for every citizen
• Protect the environment from predators
• Keep a balance budget--consistently
• Implement term limits for elected officials at every level of government
• Address issues like illegal immigration, homelessness, and education with clear and insightful resolutions.
• Eliminate hunger and poverty
• Funding support for small businesses--the backbone of the Republic
• “Objective” Supreme Court Justices
My disinterested and dissatisfied registered citizens--we cannot allow the Union to fall back into the hands of the Republican/Tea Party. They are ineffective and out of touch with the middle class, working poor and poor American. In fact, they spend the bulk of their time saying "No" to implementing a better infrastructure and fighting for tax cuts for the wealthy. The Republican/Tea Party cannot lead America. They “must not” be allowed to lead America.
Progressives, Independents and Democratic voters--we will be the outcome in this election, and in doing so; we'll bring a balance of peace and prosperity to America.
Anthony P. Johnson
Saturday, September 11, 2010
"Our Resolve has Never Been Stronger."
On September 11, 2010, we remember friends, families, and Americans that perished at the hands of terrorist extremists on September 11, 2001, a day that now belongs to the ages.
During one of the darkest hours in the Republic's history, we, the people, united as one and began to rebuild our fractured country and spirit in the face of unfathomable tragedy.
Those who lost their lives on 9/11 will never be forgotten. They perished at the hands of cowards who thought they would weaken our spirit with their treacherous and heinous acts, but they failed. They failed mightily because our resolve has never been stronger, and we will never be a conquered people.
Americans will always triumph over foreign and domestic terrorists that strive to instill trepidation and fear. Ironically, what the terrorists did, in fact, was inspire courage, valor, unity, and patriotism.
To our fallen heroes of 9/11 that are no longer with us now--they belong to the ages.
Anthony P. Johnson
During one of the darkest hours in the Republic's history, we, the people, united as one and began to rebuild our fractured country and spirit in the face of unfathomable tragedy.
Those who lost their lives on 9/11 will never be forgotten. They perished at the hands of cowards who thought they would weaken our spirit with their treacherous and heinous acts, but they failed. They failed mightily because our resolve has never been stronger, and we will never be a conquered people.
Americans will always triumph over foreign and domestic terrorists that strive to instill trepidation and fear. Ironically, what the terrorists did, in fact, was inspire courage, valor, unity, and patriotism.
To our fallen heroes of 9/11 that are no longer with us now--they belong to the ages.
Anthony P. Johnson
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
"Polls Don't Vote."
The Republican/Tea Party believes that because some polls indicate that Americans are dissatisfied and prefer them to the Democratic leadership, they will reclaim the majority in the Senate and House of Representatives in November.
This comes on the view that some political scientists predict that the Republican/Tea Party could win up to 52 seats in November--more than enough to reclaim the majority.
The Republican/Tea Party is also penning their hopes on their archaic philosophy that if registered progressives, independents, and democrats stay home and don't vote, they will be victorious.
Suffice to say polls don't vote! People vote and be assured registered progressives, independents, and democrats will vote on November 2, 2010, to continue moving the Republic forward and not back into the abyss of chaos.
Anthony P. Johnson
This comes on the view that some political scientists predict that the Republican/Tea Party could win up to 52 seats in November--more than enough to reclaim the majority.
The Republican/Tea Party is also penning their hopes on their archaic philosophy that if registered progressives, independents, and democrats stay home and don't vote, they will be victorious.
Suffice to say polls don't vote! People vote and be assured registered progressives, independents, and democrats will vote on November 2, 2010, to continue moving the Republic forward and not back into the abyss of chaos.
Anthony P. Johnson
Thursday, September 2, 2010
"A Vision."
I have a vision that one day "We the People" will work to improve our faulty public schools education system, decrease violence, eliminate top heavy administration salaries, and pay teachers a salary they so richly deserve.
I have a vision that senior citizens will never again have to decide whether to purchase food or purchase medicine that they need.
I have a vision that families of the dwindling middle class realize that continuing tax breaks for the wealthy will not be beneficial to them.
I have a vision that we will discuss more of the needs for the "working poor" because their contributions to America are as equally important.
I have a vision that elected officials will continue to fail to serve the will of the 98% of the population.
I have a vision that if we're not careful, this experiment we call Democracy will cease and give rise to a government that will represent the will of only 2% of the population.
I have a vision that citizens will stop being led astray by individuals and news outlets that are fear mongers, race baiters, xenophobic and dividers of the Republic, and start forming their own opinions and make intelligent decisions.
I have a vision that the 15 minutes of fame for Beck, Palin, Fox News and the Republican Party that sow hate and derision among us is just about up.
I have a vision that Bush, Cheney, and their cronies will be bought to trial for betraying the Republic.
I have a vision that every American will read the Constitution once in their lifetime and understand the true meaning of freedom of speech and religion.
I have a vision that citizens will stop saying the Republic was founded on the principles of Christianity--it wasn't!
I have a vision that Progressives will have an opportunity to guide America.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that every citizen in America is treated equal and that they are endowed with the opportunity to achieve economic prosperity for their families and for the Republic.
Anthony P. Johnson
I have a vision that senior citizens will never again have to decide whether to purchase food or purchase medicine that they need.
I have a vision that families of the dwindling middle class realize that continuing tax breaks for the wealthy will not be beneficial to them.
I have a vision that we will discuss more of the needs for the "working poor" because their contributions to America are as equally important.
I have a vision that elected officials will continue to fail to serve the will of the 98% of the population.
I have a vision that if we're not careful, this experiment we call Democracy will cease and give rise to a government that will represent the will of only 2% of the population.
I have a vision that citizens will stop being led astray by individuals and news outlets that are fear mongers, race baiters, xenophobic and dividers of the Republic, and start forming their own opinions and make intelligent decisions.
I have a vision that the 15 minutes of fame for Beck, Palin, Fox News and the Republican Party that sow hate and derision among us is just about up.
I have a vision that Bush, Cheney, and their cronies will be bought to trial for betraying the Republic.
I have a vision that every American will read the Constitution once in their lifetime and understand the true meaning of freedom of speech and religion.
I have a vision that citizens will stop saying the Republic was founded on the principles of Christianity--it wasn't!
I have a vision that Progressives will have an opportunity to guide America.
We hold these truths to be self-evident that every citizen in America is treated equal and that they are endowed with the opportunity to achieve economic prosperity for their families and for the Republic.
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, August 30, 2010
“President Obama Resembles Hitler…Really?”
The next time some people want to compare President Obama to Adolf Hitler there are a few things you should know. Fact is the fate of black people in Nazi Germany from 1933-1945 and in the German-occupied territories ranged from isolation, horrific experiments, to persecution.
After World War I, the Allies stripped Germany of its African colonies. The German military stationed in Africa as well as missionaries, colonial bureaucrats, and settlers, returned to Germany and took with them their racist attitudes. Separation of whites and blacks was mandated by the Reichstag which enacted a law against mixed marriages in the African colonies.
Following World War I and the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, the victorious Allies occupied the Rhineland in western Germany. The use of French colonial troops, some of whom were black, in these occupation forces exacerbated anti-black racism in Germany. Racist propaganda against black soldiers depicted them as rapists of German women and carriers of STD’s and other diseases. The children of black soldiers and German women were called "Rhineland Bastards."
The Nazis, at the time a small political movement, viewed them as a threat to the purity of the Germanic race. In “Mein Kampf,” Adolf Hitler charged that "the Jews had brought the Negroes into the Rhineland with the clear aim of ruining the hated white race by the necessarily-resulting bastardization."
African German mulatto children were marginal in German society, isolated socially and economically, and not allowed to attend the university. Racial discrimination prohibited them from seeking most jobs, including service in the military. Then with the Nazi rise to power in 1933, blacks became a target of racial and population policy. By 1937, Himmler and his Gestapo had secretly rounded up and forcibly sterilized many of them. Some were subjected to medical experiments while others mysteriously disappeared.
Further, the racist nature of Adolf Hitler's regime was disguised briefly during the Olympic Games in Berlin in August 1936, when Hitler appeared to allow 18 African American athletes to compete for the U.S. team. But the fact of the matter was actual permission to compete was granted by the International Olympic Committee and not by the host country.
Adult African Germans were also victims. Both before and after World War I, many Africans came to Germany as students, artisans, entertainers, former soldiers, or low-level colonial officials, such as tax collectors, who had worked for the imperial colonial government. Hilarius Gilges, a dancer by profession, was murdered by the SS in 1933, probably because he was black. Gilges' German wife later received restitution from a postwar German government for his murder by the Nazis.
Some African Americans, caught in German-occupied Europe during World War II, also became victims of the Nazi regime. Many, like female jazz artist Valaida Snow, were imprisoned in Axis internment camps for alien nationals. The artist Josef Nassy, living in Belgium, was arrested as an enemy alien and held for seven months in the Beverloo transit camp in German-occupied Belgium. He was later transferred to Germany, where he spent the rest of the war in the Laufen Internment Camp and its sub camp, Tittmoning, both in Upper Bavaria.
European and African Americans were also interned in the Nazi concentration camp system. Lionel Romney, a sailor in the U.S. Merchant Marine, was imprisoned in the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. Jean Marcel Nicolas, a Haitian national, was incarcerated in the Buchenwald and Dora-Mittelbau Concentration Camps in Germany. Jean Voste, an African Belgian, was incarcerated in the Dachau Concentration Camp. Bayume Mohamed Hussein from Tanganyika (Tanzania) died in the Sachsenhausen Camp, near Berlin.
African American prisoners of war were especially faced with illegal incarceration and mistreatment at the hands of the Nazis, who did not uphold the regulations imposed by the Geneva Convention. Lieutenant Darwin Nichols, an African American pilot, was incarcerated in a Gestapo prison in Butzbach. Black soldiers of the American, French, and British armies were worked to death on construction projects or died as a result of mistreatment in concentration or prisoner-of-war camps. Others were never even incarcerated, but were instead immediately killed by the SS or Gestapo.
So the next time citizens in America want to compare President Obama to Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, please think intelligently before you speak and remove all doubt.
Anthony P. Johnson
After World War I, the Allies stripped Germany of its African colonies. The German military stationed in Africa as well as missionaries, colonial bureaucrats, and settlers, returned to Germany and took with them their racist attitudes. Separation of whites and blacks was mandated by the Reichstag which enacted a law against mixed marriages in the African colonies.
Following World War I and the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, the victorious Allies occupied the Rhineland in western Germany. The use of French colonial troops, some of whom were black, in these occupation forces exacerbated anti-black racism in Germany. Racist propaganda against black soldiers depicted them as rapists of German women and carriers of STD’s and other diseases. The children of black soldiers and German women were called "Rhineland Bastards."
The Nazis, at the time a small political movement, viewed them as a threat to the purity of the Germanic race. In “Mein Kampf,” Adolf Hitler charged that "the Jews had brought the Negroes into the Rhineland with the clear aim of ruining the hated white race by the necessarily-resulting bastardization."
African German mulatto children were marginal in German society, isolated socially and economically, and not allowed to attend the university. Racial discrimination prohibited them from seeking most jobs, including service in the military. Then with the Nazi rise to power in 1933, blacks became a target of racial and population policy. By 1937, Himmler and his Gestapo had secretly rounded up and forcibly sterilized many of them. Some were subjected to medical experiments while others mysteriously disappeared.
Further, the racist nature of Adolf Hitler's regime was disguised briefly during the Olympic Games in Berlin in August 1936, when Hitler appeared to allow 18 African American athletes to compete for the U.S. team. But the fact of the matter was actual permission to compete was granted by the International Olympic Committee and not by the host country.
Adult African Germans were also victims. Both before and after World War I, many Africans came to Germany as students, artisans, entertainers, former soldiers, or low-level colonial officials, such as tax collectors, who had worked for the imperial colonial government. Hilarius Gilges, a dancer by profession, was murdered by the SS in 1933, probably because he was black. Gilges' German wife later received restitution from a postwar German government for his murder by the Nazis.
Some African Americans, caught in German-occupied Europe during World War II, also became victims of the Nazi regime. Many, like female jazz artist Valaida Snow, were imprisoned in Axis internment camps for alien nationals. The artist Josef Nassy, living in Belgium, was arrested as an enemy alien and held for seven months in the Beverloo transit camp in German-occupied Belgium. He was later transferred to Germany, where he spent the rest of the war in the Laufen Internment Camp and its sub camp, Tittmoning, both in Upper Bavaria.
European and African Americans were also interned in the Nazi concentration camp system. Lionel Romney, a sailor in the U.S. Merchant Marine, was imprisoned in the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. Jean Marcel Nicolas, a Haitian national, was incarcerated in the Buchenwald and Dora-Mittelbau Concentration Camps in Germany. Jean Voste, an African Belgian, was incarcerated in the Dachau Concentration Camp. Bayume Mohamed Hussein from Tanganyika (Tanzania) died in the Sachsenhausen Camp, near Berlin.
African American prisoners of war were especially faced with illegal incarceration and mistreatment at the hands of the Nazis, who did not uphold the regulations imposed by the Geneva Convention. Lieutenant Darwin Nichols, an African American pilot, was incarcerated in a Gestapo prison in Butzbach. Black soldiers of the American, French, and British armies were worked to death on construction projects or died as a result of mistreatment in concentration or prisoner-of-war camps. Others were never even incarcerated, but were instead immediately killed by the SS or Gestapo.
So the next time citizens in America want to compare President Obama to Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, please think intelligently before you speak and remove all doubt.
Anthony P. Johnson
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
“Remember, Remember the 2nd of November.”
As I sit here on the bus listening to one of my favorite artist “VS,” I look around at the other riders wondering, "Do they know what their Republic is currently mired in? Do they even care?"
The major character in one of my favorite movies of all-time "V for Vendetta" blamed the citizens in England for allowing the country to fall under a totalitarian government because the citizens willingly surrendered their freedoms of speech, religion, and the press so they would be protected by the government against liberals, Jews, Islam, gays, lesbians and terrorists. It appears when cast on the wall of life, fiction and reality has become one.
I watch as citizens first began protesting having a community center built two and half blocks from Ground Zero, which is their right to "demonizing" Islam and those that practice it which is racist, prejudice, and xenophobic. I also hear politicians campaigning for placing poor people in prison buildings for being poor and unhygienic, politicians who want to repeal the 17th Amendment and oil companies like Chevron attempting to infringe upon journalists 1st Amendment Rights.
As the president begins the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, there are individuals in our government--"Bastards of War" if you will--that would rather deploy them to Iran and North Korea because they complete the tri-fecta of George W. Bush’s cartoonish theme of the “Axis of Evil.”
The Declaration of Independence and the Constititution protects everyone except illegal immigrants. If we’re not careful some will attempt to re-write them to protect everyone except Asians, Latinos, African Americans, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, the sick, and impoverished. When this occurs, I should relocate to North Korea where they make no pretense of loving liberty, and they can be taken literarily and without the aura of hypocrisy.
As I sit here on the bus listening to one of my favorite artist and as I look around at the other riders, I wonder, "Do they know what their Republic is currently mired in? Do they even care?"
Anthony P. Johnson
The major character in one of my favorite movies of all-time "V for Vendetta" blamed the citizens in England for allowing the country to fall under a totalitarian government because the citizens willingly surrendered their freedoms of speech, religion, and the press so they would be protected by the government against liberals, Jews, Islam, gays, lesbians and terrorists. It appears when cast on the wall of life, fiction and reality has become one.
I watch as citizens first began protesting having a community center built two and half blocks from Ground Zero, which is their right to "demonizing" Islam and those that practice it which is racist, prejudice, and xenophobic. I also hear politicians campaigning for placing poor people in prison buildings for being poor and unhygienic, politicians who want to repeal the 17th Amendment and oil companies like Chevron attempting to infringe upon journalists 1st Amendment Rights.
As the president begins the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, there are individuals in our government--"Bastards of War" if you will--that would rather deploy them to Iran and North Korea because they complete the tri-fecta of George W. Bush’s cartoonish theme of the “Axis of Evil.”
The Declaration of Independence and the Constititution protects everyone except illegal immigrants. If we’re not careful some will attempt to re-write them to protect everyone except Asians, Latinos, African Americans, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, the sick, and impoverished. When this occurs, I should relocate to North Korea where they make no pretense of loving liberty, and they can be taken literarily and without the aura of hypocrisy.
As I sit here on the bus listening to one of my favorite artist and as I look around at the other riders, I wonder, "Do they know what their Republic is currently mired in? Do they even care?"
Anthony P. Johnson
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
“In A Whisper.”
It is important to remember that democracy is more fragile than communism, socialism, oligarchy or a totalitarian government because democracy can dissipate in a whisper when those at the seat of its government are inept and corrupt. Democracy will become extinct if we continue to misinterpret among the citizens derision, hate and destruction for freedom of speech and of religion.
Anthony P. Johnson
* This article appears in the August 24, 2010 Metro Newspaper.
Anthony P. Johnson
* This article appears in the August 24, 2010 Metro Newspaper.
Friday, August 20, 2010
An Open Letter to the Neighborhood Churches
I wish each one of you could adopt 25 children and teach them the 3 R's, the difference between right and wrong, encourage them to graduate from high school, earn a college degree, and develop into a productive servant in their community. I wish you could adopt parents who are not equipped to raise children and teach them the meaning of parenting.
I wish you were more immersed and involved in the community where you're located and you'd see the impoverished, drug and violent infested, and illiterate reign. I wish the residents who battle these diseases of our society the best that they can had you as an ally for support, encouragement, and guidance.
I know you could provide more resources in the neighborhoods that have been inflicted with this pestilence because some of you have been there for 15 or 20 years or longer. It appears that those that you primarily serve seem to be only your parishioners that don't always reside within the community. I assure you there is absolutely nothing wrong with providing for those of your membership, but is it possible to aid those residing in the neighborhood that don't attend your religious denomination?
I wish you were more open minded--I wish you were more accepting of same sex marriages--I wish you were more of an asset to the community than just being located there.
I wish...I wish and will continue to wish because wishing is the prelude to that what might become real. And when I'm finished wishing, I'll pray--pray for a miracle that those who do God's work will truly reach out to those most in need and start the community work that has been sorely neglected.
Anthony P. Johnson
I wish you were more immersed and involved in the community where you're located and you'd see the impoverished, drug and violent infested, and illiterate reign. I wish the residents who battle these diseases of our society the best that they can had you as an ally for support, encouragement, and guidance.
I know you could provide more resources in the neighborhoods that have been inflicted with this pestilence because some of you have been there for 15 or 20 years or longer. It appears that those that you primarily serve seem to be only your parishioners that don't always reside within the community. I assure you there is absolutely nothing wrong with providing for those of your membership, but is it possible to aid those residing in the neighborhood that don't attend your religious denomination?
I wish you were more open minded--I wish you were more accepting of same sex marriages--I wish you were more of an asset to the community than just being located there.
I wish...I wish and will continue to wish because wishing is the prelude to that what might become real. And when I'm finished wishing, I'll pray--pray for a miracle that those who do God's work will truly reach out to those most in need and start the community work that has been sorely neglected.
Anthony P. Johnson
Friday, August 13, 2010
“The Worst…Really?”
If President Obama is the "Worst President" in history according to former vice president Dan Quayle's son, Ben Quayle, then George W. Bush must be one of the "best."
If President Obama is the "Worst President" in history for his historical Health Care, Financial and Wall Street Reform, then Mr. Bush is the embodiment of virtue. I guess we should be building schools and erecting monuments for a president that lied to involve the Republic in two wars that have resulted in the death of thousands of Americans, his participation in torture, his perversion of the U.S. Constitution and how he bought about an economic collapse that will take at minimum a decade to recover from. Genius!
If President Obama is the "Worst President" in history then President James Buchanan should be canonized for sainthood as he stood pat and watched the Republic tear itself in two resulting in the Civil War as 2% of the population perished as a result. If President Obama is the "Worst President" in history then the impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a mistake, right?
If President Obama is the "Worst president" in history then Nixon was correct in his belief that the President of the United States is above the law and he did nothing wrong, right? He has been the Commander and Chief for almost two-years and he is being touted as the "Worst president" in history.
The worst! Really?
Anthony P. Johnson
If President Obama is the "Worst President" in history for his historical Health Care, Financial and Wall Street Reform, then Mr. Bush is the embodiment of virtue. I guess we should be building schools and erecting monuments for a president that lied to involve the Republic in two wars that have resulted in the death of thousands of Americans, his participation in torture, his perversion of the U.S. Constitution and how he bought about an economic collapse that will take at minimum a decade to recover from. Genius!
If President Obama is the "Worst President" in history then President James Buchanan should be canonized for sainthood as he stood pat and watched the Republic tear itself in two resulting in the Civil War as 2% of the population perished as a result. If President Obama is the "Worst President" in history then the impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a mistake, right?
If President Obama is the "Worst president" in history then Nixon was correct in his belief that the President of the United States is above the law and he did nothing wrong, right? He has been the Commander and Chief for almost two-years and he is being touted as the "Worst president" in history.
The worst! Really?
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, August 9, 2010
“It Works Every Time.”
Many Americans are abandoning their principles of rationality by allowing fear mongering; racist demagoguery, and anti-religion fervor lead the country to what resembles the Dark Ages of Europe where degradation, pestilence, and strife were law.
People can always be brought to the will of “fake” leaders. How easy is it? All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce those that counter your argument as Communists, Maoist, Stalinist or Socialists as exposing the country to danger. I assure you this type of deviant rhetoric works every time in any country.
When citizens start taking their cues from Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, two individuals that are so "intellectually inept" that Darwin would revise his theory of evolution after meeting them, you know the Republic is moving in a direction that will be sure to have a cataclysmic effect for a generation.
During the Dark Ages of Europe, if anyone was discovered practicing a religion other than Catholicism they would feel the fire under their feet--literally as they were burned at the stake, tortured or imprisoned. Today in America, there are citizens that continue the tradition of religious intolerance unless you're a "good Christian." In addition, the very people that use the Constitution to justify carrying guns into supermarkets, schools, and churches are shockingly quiet in that the same document supports practicing any religion without persecution. Yet, if one is for an example a Muslim they are branded a "terrorist" despite the fact that 90% of those practicing Islam world-wide including in the Republic are peace loving and law-abiding citizens.
We are moving backwards. We are allowing "perverts of anarchy" to decide the outcome of the Republic's future. We are moving backwards when we fail to hold elected officials accountable that are not concerned about the citizens or creating jobs for the aforementioned, or ending political corruption, improving our public schools, aiding the elderly and the poor, striking down poverty and addressing illegal immigration without rewriting America’s history; instead they submit and engage in racial and religious intolerance, xenophobia and perpetuate the elimination of the middle class and the working poor.
21st century America is looking more like the Dark Ages of Europe. We are moving back to a chapter in humanity when a dysfunctional society was built upon fear, illiteracy, poverty and superstitious rhetoric that decided the fate of one's life. Be careful citizens. Be very careful.
Anthony P. Johnson
People can always be brought to the will of “fake” leaders. How easy is it? All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce those that counter your argument as Communists, Maoist, Stalinist or Socialists as exposing the country to danger. I assure you this type of deviant rhetoric works every time in any country.
When citizens start taking their cues from Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, two individuals that are so "intellectually inept" that Darwin would revise his theory of evolution after meeting them, you know the Republic is moving in a direction that will be sure to have a cataclysmic effect for a generation.
During the Dark Ages of Europe, if anyone was discovered practicing a religion other than Catholicism they would feel the fire under their feet--literally as they were burned at the stake, tortured or imprisoned. Today in America, there are citizens that continue the tradition of religious intolerance unless you're a "good Christian." In addition, the very people that use the Constitution to justify carrying guns into supermarkets, schools, and churches are shockingly quiet in that the same document supports practicing any religion without persecution. Yet, if one is for an example a Muslim they are branded a "terrorist" despite the fact that 90% of those practicing Islam world-wide including in the Republic are peace loving and law-abiding citizens.
We are moving backwards. We are allowing "perverts of anarchy" to decide the outcome of the Republic's future. We are moving backwards when we fail to hold elected officials accountable that are not concerned about the citizens or creating jobs for the aforementioned, or ending political corruption, improving our public schools, aiding the elderly and the poor, striking down poverty and addressing illegal immigration without rewriting America’s history; instead they submit and engage in racial and religious intolerance, xenophobia and perpetuate the elimination of the middle class and the working poor.
21st century America is looking more like the Dark Ages of Europe. We are moving back to a chapter in humanity when a dysfunctional society was built upon fear, illiteracy, poverty and superstitious rhetoric that decided the fate of one's life. Be careful citizens. Be very careful.
Anthony P. Johnson
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
"They're the Future...Really?"
When our justice system sentence 13-year-olds to life in prison without the possibility of parole, they have decided that the child's life was worthless from the day of birth.
What's even more morbid is many citizens in the Republic embrace the philosophy of "juvenile lifers." Some will argue that, "They did the crime, they must do the time," but the same individuals don't factor in the lack education, social economic background, mental disorders, and the circumstances of the crime that would motivate a child to commit an act of violence that would cause them to spend the rest of their lives imprisoned.
Even more haunting is 18% of juvenile lifers are from Pennsylvania which leads the nation, and some critics to think that number will increase over the next decade if we don't address and change these sentencing policies.
Conversely, "I believe the children are our future" rings hollow when many of their futures will be permanently spent as a resident at an already overcrowded penal system.
Anthony P. Johnson
What's even more morbid is many citizens in the Republic embrace the philosophy of "juvenile lifers." Some will argue that, "They did the crime, they must do the time," but the same individuals don't factor in the lack education, social economic background, mental disorders, and the circumstances of the crime that would motivate a child to commit an act of violence that would cause them to spend the rest of their lives imprisoned.
Even more haunting is 18% of juvenile lifers are from Pennsylvania which leads the nation, and some critics to think that number will increase over the next decade if we don't address and change these sentencing policies.
Conversely, "I believe the children are our future" rings hollow when many of their futures will be permanently spent as a resident at an already overcrowded penal system.
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, August 2, 2010
"Removing All Doubt."
PA Republican candidate for governor, Tom Corbett, continues to open his mouth and reiterate his severe lack of knowledge in reference to the dwindling employment opportunities available for Pennsylvanians, proving once again how out-of-touch some politicians are with the grassroots population.
It appears Mr. Corbett is reading from the same script as the rest of his colleagues in the Republican party, many of whom believe that unemployed Americans would rather collect unemployment benefits than seek employment opportunities.
Mr. Corbett is looking more like Pennsylvania's version of Nevada's senate candidate hopeful Sharon Angle.
Anthony P. Johnson
It appears Mr. Corbett is reading from the same script as the rest of his colleagues in the Republican party, many of whom believe that unemployed Americans would rather collect unemployment benefits than seek employment opportunities.
Mr. Corbett is looking more like Pennsylvania's version of Nevada's senate candidate hopeful Sharon Angle.
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, July 26, 2010
“The Age of Being Snookered.”
They were supposed to be the voice against racism and bigotry, the voice of equality for all ethnicities and they were supposed to listen first. They were late, they failed and they were “Snookered.” The NAACP once considered the voice of the voiceless and the voice of equal rights for every American, is now a mere shadow of what it once was.
Once a mighty organization, the NAACP is now a relic that is out of touch with issues that are tearing the Republic apart--racism and bigotry. After more than a year of silence the NAACP finally spoke out against some of the blatant racist rhetoric of the Tea Party and when pressed as to why it took the organization so long to respond, President Ben Jealous explained that the organization’s members meet "Only once a year." What?
If the NAACP according to Mr. Jealous was in fact "Snookered" by Fox News, one could make the case that Fox News put very little effort in "snookering" the NAACP.
To say the NAACP dropped the ball regarding the Sharon Sherrod debacle is the understatement of 2010. Although the NAACP apologized for their rush to judgment at best it is a hollow apology coming from an organization that at its height was a trailblazer for civil rights but today is nothing more than an organization still attempting to adapt to the 21st century.
Anthony P. Johnson
Once a mighty organization, the NAACP is now a relic that is out of touch with issues that are tearing the Republic apart--racism and bigotry. After more than a year of silence the NAACP finally spoke out against some of the blatant racist rhetoric of the Tea Party and when pressed as to why it took the organization so long to respond, President Ben Jealous explained that the organization’s members meet "Only once a year." What?
If the NAACP according to Mr. Jealous was in fact "Snookered" by Fox News, one could make the case that Fox News put very little effort in "snookering" the NAACP.
To say the NAACP dropped the ball regarding the Sharon Sherrod debacle is the understatement of 2010. Although the NAACP apologized for their rush to judgment at best it is a hollow apology coming from an organization that at its height was a trailblazer for civil rights but today is nothing more than an organization still attempting to adapt to the 21st century.
Anthony P. Johnson
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
“Acted Foolishly.”
Shirley Sherrod was treated like a person with leprosy and yet, did not have any of the symptoms that indicated she in fact had the aforementioned. Andrew Breibeart and Fox duped the NAACP, the media and President Obama into thinking that Ms. Sherrod was a racist by carefully editing a video she appeared in. Oh yes! The NAACP, the media and President Obama were duped, pure and simple.
The media is quick to run with any kind of “juicy” story they believe will garner great ratings. The NAACP will attack anything that has a stench of racism without first checking the source. Finally, I believe President Obama and his administration were overzealous and “acted foolishly” in removing Ms. Sherrod.
Mr. Obama is a brilliant individual who thinks very deeply before making a decision and his calm, cool demeanor is the type of leadership America requires from its president during this time of crisis and uncertainty. However, in having Shirley Sherrod removed from her post in the USDA President Obama made a totally irrational, simple-minded and knee jerk decision that is unbecoming for a man of his stature.
Andrew Breibeart edited a tape of Shirley Sherrod making her remarks in helping a Caucasian farmer keep his land sound more like David Duke at a KKK rally and peddled it to Fox News. Many Americans unquestionably already know that Fox is “deathly” allergic to fact checking. Consequently, the President of the United States and his administration were "punked" into making a poorly hastened decision that resulted in Ms. Sherrod losing her job. This is a woman that has donated her entire adult life to serving people of “every” ethnicity and it concerns me greatly of just who in the hell is leading the Republic.
Anthony P. Johnson
The media is quick to run with any kind of “juicy” story they believe will garner great ratings. The NAACP will attack anything that has a stench of racism without first checking the source. Finally, I believe President Obama and his administration were overzealous and “acted foolishly” in removing Ms. Sherrod.
Mr. Obama is a brilliant individual who thinks very deeply before making a decision and his calm, cool demeanor is the type of leadership America requires from its president during this time of crisis and uncertainty. However, in having Shirley Sherrod removed from her post in the USDA President Obama made a totally irrational, simple-minded and knee jerk decision that is unbecoming for a man of his stature.
Andrew Breibeart edited a tape of Shirley Sherrod making her remarks in helping a Caucasian farmer keep his land sound more like David Duke at a KKK rally and peddled it to Fox News. Many Americans unquestionably already know that Fox is “deathly” allergic to fact checking. Consequently, the President of the United States and his administration were "punked" into making a poorly hastened decision that resulted in Ms. Sherrod losing her job. This is a woman that has donated her entire adult life to serving people of “every” ethnicity and it concerns me greatly of just who in the hell is leading the Republic.
Anthony P. Johnson
Sunday, July 18, 2010
“Dear President Lincoln.”
Dear President Lincoln,
History will someday write that you rose to become the greatest President the Republic has ever had. One reason historians will shower you with such plaudits Mr. President is for emancipating the slaves who up until 1863 were "property" to other humans for 400 years and during these four centuries of captivity, slaves were instrumental in building America into the empire it is today.
Yet, Mr. President, citizens like former Tea Party member and racist Mark Williams, believes the newly freed slave would rather remain in bondage and thereby, keep his perverted ideology of the "natural order" intact. Mark Williams thinks that the institution of slavery was a good fit for the "Colored people"
President Lincoln, you once said an individual should have an opportunity to go as far as their talents take them. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams and some of the ilk in the tea party believe that your philosophy doesn’t include minorities.
Fortunately, most Americans of various backgrounds do not subscribe to this white supremacist, bigoted and narrow-minded tunnel vision of Mark Williams. They too, Mr. Lincoln believe that an individual no matter their ethnicity should have the "opportunity" to achieve economic stability and be a valuable asset to the United States of America.
Consequently, Mr. President, I applaud you for preserving the country during a time when citizens, north, south, east and west were tearing America apart. Individuals like Mark Williams hearken for a time when white supremacists sat at the seat of government and created policies that trampled on the most basic civil rights of minorities with lynchings and “separate and unequal laws,” but for many in the Republic, it was a nightmare that became a horrific reality. Mr. President, we can never again allow individuals with a belief system such as Mark Williams to ever have a voice at the seat of government at any level because they “dream” of a deeply divided America that is based upon bigotry, hate and fear.
Mr. President, the most dangerous person to himself and to the Republic is a person that is filled with self-hatred.
Respectfully Yours,
Anthony P. Johnson
History will someday write that you rose to become the greatest President the Republic has ever had. One reason historians will shower you with such plaudits Mr. President is for emancipating the slaves who up until 1863 were "property" to other humans for 400 years and during these four centuries of captivity, slaves were instrumental in building America into the empire it is today.
Yet, Mr. President, citizens like former Tea Party member and racist Mark Williams, believes the newly freed slave would rather remain in bondage and thereby, keep his perverted ideology of the "natural order" intact. Mark Williams thinks that the institution of slavery was a good fit for the "Colored people"
President Lincoln, you once said an individual should have an opportunity to go as far as their talents take them. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams and some of the ilk in the tea party believe that your philosophy doesn’t include minorities.
Fortunately, most Americans of various backgrounds do not subscribe to this white supremacist, bigoted and narrow-minded tunnel vision of Mark Williams. They too, Mr. Lincoln believe that an individual no matter their ethnicity should have the "opportunity" to achieve economic stability and be a valuable asset to the United States of America.
Consequently, Mr. President, I applaud you for preserving the country during a time when citizens, north, south, east and west were tearing America apart. Individuals like Mark Williams hearken for a time when white supremacists sat at the seat of government and created policies that trampled on the most basic civil rights of minorities with lynchings and “separate and unequal laws,” but for many in the Republic, it was a nightmare that became a horrific reality. Mr. President, we can never again allow individuals with a belief system such as Mark Williams to ever have a voice at the seat of government at any level because they “dream” of a deeply divided America that is based upon bigotry, hate and fear.
Mr. President, the most dangerous person to himself and to the Republic is a person that is filled with self-hatred.
Respectfully Yours,
Anthony P. Johnson
Friday, July 16, 2010
“Mr. Vento.....There is a Difference between Cheese Steaks and Policy-Making.”
Geno’s Steaks owner Joey Vento is the classic case of a “mindless buffoon” rallying the mindless buffoons. He supports and is raising funds for the Arizona Immigration Law scheduled to be enacted on July 29, 2010 that will tread on the liberties of law abiding American citizens in the hopes that the law will halt illegal immigration.
Mr. Vento hasn’t presented any type of intelligent and/or fair-minded policies that would address those that are already here illegally and so, he resorts to fear and hate-bating instead.
In the future Mr. Vento, stick to something that you know like making cheese steaks and leave policy-making to individuals that seek a clear and insightful resolution to illegal immigration.
Anthony P. Johnson
Mr. Vento hasn’t presented any type of intelligent and/or fair-minded policies that would address those that are already here illegally and so, he resorts to fear and hate-bating instead.
In the future Mr. Vento, stick to something that you know like making cheese steaks and leave policy-making to individuals that seek a clear and insightful resolution to illegal immigration.
Anthony P. Johnson
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
“Wonder Twin Powers of the Republican Party and Michael Steele…Activate”
There has probably been some ineffective RNC Chairpersons over the years, but make no mistake--current RNC Chair Michael Steele is far and away the absolute worst.
His lack of intelligence, lack of ingenuity, lack of brevity, and lack of effective leadership, coupled within his brethren that continue to vote “no” to extend unemployment benefits for Americans so they can feed their families, has doomed the Republican Party for next 20 years and maybe more.
What a waste.
Superman had Bazzaro, and just like the "Man of Steel," President Obama has Michael Steele and the Republican Party as his alter ego.
Anthony P. Johnson
His lack of intelligence, lack of ingenuity, lack of brevity, and lack of effective leadership, coupled within his brethren that continue to vote “no” to extend unemployment benefits for Americans so they can feed their families, has doomed the Republican Party for next 20 years and maybe more.
What a waste.
Superman had Bazzaro, and just like the "Man of Steel," President Obama has Michael Steele and the Republican Party as his alter ego.
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, June 28, 2010
“May I Suggest a New Profession?”
President Lincoln had General McClellan, President Truman had General MacArthur and President Obama had General McChrystal What do the Generals have in common? They were all fired for their arrogant, brazen public display of insubordination against the Commander-in-Chief.
I guess neither one of the aforementioned Generals got the memo which is ”when the President of the United States, i.e. the Commander-in-Chief give a clear and objective directive it is to be followed or seek a new profession.”
Anthony P. Johnson
I guess neither one of the aforementioned Generals got the memo which is ”when the President of the United States, i.e. the Commander-in-Chief give a clear and objective directive it is to be followed or seek a new profession.”
Anthony P. Johnson
Monday, June 21, 2010
"My Dear BP"
My Dear BP,
I want to apologize for the citizens whining and those that are demanding that they be financially compensated for lost revenue as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf. I further want to express my sincerest apology to you for the President of the U.S. shaking you down for $20 billion dollars because of this catastrophic incident. The nerve of these folks!
Okay! You're responsible for the deaths of 11 former employees of your company and the worst environmental and ecological disaster in American history. But it’s not completely you're fault, and I for one forgive you.
Whether you're right or wrong I will always stand by your side BP. I am committed to you, not my constituents.
Your servant always,
Rep. Joe Barton.
Anthony P. Johnson
I want to apologize for the citizens whining and those that are demanding that they be financially compensated for lost revenue as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf. I further want to express my sincerest apology to you for the President of the U.S. shaking you down for $20 billion dollars because of this catastrophic incident. The nerve of these folks!
Okay! You're responsible for the deaths of 11 former employees of your company and the worst environmental and ecological disaster in American history. But it’s not completely you're fault, and I for one forgive you.
Whether you're right or wrong I will always stand by your side BP. I am committed to you, not my constituents.
Your servant always,
Rep. Joe Barton.
Anthony P. Johnson
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Optimist and Idealist.
I sadly read Hector Lugardo’s accusations against community activist Anthony Johnson and his new organization, The180 Watchdog Coalition. Regardless of the personal or political dynamics, I can only speak on behalf of the efforts of Mr. Johnson and would like to clarify some of the accusations made against him.
If Mr. Johnson could be accused of anything, it is of political naivety. He has never been involved in politics, and truly believed in the concept of every person having an equal opportunity to do good for his community. As the person who originally sat with Mr. Johnson to discuss his running for State Representative, I knew that all of his intentions were most honorable. He was frustrated by the lack of services provided for his community. As a human services professional, he wanted to make a difference. He believed that if he had access to the government channels, he would be able to provide the resources his district so desperately needed.
Actually, when I discussed the obstacles facing of him such as being an African American running in a primarily Latino district or the fact that he didn’t have any political connections or pull, he looked at me innocently and asked why that would matter. Once again—the never-ending optimist and idealist.
Anthony Johnson is a self-made man. He truly believed in his heart that he could run a “grass-roots” campaign based on the needs of the people. He also believed that the people of the community would see beyond the color of his skin and culture even if it was different than theirs because they all held the same values—a better life for their families and especially the children. He was in personal pain over the loss of opportunities for the residents due to crime, violence, drugs, and joblessness in this community. He feared the future of the children would even more bleak than their parents. He believed that if he could speak on behalf of those who have been forgotten and neglected by those who claim to “represent the best interests” of his neighbors, he could find justice and services to revive his community.
I personally encouraged Mr. Johnson to continue in spite of the obstacles put in his way. Did I think he would win? No, of course not. Was he worthy of winning? Of course. But you see, I know human nature much better than he does. I’m 20 years older than he is. I’ve learned through my own disillusionment as a former activist that you can’t beat the system that is built on the manipulations of people who are self-serving and politically savvy. These are people who wheel and deal to promote themselves and not the needs of those whom they serve. This is not who Mr. Johnson is. He’s a community activist who believes in making positive changes and then does whatever he can to make sure it happens. He doesn’t need fanfare or publicity—he bases his life on teaching, setting an example of being a positive role model, and finding solutions to problems that really make a difference in people’s lives.
When the election didn’t work out, I encouraged him to start the 180 Watchdog Coalition. I explained that elected officials need to be responsible to those whom they represent. I believed he would be far more effective organizing the community to demand that its representatives provide what they promised.
You see, elected officials depend on the apathy, helplessness, and hopelessness of those they represent. They thrive off the fact that one person complaining can be dismissed. But a whole community complaining? No, that is something they can’t ignore.
You see, Mr. Johnson may not be an “elected leader,” but he is far more of a leader than anyone in his community who has been elected. He has a track record of action with proven results. Each day in his position as an instructor in a career college, he teaches people how to become effective life changers by teaching Human Services. His love for humanity as a whole exemplifies who he is—not what he isn’t. Mr. Johnson does not look at a person through color, culture, or religion—but rather through humanity.
The truth is, Mr. Johnson is not cut out to be a politician. But he does exemplify the best of the best as far as leadership in the community. If the self-appointed leaders of his community feel the need to knock him down, maybe it’s because they fear him. You see, in the end, cream always rises to the top, and Mr. Johnson is the best of the best. I hope that his efforts to gather community support to watch those whose intentions are far less honorable become a real grass-roots movement.
Bonnie Kaye, M.Ed.
If Mr. Johnson could be accused of anything, it is of political naivety. He has never been involved in politics, and truly believed in the concept of every person having an equal opportunity to do good for his community. As the person who originally sat with Mr. Johnson to discuss his running for State Representative, I knew that all of his intentions were most honorable. He was frustrated by the lack of services provided for his community. As a human services professional, he wanted to make a difference. He believed that if he had access to the government channels, he would be able to provide the resources his district so desperately needed.
Actually, when I discussed the obstacles facing of him such as being an African American running in a primarily Latino district or the fact that he didn’t have any political connections or pull, he looked at me innocently and asked why that would matter. Once again—the never-ending optimist and idealist.
Anthony Johnson is a self-made man. He truly believed in his heart that he could run a “grass-roots” campaign based on the needs of the people. He also believed that the people of the community would see beyond the color of his skin and culture even if it was different than theirs because they all held the same values—a better life for their families and especially the children. He was in personal pain over the loss of opportunities for the residents due to crime, violence, drugs, and joblessness in this community. He feared the future of the children would even more bleak than their parents. He believed that if he could speak on behalf of those who have been forgotten and neglected by those who claim to “represent the best interests” of his neighbors, he could find justice and services to revive his community.
I personally encouraged Mr. Johnson to continue in spite of the obstacles put in his way. Did I think he would win? No, of course not. Was he worthy of winning? Of course. But you see, I know human nature much better than he does. I’m 20 years older than he is. I’ve learned through my own disillusionment as a former activist that you can’t beat the system that is built on the manipulations of people who are self-serving and politically savvy. These are people who wheel and deal to promote themselves and not the needs of those whom they serve. This is not who Mr. Johnson is. He’s a community activist who believes in making positive changes and then does whatever he can to make sure it happens. He doesn’t need fanfare or publicity—he bases his life on teaching, setting an example of being a positive role model, and finding solutions to problems that really make a difference in people’s lives.
When the election didn’t work out, I encouraged him to start the 180 Watchdog Coalition. I explained that elected officials need to be responsible to those whom they represent. I believed he would be far more effective organizing the community to demand that its representatives provide what they promised.
You see, elected officials depend on the apathy, helplessness, and hopelessness of those they represent. They thrive off the fact that one person complaining can be dismissed. But a whole community complaining? No, that is something they can’t ignore.
You see, Mr. Johnson may not be an “elected leader,” but he is far more of a leader than anyone in his community who has been elected. He has a track record of action with proven results. Each day in his position as an instructor in a career college, he teaches people how to become effective life changers by teaching Human Services. His love for humanity as a whole exemplifies who he is—not what he isn’t. Mr. Johnson does not look at a person through color, culture, or religion—but rather through humanity.
The truth is, Mr. Johnson is not cut out to be a politician. But he does exemplify the best of the best as far as leadership in the community. If the self-appointed leaders of his community feel the need to knock him down, maybe it’s because they fear him. You see, in the end, cream always rises to the top, and Mr. Johnson is the best of the best. I hope that his efforts to gather community support to watch those whose intentions are far less honorable become a real grass-roots movement.
Bonnie Kaye, M.Ed.
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