Just a few thoughts.....

I'm sick and tired of all these commercials informing the public to "save more". Why does it take for the economy to be all f*cked up for us to realize that saving is actually much better than having $15 until your next paycheck? Of course, each situation is different, but the fact is I see more of these ads now more than ever (for obvious reasons) and I'm just so annoyed!

I mean as a teenager, I would buy things I couldn't afford just to look like I CAN AFFORD IT! Those 3 pairs of jeans? Do you really need 3 or a really good, reliable pair? I'm not saying walk around with holes in your shoes or clothes, but if it isn't a necessity then don't buy it.

I suppose most people have yet to grow up from their materialistic ways. C'MON?!?! Why does it take for you to max out all two or three of your credit cards to understand YOU CAN NOT AFFORD whatever it is you're buying!

Please don't get me wrong. I'd like to indulge once in awhile - whether it's been a hectic day or week at work or home. I can find the best sales out there (I've been dubbed the SALE QUEEN by some), but I wouldn't dare spend more than $30 - $40 dollars on an outfit. Let me repeat that: on an outfit! You just need to use the old with the new and work it!

As soon as I have reached my limit, I know I need to step back and pay it off. I've created a strict budget for myself. I try to bring lunch to work as much as possible. I consider anytime I eat out as part of my "indulgence" for the week. I don't allow that to exceed past 1 - 2 times a week or a total of 4 per month.

Let's admit it: We've become a "borrowing" nation as opposed to being savers. Just think two, three, maybe four times about that next purchase. Is it more a need or want? Start to save more than you spend on your next pay. It will definitely be worth it!

Well, Mr. President....

At this point, more than ever, I am paying close attention to Mr. Obama's executive orders. The primary reason I voted for him was because I agreed with most of his policies. Specifically, his stance on the Economy, Ethics, and Education.

However, the recent orders has got me scratching my head a little bit. While I agree with the urgency of the economic stimulus plan, I don't understand why he has chosen to close Guantanamo Bay. I've got a couple of questions:

* Where are the terrorists going to be displaced?
* Why would he try to "soften" torture tactics?

I believe it's called torture for a reason. These people aren't prisoners due to a petty theft or DUI. They are there because of their knowledge and first hand experience in terrorist acts. If they were not to divulge key information, then how will it be done? I assume NOT simply by baking them their favorite cupcakes. Or making certain they have that Filet Mignon they've been savoring since before they got there.

Here's more background info from an article by Jake Tapper from ABC News:

The Obama administration filed papers seeking a 120-day continuance in all cases so his administration can review the individual prosecutions and more generally to review the policy for detainees and determine how best to handle the cases.

From Guantanamo, the Washington Post's Peter Finn reports that the motion called for "a continuance of the proceedings" until May 20 so that "the newly inaugurated president and his administration [can] review the military commissions process, generally, and the cases currently pending before military commissions, specifically."

He goes on to explain that it will take about a year to implement the order noted. But to me this just seems like a bad idea. I'd especially like to know how he plans to keep our country safe, but with the possibility of terrorists being repatriated WE all have something to be alarmed about.....

1st TIMER

I CONFESS: I'M A FIRST TIME VOTER. Barack Obama and our current economic crisis, to say the least, encouraged me to allow my voice to be heard.

I took an early leave from work to vote and expected a long line. So, in anticipation of several hours of waiting, I scarfed my food in the car while on the road. I guess it depends on where you live because it took less than five minutes to get there. Of course, traffic was a different story.

HOPEFULLY, YOU ALL WENT OUT THERE AND VOTED! How long was the wait in your area?

SKINS, SPORTS, POLITICS

Monday Night Football ..... DAMN STEELERS! So, we are now 6-3 because Pittsburg's defense was on point last night. 7 SACKS! WTF, I was about to pull my hair as I had some sliders & wings and a Blue Hawaiian --- multi-task people --- but I suppose it's good news for Obama supporters like me. You know how the story goes, if the Redskins win, McCain wins and if the Steelers win...you get the idea.

I was absolutely fumed at the RESDKINS loss (23-6) but I am looking forward to the next game on Nov. 16th against the COWB*TCHES! I will be voting later on this afternoon but it has become a close race now when just last week Obama was in the lead by 10 percent. Hhhmmm....some people need not to be swayed by these TV ads and empty reasons they have as to why McCain is the better choice.

I'LL STAY GLUED TO CNN FOR UPDATES AS I KNOW MR. OBAMA WILL PREVAIL......

ELECTION EVE

For some reason I can't fall asleep. I'm a bit fatigued however it seems that my anxiety has become unstoppable.

I'm certain you all know this scenario: As a kid, each and every year during Christmas Eve, you get butterflies and uncontrollable excitement because of all the presents you expect to open in the morning. I feel the same exact way right now - I keep tossing and turning until I see 5:30 A.M. on the clock so I can begin my day as a certified voter.

A CERTIFIED BARACK OBAMA SUPPORTER BECAUSE NOT ONLY DOES THIS MAN HAVE SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, his plans for this country are the ones I agree with. Socialist, they say? Muslim, they claim? These are SCARE TACTICS people because we all know he is of Kenyan and American descent so these so-called McCain supporters can now save face IF they only did their research. To re-distribute wealth means for a balanced country and why not? Aren't you OVER the fact that Health care costs so much? MILLIONS of people simply can't afford it!

I'm voting for MR. BARACK OBAMA not only because he's an advocate for CHANGE...It's EVIDENT we are in dire need of CHANGE. I believe that with his running mate, Joe Biden, they will make an exceptional & powerful force on the forefront, as LEADERS of our country.

I'll probably have 3 hours or less of sleep, but I am just restless. I'm so EAGER to be one of the first few in line...MAKING A CHANGE. ACTING ON MY BELIEFS - VOTING FOR OBAMA!

ELECTION DAY.....

There's EIGHT (8) more days left until ELECTION DAY!

I've finally caught up on some shut-eye and Sunday is usually Family & Football day so to sum up the weekend: FANTABULOUS! Political discussion was up in the air with the fam --- even my mom is enthusiastic about the Obama-Biden ticket --- but one thing has lingered in my mind. My bro mentioned that it seems like I've put Mr. Barack Obama on a pedestal. Which made me think: Am I enforcing my beliefs and confidence on others in regards to the future President of the United States?

I'm guilty of it. I've even blocked several McCain- Palin articles because my mind has been programmed to receive only Obama info, stats, etc. However, I think my low tolerance on bullshit is stronger than ever. Each and every single time Sarah Palin does an interview, I would rather shave my head than to listen to this woman's attempt to sound even the least bit sagacious. She proves me right though - each and every time. During an episode of Larry King on CNN, they posted an interview she had done where a third grader asked, 'What does a Vice President do?'

She replied, 'The Vice President stands by the President and is a team player. They go in the Senate and help make decisions...' Excuse me for a minute while I shoot myself with the thought of someone who can't even answer a third grade question, possibly becoming second in command. I think even the third grader knows the Vice President doesn't go in the Senate to shake things up. She didn't answer the question! It goes the same for McCain!

I'm not looking for an eloquent speaker like Barack but what I do want is for someone to address the current concerns of the American people with great knowledge and concrete plans to do so. A politician is a politician is a politician ... I get it. But I stand by my choice and will go to the polls on November 4th and self-assured Mr. Barack Obama will come through.....

What are your thoughts on this? Are you also guilty of coercing your beliefs - about Barack Obama or the leader of your respective party - to your family, friends, or co-workers?

OBAMA NEWS

At this time, Obama is in the lead: he currently "..holds double-digit margins over McCain in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin and carries a nine-point advantage over his Republican rival in Colorado, according to a polling conducted by Quinnipiac University for washingtonpost.com and the Wall Street Journal."

Barack Obama's rising lead in national polling shows that people believe he can turn the economic crisis, war, etc. around. The daily Gallup poll shows that he still leads 10 percent over John McCain (51 percent to 41 percent).

I read an article in the Express this morning on my way to work and I was stunned! The "economic crisis" should be considered a devastating time of my generation. A catastrophe. An absolute disappointment. And it has probably been dubbed as such however I came into complete realization of its effects on the American people, especially families whose main concerns are sending their kids to college, utility & medical bills, and the list goes on. So far, I've learned about 3 families who has committed murder-suicides because of job loss and overall burden in home foreclosures. There are probably more that have been reported or has yet to be made public.

It made me realize that this election is not only for me to make my voice heard but also for the immeasurable lives lost.....


NOTE: Isn't John McCain the Senator in Arizona??? Hhmmm...

Political Chatter in the Workplace

Upon discussing politics at work, do you often feel hesitant? Or do you talk freely without a care in the world?

According to ABCNEWS, "50 percent of workers openly talk politics on the job" (from a survey conducted by Adecco USA). The percentage noted covers mostly the younger generation while 47 percent say "they listen to political banter in the workplace without sharing their own viewpoints."

I would fall in the 47 percent because as important as this particular election is to me, UNFORTUNATELY IT ISN'T ACCOMPANIED WITH PAY! Otherwise, I could talk for days about my political stance, etc.

Therefore, discussing opposing views at work is not recommended. Just imagine a scenario where you (Democrat) and your boss (Republican) begin to spar because you both feel one candidate is better than the other. Your first statement just may be your last. A possible consequence could be that you'd get "...penalized on the job by a petty partisan." Does that sound like it's worth it? I hope you'd say no.

Part 2: DEBATE

CNN polls show people who watched the debate favored Obama at 54 percent and McCain at 30 percent. For apparent reasons, McCain did not mention the middle class when asked about the economy. I especially did not like when he referred to Obama as "...this one." It was rude and as the correspondents said "condescending."

Independents favored 54 percent Obama; 38 percent McCain. That in itself is clear who took it home last night and who could possibly be the next President. When the undecided voters chose Obama - who has the utmost knowledge on health care, economy, and the war in Iraq (including where we should redirect our focus on) - then you know he's doing something right. Not only is he well-spoken, his policies and ideas are a bit more concise and sensible than that of John McCain. He doesn't need to "dumb it down" either because I'd be embarrassed to have someone, like Sarah Palin, in the oval office speaking on behalf of the American people. I believe that sums up my implication.

For those who watched the debate last night, what is your overall opinion? Tune in for the final debate on Wednesday, October 15th. GO OBAMA!!!

OBAMA

Currently, Mr. Barack Obama is in the lead in Ohio at 51 percent. Meanwhile, McCain has 45 percent alongside his airhead VP running mate, Palin. According to the Post, Ohio is "a state vital to his chances in winning the White House." WE ALL KNOW THIS MAN KNOWS NAN, NIL, NADA ABOUT THE ECONOMY AND THEN HE CHOOSES THAT JOE SIX-PACK AMERICAN SAYIN' PALIN.
HOPEFULLY, EVERYONE HAS REGISTERED TO VOTE AND WILL TAKE PART IN MAKING AN IMPACT IN NOVEMBER'S CRITICAL ELECTION. IT'S CLEAR WHO HAS MY VOTE - I HOPE THE RACE IS A PRECISE & CLEAN ONE. I CANNOT WAIT FOR MR. BARACK OBAMA TO BE AMERICA'S PRESIDENT.

Update: VP Debate

Have you ever heard such a moving speech from an influential & powerful individual (Joe Biden) and then moments later, it's all ruined by someone whose oration was so half-assed you are suddenly reminded of what 5th grade was like? It was like watching Joe Biden as himself debating with Peter Griffin (Family Guy) - minus the humor - in a sophisticated designer dress & blazer combo ..... LOL!

That was how I felt while watching the Vice Presidential Debate last night. In one corner, Biden gives a rhetorical comment about John McCain's billions in tax cuts for the oil companies. In the dark corner of the room, Palin seemed foreign to all questions asked of her - I had to maintain my focus on BIDEN B/C I COULDN'T TAKE ANYMORE OF THE "MAVERICK" & "JOE SIX-PACK AMERICAN" BULLSHIT.

Biden provided facts while Palin vividly described her "middle-class" life in Alaska and the "soccer mom" advertisement she has repeatedly used to death. Can she really empathize with the middle-class b/c that was how she lived "most of her life" in Alaska? As I told my friends....that "likeness" is similar to comparing SOUTHEAST VS. NORTHWEST Washington, DC. If you live in DC, you know what I'm talking about. And why the hell do we need to be reminded of fearing a possible money crisis? WE ARE IN A F*CKIN' RECESSION - YOU BIMBO!!!! IT IS NO LONGER "FEAR"....WE ARE WAY PAST FEAR! I AM PAST FEAR! AND I'D LIKE TO BE PAST YOU BUT IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WHO THOUGHT YOU SOMEHOW DID AN "ASTONISHING" JOB LAST NIGHT. SHE WAS ASTONISHING IN DODGING QUESTIONS AND RETORTING TO WHAT SHE "THOUGHT" WAS IMPORTANT. I'm surprised she claimed to be thinking that night b/c she clearly had her cue cards.

Overall, Joe Biden did a superb job. He mentioned John McCain's vote against funding for troops and his lack of knowledge on our economy which he's made clear by now that he absolutely has no clue. Also, he says that he and Obama will be ending this war in Iraq. Good b/c we need 2 smart & practical people whose got a great understanding on our economy & the war and address the country's current issues on affordable health care, deficit to surplus, etc. We don't need another "war freak" in the office who is oblivious to concerns regarding the environment among other things.

GO OBAMA-BIDEN!!!!!!

P.S. THE HOUSE JUST PASSED THE "FINANCIAL RESCUE LEGISLATION" aka BAILOUT BILL!!! HHHMMM....

VP Debate

As everyone should be well aware: THIS YEAR'S ELECTION DETERMINES OUR COUNTRY'S FATE FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS! DO YOU WANT ANOTHER REPUBLICAN'S DISTORTED POLICIES AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE CURRENT CONCERNS WE FACE SUCH AS OUR ECONOMY & THE WAR? OR ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE IN THE SAME ISSUES NOTED AS WELL AS HEALTH CARE, THE ENVIRONMENT (UH, GLOBAL WARMING), AND AN ECONOMIC PLAN THAT IS MORE REALISTIC - SOMETHING THAT SEEMS LESS UNFATHOMABLE?

I've made attempts to get some people to vote - others have had an incredible amount of indifference because they think that it's all "politics". My response? YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMPLAIN! PLEASE DON'T ARGUE YOUR VIEWS BECAUSE YOU CLEARLY DID NOT DO A DAMN THING ABOUT IT....

I'll be tuning in to the VP Debate TOMORROW, OCT. 2nd - Palin vs. BIDEN - and hope that you will too! I'm already anticipating blank responses from Palin as she has shown over and over again that she is so unqualified to be VP....as a matter of fact she has inspired my friend and me to run for office in 2012 (HA!) .....

Early Signs of Fear???

While I understand that this "Bailout Bill" is vital to save the corporations, it shouldn't take precedence over the Presidential Debate. Is McCain unnerved about the polls? The fact is that the American people trust my man, Barack Obama, to save our economony as opposed to a man who has admitted that his weakness becomes transparent discussing the economy in further detail.

A decision will not be made today so, the only logical reason is to take the shine away from Obama's favorable lead to his indecisiveness & unpreparedness to take on a debate on one of the most important issues we face today: our economy. While they make this "significant decision", can they take a minute to think about the millions of Americans who are now homeless, without food, and unemployed? Maybe a few millions should be directed towards helping those in "actual need". I suppose that's on the bottom of our President's priority list......