Yazbowe Blues

The New American Dream

The elections are over and hopefully we're on a new track. However, now that the intense energy that was generated by President Obama during his campaign, has calmed down we are confronted with alarming headlines. My fellow New Yorkers must assimilate the fact that Mayor Bloomberg plans to fire 3,000 city employees( information he dropped on election day). Nice try Mike but, the city never sleeps. Remember?

 am New York's cover story was almost as scary as DC Comic's Final Crisis, bleak images conjuring memories of soaring crime, legions of homeless folks and mucho graffiti. From the 70's through the 80's New Yorkwas a tale of two cities; the glamor and decadence of  Studio 54 and crack smoking on subway platforms. The days when the average citizen feared Bushwick and Bensonhurst. Dickensian times that made us tougher than leather and stronger than dirt.

Reagan's trickle down economics were stagnant and we stood on the precipice of class warfare. Perhaps after the last eight years of Bushenomics, Reagan may be recalled with affection. He and Nixon really were brilliant thinkers.

Fast forward into the 21st century; Americans are ready for change. We want better schools, affordable health care, our troops brought home , jobs and a safe clean environment. Our newly elected CEO, will be expected to rise above the call of duty. He must demonstrate his; diplomacy, world-view, decision making, humanity, fiscal integrity, reasoning, environmental commitment, energy planning, ongoing dialogue and the ability to instill hope and confidence.

Now is the time for the citizens of these United States, to reacquaint ourselves with our history. As parents we should embrace the opportunity to inform our precious children about our collective and diverse cultures, the creation and development of our nation, the environment and how it supports our lives, our ancestors and our community. We probably need to turn off cable make some cocoa and take a trip to the library.

The Internet is a great place to start exploring but , it's only virtual reality. Pick up a few biographies and start a reading club with your kids. They will amaze you with questions and answers. Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington is a classic or The Time and Space of Uncle Albert by Russell Stannard. These books are about men who dared to dream and watched their dreams come true.

Barack Obama has written several books of which I plan to read over the holidays. The first title "The Audacity of Hope" is at the top of my list. President elect has set a new bar for many of us, a standard of reaching for the stars with hope in your heart and trust in your eyes. Until next time.

Change Has Come

My Dear Fellow Americans,

    Two days later and I continue to reflect on the amazing victory of 2008. Yes, we elected our first African American President, our youngest president in almost 50 years and a Democrat who was serving his first term in the Senate. Wow! November 4th, 2008 was an auspicious day.

    Furthermore, we the people turned out to fulfill our duty and exercise our rights to cast a ballot in favor of the individual most capable to serve as our Chief Executive. This election day we rose to the occasion, getting out of our beds before dawn and heading to the polls. We stood on lines anxiously waiting to pull levers or touch screens.

    Although I am ecstatic about the outcome ( my candidate won!), I am more excited by the fact that we Americans woke up and took charge of our collective destiny. The people have spoken and they said " enough is enough", there is no way that we will tolerate another four years of "abuse of power" and watch our economy disappear down the drain with centrifugal force.

    Perhaps, it will take a while to get things moving in the right direction again but, today there is gratitude and expectation in our hearts and the willingness to get on board. Somehow we have taken a stand for the America that the founding fathers and the colonist fought for and articulated in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. 

It's been a long time coming, but I know that a change has come.

Yasmin Bowe-Woods

A Time for Change

Fellow Americans, on the eve of Election day 2008, many of us remain undecided. Unfortunately, indecision is a luxury which we cannot afford. So, let's examine where the candidates stand and push the straddlers off the fence.

Taxes

Obama; cut taxes for small business, and for families making less than 250K

McCain; Maintain Bush tax rates,  cut corporate tax from 35% - 25%

Budget

Obama; reverse Bush's top tier tax cuts, increase taxes on capital gains and dividends

McCain; freeze domestic spending for one year to balance budget by 2013

Health Care

Obama; Universal health care mandated coverage for children and new federal coverage for uninsured

McCain; Tax employer provided health benefits, provide $2,500 individual and $5,000 family tax credit for health care

Iraq War

Obama; get troops out within 16 months beginning January ' 09, shift resources from Iraq to Afghanistan

McCain; Victory in Iraq no deadline for withdrawal

There are other issues but the preceding seem to be the primary concerns of our citizens. My opinion as an American voting citizen is; on the Budget,reversing Bush's strategy is positive and increasing taxes on capital gains and dividends offers a realistic way of stabilizing budget; as for freezing spending for one year (McCain) this sounds like the Herbert Hoover move that helped deepen the Great Depression ( read history on period); on Taxes, Obama's plan to lower taxes for the middle class ( less than 250K) will help stimulate spending which is critical when the economy is in recession vs. McCain's $320 break for "middle 20% of Americans" much like Bush's stimulus checks, will have little or no impact; as for War in Iraq , Obama promised to stop spending 10 Billion a month in Iraq ( this should improve the economy on the home front) , McCain vows to win the war with no deadline for withdrawal.

I trust the citizens of the United States of America to fulfill our duty to elect the most capable leader to serve our country and the world... Barack Obama '09.

 

Happy Halloween !

On a lighter note; today is the most fun holiday of the year, Halloween! Fun because it doesn't require hanging out with family for lengthy meals. Honestly,Thanksgiving and CChristmas can send you back to therapy. Seriously, we all love our families but ,family and dysfunctional are synonymous.

Of course I'm not talking about "your" family, I'm referring to my own. When I became an adult and began preparing the huge holiday feast, I also began to sip wine or brandy during the process. It is quite relaxing and an homage to Julia Child and Emeril Lagasse.The fact is that these epicurean masters understand the connection between cooking and healing.

Certainly, a spoonful of sugar or butter makes every ill seem bearable or transformable, maybe even enlightened. Which gives us reason to get up early, get in the kitchen and bake those Parkerhouse rolls for holiday dinners,help grandma snap those green beans and pour extra gravy on the mashed potatoes, turkey and stuffing.

In the meantime call your girls put on a mask and head for the Village....or DC Comics (chuckle).  

Worried About Voter Fraud?

The chickens come home to roost; a phrase popularized by Malcolm X in the 60's, can certainly be applied to the current scenario. Another way  of saying it is "what comes around goes around."  Meaning that the issue of voter fraud, which clearly cheated Al Gore in 2000, is now feared by the thieves.

In the 21st century we should clearly consider eliminating practices such as gerrymandering, packing and cracking and other deck stacking techniques. Regardless who wins on November 4th, 2008, we the people need to demand election reform, starting with campaign reform. It is offensive to watch 100's of millions (dollars) being spent on absurd, useless ads to win over the minds of Citizens. 

These contemporary media assaults feel all to much like Orwell's 1984 propaganda films. The last 8 years of government in America has presented totalitarian politics of "The Party" unlike any administration we've experienced. Many of us have worried about the "thought police" and detainees in Guantanamo. The patriots who fought the American Revolution would be appalled by current government .

Thomas Jefferson 3rd President of the U.S. and author of the Declaration of Independence ( a document we were once taught to respect and protect) stated "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive."

Imagine if some of the funds spent on this campaign went to the empty coffers at the Federal Reserve Bank. Imagine if the dollars that went up in media smoke had been channeled through the Department of Education giving us an academic edge and raising not only competitive but, intellectually dynamic and capable future citizens and leaders.

Perhaps on January 20th, the newly inaugurated President of the United States of America will think to himself, " How are we going to pay our bills? I wish we had stashed some of those greenbacks." At the very least I hope that our new Commander and Chief , recognizes that borrowing money for your war-chest is not a good move.

Sarah Palin or John Mccain's Undoing

As a New Yorker , I am not to fear anything, it's part of our code but, after watching Gov. Sarah Palin address a rally in Clearwater (Florida) this week, I admit that I am afraid. I am also embarrassed that the McCain camp has sunk so low. Until I witnessed that event with my own I eyes, my respect for John McCain remained intact.

Thanks to mass media, the world witnessed Sarah Palin incite a crowd with fear and loathing to the point of lynching hysteria. Yes, a man in the crowd yelled "kill him" (Obama)when she portrayed him as a traitor and terrorist. A cry of violence that reminds us of southern lynch mobs in the recent past. At this point Sarah stopped her speech and demanded order and respect.

Unfortunately, that did not happen, in fact Palin continued her incendiary performance smiling gleefully ( like a misguided child) at a lynching. The Governor who entered the race under investigation for abuse of power, is demonstrating her true character which cannot be disguised by L'Oreal. During the rally Palin used the same old scare tactics that the Bush campaign used seven years ago with his "War on Terror" and Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Gov. Palin is a disgrace to women and Americans, and Sen. McCain needs to dump her if he wants any chance at the White House. Where did they find this "woman" ? Never mind that she is using sex appeal and bimbiotic behavior i.e. winks during a national debate to win points. However, that leaves much to be desired when the country is in a crisis and we the citizens want solutions.

One thing I noticed about the Governor from Alaska,is that she has no ideas of her own. Mostly  she is a P.R. rep (for Sen. McCain) who is failing miserably.  When the Republican Party selected Palin did they interview her, did she go through an intensive selection process or did she send an 8 x 10 and a resume to Washington D.C. headhunters.

Hillary Clinton must be amazed that McCain's team would come up with such a shallow woman to court her feminine supporters. Obviously, these people went for the simplest common denominator; she is a woman. Unfortunately, Sen.Clinton enthusiasts are seeking experience, knowledge and political savvy in a candidate.

On a more positive note, Gov.Palin is helping to dismantle the McCain machine piece by piece. As a non- partisan voter, I believe that the best person for the future of the United States and the world will be sworn in on January 20th, 2009... Barack Obama.

Who Won That Debate?

Last Friday the Presidential candidates squared off at the University of Mississippi, with Jim Lehrer as moderator. I myself viewed the event today on YouTube. It was necessary for me to see who won the debate and why.

Although for the most part it was another opportunity to watch to grown men throw down in the playground.Typical male posturing, my ____ is bigger than yours. Unfortunately, neither demonstrated their superior grasp on "true change" in America or the world.

Senator Obama suggest that we reinvest resources in Afghanistan, because that is where the war on terror began. I tend to agree with Gore Vidal who stated that a war must be waged against a sovereign nation. So where is the nation called Terror? Sen. Obama also, mentioned the fact that Osama bin Laden is still at large, and Al-Qeada is still a major threat to American safety.

This gives me the feeling that the good Senator from Illinois , if elected President of the United States may keep us in the region much longer than we care to stay. Why is the "voice" of change talking about handling business as usual. When talking fails, bring out the artillery; cruise missiles, bombers, tanks and don't forget the assault rifles.

Somehow, this strategy hasn't worked in the past and is unlikely to work in the future. I admit that I was one of those militant pre-teens  protesting  the war in Vietnam, and now I am protesting the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Senator McCain on the other hand repeatedly, accused his opponent of being naive to how things really work in the world. He swore his love and allegiance to the veterans that continue to suffer, "they know I will take care of them." He certainly reminded us that it's all in the voting record on the hill. Good point John (or Jim) , voters need to do their homework.

The Republican Senator and war hero affirmed his  commitment to make the economy stronger by reigning in spending in Washington, "I've got a pen here, not a very good one but, I'm gonna veto every single spending bill that comes across my desk, I'm gonna make them famous." Will that apply to DOD spending as well as earmarking and pork barrel funding.

The most baffling thing of all is, why the American people have turned into docile sheep baa, baa, baaing, awaiting the slaughter. If you didn't watch the debate, thanks to the world wide web, you can. Simply google the 2008 Presidential debate and click on the youtube video link. Do your homework before November 4th.

A Run on Washington

As promised today is a history lesson.  On October 27th , 1929 the stock market crashed. The day will forever be known as "Black Tuesday."  The newly inaugurated Republican President Herbert Clark Hoover, who claimed in his campaign speech, "We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land."  Sound vaguely familiar.

It is interesting that when Hoover was head of the American Relief Administration, he organized food shipments throughout central Europe. When questioned whether these actions were supporting Bolshevism he replied, " Twenty million people are staving. Whatever their politics, they shall be fed!"

Unfortunately, our good President did not take the same position as Americans sank into poverty from sea to shining sea.  Shantytowns known as Hoovervilles became popular sites from Pennsylvania to California. John Steinbeck captures the times in Grapes of Wrath. Bleak , dark days in the  land of milk and honey. Strikingly different from the country Hoover described in his inaugural address,  

"Ours is a land rich in resources; stimulating in it's glorious beauty; filled with millions of happy homes; blessed with comfort and opportunity." March 4, 1929 

No Politics Please

Sorry friends,I know that I promised to stay away from politics on this blog but, all things considered the time has come to speak out. When I was 12, I participated in local campaigns and marched against the war in Vietnam. Young and idealistic, I expected Americans to honor their pledge and elected officials to honor and protect our Constitution.

Now,I feel angry and betrayed. Why are we standing by like dazed cows watching our country slowly dissolving into neo-imperialism.In this election year ,when we face economic disaster not unlike 1929, our elected officials waste our time and taxpayer dollars on another un-winnable war, same gender marriage and abortion( which are both issues of personal choice).

In the last month Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,major financial institutions have teetered on the precipice along with AIG and Goldman Sachs. Lehman Brothers bit the dust,and up until last week Washington repeatedly told us that the economy was on track.

In case you don't watch Mad Money with Jim Cramer, you might want to check him out. They refer to him as the prodigy of prophets. He worked on the street and actually knows how to translate financial speak into straight talk.Booyah! For the last few nights he has explained in depth why we need The Plan to save our economy from total ruin. One point he made is the ineffective marketing of The Plan.

Rather than calling it a bailout it should be called The Invest in America Plan. That has a much better tone. After all, despite globalization shouldn't the government use our tax dollars to re-invest in us. Does anyone know our current budget for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?  Whatever the amount , it would surely cover a couple of million mortgages.

Last night, the President, G.W. Bush stated " As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending, credit markets have frozen, and families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money." If the banks are scared...?  I suggest that,we contact our representatives in Washington and tell them to get that bill passed and The Plan implemented, pronto!

Also, I'd like to give kudos to Warren Buffet for making a $5 billion investment in Goldman Sachs. As one money manager says "he is betting that the financial system does not collapse."

Tomorrow we're going to have a history review. Do you remember why we fought the American Revolution? What document was penned in 1776?

 

Aah, Va Beach

Every year for about a decade I dreamed of leaving New York. My friends were tired of the repetitious vow, to flee this cold, crime ridden, rotten stinkin city called the Big Apple. 1996, was a turning point, for me and my family. That was the year I located my brothers (father's sons) that I never met. I had made another vow, to be happy and develop a happy family.

I was on a mission. After practicing Nicheren's Buddhism for about seven years, I was able to acknowledge that I had family that I didn't know and it was time to change that situation. Courageously, I decided to locate and contact my brothers. Spring break, my girls and I were on our way to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Raleigh didn't thrill me, although my brothers did. Resident of Raleigh I would not become. Since that time I have discovered North Carolina's beauty, but then I saw only tobacco and too much sprawl. On the ride home the weather was fabulous, cloud-free skies and delicious air. A perfect weekend for the beach, Virginia Beach. We checked into a suite on the strip, with a balcony facing the water.

That evening we dined at a local bistro and strolled along the boardwalk when suddenly a tall blond reveler dashed out of Mahi Mah's stripping as he headed into the Atlantic. Wow! Skinny dipping, dolphins and clean streets; we were moving to Va Beach. The home of Big Sam's, Edgar Cayce and reasonably affordable housing. I was hooked.

Did I mention that this journey started out with my girls and one fiance named Erik. Relocating forced us to buy a car because when you leave New York , it's mandatory. Erik loved long distance driving, so he did regular trips cross country. In fact he would drive down to Houston on Sunday and drive back to Virginia Beach by Tuesday. This disturbed me... sleepless nights worrying about a pending accident on I85. He tried reassuring me that he could handle it.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder", is a myth that we need to retire. In our case, absence made us argue. We argued about anything; dinner, movies, whether our neighbor's nephew actually had a  baseball scholarship offer from Virginia Wesleyan. The handwriting was on the wall as they say, until the night in the midst of an argument the phone rang.

to be continued