Sunday, July 10, 2011

Who Gives A Damn about the Un-employed


 
The unemployment crisis in our nation is staggering and those of us, who care, are asking is there a foreseeable solution, and if there is a solution, who out of our nations elected leaders will make a courageous attempt to work together to attack this problem head on? 

In a free labor and free market society our citizens are not forced to work, but it is the greater majority often forgotten , middle class, law abiding,  union supporting or not, working Americans , who are the heart and soul of our country, and they assure our nations posterity is secure and have done so for decades.     

Our politicians from the White House on down to the community activist all say the same thing, "we need to find and offer better jobs for our nations unemployed citizens", this has been the mantra of both parties especially since the most recent unemployment rate stats showed a jump from 9.1 percent to 9.2. so question for both parties " Where are the Jobs?"     

Democratic Agenda for Change

In 2008 presidential candidate Barrack Obama made mention of the need to build new infrastructure jobs right here in the United States, he forged ahead to concentrate on green jobs that will be the wave of the future he has in many ways made a concerted  effort to fulfill his campaign promise but he seems to constantly be distracted with Washington grid lock.    

President Obama believed that he was able to build some bipartisan agreement between both parties,  but as of yesterday Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner made it clear there will be no working together with the president for raising of the debt ceiling and as of now a jobs bill does not seem likely before the 2012 elections. 

I’m sure Obama or his young administration never dreamed that the Republicans would oppose him on such a monolithic scale that elder Republican statesmen from served under the Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush1 and Bush 2, administrations don't recognize this new( Throw the baby out with the bath tub)  conservatives.

You can’t blame the president for trying, after all he is an optimist, (almost to a fault) according to some progressives and Democratic leaders. He campaigned on Hope and Change but that was not what Washington wants for it’s citizenry.  


Republican Ideological Agenda for Change

In 2010 with the Tea Party controlled Republican Party beat out most of their Democratic rivals on such large scale that it was a national game changer and put the Republicans in charge of the House of Representatives, now some are having buyers remorse.  

Many in America thought it would be a good idea to have both parties share in the responsibility in running our nations government, but, to our great disappointment the election of 2010 turned out to be more of the same old chicken and gravy and sound bites for the camera.

House Majority Leader Speaker John Boehner promised that he would work on Job growth, yet up to this day we do not have a jobs bill from the Republicans, even after Boehner chided Obama by asking Mr. President where are the Jobs”?     

They are however passing laws against Planned Parent Hood, Acorn, Workers Unions, Black, Latino, elderly, and  young college age voters, text books, gay marriage, the minimum wage, Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security , Head Start, Pell Grants, Legal Representation and any other organization or person who does not fit into their warped Christian Americana ideological thinking.                          

Bipartisan Compromise ( Never )

The problem with the White House and its spokes people is the nation is not buying their talking points and as a result it is causing great doubt in rather the Obama administration could actually deliver on their promises.

This does not mean that they are not making an effort, it just means they have to amp up the sounding board, When was the last time there were more Democrats or progressive spokes persons then Republicans or tea party members on a Sunday political talk show or cable network.?                           

President Obama once said “Why do we keep doing things the same way and expect a different result”;  Obama continues to meet with the Republicans in hopes of finding some type of compromise on their part that will help our nations citizenry, but, unfortunately he seems to think he is working with a Republican party of the seventies or the eighties.

A great majority of the new GOP leadership appear to believe that (Obama) is the anti-Christ so they will not compromise with the spawn of Satan.  Any thing he wants is against Gods law and as far as they are concerned he is not a real American, and does not believe in true Christianity.         

Since both political parties’ are latent with millionaire senators and representatives it is no wonder it is hard to get them to put away their limited ideological views for the betterment of our nation. 

One party has made it clear that they are only concerned about tax subsidies for the top two percent multimillionaires and billionaires who in their opinion won’t help the working class if congress takes away their tax right offs on their personal planes and yachts.

The other party keeps taking their base for granted assuming they will except any deal regardless of how many citizens it may hurt, the administration is perceived as weak when it comes to the art of negotiations and that will be an Achilles heel for the current administration in 2012 campaign.       

Bottom Line

Who Cares about the back bone of our nation those citizens who worked for years at the same company only to find their jobs have been phased out or shipped out to another country where the labor market is considered more cost effective for the company, not to mention the share holders who can reap millions of dollars in dividends in one year or quarter when will we see them on television telling their stories instead of millionaire congress men and women who seem to care very little.      

Both parties take there constituents for granted and they continue to prove that lying and deceit is par for the course in Washington DC and our whole nations needs come secondary to their lust for wealth and power bottom line many Americans feel they just don't give a damn !    


Kevin G. Thomas

Monday, June 27, 2011

Game On!










 


The latest controversy between Fox News host Chris Wallace and Michele Bachmann could have  created some sympathy and credibility for Bachmann’s presidential campaign, the best way to garner the media and the independent voters attention then by creating a web of separation between Ms. Bachmann and the GOP propaganda machine that is Fox News.

During a June 26 on air interview on 'Fox News Sunday' host Chris Wallace asked Michele Bachmann “ Are you a Flake” she was visibly annoyed by the question resulting in a supposed flood of calls and e-mails from Fox News viewers and supporters who complained that Wallace was unfair and insulting.    

 Wallace, later apologized for his statement to Bachman who eventually accepted his apology,  now, we have what the press loves.. conflict unfortunately these minor issues draw attention from the other needs in our nation such as the Debt Ceiling talks the presidents work on the economy amongst other more important concerns.              

Ed Rollins, Bachmans, campaign manager is a well known political power broker who is working overtime re branding  Michele Bachmann as a legitimate candidate for president and some in the belt way media are buying it hook line and sinker while other are waiting for her latest gaff.       


Crazy Like a Fox

 Wallace, tries to make a convincing effort to express a non- partisan ideological view by doing so he is considered to be an independent journalist and that is why this story was  guaranteed to get media attention until she blew it with another Bachmann verbal blunder as reported by the Associated Press    Bachmann flubbed her hometown history when declaring "John Wayne was from Waterloo, Iowa," and "that's the kind of spirit that I have, too," in running for president. The actor was born nearly 150 miles away. It was the serial killer John Wayne Gacy Jr. who lived, for a time, in Waterloo.

 This was a missed  opportunity for Michelle Bachmann to dominate a positive news cycle, and  helping to address her differences from the other GOP presidential candidate unfortunately the only opportunity left in her favor is America's short term memory.         


Kevin G Thomas

Sunday, April 3, 2011

THE TRUE CLARION CALL: Time Will Not Erase Her Memory

THE TRUE CLARION CALL: Time Will Not Erase Her Memory: "Tuscon AZ- April 1, 2011 a 9ft 11inch metal memorial statue made from steel taken from the Pentagon, and the World Trade Center was e..."

Friday, January 7, 2011

Good Bye and Thank You

Now that we have entered the first week of 2011 I would like to take the time to pay homage to the lives of those who left us in 2010. Of course this list is but a small group of the lives of those men and women famous or not, but none the less these individuals will be remembered for their body of work in film, writings, conversations, politics, thoughts, photos, and in some cases our dreams.

To those named and un- named individuals I take the time to say thank you for allowing your life to be shared with those of us who are still looking into our future to discover what legacy we will leave.

K. Gerard Thomas



Art Clokey- Cartoonist creator of Gumby and Pokey

Thank you for bringing Joy to millions of children world wide.




Art Linkletter - "Kids Say the Darndest Things "
Thank You for showing a humorous & wholesome side of Reality TV and even though sorrow and tragedy came to your family , you never quit as a humanitarian and entertainer.


Barbara Billingsly Actress -"Leave it to Beaver " and "Airplane"

Thank you for being a wise Mom that was the model we all wanted even though it was television. Thanks for one of the most funniest moments in motion pictures talking " Jive " in Airplane.



Robert Culp Actor- "I Spy" and "The Greatest American Hero"

Thank You for being apart of a ground breaking era on television in which
an African American co star ( Bill Cosby ) was equal in his ability to lead
and make decisions not just comedy relief.


Peter Graves Actor - "Mission: Impossible " and "Airplane"

Thank You for entertaining us with intellectually savvy spy and espionage
programing and your ability to express humor with a straight face.


Fess Parker- Actor "Davy Crockett " and "Daniel Boone"

During the fifties a movement among children was started as a
result of the popular Disney motion picture as real life frontiersman
and politician
Davy Crockett and in the sixties Daniel Boone.



James Macarthur- Actor "Hawaii Five-O"

The real one and only "Danno" who respected the authority
of his captain. "Book Em Danno" is a quote that is part of
television lore.



Patricia Neal Actress - "The Day the Earth Stood Still" "The Walton's Homecoming" Overcoming a stroke and being one of the most respected actresses in the industry watching her tough as nails roll of the Walton's mother is always a memorable part of my Christmas holiday.





Ms. Dorthy Height- Civil Rights Leader

At a divisive time in our nations history she used her God given ability to organize others for the common good, as a leader she was instrumental as a significant voice for African American women and men. Thank You for helping in giving a voice to those of us who would have been ignored if not for your willingness to stand on our behalf.



Tony Curtis Actor- "Some Like it Hot " and "Spartacus"

A tough guy with the heart of a kindness and a willingness to challenge
boundaries thanks for the many years of entertainment of which my
favorite was your portrayal of "Houdini" .




Tom Bosley Actor -"Happy Days"

"Mr C" to all of us late "Baby Boomers" a quintessential representation
of understanding fatherhood Thank You for helping me as a father in
learning how to communicate with my children with out getting to
flustered especially those bed side chats.




Teena Marie- Musician, Singer, Writer , Producer A powerful voice that rocked the music world and before Mariah and Christina there was only Teena your willingness to keep going during the early years allowed us your fans to experience your wonderful gift ..Thank You.


Teddy Pendergrass- Singer

The romantic rough yet smooth Voice of the lead vocalist of " Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes" to a successful solo career that may be responsible for launching multiple births in the late seventies and beyond. Thank You keeping romance going and even today Teddy can set the mood unlike any other.




Gary Coleman - Actor "Different Strokes"

The tough but extremely cute child star who in spite of his personal
physical challenges kept pushing forward to entertain us weekly
Thank You.



James Mitchell - (Palmer Cortland ) "All My Children"

Best known as Nina Cortlands father and the thorn in the side of "Pine Valley"
during my early years in college he was the main reason I watched AMC. Strong but loving his family almost to a fault some of his qualities reminded me of my father...Thank You for staying true to your character.



Ron Banks- Lead Singer of the "Dramatics"

The high falsetto voice others try to mimic but strain themselves because it

is not natural but Ron made it seem effortless, capturing our attention from
beginning to end of a song. " Be My Girl" "Me and Mrs Jones" and a host of
others showcased his true talent as one of the founding members of the
" Dramatics" Thank You for giving me joy and memories of eight tracks in
my car singing your music to my self and to others ...especially girls.




Leslie Nielsen- Actor  Naked Gun and Air Plane
Starting as a serious leading man he parleyed is ability
to entertain in a more successful venue comedy.. a cross
generational entertainer that captured the hearts of from
children to the more senior members of film goers.
Thank You for the many years of laughter you have given
to your audience.




John Forsythe Actor -"Charlie's Angels and Dynasty"


The original voice of "Charlie" and "Blake Carrington" the patriarch of a Denver
multimillion dollar business empire. Surrounded by a bevy of gorgeous but crafty
women was not easy to pull off but John held his own as the symbol of secure man
hood.    






Lt Col Lee Archer- Tuskegee Airman


One of the many of the  heroes of WWII who passed this year
our nation is forever thankful for your service.   


 


Elizabeth Edwards - Humanitarian

As the true backbone of leadership you fought for those
who were less fortunate and at a time of great trial you
demonstrated to us all what dignity and courage looks like. 

Thank You 
 
 

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My Earliest Christmas Memory


My earliest memory of Christmas was the days shared with my mother and fellow siblings at my grandmothers home in St.Louis. As a little boy I did not realize how modest her home was it was not as large as many of the homes in today's suburban communities , but it was large enough to entertain each of her 7 grandchildren; from the Amway merchandise filled basement, to the upstairs small 3 bed rooms.

The living room was always the most exciting place in the home it was where the Christmas tree and fireplace would bring the family together before the Christmas feast and after.

My older sisters and oldest brother would assist in setting up the dining room for the Christmas dinner while my mother , grandmother and on some occasions my aunt would be putting the last minute touches on the meal.

My older brother and I were close enough in age to enjoy the same toys but it was not a long time of play for me, because I enjoyed hanging out in the kitchen or bugging my oldest brother for a comic book drawing.

The most exciting moment was when my father would come through the door with a gift or two for both my brother and I. He would sit and talk with my grandfather and uncle as the room would smell of iced spirits and cigar.

My grandfather was the envy of all of the youngest boys in the household, because he owned two items we coveted most, his beige recliner and the old zenith three button color television remote control.

To most adults the recliner was just a nice relaxing chair, but to a young boy of the mid to late sixties it was an Apollo rocket ship or Captain Kirk's commanders chair, and the remote control was our phaser... Oh the fun we would have... until our grandfather was ready to take control of the bridge.

looking back on those perceived innocent days of my youth, I am reminded of how little it took to keep us entertained, we enjoyed each others company, and even during the rough times we managed to find some redeeming value in how we coexisted with each other. My siblings and I were the off springs of a broken home, yet in spite of what some would judged negatively, on Christmas.. none of that mattered.

We may not have been the Osmond's or the Walton's yet today , after seven grandchildren , twelve great grand children, and ten great great grand children our family continues to grow, and most importantly we did.. (and do) share the same precious gift with both of the before mentioned famous families which is... the gift of Love.

Merry Christmas

K Gerard Thomas









Wednesday, December 22, 2010

He Did It...


President Obama Did It Again ...Just when some thought he was down for the count he got back up to continue his fight for what is best for the citizenry of America. Some may have not got all that they wanted some of those in the progressive or conservative camps complain but it is a hell of a lot better then what would have happened if compromise on both parts had not taken place.

Merry Christmas to all those men and women who worked hard to prove to the world our nation is more than just Democrats and Republicans but we are E plubrius unum.."from many One."

Yes We Did!

"God Bless Us Everyone"

Monday, November 22, 2010

Media Made Controversy


http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.
edstetzer.com/2010/11/17/tsa-logo.gif&imgrefurl

TSA Problem 2009

Now that the smoke has cleared since November 2nd election all the pundits and press are focusing their attention on the new uproar regarding pat downs by agents of the Transportation Security Administration.

It has been proven the United States citizenry has a very short term memory and it saddens me to say we are easily duped to follow where ever the media leads, that is why they keep pushing
Palin 24/7.

Why are we now talking about the TSA? It fits the season, (think about it) , this is the high travel season so what better time to keep stirring up controversy and scare tactics with a dash of Palin.

How Did We Get Here?

After 9/11 our nation has been confronting multiple attempted attacks by would be terrorist such as the "Shoe Bomber" and last years "Christmas underwear bomber" .

The online web site The Grio reports the following from an Associated Press story regarding last Christmas attempted suicidal bombing incident on flight 253.

"Passengers on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 forced the alleged bomber to the front of the plane as it approached Detroit Metropolitan Airport last Dec. 25 carrying nearly 300 people. Authorities say he was trying to set off explosives hidden in his underwear. The incident exposed flaws in security and intelligence.

Damned if you do and damned if you don't

After the alleged Christmas Bomber was caught the Republicans blamed the president for not doing enough to protect fliers. Of course they were gung ho for the new stronger security methods, but now it is Obama's fault that some people are complaining about TSA agents going too far in their zeal to assure the safety of the travelers.

According to 'Crooks and Liars' online article.. Republican Jim De Mint Blames Obama for "Christmas Bomber" While putting Hold On TSA Appointment .. Logan Murphy

"Last Sunday Republican Jim DeMint used the alleged Christmas Bomber issue to attack President Obama and the TSA because the agency's screeners might *gasp* unionize.

As it turns out, DeMint was really trying to deflect attention away from the fact that he voted against TSA funding earlier this year and has put a hold on Obama's nominee to head the department"

2010 Problems

Why is the press pushing this story so hard are these complaints new? or is it just convenient because we are approaching the Holiday season and the lazy reporters don't want to cover news of more substantial value.

Has the TSA been searching people more aggressively since the "Christmas Bomber" incident in December of 2009 or did it just start this week.

Ever since 9/11 our national security has been primary and if it takes a scanner or even a reasonable some what uncomfortable frisk by a TSA agent to continue to secure our safety I'll take it .

Yeah.. We Think You're That Stupid

Press manipulation is when they attempt to interview a guest that knows very little about the subject for which they are being interviewed but because they can stir up controversy the press will allow them to proliferate unsubstantiated or vetted comments just because.

Such was the recent CNN interview with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal who as instructed by the Republican House Leaders stuck to the script of attacking his president on every thing from the BP Oil Leak to how the TSA is to intrusive.

Jindal is hocking his new book and thus he must concentrate on how the last two years was the apocalypse. ( Here is the funny part ) Jindal said former Alaska Republican Gov. Sarah Palin could make a "compelling case" for president." I like governors because they have to balance their budgets, they have to run their states,".. Oh but didn't she quit the governor ship.

Another Jindal zinger was he said there should be some system of profiling of passengers who deemed to be a threat ...Yeah Bobby Jindal said that.

What Will the New Congress Suggest we Do?

Here is the sneaky part.. John Mica(R Fla) stated on CNN this weekend that Private Security Firms should be in charge of Transportation Security thus opening the door for corporate money making entity like maybe "Black Water" ...Nah they wouldn't do that.

K.Gerard Thomas


http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1110/111910nj2.htm

http://crooksandliars.com/logan-murphy/republican-jim-demint-blames-obama-ts


http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/21/top-goper-appears-to-discount-white-house-run/#more-136536