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Last night I saw the most informative, honest talk about health care reform that I've ever seen. The show Countdown with Keith Olbermann is usually a very left-wing biased program aired on MSNBC. By association, I must also be biased towards the left since I usually find Keith and his commentary very interesting, informative, humourus and entertaining. But I will admit that often I wish that the show wouldn't be so blatantly liberal in an attempt to balance the more conservative, left-wing programing on Fox News. My wish was granted in last nights episode.
Keith delivered a very calculated, deliberate, heartfelt message to the American people that I feel every one should view.
I was so impressed with his message that I will not do it a disservice and attempt to recap what he said. Rather, I will provide excerpts from his address to his viewers and implore you to click on the link and watch the video in it's entirety.
Mr. Olbermann went on to tell a very personal story about his father who fell gravely ill from kidney disease and subsequently had to be hospitalized after spending 24 hours on his bedroom floor. As he told this story, you saw the raw emotion literally pour out of him as he choked back tears.
He boldly showed that health care reform isn't about party lines or politics.
It's about the American citizens who are less fortunate than he is and cannot afford even proper medical care let alone the best medical care in the world. He then went and cited these incredible statistics:
"The mortality rate of Americans under the age of 65 who are unisured is 40% higher than that of those with insurance. In 1993 it was only 25%. We are moving backwards. ...We are letting people now die? Because they don't have insurance?" He went on to make a plea to his viewers to "embrace selfless individuals of the National Association of Free Clinics" who conduct a mass free health care clinic in Houston that provided medical care to 1500 people. He's donating money and would like all of his viewer to do the same. He wants mass free clinics in states of senators whose votes are critical to stopping a Republican led filibuster. A filibuster which would stop any type health care reform bill from passing. His undebatable reasoning is as follows:
If you are tired of the rhetoric and political speak of those who have guaranteed health benefits of the offices that WE ELECTED them into, then please watch this video and help to hold them accountable to us, the People of the United States of America.
article by WydeOpen
I can't believe the level of idiocracy that this country has risen to. I should have known that the relative ease that President Obama came into office was just too good to be true. I just thank God that he hasn't had any reported assassination attempts yet. That's not to say that there haven't been any attempts on his life, just none reported in the media so far. I don't want to sound prophetic at all but let's all cross our fingers and hope for the best. The reason that I mention this though is a story that I saw on the news today. It was reporting the fact that next Tuesday, the President is going to address student nationwide with a message about the importance of staying in school and working hard to achieve education goals. But the meat of the story was the controversy that has arisen amongst some parents because of the planned address. Apparently some parents are "outraged" because they believe that he is going to "indoctrinate students with his agenda." Among parents who are planning on keeping their children out of school Tuesday is Shanneen Barron a Highlands Ranch, CO, mother. "Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me," she said while sobbing. "I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now." So if I get this correct, she doesn't want her kids to know about how important it is to not drop out of school?
The White House released this official statement: "The President will speak directly to students around the country about the value of education and the importance of staying in school as part of his effort to dramatically cut the dropout rate. It's not a policy speech."
That unreasonable, irrational fear that Mrs. Barron speaks of is the tool that potentially will tear this country apart. There are extremist in Texas calling for succession and politicians in Kansas looking for the next "great white hope". There are preachers in the pulpit giving sermons titled "Why I Hate Barack Obama" and that he prays that "he dies and goes to hell!" Since the debate on health care has ramped up in recent weeks the number of threats on the life of the President of the United States have now risen by as much as 400 percent!
I now understand the meaning of the words of President FDR when he said that we as a country "...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory."
He made that speech in 1932, a time when the drepression was reaching it's depth. Although we've supposedly seen the worst of the ressicion (which started during the Bush administration), as a country we're still living in a similar climate, racially, politically and financially. I just wish that the next line in FDR's speech still could ring true: "I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days."
Go DJ! That's My DJ!Posted
I've applied to a job at a radio station and you can help me get it... Please go to my Imeem page and listen to one or more of my playlist. Back2School/ Labor Day Playlist now available ! Leave a comment or on the playlist or mark it as your favorite and you could get a free: "August Nights" CD with the hottest R&B of Summer 09! Help me get this job by getting my stats up! Vote for your favorites, leave comments and be a good friend! lol :P Thanks!
There is a term for the symbiotic relationship that exists between government, private enterprise and the penal system, called the Prison/Industrial Complex. I suspect it's called complex because of how convoluted and twisted relationship is between the different entities. At the core of this unison is the substantial stimulus that criminals provide the American economy. Besides the funeral business, the prison industry is one of the few truly recession proof facets of this society. Behind BarsPosted
I've been told that my skill for writing is a gift and in turn my essays articles, blogs and stories are my gift to the world. I've been blessed with the ability to empress my opinions, feelings and thoughts on various subjects in ways that make people relate and connect to humanity. My hope is that the trend continues as I am now beginning a new series of articles which will chronicle my time "behind bars". I am currently serving 175 days in Arapahoe County Detention Facility located in my home state, Colorado. My offence against the county was Driving Under Restraint. (In other words, I got caught driving while my driver's license was suspended.)
By documenting what I experience emotionally, mentally and physically, I am creating an opportunity to free myself and leave the doors to my jail "wyde open"!
My Generations Motown!Posted
25 years ago I saw a movie that forever changed my life... I won't say that watching Krush Groove was the moment that I "fell in love with hip-hop" as quoted in the film Brown Sugar, but after watching it I knew that I wanted to be part of a growing movement called Hip-Hop. Shortly thereafter I started to save whatever money I could to eventually buy my 1st set of turntables and a mixer from Radio Shack. Every week I would walk to Sound Warehouse or Sunshine Records and Tapes to buy the newest 12" single. More often than not, the logo on that 12" piece of vinyl was a clever combination of a turntable tone arm and the words "DEF JAM".
Now, I know I may sound old when I say this but people involved in the game now-a-days need to learn the history behind Hip-Hop. A few years ago while standing in line at the bookstore on Houston's TSU's campus I overheard a young woman telling her friend about seeing Krush Groove the previous night. When the friend asked her what the plot of the film was she replied "It's a movie about Diddy or something like that." I was so dissapointed. So for those of you who don't know, Krush Groove is a movie of Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin and their early days starting Def Jam Records and Rush management. So many superstars had cameos in this movie including Russell and Rick themselves. Ironically the classic soundtrack wasn't even released on Def Jam but rather Warner Brothers. However they have subsequently provided the soundtrack to the past 25 years of everything else. They have been the home or parent company to so many of the biggest names in not only Hip-Hop but RnB as well. Names like:
Once I decided to start rhyming ontop of DJ'ing I modeled my style after one the MC's who at the time was one of the youngest in the game...The G.O.A.T.: LL Cool J. His performance in Krush Groove was in my opinion the best scene of the movie. Did you see the late great Jam Master Jay get gangsta and start to bust a cap in LL's ass?!!? Classic! In 1992 Russell made history again by giving the world the gift of laughter in the form of Def Comedy Jam. Of course that is the show that launched the careers of several comedy superstars like: Chris Rock Dave Chappelle Cedric the Entertainer Steve Harvey the late great Bernie Mac Chris Tucker D.L. Hughley Bruce Bruce Bill Bellamy and DOZENS of others. Check out this classic clip: Then 10 years after the premiere of Def Comedy, Russell brought the amazing Def Poetry Jam to the public eye and lifted the recognition and respect for urban poets to unprecedented levels. In addition to (at the time) lesser known poets like:
several noted celebrities also appeared on Def Poetry Jam like Jamie Foxx Erykah Badu Black Thought George Clinton David Banner and too many others to name. Check out Rev. Run do his thing on DPJ with a tribute to the late great, my idol and his friend JMJ! Like I said earlier, whether you're an artist, DJ or just a lover of Hip-Hop, you must learn the history and lesson #1 is recognizing the influence that Def Jam Records had in truly defining not just the music industry but a whole culture. A culture where everyone dresses talks watches buys eats breathes and lives Hip-Hop!
Special thanks to Def Jam, Russell Simmons Rick Rubin and even Lyor Cohen on behalf of those who love Hip-Hop, we thank you for your vision and efforts 25 years ago! To my readers: Make sure you leave your comments below on who your favorite Def Jam artist is or favorite song. Or how about your favorite Def Poetry Moment or favorite Def Comedy comedian? Don't forget to give me props if you're feeling my blog! Hit me up on www.twitter.com/wydeopen for blog suggestions! Thanks for coming out! God Bless You! Good Night!
No Greater LovePosted
While walking down the streets of BlackPlanet I happened upon a page that had a really interesting story posted on it. I apologize that I didn't get the url of the poster but I did copy and paste the text right below for you to think about and pass along: One day a guy and his girlfriend were on a motorcycle speeding down a street when something happened. The story went like this: Girl: Slow down. Im scared. Guy: No this is fun. Girl: No its not. Please, its too scary! Guy: Then say u Love me. Girl:Ok, I Love u. Slow down! Guy: Now give me a BIG hug. *Girl hugs him* Guy: Can u take my helmet off & put it on? Its buggin me. In the paper the next day: A motorcycle had crashed into a building because of brake failure. Two people were on it but only one survived. The truth was that halfway down the road, the guy realized that his brakes had failed but he didn`t want to let the girl know. Instead, he had her say she loved him & felt her hug one last time, then he had her wear his helmet so that she would live even though it meant that he would die. I'm going to let the story speak for itself. If it moved you...copy and paste it and pass it on. And remember to keep your hearts.... WydeOpen!
Wow! I've been blogging here on BlackPlanet for just over a year now! Now, it hasn't been all butter and yes, I've had a few haters here and there but overall, I've gotten an overwhelming flood of LOVE as expressed below by just a few comments out fo the 100's that I've recieved. "Well brotha, I have to say once again you have hit the nail on the head with this one" "It's been a long time since I've read some intelligent words from an intelligent brother. Keep it goin'. I hear ya!"
"Real Recognize Real and I recognize that in this blog....glad to have you on my friends list."
"Bro you just hit on a little bit of my life i.ll have to read your blogs more often,i.m new to all this and never wrote a blog, i think i.ll learn by reading yours thanks
Whats up bro? First I had to ask myself why is this Dude asking for a friend inv ite.I'm on here for the dating scene. Then I said ok people are on here for different reasons.Well after reading your blog....you are right.Things always happen for a reason.If one person can enlighten you about something you,or they are going through.........Then things do happen for a reason.....Great post bro keep ya head up.....Peace"
I want to thank everyone for all of the love that I've received since I 1st posted my opinion about the Jenna 6 situation. Staying true to my name, I've done my best to keep it WydeOpen and put it in the air raw and uncut. I've made some of you cry and some of you laugh and I just want to let you know thank you for sharing those tears and laughs with me!
I have to put out a extra special thanks to a newly aquired BP friend (but hopefully lifelong real-life friend) of mine who actually was the inspiration for me to start writing publicly. From almost the day we met she "nagged" me (just kidding) to start publishing my words. At first I was reluctant then I gradually became more and more motivated as I saw that she actually saw potential in my skill and that she was one person that actually believed in me.
Sadly and maybe even ironically, she was the inspiration and subject of my what you my BlackPlanet friends feel has been my best post yet. To this day Wasted Breath has gotten the most comments of all my writings.
I've called her my muse and I'm honored that she has chosen to still be my friend even though our paths have veered in different directions.
I also want to share my gratitude to Tracey and the rest of the BP staff who recognized me and my mission and helped expose me to so many people here on the Planet by sending invites out on my behalf and making me Member of the Day over 10 times! Thank you!
As for the rest of you, I hope you all have enjoyed the music and videos that I supplement my posts with.
I plan on expanding my platform over the next 12 months so this year coming will only be bigger and better and of course more WydeOpen!
For those of you who are my new friends and don't know much about me...
You'll find blogs about:
If you read the post titled "Why My Name Is WydeOpen" you'll understand that this blog is more than just me expressing my opinion on everyday life and death.
"one thing that I'll share with you now about being a spiritual creation is that I know that I am REAL as all of all of God's other creations so with that knowledge I must be and have no fear to keep it REAL and WydeOpen with all those I encounter. If I attempt to be false or anything other than what the Creator has manifested you will recognize and either run from me or attempt to misuse me."
I have many issues that I need to work on and I've chosen to be real with myself by leaving myself...
I hope you continue to enjoy for many years to come!
All that I'm asking of you my friends right now is that you please leave a comment on this post and let me know what subjects you want me to cover.
Do you want
More comedy?
More politics?
More relationship issues?
Sports?
Other topics?
You let me know and I'll do my best to hook you up!
editors note: Please take time to visit the links provided. For easy navigation right-click the link and open it in a new tab or window.
I was cruising the streets of BlackPlanet when I cam across an interesting page. The following post comes courtesy of yaktownmd's blog. Please read it and pass it on through e-mail or reposting on your page. WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND.Posted September 25th, 2008 at 04:27pm One day a man saw a old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.' Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me..' He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight. A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan . After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.' Under the napkin were four more $100 bills. Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.... She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'
When I read this story I immediately thought of the incredible movie "Pay It Forward". If you haven't seen it, please take time to rent it or even buy it as soon as possible. This movie is so powerful that it brought my daughter to tears the first time she saw it because it moved her to the soul. In a world that is dying from the cancer that is war and while living in a state of existence where death and violence fill our computer, television and movie screens we sometimes need a reminder that we're all in this together. Stories like the one above and movies like "Pay It Forward" serve their purpose to make us all stop and think about what really is important in our lives and force us to question the legecy that we leave behind. If you feel me, copy and paste this then send it to 3 people on your contact list. Help me get the rest of the world... WydeOpen!
Now that the political conventions are over and done with the real campaigning has begun by both parties. As of this very moment as I write this blog, polls from CNN.com has the two Presidential contenders neck in neck with each holding 45% of the election. With the race being so close, every single vote counts! And this scenario scares the hell out me for 2 major reasons: In part one of this blog I'll discuss reason #1:
The STOLEN election of 2000! For those unfamiliar with the particulars: The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Democratic candidate Al Gore, then Vice President, and Republican candidate George W. Bush, then governor of Texas and son of former president George H. W. Bush. The election featured a controversy over who won Florida's 25 electoral votes (and thus the presidency), the recount process in that state, and the unusual event that the losing candidate had received 543,816 more popular votes than the winner. The turmoil of the Florida recount fiasco was aptly chronicled in the HBO Films original movie "Recount" staring Kevin Spacey.
Officially George Bush won Florida's 25 Electorial College Votes by aproximately only 500 votes. The law says that with margin of victory that close there has to be a mandatory machine recount of the ballots but in all actuallity, 18 Florida counties did not recount their votes! That means over 1.5million votes not actually recounted! Not that it might have mattered anyway.... See, the software that these voting machines use is flawed and capable of being hacked! In some instances, the machines were actually tallying negetive votes for Al Gore! There has been congressional testimony that software has been designed to manipulate voting machines! Watch the following clips from Uncounted: The New Math of American Elections
In additon to the flagrant electronic voting maching errors, votes casts by paper ballot were manipulated and discounted. Many voters had difficulties with the paper based punch card or voting machines and were either unable to understand the required process for voting or unable to perform the process. This resulted in an unusual amount of over votes (voting for more candidates than is allowed) and undervotes (voting for fewer than the minimum candidates, including none at all). Many undervotes were potentially caused by either voter error or errors with the punch card paper ballots resulting in hanging, dimpled, or pregnant chad. I don't mean to discourage anyone from voting this year. All I'm asking is that you take the time to make sure that your vote counts! Let election workers know if you feel there is a problem with your ballot whether cast electronically or through paper based punch cards! To be continued!
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