Before I can say Happy Father's Day to you, I really need to ask you, Who's Your Daddy? Then I can say Happy Father's Day or Happy Government's Day! Great messages across the country in church services today about Fathers. I visited and wished my dad well wishes and had love pouring from my girls tell me I was "all that!' However, I believe fathers across the country are being challenged by the government - competing to be the "provider", "teacher", and "source for help and guidance" for their family.
Pres. Obama delivered a message yesterday about being a father is more than having a child. It is raising a child, being responsible. I believe he is right in his message but like so many of his messages- is contradictory to his actions or the actions of his administration and policy! Over the last year we have idly sat by and allowed our government to to do what we are suppose to do! When our children are in trouble in school or has a run in with the law- the go to person is usually the father. Dad will come to address the issue with the school or city jail and the teachable moments-stern discipline would ensue. I understand that the absence of the father is prevalent in many areas-but is the government the replacement- I think not!
If we are to be responsible can we learn from the government who has bailed out the banks, autos and soon to be health care industries? Are we fathers to learn responsibilities by watching deficit spending -in an effort to get out of debt, a lesson for us to teach our children about indebtedness? Can we hear the words of raising a child is the responsibility of the father (and mother) yet provide the housing , the education, the food, the health care, the security and other decisions....what is left then for dad to do? Provisions to another creates dependency! Our children are dependent upon us for life and sustenance and until they are of legal age or able to provide for themselves. A government that is rapidly moving to have their hand operating the very aspects of our life, the operating of various business and industries, creates the dependency on them and not our fathers. Hallmark Cards will have to get the creative writers ready as there is still many who believe the government should be the provider and take care of them! To them I say - Happy Government Day!
For me... I will follow my dad and other men who sacrificed, leads by example where their talk is lined with their walk! To all of you who are rolling up your sleeves to be a Father, a Daddy- I say Happy Fathers Day!
Who's Your Daddy?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Big Bail Out! Oh No!
Congress now in a position to cover their tracks! Secy of Treasury Henry Paulson and Pres. Bush presented the bail out bill for congress to pass expeditiously, to the tune of 700 billion dollars! (My thought - it will be much more than that as the scope is unknown as to how far and wide the bail out should cover. Banks abroad that have business ties with the U.S., more regulations and oversight, peripheral business/industries that are impacted, and the list goes on. While the 'hot potato gets tossed around, do we understand why we are here and will this bail out correct the behavior going forward? No! Unless we see where the decisions to allow great risk and the players that condoned the behavior or benefit- we are not looking at changed policy perse'. Americans have been put out to pasture- some of our own doing- by not being responsible for more of our decisions and secondly, for electing those to represent or misrepresent us. The relaxing of the regulations by Democrats led by Pres Clinton and the lack of fight by the Republicans and Pres Bush spreads the accountability to all. Where do we go now? I would not support a $700 billion bail out knowing it will be more (nature of that beast) We are nation of law and order and thus should not be "saving" business. Having said this we are a nation that is sovereign and stands for protecting her citizens. (I would go with half or $350 billion maximum for specific banks and properties in the U.S. with companies correcting their own management, policies, investment /lending practices etc...) Otherwise we continue this enabling and government dependency with accountability and responsibility!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A salute Dr. William O. Stewart!!!
What an unbelievable experience! The Republican National Convention was the summit of 2o years as a black Republican - from working the streets of Chicago serving the community (I will not say as a community organizer- as that is a Sen Obama's title and part of a left leaning government org ACORN) to my current role as vice-chairman of the Washington County Republican Committee and State Treasurer of the Republican Party of Arkansas. The convention not only highlighted where the party is headed and my involvement but it caused me to pause and reflect if where it started.
I participated in many interviews this week, and I had the occasion to share little about Dr. William O. Stewart- the fire starter who challenged me causing me to think through both parties platform and the reason why I switched from a democrat to a republican in the spring of 1988. A few months later he would become Illinois delegate at the Republican Convention in New Orleans in August of 1988. I thought a lot of him this week, here it is mid August, 20 years later and I'm part of the St Paul, Republican Natl Convention as an Arkansas delegate to nominate the next POTUS , Sen. John McCain!!!!
Dr. Stewart, an African American educator. He was an assistant principal in the Chicago Public Schools when I met him. He was also the Finance Director for the Chicago Teacher's Union, a member of my fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, and very active in the republican party...
(I later found out he was one of the go- to- guys when Ronald Reagan would come home!)
Yes, one of the impact players to help shape my political views!
Thank you Dr. Stewart- this was truly a dream come true and I aim to be a Dr Stewart to others, in particular young black males as you were to me! We are not monolithic in thought and actions- and it is okay to differ in political views! Next... attend the RNC Convention in 2012- as a public official?! Hmmmm...
I participated in many interviews this week, and I had the occasion to share little about Dr. William O. Stewart- the fire starter who challenged me causing me to think through both parties platform and the reason why I switched from a democrat to a republican in the spring of 1988. A few months later he would become Illinois delegate at the Republican Convention in New Orleans in August of 1988. I thought a lot of him this week, here it is mid August, 20 years later and I'm part of the St Paul, Republican Natl Convention as an Arkansas delegate to nominate the next POTUS , Sen. John McCain!!!!
Dr. Stewart, an African American educator. He was an assistant principal in the Chicago Public Schools when I met him. He was also the Finance Director for the Chicago Teacher's Union, a member of my fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, and very active in the republican party...
(I later found out he was one of the go- to- guys when Ronald Reagan would come home!)
Yes, one of the impact players to help shape my political views!
Thank you Dr. Stewart- this was truly a dream come true and I aim to be a Dr Stewart to others, in particular young black males as you were to me! We are not monolithic in thought and actions- and it is okay to differ in political views! Next... attend the RNC Convention in 2012- as a public official?! Hmmmm...
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Experience versus Great Expectations....
Happy Labor Day! Yes, the weekend was wall to wall coverage of Gustav in the Gulf and the GOP Convention and their preparations for both extraordinary events! The Republican Sen John McCain- has altered the convention and providing support and energy to the Gulf States as well we should.
Regarding the continued debate as to whether Gov. Palin has the "experience to lead the country as president tomorrow due to unfortunate circumstances, the answer no! Surprised? Neither is Sen Obama, Sen Biden or my candidate Sen McCain ecause none of them as been POTUS! The real answer is no one can say who is ready on day one unless they are going back for a second term for POTUS! Then we can say they are ready because they haveb bee there and done that!
So the question really should be is Gov Palin better prepared to lead? My response is a resound yes to her and Sen McCain! Why? We have to look at where someone has been, the people they select to surround themselves, and the decisions they have made along the way and ultimately the results of the actions and decisions. We then can extrapolate that they will- more than likely -continue with this behavior.
Lets see:
13 years of political background to include city council for 2 terms, mayor of Wasilla, Ethics Commissioner for Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation- ushering in major ethics reform after turning in corrupt politicians (republicans) , cut spending and waste which produced tax refunds / rebates back to Alaskans and responsibilities for a multi- million dollar budget as governor, managing various departments and personnel with daily decision to be made.
Again- does this mean she can be president tomorrow? No, this says she can and has made decisions in government. She has demonstrated on the local to state levels her ability to lead and make decisons over a period of time. I feel given the challenge and past performance indicators she can and will be a great Veep and or /president.
Against Expectations and promises with very little executivce, budget, and people responisbilities of Sen Obama, give me the dynamic dou of Sen McCain and Sen Palin.
Experience versus expectations equals excitment of the presidential race and will you vote on the expectation of change or on the experince to change?
Regarding the continued debate as to whether Gov. Palin has the "experience to lead the country as president tomorrow due to unfortunate circumstances, the answer no! Surprised? Neither is Sen Obama, Sen Biden or my candidate Sen McCain ecause none of them as been POTUS! The real answer is no one can say who is ready on day one unless they are going back for a second term for POTUS! Then we can say they are ready because they haveb bee there and done that!
So the question really should be is Gov Palin better prepared to lead? My response is a resound yes to her and Sen McCain! Why? We have to look at where someone has been, the people they select to surround themselves, and the decisions they have made along the way and ultimately the results of the actions and decisions. We then can extrapolate that they will- more than likely -continue with this behavior.
Lets see:
13 years of political background to include city council for 2 terms, mayor of Wasilla, Ethics Commissioner for Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation- ushering in major ethics reform after turning in corrupt politicians (republicans) , cut spending and waste which produced tax refunds / rebates back to Alaskans and responsibilities for a multi- million dollar budget as governor, managing various departments and personnel with daily decision to be made.
Again- does this mean she can be president tomorrow? No, this says she can and has made decisions in government. She has demonstrated on the local to state levels her ability to lead and make decisons over a period of time. I feel given the challenge and past performance indicators she can and will be a great Veep and or /president.
Against Expectations and promises with very little executivce, budget, and people responisbilities of Sen Obama, give me the dynamic dou of Sen McCain and Sen Palin.
Experience versus expectations equals excitment of the presidential race and will you vote on the expectation of change or on the experince to change?
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