I am getting sooooooo very tired of hearing about all of the people who want President Obama dead.  I have read of at least two pastors who are praying, or have prayed, for his death and now, someone used Facebook to start a poll on whether or not President Obama should be assassinated.  What in the world is going on?!!!!!!

If you haven’t heard, the Secret Service is trying to identify the people who launched the “Should Obama be Killed?” poll that was launched on Facebook.  The poll has since been yanked from Facebook, but 750 Facebook users had responded to the poll before it was yanked.  750 people!  That is so amazing to me.  Don’t people realize that what you put out, is usually what you get in return?  In other words,  what you wish upon someone else CAN be turned around and brought upon you or someone in your family.  What’s the term for that — Karma? 

What has President Obama done, in his less than a year in office, to cause such strong reactions in people?  It cannot be the state of the economy because guess what?  This economy was brought on during George Bush Jr.’s stint in the White House!  In other words, if you want to place the blame on someone for this economy, blame it on Bush!  That’s right!  Now, former President Jimmy Carter seems to think it’s due to racism.  Is that the case for all of this hatred toward our current president?  Just because he’s a Black man, people want him assassinated?  If so, that is one of the most ridiculous things I ever heard!

Look, if you do not agree with President Obama’s politics, that’s fine.  The right to free speech is one of America’s greatest selling points, so to speak.  But to pray for the President to die or poll people on whether or not he should be killed because you don’t like his policies, well that’s just asinine!  

7DayBuzz readers, I seriously would like to know why people are so afraid of and/or threatened by President Obama.  Do you know?

Well, in a backhanded sort of way.  If you notice, this is the first time I’ve written anything concerning Glenn Beck and that’s because I think he’s a complete idiot who only talks to hear himself!  Like Rush Limbaugh, he says things that he knows will incite those closet, racial bigots, into action.  So, I’ve always told myself I would not post anything about him.  However, this is different:–)

Yesterday, Katie Couric debuted her new web show, @katiecouric, on cbsnews.com and Glenn Beck was her first guest.  Here’s what the good (I’m being soooooooo facetious here) Mr. Beck revealed on Katie’s show: 

 ”I think John McCain would have been worse for the country than Barack Obama.”

What?!!!!!  Finally!  Glenn Beck is showing that he has some sense - even if it is minute!  Of course, he followed up this statement with an abashing “I can’t believe I’m saying this.”  Really?!!!!!!

Do you think he’d ever reveal this sentiment on his own show?  Heck no!  And here’s why:  He is fully aware that he’d lose those viewers who feed off of the animosity he usually shows towards President Obama!  Plain and simple!  Well, at least that’s what I think —- 7daybuzz readers, what do YOU think?

Happy Friday! 

While reading some news on the Internet, I ran across something that should be troubling to us all.  This is from an article concerning president Obama’s decision to scrap Bush’s missile-defense plan:

“Obama’s decision Wednesday to scuttle a costly and technically challenged long-range missile-defense system in Europe marks his most significant reversal of a Bush foreign policy priority. It could change the dynamic of what has been an increasingly tense relationship between the U.S. and Russia, which viewed the Bush plans for missile defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic as a threat.”

Clicking on the link above will take you to the article where you can read more about it, but I want to get on with what is troubling about this situation.

…Obama’s announcement drew heated criticism from Republicans, who accused the president of abandoning central European allies and caving in to Russia in a naive bid for diplomacy.

Democrats praised the decision; Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin called it “a sound choice that will improve our security.”

I don’t want to complicate things any more than they should be; it is what it is.  Over and over again, two groups of supposedly intelligent leaders disagree AND their disagreements just so happen to fall within their party affiliation.  I call foul and say this is wrong and downright stupid.

RIGHT AND WRONG

Since many people believe in their party, this is what I think they are saying:

1. When a Democrat is president, the Democrats think that is the best thing for the country
2. When a Republican is president, the Republicans think that is the best thing for the country
3. Both parties think every decision (or almost every one) made by a president from the opposite party is wrong
4. Both parties think every decision (or almost every one) made by a president from their pary is right

Doesn’t this seem impossibly too black and white?  If I’m a Democrat, how can I responsibly think everything a Republican does is wrong and vice versa?  We are smarter than that aren’t we?  When I say “we” I’m talking about everyone who isn’t part of the political money grab.  I call it a money grab because integrity, responsible decision-making and virtually everything else is put aside so politicians can stay in the good graces of their party.

I challenge anyone who reads this to respond with one thing that a president from your party did (past or current presidents) that you didn’t like and something a president from the other party did that you did like.  Just give it to us plain and simple.

I will start off by saying I don’t like how BHO bailed out the auto industry.  I think the American auto companies produced big SUVs, trucks and car that were low on technology and reliability, but comparitive in price with foreign makes.  I think it was their time to fall because of the environment they created.  If the government wanted to get involved I think they should have helped a new company purchase equipment and factories from GM and Chrysler.  I hope I’m not alone in not believing all this talk about a “new GM.”

I think most people probably know by now what happened with Kanye West at MTV’s video music awards.  Well, if you don’t: Taylor Swift won an award that Beyonce was also nominated for.  During her acceptance speech, West went up on the stage, took the mic and said Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time…blah, blah, blah.  Swift was obviously shook up and they had to go to a break.

Since this “incident”, West has reportedly reflected on his actions and said something about needing some time off.  Whatever!  This is coming from someone with a track of arrogance and attention grabbing.  I guess it isn’t enough to sell millions of records and make millions of dollars – West has to be the center of attention plus have his opinion override those who decide who wins awards. 

BHO SPEAKS

Following thiss, some of ABC’s employees overheard a conversation between the president and CNBC’s John Harwood and didn’t realize it was considered off the record.  Well, off the record Obama called West a jackass for his actions – something few, if any, would disagree with.  Although they are competitors, CNBC and ABC share a fiber optic line to save money, and this enabled some ABC employees to listen in on the interview as it was being taped for later use (Bauder, 2009). 

Here is how the conversation went:

“I thought that was really inappropriate,” Obama says. “What are you butting in (for)? … The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person. She’s getting her award. What’s he doing up there?”

A questioner chimes in, “Why would he do it?”

“He’s a jackass,” Obama replies, which is met with laughter from several people.

The president seems to quickly realize he may have gone too far, and jovially appeals to those assembled that the remark be kept private. “Come on guys,” he says. “Cut the president some slack. I’ve got a lot of other stuff on my plate.”

Good on you (ABC and CNBC) for saving money.  A huge foul for listening in and using it.  And how do you think this whole thing got out?

Some ABC employees used big, bad, Twitter – and the rest is history.  Why is twitter always involved in these kinds of scandals?  We have gone from a society that could safely leave our front doors open (unlocked) to a society that needs to lock our lips 24/7.  It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are at, someone has the capability to instantly blast your actions and/or words to the entire world.  Isn’t it normal for something that has the possibility to break new ground and force change to be used innappropriately at times.  [shrug] Oh well.

One thing I like about this situation is the fact that Obama is starting to add some ruff edges to his charismatic personality.  We are at war with other countries, at war with our economy and in many ways at war with one another.  I don’t want a president that is too nice.  That is one thing I can say about Bush, it didn’t matter if it was to protect the family business or find some imaginary weapons of mass destruction – he didn’t mind getting grimey and sending some people to kick some….Then again, he had some Texas crude caught in his throat when the “refugees” needed him in New Orleans.

Hey 7DayBuzz readers. It’s that time of week ….. WordPlay Wednesday! Are you ready to be creative with your comments? Remember, use no more than five words to convey your sentiment about the topics listed below.

Okay, here we go…..

1. Do you agree with what former president Jimmy Carter had to say about representative Wilsons’ outburst?  “I think it’s based on racism,” Carter said at a town hall held at his presidential center in Atlanta. “There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president.”  Click on the link and read the article, but to be fair, this is what Wilsons’ son had to say: “There is not a racist bone in my dad’s body,” said Alan Wilson, an Iraq veteran who is running for state attorney general. “He doesn’t even laugh at distasteful jokes. I won’t comment on former President Carter, because I don’t know President Carter. But I know my dad, and it’s just not in him.”
2. Should we send more troops to the war in Afghanistan or bring everyone home?
3. When someone is sentenced to die, how humane should the process be?  Basically, Romell Broom was supposed to be executed for raping and killing a 14-year-old girl.  His execution was delayed because they couldn’t find a vain.  The article says that at one point he appeared to be crying while the y searched for a vain…SO!
4. Doesn’t it seem like Patrick Swayze didn’t make enough movies?
5. Is Kanye West one of the biggest jerks around?

HE/SHE

“The IAAF declined to confirm a Sydney Morning Herald report that world 800-meter champion Caster Semenya has male and female sex organs.”

Ewww!

The latest word is that the gender report says Semenya has both female and male organs.  I don’t even know what I think about this one, but this is a crazy world we live in!  Although this isn’t the first case of this kind, this has received the most press as far as I know.  Unfortunately, we could be seeing more situations like this.  It is a shame what some people will do for athletic glory.

I only read a few of the comments in the article, but I read some things about Serena Williams.  I guess some of the people commenting think Serena has something in common with Semenya.

8 YEARS LATER

“I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach every year,” said Nancy Rokayak, 45, of Charlotte, N.C., who covers her hair in public. “I feel on 9/11 others look at me and blame me for the events that took place.”

9/11 happened 8 years ago and some Muslims fear for their safety in this historic day.  Today shouldn’t be a celebration, but it shouldn’t be a reason for hate crimes either.

I can only speak for myself, but any reservations I would have towards a Muslim is centered around their religion.  When someone is willing to strap a bomb to their body and die in the name of Allah I’m concerned.  Our culture doesn’t worship someone who does this and certainly wouldn’t promote it.  Since some Muslims are willing to do this, seeing a Muslim on 9/11 will cause an alarm to go off.

WHITNEY IS BACK

I’m listening to Whitney Houston’s new album as I type this and am somewhat happy and sad about the outcome.  Hopefully, she is healthy and in the right frame of mind.  But this CD isn’t on par with her past efforts.  To be fair, her voice is still equal to or better than popular singers like Beyonce, Mariah Carey or Alecia Keys, but she was better.  Regardless of what genre of music you listened to, Whitney Houston’s voice was as perfect as we’ve ever had.  Not anymore.  The content?  I will let you decide that one, if you so desire.

LET’S BE FRIENDS

“Political discussion tend to turn heated. Can you be friends with someone who strongly opposes your political view”

Click the link and check out this rivalry on Jealousbrother.com.  The discussion is something we obviously need.  In my opinion, politics are going too far in the US and we need to take a step back to see what is going on.  We need to be looking at possible solutions for the greater good and not only thinking along political lines.  Besides that, we shouldn’t let politics determine who our friends are.  As absurd as that may sound, I’m sure there are people who would shy away from a potential life-long friend because of their political affiliation.  If you ask me that is stupid!

Have a good weekend!

Please excuse us for being absent yesterday.  Work, home, school and most importantly a little girl have us craving two additional hours in a day.  But those things don’t keep the world from rotating and things happen that need to talk about.

See if you can respond to these subjects in 5 words or less; I know it is hard sometimes, but try anyway.

***After thinking about some of the issues below, who cares about 5 words!  Some of these issues may need much more.

1. Did President Obama finally turn tough?
2. Is adding Ellen Degeneres to American Idol a sign of desperation?
3. Does Oprah Winfrey have too much Power?
4. Is this a day of mourning for Women across America?
5. Should anything happen to Joe Wilson?

My thoughts:

1. Instead of looking at the message first I look at how the message was delivered.  Although I support Obama, I don’t think we need another nice speech.  We know he has a very nice delivery, but it is about time he gets a little tougher with his words.  He has been attacked like no other president in my lifetime and I’m tired of seeing him take it with a smile.
2. As soon as the fourth judge was added last season I knew Paula Abdul was out.  Her odd behavior had run its course and it was time for her to either change drastically or go.  She didn’t change so she had to go.  Ellen Degeneres is just the kind of judge mainstream America wants and could be a reason I don’t watch the show in the future.  She will add corny one-liners and that is about it.  They might as well add Dennis Miller while they are at it!
3. Yes, Oprah has too much power.  Whatever Oprah likes becomes the new hot thing.  Women all across the country hang on her every word and it is sickening.
4. The NFL season starts tonight.  Yes, it is that time of year again ladies!
5. OK, so Joe Wilson yells, “You lie” right in the middle of the president’s speech.  This happens in congress!  I’m almost speechless because of where this happened and how much press Bush received when someone threw a shoe at him.  I think there should be some kind of disciplinary action taken since this was a member of congress.  But I’m sure these spoken words were in the hearts of many others.

When I read about this little girl, and then saw the pictures, I was saddened. I mean, she is only 5 years old, but she supposedly weighs 168 pounds! Yes, you read correctly – a 5 year old girl weighs 168 pounds! Whose at fault here? Is it her parents for allowing her to eat so much, to where she is basically beyond obese, if there is such a thing!

According to news reports, who have labeled her the ‘World’s Most Hungriest Girl’, Suman Khatun, from West Bengal, India, is so insatiably hungry, she devours over 10 kilograms of rice, 24 eggs, six liters of milk and five kilos of potatoes in just a week. One week people! Supposedly, Suman has a chemical imbalance which fuels her desire for all of this food. Do you believe that? Is that possible – especially in a 5 year old? I really don’t know the answer, so if you know, please share with us.

In addition to the reported chemical imbalance, Suman also has respiratory problems, due to her weight. I say again this is truly sad. She’s just a little girl, but because she weighs so much – 168 pounds – she looks much older! 7DayBuzz readers, what’s your take on this? Do you think this real or is it a made-up story that’s making its rounds on our beloved internet? I’ve posted pictures of Suman so you can see for yourself:

“An Auckland accountant was sacked for sending “confrontational” emails with words in red, in bold and in capital letters.

Vicki Walker, who was a financial controller with ProCare Health, has been awarded $17,000 for unfair dismissal, and plans to lodge an appeal for further compensation.” (Lewis 2009)

Allegedly, this happened without warning.  I guess a simple, “Would you stop using caps?” would have been too much right?

Number 10 on the email ettiquette list says, “IF YOU WRITE IN CAPITALS IT SEEMS AS IF YOU ARE SHOUTING. This can be highly annoying and might trigger an unwanted response in the form of a flame mail. Therefore, try not to send any email text in capitals.”  Understood, but does that seem like it is enough cause to fire someone without warning?

The first question I would ask is how did other employees feel about Vicki Walker besides the emails she sent out.  I would guess someone didn’t really care for her and this was the perfect reason to get rid of her.  Or so they thought.  There is a manager/supervisor that dropped the ball on this one and I would hold him/her responsible for the money the company had to pay in the judgement. 

I don’t like to get yelled at like the next person, but aren’t there enough problems in the world without being sensitive to some capital letters?

I’m not talking about HIV, the swine flu, any airborn virus or even the common cold.  What I’m talking about are sex offenders; people who may live in your neighborhood and seem like normal people on the outside.  Yes, they seem normal, but on the inside there is a sickness that is in some ways worse than a murder or other convicted felons. 

As a father of a 1-year-old this really hits home – I can only imagine what I would do if one of these people tried anything with my daughter.

“The Monster charged with kidnapping Jaycee Lee Dugard and holding her captive in his backyard for 18 years had sick “sexual fantasies” about little girls for decades.

Phillip Garrido admitted that starting in 1968 he hung around schools and pleasured himself while “watching young females.”

“I have done it by the side of schools, grammar schools and high schools, in my own car,” Garrido said in court testimony obtained Tuesday by The Daily News.

Asked how old these girls were, Garrido replied, “From 7 to 10.”

Dugard was just 11 when prosecutors say Garrido and his wife, Nancy, abducted her in 1991 as she was walking to her school bus stop in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

The victim was just 14 when she gave birth to the first of two girls she had by Garrido.

Garrido, 58, and his wife now face 29 felony counts in connection with Dugard’s abduction. But his dark desires were first revealed in 1977 while on trial for kidnapping and brutally raping Katherine Callaway Hall a year earlier.” (Dillon 2009)

It is also worth mentioning that Garrido served 12 years of a 50-life sentence after raping Katherine Callaway Hall in 1976.  So this monster got out of jail in 1998 and a few years later abducted someone.  Isn’t there something wrong with this story?  How often do things like this happen in society?

Doesn’t something like this put other crimes in a different light?  Rapists kill, but when the victims live it could be considered even more brutal because they have to put their lives back together.  Think about Jaycee Lee Dugard’s two kids; what is she going to tell them about their father?  But we waste a lot of energy and taxpayers’ money on dogs and someone who is dumb enough to shoot himself.

We could go on and on with a discussion like this and the situation would only grow more grimm.  We often talk about racial issues, but I think everyone will agree with me when I say this problem is colorblind.  Given the choice between a next door neighbor who is a card carrying racist or a sex offender I think I would have to choose the racist.

I will continue to check my neighborhood and I ask you to do the same because these people walk among us.  Below are some websites you can use to see what sex offenders live near you.

1. Criminal Check
2. National Sex Offender Registry
3. Map Sex Offenders - this site actually requires payment for a report.  I think something is wrong with that.