Tag Archives: vote

02

Jun. ’24

I’m A Loser And Sucker

I am a retired airman. I joined the U. S. air force to have a somewhat choice in whatever job I would be assigned to do. Understand, this was during the time when there was a draft, and the air force did not draft like the other branches of service. Being Black, the jobs I could be placed in were limited but it was far more than the other branches of service. I served honorably and I grew into being an honorable man.

               It never occurred to me that I was a loser and sucker for serving my country. Well, it is what it is, and I am a proud loser/sucker and would do it again. Without being in the military, I probably would not have prospered as much as I have and probably wouldn’t know as much as I know now. I know I would not have been to nor seen the many places around the world. If all of this has made me a loser and a sucker, so be it.

               The ex-president made that comment and has repeated it many times. He dodged the draft and talked badly about all aspects of the military. He has said he knows more than the generals. If you were wounded, disabled, or died in the military, he dislikes you and don’t want to be near you. Protecting the country, fighting to maintain a democracy, and doing it willingly (there is no longer a draft), according to the ex-president, it makes all of us a loser and a sucker.

               Then, as I look harder at the comments that ooze daily out his mouth (and in the middle of the night texts), I am glad I wasn’t in the military when he was president. Why? Not only would I have been a loser and sucker, but I would also have been treated far worse than I was when I was in the military. When I was in the military I was called racial names, given unfair bad reports, and everything else that the racist people could think of.

               The ex-president does not like anyone that is not from a European White heritage. Don’t take my word, he said this and, at other times, alluded to it. Why would I want to protect a man and/or country that I know I don’t have a chance as a snowball in hell. Now he asks for my endorsement and vote for him to get back into office so that my benefits will get cut or entirely lost (not counting social security and other things). That is why I don’t understand why anyone that is not one hundred percent White would want him back in the White House. I do not understand why members of the military want him back when they know what he thinks of the military, and anything associated with the military. The members of the military that want him back must really be losers and suckers.

               Yes, I was a member of the military, I retired, and I am proud to be a loser and sucker. I don’t regret it; I am happy I retired before he came upon the scene and became President. I pray to God that he remains an ex-president.    

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26

Nov. ’23

Casinos

 Richmond, Va. voted, for the second time, not to have a casino. The casino was to be built in the south Richmond area, which we consider ‘the poor side of town’. This time and the last time a great amount of money went toward ads (tv, radio, etc.) to get people on board. The mayor and many top officials were for the casino saying it would bring a great amount of money into the city, especially the southside of Richmond.

               The mayor and others said most of the money gained from having the casino would go toward funding the schools (which is badly needed) and other needed improvements around Richmond. The same was said about the tolls on I-95 (before they were removed) and not much was seen. There are still tolls on other roadways around Richmond and still I haven’t seen much improvement except in downtown Richmond. The same was said before there were lottery tickets (scratch-offs, etc.), it was approved, it’s still ongoing and still not much is seen of the money gained.

               They were against Petersburg, Va., a city twenty miles down I-95 to the south of Richmond, also that is my hometown. Both times I wanted Petersburg to get the nod, but Richmond got it on its ballot instead. I live just outside Richmond therefore I could not vote for or against the casino. I really don’t know what all the fuss about the casino was because Virginia already has casinos. I don’t know why they were against Petersburg getting it either, so I decided to take a little ride.

               I have fond memories of Petersburg although it was during segregation. The Bill of Rights came to be the year I entered the U.S. Air Force. The city is known for the Civil War Battle of the Crater, among a few other things. When I retired from the air force, I became a policeman in my hometown.

               As I drove around the city, I saw vacant houses everywhere and vacant lots where houses or buildings used to be. There were plenty of nice homes scattered around but the mostly Black neighborhoods were in very bad shape. Trash and overgrown weeds and grass, vacant houses, empty lots, no businesses everywhere. I could see why Petersburg needed the casino to have a money flow, but I wonder if they would put it to use in the downtrodden areas.

 When I was on the police force the officers used to joke about the city council by calling them the city clowns. When I was on the force back then the city council was almost evenly split between White and Black members. When one side voted yes, the other side voted no and vice versa. I don’t know what is going on today. This is why I wonder if casino money would be used for great benefit.

I left Petersburg and started thinking about casinos (I’ve been to a lot of them all over the country) and thought about where a lot of them were located. Then when I pictured where a lot of them were it dawned on me that it was impoverished areas. So much for making the areas better.

My mind is still wondering if the casino is the best thing to have in either city. I just threw it out there, to clear my mind and to see what others think (like me you don’t have a dog in the fight either). I am also wondering what Richmond and Petersburg are going to do now. I believe many higher-ups still want to fight for a casino.

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09

Jan. ’22

Our Government

Does our government do everything it is supposed to do? No. Both sides are fighting each other. When one side say ‘yes’, the other side say ‘no’, and vice versa. Does our government provide everything it is supposed to provide? No. Again, when one side try to provide what it can and propose a bill to do it, the other side is against it simply (as I see it) because they did not propose it and will not receive the credit for it. Even when their constituents benefit from the proposed bill, they are against it.

               Around the world, other governments are going through the same thing. Politics gets in the way of progress for any society, and everybody lose. Here in the USA, things are getting worst and, as far as I can see, I do not see a light at the end of this long tunnel. Maybe it is still dark outside, and I can not tell it is the end of the tunnel. Or, maybe, there are more obstacles to jump over, and those obstacles are blocking the light at the end of the tunnel.

               The midterm elections are upon us, and it is assumed that Republicans will retake the government. It seems that the in-power party lose during the midterm election because the populace is angry that the in-power party have not moved fast enough to give them what they voted for. They do not care that the in-power party have been hamstrung from approving the bills they proposed to give the people what they want. They do not listen to the rhetoric, the untruths, from the other side. All that is known is they are not getting what they want, and they want to make them pay. They do not care that there are many things that they have gotten, all they see is they do not have their pet want.

               Politics is messed-up and is rife with politicians saying untruths, giving the runaround, and many other things that will make their side look good and the other side look bad. They will not tell you that the other side did something good nor will they vote a positive for a bill from the other side no matter that it is good for their constituents and/or it will help the world. They also have a ‘what is in it for me’ type of thinking. Most politicians are in politics because it will make them rich or richer.

               Yes, politics is messed up, but it is the only democratic thing we have for now. Personally, I do not want a dictatorship nor anything close to it. But, who or what do we have or put into place to watch the present government, keep them truthful and (here is the big one) dole out fair punishment for wrong doings? Everyone, including the populace, are for themselves and ‘be damned’ anyone else. There is not a thing in this world that is perfect but at least we can try and at least look out for our fellow man as we lookout for ourselves. By doing that, maybe we can have a better government.

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31

Oct. ’21

The Elections

Next week is election week. Here in Virginia, the governor’s election is too close to call. I voted early just like thousands of Virginians. As I have said before, I always vote for the better person, in my opinion, no matter which party they belong to. I listen closely to what the candidates are saying, and I look closely at who the person is, what they really stand for and try to guess what they would do if elected to the office.

               For instance, the Republican for Virginia’s governorship is constantly saying one thing while on the speaking stage, but hidden tapes have caught him saying something different. In fact, every Republican have been caught telling lies, constantly, while the Democrats have had verbal fluffs, every now and then, or what they say is either taken out of context or twisted to mean something they did not say. I still look at the person and give the benefit of the doubt before I choose which person I am to vote for.

               I also look at the party the person belongs to and understand what the party is doing or trying to do. Then I want to see if the candidate wants to help change some things in the party or help the party continue what it is doing. It makes a difference because I ask myself if I want to continue with the same old things that is giving me heart burn or do I want change. This is not a game. It is the future, and the future is not for me but for my family that is left when I am gone.

               The one campaign theme that is either scaring or thrilling a lot of people is when the name Trump comes up. Trump lost this state when he was running for re-election but think the man running for governor can change things. That man has said he is running because of Trump, and he admires him. How can a person admire a one term twice impeached President?

               What have my mind in a fog is why many people want this man that is against masks, vaccinations, abortion, messing with things in schools, and correct science (which include global warming). It appears every candidate for office that is Republican are all saying almost the same identical things and have the same identical mindset. They are like puppets and Trump is pulling the strings like a puppet master. I do not think they have a mind of their own.

               One more thing. The Republican candidate have gotten most of his campaign money from a Wisconsin billionaire. I recently wrote a blog entitled ‘Follow the Money’. Here is further proof of that. The Republicans have deep pockets because of the billionaires that is why they do not want wealthy money taxed. The Republicans do not want to tax them because they still want their pockets (personal and party) lined.

               Knowing all of what I have written and more I still say vote for the better person. Like I have said, I voted early. I say to you, remember, the way you vote will not only benefit you but your relations for years and years to come.

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09

May. ’21

I Do Not Understand

I do not understand. I am perplexed that the party (Republican), the party of the people, the party of the free, the party for all still choose Trump. The man for double standards, the man that have an ego problem that is bigger than anyone known to man, the man that lost the election but continue to deny the results. I do not understand how a person can be ridiculed, shunned, and is almost killed by Trumps forces still be on the same wagon as he is and still adore him like a slave that is forced to bow to his master’s will.

               That party have double standards. One for the party, while lying to you or not but mostly lying, and one for everyone else. Example: A White man voted twice in the last election. Once for himself and once for his deceased mother. He was excused because it may have been a mistake. A Black woman was freed from incarceration, thought she was eligible to vote under the new standards and was later told she was wrong. She was charged with voter fraud and jailed.  The Republican party did everything it could to squash everything President Obama tried to do, up to and including stacking the Supreme Court simply because they were in the majority. Now they are the minority and is hollering, thinking the same thing is being done to them while saying it is not fair, they never did that.

               The Biden administration is constantly trying to reach across the aisle and negotiate deals that both sides could live with. The Republican party refuse to meet with the Democrats and negotiate anything. To go even further, a Republican Congresswoman fist bumped President Biden and now the Republicans want her seat in Congress. I did not know it was a thing to not to have anything to do with the other party. I thought the parties were to come together to negotiate the peoples will. Must everyone always have a Sad Sack look on his face when in the presence of the other party like Moscow Mitch McConnell?

               I do not understand how so many people are so cultish for this ex-President, giving him every dime they can spare for him and his family to put into their pockets. How can people love him when almost everything he says and does is a lie? How can the people see and allow the right to vote or more difficult to vote become the standard in many states? I do not understand why they insist on tearing democracy apart and make it a government of old, old man Trump. I will not get into his gestapo forces; he tells them that he loves them.

               Lastly, I do not understand how a person want to run for President and refuse to say anything bad about Trump even after Trump had his forces hunt him down to hang him. Even after Trump slandered him and said he despised him because he would not fix the votes to show he won, he still will not say anything bad to him or about him. I do not understand.

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28

Mar. ’21

Voter Suppression

During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s I was a member of the NAACP and SCLC. I not only walked in peace marches and sat during the sit ins but, as a teenager and a person too young to vote, I helped Black adults learn to properly vote. Non-White people voting was openly suppressed in Virginia and there were many obstacles. Among things done was the poll tax, counting jellybeans in a jar, outright threats and more. Blacks were afraid because a person could lose their life by simply letting the wrong White person know that they were going to vote. Contacting law enforcement and going through the judicial system was not the thing to do because it was extremely dangerous. The system was all White and, going through the system would put your name and address on file.

               Through the years, things were supposed to have gotten better and the law and judicial system was supposed to be equally dispensed. Not so. All that happened was the inequity became shrouded. This is only a small portion of the reasons why Blacks do not trust law enforcement and the judicial system. I, like many other Blacks, have worked in law enforcement, both the military and civilian, and have seen the inequities up close and personal and have heard the comments uttered by the Whites. Not one thing could be said because my life and the life of others would be in jeopardy.

               Now the Whites have removed the shroud from the inequities. Congressmen have started voter suppression. States are attempting to change the laws to make it harder to vote, especially by mail (the military vote by mail, what will happen to their votes?). The Klan and other groups are brazenly out in the open. There are too many of these people in the judicial system, law enforcement, military, Congress and state and local government. These people are there to fully take what they want and to do whatever they choose to do.

               There are too many in Congress that want to have a fair vote only if it goes their party’s way. If the vote is expected to not go their way, they want to filibuster until the bill goes away which means they won by suppression. So far all I see and hear is the suppressed saying they cannot vote and if they do their vote will not be counted plus some states want to make it exceedingly difficult to vote, yet they do nothing about it.

               Voting have been happening since the beginning of time. One of the most famous votes was when the crowd had a choice of saving Jesus or the thief. The people had a choice, voted and the government official did as the vote dictated. Why not today? We voted, elected officials to act in our behalf (to do as we the people want) and expected results from what we the people wanted. Yet the elected officials are only acting in their behalf, not ours.

               Going back in time to my days of battling voter suppression will not work today for a myriad number of reasons. Things are the same, yet things are different therefore the situation must be met differently. All that was accomplished in my day as a teenager can be done today to stop the outwardly voter suppression and make it go underground. I do not believe it can be wiped out, but it can be held at bay. Remember, the person you think is not doing wrong may need a second, very stern, look.  

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25

Oct. ’20

Vote

The Presidential Debate was on television the other night and the President, although he could not interrupt as he did during the first debate, was saying the same thing he said almost four years ago. It was the same lies, misinformation, same ‘this is what I have done’ lies, and the same ‘I am not a racist’ pledge. Nothing but the same everything and nothing of consequence. Therefore, I was flipping between that and the football game, which was more interesting.

               I have already voted, and I cannot believe there are people that are still undecided. My mind was made-up a long time ago. If people still believe what the President is saying, I know someone that will sell them the Brookland Bridge. If people still don’t see that all this is is about money, power, and themselves, I feel sorry for them. Maybe they are just for themselves and not the country. Most Republicans are just for the party, good or bad, and to hell with compromising or the country.

               As I have said before, I am not a pure Democrat, during the past years I have voted Democrat and I have voted Republican. I vote for whom ever I think is the best person, not the party. I can think, I listen, and I will vote a mixed ticket, if necessary. However, there are many people that will vote against a person because they belong to a certain party.

               Then there are those that will take the oath of whichever office they are elected to and immediately break that oath. They swear to God to abide by that oath knowing they do not mean a word they are swearing to. Some get elected to office for the prestige, power, and the desire to get even more. Some use the office to possibly get fame and fortune. For some, the people they are elected to represent, are steppingstones to something greater.

               I can not understand how people want a health care plan, that may not be one hundred percent, destroyed because a different political party introduced it, and, as of yet, do not have another plan on the table. By destroying the health care plan and not having another to replace it standing-by will put millions on the sideline without anything. That will mean, not taking in consideration the pandemic, thousands will die because they could not afford medicine, a doctor, or a medical procedure, or all combined.

               The President said he have a health care plan coming. He said the same thing every year and yet there is nothing. He said he care for the people yet thousands, each day, die and/or get the virus. The people do not have the special medical care that the President and those in Congress have and because of the lack of medical care will greatly suffer. On November the fourth, the people of this great nation will awaken and will either know that their health care is safe or that their health care is going down the tubes. However, the way the situation plays out is in your hands by the way you vote. It is that easy. I have voted. It is now your turn if you have not already voted. Vote.

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11

Oct. ’20

Russia, Oh Russia

The other day I read an article that talked about Putin and Russia. I had forgotten about Russia because I was detracted by this pandemic. But I really have not forgotten about Russia because our President love him so much and is trying to be just like him. If you look at what is happening in Russia and what is happening in the USA and you will see little difference. The only real difference is Putin have been in office an exceedingly long time and I do not see him leaving office anytime soon. Our President want to be in office an exceptionally long time also, but he is old. I heard a whisper that he wants his son to take over like what happened in North Korea.

               Russia not only have a bad case of COVID that is still spreading but Putin himself is still governing from his bunker via teleconferencing. Remember, our President started to do this when the marches started. Humm! Russia have troops spread out in a few outlying countries because of uprisings and other things. They are trying to cope but is slowly losing their hold. Therefore, because of these things and a few more, Putin’s approval rating have dropped with only the seniors holding him up. As here, the younger generation is massing against him, not only in Russia but in Russian controlled provinces too.

               Putin’s opposition is trying hard suppressing of the vote and is making headway. That is why there is a rash of opposition murder and harassment. The administration has attempted voter suppression everywhere and now the supporters have attempted kidnapping which would have ended in murder, according to news reports. What we have that Russia do not have is armed militia marching with the blessing of our President and his cult-like followers/enablers.

               Like here in the USA, Russia’s economy is tanking, thanks to the pandemic, and the end is not in sight. More people that have money to burn are going bankrupt and that is an unheard-of thing in Russia. Normally people with money is closely tied to the Kremlin and they can continue to steal more money from many sources. Putin himself is sweating this because it may go back to the old days of bread lines.

               Our President loves Putin and if he is allowed another term and then do what his love is doing, we will be in bread lines also (are the food give-away lines the same?). We are already hated by everyone around the world and when we cannot do anything for ourselves, they will pounce, and the USA will be no more. One thing I can say, both Russia and the USA is being overwhelmed with COVID because of their actions/inactions. Both countries have conflicts outside the country. Both countries have a President that is disliked (Putin’s approval rating has dropped dramatically). And, both countries have a President that is attempting to get rid of the opposition.

               Russia and the USA have never been more alike than now. Us Americans have a better chance to correct our situation than Russia because you can get away with murder in Russia but have a good chance of getting caught in the USA. Our one and only way to begin to correct our situation is to vote. Do not think things will work out and you are not needed. VOTE! Vote and give all of us a chance to get back to normalcy. It will not if you do not VOTE and vote in-person and early if you can. Only trust the mail if there is no other way around it. Either way, VOTE.   

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27

Sep. ’20

This President

I am supposedly living in the most democratic country in the world but, after the President’s latest gross comment, and if he should win re-election, I have my doubts. We, meaning the people of the United States of America, have always had a peaceful and smooth change of power from one President to the next. We have never had a President that have to think about whether he would peacefully step aside and let the elected President take over. This is something that happens in a dictatorship not in a democratic country.

What make this seem so viable is the fact that his cult-like followers are okay with anything he says and does. All he must do is say he desire a certain action to happen, legal or illegal, and someone, somewhere will attempt to make it happen. As for me, I am neither republican nor democratic. I have voted for people in both parties. I am not in the organized independent party; I follow my own mind. However, living through this political mess, if a republican came to my house and said it was raining, I will go outside to see for myself.

Some of you may remember how a cult leader had his members commit mass suicide and others, that were not present at the mass suicide, still adored the cult leader, even after knowing the truth. The Republican party, today, have the same mindset. There is not anything to compel them to envision things that is not what the cult leader wants them to see or think. To stand-by and let mass slaughter happen (COVID-19?) is nothing if the cult leader say it is okay and want it.

As a teenager, during the Civil Rights era, I have marched, been beaten by the police (plus all that went with that at the time), helped teach adults how to vote and what to expect at the polls (up to and including counting jelly beans in a jar, poll tax, etc.), plus many other things which include sit-ins. That was more than fifty years ago and here we are, only a little have changed. They are actively attempting to suppress the vote, as they were fifty years and more ago, because the wannabe dictator need to stay in power. Is he afraid of going to jail if he is out of office? But that is another writing, among many, for another blog.

I am a senior citizen, an old man, and I never thought I would see a Black President, but I have. I never thought I would see so many varied people of color in Congress, but I have. I expected and saw our Black President blatantly opposed in everything he tried to do, and it was announced to the world that it was going to happen by the people that did it.

So, why should I not believe this President when he says he is not going anywhere, even if he loses? Then there are the people that can (and maybe will) help him illegally stay in office. He has stacked many courts, federal agencies, and now there is an attempt to overload the Supreme Court. Every Republican Senator have gone back on their word and will certify a replacement.

Secret recordings have been heard and his ex-employees have stated the obvious feelings and dealings of this President, yet his cult-like followers and enablers are still there. I have acquaintances that are Republican and loves this President dearly, therefore, I have concluded that there is not a thing that can be done or said to change their mind. I am almost ashamed to call them an acquaintance.

All I can say, at this point, is for everyone to vote and let the election tell us where we will go from here. If you do not vote, you can never say anything about what happens in your life. You will just take what is given to you without any say. My life is coming to an end and I can say that I have done what I could when I could and will continue until I die. It is now up to you younger people to carry the torch and never give up.

 

 

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30

Aug. ’20

I’ve Said It Before

Well, the country has gotten an exceedingly rare one-two punch from two hurricanes this week and I, for one, am not surprised. I have talked about this happening for some time, especially in my other blog (www.faithingodministries.net). I could explain why but I have written about this for a long time and have explained this repeatedly. I will let you meet your due because, as it is said, ’you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink’.

The present administration, taking the lead from their President, does not believe in science, unless the President says they may, does not believe in medical experts, unless they concur what the President says, and never mention any form of religion unless it suits their agenda. I know many people will say I am wrong, but I have my mind and eyes open and I am not afraid to say I am wrong when I am. However, the great majority of President Trump’s supporters (enablers) will never admit they are wrong, nor will they admit he is wrong. As he idolizes himself, they idolize him.

I have many times said history repeats itself, and, if you have read history, the world has been through this a few times before. It is not the same exact way but similar and it is not going to stop. We can slow it down, maybe, but we will greatly suffer if we continue to put our head in the sand and think this President will solve our dilemma when he is only thinking of himself. There are his supporters that want their old prejudicial ways, thinking their skin color made the world a better place when it took all peoples to do it.

It took slaved Black people, Latinos, and Asians to make this land, which was taken from the Native Americans, what it is today. It took the brains and technology of many peoples, especially the Black people, to build and fine tune everything. Because of the inequity of multitudes of prejudicial people, we are beginning to see more and more bad things happen around the world.

Floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, typhoons, ice cap melting, fires, pandemics, and much more is happening. Read the Bible and history books (the Bible is a history book) and all of it is written there. It will not get better; it will get worst and we can only blame ourselves. Our President does not read, at least like he should, and he think he knows better than anyone about everything. He believes that and his supporters believe that. I, for one, do not.

If this President continues with four more years of chaos, we, as the United States of America, is lost forever and we cannot fault anyone but ourselves. More poverty, pandemics, war, chaos, you name it is our destiny. We cannot and will not survive. Voting him out is the only hope that is left for us plus a strong faith in God. Beware, there will be all manner of cheating, and intimidation for him to win. Vote as early as you can and tell your family and friends to do so also. I have said it before and I will say it again, we will be in more trouble if he is not voted out.

Also beware of other people, attempting to carry out the President’s agenda, coming from other states and cities, infiltrating peaceful demonstrations, causing trouble. These are the people that assault, loot, burn, damage things, and even murder. I said it before and I say it again, wake-up, vote and pray for a better day.

 

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