Beginning of New…

Happy New Year to All! The turn of the New Year has come via the road of tumultuous travels. Our economy is not where it once was and some may even believe it may never get to that point ever again. To take an excerpt from Kayne West’s song Good Life, “Having' money's not everything, not having' it is”. But I do believe Obama will do his best, with the countries best interest in mind. A new world has welcomed us and we will see who is up for the challenge.

President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address from White House on Vimeo.

The Day After...

I am not turning this into a political site, but what happened last night was historic. We are going through a transition that is desperately needed. America has shown to the world to be that leader we once were...looking beyond the color of one's skin to elect the best man for the job. Again I want to iterate I am not delusional of the racial issues that exist WORLD WIDE, but I am talking about being that leader to elicit that change. It will not happen over night, but I would like to see as giant a step in terms of progress as I saw last night. Obama needed our help, well this is that foot in the door! Obama has placed his Blueprint of Change (PDF) up and I must say if he get accomplished what he has put forth, we will be undoubtedly a leader/force for good on this planet. I especially love his plans for technology (link).

The following videos are one's I would like to point your direction towards. The 1st is Bush's thoughts on Obama's Victory, no applause...this man has left Obama with nothing but the people to work with.



This 2nd one is of Mccain's concession speech which I must say showed me who Mccain really was. He, in my mind, is not Bush and truly believed all his actions would be best for the nation he wanted to form, it just wasn't a nation we as the American people wanted. I tip my hat to this man, especially when he calmed his own crowd when they booed Obama. McCain if nothing else is devoted to America, respects the chain of command and knows when he has lost. No loss is shameful when being honorable.



This 3rd one is of an alarming situation development where Russia Warns of New Missile Deployment. Obama hasn't taken office officially, but he needs to start today, which he has (link)!



But Obama has more than just the military might of America behind him...he has the American people and the world's support (evidence via the world watching who the leader of America was going to be last night). Take your moment, well deserved...

How Old Are You...

"Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that. Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed." - G.K. Chesterton

November 4th, 2008 is going down in history! Yes, mark today down as the last day you knew of a world where anyone who wasn’t white could be leader of the free world via the Presidency of the United States of America…that dragon has been slayed. I for 1 have already seen a chance in this country, by the mere fact that an African-American has officially been place on “the” ballot for becoming the President of the USA.

But, I hear people talking about throwing up their hands as though this is it…this is just the beginning. To make an analogy, a friend of mine is in the process of applying for his MBA (scored awesome on his GMAT: CONGRATS!!) and is thinking of only the top 5-7 schools in the country. Now most would believe once he gets into Harvard, he is set. FAR FROM THE TRUTH! Granted getting into Harvard or any other equally recognized university, is an accomplishment only few have been able to achieve. But once you are in, you still have to perform…you still have to get that job.

Obama will be a great leader and I choose to look at what some may say is inexperience as opportunity. He has not been in Washington long enough to get caught up in red tape, lies and dead ends. Talking to that young child who still believes in Santa sometimes makes you WANT to believe there is a Santa. After tonight’s election, we will set yet another example to the world community, that there is great pride that comes with being an American, through leading by example (something we have not been doing such a good job of lately).

Now, do not get me wrong, I in no way believe we are perfect. When I went to vote this morning, the 1st thing I was told was that my machine was not able to cast votes for Obama. I couldn’t believe it. I was given the option of coming back later or filling out a paper ballot (which I was prepared to do). But another woman called from the top of the stairs at PS 155, informing the person who just told me the machine was broken that they fixed the machine and I could vote for Obama if I wanted. When I walked inside, my machine only had about 5 people in front of me, while the other 6 (representing other districts) had easily 50 people per machine. Those people who came and heard that they couldn’t vote for Obama might have just left, which is unfortunate. And when you look at the current process in place, it makes you wonder why we are using machines that date back to when voting first began.



One idea I have is to set up a more stream lined process for voting. Have a set up where people have to give their thumb print to identify who they are (this will be no different than when you have to give your thumb print for exams like GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, etc.). Have a website where people can precast their vote, accessed via their social security number and password. The website will stop taking submissions 2 months prior to the day of elections (to allow time to confirm there was no tampering). Send emails out to people confirming who they have selected. This will give people a chance to know who they are voting for and do subsequent research on their candidate’s views (as well as make them aware before hand of any amendments they may need to vote upon). On the day of elections, the machines (not hooked up to the internet, creating a closed system similar to exams taken in your state, for state exams) will have all ready been prepared with your pre-casted vote (if you made one) and once you confirm who you are via your thumb print, you will get a chance to see who you previously chose to vote for. It is at this time you can change your precasted vote, but then once confirmed, cast your vote. After, you are emailed confirmation that your vote has been counted and details of who you voted for. Since these machines can be prepared beforehand you don’t have to be locked to a location near your house. The machines can be placed strategically around the city to accommodate most workers, so that they can do this near work. Obviously, the lever system can still be available to people who do not want to use this machine, but at least it gives them the option of something more efficient.

You may be able to come up with a better system than mine, but I think this should be something discussed. Only when we discuss things (politics, race, economics, etc.) can there even be a chance of change. If you don’t agree, take a listen to my friend below, who had a dream on August 28th, 1963 that has not yet been completely realized to its core principle, but has taken a giant leap from subconscious to ballot!

President Bush Fooled Us More Than Once...

With the elections coming up right around the corner and all these polls coming out that clearly seem to put Obama as our next president, I have to take a moment to pause. If you think the person who gets the most votes wins (I understand electoral colleges)...I want to direct your attention to 2 term president "elected" George Bush. One might believe the smartest, classiest and well educated person would be elected to president but history didn't seem to teach us a lesson of true humility when it comes to our American Ways! But if I could be so bold, to correct as well as suggest to you before YOU vote on November 4th, as bush "tried" to say: "Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on me"!

...wait he did get elected twice :P

Presidential Finance

Now I am sure you were affected in one way or another by this recent crisis hitting America. Whether you are CEO of Lehman or a regular joe (no pun intended from Palin), this financial situation really hits home. You can read all the blogs and new sites to try to understand how all this came about, but right now we all need to know where we are going to go! I myself have been trying to formulate a plan for my future, but it is hard to see in so much darkness.



Jim is talking from his heart…even if you were to think logically, for someone like him to say what he is saying, in his position, should really have you believe this is truly a crisis. His comments can be compared to a chocolate factory telling you not to eat any more chocolate because it is not good for you. Now, Jim’s whole business, his life, his show is about stocks but to say ”get out”…

I am not in need of my finances for right now, though this may change based on the climate of the market. When I initially invested I told myself I wouldn’t touch this money until retirement, but I don’t want to lose everything and have nothing to retire too. I am sure I am not alone, but I cannot help shake the feeling.

We have two candidates in front of us, which everyone has their opinion on and I will not use this moment to share mine, that really need to understand the decisions they make today will shape the future of America PERIOD