White House Party Crashers: A New Security Breach

In my opinion, the events surrounding Tareq and Michaele Salahi, the much publicized "party crashers" of the White House's state dinner, poses a new threat to the security of our nation. I think this was a really cheesy move on their behalf. This type of breach is more than about a couple becoming famous but shows us just how easy it is to penetrate our defenses. September 11 was a prime example. These two should spend some time in jail for the disrespect and danger they pose to our government. Our President and his family deserved the highest degree of protection afforded by this nation. I'm sure we look pretty silly to terrorists around the world. I wonder if their thinking, "Why didn't I think of that?" Whatever the reasons this couple had for committing this atrocity, its totally inexcusable. The only numerical figures they should be looking forward to are the kind that are emobroidered on a jail uniform. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/03/state.dinner.couple/index.htmlIn

Compete or Not Compete: That Is the Question

Russell Navarette Jr, special for CNN, wrote a very interesting article regarding employment competition. He addresses the ideology of jobs being given or not given on the basis of citizenship rather than effort. As American citizens, we should not fear competing with those from other countries who seek the same things we desire in life..a better one. In my opinion, the problem doesn't lie within the influx of immigrants entering this country every year, but the exploitation of those same workers by business owners as well as political leaders. Yes, I believe as Americans, we have been living off of the fatted calf too long and this form of competion should awaken us to the reality of how wasteful and ungrateful we have become as a nation. Opportunities, jobs, educational pursuits that are accessible and available are considered treasured opportunities to those coming to this great country. Perhaps immigrants do work better and at lower wages and as an entrepenuer, my bottom line is that the job gets done and done well, no matter who does it. So, let the games begin!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/11/27/navarrette.competition.immigration/index.html

Home Sweet Home..Again

As the recession looms, the the number of young adults ages 18-34 are returning home in increasing numbers. I find that this is not necessarily a bad thing since western society is one of the few cultures that look forward the magical age of 18, indicating the legal age of adulthood and where the kids "move out." Let's think about it. Although an 18-year-old year can purchase cigarettes, they can't obtain student aid for college with out a parent or spouse. I find the latter to be of greater necessity than the former. From a different perspective, perhaps the move back will allow young adults to rethink some life choices before venturing out into the world without solid landing gear. Hard times has a way of pulling us apart of causing us to stick together. Hopefully, many families will build stronger bonds as we weather this financial storm.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_go_ot/us_boomerang_kids

Black Friday: Bad Economy, Who Cares!

Black Friday marks the official opening day of a shoppers eutopia. The constant internet searches, secret inquisitions by shoppers to retail workers and trying to catch the latest buzz on who has the best deals are all hallmarks of the great day. In truth, for all the complaints of job loss, marked double digit unemployment rates and barrage of those seeking financial help, Black Friday tells me one thing. Everyone isn't broken or at least not yet ! One way or another folks tend to scrape together that $39 for that can-live-without DVD player offered by Kmart which by the way, they only have ten of in stock. Although I believe we need to be aware of mindless spending that tends to become minful after New Year's Day, it nice to see people still excited about the holidays in spite of all the looming gloom and doom of the economy.

Here's to Your Health!

Recently the House of Representatives passed its heathcare reform bill with a vote of 220-215. There are many people who fear that this is the beginning of other government takeovers that could possibly threaten the freedoms we enjoy everyday. My question to the critics is, "Do you have a better solution? If so, then speak up!" As our President so gracefully entered into a shambled economy with hopes of trying to create solutions to the problem, our job as U.S citizens is to help and not hinder. I am very thankful that he is at least attempting to ensure that quality healthcare is available to everyone. I do not agree with all the methodologies by which this is being accomplished, such as increasing taxes to the wealthy but unless I have a better answer, I will not be a stumblingblock. According to statistical information, smaller countries are fairing much better than we are with healthcare, education and other human resources while paying as much as 50% taxes! The irony of it all, we gave them the idea.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/07/health.care/index.html

Women: A Rising Economic Power

Women love to shop! At least that was the old cliche' that has spanned over a number of years regarding finance and women. Today is a new day for women. Undeniably, women are indeed becoming a growing force in the economic arena. This article was very interesting because although statistics show women to be tremendous contributors to an already male-dominated volatile economy, we apparently are not getting our props from men. Because we live in a such a testosterone-drenched society where the so-called "men rule" mindset is very prominent, I believe that it is important for ladies not shrink back in timidity nor press forward in arrogancy as we claim our rightful place as a formidable economic force in this world. Although I believe we should be mindful of the condescending tactics used by marketers to gain our business, we should also be equally mindful as to choose our battles carefully. Who cares if it's pink or blue as long the job gets done.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/10/25/intl.women.global.economy/index.html

Boy Should Be Boys

Thumbs up for recent announcement by Morehouse College Vice-President of Student Affairs, Dr. William Bynum, stating that all students attending the all-male college are to be appropriately dressed expressive of set standards of the historical black college. Although I am against any form of violence to anyone regardless of gender preference or sexual orientation, I am however in favor of "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" or go somewhere else. I am not supportive of homosexuality because it destroys the very fabric of the sanctity of marriage, as instituted by God and defined by our laws as the legal union of one man and one woman. I am proud that Morehouse stands by its policy that "boys should dress like boys." Go Morehouse!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/17/college.dress.code/index.html