Their Bailout = Our Demise

 

How long will we allow Wall Street and the Financial Institutions to run or maybe ruin our economy? The premise of a bailout is to rescue these entities from bankruptcy and possibly going out of business. The after math of the bailout does not support the premise. In lamest terms these entities’ have taken (our) bailout money to continue paying execs ridiculous salaries and leaving us the consumers out to dry. Honestly, as a consumer I find it quite the insult to have hidden fees applied for services, poor customer services, and less than admirable accommodations for modifications on loans, credit limits, etc. While we are in the worst economic crisis in decades these entities are vacationing, living lavish and collecting millions in salaries and bonuses of our money. I agree with the Obama Administration in proposing tighter federal oversight of their industry. There is a need for some restrictions, guidelines and caps. The people fall victim to the financial industry all too often with no viable recourses available to us. One of the biggest slaps in the face to the American consumers came from the credit card companies before the Card Act of 2009 took effect. They continued to jack up rates, interest, finance charges and fees on existing balances. Well, Wall Street and the Financial Institutions that have been bailed out are giving us another slap in the face (how many cheeks do we have?). Obama argues that the risks outweigh the consciences while Republicans are blocking. What do you think? Would you rather be victimized by these companies or have limited consumer choices? Hmm, tough one huh?

 

“Reality TV” Controversy

MTV has done it again created another “reality” show. Jersey Shore is the latest to be added to a long list of shows America could have done without. What is the attraction to this show and shows of its kind? The controversy that surrounds the show to me makes a valid point. MTV advertised the show using the word “Guido” which to Italian American’s is like calling an African American the “N” word.  It has become the norm to take something that is widely viewed as negative and make it cool; basically stereotyping themselves. The stigma is still present just because you choose to twist it to make it fit you does not change or erase that. Do you feel that “Reality TV” stereotypes people and in general people view all as such? Do you think Italian American’s have a valid beef with MTV for the use of the “G” word? Come on people we are letting the Media run our lives. It dictates how people see themselves, dress, talk, and treat others need I say more!

Possible first Openly Gay Mayor in Houston

Houston may become the first largest city to elect an openly gay major. 53 year old City Controller Annise Parker is running for mayor against former city 61 year old Attorney Gene Locke who if elected would be the first black major. Ms. Parker is a lesbian who has never hidden her sexual orientation. Of course anti-gay activists and conservative religious groups have a lot to say about electing an openly gay person into such a public position. They have made Parker’s sexual orientation the focus of the race and have endorsed Locke. While the gay and lesbian political organizations support Parker’s efforts.  

Losing focus in matters such as this is how the people who have hidden agendas and no genuine concerns or interest about the best interest of the people get elected. People allow their belief biases to interfere with their judgments and decision making. Of course people are entitled to their personal opinions, but when your biases are the driving forces behind them then in some way it becomes a form of discrimination. Honestly, what does Parker’s sexual orientation have to do with her capabilities of being Mayor? What this tells me is that who she sleeps with is more important than her effectively running of the city. It’s the oldest trick in the book from a political stand point; to take the focus off of the real issues and the point of the election. It makes more sense to focus on the candidates merit, skills, and capabilities to perform the job at hand than their sexual orientation. Maybe that’s just me!

 

 

“Self-Worth” What does it mean to you?

This question is for the ladies but men are more than welcome to respond. Since my last show I have been in a female rich environment, meaning college. Having made many new acquaintances, I’ve noticed a pattern; a pattern of well educated, beautiful women not valuing themselves beyond the books. They have it all together except when it comes to their worth. When asked the question; do you value yourself, the answers varied. Some were not clear on self worth and thought it meant being conceited; others feel that they have to stay on a lower level because of the women to men ratio. The women that are in relationships are “comfortable” not happy. They agree that things need to change and should but are hesitant to do so, because of fear of being alone, starting over, and feeling like this is the best they can do. Would you agree that valuing ones’ self would change the way these women see themselves?

I must define self-worth… it means to have belief in self, confidence in personal value and worth as an individual person. Self-worth in tells self-esteem, confidence and self-respect.

As women, mothers and role models; I believe it should be taken more serious. There are not enough old school women around setting the example for these young women. Sure its being said that women are looking up to Mrs. Obama, but are you truly looking up to her or the fact that she is married to the first Black President? Mrs. Obama is a great example of a Black women exuding Self-Worth. She knows her role as a queen, wife and most of all as a mother of two future Queens.

It’s important that we recognize the power we have as women.

Teen Sexuality

This is a touchy subject for some, but I’m going to speak my peace. Where should I begin, hmmm…. Has anybody noticed that since there is NO sex education in schools anymore and parents aren’t taking the time to state the real with these teens the level of confusion is catastrophic. What idiot thought it was a good idea to take sex ed out of the schools.  I had it when I was in school and it helped me answer questions I had and cleared something’s up. I’m actually for gay rights for the simple fact is that they are human and deserve the same human rights as a straight person. But, where I have an issue is when the kids are in their major development stages and are left to their own devises. Obviously the in thing now it seems is to be bi-sexual, lesbian or gay. The problem is they are this way for a summer then that same pre-teen will have a heterosexual relationship the next summer. Is that not confusion? As parents we can’t leave educating our children strictly to the schools. Lord knows the movies and tv shows are not the proper education tool. Sheeesh…. people! It’s time to get down and dirty and seriously personal with our youth. The suicide rate for teens is high and mostly due to the lack of support the need to belong and not being accepted. If they can’t express themselves no matter their orientation it could have devastating consequences.  As parents we need to understand that we don’t know all the answers and avoiding the issues is not the answer.

Reality TV (Seriously)

Is it just me or has these so-called reality television shows gone to far? From the dating shows to the fashions shows its ridiculous. The regular TV shows are bad enough. For me these shows represent the state that we are in with regards to being materialistic, shallow, money hungry and emotionally unstable. Why have these shows become the latest craze? Maybe it’s just me being to serious; then again maybe not. The show the Bad Girls… OMG…. Enough said. For me to have my daughter completely embarrassing herself and me on national TV is not a laughing or entertaining matter. I have noticed that these shows have consumed people and they live by these shows. TV for me is just what it was intended to be for entertainment purposes! To be judged and humiliated to win some money and have a clothing line is a bit much for me. Is it that serious to try to be in the lime light for one season? Personally, I feel that these shows take it to the extreme for ratings. And to make matters worse “you” the viewers are raising the ratings by tuning in and in doing so you encourage these ludicrous producers to keep going.  Don’t look now; a show says what not to wear and people mostly females are cleaning out their closet. Or if you don’t have this new “whatever” you won’t be popular, it’s retarded. America is one of the most self-absorbed countries on the planet. Wow, we feed off of people’s heartaches and misery that’s really sad. The whole time we put these TV/movie stars on pedestals and forget that they are human just like you.  Seriously, their personal life should not be a concern. But we have reporters and magazines that are dedicated to making these people’s lives a living heck. Think about it; what if that were you; how would you feel if you couldn’t walk outside your home or raise your family and be a human? It’s almost like they are zoo animals on display against their will. I don’t think you would like it either. But I guess fake reality is better than the real reality of the state the world is in, not just the US . Some real issues that aren’t being discussed are the state of black radio and entertainment as a whole. The school system and the juvenile delinquency rates nationally. The kids are running a muck. These young mothers with multiple children who were barely raised themselves. O let’s not forget they will make a movie about a teen girl getting pregnant and make it seem ok. But the reality is that is a freaking movie. I mention issues that are affecting our children because they are going to run this country in the future and don’t you think if we don’t get it together we will regret it?

Turning a blind eye to reality is not a justifiable defense.
Enjoy your not so Reality TV!!

Dating in 2009

 

How is the dating scene working for you? I can’t help but think that being single today is in the best interest of sanity. I say that because when you consider how unstable the world is it begs for a world-wide group therapy session. The standards are less than admirable, lack of communication skills, and not being equally yoked. What I have gathered from researching and investigating the dating scene I found there is a lack of respect for “self” from men and women.  Women are settling for less while lowering themselves to be apart of something while perpetrating a façade. I find that some women lose their sense of self when they become entangled in a “group of girlfriends.” Individuality goes right out of the women, decision-making is no longer done based on personal thought and consideration it becomes a group discussion and nothing is done without talking to the “girlfriends.” With women it seems that what people think about them greatly out weights how they feel about themselves. In my previous blog I spoke about Self-worth and it’s relevant to this blog basically because if one values themselves they will make healthier decisions in regards to who, what, when, where and how the things evolve in their lives. Women with a commanding presence will enter a room and people will notice her and respond accordingly with respect. Being a diva is not the same that is a state of mind and not becoming of any women. Be realistic and stop looking, asking and wanting something that you, yourself can not bring to the table. Be honest about you to you; meaning if there are things that you don’t like about yourself and you can change them than do so, if you can’t change them then embrace it and move on. No one is perfect and if it’s perfection that you are looking for then you set yourself up for failure. There are no quick fixes for self-love. It’s a process that you have to be committed to. It’s worth it because the best investment you can make is in yourself. With women it is a more complicated task because women are far more emotional then men. So until women learn to stop making shallow and hollow decisions based on emotions the results that they have been getting will be the same.

Now men on the other hand have more options in regards to women. But with men it’s pretty simple they do them until they are ready to commit to anything. When will it become clear to women that you can’t change a man? Men in the dating scene now know that they have the upper hand. Where they go wrong and prolong their growth as a man is they don’t embrace the women that will build that empire with them, but instead go for that quick fix. Men are lazy and if they are not ready they will not step up. Letting a man choose you is tricky because you have to evaluate yourself and see why? What are you putting out, that will determine what you will get out of it. If you come across as a piece then that is how they will see you. If you are poised and about business then if he is serious and on that level then he will pursue if not let it go. A real man will never do right by a woman who is not sure of her self and doesn’t command respect. Men, I have noticed that you don’t demand a woman who is the “take home to momma” type. I agree that women have reverted and have become what women in history have tried to change and that is being an “object.”  If your body or physical appearance is all you have to bring to the table then you really need a lot of work on self-love. As individuals, you have to want more for yourself and stop settling. You only have one life, make the best of it.  Don’t be afraid to live and live the best life for you that you can. Live for you… you can’t live for other people, you will never be happy. The reality is that women are emotionally unstable and men are responding by playing on that hence the dating scene in 2009.