Here comes Angelina Jolie Again

Actress Angelina Jolie demands more involvement from the Obama administration in Sudan because she feels Sudan needs stability. Jolie should recognize that president Obama is occupied with his issues broadning from healthcare to the financial crisis. Obama is not taking a break, he’s been working hard in achieving diplomatic relations internationally. Before president Obama becomes involved in Sudan to resolve their issues, he needs to resolve the issues here in the United States. We have numerous issues we need answers to, and solutions to be deliberated on. Many people respect Jolie’s involvement and assistance and her role as a hero/leader in Sudan.

Jolie has millions of dollars to help assist the people in Sudan. Jolie may receive donations of all types ranging from food, clothes, and financial in order for the people of Sudan to live their lives with a relief of essential issues. She has a major role as a U.N. Goodwill  ambassador to Sudan, and not many people are willing to obtain that role, much less live in Sudan. I respect her commitments to Sudan, due to the fact that she is attempting to improve Sudan’s people especially in Darfur. She acknowledges Sudan’s disastrous history, and that is a driving force for her participation in resolving multiple issues for that country. Obama will reach Sudan when the time is correct, but in the meantime, Sudan must wait.

I believe Jolie should ask other nations for help, not just the U.S. Jolie wants to promote stability in Sudan, but the U.S. cannot do that alone. The people of Sudan need justice and they should remain hopeful that they will achieve it. If Jolie can persuade other nations to help in the cause, she will not have as much difficulties in resolving the issues she wants to emphasize on. By the time the Unites States become involved, success will arise. Sometimes there is no time for patience, but it is worth it in the long term.

Source: “Angelina Jolie Calls For Action Obama On Sudan”. Access Hollywood.  Yahoo News. December 10, 2009. <http://omg.yahoo.com/news/angelina-jolie-calls-for-action-from-obama-on-sudan/32522?nc>

Funny moment for White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

There have been numerous questions, comments, and rising tensions, between reporters and presidential administrators. A funny moment had to appear sometime during president Obama’s administration. This time it dealt with White House Secretary Robert Gibbs and April Ryan representing American Urban Radio. April Ryan continued to mention White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers’ appearance during the State dinner. Ryan mentioned Rogers was overshadowing the first lady because she was the center of attention. Robert Gibbs was not happy due to Ryan’s persistency in attempting to find answer to her questions.

Robert Gibbs became irritated and said “Calm down and to take a deep breath, I do this with my son and that’s what happens”. April Ryan not enjoying Gibbs’ comment, replied “Don’t play with me”. Gibbs suggested to continue with more serious questions, such as the troops being sent to Afghanistan. I would have have also reacted irritated. I wouldn’t have answered Ryan’s question anyway, I would have said, next question. I’m not going to waste my time answering silly questions. There are multiple issues which are important than discussing a State dinner, after all,  it was only dinner.

Source: Dykes, Brett. “Tense White House Exchange”. Yahoo News. December 4, 2009. <http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl1014>

Funny moment for Robert Gibbs

There have been numerous questions, comments, and rising tensions, between reporters and presidential administrators. A funny moment had to appear sometime during president Obama’s administration. This time it dealt with White House Secretary Robert Gibbs and April Ryan representing American Urban Radio. April Ryan continued to mention White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers’ appearance during the State dinner. Ryan mentioned Rogers was overshadowing the first lady because she was the center of attention. Robert Gibbs was not happy due to Ryan’s persistency in attempting to find answer to her questions.

 Robert Gibbs became irritated and said “Calm down and to take a deep breath, I do this with my son and that’s what happens”. April Ryan not enjoying Gibbs’ comment, replied “Don’t play with me”. Gibbs suggested to continue with more serious questions, such as the troops being sent to Afghanistan. I would have have also reacted irritated. I wouldn’t have answered Ryan’s question anyway, I would have said, next question. I’m not going to waste my time answering silly questions. There are multiple issues which are important than discussing a State dinner, after all, it was only dinner.

Source: Dykes, Brett. “Tense White House Exchange”. Yahoo News. December 4, 2009. 

<http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl1014>

Funny moment in the history of the NFL

How many times during football games, do we see referees high-five players? The answer is none, until this past Monday night. The young quarterback with much potential Vince Young, high-fived referee Jerome Boger after the Titan beat the Texans 20-17. The high-five was clear and you cannot dispute that even on multiply replays. You cannot blame referee Boger for congratulating Young on playing a good game. Referees don’t express their joy after a touchdown or a great catch. The only form of expression they have is when they raise both arms signaling touchdown.

Football is fun and sometimes funny when players are hit and their helmets fly off to the sidelines. There is no doubt that the NFL has strict rules for referees and players. If they refs or players violate the rules, they are subject to thousands of dollars worth of fines. A spokesman of the NFL said referee Boger was complying with his job, and it was not his intention to high-five Vince Young. When the ref raised his arm, he was signaling the end of the game. I believe that’s an excuse for other referees to not commit the same mistake as referee Jerome Boger did.

I believe the NFL has strict, but effective rules for referres. If a referee is to high-five a player, then the opposing team would feel as if there is some sort of cheating on different play calls and penalties. I do favor that referees may applaud or give a high-five after a catch they believe is worth rooting for. Referee Boger is saved from having violated an NFL rule, by giving Vince Young a high-five. He should thank the NFL spokesman for protecting him. It is a lesson referee Jerome Boger can learn from making a simple mistake as giving a high-five to a player. He should have waited until after the game to high-five or congratulate Vince Young.

Source: Chase Chris. “NFL referee didn’t mean to high-five Vince Young”. Yahoo News. November 26, 2009.    <http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/NFL-referee-didn-t-mean-to-high-five-Vince-Young?urn=nfl,204948>

Republicans do not favor the health bill made by Democrats

Republicans do not favor the Democrats’ proposed health bill for numerous reasons. Republicans claim that the bill made by the Democrats will increase taxes, increase the national deficit by trillions of dollars, and result in cuts of medicare. With the expansion of the Medicaid program, States will later have to pay additional  costs due to the expansion. Oklahoma Republican State Senator Tom Coburn has withdrawn his decision for the 2,074 page health care bill to be read on the Senate floor. If the bill had to be read, that would have taken days maybe weeks for the entire bill to be read from beginning to end. There is also a debate regarding the cost of the bill.

Democrats claim the bill will cost $979 billion dollars. Republicans claim the bill will cost more, at approximately 1.5 trillion dollars over the course of a decade. Harry Reid said, “The bill will save lives, save money and save medicare”. Democrats control 60 seats which can be counted as votes, if the 60 seats vote in favor of the health bill. In Reid’s proposed health bill, he will apply a tax increase on workers who earn greater than $200,000. There will also be a tax increase for couples who earn greater than $250,000. The health bill will help low income Americans afford the costs of health care coverage.

I believe the Democrat proposed health bill is essential for Americans. It is the only bill being proposed now that will expand health coverage to at least 31 million Americans. The bill creates competition between both the private sector and the government based health sector. Many States only have 2 health companies providing health care coverage to Americans which result in a monopoly and the coverage being provided does not offer much to suffice the need of Americans. With the competition which will be created, it will result in cheap insurance for any American to purchase. We must all consider that the reason for a health care reform is to restrict insurance companies from deny health coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

Source: Espo, David. ” Republicans blast ‘bait and switch’ health bill”. Yahoo News. November 20, 2009. <http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091120/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul>

Black Friday Specials at Target

It is being reported that Target will have the best deals for Black Friday. Target will have a special deal where if you purchase more than $100 worth of goods, you will receive a free $10 gift card. A 32 LCD HDTV will be available for $246. Clothes and toys will receive %50 off. Toasters, sandwich makers, and coffee makers will be available for $3. I know thousands of people will run to Target and purchase all they can. Their prices are great, and people will want to take advantage of it. Since the prices will only be offered for Black Friday, Target stores will be packed with people, so employees better be prepared to serve the people.

I enjoy shopping at Target. When I go to Target, I usually shop for food, sodas, new movie releases, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, and household appliances. I’m looking to replace some of my old stuff with the new which I am going to purchase on Black Friday. Black Friday is the perfect day to shop for Christmas gifts while I’m at it. There is nothing better than purchasing good Christmas gifts which will be useful for friends and relatives at a cheap price. I know my cart is going to be full, and I have a feeling that the lines will be long. It’s good if people shop early because most items will be available on the shelves, and you can find the things you want and leave quickly before it gets packed and sometimes people don’t care to run over other people.

Target isn’t the only retail store with good deals, I’m sure. Wal-Mart has a surprise for everyone, I bet. Best Buy,Radioshack, K-Mart, Sears, and other stores will be competing against one another. Since sales prices have not been high or has not been as good as retail store managers and owners would like it to be, they are going to make money on Black Friday. They might make more money than any other day for the past year. I expect people to camp outside retail stores in order to be the first ones in line. I’m going to enjoy my thanksgiving dinner and I’m going to set on my alarm to be prepared for Black Friday.

Kavilanz, Parija. “Target’s Black Friday Bet: $3 Appliances”. CNN Money.com. November 13, 2009.

<http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108153/target-black-friday-bet-appliances>

“Yankees Win World Series”

New York Yankees celebrate with a parade which is deserved after their dedication towards winning the MLB Championship, and claim their trophy and recognition as the best team in baseball. Yankee players rode in double decked buses as they passed by their loving fans. Thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the pride of their city, the Yankees. Players rode through the streets of Broadway and made their way to city hall. In City hall, former Yankee and current Yankee baseball players made speeches and celebrated a spectacular victory and a fantastic season. Jay-Z performed by singing his song “Empire State of Mind”.

Parents decided that their children should skip school and attend the celebration. Their children should enjoy a day in which will be recorded in history. I know I would miss school, and if I have a right to miss school, why not other children? I’m from Los Angeles, California, and I’m a fan of the New York Yankees, but when I talk to my friends and other people, they ask “How can you be a Yankee fan?” Interesting question, but my answer is, they have a history of having some of the best players in the major leagues. They have a great history of winning championships, and I enjoy the manner in which they play. I think they have the best pitchers in the league and they have good players at bat. I’m a Dodger fan too, but if it came to a game of Yankees vs. Dodgers, I’d have to choose Yankees. I’m more of a Yankee fan than a Dodgers fan.

After all the criticism concentrating around A-Rod, he proved people wrong. Why has he not won or participated in a World Series if he’s, so great? He proved to his fans and critics that he can contribute to his team and win a championship. I congratulate the Yankees for their success and I hope they can defend their title and win another World Series for the 28th time.  They better celebrate as long as they can and enjoy their championship trophy because nothing lasts forever. Yankees know that first-hand because they haven’t won a World Series in ten years until now.

Source: Dobnik, Verena. Yahoo News. “Crowds roar, confetti falls as NYC fetes Yankee”. November 6, 2009. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AiYpwJ9QBK5Leef6k8wInBERvLYF?slug=ap-yankeesparade&prov=ap&type=lgns

“Is it worth $100,000 to have Sarah Palin Speak”

A Conservative Iowa group wants former Alaska governor Sarah Palin to appear in a banquet and speak about her political involvements and to perhaps speak of her new book titled “Going Rogue”. Iowa group wants to raise $100,000 in order to have Palin appear in the banquet as a special guest. The problem is GOP activists are having doubts because they feel they should not have spend money in order for Palin to be present at the banquet. Palin’s appearance would be set for November 21st, if the deal is made with her reps. If Palin were to travel to Ohio, it would be her first time back since she spoke to the people from different rallies.

Different political advocacy groups have mentioned that they will not and would not pay to have a political figure speak in front of a crowd. The groups argue political figures should realize speaking to a large crowd is a priviledge, therefore they should not be paid to speak. After all, politicians need votes, and to obtain votes, they need to persuade people to favor their point of views. Politicians will benefit from speaking to the public, but by charging them a ”fee”, politicians might lose votes, be ignored, and they may lose attention when it comes to presenting speeches. Palin is going to be busy promoting her new book, so it seems unlikely that she will be able to attend the banquet.

I would not pay Sarah Palin $100,000 to talk about her political standpoints and her book. If anyone wants to pay her $100,00, be my guest and I wish you good luck in making a good investment. I’m taking my $100,00 and I am going to purchase a new house, a new car, fill up the refrigerator with food, and donate money to several organizations such as American Red Cross, and St. Jude’s Medical Hospital. For me personally, spending one hundred grand to have Palin appear in a banquet is a waste of money. I would invite Palin to the banquet, but not pay her to attend. It is her choice, if she wants to attend or not.

Source: Martin Jonathan. “Iowa Republicans Wince at Palin fee”. Yahoo news. October 29, 2009. <http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20091029/pl_politico/28873;_ylt=AvoaxF2953o5DXEsrtfgXvJv24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTMwYzljOWs3BGFzc2V0A3BvbGl0aWNvLzIwMDkxMDI5LzI4ODczBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb3MDNgRwb3MDNgRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3JpZXMEc2xrA2lvd2FyZXB1YmxpYw–>

Democrats Need Votes to Pass Health Reform Bill

A current  health care bill being proposed by Democrats needs more votes in order to pass. The bill will allow the  government to sell health insurance to the American public and create competition against the private industry. The problem with the passing of the bill is that some conservative Democrats don’t favor the bill entirely. Some Senators believe some changes should be applied. There are two bills currently being disputed against. A health bill in the House and a different health bill in the Senate. The “Public Option” bill is rotating in representatives minds and they don’t know whether to vote on it or not. Most Americans are in favor of a “Public Option” bill. We’d like to see a health care bill passed before Thanksgiving or before Christmas if no firm decision has been made.

The U.S. needs a health care bill approved because hundreds of people die per day either because people don’t have health insurance, their insurance doesn’t cover their illness, or insurance is expensive and they cannot afford it. The proposed bills will restrict insurers from abolishing coverage for sick people or deny coverage to people who have a pre-existing health condition. This is the bill most Americans are in favor of. The goal of the health bills are to distribute health coverage to 95% of the people nationwide and to obtain health care system which does not surpass $900 billion dollars.  We spend $2.5 trillion on our current health care system. The current health care bills which are in debate are estimated to not surpass $900 billion dollars. Why didn’t we think of reforming our health care system years before? This country has been spending more money than is necessary compared to the new health care bills.

Republicans plan to not vote for none of the proposed health bills. Maine Senator Olympia Snowe is the only Republican whi is willing to vote for health care reform. Why are Republicans always respong no to any proposed bills by the Democrats and Barack Obama? Democrats need to unite on this issue and vote together for the future of our country and our people. We cannot allow hundreds of people to die each day, it is unacceptable. Senators need to pass a health care reform bill which will benefit the American consumers, not just the private insurers. If Democrats prevail they will reign supreme in the 2010 Senatorial elections and maybe secure President Obama’s reelection for 2012.

Source: Werner, Erica. ” Dems scrambling for support for public health plan”. Yahoo news. October 23, 2009. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091023/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul.

A Justice of the Peace Refuses to Marry An Interracial Couple

It is ridiculous how a Justice of the Peace denies the right of a couple to marry. In New Orleans, a judge named Keith Bardwell, refuses to marry an interracial couple, claiming he is worried of their kids’ future. How imature is his statement. He doesn’t have a crytal ball and he can’t forsee the future even if he wished it for his birthday. He based his reasoning on an assuption, a personal opinion if you will. If a couple are happy and they want to marry, then they have the right to marry. There is no reason why a  judge should deny any couple from being married. Bardwell demonstrated racism in his reasoning for rejecting the interracial couple’s right to marry.

Louisiana’s governor and a U.S. Senator have asked to have Bardwell removed from his position as a Justice of the Peace. What type of Justice of the Peace is Bardwell? He doesn’t represent peace. It has been said when Bardwell meets an interracial couple, he usually sends them to another judge instead of attending them. I guess today, Bardwell thought it was time for a change. Bardwell has been a judge for 34 years, and until now, people are recognizing his divisive standpoint. Bardwell has clearly violated the law by denying the interracial couple the right to marry.

A couple should not be looked as an interracial couple. A couple should be looked as and thought of as just a couple. It does not matter what color the individuals who will marry. Discrimination and racism should not be tolerated in any case. I hope Bardwell will learn a lesson from his mistake and apologize to the loving couple. Why would Bardwell think of the couple’s children? The children are none of Bardwell’s business, the children the couple might have later on in life are part of their private lives. He made a huge mistake in attempting to determine the couple’s “future childrens’ lives”. Bardwell is not going to grow up alongside the children, much less live within their household.

Source: Foster, Mary. “Many angry man wouldn’t marry interracial couple”. Yahoo News. 16 Oct. 2009 <http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091016/ap_on_re_us/us_interracial_rebuff;_ylt=AiHAcCI_.lUptgxoYO7w5QgGw_IE;_ylu=X3oDMTNhdTc2bzU3BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMDE2L3VzX2ludGVycmFjaWFsX3JlYnVmZgRjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzYEcG9zAzYEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNtYW55YW5ncnltYW4->.