So, What is a Matriarch; and How Much is One Worth?

Once again, in recognition of the second consecutive Holiday Eve, I am going to take a different tack this week. In any year, the week between December 25th and January 1st is packed with enough activity to created sensory overload. From the various celebrations, parties, and buying sprees of Christmas to watching the Ball drop, and toasting the New Year, our lives are often driven by a series of nearly uninterrupted goals and impulses. I have the added great fortune of observing and celebrating a birthday in the midst of all the fanfare.

But I am well-accustomed to those events and most of the related dynamics. However, this year, was different. While scanning messages late Christmas Day, I received one from a cousin, sharing sobering, but not totally unexpected news. Our Family Matriarch had passed away.

There is never a good time to receive such information. As a matter of fact, no matter how well-aware one is of circumstances that make such an advisory likely, it is difficult to escape the forceful clarity, certainty and finality of a death announcement. And before you ask, yes, I write this clearly denoting the limitations of mortality, and this earthly realm. What is clear, certain, and final, is with the advent of death, ones earthly ties to life are severed.

The next evening, the cousin who had e-mailed the news called to tell me of the arrangements. This call was even more anticipated than the first, understandably. But then, there was an unexpected twist. Before I could etch the particulars in my mental calendar, he added, “and the family met, and we all decided you should make comments on our behalf.”

While my first thoughts were somewhat Jonah-like, including wondering if someone else was better suited, and pondering how I managed to get selected, I quickly got over it. I concluded instead of acting like Jonah, I should use the lessons of his story; the rewards of obedience, willingness of spirit, gratitude, compassion, and God’s patience and mercy, to help me prepare for my assignment.

The idea of being swallowed by a whale or enduring some equally disagreeable calamity was certainly unappealing of course, but I was motivated by a sense of duty, honor, and fulfilling the wishes of members of my family who had entrusted me with a sacred charge. After accepting what at first seemed like an offer I could not refuse, I comitted to construct remarks that while necessarily brief, still managed to express the depth and breadth of an extraordinary human being, in a way that connected with the people who loved her, and whom she loved.

For those of you who are my family members, this one is for you! If you were there, when you read the next few paragraphs, you can reflect on the comments as I made them. If like some, you were a continent away, or for some other reason, you were unable to attend, here’s your personal copy. Many thanks for the kind words and good wishes I received after the service, and an extra-special thank-you to Queen Shamala and Yealang for your poignantly incisive accounts of your personal memories of “Aunt Babe.” I hope you can feel the loving warmth with which they were expressed.

Below is the unabridged version of my comments:

Good afternoon. Many of you do not know me, and some others may barely remember. I left Kinston 46 years ago, and have returned less and less frequently over the years. But have no doubt I am one of your relatives! However, since I am not a minister, have no fear, this will not be a second sermon; just sharing of a few thoughts about "Aunt Babe."

In many ways I am old-fashioned. I received a call from one of our relatives who spoke with authority, when he said the family had decided I was the best one to do this. Having been taught to respect my elders (Robert), I simply said yes, I will do it.

It is an awesome responsibility, and an even greater privilege for me to stand before you on this occasion, charged with the assignment to speak to you briefly on behalf of the Graham family; our family.

Indeed, our hearts are heavy, collectively. Those who were closest to "Aunt Babe," as she was affectionately known whether she was a cousin, or some other relation, likely have an abundance of mixed feelings. We will miss her, no doubt. But we also respect and accept that she has escaped the debilitating confines of pain and suffering that set in for a season, and she has now moved on to the next realm.

At our Family Reunion, in July this year, "Aunt Babe" was present, and she was appropriately acknowledged as our Family’s Matriarch. So I ask what is a Matriarch anyway, and just how much is one worth?

The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines Matriarch as:

• The female head of a family or tribal line.
• A woman who is the founder or dominant member of a community or group.
• Venerable; meaning to command great respect because of age or impressive
dignity.

Several appropriate synonyms or words with similar meanings, derived from the same source are:

• Ruler
• Dignified woman
• Mother
• Queen

I am confident those who knew "Aunt Babe" would attest that she was all those things and…more! But that only answers Part A of the question, what is a Matriarch? For the second part, what is one worth; I opted to consult a different source. In doing so, I assert that as our Matriarch, "Aunt Babe" was a virtuous woman. In Proverbs 31: 10, the Holy Bible proclaims, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

As certainly as "Aunt Babe" was our Matriarch; as surely as she was cherished by all of us, her beloved family; as truly as she first loved all of us, immeasurably, she will remain with us in our hearts as long as we live.

Before closing, I want to share three anecdotes about "Aunt Babe." Through the marvel of e-communication, better known as the Internet, I conversed with one of our cousins living in Los Angeles, Shamala Known to some of you as Bessie), about her remembrances of "Aunt Babe."

Two tidbits, as she called them, came to mind. One was of "Aunt Babe’s" creative side. She and her daughter Yealang refer to "Aunt Babe" as the World’s Greatest Recycler, for her ability to use everything again and then again, and in doing so, to create things of great beauty and value, such as quilts, shawls, and wraps.

Shamala also recalled her nurturing side, noting that, "“Aunt Babe" made sure that at every Family Reunion, my oldest sister, Mary, would get there. She either picked-up Mary, who has had a stroke, and lives here in Kinston in an Assisted Living home, or she made arrangements with other drivers.”

The last account is personal. I became reacquainted "Aunt Babe" at a Family Reunion here in Kinston, back in the Eighties. This was before she relocated to the area, from New Jersey. We exchanged contact information, and I was never again a stranger. From that point, I was on her Christmas Card list, and she always sent me a note whenever an important Family gathering was scheduled to take place. Indeed, she was handling things, as good Matriarchs always do.

I close with this obvious note; we love and we miss you "Aunt Babe." Rest in peace!

That was the end of my comments last Sunday. I will add one additional thought. At first, the idea that "Aunt Babe" passed on Christmas Day caused me to be somewhat sad. But as I continued to think about it, I came to see the matter quite differently. "Aunt Babe" had experienced a lengthy illness, and more than a little pain and suffering. While in complete control of her faculties, she had signed a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order. In a very real sense, "Aunt Babe" received the ultimate Christmas gift. She was relieved of the pain, discomfort, and physical maladies with which she endured with incredible dignity. God is good…all the time!

I’m done. Happy New Year; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.

"This Christmas!"

Well, if you have followed Break It Down for a while, you have figured out by now, more than likely, since it’s a holiday, this will not be an exercise in heavy lifting. I am not going to delude my self into taxing my brain, or wasting time trying to develop some deeply thought-provoking theme, when we know most of your time will likely be spent traveling, being entertained, entertaining, or vegging out, if you actually get a break from traveling and entertaining. In other words, keep it light!

To that end, let address the important stuff. It is Christmas Eve, so Merry Christmas, Joyous Noel (Noel is Leon spelled backward, by the way), and Feliz Navidad! In addition, for those whose faith tradition is Judaism, Happy Hanukkah! This year, Hanukkah began the evening of December 21st, and runs through December 29th. What about practitioners of Islam, you may ask? In 2008, Ramadan began in North America on September 2nd, and rand through October 1st.

To complete the current cycle of ethnic, cultural and holiday events, even though they are not religious observances, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year’s Day, as well. And yes, before you ask, I did omit Hindu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism) and Buddhist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism) Holidays. But feel free to research the enclosed links.

This week has been as eventful as most, and there are any number of news worthy items that could be discussed. Under the rubric of full disclosure, I admit I have had spirited encouragement to sift through Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme shenanigans, the Auto Bailout fallout, and of course, Governor Blagojevich’s blue language infused rants on the sale of President-elect Obama’s Senate seat.

Tempting as all that is you will recall my starting premise, which is still my guiding mantra; keep it light. To do that, I have integrated a different medium into this week’s post. In honor of the Twelve Days of Christmas, the twelve months of the year, and maybe even the Twelve-Step Program, in case you need one after all your celebrating, I have pulled together a twelve-song “youtube” Christmas Collection for your listening pleasure. Go forth and enjoy. I’ done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.

To listen to your concert, check out the twelve youtube links below. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the ten links that follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJO_kdkrj1g (This Christmas - Donnie Hathaway)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga-qd5FYUjA&feature=related (Stevie Wonder – What Christmas Means To Me)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf6fTRTQrG4&feature=related (Natalie Cole – The First Noel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tht9KD_pB0U (Nat King Cole – Silent Night)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jk34lUQoyQ (Kem - The Christmas Song)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxv88-euQtE (Lauryn Hill – Little Drummer Boy)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhVvB0r5l7E (Brian McKnight & Christina Aguilera – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG8abNRsabk&feature=related (Dianne Reeves – Christmas Time Is Here)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9JJc2zNhI (Boney James – Let It Snow)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWQzmb3xjn8 (Mariah Carey – Hark The Herald)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_n-gRS_wdI (John Coltrane – My Favorite Things)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzd6oCP3FKk Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year's_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Blagojevich

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Madoff

"An Informant By Any Other Name"

Amid circumstances that can aptly be described as confused and contorted, yet another surprising twist has emerged. Yesterday, as the Blagojevich Brouhaha continued to serve as spectacle, and unfold before Illinoisans, the Nation, and the World, a U.S. Representative was reported to have been cooperating with authorities…for years; more than a decade by some accounts.

Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been under fire recently. Many believe allegations that Jackson’s representatives met with the Governor and offered him up to a $million to appoint the Congressman to President-elect Obama’s vacant Senate seat. This highly publicized pay-to-play scheme, focused on the Governor, has dominated much of the news for more than a week now.

The ensuing fallout has had numerous repercussions that include creating a dark cloud formed by a series of allegations of Chicago-style dirty politics, slowing the Senate seat selection process, fostering calls for the Governor's resignation, causing others to urge Jackson to remove himself from consideration for the appointment, and of course, prompting assertions that all of this somehow involves and taints Obama.

Reflecting upon the greed fueled wretched excesses of Blagojevich, I am reminded of the deft phrasing of Scottish novelist, poet, and historian Sir Walter Scott, when he wrote the lines, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive.” But when I think of the modern history of the Illinois Governorship, a legacy that includes jail time for three Governors or former Governors in the past 35 years, including Blagojevich’s predecessor, I am more attuned to the comedic stylings of Stanley Laurel, and Oliver Hardy. Can’t you almost hear Stan’s artfully constructed, “What a fine mess you have gotten us into this time, Ollie," playing in the background of the proceedings?

In examining the most recent developments, I was struck by the delicate nature of this revelation. On the one hand, under fire, and for several days making it pointedly clear that he determined to make every effort to clear his good name, Jackson was clearly between a rock and a hard place. Only one day earlier, President-elect Obama opted not to release full and complete information about the case, publicly citing a request by Special Prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald. Now, only a day later, Jackson appears to spill at least part of the beans.

Let’s be clear here. By all accounts, Governor Rod Blagojevich is at the center of this controversy, and is the prime target of the investigation. With that in mind, I certainly have no desire to create any kind of “Blame the victim” energy for Jackson, whom by all accounts is not a target of the investigation. But let’s face it; Americans have a healthy dose of cynicism toward “informants.”

Not true, you say! Want me to prove it? Fair enough; let’s make this quick and simple. I went to http://dictionary.com on the web, and typed in informant. When I hit enter, under the Thesaurus heading, guess what came up. According to this resource, and I know this is only one source, there were eleven synonyms for the main entry, informant. Here are the top ten, in order they appeared:
Canary
Fink
Informer
Nark
Rat
Sneak
Snitch
Source
Stoolie
Tattletale

Get the point? Jackson certainly did. He quickly tried to distance himself from the term, both personally, and through a spokesperson. In a CNN wire service story, Jackson is said to have rejected being labeled with the term “informant” in a message to CNN contributor Roland Martin.

Furthermore, a Jackson Spokesman, Kenneth Edmonds (no, not Babyface, y’all) characterized Jackson’s actions with federal authorities this way: “As a responsible citizen and elected official, Congressman Jackson has in the past provided information to federal authorities regarding his personal knowledge of perceived corruption and government misconduct.

This was completely unrelated to the current investigation regarding the U.S. Senate appointment. And it is absolutely inaccurate to describe the congressman as an informant.”

Edmonds went on to say, Jackson has provided information about Blagojevich previously, though not in the current case.

OK, you have now read what Congressman Jackson and his spokesman, Mr. Edmonds have to say on the issue of informants. What is clear as a sunlit sky over the ocean is, every time the word informant is typed, read, uttered, or even thought, in connection with Jesse, Jr., his erstwhile street cred is dropping faster than a portfolio filled with Wachovia stock. I don’t know whether you should call the Congressman a collaborator, a whistle blower, an information specialist, or just a genuinely nice guy…who wants his good name back, and would like to be the Junior Senator from Illinois. What I do know is, “Informant by Any Other Name,” commonly used, will smell as putrid. I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday.

For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below.


http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/informant

http://www.npr.org/blogs/newsandviews/2008/12/abc_news_jesse_jackson_jr_is_s.html

http://www.africanamericanpoliticalpundit.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=413

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/16/blagojevich/index.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/17/rod-blagojevich-jesse-jackson-jr-illinois

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/16/jesse-jackson-jr-may-have_n_151514.html

http://www.huliq.com/2623/74607/jesse-jackson-jr-identified-informant-blagojevich-probe

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/16/breaking-jackson-jr-an-informant-to-us-attorney-investigation/

http://firedoglake.com/2008/12/16/jesse-jackson-junior-reportedly-informant-for-more-than-a-decade/

http://www.bad-news-day.com/us-representative-jesse-jackson-jr-reportedly-was-informant-for-federal-investigators

"It's All About the People!"

Michael Vick, Marion Jones, and dare I say, Plaxico Burress, move over; way over. Vick, Jones, and Burress, all athletes, earned their share of fame and fortune, and subsequently their rightful portion of disgrace and/or infamy. While at the top of their respective games, each fell under the burgeoning weight of scandal. Dog-fighting, performance-enhancing drugs, and weapons charges, respectively, took each out of what was a seemingly entrenched orbit.

But all of those events have become yester-year’s news, or in Burress’ case, at least day before yesterday’s. That is because yesterday, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested. “U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald on Tuesday accused the Illinois Governor of carrying out a political corruption crime spree that was a blatant effort to sell the state's U.S. Senate seat (yes, Obama's former seat) in the latest "pay-to-play" scheme in Illinois politics.”

But guess what? This is not a review of questionable judgment, deception, or sheer stupidity. No; not this week. For the next few minutes, “It’s All About the People!” Most of us have all spent a fair amount of time looking forward to, preparing for, exercising our civic duty, and reveling in or decrying the outcome of the recent Presidential Election. The historical significance of this moment is likely to be a regular topic of conversation centuries from now.

It cannot be denied, the 2008 Election is unlike any other in this Country. On January 20, 2009, for the first time, an African American will be inaugurated as President of the U.S. The event ushers in a new age in American political and personal dynamics. There was already a refreshing feel to the event, as President-elect Obama ordered ratcheting back severely on the special interest money that traditionally fuels much of the celebration. Planners have barred lobbyists, corporations, political action committees, and well-heeled foreigners from purchasing access to the new administration.

But there is more that will make this event special, if not unique. Earl W. Stafford, CEO and Chairman, Universal Systems & Technology, Inc., head of the Stafford Foundation, and a Fairfax County resident, kicked off a project to bring disadvantaged people to President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration next month. Stafford, a 20-year Air Force veteran, whose family runs a faith-based charitable foundation, has already spent a million dollars for over 300 rooms and amenities for his guests at Washington’s JW Marriott hotel at Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th St.

The JW Marriott hotel announced that Stafford, a 60 year-old businessman and son of a Baptist minister, purchased the million-dollar “Build Your Own Ball” package—which comes with 300 rooms, four suites, $200,000 in food and beverages, and a heated rooftop tent to watch the inaugural parade—and intends to give it away to more than 100 veterans, disadvantaged people, terminally ill patients, and others.

In addition, he is spending $600,000 for a prayer breakfast, luncheon and two inaugural balls at the hotel. Mr. Stafford, accompanied by his wife Amanda, and children Earl, Jr., Jessica, and Mark, launched the project at a news conference at the hotel last Thursday. He wants at least 30 percent of his guests to be people in need, and is willing to provide gowns, tuxedos, and the services of beauticians; even transportation. He wants them to have an unforgettable experience. Stafford plans to recruit sponsors to help chip in for the additional costs. He will reward their philanthropy with his remaining rooms at the hotel.

Cooperating agencies, including the National Urban League and Washington's Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, will help the foundation identify people to be invited and help them get to Washington. Stafford has said he also plans to reach out to homeless shelters, community organizations and military hospitals in search of guests.

Stafford snatched up the package within hours of Obama’s election and has paid in full. The New York Times reports:

He said he was “led” to the idea by the Lord, although when it first occurred to him in March, he said, it wasn’t fully crystallized. He said he wanted to help people who have worked hard and done everything right but who find themselves without a job or home.

“The hope is that this will be contagious, that others will say, ‘I can do a little good, I might not be able to hold an inaugural ball or celebration, but I can do something for my neighbor without condition, without return,’ ” he said.

Mr. Stafford said his goal is to get deserving people to the inauguration who would otherwise not have the opportunity. At the announcement last Thursday, he said that he hopes the balcony terrace is filled “with those who are disadvantaged, those who are distressed, mingling with those who aren’t so. And we hope to see on their faces a sense of excitement.”

Stafford was asked whether Obama might attend the Marriott events. "That certainly would be icing on the cake," he said.

Lavern Chatman, president of the Northern Virginia Urban League, said the idea was not to have all the Stafford guests be disadvantaged. Organizers also want some movers and shakers so the disadvantaged and well-heeled can mingle.

One of 12 children born to a Baptist minister in Mount Holly, N.J., Stafford said he wants to remind people of the traditions that he believes made America great.

“We just need to get back to caring about one another,” he said.

Stafford concluded by saying, "I was inspired to do this by the Lord. ... It's not about us, but about us helping other people," he said.

“All About the People,” now that is a Change We Can Believe In. I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday.

For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/03/AR2008120304095.html

http://blackamericans.com/blogs/news/archive/2008/12/06/earl-stafford-a-virginia-businessman-has-reserved-1-million-worth-of-rooms-at-washington-s-jw-marriott-hotel-with-plans-to-give-the-rooms-away-to-the-underprivileged-for-inauguration-week.aspx

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1270136/barack_obama_calls_for_volunteerism.html?cat=62

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Stafford-Foundation-Announces-Peoples-Inaugural/story.aspx?guid=%7B7083291B-B512-46F8-9CDB-6B812828E9AB%7D

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081204/ts_alt_afp/uspoliticsobamatransitionobamapoverty_081204220753

http://freedomeden.blogspot.com/2008/12/earl-stafford.html

http://www.oliverwillis.com/2008/12/04/earl-staffords-the-peoples-inauguration/

http://democraticwhip.house.gov/press/2008/12/05/earl_stafford/

http://news.muckety.com/2008/12/07/va-businessman-earl-stafford-treats-poor-dispossessed-to-obama-inaugural/8001

http://www.mahalo.com/Earl_Stafford

http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?last=STAFFORD&first=EARL

http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Earl%20Stafford

http://washingtontimes.com/livechat/2008/dec/08/va-businessman-earl-stafford/

http://www.the-savvy-sista.com/2008/12/businessman-earl-stafford-plans.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Blagojevich

http://gothamist.com/2008/12/09/illinois_governor_blagojevich_on_a.php

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/12/blagojevich-o-1.html

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jwsQth4cUe3MfV03Brlm8s9C2AfQD94VFG9O0

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hVNAcA-xtCA6PKQ8h5s7dBlD_BKwD94VFOUO0

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Vick

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marion_Jones

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaxico_Burress

The A-Team

Apologies to Laurence Tureaud, better known as Mr. T, but Team Obama is likely to have many monikers, the A-Team being just one of them. Oh many have coined it the modern-day Team of Rivals, an appellation referencing President-elect Obama’s fascination with Doris Kearns Goodwin’s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Kearns_Goodwin) book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. At this point, I prefer the A-Team for many reasons, not the least of which is, Mr. T survived his A-Team adventures; President Lincoln did not survive his Presidency. If you believe, as I do, the Obama Administration should be driven by outcomes, finishing alive ought to be pretty high on the list.

The past couple of weeks in the World After Obama (Post-election victory) have been fast-paced, and steeped in social, symbolic, and historical significance. Last week, the President-elect assembled and presented to the American public for inspection the members of his Economic Team. The composition of the team is litany of proverbial All-Stars. Headliners include:

Timothy Geithner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_F._Geithner), Treasury Secretary
Lawrence H. Summers, Director of the National Economic Council
Paul Volcker (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Volcker), Chairman Economic Recovery Advisory Board
Christina D. Romer, Director of the council of Economic Advisors
Melody Barnes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melody_Barnes), Director of Domestic Policy Council
Austan Goolsbee, Council of Economic Advisers
Peter R. Orszag, OMB Director
Jason Furman, Senior White House Adviser

But indeed, if the Economic Team is an assembly of All-Stars, and it is, the National Security Team is a Hall of Fame-in-waiting. Led by Obama’s chief rival for the Democratic Nomination for President, members include:

Hillary Rodham Clinton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Rodham_Clinton), Secretary of State
Robert Gates (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gates), Defense Secretary
General James Jones (http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1862911,00.html), National Security Adviser
Janet Napolitano (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Napolitano), Homeland Security Secretary
Susan Rice (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_E._Rice), Ambassador to the United Nations

In addition to the Economic and Security Teams, the President-elect has mad several other key appointments, including:

Rahm Emanuel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel), Chief of Staff
Valerie Jarrett (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Jarrett), Senior White House Advisor
Eric Holder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Holder), Attorney General
Tom Daschle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Daschle), Secretary of Health and Human Services
Ellen Moran (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Moran), White House Communications Director
Desiree Rogers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desir%C3%A9e_Rogers), White House Social Secretary

Finally, according to the New York Times, Obama plans to announce New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson (http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/obama-to-announce-richardsons-appointment/), as his choice for Commerce Secretary, today. One day shy of a month since his election, it is fair to say Mr. Obama and his team of advisers has been both busy, and productive. While he has publicly channeled Lincoln as his inspiration, and some have cited Roosevelt’s Cabinet as the apt example for comparison, still others note that Kennedy’s Cabinet is a more appropriate comparison.

Any or all of these previous Commanders-in-Chief may be the ideal stepping off point for such an analysis. I will wind this down with a couple of observations about Ms. Goodwin’s thesis. An LA Times articles described it as an “inconvenient truth.” “Out of the four leading vote-getters for the 1860 Republican presidential nomination whom Lincoln placed on his original team, three left during his first term -- one in disgrace, one in defiance and one in disgust," writes Matthew Pinkster in an L.A. Times piece titled Lincoln and the Myth of 'Team of Rivals'.” I might add, the fourth, was a constant thorn in Lincoln's side for much of his first term.

Further, an article in the Boston Globe, a writer “wonders if it is a wise strategy in today's world.” In that article, Douglas Brinkley, a Rice University author and historian posits, "I question the entire concept of 'Team of Rivals' being sound."

Now, to be sure, a couple of naysayers do not equal proof positive that “Rivals” is the wrong way to go. I do not argue (strongly) that it is. Rather, I merely suggest, for reasons previously stated, my preference for another metaphor. To our President-elect, I wish you much success, a lasting peace, and a very long life. I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday.

For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below.

http://www.amazon.com/Team-Rivals-Political-Abraham-Lincoln/dp/0684824906

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-pinsker18-2008nov18,0,1360359.story

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/11/21/will_lincolns_team_of_rivals_play_today/

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/01/obama-dales-cabinet-picks/

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/01/obama-unveils-national-security-team/

http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/12/01/obamas-national-security-team-of-rivals/

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/01/transition.wrap/

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/02/1695100.aspx

http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2008/12/reaction_to_oba.html

http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/environmentandenergy/archive/2008/12/01/what-obama-s-security-team-means-for-energy.aspx

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/120108dnpoltransition.3f55a31.html

http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/12/speaker-pelosis-statment-on-obamas.html

http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20081201/UPDATES01/812010341

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/us/politics/01clinton.html?_r=1&hp

http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/24/news/economy/obama_economic_team/?postversion=2008112415

It's Thanksgiving, Right?

(In Full Disclosure: This post is adapted from the November 21, 2007 Blog)

Those of you who regularly check in have come to expect a variety of discussion topics, usually centering on some current and significant event, or person in the news. In the grand scheme of things, this week is no different in terms of there being a teeming cornucopia of possibilities from which to choose.

President–elect Obama continues to move with all deliberate speed to appoint his Cabinet, select a Team of Economic Advisers, and cement his Inner Circle. Wall Street and the Stock Market are still showing signs of volatility, but trending favorably in response to his moves.

American Automakers have less than a week to respond to Congress with a retooled robust business plan that offers cogent details on how General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler will reposition themselves in a leaner, greener, 21st Century modality. Meanwhile, auto workers ask why banks seem to have gotten a pass on a bailout/rescue, while this key segment of the manufacturing sector is being held to a different, considerably higher standard. Finally, in a couple of days we will see if lingering fears are confirmed that Black Friday may be awash in red ink.

Instead of choosing from those, or selecting one of many other hot-button topics du jour, I have instead taken note of the example used in TV and Syndicated Radio scheduling. A great deal of money has been invested in numerous sophisticated studies and other research, all of which have found that you and your families will be busy enjoying good food, and better company, rather than watching or listening to your favorite TV or radio program.

Being a reasonably astute observer, I infer…you, gentle readers, will also not be spending an inordinate amount of time reading blogs, no matter how deep, or insightful they may be. To that end, this week’s conversation will, like last year’s pre-Thanksgiving missive, be a derivative of David Letterman’s frequently mimicked Top Ten List. No newspaper, magazine, blog, or TV links to track and follow, just my personal list of the top ten things I am thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, and the advent of the holiday season in general.

Without further ado, the things for which I am thankful for this Thanksgiving include:

#10. Basketball
Pee wee, high school, college, NBA; basketball is fantastic. I have played the game for more than 40 years. It is a source of enjoyment and relaxation, and a catalyst for spirited debate. In a nutshell, it is therapeutic. I am at peace.

#9. Talent, ability, and resourcefulness to earn a living
Each of us is endowed by our creator with an enormous array of skills, talents, abilities, and potential. Having the wherewithal and opportunity to employ one’s gifts in productive and useful purposes is a blessing of the highest order. I am blessed.

#8. Knowledge that I am bigger than my doubters
In life we all encounter obstacles. It is incredibly important to refuse to be diminished or deterred by detractors and doubters. It is even better to use these occurrences as opportunities to grow. I am growing.

#7. Wisdom and examples of elders and Griots
It is often said we should learn from our mistakes. However, very often those who passed this way before, parents, and advisers, extend themselves by sharing the lessons of their challenges. As a rule of thumb it is better, as well as less costly and painful, to learn from others’ mistakes, rather than our own. I am open to learn for others.

#6. Intellectual curiosity
The world is hugely complex and growing more so, daily. Successful navigation requires a certain child-like inquisitive nature; a willingness to suspend belief in boundaries, limitations, and impediments, and instead surmise that every question has a complementary answer, every challenge, a gallant conqueror, and every potential failure, a Phoenix-like solution. I am rising.

#5. Teachers, professors, advisers, and counselors
The United Negro College Fund popularized the phrase, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” No individual or group of professionals is more undervalued in our society than those who embrace the essential work of taking young flexible minds and shaping them into vessels that will serve as personal on-board computers and navigation systems for the next 70 to 100 years. I am a product of having had many amazing teachers.

#4. Life, health, strength, and vigor
It goes without saying; most of our fondest desires can be experienced, only if we have at least a modicum of life, health, strength, and vigor. As long as we have a reasonable portion of these commodities, we have endless possibilities to shape our own destiny. I am alive, healthy, strong, and vigorous.

#3. Miracles
In the year 2008, American citizens affirmed by ballot, miracles do happen. America is by no means a perfect society, and has not magically morphed into one by electing Barack Obama. What we have done through this unique act of collective courage is invest in the American Dream; reinforcing with vigor, our pursuit of “A More Perfect Union.” I believe in Miracles.

#2. My parents, may they rest in peace; Family Reunions, and friends and loved ones
Parenthood is a calling; one for which not everyone is cut out. It is a lifetime sentence, complete with a never-diminishing commitment. However, when done well, it is also the most rewarding experience known to humans. Family Reunions are parodied, and cariacatured, and otherwise made fun of, with impunity. Yet, for many, they are the paragon of returning to ones source. I attended two this past summer, and they were abundantly reaffirming. Each of us is challenged to transform our existence from merely making a living to enjoying a fully engaging fruitful and productive life. No single factor is more critical to maximizing life’s bountiful range of experiences than the players present in one’s inner circle. They see you as you are…and love you anyway. I am fortunate to have had parents, who not only gave me great advice, but who provided me phenomenal examples; I revere my family, nuclear and extended; also I am inspired by my friends and loved ones.

#1. Understanding God is good…all the time!
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God advises: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” My parents, my life, my friends, my teachers, my intellect, my elders, my knowledge, my talent, and yes, even my affinity for basketball are all gifts…from God. I am the humble benefactor of His glorious goodness, grace, and tender mercy. Amen!

As you head off to enjoy time with friends and family, and partake of your favorite repast, take this original Holiday Haiku, from me, made especially for you and Thanksgiving Day.

“A Thanksgiving wish:
Eat, drink, and be quite merry,
Peace be unto you!”

That’s it for me. Happy Thanksgiving; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday.

A (Sex) Change You Can Believe In!

OK, now that I have your attention; not that kind of sex change. In the euphoric response to the triumph of President-elect Obama, we may be overlooking another aspect of change that has been sweeping the American political landscape for some time. It is not that this particular change has gone unreported. However, due to the global, if not intergalactic acknowledgment of the dawning of what some people think of as the Obama Era, this continuing phenomenon has garnered less broad discussion and a lack of prominent emphasis that might have occurred otherwise. The issue at hand is the steady increase in the number of women elected to key positions.

Take the U.S. Senate for example. Through the 2006 elections, only 35 women had been appointed or elected to serve in the Senate. To put that in perspective, consider those 35 women comprise 1.85% of the 1,897 Americans to hold the post since the inception of the institution in 1789. You may ask, just how few is that in the grand scheme of things? The number is so few, that when Barack Obama is sworn in on January 20th, there will instantly become a greater percentage of black men to have held the American Presidency (2.27%), than women who have served in the U.S. Senate. Consider that, 12, or more than 1/3 of those who served were appointed (7 to fill unexpired terms held by their deceased husbands), not elected, and it puts the matter squarely into historical perspective.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), and Kay Hagan (North Carolina) will be sworn in January 6, 2009, when the 111th Congress convenes, bringing the total number of women in the Senate to 17; most ever at one time. This will eclipse the previous record of 16, during this year’s 110th Congress. Hagan defeated Senator Elizabeth Dole, so the total will increase by only one. With the election of Senator Hagan, North Carolina becomes the first State to have sent women from both parties to the Senate. The election of Shaheen and Hagan also elevates the total number of women elected to the Senate, in the history of the position, to 37.

In the lower house of Congress, ten women will be added in January, bringing the total number of women in the House of Representatives to 74, also a record number. The previous record was 71, set in 2007 elections (for the 110th Congress). Ironically, with 17 Senators, and 74 House members, the percentage of women will be 17% in both Houses of Congress during the 111th Congress.

Of course, here in North Carolina, in addition to Senator-elect Hagan, we had another intense political battle in which a woman triumphed. Governor-elect Beverly Perdue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Perdue), the only female newly voted in as Governor in the 2008 elections, defeated Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. Christine Gregoire, the incumbent from the State of Washington, was the only other woman to win a gubernatorial race last week. With that, the number of women Governors held steady at 8.

While women’s success in American politics is clearly trending upward, despite the failure of Senator Clinton and Governor Palin to achieve their objectives, consider two States in particular as makers of this case. First, the State of New Hampshire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire), which as previously noted, also added a U.S. Senator. The Granite State became the first to make women a majority of its State Senate. Thirteen of the State’s 24 Senators will be women, when the body is sworn-in this January. Believe it or not, this nugget has been highlighted in the news. I bet you missed it though.

OK, savants, I hear you saying underneath your breath, “But that was in New Hampshire, for God’s sake. ”Let’s talk about someplace not located virtually in Southern Canada.”

Fair enough. How about the Southern United States? The Tar Heel State; good ol’ North Carolina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina) is another example of women bringing home the political bacon. The Northern Carolina, which turned blue for Democrat Obama, the first time since Jimmy Carter’s successful 1976 Presidential bid, and elected its second-ever woman to the U.S. Senate, also elected women to 6 of its 10 Council of State positions, including, governor, treasurer, auditor, secretary of state, labor commissioner and superintendent of public instruction.

By contrast, despite the furor over the President-elect and the ensuing debate about whether his successful candidacy single-handedly transforms America into a post-racial society, the number of blacks in Congress remains relatively flat. In fact, the Presidency’s gain will in turn be the Senate’s loss, as Obama has gave up his Senate seat this past Sunday. There were no new black Governors elected November 8th either. So, if 2008 marks a shifting of political fault lines, it appears in the broad scheme of things it may be a sexual, I mean gender, revolution, not the post-racial quake, diversity optimists have prematurely hailed, spinners have deftly sold, and pessimists have fatalistically rued.

If it sounds as if I am not quite ready to just act as if the past never happened, there is a good reason. I’m not! On this question, I am reminded of the words of two noted writers. One, George Santayana, wrote in Reason in Common Sense, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” The other, William Faulkner, wrote in Requiem for a Nun, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” In fact, Obama even paraphrased this Faulkner quote in his now famous Race Speech, A More Perfect Union (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-race-speech-read-t_n_92077.html), which he delivered March 18th at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Now, let me be clear, President-elect Obama assembled a superior team, ran a brilliant campaign, faced an opponent who made a series, of key errors in strategy and judgment, and benefited from a calamitous financial crisis, the likes of which America has not experienced since the Great Depression. In short, though he was aided by external influences, he won a hard fought and well-deserved victory. Of that, there should be neither doubt nor question. “I’m just saying…” as we stagger under the influence of adulatory pride in “our signal societal accomplishment,” understand that we still have significant work to do. Moreover, there are other fundamental changes occurring before out very eyes, including, "A (Sex) Change You Can Believe In!" Don’t sleep on them. I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_the_United_States_Senate

http://www.feministing.com/archives/012014.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_female_state_governors_in_the_United_States

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/11/05/women-become-majority-in-new-hampshire-state-senate/

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=The+new+majority&articleId=4412c7e7-7e29-4a5e-aa57-96537e6ddcd7

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=80422

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Women+make+up+majority+in+state+Senate&articleId=858eb085-15c9-4d7d-b9b6-3e6ee1c28099

http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_311085137.html?keyword=topstory

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/304710.html

http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/story/3904408/

http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1285572.html

http://news14.com/content/local_news/triad/601153/women-lead-new-state-government/Default.aspx

The Passing of an Icon's Matriarch; A Moment of Silence, Please!

In the eyes of the world, eight days ago, America took a giant step. It appears most observers reflect on the import of that moment and conclude it was a step in the right direction. Leaders and common folk from around the globe have shared countless expressions about the significance, both symbolic, and concretely substantive, of our National awakening. All this is perfectly true, and yet, I am troubled. Now I have friends who may insist they could have told you that all along. But seriously, let us take a moment for deliberative contemplation.

Indeed, last Tuesday was a day, when all we knew about the historical dynamics of American politics was exploded and reformatted, in one thrilling Nation-wide vote. Regardless of whether one exulted or exclaimed, “Woe is me,” Team Obama has wrought an incredible Change. Remember that!

The resulting aftermath rendered Barack Obama President-elect. The junior Senator from Illinois campaigned brilliantly for 21 months. His name has long been elevated to “household, not just all across America, but around the world. Without question, that is important, and should not be…no, cannot be refuted, or even diminished.

But while the Election was a grippingly electrifying event, there was another occurrence of a fundamentally important nature last week. Madelyn Payne Dunham died Monday, the day before the Election. Unlike Barack, her name is not of the household variety. Yet, he claims her as his inspiration, and the shaper and framer of virtually all that you know of him. Based on that admission alone, I am moved to view her passing as noteworthy, on the most grand of scales.

We have been quick to embrace Michelle, Malia, and Sasha. Their images are almost as familiar to us as Barack’s. Recently, we have been advised that as future “First Children,” they have become Fashionistas, and like Michelle before them, their ensembles may become the leading edge for coming trends, or at least conversations.

Contrast that with Mrs. Dunham, Obama’s grandmother, who had not been interviewed since Barack’s now famous 2004 Democratic Convention Keynote Speech (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM)/( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UDKXKGZ3PY), and whom was never on camera during the Presidential Campaign, and it is easy to understand why she and the impact and influence she had on President-elect Obama seems to simply fly underneath the radar at this moment.

That is just not OK! Perhaps I am more focused than some, and even more attentive than I might normally be, because I have been to three funerals recently. They were “Celebrations” of the lives of three unique women; one, a mother and politician, one, a mother and minister’s wife, and one, a young woman who was not yet a mother, and who really was too young to leave her parents and friends. Yet that is an integral element of the nature of the Circle of Life. We know not the moment or the hour when our appointed time will come.

Mrs. Dunham lived 86 years. Hers’ was a long and productive life. She was accomplished in many ways, but will almost certainly be remembered by most as Obama’s Granny. In addition to referencing her in his Race Speech, A More Perfect Union (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo), Obama described her as having "taught me values straight from the Kansas heartland" - things like "accountability and self-reliance. Love of country. Working hard without making excuses. Treating your neighbor as you'd like to be treated."


So, while I hail the coming of Barack Obama’s administration, and I hold good wishes, and great expectations for his Presidency, which does not begin until January 20th, I am slowing my roll, and I encourage you to slow yours, so that for just a fleeting instant in time, we can honor the Passing of an Icon's Matriarch; a Moment of Silence, Please!

I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madelyn_and_Stanley_Dunham

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-obama-grandmother-madelyn-dunham,0,2249369.story

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1176639/madelyn_dunham_remembered_not_by_death.html?cat=62

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081111/NEWS01/811110356/1001/LOCALNEWSFRONT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/03/uselections2008-barackobama1

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/11/03/obamas_grandmother_dies.html

http://www.popcrunch.com/barack-obama-grandmother-death-madelyn-dunham-dies-of-cancer/

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/03/obama.grandma/index.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27522679/

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/elections/national/Obamas_Grandmother_Dies_On_Eve_of_Historic_Election.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/obama-on-grandmother-and_n_140698.html

http://news.spreadit.org/obama-grandmother-diedobama-grandmother-deadmadelyn-dunham-death/

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/11/barack_obamas_grandmother_made.html

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/04/america/obama.php

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/obamas-grandmother-dies/

The People Have Spoken; "Yes We Can!"

Fifteen months ago, I wrote a six paragraph note to a few friends. Hours later that missive would become my first blog entry. The topic was Barack Obama. More precisely, “Obama Plays the Experience Card,” which might aptly have been called the Inexperience Card. At the time, Senator Hillary Clinton was the odds on favorite to secure the Democratic Nomination for President. Alternately, Senator Obama was considered, in many corners, to be the little known junior Senator from Illinois, recognized more for skillful oratory than political acumen.

Fast forward 71 blog posts later- Dateline: Tuesday, November 4, 2008, 11:00 p.m.

Today the people of the United States of America spoke. What did they say? The short answer is, at 11:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, when the California polls closed, media outlets in effect uttered the pronouncement, “Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama). But they also said, collectively, and with vigor, the experience of the past 8 years is not what this Country aspires to during the next four years. American voters emphatically rejected the policies, politics, and many of the politicians that brought us wars in Iraq, and Afghanistan, and the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Hearkening back to the time I initially wrote about Senator Obama, he contended his inexperience was actually a plus. He was in the early stages of making the case that we, the people, wanted change, and furthermore, that he was just the man to bring us “The Change We Could Believe In.” The argument was predicated on the fact that the experience of those in Washington was the foundation of a specific way of thinking. That mind set, he suggested, had caused widespread internal malaise, ever-deepening fiscal insolvency, and international reputation of isolationism and classic ugly Americanism. It was time for Change, he concluded.

Obviously, between that day in August 2007 and today, a host of twists and turns ensued. One of the most significant impediments to any contemplation of Barack Obama as a serious candidate for President was the competing Candidacy of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. The junior Senator from New York had a deep reservoir of support, a robust fund raising apparatus, universal name recognition, and the imposing legacy of being the wife of a former President, and the allegiance of numerous black supporters.

The Democratic Primary season quickly defaulted into a race between the two junior Senators. In hindsight, one of the best things to happen to Senator Obama was the arduous battle testing he received, courtesy of Senator Clinton. Much as with athletic contests, the superior competition forced Obama to raise his game. By the time the General Election Campaign kicked-off, Senator Obama had been thoroughly prepared for whatever Team GOP would throw at him.

Senator Obama and his team crafted a uniquely successful fund raising mechanism that was so wildly successful, it set and then broke several records. He and his strategists developed precinct organizing and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts for the Primaries, and the General Election that were not only textbook in their conception, but brilliantly executed. He and his Vice President selection, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, won (according to most independent news sources) all three Presidential Debates, and the Vice Presidential Debate.

So as we embark on the historic Presidency of Barack Obama, what do we know, and what do we not know? Beginning with the latter question, we do not know precisely how the Senator will govern. But there have been clues. He has formed an impressive array of advisers on foreign, domestic, and economic policy, among other things. Using these resources as touchstones should serve him and us well.

Alternately, if we know little about his style of governance, we know volumes about how he thinks and leads. Clearly, in direct defiance of Senator McCain’s assertion during the first Presidential Debate, Obama knows the difference between strategic and tactical, and how to formulate and effectively execute both. The Clintons and McCain-Palin would likely attest to that today. Several weeks ago, during his endorsement of Obama, General Colin Powell praised Obama for his high-powered intellect, but also noted that he was a good fit for leading the Country at this time because of his being a generational as well as a transformative figure. He will bring a renewed elevation in depth and quality of our National debates, as a sense of re-engagement on numerous foreign policy fronts and issues.

You may note I did not lead with black pride as the central element of this discussion. Clearly, yesterday’s vote was a defining moment in our Nation’s history. However, it remains unclear what it defined. Senator Obama did not run on race, and I will not compress his election into a referendum on melanin. A friend of mine contends that we have entered the Post-Obama era. Without getting into a long, tortuous explanation, to use a football analogy, that means we moved the chains yesterday; we advanced. But just as in football, there is plenty of game left. In short, for those who would like to take issues of race, ethnicity, diversity, and other similar issues off the table now, forget about it. The reality is this is the beginning, not the end.

But lucky for you, it is near the end of this conversation. Remember, as you wend your way through the day; know that from Halifax to Honolulu, the “Audacity of Hope” of an entire people (Americans) has been validated. As President-elect Obama said in his acceptance speech (http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=4226712&cl=10539568&src=news), “Change has come to America.” He went on to note the climb will be steep, and long, but we will get there. “Yes We Can!” I’m done; Holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.


http://www.latimes.com/

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/111/story/299429.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/

http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/1260216,election-new-president-obama-110408.article

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081104_The_historical_importance_of_Obamas_victory.html

http://www.adn.com/elections/story/578634.html

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122581133077197035.html

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20081104/NEWS/81104092

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ELECTION_RDP?SITE=AZMES&SECTION=NATIONAL&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081104/ap_on_el_pr/new_hampshire_first_votes

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_the_moment

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/election_analysis

Political Prestidigitation: the Skillful Art of Clever Tricks

The current major Party candidates have been running for President since early 2007. Senator Obama announced his candidacy February 11th, and Senator McCain followed suit April 25th. Now, only six days remain until D-Day; Election ’08. As the historic day approaches, and it will be historic, no matter which candidate wins, beware the outrageous schemes of deception, misdirection, mind games, and the plain old okeydoke.

It could be said of political campaigns, they are a lot like love and war; all is fair. Partisan politics in America is littered with its share of inter-party intrigue, squabbling, bickering, and contests between men and women promoting competing ideas and ideals, big and small. The overarching strategies and subtly nuanced tactics of this year’s race for the American Presidency have all pretty much been implemented, and now await the verdict, which will be rendered by We the People next Tuesday, November 4ht.

Oh yes, to be sure, there is still a flurry of activity between now and then. The candidates and their seconds, the would-be Vice Presidents, are crisscrossing the Country, to make their final pitches in a few of the so-called, battleground States. On Monday, Obama led in Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, and Nevada, while McCain boasted significant margins in West Virginia and Indiana. Florida, the largest prize among the battleground States, was a dead heat.

A review of most polls shows that Obama is comfortably ahead in all the States won by John Kerry in 2004. Conversely, several polls show McCain in serious danger in several States won by President Bush. Three examples of this latter point are North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio. No Democratic Presidential candidate has won North Carolina since Jimmy Carter in 1976, none has won Virginia since Lyndon Johnson in 1964, alternately no Republican has ever gone on to win the Presidency without carrying Ohio.

As the clock inexorably moves toward zero, polls show Senator Obama with a slight advantage in popular votes, and a tenuous lead in several battleground States, as well as Electoral Votes. This is where things have had a tendency to get tricky in recent history. As the 2000 and 2004 Presidential Campaign neared an end, the Democrats found themselves ahead in the polls. Of course, after eight years of W, we all know how both of those elections turned out.

Senator McCain has cast himself, along with Governor Palin as the underdog team; but he added they are exactly where they want to be. While this is highly doubtful, they clearly have not thrown in the towel. Instead, they are trying to work a little Prestidigitation; magic, if you will. He has insisted that the Obama camp and the media have written them off, and underscores he still believes they can win.

The Obama-Biden duo has apparently considered the less than stellar ending their Party experienced in the past two Elections, and taken Senator McCain-Governor Palin at their word. As a result Obama has responded by asking supporters to approach the next six days as if the result of the campaign depended on it, because, he says, “it does!”

This is where voters and supporters enter the picture. Trailing as they are, Team GOP needs help from Democrats and Independents to pull even and overtake Obama-Biden. They are enlisting the aid of an array of distractions to sew seeds of fear, create confusion, and promote complacency among Democrats and Independents planning to vote for Obama and Biden. A sample of ten artful impediments voters will encounter includes:

Obama is a Muslim
Obama promised to accept matching funds
Obama is a Socialist/Redistributor
Obama has written Inaugural Speech; measured White House drapes
Obama will appoint Jeremiah Wright to a Cabinet position
Obama will rely on William Ayers for policy advice
Obama has a flawed position on the economy
Obama has a flawed position on Iraq
Obama has a flawed position on health care
Obama has a flawed position on abortion

The point in introducing any or all of the above items has two principal purposes. The first is to erode the candidate’s time and availability to deal with legitimate Campaign issues and apply quality time to disseminating his own message. The second and more cancerous purpose, at this stage of the process, is to waylay and otherwise dissuade voters.

Take for example the question of whether Obama is a Muslim. This has been addressed countless times since the beginning of the race. It is such a non-starter, McCain or Palin would never make the claim. Yet the insidious way it seeps into the fabric of the Campaign occurs when it comes up during official Campaign events, without challenge or interruption from the candidates or their surrogates. An on-the-fence voter may hear it repeated enough times he/she accepts it as fact.

Next, consider the matching funds question. Obama changed his position on the matter. But let’s face the facts. Republicans have typically had an advantage in fundraising, and funds on hand. If The GOP had more money than the Democrats, as they usually do, this would not be an issue, as least not with the GOP. The only reason it is an issue now is because Senator Obama took an experimental mechanism and turned into the goose that laid the Golden Egg of fundraising. In fact, he was so successful, it is certain the rules will be changed before there is another Presidential Election.
In a stroke of marketing genius, the McCain supporter otherwise know as Joe the Plumber helped the Campaign stumble onto its most robust theme of the entire contest; Obama the Socialist/Redistributor. There is really only one problem with that. The United States has long embraced concepts that are rooted in socialist principles. Public education, income tax, labor unions, the recent Rescue Package, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Minimum Wage, just to name a few. As an interesting aside, Francis Bellamy, a Baptist Minister, wrote the original Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. The Reverend Bellamy was a socialist. In the 80's Gore Vidal said of Reaganomics: “The US government prefers that public money go not to the people but to big business. The result is a unique society in which we have free enterprise for the poor and socialism for the rich.” Oh my!

The McCain-Palin tandem has spent a good portion of the week repeating a claim that Obama has already written his Inauguration Speech, and had the White House measured for drapes. Obama’s spokesperson has denied both. This has the feel of an earlier gambit to label Obama as an arrogant elitist. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again, I suppose.

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright and William Ayers are the bookend symbols of guilt by association. Obama’s relationships with both appeared to receive more thorough vetting by opponents and the media than Governor Palin did by Senator McCain and his surrogates before she was selected as a person who could become our next Vice President. Think about that for moment, why don’t you. I have said in a previous post that in the final analysis, Palin may prove to be one of the most significant boosts to Obama’s Presidential quest.

Looking at the economy, Iraq, health care, and abortion as a group of policy issues, the most concise way to frame it is to note for all claims to the contrary, Barack Obama has given every indication that his position on the issues that matter most to Americans will be centrist and conciliatory. That’s why Americans across the spectrum felt he won all three debates with Senator McCain. His views, his values, and his ability to communicate them align more closely with the views of most Americans that do those of John McCain.

So, upon sober reflection, whether it’s called prestidigitation, legerdemain, deceit, deception, tricks, mind games, or simply the okeydoke, do not fall for it. Stay the course; cast your vote, do it early if you can, and spend some time ensuring that others do the same. This momentous undertaking is not over, but this time next week, it will be. Hang in there. I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.


http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/28/campbell.brown.obama/index.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/us/politics/29fiscal.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=ammTPkmvBj9Y&refer=politics

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-poll29-2008oct29,0,7008892.story

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2008/10/28/20081028montini1028.html

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/A_reality_check_for_giddy_Obama_fans.html

http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/1246129,skinhead-barack-obama-plot102808.article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_Wright_controversy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Ayers

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/04/obamaflagpinlap.html

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/

http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm

Passing the Torch

This past Sunday morning, Tom Brokaw, of NBC’s Meet the Press conducted an Interview with General Colin Powell, a man Senator John McCain would undoubtedly refer to as (an eloquent) friend. By Sunday, a fair amount of buzz had formed around Powell’s appearance. It was gleaned that in all likelihood, the General would endorse Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama.

Powell enters the arena as an accomplished and widely respected statesman. His credentials are hailed widely as impeccable. Of course most people know he took one for Team America, and acted, in his capacity as Secretary of State, as the front man and mouth piece of the Bush Administration, as it made its case for initiating and waging the War in Iraq. It was Powell who enunciated the case that Americans, and indeed the world, were threatened by Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD’s). On balance, it must also be noted that most people know he was the lone voice in the President’s Inner Circle who opposed the war.

But not so fast; how did Powell arrive at this pivotal point in the history of our nation? Well, let’s review a brief summary of his climb:

· 35 Years U.S. Army
· 4-Star General
· 16th National Security Advisor (President Reagan)
· Commander In Chief of the U.S. Army’s Forces Command
· 12th Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff (Presidents G. H. W. Bush/Bill Clinton)
· 65th Secretary of State (President G. W. Bush)
· Served in Vietnam
· Oversaw the Invasion of Panama
· Oversaw the Gulf War
· Earned the Legion of Merit
· Earned the Bronze Star
· Earned the Purple Heart

Throughout the course of General Powell’s military service, his political affiliation was muted. He had gained favor with both major Parties during a series of increasingly responsible assignments, and successful engagements. Democrats admired his moderate stance on military matters, while Republicans associated him with many of the successes of Republican Administrations.

After declaring himself a Republican, Powell campaigned for a number of Republican candidates. At one point in 1996, he was thought to be a potential adversary for Bill Clinton in the 1996 Presidential race. One 1996 Election Day exit poll cited Powell defeating Clinton 50-38 in a hypothetical match-up. Rumors surfaced at the time that Powell’s wife Alma, was concerned about his safety, and forbade him to run.

After taking himself out of the political equivalent of the direct line of fire, Powell campaigned for a number of Republicans, including John McCain, and eventually George W. Bush in the 2000 Presidential Election. That brings us full circle, as W made Powell his Secretary of State. The rest, as they say, is history. Disillusioned over the Administration’s insistence on staying the course on Iraq, and infuriated upon discovering the subterfuge relating to the unfounded assertions about WMD’s, Powell testified that the major sources providing information about the weapons stockpile were wrong. He was immediately asked to resign, and did so on November 15, 2004.

Since Powell never served as, or even ran for President, it is fair to ask, how is he Passing the Proverbial Torch? The fact is Powell constructed and executed a career path so flawlessly, the Republican hierarchy felt, more than a decade ago, he would make a worthy candidate for the nation’s highest office. At that time, his reputation and credibility were such that he was widely viewed as a viable candidate.

But 1996 was a different time in America. Moreover, Powell had sided with the GOP. If one takes any cues from the current race for President, it is difficult to fathom the Party of McCain and Palin, of Hannity and Colmes, of Limbaugh and the like, coalescing and providing vigorous support for Colin Powell. Actually the reality is, Alma likely made the right call.

But here we are in 2008, and the General has the opportunity to add credence to the candidacy of someone who not only may be better positioned in (American) history, but who has shown in may ways that he has mastered the qualities necessary to successfully lead our nation. As Virginia Governor Tim Kaine put it last Sunday morning after Powell’s announcement, "General Powell is seen as someone who is pragmatic, not as an ideologue, as a unifier, not a divider, and also as someone with a firm grip on and appreciation for issues of National Security." His endorsement is significant.

As for the General, he said even though he and Senator McCain were friends, and that he had labored over the decision, he believed McCain has been running a polarizing campaign, showed questionable judgment in selecting Governor Palin as his running mate, was erratic in his approach to dealing with the nation’s financial crisis, and acted inappropriately in spending so much time, energy, and focus on Bill Ayers.

He concluded, after months of review and analysis, that Senator Obama brings intellectual rigor to problem-solving, has been thoughtful and steady in responding to the financial crisis, will bring the forces of a new generation to solving the problems we face as a nation, and is a transformational figure.

There are many opinions on the importance of General Powell’s endorsement. Some say endorsements in general are overrated, others suggest this endorsement in particular was a racial thing, while a few insist Powell was attempting to punish the GOP because of the acrimonious split he had with the Party. Senator McCain publicly expressed disappointment that his friend endorsed Senator Obama. It has been reported that privately he is furious about the endorsement, and the fact that the General did not tell his directly, before hand. By and large, Republicans hated it; Democrats loved it. Senator Obama accepted it, graciously, and enthusiastically.

In fact though, Senator Obama has garnered many endorsements, from a wide variety of sources: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama_endorsements), including individuals, groups, and media outlets. For example, two notable newspaper endorsements include the Chicago Tribune, and the Los Angeles Times. The Tribune is one of Senator Obama’s hometown papers, but they have never endorsed a Democrat for President before. The Times has not endorsed a candidate for President since Richard Nixon in 1972. They have also never endorsed a Democrat.

As the 2008 Presidential Campaign winds down, there are13 days left, General Powell’s endorsement was important, but not critical for Obama. It was a good get; however, that Powell did not endorse McCain, as he did in 2000, probably was a bigger deal for the Senator from Arizona. In the end, as General Powell Passed the Torch, he handed off to Barack Obama a thoughtful and dignified legacy, a tradition of servant leadership that advanced his personal aspirations and ambitions, but more importantly one that imbued our nation with an effective leadership that it desperately need through a variety of crises, including Desert Storm, and 9-11. At ease, General. I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/19/colin-powell-endorses-oba_n_135895.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/obama-endorsement

http://www.jedreport.com/shipjumpers/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/20/muslim-for-mccain-not-
all_n_136324.html

http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/21/the-palin-effect-from-bad_n_136711.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/21/26-papers-that-backed-bus_n_136468.html

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/194/story/267212.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/20/AR2008102002603.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/20/AR2008102000274.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/10/20/VI2008102000680.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/us/politics/20powell.html?ex=1240113600&en=63f77f945287d91b&ei=5087&excamp=GGPOcolinpowellendorsesobama&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_id=PO-S-E-GG-NA-S-colin_powell_endorses_obama

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/19/colin-powell-endorses-obama/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27265369/

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/19/colin.powell/

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95894643&ft=1&f=1003

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/Ron4333/36367

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-powell,0,3340228.story

http://www.examiner.com/x-809-Publicity-Examiner~y2008m10d19-Powell-endorses-Obama-PR-that-matters

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4531169n

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE49C37520081013?rpc=64