Daily Grind : politricks

With More Than 90% Of The Hip-Hop Vote: Obama Wins With More Than 300 Electoral Votes

blackspot@globalgrind.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:50:00 GMT

New York City, November 4, 2008, 6pm EST: I have been monitoring exits polls all day, receiving telephones from polling places across America and getting e-mails from hip-hop voters (18-35 year-olds) today.

Based on all the existing polling of people who actually have voted, and in particular from an analysis of the lates Zogby Electoral Poll and from feedback that we have received steadily throughout today in the office of the non-partisan Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, we concluded at 6pm EST that Barack Obama has won the US Presidential Election with more than 300 Electoral Votes.

Millions of young adults who are part of the hip-hop generation registered to vote this year in record numbers. Today in the face of a lot of systematic media speculation about whether or not the hip-hop vote would actually turn out, we are proud that young voters did in fact stand up and voted in record numbers across the country to change America.

And this is just in from our contacts in NC at Planetary Polling Agency that was monitoring exit polls today in my home state of North Carolina: "Exit polling indicates that Barack Obama has carried North Carolina -- the state has become the firewall on the border between the red and the blue."

Tomorrow the pundits will be at work in an attempt to play down the significance of what happened in the 2008 Election as far as the hip-hop vote is concerned. A salute to all the hip-hop artists and recording industry leaders who helped to make today possible.

Congratulations to the Hip-Hop Caucus and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and the "Respect My Vote" GOTV Tour that went to the key swing states and over 20 cities during the last 3 weeks in a grass roots effort to help turn out the massive youth vote.

-Dr. Benjamin Chavis

Black People Need Change

blackspot@globalgrind.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:01:00 GMT

As most of you know, today is Election Day 2008. I feel as a writer it is my responsibility to address what's real in this whole matter and what's fake. First of all, I must say that I do not know who is going to win in this election; all I can say is this is going to be a close one. Of course I am voting for Obama. Why? Because he believes in change and he's BLACK, well, blackish.

I just recently read an article about Obama being compared to a brand like Apple and how the American people are obsessed with his name and being. I thought to myself wow, its about time that black people have aligned themselves with something great besides the next Jay-Z album.

Everyone is Obama obsessed and they're not realizing what the media is trying to do or what the world in general is trying to do. Yes, if Obama wins it will give hope to our black children and show them that they too can achieve anything if they just put their mind to it. But check out what they're trying to do. They're trying to make you obsessed with Obama and "change" because they know we're in hard times (financially) and its going to take a prayer and a dream to get us back together. The stock market rates haven't been this low since the Great Depression. They know that Barack is a little inexperienced and when the dow drops more they want it all on his back so he can take the blame for this turmoil.

Today I woke up and watched the news for a bit then proceeded to head out of the door and I saw two womwn arguing. One clearly looked like she didn't have a job and was just upset because the welfare check was a little late because of Election Day. I thought to myself, "Damn, on election Day." This is one of the most important days for black people and these chicks out here about to fight. Then it was the dudes who were trying to holla at me because I had a big butt and a smile- I guessed I scared them off when I told them to make sure they went out there to vote. Haha!

This brings me to my point; whatever or whoever steers black people in a positive direction is someone I want to know--because lord knows we need some help. Hell, we need exactly what Obama is kicking- change. I will be disappointed if Obama gets in the chair and doesn't do what he has promised or get assassinated before he gets sworn in. At least I can say someone has done it. Yes, that someone who my future husband or son would look like.

Peace and make sure you vote!

-Talkdatishgirl

Witness To Change!

Politricks — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:44:00 GMT

Words cannot express how amazing it is to be alive and able to fully understand the significance of this day

The time is 5:46am and as I sit in the living room of my mother's house in Wilson, NC I can't help but be filled with excitement.

My 86 year old grandmother, Odell Farmer and I, just hung up the phone. She too, is filled with excitement, but of a different kind. She witnessed, first-hand, the time of Martin Luther King, Jr., fought on the frontline of the Civil Rights movement and never, ever thought she would live to see this day.

Our ritual, each election day, is for me to pick her up from home in the rural parts of the county and take her to the polls. I am on the way.

Yesterday evening, when I landed in NC, my dad picked me up from the Raleigh airport and we drove to Charlotte to see Senator Obama speak.

My dad, Congressman G.K. Butterfield and I, had met and seen him speak several times before, but last night was much different.

The resounding sentiment yesterday evening, among the crowd of 25,000 and Senator Obama himself, was that of a job well done. We also discovered yesterday evening that his grandmother had passed away. The tone of his speech was that of sorrow and pride.

Immediately after his speech, I had the opportunity to meet with him briefly and take a picture (the picture is attached - excuse the frizz, it was raining..lol). As we talked, I noticed that his demeanor and temperament was the exact same as it had been when I met him first nearly two years ago and again the evening of the NC primary.

He is the most consistently intelligent, rational and and humble leader I have ever met or witnessed from afar.

The promise that he gives us as Americans is rooted in hard-work, sacrifice and optimism. A gentleman standing with us after the speech said it best, "He did it the old fashion way - he earned it."

There is a saying that luck is defined as when "preparation meets opportunity."

The preparation that has been done over the last 20 plus months has been met with an opportunity that we, Americans, have created for Senator Obama and that Senator Obama has created for himself.

I have traveled with my mentor, Dr. Ben Chavis, to Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, North Carolina, Indiana and almost every battleground state encouraging young adults to register to vote, and most importantly, turn out to the polls in record numbers.

In North Carolina alone, over 2.6 million people voted early, 28% of whom were African-Americans.

My spirit has always believed that no one's life or death is in vain. Senator Obama's grandmother raised our leader to become who he is today. Many have said over the years that with each passing life - a new life is born. Her passing yesterday evening brings birth to a CHANGE, starting today, in American society.

I thank God for the opportunity to be alive to witness this day.

Please encourage every single person within your reach to vote today. Our present and future depends on it.

Before your celebration tonight, please say a prayer of thanks.

-Valeisha Butterfield

HSAN and WEEN

ELECTION NIGHT: The Global Grind Rundown

blackspot@globalgrind.com — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:58:00 GMT

November 4, 2008

Obama wins the presidency

Virginia goes for Obama with 93% of the votes counted

The west coast states are closeing

Cnn declares Obama the winner

This is a historic moment we are half way to electing our first African American president and all over the world people of all races are celebrating history. As of 10:15 pm a third of all votes have been counted.

We are half way there, half way to history. I can't wait for the breakdown of the voting. America is now a different country. A different place. As Eugene Robinson wrote in an article I grinded earlier today. There is a new American pride.

Today is a day you would have to look back and ask yourself where were you when America elected the first Black President. Where were you at on election day. Can you tell your grand kids that you waited on line for 4 hours in the rain or in the cold? What will your story be? You're sharing this moment with million of other. Million of others who are reading globalgrind and watching CNN, MSNBC.

It has never been like this before in history and although it's not over yet, we are almost there. The time for change is near.

MSNBC has the electoral count at Obama 200 McCain 90
Cnn wouldn't bet more than a dime on a McCain victory I tend to agree with him.
Karl Rove is on Fox and he's a bit salty, but he's giving Obama his props.
Obama Wins Iowa
@ 10:12 pm MSNBC projects Texas & LA go to go McCain
Obama 207 McCain 195 McCain

9:20 pm: Obama leads in NC & Florida

In SC over 70% of the white vote went to McCain. Are you surprised?

McCain still leads in VA & IN

It doesn't look like McCain did as good at Bush did in VA and he can't afford to under perform in VA.

Obama is currently leading in VA

McCain is also under performing in Indiana.

The crowd is beginning to fill Grant Park.

8:39 pm: Pennsylvania is called for Obama bring him up to 102 Electoral votes to McCains 34

Current Electoral Votes Obama 81- McCain 34

Texas Too Close To Call

8:03 pm: 15 States closed at 8 pm including Battle grounds states of FLA, MO, PA, & NH
8 states go for obama Mass, Ill, Conn, NJ, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, & Dc go for Obama
2 states go for McCain Tenn & OK

Current Talley Obama 77 - 34

No projections in Florida, Penn, GA still too close to call

In Virginia McCain leads as of 7:50 pm
In Florida Obama leads as of 7:50 pm
In Georgia McCain is leading as of 7:55 pm
In Indiana McCain leads by 2 points as of 7:55 11 electoral points up for grabs
Indiana is a key battle ground state the exit polls are showing Obama is doing better than Kerry did in 2004
CNN declares South Carlina for John McCain current tally McCain 16 - 3

7:43 pm: The polls just closed in a few battleground states such as Ohio, North Carolina and Florida to name of a few. All night long I will be updating the results via MSNBC, CNN and the web. Here at Globalgrind.com. So prepare for the ride, and lets witness history together.

Kentucky - Goes for McCain 8 Electoral votes
Vermont - Goes for Obama 3 Electoral votes

Other key battleground states are still too close to call.

-Blogxilla

T.I. Voted Today In Georgia: Hip-Hop Icon Through "Respect My Vote" Campaign Mobilizes Millions of Hip-Hop Voters Across America

Politricks — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:59:00 GMT

Today hip-hop icon and multi-platinum selling recording artist T.I. took the lead as a national "voting rights leader. " TI aka Clifford Harris, surprised voting officials in the Metro-Atlanta Area early this morning by showing up to vote for the first time in his life.

There were many who had maintained that T.I. would not be permitted to vote because his prior arrest and difficulties with the law. But in classic hip-hip tradition TIP flipped the script and found a legal justification that officials in Georgia agreed did permit him to vote.

A huge crowd of national media was there early this morning to witness TI practice what he has been preaching all year long all across America: "Respect My Vote" and Get Out The Hip-Hop Vote and Make The Difference in the 2008 Election.

Georgia has early voting and TI along with other hip-hop artists are encouraging. This year the largest youth voter turn out in American history. TI is the national spokesman for the "Respect My Vote" Campaign and National GOTV Bus Tour currenntly touring 15 key swing states and over 25 cities until the November 4th Election. The Hip-Hop Caucus and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network united to coordinate and support the "Respect My Vote' National Tour.

-Dr. Ben Chavis

WEDNESDAY: Russell Simmons To Encourage Denver College Students To Vote Early

Politricks — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:46:00 GMT

DENVER, CO – On WEDNESDAY, October 29th, entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist Russell Simmons will join the Obama campaign for an Early Vote for Change Rally at Tivoli Commons in Denver. Simmons, in partnership with the Hip Hop Congress, will remind students of the importance of voting in this critical election. He will encourage students, and all Coloradans, to cast their early vote ballots for Senator Barack Obama.

Simmons will be joined at the rally by Denver City Councilman Michael Hancock and former Denver Broncos player Rod Smith. Following the rally, speakers will lead a march to the closest early vote location. Early voting started last week and ends this Friday, October 31. More information on voting early can be found at voteforchange.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th
EARLY VOTE FOR CHANGE RALLY
Tivoli Commons - Turnehall
900 Auraria Parkway

Denver, CO

12:30 PM

Events are free and open to the public. Events are open press.

COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE: It's Time To Keep It Real

Politricks — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:28:00 GMT

From the red carpeted "Town Hall" stage set at Belmont University in Nashville, TN last night, millions of Americans and millions of others throughout the world via TV and the Internet watched with bated breath the second round of the 2008 US Presidential Debate between Barack Obama and John McCain.

Tom Brokaw from NBC News moderated what many saw as another tightly structured debate that begged for those rare moments when the two candidates really faced off in contrast on some of the most vital issues of the campaign: restoring the US economy, national security, health care, and energy independence.

Both Obama and McCain claimed to be candidates of change. Obama, however, appeared to have articulated a clearer vision about change as he detailed a distinctively different governmental course of action from the last eight years of the Republican Administration in Washington, DC.

Let's keep it real. With less than several weeks remaining before the November 4, 2008 election, hip-hop voters want to see and hear more substance on the issues that affect the quality of life in our communities..

Style in hip-hop culture is also important. Watching Obama and McCain maneuver across the stage glaringly exposed not only the dramatic differences between the candidates concerning age and agility, but also the critical differences between them on the issues were revealed.

Although neither candidate specifically tackled the issue of ending poverty in the US, Obama's stance on expanding economic opportunity for middle class and working class families resonates better with the growing youth voter constituency throughout the nation.

McCain stated that "health care was a responsibility," but did not identify who was responsible for making health care more accessible and affordable. On the other hand, Obama, without any hesitation, emphasized, "Health care is a right" that all people should have the right to have and the government should take the leadership and action necessary to ensure health care as a fundamental equal right for all.

At one lively point during the debate on the issue of the candidates' voting records on energy, McCain stood and turned pointing his finger toward Obama and referred to Obama as "That one." Some of us have heard that kind of phraseology before in the politics of the past.

"Those people, that one, and you people " are phrases that characteristically refer to a condescending view about a person or a group. But we will not playa hate on McCain for spitting that phrase because we support freedom of speech in hip-hop. But with freedom of speech, as we always state, comes responsibility.

McCain's condescension was really just more evidence of his inability to do a straight up, stand up, face to face, objective verbal contest with Obama on the issues.

Today, millions of hip-hop voters are energized and mobilized to cast their votes for a change in the politics of the past and a change for the future of America and the world. Last night's debate only showed young voters more reasons why the youth vote will be so important and so necessary. Change is not something that you merely hope for, but you have to work for change, struggle for change, mobilize for change and then vote for change.

-Dr. Benjamin Chavis

COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE: From a Hip-Hop Perspective, Who Rocked The Mic During the 2008 Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates?"

Politricks — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:45:00 GMT

All successful hip-hop MC's know the importance of originality, authenticity, spontaneity, credibility and the ability to reach your core audience with the rhyme and rhythm that makes a difference in the consciousness of people. But when it comes to evaluating, from a hip-hop perspective, the substance, style and impact of the recent 2008 Presidential and Vice Presidential debates, certain cultural and political observations are more than in order.

Senator Barack Obama v. Senator John McCain and Senator Joe Biden v. Governor Sarah Palin public debates gave Americans and others throughout the world the opportunity to see how those who will be elected President and Vice President of the United States on November 4, 2008 responded to the domestic and global issues, pressures and challenges in a controlled debate format. How they handled the mike gave an interesting insight into their individual experience, knowledge and level of preparedness to lead the United States for the next four years.

It would not be exactly fair to judge these four national political leaders only using the cultural standards of hip-hop. It is fair, however, to raise critical questions about how the debates helped to inform potential voters, particularly among the millions of young people who have registered to vote this year as a consequence of encouragement and motivation from hip-hop artists and leaders.

In the first Presidential debate held in Oxford, MS, on September 26, 2008, Obama and McCain squared off on the issues of the nation's financial crisis as well as the foreign policies problems and responsibilities that the next administration will certainly face on day one. When two MC's do a battle face to face, they look each other straight into the eye. McCain defiantly refused to look Obama straight in the eye during the first Presidential debate. Obama was overly courteous towards McCain. Obama, however, managed to repeatedly jab McCain with a staccato of effective rhetorical blows to McCain's pretentious facade.

It was clear that while the Republican and the Democrat both use the term "change," the beneficiaries of the "change" were quite different. The debate exposed the reality that on the issues of rescuing the economy, insuring national security, providing universal health care, equal quality education for all, protecting the environment, creating new jobs, ending poverty, expanding economic development opportunities and establishing energy independence, Obama appeared, in my opinion, to be better prepared to be the next President. Obama clearly rocked the mike.

In St. Louis, the Vice Presidential debate witnessed Joe Biden and Sarah Palin go head to head in direct debate combat. It was a hot exchange of views and ideology. Irrespective of the question that was asked, Palin appeared to be pre-programmed with a caged set of answers. Biden rocked the mike with a forceful, but measured volley of assertions about McCain and Palin representing more of George W. Bush failed policies.

We are now in the COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE. Just 30 days before the election. Make sure that you are registered to vote. America is ready for a change. The world community is ready for a change. The hip-hop generation demands a real change.

-Dr. Benjamin Chavis

COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE: An Open Letter from Diddy, Jay Z, Mary J Blige, and Kevin Liles

Politricks — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:37:00 GMT

WE ARE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY!!! YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2008!!!!! We are only 31 days from the most important election of our lifetime. MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2008 IS THE DEADLINE. We are at war, banks are closing, people are losing their jobs and houses every day. It is our responsibility to protect our futures. Time is running out. You must register by Monday October 6th. Barack Obama cannot win this election on his own; he needs our help. This election is about us. This election is about our children’s future. If you have not registered to vote, you are disrespecting everyone that sacrificed their lives for you to have this right. You are also disrespecting your future.

The time is NOW for us to use the voices with which God has blessed us. We need you to do all you can. Here is what we need to do:

1.     Register to vote BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th 2008
2.     Get as many people as you can to register with you
3.     Go to the poll and vote on November 4th

Barack Obama said it best, “Eight is Enough.” No longer will we stand by and follow leadership with no regard for us and no accountability to us.

We can be the deciding factor in this election, but you must register to vote to make your voice heard. Who are we? We are young America. This is our moment of truth. Are you registered for change? October 6th is only a few days away.

Make sure that on November 4th, we are able to say that we did everything in our power to make sure that Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States. We owe this to our children, our parents, our grandparents and ourselves. We need you to become a part of Team Obama. This is the most important election in our lifetime. REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY OCTOBER 6th and VOTE TO MAKE HISTORY ON NOVEMBER 4th!!!!

Visit www.VoteForChange.com to register to vote TODAY

It is our duty to make our voices heard. STOP what you’re doing right now and lets REGISTER TO VOTE. Time is running out!!!!!!!!!

God Bless,

Sean “Diddy” Combs

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter

Mary J. Blige

Kevin Liles

COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE: Hip-Hop Leaders Make a Huge Difference As Voter Registration Increases Across America

Politricks — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:18:00 GMT

Listen up. There are only 33 days to V-Day (Vote Day) on November 4, 2008. The entire world community is watching America. Democracy is always at it best when it is fully participatory. That is why everyday until V-Day should be taken with the utmost urgency to register more and more of the millions of people who are still not registered to vote.

It is a welcomed growing reality, therefore, to see the expanding list of hip-hop and R&B artists and activists step up to the plate of history and to use their celebrity to encourage and promote voter registration.

These gifted, talented and committed young hip-hop leaders are making a huge difference as voter registration is increasing across the United States as a direct result of their leadership, involvement, and strategic marketing and promoting the "value of the youth vote" in key markets throughout the nation.

Jay Z, Kanye West,TI, Russell Simmons, Diddy, Will Smith, Jermaine Dupri, Eminem, Kevin Lyles, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Will. I. Am, 50 Cent, Bow Wow, LL Cool J, Common, Jim Jones, Wyclef Jean, The Game, Master P, Ciara, MC Lyte, Chuck D, Doug E. Fresh, Rev. Run, Bun B, Rakim, Bakari Kitwana, Rev. Yearwood, M-1, Killer Mike, David Banner, John Legend, Fat Joe, Lil Mama,Valeisha Butterfield, Erykah Badu, Black Ice, Sway, and many others have positively penetrated the mindset of young adults and the hip-hop demographic about the importance of voting this year.

This coming weekend Jay Z will be during free concerts in Detroit and Miami geared to increasing voter registration. Russell Simmons and others will be in Cleveland while Bow Wow walks through cities in other battleground states getting people registered before the October 6th deadline to register to vote in 17 states.

The point here is timing and it is crucial. We all have an opportunity to "take back responsibility" right now if we follow the lead of those who are already out there in a big public manner making a difference. Everyone reading this blog should take a moment to email, call, speak to or step to someone that you know that is not registered to vote and get them to understand that every vote does count, but you have to be registered to vote first before the deadline in your particular state.

As Will. I. Am stated, "It time to take our government back." Register to vote now before it is too late. The COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE is a COUNTDOWN TO FREEDOM and a COUNTDOWN TO RESPONSIBILITY. Let's do this!!!!!

-Dr. Benjamin Chavis

"COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE: 2008 Hip-Hop Vote and Wall Street's Kredibility"

Politricks — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:58:00 GMT

With only 38 days left to the November 4, 2008 US Presidential Election, millions of young hip-hop voters are preparing to make a tremendous impact on the outcome of the election. As we witness the daily "Countdown to Change" in America and the world, we all should take a moment to better understand the implications of the current economic crisis facing Wall Street and other financial markets throughout the world.

In hip-hop "street kred" is very important to the distinction and value of your brand.   When you play with other peoples' money, as well as with your own money, you always should strive to make your word bond and keep your financial commitments and obligations to avoid the inevitable occurrence of some type of street justice response.

Likewise the major players on Wall Street now have to strive to regain their credibility. Once you lose your "street kred," it is important to take the necessary steps to restore your significance or you will be out the game and irrelevant to the empowerment of others.

When President Clinton left the White House, there was a trillion dollars in surplus inside the US Treasury. Eight years later President George W. Bush will leave the White House with the US in a multi-trillion dollar deficit and Wall Street in need of a $700 billion bail out. Wow that is a lot of paper.

Liquidity and il liquidity are now key terms of the global debate. When the American economy goes down, it the affects the economies of hundreds of millions of others around the world.

From the recent economic failures in the US of Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, AIG, and Washington Mutual, billions of dollars have been loss and without urgent corrective polices, transparency, oversight, and more effective governmental regulations, there will be even more corporate failures.

What is the connection between the economic stability and profitability of Wall Street, Main Street and your street? Jobs are at stake. Savings and investments are turning into worthless dust directly as a consequence of the Wall Street crisis.

Unemployment today, particularly in urban communities, in every region of the nation is the highest in ten years. Poverty is on an hourly increase. The cost of living is so high that millions of people have to choose between getting a meal, shelter and clothing over against the costs of health care, child care and education.

Home foreclosures in our communities are a growing daily reality.   I am in DC attending the Annual Legislative Weekend of the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, DC and walking through the public parks here I saw ten times more homeless people, of all racial and ethnic groups, from the very young to the very old, female and male struggling to find a dry, safe place to sleep and live literally on the ground.

Two blocks from the White House, the ranks of the homeless are growing larger and larger. Thus, there is a lot at stake economically and politically in terms of the outcome of the 2008 Presidential Election. The quality of life of millions of people is at stake. .

There are still more than 20 million people who are not registered to vote in America. That is crazy.   Many states have set October 6, 2008 as the deadline to register to vote to be eligible to vote on November 4th. This "Countdown to Change" is urgent and serious.

Let's get the word out. From Wall Street to your street, let's "Get Your Money Right," "Get Your House Right," and "Get Your Vote Right."

-Dr. Ben Chavis

Bailout? I Ain't Buying It!

Politricks — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:24:00 GMT

Sorry Mr. President, I don’t believe you. You need more people. I don’t believe that the country will fall into a major recession/depression if we, the taxpayers don’t agree to an estimated $700 billion bailout of companies who, ironically enough, were in the financial business in the first place.

I don’t believe that I should use my hard-earned dollars to reward people who couldn’t manage their own or their stockholder’s funds with any measure of responsibility. I’m not getting a bailout for my bad decisions and debt, and trust me I don’t need anywhere near $700 billion. I may not be a Harvard M.B.A. or an economist, but I know b.s. when I smell it. This isn’t the only bailout, either. First it was AIG, and now the House has quietly passed a $25 billion bill to help Detroit automakers who were making gas-guzzling, energy inefficient, unreliable cars for years. (That bill is now awaiting approval from the Senate.)

I don’t believe you, Mr. President because you lied about Iraq. You told the American people there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and we had to illegally occupy the country to get them. Turns out, our goal wasn’t WMD’s, it was oil so your homies at Haliburton could get rich off of the backs of innocent men and women who signed up to the military for a better life and ended up as victims of a war that never made sense.

I don’t believe you because you and your folks said that Homeland Security and the Patriot Act would make us safer, when instead it’s just helped slowly dismantle the Constitution.

So now you want me to believe that the country needs $700 billion dollars which will come out of the pocket of every American when millions of us can’t afford health insurance, gas or food? You mean to tell me that under your watch, things got this bad and nobody could see it coming before now? Is the fact that you went on TV and gave a speech and invited Obama, McCain and the heads of both parties to the White House supposed to impress me? Sorry. I ain’t buying your brand. You and cronies and have jacked up the country--maybe beyond repair and now you want to hit and run after you rape the U.S. Treasury for a couple billion? In the streets, that’s called "hijacking".

Maybe folks need to lose their homes and downsize to ones they can afford. That might revitalize our broken cities as homes are generally more affordable there. Maybe people don’t need to run up massive credit card debt at 18% per card. Maybe folks need to slow down on all the electronic gadgets and flat-screen TV’s that we now swear we can’t live without. Oh, but that would erode corporate profits right? Well, apparently corporations didn’t do too well with the model they have or we wouldn’t be in this mess. This is capitalist America. Tough economic times just mean someone will find a creative way to make money off the problem. So I say, from my position here as hood economist…let it be. Let the chips fall where they may. ‘Cause sorry, son, I don’t believe anything you’re selling and woe to those who do.

-Hellifiknow

Freakanomics

Politricks — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:27:00 GMT

You might have heard that the Federal Government bailed out the huge insurance company AIG to the tune of $85 billion dollars.

Ain’t that a trip? Let’s compare this to what happens when you owe somebody. If you owe a cell phone company, let’s say $100, you will be hounded at your home and work. They may even call your girlfriend and your mama to find you and get their money. If you try to work out any payment plan, more than likely, the robotic so-called human being on the other end of the phone will accuse you of being morally inferior and incapable of handling your responsibilities. You may even be threatened with legal action. Bailout? If you’ve been spending your cell phone money on sneakers or shoes or ringtones or eating out, you won’t be able to borrow $85 to get that phone back on.

Now compare this to what’s happening on Wall Street lately. To make what is a very complicated situation simple, THINGS ARE GOING TO HELL. Well, actually, so much of what’s going on is difficult for anyone without an Ivy League PhD in economics to understand, but given what the media has been reporting lately, that “hell” statement is pretty accurate. Terms like “The Great Depression” are being thrown around. For those of you who’s grandparents weren’t even born back in 1929 when the stock market crashed, let’s keep it real simple for you. EVERYONE WAS BROKE. I’m talking waiting on bread lines for food, rich dudes going from millionaires to penniless overnight and jumping out of windows, that kind of thing.

Basically, what’s going on is that big business with help from the eight years of Republican rule were lining their pockets with money and making huge profits off of convincing people to buy houses and other things they couldn’t afford. Since folks’ incomes never went up, being able to pay things like credit card bills and house notes became an untouchable reality. This could have been figured out early on, but since deregulation – where Republican/corporate America worked together to get rid of all those pesky rules to keep those kinds of things from happening – no one caught it until it was too late. In the meantime, gas prices went up as did food and fees for just about every damn thing, while the dollar became worth about $.50 everywhere else in the world. (And when you think about it, maybe here, too.) You know, not to be all "Chicken Little" about it (you know the guy who said the sky was falling) but if I were you, I’d try to get a job overseas where the pound and the euro are worth twice the dollar and I’d start saving money under the mattress.

If you got a better idea, let us know.

-Hellifiknow

Don't Believe The Hype

Politricks — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:26:00 GMT

Today of all days, I’m just not feeling it. I’m not feeling the election or 9/11 tributes or as Keith Olbermann puts it, “9/11 trademarked”, which has taken people’s real suffering and grief and turned it into campaign slogans.

I’m not feeling Sarah Palin, I’m not feeling John McCain and I’m not feeling Kanye West’s dumb ass getting arrested at an airport (did you look at the calendar, dummy?) nor am I feeling Diddy’s gas prices or who wants to work for him.
I think everyone needs to stop it. Stop lying, stop playing and stop acting like none of it matters. You’ve all heard how important this election is, so if you don’t register to vote before October 6 ( Go to www.voteforchange.org and you can do it online) then stop complaining about how black people or Latino people or gay people or really everyone aside from white, rich Republicans is getting jerked.

If you spend all your time wondering who New York is going to pick, whether Beyonce should or shouldn’t be wearing a $5 million dollar ring (hell, she can afford it) or if T.I., Tameka Raymond and Angelina Jolie should keep having kids, (hell, they can afford them) and you don’t have any money in the bank, you can’t find or keep a job, or you’re in any way dissatisfied or upset with the way your own life is going, then don’t be mad when someone gets your job, your man, or your paycheck.

If you have every channel on cable on your 50-inch flat screen, could have beaten the hell out of Game and Bow Wow in Madden with one hand tied behind your back, have both the latest iPhone, iPod and can text message better than a lovestruck teenager, but you dropped out of school in the 9th grade and work a menial job while you live in your mama’s basement, then don’t be mad when your corny homie who wasn’t as smart as you were (well, at least in the 8th grade) is now making big dollars and owns his own condo cause he graduated from both high school and college.

If your idea of relationships has been shaped by reality TV, King Magazine, The Maury Povich show, music videos, hip-hop music, street lit, or your last jumpoff, side relationship, ex-baby mama or ex-baby daddy, then don’t complain that you can’t ever find anyone who will be good to you or for you.

What I’m saying is people, WAKE THE HELL UP. It’s past time where you can sit back and make excuses and keep believing what is spoon-fed to you by the media, the government, the internet, your hood or your family. The politics of distraction aren’t just impacting this election; they are impacting your life. Ask questions. Start to read more, or at least Google things you have questions about from reputable sites. (If the blog’s title is phonetically spelled, that might be a clue that it’s not reputable.) If you see people who are doing or being who or what you want to be, ask them how they did it. If they won’t tell you, ask someone else. Go to a library. Watch a channel that doesn’t play videos. Or turn the TV, period. Listen to Nas’ “Untitled” and look up some of the folks he references. Get in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual shape. In other words, stop being ignorant. “Smart” is the new swagger and if ya don’t know, now ya know.

-Hellifiknow

Beyonce For VP!

Politricks — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:02:00 GMT

After all the Sarah Palin drama from an entertaining but empty RNC speech, I have an idea. Joe Biden is cool and all but with all his foreign policy experience, why not make him Secretary of Defense or State? Barack Obama should respond to McCain’s ludicrous VP pick with a smart pick of his own. We here at Global Grind nominate: Beyonce!

The Republicans have touted Alaska governor Sarah Palin, 44, as a stateswoman with vast experience. Palin went from the PTA to the City Council of a small town, then became its mayor and moved on to the Governor’s office. Despite the fact that in all of those jobs put together, she never governed more than 700,000 people, fewer by the way than the population of the CITY of Chicago, the Republicans say she’s more experienced than a Harvard Law graduate who spent seven years in the Illinois State Senate, taught at the University of Chicago law school for twelve years and was a community organizer throughout his career.

Therefore, we don’t think Beyonce’s candidacy is a stretch. Beyonce is from Texas, a red state with 34 electoral votes. (Alaska by the way, only has a measly 3.) B could help turn that red state blue. While Sarah Palin just got a passport in 2007, Beyonce has been traveling all over the world for the last ten years. She’s been to every major country in the universe. While Sarah Palin was having kids, Beyonce was on her grind, selling 50 million albums worldwide, while making her group, Destiny’s Child, the top-selling act of all time. Surely some of that work ethic, travel and experience running Beyonce, Inc. could help her as V.P.

Of course, Beyonce was accused of unfair labor practices by disgruntled former members of Destiny’s Child. However, after her father, Matthew Knowles, explained how they were lazy and more interested in fame than hard work, everything was settled out of court and new members were peacefully added to the group. That shows Beyonce’s power with labor negotiations. As far as foreign relations is concerned, if you can sell 50 million copies of your record to people who don’t speak your language, then negotiating with terrorists should be easy. And since the Knowles’ keep everything in the family, expect that both Tina and Matthew will have high positions in the V.P. camp.

As for teen pregnancy, look at how the Knowles’ handled that. When Solange Knowles became pregnant at 17, she didn’t wait months to get married, she married her baby daddy right then and there. And he was never seen again, so by the time they divorced, everyone had forgotten who he was. That’s how you deal with those issues.

And the Knowles’ are Christian, so that’s a plus. Now, there is the matter of Beyonce’s husband Jay-Z. He’s been in some trouble with the law, you may remember that stabbing incident a few years back. And his music uses the “n” word a lot and there’s all those references to drug dealing and bitches. But Jay-Z has proven that he can reinvent himself going from a small-time hustler to a business, man, admired by Forbes. These little issues shouldn’t hurt him, after all, the fact that Bristol Palin’s marrying a 18-year-old who describes himself as a “fuc—“ redneck whose sister calls her best friends “nigs” didn’t bother anyone.

Beyonce would also save the economy money because she could perform free at state dinners and such, and also could go out on tour when any fund-raising is needed. She gets the GG nomination for VP, because hey, if a moose-hunting, trooper firing, Christian fundamentalist with a special-needs son and pregnant daughter can be VP of these United States, then anything is possible. As Don King used to say, “Only in America.”

-Hellifiknow