Daily Grind : russell simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: Obama, King, Malcolm X, and Gandhi: All Transformative Leaders

News — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:58:00 GMT

As Editor-In-Chief of Global Grind and as a matter of company policy we support 100% the fundamental human rights of freedom of speech and press. It is therefore in the spirit of promoting the clarity of dialogue that I post this blog in response to NY Daily News columnist Stanley Crouch. I do not believe Crouch should be censored for the absurdity and ignorance of his latest column entitled, "Where does Obama stands vs. terror thugs? X marks the spot." I do believe, however, that Crouch's blatant disrespect for the living legacies of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X should not go unchallenged.

Because Crouch is not alone among some nationally known journalists who have a penchant towards planting seeds of division and disunity between the supporters and followers of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, that does not make Crouch's statements or analysis accurate. Both Dr. King and Malcolm X evolved over a period of time to broaden their individual and collective views and perspectives to affirm the oneness of God and the oneness of humanity.

The legacy of Malcolm X today is respected not only by blacks but also by all people throughout the world, especially by those who have had to stand against human oppression and misery. Shortly before his death, Malcolm X reached out in unity to Dr. King in 1965 to support the efforts of blacks in Selma, Alabama to get voting rights. Malcolm saw the struggle transforming from civil rights to human rights.

Correspondingly, the legacy of Martin Luther King today is respected not just by blacks, but also by all people everywhere who have come to understand that Dr. King's "beloved community" was inclusive of all humanity and not limited nor denied based on race, ethnicity, religion, nationality or sexual orientation. When King spoke out against the Vietnam War in 1967, a year before his death, there were many who thought King was unpatriotic. Some asked what does civil rights in America have to do with the rights of Vietnamese people suffering through an unjust war? Dr. King stated, "An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

The point here is both King and Malcolm X were transformative leaders whose legacies are not in conflict as Crouch would mislead you to believe. Former Secretary of State Collin Powell was correct and on point when he referred to Barack Obama as a "transformative leader."

In fact, the election of Barack Obama to be the 44th President of United States is a living testimony that the sacrifices and contributions of Martin, Malcolm, Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer and many others were all not in vain. Obama's campaign for President was very successful because it transcended race, division, and backward thinking. Millions of Americans voted for a real change, not more of the same old tired and ineffective ideas of pitting one group against another group.

This is where Ayman al-Zawahiri was also in serious error. Obama is not a "House Negro" or a "Field Negro." Obama will be the President in the White House for all Americans and for all people of goodwill and principle. Name calling, stereotyping, living in the past and polarizing people will not lead us forward to a better future.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, another global transformative leader, was once asked if he was a Hindu, he replied: "Yes I am. I am also a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist and a Jew." Gandhi refused to be used for polarizing people against each other based on religion or ideology.

Stanley Crouch and Zawahiri appear, however, to have at least one thing in common: they both engage in counterproductive rhetoric to smear history rather than to change it for the good all people.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL SUGGESTS: The Model Citizen: We Can't Wait For The Obama Gravy Train

Politricks — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:15:00 GMT

"Set thine house in order"- Bible, the Book of Second Kings 20:1

It's been nearly three weeks since Barack Obama was elected as our next leader, and I can still close my eyes and feel that days euphoria like it was yesterday. A jubilation cut short by the frightening prospect of a 700 billion dollar bailout going corrupt, appeal by the big three auto industries for 25 million, heading into our sixth year of two exorbitantly priced wars, and tenth straight month of job loss. It's all going to be Ok though, Barack is our elected President, right? Wrong. Americans always have a sense that the election of a president is somewhat like a new king coming into our monarchy of consumption. He will change everything and get rid of and fix the things we didn't like. But speaking truth to power, it never really does change the trajectory of the country, does it? It's not going to happen because the elements of continuity outweigh the elements of change in the present mindset. It's not going to happen because, ultimately, the American dream is that of acquiring assets. We refuse to live within our means. We continue to think that the problems that threaten the country are out there beyond our borders. And if we deploy sufficient amount of American power we can fix those problems, and therefore things back here will continue as they have for decades.

Our foreign policy is not something simply concocted by people in Washington D.C. and imposed on us, though. Our foreign policy is something that is concocted in Washington D.C., but it reflects the perceptions of our political elite about what we the people want. And what we want largely, with many individual exceptions of course, is a continuing flow of very cheap consumer goods. We want to be able to pump gas into our cars regardless of how big they may happen to be, in order to be able to drive wherever we want to go. We want to be able to do these things without having to think about whether or not the book's balanced at the end of the month, or the end of the fiscal year. We have as a society, emulated from our government, become addicted to this false sense of an unending line of credit. America's negative trade balance with the world is $800 billion per year. That's $800 billion of goods that we buy to consume, greater than the amount of stuff that we sell to them. The chief desire of the American people is that nothing should disrupt their access to these goods, that oil, and that credit. The chief aim of the U.S. government is to satisfy that desire, which it does in part of through the distribution of largesse here at home, and in part relying increasingly on the projection of American military power around the world to try to maintain this dysfunctional system. Fathers, brothers, sisters, and mothers, average citizens whom Americans profess to admire and support, pay the price for the nation's refusal to confront our domestic dysfunction. The real change we need is to decrease the disparity between what Americans expect, and what they're willing or able to pay. We want health care, an able military industrial complex, local police force, rebuilding infrastructure, better schools, Social Security, and fire departments. And we want them all to work efficiently, but are not willing to aid in paying for it.

The appeal for a bailout by the big three automakers, I think, is good example of the degree of control the average citizen actually has in changing what our manufactures produce. Although the change was not self imposed, but forced on by unaffordable oil prices and a rise of unemployment, American car makers kept manufacturing gas guzzlers that people have long been unable to afford or fill up. They were left with a surplus and a debt of useless goods, instead of leaders in the innovation of technology that would lessen the dependency of expensive foreign oil. We initially even seemed to be prevailing in stopping the bailout, when members of congress who were overwhelmed with calls, emails, and letters from angry constituents, voted unanimously against it for fear of not being re-elected.

The prospect of a leader coming from humble beginnings, understanding the "average" citizens pain, and rising to place of power is a very comforting one. Do not become reliant on that expectation alone. If one took the time to google the names of the members appointed to Obama's new economic team they'd be neck deep in Wall Street. Names like Laura D'Andrea Tyson, Robert Rubin, Paul Volcker, CEOs from Chase, Xerox, Time Warner, Citigroup. People who served their time on Wall Street, in corporate boardrooms, and are big supporters of bailouts. Whose representing the blue collar worker in that team? This is not to say Obama will not heed our needs. It's a reminder that our job isn't done yet, it has just begun. We are not just voters, but constituents, living and breathing under the same sun. Being affected everyday by the choices that our elected leaders make. Just because Obama is President, we are not magically pulling out of Iraq, getting healthcare instantaneously, and employed overnight. We can, however, achieve all of this collectively if we determinedly speak out and act out. Obama's once inconceivable victory is proof that if we as individuals unite for a common cause, we become an unstoppable body.

"...a nation to be strong, must be united; to be united, must be equal in condition; to be equal in condition, must be similar in habits and feeling; to be similar in habits and feeling, must be raised in national institutions as the children of a common family, and citizens of a common country.” -Frances Wright

-Danielle Abreu

RUSSELL'S BLOG: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: Haters Both On The Right And The Left

Politricks — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:44:00 GMT

Change doesn’t come without some shaking things up. And one of the things that needs shaking up is the last remnants of the Obama Clinton divide, the old arguments about who’s tougher, who’s experienced, who was right or wrong on this or that vote. Change that you can depend on depends on confidence in the agents of change.

That is the very reason why President-Elect Obama is taking the right steps in building his cabinet. The truth is Hillary Clinton was right when she claimed in the primaries that she had devoted her life and long career to change. Obama is exhibiting great self-confidence by preparing to announce the appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.

Over the next few days, there will be many who will offer negative criticism of both Obama and Clinton. They are the playa haters of politics, playing on an unjustified fear about two strong leaders would work together, mixed with a good dose of envy and old fashioned political grudges. It will come from the extremes on both sides, left and right. The first rule of Obama’s promise is to move past all that. If anyone ever doubted Obama’s ability to impress his vision on strong personalities, the discipline of the campaign and transition should have dispelled any doubts.

Obama appears to make decisions not based on what is most popular or most traditional. Instead, Obama is making cabinet decisions based on who he believes is the most qualified, intelligent, caring, dedicated and ready to serve.

Clinton's experience and expertise will be invaluable to the Obama team. As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton will be simply be one of the best.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: "Stop Discrimination In America: Proposition 8 Violates The Civil Rights Of All"

Politricks — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:45:00 GMT

When you fight for the freedom and equality of a specific group of people, you soon will begin to realize that any struggle or movement for the civil rights of some has to be applied to all people if that freedom struggle or movement is to have true integrity of principle and conscience.

If you stand against one form of discrimination, then you should not have a problem or difficulty standing against all forms of discrimination.

Hundreds of thousands of people are now organizing protests in cities across America in opposition to the devastating discrimination against gays and lesbians embodied at the core of California's Proposition 8.

Religion nor tradition should be used to justify injustice. The right to get married should be an equal right for all people. Separate and unequal application of marriage laws based on sexual orientation is simply wrong and fundamentally unjust.

The passage of Proposition 8 to ban gay and *** marriage in California is a public outrage. I am calling on my good friend Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to take the deliberate and necessary steps to have this terrible proposition overturned.

Homophobic discrimination, like racial discrimination, should not be tolerated in the United States.

Millions of Americans voted for change in the election of Barack Obama to be President. It was most unfortunate that also on November 4th, too many African Americans, Latino Americans and others in California voted in favor of Proposition 8.

Now we have to work hard to fulfill the national change agenda inclusive getting rid of Proposition 8. I am speaking out on this as a matter of conscience. We have made too much progress in our society to start being silent and waiting for only the gay and *** community to protest this injustice.

The fight for equality and equal justice under the law is a fight that we all should actively support. At the end of the day, life should be more about mutual love and respect for all people. After we better inform people about this issue, I am hopeful that we all will be able to contribute to restoring and protecting the equality of marriage rights and other civil rights for all. Let's end Proposition 8 now.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: Obama's Post-Election Good Outweighs the Bad Remnants of the Past

Politricks — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:06:00 GMT

It has only been two weeks since the tremendous goodwill and massive celebrations across the nation that resulted from the election of Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States. When positive change happens, there are always forces of negative reaction.

Today the Associated Press reported that "Obama has received more threats than any other president-elect." In addition the AP stated, "Incidents around the country referring to President-elect Obama are dampening the post-election glow of racial progress and harmony, highlighting the stubborn racism that remains in America."

But let's not rush to conclusions that somehow the progress that Obama's election verified did not also signal good steps forward toward healing America's historic racial divide. The fact is the majority of Americans, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native and others all voted for Obama to be the President and did not allow racial prejudice or hate to be a decisive factor.

The Inauguration on January 20, 2009 will usher in the Obama Administration as millions of people in the US and throughout the world will continue to celebrate this change and transformation with joy and great hope.

Don't let anyone or anything steal your joy and hope. Carrying the weight of the past only hurts you. The world is either a beautiful sweet place full of opportunity and hope where everyone can dream and fly or its a place only full of strife and pain that keeps shackles on your feet and mind.

Beware of the cynics who prefer to cast the negative stones of the past. We are not yet a perfect nation or society, but I know that we are getting better everyday. We should not let all the weight of making America a better place fall only on Obama's shoulders. The new President will need our involvement, our giving, and our prayers.

Yes, there are still racial problems in the US, but sometimes we respond to racial incidents in a manner that does nothing more than cause more polarization rather than work to eliminate racism in all of its manifestations. The growing number of incidents being reported is an indication of stubborn "aberrations of intolerance" and do not at all represent the mindset of most Americans.

The positive and uplifting spirit of the African American community and all others of goodwill will not be broken by the these latest random acts of madness.

Obama's victory was a victory for all people and for all Americans. The pendulum of history now has swung too far toward equality and inclusiveness for any of us to permit group or individual acts of racial hatred to entice the majority of the people to start stepping backwards rather than to keep marching forward.

The bad societal remnants of the past should be buried. Let's work harder to plant the right seeds in the consciousness of all people and let's give Obama our active support.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: Guaranteed Success

Politricks — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:12:00 GMT

The yogis say that the Kriya path is a path to enlightenment (in Christianity: Christ Consciousness) or to the promotion of any miracle. Following these components leads to guaranteed success:

Tapah: Hard work, dedication and resilience

Svaydhyaya: Intense study of self or subject

Isvara Pranidhana: Giving it all up to G-d or having total faith.

Today's daily grind is a reminder of the things you already know. Go forward in your dreams, and G-d Bless.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL SIMMONS' BLOG: Do The Right Thing: Hillary for Secretary of State

Politricks — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:19:00 GMT

President-Elect Barack Obama is doing the right thing by strongly considering Hillary Clinton to be the next US Secretary of State. Hillary Clinton will be the most effective Secretary of State and the best choice for the Obama team.

I know that there are many opinions circulating on this important subject. I am just one more informed individual who wants the new Administration to be successful. I have had the experience of working with Senator Clinton with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network on issues involving prison reform, more funding for public education and ending poverty. I believe she would do an exceptional job.

In addition, Hillary could further help to heal any divide that still exists within the Democratic Party. As we try to reach across the isle to the Republicans to be bipartisan, it is important to also reach across the Democratic Party to build unity for the tough policy fights ahead facing our nation.

The agenda that we voted for needs all the support it can get. We can't expect to reach across the isle unless we first prove we can reach across our party.

Plus Hillary garnered over 18 million votes during the primary elections earlier this year but then gracefully pledged her full support for the Obama-Biden ticket.

Beyond endorsing Barack, Hillary actively campaigned effectively for Obama in many key swing states like PA, OH, VA and FL. Of course there are some who prefer that Obama make selections of people who are only at first stage completely loyal to his agenda for change.

The truth is political change in the White House is not reduced to merely changing the names or personalities of those who will serve in an Obama Administration. Obama received a huge mandate from millions of voters to "change America." Real change in the direction and public policies of the American government will necessitate that Obama assemble the greatest, most experienced team possible.

Some in mainstream media today refer to Obama's "team of rivals." But here at GlobalGrind.com, we do not see Hillary Clinton as a rival to Barack Obama. We see Hillary as an Obama supporter and a champion for the change that Obama embodies. If chosen she would be one of Obama's most loyal advocates and team players.

Obama was victorious in the Presidential election with the avid support of the Clintons and many others. The right thing here is not to miss a chance in putting together a dream team that will become the Obama Change Team (OCT).

I named our site Global Grind, because our movement, our language, and our politics are all truly global. While we fight to restore the American economy, what better message to send to the world than to appoint as our Secretary of State a woman who is already known throughout the world as a principled and gifted fighter for freedom and equality.

Hillary is like a 21st Century "Rocky." She refuses to stop being a public servant. She is tough and is not a quitter. Hillary is not only resilient, but also she is insightful and creative. It would be a mistake to overlook her again.

The Obama Change Team will be global on day one with Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. We trust Obama's instincts and leadership and at the end of the day, we believe he will make the right decision.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL SIMMONS' BLOG: The Hip-Hop Effect

Politricks — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:44:00 GMT

Sometimes when you defy the odds, it may appear under-appreciated or historically insignificant until you achieve such a success it catches the attention and support of the entire world.

The election of Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States of America has captured the enthusiastic goodwill and hopeful imagination and support of hundreds of millions of people throughout the world community.

During the last 30 years, hip-hop culture has helped immeasurably to open the door in the mind and consciousness of millions of Americans and others in ways that creatively transcended racial divisions and fears.

Just a few months ago, there where many national pundits and pollsters who erroneously speculated and even predicted that the "Bradley Effect" (whites refusing to vote for qualified blacks because of deep-seated prejudice and fear) would be a decisive factor against Obama. Of course that did not happen.

First and foremost, Obama ran an effective campaign that refused to be sidetracked by negative campaign tactics and the false stereotypes of the past.

Consciousness can be informed by and through the creative arts effectively even when the realities of racial distrust and prejudice are socially prevalent. Thus it is cause for celebration that the hip-hop generation today is considerably less racist, sexist and homophobic than others born generations earlier.

18-35 years voted in the 2008 elections in record numbers. The "Hip-Hop Effect" neutralized the so-called "Bradley Effect."

What happened 20 years ago in California with Mayor Bradley running unsuccessfully for governor is less likely to happen in 2008. In fact, it is reported that most young African Africans in California voted against proposition 8, while older voters voted in favor of the proposition that was used as a negative polarizing issue.

A new America is emerging led by the millions of young and older voters who are willing to work and support real change.

During this period of transition, let's make sure that arts and culture remain priorities in the budgetary planning and projections for the new administration. This is a great time to be alive, active and creative.

-Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons' Daily Grind: Service

Lifestyle — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:51:00 GMT

This morning decide on what your gonna give... Instead of what your gonna get.. Your day will go easier.. And incidently you will get more., Remember all great leaders are servants (they make others better) even president obama is a "public servant".

Stay on your grind

With great love all things are possible

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: The Fight Is Far From Over

Politricks — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:41:00 GMT

President Elect Obama is receiving well deserved best wishes and congratulations from millions of people across America and throughout the world. The hip-hop community in particular came out in record numbers to vote and to help provide the margin of victory for Obama.

Global Grind expresses it gratitude especially to the hip-hop generation for helping to make history. We are sure the Obama campaign also is very grateful for the tremendous turnout of youth voters.

We are issuing an urgent call to vigilance and continued action by America's young voters to insure that Obama's leadership is fortrightly supported. The election is over, but the essential work of transformation has just begun.

Fixing the economy for all Americans with emphasis on the working and middle class to restoring confidence in the corridors of Wall Street will require the same serious focused leadership that has come to embody Obama's successful journey to the White House.

Steadfastness of resolve will be necessary. Hip-hop is about perseverance. It is about not only overcoming the odds, but it is also about rising to the occasion to make the critical difference.

Delivering health care to all, increasing quality education opportunity, ensuring social and economic justice, protecting the environment, international dialogue and peace to end war and poverty and overall making our participation in democracy more effective and long lasting means not sitting down but continuing to stand up, speak out and to take back responsibility.

We must internalize the hard won lessons of the Obama campaign. Participatory democracy works. Keeping our faith in God and country and always striving to make our communities and world a better place is a sustained priority. Hip-hop is the culture of transformation. Obama is the "transformative" President Elect. Yes, let's celebrate. But we must be more involved and accountable now than ever before to support Obama.

We can not afford to go back to politics as usual. The change that we prayed and worked for is here.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL SIMMONS' POST ELECTION STATEMENT

blackspot@globalgrind.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:36:00 GMT

The vision of the hip-hop generation and its young people is in full and glorious effect tonight. While many older Americans, who marched and struggled so hard so Senator Obama could run for president of the United States never dared to believe in his candidacy’s real potential, young people, particularly the hip-hop community, had faith and their imagination became our reality.

The election of Barack Obama, a resounding progressive voice, is a clear reflection of hip-hop politics. It is a reflection of the 35 million people who downloaded Ekhard Tolle’s “The New Earth,” and all of the other popular books espousing this new, emerging consciousness. Promoting love, compassion and generosity over fear, anger and greed; promoting lasting peace through dialogue and opportunity will be more economic to the American people in these troubled times than the promotion of war. Obama”s election as president is a beautiful testament to the American collective consciousness that is flowering. This more loving consciousness will be necessary to protect us from some of our hurtful human choices and tendencies. We will need it to create balance with the constantly emerging advances in technology so, going forward, we can use these advances in a positive way to lift up Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.

I don’t think I’m overstating it when I say that today, I feel like America has dodged a bullet. Let’s support this beautiful leader to do the work necessary to promote and execute on the change agenda we all voted for. Let’s each do our part to insure that this is a transformative time in America, where our country can be a leader in creating a positive and lasting change in the world.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: Just Passing It On

Politricks — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:32:00 GMT

Editor's Note: Russell came across this letter and wanted to share it with the Global Grind community. As usual, all comments are welcome and discussion is encouraged.

ABOUT SARAH PALIN

I am a resident of Wasilla, Alaska. I have known Sarah since 1992. Everyone here knows Sarah, so it is nothing special to say we are on a first-name basis. Our children have attended the same schools. Her father was my child's favorite substitute teacher. I also am on a first name basis with her parents and mother-in-law. I attended more City Council meetings during her administration than about 99% of the residents of the city.

She is enormously popular; in every way she's like the most popular
girl in middle school. Even men who think she is a poor choice and
won't vote for her can't quit smiling when talking about her because
she is a "babe". It is astonishing and almost scary how well she can keep a secret. She kept her most recent pregnancy a secret from her children and parents for seven months. She is "pro-life". She recently gave birth to a Down's syndrome baby. There is no cover-up involved, here; Trig is her baby. She is energetic and hardworking. She regularly worked out at the
gym. She is savvy. She doesn't take positions; she just "puts things out
there" and if they prove to be popular, then she takes credit.

Her husband works a union job on the North Slope for BP and is a champion snowmobile racer. Todd Palin's kind of job is highly sought-after because of the schedule and high pay. He arranges his work schedule so he can fish for salmon in Bristol Bay for a month or so in summer, but by no stretch of the imagination is fishing their major source of income. Nor has her life-style ever been anything like that of native Alaskans. Sarah and her whole family are avid hunters.

She's smart. Her experience is as mayor of a city with a population of about 5,000 (at the time), and less than 2 years as governor of a state with about 670,000 residents. During her mayoral administration most of the actual work of running this small city was turned over to an administrator. She had been pushed to hire this administrator by party power-brokers after she had gotten herself into some trouble over precipitous firings which had
given rise to a recall campaign.

Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a "fiscal conservative". During her 6 years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over 33%. During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the City increased by 38%. This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents.

The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration weren't enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? or a new library? No. $1m for a park. $15m-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex which she rushed through to build on a piece of property that the City didn't even have clear title to, that was still in litigation 7 yrs later--to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road
projects that could have been done in 5-7 yrs without any borrowing. While Mayor, City Hall was extensively remodeled and her office redecorated more than once.

These are small numbers, but Wasilla is a very small city. As an oil producer, the high price of oil has created a budget surplus in Alaska. Rather than invest this surplus in technology that will make us energy independent and increase efficiency, as Governor she proposed distribution of this surplus to every individual in the state.

In this time of record state revenues and budget surpluses, she recommended that the state borrow/bond for road projects, even while she proposed distribution of surplus state revenues: spend today's surplus, borrow for needs. She's not very tolerant of divergent opinions or open to outside ideas or compromise. As Mayor, she fought ideas that weren't generated by her or her staff. Ideas weren't evaluated on their merits, but on the basis of who proposed them.

While Sarah was Mayor of Wasilla she tried to fire our highly respected City Librarian because the Librarian refused to consider removing from the library some books that Sarah wanted removed. City residents rallied to the defense of the City Librarian and against Palin's attempt at out-and-out censorship, so Palin backed down and withdrew her termination letter. People who fought her attempt to oust the librarian are on her enemies list to this day.

Sarah complained about the "old boy's club" when she first ran for Mayor, so what did she bring Wasilla? A new set of "old boys". Plain fired most of the experienced staff she inherited. At the City and as Governor she hired or elevated new, inexperienced, obscure people, creating a staff totally dependent on her for their jobs and eternally grateful and fiercely loyal--loyal to the point of abusing their power to further her personal agenda, as she has acknowledged happened in the case of pressuring the State's top cop (see below).

As Mayor, Sarah fired Wasilla's Police Chief because he "intimidated" her, she told the press. As Governor, her recent firing of Alaska's top cop has the ring of familiarity about it. He served at her pleasure and she had every legal right to fire him, but it's pretty clear that an important factor in her decision to fire him was because he wouldn't fire her sister's ex-husband, a State Trooper. Under investigation for abuse of power, she has had to admit that more than 2 dozen contacts were made between her staff and family to the person that she later fired, pressuring him to fire her ex-brother-in-law. She tried to replace the man she fired with a man who she knew had been reprimanded for sexual harassment; when this caused a public furor, she withdrew her support. She has bitten the hand of every person who extended theirs to her in help. The City Council person who personally escorted her around town introducing her to voters when she first ran for Wasilla City Council became one of her first targets when she was later elected Mayor. She abruptly fired her loyal City Administrator; even people who didn't like the guy were stunned by this ruthlessness.

Fear of retribution has kept all of these people from saying anything publicly about her. When then-Governor Murkowski was handing out political plums, Sarah got the best, Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission: one of the few jobs not in Juneau and one of the best paid. She had no background in oil & gas issues. Within months of scoring this great job which paid $122,400/yr, she was complaining in the press about the high salary. I was told that she hated that job: the commute, the structured hours, the work. Sarah became aware that a member of this Commission (who was also the State Chair of the Republican Party) engaged in unethical behavior on the job. In a gutsy move which some undoubtedly cautioned her could be political suicide, Sarah solved all her problems in one fell swoop: got out of the job she hated and garnered gobs of media attention as the patron saint of ethics and as a gutsy fighter against the "old boys' club" when she dramatically quit, exposing this man's ethics violations (for which he was fined).

As Mayor, she had her hand stuck out as far as anyone for pork from Senator Ted Stevens. Lately, she has castigated his pork-barrel politics and publicly humiliated him. She only opposed the "bridge to nowhere" after it became clear that it would be unwise not to. As Governor, she gave the Legislature no direction and budget guidelines, then made a big grandstand display of line-item vetoing projects, calling them pork. Public outcry and further legislative action restored most of these projects--which had been vetoed simply because she was not aware of their importance--but with the unobservant she had gained a reputation as "anti-pork". She is solidly Republican: no political maverick. The State party leaders hate her because she has bit them in the back and humiliated them. Other members of the party object to her self-description as a fiscal conservative.

Around Wasilla there are people who went to high school with Sarah. They call her "Sarah Barracuda" because of her unbridled ambition and predatory ruthlessness. Before she became so powerful, very ugly stories circulated around town about shenanigans she pulled to be made point guard on the high school basketball team. When Sarah's mother-in-law, a highly respected member of the community and experienced manager, ran for Mayor, Sarah refused to endorse her.

As Governor, she stepped outside of the box and put together of package of legislation known as "AGIA" that forced the oil companies to march to the beat of her drum. Like most Alaskans, she favors drilling in the Arctic National WildlifeRefuge. She has questioned if the loss of sea ice is linked to global warming. She campaigned "as a private citizen" against a state initiative that would have either a) protected salmon streams from
pollution from mines, or b) tied up in the courts all mining in the
state (depending on who you listen to). She has pushed the State's lawsuit against the Dept. of the Interior's decision to list polar bears as threatened species.

McCain is the oldest person to ever run for President; Sarah will be a heartbeat away from being President. There has to be literally millions of Americans who are more knowledgeable and experienced than she. However, there's a lot of people who have underestimated her and are getting it.

CLAIM VS. FACT

*"Hockey mom": true for a few years
*"PTA mom": true years ago when her first-born was in elementary
school, not since
*"NRA supporter": absolutely true
*social conservative: mixed. Opposes gay marriage, BUT vetoed a bill
that would have denied benefits to employees in same-sex relationships (said she did this because it was unconstitutional).
*pro-creationism: mixed. Supports it, BUT did nothing as Governor to promote it.
*"Pro-life": mixed. Knowingly gave birth to a Down's syndrome baby BUT declined to call a special legislative session on some pro-life
legislation.
*"Experienced": Some high schools have more students than Wasilla has residents. Many cities have more residents than the state of Alaska.
No legislative experience other than City Council. Little hands-on supervisory or managerial experience; needed help of a city
administrator to run town of about 5,000.
*political maverick: not at all.
*gutsy: absolutely!
*open & transparent: ??? Good at keeping secrets. Not good at explaining actions.
*has a developed philosophy of public policy: no.
*"a Greenie": no. Turned Wasilla into a wasteland of big box stores and disconnected parking lots. Is pro-drilling off-shore and in ANWR.
*fiscal conservative: not by my definition!
*pro-infrastructure: No. Promoted a sports complex and park in a city
without a sewage treatment plant or storm drainage system. Built streets to early 20th century standards.
*pro-tax relief: Lowered taxes for businesses, increased tax burden on residents.
*pro-small government: No. Oversaw greatest expansion of city government in Wasilla's history.
*pro-labor/pro-union. No. Just because her husband works union doesn't make her pro-labor. I have seen nothing to support any claim that she is pro-labor/pro-union.

WHY AM I WRITING THIS?

First, I have long believed in the importance of being an informed voter. I am a voter registrar. For 10 years I put on student voting programs in the schools. If you google my name (Anne Kilkenny + Alaska), you will find references to my participation in local government, education, and PTA/parent organizations.

Secondly, I've always operated in the belief that "Bad things happen
when good people stay silent". Few people know as much as I do because few have gone to as many City Council meetings.

Third, I am just a housewife. I don't have a job she can bump me out of. I don't belong to any organization that she can hurt. But, I am no fool; she is immensely popular here, and it is likely that this will cost me somehow in the future: that's life.

Fourth, she has hated me since back in 1996, when I was one of the
100 or so people who rallied to support the City Librarian against
Sarah's attempt at censorship.

Fifth, I looked around and realized that everybody else was afraid to
say anything because they were somehow vulnerable.

CAVEATS

I am not a statistician. I developed the numbers for the increase in spending & taxation 2 years ago (when Palin was running for Governor)
from information supplied to me by the Finance Director of the City of Wasilla, and I can't recall exactly what I adjusted for: did I adjust for inflation? for population increases? Right now, it is impossible for a private person to get any info out of City Hall--they are
swamped. So I can't verify my numbers.

You may have noticed that there are various numbers circulating for
the population of Wasilla, ranging from my "about 5,000", up to 9,000.
The day Palin's selection was announced a city official told me that the current population is about 7,000. The official 2000 census count was 5,460. I have used about 5,000 because Palin was Mayor from 1996 to 2002, and the city was growing rapidly in the mid-90's.

Anne

-Russell Simmons

GOSSIP: Russell Sets The Record Straight

Gossip — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:40:00 GMT

Friends of mine have forwarded me gossip online about my custody agreement details with Kimora. The fact is, we've had a pretty good partnership at sharing the girls in the past. There have been a few bumps in the road, and those bumps have led us to negotiate a minimum amount of time I'm guaranteed to see my kids. That deal is as follows: I have the girls one full week out of every eight, half of the summer, half of all the holidays, a full week at Christmas, and half of Spring Break. Like in all good partnerships, contracts are meant to protect the partners but are usually not the only way the partners work together. If I show up in L.A., where she now lives, unannounced, I can call up Kimora and she will most likely send them right over. The same goes for when she comes to New York. We have always had a school in New York and a school with the same curriculum in L.A., so when the girls are with me in New York, we can spend quality time together. I can get up with them, take them to school and just be together.

Kimora consults with me about doctors or schools for the girls, but she's always had final say in those areas. If we had an argument about a school, guess who's going to win? But there are other stipulations in our agreement where we have to make final decisions together. Anything having to do with business decisions pertaining to my kids cannot be done without my consent.

I've also seen a lot about people reading into the supervised visits stipulation. Kimora travels with a security guard and a nanny. In the past, she's gotten really nervous that I never travel with security, so if it makes her more comfortable to have her security and a nanny with us when I'm with my kids, that's OK with me.

Finally, I want to say Kimora is a excellent mother and is doing a great job with them. My kids are studying a couple of foreign languages, they travel around the world, they practice yoga, ballet, swimming, karate and piano, among other things...sometimes I think they do too much, but I trust in Kimora on this because she IS a good mother. Regarding the money, my kids live a tremendous life. They do have lots of security, nannies, educators, special programs, travel, chefs, on and on. Their mother manages all of those luxuries and I'm happy to provide for that.

With great love all things are possible.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: My Day At The CIDA

Politricks — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:05:00 GMT

The expansion of the CIDA organization is now the goal, with two linked educational institutions that will provide the opportunity to serve 33% more students, and offer a broader range of options for students: from CIDA City Campus becoming a more academically rigorous business university, to the Maharishi Institute, and Foundation College focused on foundation courses and vocationl education preparing students for university-level studies, while combining service to the school/community and consciousness based principles on a daily basis. Was interested to learn the Foundation College will become an "eco-campus" beginning in 2009 with a focus on sustainability in every aspect of their curriculum.

After being with the Maharishi Institute students today practicing transcendental meditation together and speaking with them about their lives and where they want to go, I am more inspired than ever. I believe that if we can take the good instincts of the industry that more must be done to empower Africa, and we can build on it, we can make something very good happen here. D.E.F.'s off to a good start one year into the game, but this is a long distance run and I am not satisfied, we have not done enough. As we work together and each of us gains comfort in their own seat we can give more. Those of us who have had success in the world will never know true success until we achieve a balance of what we need to keep for ourselves and what we can give as our gifts to humanity.

O.K. Gotta go, it's time for the 17 hours in the air back to New York City.

With great love all things are possible.

-Russell Simmons

RUSSELL'S BLOG: Live From Sun City

Politricks — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:52:00 GMT

I'm in South Africa this week for my work to grow the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), a non profit I co-founded last year to support educational empowerment programs in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

Traveled to Sun City, a couple of hours from Johannesburg at the invitation of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) to speak to the Sightholders about diamonds for good and how they can get involved in supporting greater opportunity for young Africans through access to higher education. Varda Shine, the Managing Director of the DTC and a D.E.F. Board Member, gave us
this important platform for D.E.F.'s cause and goals of getting the international diamond jewelry industry on board. FYI, the Sightholders are 78 companies from all over the world that have the exclusive opportunity to buy diamonds directly from the DTC, so having a chance to speak with these people was a very good step for this movement.

Festus Mogae, the former President of the Republic of Botswana also spoke and delivered a great keynote about the kharmic response to giving already in motion. He believes the greater focus on philanthropic, social and economic empowerment efforts by D.E.F. and other programs lead by the Sightholders is leading to better opportunities for everyone. Botswana is the undisputed worldwide leader in how diamonds can build a nation and empower its people so when he speaks I listen closely! He just joined D.E.F.'s Advisory Board which is a great new development for us.

In Johannesburg, where I just spent the day with the students of CIDA and the Maharishi Institute and their founder Taddy Blecher. CIDA is D.E.F.'s first named beneficiary of our fund raising efforts, and the Maharishi Institute is a new school that I got to see for the first time today. The original CIDA organization (Community and Individual Development Association) started 20 years ago teaching free transcendental meditation for disadvantaged communities.

I was introduced to CIDA in 2006 by Jennifer Oppenheimer after meeting her at the Clinton Global Initiative, I found a beautiful school with 1,500 students who were practicing yoga and meditation as a balance to their academic studies. The combination was magic to me - and the proof was in the success CIDA students had in getting jobs that helped them to support not just themselves but often their extended families. CIDA needed help to grow a $35 million endowment for sustainability and to pursue long term strategies for continued growth. I've focused my energies on this goal and over the past year CIDA and Maharishi have received gifts from De Beers, Anglo American, and other individuals in the diamond jewelry industry of more than $9 million. This is a good start but there's so much more to that needs to be done. More on this tomorrow...

-Russell Simmons