Democrat or Republican? Ever since JFK adopted Civil Rights as a key component of his administration’s domestic policy the African American vote in this country has been nearly 80% Democratic. Has the party remained true to the values that best serve African Americans? I would ask have they ever?

Do African American’s believe that they have been truly served as a community and as a people by them Dem’s? I would venture to guess there would be a lot less complaining if so?! Or like most reluctant to change do most just follow, like sheep, what has been for most of their lives to the exclusion of another party or solution?

I’m not left or right and I certainly wouldn’t tell another which to choose, but I must ask if all of us wouldn’t be better served by being party neutral? More issue driven, and solution oriented no matter what direction it comes from.

Who do you party with and why? How often do you evaluate your invitation?

I happened to catch The Nine Lives of Marion Barry on HBO last night. It’s a documentary about the life and very wild times of the philandering, cocaine addicted former DC Mayor. Of course I knew a little of the story…who doesn’t remember the FBI sting tape where he was caught doing drugs in a woman’s hotel room? However, what I couldn’t believe, after seeing the whole story, was how quickly he was forgiven by the people of DC? Now that was a special kind of forgiveness.

I found myself watching in utter disbelief as people literally ignored what they saw on tape, ignored what the drug tests said, ignored the clear corruption and still keep holding this man up? Repeatedly, found to be addicted to drugs, it was almost like the people celebrated him more for it!! Beyond being just bizarre, it was truly fascinating to watch. Marion Barry asked for forgiveness so much I thought he was at St. Peter’s gate…and you know what? He got it. Although seemingly void of any real character or remorse for his actions, he cruised around DC like a pimp who had our nations capital city as his whore and like well trained trade the people of DC didn’t toss him out for his hypocrisy and abuses…no no they re-elected him. They completely excused him and blamed the “White Man”…not one in particular per se… just you know white people in general. Always works right?

Since there is no way a man who could find his way to be elected to Mayor could also be responsible for his own choices, we must blame someone right? And seriously why bother exploring his accountability? He said, “please forgive me”…isn’t that enough? Apparently for DC, it was.

The Nine Lives of Marion Barry showing this month on HBO. Check local listings for times.

Originally known as Decoration Day, today’s holiday first began as the honoring of the fallen from the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers, candles and prayer. After World War I, the separate Union and Confederate Decoration Days combined as Memorial Day and recognized those who have died in military service during any war.

The official function of Memorial Day is to honor the men and women of the United States who have died while serving our nation’s military service. With a war that continues to rage on, let us take time to appreciate and show respect for those that have died for our country, before we head off to our Bar-B-Ques and parties.

The solider I keep my heart today is still here with us, although waiting to hear if he is up for another tour as we speak, I am thankful for him and all of the men and women in the military for fight without question for causes we may not all understand or support.

Don’t forget that there are men and women, who in war, don’t have the luxury of a day off!

Enjoy your Memorial Day!

We’ve put a man on the moon and today we’re putting a black man in the highest office in the land….

John F. Kennedy’s sentiment the day Neil and Buzz walked across the moon feel appropriate to me at this moment. “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

There is nothing I could say to you today to punctuate the emotion we all feel. If you’re in DC please send me your stories, tell me what it is like as I am at home watching with my dog and a cold. If you’re not there where are you today? Did you keep the kids home from school, did you have to take a vacation day? What’s happening in your life TODAY as Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States of America? 

Prominent Chicago businesswoman Desiree Rogers has been named the White House social secretary. She is the first African American, to serve in the full-time position, one responsible for organizing and overseeing all White House functions and ceremonies.

She will be joining the White House from Allstate Financial, where she was creating a social network of clients and consumers. She was previously the president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas.

Ms. Rogers, who studied at Wellesley College and later earned an MBA from Harvard, was once married to John Rogers, Ariel Capital Management chief and another close Obama friend and fundraiser.

This appointment sends a strong message that the Obamas want to use the White House strategically, to maximize its use in a way that is consistent with their philosophy — [to] open it to a broader range of people, ” said Valerie Jarrett, an Obama intimate and friend of Rogers’s who also will work in the White House. “Desiree is a heavy hitter — she comes with her own range of contacts from around the country. She’s close to Michelle and she knows everyone who will be working in the West Wing, so she will be able to create a synergy.”

Sources: AP News; Huffington Post; Chicago Tribune; Target Market News

JUST DO IT…If you are reading this and you have not voted then your priorities are out of order so go so do now!!! If you have then, like me you’re feeling what a privilege and honor it is to be part of such a strong democratic society.

I’ve little to say today other than the lines to vote were around the block on almost every corner I saw and I’m so proud to be an American. Let’s hope we all feel that way tomorrow.

Our condolences to the Obama family, Barack lost his grandmother last night on the eve what will surely be his election to the highest office in the land. We know she is proud and so are we!!

We are hours away from electing the next president of the United States and it’s a big deal with record turnout expected. Many have already waited between five and six hours in long lines for early voting, so I can only imagine what tomorrow is going to be like.

Early morning, late night, long lines and high emotions means that a little poll day etiquette is in order. Now I know “most” of you know how to act but for those of you who need a little refresher I have some suggestions down for you …if you have some of your own please share today and Happy Voting!

1. Morning voters please do not make a coffee run before hitting the polls. Waits could be long and bathrooms could be few and need to serve many. Joe the plumber will not be around for any “issues” that may arise.

2. Wear comfortable shoes. Barack the vote not a bunion. Save the high heels for after you vote.

3. You don’t have to get dressed up, but this is a respectful occasion. Do not wear your night clothes or sweats.

4. Bring a “light” snack. We don’t want you light headed but don’t bring hot cakes, grits and bacon strips. Have some fruit while you wait…then hit the Waffle House.

5. Same snack rule applies to evening voters…don’t bring in a Whopper trying to have it your way while you wait, your fellow citizens will appreciate it.

6. Don’t sneer, leer or threaten any suspected McCain voters. Remember how Barack handled the Ariz. Senator, rise above them for they know not what they do.

7. If there are camera’s outside your particular polling place, show excitement but do not take it as an opportunity to give family member “shout outs” and unless you really know what you’re talking about leave the political analysis to the experts

8. Bring your child, this is history and they should see it… but please don’t bring ALL of your children or grandchildren.

9. Have all your id and information ready to hand to the poll volunteers and remember they are volunteers and are as tired and anxious as you are. Don’t curse them out or accuse them until you know for sure something is wrong. Don’t look for something to go wrong.

10. Remember you’re a part of history so take time to reflect on the magnitude of moment. It’s been a long, exciting and enjoyable road and we should all be proud.

Tomorrow we change the world!

Family first! Barack Obama’s 85-yr old grandmother has fallen gravely ill causing him to cancel all his Thursday and Friday campaign events in order to fly to Hawaii to be with her. Madelyn Payne Dunham, who helped raise the next leader of the free world…(Yeah, I said it) was released from the hospital late last week but has unfortunately deteriorated to the point where it’s quite serious.

Citing the family’s desire for privacy Obama Communication Director Robert Gibbs, would not discuss the nature of Dunham’s illness.

Although these are the last days in what has surely been the biggest race of his life Obama has the clarity of mind, heart and spirit to know what really matters. A lot of us can relate…our own grandmothers have been our “mothers” at times when our mothers weren’t, couldn’t or just didn’t want to be. The universe would surely come second if she needed anything. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Obama family and wish the future First Nana a speedy recovery.

So while Barack tends to important family matters, we should pitch in and do all we can to help out. Get on the phones, canvas, do what you can in these last days. You want him to work for your family so “do” unto others….so to speak!

Events originally planned for Madison, Wis., and Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday will be replaced with one in Indianapolis before he makes the long flight to Hawaii. On Friday, Obama’s wife, Michelle, will sub for Obama at rallies in Akron and Columbus, in Ohio, said campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki. Obama was expected to resume campaigning on Saturday, at an undecided location in the West, she said.

If you live in one of the cancelled cities or know someone who does reach out and see how you can help in these last days.

Do it for Nana!

Today marks exactly two weeks from what will be the most important Presidential election we have seen in our lives. This race has been more than the possibility of seeing a black man in office, more than the economic crisis and more than the funny, but pathetically true, reality that is Sarah Palin. To me it has been about the questions we have asked, around the role government has played and should play in our lives. That to me is the truest of all American values, the right to ask questions. All the mocking, and punditry and satire aside, the richness of this time is in what we are asking.

Voting is a privilege to be granted and exercised by those with the intention to ask and ask forever. It’s a signal that says, “I understand my part”. Teddy Roosevelt said “A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends on the user”.  Don’t point unless you plan on firing.

 It doesn’t matter if you’re a red state or a blue state, partisan or non-partisan, or what income bracket you fall into, America is a country where everyone has the unalienable right and responsibility to ask and keep asking questions of the government. Success is not a given. We can be outraged at Bush, but we forget he got there because we allowed it. His failure is ours as well.

Around the age of 10 or 11, I knew that the majority of my ideals were not wholly aligned with any party although they tended to fall more on the side of the GOP. This was more of a mental heuristic for me, never an absolute. It was the ideology of those around me, those that I loved and respected. Isn’t that the way we all form our beliefs?

However, it was questioning those values that often led me to expand, condemn or in many cases root further into those ideals. There’s no question in my mind that my usefulness right now is in my ability to adjust my thinking along for today’s time. I question some of Barak’s ideas, they feel a bit socialist for my taste, but they appear to be what’s need right now. My thinking will certainly change as conditions do and then I will ask whose ideas serve those times the best. I can only hope it will be Barack, but hope is not a strategy!

Tonight Americans are eagerly anticipating the vice presential debate in St. Louis with Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden. The debate will be moderated by News Hour Senior correspondent Gwen Ifill who sparked a controversy earlier this week with the disclosure that she is writing a book titled: The Breakthrough: “Politics and Race in the Age of Obama” on how politics in the Black community have changed since the civil rights era. The book will include a chapter on Senator Obama (that has yet to be written) that is scheduled to be released on inauguration day. This disclosure which is prominently acknowledged on her website caused some to question including Senator McCain, Ms. Ifill’s professional ability to remain unbiased and a potential conflict of interest. The bottom line is that neither Ms. Ifill or Senator Biden will be responsible for the success or failure to convince voters of her readiness for the nation’s highest office.  What is it going to take and how many interviews are necessary to demonstrate that Governor Palin is not ready to assume the role of the President?

Regardless of my political affiliation, as a woman I have actively supported the accomplishments of qualified women that serve as an example of the value of inclusiveness that women bring to all parts of our political and economic process.  Unfortunately after reviewing several public interviews by Governor Palin has led me to question why did McCain not select a qualified women to serve as the first Republican VP female candidate?  A recent interview with CBS anchor Katie Couric sparked an exchange regarding a quote that Governor Palin made about John McCain ability to reform Wall Street.

Couric: You’ve said, quote, “John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business.” Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

Palin: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie – that, that’s paramount. That’s more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

Couric: But he’s been in Congress for 26 years. He’s been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

Palin: He’s also known as the maverick though, taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he’s been talking about – the need to reform government.

Couric: But can you give me any other concrete examples? Because I know you’ve said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?

Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.

Couric: I’m just going to ask you one more time – not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.

Palin: I’ll try to find you some and I’ll bring them to you.

Huh?  In 26 years, not one example comes to your mind?  This lack of preparedness is unacceptable for someone who will be second in line to assume the Presidency if McCain were to win in November.  Governor Palin goes on to make a statement that America is waiting to see what Senator McCain is doing about the current economic crisis not Senator Obama even though Obama has surged to a 7-point lead in the recent AP poll over  McCain showing a major shift in many key battleground states such as Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Iowa.  With the condition of the economy being a key issue on the minds of all Americans, Couric sought Governor Palin’s response on the $700 billion government bailout of bad debt and her support:

Palin: I’m ill about the position that America is in and that we have to look at a $700 billion bailout. And as Sen. McCain has said unless this nearly trillion dollar bailout is what it may end up to be, unless there are amendments in Paulson’s proposal, really I don’t believe that Americans are going to support this and we will not support this. The interesting thing in the last couple of days that I have seen is that Americans are waiting to see what John McCain will do on this proposal. They’re not waiting to see what Barack Obama is going to do. Is he going to do this and see what way the political wind’s blowing? They’re waiting to see if John McCain will be able to see these amendments implemented in Paulson’s proposal.

Couric: Why do you say that? Why are they waiting for John McCain and not Barack Obama?

Palin: He’s got the track record of the leadership qualities and the pragmatism that’s needed at a crisis time like this.

Couric: But polls have shown that Sen. Obama has actually gotten a boost as a result of this latest crisis, with more people feeling that he can handle the situation better than John McCain.

Palin: I’m not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who’s more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who’s actually done it?

Couric: If this doesn’t pass, do you think there’s a risk of another Great Depression?

Palin: Unfortunately, that is the road that America may find itself on. Not necessarily this, as it’s been proposed, has to pass or we’re going to find ourselves in another Great Depression. But, there has got to be action – bipartisan effort – Congress not pointing fingers at one another but finding the solution to this, taking action, and being serious about the reforms on Wall Street that are needed.

Apparently Americans are expressing their doubts about Governor Palin’s readiness with a recent AP-Gfk poll released yesterday that has just 25% of likely voters believing that Palin has the right experience to be President. This is a dramatic decrease down from 41%after her positive appearance at the GOP convention.  Tonight, Sarah Palin alone will have the opportunity to convince the American people that she is ready to assume the role of the President if necessary and that she is best qualified candidate for VP of the United States.  Senator John McCain issued this comment today on the viability of Governor Palin:

“We let Sarah be Sarah. She’s smart, she’s tough, she’s been in debates before,” McCain told “Fox & Friends” on Fox News Channel. “The American people … the more they see of her, the more they love her, and I’m confident of that at the end.”

Tonight along with millions of Americans, we will be watching!