Minutes into the President’s speech on Afghanistan last night my stomach clenched, filled with sorrow and dread. Unlike during the Bush regime, at least I could stomach listening to President Obama’s whole speech, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t feel sick when it was over. It’s the difference between listening to an arrogant, ignorant moron explaining a terrible decision, and listening to an intelligent, informed, articulate man do the same. War escalated. 30,000 more lives put on the line at a cost of $30 billion annually. Comforting words about getting out by 2011 but given past history doubt that will happen. I hope I am prove very, very wrong.

If we’re escalating, shouldn’t we re-institute the draft and let Americans of all classes share the burdens of war? Enough of the so-called “volunteer army,” composed of young people who can’t find jobs, can’t afford an education, and are swept up in what’s known as the “poverty draft.”

Meanwhile, back at home unemployment continues to increase, impacting most profoundly on black men and women. Apparently, a college degree isn’t enough to overcome the racial gap either, as this story in Tuesday’s New York Times makes clear.

And while we’re all tiring of the state dinner gate crasher story, notice how it’s being spun as an anti-White House social secretary story? Apparently, it’s not the Secret Service who failed to adequately screen guests, it’s the fault of Desiree Rogers. Not only was she tasked to plan and execute a fabulous event, it seems she also should have been at the gates checking credentials, frisking guests, and if necessary taking them down. Rogers, an educated, successful, confident, wealthy fashion maven, had the audacity to not only plan what appears to have been a wonderful affair, but to attend the dinner in an expensive gown designed by Commes des Garcons! Just who does she think she is? She must be blamed, ridiculed, and Mammyfied! Down with uppity Black women! We are all Precious! If you’re black and female, you’re either a victim or villified! (Speaking of uppity sisters, let’s hear it for Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Ca.), the only member of Congress to vote against giving then President Bush a blank check to wage war in 2001, and standing against this escalation too.)

Jill Nelson 12/02/09 – The blog with the musical notes!