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Nov. 6, 2006 Looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger will defy the naysayers and earn a second term as California Governor (“The Official End of the Schwarzenegger Era In California”). October 27, 2005)I was sure he was on the way out, that is until the Democrats nominated “The Human Barbiturate,” Phil Angelides. This guy makes Al Gore look like Charlie Sheen. Steve Westley, the man Angelides bested for the Democratic nomination, would have been a more exciting candidate. This is one of the reasons the Democratic party is in shambles—vapid, say-nothing candidates use to being on the defensive. Political prognostication is such a difficult game… Speaking of the Democratic Party, I won’t jump on the Barack Obama bandwagon due to the fact that he is a one-term Senator from Illinois. When he has a second term under his belt and has authored some significant legislation, I will give him another once over. I think the Democrats best chance lies with Hillary Clinton-Bill Richard ticket, especially with Richardson’s experience in dealing with North Korea. As for the GOP, a Jeb Bush (assuming he’s running)-Rudy Giuliani ticket would be formidable. If for some reason “Hills” pulls out, I look for the Dems to nominate John Edwards, assuming he’s running. Big ups to Judy Ramsook, who recently was named writer of the month at www.todays-woman.net. Judy’s takes on life’s little bumps in the road earned her numerous votes for UK writer of the year, and deservedly so. One of the best shows on the reality TV circuit is “Ice-T’s School of Rap.” The show places the controversial rapper in Manhattan’s York Prep school, as an instructor in rap. His charges are kids unfamiliar with the “real world of rap” (according to the school’s Headmaster). This show is a classic example of how misconceptions between two disparate groups can be dispelled, Moreover, for the kids involved, it has that “fish out of water” element. This is that sort of class you remember long after high school, simply because you learn about “life” rather than what the state requires. In my corner of the world—Contra Costa County—the East County is more of a bedroom community. Over the past twenty-five years, the white population has dropped from 62% to less than 46%. While the black and Latino population now comprises more than 40%. The largest city in the region is Antioch, with a population of 100,000+. The residents of Antioch are blaming the problems plaguing their neighborhoods on an influx of Section 8 recipients coming from Oakland and Richmond, (translation: Blacks). The reality of the situation is that the majority of Section 8 recipients are white; the area has one of the highest concentration of meth labs and addicts in the country; and has nearly 200 registered sex offenders. A meth lab explosion can decimate an entire neighborhood, yet, these folks are worried about the racial make-up of their neighbors. One of the major complaints of these individuals is that these low-income families have more, and better material possessions. (Cars, clothes, etc.) They wonder how a poor person can afford a car, and even why. The area of town I reside in has several mom and pop stores, many of which sell foods past the expiration date and some of which is spoiled. Moreover, some merchants insist all sales are final. I have heard so many complaints (and have even filed one with the county environmental health department), but nothing is done. The county does nothing but warn the grocer that he or she needs to clean up their act, but there is no fine. Shopping elsewhere is not an option for many of these residents, who are elderly, disabled or both. They don’t own vehicles and public transportation is slow. Studies show that such conditions adversely effect the poor. I’ve mailed in my absentee ballot and now await the results: Will there be a GOP purging, or will they hold onto their majority in both houses? If control of one, or both houses change hands, our President will be more than a lame duck: His goose will be cooked. Don’t you think the Dems are salivating at the (albeit, slim) prospect of impeaching him? Worse, partisan bickering will only get worse. ------------ About the author: Timothy N. Stelly, Sr. is a 46-year old poet, novelist and aspiring screenwriter who resides in northern California with his three youngest children--Lawrence, Kimberly and Dante. He is a member of various writer's groups and has three novels in print, his most recent, "Like A Straight-Up Sucka," is available at www.lulu.com. website: http://stellbreadO@tripod.com Email: stellbread@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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