Jamaica's International Image: Reaping What We Have Shown

President Obama didn't hide his 'evolution' on Same-sex marriage, and during his visit to Jamaica President Obama was not bashful about his administration and nation's fundamental views on Human Rights that are ensured in their constitution since the USA's conception, in fact during his presentation he made the effort to point out a LGBT/Women Rights activist and endorsed her efforts to advance these rights for the communities she represents. 

It would be foolish to assume that the bilateral Obama-Simpson-Miller discussion at Jamaica House excluded Human Rights - specifically Jamaica's LGBT community, therefore it is was foreseeable that any group/person was prepared to say "told you so", if the United States decided to initiate serious diplomatic discourse on the issue, as we see now with the special envoys.

Any attempt to lead the impressionable population – those on the middle ground not convince either way – down the path of believing that nothing is wrong with how human rights is talked about and dealt with currently in Jamaica is dangerous. We can't continue rejecting the outside criticism of our internal affairs if we proclaim to be a western democracy, we must introspect or decide to isolate and block out the noise of the international community that we are apart.

Reaping What We Shown

Jamaica in the eyes of the international community has many things to be praised and rebuked for including our culture, music, athletics, economy management and homophobia - It was not too long ago the TIME magazine labeled us the most homophobic place on earth, so many other headlines have came before and still continue to be seen even as we improve.

The international community is still concerned about our how our laws and culture continue to affect the treatment of some vulnerable groups and minorities as reported by the Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding in debrief of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review; including women, disabled and lgbt.

We are surely reaping what we have sown, its equated to our economic mismanage-rs label that has brought us to our knees before the IMF,as the world watches closely to see if we stay the austerity course towards being fiscally prudent, before they decide to seriously invest in Jamaica. 

Jamaica will continue to receive human rights nudges  from our developed international partners - It is important we reject any attempts to 'meddle' or 'strong arm' our sovereignty into submitting before our native culture and society advances either naturally or local disturbances in form of activism.

ISIS Attack Caused by Inaction in Syria

 

As the Al Qaeda linked terrorism organization ISIS makes their presents known across the middle east especially in the nations of Syria, Iraq and Libya – all three having varying degrees of intervention from the International community led by the United States of America whether from the front through an Invasion based on a hubris in case of Iraq or from behind as not to directly be involved with the disposing of an ally who had fallen from grace in Libya.

With the Syrian civil war being the worst and longest of any of the Middle East uprising mainly due to the influence of the jihadist belonging to those familiar terror groups we associate with the word terrorism, with all the attention that the ongoing crisis in Syria had received before; with the whole world pushing for an international consensus to go into Syria with as much force as the allied nations did in Libya to force President Bashar al-Assad out of power. 

Unfortunately, Jamaica’s new best friends in the form of Russia and China decided to block any action that the UN security council would have taken to earlier in the conflict and possibly would have found that ISIS growing and taken decisive action.

 Geo-politics and capitalism have been the grim reaper for over 150, 000 lives in Syria thus far, will Western and Eastern powers take responsibility for their inhumane blunder that will now threaten their precious Middle East oil fields that fuel their economies – now that the US has resend troops to Iraq after a full withdrawal following a decade of war. We could applaud Syria’s denuclearization but the Olympus-like hypocrisy hangs too low.

ISIS is now the main threat and International community, including Russia is beginning to throw everything but the kitchens sink at Iraq, Syria and ISIS strongholds in neighbouring territories be it military or diplomatic help – but the truth is the real Syrian crisis will remain intact and bloody.

From The Editor: Obviously Obama

Obviously Obama

The Jamaican Liberal Whistle - U.S. Presidential Endorsement of Democratic Candidate President "Barack Hussein Obama"

 

The Writer/Editor of the this (amazing) Blog: "The Jamaican Liberal Whistler" has fallen in place with the over 96% of the U.S. and International Population on deciding on which Presidential Candidate to support for the 2012 Elections, foreseen to be a critical decision in World History. 

Why Endorse?

For those who ask - "Why should a Jamaican be Endorsing an American candidate?" - a short and simple answer is that the International Community is well represented in the United States of America and non more so than Jamaicans or "Jam-ericans" and with the current global situation the way it is, many home-landers are dependent on the those within the "Land of The Free" for remittances - again, Jamaica's Major source of foreign exchange - to support themselves, plus the future relationship between the individual countries could be affected by the Foreign Policy choices made by the "New or Renewed" Administration with Jamaica and her people having so much more to gain from a prosperous friendship with the U.S.A - Tourism  Bauxite, Investments, etc.

The decision made by "The Jamaican Whistler" Editorship  has carefully analyse the Information taking into consideration all the major Factors - Economy, Social Issues, Foreign Policy, Best Vision Forward and Solid Past with each candidates: vision and history, scrutinized to make an informed and credible decision for the readers. There is no doubt that this Presidential Election has been one of  the "Fiercest and Mind Numbing" in history, on the level of Economic and Social Interest, so adding a secure voice to all the Mix and Chatter to stable the conversation is our deepest intentions.

Read The Candidates

Gov. Mitt Willard Romney (R) 

The Republican Nominee for this year's Election is a Self-Proclaimed Business Wizard of Flip-Flopping with the "Capitalist mind of Genghis Khan" with the single intention of Privatizing Washington, The United States then Whole World - Muah ha ha ha aa - Gov. Romney was the Moderate Governor of the solid blue states of Massachusetts and Michigan with some success as his Terms has Governor.

The Most notable aspect of the Romney Aspects that stand out is his notorious dog whistle to his base to Repeal and Replace Obamacare which modeled from the Healthcare Law implemented by Romney in Massachusetts.  The Romney Team has pushed a Five Point Plan which is the centerfold of their Economic plan to "rescue' the US economy - unfortunately many economist are confused and bewildered by the exacts on How Romney intends to Lower the Deficit without raising revenue.

The Republican Nominee has swung violently towards a conservative stance on many social issues aligning himself with Todd Akins - "Legitimate Rape"  and Richard Mourdock -Rape is  Intended by God . There has been countless gaffs by the Republicans on women issues that suggest a backward stance on said issues and Mitt Romney has so far promised to get Roe v Wade reversed, eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood, suggesting he has a Pro-Life Stance but most surprising his rejection of Equal Pay for Women, passed by congress and singed by Obama - but Mitt is "Not sure If he would Sign it".

We seriously disagree with the Romney view on Climate Change and Global Warming, which was brought to forefront due to the passage of Hurricane Sandy, Romney at the Republican Convention laughed at the notion of sea levels rising - as Caribbean People living on an Island his stance is offensive and upsetting.

Mitt Romney has tried tirelessly to align himself with the "Middle Class" and the 100% of Americans, but Romney has made a unrecoverable decision behind close doors of a comfortable Mansion to disregard 47% of the "Victims" - American people who don't pay Income Tax - and like a Book we have read the message load and clear.

Mitt Romney's vision Forward is as blurry has his shape shifting past filled with Flip Flopping on critical issues that test the "heart and conviction" of a Politician. Gov. Romney has vowed to be "The Comeback Guy" but thats exactly what the world is afraid a 3rd Bush Presidency. It would be a dishonor to our readers and even our critics to Endorse Mitt Romney for any sort of Political Office.

President Barack Hussein Obama (D) 

The Democratic Nominee, up for Reelection is the First Black President of The United States of America, who won riding on the Slogans of "Hope" and "Yes We Can", it was season of pure Utopia as we watched his inauguration and settled ourselves in for the Long Haul to recovery as if the world became - One Large USA. There is no doubt that then Senator Barack Obama also believed deeply in his own message and wanted to change politics and lives, unknowing of the Economic disaster left by the previous Republican Administration.

A long life Public Servant Barack Obama isn't a Successful Business Capitalist with the knack for privatization but someone with  passion and character to choose a balance path of both Public and Private collaboration for the advancement off the American society which benefits everyone.  

As President; Barack Obama Administered over the Worst Recession since the Great Depression and the American economy is better today than it was before he took office with October 2012 - unemployment figures at 7.9% as many Analysts have reported the numbers are much better than expected - The conservative FORBES: October Jobs Report Blows Away Forecasts it has become abundantly clear that the US economy is going in the right direction with Republicans only talking point "Recovery is too slow" which it is but slowly moving in the correct direction. 

The Obama Economic plan is for the future hasn't swung much from his original plan which also involves regulations like Dodd-Frank (Wall St. and Big Bank Regulation). The critical issue that Obama has tried to deal with his executive powers is "Student Loans" which makes it easier for students to repay loans. Also Obama has focus on "green energy" initiatives to diversify  US Energy consumption with the environment a top priority.

The Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare) as gained the anger of the conservative right because of its far reaching laws that were designed to give everybody an opportunity to get Healthcare Insurance without the cost not been controlled solely by Insurance Company which is Universal Healthcare a Conservative Idea, that Gov. Romney state of Massachusetts was the first to pass such a law with much success - 98% of all Children Completely covered, although Mitt Romney has vowed to Repeal Obamacare, in the Debates Mitt Romney promised to replace it with Obamacare, although a much smaller version??? 

President Obama has been unprecedented on social issues that affect a broad cross section of the Population: in a single sentence Barack Obama has openly supported Gay Marriage.  
Even in deep sabbatical thought, we cant think of no other President who have stood on the side of equality for All, including the LGBT (Lesbians Gays Bisexual and Transgender) community repeal the "Don't Ask, Don.t Tell" so Gay Military members may serve their countries openly without retribution - lest we forget the Gay Soldier Booed at the Republican Primary Debate and non of the candidates rebuked such a vile treatment of a Military personnel. 
Obama's First bill signed was dedicated to women - "The Lilly LedBetter Fair Pay Act" which served as a law to ensure that women are paid the equal amounts for same work done which doubles as a great economic bill, many women have become heads of households and work just has hard as to make ends meet. 

Obama's Foreign Policy is rock-hard solid - Osama Bin Laden is dead- with the Ending of the Iraq War and soon withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan, refocusing on more technologically advance means to tackle terror with less human causalities. 

The Dream Act to ensure that children of Illegal immigrants are given the opportunity to get a good  education or serve the country that have they have called home for years has been stalled by the Republicans countless times. 

President Barack Obama has done very well with recovery efforts and response to Hurricane Sandy and his belief in the environmental issues of our Times, that Romney has Ridiculed. 

This President represents a generation of believers and Hopers, who have now come see their parents struggle to maintain a good standard of living with the probability that they might not get a college level education or even a job after college. 

The Endorsement

The USA has never been more political divided and ideologically separated but "The Jamaican Liberal Whistle" has made a bet on a Man that has shown that he always will bet on the Middle Class and the 100%, this candidate has shown remarkable balance on issues and after four years of engagement, Marriage is the Inevitable next step in this Relationship.

The Jamaican Liberal Whistle endorses President Barack Obama for another Term as The President Of The United States Of America.

Get Out And Vote on November 6, 2012 for Obama!!!!

Check out:

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Loud and Clear: There Goes Joe

There Goes JOE

VP Joe Biden went "Rocky"on Young Congressman Paul "Granny Killer" Ryan's, Tuckus.

Style Over Fashion

The pure dismissive heat that VP Biden smile's and laughter invoked, was felt through the screen of my television and I was assured then that he understood the situation completely: the mission was to "Call Them Out" and as he said "Fact Matters". Joe Biden's words "Came out right" and he was a hard hitter. 


Paul Ryan was locked in an unmovable state of "National Emo/Goth Depression" he seemed like a overworked gloomy Giant Corp executive  and it wasn't digestible by any standard. Ryan was stunned by the tenacity of the VP and found himself sometimes tripping over his defenses and kept landing into his glass of water for refreshment (maybe it had a drop of rum for his head ache).

Mission: "Call Them Out"

There was no page left unread after that debate was completed, which got complicated at times but the important point is who got in the most hooks and anchors and that was VP Biden, he sent across his message well, he related to the normal people (the 47%) in the streets who saw Ryan as a "Politician", the best moment came when he was caught as a "Politician", for  those who didn't know that Paul Ryan sent letters to the Obama Admin for stimulus money, now they do, but Ryan called the stimulus a "Waste of Tax payers Money". 

The issue of Foreign Policy and especially "Wars", was a major sticking point for the Ryan/Romney (yes, Ryan/Romney) Ryan was tutored on Iran and the Nuclear process which he attempted to "Fear Monger" and insinuate an Apocalyptic situation.  We are not sure where they stand on the 2014 withdrawal of all U.S. troops in Afghanistan but we do know they believe that the U.S.A should have more troops in the line of combat while the Afghan Military does nothing in their own country, there was no answer to VP Biden question: "Would you rather American Troops do the job than the Afghans?" -Congressman Ryan reminded us in his rebuttal that "the Calendar works the same each year" - Um. Yes Congressman it does - unless you decide to enact a policy to change winter into summer, the Congressman that became a GOD.

Speaking of God and Religion, the social issue of Abortion was raised not as a Policy but as a question of personal faith which saw both candidates get into a sober mood making their answers as " heavyhearted" as possible but VP Biden wanted to confirm his faith and believes but separated it from his policy stance "I wont force my doctrine on anyone else" then proceeded to hit Ryan on his co-authored "Person-hood Policy" which would criminalize Abortion for all cases , Paul Ryan attempted to spin away from his record "stating that "Abortion should be allowed for special cases".


The Gloves came off and Ryan went down, after his futile attempt to mislead the world was designated: "A Bunch of Malarkey" then the uppercut came from the ultimate Flipper Zinger: "Oh, Now your're Jack Kennedy" we were just hoping that Paul Ryan would tap out but he stayed for punishment and it didn't end well. The next move belongs to President Obama to put this election to Bed at the next Presidential Debate. Its time for the USA to use their "common sense" to vote for the future of the world and not just the future of the U.S. - Its their Votes but Our Future.

P.S.

Politically Speaking

Check Out, Nate Silvers Political Calculus: http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/author/nate-silver/
   

The Top Mid-Week Talkers: The Mitts and Fables that were Told

The Mitts and Fables That Were Told

How Mitt Romney, Possibly Lied his way to The Presidency?

The Mitt Willard Romney we all have come to dislike and discount as a president was unmistakably not present at the first U.S. Presidential Debate for 2012 and the Barack Obama that mesmerized the entire worn in 08 and worked to reverse the mistake of the Bush era policies that caused a Global crisis was seemingly on a Presidential stay from the Debate at hand.  

From the off set Mitt Romney knew that he had to be on the offensive position and but President Obama on his heels with unmeasured attacks on his economic record and play with the liability factor that a sitting President must face. The issues of debate were centered around the Economy, the single most important issue in this election and the issue that Romney hoped would carry him directly to the White House but unfortunately for him the battle is an uphill one and the Presidents policies aren't seen as unpopular as he thought.

The President tried sticking to Romney the unlikable Facts of his running platform, most questionably his stance on Taxes, Romney has ran quite strongly on his plan that would lower the tax bracket to 20%  rate that would give the US a 5 trillion dollar deficit according to the non-partison - Tax Policy Center - but in the debate he said "I don’t have a $5 trillion tax cut. … I’m not looking for a $5 trillion tax cut. … Let me repeat what I said. I’m not in favor of a $5 trillion tax cut. That’s not my plan.”

For more Debunking, Check: http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/10-most-shameless-romney-debate-lies-debunked

Secondly, Mitt Romney as Governor of  Massachusetts crafted a successful bill that has over 90% of the children in his insured, which is the Grandfather Obama's Affordable Care Act. Romney has repeated nauseously that he would "Repeal Obamacare" and has now added "and Replace It" with something much more similar to a private free for all, once again the "Master of Flip" didn't just repeat his conservative talking point but he lubriciously and quite hilariously, to the horror of Republicans replaced Obamacare with - wait for it- Obamacare or Romneycare - "there are good parts of Obamacare and I wont change the fundamentals of the bill"

Romney has Place himself between a Lie and a Lie, We hope that the Chattering class will point out the errors and forced truths that Gov. Romney has pushed without remorse and indignation and correct for the population to digest. Obama didn't totally lose the debate as he got Romney to Flip on camera and I'm sure there will be an assault from the Obama camp using these Flipping Moments to break the Romney advance.

This will be the moment when we look back and not just say "This is where Obama lost the election" but when Americans decided to elect a blatant liar for a President, a man without a Backbone and Malleable stature that will drag the U.S.A back to the days of Iraq Invasion, Wall St Apocalypse and Healthcare crisis.

Loud and Clear: My Big Fat Government and Me

My Big Fat Government and Me

By Necessity We are Married to Our Governments and their Handouts

The deteriorating 2012 Presidential campaign of Gov. Mitt Romney once again hit a snag on his way to the now increasingly far off and distant occupation of the White House.  Mitt Romney fumbled over a 47% (forty-seven Percent) hurdle on his crash landing to earth this week, as he was caught on a hidden camera at a wealthy donor dinner, saying (off the cuff) that the “47% of Americans who don’t pay takes are Lazy Freeloaders” who he “will not pursue” because they’ve already chosen to vote for Obama because he touts “Government Handout’s” (beware of the Socialist). Mitt Romney the “car elevator guy” who goes “speeding boating” on Labour Day and thinks “Corporations are people too”, has single handily delivered  47% of the Population (that he has disfranchise from his Campaign completely) into the Ballot Boxes of Pres. Barack Obama.

Even some in his own party who have seen the future blowout in his stumble has labeled his comments as “Stupid” and “unbecoming of a Presidential Nominee”. But dogged Conservative media and their political counterparts (no difference) has gone on the attack claiming that hypocritical the attack of Obama sympathizer and supporters on Romney’s (47%) statement, because the Obama campaign has explicitly been targeting the “Welfare Crowd” with his devious talk of those who have built their fortunate (supposedly alone), should “Pay their Fair Share” and “Equal Opportunity” for all those who have the motivation and desire to climb the ladder of success no matter their economic background or race.  Those phrases hit home with many of those in the 47% of Americans who don’t pay taxes as The Atlantic Wire reports that  "18 percent of people who do not work at all, or make so little that they don't even pay payroll taxes. More than half of that group (10 percent of people) are retired and elderly people. They live off pensions or Social Security benefits, which are not taxed." 

(Tax Policy Center)

“It takes brass to criticize a man for doing something that you did” said Bill Clinton at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, responding to Paul Ryan’s claim of Obama raiding Medicare to pay for Obamacare, when in fact Ryan has proposed the same thing in his own budget Plan but it’s a steady trend in today’s Republican Party for them to oppose themselves in the name of countering Obama, hence Republicans cannot stipulate that Obama be more a 100% President when they have been the 2% Party; frolicking with Billionaires, Advocating for more loopholes and lower taxes for their Friends at the Top can go even higher and leave everyone else to hope that pieces of the ”Roof of Success” falls so we may also begin to build.

 "he (Obama) believes that when you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity...you do not slam it shut behind you...you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed." from Michelle Obama DNC 2012 speech

The Jamaican Revolution

Linking the this U.S. Presidential Election development to the Jamaican politico-sphere, with temperatures still a bit high over the allocation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) expenditures in Damion Crawford’s constituency being “too focused” on Education as a Long term development strategy. The usage of the Pork Barrel as the CDF has become known as, reflects a Member of Parliaments resourcefulness and inclusiveness as he contends with the issues dealt to him by almost every underprivileged and deprived constituent that seeks an extra “Handout” to go with his Food Stamps, Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATHE) allowances and other welfare programme.

The Peoples National Party released a list of CDFexpenditure on Education by MP’s in their Constituency and Damion Crawford’sexpenditure on education was at 58%, only in the bottom 6 of  a 42 majority Government, it was to repel notions that the Peoples National Party’s political representative and supporters have been bogged down in deep “Politics of Poverty” and that supporters and occasionally reps. are denied “Handout’s” they go into a state of rage and retaliation because “Government Dependence” at least that’s what Andrew Holness and his band of Capitalist Cadets at the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)  are trying to sell the lesser informed public and big business interest.

What about the Single Mother of 2 (two) who earns enough for one of her child’s education, PATHE hardly covers the other, Dinner is Tea and Crackers in the dark because she can’t afford her $1000 electricity Bill and needs something extra for other amenities? Is helping this woman, Mr. Holness, Poverty Politics?

Andrew Holness and the JLP like Mitt Romney and the Republican Party have shout their eyes, covered their ears while chanting “la-la-la”, every time the non aligned “middle class”, “better off” and “privileged”  portion of the population try and speak to them through the Media or Elections (chose of Ideology) that “Big Fat Government” isn’t the problem but “Big Fat Lazy Rich Politicians”, that they don’t have a problem with Government assistance done correctly and sustainably, that Government isn’t always the Problem or the Solution, that not everyone is fortunate enough to even have the chance to attend school much less become a former Governor or a former Prime Minister.

Most of us begin life in a Public Health Facility or to a Government paid Mid-wife in a home or church, attended Public Schools and most of us will be buried in a Public Cemetery and the cycle continues with our children and their children. We are essentially married to our Government not only in taxes and Debt owed per person but in that we have a responsibility to keep the marriage viable and alive for future generations of unlucky masses to be born in poverty and impoverished situations to have the opportunity to live with dignity, pride and self worth whether or not they are economically successful in life. 

The Sunday Scrub: Running with Ryan

Running with Ryan: Paul “Granny Killer” Ryan on the Romney Ticket   

All off Board, the train has already left for the RIGHT….

The ‘Neo-Con Right’ is seemingly more excited about Romney’s new extremely -RIGHT- hand man than Romney himself, the “veep stakes” came to burning halt as Romney revealed his ‘Younger, energetic, Inspired, more conservative, and we could go on” Vice President running mate for the November 2012 election against the Democrat incumbents: Pres. Obama and VP. Biden.  This election will most certainly be framed around Ryan’s “Social Security Killing” contrasting ideology with Obama’s so-called ‘diluted socialism’ because of the outstanding fact that Romney isn’t known for sticking to anyone ideological standard or anything for that matter (except money).

The Paul Ryan Plan has earned the ire of the Left minded (Progressives and Liberal alike) especially those under the age of 55 who will lose the benefits of Social Security as he intends to starve Medicaid and Medicare of funding as a one stop way of cutting the budget. The name “Granny Killer” came about from a political Ad from a Progressive Organization showing Ryan pushing an elderly lady in a wheelchair of a cliff to interpret what his Budget Plan meant for the those hoping for a secure retirement.

Romney, Trump, Adolf (an Newt backer)  and their ‘Billionaire Buddies’ will be rolling in capital gains no thought of starving grandma. The Paul Ryan Plan will reduce the tax rate on Capital Gains to virtually 0% for those living off the most anti-capitalist earnings (capitalist should earn their money, RIGHT?), this type of trickle-down economics devoured the surplus LEFT by Bill Clinton (W. Bush looking at you) without a doubt we should have expected this choice coming from Romney who rehired the Bush era economic team (hello, captain oblivious) on his election ticket following the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression and yet in the midst of its recovery (been undertaken by Obama) he has the audacity to keep them around.

The Romney team has chosen controversy and radicalism with Ryan over sensibility and stability with my personal fad John Huntsman (for the moderates, out there) the decision was laden with the scent of a diversion strategy; for the next few weeks and beyond the absent years of Romney’s Tax Filings will be off the tongues of the Liberal Media, the “Lame Stream” Media or the cunning FOX that will repeatedly call any attempt to have a rational discourse about the Republican nominee’s unfiled taxes a “distraction” from the issues; unfortunately for them the issues concerning the public deals with closing the loopholes and ending corruption (lest we forget, Occupy Wall St.).

The LEFT will be caught up in the Ryan Effect, moaning over his excessive RIGHTWING policies and the superb contrast from Mitt Willard Romney in every respect of the word. This though - be it a saving grace for Romney’s Taxes or the lack there of – will inversely by his doing turn this election as a contest between Barrack Obama, Mitt Romney and Paul ‘Granny Killer’ Ryan – a three way contest with Romney certainly bringing up the Flip-Flopping rear (for an abundance of  better words). The Republican voters will be 20% out to replace Obama, 30% out for Romney and 50% Ryan.

That doesn’t mean the Romney-Ryan Ticket is one to dismiss - by all means – the momentum will be on the side of the Republicans going into the following months, capturing the Ryan Energy is the aim of the RNC (Republican National Committee) then catapulting Republicans to a high especially within the Tea Party and college republicans (the few) quarters until the attacks begin to bore holes in their fabled “Titanic”.

My suggestion for Jamaican-Americans (Jamericans) who are deciding on whether to vote for Obama or stay home (because of his Gay Marriage stance), is to not vote for Obama because of his stance on a Anti-Jamaican issue but vote for Obama because he actually has a stance on record and was brave enough to publically take it, which is vastly unlike his ‘Nominated’ opponent yet to formally take an official stance –well except for- his bullying Prep schooldays.   

Facts: Five Things about Ryan You should Know

P.S

Politically Speaking

This Election may have the lowest turnout due to repeated unwavering (confessed) attempts by the republicans in districts to restrict voter turnout by the traditional democrat voters. They claim to be protecting the ballot from voter fraud by implementing regulations requiring voters to have photo I.D.’s that aren’t free and unnecessary for some citizens especially the elderly. This election will be crucial not only for the contrasting ideologies and economic plans but if the world will take 5 steps back regarding racial divide and how the regulations forcedly applied affect the constituency and voting groups across the nation that claims true freedom and equality for all United States of America. 

The Politics of Hope & Change: Jamaica Needs an Obama 08' Moment

by Mario Raphael Boothe

The World and the minds of its inhabitants were both at Peace and in Shambles after the elected President of The United States; Barack Hussein Obama, spoke his last words in his inauguration speech to the 2 million strong crowd that sun-filled Tuesday, January 20, 2009. 

This was no ordinary inauguration of the most powerful man on earth; the first time in almost 4 centuries the moment shared by 44 other American men would be seen, heard and felt worldwide as a moment of "Ancestral Justice", "History's Greatest Moment" and "The Second Coming" all rolled in one tall, Dark and 'd' for democrat body.

The Obama 08' campaign ran on "Hope and Change", (2 words discarded among Jamaicans) ensuring that the message invoked nothing less than the pure rage against the former President's Party (2 unpaid for Wars, Wall st. collapse, Housing bubble burst...yea..rage) and absolute euphoria over the then candidate Obama. The true test of his slogan and inspirational words that swept a nation of its feet would be on Nov. 2 election night, after the votes were counted Obama had received 69,456,897 in the popular vote: the highest for an American Presidential Candidate.

The main narrative the political heads in the USA were spinning  for Obama's tremendous win was his slogan: "Hope and Change". At a time when the American economy and way of life never looked worst - Pres. Obama was able to pull the hearts from the wreck and the heads from the gutters; uniting and linking the fading light of "Hope" with the need for drastic "Change" creating this unforgettable universal enthusiasm that literally moved the world as musicians, singers, dancers, etc using their creative genius went head first into Obama-phoria, he was simply Loved and Admired for his courage.

His legacy will be debated and people will say we exaggerated and place inhuman task on his shoulders but there is shame "Hoping".

Jamaicans tried tumultuously, to force this 'once in a blue politician' moment on themselves falling BELL over HEAD for the young buck from West Central St. Andrew, Former PM Andrew 'Twice Bitten' Holness who was 'placed' in power by his (much,much,more) senior colleagues in the Jamaica Labour Party after the extradition failings of Bruce 'Papa' Golding. The youth-phoria that followed his seize of power would return to haunt him during the 2011 elections, where his lack of experience came into play and the attention focus x squared on him and his 'youthfulness' completely (wi did tiad, fi si him face), coupled with over-saturating negative ad airplay - his hopes were dashed (then again in local Gov. elections)

but aside from Holness's lackluster performance as a pseudo Obama,  the Dec. 2011 elections was a great one for post-Independence politicians as the "youth-phoria" generated votes for young members on both sides of the Orange/Green divide. The problem issue arising from the election were the 'elitist heirs' forged by the loins of the same "Jurassic" politicians who occupy the House, one must wonder (with disdain) if the family scrolls and wisdom are being passed on -recreating the cycle.  But If this trend of younger and younger minds being allowed to represent and legislate continues without resistant from the monarchical masterminds.

One day in the distant future and not by forced will, Jamaica will have its Hope and Change Moment.