BLOGGING TO CHANGE HISTORY

President Obama Please Speak My Name At State of Union

2016-01-06T22:58:00.002-06:00

https://t.co/950ew0UXhW Still poor but blessed BC @UF Sorors of AKA will forever speak my name & @BarackObama @POTUS will invite me 2 SOTU
— Vera Richardson (@Vbelle5) January 6, 2016

During most of my adult life, I have fought the good fight for equality and justice for all Americans. I have fought and defended President Obama's vision and agenda since 2008. Therefore, I would be so honored if he would acknowledge me and a few devoted ordinary citizens who have supported, loved, and encouraged him.

It would be an amazing act of kindness if President Obama would invite me and my family to his January 12, 2016, State of the Union. It would be great if he speaks my name if I am not invite to attend.

Even if President Obama doesn't speak my name or address my employment discrimination case at SOTU "all is well" and will continue to be well with my soul and my heart.

Thank You Jesus for President Obama and for Your divine plan that elevated him to the presidency. Thank you Jesus for my loving family and for allowing me to still RISE and to continue to trust in the name of the Lord.

Vera Richardson
Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

Cost of Immigration Inaction - Undocumented Immigrant Nova Bajamonti Unable to Pursue her American Dream

2014-04-19T02:52:00.000-05:00

.@vbelle5 is at our #OFAcademy with @OFATX_Houston and wants @CongCulberson to know the #CostOfInaction. pic.twitter.com/03snSJiRaY
— OFA TX (@OFA_TX) April 5, 2014

Undocumented immigrant Nova Bajamonti recent coming out present me with an opportunity to continue my efforts to help President Obama deliver on his 2008 and 2012 Comprehensive Immigration Reform campaign promises. When President Obama signs an Immigration Reform bill, innocent undocumented hardworking people living in fear can come out of the shadows. People like Nova can use their God given talents to pursue the American dream and become lawful productive human beings.

A comprehensive immigration reform bill will affect me personally because it will make America a more just democracy for all of its citizens. Comprehensive Immigration reform would force candidates to be mindful of the needs of all Americans and not just one race or the rich in order to win an election.

A Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill will built on the foundation for Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of equality. King's powerful statement "that people be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin" will become a reality and not a dream for my grand boys and all of America’s children.

Lastly, Immigration Reform will change America forever for the better because more citizens will have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. President Obama will be the first of many more African-Americans, women, Hispanic-Americans, and other minorities to become president of the United States, senators, congressmen, governors, judges, and mayors, in America.

Vera Richardson

Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

This isn’t a Damn Game Speaker Boehner – Steven and Nathaniel Lives Matter

2014-01-03T01:16:00.001-06:00

The Republican’s party determination to enact former candidate Congressman Paul Ryan’s 2012 Vice Presidential Platform of austerity measures towards the poor, uninsured, and disabled must be denied by Congressional Democrats. They must fight to keep The Affordable Care Act “Obamacare” the law of the land. Obamacare will provide Steven and countless people like him the health care coverage and benefits that they need to have a measure of joy, care, and health. Insurance companies can no longer deny health coverage to disabled Americans with pre-exiting medical conditions.

I am a close family friend who loved and was loved by Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Hopson for many years. My dear friends are the parents of three adult men. Two of them Nathaniel Hopson Jr and Steven Hopson have pre-existing physical and emotional medical conditions.

In April 2013 Nat Senior died. I decided that I had to go by any means necessary to support his loving fragile wife Joyce and their children. During my time with them I attended an event to honor Steven.

Steve Hopson volunteers at Bob Dye Clay Family YMCA in Orange Park, Florida. Steve who has been disabled since birth started volunteering at the YMCA after his younger severely disabled brother Nathaniel Hopson Jr began attending Daystar. (Credit YMCA 2009 annual report) Nate,has cerebral palsy, a medical condition that affects control of the muscles and makes Nate physically unable to care for himself.

This is a brief look into the lives of the Hopson family lives. These two disabled adult men and the other disabled people in this video deserves to have continued health care coverage and other benefits that bring meaning and joy to their lives.

Most people believe what Steve said in this video “we want to take care of ourselves.” Most aren’t looking for a handout but are willing to work and/or volunteer to take care of themselves and others in need. At this time in their lives like many unemployed they can’t provide for themselves but they shouldn't have to worry about affordable health care.

If Speaker Boehner and other GOP leaders want to implement their party’s vision and agenda for America they must WIN an election. They should once again present their case to the American people. If after hearing their case and the case of opposing Democratic opponent they win the 2016 Presidential election then and only then should the PEOPLE allow Republicans especially Tea Party Republicans to FORCE their vision and will of their wealthy donors on Americans.

Vera Richardson

Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

2014-01-03T00:04:00.001-06:00

Bizarre Weather 2013 Signs of Jesus Returning? Will you be worthy to Escape These Things?

2013-12-22T08:16:00.001-06:00

CNN "At least three people are dead after a bizarre mix of weather across the country spawned tornadoes, ice storms and record-setting warmth this weekend."

Be Watchful

34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

I discovered this verse while looking for biblical confirmation to extreme weather during the last three months of 2013 as reported by CNN.

The bible verse is confirmation that some of us will escape and not experience suffering and hardships that we are seeing happening now that will only get worst according to the bible. (Is this in reference to the Rapture?)

Vera Richardson

United States Supreme Court: No Longer Our Hope for Equality: Race Conversation Supported by my Book is Our "HOPE"

2013-10-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

We can change America by using Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and direct evidence in it to start a conversation that shed light on one form of RACISM employment discrimination. Included in the conversation should be a respectfully request that President Obama use an Executive Order to Amend the Civil Right Act of 1964 again.

In Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer my employment discrimination experienced and life are detailed in great length. The book includes original evidentiary documents that were uploaded into the book as pictures. The documents includes but are not limited to deposition testimonies, doctors’ reports, letters, perjured declarations, court orders, and transcripts of oral arguments and administrative hearings.

My book and the direct evidence in it allows Americans and readers around the world the opportunity to decide and render a verdict on an employment discrimination case. Additionally the book will allow readers to decide if the Supreme Court should have reviewed and remanded Richardson’s case back to the district court. It should also started a conversation as to why the United States Supreme Court didn't select this important summary judgment motion case to review and question the appearance that only cases that negatively hurts African-Americans are reviewed by the Court.

On August 16, 2013, Lee Daniels' The Butler movie which stars Oprah and Forest Whitaker opened in theaters in America. Prior to the release date of the movie on August 12, 2013 CNN Suzanne Malveaux Digging Deeper into Lee Daniels' The Butler movie interviewed actor Forest Whitaker and Director Daniels. Malveaux’s interview drives home the fact that a cycle and circle of racism still continues in America.

At the 7:50 mark and 8:37 mark in the video they discussed the current state of race relations in this country, Trayvon Martin, Supreme Court Voting Right Act of 1965 ruling, and the cycle of racism that we have been trying to break as a race of people. Director Daniels voiced irony of realizing that President Johnson was responsible for the Voters Right Act of 1965 and finding out the Supreme Court’s ruling on Voting Rights Act of 1965 after filming that part of the movie.

Whitaker believes that the cycle and circle is still going on. He believes that a dialogue can help break the cycle. I agree with Whitaker that cycle of racism is still happening but I believe that an honest dialogue on racism and ACTION from the executive branch of our government is needed to end the cycle.

What Americans especially African-Americans need NOW is concrete MEASURABLE action from President Obama. He can break part of the CIRCLE/CYCLE of racism by having the courage to boldly address and take ACTION to strengthen Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Act itself is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against blacks and women, and ended racial segregation in the United States.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against employment discrimination on the bases of race and color, as well as national origin, sex, and religion. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government. Employment discrimination is a major reason that African-American unemployment rates is double that of Whites in some parts of America. It is also a reason that many African-American teenagers are unemployed and many African-American adults are either unemployed or underemployed.

President Obama has the same POWER, opportunities, and resources that were available to President Johnson when he signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He also has the "dream" and the office of the Presidency to make real changes in our lives to include justice for all of America’s citizens. Additionally, he has already addressed and corrected part of the Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964.

On January 29, 2009, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act. According to the New York Times: “In signing the bill, Mr. Obama said that it sends the message "that there are no second class citizens in our workplaces, and that it's not just unfair and illegal, it's bad for business to pay someone less because of their gender or their age or their race or their ethnicity, religion or disability."

President should address employment discrimination once again because it is the RIGHT thing to do. I am an African-American female victim of employment discrimination who likes Lilly Ledbetter was denied justice by the Supreme Court of the United States for employment discrimination. I hope and pray that President Obama will take a similar interest in my case and act in a similar fashion. I hope that he doesn’t let politics prevent him from using my case to address Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, because my experience occurred in New York and involves Democrats Eliot Spitzer and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The salutary purpose of summary judgment and the rights of all Americans to fair and equal justice can both be accomplished with a well written and defined amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Amending the Civil Rights Act again would prevent one judge from having the absolute power to grant summary judgment motions that dismiss Title VII (discrimination and retaliation) cases.

Vera Richardson
12/23/14 Kindle version $2.99 and you don't need a Kindle. You can download to computer or smart phone Preview and buy here: Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

Paul Ryan & GOP Clueless about seniors and Obamacare in 2012 and 2013: Use this to win in 2014!

2013-05-30T02:21:00.000-05:00

Ryan discussed his mom on one of his first campaign stop to Florida and said that as a senior citizen she lived in WI in the summer and lived in Florida during the winter. He also stated that there is an unwritten rule in WI when you turn 65 you must move to Florida for the winter. It must be nice to have the means to obey that rule. Paul Ryan millions of senior citizens can’t afford to live in one house, apartment, town, city, or state let alone afford the expenses of maintaining and moving back and forth to avoid harsh winters. Millions of those same Americans need the provisions of Obamacare that includes obtaining insurance with pre-existing conditions and expanding Medicare and Medicaid. According to a USA May 29, 2013, story titled “States Report: Health Care crisis looms for seniors” one of the 8 in 10 seniors coping with at least one chronic condition. If you are a Republican and also a senior coping with medical issues It’s time for you to switch parties and/or volunteer and vote for Democratic candidates in 2014. Paul Ryan and the House GOP have voted 39 times to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act AKA “Obamacare.” Ryan, Speaker Boehner, and the GOP were wrong and out of touch with the average senior citizens needs in 2012 and they are still out of touch in 2013. Ryan is clueless about your needs especially your medical needs. To the Democratic Party become proactive just like McConnell is promoting an issue with an ad that he thinks will win additions seats in Congress for his party use the information in this post to create a Democratic ad NOW! Vera Richardson

On May 7, 2013 Reject Mark Sanford's and his Mistress

2013-04-16T19:32:00.001-05:00

I am a Christian and I am not without sin. In the Bible God told the woman who had committed adultery to go and sin no more. He hasn't repented because he is still sleeping with his mistress. He divorced his wife for his mistress and now what Congress and this nation to welcome him and his mistress to Washington. (HELL NO)! How can Right Wing family value Christians vote for Sanford? Mark is now engaged to his 'MISTRESS' Maria Belen Chapur, who from Argentina? I hope the election machines are fraud proofed in South Carolina and that they have a paper trail. Otherwise the Republicans will steal the election for Mark and the Republicans. We need a strong voter turnout on May 7, 2013. The voters can't trust Mark. He lied to his wife, the citizen of South Carolina, and this nation. Please Reject Sanford and vote for Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch on May 7, 2013. Vera Richardson Author of "Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer"

One YEAR Ago I Helped Reelect President Obama September 29, 2015 RUN JOE RUN 2016

2012-12-06T10:18:00.000-06:00

Original post: One Month Ago - Updated One year ago today I helped Reelect President Obama!

UPDATE: September 29, 2015, America, World, President Obama coalition of Women, Poor, Gay Pride Community, Young, Students, Blacks, Seniors, and Hispanic need another President Obama and Vice President Biden term. That is impossible because President Obama can't run again.

We can have a third Obama term with a man who shares our values and has fought for them for decades A man who has the experience, wisdom, knowledge, and heart to lead the nation and the world. That man is Vice President Joe Biden.

Vice President Biden will move this nation forward and build on the CHANGE and protect that Change made under Obama/Biden Administration.. With the diverse people featured in the video working for him Biden will win in 2016. After 2016 the Democratic Party will occupy the White House for the next 20 years or more.

Norfolk, VA OFA Office staff and GTOV volunteers (ME front left hand corner)

On November 6, 2012, this nation decided to move forward by reelecting President Obama. By choosing Barack Obama voters rejected Mitt Romney and the Republican’s vision, budget, and agenda for this nation. I decided that this is a great day to make and share this video of my experience volunteering in President Obama’s Vote Corp.

At my own expense of approximately $1,000 which was a necessary hardship for someone on a fixed income, I helped him WIN the State of Virginia for the second time and win the 2012 presidential election.

NOTE: The African-American male in black hat and Pres Obama gear is retired officer of either the Air Force or Navy. He has family who served in all four branches of our military. He donated food for lunch for our entire office several times a week not daily as I misstated in the video.

Vera Richardson
Please preview and download my $2.99 Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and render a verdict on a Case of Racial Discrimination and Retaliation Real or Imagined?

Volunteers Helping President Obama Deliver CHANGE

2012-11-03T06:38:00.000-05:00

You too can be a part of a unique opportunity to help President Obama CHANGE America. During the weekend of October 22, 2012, a group of young Washington DC professionals who are featured in this video drove to Norfolk, VA and knocked on doors to get unlikely voters to the polls.

On November 2, 2012, members of a group of three hundred (300) volunteers from the Washington DC area came to President Obama's Norfolk headquarters to join local volunteers and paid OFA staff to knock on doors and leave door hangers. The door hangers include the location of the polling place, acceptable identification needed to vote, and the time that the polls are open in VA. Our president needs Americans who believe in his vision of equality, justice, and equal opportunity for ALL Americans to VOTE and HELP him by volunteering the last FOUR days of this election campaign. If you live in or near VA or any swing state (OH, FL, CO, NV) please answer the urgent call for action by President Obama to get out the vote (GOTV).

President Obama is providing outstanding leadership as he response to the 109 deaths and destruction caused in America by Hurricane Sandy. In order to save this nation and the world from the unimaginable horrors of a MITT ROMNEY presidency (i.e. the elimination of FEMA) President Obama needs your help. We must continue to move FORWARD! We can’t go BACKWARDS and/or let KARL ROVE, who was George W. Bush’s brain install another unqualified puppet (Romney) as this nation’s commander-in-chief or the leader of the free world. We can and will move forward if you take action by volunteering and voting for President Obama.

Vera Richardson
Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

General Clark, Congressmen Clyburn and Scott Supporting President Obama at his Norfolk Headquarters

2012-10-16T06:39:00.003-05:00

On October 14, 2012, I had the pleasure of witnessing a press conference by General Wesley Clark, Congressman James Clyburn (SC) and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA) at President Obama re-election headquarters in Norfolk, VA.

I was able to attend the press conference and shake the hand of General Clark and take a picture with Congressman Clyburn because I answered President Obama’s campaign call for volunteers. President Obama organization OFA (Organization for America) is current requesting volunteers to report to swing states to help him win the 2012 Presidential Election. I volunteered because I believe that for better (President Obama’s re-election) or worse (a Romney/Ryan/Rove/Koch Brothers’ Presidency) the result of the November 6, 2012, presidential election will forever CHANGE America. If you believe in equality (equal educational, housing, and employment opportunities), justice, and liberty for all Americans please answer President Obama’s call to help him win by applying to his Vote Corps program. Vera Richardson Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

Romney Can Americans Especially Hispanic Americans Trust You?

2012-10-03T21:59:00.000-05:00

Many African-Americans including Hazel whose VOICE is heard in this video realized that they had to actively respond to voter suppression efforts that occurred after President Obama won in 2008. Republican governors and legislatures around the country reacted to President Obama’s historic win by passing new voter ID laws to make it more difficult for the poor and minorities to vote. Hazel is a grandmother who lives in NJ. She told me that she drives her car with friends or family that is available to SWING states to register voters. Since 2007 Hazel has uses her own money for travel expenses because she believed that getting the Black vote out in 2008 was very important. Today she believes that getting the Black voters registered and to the polls on November 6, 2012, is even more IMPORTANT than it was in 2008. All Americans regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or sexual orientation should exercise their right to vote on November 6, 2012. If you are an eligible voter you can register online today. Vera Richardson

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Members Registering Houston Voters

2012-09-26T18:24:00.003-05:00

On September 25, 2012, was National Voter’s Registration day. I videotaped three women at a Metro transit station after they informed me that they were continuing their efforts to register voter prior to the November 6, 2012, election. The women are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. According to one of them has partnership with Metro Houston’s mass transportation agency to register eligible voters for the 2012 presidential election. Like many people these women realizes that voting is a right that all Americans should exercise during on November 6, 2012. Vera Richardson Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

CHANGING Washington and America by Volunteering for President Obama

2012-09-22T16:08:00.000-05:00

On September 15, 2012, I volunteered at President Obama’s re-election headquarters in Houston, TX. I volunteered because I am being the CHANGE that President Obama referenced and that I voted for in both the 2008 presidential and the 2010 midterm elections. More importantly I volunteered because I believe that for better or worse the result of the November 6, 2012, Presidential Election will forever CHANGE America. This election is this nation’s true Waterloo moment. On November 6, 2012, we must not allow the Republican Party to achieve their goals of making President Obama a one term president and/or “taking “OUR” country back. We are not going back or BACKWARDS. We are moving FORWARD with President Obama and his vision of CHANGING Washington in order to make America a more perfect nation that offers OPPORTUNTIES for equality, justice and a first class education for all of its citizens. Vera Richardson

Young African-American Men Youtube Video Supporting Obama's Re-election

2012-02-08T10:08:00.000-06:00

Vera Richardson
Preview my book “Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer”

Link for LOOK INSIDE and buy the book ON AMAZON.

2012 is Halftime in America and Halftime for Obama's Presidency

2012-02-07T14:14:00.008-06:00

Republican actor Clint Eastwood’s controversial 2012 Super Bowl ad titled “Halftime in America” is a great example of President Obama’s presidency and a reason to support his re-election

Who would take their first string quarterback out at halftime when they were winning the game and replace him (Obama) with second string quarterbacks (Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich)?

President Obama’s latest approval rating of 50 percent, an 8.3 percent unemployment rate which is the lowest since 2008, 250,000 private sector jobs were created in January 2012, and the Dow Jones reaching its highest level (12,862 points) since 2008 all support voters keeping him in office as this nation’s quarterback and Commander-in Chief on November 6, 2012.

Vera Richardson
Preview my book “Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer”

Preview additional pages and buy on Amazon. com

I Honor Martin Luther King by being a Drum Major for Justice

2012-01-16T12:49:00.002-06:00

On January 16, 2012, President Obama spoke briefly about ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on King’s national holiday. President Obama said in part: “All of us can be a drum major for service; all of us can be a drum major for justice. There is nobody who can’t serve or help somebody else. You can find opportunities to make an enormous difference in your communities. This is my video response to President Obama’s remarks.

I am a drum major for justice because I believe that my entire life and employment discrimination experience detailed in my timely book demands that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 be amended again. The act needs to be amended to prevent one federal judge from have the absolute authority to dismiss employment discrimination cases based on summary judgment motions.

Dr. King’s tireless efforts to achieve equality and justice for all Americans made it possible for this nation to elect President Barack Obama as its FIRST African-American president. What are you going to do today and/or doing to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. King?

Vera Richardson
Preview my book “Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer”

Dear Secretary of State Clinton: Don’t Believe the Hype You Can't Win in 2012

2011-09-30T03:49:00.004-05:00

I've admired the grace which with you accepted the position as Secretary of State and the loyalty you've shown President Obama during your tenure as a Cabinet member. You've been supportive, knowledgeable and diplomatic and you should be applauded for your dedication.

You may have noticed some grumblings recently by talk show host Tavis Smiley Princeton University Professor Cornel West, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and a few others. Some are asserting that President Obama has lost support among Black voters and that he may be vulnerable to a primary challenge in 2012. Others including Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh appear to be encouraging you to consider challenging Obama in the primary.

Please don't be duped by the hype of Smiley, West, Cheney, and Limbaugh. Challenging President Obama in 2012 would not only be an unsuccessful venture on your part, but you would become a pariah among black voters for decades to come.

Smiley and West have become a two-man tag team, or Gestapo squad, determined to publicly ridicule Obama at every possible opportunity, particularly on their bus tour in August to highlight Black poverty. In an ABC Nightline interview last month, the program's host explained Smiley's and West's frustration by describing Obama as the "man they helped get elected."

As you know, Secretary Clinton, the truth is that Smiley never supported Obama when he ran for election in 2008. He was a supporter of yours from the very beginning and, on election night, seemed to be the only black person in America who was not excited about Obama's victory.

Cornel West may have made some appearances on the campaign trail for Obama, but he is quick to point out that he made exactly 65 campaign appearances. When someone is a true supporter, he doesn't keep a running tally of things he's done for you.

Both Smiley and West say they are "old friends" of Obama and that "friends stab from the front" and not from behind. Frankly, friends, if they are genuine, don't stab you at all.

They act as though the President ushered in the problems of unemployment and poverty in the Black community, when these conditions have been present for decades. Yes, Blacks have been hit hard by the recession, as we are usually hit harder than other communities when the economy is bad, for a variety of complex reasons. But where was the Smiley/West bus tour during the eight years under President Bush, when poverty among African Americans was about 20 percent, and unemployment was twice as high for Blacks and it was for Whites?

And a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll showed that 86 percent of African Americans view the President favorably. Sure, that percentage is lower than it was when Obama first took office. But no politician's support could remain in the stratosphere forever.

So, Secretary Clinton, don't believe the hype. Please put your country first over your ambition to become its first female president. Maintain your dignity and stature by continuing to do an outstanding job representing the United States of America around the world. More importantly, inform misguided fools and the world in not uncertain terms that you will not challenge President Obama in 2012.

Note: The picture of Secretary Clinton was obtained from the U.S. Department of State public domain photos.

Vera Richardson
Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

Why President Obama’s Re-Election in 2012 Is Important to American in General and African-American in Particular

2011-09-26T19:12:00.006-05:00

When Barack Obama ran for President in 2008, it was an historic election. The prospect of voting for America's first African-American president brought black folks to the polls who had never voted before. People voted early, stood in long lines, some were in wheelchairs or on walkers -- but the passion and enthusiasm were palpable in black communities across America.

The rights and opportunities that our ancestors marched for finally came to fruition on election night, November 4, 2008, when the votes were cast and the T.V. networks announced that Barack Obama had been elected the 44th President of the United States. Tears of joy were shed across America by young and old.

Some of us mistakenly thought that, with President Obama's election, we had finally arrived. We could take it easy and not have to press so hard for our rights to be affirmed.

We underestimated the backlash from the opposition. Those who did not vote for Obama and who thought a black man would never occupy the White House -- either through prejudice, ignorance or defiance of authority -- quickly rose up in anger and indignation. The Tea Party was formed and we've seen their influence on politics in general and the Republican Party, in particular.

It will be difficult to duplicate the magic of the 2008 campaign, but we can't afford to sit down -- you have to put on your marching shoes once again and work to re-elect President Obama in 2012! You need to not only vote, but work in the trenches to put President Obama back in the White House for four more years.

Here's why President Obama's re-election is important:

1. He cares about ordinary people -- the poor, middle class and those hardest hit by the recession.

2. He can keep the right-wing forces from enacting discriminatory policies.

3. He has already and can appoint additional federal and Supreme Court justices who are sensitive to the needs of blacks and other minorities.

4. The presence of the Obama First Family in the White House is an important positive symbol for our young people and others around the world.

Don't be fooled. With Republican legislatures around the country attempting to make voting more difficult in poor and minority communities, the election in 2012 matters more than ever! President Obama has instituted "Operation Vote" to make it easier for black communities to organize for 2012. What are you willing to do?

Here are some things you can do to help with President Obama's re-election:

1. Make sure you have the proper documents to vote by securing a state-issued driver's license or photo I.D., if you don't already have one.

2. Sign up as a voting registrar and register people to vote in your neighborhood.

3. Host a fundraiser for President Obama in your home or through one of your community organizations; and/or send a personal contribution to his re-election campaign online.

4. Post information via social media like Facebook and Twitter encouraging your friends to vote for President Obama's re-election.

5. Encourage your church or pastor to host voter registration drives.

6. Stay informed about the presidential election campaign by watching news broadcasts each day.

7. Write letters to the editor or commentaries in support of President Obama and submit them to your local daily newspaper.

In his September 24, 2011, speech to the Congressional Black Caucus, President Obama was speaking for me and to me when he said, “Throughout our history, change has often come slowly. Progress often takes time. I never promised easy. Easy has never been promised to us. But we’ve had faith. We have had faith. We’ve had that good kind of crazy that says you can’t stop matching.”

“Even when folks were hitting you over the head you can’t stop matching. Even when they’re turning the hoses on you, you can’t stop. Even when somebody fires you for speaking out, you can’t stop. Even when it looks like there’s no way, you find a way—you can’t stop. Through the mud an muck an the driving rain, we don’t stop. Because we know the rightness of our cause-widening the circle of opportunities, increasing each other’s prosperity. We know our cause is just. It’s a righteous cause.”

It will take a concerted effort from all of us once again, to get President Obama re-elected. Put on your marching shoes and let's get to work!

Vera Richardson
Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

John Boehner Own Words Are Proof that He Broke 2010 Pledge to Create Jobs and Do the Will of the People

2011-09-22T08:28:00.008-05:00

For two years especially during the health care reform debate John Boehner accused President Obama of ignoring the will of the American people. During his March 21, 2010, Hell No Speech on the floor of the House in opposition to the Affordable Health Care Act he stated in part “ we have failed to listen to America. And we have failed to reflect the will of our constituents.”

During Speaker Boehner’s November 2, 2010, midterm election speech he stated in part: "Across the country right now, we are witnessing a repudiation of Washington, a repudiation of Big Government and a repudiation of politicians who refuse to listen to the people. "Because for far too long, Washington has been doing what’s best for Washington – not what’s best for America. Tonight, that begins to change.

"The people’s priorities will be our priorities. The people’s agenda will be our agenda. This is our Pledge to America, this is our pledge to you. These are the principles our new majority will stand for, and we hope you will stand with us in the hard work that lies ahead. Because we are humbled by your trust in us. And we recognize that with this trust comes the responsibility to listen, and listen we will. Let’s start right now by recognizing this is not a time for celebration. This is a time to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We can celebrate when small businesses are creating jobs again.”

Boehner hypothetical claim that Republican members of Congress represented the will of the people during the debt ceiling debate was not supported by facts. American s and Boehner knows the will of Americans because various recent polls results show that the American people want Congress to address creating jobs over budgets and deficits issues.

An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll last month found 60 percent of Americans approved of ending the Bush tax cuts for families making $250,000 a year. Only 37 percent found it unacceptable.

Boehner’s current actions and position reflect the fact that he is not listening to the will of the American people as they related to Bush Tax Cuts.

Sept. 8-11, 2011, Gallup poll: “What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?” 39 percent stated Unemployment/Jobs; 28 percent stated economy in general; 14 percent stated dissatisfaction with government; 12 percent stated federal budget deficit. The result of the above mentioned polls shows that the 67 percent of American rank jobs and the economy as the most important problem facing America. Only 12 percent listed the federal budget deficit as the most important problem.

A September 15-18th Gallup poll shows that by a two-to-one ratio, Americans support Obama's plan to increase taxes on the wealthy and big corporations. The same share expects that his proposed stimulus, the American Jobs Act, will create jobs and grow the economy.

On September 15, 2011, in light of the President’s release of “The American Jobs Act,” Speaker Boehner articulated his position that a reform of the tax code is needed to spur the national economy and create jobs.

In his speech, Speaker Boehner focused on the issue of deficit reduction and its broader effect on the economy. He stated that deficit reduction should not be achieved by increasing taxes. Moreover, he stated that if the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction could broaden its scope to include tax reform, it would be his position that economic growth would result in job creation. The Speaker explained his point by utilizing the correlation between taxes and jobs as an equation. Speaker Boehner stated, “It’s a very simple equation. Tax increases destroy jobs. And the joint committee is a jobs committee. Its mission is to reduce the deficit that is threatening job creation in our country.”

Speaker Boehner can’t have it both ways. He can’t demand that President Obama respect the alleged will of the “American people” and ignore his own promises that he and his party will listen to the American people and the people’s priorities and agenda will be their priorities.

Boehner Own Words in my youtube video demands that he change directions and cooperate with President Obama. The time is now for Speaker Boehner to deliver on his November 2, 2010, midterm election promises and pledge to America. WILL SPEAKER BOEHNER LISTEN TO AND RESPECT THE WILL OF AMERICA and introduce and fast track the America Job Act to House of Representative?

Vera Richardson

Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

President Obama's Weekly Address: Passing the American Job Act

2011-09-17T14:18:00.002-05:00

Vera Richardson Author of
Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

Join Me - Become a CNN I-Reporter and Support President Obama!

2011-09-11T05:22:00.006-05:00

President Obama said that change wouldn't come easy in this country and the Republican manufactured Debt Ceiling Crisis proved that he was correct. In 2008 President Obama also informed us that “we are the change that we seek."

Although President Obama has been opposed on many of his agenda items he hasn’t gotten weary or quit fighting for the American people including African-Americans. Therefore, we can’t get weary and give up. President Obama needs his supporters to voice their support of his presidency and their political opinions to the nation and the world. We must use everything and tool at our disposal to help re-elect him and democratic congressional members in 2012.

The CNN I-Report platform is an excellent tool to join in the political discourse, silence the Republicans opposition, and support President Obama. Citizen journalists are allowed to post pictures, stories, and videos on CNN.com. Please join me and become a CNN I-Reporter. Your work will be reviewed and if selected and vetted it will appear on CNN’s platform including CNN network programs.

*** Find your Senators and House Representative Congressman and contact him or her and post an I-Report on CNN.com and tell him "to pass The American Job Act Bill."

Vera Richardson Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

Amazon

Just Say No to a Rick Perry Presidency in 2012

2011-09-06T21:59:00.000-05:00

Just Say No to a Rick Perry 2012 Presidency

Rick Perry who announced On August 13, 2011, that he is running for president in 2012 is now the leading Republicans presidential candidates in three national polls. The same Rick Perry that once stated in his role as governor that Texas had an option to secede from the United States of America now wants to become president of the that very same nation. What is wrong with this picture?

Does the Republican Party believe that the American voters are stupid, dumb, or crazy? This country’s voters must reject Perry because we can’t return to the Jim Crow Laws of the 50’s and 60’s nor can we have another Civil War in this country.

Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1456436171/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller

Was 2011 and The 2013 Debt Ceiling Limit Crisis Racially Motivated?

2011-07-24T23:55:00.000-05:00

I believe that the extension of the debt limit debate is about race. The election of President Obama has caused many in this country especially Republican member of Congress to lose their collective minds.

In order to deny President Obama, a man of mixed racial heritage, a second term Republican congressional leaders Speaker Boehner, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, and Eric Cantor are willing to risk the economic well being this nation and the world.

What gives Speaker Boehner the right to use the 2010 mid-term elections as a mandate for their political vision and deny the fact that the 2008 Presidential election doesn’t give President Obama an even greater right to achieve his political vision for America?

UPDATE 1/15/2013 - DEBT-CEILING CRISIS was self-inflected by Republicans in 2011. Today after losing the 2012 Presidential Election Republicans Paul Ryan, John Boehner, and Senator McConnell are going to FORCE their will on the American people and on President Obama an African-American man who achieved the impossible two times with his reelection. In view of this fact I believe that the current debt ceiling blackmail by Speaker Boehner is racially motivated. Speaker Boehner is determined to not only force his party's will on country but also to punish the 47 percent referenced by Mitt Romney for voting for President Obama. He is also determined to force President Obama to break his campaign promise to SENIORS to protect Social Security and Medicare.
Vera Richardson

Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE - January 5, 2008

2010-08-03T00:09:00.001-05:00

Senator Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 National Democratic Convention. I watched and enjoyed his keynote speech for John Kerry’s failed bid for the presidency. The speech titled “The Audacity of Hope” was electrifying and gave Americans especially black Americans a glimmer of hope. That hope included the possibility that Obama a black man might one day become the President of the United States of America.

On January 5, 2008, at 2:40am I wrote a blog entry for Dr. Boyce Watkins' site yourblackworld.com. I wrote the blog after Senator Obama did what many African-Americans believed was impossible. Obama won the Iowa Democratic Caucuses. The titled of the blog was “The Audacity of Hope.”

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE

”On Thursday night I visited my oldest daughter. She gave me the political junkie permission to turn the television to a cable news channel. As I read the words on the television screen "Obama wins the Iowa Democratic Caucus" I blinked my eyes. The scene changed to a political analyst. As one of the MSNBC analysts spoke the words "Obama has won the Iowa Democratic Caucus" I screamed and jumped up and down.

I could not believe my eyes or ears. Until that very moment I was one of those undecided Black voters. I did not like our chances for victory with Hillary or Senator Obama. I wanted a Democrat, any Democrat, in the White House in 2009. As a matter of fact I was “hoping” that Al Gore would enter the race in order for the Democrats to win back the White House.

Although I watched more than my share of democratic debates in 2007, I did not dare to hope that Senator Obama could win the Iowa Democratic Caucuses. I could not wrap my mind around the fact that he could win in Iowa a state with a ninety-five percentage white population.

A few weeks earlier, I watched Oprah on the campaign trail with Obama in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire. The enthusiasm of the large overwhelmingly white audience in Iowa was refreshing. Watching those two great Americans being judged for the content of their character and not the color of their skin gave me my first glimmer of "hope." Seeing Obama and Oprah with our people in South Carolina gave me even more "hope."

Obama’s victory speech on Thursday night was presidential. It was without a doubt one of the best political speeches of my generation. As a fifty-three year old black woman I hope that this man Obama time has come, that his time is now! Today I have the audacity to hope, pray, and believe that Senator Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States of America.”

Vera Richardson
Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer