Great Minds Think Like Me

An oldie..

2015-01-09T08:18:00.001-05:00

The new republican talking-point is: folks who voted for Obama, did so, because they "want stuff." Perhaps they're talking about stuff like:

Freedom...Freedom to marry whomever you choose.
Choice.. The choice to decide if you'd like to terminate a pregnancy or carry to term.
Equal pay.. Getting paid the same as your male counterpart for doing the same job.
Privacy.. Not allowing your boss inside of your medicine cabinet.
A more fair tax system.. where folks who make more pay more.
A health care system where folks with preexisting conditions aren't discriminated against by insurance companies.
The right to serve your country openly and proudly, regardless of who you love. Just to name a few things. This list could go on and on.

There seems to be a large number of folks in the rebulican-tea party, who believe that President Obama is trying to stick it to the "White Man." That he's trying to give all of his supporters a free ride on someone elses ticket. You know, as Rush said:"reparations for slavery." Someone should tell the right-wing-parrots that whites in red states ( folks who overwhelmingly vote for republicans) are the biggest beneficiaries of welfare.

Remember Rick Santourmn Said: "I don’t want to make black people’s lives better by giving them other people’s money.I want to give them the opportunity to go out and earn their money and provide for themselves and their families,” he added. “The best way to do that is to get the manufacturing sector of the economy rolling.”

According to stats, white Americans account for the largest percentage of welfare payments each month, mostly because they make up the largest sector of the population.

Click to read about the biggest welfare lies..

Republicans seem to think they just need new messengers to deliver their message. What's that saying.. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a freaking pig! When are they going to learn, it's not the messengers, IT'S THE DAMN MESSAGE!

"Tragedies Must End"...

2012-12-17T01:58:00.003-05:00

"Obama's Complete Speech At Interfaith Vigil In Newtown, Connecticut"

This Sunday's Great Minds Movie Pick is: "A Glimpse of Heaven"...

2012-12-16T04:54:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed this film. It shows that regardless of someones faith, basically we as human beings have the same wants and needs. I love the idea of people from different religious backgrounds working together. This is proof that religion isn't the problem, man is the problem.

Synopsis: "Journey into the heart of the City of Lights to discover the first American church established on foreign soil and ultimate symbol of the United States in Europe. Affectionately known the world over as "ACP," the American Church in Paris is not only a melting pot like no other but has earned the appellation: "God's own United Nations."

Experience true-life stories of people such as a refugee from Nigeria; an expatriate who feared ending up in a mental institution; and many more. There are multinational couples, lonely students, residents of Paris, plus scores of visitors who found help, hope and better lives through ACP. A multi-faceted mission with many outreach programs, including one that serves lunch to the homeless and another that helps refugees seeking asylum, The American Church in Paris is also a major community center. It provides space and resources for an impressive variety of international community activities and groups. More than 2,000 people use the facilities each day. From among the 54 nations and 35 different denominations that make up the congregation of ACP, parishioners from all walks of life finally reveal what they have found in this large, beautiful sanctuary along the river Seine.

If heaven is going to be populated by people from every nation and tribe and culture and language on the planet, then the American Church in Paris truly does offer a glimpse of heaven. Yet, as the oldest American church on foreign soil is about to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the congregation is faced with numerous challenges: the rise in the number of parishioners; finding funds for significant renovations and maintenance; the continuing need to communicate effectively with members from so many countries and diverse cultures. The people of the American Church are prepared to meet those challenges with faith and hope so that this highly symbolic landmark with its rich history will continue to be of service to the Paris community."

Mentally ill people having access to guns is a huge problem.

2012-12-15T11:04:00.001-05:00

We will lose this fight if we paint all gun owners with the same brush. By all accounts the weapons used in the latest shooting, were obtained legally. We really need to look at mental illness in this country. I have a cousin who was diagnosed as being a paranoid schizophrenic, and he has committed petty crimes when he's off his meds... like breaking windows and such. He has been arrested numerous times and tossed in jail instead of being treated in a psych ward. While in jail he trashed his cell and was held in "the hole" for ten days. My aunt couldn't visit him and had no idea how he was doing.

I contacted a mental health advocate, he contacted TPTB at the jail and told them how harmful it was to hold someone with my cousins mental problems in solitary confinement for ten days. He set up a meeting and had my cousin transferred to the psych ward after an evaluation. My aunt has tried to have him committed, but because he's an adult and hasn't harmed anyone yet, she has failed. If you look at the last few mass shootings all of the assailants had a history of mental illness. Along with gun control we need to address mental illness in America.
Click for info on getting help for you or a loved one.

No more White Crosses!

2012-12-15T06:58:00.001-05:00

After the shooting massacre in Aurora, Colo. over the summer, the White House said the President was going to evaluate a bill limiting online ammunition sales. Check out the exchange I had with a few other bloggers regarding the issue.

Rainlillie: Jul 30, 2012 In a civilized society no one should be allowed to carry a weapon containing 100 rounds.

Response from Bob: Jul 31, 2012 “Why do you think the founding fathers wrote the 2nd amendment?”

Rainlillie: Jul 30, 2012 How many innocent people have to be killed, before the majority demand change? It's inconceivable that we're even debating this.

Response from GB on Jul 30, 2012 “There are twice as many DUI deaths than gunshot deaths in the U.S. annually. Should we ban alcohol.....again?”

Rainlillie: Jul 30, 2012 Tell that to the parents who just had to bury their six-year-old. My guess, is you'd be singing a different tune if you were in their shoes.

Rainlillie: Jul 30, 2012 Are you kidding me? We don't need this stinking bill! Let's just keep burying six-year olds and other innocent victims. Tell that guy who created the white crosses to keep making them, because there are going to more tragedies to come (In case you didn't know, there is a guy who went around placing white crosses at the sites of mass shootings) Until reasonable gun-owners and those who don't own guns, come together and stop this madness! The killer in Aurora was within his rights to purchase the ammunition he purchased.. it's total madness!”

Rainlillie: Jul 30, 2012 Yes, I'm going there! Republicans and Democrats who haven't been out there pushing for gun- control can save their crocodile tears for the victims. They haven't done a darn thing to ban the type of weapons used in the shooting. Why in a civilized society should a citizen be allowed to have a weapon with that much firepower?

I wonder which elected official is going to stand up to the NRA and say, we've built too many white crosses. I wonder when are responsible gun owners going to say too many innocent lives have been lost. Something has to change. We know that putting laws on the books is just the first step. We have to be vigilant when a loved one has some emotional issues, and we have firearms in the home. My heart is heavy...

SOTD-"Celebrate Me Home" by Kenny Loggins.. In loving memory of Lumina..

2012-12-14T10:18:00.001-05:00

Lumina touched many lives through her inspirational writing. it was through her words of wisdom, hope, and love; that I got to know her. Her message of healing and love will live on forever and ever. RIP, my dear friend.

This video was created by Lumina. It's remains one of my favorite videos on youtube.

Did you know?
"Celebrate Me Home" is a song written by Bob James and Kenny Loggins, and recorded by Loggins as the title track of his 1976 debut solo album Celebrate Me Home.
Although not released as a single, it evolved into one of Loggins' better-known songs, especially as it became a popular staple of radio stations' Christmas music playlists due to its holiday-themed lyrics. It is included on Loggins' Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow and The Essential compilations, as well as his 1993 Outside: From the Redwoods live album. Its Christmastime presence is exemplified by its appearance on Best Buy's Sweet Tracks 2004 set.
The song was also sung by Jill Colucci for Disney Channel's 1990 Celebrate Me Home campaign, which is named after the song. The campaign was mostly featured during the channel's Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall Previews.
Ruben Studdard, winner of American Idol in its second season, recorded a cover of "Celebrate Me Home" to be used as the show's seventh season Top 12 exit song.^[1] Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Studdard's rendition omitted the song's first-line holiday mention, to give it a more general feel.^[1] The Studdard recording was made available for iTunes download starting March 12, 2008,^[1] as Loggins' original recording also prospered from new downloads.^[1] It was also currently a song played for eliminated teams in the 2008 NBA Playoffs whenever a team was eliminated on their home."

In a nutshell!

2012-12-14T09:27:00.000-05:00

Hey Ladies, it's as easy as making "better decisions"..

2012-12-06T10:32:00.002-05:00

According to former Bushie and current nitwit Dana Perino, all women have to do is; " make better decisions,” then they won't be victims of abuse. A lot of my fellow liberals are turning the Jovan murder/ suicide into a gun issue.

I think he would have found away to kill his girlfriend one way or another. I don't see this as a gun issue. There are peaceful gun-owners and people do have a right to carry. No one has a right to beat another human being. Yes, we should talk about stricter gun laws and outlawing assault weapons, but I don't see this case as being a catalyst for that.

Annual "War On Christmas" post..

2012-12-05T09:27:00.000-05:00

I say Merry Christmas to the people I know who celebrate Christmas, and I say happy holidays to people I don't know that well, who may not celebrate Christmas. It’s about being considerate to others and respecting their beliefs. Is it really going to diminish one's beliefs if a tree is called a "holiday tree," instead of a Christmas tree?

It seems that people like O'Reilly and company have forgotten what the real meaning of Christmas is. They're just like the Grinch in "How the Grinch stole Christmas." The Grinch believed that the presents and the tree were more important to the Who's than the holiday itself. Of course he realized he was wrong, after the Who's were still happy without their presents and decorations.

If Christmas trees and saying Merry Christmas were outlawed in the United States, wouldn’t Christmas still take place? Wouldn't believers still believe?

"Secret santa gives out $100 bills to Hurricane Sandy victims '

2012-12-03T08:43:00.003-05:00

I believe that our purpose in life, is to help make it easier for others. We don't have to do extraordinary things, it can be small things, like holding the door for someone, or letting someone cut in front of you while waiting in line. This video was just awesome!

This Sunday's Great Minds Movie Pick Is:"Telling Amy's Story "...

2012-12-02T10:36:00.000-05:00

Last week I wrote: An Open Letter to Sherri Shepard and Whoopi Glodberg. I've been blogging for seven years. I've received more e-mail about that post than any other post I've ever written. It was my most viewed post of the week.

I was thinking after reading the e-mails, that we have a quiet "War on Women" going on .
A war that most people are ashamed to talk about.. Domestic Violence. One of the e-mails I received chilled me to the bone. The emailer said.. "Chris only hit Rihanna. once, and she must have done something to set him off, and he was just trying to keep her in line."

An NFL player just killed his girlfriend and himself. We don't know if there was a history of physical or verbal abuse, but it seems highly likely. It starts with a push, a shove, a hit and finally a murder.. If the victim doesn't get out, and sometimes a murder even if the victim gets out.

Women need to follow their instincts and not dismiss uneasy feelings about their mates in the beginning of a relationship. Trying to control your every move, doesn't mean he really cares. Having jealous outbursts doesn't mean he really cares. Treating you with respect and dignity means he really cares.

In the film the Detective says: "make it end differently!" Powerful!

Synopsis:
"Told by the detective who led the case review, Telling Amy's Story follows the timeline of a domestic violence homicide that occurred in central Pennsylvania on November 8, 2001. While we will never be able to change the ending to Amy's story, we hope that its telling can change outcomes for the millions of victims, survivors, and loved ones affected by domestic violence everyday."

"NYPD Officer Gives Boots to Homeless Man"

2012-11-30T08:33:00.001-05:00

If this story doesn't make you shed a tear, I don't know what will. Just beautiful! Isn't that what we're here for.. to help each other?

"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Matthew 25:40

A truly inspiring story to end the week. On another note; thank you for all of your heart-wrenching e-mails, regarding my post: An Open letter to Sherri Shepard and Whoopi Goldberg. I hope you and your loved ones will find peace, and forgiveness. It takes time, but you'll get there.

In the coming weeks I'll be posting some very helpful resources for victims of domestic violence and their loved ones. Again, thank you all so much for contacting me.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and contributed to the conversation. Have a wonderful, safe weekend.

Final Post Of The Day: "Man of Steel"...

2012-11-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

I must admit I'm a huge Superhero nerd.. Superman being my favorite. I totally adore him. This past summer my daughter and I went to the midnight screening of the Batman movie: "The Dark Knight Returns." It was quite the experience. You had folks rocking their Batman gear. One guy had the mask and cape. The new Superman trailer premiered before the film and it looked pretty darn intense.

Check out the trailers below. One trailer features his birth -father's voice played by Russell Crowe and the other trailer features his earth -father's voice played by Kevin Costner. I knew why there were two trailers featuring both voices before I checked IMDB to see which roles Kevin and Russell were playing. Yeah, I'm a proud Superhero nerd.

"You will give the people an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders"

"One day, you're going to have to make a choice. You'll have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be. Whoever that man is, good character or bad, is going to change the world."

SOTD-This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway...

2012-11-29T09:10:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite upbeat Christmas songs.

Did you know?

"This Christmas" is a well-known Christmas song originally recorded by R&B singer/songwriter Donny Hathaway and released as an Atco single in 1970. Hathaway co-wrote the song (it is credited to Nadine McKinnor and "Donny Pitts," the stage name Hathaway used as a young gospel singer). Since Hathaway's original version, it has become something of a modern holiday standard, covered by a wide range of artists."

Give!

2012-11-29T09:02:00.000-05:00

There are some of us who knows at least one or two people who have just about everything imaginable, and really doesn't need anything. My sister is one of those people. This year instead of wasting my time buying her something she doesn't want or need, I've decided to donate to a few charities in her name. The City Mission , is one of many charities that allows you do donate online. Below I posted a few items from their catalog, Click here to view the entire catalog.

Remember winter is fast approaching, so now is the time to donate winter apparel and blankets.

" I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded ."

-Whitman

The Media is full of useless fools and uselful tools..

2012-11-29T08:52:00.003-05:00

What part of Rice was repeating talking- points provided to her by the intelligence community, doesn't the right-wing parrots get? The level of ignorance regarding the Benghazi issue is astounding! Of course the talking points were edited, so that they wouldn't include classified info or let the folks suspected of the attack know we're on to them.

The right-wing has absolutely NO credibility on this issue. They never spoke out and tried to find out why the previous attack happened on 9-11; and they never pushed to find out, why in the hell did we invade a country that didn't have WMD or any responsibility for attacking us on 9-11. Why did House Republicans vote for an amendment in 2009 to cut $1.2 billion from State operations, including funds for 300 more diplomatic security positions?

This is all about politics and luckily for the GOP, the American mainstream media sucks! They're not investigative reporters, they're lazy dictation experts. They'd rather repeat the lies and distortions being spoon-fed to them, than finding out the facts or reporting the truth.

When you have every high level person with intell regarding the incident, saying Rice did nothing wrong, perhaps it's time to listen to them and stop listening to the folks who have been wrong about every damn thing.. From the war in Iraq to the election results. Don't just go away, STHU first, then go away!

"Dawn of a New Day for Marriage Equality"...

2012-11-28T08:17:00.002-05:00

Young lesbian woman brutally attacked by her girlfriends homophobic brother...

2012-11-28T08:08:00.001-05:00

What an awful story. I'm not sure why this crime hasn't been classified as a "Hate Crime," and why wasn't the assailant charged with attempted murder? Allegedly the family stood by and didn't intervene during the attack, if true, I hope there's some type of legal charges that can be filed against them too.

This is his second time attacking her. "The first time he attacked her with a pipe and hit her in the back of the head and on the back a few times," she is quoted by Fox 10 TV as saying. "People stepped in to help then."

Mallory Owens doesn't have insurance if you'd like to make a donation to help her out, Contact: " 1-800-REGIONS for information on locations or bank by mail donations."

An Epic defense of Susan Rice!

2012-11-27T13:30:00.002-05:00

It almost sounded like Congresswoman Fudge was testifying in church, with all of the "well's, and that's right" in the background... Awesome! Remember last week McCain skipped a meeting on Benghazi to hold a press conference?

I was thinking; On the one hand, you can attend a meeting and get facts, on the other hand you can get your face on TV and complain about not having facts, and trick the Faux News viewers into thinking that you are sincerely outraged that you're being stonewalled.

An Open Letter to Sherri Shepard and Whoopi Goldberg..

2012-11-27T09:01:00.002-05:00

Rihanna after being abused by Chris Brown.

Dear Sherri and Whoopi:

I just wanted to let you know, that I find your constant defense of Chris Brown repulsive.
Yes, Jenny Johnson was out of line too, BUT he's the one with the violent history, which makes his tweets even more disturbing. Jenny baited him and he fell for it. I think she wanted to show the world what type of mentality he has. Considering his past; you'd think he would have come up with better responses.

I find it troubling that some people are directing more venom towards Jenny, instead of an abuser. When you have a history of beating up a girl, probably not a good idea to verbally attack one, even if she started it.

Perhaps women who have had friends and relatives abused, look at Brown through different eyes. There's still a lot of rage there, a few months back he was involved in a fight with Drake. Also let's not forget because an interview on GMA didn't go his way; he threw a chair through a window. At some point Chris and his fans have to stop pointing fingers at other people and look at "The Man in the Mirror."

The incident with Rihanna will follow him forever, and it should. If he were just a guy named Chris Brown who wasn't famous, the people who are defending him would be just as disgusted by his behavior as people who aren't fans. Fame makes people overlook a lot of bad behavior.

I'd like to ask the two of you, how many times have you had to go with a friend or family member to the emergency room, because they suffered injuries from being abused by their boyfriend or spouse? How many times have you stayed up late into the night, trying to convince your friend or family member not to go back to the abuser?

How many times have you received a phone call at 3 AM, telling you that your sisters abusive husband tried to kill her, but luckily she escaped, he ended up killing her friend ...who was trying to protect her and himself. How many times have you had to stand by and watch with a feeling of helplessness, while your young nephews try to come to terms with the actions of their father? How many times have you visited your nephew in the children's psychiatric ward, because he couldn't handle the grief of losing his dad, so he tried to take his own life.. at 14.

See, the thing is, being an enabler is a dangerous thing, by making excuses and blaming others, it doesn't help Chris deal with the issues he needs to deal with. My grandmother knew many years before my sister married her husband, that he was abusive. Instead of speaking out, she covered it up. In the end, by staying silent, she didn't do either one of them any favors.

According to stats "the number one killer of African-American women ages 15 to 34 is homicide at the hands of a current or former intimate partner." Read more here Those stats are shocking!

I do believe that people who have a public forum, should use it wisely to educate and inform. Not to defend, excuse and condone. Yes, Rihanna and Brown are back together, no surprises there, women often go back to their abusers. Sadly, stats show that when that happens, it's rarely a happy ending.

Lastly, I do believe that people deserve second chances and can redeem themselves, That said, Chris Brown's tweets shows that he still has a lot of anger and rage towards women, if he has people around him who truly care about him, they'd encourage him to seek the help that he needs. It's not just that he responded to Jenny''s taunts, it's the way he responded.

Rainlillie

McCain's Bad Experience vs. Obama's Good Judgment ...

2012-11-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

I made this video in 2008, McCain was wrong on foreign policy then and he's wrong on foreign policy today.

This Sunday's Great Minds Movie pick is: "I Want to Be a Pilot"...

2012-11-25T15:42:00.001-05:00

Of all the films I've been featuring here, this is one of my favorites! The haunting music , the narration and the stills of his face.. were just powerful. Listening to him tell his story, moved me to tears. Finding hope in such a seemingly hopeless situation is just so inspiring. The scene where he closes his eyes and imagines himself as an adult pilot was just beautiful.

Dreams are sometimes what keeps us going. I wish the best for this child and all the children who live in that slum. I hope that his dreams will come true. No child should ever have to live in such conditions.

Synopsis: "I Want to Be a Pilot, is a 2006 award winning Kenyan - Mexican short film documentary written and directed by Diego Quemada-Diez. The film won international seven awards including the Audience Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival. The movie has earned more than 50 international prizes and has participated in over 200 film festivals such as Sundance, Locarno, Telluride, Edinburgh, Amiens, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Manhattan, Silverdocs, Bermuda, San Francisco."

Best Thanksgiving Day Movies..

2012-11-13T11:16:00.001-05:00

I wanted to take this time to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! I know it's next week, but I'll be busy the next few days. Stay safe, peaceful and positive! I'll see you after the holiday. Please Click to find a food-bank near you to make a donation

Click here to view list of best Thanksgiving Day movies.. Here's a scene from one of my favorites; "Planes Trains and Automobiles," with Steve Martin and the late, great John Candy. Did any of your favorites make the list?

Looking back, December 2, 2010

2012-11-13T11:02:00.001-05:00

"A Dream Deferred?"

It's hard to believe the post below was written over two years ago.. here we go again.

Let me start out by saying I have nothing but respect and admiration for our 44th President of the United States and his lovely family. I knew when I watched him give the Keynote Address in 2004 at the Democratic National Convention; that he was indeed something special. I found him captivating and inspiring.. Unlike any other politician I've ever heard speak. His vision for America was my vision for America. When he was elected there was an overwhelming feeling of pride within the party and the country.

The future looked so bright. The possibilities of things to come were limitless. Now here we are, Democrats have lost control of the house and Republicans are determined to bring the president down, in anyway that they can. I said from the beginning that this was going to be a tough fight and I'm in it for the long-haul. Anyone with an once of decency within them knows that it's morally WRONG, for republicans to block the extension of unemployment benefits and then on the other hand advocate for tax cuts for the rich.

If the president doesn't fight when he has the moral high ground, when is he going to fight? He knows just as well as I know, that this cause is just and it's right, he must show us now more than ever, that he has the fortitude to take a stand and tell the GOP NO! when it comes to extending the tax cuts. I'm still hanging , but my fingernails are beginning to slip.

After he met with the GOP, Cantor said the president admitted that he didn't reach out to them enough...WTH! He reached out to them more than I would have liked him to, and tried to be inclusive from day one...Which is why the health care bill was watered down. All the republicans know how to do is attack, attack, attack. No matter how small an issue is ; like talking to school children or how important an issue is like extending unemployment benefits or nuclear treaties.

They are not going to give an inch and they are going to do everything within their power to make sure the president doesn't achieve his goals. To hell with the American people! You know the people they always claim they're speaking for. The last few weeks I've been uninspired about the way things are going in this country. In the words of Grandmaster Flash (stay with me here) 'Don't push me, cause I'm close to the edge, I'm trying not to lose my head, it's like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under."

I'd like to know Why won't the president stand up and fight back? Fight for the people who voted for him, fight for the people who share his dream of America, fight for the people who have lost their jobs, fight to make sure that gays and lesbians can serve openly. I get, that he may be weary, but he needs to know that we have his back as long as he's willing to fight. If the president gives in on the Bush tax cuts, that may be the breaking point for me. I posted earlier about my son feeding the hungry on Thanksgiving, those are the people who can use a break, not the folks who have private jets and yachts. It's okay to lose a fight, but it's not okay to lose without fighting.

"What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?"

by Langston Hughes

Democratic Caucus Makes History...

2012-11-13T08:36:00.002-05:00

I hope Nancy Pelosi stays on as House Minority Leader, she really has done an awesome job!