Change in Progress

Spike Lee Talks About Michael Jackson with Katie Couric

2009-07-02T20:04:42-05:00

A week ago today the world was stunned by the loss of Michael Jackson. Thanks to Black Box Office this afternoon I found the conversation below between CBS Katie Couric and the legendary Spike Lee. As usual I think Spike really captures the feelings - of admiration and conflict - of the African American community regarding Michael Jackson.

In particular, I agree with his point that how ever annoyed we may have felt by our perceived rejection of our culture or identity; or no matter what we felt about his legal problems and eccentric actions - those things are in the past now. Not simply because we are caught up in the emotion of the moment, but because when we look back at his career, you simply cannot help but to give the man his due.

For me, the Michael I loved was they cute guy on Soul Train on Saturdays. I was mesmerized by his dancing ability and as a little girl would try so hard to come close to that fluidity and hippness. Given I can't walk gracefully, you can imagine how that went. LOL - but that was OK I could just enjoy watcing Michael.

I am likely one of the very very few who liked Michael's music when he went solo, but never was overwhelmed by his stardom then. I bought the cassette tape because you could not escape his music but it was not a favorite. In fact, when he came to Dallas in either 1987 or 1988 I was scheduled to work the will call booth for the then Rainbow Ticketmaster and offered the opportunity to a co-worker because I just had no burning desire to see him in person.

A part of my distancing from Michael even then probably closely relates to what Spike talks about at the end of the interview with Katie --- when you become such a superstar that people faint at the touch of your hand --- I wonder how does that change the person.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Obama Urges Passage of Cap-and-Trade Bill Headed to Senate

2009-06-29T12:43:18-05:00

President Barack Obama says the Energy law would not pose "untendable" problems for industries in response to criticism of the cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions proposals. He tied passage of the bill to helping the country through the current financial crisis. Obama referenced California energy policies during the late 70s energy crisis. According to the president they were able to make needed reforms and have sustained growth.

President Obama pointed out "Light bulbs may not seem sexy" but 70% of our energy goes toward lighting our homes and business. Could result in enough savings to light our homes for ten months. And in the sweep around his own front door philosophy, they will change light bulbs at the White House.

We can remain the world's leading importer of oil, or become the world's exporter of green energy according to the president. The nation that leads the world in this area will be the world's leading economy. Stronger, cleaner more prosperous future is what he believes we will have with passage of the bill.

Some such as the Dallas Morning News are reporting passage in the Senate is highly unlikely. With healthcare reform, Michael Jackson, Iran rebellion on the minds of his supporters, it will be interesting to see if the pubic will push the Senate on this legislation. Also this is not an easy topic for the general topic to grasp and given the economic crisis it could be easy for big business to push hard the message that it will cost more jobs.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Pete Souza Behind the Scenes Photos of Obama

2009-06-06T23:59:10-05:00

Dear Mr. President,

Given you are doing a lot of heavy lifting with the economic crisis, world peace and health care reform - may I suggest you let someone else move the couch? I'm just saying.....

President Obama tells Secretary Ray LaHood, "look if ya gonna roll with me, you got to look right son!" as he straigthens his tie.

Hey Reggie, go deep!

two seconds left on the clock, Obama luanches the ball toward the basket.....

"now what did Tiger tell me to do?"

"So, then Mr. President, Rush said you are...."

Obama Attends D-Day Event in France

2009-06-06T21:55:00-05:00

U.S. President Barack Obama (C), Britain's Prince Charles (2nd L), British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (R), Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (3rd R) and French President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) walk during the 65th anniversary of D-Day while at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France

President Barack Obama (C) salutes as he arrives at Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery for a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 2009

Is it just me or does Prince Charles look a litte sad. I suspect it is because despite all of his bright and shiny medals, he realizes that even if his mother ever gives up the throne, he will never be King of the World, as President Obama appears to be?

Obamas Do Paris Part 2

2009-06-06T21:05:09-05:00

President Barack Obama on the heels of a remarkable speech earlier this week to reach out to the Middle East community was joined in Europe by First Lady Michelle Obama. From the wonderful website Obama Pics Daily, I found these lovely photos:

No doubt, Paris loves our President.

President Obama gives thoughtful response as usual. Yeah let that sink in, a POTUS that thinks before he speaks.

They do not seem like just international allies but appear to really like each other. I applaud both First Ladies for not being drawn into the media firestorm and seeming to enjoy the company of each other.

Is President Obama teaching France's President Nicolas Sarkozy the secret brotherhood handshake. Can we really trust President Obama with top secret info if he is going to sell all the home boys out like this. LOL

Well folks who won the dueling white dress fashionista First Lady faceoff today in Paris?

A Penny for Obama's Thoughts

2009-06-03T23:09:27-05:00

OK so the official cutline for this AP photo of President Obama reads:

"President Barack Obama takes off a gift of a gold necklace called the King Abdul Aziz Order of Merit, the country's highest honor, for safekeeping after it was given to him by Saudi King Abdullah at the start of their bilateral meeting at the King's Farm in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, June 3, 2009."

However look at this picture and tell me what do you think Presidet Obama was thinking. My thoughts are:

Ain't this some bull! I wasn't elected President of the Nation of Hip Hop.

Was he expecting Mr. T? I pity the fool....

Naw, you really shouldn't have.

Somebody call Timothy, find out how much gold is selling for today. We might be able to save a GM dealership in Motown.
Umm, never to early to plan for Christmas. Let's see I can give Michelle the sunflower looking thing, she loves those bigger than the sun flower thingys, broach for her mama with teh palm tree looking piece and matching necklace and braceletts. Wrap it up and stick it in one of those 50 closets, until Christmas Eve - I'm good. Reggie, handle that for me.

This is for all my hommie's....

Michelle Obama Takes A Bite Out of the Big Apple

2009-05-05T23:50:41-05:00

First Lady Michelle Obama spent a rather busy Tuesday in New York City.

Her day began on what she declared one of her favorite events since her husband, President Barack Obama took office in January. She taped an appearance on "Sesame Street" with Big Bird and the loveable Elmo. [no word on if the First Lady was allowed to tickle Elmo]

Later in the day when she spoke to employees of the United States Mission to the United Nations, the First Lady joked, "I never thought I'd be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird, and I was thrilled. I'm still thrilled. I'm on a high. I think it's probably the best thing I've done so far in the White House."

The First Lady was introduced by the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice (Getty Images)

Mrs. Obama's visit to the UN was the 10th governmental agency she has visited on her meet and greet tour. "From what I'm seeing in my agency visits, people are ready and willing to sacrifice and roll up their sleeves," she said. "Your work links the world to America and American ideals that are beacons of hope for millions of people."

First Lady Obama's NYC visit was culiminated with her keynote speech at Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People event. Wearing a full length black gown, beads and hair looking very glam with a sleek, swept bang, Ms. Obama made news by announcing President Obama's budget next year will include $50 million to help expand nonprofit programs across the country to promote national service. (AP Photo)

As someone laid off last week from a non-profit, I know personally there are many organizations that provide great service to the community and nationally that are truly suffering hardship during this economic downturn.

President Obama Days 1-7

2009-04-26T20:18:54-05:00

UPDATE: When I posted this on April 26th, I planned to look back at the first 100 days of the Obama adminstration. However, the following day I was laid off and my laptop was in the shop so poof went those plans. Enjoy this look at the 1st seven days of Change in Washington.

January 20, 2009 - The Day Change Began

Whether we were on the National Mall in Washington, DC or standing in Times Square in New York City. Or simply watching at home with family and friends what is remarkable about the 47 photos collected at Boston.com is the chance to see how excited the world was at the election of President of Obama.

President Obama's Inauguration Speech, January 20, 2009

Private moment for the First Couple before they step in to the the history books of America.

Sasha let's her Daddy know he did a great job!

Day 1 at work – January 21, 2009 When running for office, Obama often promised that he would work everyday on behalf of the nation. He wasted little time on his first full day in office.

After stopping by his office briefly and waiting for First Lady to meet with him for the first time in the Oval Office, the Obamas, Bidens & Clintons attend prayer service at the National Cathederal.

That afternoon with Vice President Joe Biden looking on President Obama signed his first Executive Order freezing the pay of all White House earning more than $100,000. He also instituted new rules seeking to limit the influence of lobbyists. Agencies were instructed to work toward responding, rather than denying Freedom of Information Act Requests.

The President and First Lady also hosted an Open House to the public. Greeting members of the public briefly in the blue room.

Two years ago no really believed, especially his opponents, that it would be President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton working together in their specific capacities. However, as someone who has not been the biggest Hillary Clinton fan, she has done a remarkable job thus far. On January 22nd they addressed State Department employees.

President Obama also signed more Executive Orders regarding:

- Closing Guantanamo within one year

- Creating Special Task Force to review detainee policy going forward

- Ensuring lawful interrogationsby requiring that all interrogations of detainees in armed conflict follow the Army Field Manual interrogation guidelines

January 23, 2009

President Obama in keeping with his pledge to reach across the aisle hosted a bi-partisan meeting to discuss his economic stimulus package he was seeking passage of within the month. Speaker of the House Nancy Peolsi and Minority Leader John Boehner shown in the background.

Rest of the day spent meeting with staff and the President reached out to other world leaders by phone:

Prime Harper of Canada. President Obama thanked Prime Minister Harper for his congratulations on the inauguration. He reiterated his appreciation for Canada's friendship and his commitment to travel to Canada as his first foreign visit as President. He discussed the shared challenges we face in Afghanistan, on climate change and in confronting the worsening global economy.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. President Obama underscored the importance of a strong U.S.-Saudi relationship. He underscored his appreciation for King Abdullah's leadership on the Arab Peace Initiative, the Interfaith Dialogue and for the pledge of assistance to the Palestinian Authority. He asked for Saudi support for efforts to stop weapons smuggling into Gaza and expressed interest in continuing counter-terrorism cooperation.

Prime Minister Brown, United Kingdom. President Obama said he looked forward to continuing and strengthening the special relationship between our two countries. He expressed his desire to work together to confront the global economic crisis and reiterated his hope to attend the G-20 Summit in London. He also discussed the situation in Gaza and the necessity to make Afghanistan a top priority.

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General. President Obama underscored his commitment to a strong US-UN relationship and an effective UN working with us to fight climate change, poverty and terrorism. He also voiced support for the UN's assistance mission in Iraq and his hope that the mission will expand this year and enjoy the continued leadership of the current Special Representative. They also discussed the ways in which the United Nations might undertake additional management reforms to improve efficiency and efficacy of the organization in dealing with international problems.

Source: White House Press Release

The President also rescinded the Mexico City Policy:

"The policy required non-governmental organizations to "agree as a condition of their receipt of [U.S.] federal funds" that they would "neither perform nor actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations".^[3] The policy had exceptions for abortions done in response to rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions.^[4]"

When announcing the change in the policy, the President stated, “It is time that we end the politicization of this issue. In the coming weeks, my Administration will initiate a fresh conversation on family planning, working to find areas of common ground to best meet the needs of women and families at home and around the world."

January 24, 2009

Facing a daunting economic crisis, the President and his staff worked on their first Saturday in power. The team meeting with the President to discuss their budget proposal included:

Participants in the meeting included Larry Summers, Director of the Economic Policy Council; Peter Orszag, Director of the Office of Management and Budget; Jared Bernstein, Chief Economic Advisor to Vice President Joe Biden; Rahm Emanuel, White House Chief of Staff and David Axelrod, Senior Advisor to the President.

He also released his first Weekly Address as President focusing on his economic stimulus plan:

January 26, 2009

In what some such as California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass praised as a "breath of fresh air" President Obama signed two Presidential Memoranda. The first instructed the Dept. of Transportation to establish higher fuel efficiency standards effective in their 2011 models. The standards in place for passenger vehicles were set in 1990, new light truck standards were revised in 2007.

The second memo allows California and eighteen other states to raise tailpipe emissions standards for the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide above and beyond the national standard. The Bush Administration prevented the states to improve beyond the weaker federal standards. A request the nineteen states were contesting in court.

In a somewhat suprising move, the President held his first official interview in office with the Dubai-based station Al Arabiya. The President discussed critical topics for the stations audience highlighting his position on intervention in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the assignment of his Special Envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell and hopes of healing the rift and distrust between the US and Muslim communities.

“And my job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives. My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect. But if you look at the track record, as you say, America was not born as a colonial power, and that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that. And that I think is going to be an important task.”

Timothy Geithner was confirmed by the Senate and following an introduction by the President was sworn in by Vice President Biden as the 75th Secretary of the United States Treasury late in the day.

Unfortunately that was likely the last good day Geithner had on the job for nearly two months.

January 27, 2009

In an effort to gain bi-partisan support for his economic stimulus plan, President Obama in an unusual move visited the House & Senate members of Congress at Capitol Hill. Shown here walking with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to a meeting with House Republican member. (Photo: Reuters)

Everyone was reportedly polite, they listened and then NONE of them voted for the bill. Obama received some heat from the liberal bloc regarding why bother and we owe nothing to them.

However, Obama promised to change how Washington works and so he has made the effort.

IF, and yes we all know it is a big IF, but if the economic stimulus plan and other efforts help to pull the economy back on track – the Republicans will suffer for their lack of cooperation.

Folks these are just highlights of President Obama's FIRST WEEK.

President Obama Has Met His Match

2009-04-13T22:17:26-05:00

On Day 83 of Administration, President Barack Obama has met his match. Clearly the Bunny Rabbit has bigger ears.

On Monday April 13, 2009 President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle & First Daughters Malia & Sasha hosted their first White House Egg Roll on the South Lawn.

The First Family and staff opened the grounds up to visitors from 45 states and Washington, DC. with an expected 30,000 attendees turning out to enjoy the festivities.

Team Obama continually work to find ways to take bring new life to old traditions and typical Washington ways. The Easter Egg Roll was no different. Over the years families would camp out in an effort to get tickets to the event. However, this year the ticketing process was managed online, thus attracting guests from nearly every state.

To soothe ruffled feathers of locals accustom to this being “their” event, an allotment of tickets were set aside for Washington school children. There also was a special allotment for military families, likely a small thanks for their service to the nation. Also, perhaps in keeping with First Lady Obama’s pledge to highlight military families.

Pop star Fergie opened with day with the National Anthem followed by brief comments by the President & First Lady. From there the family visited several staging areas for various events. First, the President (R) read the book “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, calling it “one of my favorite books” to a group of children, as the First Lady (L) and their daughters watch.

First Lady Obama had a method to her madness for the big event. In an effort to encourage healthy living for children the day was filled with activities like yoga, basketball, soccer and kids’ cooking demonstrations.

However, this event, held each year the day following Easter is notably not called an Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Egg Roll back to 1878 and is named for races where children push colored eggs across the grass using wooden spoons. The Obamas cheered their girls and other children on during an Egg Roll Race. The children received a wooden spoon to take home.

President Obama has often said that the White House is the people’s house and as a candidate he promised to open the mansion up to the people. I’m sure there are thousands of happy ~ and tired ~ kids who would agree, this is one campaign promise he has honored.

All photos featured are from Getty Images.

Easter 2009 - Day 82 of Change

2009-04-13T00:27:51-05:00

Many in America, in fact, around the world took time out to celebrate Easter Sunday with members of their faith community, family and friends. I hope you truly enjoyed a joyous day honoring the holiday and filled with laughter, memories and good food.

Meanwhile, on Day 82 we learn there is no such thing as rest for the weary in Obamaland. What began as big news in a fluffy kind of way, evolved into a heroic and joyful day for one family – and millions around the world who followed the events on the high seas.

First Family Attends Easter Worship

President Obama & the First Family joined other worshipers at St. John's Church, the Episcopal sanctuary located across the street from the White House. The church has enjoyed a long history with Presidents, in fact they have a reserved pew.

According to the pool report published by Time, Rev. Luis Leon welcomed all to the Easter Service in his sermon by stating:

"I'm not here to dampen the enthusiasm of those of you who can believe 100 percent of the time. I'm not here to mount any guilt on any of you who are skeptics. I'm not here to add any discomfort to any of you, who may be here for whatever reason drew you to this church today. To all of you, I say welcome, regardless of where you are in your journey of faith."

"Easter is available to believers as well as to doubters alike," he said.

One of the interesting notes from the pool report was the fact the First Family did not drink from the communal cup during the communion service. Instead they dipped their wafer in the wine. Reading that I wondered if it was an element of security or a cultural decision, perhaps that not being a part of their religious experience.

The President looked rather dashing in his dark gray suit with silver pin stripes. First Lady Michelle wore an understated floral dress, her trademark pearls and white cardigan. (AP Photo)

Reading various reports online I realized how much those of faith need to keep the President and his family in prayer. Someone mentioned little children in their new Easter frocks with their arms outstretched as they were waned and passed through a medal detector. I saw the picture of the woman, on her way to worship God undergoing the same treatment.

I considered how easy it would be to simply decide, I do not want to inconvenience and impose upon those wanting to celebrate their faith. To, even in a small way, contribute to the opening of the door to irritation in their hearts before entering the sanctuary.

Keith Battle, pastor of Zion Church in Largo, said it best:

"I think it would be nice if he could go to church with his wife and children and it not be published and he can just worship ... At the end of the day, he may be the most prominent person in the world, but he is still a man who has a wife and children and like all of us, he needs spiritual direction." (Source: Washington Post)

First Puppy Reporting for Duty ~ Tuesday

Early in the day it seemed the big “news” of the day would be the fact TMZ and the Washington Post were on the job and through their investigative reporting they were able to disclose the identity and photo of the new First Dog – Bo Obama.

Bo, named by the First Daughters, is a 6-month old Portuguese water dog, is a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy. Bo was originally given to another family, but for undisclosed reasons it was not a good fit and he was returned to the breeder.

Bo actually was introduced to the First Family and made an excellent first impression before being whisked off for training by the Kennedy dog trainers. Bo seen below in photos taken during that visit by the official White House photographer Pete Souza, looks adorable.

Free at Last, Free at Last

In what was surely the best news of the day for the family and friends of merchant ship Captain Richard Phillips’ the world learned mid-day that the U.S. Navy Seals rescued the captain after five long days as a hostage.

In what sounds like a climatic moment from a blockbuster film, Capt. Phillips was freed when the U.S. Navy Seals simultaneously shot three of the four Somali’s holding him hostage. The fourth hostage taker surrendered moments before the shooting. Reportedly only sixteen, he will likely be the first person to stand trial for piracy in America in over two hundred years.

Vice Adm. William Gortney at an afternoon press conference said the decision to shoot was in accordance with orders from Commander in Chief, President Obama, to take all action needed if the Captain’s life was deemed in imminent danger. In fact, President Obama issued the order initially on Friday and then a second, expanded order was issued on Saturday.

In the US Navy April 12, 2009 handout photo above Captain Richard Phillips (R) master of the cargo ship Maersk-Alabama, stands alongside U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia.

Gortney said the sharp shooters were given the greenlight after the negotiations were became “heated” and they observed a gun being pointed at the back of Captain Phillips.

While we should celebrate the safe release of Captain Phillips, the world should brace itself for the fact this weekend puts this piracy issue at a crossroads. Another pirate was killed earlier by the French in an attempt to save a hostage, other pirates reportedly attempted to sail out and help the four holding Phillips hostage. As a result of these four deaths, those who have engaged in this lucrative endeavor, securing multi-million dollar ransoms, there is a high risk they will now be far more likely to treat their hostages with more brutality and possible have a quicker trigger finger. To date no hostages have been killed. Somali pirates are already pledging revenge.

I plan to post more on the piracy issue this week.