When Is Enough...ENOUGH!!!???

This is not going to be a long blog post.  I don't want to be another amateur "talking head" who feels they know everything about everything.  I just ask...WHEN IS ENOUGH...ENOUGH!!!???  What will it take to convince White America that a black life in this country does not have the same worth as a white life? 

It was just announced that Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson was not indicted in the death of Michael Brown on August 18th, 2014.  To say that I'm sad and disappointed is an understatement.  As an African American it is very easy to be cynical towards the justice system, because of the perpetual injustice that this system places upon us on a daily basis, and has placed upon us for centuries in this country.  I do my best to stay optimistic.  This country has great potential, and I am always looking for the opportunity to stay optimistic about race relations in this country.  Don't confuse my optimism for naievte.  I am a realist.  I am keenly aware of this country's treatment of African Americans, and have been personally introduced to such treatment throughout my life.  However, my optimism has turned to pessimism and cynicism.  Not just towards the justice system, but by how white people specifically, have acted and reacted towards this case and other cases.  I'm already seeing the posts on Facebook with white people almost gleeful in the fact that the grand jury did not return an indictment for Officer Wilson.  They call Michael Brown a "thug", and show no kind of sympathy towards his family.  Cases like Michael Brown's, Trayvon Martin's in Florida, Eric Garner's in New York City, and several others, white people unfortunately start the smear campaign against the victim.  It is inconceivable to them that racial prejudice could be the motivating factor in the death of these young men.  We are told to "get over it", without ever taking the time to understand why African Americans feel what they feel, or try to comprehend the complex institutional history of racial prejudice, oppression and injustice in the United States.

Want to know what my biggest fear is?  I will walk down the street in Leesburg, and for whatever reason a cop will harass me for an unknown reason.  For some reason the police officer will feel threatened, perhaps because of the cut of my jeans, the hoodie that I will have on, etc.  I will be found dead on the streets of Leesburg...another black man dead on the street, shot dead by a person who is supposed to serve and protect me.  There may be some talk about the injustice that was brought upon me, and the proverbial lines will be drawn.  White America will look upon me as they do other African American men...a violent boogie-man, out to kill, steal and destroy the country.  I will be called a "thug", or a "hoodlum".  Rumors and conspiracy theories will be tossed around.  I will be accused of being a drug dealer.  Or perhaps I was out stealing a car, although I was walking across the street to Safeway getting my daughter some Capri Sun.  There will be some who ask, "Why was he out at 9 p.m. at night wearing those clothes?".  Although my biggest fear is what I have described above, the one thing that I can rest on is my life...my legacy.  The police, the investigators, the media, the white establishment, will be unable to assign any negative characterizations upon me.  What will the reaction be in the community when they find out that the police killed a 40 year old unarmed African American man, who has worked for a state senator, a governor, three Members of the United States House of Representatives, the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee?  What will be the reaction of the those who will find out that I am a 7th generation Loudoun County resident, who came from an upper-middle class background?  What will be the reaction in the community when they find out that I am a long-time member of a local church, who is a ministry leader, works for the church as the Church Administrator, and has assisted the church in varying capacities?  How will the community react when they find out that the black man wearing the hoodie, has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science, and will be receiving his Masters of Arts in Public Policy?  How will the community react when they find out that I have no history of violence, and that I don't have a criminal record?  How will the community react when they find out that I am active in raising awareness to people suffering from pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer's Disease?  How will the community react when they find out that I am a devoted and loving father, husband, son, brother, nephew, friend, colleague, etc.?  What will it take?  Will it take me, or an African American male like me, to die in order to wake people the hell up?  You surely won't be able to blame the victim, so what will be the excuse?  The sad thing is...I will be just another dead black man, and nobody will seem to care, and people will go on with their lives ordering coffee from Starbucks, or watching the latest reality television program, while my family and the African American community still wonders why these events occur, and asking the question...when is enough...enough.  Respect and prayers to Michael Brown's family, protection over the household of Officer Wilson, prayers for the community of Ferguson, and prayers for the families of those who have been victims of violence.  

In the words of Marvin Gaye..."makes me wanna holla, and throw up both my hands".  MEETING ADJOURNED...that's the Marc Up.

2014 Midterm Election Analysis

ELECTION ANALYSIS 2014

I know...I know...I'm late.  I posted on my Facebook page the day after the elections that I was going to write my analysis of the 2014 Election.  Life gets in the way sometimes.  My daughter wants to play with Daddy, and I'm writing papers on the views of old, dead political philosophers.  This is to say that writing my next blog entry was not on my radar.  Now that I have some time to write, I will now give my analysis of the 2014 Election. Being that every pundit or "know-it-all" (I probably fit into one of those categories) has given their thoughts on the election, this post will be short and sweet.

MESSAGE TO THE REPUBLICANS
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo famously said, "We campaign in poetry, but we govern in prose.".  Republicans...you were successful in winning more seats in the House, securing your control of the House, you all won gubernatorial elections in several states, and of course, you all won enough seats to take control of the United States Senate, thus having control of both houses of Congress.  CONGRATS!!!  Be careful what you ask for.  Their success is due to:  (1) Playing to the fears and prejudices of their core constituencies, (2) Turning President Obama into the "Boogie Man", (3) Linking Democratic candidates to President Obama and (4) Taking advantage of various events and somehow linking them to President Obama.  However, what is often a person's or group's strength is often their weakness.  Although they were successful in maligning President Obama, they unfortunately didn't inform the American People about THEIR plans for the country.  The GOP's strategy has been simple, yet effective...oppose any and all things President Obama supports, create a false narrative, and don't put forth any substantive proposals that the Democrats can address, oppose or come to some agreement on.  Instead we get:   "WE HATE OBAMACARE!!!  REPEAL IT!!!".  "Obama was responsible for the Ebola virus spreading!!!".  "He salutes while drinking coffee."  "Obama is acting like a KING because of his use of Executive Orders."  Superficial tactics are effective in winning elections, but are ineffective in governance.  The GOP, especially Congressional Republicans have to start acting like adults, and govern.  The "Kenyan Socialist" Narrative is tired, and despite President Obama's dismal approval ratings, his approval ratings are higher than Congress...the institution which will now be controlled by the GOP. Regardless of whether one is a Democrat or Republican, all Americans are cynical (to say the least) towards Congress specifically and politics (and politicians) in general.  If the American people feel that Congress is not doing an effective job, then I can almost guarantee that Democrats will again win the White House in 2016, in addition to winning back some House seats and retaining their Senate seats (I do believe Congress will stay in GOP control for several years).  I can't emphasize this enough...GOP, stand for something, instead of standing against someone.  Push forth your own detailed policy agenda.  Continue outreach to communities that historically not been linked to the Republican Party (I applaud what Senator Rand Paul is doing in his outreach to African American Community).  Honestly...I don't think the GOP will stray far from their current course, and that is being the "Anti-Obama" Party.  They simply can't help themselves.  Example...after the election, there were feelings of goodwill and GOP leaders expressing their intent to work with the Obama Administration on certain issues.  That feeling of goodwill did not last long.  There are Republicans talking about impeaching President Obama, holding more congressional hearings on issues that they have already held hearings on, again...repealing Obamacare, and shutting down the government over immigration reform.  They can't help themselves...it's in their nature.  They somehow feel that their ideological stuborness is cloaked in some false sense of Patrick Henry, "Don't Tread On Me"-patriotism, which will indeed cause gridlock, ill-will and further political cynicism among the public.  It will become clear that the GOP, unfortunately, would rather spend their time attacking President Obama than governing with him.  Congressional Republicans...be careful what you wish for.  To much is given, much is required.

MESSAGE TO DEMOCRATS

You got your asses whupped!!!  Despite raising more money than the GOP, the Democrats certainly weren't able to use those resources effectively.  The Democrats messaging sucked.  And the candidates they recruited to run in some of these races were suspect.  The Democratic incumbents came off looking incompetent (Birth Control...really?  That's so 2012).  But the one strategy that the Democrats employed that was the nail in the proverbial coffin was not aligning themselves with President Obama.  Did the Democrats think that the GOP Opposition Research Department could not search the roll call of Senators and House Members and how they voted on legislation that the White House supported?  They can disavow themselves from the President all they want, but your record is your record.  The Democrats were scared and spineless.  They were more concerned about winning/retaining their seats than standing up for their principles, positions and their President.  Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that the candidates who avoided the President lost.  Who wants a disloyal person, concerned more about their Senate/House seat, representing their interest?  I know I wouldn't. The Democrats ran away from a man who is the first African American President (A first among all major Western nations).  They ran from a man who since he has been in office, the economy has improved significantly.  Unemployment has decreased considerably.  They ran from a man who has done more for the LGBT than any President in the history of this country.  They ran from a man who gave the order to kill Osama Bin Laden.  They ran from the man who saved General Motors.  In addition to that, the Democrats could have ran on issues such as immigration, minimum wage, education, net neutrality, the environment, etc.  They forgot who they are, what their issues are, and threw the man who was responsible for getting many of them elected, under the proverbial bus.  Democrats...you deserve to lose.  President Obama...you need to stop acting passive aggressive and push forth your programs.  Channel your inner-Lyndon B. Johnson.  You're not back-bencher Congressman representing a district.  You're no longer the "Distinguished Gentleman from Illinois".  You represent the country.  You're the Chief of State.  You're the Commander of Chief of the largest military force in the World.  You're the Chief Executive Officer of the largest and most diverse government in the world.  ACT LIKE IT!!!  I see more people on Facebook share your accomplishments of your administration than the White House does.  DNC...fire your political and communications staff.  Your messaging was garbage, your recruitment of candidates was God awful (Alison Lundergran Grimes....really?), and the incumbents lacked organization and spines.  The "Stay Away From Obama" strategy was a failure.  Better to "go out" standing on your feet than on your knees.  If the GOP is calling a candidate out as a liberal...be damned for who you are.  

MESSAGE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
According to the New York Times, the 2014 Midterm Elections produced the lowest voter turnout in 72 years.  The articles mentioned that in"...43 states, less than half the eligible population bothered to vote, and no state broke 60 percent."  The national turnout was only 36%.  Young people didn't show up like they did in 2012.  African American and Latino turnout also dropped compared to 2012.  All of these groups are Democratic constituencies.  If you are a supporter of the Democratic Party, and didn't vote and/or encourage others to vote, well...you see the results.  SHAME ON YOURSELVES!!!  The same people who didn't vote, will be the ones who bitch and moan the most.  And for those who did vote...that's great, but voting is the easy part.  Are you now going to hold public officials accountable, or are you going to be the person who continues to bathe oneself in the glow of your television while watching the latest reality t.v. show.  As I have constantly stated, the problem with this country is the American Voter, not the politicians.  As Plato said, "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors".  You like mediocrity...well...YOU GOT IT!!!

Partisan and ideological loyalties aside, I do pray that Democrats and Republicans alike can be respectful of each other, despite having differences on how this country is ran and in what direction this country is to go.  Enough of the gridlock...get stuff done.  Unlike much of the public, I have a great respect for Congress as an institution, and in the hands of the right people, Congress can become a place where the national interest is more important than self-interest.

That's the Marc-Up.  MEETING ADJOURNED!!!

Selective Outrage

I told myself that I wasn't going to write about this.  I said to myself, "Hey...everybody is talking about this, what more could I possibly add?"  What am I talking about?  After arriving in New York City to address the United Nations, President Obama stepped off of Marine One, the presidential helicopter.  As President Obama stepped down, two Marines saluted the President.  President Obama responded by saluting the Marines, unfortunately while with a cup of coffee in the same hand by which he gave the salute.  Hold up....hold up...do you hear that?  You don't hear that?  It's the sound of the BOINGS from the boners of conservatives who literally stumbled over themselves to get in line and criticize President Obama, for what could be considered "bad optics", or perhaps even "bad judgement".  I'm surprised the servers at Twitter didn't go haywire, as people, who obviously don't like the idea of President Obama even existing, couldn't wait to get their snarky remarks plastered in the "Twitterverse".  "Just saw the #lattesalute.  Mr. President, put down the damn coffee cup." comes from one Twitter user.  Another Twitter user tweeted, "When trying to lead a coalition, show the world you respect the military...".  Congressional Republicans are using this gaffe to raise money.  And of course, you know Fox News has spent a significant amount of time, resources and precious oxygen on this issue.  Frequent Fox News contributor, former Florida Congressman Allen West tweeted, "If there was any doubt as 2 the level of regard Obama has for the military, this latte salute seals to deal."  The main argument(s) from conservatives or conservative-leaning people is that President Obama's lazily-nicknamed "Latte Salute" shows a level of contempt towards the military, and exposes an almost inherent level of antipatriotism.  MY GOD...let's call our Congressmen and Senators, and demand hearings on this issue.  In fact, lets go further...lets bring Congress back in session and call for the impeachment of the President on charges of treason.  People...come on...CALM THE HELL DOWN!!!  

Let's face it, people hate politicians and politics.  We are at a point in our nation's history where political cynicism is at an all-time high.  President Obama's approval rating, according to Gallup is at 43%, the lowest approval rating in his presidency.  As for Congress, a July 15, 2014 Gallup poll has their approval rating at 15%.  We can have a discussion another time about the level of contempt people have for politicians.  It's open season on politicians, and any action that a politician does that can be perceived as negative, only serves to fuel the already high levels of contempt that people have for their elected officials.  The problem that I have with this particular case is the over the top, hyperbolic, and more so...selective outrage when it comes to this incident.  Are we that cynical about politicians, in general?  And specifically, are we that cynical about President Obama?  Let's delve into this further.

I have been studying presidential politics for a long time.  In fact, it was one of my specialty areas while studying political science at Virginia Commonwealth University (Go Rams).  In all of my studies, readings, reports, analysis, research, etc., I have never seen a president so scrutinized, criticized, and disrespected as President Barack Obama.  Before I continue further...go ahead, get it out.  "Marc...you're a liberal!!!"  "Marc...you're a Democrat!!!"  "Marc...you're a lemming!!!"  "Marc...you're an apologist!!!  "The only reason why you like Obama is because he is black. (Yeah, I put it out there)."  "Marc...you think that all white people who criticize Obama are  racist!!!"  Now...have you gotten that out of your system?  You feel good about yourself?  Good...let's continue.  The narrative that has been put forth is the disrespect President Obama allegedly has towards the military, which then puts his patriotism in question.  The problem that I have with that narrative is that it is purely emotional, and can't be substantiated.  Also, the same people who are charging the President with disrespect and antipatriotism, I will argue, haven't shown the same level of respect towards him.  Here is an example.  Since President Obama has been in office, people in general, the media, and especially the conservative media, continue to refer to the President as "Obama", which smacks of disrespect.  You don't have to like the man, or share his views.  But if you claim to be patriotic, at least show some respect to the office, and refer to him as "President Obama".  When people call him "Obama", they are attempting to delegitimize his presidency.  They don't like him being the president, so they have chosen not to acknowledge that he is the president.  The presidency is bigger than one man or woman, but while this one man is the president, refer to him as such.  I have criticized former President Bush many times.  I have attacked Speaker John Boehner before.  But when I did/do, I always used/use their titles, because I have respect for the responsibilities of their positions and the office as a whole, regardless of how I feel about their views.

Let's continue to talk about disrespect.  Before he was president, and since he was elected, those on the self-righteous political right, have questioned this president's religious affiliation, and questioned whether this man was born in America.  When first running for president, then-Senator Obama was "accused" of being a Muslim, as if being a Muslim is a crime.  When did practicing Islam become a prerequisite to run for the Presidency?  At last check, Article II of the United States Constitution said that a President needed to be at least 35 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and have lived at least 14 years in the United States.  Also the First Amendment states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."  And as former Secretary of State Colin Powell so eloquently stated on "Meet The Press" in 2008, "...it is permitted to be said such things as, 'Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim.'  Well the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian.  He's always been a Christian.  But the really right answer is, what if he is?  Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?  The answer's no, that's not America.  Is there something wrong with a some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?  Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, 'He's a Muslim and he might be associated with terrorists.'  This is not the way we should be doing it in America."  Secretary Powell is right...it is not how we should be doing it in America.  Unfortunately the ignorance and Islamaphobia concerning President Obama's faith continues.  As reported in the Washington Post in July, 2012, a survey conducted by the Pew Forum for Religion and Public Life, stated that "Only 49 percent of voters know that Obama is a Christian, and 17 percent continue to say that he’s a Muslim. Among conservatives, 30 say that he is a Muslim; among the most conservative voters that jumps to 34 percent. When Pew first surveyed this question, in 2008, only 16 percent of conservatives believed that Obama was a Muslim. Put another way, as conservatives grew more familiar with Obama, their view of his religious beliefs moved deeper into fantasy."  Does this train of thought show respect towards the President of the United States?  The same people who claim disrespect because of the salute gaffe...where was your indignation and outrage then?  People questioned whether he was born here, and despite investigations and overwhelming proof to say otherwise, we still have people who question whether President Obama was born in the United States?  WHERE ARE THE CHARGES OF DISREPCT and displays of outrage towards those who make baseless charges against our Commander In Chief? 

Attacks and outright lies have been thrown towards President Obama in a way that borders on compulsive lying.  Fact checking websites have gone bonkers in disproving the lies and litany of attacks made against President Obama.  My personal favorite is the lie of President Obama's 2010 10-day mission to India, which was reported to cost $200 Million...A DAY!!!  Conservative bloggers, pundits and news organizations, couldn't beat off fast enough, as they ran with this story that was first reported by a news website in India from "unnamed sources".  The costs being reported, would have been more than what was spent, per day, during the war in Afghanistan.  I ask again, WHERE WAS THE OUTRAGE?  WHERE WERE THE CHANTS OF DISRESPECT AGAINST THOSE WHO MADE BASELESS CHARGES AGAINST OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF? 

Let us not forget one of the more disappointing moments in our country's history...a clear example of disrespect shown towards President Obama, and that is the 2009 State of the Union address.  During the address, South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson, interrupted the speech and yelled "YOU LIE" at President Obama.  President Obama didn't respond, and continued with his speech, while Vice President Biden looked down in shame, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi looked shocked and appalled.  WHERE WAS THE OUTRAGE?  WHERE WERE THE CHARGES OF DISRESPECT REGARDING CONGRESSMAN WILSON'S ACTIONS?  Fox News and other conservative media types spoke with pride about Congressman Wilson's actions, and a once unknown back-bencher congressman from South Carolina raised over $1 Million in campaign contributions due to his disrespectful actions.

It's one thing to smear President Obama, but to go after his family, is a clear example of disrespect.  Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner attacked First Lady Obama, because of her campaign against obesity, saying that she was not in position to talk about health and obesity, because she has a "big butt".  A sitting Member of Congress says the First Lady has a "big butt", and that doesn't qualify as disrespectful?  Where were the shouts of disrespect?  Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Ann Coulter have attacked President Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, in the media.  Again, where was the outrage?  

Just admit it...you don't like the man.  I get it.  You never liked him, and you will seek out any opportunity to attack the man.  If people have legitimate POLICY beefs with President Obama and the Obama Administration, that's fine.  I have policy differences with the Obama Administration.  As a citizen, it is your duty to question the actions of your elected officials.  Whether he correctly or incorrectly salutes Marines, which by the way, he is not required to do, the level of disrespect shown towards him is incomparable and unparalled.  President Grant was a drunk.  President Harding had arguably the most scandal-ridden presidency in history.  President Nixon...well...we know what he did.  The conservative deity that is President Reagan, had the Iran-Contra affair, and President Clinton (who I am a fan of), was getting orally gratified in the Oval Office.  You're getting pissed off at President Obama because of a salute gaffe?  You say that he has no respect for the military.  President Bush knowingly authorized military action based on false intelligence, and as a result, thousands of soldiers are dead, with even more casualties.  Nobody ever questioned President Bush's patriotism or respect towards the military.  President Obama however, brought back troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, and is now developing a coalition of nations in the fight against the terrorist group ISIS.  President Obama has been praised (and criticized) for being careful and deliberate in going to war.  Putting soldiers in harm's way, is one of the toughest decisions that any president has to make, and being cautious shows restraint, and a tremendous amount of respect towards those that may be sent overseas to fight.  Back to Congressman West, a 21-year veteran of the United States Army (Thank you for your service), questions President Obama's commitment and respect towards the military.  Is this the same Congressman Allen West who was forced to retire from the Army because of charges of torture?  He discharged his weapon near the head of a suspected terrorist he was questioning based on faulty intelligence that his battalion was going to be ambushed.  The information that then-Lt. Colonel West forced from the suspect was "meaningless", and it was found later that no plans for attack or weapons were found to substantiate Lt. Colonel West's claims of imminent attack.  He was fined $5000, and was able to retire with full benefits.  Does he get criticized?  NOPE!!!  The military, which I respect, is the one institution of government that doesn't get criticized, despite having their own history of corruption, waste, and excess.  They risk their lives for their country, and for that alone, people love them and will excuse most errors or mistakes they may make.  The President of the United States, who also puts his or her's life on the line, works 24 hours a day/7 days a week, makes a salute gaffe, and the public decides to shit a brick.

Regardless of the evidence that I have provided, people will still concentrate on "Latte-Gate".  They will still stimulate themselves by crying out that President Obama is disrespectful.  They will "lie in wait", hoping for President Obama to mess up, providing them a reason to attack.  People criticize him for wearing a tan suit.  People questioned his patriotism as far back as 2007, because he didn't wear an American flag lapel pin.  Really?  So instead of listening to his views on foreign policy, the economy, etc., the public decides to focus on his fashion choices.  Is this the direction our country is heading in?  A public that is so cynical of politics, that we will find the most insignificant things to use as ammo against our elected officials.  This speaks to a larger issue that I have been preaching about for years.  A Democratic Republic like the United States, starts with the people.  Let me repeat that...A DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC LIKE THE UNITED STATES, STARTS WITH THE PEOPLE.  The public hates politics and politicians.  Who elects them to office?  We do.  Do you know who your representative is?  Have you ever written your representative a letter?  Have you called him/her?  Have you visited their office or attended a town hall meeting?  More than likely, you haven't, but the public then wonders why the political atmosphere is where it is.  The answer...  LOOK IN THE MIRROR.  The apathy people have towards politicians, is symptomatic of slothful civic participation.  As a result, people lash out like petulant children, who if they only cleaned their rooms, wouldn't be on restriction.  Do your job as citizens.  Engage in civic activities that those same soldiers you show so much respect for, are willing to die for.  Learn how to drive the car that is politics, and keep your hands on the wheel.  Stop looking to blame everything on the President, and on Congress.  From time to time, measure your patriotism and respect towards government institutions.  Just because you have a "Don't Tread On Me" license plate does not make you a patriot.  Wearing a flag pin on your lapel does not make you a patriot.  President Obama, at the end of the day, is a human being...he is prone to mistakes, just like you.  Instead of attacking him, let's forgive him, move on to more substantive issues that face the nation, pray for our soldiers, and why you're at it...GO GET A LATTE.

That's the MARC UP!!!  Meeting adjourned.  

Cantor campaign manager blames Dems | TheHill

Cantor campaign manager blames Dems | TheHill

Excuses...Excuses...Excuses!!!

ELECTION ANALYSIS-DOWN GOES CANTOR

The political landscape was rocked yesterday as Virginia Congressman and House GOP Majority Leader lost in the Virginia Republican Primary in the 7th Congressional District to political novice and economic professor, David Brat.  Eric Cantor is the first House Majority Leader to lose in a primary since the Majority Leader was created in 1899.  Eric Cantor was the darling of the GOP  and the Conservative Movement since first elected to Congress in 2000, assuming office in January of 2001.  He moved up steadily through the House Leadership ranks, first becoming Chief Deputy Republican Whip in 2002, then being elected House Minority Whip in 2008.  In the GOP takeover of the House in the 2010 elections, Cantor became the House Majority Leader, becoming the 2nd Highest Ranking House Member behind the Speaker of the House (John Boehner), and was considered the leader of the House GOP.  He has the distinction of being the highest ranking Jewish Member of Congress in history, and is currently the only Jewish Republican in Congress.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA-7th)-Picture Courtesy of the New York Times

As stated above, Leader Cantor, in his capacity as a representative, represents the 7th Congressional District of Virginia.  His district consists of the whole of Culpeper, Goochland, Hanover, Louisa, Madison, Orange, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, with parts of Caroline, Chesterfield, Henrico and Spotsylvania Counties also being represented.  The 7th District is an oddly shaped district, with most of the area being rural, sub-rural, with a few suburban areas.  This district has historically been a Republican/Conservative district, voting for GOP candidates on the state and federal levels, and is heavily favored to stay in Republican hands in the general election in November.  Leader Cantor scored an "80% or Higher" rating from the American Conservative Union, right along far-right Conservatives such as Congressman Louis Goehmert of Texas and Congressman Steven King of Iowa.  He gets a "100%" rating from the National Right to Life.  In 2012, the National Rifle Association said in their endorsement of Leader Cantor, that his “...steadfast leadership and support of the Second Amendment has been instrumental in passing numerous pro-gun and pro-hunting bills in Congress,” and “...as a result, he has earned our support...".  And despite joining the Tea Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, Leader Cantor has supported the attitudes behind the Tea Party, stating in 2010, that the "...Tea Party is born out of this deep-rooted frustration of lack of leadership in Washington and a real anger at the fiscal mismanagement here."  He is the epitome of what a small government/social conservative is supposed to be.  So how did the "Darling of the Republican Party" lose in the GOP primary to an economics professor who never held any political office, and raised only $200,000 to Eric Cantor's $5 Million dollars?  SHORT ANSWER:  He wasn't conservative enough.

As stated before, Leader Cantor comes from a Republican/Conservative District.  It's overwhelmingly white, it's rural in many areas, and the levels of education in the district are less than those of the congressional districts in Northern Virginia (8th, 9th and 10th).  There are also pockets of his district that live well below the poverty line.  In Page County, for example, 15% of the people live under the poverty line, well above the average in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  In Rappahannock County, 11% of the people live under the poverty line, 13% in Madison County, 10% in Louisa County, 11% in Orange County.  These are the people who have a sense of entitlement and believe their country is being taken from them.  That despite the Conservative Movement's mantra of "Personal Responsibility", they often blame government, minorities, gays, liberals, environmentalists for every problem on Earth.  They believe their guns are going to be taken away from the Muslim-Socialist President.  These views and attitudes reflect and embrace an anti-government sentiment that speaks to Culpeper County's motto, "Liberty or Death-Don't Tread On Me".  With all being said, and considering Leader Cantor's stellar conservative record, one question comes up...HOW CONSERVATIVE DO YOU HAVE TO BE?  Conservative "Street Cred" is becoming a litmus test within the GOP, that is causing a significant amount of infighting in the last few years. As a result, establishment Republicans feel the need to identify with the Tea Party, or move further to the political right in order to win re-election.  Moderate Republicans are all but extinct in the Republican Party, and as we see with this election, Establishment Republicans are now being beat by candidates who represent more "intense" views.

In a recent interview with Fox News, David Brat, the Republican nominee and odds-on favorite to win the general election, said that "Our founding was built by people who were political philosophers, and we need to get back to that, away from this kind of cheap political rhetoric of right and left".  (1) The reason why Plato, Aristotle, John Locke, Karl Marx, Edmund Burke, Adam Smith or any other political philosopher ever served in government, is because it is easier to criticize, make grandiose statements and write esoteric treatises about government, than it is to serve.  They lack the set of complex skills that it takes to be an effective politician.  What this country DOESN'T need is philosophers or ideologues.  We need public servants, who will serve their country first and get the job done.  The Tea Party is not about the people they serve, they are about their "cause".  Check the record of any Tea Party Caucus member, and see how many bills they sponsored, how many co-sponsors signed on to the bill, and how many of those bills got to the President's desk for signature.  Not many.  And (2) Mr. Brat speaks to "...cheap political rhetoric of right and left".  Cheap political rhetoric, unfortunately, is what the Tea Party specializes in. They are a party that thrives on divisiveness, not just amongst Democrats, but among members of their own party.  They are political agitators who set a foundation and push forth an agenda that more radical groups have identified with and latched onto.  Look up quotes by Congressman Louis Gohmert, Steven King, Michelle Bachmann, Ted Cruz, etc.  You may agree with some of their views, but do you feel that there views are practical for passing legislation that will benefit this country?  The simple answer is...NO!!!  This is why Congress can't get anything done.  Because you have "amateurs", who are not qualified to be the County Dog Catcher, much less a Member of Congress.  Anybody can be an "ideologue", pontificating about this and that view of government, but only the committed should be public servants?  Anybody can be a "philosopher", but can you be a patriotic pragmatist?  It is analogous to being a professor of military tactics and history at a service academy, and a soldier in the field.  Just because you are a professor of military tactics, does not mean you will be an effective soldier 

This election speaks to a bloc of people who are so fed up, so angry, so desperate, that they will elect any person to represent their interests, even though they already had someone who represented (effectively, I may add) their interests.  But the people of the 7th Congressional District will soon learn that the "grass is not always greener on the other side".

And that's the Marc-Up...MEETING ADJOURNED!!!

THE 25 BEST BURGERS IN WASHINGTON

The 25 Best Burgers in the DC Met- Picture Courtesy of Washingtonian Magazine

People often ask me, "Where do you find these places?", with regards to restaurants.  I use many sources.  Word of Mouth, foodie sites such as Eater (DC).Com or A Hamburger Today, restaurant critics such as Tom Sietsema (Food Critic for the Washington Post), consumer referral site Yelp, television shows on the Cooking Channel, Food Network, and the Travel Channel.  I also get information from magazine publications such as Northern Virginia Magazine and the Washingtonian Magazine.  

Being the burger fanatic that I am, when I saw the Annual "Cheap Eats" issue of the Washingtonian Magazine, with the feature article being the "25 Best Burgers" in the DC Met Area, I was immediately interested.  I checked out the article, and I was happy to see some of the places I have been to, I found out some places that I want to go to, and I was disappointed at some of the restaurants they chose to be on the list and some that I felt they left off the list.  However, this is not so much an opinion post, as it is an informative post.  I am going to post the list here, you can go to some of these places, and argue amongst yourselves.  The ratings, I believe, are not in an order of importance or value.  Anyways, HAPPY EATING.  This is the Marc-Up...MEETING adjourned!!!

(*) Asterisk indicates restaurants that I have gone to (May have or may not have ordered the burgers listed).

(1) The Shackburger at Shake Shack (Location(s):  NW and SE Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://www.shakeshack.com 

(2) The Bacon Cheeseburger at the Green Pig Bistro (Location(s):  Arlington, Virginia)
Website:  http://greenpigbistro.com/

(3) The Mack at Ray's to The Third (Location(s):  Arlington, Virginia) *
Website:  http://www.raystothethird.com/

(4) Bison Burger with Pesto at Silver Diner (Location(s):  Numerous locations in the DC Met Area) *

Website:  http://www.silverdiner.com
(5) Mini Burgers at the Source (Location(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3941

(6) Prime Angus Truffle Burger at Food Wine and Company (Location(s):  Bethesda, Maryland)
Website:  http://foodwineandco.com/

Prime Angus Truffle Burger at Food and Wine Company-Picture Courtesy of Marvic "The General" L-Yelp

(7) Sacre' Bleu at Holy Cow (Location(s):  Alexandria, Virginia)
Website:  http://www.holycowdelray.com/
(8) Burger Americain at Le Diplomate (Location(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://lediplomatedc.com/
(9) Bacon Cheeseburger at Mintwood Place (Locations(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://www.mintwoodplace.com/

(10) Cheeseburger at Five Guys (Locations(s): Numerous locations in the DC Met Area) *
Website:  http://www.fiveguys.com/
(11) Baja Turkey Burger at The Counter (Location(s):  Reston, Virginia) *
Website:  http://www.thecounterburger.com/
(12) Lamb Burger at Bourbon Steak (Location(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://www.bourbonsteakdc.com/
(13) Prez Obama Burger at Good Stuff Eatery (Locations(s):  NW and SE Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia) *
Website:  http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/

(14) Onion-Soup Burger at Poste (Location(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://www.postebrasserie.com/

(15) Fish Burger at Westend Bistro (Location(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://westendbistrodc.com/
(16) Lobster Burger at Central (Locations(s):  NW Washington, D.C.) *
Website:  http://www.centralmichelrichard.com/

The Lobster Burger at Central-Picture Courtesy of Kimberly K-Yelp

(17) Patty Melt at Bidwell (Location(s):  NE Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://bidwelldc.com/
(18) Veggie Burger at Woodmont Grill (Location(s):  Bethesda, Maryland)
Website:  http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/woodmontGrill/
(19) The Original at Red Apron Butcher (Location(s):  NW and NE Washington, D.C. and Fairfax, Virginia)
Website:  http://www.redapronbutchery.com/

"The Original" at Red Apron Burger-Picture Courtesy of Marc Johnson

(20) The Daffy at 2491 (Location(s):  Falls Church, Virginia)
Website:  http://www.2941.com/
(21) Proper Burger at Duke's Grocery (Location(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://dukesgrocery.com/
(22) Mini-Hamburguesas at Jaleo (Locations(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://www.jaleo.com/dc
(23) Shrimp Burger at Proof (Locations(s):  NW Washington, D.C.)
Website:  http://proofdc.com/
(24) Wellington at BGR The Burger Joint (Location(s):  Numerous locations in the DC Met Area) *
Website:  http://www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com/
(25) New Mexico Burger at Bobby's Burger Palace (Location(s):  NW Washington, D.C., College Park, Maryland, Bethesda, Maryland, and Woodbridge, Virginia)
Website:  http://www.bobbysburgerpalace.com/

We Have A Long Way To Go....

  

Just as the Donald Sterling fiasco has simmered down, a new racial incident has come to light.  Popular singer and resident jackass, Justin Bieber, who is not a stranger to trouble and/or controversy, is back in the news.  This time for making ugly racial comments several years ago.  TMZ.Com was able to obtain a video, of a then 14 year old Bieber repeatedly saying the word "nigger".  Apparently, he was doing a "bit", singing his hit song, "One Less Lonely Girl".  In the video clip he sings, "There'll be one less lonely nigger...", and to add the proverbial "cherry on top", he adds, "If I kill you, I'll be part of the KKK."  To see the entire video clip, click on this link:  CLICK HERE.

I know that I am going to hear the familiar arguments and/or excuses regarding this incident.  Such as:  (1) This was six years ago...why are we bringing this up now?  (2) Again...why is it OK for African Americans to say "nigger" and white people cannot?  Or (3) Privacy Issues/Freedom of Speech...BLAH-BLAH-BLAH.  To answer Questions #2 and #3, I would have to write an entire new blog post addressing those questions, which I won't do.  To answer Question #1, I believe that people are bringing it up again, because this was not to be the last incident of him using the word "nigger".  According to CNN.Com, a year later, he was caught on tape asking "Why are black people afraid of chain saws?", for which he answered, "Run Nigger, Nigger, Nigger, Nigger...", which is supposed to simulate the sound of a chain saw.

I could go off on some militant rant, where I rail against Justin Bieber, but that is low hanging fruit.  This blog post is to address the institutional racism that is still ever present in American Society.  Despite progress insofar as the advancement of African Americans in American Society, and the cultivation of positive relationships among different races and ethnic groups, statements made by Donald Sterling, and Justin Bieber, or incidents such as the Trayvon Martin murder (Yes...I said "murder") illustrate one thing....WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO!!!

African Americans, after almost 400 years in this country, are mainstreaming more into the whole of American Society more than ever before.  Oprah Winfrey is revered among people of all races.  There are African American CEO's of Fortune 500 Companies.  The most famous athletes in the world, arguably, are African Americans.  An African American was elected to the Office of President of the United States.  With all of these accomplishments, many feel that racism is over, or that we live in a "Post-Racial Society".  Nothing can be farther from the truth.  In 2013, Oprah Winfrey was attacked by Conservative Nut Job/Circus Ring Leader, Rush Limbaugh, in response to Oprah making honest, yet non-threatening comments about racism in America (CLICK HERE to read the article).  Regarding African American CEO's of Fortune 500 companies, currently there are only six African American CEO's of Fortune 500 (1.2%) Companies (CLICK HERE to read the article).  It is great that many of the most famous athletes in the world are African Americans, but African American ownership is a rare breed.  In the National Basketball Association (NBA), out of 30 teams, there is only one majority African American owner, in a league in which 77-78% of the players are African American.  In the National Football League (NFL), 66% of the players are African American, yet there are NO African American majority owners.  And yes...we have an African American President, although it only took 219 years and 42 Presidents for that to occur, but whose counting.  Further, while Candidate Barack Obama was running for the presidency, he was placed under Secret Service protection earlier than any other presidential candidate in history, due to violent threats, because of his race (Jesse Jackson, while running for the presidency, also received early Secret Service protection, for the same reason).  The historic election of President Barack Obama, which provided the United States an opportunity to show the best of what this country could offer, brought out the ugliness that was bubbling under the surface.  According to the Southern Poverty Legal Center, a renowned organization which tracks hate groups across the United States, reported that the "...number of 'Patriot' groups, including armed militias, skyrocketed following the election of President in 2008-rising 813%, from 149 groups in 2008 to an all-time high of 1,360 in 2012.  The number fell to 1,096 in 2013."

I know for those who disagree with my assessment of race relations in America, they will think or I will hear the familiar, yet sad counterpoints.  Counterpoints such as:  (1) "Can THEY get over this?"  (2) "He only supports President Obama because he is African American?"  And my personal favorite, (3) "He is playing the race card?"  Let me address the last point.  The "Race Card"-CARD, is the counterpoint that always makes me laugh.  It is a clear example of "White Conservative Guilt", a level of guilt which presents itself by anger, excuses, and hyper-defense.  I will acknowledge that there are some within the African American community who use racism as a way to advance their agenda(s).  It is something that I despise, because it trivializes the  legitimate struggle for racial equality.  But the majority of African Americans are not interested in playing cards, certainly the so-called "race card".  Let's just say that this "race card" does exist, and that African Americans are willing to throw it anytime we feel that racism is the issue. African Americans can throw all of the so-called cards we want, but it doesn't matter, because the institutional deck has been set, and the house always wins.  This so-called "card" is meaningless in a society where the socio-political and economic landscape is controlled by White Americans (LET'S BE CLEAR!!!)  African Americans did not fight and die for equality, simply to play a card.  We fought for equality.  We fought to be in the game.  We fought to make sure the deck was not set, to make sure that the "pit bosses" were not fixing the game. African Americans want the opportunity to own their own metaphoric asinos, right along with White Americans and other racial groups.  The "race card" defense mechanism is as damaging to White Americans as the improper charges of racism made by some Africans Americans.  For decades, and even centuries, African Americans were told to "stand down"...to "shut up".  What some may consider playing the race card, are African Americans simply saying, and will continue to say...NO MORE!!!

In fact, many in the African American Community want our White brothers and sisters to be as pissed off as we are about the racial climate that still exists in this country.  We would rather have White Americans with us, instead of making charges of racism against the White Community.  Unfortunately, some in the White Community do not have the courage to stand up to racism, because of fears of being thought of or labeled as a "traitor" (at worse) or a "liberal" (at best).  Some are fearful that relationships could be severed among friends and family members if they choose to stand up for an issue as polarizing as racism and for a righteous cause such as equality (Especially with regards to racism against African Americans).  We know that there were many White Americans during the Civil Rights Movement who had the courage to stand with us.  They took beatings, they faced isolation from their friends and family, and some even died for the movement.  We need that level of commitment today, although we don't necessarily ask our White brothers and sisters to die on our behalf, we simply ask them to truly make an attempt to understand.  To show some empathy, and to realize what Dr. King said, when he said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  Listening to rap music, liking soul food, or having some "black friends" is not sufficient.  There are people who love Mexican food, yet hate the "wetbacks" who cook the food, and feel that they are responsible for taking all of the food jobs in the country (That's another conversation for another day).  As Justin Bieber is realizing, singing his form of R&B music, having rappers collaborate on his songs, wearing "urban clothing", and coming under the mentorship of Usher, doesn't mean squat, if you embrace attitudes and use words that undermine the very people (and culture) who have helped you in your rise to fame.  America has to understand, that we still have a long way to go in addressing and coming to grips with racism.  How?  By talking to each other, instead of talking about each other.  To educate each other without being so offended, that we don't listen to each other.  We need to start developing a level of racial and cultural empathy that creates a level of racial integrity in all of us, where we can be friends in public, and not call each other "nigger" or "cracker" in private.

Again, progress has been made, but the Donald Sterlings, Justin Biebers, and George Zimmermans of the world serve as reminders that we have a long road ahead of us.  As Americans, we will have to decide whether that road will be a bumpy one, or a paved one.

And that's THE MARC-UP!!!  Meeting adjourned.