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.  

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.

Restaurant Review-THE WINGSTOP

RESTAURANT REVIEW-THE WINGSTOP

Wings, Wings and Wings...my favorite part of the chicken and turkey.  A once trash-part of the chicken, in recent decades, wings have become increasingly popular.  You can't go to a restaurant, bar, or pub without having wings as part of the menu.  At a family function, a super bowl party, or a church event, wings will be present.  They are small, which makes them great finger food.  Because they are small, you can make a bunch of them, and they are relatively cheap.  Although due to their popularity, the price of a pack of wings at the grocery store have gone up.  That hasn't stopped Americans from eating bucket loads of wings.  According to the National Chicken Council (I'm not making that up), during the most recent Super Bowl, Americans consumed over 1.25 BILLION chicken wings.  300 Million Americans...1.25 Billion Wings...YOU DO THE MATH!!!

In the last few years, wing-centric restaurants have started to pop up all over the country.  In the Loudoun County, the two most popular wing-centric restaurants are Buffalo Wing Factory, a local chain.  The other is Buffalo Wild Wings, which is a popular national chain.  Most wing restaurants (And restaurants that serve wings) have the same cliche' variety of wings.  They have Buffalo Wings, they have an Asian-inspired wing, flavored with a typically gloppy teriyaki sauce.  And they always have gimmicky spicy wings that are so incredibly hot, that you have to sign a waiver explaining that you may get stomach and intestinal cancer if you eat the "NUCLEAR", "ATOMIC", or whatever crazy name they decide to give them.  All served with your choice of blue cheese sauce, ranch sauce, and perhaps their own trademarked sauce. You go to one wing joint, you have gone to them all.

There is a new wing joint in town called the Wingstop.  They are a national chain, headquartered in Texas, and they have locations in 34 states and Mexico.  Being that it is a national chain, again, I am hesitant (I tend to stay away from most chain restaurants).  But after a friend of mine highly recommended the place, I told him that I would give it a try.  Checked out the menu online, and again...it had the typical cliche' wing-joint menu.  Although it may be cliche', perhaps this place may be better than the others.  I stopped into the Sterling (Virginia) location, which is tucked into a small strip mall, during the lunch hour.  I ordered the "6 Wing Combo".  You get six wings, fries and a coke for a little over $8.00.  I ordered three Garlic-Parmesan flavored wings, and three "Louisiana Rub"-spiced wings to go.  I went to a nearby parking lot to eat my lunch (I wanted to listen to sports radio speculate about why Jameis Winston stole crab legs.  Hilarious story, but I digress).  I started in on the fries, which were quite good.  The seasoning was good, although I detected sugar in their spice blend, which threw me off a bit.  I don't want a sugary-spiced fry, but they tasty enough.  Most of the fries were fried properly, while a few weren't, but for the most I give their fries a good grade.  As for the wings, the Louisiana Rub wings were excellent.  The spice blend was balanced, and provided a warm heat as you ate them.  As for the Garlic-Parm wings, they could have been seasoned a little more.  The garlic flavor was faint for my taste.  When you put something on the menu that says "garlic", I want to taste garlic.  I want to vampires to flea in agony because there is so much garlic in the wings.  The addition of the parmesan on the wing, gave the wing an "off-putting" smell, which would indicate they used a low quality parmesan cheese.  The addition of fresh herbs to the wing, could have made these wings even better.

I wish wing joints would become more creative.  That being said, the Louisina Rub wings and the fries were good.  I won't get the Garlic-Parm wings again.  I plan on visiting again, and trying more flavors.  Although I wouldn't walk over broken glass to stop at the Wingstop, if you are hungry, and want something relatively cheap and tasty, check this place out and see how you like it.  The Wingstop gets TWO WINGS OUT OF FOUR.

Click on this LINK for more information about the Wingstop.

Meeting Ajourned...and that's the MARC-UP

Marc's Favorite Food Things-Part One

I am sure you all remember the "Oprah's Favorite Things" episode of her popular TV talk show.  This is the episode where Oprah would share her favorite things, whether it be a sweater, a particular brand of cookies, or in one case, she gave everybody a car.  "Oprah's Favorite Things" reminds me of the people you see at Costco, who gather around the people who give out samples of half-cooked, processed chicken cordon bleu nuggets.  The masses descend upon the table, and clear out every nugget, and then the next group of vultures sit and wait as the poor lady bakes more  nuggets. 

The reactions of the studio audience would be hilarious, if it wasn't so oddly disturbing.  The expressions on their faces straddle between religious experience and orgasm, although some may say the two are not mutually exclusive.  Their reactions remind me of the climactic scene in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" when the the Ark is opened, and the faces of the Nazis melted as a result of looking into the Ark.

 

Although I think the carnival surrounding "Oprah's Favorite Things" is a bit bizarre, I do appreciate the fact that when you consume a product that you truly love,  you want to share it with as many people as you can.  In the case of myself, when I eat at a restaurant, there are certain items on the menu that I have partaken in that are awesome.  I post pics of the things that I have eaten on my Facebook page all the time, and people constantly ask me, "Where did you get that?"  Well, I am now going to tell you.  This is..."MARC'S FAVORITE FOOD THINGS" (Part One).  LET'S GO!!!

Italian Sausage Sandwich with fries at Haute Dogs and Fries in Purcellville, Virginia
http://www.hautedogsandfries.com

A family favorite, Haute Dogs and Fries serves a mix of locally-made hot dogs and sausages.  They also make excellent hand cut fries.  I always order the Italian Sausage Sandwich, topped with red and green bell peppers and onions, with a nice coating of provolone cheese.  The sausage is spicy, with a little bit of crisp from the peppers, and the creaminess of the cheese.  And the New England-style hot dog buns they use is a perfect foil for the sausage.  Their fries are some of the best around.  Crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, as a good fry is supposed to be done.  Get the fries with the chipotle mayo...it makes an excellent dipping sauce.  Haute Dogs and Fries holds a special place in my family.  It's one of the first places we took Alaiyah when she was baby.  It is also the last restaurant that my mother ate out at before passing away in April, 2012.  She ordered their "Three Piece Suit" hot dog and loved it.  If you don't want to drive all the way out to Purcellville, they recently opened up an Alexandria location.  When you go, give the owners, Lionel and Pam a shout out.  

Quarter-White of Pollo Ala Braza at El Pollo Rico in Arlington, Virginia
http://www.welovethischicken.com

Being the good ole' Southern boy that I am, I thought no other chicken  mattered except for fried chicken, bbq chicken, and my mother's roasted chicken.  Until I started to eat Peruvian chicken.  And the best Peruvian chicken around is at El Pollo Rico in Arlington, Virginia.  A family-owned joint, it is not the prettiest of places.  Parking is a pain in the ass, and they do not take credit cards (They do have an ATM there, in case you forget to get cash).  At lunchtime and on the weekends, this place is ridiculously packed, but the chicken is worth the wait (The line actually moves pretty quickly).  You get to the counter, and the person there asks what you want.  You may not be able to immediately answer them, because one may be distracted by the wonder that is the multiple rotisserie charcoal ovens cooking dozens of chickens at one time.  For me, I order a quarter white-meat chicken, steak fries, with some green sauce, and a ice cold can of Coca Cola.  For a quarter white-meat chicken, two sides, and two sauces, not including the drink, you will pay about $6.00.  A #1 at McDonalds costs as much, and doesn't taste anywhere as good as El Pollo Rico's Peruvian chicken.  They also have locations in Gaithersburg and Wheaton, Maryland, and Woodbridge, Virginia.  But it is something about the original Arlington location that makes this dining experience special.

Pizze Vongole with Pancetta at 2 Amys Pizzeria in Washington, D.C. (NW)
http://development.ginatolentino.com/2amys/

Most people are used to the thick-doughed, cloyingly-over sauced tomato sauce, wrongly and "overtoppinged" (Yes, I made that up), plastic cheesed pizza.  Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Papa Johns, Little Ceasars...these national chains make something that resembles pizza, but doesn't come close to what pizza really is.  The birthplace of pizza is the Naples region of Italy.  In Italy they take pizza so seriously, that the Italian Government actually has a designation of what pizza "is".  An association called the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association (VPN) "enforces" the rules of pizza making according to the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status set forth the Italian Government (There are approximately 90 VPN/DOC pizzerias in the United States).  To be considered D.O.C. certified, the Neopolitan pizza must fit four requirements:  (1) The dough must be made with "OO" Flour, which along with water, yeast and salt makes up the dough.  (2) The tomato sauce must be San Marzano tomatoes, which is a specially cultivated tomato from Italian, grown from soil that was made with the ashes from Mount Vesuvius (You know...the volcano that destroyed Pompeii), (3) The pizza has to cook in a wood fire oven, and (4) Mozzerella di Bufala can be used, in addition to a "few" other toppings.  What you get is an authentic slice of Italy.  A pizza that uses the best and freshest of ingredients, and the wood fire oven cooks the thin crust to perfection, with leopard-spotted char marks which gives the pizza an added flavor profile.  One of the best places to get D.O.C. certified pizza is 2 Amy's Pizza located in the Cleveland Park section of Northwest Washington, D.C (About a block away from the National Cathedral).  2 Amy's has a national reputation of being one of the best pizzerias in the country, and after going several times over the years, I see why.  I order the Pizza Vongole, which is a clam pizza (Something that would never been done in Italy, because seafood and cheese is frowned upon.).  Fresh clams, garlic, capers, red pepper flake, parsley, and I always add pancetta to it, in order to give a "clams casino"-kind of feel to it.  2 Amy's stays crowded, the parking is inadequate, and seating is limited.  However, if you go, it is worth the wait, worth the parking tickets you will receive for parking illegally, and worth eating while you're sitting against the wall.

Grilled Lemongrass Beef Banh Mi at Song Que in Falls Church, Virginia
http://www.songquedeli.com/

One of my favorite places in the DC Met Area to is the Eden Center , located in the Seven Corners area of Falls Church, Virginia.  The Eden Center is a Vietnamese-centric shopping center consisting of approximately 120 stores. It has been the cultural center for DC's growing Vietnamese population for three decades. Of the 120 stores, 37 of them are bakeries, delis and restaurants.  I started going to the Eden Center back in the early-2000's, when I went to a restaurant called Four Sisters, which for many years has been considered the premiere Vietnamese restaurant in the DC Metro Area.  A few years ago, Four Sisters moved to nearby Merrifield, Virginia, however the Lai Family who started Four Sisters, changed the space into the largest Vietnamese deli in the Eden Center, called Song Que.  When you go into Song Que, the first thing you see is a "hot box" full of Chinese-influenced pork buns, which always makes me drool.  In the middle of the store, there is an aisle full of fresh, pre-made Vietnamese classic dishes, and on the right, you see the hot items that you can order to eat in, or take out.  What Song Que is known for is there Banh Mi sandwiches.  Banh Mi actually speaks to the bread, specifically the baguette which was introduced to Vietnam by French colonialists.  What the Vietnamese did was take a crusty baguette and stuff it with different kinds of meat, condiments, pickled and fresh vegetables, and herbs.  Your meat choices include everything from pate', Vietnamese meatballs, ham, chicken, shredded pork, and grilled lemongrass beef.  My personal favorite is the "#8", which is grilled pork.  The pork marinates in fish sauce, lemongrass, palm sugar, and other Vietnamese spices, and then grilled, giving the meat a smoky flavor.  The generous amount of grilled pork is topped with pickled dikon and carrots, jalopeno, fresh cucumbers, onions, cilantro, fish sauce, and Asian Butter (Which is mayo).  You get an 8-inch pork/veggie filled bonanza for only $3.75.  Forget Subway, Mickey D's, or any other funky fast food.  Get yourself a piece of Vietnamese culture and one of the best sandwiches in the world.

Bone-In Cowboy Cut Ribeye Steak from Charlie Palmer Steak in Washington, D.C.
http://www.charliepalmer.com/charlie-palmer-steak-dc/

Washington, D.C. is a steakhouse town.  I've been to The Palm, Bobby Van's, Ruths Chris, the old Caucus Room, Morton's, Smith and Wollensky, Capital Grille and probably a few others that I can't remember.  There are so many steakhouses in DC they border on cliche'.  People conjure up images of wealthy businessmen, lobbyists and politicians corrupting each other over standard steakhouse fare, such as large hunks of aged beef, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms, scalloped potatoes, shrimp cocktails, all washed down with a bottle of red wine (You have to buy a nice cigar afterwards).  Most of these steakhouses are dimly lit restaurants, appointed with dark woods, generally marketed towards men.  In the last few years, however, there has been a paradigm shift in steakhouses across the country.  Some of America's top chef/restauranteurs are opening up "new school" steakhouses which elevates the standard steakhouse to something really unique.  In the DC Met Area, those new school steakhouses include Laurent Tourondel's formally owned BLT Steak, Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, and Jean-George Vongerichten's J&G Steakhouse.  Charlie Palmer, another one of America's great chefs/restauranteurs opened up Charlie Palmer Steak to wide acclaim in the late-2000's.  Although it is a steakhouse, the bright, sleek interior would suggest something other than the classic steakhouse.  The menu is also deviation from the standard steakhouse restaurant.  In addition to the great steaks, it is also heavy on seafood, and draws from Italian, French and Asian influences.  One of my favorite things at Charlie Palmer Steak is their bone-in cowboy cut ribeye steak.  Aged for three weeks or more, this medium rare 20-ounce piece of meaty wonderfulness is AWESOME.  Choose from one of their 10 different sides (I recommend the potato gnocchi) to accompany the steak, and you are off to their races.  If you have room for dessert, I would highly recommend the Trio of Creme Brulee, which I think is one of the area's best dessert options.

Burrata Platter from Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria in Arlington, Virginia
http://www.pupatella.com/home.html

Proscuitto Arugula Pizza

Pupatella, like 2 Amys, is another one of the nation's VPN/DOC-certified pizzerias, subscribing to the strict standards by which authentic pizza is made.  Unlike 2 Amy's, Pupatella is relatively new to the DC Met Area's culinary landscape.  Starting out as a food truck, Pupatella soon opened up a brick and mortar location in Arlington, Virginia between Ballston Common and Falls Church.  Although Pupatella is a newcomer, it has opened to wide acclaim locally and nationally, just recently being named to Eater.Com's "38 Essential Pizzerias Across America, 2014.  In my opinion, Pupatella is the best pizzeria in the DC Met Area.  2 Amy's has long held that honor, but Pupatella has pulled slightly ahead.  It's small, and even on an off day, it's packed, so I would suggest going early.  They make many of their products in house, including the breads and cheese.  All of the ingredients there are fresh, and they follow the mantra of having great ingredients, and not messing with them too much.  Two of my favorite things are at Pupatella, the first being their Burrata Platter and the second being the Proscuitto Arugula pizza.  The Burrata Platter is one of the best things I have eaten...PERIOD!!!  Burrata is an Italian cheese delicacy.  A solid mozzarella outer shell envelopes a mozzarella/cream middle.  It has a soft, creamy texture, and it tastes like solid milk.  At Pupatella, they make their own barrata, and the platter comes with house-made toasted bread, fresh tomatoes and arugula dressed in olive oil and lemon, and a generous amount of proscuitto.  It is an expensive small plate ($19.00), and they sell out quickly.  But when I tell you that this is good, this is run across the dessert over broken glass-good.  As for the proscuitto arugula pizza, I have seen this kind of pizza at other pizzerias.  I never really focused on it, because I wasn't sure about arugula.  However, I tried it at Pupatella, and it is now my "go to" pizza.  It is a combination of salty, bitter, milky and sweet.  One may think of it as salad on a pizza, but it is very filling and very gratifying.  I strongly recommend this pizza.  I cannot recommend Pupatella enough.  At least once a week, I joke with Alicia about going there to eat.  To be honest, it's not really a joke...I could eat there every week.  If you live within 50 miles of this place, travel there and eat some of the pizza in the country.

A plate of dumplings at China Bistro in Rockville, Maryland
No Website

 There is a story about how I discovered this place.  I am not sure if Alicia and I were on holiday break, or if we were playing hooky from work, but on a cloudy and rainy day in 2009, we were thinking about what to have for lunch.  My wife, who is a Chinese food junkie, said that she had a taste for Cantonese-style dumplings.  Most Chinese restaurants and several mainstream American restaurants sell dumplings, mainly as appetizer items.  They are usually pre-made and frozen, and lack a certain punch of flavor.  Alicia and I do not eat at most Chinese restaurants, because many of them are the same cliche', Americanized, unauthentic version of Cantonese cuisine that so many of us are familiar with.  The few that we do go to serve great, authentic regional Chinese cuisine, but we found that the dumplings were lacking.  So I had to do a quick search of restaurants in the area that serve good dumplings.  I did a Google search, and one restaurant kept showing up, and that restaurant was China Bistro.  China Bistro is located in Rockville, Maryland, specifically in Rockville's Chinatown section, where some of the area's best regional Chinese restaurants are located.  I showed Alicia the reviews, we hopped in our car, and took the 40 minute drive to Rockville.  The restaurant is located in a small strip mall off of Rockville Pike/Hungerford Drive.  The parking is horrible, and that day, it was difficult to find a parking space.  As we walk towards the restaurant, we see a line coming out of the door.  We then remembered it was lunchtime, but still, we were surprised at the length of the line.  The restaurant is small...REALLY small.  Prior to the renovations that they made last year, China Bistro sat about 15-20 people in the main dining room, and then they had a smaller room right behind the cash register.  Although clean, it was unattractive and nondescript.  If you decide to dine there, and you have to go to the restroom, you literally have to walk through the kitchen into the back of the restaurant in order to "handle" one's business.  Since the renovation, the restaurant has expanded considerably, and it is more decorative and inviting.  They also built a new restroom that one did not have to go through the kitchen to access.  The area near the door where the line started at was cramped, but Alicia and I settled in.  I would say about 90% of the people who were ordering, were ordering dumplings to go.  Some people were ordering bulk orders of dumplings in order to take home and freeze them.  Alicia and I looked at each other wondering "what the hell they are putting in these dumplings?".  We waited in the line for about 30 to 45 minutes.  During our wait, we had the opportunity look over the menu.  Despite the emphasis on dumplings, it is a full-service restaurant that serves other regional Chinese classics...some familiar, some that are not.  Although this place has attracted the attention of non-Chinese persons, the menu at China Bistro was designed primarily with the Chinese consumer in mind.  But of course, Alicia and I were there for the dumplings, and on their menu they had 12 different dumplings, the most expensive dumplings were $7.95 (The prices have moderately increased since then).  With an order, you get a dozen dumplings, ranging from pork and dill, vegetarian, chive and shrimp, and many more.  However, Alicia and I were interested in ordering "Mama's Special Dumplings" ("MSD"), which was mentioned a great deal in the reviews we read.  MSD consist of pork, shrimp, chive and napa cabbage.  I personally believe they have crack as a secret ingredient, but that is pure speculation at this point.  Alicia and I ordered two orders of MSD, paid, and had to wait for an additional 10-15 minutes.  Why so long?  Because they make each and every dumpling TO ORDER.  Nothing pre-made, nothing frozen.  Every order is made with care and attention to detail.  It's all about quality and culinary integrity.  When they did have the bathroom behind the kitchen, I actually saw how they made the dumplings, and it is an awesome process.  All of the ingredients are fresh, and their dumpling dough is made in-house.  We then received our order, headed to our car, drove to a nearby parking lot where we decided to eat.  We opened up our boxes, and steam immediately hit our faces.  The smell was intoxicating.  In the styrofoam containers, we see 12 really large dumplings.  Most places you go, you get five or six miniature dumplings or pot stickers.  Not these dumplings.  These were dumplings on steroids.  Alicia and I could not whip out our chopsticks out fast enough, as we proceeded to eat.  We took our first bites of the dumplings, and we were beyond happy.  Texture, flavor, aroma...these pillows of culinary wonderfulness were well worth the wait, and we understood why people gave such favorable reviews to China Bistro.  Alicia and I ate all of our dumplings, and almost went back to order some to take home (We didn't want to deal with that line again).  We did come back about a week or so later, enjoyed some more dumplings, scallion pancakes, and Mama's Special Soup, which was awesome.  We have been going to China Bistro since then, inviting friends to enjoy the experience with us, and it was probably the first restaurant we took Alaiyah to after she was born.  Since that time, she has also become a fan of the dumplings and soup.  These dumplings are so precious to Alicia, that the mere mention of the word "dumpling" will cause her to have a pavlovian-response, and she immediately wants to head to Rockville for dumplings.  Once you go to China Bistro, you will understand Alicia's reaction.  I would just say...call ahead and order.

Cumin Pulled Lamb Noodles at Xi'an Famous Foods in Flushing, Queens (NYC)
http://www.xianfoods.com

If you want to get this dish, you are going to have to travel 4 hours north to the Big Apple, and go to Chinatown.  Not the one in Manhattan that everybody knows about, but the larger Chinatown in the Flushing section of Queens, which is not far from where my wife grew up.  This is not the fake-ass, two or three block Chinatown that we have here in DC, this is a serious, real-deal Chinatown.  Nobody speaks English.  Most of the signs are in Cantonese or Mandarin, and all of the businesses cater to Chinese people.  In the middle of Main Street in Flushing, there is the Golden Shopping Mall, which is the epicenter of the Chinese community in Flushing (Pictured Below)

The Golden Shopping Mall in Flushing, Queens (NYC)

As you can see in the picture above, this certainly doesn't look like a mall.  In fact the entrance to the mall (In the center) looks like the entrance to a convenient store.  But when you walk in, it is something totally different.  You take a narrow stairway, almost like a stairway you have at your house.  You go down about four levels, and then BOOM...you're in an underground Chinese village.  You walk through a labyrinth of stores and restaurants, walking through narrow corridors going from one place to the next.  We were making our way through this maze of stores, and we asked a man how to get to Xi-an Famous Foods.  The man's English wasn't good, but he was able to point us in the right direction, and we ended up at Xi'an Famous Foods.  I first heard about Xi'an Famous Foods on Travel Channel's "No Reservations".  It has also been featured on "Bizarre Foods", as well as featured on several other food shows.  Although there are several locations within NYC, this is the original location, and considered the best.  The restaurant is about the size of an average American kitchen.  It seats about six to ten people, and the tables and chairs are wobbly.  On the wall, they have a pictoral menu of all the items they offer.  Alicia and I ordered two items that each show talked about, which was the Cumin Lamb Burger and the Cumin Lamb Pulled Noodles.  Ground lamb meat spiced with cumin, peppers, onions and other spices, stuffed inside a pita-like pastry.  It's yummy, spicy and unrealistically cheap...only $1.50.  As happy as we were with the Cumin Lamb Burger, we were anxious to try the Cumin Lamb Pulled Noodles.  As soon as you order the noodles, we saw one of the women in the kitchen pull out noodle dough, and literally make the noodles right before your eyes.  It involves pulling the dough and slamming the dough on the counter.  Pulling the dough and slamming the dough.  You wonder how this process is going to turn the dough into noodles, but the longer they do this, the noodles start to form.  They then put the noodles in water for a brief period of time, take the noodles out, toss the noodles in some kind of spiced oil mixed with spiced lamb, and then served.  Cost...about $5.00.  We begin to eat, and once again, we had the same kind of shared reaction with good food.  It was awesome.  The noodles were not firm, but not mushy.  The spicy oil and lamb was spicy, but it was so good you didn't give a damn about how much pain you were in.  You just wanted to eat more and more.  The ladies at the counter, in their broken English, asked if we liked it, and we gave them an enthusiastic thumbs up.  I think being the only black people in the restaurant, and perhaps the whole mall, she was concerned about whether we liked it.  It's all good though.  We left satisfied, and we didn't spend that much money for a great lunch.  For the cost of two-#1's at Mickey D's, you get some of the best, and most authentic Chinese food in the country.

Half Smoke with Everything at Ben's Chili Bowl in NW Washington, D.C.
http://www.benschilibowl.com

Some people think it is a culinary icon.  Others think it is overrated cliche'.  To me, it is both, but that doesn't take away from its greatness.  Some people say that you are not a true Washingtonian until you have a half smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl located in the U Street Corridor in NW DC.  Ben's has been a giant in DC's culinary landscape since 1958, founded by Ben Ali, a Trinidadian immigrant.  Ben's serves the common man, the celebrities, and even the President of the United States.  The celebrity mainly associated with Ben's Chili Bowl is Bill Cosby, who has been a lifelong customer.  It has been featured in movies and television shows.  My mother used to go to Ben's Chili Bowl when she lived on U Street back in the 1960's.  Now it has become a tourist trap, with lines snaking around the building.  Ben's sells burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc., etc.  Ben's is famous for their half-smokes, which is a spicy hot dog-sausage hybrid.  The classic Ben's dish is a "Half-Smoke with everything", everything meaning chili, mustard and onions.  You can get it with fries or potato chips.  It's messy, it's not organic, in fact the half smoke exemplifies culinary incorrectness.  And it is SOOOOOOO GOOD.  I turned my wife onto it, and being that she is from the hot dog capital of the country (NYC), I thought she would look unfavorably on the half smoke.  After trying one, she said it was the best hot dog she has ever had...HANDS DOWN.  I know a lot of my DC friends who don't like Ben's, which to me speaks to a certain level of contrianism born out of the fact that it is a tourist attraction.  Who cares?  If it is good, it's good.  When you come to DC, take the green-yellow line on the Metrorail, get off at the U Street/African American Civil War/Cardozo metro stop, walk across the street, walk into Ben's, see Big Mo (Big dude with dreadlocks), and ask him for a half smoke with everything.  After you enjoy your half smoke, walk down the block to the 7-11, and buy yourself some Tums.  You will need it.

And for now...that's the Marc-Up!!!  We'll reconvene soon for "Marc's Favorite Food Things-Part Two"

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME

"IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME..."

The last time I posted was in November of 2013.  It has been a long time.  Family and friends encouraged me to start blogging, and I was proud to announce on my Facebook page that I was starting a blog.  Unfortunately, I have not been a prolific blogger.  I became lazy.  Being the father of an active three-year old doesn't provide me the time that I should dedicate to blogging.  And earlier this year, I started graduate school.  I am taking an online graduate program with New England College, which is located in Henniker, New Hampshire.  In June, 2015, I will receive my Masters of Arts in Public Policy.  I have completed one class ("Environmental Policy and Politics"), and I am now taking a class entitled "Campaigns and Elections".  After writing reports on alternative renewable energy sources or having online discussions on the voting behavior of the electorate, posting wasn't really on my mind.

However, there are have been a number of topics that I have wanted to share.  Although I enjoy my graduate studies, I need to write about something that is fun...something that speaks to my personality.  I need to carve time out of my schedule to blog (Among other things).  I say all of this to say that.....

I'M BACK!!!

New blog posts are forthcoming on politics, food, culture, and whatever else I want to talk about.  Rakim, of Eric B. and Rakim fame, said it best in the hip-hop classic, "I Know You Got Soul", from their landmark album, "Paid In Full".  He said, "It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you...".  It indeed has been a long time, and I am committed to posting more frequently.  Again, more posts are forthcoming.  

AND THAT IS THE MARC-UP.

THE REAL AMERICA!!!

THE REAL AMERICA!!!

The one thing I cannot stand about politics are the euphemisms and cliches' politicians use to gain one's vote, or to inflame the passions of their supporters.  You all have heard them before.  Terms such as "bipartisan", "reach across the aisle", "Washington is bad", "liberal media", etc., etc.  But there is one term that ticks me off to no end, and that is the term, "Real American".  What distinguishes "Real Americans" from so-called "Fake Americans"?  Although both sides of the political ideological spectrum use the term, it is those on the ideological "right" that unfortunately use the term to awaken the passions of those who arrogantly feel like they are losing "their" country.  Let me clarify what the term "Real Americans" mean, from a conservative point of view.  It means:  (1) White, (2) Male, (3) Straight, (4) Christian, (5) Working Class or Middle Class, (6) Native Born and (7) Rural and Southern.  I know what I am going to hear next.  That I am some bleeding heart liberal, picking on conservatives, with no evidence to the contrary.  Well...if you don't believe me, just look at almost anything that Ann Coulter ever wrote or said, or read Patrick Buchanan's ridiculously-titled book, "Suicide of a Superpower:  Will America Survive to 2025", a book dedicated to WASP ideology and supremacy.  Hannity, O'Reilly, Santorum, Gingrich, Bachmann, so on and so forth, have all put forth views that border on racial/ethnic paranoia and xenophobia.  That somehow, diversity is a negative.  Social justice is something to be mocked.  Compassion and empathy is a sign of weakness, and that change is to be resisted at all costs.

The irony of those who believe that way, are the same people who romanticize the history of immigrants coming to the United States, and how it fits into the narrative of the "American Dream". They paint a Hollywood-scripted picture of wary immigrants, in search of a better life, and that life will be realized in America (Which is fine).  Immigrants from then-Palestine, Italy, France, all walking through the doors of Ellis Island, under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, the iconic symbol of the freedom.  It is a source of so-called pride, which is often used as a bumper sticker-like cliche', instead of something that is genuine.  The WASP Power Structure ("WPS") in this country never has fully embraced the idea of diversity that comes as a direct result of immigration.  The "WPS" in the mid-1840's looked upon the Irish who immigrated to this country, due to the potato famine, as the "White Trash of Europe".  The Jewish immigrants that came through Ellis Island, were ignored by the "WPS", due to their religious affiliation, culture and economic standing.  As a result, they were pushed into sections of New York City, called "ghettos".  The term "ghetto" originally was applied to Jews throughout the Jewish Diaspora, who were purposely segregated to certain parts of a city.  Italians were considered the "Niggers of Europe" due to their dark skin, and all were unfairly associated with La Cosa Nostra, commonly referred to as the Mafia.  100-plus years later, the same attitudes still exist.  When one talks about a "Real American", most are not thinking of a person named Jaime Gonzales, Tyrone Jackson, or James Wu.  It speaks to a country that is trying to hold on to some false notion of what this country is, and using political tools to preserve a culture of entitlement, instead of celebrating the idea of diversity and difference.  America is changing, whether people like it or not.  So we have two choices...either embrace the wonderful diversity that is the United States of America or align oneself with an faulty and archaic paradigm of what this country is supposed to be.

WHY AM I WRITING THIS BLOG ENTRY?  I'm glad you asked.  I was inspired to write this entry based on an event, that occurred on the 26th of October.  It showed me what America can be, if we embrace change, show Christian compassion, and think of people as just that...PEOPLE.  I was invited to a wedding.  My good friend, Velginy Hernandez ("Vel") was getting married to her now-husband, Thien.  Vel and I met back in 2009.  She was a fresh-faced, recent college grad who was interning for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.  I was working on the committee as staffer.  Vel worked hard, proved her worth to the committee, and was asked to stay on as a paid staffer in the Committee's Communications Department.  Over the next two years, Vel became close to myself and my wife, Alicia.  We went out to dinner with each other, and visited each other's homes.  Vel asked for my advice on "life matters", which I was happy to give.  And she has helped me in many ways.  She became a little sister to me.  A part of my family, and she embraced me in the same way.  I was more than honored that she invited Alicia and I to the wedding.  Her now-husband, Thien is a great guy, despite being a Dallas Cowboys fan.  What does this have to do with the "Real America"?

Vel and myself at Alaiyah's Baby Shower in December, 2010

What made this day unique was the collision of race, class, gender, religion and nationality, that spoke to what America should be.  Let me break it down:  (1) I attended a wedding in which Vel, who is half-Vietnamese, half-Salvadorian married her now-husband, Thien who is full-Vietnamese.  (2) The wedding ceremony was held at the Dahlgren Chapel on the campus of Georgetown University, a Jesuit university, which is one of the most prominent and costly universities in the world, and Vel's alma mater.  (3) Alicia and I enter the chapel, and soon noticed that we were the only African Americans there.  I'm a "good ole' boy" from Loudoun County, a descendent of slaves who toiled on the Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, Virginia, and my New York City-born and bred wife who is of Jamaican-descent.  We sat down, and was in awe of the stained glass, and the ornateness of the chapel.  Before the wedding started, my friend, James and his wonderful wife, Ruth sat next to Alicia and I.  James also worked with Vel and I on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and became a big brother-like figure to Vel.  (4) James is of Lebanese and Scott-Irish descent, and his wife, Ruth is half-Philipino and half-caucasian.

James and his lovely wife, Ruth, at the wedding reception

The wedding starts.  Thien's parents walk him down the aisle to the alter, so he can receive his bride. (5) Vel's father, Mr. Tran (A Vietnamese immigrant, who came to this country, worked hard, saved and invested his money, opened several businesses, and became wealthy as a result.  He now runs an organization which helps out those back in Vietnam.  He is a very nice, down to Earth man, who is an inspiration to me) walks Vel's stepmother down the aisle to their respective seats.  The groomsmen walk the bridesmaids down the aisle to their respective places around the alter.  Mr. Tran races back to the entrance of the church for the main event...the entrance of the bride.  Vel walks down the aisle in all her splendor.  I have to admit, I was close to tearing up.  (6) Mr. Tran rejoins his wife.  Two Buddhists, watch as their daughter/step-daughter and Thien have their Catholic wedding ceremony presided over by a priest.  The wedding was full of Catholic ritual, that I didn't necessarily understand, being a (7) Southern Baptist, but I happily embraced it.  (8) Vel's Salvadorian-born mother, Mrs. Hernandez-Colon, and Thien's Vietnamese mother light a unity candle at the alter, to celebrate the union of their families.  Vows and rings were exchanged, as was saliva when Thien was told that he could kiss his bride.  

 

You May Kiss The Bride

The two turned to the crowd, and then walked out of the chapel with their arms locked together.  The reception wasn't immediately after the wedding ceremony, so Alicia and I had some time to kill.  Later on that evening, (9) the reception was held at a Chinese restaurant located in Falls Church, Virginia, one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the Northern Virginia, if not the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.  (10) At the reception, a more diverse crowd of individuals were there...White, African American, Jewish, Indian, etc.  (11) They had a Vietnamese band playing and singing songs from African American R&B artists like Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson and Whitey Houston, and doing a good job at it.  Ruth and James sat next to Alicia and I, as was other people at the table.  The venue was really nice, and we had a lot of fun.  Then Alicia and I had to leave early to pick up Alaiyah from my father's house.  While on the road, I was telling Alicia how great of a day it was.  Not just because of Vel getting married, which would have been sufficient, but how blessed we were to be part of an event where there was such a happy collision of cultures, religions, races, etc.  Nobody looked at each other as black, white, rich, middle-class, Buddhist, Catholic, or Protestant...we were all equals.  The day truly exemplified the American Dream.  

A week later, Alicia, Alaiyah and I were invited over to Vel's parents' house for a BBQ.  This wasn't our first time over at Mr. and Mrs. Tran's house, but it was the first time for a BBQ.  Mrs. Tran made some great Vietnamese classic dishes, such as grilled-Lemongrass Chicken, marinated and grilled beef ribs, and rice noodles with spicy fish sauce.  Mrs. Tran also made a respectable potato salad.  All the while, Thien and some of Vel's relatives were watching the Redskins game, drinking beer, laughing and having a good time.  Alaiyah went downstairs to play with Vel's little cousins, and was having so much fun we didn't see her until we left.  Family member after family member came into the house.  More food...more beer...more football.  Crawfish, Shrimp, Pork Ribs...I nearly exploded.  As things died down, Thien and I talked about married life, and what he should expect.  At the same time, Alicia was talking to Vel about the same thing.  Alicia and I talked to Vel's family, who are all awesome people.  One family member was "geared up", wearing Washington Redskins swag, and wearing a Washington National's hat.  There was about 20-30 people there, and Alicia, Alaiyah and I were the ONLY people not of Vietnamese descent there.  But in no way, did we feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.  It was truly blessed evening.  If you want to know what America is about...I just told you.  If you missed it, it is because you wanted to miss it.  Embracing all that this country has to offer, is what America is supposed to be about.  It's not about how loud you can sing Lee Greenwood's song, "I'm Proud To Be An American", how much apple pie you eat, or if you know all of the words to the "Star Spangled Banner" (The latter, all citizens should know).  America is about people.  People from different walks of life, co-existing together peacefully and with understanding.  It is my hope that we can evolve into a society where we judge each other solely by the content of one's character, and that differences and diversity are words that will be celebrated, and not looked upon as a threat to so-called American Society.  Velginy Hernandez is a REAL AMERICAN...Anh Thien Nguyen is a REAL AMERICAN...James Latoff is a REAL AMERICAN...Ruth Back is a REAL AMERICAN...Mr. and Mrs. Tran are REAL AMERICANS...myself and my wife are REAL AMERICANS.  WE ARE ALL REAL AMERICANS!!!  This is dedicated to Vel and Thien.  Wishing you a happy and blessed marriage.

AND THAT IS THE MARC UP!!!