9) The desk clerk tells you, “In India, we learn to live with the roaches and rats. We are all one.”
8) It is 5 AM and the folks in the room next to you are making a porno movie.
7) At 3 AM, the four hundred pound guy staying in the room directly above you decides he needs to run in place.
6) The room is $40 a night. If you want protection, that is extra.
5) The desk clerk chuckles when you ask for daily, instead of hourly rates.
4) The desk clerk says, “Ignore those police lines and have a good rest.”
3) Maria is trained by her Pakistani employer to come clean your room at 7AM, no matter what.
2) You are warned against wearing certain colors to the free continental breakfast; else you might start a gang related incident.
1) The desk clerk tells you after your stay, “my man, the itch you have will go away in a week or two.”
Monday, November 09, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
We are all Army today
The United States of America is in shock and the prayers of America go to the families of the victims of the Fort Hood, Texas shootings. Twelve are dead and over thirty are wounded.
The news reports have been fluid about the incident, as they often are after such events. Various reports had multiple shooters. Then, just one shooter, who was dead. By publication of this post, the shooter was identified as Army psychiatrist Major Malik Nadal Hasan, who was wounded but alive.
The motivations for Major Hasan's horrific attack on innocent people is not officially known. Rumors and reports are rampant. Hasan's Islamic faith has rung alarm bells among the non-politically correct. There are reports that Hasan had problems with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and did not want to be deployed to that region. There are other reports about Hasan allegedly making comments sympathetic to Islamic terrorists. Hasan's cousin has made clear that Hasan's family are Americans and are in shock. He offered sympathy to the victims.
It will take a few days for the rumors to shake out. During that time, it is important that the focus of our prayers be for the families of those lost and for those injured.
Then, when the mourning is over and the recovery is starting, it will be time for truthful answers to tough questions. Forget the political and religious aspects for a moment, how did the Army create an environment in which one of its psychiatrists could be capable of such an act? Think on it. An Army psychiatrist is privy to the thoughts and emotions of American soldiers at their weakest. How did the Army allow someone who apparently had such hate (sane or insane) for American soldiers to be in such a position?
Of lesser importance, but important, who benefits from the act and how did Hassan's alleged views against the War on Terror factor into the Fort Hood incident?
The last question might open VUI to claims of being conspiracy nuts or bigoted. So be it. Someone has to ask, why was this done, and in asking why, who benefited from troops being attacked at an American Army fort that was about to deploy troops to the war.
The demand for the answers to the above questions will be strong and the answers will come in time. America needs to be calm, determined, and methodical in finding those answers. There should be no political correctness, no hot headed rushes to judgments, just open investigating and frankness. For now, though, pray for the folks at Fort Hood. May God comfort them. We are all Army today.
The news reports have been fluid about the incident, as they often are after such events. Various reports had multiple shooters. Then, just one shooter, who was dead. By publication of this post, the shooter was identified as Army psychiatrist Major Malik Nadal Hasan, who was wounded but alive.
The motivations for Major Hasan's horrific attack on innocent people is not officially known. Rumors and reports are rampant. Hasan's Islamic faith has rung alarm bells among the non-politically correct. There are reports that Hasan had problems with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and did not want to be deployed to that region. There are other reports about Hasan allegedly making comments sympathetic to Islamic terrorists. Hasan's cousin has made clear that Hasan's family are Americans and are in shock. He offered sympathy to the victims.
It will take a few days for the rumors to shake out. During that time, it is important that the focus of our prayers be for the families of those lost and for those injured.
Then, when the mourning is over and the recovery is starting, it will be time for truthful answers to tough questions. Forget the political and religious aspects for a moment, how did the Army create an environment in which one of its psychiatrists could be capable of such an act? Think on it. An Army psychiatrist is privy to the thoughts and emotions of American soldiers at their weakest. How did the Army allow someone who apparently had such hate (sane or insane) for American soldiers to be in such a position?
Of lesser importance, but important, who benefits from the act and how did Hassan's alleged views against the War on Terror factor into the Fort Hood incident?
The last question might open VUI to claims of being conspiracy nuts or bigoted. So be it. Someone has to ask, why was this done, and in asking why, who benefited from troops being attacked at an American Army fort that was about to deploy troops to the war.
The demand for the answers to the above questions will be strong and the answers will come in time. America needs to be calm, determined, and methodical in finding those answers. There should be no political correctness, no hot headed rushes to judgments, just open investigating and frankness. For now, though, pray for the folks at Fort Hood. May God comfort them. We are all Army today.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
"Yes we can" has turned into "why we can't."
A year ago, American voters made history, electing the first African American President. The charismatic campaign of President Obama had the majority of Americans in a frenzy. The Obama campaign's mantra of "yes we can" became a touchstone of high hopes for so many Americans, both right and left.
A year later, "yes we can" has turned into "why we can't." Historically it is normal for a man elected President of the United States to face the stark realities of the office and be more humble in his approach as President than as a candidate for President. But, perhaps no time in American history has a candidate stirred such hope and delivered so little in office.
The Obama Administration seems to have a laundry list of people to blame for "why they can't." On universal health care, they quietly blame Republicans and "blue dog" Democrats in Congress. On the economy, they trot out tired old arguments against former President Bush. On Afghanistan, they blame Bush and the Afghanistan government for why Obama can not decide on what to do next.
The stark truth is that the President seems to vacillate on the larger issues. The Obama Administration has wasted time in not realizing the campaign is over and the governing has begun. The President filled his administration with far left activists who would rather fight than work out a deal.
The press makes much ado about how people on the right are angry, with reporting about "tea parties" and such. But, there is an anger on the left in America that is perhaps stronger. People on the left voted for Obama believing the clouds would part, the sun would shine, and life would be utopia. It has not happened. Where is the Barack Obama who promised moderate and right leaning voters he would win the war in Afghanistan? Where is the Barack Obama who promised left leaning voters a public health care option that would let those who could not get insurance opt into Medicare? Remember how candidate Obama criticized Hillary Clinton in Orangeburg, SC for proposing to make people buy health insurance or be fined? Now President Obama seems okay with that.
Indeed, the Obama campaign consisted of a likable candidate with a great family who could give a good speech filled with rhetoric that really said nothing. Thus, people projected their own political views upon the guy they liked personally.
President Obama is so different than candidate Obama. When the lack of leadership, the continued political campaigning, and the downright issue flip flops are considered, there is little wonder at how the "why we can't" Presidency of Barack Obama is slipping so in the approval numbers.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Yet another pre-season gubernatorial debate
Tuesday night the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg was the site of yet another "pre-season" gubernatorial debate. Most of South Carolina is not paying attention to the Governor's race, and after watching Tuesday night's debate, who could blame folks for not paying attention?
The debate, which focused on environmental issues, was touted as historical because candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties participated. Such might make media types, some bloggers and academics feel all warm and fuzzy, but the truth is the debate just offered twice the canned answers, the bad makeup, and the egos.
That said, since we cover politics, VUI has to say something about the pre-season clash. (Now the staff of VUI knows how the sports writers feel covering high school football jamborees or NFL pre-season football.)
First, the lighting was bad and the makeup was bad. All the candidates were portrayed in poorer than they wanted physical like. As Editor of VUI, I found no winner or no clear loser. As I said, to me, it was like watching a glorified football scrimmage. The candidates were going through the motions and making sure they ended the night without being hurt. Further, like a scrimmage, things were just off. No one, the candidates, the panel, the folks filming the event, had their game faces on. (Side note, what was it with cutting to Gilda Cobb Hunter in the seats when Larry Grooms spoke?)
Other staff members of VUI saw it differently. One was clear about how she thought Lt. Governor Bauer had a good night. Another thought Jim Rex look liked the leader for the Democrats. Yet another had perhaps the most interesting insight. He found Robert Ford to be the winner because, "of all of them, Ford is the guy I would like to sit down and have some barbecue and beer with." There was also some debate among the staff on who was more colorful, Robert Ford with his broken English, or Henry McMaster with his exaggerated "Foghorn-Leghorn" accent. There was little debate on how the Hillary Clinton style pants suit does not work for Nikki Haley.
Here are some other quick thoughts stated by some of the staff throughout the debate. With canned answers from candidates from both parties, the staff went after more interesting stuff.
"Someone tell Dwight Drake to get a haircut, it is not 1975. Besides, he looks like a funeral home director. "
"Sheheen seems like a nice boy."
"Grooms reminds me of a guy who sold me a used car once."
"Gresham Barrett's smile reminds me of the joker from batman."
"Who the Hell is that guy," said in reference to both Robert Ford and Mullins McLeod.
"Henry McMaster can't be that dumb."
"Why is Jim Rex doing this?"
"Both Nikki and Andre need to eat more."
All that said, there were some people that worked hard to pull off the debate with all the the candidates at SCSU Tuesday night. The criticism of the second "pre-season" debate is meant in no way to criticize their hard work. Indeed, those who worked to pull off the event are probably the only winners of the night.
The debate, which focused on environmental issues, was touted as historical because candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties participated. Such might make media types, some bloggers and academics feel all warm and fuzzy, but the truth is the debate just offered twice the canned answers, the bad makeup, and the egos.
That said, since we cover politics, VUI has to say something about the pre-season clash. (Now the staff of VUI knows how the sports writers feel covering high school football jamborees or NFL pre-season football.)
First, the lighting was bad and the makeup was bad. All the candidates were portrayed in poorer than they wanted physical like. As Editor of VUI, I found no winner or no clear loser. As I said, to me, it was like watching a glorified football scrimmage. The candidates were going through the motions and making sure they ended the night without being hurt. Further, like a scrimmage, things were just off. No one, the candidates, the panel, the folks filming the event, had their game faces on. (Side note, what was it with cutting to Gilda Cobb Hunter in the seats when Larry Grooms spoke?)
Other staff members of VUI saw it differently. One was clear about how she thought Lt. Governor Bauer had a good night. Another thought Jim Rex look liked the leader for the Democrats. Yet another had perhaps the most interesting insight. He found Robert Ford to be the winner because, "of all of them, Ford is the guy I would like to sit down and have some barbecue and beer with." There was also some debate among the staff on who was more colorful, Robert Ford with his broken English, or Henry McMaster with his exaggerated "Foghorn-Leghorn" accent. There was little debate on how the Hillary Clinton style pants suit does not work for Nikki Haley.
Here are some other quick thoughts stated by some of the staff throughout the debate. With canned answers from candidates from both parties, the staff went after more interesting stuff.
"Someone tell Dwight Drake to get a haircut, it is not 1975. Besides, he looks like a funeral home director. "
"Sheheen seems like a nice boy."
"Grooms reminds me of a guy who sold me a used car once."
"Gresham Barrett's smile reminds me of the joker from batman."
"Who the Hell is that guy," said in reference to both Robert Ford and Mullins McLeod.
"Henry McMaster can't be that dumb."
"Why is Jim Rex doing this?"
"Both Nikki and Andre need to eat more."
All that said, there were some people that worked hard to pull off the debate with all the the candidates at SCSU Tuesday night. The criticism of the second "pre-season" debate is meant in no way to criticize their hard work. Indeed, those who worked to pull off the event are probably the only winners of the night.
Virginia Gubernatorial elections are no political bell weathers
Tuesday night was a night of welcomed relief for the Republican Party, as Republicans took over the Governor's Mansions in Virginia and New Jersey. Pundits and bloggers both are abuzz about the return of the GOP and how the Obama honeymoon is over.
Perhaps the honeymoon is over, but there is a lot of work left to be done to thwart Obama and the Democrats.
First, Republicans and/or conservatives lost a Republican US House Seat in New York to a Democrat. Democrat Bill Owens defeated Conservative Party candidate Douglas Hoffman. Hoffman was the defacto Republican candidate for the seat after Republican leaders like Sarah Palin and Tim Pawlenty ran out the official Republican nominee out of the race. Democrats were gleeful to pull off the win and add one more to their caucus in the House as Republicans went through their "RINO" purification ritual. Republicans have to realize they can not continue to narrow the definition of "Republican" and hope to gain governing control in Congress. But, there are always those who like to complain more than do. Those Republicans are probably as happy as the Democrats with the results in New York.
As for the Governor's races, history shows they are no bell weather races for future elections. In Virginia, it seems history runs contrary to that notion. In 1981, Democrat Chuck Robb won election as Governor of Virginia. Three years later, Ronald Reagan won re-election. Republican George H.W. Bush won in 1988 after Democrat Gerald Baliles won the Governor's race in 1985. Republican George Allen won the Governor's office in 1993, only to see Bill Clinton re-elected in 1996. Democrat Mark Warner was elected Governor in 2001, and George W. Bush won re-election in 2004.
Does Bob McDonnell's win on Tuesday night mean that Barack Obama will be re-elected President? No, of course not. Chances are it means nothing to the re-election of the President or Congressional elections. It does show that Obama is human and not politically invincible. Obama's endorsements in Virgina and New Jersey did not turn people on or out to the polls.
To put it in boxing terms, Obama seemed invincible until Tuesday night. Now, he's been cut, so speak. Obama is human. But proving Obama is human is not going to win the fight for 2010 or 2012. Human as he his, Obama's operation still packs a big left hand. The GOP is going to have to continue to work hard and find ways to get along with one another in order to cobble together coalitions that will put the GOP back in power.
Perhaps the honeymoon is over, but there is a lot of work left to be done to thwart Obama and the Democrats.
First, Republicans and/or conservatives lost a Republican US House Seat in New York to a Democrat. Democrat Bill Owens defeated Conservative Party candidate Douglas Hoffman. Hoffman was the defacto Republican candidate for the seat after Republican leaders like Sarah Palin and Tim Pawlenty ran out the official Republican nominee out of the race. Democrats were gleeful to pull off the win and add one more to their caucus in the House as Republicans went through their "RINO" purification ritual. Republicans have to realize they can not continue to narrow the definition of "Republican" and hope to gain governing control in Congress. But, there are always those who like to complain more than do. Those Republicans are probably as happy as the Democrats with the results in New York.
As for the Governor's races, history shows they are no bell weather races for future elections. In Virginia, it seems history runs contrary to that notion. In 1981, Democrat Chuck Robb won election as Governor of Virginia. Three years later, Ronald Reagan won re-election. Republican George H.W. Bush won in 1988 after Democrat Gerald Baliles won the Governor's race in 1985. Republican George Allen won the Governor's office in 1993, only to see Bill Clinton re-elected in 1996. Democrat Mark Warner was elected Governor in 2001, and George W. Bush won re-election in 2004.
Does Bob McDonnell's win on Tuesday night mean that Barack Obama will be re-elected President? No, of course not. Chances are it means nothing to the re-election of the President or Congressional elections. It does show that Obama is human and not politically invincible. Obama's endorsements in Virgina and New Jersey did not turn people on or out to the polls.
To put it in boxing terms, Obama seemed invincible until Tuesday night. Now, he's been cut, so speak. Obama is human. But proving Obama is human is not going to win the fight for 2010 or 2012. Human as he his, Obama's operation still packs a big left hand. The GOP is going to have to continue to work hard and find ways to get along with one another in order to cobble together coalitions that will put the GOP back in power.
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