Picture Of The Week (Nelson Mandela)

I love this picture of Nelson Mandela.  Two of my favorites....

Tie Tuesday (Dr. Joseph Lowery)

I've been thinking about Dr. Joseph Lowery lately...  He's an icon who is best known for his leadership in the civil rights movement.  His tireless work has stretched over 60 years.  In fact, after Rosa Parks' arrest in 1955, Dr. Lowery was instrumental in leading the Montgomery bus boycott.  And at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King, he led the Selma to Montgomery march of 1965.  He later founded the Christian Leadership Conference with Dr.King, and led the organization from 1997 to 1987.  In 2009, Dr. Lowery was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama.

He celebrated his 92nd birthday this past Sunday in Atlanta at Morehouse College. Celebrities, politicians and community leaders came out to honor his life and contributions. One person was missing though.  His wife of nearly 60 years, Evelyn.  She passed away a week ago. 

My heart goes out to him for his loss...60 years is a long time to love someone.  But I know he's a man of faith.  And I know he'll keep pushing forward.  One of the many reasons I love and admire him...

Obamacare 101 - What You Need To Know

The subject of health care is probably one of the most complex, confusing and frustrating subjects out there.  I swear, it gives me a headache. *massages temples*  But, it's soooo important.  And Obamacare?  Extremely important.  I know folks with high IQ's, health care backgrounds, law degrees and a partridge in a pear tree who don't fully 'get' it. Here are the basics about America's new health care plan (Hope it helps!): 

 The Facts - Real Quick

• There are 48 million Americans who don't have health insurance according to the Census Bureau.
  
  
• More than 9 million children lack health insurance in America.
  
  
• The United States is the only industrialized country in the world without a universal health insurance system.
  
  
• Half of all bankruptcies are caused by medical bills.  Three-quarters of those filings are people with health insurance.
  
  
• U.S. health care spending is approximately $2 trillion per year, or $6,697 per person. The United States continues to spend significantly more on health care than other countries in the world.

What Is Obamacare?

OK--In 2010, President Obama enacted a law called the Affordable Healthcare Act.  The purpose?  To "increase" the number of Americans covered by health insurance and "decrease" the cost of healthcare. 

With Obamacare, no one will be excluded from getting insurance, and everyone will have to get insurance.  If you already have insurance, chances are you can probably keep what you have.

Cost? 
It will vary with each plan. Some plans have higher deductibles and/or higher co-pays. Costs will vary based on where you live also.  The majority of uninsured people should be able to find a policy for $100 or less a month.  The Kaiser Family Foundation has put together a calculator that will give you an idea of what your bill will look like: http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/ 

Important Dates

• October 1, 2013 - Open enrollment for health insurance begins (ends on March 31, 2014). You don't have to sign up that first day. (Don't wait until the last minute though!)
• Enroll by December 14, 2013 if want your coverage to start by January 1, 2014.
• January 1, 2014 - All legal residents and U.S. citizens must have qualifying health coverage.
• Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, 2014 - The next open enrollment period begins.         

Getting Started
Go to www.healthcare.gov to get information and sign up for the program.  (If you don't have access to the Internet, go to your local library - they have computers there.) 

The government has set up call centers to help people with open enrollment.  You can call 1-800-318-2596 for assistance.  You can also enroll by mail. 

Penalties For Not Signing Up

If you don't sign up to get health insurance, you'll have to list that on your 2014 tax return.  The fee for the first year is $95 per adult and $47.50 per child (up to $285 per family), or 1% of your income, whichever is higher. 

The penalty is higher in 2015 ($325 per adult/$162.50 per child), or 2% of your income. 

Exemptions
Some people will be exempt from signing up for health insurance.  For example, people who make so little that they don't file tax returns will be exempt.  

Tie Tuesday (Congressman John Lewis)

I met Congressman John Lewis a few years ago and got a chance to sit with him in his office in Washington, DC.  I sat and listened for hours as he shared his personal stories about the civil rights movement.  I was in awe.  Speechless.  

The fact that he held no bitterness, no anger and no malicious feelings about his experience impacted me.  It takes a special person to live in a place of peace after that journey.  I was humbled by his presence and vowed to do my best to emulate that in my own life.  

Congressman Lewis joined tens of thousands of people on the National Mall this past Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 March on Washington.  He was a featured speaker at the march and urged the crowd to continue to fight for equality. He also expressed his outrage about the recent high court decision on voting rights by stating, "I gave a little blood on the bridge in Selma, Alabama, for that right to vote."

Take a look at Congressman Lewis' full remarks here: 

Tie Tuesday (Frederick Douglass)

Juneteenth is tomorrow!  It marks the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19th (in 1865) that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war was a wrap and slaves were now free - a WHOLE two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. *side eye*  News traveled really slow back then. *sigh* 

Juneteenth has always represented history and freedom, but it also represents the culture and achievements of African Americans.  Tomorrow, a statue of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) will be unveiled in the United States Capitol Visitor Center.  A formal ceremony will be held to honor this former slave turned leader of the abolitionist movement.  I SO wish I could be there!

Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people. He sought to embody three keys for success in life:

• Believe in yourself. 
• Take advantage of every opportunity. 
• Use the power of written language to effect positive change for yourself and society.

 When you get a chance, take a look at some of his writings.  Ahhhmaaazing! 

 

Michelle Obama Was Heckled? She Handled It Just Fine...

Let me preface this post by saying that I'm a HUGE Michelle Obama supporter.  So, my comments here will be biased based on my love for her.  If I offend anyone... *sips smoothie*   

The last few years for me politically have been bittersweet.  I watched as the country elected (and re-elected) its first African American president.  A great, unforgettable moment in history, right?  Yes!  Since this post is about Michelle Obama, I won't rant about my unwavering support for President Obama.  But, just know this...I think he's pretty dope. 

Now here's the "bitter" in the bittersweet part:  The Obamas have endured more ridicule, criticism and down-right hate than any other First Family I've ever known.  And through it all, they've been incredibly polite - to say the least.  I've often wondered, how in the !*@% do they do it?  I'm not sure if I could be so "nice." 

Michelle Obama... Over the past 4+ years, like millions of people all over the world, I fell head over heels for her.  She's smart, beautiful and so gracious.  I could go on and on...  A breath of fresh air!  

A few days ago, Michelle Obama was heckled by a woman as she spoke at a Democratic fundraising event.  She responded quickly by basically stating her intolerance for that kind of behavior.  Michelle approached the heckler and told her that she would leave: "Listen to me or you can take the mic. You all (audience) decide. You have one choice."  

The audience of course, wanted Michelle to stay.  She stayed and finished her speech.  The heckler?  She was escorted out of the event.

Some critics have come out and said Michelle's Obama behavior was inappropriate.  What?  Ummmm yeah--No.  The heckler's behavior was inappropriate and rude.  Michelle merely exerted herself as a guest speaker and First Lady.   
       
The PR me thinks she handled this perfectly.  Her reaction was transparent and real, wrapped up in the most respectful, unapologetic packaging ever.  She wasn't defensive.  She didn't raise her voice.  She didn't become irate.  She doesn't have to.  Why?  Because she's Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States.  Respect it.  

Tie Tuesday (He Needs No Introduction)

Like him or not, you gotta respect his swag.  And that's all I'm sayin... 

Tie Tuesday (Cory Booker)

I grew up in Florida, so engaging in politics has always been second nature to me.  I love it (I can debate with the best of 'em!)  

Anybody who knows me knows how much I love and admire Cory Booker.  He's the mayor of Newark, New Jersey...and will probably be a U.S. Senator sooner than you think.  Click here to learn more about Cory, his work with Newark and his plans for the future. 

The Inauguration Pic That Made Me Giggle

The 2013 Presidential inauguration was so dope.  But, did we expect anything less?!?!  I mean, come on.  They're the Obamas!  There are TONS of photos from yesterday's event, but there was only one that made me giggle.  

The Obama girls seem like such well-adjusted, normal girls.  And they're SO friggin' cute!  In the midst of all of the pomp and circumstance, the girls were just being....themselves.  #girlpower
 

     

Pic Of The Day: 50 Years and Counting!

Since we're in the middle of a heated political season, I wanted to shine the spotlight on one of my favorite political figures. Colin Powell and his wife, Alma on their wedding day....50 years ago!  #Yowza 

Girls Run The World & Rock The Vote!

DISCLAIMER -  I was born and raised in Florida.  Besides the weather, the beaches and Disney World, there's something else we're known for.  Politics.  It's deep rooted in the culture down there.  No matter your age, race, economic status, church affiliation...whatever!  If you reside in the Sunshine State, you're about that political life.  (And not just during a Presidential election season.)
                                       
I'm not an emotional person.  I don't anger easily.  I don't have a combative spirit.  And I'm very, very careful about picking my battles.  Which brings me to my next point...

I checked my Facebook page a few days ago.  It was late at night, but people were still online posting...and venting. Pretty common, right?  Well, something, or should I say someone caught my eye.  I'll call her "Kelly."  Kelly was frustrated and upset about the number of political posts on her timeline.  She was mad and totally "OVER IT." (Yep, she posted it in all caps).  Kelly wanted Facebook to return to that wonderful, blissful utopia that features snapshots of food, obnoxious quotes and sappy relationship updates.  Ahhhh...Facebook.  Gotta love it. :)

Any-who.  I'm always surprised to hear a person say they're not "into" politics.  Completely blown away and disappointed when I hear a woman say it.  The conversation usually goes something like this:

Friend:  I don't like politics.  I don't get it.  I don't follow it.  

Me: * blank stare *

Friend: I hate politics....blah, blah, blah.

Me:  Girl, what?  Do you know that these politicians (mostly men) are out here making decisions about our reproductive rights?  Passing laws about our health care choices...  Hellllloooo - our issues are at stake!

Listen.  Beyonce says "Girls Run The World."  And I believe it.  As women, we've made some amazing strides over the last 20 years, but we have a long way to go.  And to get there, we have to be engaged in the political process.  We shouldn't be comfortable sitting on the sidelines.  We can't afford to "get over it."  We have to get into it.  

There's no question about it, this Presidential election will be a close race.  Will female voters be a key factor? Absolutely.  Our impact is critical and yes, we will play a pivotal role on November 6th.  

To women like Donna Brazile and Maria Shriver....and me, politics isn't some dry, boring, cold place reserved for older men in nice suits.  It's the freeway to empowerment.  It's a place where our thoughts and ideas can help change lives.   
So, the next time you hear a woman diss politics, talk to her about the candidates and the issues.  Help her understand.  And politely remind her of all the women and men who made sacrifices, so that we--women could have a seat at the table.  And then grab a microphone, turn up the video below and...Rock. Out. :)

  

My Pic Of The Day: Her Royal Flyness (Part II)

Michelle Obama is just so friggin...fly!  I mean she just... *sigh*.  She kills it every. single. time. *sighs, again*  #swag

Her Royal Flyness...

First Lady Michelle Obama looked absolutely stunning (as usual) at the 2012 BET Honors, didn't she?  The event was held at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. on Dec 14th.  The show airs on BET on Monday, February 13th, 9:00 pm (EST).

10 GOP Quotes That Made Me Say O-M-G!

Even if I tried, I couldn't make this stuff up.... 
(*File this under: "I Can't Believe They Said That!")

1. Rick Perry: When asked to provide specifics on how he would fix Washington's business climate: "When I get there, there'll be three agencies I'll end: commerce, education and, and, um, what's the third one?  Let's see..."  *long pause*  "Oops."
   
   
2. Herman Cain: When he becomes President of the United States, he wants his codename to be.... "Cornbread."
   
   
3. Michelle Bachmann: "Our founding fathers worked tirelessly to end slavery."
   
   
4. Newt Gingrich: "If combat means living in a ditch, females have biological problems staying in a ditch for 30 days because they get infections....Males are biologically driven to go out and hunt giraffes."     **blank stare**
   
   
5. Ron Paul: "I would have voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act."
   
   
6. Mitt Romney: "I should tell my story.  I'm also unemployed." (to a group of unemployed Floridians.)
   
   
7. Rick Perry: On the BP Oil spill... "From time to time, there are going to be things that occur that are acts of God that cannot be prevented."
   
   
8. Herman Cain: On his immigration policy...  "I'd build an electrified fence on the Mexican border that could potentially kill anyone trying to enter the country illegally."
   
   
9. Michelle Bachmann: Regarding the HPV vaccine...."I will tell you that I had a mother last night come up to me here in Tampa after the debate. She told me that her little daughter took that vaccine, that injection, and she suffered from mental retardation thereafter."
   
   
10. Rick Perry: "You can always follow me on Tweeter." (in a videotaped message to a crowd of conservative bloggers & social networkers).

Uncle Luke - Miami's Next Mayor?

Disclaimer:

Let me preface this post by saying upfront that I was born and raised in Florida.  Therefore I have a certain affinity for Luke and his music (affectionately known as “Miami Bass”). **pause for a collective gasp** 

Most people know him as Luke, or Uncle Luke, but his government name is Luther Campbell.  He was the outspoken leader of one of the most popular rap groups of all time, the 2 Live Crew.  His trademark: His controversial ‘nasty as he wanna be’ booty-shaking music that dominated the charts in the 80’s. But he’s also known for his highly publicized obscenity case that challenged the Supreme Court to defend free speech --A music censorship victory and a major win for the entertainment industry.   

Not only did he sell millions of records and make gobs of money, but he was the founder of Luke Records, the first independent black owned record company owned by a rapper. He was also was one of the first artists to distribute his own music.

It’s 2011 now and Luke’s a husband, and a dad.  He’s a different man.  But one thing about him that hasn’t changed…he’s still controversial as hell!  Up next, politics.  Yes—the man who wrote hits like "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Me So Hor*y" is seriously considering entering the race to become Miami’s next mayor.  Sounds crazy right?  Not to me.  Here’s why:

In most cities in Florida, Luke is considered a legend (I’m dead serious) and in the world of hip-hop, he’s an icon (If you don't believe me, ask Jay-Z).  Luke was born and raised in Miami.  He's a smart and successful businessman who genuinely loves the city, and is committed to making it better.  Although he’s somewhat retired from the music biz, he’s still very connected to young people.  He currently serves as assistant football coach for Miami-Dade Central High School and is a very active philanthropist in his community.  Luke is brutally honest and forthcoming about his past and the present (He’s transparent--what you see is what you get!)

And lastly, Luke is no stranger to politics.  He was a very outspoken supporter of many Get Out The Vote campaigns during the 2008 Presidential election, and he frequently gives national commentary about current political issues (He's actively engaged in the political process.) 

You think it's silly, absurd and impossible that Luther "Luke" Campbell could be the next mayor of Miami? Think again.....    

Luther "Luke" Campbell

Arizona Shooting: Is Free Speech Free?

The  Arizona Shooting.  I’ve been watching in disbelief as the reports continue to roll in.  A congresswoman shot in the head, 13 wounded and six confirmed deaths, including a 9 year-old and a federal judge? What makes this even more disturbing is that this tragedy stemmed from recent heated political rhetoric around issues such as health care legislation and immigration.

Anyone who knows me knows - I’m always down for a good political debate. And I love discussing the issues with people who don’t agree with me.  It’s both enlightening and reaffirming. I admit, sometimes it gets heated because I’m passionate about what I believe. Who isn’t? 

I’m also passionate about writing. Super passionate about the First Amendment. This law is in place to protect and promote freedom of information, expression, and petition. The First Amendment = the blueprint for personal freedom.  It's freedom of speech!  Period.  My motto is this: “I may not agree with what you’re saying, but I’ll always support your right to say it.”

Sadly, people died in Arizona because one person didn’t agree with another person’s position on important issues. It makes me ask, is free speech really free?  Not for the Arizona victims.  They’ve paid the ultimate price for something most of us take for granted. Was it worth it? 

9 year-old victim Christina Taylor Green and her mom