The Issue of Health Care Reform...and then some

Family I just wanted to briefly weigh in on last nights address to Congress and the nation. If you haven't had a chance to watch it, I'm sure its posted on youtube or someone media site....check it out.

I know the news media and blogs are burning up with EVERYONE'S views on Health Care, so I don't want to bared you all with yet another post on the issue and last nights events....but I do want to leave you with a few action items/thoughts:

+ Knowledge is power and you need to be in the know. Stay abreast of the current events and have a voice where you deem it appropriate (and YES YOU CAN have a voice)

+ House Divided = EPIC FAILURE - I truly feel that the division in Congress will not help our country, but hinder us for putting America back on track. Propoganda, racism, hatred and disrespect on ALL ENDS hurt the cause, not help. Be apart of the solution not the problem.

+ Become familiar with the proposed health care reform plan that is on the table in Congress (click here)

+ HOLD YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL ACCOUNTABLE!!!! If you have not weighed in on this debate, do so and let you state representatives know how you feel. To locate your state representative, click here.

I do have faith in our government, and I believe that people with different views can come together for the good of the group and make history. Let's keep our leaders in our prayers, but also do our part. Spread the word on the bill being proposed, lets do our own homework and put pressure on our officials to be about the business of THE PEOPLE for we are the ones that put them in office.

The orAKAle has spoken....

"My President Is Black" - to partake in the inaguaration or not.....

On November 4, 2008 we experienced an unprecedented event in this country...the first black president was elected! Along with this, we got to meet, greet and except the soon to be first black first family (try saying that ten times). How exciting...how honored many of us were (and soon will continue to be) to A) be able to vote in this controversial and important election, B) see Barack Obama (BO) not only accept the nomination as the democratic nominee for president, but then also graciously his historic thank you speech the night of the election and lastly C) watch this man get sworn in in less than a week in Washington, DC. 2008 was definitely the year to be alive and of age to participate in one of the most important rights we have here in this country...the right to choose and vote.

So after all that is said above, your probably wondering "Why question if you should attend the inauguration next week"? I am questioning if you should attend this event because due to the popularity of this election and momentous (yes I am bringing out all the big words on this one...lol) barriers that were conquered, EVERYONE and they momma, daddy's, grandparents, kids, etc will be trying to overtake DC next week! While I am excited for all those who thought they would never live to see something of this caliber, I must remind ya'll that BO and the family WILL NOT SEE YOU out there cheering and yelling.....and snapping pics on your camera phones. LOL. Now as someone said to me recently, "orAKAle it's about being there in the place to witness this event..not at home on the couch, not via web, etc...but there in DC". OKAY then....if you must be there to see this event then do so. But for us meager small people....we will be at work, trying to make a difference...and watching the event streaming live via the web. Lol.

No I am not hating on those who can and will be attending in DC, but I do want us to remember to be realistic and also to be safe as we make the trip to the inauguration. The entire country (no literally....a lot of people) will be attempting to attend this historical event and there is no need to put you and yours safety in jeopardy. With that, it will be like heaven to the "crazies" that will be live and in effect.....you know exactly the type of people I am referring too...those who prey on visitors/travelers/tourist, etc (I'm not going to get into if they are doing it out desperation vs selfishness/laziness, etc....another post...another day).

For all those who are preparing to travel to DC for the inauguration, I really do hope you enjoy yourself, take some pictures and post in the comments of this entry. Please be careful, bundle up and make sure to use the restroom BEFORE you get there; cause them lines for the "mobile restrooms" will be super long. Haaaaaaaaaa!

Big shout out to the Obama family! The orAKAle has spoken.........