State of the Union

My fellow Americans, it is with a great hope and awakening that I write to you today. As we step out of the trying time that was 2009 and look into the future of not just 2010, but a new decade that I am inspired by what we can achieve if we all drop our political reservations and work together in unity to make this country what it once was, what its struggling to remain, and what it can be yet again, a great nation that fosters individuality and freedom for all, not just some. A nation that will stand up to those wishing to create a world in its own chaotic conditions, but my fellow Americans, it is not something that I can do alone.

Over the past 12 months, the new administration has tried, much like the Republican regime before it, to use fear to pressure Americans into drinking its kool-aid. This administration, as well meaning as it may seem, does not understand the people it was sworn to protect and serve. But don't be fooled, the Republicans don't care about you either. No, my friends, no one party cares anything about the people of this country. They make promises for "hope" and "change in Washington" as punchlines, quick soundbites that work for newspaper, television and twitter, but not in the everyday world. Not in the world were over 10% of Americans are out of the job; not the everyday world where families are being forced out of their homes and onto the streets, and definitely not in a world where we, as Americans, have the given right, by our founding fathers to raise our own voices and tell them what we truly think of them.

My countrymen, and women, to quote the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream". The dream for this nation is one built upon the sweat, tears and blood of generations that have come well before us, but also the blood, sweat and tears of this generation. We are still in an economic decline. Businesses are still leaving, corner stores that were once neighborhood conrnerstones are going the way of the dinosaur and may never be seen again. We need a government, Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches, to all come together to do what is best for its people.

While the economy is now something that the President has decided to take on, it should not have taken a year to figure that out. We need to find ways of not only keeping jobs but to reduce the over 10% unemployment rate, and holding town hall meetings, talking about it isn't going to fix the problem. I do agree that the tax break for businesses that are hiring new employees will help, hopefully. But we can't let ridiculously phrased common occurrences ruin our path. Yes, the unemployment rate went down in October, that's because stores are hiring for the holidays, so obviously unemployment will be inflated during January and February because those same people are being laid off. It's not a boom, it happens every year. You can't claim that Americans spending during the holidays and right after they receive their tax returns the economy is in the upswing, that is when Americans traditionally spend money.

One thing that has consistently been in the face of the government, a way to increase revenue in the nation that they refuse to look at is the legalization and taxation of marijuana. We are a nation based on tobacco, we have the factories and labor to do it. It would increase jobs, free up space in our overcrowded prisons and bring in large amounts of money through a vice-tax.

JFK once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Well, my fellow Americans, your country needs you. Your friends and neighbors need you. If we are to recover from this crisis, we need to do it as a whole, as a UNITED States of America, not as an individual confederation of states. In order to help those less fortunate, some sacrifices will need to be made. Those who have been blessed with an abundant amount of money may need to pull more than what they perceive as their fare share of weight. And although we ask, "What's in it for us?", I will answer you with the pride and joy of helping those less fortunate, with the wonderment of giving others the chance to achieve the dream that you already have reached. Our nation has been built on the back bones of the little man since the first Europeans landed here 400 years ago. Its time that those you have profited from that give back to their own "Main Streets".

I believe that education is the most important tool in achieving the American Dream. We need our schools to not only remain open, and for our students to remain in them, but for our schools to be safe. We need our teachers to want to be in the schools, and we need teachers who understand that it is their job to teach and lead these students and not to take advantage of the bonds they create.

Growing up we were told that a college education will open up doors to you. Today, I think that the Federal Government should open those doors wider. I think that the United States Government, in order to keep its pledge to its students should consider a scholarship fund that will benefit ALL American children. Any student who maintains a "B" average and misses no more than 5% of their total academic year will receive 5% off their college tuition. Those who maintain an "A" average for their entire academic career, and miss no more than 5% of their total academic time, has the possibility to receive a free ride to any public university and up to the possible 60% off their attendance to private schools.

I believe that America does need open health care reform, not back room, private alliances with prescription drugs. However, I believe that it will obviously take time to create and work out the kinks. When it comes to people's health its always too late for someone and we need to get it right the first time and not rush something through Congress just because you have the numbers to do so. Both parties, Republican and Democrat need to really understand that peoples lives are at stake here, its not just some political issue to hang your hat on and use as a rallying cry to get some votes. We need health care that is affordable for EVERYONE, and is available for everyone who wants it, but there shouldn't be punishment for anyone who doesn't want to pay for health care, sometimes you simply can't afford it, even if it is incredibly cheap.

I do believe that gays have the right to serve in our military. It's not like the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is stopping them from doing so, it is simply stopping them from serving out in the open. I believe that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should be repealed with the understanding that, just as race, religion and creed are not reasons to justify discrimination, neither is sexuality. A persons sexual orientation does not hinder their ability to learn drills, protect their fellow American or comrade in arms. If a gay American wants to serve his country, fight for the freedoms that our forefathers risked their lives to protect, then they have every right to do so. And, though this may be an unpopular decision, my fellow Americans, and our brave men and women, the Constitution, the document that you are sworn to protect, that our government is sworn to uphold, states in clear English, "All Men Are Created Equal", so let them equal serve as brothers and sisters in arms.

And to that extent, I believe there should be allowed, gay civil unions where the life partners are allowed the same privileges and rights as heterosexual partners are. I will not, nor can I endorse gay marriages because I do believe that there should be a separation between church and state and I believe that there should not be pressure on houses of worship to marry those that they do not wish to. However, I do believe that marriage is a union of love between two people that are dedicated to one another. And that bond transcends not only race, age and religion, but sexual orientations as well.

The "War on Terrorism" is a war that, like it or not, we are stuck in for the foreseeable future. The future of this war depends not just on our military but on the governments that we are trying to aid. If these governments truly want to end foreign troops being present, then they need to stand up on their own two feet and declare to their own people and the world that they will not stand for terrorism. That they will do everything to seek out these radicals who are disgracing their religion, their families and their homelands, and bring them to justice. The United States will come to the aid of those you need us, but we will not fight your battles for you. We will take the lead in the beginning, but you cannot be willing simply to follow, because once we leave, it will be yours to fight and keep the pressures on.

In closing, I believe that it is not the body of legislation, it is not the elected officials, it is not even our foundations that continue to make this country great, it is you the people. It is the spirit and drive that resides in every person, from the children breathing their first breathes as you read this, to those souls which have breathed their last. It is found in the parents working hard, making those hard decisions that may not improve their current condition, but will help their children grow, because they believe their child is the future. It is found in the inner cities where young men and women are fighting everyday for survival to get out of the projects through education and character building because they believe that a rose can grow out of the concrete. Its in our rural areas where generations have grown and kept our heartland pumping through good times and bad because that's just the way they were raised. Our country was founded on revolution, and while the path we have chosen to get here may not have been the right one all the times, here we stand, UNITED. So we need to STATE, in one common voice, to all those, foreign and domestic, who wish to take away our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that we are AMERICA.

Being a good Sport

Alright, alot has happened since I took the winter off. But the plus side of a new year is a chance to start over or just having a fresh start. That being said, we will try to continue to bring you our point of view on a wide range of topics. Of course all the contributors to "Political Liability" have outside gigs, families, and other endeavors to which they are committed.

So in an effort to not get burned out on the same ol' politics as usual, which I'm pretty sure President Obama promised to get rid of, but I'm sure he's working on that and not making back room agreements or pushing legislation through without careful reading done by Congress like previous presidents did, we will venture back into a realm I am familiar with, sports.

Prior to this experience, sure I talked politics and knew my way around conversations, but I was a focused blogger on ESPN, being featured 7 times on their homepage "Voice of the Fan" in 2007. And what better time to expand than this week with all the goodness that is going on in the sporting world.

A Hawk to the Hall: Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, a mainstay at Wrigley during the 90's, a beloved Cub has gotten his invite to join the immortals in Cooperstown. And while the Hall is currently unsure what hat his famed bust will wear, its the hopes of all those in the Windy City its a "C".

And while this is great news for the lovable losers, its does overshadow the hurt of one Mr. Ron Santo. Ron Santo, who has since his retirement loss his legs to diabetes, should be in the hall of fame. There is not a baseball fan who disagrees with that statement, except for those who, for whatever reason, refuse to acknowledge his greatness.

The biggest DUH! moment of 2010: Mark McGuire admitted he did steroids, called up Roger Maris' widow, apologized and then blubbered his sorry self all over sports television. Now he's hoping that those same voters who won't put in legit stars, will somehow find it in their hearts to forgive him and vote for him next year, while this year he collects a check from the St. Louis Cardinals for helping his dealer...um, coach, Tony LaRussa, as hitting coach for the team.

His first advice to Cardinal players, "Ok, Pujols, Holliday, first rule in hitting a baseball is that while HGH won't help hand-eye coordination, a little squirt may help push the ball over that fence they put out there."

Slinking Slimeball Slides into Sunny SoCal: I am ashamed to admit it now, but I once thought Lane Kiffin got a raw deal in Oakland, and thought his being hired at Tennessee was going to be good for him. It would give him the chance to show what he's really made of. And he didn't fail us in that regard. Joining college slimeballs like Bobby Patrino and Nick Saban, who actually slinked away from NFL jobs, Lane one upped them only the way Lane Kiffin could. As Notre Dame fans rejoiced, and maybe a silent tear spilled in Stanford, Pete Carroll left for his "third times a charm" shot at the NFL, no one would have guest who USC would bring in to replace him.

Never fear, Lane is here, and his staff from Tennessee has volunteered to move itself west like it was 1849 all over again. This time the "chosen one" will strike it rich, and is hoping not for gold, but for a crystal football.

Playoff Prediction Time: Okay, I meant to do this last week, but oh, well. Here's how I think the playoffs will play out for the remainder of the season:

Divisional:
Baltimore at Indianapolis: The Colts almost blew this one during the regular season as they needed a huge defensive play to help them overcome the Ravens D. The Ravens ended the season for the Pats last week, and started rumors this maybe the beginning of the end in Beantown, and are hoping to do the same in Naptown. Not going to happen. The Colts players are rested, well rested in fact, and are tired of people putting them down for not going undefeated. This is what they've been focused on. With Flaco's going to have to throw more than 10 times this weekend, and everyone knows that. COLTS WIN 28-10

Arizona at New Orleans: New Orleans has been on a slide since losing to the Boys. They've looked defeated and almost even loss home field advantage after losing their perfect season bid. But never fear, if anyone can jazz up this team, its home field, its the Superdome, and its Drew Brees. Arizona barely got by the Pack, and the Cards were at home. After the helps of a facemask, maybe some other botched calls and of course Aaron Rodgers first and last drives of the game, the Cards were able to get the overtime win. I don't think they get that chance this weekend. Brees is going exploit that weak secondary worst than Rodgers did, and the Saints secondary is far better than the swiss cheeseheads they played last week. SAINTS WIN 49-14


Dallas at Minnesota: Yeah, I know, the Boys got a huge monkey off their back by not only getting a playoff win, but embarrassing the Eagles twice in the process. And like some bad wild west, this game features two of the most carefree gunslingers in the NFL with Romo going against Favre, so get ready for plenty of turnovers. And yes, both teams have excellent backfields and d-line. But, the Cowboys don't have Adrian Peterson, and there will be the difference. This should be a great game the way they both match up, but, and it pains me to say because I hate both teams, the Vikes will win. And if they don't and the Boys end up in the Super Bowl, look for a conspiracy theory or two popping out. VIKES WIN 24-21

New York Jets at San Diego: Yes, Rex Ryan did pick the Jets to go to the Super Bowl. And, if anyone can pull of the Jet-lag it would be SoCal's own Mark Sanchez, who will have a sort of home coming playoff game. And yes, Revis, the Jets corner will play a role in shutting down Rivers and the Charger passing game, so this game has all the intangibles of being a great game, probably the best of the four. The only real reason the Jets won't win is that the Chargers just keep finding ways to pull games out. And if Rivers gets anywhere close to a ring, he'll be even more annoying, but he does deserve it after he helped resurrect a dead San Diego franchise. CHARGERS WIN 17-14

CONFERENCE:
San Diego at Indianapolis: Early in the last decade the Colts couldn't get over hump that was the New England Patriots, until Peyton and the rest of the team manned up and just did it. When they did, they got into the Super Bowl and won. This time the humps name is San Diego Chargers, who have eliminated the Colts each of the past 3 years, since said Super Bowl win. Well, this Colts team will get over that hump once again and march on into the Super Bowl behind a great Peyton Manning drive and some stout Colts D. COLTS WIN 31-17

Minnesota at New Orleans: This should be the better of the two conference games. This is, after all, the reason Brett Favre came out of retirement, both times. And if he really thinks gun slinging is the way to win this game, I'm going to be wrong in my prediction, but Darren Sharper is going to have a field day. I can definantly see Favre literally throw this one away a la NFC Conference Championship 2007 when he gave it up to the Giants who went on to win, but I think that, again, Adrian Petterson is a difference maker in this one. Brees and the explosive Saints offense will put up a good fight, but its not to be. VIKES WIN 38-35

Super Bowl:
Minnesota at Indianapolis: Hopefully this will be Brett Favre's going away party, but since I think they'll come up short, he'll probably come back again next year and fail horribly. The Colts offense will just be too much for the Vikings Defense. The Colts D, which has held steadfast all season will contain Petterson, and put pressure on Favre causing him to throw 3 picks, yeah, I'm going to even predict the amount of picks. Colts fans will rejoice and Peyton will be crowned the Greatest Quarterback ever getting his second Super Bowl ring and an early invite to Canton. COLTS WIN 38-14