Who Do You Trust? Obama ? Hillary? None Of The Above?

Now the time is upon us, to make a decision of who, our next leader will be. We had two terms of George W. and I must say, a great deal has happened to this country, in reverse, to the motto and dreams of being a humanitarian nation. It is clear, that the Bushes won't be in power, in the White House, but be sure to know, they have made more than enough influence around the globe, to continue the power that they have especially with the Saudi Arabia government (oil)

But enough said...The question here is Who? Obama? Hillary? These are the choices of the Democratic Party (well, John Edwards somewhat) The question arose being that I am African-American, and the African-American vote is a strong one. First, let me say, I am a registered Democrat. Why? Well, years of having growing up in a Democratic Party household and having the belief that this party, is more in tuned to the social needs of minorities. The Republican Party has been portrayed as the party, that is less in tune and less caring to minorities and many of their agendas, have shown so. I am not against the Republican Party, for we all have a right to choose and I am delighted in seeing African-Americans in that party, to have representation and make change or add, to it's agendas and issues.

Ok...let's see- Obama. He seems like a wonderful choice, being articulate, bright, handsome, well to do, etc, etc, etc. Wait a minute! I am sounding like a conservative white who sees any black act in the manner that he has shown (non-militant, non-aggressive, un-like Jesse) He has taken some hits from the the mighty Clinton's in ways that are puzzling voters and Democratic supporters. What better choice to have of an American that has both bloodlines in his body (black and white) What better experience than to have a person, that has gone through the trials of coming up and believing in a well-rounded America? And oh..I almost forgot, he even went back to Africa to touch base with his roots as well. Hmmmmm..interesting huh? He isn't feared by the majority of this country, because he seems to say the right things. What I do like about Obama is that he is being tested and continues to rise up against attacks and criticism, and by whom...Hillary! Wow! a Democratic sister, so to speak.

Now, Hillary. We all pulled for Hillary, when "Brother Bill" (considered the first Black President) surcome to temptation of the infamous Monica Lewinsky and the stain dress. We saw her "stand by her man" and not take one step backwards, knowing that this was not the first time "Wild Bill" had some extra-curriculum activity. Her poise nature and head high manner, gave us a view of a strong woman, in the mist of turmoil. Her aggressive attack on getting Health Care for all, was a gallant effort, but why didn't it fly? Her husband WAS the president? Ok...my thinking was to lean toward Hillary in such, that she was the choice, that would be best, in winning the presidency over the other parties candidate. Her being a woman,didn't matter to me, for men have been running this country since, and they have made a mess of things over the centuries and - why not a woman president? As long as she can make change, deliver on promises and get the economy and country strong, I could care less if it were alien ( I don't mean illegal) She basically had my vote (with the help of being Bill's other half) But NOW! with the attacks on Obama and the clashes that they are having, which is bringing out a great deal of Hillary's (and Bill's) past dealings such as "Whitewater", "Board of Wal-Mart" and several other situations that she has not fessed up to, under her leadership or authority.



So why the sudden attacks on Obama from Hill? Well, if you don't know politics, you will know one thing...whatever it takes to win and no matter who you attack to get that victory, means more than integrity and fair play. Even if it is own momma or friend. Even Bill, has come out of the box and make some discouraging comments against Obama and he has the NERVE to talk?!


Ok...I will say that I am voting Democratic due to the Republican agenda still doesn't address the issues of social matters in our country such as education in urban and rural areas, black teens being jailed wrongfully, The Hurricane Katrina matter,Health Care for the underprivileged and I can go on, and on, and on. Tell me who, in the Republican Party is worthy of my vote? Giuliani? Romney? Reagan? Oh...he's gone, I' sorry. I will vote for anyone, no matter what the party, if he or she, can unite this country and look to seeing that this country gets what it needs FIRST...and work toward the outside later. The deficit is back to being the highest ever, a recessions is right around the corner, still no Health Care for everyone, looked upon other nations now with hate and disapproval, companies moving out of the country and overseas displacing people form rural areas, out of jobs and basically homeless. Now, we have an illegal immigration problem.

If I had to vote today, I would vote for Obama, only due to the fact that he is trying to bring forth the issues of our country and not the rhetoric, that all the other candidates are spewing. Hillary lost me with the attacks, I was never impressed with Romney or Giuliani (who are the front-runners) Oh..I forgot about McCain..hmmmm..he seems to be running strong, but does he really believe what he is saying? Need to listen more on his issues. No, I wouldn't vote for Obama because he is black, but because he seems the most likely, to get this country united and move forward in ways that no other has been able to. Bill, started it (getting the country back somewhat) no we need someone, to take the torch and and lead us, in these trying days. Maybe Hillary can convince me otherwise, but right now, I am displeased in her actions of criticism and attacks. Who will you vote for?! Listen close and hard, to the issues and then YOU decide!

Remember, many blacks died, for us to have the right to vote. Even an uneducated black man, with no shoes, who was stopped at the door and threatened and then given a test. This is the one right that we have, that was fought for, that we can use as power, that was sacrificed, by our forefathers. Amen

Gene Banks- Taking Time To Grieve and Relect.

Banks resigns as Smith basketball coach
By Jeff CarltonStaff Writer
Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 3:00 am
Credit: H. Scott Hoffmann/News & Record
Gene Banks
GREENSBORO -- A few days after Smith jettisoned its football coach, the Eagles lost the first-year coach of their struggling boys basketball team.
Gene Banks met Wednesday with athletics director Charlie Barnes and principal Noah Rogers and told them he was resigning as basketball coach, less than five months after he accepted the job.
The Eagles were 1-12 after dropping their Metro 4-A Conference opener Tuesday against Northwest Guilford. Barnes said Thursday that Banks was not asked to resign after those early struggles.
"It was pretty much his decision to do that," Barnes said. "He could have stayed as long as he wanted to."
Brian Jones, Smith's junior varsity coach, is now directing the varsity on an interim basis. His first game in that role is tonight against Page.
Barnes and Rogers began their search for a football coach after they asked Jon Oakley to step down late last week, less than two years into his tenure. Oakley was 0-11 in 2007, his first full year on the job. Oakley, a former Page and Northwest assistant coach, took over midway through the Eagles' one-victory season in 2006.
Smith has not had a winning football season since the late Tony McKee departed in 2004 to take a coaching position in Georgia.
"With that school, you need time," Oakley said. "That's the challenge. Sometimes you think you've got it, and you don't have it."
Several attempts to reach Banks by phone the past two days were unsuccessful. He spoke after the 46-42 loss to Northwest about his difficulties adjusting to the high school game -- dealing with parents and the immaturity of teenage players, for example.
Banks was an All-America high school player in Philadelphia and was similarly honored during his playing career at Duke in 1977-81. He had coached semipro teams overseas as well as two college women's teams -- Division II Bluefield State and D-III Bennett -- before taking the Smith job last summer.
Barnes said Banks cited the recent deaths of his mother and a close friend as primary reasons for stepping aside.
Just as in football, Smith has had trouble establishing coaching continuity in boys basketball. Reggie Peace had success in two stints with the Eagles, but he returned to Lee County to be closer to his wife's place of work last June, ending his second tour after two seasons.

Barbara Banks-Williams..."Homecoming"

Barbara Banks-Williams, mom of Gene Banks
By JOHN F. MORRISONPhiladelphia Daily News
morrisj@phillynews.com 215-854-5573

Barbara Banks-Williams didn't let a little thing like tuberculosis stop her from living life to the fullest.
The disease, which struck her in junior high school, put her in the hospital for prolonged periods at a crucial time in anyone's life.
But she bounced back, earned her high school equivalency diploma and received certification as a respiratory therapist. She worked at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital.
Barbara, a devoted churchwoman and mother of eight children, including Gene Banks, one of the city's most outstanding high school basketball players, died Saturday. She was 70 and lived in West Philadelphia.
She was born in Philadelphia to Pearl White and Roy Kearse. She was attending Audenried Junior High School when she contracted TB.
"Barbara was a hard worker with a tender and giving heart," her family said in an obituary. "She was always known for opening her doors to anyone in need and for always having a place at the table for anyone to enjoy a good meal."
She was married to the late Eugene Lavon Banks Sr. After their divorce, she married Walter Williams, who also preceded her in death.
Barbara served a number of local churches in the city as a missionary and Sunday School teacher and always made herself available for whatever was needed.
"In her service to the Lord, Barbara passionately sang old Pentecostal songs and studied God's word," her family said. "She will always be remembered for exemplifying a reverence and passion for God."
Her son Eugene L. Banks Jr. led West Philadelphia High School to a 79-2 record over three seasons in the '70s, including three Public League and City championships, starred at Duke University and played in the NBA.
She also is survived by two other sons, Derrick and Darryl; four daughters, Barbara, Natalie, Pamela and Heidi; two brothers, Earl White and Eric Fisher; 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by another daughter, Venesee.
Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Olive Holy Temple Church, Broad and Jefferson streets. Friends may call at 9 a.m.*