The Breakfast Song - Tupelo, Mississippi

Someone sent me the link to this song and I just had to share it with plezWorld.

The song aired in 2004 on "The Kay Bain Show," a morning show on NBC affiliate WTVA in Tupelo, MS. It features Minister Cleo Clariet accompanied by his fiance Katherine Lane. Enjoy!

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plez sez: INSERT "joke about mississippi" HERE!

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plez sez: don't play with guns (humor)

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plez sez: i'm sure someone had to sleep on the couch for the rest of the week!

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Lame... DUCK, President Bush!

On Sunday, during a press conference while on a surprise (last) visit to Baghdad, an Iraqi journalist -- identified as Muntadhar al-Zaidi -- threw both of his shoes at President Bush. And as they say in the business, the rest is history...

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Excerpts of CNN.com report on "shoe throwing" incident:

An Iraqi TV reporter who threw his shoes at President Bush during a news conference remained in custody Monday, while judicial officials decided whether to charge him with assault.

Muntadhar al-Zaidi, a reporter for the TV channel Al-Baghdadia, faced testing for alcohol and drugs to determine his state of mind, said a government official, who requested anonymity.

At Sunday's news conference, the journalist whipped off his shoes and hurled them at Bush during the president's unannounced stop in Baghdad. The reporter called his shoe-throwing, a traditional insult in Arab culture, a "farewell kiss" to a "dog" who launched the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Excerpts of New York Times article on "shoe thrower":

Barely 24 hours after the journalist, Muntader al-Zaidi, was tackled and arrested for his actions at a Baghdad news conference, the shoe-throwing incident was generating front-page headlines and continuing television news coverage. A thinly veiled glee could be discerned in much of the reporting, especially in the places where anti-American sentiment runs deepest.

In Sadr City, the sprawling Baghdad suburb that has seen some of the most intense fighting between insurgents and American soldiers since the 2003 invasion, thousands of people marched in his defense. In Syria, he was hailed as a hero. In Libya, he was given an award for courage.

Mr. Zaidi, a correspondent for an independent Iraqi television station, Al-Baghdadia, remained in Iraqi custody on Monday. While he has not been formally charged, Iraqi officials said he faced up to seven years in prison if convicted of committing an act of aggression against a visiting head of state.

Hitting someone with a shoe is a deep insult in the Arab world, signifying that the person being struck is as low as the dirt underneath the sole of a shoe. Compounding the insult were Mr. Zaidi’s words as he hurled his footwear at President Bush: “This is a gift from the Iraqis; this is the farewell kiss, you dog!” While calling someone a dog is never polite, among Arabs, who traditionally consider dogs unclean, the words were an even stronger slight.

The incident has been a source of embarrassment for the government of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, who, in a statement on Monday, called the shoe throwing a “a shameful savage act” and demanded a public apology from Al-Baghdadia.

“The act damaged the reputation of Iraqi journalists and journalism in general,” the statement said.

As of Monday night, no apology from the station was forthcoming. Instead, the network posted an image of Mr. Zaidi, 29, in the corner of the screen for much of the day. Viewers were invited to phone in their opinions, and the vast majority said they approved of his actions.

Opponents of the continued American presence in Iraq turned Mr. Zaidi’s detention Monday into a rallying cry. Support for the detained journalist crossed religious, ethnic and class lines in Iraq — vaulting him to near folk hero status.

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plez sez: okay, okay! we all had a nice chuckle at our inept and goofy looking lame-duck president bush ducking the incoming shoe. and a helmet sticker goes to the iraqi prime minister for blocking the second projectile aimed at bush's cranium. some quick hands by al-maliki!

but after the laughter has subsided, let's all remember that until january 20th at high noon, george w. bush is still the president of the united states and leader of the free world. if not bush himself, the office of the president should command a certain level of respect not only here in the united states, but also in other countries around the world... especially in a country where we have squandered close to 5,000 soldiers' lives and over a trillion dollars over the past five years.

although, my household got a nice belly laugh with bush's theatric duck of the flying shoes (something that will certainly find its way into an upcoming Saturday Night Live skit), this was still a deplorable act directed at our president and indirectly at the american people who were duped by this president in "liberating" iraq from the rule of sadaam hussein.

al-baghdadia found an ideal stage for his protest; he is being hailed as a folk hero in iraq. but to my way of thinking, he has also hurled an international insult to the people of the united states. i'm sure the iraqi security detail has delivered the beatdown he so deserves - the BBC reports that muntadar al-zaidi suffered a broken hand, broken ribs and internal bleeding, as well as an eye injury according to his older brother, dargham.

and now it's time for plezWorld to keep it real! for the past eight years, Dubya has disrespected not only the people of iraq, the untold thousands of dead iraqis, the us servicemen (and women) who've given their limbs and lives for the illegal war in iraq, but also the american people who've had to put up with his jacked up and illegal policies that have so diminished the presidency of the united states that our country is a joke to these people. the line of people who'd like to put a foot up in the arse of george bush would stretch for miles in iraq... ...around the world... and throughout the united states!

al-baghdadia's shoes represent the feelings of millions of people who cannot wait for george bush to leave the white house on january 20th!

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Read the New York Times article about the shoe hurled at President Bush.

Read the New York Times article about Muntader al-Zaidi is being hailed as a folk hero in Iraq.

Read the BBC article about al-zaidi's treatment in iraqi custody.

Read the CNN.com articles about the Iraqi shoe hurling incident here and here.

Read the CNN.com article with an explanation from the shoe-thrower's brother.

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Watch This... And Then Go VOTE!

plez sez: i can think of no stronger testimony for WHY this country needs BARACK OBAMA as the next President of the United States.

is he going to fix everything and make it alright? i doubt it!

but i do know that under the leadership of BARACK OBAMA, this country will know that we can band together and accomplish just about anything we set out to do. he is going to be a force for CHANGE because his story and campaign has been about optimism and capturing the good old-fashioned American spirit that has been lost over the last decade.

Barack Obama: "American Stories, American Solutions"

Presented on plezWorld, Barack Obama's 30 minute special that was originally broadcast on the evening of Wednesday, October 29, 2008.

Barack Obama's "American Stories, American Solutions"

"Yes We Can" ...again!

The Emmy Winning video "Yes We Can" is a collage style music video inspired by a speech delivered by Sen. Barack Obama following the 2008 New Hampshire primary. The song was released on February 2, 2008 by the Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am on Dipdive.com and also on YouTube.

"Yes We Can" received an Emmy for Outstanding New Approaches - Entertainment at the 35th Annual Daytime Creative Arts and Entertainment Emmy Awards Ceremony on June 13th 2008 at the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City.

"Yes We Can" by Barack Obama & will.i.am

plez sez: YES WE CAN... but only if you V-O-T-E!



remember, the new hampshire primary came on the heels of a stunning win in the iowa caucuses. and then Barack Obama lost a close race to hillary clinton in new hampshire. many felt that it was inevitable that the race would swing toward clinton after new hampshire and she would be the eventual democratic nominee. a lot of air came out of the Obama balloon as he set his sights on south carolina... which he went on to win (and win BIG). and as they say, the rest is history.

now we sit only 22 days from the general election... at the cusp of watching the most remarkable story in united states politics unfold before our very eyes. in what seemed like a dream buoyed by a catchy slogan back in early february has crystallized into a movement and a budding reality.

In Rotation - Humpday Jam (Part XII)

Most people familiar with plezWorld know about my passion for good music. So in a brief departure from the gut-wrenching political season and stress of kick starting a business, it is time to mellow out with some good music.

One of the more enduring playlists on my iPod is "Soulful Groups." With groups from the 1960's and as recent as the new millenium, I'm going with a more old school look for this edition of In Rotation ... enjoy!:

1. "One of a Kind" by The Spinners from The Anthology LP (3:36)
   Old school, smooth, and soulful... no one could create a mood like the late Phillipe Wynne!
   
   
2. "Dukey Stick (12" Special Disco Version)" by George Duke from The Essential George Duke LP (8:05)
   George Duke bites hard on the Funkadelic sound!
   
   
3. "Silly Ho" by TLC from Fanmail LP (4:15)
   The post-modern definition of a "girl group"... channeling the grace and cool of The Supremes.
   
   
4. "Nathan Jones" by The Supremes from Greatest Hits LP (3:02)
   The original "girl group" from the early 60's...
   
   
5. "Groove Me" by Guy from Guy LP (4:34)
   Original New Jack Swing... where Teddy Riley cut his teeth on his sound... got that high top fade!
   
   
6. "Strawberry Letter 23" by The Brothers Johnson from The Very Best of... LP (4:59)
   Fell in love with this song the first time I heard it... as I understand it, his girlfriend sends him letters written on strawberry scented stationary. The song describes the feelings evoked by "Strawberry Letter 22," the title indicating the hopes of another letter.
   
   
   Hello, my love
   I heard a kiss from you
   Red magic satin playing near, too
   
   All through the morning rain
   I gaze - the sun doesn't shine -
   Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind
   
   In the garden - I see west
   Purple shower, bells and tea
   Orange birds and river cousins dressed in green
   
   Pretty music I hear - so happy
   And loud - blue flower echo
   From a cherry cloud
   
   Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue
   Playgrounds will laugh
   if you try to ask
   Is it cool?, is it cool?
   
   If you arrive and don't see me
   I'm going to be with my baby
   I am free - flying in her arms, over the sea
   
   Stained window, yellow candy screen
   See speakers of kite - with velvet roses diggin' freedom flight
   
   A present from you - Strawberry letter 22
   The music plays, I sit in for a few
   
   Ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...
   
   A present from you - Strawberry letter 22
   The music plays, I sit in for a few
   
   Ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...
   
   
   
7. "The Rubberband Man" by The Spinners from The Anthology LP (3:37)
   Much more than a jingle for an office products store! *smile*
   
   
   
8. "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" by Human League from The Very Best of... LP (3:45)
   This could almost be seen as the sound of the '80's: Remnants of Disco. A sprinkling of Punk Rock. Part R&B. And a little Euro funk!
   
   
   
   
   
9. "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" by The Jacksons from Jacksons Live! LP (8:31)
   Vintage Jacksons... performing one of their baddest grooves live!
   
   
10. "Once You Get Started" by Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan from The Very Best of... LP (4:31)
    DAMN that girl can blow! Love that 70's groove and full sounding instrumentation.
    
    
11. "Southern Girl" by Maze feat. Frankie Beverly from The Greatest Hits of Maze... LP (6:54)
    Southern Fried Soul... hot, delicious, greasy!
    
    
12. "Bop Gun (Endangered Species)" by Parliament from Tear the Roof Off 1974-1980 LP (8:32)
    The eternal battle with Sir Nose D'Void of Funk continues...
    
    
13. "For the Love of Money" by The O'Jays from Collector's Item LP (7:18)
    More than a jingle for opening of a hit reality-based tv show starring Donald Trump!
    
    
14. "5 Steps" by Dru Hill from Dru Hill LP (5:54)
    Standouts in the crowded boy group of the late 90's with their TIGHT harmonies... this moving ballad is about a friend who gives his life to save others (check out the video here).
    
    
    ~ ~ ~ BONUS CUTS ~ ~ ~
    
    
15. "The Walk" by The Time from What Time Is It? LP (9:32)
    Standouts in the crowded funk bands of the mid-80's with their TIGHT grooves... they should've stayed together.
    
    
    "We're gonna walk 'til the song's over,
    In other words, meet me at the bar in 32 measures, cool?"
    
    
    
16. "Fire" by The Ohio Players from Gold LP (4:27)
    The horns really bring this home... funky!
    
    
    
    
    
17. "Outstanding" by The Gap Band from The 12" Collection And More LP (6:15)
    Quite possibly the smoothest dance hit ever... a ballad that plays for the dance floor: dance to it without breaking a sweat!
    
    

Baracky II

Baracky II
Baracky played by Barack Obama
Evil McT played by John McCain

and a special appearance
Hill/Bill Creed played by Billary

[Hat Tip: AverageBro]


plez sez: i found this over at AverageBro's blog... so good, i had to post it on plezWorld!

plezWorld College Football Teaser - UGA Preseason #1

Over the weekend, the Associated Press joined the USA Today Coaches Poll in naming the University of Georgia the number one team going into the fall campaign.

Rounding out the AP’s top five are Ohio State, USC, Oklahoma and Florida.

Now that Georgia holds the top rankings in both major polls, national championship buzz will be at an all-time high. But if history has anything to say about it, Georgia doesn’t even have to be among the preseason top 10 to finish on top. When the Bulldogs won the national championship in 1980 on the legs of Herschel Walker, they were ranked 16th in the AP’s preseason poll.

Georgia has a tough row to hoe because their schedule includes six teams ranked in the preseason poll (Florida, LSU, Auburn, Arizona State, Tennessee and Alabama) and a seventh (South Carolina) that sits one point behind No. 25 Pittsburgh. Three of the top 10 teams (Auburn, Florida, and LSU) are among the four games that end their season, with a finale at home against their in-state rival Georgia Tech.

After the grueling schedule, if they win the SEC East, they will have to battle the SEC West champs to secure a spot in the national championship game (against Ohio State)!

AP Preseason Poll

1. Georgia Bulldawgs
   
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
   
3. USC Trojans
   
4. Oklahoma Sooners
   
5. Florida Gators
   
6. Missouri Tigers
   
7. LSU Tigers
   
8. West Virginia Moutaineers
   
9. Clemson Tigers
   
10. Auburn Tigers
    
11. Texas Longhorns
    
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders
    
13. Wisconsin Badgers
    
14. Kansas Jayhawks
    
15. Arizona State Sun Devils
    
16. BYU Cougars
    
17. Virginia Tech Hokies
    
18. Tennessee Volunteers
    
19. South Florida Bulls
    
20. Illinois Fighting Illini
    
21. Oregon Ducks
    
22. Penn State Nittany Lions
    
23. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
    
24. Alabama Crimson Tide
    
25. Pittsburgh Panthers
    

Read the AJC articles about UGA being number one in the preseason polls here and here.

plez sez: plezWife is a graduate of the University of Georgia, so of course, she is giddy with the prospect of them starting the season as the number one team in the nation. but they play in the meat grinder of a conference (SEC) which normally sends the eventual champion to the national championship game... face it, who ever shows up in the national championship game will not have seen the speed, size, and hard hitting defense of the SEC at any point of the season!

to be honest, last year, LSU should have played UGA for the national championship (it would've been a much better and closer game). instead, LSU thumped Ohio State for the national championship, and UGA trounced knocked the dawg shit out of Hawaii in the 2008 Sugar Bowl... it wasn't even funny the way they destroyed the over-matched and sad Rainbow Warriors!

You can't spell Sugar without UGA:

after watching this YouTube video... you can see why UGA is preseason #1!

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since i'm a graduate of rival Georgia Tech, i'm licking my chops for a BIG ASS showdown on November 29, 2008... i've already gotten the family our tickets. it's a home game for UGA and they will have just run a gaunlet through Florida, Auburn, and LSU. they play Georgia Tech at the friendly confines of Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA.

the SugarPlum will be decked out in her little UGA cheerleader outfit, plezWife will have on her bright red UGA hoodie, and plezWorld will be sporting classic White and Gold! the plan is for UGA to be overlooking Tech as they prepare to go into the SEC Championship Game undefeated... and then for them to get stung at home by those pesky Yellow Jackets! their ONLY LOSS of the season!

if they win the SEC Championship game, they'll probably still get to go to the national championship game with one loss!

at least, that's the plan for now...

Barack Obama Democratic Nomination Victory Speech

A Truly Historic Moment on June 3, 2008

plez sez: Yes, We Can!

USA 193 Spy Satellite Shot Down

A US spy satellite that died soon after its launch in December 2006 was beginning a slow and certain descent into the Earth's atmosphere. The danger of this satellite was the toxic fuel it had stored in its tanks, if it were to fall to Earth, the fuel's contact with humans could prove fatal. The decision was made to launch a modified heat seeking warhead from a naval vessel into space to destroy it.

A approximately 10:30 PM EST, a single missile was fired from the USS Lake Erie and the missile hit the satellite as it traveled at more than 17,000 miles per hour, as reported by the Pentagon. It is believed that the debris from the explosion will circle the Earth for a day or two before finally burning up upon reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. Pentagon sources have assured the world community that the fuel tank - the main reason for the missile launch - was destroyed.

Read the entire New York Times article here.

Computer Generated Simulation of Missile Launch & Hit

plez sez: can you say "Star Wars"? i thought you could...

i'm a skeptic... so sue me... but what isn't the pentagon telling us: what the heck was REALLY on that satellite that they don't want anyone to know about? i'm not really buying this hoo-ey about toxic fuel, satellites of various sizes crash to the Earth a lot and what makes the fuel on this one any more toxic than any other? the space shuttle was just up in space, why couldn't it have been used to pluck it out of orbit (unless the pentagon didn't want NASA looking up their skirts)?

what are "they" hiding from us?!? don't say that i didn't tell you, but there was probably something captured on that satellite that our government doesn't want ANYONE to know about... and they couldn't risk whatever it is coming back to Earth intact! ...and don't ask me how i know these things! *wink*

Barack Obama: Iowa Caucus Victory Speech

Barack Obama's Victory Speech




Hillary Clinton's Post Iowa Caucus Speech

plez sez: this is a historic moment in United States politics... i look for Barack Obama to continue a strong run to gain the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. on to New Hampshire!

i have a dream that one day soon, i'll be able to take my daughter to the White House and tell her that President Barack Obama lives here!

"Cherry Chocolate Rain" by Tay Zonday

After having his viral video cult classic "Chocolate Rain" blowup over the Internet, the New York Times reports that Tay Zonday was given an opportunity to rework the song and post a version that will become an ad for Dr. Pepper's newest flavor "Cherry Chocolate Diet Dr. Pepper."

Read the New York Times article here.

plez sez: i posted about the tay zonday "chocolate rain" phenomenon a few months ago. this updated version of the song is kinda catchy. pretty good for a graduate student at the university of minnesota who posted the original song as just something to do.

i guess you can always tell when you've hit it BIG... Pepsi comes calling (Pepsi bottlers distribute Dr. Pepper), see michael jackson, ray charles, beyonce', britney spears, pink and madonna.

The Jacksons' Pepsi Commercial

Ray Charles's Pepsi Commercial

Pepsi Commercial with Beyonce, Britney Spears, and Pink

Madonna's Pepsi Commercial

Whitney Houston on "Silver Spoons" (1985)

in 1985, i was a fresh-faced college student who kept hearing reference to a young, new singing sensation by the name of Whitney Houston. radio airplay of her hit, "Saving All My Love," had me liking what i heard: i can recognize TALENT. she had IT!

i stayed in my chapter's bustling frat house, so we had little occasion to watch much television, but i heard that Ms. Houston was going to be a guest on the sitcom, "Silver Spoons." i had never watched the show because the basic sitcom formula at the time involved some pre-pubescent smartass kid in some contrived situation: Diff'rent Strokes, Punky Brewster, Webster, Silver Spoons, The Cosby Show, Gimme a Break, Who's the Boss, Growing Pains, ad nauseum...

the following video is Whitney Houston blowing up with "Saving All My Love" (notice how she changed some of the words - "making love the whole night through" was changed to "holding each other the whole night through" - for the censors). dexter, the business manager (played by the late Franklyn Seales), falls "head over heels" with the gorgeous and sumptous young Houston and follows her to LA.

like dexter, i was smitten by her beauty and that soulful voice after this episode. i have been a big fan ever since, including her latest incantation on "Being Bobby Brown."

Whitney Houston on "Silver Spoons" (1985)

"Read A Book" - The Rap Video

I stumbled across the following video on YouTube.com. It is a somewhat entertaining satire on the state of hip hop today. I edited the description of the video:

This was shot on BET Animation [for] "106 & Park". It is a satirical observation on the current ridiculous, offensive, and embarrassing state of the once noble art of hip hop. The rapper who made the song is also satirizing the current popular rap music which is an embarrassment to everything [that] rap was. While making this social satire, he also provides a positive message [mixed with some] social commentary.

WARNING:
Due to excessive cussin' and gratuitous use of the n-word,
this video is NOT suitable for children.

plez sez: i grappled with myself for several days trying to decide whether to post this video on my blog. i don't want anyone to misconstrue this blog as a supporter of this kind of "art."

i tend to agree with the video description that this is a sad commentary on the state of rap (and hip hop). the question we should ask, "what is more important, the message or the messenger?" should we continue to support and make millionaires out of the kind of "artists" who would write, produce, and distribute something that you wouldn't want your young children to listen to?

back in the day, it was understood that Millie Jackson, Redd Foxx, and Richard Pryor were only for adults. but now, "artists" like Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent enjoy mass distribution and airplay of their "art" no matter how crude and vile the content.

i remember when rap music first enjoyed popularity (late 70's and early 80's): there wasn't an emphasis on "keepin' it real"! there was little or no cursing. believe it or not, but the Video Vixen is a relatively new phenomenon. and the n-word didn't enjoy such popularity in our music.

if it weren't so sad, it would be funny.

damn! i long for the days of rap songs like "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five."

"Chocolate Rain" by Tay Zonday

Here is the top video on YouTube.com. An original song by Tay Zonday

"Chocolate Rain"

Chocolate Rain/Some stay dry and others feel the pain/Chocolate Rain/A baby born will die before the sin

Chocolate Rain/The school books say it can't be here again/Chocolate Rain/The prisons make you wonder where it went

Chocolate Rain/Build a tent and say the world is dry/Chocolate Rain/Zoom the camera out and see the lie

Chocolate Rain/Forecast to be falling yesterday/Chocolate Rain/Only in the past is what they say

Chocolate Rain/Raised your neighborhood insurance rates/Chocolate Rain/Makes us happy 'livin in a gate

Chocolate Rain/Made me cross the street the other day/Chocolate Rain/Made you turn your head the other way

(Chorus)

Chocolate Rain/History quickly crashing through your veins/Chocolate Rain/Using you to fall back down again
[Repeat]

Chocolate Rain/Seldom mentioned on the radio/Chocolate Rain/Its the fear your leaders call control

Chocolate Rain/Worse than swearing worse than calling names/Chocolate Rain/Say it publicly and you're insane

Chocolate Rain/No one wants to hear about it now/Chocolate Rain/Wish real hard it goes away somehow

Chocolate Rain/Makes the best of friends begin to fight/Chocolate Rain/But did they know each other in the light?

Chocolate Rain/Every February washed away/Chocolate Rain/Stays behind as colors celebrate

Chocolate Rain/The same crime has a higher price to pay/chocolate Rain/The judge and jury swear it's not the face

(Chorus)

Chocolate Rain/Dirty secrets of economy/Chocolate Rain/Turns that body into GDP

Chocolate Rain/The bell curve blames the baby's DNA/Chocolate Rain/But test scores are how much the parents make

Chocolate Rain/'Flippin cars in France the other night/Chocolate Rain/Cleans the sewers out beneath Mumbai

Chocolate Rain/'Cross the world and back its all the same/Chocolate Rain/Angels cry and shake their heads in shame

Chocolate Rain/Lifts the ark of paradise in sin/Chocolate Rain/Which part do you think you're 'livin in?

Chocolate Rain/More than 'marchin more than passing law/Chocolate Rain/Remake how we got to where we are.

(Chorus)

plez sez: someway, somehow... this video has gotten over 2 million hits over the past 3 months on YouTube.com! the video is so strange, the music (if you want to call it that) is so strange and different, i couldn't resist posting it on plezWorld.

looking at the lyrics, it seems that this song is some type of social/political commentary on being Black (references flipping cars in France, the bell curve controversy, raising housing insurance rates, every February washed away (that's Black History Month), the same crime has a higher price to pay, etc.). your thoughts?

Clinton-Obama Foreign Policy Feud

On Monday night (July 23, 2007), the Democratic presidential contenders took to the stage in South Carolina to answer questions submitted by "real people" on the CNN "YouTube Debate (follow the link to see the question and each candidate's answer)." For the most part, the submissions to YouTube.com were far more creative and interesting than the boilerplate, rote responses by the Dems.

Things were going along swimmingly until there was a question about meeting with foreign leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea.

Watch the YouTube.com video below:

As you can see from the video, there was a BIG difference of opinion by the two leading candidates. Since Monday evening, both Clinton and Obama have dug in behind their statements during the debate. A number of newspaper articles have been written about the two contenders taking of the gloves and going toe-to-toe on this one (read articles here, here, and here).

Obama has since referred to The Hillary as "Bush-Cheney Lite." He contends that another Clinton presidency will result in a continuation of a failed foreign policy.

Clinton's camp has referred to Obama as "irresponsible and, frankly, naive." She thinks that meeting with foreign leaders requires diplomacy, strategy, and tact that Obama doesn't have.

I happened to catch a segment on CNN's "The Situation Room" where men from each campaign held a mini-debate over which candidate was "right" and which one was "wrong."

plez sez: the question as asked by the YouTube.com submission mentioned meeting with these foreign leaders "without precondition during the first year of your administration." i am not a statesman by any stretch of the imagination, but i would tend to think that ANY meeting with a foreign leader would carry some conditions and diplomatic "mumbo-jumbo."

but i do like the SPIRIT with which Obama answered the question: he states that unless there is a change in approach, we will continue to have the same FAILED foreign policy that led us to war in Iraq! he correctly asserts that Reagan met with Gorbachev during the Cold War with Russia, Nixon went to China, and JFK had discussions with Russia during the Cuban Missile Crisis. i agree with Obama, i don't see how you can avoid firing missiles at your "enemy" if you've never sat down with them to discuss your differences.

Hillary is leading in the polls, but i'm still feeling the fresh (albeit inexperienced) perspective from Obama.