Neil had mentioned we head to the Crescent Cafe for the Obama Rally tonight. I said “yeah we should head over there.” When I was on my way home I drove by the cafe on the corner of Canterbury and Gardner Street here in Main South to see many people standing on corner with their Obama posters. People in our “hood” seem energized and we may see a lot of first time voters out there. So I went home, ate a bite and we headed over to the Crescent Cafe. Walked into a crowd of people very much wanting change.
The neighborhood organizer spoke and introduced Jim McGovern, who stood on a bar stool and stated ” George Bush is Horrible, he is the worst president that has ever been.” He spoke of just getting off the plane from Washington, how he was fighting for the people of Massachusetts and how he believes that Obama is the change we need. There was no hesitation in his words when he stated “January when Obama is president and the economic stimulus package is passed, the economy can repair itself for from the bottom up.” He stated that when he started running in the 90′s for congress that he had a far chance of winning, but a woman came to him and explained because of his grassroots action the woman was convinced. Because on a rainy day a woman came to this woman’s house and explained why she stood behind McGovern, and that was when her mind was changed.
After the speeches were complete, Neil “cornered” Jim and started talking about our adventure with the neighborhood and our building. He mentioned that he in fact voted YES on the bailout package, that something needed to be done.
We then grabbed a drink and some food from Venice at One Love, I had the plantains, rice and beans and cabbage. Sat at a table and then Jim McGovern sat down at the table next to us and started eating some fine Jamaican food, chatting with people of the city. Then Stacey Luster the owner of Crescent Cafe came by with some Samosas that came from an Indian couple that also sat with Jim. McGovern started speaking about the 90 something calls he received when the bill was to pass and then once the bill failed and the stock market dropped he received the same calls stating something had to happen. He talks about how people need to understand the reason for this bailout is not to help corporate America it is to save “credit” for the people. He went on about the economy needing credit, that even small business owners complete their payroll on credit. With the credit market on lock down, everyone is at risk. He voted yes on the bailout and will vote again. He was sent a message to return to Washington on Thursday and his reply was “Call me when you have the votes.”
I knew he was busy with so many people, but all I wanted was to interview him on the bailout bill, to really have input from an insider. Maybe next time I will do so, but I sat back and just relaxed and listened to what he had to say.
A woman had went to say goodbye to him and she mentioned her Coffee shop she was opening here in Worcester. I asked her where it was and she made her way over to Neil and I. Her name was Yolanda Zambrano the owner of Alpha Travel on Main Street. She seemed to be very much inspired by the Hanover Theatre and was naming the cafe “Theatre Cafe.” Neil and I mentioned that we are both volunteers at the theatre and she asked who she should contact to get tied in with the theatre, and I am sending her the info as soon as I am done here. Her cafe will be open around October 28th-29th, located at 539 Main Street downtown Worcester. I let her know I was more than happy to spread the word of her Colombian coffee, smoothie and pastry shop that will be opening.
I can say it was a very interesting night, Neil and I meet the owners of the Crescent Cafe which we look at when we drive by, a business owner that is spreading her wings and wanting so much more for this city of ours, and Jim McGovern who is about as homegrown and true that you could ask for.
One more reason to love our city of Worcester because when it comes down to it Neil and I choose to live here, we are not from here.
Events for your viewing:
The Worcester Obama Action Team invites all to: community Day for Change! @ the YMCA Park (behind the Central Community Branch on Main Street in Worcester. Saturday October 4th from 2-5pm
I was thinking that I would like to open my home up to anyone who wants to come and have a good time watching this Thursday’s Vice Presidential Debate. I figure it will be entertaining at the least and would love to share that moment with other political junkies. Let me know if you would like to come by, I am in Worcester….. Crystal & Neil
The simple question on people’s minds is “Should we allow Sarah Palin to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency?”
I know this is an old conversation but after last weeks interview with Katie Couric showing she can not handle anything other than the spoon feed information that she is regurgitating. Everyone points to the “sexism” card to be the reason for people attacking her. This is so beyond gender, this is someone that is just not ready; she is in way over her head.
I have heard numerous political commentators today speak of ways that Sarah could get out of the race so not to embarrass herself or the Republican Party anymore than she already has. McCain stood by his running mate stating “She is a Maverick herself, and she will be my partner in Washington.” Is McCain really that stupid??? I do understand that he took the risk with Palin and being the gambler he is I am sure that he thinks he can make this situation work.
I do not believe that she should be treated any different than any other person running for office. She is not some delicate flower that will break if you say anything cross to her. No person running whether it is Obama, McCain or Biden has had anything held back regarding them. She needs to hold her own and I do not believe that she will.
The columnist Kathleen Parker wrote how she supported and wanted nothing more than to see Sarah succeed, but that was short lived. She as a middle-aged conservative writer would like to see Sarah Palin step down because she has became too large of a risk for the Republican Party. I say “Keep her talking” and it only helps us democrats in our cause. The best thing that was written by Parker was just this “If BS were currency, Palin could bail out Wall Street herself.” The 830 or so comments posted after this column where all “over the board” but mostly from conservative’s going after Parker for stating what everyone else is thinking. The denial is killing me!! Reading through the comments you see people so willing to blindly support their ticket no matter what. People are backing a woman that we really do not even know, a person none the less that has been caught in lies and has only 3 talking points which she falls on when she is lost for words. I personally do not want this woman anywhere close to Washington. She has the conservative middle aged women vote, the ones who would vote for a corpse if it had a uterus. I think the pure ignorance of the Republican Party is what drives me the craziest, I know my candidate is not perfect but he has proved himself to be trustworthy and humble, not an elitist as the right likes to call him.
As people like to call the interview with Couric an interrogation, I would love to remind people of the interview Obama agreed to do with Bill O’Reilly. That is interrogation and you know what Obama never shuttered, he was on during the whole interview.
There is a lot going on in the blogging world for me lately.
As always I am posting here at I Heart Peanut Butter, this blog is my baby and has been for the last 3 1/2 years. I am really trying to reflect the growth I have made in my personal world with the growth of my blog. Making more Opinion blog and less Personal Blog. I still am in need of someone to help me put my domain over to here, so to rid myself of the blogspot site forever.
Then as for the last 6 months Neil, Julie, and myself have kept the University Park Lofts blog going. Some of it is pleasant,some of it is not. If anything it is real.
As of last week I was invited to be a contributing writer for Papamoka Straight Talk, a national focus on politics. I was a avid reader before I was a contributor. Since few post on their, one was picked up my MemeOrandum and the other by Reuters . Which is huge for this local blogger
I was asked today to contribute to a new site Real Worcester. It seems there will be some great local bloggers each contributing the one thing that know best in the local area.
So I will be the busy blogger but it is what I love to do!!!!!
I am just getting around to posting about last nights National Presidential Debate #1 in Oxford Mississippi. When it ends close to 11pm I have a hard time unless I was going to drink a few Red Bulls to put a half way intelligent thought together. Overall I think the debate went well, except the first half was more like stump speeches directed at the cameras and not at each other. Being 39 days away from the election, dealing with the failing economy and the ever looming “Financial Rescue Plan”, the debate that was suppose to focus on foreign policy and the war in Iraq feel became the economy. I have to believe there was no choice since that is the only thing on anyone’s mind as of late. Before the debate there was speak of a poll taken on the economy showing Obama was +1 on Monday and +14 on Friday.
Jim Lehrer who moderated the debate stated that indeed the debate was on foreign policy but would end up being about the World’s economy. Here were the main talking points for last night:
1. What is your stand on the Financial Recovery Plan? · Obama Stressed the need to move swiftly and wisely and protect the tax payers. His 4 main points consisted of: More oversight, taxpayers that are putting their money at risk have the ability to get their money back, none of the money can go to promoting Golden Parachutes, and to supply help to protect homeowners from foreclosures. · McCain He stressed a bipartisan effort to come to a solution for the problems facing Americans. This being done by forcing more accountability on the part of the government and regulations, and options for failing businesses to take out loans. He also said that he has called for the resignation of Christopher Cox, well if I remember correctly he stated if he was President that he would FIRE him.
2. What are the fundamental differences between McCain and Obama? · McCain He stressed that spending is out of control, he then went on to state when he is President he would veto every single spending bill that came across his desk. Stating that Obama was requesting billions of dollars of spending on programs that were not needed. McCain also stated he would give a $5,000.00 tax credit for people to be able to go and purchase their own insurance. · Obama He would close corporate loopholes, healthcare for everyone and stop giving tax credits to companies that ship jobs overseas.
3. Financial Rescue Plan: What are each of you willing to give up to pay for this plan? This was a hard one because each nominee went into that they ARE going to spend their money on and it was hard to get them on subject. · Obama Obama stated that he would work the most on alternative forms of energy to release our demand on foreign oil those saving us money. Also would stop giving 15 billion dollars to Private Insurance companies. · McCain He would cut spending and demand fixed priced contracts, going back to the fact that he helped pass the law that saved taxpayers 6.3 billion dollars on a contract between Boeing and the DOD. He would work on off shore drilling and nuclear power (this leads to NIMBY here in the United States)
4. Lesson’s in Iraq · Obama He states that we should have never went to war to begin with, there are now 4,000 soldiers dead and Al-Qaida is strong than ever. That Jon likes to pretend that the war started in 2007, well it started in 2004, that Jon thought we were greeted as liberators and he was wrong. Obama opposed any bill to withdraw that did not have a timetable. · McCain Stands by the fact the surge worked and upon speaking with families that state they did not want their children to die in vain.
5. Do you think more US Troops should be in Afghanistan and if so how many? · Obama He states that yes in fact more need to be there and he would want to send 2-3 more brigades to the region. Stressing that Al-Qaida is an essential threat to the US. We also need to deal with Pakistan and the ever growing poppy trade. Going back at McCain’s comment about Presidents need to be prudent, Obama states that coming from the man who sings “Bomb Bomb Iran” · McCain He stresses not to make the same mistakes that they did during the Cold War that he will not cut off aide to Pakistan because we need support of the Pakistani people.
6. What is your reading from the threat of Iran to the United States? · McCain If Iran is allowed nuclear weapons it could become the next holocaust. That Iran is putting the most lethal IUDs in Iraq. Without preconditions as Obama states, across from a man that wants to blow Israel off the map is legitimizing their comments. · Obama Believes that the Republic Guard is a terrorist organization in Iran, that tougher sanctions need to occur and we need China and Russia because of their close ties with Iran. Stating that he does not believe without preconditions means he will sit across and have a cup of tea with the person, it just means he will meet with them.
7. Russia: How do you see the relationship with Russia? · Obama Believes that our Russia approach needs to be reevaluated, that the next President needs to make clear the 6 point cease fire. That Russia can not be a 21st century superpower while acting as a 20th century dictator. They currently have 15,000 nuclear warheads with the ability to make 40,000 more. · McCain Says that Russia has committed serious acts of aggression towards Georgia and when he met with Putin he saw the K.G.B in his eyes. They are currently in violation of the cease fire agreement and that we have every right to expect Russia to respect international borders.
8. What is the likelihood of another 9-11 attack on the United States? · McCain Believes that the United States in safer since the day after 9-11,and we need to do a better job on human intelligence and better interrogators. · Obama That we still have a long ways to go for safety, and that we need more cooperation from our allies.
Overall the debate was not mind-blowing or reveal anything that I have not heard a million times. I am sure the average American learned something new, but to me it was not an energizing debate, maybe the next ones will be more powerful. I do look froward to this coming weeks debate between Palin and Biden.
Sarah Palin has been protected because she does a devastating job at unscripted interviews. Seriously , if I was a republican I would be embarrassed at the choice that McCain made. Although,as a democrat I think he made the best possible choice to get Obama into office. When asked about her foreign policy experience she talks about Russia being “across the border” lets try that again. The Bering Sea is not a border it is a very vicious body of water. When she was asked for examples of McCain in his 26 years of public office when he was on the side of regulation she said “I’ll try to find some and I will bring um to you”
Here is a snippet of the interview discussing the economy:
Palin does try to state that the “world” is waiting to see what McCain will do with the $700,000,000,000.00 bailout. Katie was quick to state the polls show Obama has a lead because of the mess on Wall Street and the only thing that Palin could say was ” I don’t care much about polls.” Well polls surely did matter when McCain had the lead, now didn’t they.
All I can say is am more anxious to see the VP National Debate than the Presidential National Debate because Palin is sure to be a train wreck as she has already proved herself to be.
Scuppie A Socially Conscious Upwardly-moving Person The whole thing is that you want the best, and you want to appear to be doing what is best for the world as a hole. If it is starving children in Africa or helping the Polar Bears, you are there to help while playing on your Iphone and driving your SUV (Hybrid of course)
From Charles Failla’s soon to be released book:
A Scuppie Believes…From the Protestant Reformation to that solidarity group of Manhattan ferret fanciers who so bedeviled Rudy Giuliani, every societal movement has its core beliefs.
Here are some of the propositions that Scuppies hold dear. … that it’s possible to have a thriving investment portfolio, own a lot of nice stuff, eat delicious meals, and generally lead an enjoyable existence, without taking out an adjustable-rate mortgage from Satan on your soul. … that not only is it possible to be an environmentalist and own a dinner table made from expensive, endangered Brazilian mahogany, but you get status points by explaining to visitors that was well worth spending the extra money because the designer uses only wood salvaged from 100-year-old houses in Sao Paulo. … that you can volunteer at a soup kitchen and still watch “Nigella Feasts” on the Food Network without guilt when you get home—provided, of course, that you have TiVo. … that going on a protest march is not only a time-honored American way to fight against injustice, but it’s also a good opportunity to sneak in a little aerobic power-walking. … that it’s okay to have a “My other car is a bicycle” bumper sticker on your Lexus, because you’re making a really important point about personally taking the initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions, even if you’re fibbing a bit and your other car is actually a Volvo wagon. … that you see Gandhi as a great role model–except, of course, for the part about giving up wearing pants and going on hunger strikes. … that free-range chickens not only lead more fulfilling lives, but they actually taste better. …that if your Labrador retriever could reason, he’d really appreciate that 100 percent organic Alpaca wool dog sweater emblazoned with a peace symbol that you found on the Internet for him. … that you’d really admire Angelina Jolie for her efforts to help international refugees, even if she wasn’t a total hottie. … that when you tell your kid that it would be immoral to buy the latest trendy $150 sneakers because they’re made in Asia by horribly exploited workers, it’s a chance to teach him or her a valuable lesson about personal responsibility. Not only that, but a pair of 100-percent organic hemp and recycled-rubber sneakers made in non-sweat-shop conditions are even trendier, and only cost half as much.
Ok here it is: What a week this will be for the History Books…… McCain announced today that he will suspend his campaign and take the road back to Washington to speak with President Bush on what to do next. He suggested for Obama to do the same, asking to move the national debate that is scheduled for this coming Friday until the issues of the $700,000,000,000.00 (It helps to see how many “0’s” there are) bailout is solved. He believes that by this weekend the bill will be passed and they can move on their merry way with a debate. I am sorry, but I want the debate, there are enough hot headed people in Washington working on this right now. I want a debate that stresses what Obama and McCain would do if they were sitting in Bush’s seat right now, because one of them will be in a few short months. I understand why McCain is asking for all this, because in moments of pure desperation a person will say and do whatever it takes to get what they want. His aim in the White House, seriously this is his only chance. He sees the reactions to his past comments on “de-regulation” of investment and insurance companies; he will do all in his power to regain the trust of the people. Obama has rejected the request to postpone the debate stating “It’s my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who, in approximately 40 days, will be responsible for dealing with this mess,” and “It’s going to be part of the president’s job to deal with more than one thing at once.” Obama will be preparing for the debate while consulting with bailout negotiators and Henry Paulson. McCain needs to understand the American people as a whole are not ok with this bill to give their tax dollars to big corporate business. So he can either go along with this to appease his party or he can stick up for the people. The people of the United States need to hear this debate, and we have been waiting for this debate. Tonight we will hear George W. Bush in what could be his final address to the nation before leaving office in January. I hope he states that more than Big Business will benefit from this $700,000,000,000.00 bail out and not just one man Mr. Henry Paulson will be accountable for the distribution of the funds. Finally, I hope he apologizes for keeping de-regulation a common business practice.
My new friend over at Papamoka wanted some help spreading news on the fact the City of Worcester has been unresponsive in his concern over child safety when they are exiting the bus. He has contacted Mayor Lukes, City Councilor Paul Clancy, WHDH, and NECN. To no avail he has not received the one thing he request. 15 minutes from one officer in the WPD to direct traffic on busy Grafton Street. Seems people in this city were never educated or taught that when a school bus is stopped with it’s “Stop” sign out and lights blinking that you are by NO MEANS allowed or should you even go around the bus. You should give at least a good 20 feet between the front of your car and the buses front.
Upon hearing news this morning about Twin Rivers Casino in Rhode Island going to possibly file for Bankruptcy protection with Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. They have not meet their last months payment on their over 125 million dollar loan for the remodel of the old “Lincoln Dog Track”. I was thinking about a discussion I had with a co-worker the other day about how casinos in Connecticut and Las Vegas were both suffering. he stated that the economy would not cause a casino to suffer, that there will always be people spending. Vegas has been hard pressed because business travel is at its all time low and tourist travel has slowed a great deal also. With Foxwoods laying off over 200 employees in June, they took some odd 400 employees from the main casinos and moved them over to the MGM Grand and did not replace those employees. My mothers department that she was in for 13 years had well over 200 people when she started was down to 40 people. Mohegan Suns profits were down 89% this past year. Last month it was reported that they earned $5 million dollars in their last quarter compared to $45.6 million the same quarter the previous year.
So that is the story in the North East. People are not traveling, gambling (other than the stock market) or staying in BIG Fancy Hotels.
So how is Atlantic City and Vegas making out? Well the Sands, MGM and even Hooters are all suffering HUGE losses as far as profits go. MGM was down 69% over prior. YIKES
Atlantic City has seen less of the trouble from the market being a gamble because most people in New York City do not even realize there is a housing crises But the overall picture is a 16.9% loss of all of the casinos…
So yes even the recession proof monster that is the Casino industry can crumble.
To carry on the link love that has surrounded us in the Worcester Massachusetts area. I will first recognize the two gentleman that gave me this wonderful bloggy love. First it was Papamoka who I have recently became a contributing writer for the left leaning political blog that is pretty much my daily bible. I have written one post since mid last week but I am very excited to continue once I am done with my night classes. Second, Jeff at Wormtown Taxi who is the Worcester Massachusetts Guru, he knows all things Worcester and makes sure people know what is going on in this fair city. So as the other blogs I spend far to much of my time on I would have to say:
Punky Style- I swear sometimes Amy and I were separated at birth, except she has the better wardrobe. She takes the fashion blog to the ultimate because she also focuses on how to stay green while looking great.
4-Rilla- Ok I am a bit biased as he is my boyfriend, but he is a fantastic writer who tells the best stories. So reading his view of something we both have experienced is always a good time.
My 5 senses- Gabe is giving the world the true essences of Worcester as he puts himself out there by living downtown. Always seem to share the same ideas on this going on.
Ok I know there are so many more, but honestly I am sitting in my class, warming the seat right now and that is what I can do. Check out these 5 blogs for good read and entertainment.
Jeff, I still hold true to the “heart” movement ….. I own Iheartpeanutbutter.com but still no luck moving it over here…. Someday
Over at Wormtown Taxi,4Rilla, and Papamoka there has been some buzz about the new Wind Turbine in Worcester that just completed. I have to stop and wonder if we will ever be as below the wind turbine world of Coachella Valley in California, right outside Palm Springs. I will admit when driving thru this area it feels a bit science fiction and I was pretending that these great structures were other life forms means of transport. The picture does not even come close to showing the magnitude of these turbines.
No matter my thoughts on my future minus my own children, I see this quote as the way it is. I see it as a large amount of the boomer generation is by no means leaving this world a better place then they received from their parents. Maybe it is the natural decay that comes with technology and not living from the earth. Just using the earth.
I wonder how the average growth of $2.02 Billion dollars a day will look once the $700 Billion dollar bail out occurs. The amount over a year adds a couple more billion a day. So the average daily debt of the nation will be over 4 billion a day. How scary is that! Which means if the amount each American is responsible for about 60k . More than most make in a year.
I feel somewhat removed, I am an adult and own my home but being 28 years old I still have time. But people who are at retirement age I feel for, they are the ones that will suffer in the short term. I agree that help needs to go to the people and not just to corporations and we need to let the market decide who lives and who does not. If a company is about ill business practices then it needs to be done with. Who helps the men or women who own their own shops, speciality trades or online business when it does not pan out. No one!
I say let the economy do what the economy will do without using taxpayers money or printing new money that has $0.00 value. I do not agree in helping foreign based companies because if they are willing to bring their industry and jobs overseas then let it stay there. This should not be a blank check, there needs to be accountability for the money, it can not just go to help the Lehman Bros and AIG’s of the world. Money needs to help the ever escalating amount of foreclosures that are happening daily,9-10k . The money needs to help “risky” mortgages not just sub prime mortgages because after the 1st swell of people who loss their homes due to a bad loan goes through the next batch will be the people who have a decent interest rate but due to the trouble this rocky economy has caused they no longer can afford the home that was once worth much more than it is now.
My last thoughts if any of these executives of any company getting bailed out with my dollars better not walk away with millions of dollars. If I do not perform at my job, if I make bad decisions I am not going to get my measly 3% raise, so why should some alpha high paid executive receive a going away present from a company that they helped bring down. Greed makes me sick and I only hope that this time in American “history” will only improve the business practices in the future.
