Govern Point – Critical Thinking: Politics and Culture

First and foremost, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to America and to President-Elect Obama for this monumental victory. The hope and optimism for the future is apparent across the globe now despite the perilous issues the entire world is facing. In light of his historic and inspiring victory, I have decided to take a closer look at the relationship between the United States and Barrack Obama.

Barack Obama has an amazing number of tight conjunctions with the astrology chart for the United States (see footer). Obama’s Neptune falls so precisely on our nation’s rising sign that it is nothing short of amazing. The United States Ascendant is 08°35′ in Scorpio and Barack Obama’s Neptune lines up almost exactly at 08°36′ in Scorpio. Neptune symbolizes our need for spiritual transcendence and our highest ideals. This is an especially noteworthy aspect because it shows that Barack Obama’s highest ideals concerning America are perfectly in synch with the principles held dearest by the American people.

In addition, Obama’s Neptune forms 3 harmonious trines (these indicate ease, warmth, and cooperation) to the Sun, Venus, and Jupiter of the United States. This indicates that Obama has an effortless flair to inspire the nation to live up to its highest potentials. This also shows that he has the ability to do so by reminding us of our larger spiritual role as human beings who are citizens of planet Earth as opposed to simply being American citizens. This is in direct contrast to George W. Bush’s narrow ideology of “it’s us against them” and “you’re either with us or against us” mentality. Instead, Obama’s entire philosophy is one based on the forward advancement of humanity as a whole.

It is of particular interest that Obama’s Neptune does tightly square (this creates tension) the nation’s midheaven and north node (this is the ultimate direction the country needs to be headed in a spiritual sense). This indicates that Barack Obama will have an uphill battle to climb at certain points during his administration because the public may feel that his ideas are either too idealistic or simply unpractical. Thus, he will have to demonstrate the kind of charismatic confidence and relentlessness that he has displayed in his 2008 Presidential campaign in order to truly get America behind all of his plans.

The Neptune of the United States is tightly conjunct Obama’s Mars. Mars in an astrology chart represents what we feel passionate about and are willing to fight for. Thus, in this configuration, we see Barack Obama willing to passionately fight for the American Dream for himself and for that of others. Ultimately, it seems that Obama’s greatest dream is taking this nation forward in a very progressive and determined manner.

Another interesting fact is that Obama’s Midheaven (career and social status) falls within the first house (the general viewpoint and attitude toward life) of the chart of the United States. This is a strong indicator that Obama’s career goals are perfectly in synch with the viewpoints of the citizens of the United States. This is symbolic of a handshake done in the spirit of goodwill. Obama pushes America’s highest vision of itself forward and, in return, the United States helps Obama accomplish his most cherished ideals for the American people.

Barack Obama’s Sun in Leo is in a tight conjunction (marriage or union type energy) with the midheaven (the way the U.S. goes about its business and the way the world see the U.S.) of the United States. This symbolizes that the United States sees Barack Obama as a perfect example of the American Dream and its highest ideals.

Think about that for a moment.

His parents were biracial. After they divorced, he was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. He went on to be a standout graduate from Harvard Law School and a youthful senator for the state of Illinois. Now, despite all of the hardships that he has faced, he is the very first African American President this nation has ever witnessed. The message of Obama’s life is classic Americana and gives all of us, regardless of our race, the hope of achieving our highest potential no matter how difficult our past might have been.

——————————————————————————–
There are 3 charts that exist for the United States and Astrologers have fiercely debated which one is the most accurate. Of course, the birth of our country is July 4, 1776. The exact time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is the issue widely disagreed upon. There is the 5:10 PM chart with a Sagittarius Ascendant, the most popular chart at 02:13:32 AM chart with a Gemini Ascendant, and the last one is the 2:21 PM chart for the United States that I personally prefer. This gives our country a Scorpio Rising Ascendant and it just so happens that our country’s national symbol is the eagle. The eagle is also one of the symbols that represents Scorpio. The eagle symbolizes the highest and most spiritually aware form of Scorpio’s power.

Eric Hughes is an Astrological Consultant who compassionately enables people to understand themselves on a deep spiritual level. He helps people to enthusiastically embrace their life with renewed passion as they learn how to consciously honor their own unique inner-flame. He is also the author of the popular TinyFeet Astrology Children’s Report. Eric may be contacted at (404) 402-3179, http://www.inner-flame-astrology.com, or [http://www.tinyfeetastrology.com]

Author: Eric Hughes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

There’s a growing craze that suggest that President Obama should openly express outrage, most recently over the Gulf Oil Spill. According to a recent News Week article, this demand for a show of presidential fury is not coming from a few people:

“…New York Times columnists want to see Obama angry; the filmmaker Spike Lee is demanding that the president “go off”; Democratic strategist James Carville wants “rage.” Whole cable shows have been devoted to the question…the Today show’s Matt Lauer informed the president that his critics were saying, “This is not the time to meet with experts and advisers, this is the time to…kick some butt.”

The Gulf Oil Spill is referenced as the worse environmental disaster in American history. Compared with the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, the George H.W. Bush administration specifically denied that the federal government bore any responsibility for the cleanup, and Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner declared that government involvement would be “counterproductive.”

The Gulf Oil Spill is not the first suggestion that the president is “not touch enough to lead.” A 2008 Huffington headline reads: Enough! Why Obama should Release his Righteous Rage:

“…Obama has waited long enough to show us this side of himself. Besides, we need to know that he can be a mean motherfucker if he wants this job… the last seven-plus years demand more than a detached analysis-and certainly more than a beaming smile. They demand indignation. Outrage. Fury.”

Really? And where, exactly, has the previous seven-plus years of kick-ass, cowboy leadership gotten us? The catastrophic inheritance from the past administration, multiple wars including the Republican war on the President, and Mother Nature’s rage, would be mission impossible for anyone, yet it does not seem to sway our obsession that President Obama should be angry, immediate and flawless.

I don’t claim to comprehend the complexity of the challenges we face as a nation, nor do I know the appropriate response, if there is such a think. I can only imagine what it’s like to live in President Obama’s skin, to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s not a job I’d want. But I am curious: Why are so many of us enraged that President Obama is not publicly outraged? For the 4 decades I’ve been voting, I don’t recall any president being “expected” or “pressured” to display outraged. What are we really after in this collective longing for the President to “go off?” What would President Obama’s rage prove to us? How would it relieve us? And more importantly: What would President Obama’s rage reinforce that would affirm our notion of Blackness?

Imagine for a moment the dilemma: If President Obama “goes off”, he is viewed as threatening and just another out of control Black man. If he rages righteously, he proves his Blackness and shows the world how tough he is. If President Obama does not rage, he is weak, lacking what it takes to be a strong leader. Our story about why he does or does not express rage is just that-our story, not to be confused with who he is.

Here’s my story (at least today): We have a history of tying black and rage together, and when this doesn’t happen, we don’t know what to do with ourselves. I’ll continue knowing my story is only a sliver of the truth.

Consider this: Our need for President Obama to explode in rage is our unconscious need to maintain our comfort with and definition of Blackness: Black folks look like this…, act like this…, and ends up like this… Fill in the blanks.

It is my observation that people of color, and especially Black people, disproportionately embody and express the denied rage of other races and cultures. I see this as a global as well as national issue. John McEnroe, for example, had an “anger management” problem where as Serena Williams’ behavior was “Roid Rage”, “not that of a champion.” As angry as McEnroe became, he was not characterized as violent. When we combine woman (women should not get angry) and Black (Blacks are always angry), it places a particular spin on our perception. This distortion does not happen consciously. It comes from generations of programming and social conditioning. It is what we have grown to expect, and therefore what is reinforced as “truth.”

In Berkeley, California, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run to pay the parking meter only to be met by a Black woman having just placed a ticket on my windshield. My impulse was to scream: “I was only 30 seconds late.” But upon seeing the “I’m not paid enough to take your shit” frown on her face, I would instead snatch the ticket and mumble under my breath as I crawled back into my illegally parked car. Was she given the job because she could ward off potential irate citizens like me? Would she have bitten my head off had I screamed at her? Perhaps she was simply doing her job. Perhaps all of the above and none of the above.

Another example. When I worked in corporate America, I felt it was my job to express the anger in the group. This was not an explicit agreement. It was a subconscious understanding that we all colluded with and benefited from. Other team members held different roles-peacekeeper, cynic, observer, humorist, etc., but my role was “the rager.” When someone did something that required confrontation, all eyes rolled in my direction. Being reliable to the team, intolerable of the anxiety I was experiencing, and unconsciously loyal to a lineage of ragers, I played my role with righteous pride.

While my ego was frequently stroked outside the meetings, when teammates would share how relieved they felt that I had spoken, I was unaware of how my race and ignorance was being exploited as I lived true to the stigma of the “Strong Black Woman.” As I splattered their denied disgust, others could point to my lack of control while their own pressure cooker was temporarily relieved at my expense. My belligerence was consistent with my thoughts but not reflective of my needs. Being out of control did not provide me with strength nor did it offer the peace and authentic connections I was unaware of needing and unable to articulate. Instead, I was reacting more from a notion of who I felt I should be and, at this point, what I had mastered-rage. In my “dead righteousness,” I destroyed relationships with people and causes I deeply cared about.

As I began to heal my rage and shift my behavior, others began to experience their rage more directly. In my relief, I noticed that many team members became upset because I was no longer doing their work. With practice, I learned how to sit with my discomfort long enough to clarify a more authentic destination. Without blame or shame, I began to acknowledge to myself that I not only wanted to speak my truth, I wanted to make a difference that brought us together.

There is a difference between feeling rage and acting on those feelings. What we do today with our intense inner fuel is deeply rooted in our history, our direct experiences, and the insights we glean from self-reflection. Unexamined, our expression of rage can cause life-changing and long-lasting damage. Wars, politics, and Mother Nature herself, are currently manifesting the unresolved rage of generations. This is true in our families, relationships, and within ourselves.

Pick any race, ethnicity, gender or class: the majority of us have been harmed by someone’s fury, often a loved one. And too many of us struggle with the regret of having harmed others. When you understand this human proclivity and its resulting impact, you are less likely to express rage indiscriminately or hold the rage of others personally. The more you understanding and dignify the roots of your own rage, the wiser and more spacious your choices. You understand how emotionally delicate we all are as humans and your actions reveal an intention beyond the emotionality of the moment.

So, consider this story among stories: What if President Obama is simply being President Obama? What if, because of his race, heritage, experience, wisdom, and his power as the President, he is aware of the harm the display of rage can re-stimulate and impart? What if he is using his own personal rage to ripen his understanding of the complex problems we face as a nation and world? What if we acknowledged that the unprecedented challenges of our time requires an unprecedented leadership? What if it takes more time to heal a problem than to fix one? What if we understood that input is not the same as having things your way? What would it mean for each of us to consider President Obama’s humanity over our righteous desire to make him in our own image? And as we consider the impossible challenge of making him in our own image (something we’ve not perfected with our children, our parents, our partners and pets), is raging, blaming and shaming a wise approach?

Ruth King, MA, is a respected voice on emotional wisdom and individual and team development. She is the author of Healing Rage-Women Making Inner Peace Possible, an O Magazine Nugget. As a coach and consultant, King weaves Eastern philosophy, Western psychology, leadership development, metaphysics, and teachings from wisdom traditions to lecture, coach, and facilitate workshops that transform the emotional body and mind. To learn more about how to transform negative emotions into positive fuel, visit http://ruthking.net

Author: Ruth King
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Senator John Reid Edwards, aka John Edwards former shamed Presidential Candidate and failed Vice Presidential candidate stated in a recent media report that he had made a serious error in judgment when he had an affair with another woman while his wife was dying of cancer. Many would say that “a serious error in judgment” is simply not a good enough explanation.

This particular candidate very well could have been the Vice President or the President of the United States of America. It is interesting that integrity is never a major issue with chosen Democrat Candidates, but some political opponents say that; “If a man stoops so low to cheat on his dying wife, then how can you trust him in a senior leadership position in our Nation?”

John Reid Edwards is a US Senator still, and considering his behavior outside of his government service this could very well effect his re-election to the US Senate. One Democrat we interviewed said; “I feel as if the party is letting us down, not only on moral issues, but in choosing who is best to lead,” and many Christian women find this latest affair unforgivable. Does that mean John Edwards political career is over?

Some might say, it does not matter as John Edwards is worth some $100 million dollars, most of the money he made in suing businesses with class-action lawsuits. Many of the top class-action lawyers in the nation are now behind bars due to high-profile cases of class-action cheating. Of course, Senator Edwards is not the first high-profile lawyer who has been caught with his pants down? We all remember the Governor Elliot Spitzer story and who can forget President Bill Clinton’s famous blow job.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Author: Lance Winslow
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

2012 is set to be one of the best years for new release movies in years. An amazing list of movies covering all genres will flow through to the big screens over the coming 12 months. Superheroes and villains abound along with great comedies, action thrillers and some wonderful children’s movies. If you can’t find a reason to visit the cinema this year, you most likely never will.

Cinema releases for February include the 3D release of “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace”. The story of a sex addicted yuppie, “Shame” will be released the same day. “My week with Marilyn” follows soon after with Michelle Williams playing the lead role of blonde bombshell Monroe. Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock team up in “Extremely loud and incredibly close”, the story of a boy mourning the loss of his father following the World Trade Centre attacks of 9/11.

“Killer Elite” will finally have its day in Australian cinemas after releases late in 2011 in other parts of the world. Robert De Niro and Jason Statham star with Clive Owen in this action thriller filmed (in part) in Melbourne. Owen plays an SAS operative hot on the tale of assassins De Niro and Statham.

March brings us “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters”. Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arteton play adult version bounty hunters of the fairy tale characters. Nicholas Cage returns in the second installment of “Ghostrider: Spirit of Vengeance”. This time he has to stop the Devil from taking human form in a race against time through Eastern Europe.

For the ladies, Johnny Depp features in “The Rum Diary”. Depp plays an alcoholic correspondent based in Peurto Rico. In yet another installment, “American Pie: Reunion” is out in March also. It comes some 13 years after the release of the original. Teens are randomly chosen to battle to death in an arena to maintain population levels in fantasy thriller “The Hunger Games”, starring Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone). Lenny Kravitz also features.

Sam Worthington returns to the screen as Perseus in “Clash of the Titans” sequel, “Wrath of the Titans”. Set 10 years on from the first adventure this installment stars Rosamund Pike as a new version of Andromeda.

3D re-releases seem to be the order of the day with “Titanic 3D” launching in early April. The long-awaited Farrelly brothers take on “The Three Stooges” airs soon after with Moe, Larry and Curly signed up for a reality TV show. What has been labeled Transformers at sea, “Battleship” with Liam Neeson at the helm in an Alien vs Navy action blockbuster. Romantic comedy stalwart Jennifer Anniston teams up with Paul Rudd for “Wanderlust”, released on ANZAC day in Australia.

May kicks off with a bang as Sylvester Stalone and Jason Momoa play a cop and hitman who join forces in “Bullet to the Head”. Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helen Bonham Carter reunite in a quirky adaption of 60′s TV show “Dark Shadows”. Newly crowned romantic comedy pageboy Jason Segel delivers more funny moments in “The Five year Engagement”.

The much-anticipated 3rd edition of “Men in Black” sees Will Smith back as Agent J, travelling back in time to team up with a younger version of Agent K (played by Josh Brolin). Final release for May is “Rock of Ages” which delivers Tom Cruise to us as an 80′s glam-rock idle. Also starring Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Alec Baldwin. This one has to be worth a viewing.

June sees Ridley Scott return to the sci-fi genre with “Prometheus”. The Prometheus crew respond to a cryptic inter-galactic message that leads them to a planet where they are exposed to a new alien race. Stars include Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender and dragon tattoo girl Noomi Rapace. “The Dictator” also launches in early June seeing Sasha Baron Cohen return to a comedy role. Cohen portrays a heroic dictator who challenges the evil forces of democracy.

In “Jack the Giant Killer” Nicholaus Hoult sets off on a fantasy adventure into a hidden land of giants to rescue a princess. Adding to the June laugh fest is Adam Sandler flick “I Hate You, Dad”. The latest Pixar offering is “Brave”, a Scottish themed girl power movie with voice contributions from Kevin McKidd and Kelly Macdonald.

Novelist Seth Graeme-Smiths blood sucking contribution to American history “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” is out in June also. The ever popular “Ice Age” franchise continues with part 4, “Ice Age: Continental Drift”. Fairy tale epic “Snow White and the Huntsman” sees Charize Theron rack up another winner as the evil queen who consumes young women to maintain her own youthful beauty.

Batman makes a return to the big screen in July with “The Dark Knight Rises”, the third (and supposedly final) installment from director Christopher Nolan. There has been much hype already about this movie and from the initial clip releases they appear justified. Batman (Christian Bale) faces a new nemesis in the form of Bane (Tom Hardy). Bruce Wayne and Gotham City itself are targeted for complete annihilation. Can the dark night save the day?

July will be seen as 2012′s slowest month with but two further offerings of note. “The Amazing Spiderman” is first up starring Andrew Garfield in an all-new web adventure. The promo clips look amazing (excuse the pun)! Seth McFarlane of Family Guy fame launches his live-action feature debut with“Ted”. Starting off, a child’s wish comes true and his teddy bear springs to life. The plot shifts swiftly to the pair as adults. Stars Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis.

August releases include the second installment of “G.I. Joe”, titled “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”. Channing Tatum’s U.S. military hero (Joe) is joined by Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and Bruce Willis. This time Joe tackles master-of-disguise, Zartan. Look out for Jonathon Levine staring in the zombie love story “Warm Bodies”. Highly anticipated Bourne No.4, “The Bourne Legacy” also launches in August. Jeremy Renner takes over form Matt Damon with support from Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz.

There’s been a lot of talk about the remake of “Total Recall”. This time around Colin Farrell plays hero Quaid. Early reports suggest a different take on the Verhoeven original. The second installment of “The Expendables” (No.2) sees the entire cast return including Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren and Jason Statham. Chuck Norris joins in for a little additional star power. Final turnout for August is supernatural thriller “Sinister”, starring Ethan Hawke.

“Premium Rush”kicks off September’s action with Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing a bicycle courier on the run form a corrupt cop. More 3D action follows with CG animation “Hotel Transylvania”. Adam Sandler’s Dracula is annoyed by his daughters (Mylie Cyris) choice to hook up with a human. Final mention for September is “Savages”, an Oliver Stone feature starring Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch. A couple of pot growers tackle a Mexican cartel. Also stars Benicio Del Toro, John Travolter and Uma Thurman.

First up for October is part 2 of “Taken”. Liam Neeson features again as ex-CIA operative Bryan Mills. In this turn Mills ends up the target of the father of one of his prior victims. “Resident Evil 5″ continues the zombie video game franchise. Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez star. “Argo”, directed by Ben Affleck and produced by George Clooney tells the true-life story of a CIA extraction of hostages from Iran during the 1979 crisis.

Ryan Gosling and Sean Penn team up for “Gangster Squad” it’s set for release in early November. Final installment of the teen vampire franchise “Twilight” screens in mid November. “Breaking Dawn – Part 2″ will provide closure to the story for hundreds of thousands of teens. In “47 Ronin” Keeanu Reeves leads a band of warriors seeking revenge after the slaying of their master.

Another 3D, CGI feature, “Life of Pie” tells the tale of a boy trapped on a lifeboat with a Zebra, Tiger, Hyena and Orangutan. This adaption of Yann Martel’s book is due for school holiday release a week before Christmas. An ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crow, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter star in Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” due out on Boxing Day.

Final release of 2012 is the long-awaited adaption of Tolkein’s “The Hobbit”. Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth to direct with Martin Freeman playing hobbit hero Bilbo.

If nothing else comes of 2012 we will certainly be able to look back on this particular year as a ‘year of great movie releases’. Cinema fans will want to start making provision now if they are to see their complete list of favorites in the largest of formats. Maybe it’s time to drop in at the bank and open that ‘cinema savings account’ today.

Richard Connery invites you to visit his website at http://www.richardconnery.com
Richard Connery Productions provide professional content and writing services to a variety of industries including general articles, travel reviews, blog posts, newsletters, press releases, scripting, product reviews, dining and entertainment reviews, media reviews, web page content and text creation, sales literature and advertising text.

To find out more information about his latest novel “Web Games: Hearts & Minds” please visit the Products page on the Richard Connery website.

To read more articles and find further information visit http://www.richardconnery.com/blog.php.

Richard is a freelance journalist and writer. Topics include Travel Reviews, Film Reviews, TV Reviews, Online Dating, Crime, Fishing, Gardening, Landscaping and other general subject matter.

(c) Copyright – Richard Connery. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Author: Richard Connery
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Political consulting is the business which has grown up around advising and assisting political campaigns, primarily in the United States. As democracy has spread around the world, American political consultants have often developed an international base of clients. Though its most important role is probably in the production of mass media (largely television), political consultants advise campaigns on virtually all of their activities,from research to field strategy.

The practice of consulting has several early precedents. President William McKinley’s closest political advisor Mark Hanna is sometimes described as the first political consultant. In California in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, Whitaker and Baxter established and grew the first true consulting firm, Campaigns, Inc. However, political consulting blossomed with the increasing use of television advertising for campaign communications in the 1960s. It was in that period that Joe Napolitan claims to have become the first person to describe himself as a political consultant (Perlmutter, ed. Manship Guide to Political Communication, pg19).

In the subsequent years, political consulting has grown in importance and influence and extended its reach to campaigns at all levels of government in the United States, and beyond. Many consultants work not only for campaigns, but also for other political
organizations, including parties and political action committees, sometimes through independent expenditures; some also do public relations and research work for corporations and governments. In fact, today corporations seeking approval from municipal boards have turned to land use political consultants to help earn need entitlements for their project.

Critics also blame political consulting, at least in part, for a variety of ills of the modern election process. In part because broadcast media consultants are often paid on commission, they are blamed specifically for the rising cost of political campaigns and the increasing reliance on paid media. A successful candidate running a low-budget campaign would be a serious economic threat to the political consulting field; such candidates, however, are rare.

Left-leaning activists within the Democratic Party, in particular, charge that political consultants are a major obstacle to participatory democracy, political reform, and electoral success for the Democrats. In a much-publicized e-mail on December 9, 2004, the online activist group MoveOn.org wrote, “For years, the Party has been led by elite Washington insiders who are closer to corporate lobbyists than they are to the Democratic base. But we can’t afford four more years of leadership by a consulting class of professional election losers.”

Lastly, there is growing professional opposition to what is called a cookie cutter campaign, where the themes and strategies of one campaign are transferred to another campaign, despite what may be major differences in political context. Brian Wright, president of Democrasource, LLC (an Ohio based national political consulting firm specializing in enhanced campaign data strategies and micro-targeting), believes that “it’s just a matter of time, campaign communications techniques are evolving so quickly — anyone sitting on the sidelines or clinging to the last presidential campaign’s strategies is done. The book’s been rewritten.”

Political COnsulting needs? Log on to [http://optimumresponse.com/index.htm]

Paul Davis

Optimum Response

paulxty_14@yahoo.com

Author: Paul Travis
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Sometimes I imagine our President many years in the future, sitting at a desk in the oval office early in the morning softly singing a particular refrain from the tune “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” The President rewrites the words to secretly confess a pressing desire:   “So now [we're] praying for the end of time to hurry up and arrive cause if [we] gotta spend another [dollar on debt] I don’t think that [we] can really survive. I’ll never break [our] promise or forget [our] vow, but God only knows what [we] can do right now. [We're] praying for the end of time, it’s all that [we] can do. Praying for the end of time, so [we] can end [our debt] with you!

The media pundits debate the outlook for our future if our spending continues out of control but the cold hard reality is that our Government’s debt has already grown to an unfathomable level. One source estimates that current and future obligations of the U.S. Government, including social security and medicare payments, exceed $65 trillion. That is 65 with twelve zeros after it! It’s also more than the entire world’s GDP and more than four times our own. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects our national debt to rise $9.3 trillion in the next ten years under team Obama, and some have estimated that the average 20 year old today will pay $114,000 more federal taxes during his/her working life just to pay the interest on that incremental increase. Can you imagine the total interest that debt will produce? Can you imagine actually trying to pay back the principal?    

I agree that worrying about budget deficits while the world faces economic Armageddon makes little sense. However, our critical need to spend, and spend big, at this time should be tempered with at least some acknowledgment that an 800-pound gorilla of a national debt threatens to crush our economy for at least many generations to come, if not bankrupt us once and for all.

Now may not be the time to attack this problem, but our leaders better make it a serious priority soon. Having the Obama administration cite its intention to cut our budget deficit in half in five years when it knows full well that during that same period our total debt will grow $4.6 trillion is, to say the least, disingenuous. Further, Obama announcing a measly $100 million budget cut when apparently many on both sides of the aisle in Congress agree that more than $300 billion of unworthy projects is just begging to be cut immediately is insulting to Americans and should embarrass our leaders.

No one is suggesting that the solution to our growing debt problem will come easy. Even world-renowned economist, John Maynard Keynes, could offer little solace back in the 1930s Great Depression when asked about the long-term effects of higher deficit spending. His glib answer then is the now famous quote: “In the long run we’re all dead.” That’s not much of an outlook for the future and it certainly isn’t change we can believe in.

More articles by this author are available at http://joedelcasino.blogspot.com Books are available at http://www.Xlibris.com

Author: Joe DelCasino
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

First and foremost, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to America and to President-Elect Obama for this monumental victory. The hope and optimism for the future is apparent across the globe now despite the perilous issues the entire world is facing. In light of his historic and inspiring victory, I have decided to take a closer look at the relationship between the United States and Barrack Obama.

Barack Obama has an amazing number of tight conjunctions with the astrology chart for the United States (see footer). Obama’s Neptune falls so precisely on our nation’s rising sign that it is nothing short of amazing. The United States Ascendant is 08°35′ in Scorpio and Barack Obama’s Neptune lines up almost exactly at 08°36′ in Scorpio. Neptune symbolizes our need for spiritual transcendence and our highest ideals. This is an especially noteworthy aspect because it shows that Barack Obama’s highest ideals concerning America are perfectly in synch with the principles held dearest by the American people.

In addition, Obama’s Neptune forms 3 harmonious trines (these indicate ease, warmth, and cooperation) to the Sun, Venus, and Jupiter of the United States. This indicates that Obama has an effortless flair to inspire the nation to live up to its highest potentials. This also shows that he has the ability to do so by reminding us of our larger spiritual role as human beings who are citizens of planet Earth as opposed to simply being American citizens. This is in direct contrast to George W. Bush’s narrow ideology of “it’s us against them” and “you’re either with us or against us” mentality. Instead, Obama’s entire philosophy is one based on the forward advancement of humanity as a whole.

It is of particular interest that Obama’s Neptune does tightly square (this creates tension) the nation’s midheaven and north node (this is the ultimate direction the country needs to be headed in a spiritual sense). This indicates that Barack Obama will have an uphill battle to climb at certain points during his administration because the public may feel that his ideas are either too idealistic or simply unpractical. Thus, he will have to demonstrate the kind of charismatic confidence and relentlessness that he has displayed in his 2008 Presidential campaign in order to truly get America behind all of his plans.

The Neptune of the United States is tightly conjunct Obama’s Mars. Mars in an astrology chart represents what we feel passionate about and are willing to fight for. Thus, in this configuration, we see Barack Obama willing to passionately fight for the American Dream for himself and for that of others. Ultimately, it seems that Obama’s greatest dream is taking this nation forward in a very progressive and determined manner.

Another interesting fact is that Obama’s Midheaven (career and social status) falls within the first house (the general viewpoint and attitude toward life) of the chart of the United States. This is a strong indicator that Obama’s career goals are perfectly in synch with the viewpoints of the citizens of the United States. This is symbolic of a handshake done in the spirit of goodwill. Obama pushes America’s highest vision of itself forward and, in return, the United States helps Obama accomplish his most cherished ideals for the American people.

Barack Obama’s Sun in Leo is in a tight conjunction (marriage or union type energy) with the midheaven (the way the U.S. goes about its business and the way the world see the U.S.) of the United States. This symbolizes that the United States sees Barack Obama as a perfect example of the American Dream and its highest ideals.

Think about that for a moment.

His parents were biracial. After they divorced, he was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. He went on to be a standout graduate from Harvard Law School and a youthful senator for the state of Illinois. Now, despite all of the hardships that he has faced, he is the very first African American President this nation has ever witnessed. The message of Obama’s life is classic Americana and gives all of us, regardless of our race, the hope of achieving our highest potential no matter how difficult our past might have been.

——————————————————————————–
There are 3 charts that exist for the United States and Astrologers have fiercely debated which one is the most accurate. Of course, the birth of our country is July 4, 1776. The exact time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is the issue widely disagreed upon. There is the 5:10 PM chart with a Sagittarius Ascendant, the most popular chart at 02:13:32 AM chart with a Gemini Ascendant, and the last one is the 2:21 PM chart for the United States that I personally prefer. This gives our country a Scorpio Rising Ascendant and it just so happens that our country’s national symbol is the eagle. The eagle is also one of the symbols that represents Scorpio. The eagle symbolizes the highest and most spiritually aware form of Scorpio’s power.

Eric Hughes is an Astrological Consultant who compassionately enables people to understand themselves on a deep spiritual level. He helps people to enthusiastically embrace their life with renewed passion as they learn how to consciously honor their own unique inner-flame. He is also the author of the popular TinyFeet Astrology Children’s Report. Eric may be contacted at (404) 402-3179, http://www.inner-flame-astrology.com, or [http://www.tinyfeetastrology.com]

Author: Eric Hughes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

There’s a growing craze that suggest that President Obama should openly express outrage, most recently over the Gulf Oil Spill. According to a recent News Week article, this demand for a show of presidential fury is not coming from a few people:

“…New York Times columnists want to see Obama angry; the filmmaker Spike Lee is demanding that the president “go off”; Democratic strategist James Carville wants “rage.” Whole cable shows have been devoted to the question…the Today show’s Matt Lauer informed the president that his critics were saying, “This is not the time to meet with experts and advisers, this is the time to…kick some butt.”

The Gulf Oil Spill is referenced as the worse environmental disaster in American history. Compared with the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, the George H.W. Bush administration specifically denied that the federal government bore any responsibility for the cleanup, and Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner declared that government involvement would be “counterproductive.”

The Gulf Oil Spill is not the first suggestion that the president is “not touch enough to lead.” A 2008 Huffington headline reads: Enough! Why Obama should Release his Righteous Rage:

“…Obama has waited long enough to show us this side of himself. Besides, we need to know that he can be a mean motherfucker if he wants this job… the last seven-plus years demand more than a detached analysis-and certainly more than a beaming smile. They demand indignation. Outrage. Fury.”

Really? And where, exactly, has the previous seven-plus years of kick-ass, cowboy leadership gotten us? The catastrophic inheritance from the past administration, multiple wars including the Republican war on the President, and Mother Nature’s rage, would be mission impossible for anyone, yet it does not seem to sway our obsession that President Obama should be angry, immediate and flawless.

I don’t claim to comprehend the complexity of the challenges we face as a nation, nor do I know the appropriate response, if there is such a think. I can only imagine what it’s like to live in President Obama’s skin, to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s not a job I’d want. But I am curious: Why are so many of us enraged that President Obama is not publicly outraged? For the 4 decades I’ve been voting, I don’t recall any president being “expected” or “pressured” to display outraged. What are we really after in this collective longing for the President to “go off?” What would President Obama’s rage prove to us? How would it relieve us? And more importantly: What would President Obama’s rage reinforce that would affirm our notion of Blackness?

Imagine for a moment the dilemma: If President Obama “goes off”, he is viewed as threatening and just another out of control Black man. If he rages righteously, he proves his Blackness and shows the world how tough he is. If President Obama does not rage, he is weak, lacking what it takes to be a strong leader. Our story about why he does or does not express rage is just that-our story, not to be confused with who he is.

Here’s my story (at least today): We have a history of tying black and rage together, and when this doesn’t happen, we don’t know what to do with ourselves. I’ll continue knowing my story is only a sliver of the truth.

Consider this: Our need for President Obama to explode in rage is our unconscious need to maintain our comfort with and definition of Blackness: Black folks look like this…, act like this…, and ends up like this… Fill in the blanks.

It is my observation that people of color, and especially Black people, disproportionately embody and express the denied rage of other races and cultures. I see this as a global as well as national issue. John McEnroe, for example, had an “anger management” problem where as Serena Williams’ behavior was “Roid Rage”, “not that of a champion.” As angry as McEnroe became, he was not characterized as violent. When we combine woman (women should not get angry) and Black (Blacks are always angry), it places a particular spin on our perception. This distortion does not happen consciously. It comes from generations of programming and social conditioning. It is what we have grown to expect, and therefore what is reinforced as “truth.”

In Berkeley, California, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run to pay the parking meter only to be met by a Black woman having just placed a ticket on my windshield. My impulse was to scream: “I was only 30 seconds late.” But upon seeing the “I’m not paid enough to take your shit” frown on her face, I would instead snatch the ticket and mumble under my breath as I crawled back into my illegally parked car. Was she given the job because she could ward off potential irate citizens like me? Would she have bitten my head off had I screamed at her? Perhaps she was simply doing her job. Perhaps all of the above and none of the above.

Another example. When I worked in corporate America, I felt it was my job to express the anger in the group. This was not an explicit agreement. It was a subconscious understanding that we all colluded with and benefited from. Other team members held different roles-peacekeeper, cynic, observer, humorist, etc., but my role was “the rager.” When someone did something that required confrontation, all eyes rolled in my direction. Being reliable to the team, intolerable of the anxiety I was experiencing, and unconsciously loyal to a lineage of ragers, I played my role with righteous pride.

While my ego was frequently stroked outside the meetings, when teammates would share how relieved they felt that I had spoken, I was unaware of how my race and ignorance was being exploited as I lived true to the stigma of the “Strong Black Woman.” As I splattered their denied disgust, others could point to my lack of control while their own pressure cooker was temporarily relieved at my expense. My belligerence was consistent with my thoughts but not reflective of my needs. Being out of control did not provide me with strength nor did it offer the peace and authentic connections I was unaware of needing and unable to articulate. Instead, I was reacting more from a notion of who I felt I should be and, at this point, what I had mastered-rage. In my “dead righteousness,” I destroyed relationships with people and causes I deeply cared about.

As I began to heal my rage and shift my behavior, others began to experience their rage more directly. In my relief, I noticed that many team members became upset because I was no longer doing their work. With practice, I learned how to sit with my discomfort long enough to clarify a more authentic destination. Without blame or shame, I began to acknowledge to myself that I not only wanted to speak my truth, I wanted to make a difference that brought us together.

There is a difference between feeling rage and acting on those feelings. What we do today with our intense inner fuel is deeply rooted in our history, our direct experiences, and the insights we glean from self-reflection. Unexamined, our expression of rage can cause life-changing and long-lasting damage. Wars, politics, and Mother Nature herself, are currently manifesting the unresolved rage of generations. This is true in our families, relationships, and within ourselves.

Pick any race, ethnicity, gender or class: the majority of us have been harmed by someone’s fury, often a loved one. And too many of us struggle with the regret of having harmed others. When you understand this human proclivity and its resulting impact, you are less likely to express rage indiscriminately or hold the rage of others personally. The more you understanding and dignify the roots of your own rage, the wiser and more spacious your choices. You understand how emotionally delicate we all are as humans and your actions reveal an intention beyond the emotionality of the moment.

So, consider this story among stories: What if President Obama is simply being President Obama? What if, because of his race, heritage, experience, wisdom, and his power as the President, he is aware of the harm the display of rage can re-stimulate and impart? What if he is using his own personal rage to ripen his understanding of the complex problems we face as a nation and world? What if we acknowledged that the unprecedented challenges of our time requires an unprecedented leadership? What if it takes more time to heal a problem than to fix one? What if we understood that input is not the same as having things your way? What would it mean for each of us to consider President Obama’s humanity over our righteous desire to make him in our own image? And as we consider the impossible challenge of making him in our own image (something we’ve not perfected with our children, our parents, our partners and pets), is raging, blaming and shaming a wise approach?

Ruth King, MA, is a respected voice on emotional wisdom and individual and team development. She is the author of Healing Rage-Women Making Inner Peace Possible, an O Magazine Nugget. As a coach and consultant, King weaves Eastern philosophy, Western psychology, leadership development, metaphysics, and teachings from wisdom traditions to lecture, coach, and facilitate workshops that transform the emotional body and mind. To learn more about how to transform negative emotions into positive fuel, visit http://ruthking.net

Author: Ruth King
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Harvey Pitt, former chairman of the SEC, stated that it could be up to 2 years before the economy bottoms and then rebounds. At the same time, Christina Romer, the head of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, says she is “incredibly confident” that President Obama’s stimulus program will begin bringing the nation out of recession within the next year. What does the former head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) know that the current Administration does not know? 

It has always been difficult to make business decisions when the information needed is either sketchy or of questionable accuracy. The greater the uncertainty, the more difficult that process is. Where this economy is going and in what time frame is an immensely difficult decision. It would be invaluable to know what the smart money really thinks. Who do you trust and how do you decide which source has an agenda in the statements they make, sounding like facts? After all, many companies will not survive the downturn if they guess wrong on its timing and length.
 
The Administration budget assumptions almost immediately were questioned by outsiders. Within one quarter, that net deficit number appears low by at least 2 TRILLION dollars for a total of $9.27 trillion, over the forecast period. (source the Congressional Budget Office). And how good can you feel about the CBO other comment that the confidence interval around their 2014 deficit is plus or minus about $900 billion.
 
Depending upon your political orientation and the sources you read to make decision, your preliminary estimate of the economic recovery is probably somewhere between the economy being at the bottom of a cycle and the two year remaining scenario. Also scary is that your number may turn out to be better than the two experts mentioned in this article.
 
The real key is how to plan initially with your best estimate of the overall economy and its impact on your industry and company, remain open to getting better information on the economy on a regular basis, and remaining flexible to change as you get better and more trustworthy information. Some businesses felt annual planning updates done in conjunction with the annual budgeting process was adequate in their industry. Others feeling more volatility in their sector updated quarterly in conjunction with a quarterly rolling budget update.
 
Until the world gets more settled and better data available, why not institute some form of limited strategic MONTHLY update?

Bottom line? – Stop Profit Leaks Now. Apply this information to improve your profitability, reengineer business models, and strengthen or gain competitive advantage in the marketplace.

And apply the free Fiscal Test available at http://fiscaldoctor.com/fiscaltest.html

From the author of the forthcoming book, ‘Stick Out Your Balance Sheet & Cough: Best Practices for Long Term Business Health’.

From Gary W Patterson, http://www.FiscalDoctor.com
Copyright 2009

Author: Gary W Patterson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

First and foremost, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to America and to President-Elect Obama for this monumental victory. The hope and optimism for the future is apparent across the globe now despite the perilous issues the entire world is facing. In light of his historic and inspiring victory, I have decided to take a closer look at the relationship between the United States and Barrack Obama.

Barack Obama has an amazing number of tight conjunctions with the astrology chart for the United States (see footer). Obama’s Neptune falls so precisely on our nation’s rising sign that it is nothing short of amazing. The United States Ascendant is 08°35′ in Scorpio and Barack Obama’s Neptune lines up almost exactly at 08°36′ in Scorpio. Neptune symbolizes our need for spiritual transcendence and our highest ideals. This is an especially noteworthy aspect because it shows that Barack Obama’s highest ideals concerning America are perfectly in synch with the principles held dearest by the American people.

In addition, Obama’s Neptune forms 3 harmonious trines (these indicate ease, warmth, and cooperation) to the Sun, Venus, and Jupiter of the United States. This indicates that Obama has an effortless flair to inspire the nation to live up to its highest potentials. This also shows that he has the ability to do so by reminding us of our larger spiritual role as human beings who are citizens of planet Earth as opposed to simply being American citizens. This is in direct contrast to George W. Bush’s narrow ideology of “it’s us against them” and “you’re either with us or against us” mentality. Instead, Obama’s entire philosophy is one based on the forward advancement of humanity as a whole.

It is of particular interest that Obama’s Neptune does tightly square (this creates tension) the nation’s midheaven and north node (this is the ultimate direction the country needs to be headed in a spiritual sense). This indicates that Barack Obama will have an uphill battle to climb at certain points during his administration because the public may feel that his ideas are either too idealistic or simply unpractical. Thus, he will have to demonstrate the kind of charismatic confidence and relentlessness that he has displayed in his 2008 Presidential campaign in order to truly get America behind all of his plans.

The Neptune of the United States is tightly conjunct Obama’s Mars. Mars in an astrology chart represents what we feel passionate about and are willing to fight for. Thus, in this configuration, we see Barack Obama willing to passionately fight for the American Dream for himself and for that of others. Ultimately, it seems that Obama’s greatest dream is taking this nation forward in a very progressive and determined manner.

Another interesting fact is that Obama’s Midheaven (career and social status) falls within the first house (the general viewpoint and attitude toward life) of the chart of the United States. This is a strong indicator that Obama’s career goals are perfectly in synch with the viewpoints of the citizens of the United States. This is symbolic of a handshake done in the spirit of goodwill. Obama pushes America’s highest vision of itself forward and, in return, the United States helps Obama accomplish his most cherished ideals for the American people.

Barack Obama’s Sun in Leo is in a tight conjunction (marriage or union type energy) with the midheaven (the way the U.S. goes about its business and the way the world see the U.S.) of the United States. This symbolizes that the United States sees Barack Obama as a perfect example of the American Dream and its highest ideals.

Think about that for a moment.

His parents were biracial. After they divorced, he was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. He went on to be a standout graduate from Harvard Law School and a youthful senator for the state of Illinois. Now, despite all of the hardships that he has faced, he is the very first African American President this nation has ever witnessed. The message of Obama’s life is classic Americana and gives all of us, regardless of our race, the hope of achieving our highest potential no matter how difficult our past might have been.

——————————————————————————–
There are 3 charts that exist for the United States and Astrologers have fiercely debated which one is the most accurate. Of course, the birth of our country is July 4, 1776. The exact time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is the issue widely disagreed upon. There is the 5:10 PM chart with a Sagittarius Ascendant, the most popular chart at 02:13:32 AM chart with a Gemini Ascendant, and the last one is the 2:21 PM chart for the United States that I personally prefer. This gives our country a Scorpio Rising Ascendant and it just so happens that our country’s national symbol is the eagle. The eagle is also one of the symbols that represents Scorpio. The eagle symbolizes the highest and most spiritually aware form of Scorpio’s power.

Eric Hughes is an Astrological Consultant who compassionately enables people to understand themselves on a deep spiritual level. He helps people to enthusiastically embrace their life with renewed passion as they learn how to consciously honor their own unique inner-flame. He is also the author of the popular TinyFeet Astrology Children’s Report. Eric may be contacted at (404) 402-3179, http://www.inner-flame-astrology.com, or [http://www.tinyfeetastrology.com]

Author: Eric Hughes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com