Friday, September 26, 2008

John McCain: Debate Dodger?

By S-Dot for The S-Dot Files

Hiding behind cowardice, disguised as patriotism won’t shield the fact that John McCain has no viable solutions to our current economic crisis to debate about. Since he is a man out-of-touch without a grasp on what’s going on, he wants to suspend the debate and deny the voting public an opportunity to hear his views on this urgent matter. His suggestion to forego the debate is not something that should be viewed as heroic; it is surprising for someone that loves to beat the war drum. But I guess if you have no ammunition, you don’t want to come brandishing that gun you’ve been waving around to scare folks with those malicious ads.

The “calling onto the carpet” of Oval Office seekers Obama and McCain by Bush into a bailout huddle deprives us of an opportunity to use this time to constructively weigh the evidence that each candidate claims to have.

John McCain: debate dodger?

He’ll show up with his guns blazing for conflict, but he needs to reload when it comes to putting his mouth where his venomous ads have spread deception.

John wants to have a meeting instead of talking about how he can start defeating the challenges to our economy. He’s clueless, so he’d rather go and daydream in the White House rather than talk about and answer his 26-year record of non-accomplishments.

When Obama called McCain to have a bipartisan conversation about the issues, and he then dishonorably turned around to commit to a course of action without giving Obama a courtesy call, he wasn’t showing leadership – he was demonstrating debate dodging.

Since he doesn’t have a plan he wants to play kick the can. More distractions less action that show results – he’s still the same John McCain.

This Hail Mary pass on debating the economic crisis doesn’t undo the reality that John McCain only has silence to answer with to what NBC News political director Chuck Todd called “the economic 9-11” on MSNBC’s Hardball.

He didn’t consult the Presidential Debate commission before making a decision for everyone, that’s not the qualities of a statesman; it’s the attributes of a cowardly bully. One pundit made a scathing comment on MSNBC’s Hardball, “you have to be able to walk a chew gum.” And I agree. Whenever McCain’s campaign is off-message he tries to smokescreen. He did after Obama’s historic address with the announcement of Governor Palin. He’s an expert at changing the subject when people want to talk about things that actually matter.

This is typical John McCain, not change – it’s more of the same.

He’s not a risk taking maverick, he’s a career politician past his prime trying to use hocus-pocus magic because he’s at risk of losing this election. Let’s not allow him to continue to fool us with his stunts. How is someone that’s been on the political trail for months outside of the loop in Washington that’s been critical of this Administration going to swoop in solve our current crisis over a sit down? He’s not, and he knows it. This is posturing, trying to control the conversation because he’s got nothing to say.

McCain Tutorial 101: No documentation loans have sunken our mortgage lending sector and contributed to destabilizing our economy.

Where was John McCain while this was going on? He was in Washington doing nothing. Senator McCain wants to come into an already in-progress conversation in Washington and look like he’s a final-hour hero. He wants to take credit where no credit is due. This is political stunting, not crisis confronting. Those that are familiar with the situation are tasked with dealing with this crisis, as the public, we want to hear the facts as each candidate views them.

John McCain owes a debt to the American public in the form of a debate.

Here’s what happened:
8:30 a.m. Obama called to discuss key point in a joint-statement
2:30 p.m. McCain calls back to discuss the economic crisis
3:05 p.m. McCain goes public suspending the debate without consensus

In the middle of an economic crisis John McCain’s response is “fire” the only person that can be ultimately held accountable.

Campaign manager Rick Davis received nearly $2 million to lobby on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from 2000-2005 as reported by the New York Times.

MY 2 CENTS: If government seizes control of the marketplace then we’ll no longer be a capitalist economy. This is a free market society, and municipal influence to the degree that this bailout is calling for should alert us to being mindful of what’s being agreed upon. Let’s not just take on a debt that we can’t afford to repay, or that will result in our losing the ability to remain competitive in the global markets as Americans.

With candidate Palin, the GOP is hoping that a strategically crafted picture is worth a thousand votes, which is why they’ve prevented an exchange of words with the out of the loop politician while she brushing up on national issues.

We need an executive leadership model that brings a new perspective on the antiquated policies that have thrown our economy under the bus with partisan politics and in-fighting. We need a leader that knows how to build coalitions and not just someone that wants to topple over all opposition. Many of our allies today were once adversaries. That’s what diplomacy is about, being able to reach beyond a narrow perspective that encompasses the bigger picture.

John McCain is a loose cannon. We don’t need another cowboy in the White House that wants to conduct our global business with a gun in his hand.

McCain’s “boycott” of the debate is a bait and switch tactic very familiar to anyone that earns their living in public relations like me. At an hour when he was experiencing slippage in the polls, he needed a publicity stunt to refocus attention on him. He threw himself in front of an already in-progress deal to reposition himself as the broker. The agreement isn’t about presidential politics it’s about bipartisan interests coming together on one accord for the greater good of the economy.

It comes as no surprise this morning as I was writing this that he did a final announcement that he was resuming politics-as-usual and would attend the debate. The truth is he never intended to not attend in the first place. He could not afford such a costly tactical snafu as not showing up when the country is calling the candidates to come forth with leadership plans and strategies.

John McCain…more of the same, it’s time for real changeBARACK THE VOTE!

What’s all the fuse about?
( ( ( sDOTtv ) ) ) now playing The Rachel Maddow Show “Suspension of Belief”



McCain Media Highlights
August 29, 2005 when the levees broke in New Orleans and we were in a national emergency crisis he didn’t put our “country first,” he appeared that evening , which also happened to be his 69th birthday celebrating with cake and George Bush. Meanwhile Americans drowned surrounded by sewage. Where was his concern for national emergency interests then? Perhaps because he wasn’t losing in the polls for presidency, so he didn’t find it necessary.

And just in case you need to be reacquainted with Hurricane Katrina take a gander:
http://www.gmagic.com/katrina/

You’ll notice that John McCain does not appear anywhere in this montage.

February 28, 2007 he announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States and you couldn’t get him out of the spotlight, he was stumping on all media fronts.

How can you tell John McCain is not telling the truth? He says, “I, John McCain approve this message.”

Smells like presidential politics…For the GOP to misuse the influence of the Oval Office so blatantly is yet another sad demonstration of this Administration’s willingness to do whatever it desires to get the results that it deems acceptable.

Having not even read the Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson’s agreement, John McCain conveniently ”suspended” his campaign, which continued to run ads and use surrogates to stump for the ticket. Yet, the maverick didn’t parachute in until after the agreement was already announced for a photo-op at the White House.

Reality check: John McCain you are not John Wayne.

As a citizen of Alaska, Governor Palin feels inherently qualified on foreign policy matters since she can see and read about what’s going in the world. By this rationale, you don’t have to have any actual experience if you live in the neighborhood that can “see” the borders of a foreign power (????). This woman is crazier than crazy with that leap of logic.

The Russians are coming…
Sarah Palin just like John McCain is someone that loves to wage war. She’s on record as saying she can practically see the Russians from the third floor of her house. What? She now sounds creepily similar to Haley Joel Osment in the supernatural thriller the “Six Sense” who said, “I see dead people.”

Real-talk: The FICO score of our economy makes us globally a bad-credit risk to lenders.

When the elected members of the congress and senate sat down for six days examining the proposed bailout, John McCain was still “approving” smear ads. He didn’t take that time to even sit down and read the mere three page proposal; he was too busy “approving” messages to distort the facts.

The worn out, battle-weary looking McCain appears old and out of touch in contrast to the photogenic, media-savvy Obama. When you put “country first” you take the time to read a 3-page proposal to get us out of a crisis. You don’t talk about going in with your guns blazing without even knowing what’s going on. John McCain is a political brute that lacks the necessary diplomacy to get things done. He’s not a consensus builder. And that’s not because he’s a maverick, it’s because he’s out of touch with the pulse of the people.

His political meddling by creating these theatrics only muddied the waters. Since he’s been out of the loop in Washington since April it only makes since that he stay the course of the battle in front of him, instead he’s ogling the fixtures in the White House looking for placing to hang his war medals.

John McCain’s ego is a thorn in the GOP’s side and it needs to be pulled out.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Worship Wherever You Are In Life

Beloved,

For this blog, I’d like to do something different. Since many of you can’t attend the weekly TOB Fellowship Bible study for yourselves, I thought the next best thing to do is to recreate the worship experience within a blog. I’d like to invite you to experience the Presence of God for yourself. Through words, sounds and sights – you can have your own personal experience with Father. This blog is inspired by the many of my friends that are still searching for a place to fellowship. I know it must be difficult to desire to be surrounded by those who nurture, encourage and support you through the strife of day-to-day life. Without the gift of a family of faith, life can be quite difficult. Know that I am praying for you in this season and looking forward to hearing you sharing that praise report.

So, perhaps this humble expression of faith can serve as inspiration for you to reach beyond your comfort zone and allow God to truly lead you to where He desires you to be.


( ( ( Here’s How It’s Going Down ) ) )
**** Read each paragraph before the ( ( ( sDOT ) ) ) media players and then close your eyes and allow the songs and music to minister to you. When the clip is over, continue reading. *****


Somebody reading this maybe feeling like your life is out of control and you no longer have a hold of the promises of God, but I want you to know…He’s Still in Control. Don’t talk, just listen.

( ( ( sDOTcast ) ) ) now playing Kirk Franklin “Still (In Control)”
15 Still (In Control).wma - Kirk Franklin

Now, I’d like you to prepare your hearts and minds for an impartation of the Holy Spirit. Let’s focus our thoughts on the throne of His grace. All eyes are focused on the prize of the Eternal King of kings.

Let us pray: Father God, we thank You for being so absolutely incredible and unforgettably fabulous. We thank You for those times when You came through and in our excitement we absent-mindedly forgot to give You the honor and glory You so deserve. Thank You, thank You, thank You, O’ heavenly Father.

There is of course someone that doubts the very Presence of God. Their eyes are closed to Him because of the hurts and disappointments of life. I want to encourage you to allow God to simply be God in this moment. Don’t resist the Holy Spirit. Lift up your hands, open your heart and let your lips speak the words to heavenly Father… He Will Take the Pain Away.

( ( ( sDOTcast ) ) ) now playing Kirk Franklin “He Will Take the Pain Away”
02 He Will Take the Pain Away.wma - Kirk Franklin

At this time, I would like to invite every voice to come forth to joyfully praise how great He is.

( ( ( sDOTcast ) ) ) now playing Juanita Bynum “You Are Great”
04 You Are Great.wma - Juanita Bynum


As you depart, I’d like to leave you with this song of encouragement to remind you that whatever the situation or circumstance that no matter where you’re from, God will meet you there to take you only where He can take you.

( ( ( sDOTcast ) ) ) now playing Anthony Hamilton “Come From Where I’m From (LIVE)”
04 Comin from Where Im From [Live].wma - Anthony Hamilton


You are invited to share this worshipful experience with your family, friends and those in need of peace, hope and deliverance. Thank you for taking this opportunity to join in this celebration of the Presence of the Lord. I am honored that you joined me.

God’s favor upon you,

S-Dot
“Where He leads…I follow”
The S-Dot Files | ( ( ( s C m ) ) )

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Overcoming the Spirit of R. Kelly (Lust)

By S-Dot for The S-Dot Files

As a brother that has been delivered from a “flesh problem” I am often perplexed with the level of disconnectedness that is shown to Robert Kelly. This brother, like me has been offered access to some of the most ‘bootiful’ women in the world. The allure of lust can be greater than an intoxicant known. For years, I was governed by my lower nature and while my preference wasn’t for younger women, it was excess encounters with countless women. Only God’s grace kept me from contracting a pestilence like HIV/AIDS, which people who did far less got and died.

I speak out about the pitfalls of lust-craft not to condemn, but rather to show compassion to those that are struggling everyday to break free from this addiction.

Let’s keep brothers like Robert Kelly lifted in prayer, because God can fix and remix anyone. Look at me.

( ( ( sDOTtv ) ) ) now playing R.Kelly “BET Interview”


THE WORD OF GOD ON THE SPIRIT OF LUST
Pr 6:25 – Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,

Eze 20:30 – "Therefore say to the house of Israel: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did and lust after their vile images?

Eze 23:17 – Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. After she had been defiled by them, she turned away from them in disgust.

Na 3:4 – all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft.

Eph 4:19 – Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

Col 3:5 – Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

1Pe 4:3 – For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

1Jo 2:16 – For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world.

*The above Scriptures are taken from the New International Version (NIV).

( ( ( sDOTcast ) ) ) now playing ALPHA “Obama 08”
Obama 08 (Do The Knowledge) - alpha.


To my brother in Christ, mentor in manhood and lifelong friend Pastor Spencer “Knowledge” Wright thank you for living a life of promise. I will miss our weekly chats, but I am so proud that you’ve graduated to Father’s Presence. I’ll see you when I get there big brother. Eternal love.

S-Dot
“When God speaks…I listen”


RIGHT-CLICKER ADVISORY – This content (excluding any previously copyrighted materials contained herein) may only be used in its entirety citing the original source and this copyright holder notification, it may not be reposted, reproduced or redistributed in part or full without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder and author, The S-Dot Files © 2008 Copyright, The S-Dot Files, All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT S-DOT | His dynamic teachings on building creative leadership are geared toward individuals and groups seeking transformational change engaging the mind, body and spirit. Seeking to foster proactive relationships that inspire and produce effectual change in the lives of everyday people, he has positioned The S-Dot Files to communicate via cross media channels to reach change seekers wherever they gather. He is an empowerment coach, charismatic speaker and prolific writer that creates thought provoking content which engages and promotes total wellness. Recognizing that transformation requires a hands-on approach in order to be wholly effective, he facilitates workshops and conferences in small group settings. Focused on ceasing the "domestic silence’ that plagues the relationships of people failing to connect with one another, the birth of The S-Dot Files serves as a tool for fellowship with a unique culture engaging in “real talk, for real people, doing real things.”

Friday, September 5, 2008

The Vetting of Sarah Paliln





So, now that we've heard a really good speech by this former teleprompter reader who was a sports newscaster of the local channel 2 news and a beauty queen, the media has unearthed the truth about Sarah Palin. Perhaps these facts coming to light will quell the frenzy that is stirred up over her historic candidacy, and allow voters to realize that this is nothing more than a veiled attempt to co-opt Team Obama's "Change" swagger.

( ( ( sDOTtv ) ) ) now playing Sarah Palin "The Vetting"


John McCain, a 20-year establishment politician is running against the establishment that he not only built, but for the last 8 years supported more than 90% of the time with his voting.


Then there’s Troopergate…

Walter Monegan’s removal from office because of his refusal to fire state trooper Mike Wooten who was embroiled in a messy divorce from Governor Palin’s sister, if proven true is a blatant misuse of executive power. Especially since Monegan is on record stating: “I was lead to believe that as long as we kept trooper Wooten on staff, that we were not going to get consideration for additional monies or projects.” This sort of willingness to achieve a personal agenda at all costs, even the nations, falls in line with the current administration’s agenda. On July 19th, Governor Palin publicly denied these accusations, but has since conceded that there have been discussions between her husband’s office and Monegan. Palin has since fired the individual responsible for that “unauthorized” contact, but the damage has already been done to her integrity, since she’s had to retract her public statements. Trooper Wooten was restrained by the issuance of a domestic violence protective order for allegedly tasering his 10-year old stepson, threatening Governor Palin’s father that he would, “eat a (expletive) bullet.”

We’ve already experienced what emotional leadership absent the available facts can do to this country – Iraq. We cannot afford another six-year war with Iran, Afghanistan or anywhere else. that would cripple this economy beyond recovery. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the current administration which has a 31-percent approval rating also has stumbled over decisions that could’ve been avoided simply by looking at the available facts and not relying on emotionalism to govern.

Setting precedence for choosing a running mate makes me wonder how the maverick will chose the balance of his cabinet members. Maybe he’ll vet them through their myspace friends.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Sarah Palin Speaks

Okay, the best blog is to allow the candidate for the vice presidency of our great nation who spoke at the RNC on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 to speak for herself.

Here is the GOP convention address.

( ( ( sDOTtv ) ) ) now playing Sarah Palin "I Accept"


I'll allow this to marinate before adding my commentary.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Virtual Dating and me...Not!!!

By S-Dot for The S-Dot Files

As I make my way throughout various social communities online - myspace, imeem, facebook, etc. - I come across people interested in "dating" me without having the benefit of actually knowing me. This strikes me as strange at this juncture in my life based upon my past experiences. I'm usually very cautious of persons willing to put themselves out there that like for a profile photo, blogs, bulletins and comments. Not that people don't meet online and live happily ever after. They do. I know quite a few of them. However, that's not my focus online. I know that there are a lot of women that are attracted to my physicality and that's very flattering, but it doesn't distract me from the reality that they're probably not looking at my true essence.

Virtual relationships...not for me!!!

I want real-love. I don't believe that two people have to start off in the same physical location to get to know each other, but I'm not going to allow myself to become beguiled into living for phone calls, texts, e-mails and vacations. I deserve more than a part-time relationship, because I'm offering a full-time man. So, if you truly desire to know me, just simply get to know me with genuineness and God will work out the rest.

Just because you like me, doesn’t mean I’m supposed to like you back. Have you given me ample opportunity to really get to know you? A crush is cute, but that’s not what will sustain a real relationship. It’s hard enough for men and women to make things work in the same cities, so what are you offering by way of distance? Aren’t we separated enough?

I’m not opposed to, but I’m not looking for love in my in-box.

Let me share something with you, that I don't often share with people. And yes, I know I'm an oversharer, so that says a lot. LOL

When I was in my early 20s I developed a long distance pen pal relationship with someone in San Diego. We would write these long, engrossing letters and have these marathon phone conversations for nearly two years before we met. I can honestly say, that was the first opportunity that I got to know a woman's inner self, not her flesh. When we finally "met" in person it was great. Of course since we were in the flesh that was on and poppin' from the gate. We became so consumed with our relationship that we forgot about the reality of everyday life. We simply lived for the phone and mailbox.

That was cool at that point in my life, but when I look back - I could've better spent that time focusing on college and career matters. But I was so consumed with the "fantasy" of "love." That wasn't love, that was blissful deception. Love makes things happens, not fills your head with distractions. Love doesn't consume so much of your day-to-day life without preparing and practicing a plan to attain your hoped for future.

Fast forward a few years into that back and forth relationship of visiting one another every 3-4 months. We spent thousands of dollars, but didn't have anything tangible to show for it, besides vacation photos. Before long, we were cheating with day-to-day distractions in our own cities, yet still selfishly holding onto our fantasy for a relationship. Falsehood became the subtext of our conversations. Eventually, when I went to visit her innocently enough, I discovered during my visit that she was sleeping with another guy. How? The guy called my hotel room and told me flat out, "Dude, I've been boning her almost every day for the last 5 months. Even on her period. She even thought she was pregnant last month. Naw, we only use condoms sometimes. She doesn't like them. She says she likes me to cum in her. Especially her mouth."

I was flabbergasted.

Here was someone that I didn't know telling me intimate details about a woman that I came to town with an engagement ring to propose to, and did the night before. Yep, I was played. And stupidly, I forgave her putting my life at risk, possibly exposing me to HIV/AIDS because I didn't want everyone to know that the woman that I had built up as the "one" was actually just another woman that was hoeing around. No different, better or worst than all the other women around me everyday.

What's my point?

I did not come online to look for a spouse. I came online to geniunely get to know people, period. If God opens a door to a relationship, I'm going to walk through it. I am however, not going to chase rainbows when I have things to do everyday right here where I am. I live in NYC, not California, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas or anywhere else. My assignment from God is to complete the work that I'm called to do where I am, not to focus so much on getting my "territory" enlarged, that I become blindsided to what needs to be down around me.

I can't judge those that choose that path to intimacy, I did. But where I am in life, I am not trying to be outside of God's will, period. If someone is legitimately interested in getting to know me, simply get to know me. Don't make me into an avatar or idol, I am just a man. Remember, I have issues just like other brothers. I struggle with life challenges and setbacks. Just because I love God and I'm not afraid of showing it, doesn't mean that I'm better than anyone or perfect.

I am a man of purpose. And no one is going to derail that purpose. I've been in the muck and mire and I rejoice standing in the Presence of God too much to miss my moment with my Father. This is my season to be the man that God has called me to be. You can be a part of that journey, but you will not distract me from completing period.

( ( ( sDOTtv ) ) ) now playing R. Kelly ”U Saved Me”


Know your worth and don't settle for less than God's best!!!


RIGHT-CLICKER ADVISORY – This content (excluding any previously copyrighted materials contained herein) may only be used in its entirety citing the original source and this copyright holder notification, it may not be reposted, reproduced or redistributed in part or full without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder and author, The S-Dot Files © 2008 Copyright, The S-Dot Files, All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT S-DOT | His dynamic teachings on building creative leadership are geared toward individuals and groups seeking transformational change engaging the mind, body and spirit. Seeking to foster proactive relationships that inspire and produce effectual change in the lives of everyday people, he has positioned The S-Dot Files to communicate via cross media channels to reach change seekers wherever they gather. He is an empowerment coach, charismatic speaker and prolific writer that creates thought provoking content which engages and promotes total wellness. Recognizing that transformation requires a hands-on approach in order to be wholly effective, he facilitates workshops and conferences in small group settings. Focused on ceasing the "domestic silence’ that plagues the relationships of people failing to connect with one another, the birth of The S-Dot Files serves as a tool for fellowship with a unique culture engaging in “real talk, for real people, doing real things.”

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Maverick News Update

THE MAVERICKS
Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin affects, but doesn’t ultimately make and bear the immediate responsibility of daughter’s lifestyle choices. She’s her mother, not God. It’s unfortunate that there are people placing judgment on a situation which they have no personal empathy for. The glaring spotlight placed on this young life that is already in crisis is off limits. I find the condemnation heaped upon the Palin family to be very unloving and not in the spirit of demonstrating the compassion and love of Christ. God’s love isn’t for those that do the right thing only. It is available for all who call upon Him for deliverance.

POLITICALLY SPEAKING: This situation frames the reality that republicans, just like democrats have families that are also experiencing real-world challenges. Painting candidate Palin’s family adversely will serve to mobilize those women that have been placed in bondage by the weight of societal scrutiny. It has the potential of sending voters that detractors are trying to scare away directly into supporting the McCain/Palin ticket.

( ( ( sDOTtv ) ) ) Governor Palin Stirs Up the Convention - MSNBC


I SAY: I think that it demonstrates superb restraint, class and integrity for Team Obama to not have launched an offensive against this young mother-to-be. I pray that God’s choice prevails November 4th and that we can begin the process of reuniting for the greater good of our union as the greatest nation on earth.