People for whom there is only a tunnel that seems to have no end in sight. And because there is seemingly no where to turn, people like Erwin and Ana Lupoe of California and Mark and Jennifer Meeks of Ohio find an unthinkable way out. They kill themselves and their children. The stories of the Lupoes and Meeks have haunted me for several days now. But, as I listen to the debating and arguing over President Obama’s stimulus plan, I wonder if their stories are haunting those we have elected to govern in the best interest of our citizenry. I wonder if their stories are haunting state officials who would choose to “wait” on “their share” of federal tax dollars rather than to look at potential revenue streams within their own borders.

So, while our local, state, and federal officials argue over taxes and pork, families with names like Lupoe and Meeks do the unthinkable because the American Dream has failed them at the hands of greed, self-centeredness, and self-preservation. No doubt, these families and other like them, were at the depths of despair and cared not about our officials proving that they “have a pair” by voting against increased taxes or the stimulus plan. I am not arguing the merits of the plan, in fact right now I could really care less.What I am arguing is that Americans are hurting. And we are hurting to the point of no return. We are taking our lives and the lives of our children because we don’t have jobs, we can’t keep a roof over our children’s heads or food in our children’s stomachs. Theirs are not isolated cases and according to Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, such incidents have become “an all too common story in the last few months.Many will say that they were crazy. That there was something they could have done. They should have saved their money. They should have this or the should have that. Well, I don’t know what they should have done - but, I know that they should not have had to resort to this way out in the richest country in the world. A country that espouses human rights. A country whose basic premise lies on the words “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. I pass no judgement on the Lupoes or Meekes because I know that “There but for the Grace of God, go I”.
 

Much Obliged, SjP

Please feel free to visit my other blog, Sojourner’s Place, where you are always welcome and the doors are always open. **Reposted from Sojourner’s Place

Limbaugh, is an idiot who just can seem to understand that the democrats are now in office. He needs to deal with that reality. He needs to do what ever he can to help turn this country around. But, I suspect that he will continue to pullute the minds of others just like him.

Embedded video from CNN Video

Much Obliged, SjP

Please feel free to visit my other blog, Sojourner’s Place, where you are always welcome and the doors are always open.

This Brian Snyder photo, has women all over the world asking their spouses or significant others: “Why don’t you look at me like that?” And with that question, the President raises the bar for the most important domestic issue facing us all - Love, Romance, Respect, and just pure Adoration.

So, to my dear, dear Auntie, I’ve got to correct you. Prince Charming is alive and well. But, alas, he is married to Michelle Obama and just happens to be the 44th President of the United States.

Much Obliged, SjP

Please feel free to visit my other blog, Sojourner’s Place, where you are always welcome and the doors are always open.

Cross posted at Michelle Obama Watch.

• We are all waiting with baited breath to see what the first 100 days of the Obama Presidency will bring to the Nation. Will we see the change as promised or movement toward that change? Or will we see more of the same? Certainly, regardless of the vote we cast in November, we are all hoping - even praying - for a change for the better. Hopefully, President Obama will deliver.

But, having said that, I just wanted to give you an idea of what the first 17 days of 2009 have been like over at Sojourner’s Place. On January 1, I celebrated my one year anniversary in the blogosphere and in doing so, I wished my readers a Happy New Year and gifted to some my appreciation for their continued support and encouragement. You can read about it in the post entitlted: happy new year…much obliged and paying forward! 

New at Sojourner’s Place, is a series entitled, Ain’t I a Woman? A Sojourner’s Salute. This series will present an African-American woman whose greatness and impact was or is largely overlooked by the history books or media. I encourage and invite you to read about two amazing African-American women who defied the odds and made a tremendous impact:  Harriet E. Wilson and Janet Harmon Bragg.

Each Sunday, is reserved for an Inspirational post to get help get us through the week ahead, the trials we may face, and yes, to say Thank Ya and testify! I hope that you participate and share with us your Sunday Inspirations. Your weekly contribution may very well be the inspiration that someone else may need and has been looking for. Jauary’s posts are entitled: pray for peace and please carry us in your arms.

You can get “the hook up” on hybrid cars and the new windows extensions from these posts entitled: to hybrid or not to hybrid? that is the question  and window extensions anyone? . And read my my concerns about “walking while Black” at a black woman walking is not an invitation for disrespect, or worse. If you’re into horoscopes, you might want to find out what your chinese feng shui horoscope has to say about your future.

In addition to some things on my mind #5 , I had to gloat a bit in the post told you so! burris is a senator! . And Fridays always rock at Sojourner’s Place with Old School Friday posts you can check out here, here and here. The first day of school for the Obama children is presented in a historical sense here  and showed off my invitation as part of Wordless Wednesday.

Lastly, two young missing children were also featured. They are Adji Desir and Jermai Tysean Hoffman. Please stop by. You might know one of these children and be able to provide closure to a family missing their loved one. Unfortunately, there are so many who are missing - but not forgotten.

Much Obliged, SjP

Please feel free to visit my other blog, Sojourner’s Place, where you are always welcome and the doors are always open.

I found this picture while surfing the blogosphere today. At first glance, it certainly does appear that it is a picture of the Obamas at the Democratic National Convention. But look again…look very hard! Did you notice that the President-Elect and his wife Michelle look exactly the same? Well, that’s because they are the same person. This picture of Rupaul posing as both Barack and Michelle Obama.

Personally, I can do without this rendition of America’s soon to be first family but I’m sure some will find this an an ultimate tribute to them. But, I can assure you that this blogger won’t be watching Rupaul’s Drag Race on LOGO.

Much Obliged, SjP

Please feel free to visit my other blog, Sojourner’s Place, where you are always welcome and the doors are always open.