Thanksgiving . . . But Who to Thank?

Voter Education

Guest commentary (a historical overview on Thanksgiving) by William Loren Katz

William Loren Katz is an American educator, historian, and author of many books on African-American history, including a number of titles for young adult readers. He is particularly noted for his extensive writings on the 500-year history of relations between African-Americans and Native Americans in the New World.

In 1621 Governor William Bradford of Plymouth proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving - but not for the Wampanoug saviors but his Pilgrims. His Christian settlers had staved off hunger through their courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to God, that was his spin. To this day most politicians, ministers and educators describe this First Thanksgiving as the Governor did. Years later Pilgrim Reverend Increase Mather asked his congregation to give thanks to God "that on this day we have sent six hundred heathen souls to hell."

Thanksgiving remains the most treasured holiday in the United States, honored by Presidents since the Civil War when Abraham Lincoln used it to stir northern patriotism. Thanksgiving has often served political ends. In 2003 President George Bush flew to Baghdad, Iraq to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with U.S. troops. He brought a host of media photographers to capture him carrying a glazed turkey to the troops. He flew home in three hours, and soon after TV brought his act of courage and generosity to Americans. But the turkey he carried to the soldiers in Baghdad was never eaten. It was cardboard, a stage prop . . . Thanksgiving as a photo-op.

Currently Thanksgiving celebrates not justice or equality but aggression and enslavement. It affirms racial beliefs that led to the world's worst genocide -- the wanton destruction of tens of millions and ancient cultures. It's time for a different American Thanksgiving. I suggest one that honors the American continent's freedom-fighting tradition creating an alternative society to combat modern day disenfranchisement and mental slavery. Learn more about William Loren Katz: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Loren_Katz

Another noted historian and researcher, Dr. Leroy Vaughn, MD, MBA, Historian, African Chief, his chronicles from a lost ancestry reignites the spirit and humbles the soul. Our history has been rewritten to confuse and obstruct a rich cultural heritage from the truth. While we pause to give thanks…to what one might ask are we giving thanks for? After honoring GOD for giving you the strength, health and wisdom to make your own decisions, family, friends and helping our fellow man should be the nexus for all our blessings. Please read, Dr. Vaughn’s, “Black People and Their Place In World History After 1492.”  http://www.computerhealth.org/ebook/1492post.htm

Happy “Thanksgiving”...To ALL

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP..
THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.
I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP..
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!
HAPPY   THANKSGIVING   TO  ALL

http://www.facebook.com/,   http://twitter.com/Joccoraps,   insightwithjocco@gmail.com,

Spotlight sights of the week:

http://www.crossroadsnews.com/

http://www.aclu.org/voting-rights

Everythingology

Your posted comments are welcomed!

Georgia’s Sunshine Laws

Voter Education

By: Clyde “Jocco” Baccus, President

The Learning Tree, Inc.

There is a systemic concern regarding the grey cloud associated with a lot of decisions made by elected officials on the voter’s behalf.

Newton County Commissioner Nancy Shultz stated; “The people need to decide if they’re willing to put up with back room politics and deal making.”  Her comments signal a call to arms for all citizens who want our public business conducted in the light of day. It’s time to circle the wagons and make a stand. We need a “Citizens Governmental Oversight Review Panel,” which can analyze the votes our decision makers cast. This review panel should be comprised of residents who will look at past and present documented evidence and conclude if there is any cause to question if special interest or personal gain may have played a part for their vote. If a just cause conclusion is reached, we can submit a written request to the grand jury for consideration.

An organized effort towards this end can use, Georgia’s Sunshine Laws (GSL) as the governing legal tool to access information needed to reach a documented conclusion.

Under GSL, the law specifically designates “computer records” as public records

subject to the Law. The Open Records Law mandates that if a county

maintains a computerized index of county real estate deed records, the index

must be printed and made available for public inspection no less than every

30 days. Additionally, courts have held that government may not keep

details of litigation settlements secret. GSL mandates that public records be available to “any citizen of this state” and must be available to non-residents as well.

If a citizens review panel sounds like something you would like to do or if you prefer to form a committee of (1) one there is a sample open records request letter on page 31 in Georgia’s Sunshine Laws Handbook; (http://www.gfaf.org/resources/sunshine_laws.pdf)

Words of warning are resonating from some of our elected officials. Don’t allow street gossip to detour the truth and send accountability to time out.

Contact “The Learning Tree, Inc.,” if you want or need assistance getting your inquiry evaluated. insightwithjocco@gmail.com

Thanks for your support!

http://www.facebook.com/,   http://twitter.com/Joccoraps,   insightwithjocco@gmail.com,

Spotlight sights of the week:

http://www.crossroadsnews.com/

http://www.aclu.org/voting-rights

Everythingology

Next week’s Voter Education topic:

The Washington, D.C., K-Street Shuffle

Your posted comments are welcomed!

THE GATE KEEPER’S PROFILE

Voter Education

By: Clyde “Jocco” Baccus, President

The Learning Tree, Inc.

The narration on the Gate Keeper’s Profile is in post production. Updated research is forthcoming on the new job description for the cast of characters who/will occupy shadow positions from our local communities to the hallowed halls of the United States Congress. The preliminary draft analysis indicates the new age gate keeper will still operate on a time sensitive schedule by not allowing anyone access that might threaten to expose the cover up of lack luster community relations/constituents services protocols.

As we sort through the enormous amount of information being streamed don’t get it twisted, the gate keepers include thousands of present and former community leaders, local, state and congressional staffers. They had/have unlimited access to file cabinets of approved information that they are directed to share with the chosen ones. If you aren’t on the list, you are advised to visit a website. Your need to know request is covered in the “USA Patriot Act.” Click on: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_PATRIOT_Act)

There is another discipline of voter education and education in general that dictates we take time out to reflect on what we now know and how best to use this new knowledge as we move forward. It has only been 16 days since the general election and electoral tempers are leveling off. Thoughts of the upcoming holidays are replacing that after the elections depression.

One can’t help but be exhausted from all the pressures of life, raising children, caring for parents, working too hard or too aimlessly? This Thanksgiving season gives us another opportunity to reflect on what to do next in life and plan how to chart a meaningful path.

Elections evoke a great deal of passion even though their direct practical consequences for our lives elude us. A huge struggle takes place culminating on election day, but what is the struggle really about? Is it the details of our everyday physical existence—are we completely unaffected by the outcome? We are left with the same work, the same family, and the same friends, no matter what the outcome. So why all the brouhaha? Something huge appears to be at stake? But what?

Last week’s post on the emergence of this new strain of boll weevil had a thought provoking effect on what’s past is past. I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of feedback that touched nerves, raised the attention level to high and generated dialog in so many different expressions of understanding. Most noticeable were the comments of personal concern.  People are afraid of the truth. If you tick them off you’ll find yourself alone. Play ball and enjoy the fruits of the good life. Sounds like a warning but encouragement also comes in the form of: I couldn’t have said it better. If they are talking about you then you’re doing something right and giving documented examples of the trickery that lurks within.  

To sum it up, learning to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in this life has purpose. Be mindful, there are no mistakes, or coincidences in politics. Expect to hear some new definitions for the loop holes in the transactions of the people’s liquidity. It will sound more pleasant to the ears, but be assured; the results are what you call an oxymoron. You end up having more debt than you can afford.

One thing is clear; we’re in for some political dark days ahead. Right-left and middle wingers are preparing to keep us mired in disastrous economic stagnation long enough to win back the White House. So, as we pause this Thanksgiving season to give thanks for all the blessing in our lives don’t forget the countless number of voices plowing through the shackles in our minds. The voice of reason takes a stand and knows where the skeletons are buried. But, the voice of selfishness knows allowing the truth a fair hearing will lead to a unanimous trust but verify policy. The practice of don’t worry just follow my lead have intended misdirected goals and objectives that are not in our best interest. Those echoes you hear from the past are the voices of the backs you have stepped on to keep you feeding at the money troth. Boll weevils and dim-utter-crats are playing with fire, and it’s being fueled by a long history of urinating in our face while saying, it’s just rain.

Yes, reflecting reminds us of the shock and uh of those that voted for self serving opportunist whose sole ambition is protecting their ass_sets while enhancing their thrust for power. Stepping on the backs of the uninformed to achieve an ulterior motive breaks one’s spirit. While the weak keep looking down, your climb to the top leaves a trail of broken hearts and unfulfilled dreams. Your blinders hide the inability of your arrogance to comprehend the next back you attempt to step on may stand up forcing you to a stop. No more slip-slidin’

When we start to move ourselves in a new forward-motion of mutual recognition of who we really are and what we really long for on this earth, our private and personal depressions will be replaced by an independent thinker’s approach to life. Truth is not absolute; it changes over time. Everyone has an equal claim to life, liberty, justice, and ideas should be open to criticism.

Enjoy this time honored tradition of communing with family and friends for tomorrow, if you awake, the water torture continues one drip at a time until the weight spills over and is absorbed into the dash of your final resting place.

Finally, May the tracks of my journey be tagged with a GPS microchip, so future generations will have a point of reference enabling the forgotten thought, Before you take that first step towards the pie in the sky, it is written, life’s lessons will be the topic of your dissertation.  Ascend to achieve the highest degree only a few obtain a PhD in the Truth!

“Everlasting peace comes with a disclaimer; additional paperwork required executor of the will can contact their political gate keeper for instructions.”

Thanks for your support!

http://www.facebook.com/,   http://twitter.com/Joccoraps,   insightwithjocco@gmail.com,

Spotlight sights of the week:

http://www.crossroadsnews.com/

http://www.aclu.org/voting-rights

Everythingology

Next week’s Voter Education topic:

The Washington, D.C., K-Street Shuffle

Your posted comments are welcomed!

Political Boll Weevils

Voter Education

By: Clyde “Jocco” Baccus, President

The Learning Tree, Inc.

A new strain of political boll weevils has emerged. They are stronger, faster, and better equipped. Some of their armament includes polling data, targeted marketing methods and trends reinforced with slicker talk. Spotting a modern day weevil requires a heightened sense of crap when you hear it. As the weevil circles its prey be sure you have a large portion of commonsense, an equal amount of scholarly awareness sprinkled with a youthful approach to life. These ingredients create a compound of social consciousness that will stun the weevils long enough to administer a final blow. Your Vote on Election Day!

Soon as you think you’ve taken care of the infestation another wave comes out of hibernation in all shapes, sizes, and hues. You brace yourself for the onslaught and access how much pride you have left. The power to reason with a conniver eludes you. So you hunker down and prepare to launch an offensive to interrupt their scheme. The weevil thinks you will keep bowing down, not speaking out, listening to half truths and waiting on a savior to fight your battle is enough to blind you while they carve up the landscape with political boundaries drawn to exclude and deny equal representation.

The GOP flipped control of at least 19 state legislative chambers on Nov. 2^nd, a result that gives the party a commanding redistricting edge. Republicans head into next year’s round of reapportionment with total control of the process in four critical states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Texas, where redistricting expert Michael McDonald said he expects a “no-holds-barred” approach from the GOP.

In the same vein,

Alabama and North Carolina were two southern states that shifted to GOP legislative control for the first time since Reconstruction. In fact, before 1990, not a single legislative chamber in the South was controlled by Republicans. Following this election, 18 out of the region’s 28 chambers will have GOP majorities.

That boll weevil is a smart adversary. He has incorporated bickering over their droppings as a distraction. But, unknowing to this creature of greed, we have a sword of knowledge sharpened with the Rule of Law (http://www.aclu.org/voting-rights) in our arsenal. Just when you think you have shored up your defenses you discover someone in your mist is feeding the weevils information. Who could it be? Is it the woman or man over there in the fine clothes driving the fine car always wanting to be in charge, it can’t be one of them, could it? The weevils wouldn’t use my people against me...would he? It’s got to be one of the trickster’s ploys to keep spreading distrust among the field hands.

Time to naturalize these snakes in the grass, feed them a big helping of misinformation and let them run and tell that. Sticking to the basics is a sure way of counteracting the weapons of mass deception. The methodology of division is laid out in your local comprehensive plan/community assessment and technical addendum to the community assessment documents. Pay close attention to the evaluation of current community policies, actions, and development patterns. This evaluation is one of the tools used to draw a line (redistricting) of isolation. How many times have you heard an elected official say, “that’s not my district.” Every time I hear those words they reinforce the alienation of a representative government and promote the idea of “It’s not my problem.”  That kind of thinking keeps the notion of working together on a straight path to hell.

If you really want to keep “YOUR” elected officials accountable become ghostly and make sure their words and vote come back to haunt them. In the body of politics operating in the grey area has become the norm not the exception. We can shine the light on their backhanded practices of diverting our tax dollars away from social issues that keep our communities divided.

In Newton County, GA, City of Covington, the present congressional map was drawn with a line between the projected population shifts.

Here we are weeks away before the 2010 official census data is released.

Projected distribution of Race and Hispanic Origin for Covington, GA

Category	2008	2013	2018	2023	2028
White	39.46%	35.39%	35.39%	35.39%	39.35%
African American	55.84%	58.74%	58.74%	58.74%	58.74%
Asian	1.06%	1.33%	1.33%	1.33%	1.33%
Other	3.66%	4.59%	4.59%	4.59%	4.59%
Hispanic Origin	5.20%	6.37%	6.37%	6.37%	6.37%

(Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Claritas (2005 Estimate), and JJG (projections), City of Covington 2006-2028 Comprehensive Plan)

Your counterpoint reference guide will include: your local comprehensive (city & county) plan/technical addendum, city & county charter. Just ask the person elected to represent the district you live in for a copy. I’m sure it will not come as a surprise if they don’t have one. Even if they do ask them have they read it?

School Board Districts in Newton County, GA? We need to pay closer attention to how they are drawn. Presently school board districts and county commission districts have the same boundaries. What are the underlying factors that allow this gerrymander to continue? Every tax dollar that goes into the county digest, the school board gets .75 cents. Education is a top priority on everyone’s agenda. Don’t lose focus on the basic issue; where’s the money? It’s time to request a federal forensic audit of the school boards budget, sweetheart land deals and contracting opportunities. Having federal funds in your budget is a safe guard for citizens and especially property owners when it comes to good transparent fiscal oversight and accountability.

The grand jury has optional inspection or investigative duties. Whenever deemed necessary by eight or more grand jurors, the grand jury shall appoint a committee of the grand jury to inspect or investigate the following: Any county office; Any county building; Any public authority of the county; Any court or court official of the county; The county board of education or county school superintendent; or Any of the records, acounts, property, or operations of any of the entities described above.

Can you follow the money trail of the school board in your county?

(http://www.hallcounty.org/files/pdfs/judicial/Grand_Jury_Handbook.pdf )

We The People are being duped by republicans and democrats alike when they say to us we’re gonna change things while they fight for control of who gets to stick their hand into our pockets first. The controlling body has its hand in the front pocket and the other body has its hand in our back pocket. Once the crime of extorting citizens out of their money (taxation) is complete we get to hear that same old song from the scavengers, “the people want change.” Well, that’s all we have left at the end of each legislative session. Taxpaying citizens, property owners now have to dip into their emergency fund just to get by. We have an allocation for you, kicking your can and calling NAMES literally!

We see you, but you don’t see us. Who are we? We are those census blocks in the 2012 redistricting map you plan to gerrymander into the new 14^th Congressional District of GA as a means to eliminate any court challenge under section 2 & 5 of the Voting Rights Act. 

Just like the National Clandestine Service (https://www.cia.gov/offices-of-cia/clandestine-service/index.html) we’ve been in plain view observing and accessing that elusive “POLITICAL BOLL WEEVIL.” Some are elected, some are appointed, and some disguise themselves as community leaders, political consultants and other organizations you have never heard of. This pack of bottom feeder’s sole purpose is keeping the electoral process dazed and confused. Once you open your eyes and get up off your knees and discover you are being lead astray by voting against your own interest.

Having a PhD, Masters, BS or BA doesn’t imply one is all knowing and has all the answers. Genuine enlightenment comes when you acquire a doctorate in commonsense with a major in reading, writing and arithmetic.  Don’t google it, think it through first.

Quote of the week: “Don’t take it personal it’s just politics, I always tell the truth even when I lie.” (Boll Weevil)

How are you gonna do battle with cannibals if you’re a vegetarian?

*Our civic duty isn’t over yet, there is a statewide/local runoff election.

Mark the date: Tuesday, November 30, 2010, Election Day!

Early voting in DeKalb County GA: Nov. 17^th thru Nov. 24^th

Early Voting in Rockdale County, GA: Nov. 19^th thru Nov 24^th

Early Voting in Newton County, GA: Waiting on confirmation from Sec. of State that there is a runoff scheduled. (770) 784-2055

Early voting may vary from county to county; call your local board of elections for scheduled early voting in your area.

VOTE!                            VOTE!                         VOTE!

Georgia Property Owners Alert!

The final installment for the 2010 tax assessment is due December 20^th. Do you know your appeal rights? Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to revenue and taxation was amended and signed into law on June 7^th of this year.  Click on this link to review the amended version as passed with the effective date of January2011.

(http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/versions/sb346_SB_346_APP_9.htm)

Georgia law provides a procedure for filing property tax returns and property tax appeals at the county level make sure you know your rights.

Thanks for your support!

http://www.facebook.com/,   http://twitter.com/Joccoraps,   insightwithjocco@gmail.com,

Spotlight sights of the week:

http://www.crossroadsnews.com/

http://www.aclu.org/voting-rights

Everythingology

*COMING SOON TO THE BLOGGING COMMUNITY: Information you can use from "The Black Caucus of Former Congressional Staffers."

“If you have questions concerning communicating with your elected official at all levels of government about the issues that affect your quality of life, The Black Caucus of Former Congressional Staffers will be available to work with you through the red tape.”

Next week’s Voter Education topic: The Gate Keepers Profile

Your posted comments are welcomed!