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Monday, June 30, 2008

Revisiting Sen. Obama

While an Illinois state senator for eight years, Sen. Obama voted “present” 130 times instead of taking a definitive stand on the issue at hand. Sen. Clinton said this earlier in the campaign about his propensity to duck certain issues: “You cannot achieve the kind of changes we want by voting 'present' on controversial issues.” Worse than his “present” votes, however, was his vote in 2001 against a measure that would have expanded the penalties for some gang activity to include the death penalty.

Although he comes off as a clean lawmaker with little lobbyist influence, we still have yet to see the lingering fallout from his ties to Tony Rezko, including a shady housing purchase by Obama and Rezko on adjacent properties. But let’s get back to the votes, where we can clearly see where the senator stands on the issues.

In 2007 he voted against banning partial birth abortions, for expanding research on stem cell lines, against declaring English as the official language of the U.S. government, for the minimum wage hike, against raising the estate tax exemption to $5 million, and for the redeployment of troops out of Iraq by March of 2008. If these aren’t liberal votes, I don’t know what are.

Sen. Barack Obama is a decent and honorable man and has the potential of being a tremendous leader someday. But before you get caught up in his charisma and optimism, make sure you clearly understand where he plans to take the world’s lone superpower.

Experience especially in the area of foreign policy is increasingly important with the instability around the globe. Many rogue nations and world leaders would test the senator early on in his administration, making a determination about his leadership, wisdom and judgment. A comprehensive examination of his quotes, votes, and experience, tells me that this man needs to be more vetted by the media and seriously challenged by Sen. McCain on the issues that matter most to us as countrymen home and abroad.

Illegal Immigration Nonexistent in Presidential Election

During this stage of the presidential race, you don't hear Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) or Barack Obama (D-Ill.) giving much attention to the illegal immigration crisis that continues to plague our nation.

There is no more important domestic issue facing America than illegal immigration, and yet we continue to avoid resolving the problem. The dilemma is that millions of people are streaming across American borders in the hope of improving their lot in life, but only a few of them are going through the proper channels to become legal citizens or documented aliens. Thus, our country is full of people who for all intents and purposes do not exist — they don’t have voting rights, they don’t have proper identification, they don’t serve on juries, and they don’t pay taxes.

So as our schools crumble, our freeways become worn out and our hospital waits become longer, illegal immigrants exacerbate the problem by using these services without adding to them. Those illegals who do work are admittedly helping the economy, but they are also hurting our overall society by sapping our resources without giving back. And finally, what is scary to think about is that in this age of terrorism, an open border (or a weak border) is an invitation for terrorists to enter and plan, support or cause chaos.

With all these convergent ideas on immigration reform and only five months before we vote for a new Congress and president, there is absolutely no way anything substantial will get done until 2009. Blame who you wish — and trust me, there is plenty to go around — but remember that the real loser is not some politician, but the everyday taxpayer who is paying for millions of illegal immigrants to freely attend our schools, drive on our freeways and use our hospitals.

As a man of faith, I strongly believe that every human being deserves the right to pursue happiness, but as a taxpaying citizen, I also believe strongly that every human should do his or her part to make the government work. And until the American immigration policy is reformed, and we stop catering to illegal immigrants, we will continue to let millions of people reap the rewards of our system without paying their due.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Pfledger’s Return to the Pulpit

After a short suspension from his duties of pastoral work, the Rev. Michael Pfledger is returning to Saint Sabina Church in Chicago. Pfledger is infamously known for mocking Sen. Clinton in a sermon, suggesting that she was crying over the fact that a “black man was stealing her show.”

How is it possible for cognizant individuals to feel comfortable following the teachings of such a so-called reverend? His sermons epitomize racism, are inexcusably judgmental, and are mentally masochistic in nature. Both he and his sermons have absolutely no place in or near the pulpit. During his sermons, he appears to be on or past the brink of insanity as he degrades his own heritage. Not only should he not return to his position, but he should also be required to give a public apology for his actions. His offensive misconducts, as with the misconducts of Jeremiah Wright, are completely misguided, unjustifiable, ignorant, and demeaning to the inflicted and the congregation.

Church is supposed to be about love, spirituality and reverence for God, not about divisiveness, secularity and slander. Sure, we all have our opinions about what’s going on politically, but our religious leaders are not supposed to persuade us in the directions that we choose. If that were the case, we wouldn’t have a choice in whether or not we accept Christianity, which would render church a place to go in order to be indoctrinated. Our religious values are supposed to be strong enough to help us make the most valid judgments in all measures of life — socially and politically. Instead of our pastors instilling their opinions on us, they should work at instilling God’s word in us, which will, in turn, give us the right moral navigation system.

Armstrong's Vote

Armstrong Williams wards off claims that he will not vote Republican in this year's Presidential election and instead vote for the Democratic presumptive nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).


Monday, June 23, 2008

Allow Me to Elaborate

Many people watching and listening to my national TV and radio appearances this past week seem to have gotten the impression that any support for Obama from me — or any other black conservative, for that matter — is due solely to race. Unfortunately, they have misinterpreted my opinions if they somehow think there is a concrete Obama vote coming from me or that I believe the black community should all rally behind and vote for Obama because he is black. Let me take a few moments to elaborate on what my comments really mean — or rather, what they don’t:

I do not condone Harvard Professor Cornel West, who turns blackness into a political ideology. The Illinois senator used to be accused by people like West of “not being black enough.” But apparently he’s now black enough and can identify with black America — which means what? Can he not identify with or represent white America?

I do not support those who blindly follow anyone only because they have more pigment than a white person. If Sen. Obama creates bad policy, you can bet I will be first in line to critique — standing up for my fellow conservatives who feel they cannot speak for fear of being pegged as a racist.

I do not believe the color of my skin translates into a choice of the color of my support — red or blue. Acknowledging the historic nature of this election does not render an unconditional brotherhood of support where all other issues aside from race are ignored. Instead, it recognizes movement — even two years ago, no one expected a black freshman senator from Illinois to win against a well-known white female politician.

Simply put, I am a conservative American who happens to be black. The color of my skin does not translate into a political agenda — a black, blue or any other colored agenda. I recognize the historical context under which this election is operating. But this does not mean I will restrict myself from commenting on policies that I believe are unhealthy for America — and not just black America, because above any gender, any ideology, any race … I am American.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Friends of Ignorance

There’s no denying many of us are all-too-often “friends of ignorance” — only announcing the relationship when necessary. Although occasionally we reside in the blissful realm unintentionally, many times ignorance is simply a scapegoat, and a lame one at that. Recently, Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) pleaded ignorance when he received a sweetheart deal from Countrywide Financial’s chairman and chief executive, Angelo Mozilo, leaving one of two possibilities: Either the Finance Committee member is oblivious to finances or his ignorance is a fake.

When the North Dakota senator decided to buy his $1.2 million beach home in Delaware, a friend (who also happens to be Fannie Mae’s CEO) recommended him to Angelo. Apparently unbeknownst to Sen. Conrad, he received an exceptional loan as a part of the “Friends of Angelo” program. Still, I just can’t believe the senator was oblivious to the fiscal benefits he was receiving — I mean, he sits on the Finance Committee!

Even though the senator knew nothing of a special deal, he still felt the need to deny association with Mr. Mozilo, saying last Friday: “I never met Angelo Mozilo.” Later he had to amend his statement a bit — after all, he did give Mr. Mozilo a personal phone call about the loan. Apparently the question was confusing for him and left him perhaps thinking: “Well, I guess that depends on the meaning of the word met. Did I talk to him? Yes. Did I meet him face-to-face? No.” What a Clintonian approach to governance.

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), chairman of the Banking Committee, was also called out — and has confessed — to having knowingly benefited from sweetheart loans along with a handful of other senators who are yet to be publicly named as “Friends of Angelo.” The bigger issue, however, is that, like most relationships, this may be a two-way arrangement as the Democrats’ solution to the mortgage crisis is regarded as a bailout for lenders … lenders like Countrywide.

Unfortunately, being a friend to ignorance rarely pays off like being a friend of Angelo. And Sen. Conrad’s decision to deny knowledge of the situation gives the public two options for judgment. The most unlikely is that Sen. Conrad really has no idea about finances and still serves on the Senate Finance Committee actively making financial policies. Or he simply lied about his ignorance because he was afraid of the consequences. Either way, he or any of the other sweetheart loan legislators did not properly do their jobs; instead, they put their interests in front of America’s.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Black Conservatives and Obama as President

I have received thousands of e-mails and letters in response to the recent AP story about black conservatives voting for Sen. Barack Obama for president this November. You are correct that I was and continue to be a strong advocate of judging one by the content of his character and not the color of his skin. Yes, I understand very well the severe areas of disagreement with Sen. Obama and our strong and consistent conservative value system.

What’s really dangerous is that he hasn’t yet been forced to explain some of his more, from a conservative view, unsavory positions: that he 1) supports partial-birth abortions; 2) will let the Bush tax cuts expire; 3) is committed to a retreat in Iraq; 4) is anti-trade and protectionist; and 5) favors billions of dollars of public investment in faddish liberal trends, e.g. “green” technologies (if they’re so beneficial, let the market invest in them — misdirected capital investment is what brought you the Asian financial crisis of ’97, the Latin American debt meltdowns, and bubbles like the Internet and now mortgage too numerous to mention). Vote for Obama and that’s what you voted for.

However, my comments about being undecided and having no idea who I would pull the lever for in November remain true and firm. Yes, I know the truth about him and still can't ignore how the hand of God works.

How can you not be moved by the progress of America in this experiment of democracy by reminding this world that we have moved beyond race and labels, and are more than willing to support the best candidate for the White House, whether a woman or American black?

The American people in this election has shown the promise of America and the tremendous progress we've made since the days of slavery, segregation and the civil rights movement. Our country is showing what many of us have advocated for years, that racial hustlers use this issue to divide and conquer us. We must also admit that the Obama campaign represents much hope for this country and truly shows the world that we're still the example and standard-bearer.

It's definitely not certain that I could ever vote for him, but I'm thankful for the maturity in my life that I can at least consider him and the hope (whether misguided or not) that he has inspired around the globe.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has been condemned by conservatives to the point where they've advocated voting for Sen. Clinton as president and not their party's nominee. Sen. McCain, despite my disagreement with some of his policies, is the most qualified candidate with an impressive and outstanding résumé of experience and leadership.

I am at peace with the fact that it's not a foregone conclusion that McCain will automatically have my vote for the simple reason he is the Republican nominee. All candidates for president should earn our vote based on what their past records show and the policies they would embrace and enact as president. There's no doubt, this November I will vote for the candidate that best represents the values and promise I so dearly hold for our America.

Armstrong Williams can be heard daily from 9-10 p.m. EST on XM Satellite Power 169.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Looking for a Few Good Fathers

Life 50 years ago moved at a slower, but nonetheless progressive, pace. The use of drugs was heavily looked down upon. Young ladies during that era would have been banned and shamed for dressing and acting promiscuously. It was demanded of young men to have respect for themselves and those around them. Family values played a major part in shaping the lives of the next generation, and our parents were our early models for God. Their unconditional love taught their offspring about the cruel and challenging world they would eventually face. Equally important, parents were the first line of support for their emotional needs, basic values and various norms. From such interactions, a child’s personality and character were formed.

Let’s fast-forward 50 years later. The family institution has been shattered and no one seems to understand why. We as a nation in all of our efforts can’t put the genie back in the bottle. When watching television, it is shocking to see the scantily clad outfits that our young women wear, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. Young men are wearing oversized clothes and speaking a language that only they understand, called profanity. Neither gender understands what it is to be a lady or a gentleman anymore. Drug use, sex and profane communication are glorified in their music and household. Family values are replaced with the attitudes of rudeness, selfishness and immorality. So what happened over time that caused such a severe disparity in the past and the present?

On Sunday, as Father’s Day celebrations begin, the family needs a critical re-examination. A father’s absence in the household is unequivocally devastating and criminal. His being there for his family is necessary in instilling values, work ethic, discipline and common decency. It is not a stretch to say that our penal system mirrors absentee fathers in the household. In a home environment where families are fractured and unconditional love is rare, hope twists inward and horrible violence erupts. In conclusion, men play an integral role in raising their sons and daughters to understand what it is to be a man and what is required to be a woman. A father’s presence in the home is the only answer that can solve this pathology that sweeps this nation.

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Europeans and the Environment

From Belgium

Like race, environmentalism is one of the pillars of the EU’s perceived superiority over the U.S.

A leading British politician recently stated that the name of the European Union should be changed to the Environmentalist Union. But in fact, Europe's environment is far from the pristine image they would like for the world to buy into.

For example, urban air pollution causes premature deaths, by their own account, of some 375,000 people yearly, roughly the same number as in China. By contrast, the United States’ number is 50-60,000 and steadily dropping.

Even on climate change, Europe has done no better containing greenhouse gases since the Kyoto Protocol was signed 10 years ago than the U.S, which isn't a Kyoto signature and has grown faster in this period.

When will the global media and environmental experts finally acknowledge Europe’s devastating impact on its environment and their sheer hypocrisy in pointing their arrogant and self-serving fingers at everyone around the globe, with the exception of themselves?

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The Humility of Loyalty

A lot has been said this past week regarding former White House spokesman Scott McClellan and his new tell-all book. Aside from the fact that it’s the stuff of yawns in this town, I haven’t really heard the word “loyalty” come up.

Sure, it’s been implied by every talking head from Ari Fleischer down the line, but never the pure use of the word, and the disdain that comes when that unspoken, solemn pledge is violated. Perhaps it’s the grip of this town — that in Washington, no holds are barred and all bets are off, especially when there’s a book advance at the end of your tenure. But loyalty, in Washington’s vernacular, is far different than the loyalty I was raised to know and practice. In this town, loyalty means “I cover you only so long as it benefits me.” Rephrased, it’s a new form of situational ethics, or: When the going gets tough, you’re on your own, mister.

No, I’m referring to the humility of loyalty — the deep-abiding respect that comes when you choose to align yourself with a leader/friend/boss. You’re so loyal to that individual that you are willing to humble your own pursuits and ambitions for the greater cause, no matter the course they wind you through. There’s a certain nobleness that must come with that loyalty — the commitment that you ultimately make to yourself, and the subsequent allegiance that comes with it.

That’s what most upsets me about Scott McClellan. I never knew the individual, but I do know that he fully understood all facets of the term loyalty, and he chose to subscribe to Washington’s brand. And so long as that brand goes unchecked and unashamed, then the humility of loyalty will always suffer.

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Monday, June 2, 2008

HRC Putting the Blues into the Red, White and Blue

From the Oregon Trail to the Liberty Bell, political rallies, election fundraisers and desperate pleas (primarily from Hillary Clinton) have been heard and experienced this election cycle. The relentless wheeling and dealing from HRC is turning the supposedly democratic elections into political dances around the rules of democracy. Her avid claims of patriotism seem to fall short of the true meaning of the word as her actions fail to give even the slightest reflection of such a virtue.

Patriotism is a passion to strengthen your country. Hillary’s contributions to her party can be boiled down to drawing lines — lines between races, lines between sexes, lines between education levels, lines between members of Congress. There’s no arguing some of these lines already existed, but deepening the division by blaming separations for her own failures is no way to combat them.

Patriotism is defending your country. If last weekend was any indication of what’s to come, Hillary will manipulate any rule to promote her personal success. Rather than defend the rules/laws of even her own political party, she turns her back on them and helps to run the Democrats’ ship of state into the ground by putting herself before the good of the party/country.

Patriotism is recognizing what is best for your country … and then doing it. Rather than abiding by the process and letting the people decide, Hillary is trying to manipulate the system for her own political gain. Refusing to promote unity, displaying relentless selfishness and failing to recognize or act on the country’s best interests leads to only one conclusion — and it’s not patriotism that I’m alluding to. Continuing to do this and drawing out the election process by relying solely on the manipulation of superdelegates (her only chance left to steal this election) will do nothing but put the blues into the hallowed colors of this nation.