Did we not enjoy RECESS when we were youngsters. A time to play and enjoy the only part of the day where we didnt have to sit quiet and attentive, observing, listening and obeying all the school rules. We tried to let off some steam and run around with our friends in the playground right after lunch before we went back to classes. I remember the events of this child phenom favorably as the favorite game we soon discovered was Boys chase Girls and then switch the next day, Girls chase Boys. Well this is how it was for me at P.S. 92 in Brooklyn way back in the day-No I wont hint at what day. Just some Ol' School history on Joy! Recess is good but the Recession is bad.

I did a little reseach on the words Recession and Depression just to try to figure the difference if any at all. I would say that we all get pretty depressed when there isnt enough money to float around or to handle our day to day needs. So even before looking up what a depression really is I just about knew what an economic depression was, and since it was a factor in history which we studied ad nauseum back in those good ol school days, Golden Rule Days-I have a good mental clarity and picture of what a Depression is really all about. But what of the recession economists say we are in or are quickly approaching.

A Recession in economic terms means that there is a period of economic contraction, (Ladies if you are a natural mother then no one has to explain contractions to you-a terrible pain that exists during the birth process, severe cramping, and it can vary from woman to woman. I might add though, it is a necessary and an almost distant memory when our brand new warm baby arrives in the world-We cry out in pain and tears of Joy all at the same time.) back to the definition of recession-oh we are not done yet. . .an economic recession is limited in scope and duration-like those contractions, ladies.

And just to know the difference a Depression in economic terms is a period during which business, employment and stock market values decline severely or may remain at a very low level of activity.

It seems then we are actually in a depression and not a recession because the current economic picture is as described above. However I think in an effort to not fully commit or further hit the panic button our leaders in the political and economic realm are reluctant to say what it really is. If looks like a duck. . .quacks like a duck then usually its a duck. Thats what we say but not this time. I do wonder why? I am no ecomomist or financial wizard by far. But I can and do read the headlines and reports every day on this global ecomomic peril we seem to have spiraled in. I have seen in print and watching the news that our current financial picture is as bad as The Great Depression of the 30's but still no one CALLS it that. Just references it. Unemployment is at an all time HIGH. Production of goods and services are down. Our own state has slashed its yearly budget by 1/2 a billion dollars and well there was the 700 billion dollar bailout for Wall Street. So I ask again are we approaching hard economic times, in a recession, approaching a recession, or are we experiencing the resurgence of our past, lessons not learned and a New Depression?

Again I am no analyst. I guess I will leave it up to each individual reader to discern for themselves. I know that in preparation or actually in the throws of inflation and such high gas and energy bills in our recent past, I decided to downsize my car and living arrangements to keep more money in my own pocket. Maybe you feel like me. I work hard and I deserve more than the share cropping lifestyle, meaning working to pay off bills, debts and obligations with nothing more to show for it than to get back to work and start the day, week or month all over again with no gains only losses.

Our president elect, Barack Obama is strategizing and getting all his ducks and cabinet members lined up to face this foe we call our economy and the dangerous after affects of obvious policies that have gotten us to this point. I remember, Greenspan sitting in front of the congressional committee to discuss what role he played in our current affairs. Then there is Ben Benecke and a whole host of other economic characters that Congress says must answer for this. I remember the warnings several years ago that said that we Americans are living in like a plastic economic bubble that could burst one day-AND Did!!!! We owed too much, spent too much and wanted it NOW! We were cash poor and debt rich. Our obligations exceeded our take home but we just had to have it!!!!!!! And now we do!

I love the fact that we have our first president who represents US-We the People. Oh you thought I should say black, African American, a person of color, a minority, bi-racial-which is the most accurate discription of all of us????? Well lets not do the label thing-that really hasnt worked out so well for us, now has it? I dont want to go down that road again- I have discussed it in past blogs so if you are so inclined do read about my feelings on race and labels-We will just keep on topic - this frickin' economy that has people about done with our leaders and their actions. At least, a majority of the country has embraced Barack Obama as an agent of change and he is now challenged to not just make good on his core beliefs as he touted his political agenda and platform but to make a difference to every single American who voted or even didnt vote for him. He will usher in his administration and almost like savior, other policies in January. Oh and by the way he will need all of us to help him turn this country around back to its Glory Days. He is a man, one man who as he selects his cabinet members must rely on them and all of us in the chain to be of service, dont give up hope and return this country and our own businesses and homes to sound fiscal practices. Let us not be that weak link in the chain.

Lastly, lets take a real Recess as we use caution and discretion in these next few months, maybe years to get back on track. YES We Can. We Will. And We Did!

ok so I am behind. . .forgive a Sis. Tonights second Pres. debate will be most interesting and if things go well for Obama as they have been thus far it may further push him towards the thrill of victory, history and so many other things that no man could possibly consider or fathom. Again I leave your political decisions in your own capable hands, but once you are educated about the process and Yes we pray all are registered voters by now. Your voice is your vote-Make it count. Anyway I am eagerly awaiting the final end to this long political journey. As far as the most recent V.P. Debate I found it to be ordinary and mundane-nothing jumping out that would have secured any further ground for either side. J. Biden was reserved and held off from being considered a pouncing bull dog that could have made mush out of the clearly clueless Palin and her experience on the world stage, not to mention the national one. Palin was dodging questions and seeminly relying on her best assets - her womanly wiles and her excessive comments on energy and national security. But that is all we could take from that-I am glad that was there first and last debate.

When you watch tonights second candidates debate, try to be unbiased and listen intently to comments and issue oriented discussion, as well as body language and the eye contact J. McCain was criticized last time for not respectfully offering to his opponent. We urge your comments and your support as we are challenged to make the best choice for our country and communities and families. As always be blessed and keep your ears open and your mouth, well tamed-words can fly and there can be no catching them and retracing our meanings and intent once others judge and perhaps misinterpret your intent. We are facing a cultural, economic and social crisis in all facets of our society-Lets take things very seriously and remember duty, honor and respect for all! Be Blessed!

Now I know I live in America, the richest, free-st, most varied of people in the world. That is a good thing of which I am proud to say "I am American born and bred" But it was not by choice that my source of pride so exists. My ancestors were bought and brought here unbeknownst to themselves. Nevertheless America is what I know and I embrace this culture with all its good and bad. As an African American of which I simply prefer "Black" since in my esteemed opinion, all Americans can claim this status since humans as we know all derive from the region of the world that is now known as Africa. But that discusssion is for another day and time. You know we have gone from being called, the N word to negro to colored to Black and now we have evolved yet again to A.A.-Political Correctness knows no bounds! I expect we will change again when someone either within our culture or outside decides it is best that we are relabled! Just keep that in the back of your mind and remember the world we live in loves labels and classification. In my remembrence of the book of Genesis God said, male and female he made them and left it at that. And I kinda like that. Keep it simple. Political Correctness for dummies, I guess. If you will.

Well the first Presidential debate is tomorrow, Sen Barack Obama and Sen John Mc Cain will take the stage for the first time and after many weeks of chitter and chatter about pigs with lipstick, and Palin's untraditional family and her joining the Maverick as the closest person and a woman who also fits that mold, we are finally coming down to what I discussed on my last blog, the issues. Or will we? I am looking forward to a Friday eve where I can chillax and since the next day is not a working news day for me I can just enjoy and marvel at our political system at work. Or will I? John McCain wants to rise to the occasion and join forces back in Washington to be a part of the process of the Wall Street/banking Bailout solutuon so in essence cancelling the debate. Obama says . . .What? And many other folks say "What? Why now?" We are now 7 weeks to the election. I marvel at how time has flown past and what I will marvel at moreso is on November 5th, the aftermath of all this political madness and the present state of our nation and how and who will come away with the daunting task of "Ok I won, what do I do next?" Either way it goes, if I were in their position I would have to take a breather, close the door with myself and myself alone and crawl to my knees and pray-"Lord Guide me step by step in what is right in your eyes for this country as it affects its people and the course of this nation." I wonder what will be their first or second move after the election and the inauguration which is full of all the pomp and circumstance, bells, whistles, flags and "Hail to the chief." I cannot predict the future. Its anybody's game and in these last weeks up to the election anything goes-just make sure you go to vote. Make your choice, dont waver and again I encourage all to educate yourself about the candidates so you know who has Yo' back. And lastly pray for each one of the candidates and that God's will be done. Whether you believe or not - He is the only one who does know the future outcome and His ultimate will WILL be done in accordance with his purpose. May god bless you and this country cause at this juncture we sure do need it more than ever in our lifetimes!

As we are hearing more and more everyday, the general election is getting closer and closer by the second, minute, hour, day and soon November 4th will be upon us like no other presidential election has in this country's history. Yes it is issue driven, yet mass media as we observe is trying to make it a popularity contest with folks who wont or dont educate themselves on what matters now and in the next four years, basically choosing the candidate that looks most like them. Whether that be race or gender. These are factors of this unprecedented election but these are not the issues. At least not the issues that are most likely to affect the average voter. If you are not a registered voter-Register Today. If you are, but dont vote, dont let your country and yourself down. Vote on Election Day. Make a difference in your country and community and Yes in your very own life-Issues like gas prices, upcoming winter heating and fuel bills, health care and the war are the issues of the day just like the soup de jour. Its whats on the menu. Don't let anyone assault or insult your intelligence-Study the issues, Listen to the candidates and if at all possible in the short time left contact their local headquarters to seek the answers you need to make an educated decision about the future of this country, the world and yes even you and I. I cant tell you who to vote for but I can tell you this - when it comes down to it, we all have the same basic human needs and the same Constitutional Rights-Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and Yes those Bill of Rights. Reread them and once you re-familiarize yourself with those you will find it easier to make the decision for the candidate(s) that have your best interest and the interest of this country at heart. This is serious business and you need the soberness of mind to make a decision that you can best live with. There are no do-overs on this and always remember it isnt Black, White, Male or Female it is a Human contest. May the best Human win and give America back its place as the leader of the Free world with Liberty and Justice for all! Until next time, Be Blessed and keep the Faith!