you're better off...

The 2012 election has come and gone.

The dust has settled

President Obama has defeated Mitt Romney.

What's next?

As we move forward into President Obama's second term, I can't help but look back at the election and the past four years. Back in 2008, I voted for CHANGE and President Obama. In 2012, I voted for him again. I think he is the best man for the job. Not only did I think so, but so did most of this country.

During the campaign, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan began to ask the American people..."It's been four years. Are you better off now than you were four years ago?"

Wow. That's a loaded question. Most people are gonna vote based on their party or their circumstances or both. While it was a clever question, it wasn't a smart one to ask people.

When I look at where I was 4 yrs ago, all I can do is smile. Back in 2007, I left my job (voluntarily) at a major bank as a mortgage underwriter. I had been underwriting for years but the game was changing. The days of having rules and following protocol were gone. It was all about doing what you had to do to get MORE money. The mortgage industry was the Wild, Wild, West. Subprime loans were as common as liquor stores in the hood. I grew tired of my authority as a senior underwriter being undermined by managers and VPs who were after a fast buck. As 2008 rolled around, I found myself leaving the mortgage industry and making an attempt to use my marketing degree by taking a sales job. I left the comfort of a nice office job to something that I wasn't sure that I wanted to do. But I did it. I hated it too.

President Obama entered the White House in January 2008. A month into his administration, he set forth several programs that would encourage people to refinance their homes. These programs increased the demand for underwriters. Without hesitation, I got back into the game...a month after Obama was in office. Looking back on it now, I can only thank President Obama thanks for doing what he did. The mortgage business is 10 times better than what was. Things are getting better. Will it ever be what it was? I'm not sure. Foreclosures and low values aren't going anywhere. Interest rates are low. But that doesn't matter if credit isn't "opened" to most people. Credit has to flow in order for it to work. Today, I am an underwriter for a global firm and I primarily approve/deny loans for people who have perfect credit scores and 1M in liquid assets. But what about the little man who has a credit blemish or 2 on his credit report? Doesn't he deserve to refinance his house or purchase one? Of course. President Obama should be praised for cleaning up the mess that was left behind by Bush. However, he needs to find a better strategic team to help stop some of the bleeding right now. Call me...I have a strategy. LoL

So...that goes back to the question that Romney/Ryan asked..."4 years later...are you better off?"

Of course I am.

And so are you. Regardless if you voted for him or not.

polytrickz

Politic ditto...

I normally don't talk politics

But today I had to keep it real.


I voted for this man. I don't consider myself a Democrat nor a Republican. He is the President of the United States. The Leader of the Free World. I understand that those titles come with a great deal of pressure. He has a daunting task. He has to fix all that is broken. Can he? I dunno. He appears to be trying. I'll give him that. I know that no matter what he does he won't. He certainly has his detractors...


Tea Party (Tea Baggers)

I don't understand these people. I did my research on em. And they just sound like a bunch of pissed off people. Why are they pissed off? I dunno. I really don't. I understand that they don't like government's involvement in how we live. I get that. Everybody don't want big brother looking over our shoulder. But if you listen to these people talk, they seem to be misled. Do they think the Obama administration is gonna give all of the benefits to minorities? If you listen to some of them....that's how they sound. They are led by the Great Sarah Pale-lynn. I'd like to sit down and talk to them. One of the things that I'd ask is..."where were you on November 4th, 2008?" That's all I want to know. It's obvious that they didn't show up.

Militia groups

There has been a spark in these groups since Obama came in office. They are practicing for "warfare". REEEEEALLY??? War against your own government? Oooooookay! Free speech means that everybody can say what they want. But freedom of speech aint free. And when you plot to do bodily harm to this man, it's to be accepted? Nah. I didn't like Dumbya. I didn't vote for him either. But I never wanted to see him hurt. He was my President. Just like Bill Clinton was.

Tavis Smiley

Don't think I wasn't gonna talk about your ass, Tavis. See...it ain't racial b/c you're black just like Prez O. I understand that no man, especially an elected official, is above criticism. I'm not gonna say that I've agreed with everything that Prez O has done since he's been in office. I can't say that I put you in the same category with Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reily, and that pill popper Rush Limbaugh. You're in a class by yourself. You are a hater! That's what you are. I don't know when the hate started. Was it when Obama beat Hilary? Tell the truth. Hilary had promised you a position in her administration. Because when he won the nomination, you turned the heat up BEFORE he won the election. Was it when he didn't come on your show? He told you that he couldn't make it and even offered to send Michelle in his place. You said no. The problem that I have with you is the problem that I have with people (black and white) who sat through 8 yrs of bs but wants Prez O to make miracles happen. If you listen to Tavis, you'd think that Barack stole Michelle from him!

Criticism is fair game. I understand that. If you're dissatisfied, you have the opportunity to change it. Don't run ya mouth...vote!

1on 1

Have you ever had a friend who was always hard to reach by phone?

Or a friend that you'd call but they'd hardly ever return your call?

Well...I've called this dude a couple of times and he FINALLY called me back. I'm sure that you remember the last conversation that we had.

Ladies and gentlemen...my one on one interview with President Barack Obama

(ringing phone)
ME: Hello.

Barack Obama: Sup, bruh

ME: Who is this?

BO: It's me!

ME: Me who?

BO: Barack!!! I'm returning your call!

ME: Ohhhh! Whussup, bruh. Whut's good fam? I called you a month ago and you're just returning my call?

BO: Well...in case you haven't noticed...I have been busy!

ME: (laughing) I know...I know. Thanks for calling me back. How have you been?

BO: I'm good, fam. I can't complain

ME: Ok. I know that your time is limited so I'll go ahead and get this interview started.

BO: Before we get started, you need to tell the people what happened 3 months ago when you were in Chicago.

ME: Awww man...do I have to? LOL

BO: If you don't...I will!!

ME: Ok...ok. Well, I was in Chicago. I was playing basketball at the gym. My team was playing against Barack's team. I was guarding him and he scored a couple of times. Big deal. haaaaa

BO: You should tell them that I hit the game winning 3 pointer over you!! And you had to call me President Three for the rest of the day. Haaaaa

ME: Aiiiiight bruh. We're gonna play again in DC in a few months. I'm gonna win! LOL. Ok...let's get on with the questions. Are you ready to take over and lead the free world?

BO: Yes. I'm ready. I've been destined to do this. The people have chosen me to lead and I won't let you down

ME: When did you know that you'd win? Was it election night?

BO: Honestly, I knew that I was gonna win once I beat Hilary! I knew that John McCain couldn't beat me. Period

ME: What did you think about Sarah Palin?

BO: Who?

ME: Palin

BO: See...you're tryna get me to playa hate on her! LOL. I've got nothing bad to say about Palin

ME: What are you pumping in your iPod right now?

BO: Eric B and Rakim's Paid in Full

ME: What's your favorite card game?

BO: UNO! I can't be beat at UNO!!! And I can't forget about Spades. Michelle and I will beat anybody in a game of Spades

ME: Are we gonna party hard for the inauguration?

BO: Fa sho! You betta believe it.

ME: I don't have anywhere to stay. Can I...

BO: C'mon, bruh! You know I got you!

ME: No doubt!!! Who's gonna win the Super Bowl?

BO: The New York Giants

ME: At the inauguration...when you walk out...can we at LEAST play the beat for Hi Haters?

BO: (laughing hysterically) I'll see what I can do

ME: Chicken or fish?

BO: BOTH!!!!!

ME: You know that my sons are the same age as your daughters. Can we let them date later in life?

BO: NOPE!

ME: How are you gonna cope without the Blackberry? I mean, you and I talk on Blackberry Messenger more than we talk on the phone

BO: *sigh* That's gonna be very difficult. As you know, the BlackBerry keeps me connected. I love talking to the fellas. Keeping up with the scores, etc. That's one thing that I don't like about this move into the White House

ME: Can you take care of the BCS in college football?

BO: You know that I'm gonna change that crap. I can't stand it. On a side note, I'm gonna pull the plug on BET, too!

ME: YESSSSSSSSS!!! Thanks bruh!!! Ok. One last question...when you sit in the Oval Office and stare out the window...what will you see

BO: I'll see ALASKA! (laughing hysterically)

ME: You are crazy, bruh. Thanks for calling, fam. I'll holla at you next week. Aight?

BO: Aight fam. Be easy

ME: One!!

BO: One!!

stepyogameup!!!

TEN PRESIDENTIAL TRAITS EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE

1. RESPECT

2. PATIENCE

3. OPEN-MINDEDNESS

4. ENTHUSIASM

5. ACCOUNTABILITY

6. HUMILITY

7. EMPATHY

8. RESPONSIBILITY

9. INITIATIVE

10. DIPLOMACY

I read this in this month's Men's Health magazine. It made me think.

It's time.

Time for us black men to step our game up. With Obama leading the way, it's time for us to make changes in our lives that will make us better husbands, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, uncles, and friends. As men, we can no longer use some of the lame ass excuses that we have used for so long.

Change starts from within. You can talk about change. You can talk all that you want. Don't talk...do it.

Not only should we as black men step up individually...but we should pull up the "sorry bruthas" as we climb up the ladder. If you can't be inspired by an educated, dedicated family man who doesn't have several kids outside of his marriage...then you don't have a pulse. Is he perfect? Nope. None of us are. But it's really time for black men to step up.

Keep in mind that with every press conference...every public appearance...every day the world will get to see Obama's swagger. His swag, in so many ways, is much like ours. The world will view him and us in a different light. Does this mean that it will end racism? Hell no. There are a ton of people who don't want him in the Oval Office but they have to deal with it. But how he's viewed by the world and by us black men will be on display.

That said...it's time for us to do our part. This post isn't to bash the fellas...even tho the ladies say that I don't get on the fellas enough. LOL. This is just a call for us to look in the mirror. Don't talk about it. Do it. Find a way. Every black man has a purpose. Personally, if I ever lost sight of that I would look at my 3 sons and they would remind me of what I need to do. Be better.

Even more...be presidential!!!

change4thabetta

i'm speechless.

i'ma let y'all talk about this

hollatchaboi!!!!

theme song

I was speaking with my homegirl Trish the other day and we got on the subject of Barack Obama.

She said...

Every Good Hero needs a theme song or theme music.

When Senator Obama wins, what do you think his theme music should be??

I say "Shaft"

Interesting!

I thought about it for a second. Then, I said...maybe he should go with "Hi Haters". LMAO!!!

Whut do you think?

Let;'s have some fun with this one.

Hollatchaboi!!!


btw...VOTE today as if your life depended on it!

whutdidhesay???

"I don't think I'm going to vote. I'm caught in the middle. I come from a family of Democrats who need my vote. But I have Republican money. So, I'm kinda stuck." - Clinton Portis


The above quote was uttered by Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis. I was a bit surprised that he made the comment. Everybody knows that I'm for Obama. I don't begrudge those of you who want to vote for mcshame and pale-lynn. It's your choice. I just find it irresponsible for a black man who does NOT vote. I don't need to give you a history lesson on what voting means to our people. Well...maybe I should give a lesson to Clinton Portis.

He may have "Republican money" but he didn't come from wealth. This year, Portis will make more that 7 million dollars from playing football for the Washington Redskins. Obama's tax plans would hit him in his pockets harder than it would for us. However, Portis may have forgotten about how his decision NOT to vote may hurt his kids or his grandchildren. People fought and died for his right to vote. Maybe somebody should tell him that.

This election has brought out some heavy hitters. We've seen athletes and entertainers donate their money to their political candidate. Just a few weeks ago, NBA superstar LeBron James was seen at a rally for Obama in Ohio. Entertainers like Mary J Blige, Big Boi from Outkast, and Jay Z have publicly backed Obama as well. Recently, the Cleveland Browns head coach, Romeo Crennel (who is black), banned all political talk from the team's locker room because it had gotten intense between players.

Something tells me that Portis is not alone in his thoughts about not voting. His political affiliation...just like mine...is nobody's business. However, he opened his mouth and now I got something to say about it. I think you have to vote. I don't care who you vote for or how much money you make. I don't care if he wrote his OWN name in for president and made Flavor Flav his VP. Just vote. Jay Z has a whole lot more money than Portis but he's gonna vote. I think you'd be a fool NOT to vote.

Your thoughts. Do you really care about your favorite athlete or entertainer's political view?

Hollatchaboi!!!!

one on one

Just a few days ago, I received a phone call from a brutha. He let me know that he reads my blog every day. He said that he doesn't get a chance to comment but he wanted to holla at me. He asked me if I had a few minutes to talk. No problem.

Who was the dude on the other end of the phone...Barack Obama

Barack Obama: "Whussup 12kyle? Whut's good?"

12kyle: "Chillin fam. Whut's poppin?"

Obama: "I'm out here on the campaign trail. Just taking in the sights."

12kyle: "First, I wanna thank you for calling me. I know that you're a very busy man. I have to ask you...how does it feel to be the Democratic Nominee?"

Obama: "It feels good. But this is just the first step. We're making history."

12kyle: "You WILL be the first black president. How does that make you feel?"

Obama: "Feels good. Feels really good. I've got my work cut out for me. But before I go into the White House, we WILL party like its 1999. Beleee dat!"

12kyle: "No doubt. How did it feel to defeat the Clintons?"

Obama: "I felt just like the New York Giants did when they beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. You slayed the giant when nobody gave you a chance. And that's a great feeling."

12kyle: "Is there any truth to the rumor that you will be paying off Hilary Clinton's campaign debt?"

Obama: "Ummmm."

12kyle: "C'mon, B. Keep it real with ya boy."

Obama: "Ok. I'ma keep it real with you, bruh. Will I pay off her debt? Hellllllllllllllllllz no!"

12kyle: "Why are folks hatin on Michelle?"

Obama: "They feel like they can't get to me so they'll get to the person who is closest to me. It's all good, tho. She's tougher than leather."

12kyle: "People don't know that you were a serious hoopster in high school. I'd be remissed if I didn't ask this question. Will there be a court in the backyard at the White House?"

Obama: "Beleee dat!!!"

12kyle: "Much was made by white folks about the "celebratory fists touching". Your thoughts?"

Obama: "(laughs) It's called giving somebody a pound."

12kyle: "I know that you're a music fan. What are you pumpin' right now?"

Obama: "Jay Z, Common, and Jay Dilla are heavy in rotation. And Alicia Keys, too!

12kyle: "I'm gonna read you this verse from the new NaS mixtape. The song is called Black President...

"What's the black prez thinkin' on election night
Is it how can I protect my life, protect my wife
Protect my rights. Every other president was nothing less than white
'Cept Thomas Jefferson mixed with Indian blood
And Calvin Coolegde. KKK is like whut tha fug? Loadin' they gunz up.
Loadin' up minez, too. Ready to ride. Cuz I'm ridin with my crew cuz if he dies, we do too!

But on a positive side I think Obama provides hope
And challenges all minds of all colors and races to erase the hate and try to love one another.
So many political snakes.
We in need of a break
I'm thinkin' I can trust this brother.
But will he keep it way real? Every innocent brother gets out on appeal.
When he wins, will he really, really care still?

Your thoughts...

Obama: "NaS is a deep brother. I'm not worried about anything happening to me. I have a nation that has my back. And much like he said...they are ride or die. LOL. Seriously, don't worry bout me. I'm good.

12kyle: "I know that you're a huge sports fan."

Obama: "Of course. You know that I support the Chicago teams. Right now, the Cubs are doing well in baseball. And don't sleep on the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. They just drafted Derrick Rose. The buzz in the city is back."

12kyle: "Sup with the gas man? I mean, it's a gazillion dollars to fill up."

Obama: "Hang in there, bruh. Lemme get in office and I GOT U! Dats my word!"

12kyle: "Fa sho. One last question before you get outta here. We talk about CHANGE. Have you noticed that McShame been bitin yo style."

Obama: "Just plain haters. I don't let it bother me. Haters never win...and winners never hate."

12kyle: "Aight, fam. Be easy."

Obama: "One love."

12kyle: "One"

Oooo hell yeah!

History is being made. It's being made right before our eyes. And yes...I will talk about it.

I've always said that the 12th Planet would be open forum to talk anything. The only things that I haven't talked about is politics and religion. There's no right or wrong with either. But today...that changes.

I would be a fool not to talk about what Barack Obama has done. When the race to become the Democratic nominee started, Obama started from behind. He wasn't given much of a chance. But he's made alotta folks believe in him.

Not only was he battling the odds...but he would have to stand toe-to-toe with Hilary Clinton aka Pantsuit (thx PCD). He had to battle her jabs as well as her hubby, Bill Clinton. The Clintons used to be held in high regards with black folks. Not anymore. In my opinion, they've showed their true colors. They made comments about Obama's heritage, his former pastor, and even hinted toward something relating to Bobby Kennedy being "assassinated". Are you kidding me?

I remember hearing so many people say that they didn't think that Obama was ready. But that was last year. I KNOW he's ready. Not only is he ready...but he's far more capable than the clown that we have in office right now.

Obama will beat McShame in November. Beeelee dat! What should be his first priority? What are your thoughts and hopes for him? Do you fear for his safety? What do you think about him and his policies? Should he choose Pantsuit as a running mate?

Hollatchaboi!!!