Tread softly, a hero has passed

Sad news for the nation today. We lost a true hero, John Ripley. He was 69.

Some may be wondering who was this man, what did he do you might be asking. He did more than what anyone could have been expected to do under circumstances that would cause many to fail.

John Ripley was a Retired Marine Colonel during Viet Nam. In 1972, under heavy enemy fire he blew up a bridge stopping the advance of 200 enemy tanks. Don’t underestimate what that means.

When I say under heavy fire, Col. Ripley had a mere 600 men that were tasked with stopping 20,000 North Vietnamese soldiers and the 200 tanks with them. The odds they were under were considered such that the orders given to them were hold and die.

Hold and die. Think about that. How many people today could ever consider living up to an order like that? How many could accept such an order?

I have an answer that many people today don’t want you to recognize. Virtually every single man and woman in our Armed Forces today. I would say that every Marine would and I have no doubt in all the other military forces of the nation, but I make exception of the brother Marines out there.

With all the noise of groups like MoveOn.org and Code Pink, and idiots like those in Berkley and San Francisco that want to hide our soldiers return home at their airports or refuse to let them perform their actions in their cities, you might miss the fact that America still has heroes. Some are older like Senator McCain, some have passed like Col. Ripley, but have no doubt that many are alive and serving our nation today.

I did not know Col. Ripley, but I am proud to know that my father and I have worn the same uniform as he once did. I am proud to know that there are others that love our nation enough to potentially receive orders as severe as hold and die.

It is because of men and women like that who allow me and all Americans the luxury of writing our blogs without fear of death or torture from Government secret police or worse. It is because of those in uniform today that on Tuesday we will elect a new leader of the nation for the next 4 years in peace.

I ask you all to honor the memory and actions of men like Col. Ripley, and the men and women serving our nation today, on Tuesday. Go out and vote. Exercise the Right they bleed and die for.

Because supporting our troops is not about just polispeak to get votes in my eyes. It’s an obligation we owe those that have held and died; and will do so tomorrow while the rest of us sit at home and gripe about cable television costing so much.

MoveOn.org blames Michael Vass for President McCain win

I heard about this vide that was being sent across the net and I was just waiting to see how long it would be until I received it. I didn’t have to wait long.



Of course this is a video created by and circulated originally by my friends at MoveOn.org. What lovely people they are. But this video was sent to my by a reader I don’t know, Donna (last name withheld).

I’m happy to know that I have made an impact.

In all actuality I am amused that I received this video. But if you look at it closely you see it’s a bit insulting as well.

First off it equates a vote for Senator McCain as a non-vote. That’s a pretty high pedestal to be standing on, but considering that MoveOn has attacked the very military that protects its freedom to say what it does, I’m not surprised.

Be clear, a vote for Senator John McCain is no less a vote than for anyone else. And not voting for Obama does not make you a racist, if it is based on issues and not the fact that he is Black. Even if you are African American it’s ok to disagree with the bigger Government, spend today tax tomorrow, Government knows best policies of Democrats and Senator Obama. This is not akin to a mandate of your Blackness, its not part of the commoditization of Black culture.

But if I were to be the responsible party in a McCain vote, which by my numbers and expectations is a real potential, I would not be upset. I made my opinion clear, and my reasons. And I have yet to hear an argument, or policy, that gives me pause for that choice. (I would also love the attention and income that such responsibility would provide my blogs and company)

I love the way this video equates a loss for Obama as a national outrage. It completely ignores the fact that nearly ½ the nation (according to polls of committed voters, and who knows about the undecided votes) does not agree with Obama’s policies. If this video is conveying the outrage that might occur in San Francisco, Berkley, or Eugene, Oregon then I will sleep well at night.

In fact in looking over this video again I can see why MoveOn made it. It’s an attempt to scare, cajole, and/or shame voters to vote for Obama. It’s like high school cliques in video form. If you don’t do this you won’t be part of the massive crowd of kids that think they stand out and are different – even though they wear, speak and act exactly the same. How dare you have a brain, know the issues, and have an opinion they don’t like.

The fact that it goes so far as to use religion to slam home the thought that even God must like the politics of Obama. Please. It’s a bit hypocritical for an organization that would support the removal of all hint of religion from all aspects of the nation and public life, to use it as a selling point for their political views. God doesn’t care about politics, Moveon, unless every verse I’ve read in all religious tomes are wrong.

Some would say “Mike, this is just funny.”

No, it’s a targeted attempt to use subtlety and humor to force an opinion onto people. To give the impression that voters have an obligation, instead of a choice, on who to choose for President. It’s the classic move of some liberals and Democrats, to support freedom of speech until someone disagrees with your position. They then need to slam them hard and force them to change their mind to their side, or else. Kind of like what the Obama campaign did to Florida reporter Barbara West, among others.

The best part might just be the absurdity of the thought that McCain would bomb some ubiquitous goat herder. Though the counter thought of Obama sitting down with Iran’s President - to ask him to play nice with Israel, stop making nukes to bomb America, cease funding terrorist groups that plan to kill all Americans (including pacificst and Democrats), and if he is still listening maybe raise the cost of oil so Americans can’t afford it and be forced to use less energy until some new discovery makes an alternative to oil possible – that is terrifying and real.

Of Course MoveOn wants to really sell the Republicans are evil thought. And reinforces the thought that a vote for anyone beyond Obama, and democrats, is a non-vote. MoveOn has a personal gripe with President Bush, and so he is one of their biggest scare tactics. But be honest, to have ANY President mention your name in a positive manner while speaking to the nation is an honor. I wish I had that much influence. I may be a megalomaniac but I’m not insane. (Though I hope to get Bill O’Reilly to comment on a post or speak about me one day. It would be fantastic for my business.)

I will say this, if MoveOn.org is for Obama it is yet another reason not to vote for him. They are the most extreme far-left political group short of communists in China. Ok, that was a bit overstated – maybe the North Koreans and Castro. Of the political opinions they hold that I am aware of I know only 1 person out of about 10,000 in my life that agrees with them. Talk about outside the curve.

So the future I fear is an Obama win. His tax plans will hurt my business and the national economy. He will promote a healthcare plan that will make my health about as important, and as high a quality, as regular mail. He will endanger American lives, and lead us into a war within 5 – 7 years because of his weak stance on foreign policy. He intends to give more to those that do less. He is unbending on his views, and uncaring about other political opinions. He is duplicitous in what he will say to the nation to achieve his goals (though not as bad as Hillary Clinton). And all of that, if not quite a bit more, can all be found in following his campaign since his announcement to run for the Presidency – something I have followed virtually everyday.

I respect Senator Obama. My dislike of his policies is not personal. I admire the fact that he is a Black man that has overcome many obstacles to reach this point. I think he is an incredible orator. And I do not question his intelligence. But none of that is enough to cause me to vote for him.

Voting is always important. Choose who you think matches your hopes for the nation. There is no stigma, no social pariahs. You cannot be singled out, and all the bad jokes and peer pressure in the world will not make someone else’s opinion your vote.

A vote for McCain is as American as a vote for Obama. A vote for Republicans is as valid and honest as a vote for Democrats. A vote is your Right, exercise that Right. But don’t let stupid gimmicks disguised as a joke curb your opinion, nor limit your right to vote. Be informed – from both sides – then get out and make your voice heard.

Do you know enough about the 2008 Presidential election?

As many of my reader across the world know I have been following the Presidential election of 2008 since December of 2006 if not a bit earlier. And I know that many African Americans tend to be Democrats because the trend currently is for them to be so (for almost 100 years Blacks voted Republican en masse until the 1960’s). With the nomination of Senator Barrack Obama even more of us have given him and the Democratic Party our support. And that is a great thing.

But it is not the only option before us. And he may not be the best choice for the nation, regardless of the history making nature of his political success.

Only through evaluating both candidates and their VP picks can we make the best choice for America. So I invite you to review the commentary and actual speeches made at both the DNC and RNC.

Only through informed understanding can we elect the best President for America. Who you come to believe that is – that is your choice. Vote, but vote with full knowledge of what you will be getting.

Reflecting on V for Vendetta and American politics

So I was sitting home responding to comments on the VASS blog site, when I ran into a comment to my post thanking the Marines, the Armed Forces, and veterans for all they have done for this nation. The comment was an attempt to mock my heartfelt thanks. My reply was direct and obviously in direct opposition. Then I watched V for Vendetta.

It seems a bit ironic that I would watch a movie about how wrong a Government can go immediately after defending a Government that some feel has gone wrong. But there is the issue. Of late there have been a horde of movies demanding that America realize that utter chaos is ruling the nation. According to some there are no freedoms left. Such was the comment made at the abovementioned post. Such is the fare of movies.

Yet the reality is far from this. In V for Vendetta we see a government that has used its own people for biological experimentation. A scary thought for a movie. Except when you consider that America has already done this. They were called the Tuskegee Experiments. And America did not fall.

In the movie similarities are drawn to the Nazi’s, and fanatical Islamist governments that persecute the unwanted parts of their societies. Not unlike the way America had legal lynchings until 1922 (after 7 years of trying to pass the law) and Jim Crow to replace slavery. And America has not fallen.

In the movie the media is used to manipulate how people think. Unlike the direct commentary in the silver screen; reality only has pictures in newspapers (like the photo in post-Katrina New Orleans showing a Black man with a bag in flood waters called a looter, but a White man with a similar bag in waters equally as high is called a survivor looking for food), or news programs that attack the death of an athlete (Sean Taylor – his murder was a discussion of his actions as a teen) versus the months-long sorrow for drug addicts (Heath Ledger, Anna Nicole Smith, Britney Spears – oops she’s still alive right? Well you get the point). And yet America lives on.

For all the fears and horrors that movies imply, state, or hint at America remains the greatest nation in the world. Year after year, for centuries we have seen people across the globe come to this nation by any means they can. The fact America has issues with people of color is not only known, it’s advertised in every medium we have – and still they come. And all the detractors stay.

Why?

Because we aren’t losing all our freedoms. That even if we had half the freedoms that exist now we still would be the freest nation in the world. That we have the greatest ability to allow virtually anyone, or their kids, to have a better life. Because we are more than rich in wealth, we are rich in freedom which has no price tag.

Now this is not to say there aren’t problems in bundles. I do not hide from the issues that need to be dealt with, nor do I accept the word of the Government as Gospel. There are reasons why some think that the Government killed its own people on 9/11 (and this is not about V for Vendetta), or that drugs and AIDS were shoved into the poorer, more racially diverse parts of cities across the country. But at the same time, the people still have power to change how the Government acts.

Fear, some say, it the motivation of the day. But I also see the other side. The fear being feed like a crack dealer via the major media stating not that a terrorist is under your bed, but that the Government is out of control.

We cannot allow ourselves to be blinded by fear – of fanatical religious groups that believe sex with children is ok (Texas), that killing abortionist is ok (Christian), that women have no rights or that suicide bombs make sense (Islam). All those fears are real, existing in this country and outside of it, but they cannot destroy us unless we allow them. In the same manner we cannot be drugged with the opiate of the masses (television, movies, the internet) when some choose to use it to tell us to fear the very thing we control.

If a movie like V for Vendetta tells us anything it is not that we have lost everything. We haven’t even though we have done everything that they fear we might. But if we get lulled by this fear we will be no better off, in fact worse off, than the reality that surrounds us.

I love my country. That why I vote, and promote others to do so. It’s why I cover the Presidential race. It’s why I point out the schism in the media. It’s why I defend what I think is right, and address what is wrong. And it’s why we cannot blindly fight against one fear to just accept another.

I want to leave you with a quote from that movie, apply it as you will

“What we need right now is a clear message to the people of this country. This message must be read in every newspaper, heard on every radio, seen on every television. This message must resound throughout the entire Interlink! I want this country to realize we stand on the edge of oblivion. I want every man woman and child to understand how close we are to chaos. I WANT EVERYONE, TO REMEMBER WHY THEY NEED US!”

Donate for breast implants or school books, NAACP, and Jerry's kids

Ok, it’s official. America is screwed up in a massive way. I can only come to that conclusion after finding out about a site that I just can’t believe exists. But it does, and it’s real. Not only that, it was a featured as a story on Fox News earlier today. What is the site? MyFreeImplants.com [No I will not link directly to the site – if you need to see it you can get there easily enough]

Only in America is it possible for such a site to not only exist, but to relatively flourish. The goal of this site is that flat-chested women (18 and over) place their pictures and bio on the site. Men (or women I suppose) who find a particular woman interesting, contact that woman and speak with them via email, as I understand. Based on the looks of the woman, and conversations – possibly with reward of “sexy photos” (at the discretion of the ladies involved) – the ‘benefactors’ donate money towards the ladies gaining cosmetic surgery that will augment their breasts.

That’s the basis of the site. Simple direct and legal. Based on the 4 successes listed on the homepage of the site right now this site has raised at least $23,345. Do the women look different? Yes. Better? That’s dependant on your personal opinions.

But the thing that I am amazed by is what I just mentioned. This site raises money for basically nothing. I won’t equate it with porn, nor an internet somewhat interactive version of Playboy, but I don’t think it’s far from it either.

I’m sure the women involved are quite happy with the results of the site. I’m sure that women that want the cosmetic surgery, without the means to afford it, and willing to undergo this process feel justified. I don’t question them at all. But I must say I’m annoyed by it.

Call it a bit of jealousy. I request donations of .50 cents to $1 (more if you want) for the virtually daily efforts I provide on my blogs and sites. I provide t-shirts, mugs, poetry and more, updated several times a year. I use those donations to help fund the cost of the various sites, and my give away contests (like the $1,100 I gave away for Christmas) and efforts to improve the quality of life – like the I Love America That’s Why I Vote! campaign. Effectively I give back a tangible something for the precious and generous donations that I receive from you my readers. And I thank each and every one of you that do this for me.

But this website seems to just receive money for nothing. I don’t get it. I don’t see the value in it. Hell, even going to a strip club has more value and return in it. And why do the male benefactors waste their money in such a manner? Forget my donations, the $23,000 mentioned above is discretionary money that could have gone to AIDS prevention and cure efforts. It could buy new school books for a local public elementary school, or help feed kids in those schools. It can give the homeless meals, clothing, and shelter. It could go to organizations that support the improvement of African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and other people of color in every aspect of our lives. Each of those things is far more worthy of a donation than me, and definitely the breast implant site.

So maybe I’m a bit jealous. Maybe I want to get .50 cents per reader so that I can do a huge campaign to help register votes so that the President elected in November realizes that they need to make substantive changes to improve America for Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos. Maybe I want $1 a reader to be able to give a high school student their first year in college free. Maybe I want to give multiple families across the nation money so they can enjoy a feast on the holiday, have gifts for the kids, and/or pay off a few bills. And yes, having a few extra dollars for myself if possible would be nice.

At least I’m honest. And I strive to give a somewhat tangible return for that, even if I don’t get anything. Hell, if the choice is between me and the Jerry Lewis MDA telethon, give it to Jerry’s kids. But $5,000 to look at pictures of a woman with bigger boobs?

I suggest this to those that would spend their money so frivolously. Buy a DVD for $20, take the remaining $4,980 and split it among a few of the organizations I’ve just mentioned. And if you have .50 cents, or a $1 or 2 extra, I’m happy to receive that as well.

The point is you can do far better, for far more people, than an optional self-respect boost for a single person.

And if you think I’m wrong, I’d love to know why.

Can our votes change America?

**Part of I Love America That's Why I Vote!**

When the attention of the nation turns to politics, there are few things that most would call inspirational that occur. Generally there are soundbites of this debate answer, or a bit of polispeak that is catchy from a speech. But one thing is certain, in this election cycle Senator Obama has definitely inspired many of every political affiliation in the nation.

Initially this was seen in the Obama Girl video, which was more cute than much else. But it caught on like wildfire. But now there is a video, by Will I Am that I feel is inspirational. It’s not about who you want to choose, sort of, but that our voices count especially when we vote.

I agree with the intent of the video, which I include below if you have not seen it yet. Vote, make your voice be heard. No matter who you choose, as a nation voicing our concerns and opinions we can not only have change, but get positive changes that are in everyone’s best interest.

Yes We Can.

Quick message from Michael Vass - 2.6.2008.1

I'm a little behind on the latest news here, particularly the way that the media has been treating recent events like the Sean Bell trial, coverage of the Wesley Snipes victory, comments by Snoop Dogg and 50 cent about their Presidential candidate picks and a few other items. Please bear with me.

The win by the Giants, which was sweet and should have been expected since historically Giants always have a good defense, resulted in a bit of a hangover that I'm sure many fans shared.

Add to that the launch of my I Love America That's Why I Vote! campaign, which you can find out more about by clicking the hyperlink above or visiting VASS and it was a busy start to the week.

Then all the activity from Super Tuesday (results of which, and my thoughts, can be seen at the aforementioned VASS) and you can imagine the backlog.

But never fear, I'm working hard and for your continued readership. In the meantime, if you would like to join the support for the That's Why I Vote! let me know, or visit my online store and see the dedicated clothing line showing your pride and Constitutional Right to vote, and/or you can make a donation to help me continue my efforts.

No matter what, thank you for visiting the site.

Vote! Your voice matters!

M V Consulting, Inc. launches the I Love America That's Why I Vote! Campaign

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 4, 2008 -- In recognition of the importance of the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, M V Consulting, Inc. has created the I Love America That's Why I Vote! campaign.

I Love America That's Why I Vote!

The campaign is a growing coalition of bloggers and corporations that are focused on encouraging all Americans to be involved in the election of the 44th President of the United States. Each company and blog has agreed that the impending election is a critical point for America. Every one believes that the best thing for America is Americans making their voice being heard via their vote.

The campaign is not about choosing Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative. This is not a cause to promote any one candidate or party line. Its intention is not to pick what the American public should be told to do.

M V Consulting, Inc President Michael Vass stated,

"This is the most important issue in perhaps several decades. America is at a crossroads and the best choice for America is dependant on all Americans coming out and voting. I firmly believe that the voice of America, expressed via our Constitutional right to vote, will find that best choice and set America on the best path possible."

In the spirit and understanding of the right to vote, the campaign is not focused on who is the choice of America. It is focused on getting Americans involved in the election process and executing their rights. This is the most important part of the freedom of the American election process. The unparalleled peaceful transition of power from one Chief Executive to another is the envy of many nations; and M V Consulting, Inc and the other companies and blogs believe in the power of the American people to pick the best choice to lead the nation into a more prosperous and peaceful future.

Already companies such as Creation Network (www.theaddesignguys.com) and blogs like Happy Nappy Head (http://happynappyhead.blogspot.com) have become supporters of the That's Why I Vote! campaign. Additional supporters are always welcome in the election season long campaign.

The ultimate goal of the campaign is to help register new voters, and motivate registered voters to get out and enact their Constitutional Right to vote. This is one of the most important and powerful rights that Americans have; one that many nations in the world deny to their citizens due to race, religion, gender, and other factors.

Corporations and blogs are invited to join the I Love America That's Why I Vote! campaign. There is no cost, any the only requirement is the desire to promote voter registration and involvement in the election process. This is a non-partisan effort, and any political affiliation has an open invitation to join in the event.

One of the key characteristics of this campaign is the ability of all supporters to have a dedicated webpage that highlights their message to the internet, and Americans, encouraging voter participation - without the pressure of political affiliation.

In addition to the dedicated webpages, promotions and press releases via the blogs of M V Consulting, Inc (www.blackentertainmentblog.com, www.mvass.com) as well as other events are planned throughout the entire election season.

To find out more or to view the current messages you can go to www.vassconsult.com/vote/

To become a supporter contact Info@vassconsult.com

To find out more about Happy Nappy Head please check http://happynappyhead.blogspot.com for contact details.

To find out about Creation Network check www.theaddesignguys.com for contact details.

About M V Consulting, Inc. and Michael Vass:

Mr. Michael Vass is a former securities industry account executive of good standing, and currently works in the field of investor relations. He has served in the US Marine Corps Reserves, as well as worked and studied in such diverse fields as entertainment, communications, philosophy and chemistry. He has lived abroad, in Moscow and Tbilisi, as well as in various cities throughout the United States.

Mr. Vass is President of M V Consulting, Inc. a diversified private company that maintains divisions in search engine optimization, an online store, political and entertainment celebrity blogs.

It is the combinations of these unique experiences that have led Mr. Vass to the creation of M V Consulting, Inc. The Company owns Black Entertainment USA (www.blackentertainmentblog.com), VASS (www.mvass.com), a corporate website (vassconsult.com), and an online store (cafepress.com/nova68).

Excerpt of President Obama - a what if press release

Excerpt from VASS

**A fictional press release**

Major City in America – A date some time between 2009 - 2012 -- America still reeling 3 days after the shocking assassination of its leader.

On the 1st day after the assassination of President Barack Obama, by at least 3 men from a fringe radical group, America is still in turmoil. Across the nation riots continue to encompass most of the major cities. New York, Los Angeles, and D.C. are all in states of emergency as huge crowds of African Americans continue to express rage at the murder of the nations first Black President.

The riots started shortly after President Obama was shot while addressing the nation, offering an official apology from the United States Government to all the descendants of Africans enslaved in America from 1619 to 1865. The apology was a huge political hotbed of debate prior to the speech, with dozens of legislators and governors of both political parties publicly disagreeing with the President’s intent to issue the apology. Several hate groups had been actively suggesting that if the apology were made that it was the final straw and that action would need to be taken against President Obama.

While President Obama had encountered consistent death threats since his election win in 2008, and 2 prior attempts on his life, he had stated that he would go through with the speech. Even pressure from within his own political party was not enough to sway his determination.

“There has been too much time ...

Full post can be seen at here>

I Love America! That's why I vote - first step

The Presidential election is an import even in America. The up-coming 2008 election is even more important than most in my opinion. Readers of my political commentary at VASS are familiar with the fact that I believe this is a crucial point in the future of America.

Given this belief, I have followed and commented on various aspects of the Presidential candidates, the issues, my observations of average people discussing their concerns, and the truth that is often shaded or avoided by pundits, media and the candidates. Since 2006 I have dedicated an extreme amount of time trying to stay abreast of all the most relevant issues and news. More importantly I have tried to be neutral in my coverage of all of my posts.

But that is not enough.

My comments and observations are meant to provoke thought and inspire those readers that have not voted to be involved. I do not question the reason for anyone to not have voted before, or for some time. I do not question the choice anyone might make for President. I respect everyone’s ability to go into the voting booth and choose whomever they wish, and for whatever reason.

But considering that this up coming election will be so critical on a multitude of issues that will affect every American directly for the next decade at least, I feel more is needed. Again, I am not asking anyone to choose what I believe. In fact I have yet to endorse ANY candidate. But I implore you to be involved and to vote.

I truly believe that it is thru your vote, that America will be able to pick the best choice for the nation and our collective future. Anything less will leave us all with a leader of the free world that is lees than what is needed. With what is at risk in the next 10 years that is too dangerous to ignore.

So I will be taking further steps to get American citizens to vote. Again, I’m not asking anyone to pick a side that I believe. Just to vote for what YOU believe.

To that end, I have created a line of 61 consumer products that emphasize the importance of our votes. You can see a few of the products here, and each one will link you to my online store where you can see the full product line.

Be proud, stand up and be counted. Don’t sell your vote, or allow it to be bamboozled from you. Show that pride and interest in the greatest good for America with the various t-shirts, mouse pads, mugs, kids clothing, pet cover, aprons, magnets, stickers and so much more.

And don’t think this is the only thing I will be doing. There is much more planned, and already a few other bloggers have voiced their support and interest. I will be going for the support of several institutions as well. I plan to work towards increasing the number of voters, because when all of America acts together we do the best things for our nation and the world.

Keep an eye out for press releases and events coming soon. And they will continue all the way up til the votes are all counted and the winner announced.

And if you like what you see spread the word, display the products, and remind people that the difference in the last several elections was a mere handful of Americans. Your vote counts and it can make a huge difference.