You know with all the doom and gloom that has been in the news lately with our economy on the brink of complete failure and the big 3 automakers on the verge of collapsing I have been forced to ask myself if things are really that bad?

The answer I’ve come up with, surprisingly is: No, not really.

I mean think about it; most reading this had the opportunity on Thursday to join in and have a nice meal (some of us nicer than others) with our friends and/or family members. Meanwhile based on a UN report released in 2003 and reported by BBC News, about 25,000 people die each day from starvation and that was before the current food crisis.

Friday, some of us, if not most of us had the opportunity to go out and spend extravagantly on gifts for ourselves or others. Meanwhile according to the World Bank 2.8 billion people in the world live on less than two dollars a day. I highly doubt those 2.8 billion people had the same opportunity.

Today, Friday and Thursday we had the opportunity to wake up and experience another day. Meanwhile on Thursday/Friday at least 119 folks in Mumbai, India were killed by the brutal hands of commandos.

What is sad is that is just the events of the last 3 days or so. Can you imagine the terrible things that happen on a daily basis?

Yet we (myself largely included) are complaining that things are REALLY bad right now. While doing the research for this post I had to force myself to stop and think about all the times I have complained about the current state of the United States and the world as a whole and honestly I feel like quite the imbecile.

We’re so greedy, self-centered, and self-righteous that we often forget to put things into the big picture perspective that I am consistently talking about on here. I’m really bad at it. I know there are days where even though I love my job I’d rather not be working and the reality is almost ten percent of the United States isn’t working and the large majority of those folks are trying desperately to be working.

The big picture is this: While things certainly are not easy for most of us, at least right now but, they certainly could be a lot worse. So maybe, before we play ourselves the worlds smallest violin we should stop and consider that fact.

I know I am.

For whatever reason most of you out there are not in favor of the government assisting in a bailout of the big 3 automakers.

I guess a country on the verge of absolute pandemonium and a severe depression isn’t enough for you. You’d much rather see that absolute pandemonium and severe depression.

I’ve heard many reasons why the government SHOULDN’T bail out the big 3 ranging from it’s their fault to it’s the ceo’s faults to even one person telling me they just don’t care anymore and they’re waiting for the day we wake up and the whole world as ended. (That’s a pretty dismal outlook :-))

For some reason most folks are stuck on this idea of “punishing” the auto making companies CEO’s. It’s almost as if they truly believe that the entire thing is their fault.
I know better though. I know that the CEO’s of the big 3 are FAR from being the ones who should have to shoulder the blame for the current disgusting mess they’re in.
Frankly, WE…yes, I said it…YOU AND I…are the ones to blame for this mess. Our absolute greed and desire to consistently have more and to keep up with the Jones’ is what has led to this mess NOT THE CEO’S OF THE BIG 3. In fact, the CEO’s of most companies that we’d like to see rot or be punished simply did what any smart business operator should do in a capitalistic society: They maximized their profitability by creating quality products for consumers.
Now because our beloved capitalism is failing us miserably (well, YOU’RE beloved capitalism…I’m not exactly a fan of capitalism) our greed and jealously is now causing us to want to “punish” those who have more than us. Funny how the tables have turned. We’ve gone from wanting to have just as much as them, to now wanting to punish them for having more.

Letting the CEO’s the auto making companies shoulder the blame for this mess is unnecessary and could prove to be a HUGE mistake. We have the opportunity to help and we must take advantage of that opportunity. We need to level out the playing field. Do adjustments need to be made to CEO salaries? Yes, they need to be leveled out, and start sharing some of the wealth that they have made, start doing what small business owners do and contribute some of their earnings to their business in an attempt to save it. They’re giving back plus bailing out the big 3, believe it or not, will help…as long as we give it the opportunity to do so.

History was made yesterday but, beyond all that we have finally decided who the next leader of this country will be.

Given the fact that like any sports event, race, or competition there is always a winner and a looser many are upset at the outcome of this race.

I don’t blame you, you stand for a certain set of ideals and principals and you would like to see them spread. Unfortunately for you the folks who voted for the winning side decided they’d like to see their ideals and principals spread even more. Does this mean that those ideals and principals will work? Not necessarily, but as we’ve done in this country for many, many years we have to give them a chance.

On my way home this morning I was listening to Coast to Coast AM, and one of the guests (a highly conservative guest at that) said that the presidency in many ways is like a new job. There is a 90 to 100 day period where the new president must acclimate himself, where his team must get in and start making the necessary changes for the bigger change, where things are “shaken up.” Just like we did with George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Regan and all the presidents before him we have to allow President Obama the same time frame.

There is little doubt in my mind that this presidency is going to face many challenges. Not just foreign but, if the amount of nasty e-mails, bumper stickers being scratched off my car, times I’ve been called a baby killing communistic socialist and had doors slammed in my face and told by people they’re not voting for a nigger are any indication, this presidency is going to face great challenges on the home front. President Obama has many fans, but he has just as many folks in this country who are not fans. I’ve read countless blog entries, facebook notes, e-mails, myspace bulletins and more indicating why the country is headed to hell in a hand basket if Barack Obama is elected president. I’ve been shunned on numerous times in the church setting, have had close friends call me a complete idiot, all for supporting this administration.
The reality is simple: THIS IS THE NEW AMERICA. We now have to rally together and support our administration, I have supported the Bush administration despite an extreme distaste for many of their policies…because I’m an American. Please consider doing the same for this administration.

It is also important to remember that there is no instant fix to all of our problems. Things are going to take time to take their course. The changes that President Obama has proposed are radical, and something this country has never seen. They will undoubtedly fail at first shot, but we’ve got to work together to make them work on the second go around, just like we did with the recent bailout.

Our government is now working for us, I know for many of you that is hard to believe but, for me, it is plain to see. Gone are the days of greed, not just by corporations, but by the same Americas who are pissed that they may actually have to pay more taxes simply because they make more money. The reality is this, I’ve worked my ass off everyday of my life since I was 14 years old and have NOTHING to show for it, and that’s the case with many Americans. Now, times are tough, politicians now have to step in and do what they swore they’d do when they took the oath of office: To Serve and protect the citizens of this country rich or poor. Trust me both sides will win in one way or the other. This presidency is the first major sign of the government doing what they swore to do.

I’m with them and I hope you’ll join me too.

If you’re not willing to join right now that is understandable but, at least pass along the same grace that John McCain did when he conceded. Division is the last thing this country needs, we’ve been divided for far too long.

Tomorrow, November 4th, 2008 history will be made (or at least the start of a historical event will occur).

If you have not already done so and you are registered it is imperative that you get out and vote tomorrow. Do not let the lines scare you, do not let the polls keep you back, you must make your voice heard.

A lot of folks will be trying to convince you to vote this way or that way, but in the end you MUST vote for the candidate you believe is the right person to move this country forward. Times are tough, there is no denying that. We need change and whether that change comes in the form of a Obama/Biden administration or a McCain/Palin administration, we must have a change!

I’ve heard a lot of talk lately, especially since I am involved in the arena of Christianity about voting along your convictions. Listen, when you are making the decision ultimately your convictions are going to play a roll in who you choose to vote. HOWEVER, it is important to remember that when it comes to the greater good of your country your convictions may not always be appropriate. Jesus, NEVER forced His views on anyone. If you favor one candidate over the other for moral reasons (i.e. abortion, homosexual marriage, war, etc.) then you’re doing this country and injustice. Yes, your morals are a guiding light in YOUR life, and you should take head to them but, at the end of the day, you have to vote for what the country as a whole needs.

I’ve made no attempt to hide the fact that I believe the country needs an Obama/Biden administration and we need the policies that administration will bring about. I’ve taken flack from the right, and particularly the Christian right because of Obama’s views on abortion. At the end of the day though, abortion is ONE issue of MANY that need to be dealt with and while I may not be in 100% agreement with the Obama/Biden view on abortion, I am in agreement with the vast majority of their policies on other issues.

The God I serve would one, not be involved in politics and two, has ALWAYS placed the greater good of mankind in front of everything else. I truly feel by lodging my vote I have done just that. I voted last Thursday, if you haven’t voted yet, tomorrow is your turn.

Make your voice be heard.

Get out and vote! History and this country is depending on you.

I thoroughly enjoy when people use their talent to make a difference in the world. One thing that Senator Obama has managed, whether intentionally or not, to do during his campaign is inspire people. Folks are coming out of the word work using their talents, resources, funds and much more to get the Senator elected and I absolutely love it! This is how politics is suppose to work…THIS is what it’s all about. The American people rallying together to make a difference and (no pun intended) change the world.

Check this video out from West Phillidelphia rapper Nish Gaveer and enjoy. (I’ve disabled comments, simply because this video is for educational, informative and entertainment purposes and nothing more. If you absolutely insist on spewing some type of negativity or attempting to convince me of why I’m going to hell for supporting Barack Obama, feel free to e-mail me

(RSS Readers: Video attached, go to http://www.willyoungband.com/2008/10/barack-obama-change-the-worldbarack-obama-change-the-world/ to see it)

(Barack Obama) Change the World from Change the World on Vimeo.

I stumbled upon ill doctrine through a video on racism that Carlos posted on his blog.

This guy Jay Smooth, is pretty intelligent, and is definitely going to be a blog I check out regularly. Take a gander at this video he recently posted, then head over to ill doctrine and show him some love.

(RSS Readers: Video attached, visit http://www.willyoungband.com/2008/10/a-poem-for-the-young-voter/ to watch)

So there are a significant number of folks out there who would say to you that race plays a very small roll in this years election. I would beg to differ.

My indifference on the subject comes from months of campaigning and listening to people. It comes from the media coverage, it comes from spending a significant amount of time in an area full of racial tension.

Here’s an e-mail that is circulating the internet and for the first time I’m forwarding it along, as it makes a lot of sense. I’m leaving comments on, feel free to comment, but do not expect anything in return. It is no secret that I have been a fairly avid supporter of Barack Obama for quite some time, so I have an obligation to share this.

What if things were switched around? Think about it. Would the country’s collective point of view be different? Could racism be the culprit? [this most certainly must be a rhetorical question!]

What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, following the debate, including a three month-old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?

What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?

What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his college graduating class?

What if McCain had only married once, and Obama was a divorcee?

What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?

What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted to pain killers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?

What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?

What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five? (The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s.)

What if Obama couldn’t read from a teleprompter?

What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?

What if Obama was the one who was known to publicly display a serious anger management problem?

What if Michelle Obama’s family had made their money from beer distribution?

You could easily add to this list. If these questions reflected a reality, if the tables were turned, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?

This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative characteristics in another when there is a color difference.

And, think of this - the candidates’ educational backgrounds:

Barack Obama:
Columbia University
B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in
International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude

Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in
Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899

Sarah Palin: Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

Education isn’t everything, but this is about the two highest
offices in the land as well as our standing in the world.

Episode 16 of the Will Young show on the Unobjective Intelligence podcast is now live.

This week:

• I’m talking about what I feel the government’s roll really is or should be in our lives.
• I’m also touching on the whole glass half empty/glass half full philosophy.
• Finally, I’m talking food. More specifically foods ultimate role in your DEATH.

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Links I mentioned during the show:
HR 1424 - The “bailout”

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If there is something you’d like to hear on an upcoming episode of the Will Young show please shoot me an e-mail.

You can download the UI podcast by using iTunes with the link on the right, or for those who don’t use itunes, simply click the button that says ‘RSS Podcast’ and download the latest episode to your computer to play in whatever MP3 player it is you use. You can also listen to it using the player located directly above this paragraph.

Enjoy!

Are we honestly on the brink of the second most major bank failure in the history of the United States?
I don’t want to fuel any sort of skepticism, but take a look at this screen shot I captured from Yahoo! Finance this morning:

They’re down $ 3.00 to close at $10.00, I don’t know they seem to be getting into the dangerous trading area now.

What has the country came to? Banks are closing left and right, folks confidence in our economy is dwindling at near record speeds. HECK, even the foreigners who for the last several months have been referring to America as the “clearance” country and have been exporting crap are not doing so anymore. Should we be concerned? Some of you may say “Well, DUH…yes we should be concerned.” Truthfully, I am somewhat concerned, but not for the same reasons most of you are. I’m concerned because I believe that your concerns are going to keep a much needed government assisted bailout from taking place thus propelling us into an even grimmer situation. I’m not going to debate this subject so I’m disabling comments, and will not be replying to any e-mails received. The bottom line is this: Unless you’d like to see the complete collapse of our economic structure, thus creating the inability to recover in any sort of timely fashion, you’ll shut your mouth and let the government do what they are suppose to do.

Any other time, if the government didn’t step in to intervene you’d be shitting bricks. Just look at the government’s post-Katrina response, the government didn’t respond the way YOU wanted them to and YOU flipped out. NOW, our government is doing what they’re suppose to do, that is protect and defend our country and you’re flipping out. You may say the two situations aren’t comparable but, they are! THE GOVERNMENT IS SUPPOSE TO WORK FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!! That’s their job! If you fail to see this bailout as the government doing their job, then you should consider moving to a country where the government could care less about their citizens.

Call me a socialist. Call me a moron. Call me whatever the heck you want but, this has to happen or this “grave” situation we’re in now, is only going to get worse. Believe it folks.

Well, we received word last night of the largest bank failure in the history of the United States and it happens to be my beloved bank, WaMu.
To say I’m upset, irritated, frustrated and ticked off is probably an understatement. I joined WaMu a little of a year ago, because my former banking institution Wachovia lacked the people skills, and the customer service that I was looking for in the institution where I was storing my money. WaMu, was a relationship bank, each member of your WaMu branch built a relationship with you and I really enjoyed that. WaMu was a different bank, I referred to their approach to banking as “no-secret banking,” because from the moment you started banking with them you knew at all times what was going on with your account. When you made a transaction you stood side-by-side with the teller while the transaction was taking place. There were no counters, and thick bulletproof windows guarding the tellers and you saw exactly what she or he saw on their computer screen. THAT’S THE WAY BANKING SHOULD BE! It is after all, YOUR money and YOUR account. I remember when I set-up my account I asked the gentleman doing it if when I swiped my card and the money wasn’t there would they as a “convenience” to me allow the charge to go through and he told me if I didn’t want them to I could have the feature turned off! Now, I know that you can do that with any bank, but the fact of the matter is they NEVER tell you that you can.

WaMu’s approach to customer service was unlike any financial institution I’d ever been with. Now, I apparently bank with JP Morgan Chase, who if you ask me is trying to create a financial institution monopoly similar to that of Bank of America’s. I’m not happy that I’m going to be banking with the largest financial institution in the US, and I’m very uneasy about what they’re going to do to the relationship I’ve built with WaMu. I’ve had several credit cards with Chase, and truthfully, their customer service out-right SUCKS!

I’m not going to jump the gun and go out this weekend and close my account, as I, like JP Morgan Chase have no idea what is to come. I’ll stick it out for the time being, but be for-warned JPMC, I am shopping around and I’m watching you. I don’t trust you, and it is going to take a lot for you to win my trust you greedy son-of-a-gun. I’m obligated to thank you for saving my money, all $ 100 that I keep in my checking account, but that’s the most you’re going to get out of me for the time being. Don’t think that this statement of “you can rest assured knowing your money is backed up by JP Morgan Chase as well as the FDIC” is going to make me think of you as a hero, because you’re far from it. You’re a greedy corporation, ran by a greedy CEO, who wants to dominate so he can show his former mentors what a smart guy he is. I see right through your crap Jamie Dimon!

So, I bid you ado WaMu, while I can’t help but realize you are primarily responsible for your demise, I am still sad to see you go.

If you are a WaMu account-holder I would encourage you to stand your ground. Let JP Morgan Chase and Jamie Dimon know that we will not tolerate bad customer service and deceptive business practices. Let them know that this transaction needs to remain seamless, and the only way to do so, is to simply allow WaMu branches to operate they have for so long, and do so branded under the JP Morgan Chase name. IT’S YOUR BANK…ULTIMATELY YOU CAN SEND THE MOST POWERFUL MESSAGE OF ANYONE!