SURVIVOR’S WORDS

Another year gone by….another step closer to the end of the world (ha-ha). Within the world of politics, many breakthroughs have come through. I may not have my ‘ign top lists’ but I’ll tell you what the biggest top news stories of 2008.

#5. “Whatcha Gonna Do Brother!!”

                Daddy’s boy Nick Hogan was involved in a serious car accident August 26, 2007. After much hassle, he was sentenced to 8 months on May 8, 2008. During his sentencing, he had many conversations with his mother and father, which were all taped. The tapes were released to the media, and it revealed some rather surprising things.  Hogan and Nick said the victim John ‘received heavy shit from God’, and Nick’s mother often made remark’s towards John’s mother. Nick sued the Sheriff’s Office for releasing these tapes. On October 21, 2008, Nick was released for ‘good behavior’. Look we all make mistakes, but all the complaining this guy was doing while he was in there was just unbelievable. He tried getting out on parole, house arrest, he tried getting out of his single cell, and it was just one complaint after another. Sure it sucks, but hey sometimes you get busted for doing stupid stuff. Take it like a man.

#4. Writer’s Guild of America Strike

                Writers negotiate their contracts every three years. Due to new types of media (Internet, iTunes, iPod ect.) writers wanted more money, but the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers wouldn’t give in. So on October 22, 2007 the strike began. During this time TV shows were highly criticized, postponed, cancelled, and some continued, but with poor results. On February 12, 2008 a compromise was worked out, and the strike ended. This whole strike had me really upset. My favorite TV shows either had crappy episodes, or were showing a bunch of re-runs. Also, big time movie scripts were put on hold, movies that I can’t wait to see. Thank god it ended and hopefully it won’t happen again.

#3. The Death of Bernie Mac

                Bernie Mac, one of the kings of comedy, departed from our world on August 9, 2008. The cause of death was complications due to pneumonia.  Three years ago, he was hospitalized for some related issues, but it was thought that it wasn’t that severe. He died at the age of 50, and let behind a widow (Rhonda). He’s buried in Homewood, Illinois. Bernie Mac to me was part of my inspiration of comedy. He didn’t need big high money making grossing films to be funny. All he needed was the camera, and he could make anyone laugh. I will miss your Bernie.

#2. “Why So Serious?”

                Heath Ledger passed away on January 22, 2008. His housekeeper found him lying on his bed. After numerous attempts, to try to wake him up, she called 911. She tried CPR, but was unsuccessful. EMT’s arrived around 3:33p.m. However, they were unable to revive him, and was pronounced dead 3 minutes later. In a twisted sense of irony, Heath had just finished filming for “The Dark Knight”. He portrays the Joker, who is described as a ‘psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy’.  The Dark Knight went on to be a major success. I saw this movie 4 times in the theatre. It was truly a great movie in my opinion, Heath literally stole every scene he was involved in, and is now a strong symbol much like Scarface, The Crow, Enter the Dragon and so on. Another thing that comes to my mind is the strong similarity between Heath and Brandon Lee. Both were young, died within days of filming their films, and both their movies were successful movies that would’ve catapulted them to major stardom.

#1. Our New President

                On November 4, 2008, history was made when Barack Obama was elected President. This election ended with a massive win for Obama, he had 365 electoral votes to McCain’s 173. He also had the majority votes from male to female ages 18-64. I’m a proud supporter of Obama, and I know he’ll do what’s right for our country. For him to win, shows that our nation can look past the bad history we have, and move on, setting a new landmark in our nation’s history.  “Ladies and gentlemen, the next president of the United States of America, Barack Obama Obama Obama Obama ob- ob- Obama!!!

What’s the future for our automotive company?  There’s a great controversy over hybrid and gas guzzler cars. Sure Hybrid cars may be a smart idea, but it can be a money losing operation. Another $8,000 or more can also be added onto the price for a Hybrid car. Most American’s wouldn’t pay the extra sum. There was a plan to put a high end tax credit on these hybrid cars, but it didn’t pass with the public. Tesla’s first hybrid car was $109,000. Only 63 have been sold around the world as of last week. Profits have indeed dropped dearly from the mid 90s.

                Geez everywhere I look now a day’s there’s advertisement for  ‘go green’ ‘recycle’ ‘we’re running out of resources’, what do you people expect geez. Well one thing that puzzles me is that we’re makin hybrids to save gas, yet they require energy, and we’re running out of energy to, so y not just let gas continue to be effected, then letting electricity take on a double header. Also, we’re in a repression and gas is $2, pshh that’s joy ese, we’ve survived this long on gas, why not let it keep going?

On December 1, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., Barack Obama announced his cabinet. The most surprising, was when he announced that Hillary Clinton was signed Secretary of State. This pick, was one of an extraordinary gesture of good will after their much heated rivalry during the Democratic nominee for President. However, this opportunity wasn’t just handed to her. Former president Bill Clinton had to disclose the names of all the donors to his foundation and library, he also had to agree to some other ‘conditions’. The Secretary of State’s job is to worry about foreign affairs. Hillary has been highly critical of the war’s execution.

                Well at least she notices how retarded things are in Iraq. If she gave Obama such a tough competition for the Democratic nominee, then there must be something right about her….right? Besides, I was behind Obama the whole time, so I think he knows what he’s doing. I trust his decision. For her reputation, I hope she don’t try to follow in her husband’s steps, but hey I was against the Bill impeachment too, so whatever. Good luck Hillary!!

From the years of 2001 to 2008, George W. Bush has been the president of the United States. Within these years, history has taken its course. Who could ever forget the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001? As a result of this, Bush declared war on terrorism, invading Afghanistan and Iraq.  Within this war on terrorism, we did indeed declare war on Iraq, and on December 14, 2003, we captured one of the most evil masterminds to date, Sadam Husain.  In a twisted irony, President Bush had the highest and lowest approval rating.

                Honestly, I hear President Bush is a sucks as president, but I’m not much of a politician, so I’ll try to keep this on topic. When 9-11 did occur I agreed to go to war. If people are threatening our monuments, country, rights, lives, and our way of life, then I say we blow these people to the seventh circle of hell. Too many people gave their lives in the past for what we have today, and I’ll be damned if their work goes to nothing. So I did approve of the war, at first……However, as of today, Sadam is long gone, and there are no signs of any weapons of mass destruction. If we’re wasting time, money, and lives, then bring our people home, so to Bush, I would say ‘BRING THEM HOME RE RE!!!!! Other than that, I don’t know much, all I know is that Obama is on his way to the white house, and I can’t wait for him to arrive.

Are Ford, GMC, and Chrysler worth an extra $25BILLION DOLLARS!!!!!  The Democrats have said that they would help, but in order for that to happen it has to be passed by the senate, which is highly unlikely.  There is a great fear that if one of them does fall, there will be devastating consequences. President Obama is behind this motive, but Bush isn’t showing any give in this issue.

How do they plan on paying for this? More taxes ah hell no! Are you telling me, that there almighty wealthy companies are broke? What happened, you design all these vehicles and advertisement, and yet you’re broke? What’s the problem; you only have 2 billion instead of 3 billion. Oh such a tragedy, what an unfortunate event. I say we don’t help them. These big manufacturing car companies screwed themselves somehow. I don’t know if they invested in the stock market or what, but it’s their misfortune, not America’s. I also don’t want to be paying for some kind of extra tax bailout fund when I’m 40 years old. People fear a ‘depression’ if these companies tank. Well sure it’s possible for some people to lose some money, but if  it’s not going to be like the damn 1920’s living on the street, migrating to California, all while scraping for food, then don’t worry about it. These companies had TONS AND TONS of money, they screwed up themselves, let them worry about it.

No rims or car models car compare to the new type of security on the block. Word is, that there’s a new scanner, that can magically scan a person’s body temperature, heart rate, muscles ect all without any wires or connections. This all takes place by just having you pass through a scanner, and this scanner alone can tell security if you a terrorist. Current testing has taken place in Washington D.C., the results have yet to be revealed. “What if I’m stressed or mad when I walk through?” you might ask yourself. This scanner apparently is smart enough to know the difference between hating your mother-in-law, and wanting to take out the white house.

            This new scanner does sound like a very good idea. It’s a way we can continue to prevent terrorism. However, there is one question that does puzzle me. What if you are having the worst day ever? I mean seriously what if your car broke down, lost your husband to a 23 year old babysitter, lost your wallet, and stubbed your toe all within a 3 hour period? You’d be pretty stressed out, or at least pretty mad. So you got all this going on and you step through that scanner, can it positively prove that despite all that anger you hold, that you’re not a terrorist, and don’t plan on doing anything except sleeping on that flight. Can it show that without any hassle? That’s my main concern. Everything else sounds good, and I’m all for it, but can technology honestly tell the difference.

Ladies and gentlemen, the next president of the United States of America, Barack Obama! History has been made within America, but with an impact!!!Obama has 349 electoral votes, to McCain’s 163. It was a shutout.  Not only did the majority of both male and female vote for Obama, but the majority of everyone from the ages of 18-64 voted for Obama. However, I do find it interesting, that the majority of voters 65 and up voted for McCain. Some states are still tallying up the votes, but look who’s ahead. Obama is our new president.

                “I think the thing that inspires me most, is that he really is going to be the President of the United States. He’s not going to be the president of the most powerful corporation, or the most powerful lobby. He’s going to be our president, and he’s going to speak for us because we put him there” –We Are The People. I supported the whole idea, and I wanted to see this even take place. I no longer have to dream, or wonder what it would be like, because it’s finally a reality. An African American is in the White House. Obama has officially made history and an impact in endless ways. For American, it symbolizes change within our country. It shows that not only that there’s a change for us, but that together as America, we were able to look past the years of battles between blacks and whites, the KKK and the Black Panthers, they’re all faded memories as of now. We looked past it all, and were able to take one major step forward. The inspiration Obama has set is breathtaking. He has shown that it doesn’t matter how much money you grow up with, what your opinions are, who hates you, or what skin color you are, it shouldn’t effect what you can or should do.  “He stands not only for black people, but for all people. He’s almost like a revival for a lot of people’s souls.”-We Are The People. If Obama can conquer these numerous odds, then it makes me ask myself, “What can anyone do?” “To actually make a difference in my generation”-We Are The People. It’s hard to express how much this actually really means. Through the months and days, I always joked “Obama will be president!!!” Now that it’s actually happened. It really opens my eyes. Society elected an African American into the White House. It really inspires me to believe that not only I, but everyone can make an impact, and be whatever they set their mind to. You have your Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and now Obama can join that list. A change has been made, to America’s face, to our society, and to our life’s.

Within the presidential election, many rumors and lies have been leaked for all candidates. However, Obama is the better candidate for the job. McCain has shown to have a very strong resemblance to Bush, and if you like how Bush has handled America for the past 8 years, then go to McCain. However, I don’t like how Bush has handled his duties in America, and I believe that we’re in desperate need of a change in the white house. Let’s face it; Obama has a way better plan in mind. Take taxes for example, McCain wants to tax the middle and pour, leaving the rich to ponder in their money. Obama wants to tax everyone, wasn’t it Lincoln that said ‘all men are created equal’.  

            Who here likes or believes in the Iraq war? Our main purpose for the war was to find weapons of mass destruction. It’s been about 7 years later, and what have we done, on the positive side, we’ve found and executed Sadam. Now the negatives are so great, we’re losing troops daily; Pat Tillman even quit his career in the NFL to serve our country as was killed in Iraq by ‘friendly fire’. Obama wants to end the war in Iraq. I say bring our boys home, we’re not policemen, we’re soldiers. What does McCain want to do? He wants to keep our troops over in the middle of a damn desert and continue this war! We already helped out by taking care of Sadam, we can’t rebuild their government and outlook on civilization, if we did that, then we might as well just expand America to over there.

            Look, we can argue all day about Obama or McCain, but the bottom line is that Obama has a better outlook for our country than McCain does. As I said earlier, McCain and Bush are too close. Look where we’re at, how much further can America fall into a hole? Vote for McCain and we’ll find out, but if you vote for Obama, then at least there’s hope….

What will Obama do for Alternative Fuels? Obama has introduced comprehensive legislation that will use alternative fuel technologies to decrease our dependence on foreign-oil. The American Fuels act of 2006, is a four step plan that will hopefully help us. First the legislation will have to invest into the alternative fuels. Then, they’d increase consumer demand for alternative fuels. Third, it requires the Government, to lead by example.  Forth, a creation for Energy Security would have to be made to make sure America is doing fine independently from other foreign countries. This is all an attempt to balance our alternative fuels, while making them more widely available for citizens.

            Well, it’s not like we’re saving gas or oil these days. Plus all I see now a days, is a bunch of political segments about global warming, and how our energy supplies is going down, plant trees, save hot water blah blah blah. This isn’t my strong point, but I do like the idea of America trying to be independent from foreign countries when it comes to fuels.

As of now, we can choose one of the two. Either let the government run health care, with higher taxes, or we can let the insurance companies run crazy without rules.  Obama believes both options are wrong, and wants to strengthen employee coverage, and makes insurance companies accountable, allowing the consumer the choice of doctor and care without government interference. A goal Obama wants to make is the patient being able to make decisions with their doctor without being restrained by their insurance companies. The Obama plan provides affordable, health care for all Americans, and is even built on top of existing health care plans. The best part is, if you are happy with your current health care plan, then you can stick with it, and save up to $2,500 a year. He also wants to lower drug costs, while increasing the generic drugs to keep insurance companies from suggesting the cheaper brands. Another good thing, Obama wants to decrease the cost of illnesses from employer to employee.

            Health care is important to every American. Just think of it, when your kids are sick or injured, you want to fix that problem immediately, and prevent it from happening again. Besides, who likes being sick anyways? I know I sure don’t.  With economy being the way it is, and so many illnesses being spread throughout the world, we need to keep health care at an affordable rate and available to anyone.