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Straight Outta Carolina
It was the summer of 1988 when fans of hip hop, the musical industry, and the nation as a whole were introduced to the five man rap group named NWA.
NWA’s debut album “Straight Outta Carolina” was an album laced with raw and vulgar expressions and story telling never heard before in hip hop or in music as a whole. The LA based group shook the industry with their unabashed message of being anti-law enforcement, anti-America, and most of all exposing the lifestyle of a “gangsta”. One who does not take no for answer and gets what he wants, no matter how right or wrong the method.
Hip Hop began in 1988 as it always did, New York based rappers delivering rap songs that expressed the life of New Yorkers. None of these rappers messages were clean enough to perform before a Sunday church crowd, however, there was some biting of the lip in regarding their expression. Public Enemy frontman Chuck D was as anti-establishment and raw as they came, yet he never articulated the need and desire to use violence as a primary way of life. With their angry and no holdsbar attitude,NWA forever changed hip hop.
This brings me to last Saturday’s GOP primary winner Newt Gingrich. Newt Gingrich is much like NWA. No he isn’t new to the political fold, however his style and mannerisms are uncharacteristic of any of his GOP opponents. He’s all telling and unwavering regarding to his principals and positions. Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, and especially Mitt Romeny are those east coast rappers who do deliever their message, however, its done with care and ease. Sometimes even apologetic, not Speaker Gingrich.
Lead candidate Mitt Romney is the embodiment of the pre NWA New York rap scene. New York rap before NWA did showcase the hardships of growing up in drug filled impoverished neighborhoods, however there was little to no embracing and certainly no glorifying the hardships and what it took to overcome it.
Mitt Romeny over the past several months has stayed away from expressing and standing firm on key components of conservatism. He has done this to not offend and anger the media, GOP establishment, and even other potential opponents, both President Obama and GOP candidates.
Gingrich has consistently, and none more than his performance in the January 19 debate, of articulating his position but doing so with emotional passion and the delivery of confidence. A confidence which in aggreance or not, affirms to all his insurance conservatism and a Republican is not the best choice, but only choice to right the wrong in this country.
In 1988 and going into the 1990′s, many critics of NWA thought for sure the LA “Gangsta” image would fade and serve no place among the great rappers of the east. Critics since his campaign was in total shambles in the spring of 2011, has said Gingrich has no staying powering and will fade.
At the time of this publication, Gingrich is currently soaring in the polls. A showing this his style of campaigning and debating, his former personal social behaviors, and lack of funding and establishment support isn’t turning off republican voters nationwide.
Also at the time of this publication “TM:103: Hustlerz Ambition” by Atlanta based “gangsta” rapper “Young Jeezy” is currently the number one rap album in the country.
Looks as if people have a taste for those who have a liking to being bold and expressive.
(Originally posted at Hip Hop Republican: http://hiphoprepublican.com/general/2012/01/25/trae-lewis-straight-outta-carolina/)
Mark Kelly addresses the ACRC
Tonight, Arlington County Board candidate Mark Kelly delivered his first public address in front of the Arlington County Republican Committee since he announced his candidacy for the County Board. Kelly is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and sustainability, term limits, and openness and transparency in the budget process.
The special election to elect a new Arlington County Board member is on March 27, 2012. Kelly is the Republican nominee. His opponent is Libby Garvey, the Democratic nominee who was recently selected in a party caucus.
Mark Kelly is stepping down from his Chairmanship of the ACRC to focus on his campaign. ACRC Vice Chairman Charles Hokanson declared his candidacy for ACRC Chairman tonight.
Nicolee Ambrose for Maryland National Committeewoman
Nicolee Ambrose
President Obama Has Soul
Agree or disagree with his policies, you have to admit that President Barack Obama has soul.
When I saw this, I jumped up and hollered in approval. I like a man who appreciates the artistry of the legendary Al Green.
Obama’s likability factor in his reelection campaign is being underestimated by the pundits and the activists. One of the traits he shares with his predecessor George W. Bush is that while the two men have been roundly criticized for their policies by their opponents, Obama and Bush are likable people in person. They pass the “who would you rather have a beer with” test.
Voters often apply this test when selecting their public officials. I used to scoff at the idea, but I grew to accept it and embrace it. The test seems superficial at face value. This looks like a test you would apply to a Student Body President election in college, not for the President of the United States of America.
However, I have come to realize through experience and interactions with a wide swath of people that the “who would you rather have a beer with” test has a good deal of substance behind it. At its very core are questions about comfort, approachability, relatability, and trust.
We like people who share our tastes and cultural mores. That sense of familiarity allows us to feel confident that, if ever necessary, we can approach our leaders and they will enthusiastically welcome us. An increase in the belief of the approachability of our leaders increases the political efficacy of the people.
Hardcore partisans on both sides don’t grasp this, but a large number of people in the middle put a significant amount of stock on personality for these reasons. Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan were cooler people than an ancient John McCain, an out-of-touch John Kerry, a stiff Al Gore, Bob Dole, George H.W. Bush, Walter Mondale, and Jimmy Carter.
Like it or not, the likability test will remain with us as long as voters are human beings and not robots. When you look at the field of remaining candidates for President on the Republican side, Obama has the likability contest locked down and every advantage counts.
I leave you with this soulful classic. We all need a little more love and happiness in this world. Amen.
Listen to Trae Lewis on WEAA
Friends:
I’ll be on the radio tonight and every Friday night in January on WEAA. Tune in to WEAA on 88.9FM if you are in the DMV or listen online at http://www.weaa.org/. Details are below. Thanks for all your support.
- Trae Lewis
Trae Lewis guest hosts “Listen Up” with Justin Jones-Fosu
WEAA 88.9 FM Radio
Every Friday in January 2012
7 PM – 8 PM
Call-in number is (410) 319-8888.
Listen online at weaa.org.
January 2012 topics
January 20 – “Spiritual not religious” What does religion mean to generations X and Y
January 27 – “The Performance Gap” The failing performances of Urban students in Math and Science
Listen Up with Justin Jones-Fosu is a weekly news and information program providing a new perspective on the issues of the day. The show engages a younger audience to public radio discussing issues about politics, health, education, and religion.
Recognized as the Best New Media Show by The Association of Black Media Workers, Listen Up, has earned the respect of journalist, the community, and our youth.
Social Media
Twitter – @traelewis
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Dave Foster declines run for Attorney General, will seek the Presidency…of the State Board of Education
This morning, in a letter to supporters, Dave Foster announced that he will not run for Attorney General in 2013. Many of Foster’s supporters encouraged him to consider another run for Attorney General after Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced that he will be seeking the Governor’s office in 2013. Instead, Foster announced that he will seek the position of President of the State Board of Education when current President Eleanor Saslaw retires.
Dave Foster is a former Arlington County School Board member, 2009 Attorney General candidate, and current Vice President of the State Board of Education.
Mark Kelly is a candidate for the Arlington County Board
Arlington County Republican Committee Chairman Mark Kelly will file paperwork to run for a seat on the Arlington County Board vacated by State Senator Barbara Favola. The special election for this County Board seat is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2012.
SB 1, SB 55, and SB 63
Several bills have been proposed in the General Assembly to reform elections in Virginia. Today, I will breakdown and analyze several pieces of legislation currently assigned to the Campaigns and Elections Subcommittee of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee in the Virginia General Assembly. Many of the following bills have similar or exact counterparts in the House of Delegates. I will also include my humble opinion on these bills.
SB 1 Voter identification requirements; provisional ballots.
Senator Stephen H. MartinVoter identification requirements; provisional ballots. Eliminates the provision that allows a voter to sign a sworn statement that he is the named registered voter he claims to be in lieu of showing identification and provides instead for the voter to cast a provisional ballot if he cannot provide a required form of identification. The bill also provides that, in order to determine whether a person who cast a provisional ballot is a qualified voter, an electoral board may rely on a faxed copy of a person’s identification. The bill also removes a Commonwealth of Virginia voter registration card from the list of forms of identification that a voter can present to demonstrate that he is a qualified voter.
The major points of SB 1 is to eliminate the sworn statement and replace it with the provisional ballot for voters who do not have identification at the polls and to remove voter registration cards as a form of acceptable voter identification at the polls.
Editor’s Opinion: I disagree with this bill. I don’t have much of an issue with the provisional ballot rules. However, voter registration cards have long been used by many voters as a form of identification at the polls. Granted, I have a driver’s license, but I have brought my voter registration card with me in the past. Not everyone drives and polls should be accessible to all. A valid voter registration card should remain an acceptable form of voter identification.
SB 55 Voter identification requirements; revises list of items a voter may show to prove identification.
Senator Mark D. ObenshainElections; voter identification requirements; absentee voting eligibility and procedures. Revises the list of items that a voter may show to prove identification at the polls. The bill adds to the list several items now allowed to prove the identity of first-time voters for federal elections who registered by mail: a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck that shows the name and address of the voter. The bill deletes the provision that allows a voter to sign a sworn statement that he is the named registered voter he claims to be in lieu of showing identification and provides instead for the voter to cast a provisional ballot if he cannot provide a required form of identification.
SB 55 adds more items to the list of accepted forms of identification for first time voters who registered by mail like a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck with the name and address of the voter. If the voter cannot produce valid identification, the voter can cast a provisional ballot.
Editor’s Opinion: I support this bill. Polls should be accessible to all law abiding citizens and expanding the list of acceptable forms of voter identification for first time voters, many of whom are unfamiliar with the process regardless of age or socioeconomic status, will improve accessibility for all people.
SB 63 Absentee ballot applications; unlawful to solicit in person from individuals in any hospital, etc.
Senator William M. Stanley, Jr.Elections; solicitation of absentee ballot applications or ballots. Makes it unlawful for anyone to solicit, in person, absentee ballot applications or ballots from individuals in any hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility. The prohibition does not apply to family members or to general or assistant registrars, electoral board members, or their staffs. A violation of the section is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 24.2-1017.
SB 63 will make it illegal for anyone other than family members, general or assistant registrars, or electoral board members and their staff to solicit absentee ballot applications in person in any hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility.
Editor’s Opinion: On one hand, I understand that hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities should not be places for electioneering. Candidates and their staff might be in a position to take advantage of the individuals in these facilities for their own political gain and there would be a valid public policy rationale against it to protect the public.
On the other hand, I believe that elections should be accessible to all and civic-minded people should be able to educate the public, register voters, and deliver absentee ballot applications. Some of the people who need the most access to ballots in society are the elderly and the infirm. Candidates and campaigners should be able to access these facilities with permission to inform the people about their fundamental right to vote and make the process easier for them.
Ultimately, I am against this bill, though I see the merits of such a proposal. In my past experience working on the campaigns of both Democratic and Republican candidates, I have never seen the peace and tranquility of such facilities compromised by the campaign activities of candidates and their staff. Democrats and Republicans I have worked for have all been respectful towards the elderly and infirm, asked for permission to access the facilities, and have all stayed within the proper bounds of acceptable behavior in those environments. Since I have not seen any trouble on this front, the upside is huge. The elderly and infirm get to meet the candidates in person to talk to them about their concerns and the candidates are able to instruct them on how to get involved in the process by helping them get registered to vote and getting them the crucial absentee ballot applications for which they qualify.
Coming soon, I will discuss the two hot topics of the day in this realm; party registration and closing the primaries.
Howie Lind will not seek reelection for 10th CD RPV Chair, Drafts John Whitbeck
Reliable sources have informed me that 10th Congressional District RPV Chairman Howie Lind will not seek reelection to his post. Lind cites increasing family and job obligations as the reasons why he will step down after the 10th District Convention tentatively scheduled for May 19, 2012.
Howie Lind has drafted John Whitbeck, a family lawyer based in Leesburg and former candidate for the House of Delegates for the 10th House District in 2011, to run for Chairman of the 10th District Republican Committee. Whitbeck has agreed to do so and will begin to actively campaign for this position.
No other candidates have announced their intention to enter the race.
Fun Fact: John Whitbeck played college football for Occidental College. Other famous Occidental football players include NFL coach Jim Mora Sr. (BA Physical Education – ’57) and Buffalo Bills quarterback and Congressman Jack Kemp (BA Physical Education – ’57).
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