Quote Of The Day"I am becoming a firm believer of the philosophy of telling kids and parents, sooner rather than later, what will happen to them if they are reckless with their opportunity for an education. They will be labeled stupid and their lives will pretty much suck. The potential for this ugly and inevitable labeling will spur some to go all-out to prove the labelers wrong – and this will be a good start. It will also set the stage for alternative education scenarios, away from the failure of a one-size-fits-all-curriculum's. I’m not advocating telling a kid that he is too dumb to read, but the current approach of telling him that anyone can read, anytime they want, seems to give him the power to ignore the urgency of the goal, as if he is hurting you the instructor, or society, more than himself when he fails. Twice in the last thirty days I have visited a local urban high school classroom that has some amazingly bright kids (mostly girls), of the ones that bother to show up. The teacher asked me if I wanted more kids to attend our sessions, for the time I am investing. I said no, because I do not want her wasting her time rounding up kids who do not want to attend school. So instead of begging the slackers, and telling them that they are just as smart, if they apply themselves, I think we should tell them the truth – that they are under-achievers and should prepare themselves for manual labor at lower pay, if they are lucky enough to find it. Not only should they be told they are average or below, they should have a learning track to match their demonstrated abilities, instead of funding wasted college-prep educational capacity. Telling the entire range of kids that they can do anything, go anywhere, better fits some ideal notion, where everybody lands on the planet equally endowed, rather than what we see in a real classroom. We tell black kids that they can be astronauts, while arriving at the school bell, at all, is their biggest accomplishment of the school day. From the start, we should tell them, and their caregivers, that not showing up ready to learn insures failure, and the school will not hesitate to treat a student as such if the behavior merits this. We must also stop accepting kids who come to school with no intention to learn, but rather to disrupt. Not being truthful with kids, for fear of dissuading them, is wrongheaded. These kids know b___t. What they need is the truth, no matter how painful some soft-bigot psychologist thinks it is." — Jim Collier, moderate blogger, on the "soft bigotry of high expectations"
VIDEO: Shelly O: "Ah, I'm In The Motherland, In The Region Of My West African Ancestors"
The Obamas were welcomed late night Ghanaian time at Kotoka International Airport in the oceanside capital Accra by Ghana's President John Atta-Mills and Ghanaian First Lady Ernestina Naadu Mills to traditional Ashanti drumming, chanting and dancing (video here). President Obama and Mrs. Obama look very excited to be in the West Africa.
Times Online (UK) writes: "'Akwaaba [welcome home] Barack and Michelle Obama', proclaimed banners strung across the street of the spruced-up capital of Accra. Traditional dancers and drummers performed songs for Mr Obama’s visit, which is his first to any country in sub-Saharan Africa as the US President. Thousands of jubilant Ghanaians waving US and Ghanaian flags braved torrential rain to line the road from the airport into the centre of town in the hope of catching a glimpse of the First Family. To most Ghanaians and other Africans the President’s tour is seen as a homecoming rather than an official trip by a head of state to a foreign country. That unique position was set to be acknowledged today in a manner that few other Western visitors have experienced. Mrs Obama will be honoured by tribal chiefs as a 'Queen' in a ceremony."
Tomorrow Mrs. Obama - the descendant of slaves brought from West Africa to America - will be honored by tribal chiefs as "Queen Of The Cape Coast". I hope there will be photos of that! I'm sure there will be plenty of tears (although probably not seen in photos) when the Obamas visit the slave castle in Cape Coast tomorrow. I'm sure white conservatives are gonna have a field day with this one. They'll surely bring up Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution, claim Mrs. Obama as First Lady is in an "office of profit or trust" and question the constitutionality of such an honor and claim treason (I'm remembering the controversy which ensued over Sen. Edward Kennedy's honorary knighthood by Britain). Let me do a preemptive strike. First of all, tribal chiefs and not the Ghanaian government (i.e., a foreign power) are doing it. The First Lady is not a government employee either (her position is an unpaid one).
Tomorrow President Obama will have a bilateral meeting with President Mills, and give a speech before the Ghanaian Parliament about democracy, rule of law and transparency in Africa.
I expected a more colorful ensemble on the Obama family when they arrived in Ghana - you're in Africa, not at a funeral! - but they've had a long day. Hopefully, we'll see some color and a black designer on Mrs. Obama tomorrow. Maybe even braids on the First Lady?
Booker Rising To Freepers: "Y'all Need To Chill With The Racist Attacks. Also, Kids Are Off Limits!"
Thanks to reader Rikyrah for the heads up. Apparently the folks over at the conservative Free Republic website are upset over something major. What's the calamity, you ask? Well, Malia Obama wearing layered T-shirts with the peace sign on them two days ago while touring Rome. Here is my open letter to the Freepers (I created an account at Free Republic to post my letter - which is "under review" right now - and have sent it to Free Republic's contact):
Free Republic,
One of my blog's readers has called attention to an incident on your website. I am troubled by the racist language displayed on Free Republic in regards to Malia Obama - the 11-year-old daughter of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama - after she wore peace sign T-shirts in Rome and after her interaction with her mother on a private tourist visit.
First of all, those of you who claimed that Mrs. Obama was doing "monkey sounds" for spending a fun moment with her daughter at the Coliseum in Italy are ignorant. What happened to promoting family values? Supposedly a conservative virtue? Also, since when was being the President and First Lady "ghetto" and growing up in Chicago's black middle-class - as Michelle Obama did and as I did for part of my childhood - "thug ghetto culture"? Keep the focus on policies, not on personal attacks.
Now, on to Malia Obama, on which the racist attacks are even more offensive to me as a black center-right woman. Trashing an 11-year-old girl - "typical street whore", "nasty radical hair", "street trash", "freak kid", "flea bag who looks to be dragged from the trash dumpster" is cruel, low-class, and unacceptable. Sexualizing an 11-year-old girl because she is black ("typical street whore", "wonder when she will have her first abortion", commenting that she's sexually attractive) - thinking that black girls are "fair game" - is highly unacceptable.
I don't know if the Obamas put Malia up to wearing those T-shirts or not. It's also very plausible that she supports a nuclear-freeze stance on her own. After all, at age 11 (I'm now 38), I thought apartheid was horribly wrong and racist. I also come from a political family (including past elected officials) and loved reading National Geographic about other countries. Either way, it's no business of yours what Malia wears or doesn't wear. She's a minor private citizen and her fashion is her and her family's choice. Also, what happened to freedom of expression?
By the way, a black female choosing to wearing her hair naturally - as lil' Malia is doing is not "nasty radical hair". She's wearing her hair as God/nature/whatever-you-want-to-call-it intended for her to wear her hair. Do I have "nasty radical hair" because I wear my hair in braids?! I've also worn my hair in twists - which is how Malia is wearing her hair - in the past. How about black female conservatives like Star Parker (braids) or Amy Holmes (curly 'fro)?! How about the libertarian June Arunga of Kenya, who wears a short Afro?! Are these women with "nasty radical hair"? Not only do you display sheer ignorance about black hairstyles, but you are disrespecting many black center-right women with such stupidity.
What happened to judging someone on the content of their character, and not the color of her skin and how she wears her hair? And children being off limits? If 14-year-old Willow Palin is off limits - and she should be - then 11-year-old Malia Obama should also be.
With racist views like the comments displayed on your website, you do absolutely no favors to the cause of persuading more blacks to embrace center-right values like individual liberty, capitalism, small government - in essence, a free republic. You merely reinforce the already-prevalent view in Black America that conservatism is for racists and the mean-spirited. I would strongly encourage you to stay out of the racist gutter, show some class by not picking on kids, and stay focused on policy disagreements.
Shay Riley
Booker Rising webmaster
http://www.bookerrising.net
news site for black moderates and black conservatives
Rep. Sanford Bishop: "The Health Reform Bill Needs Work"
Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia), has signed onto a letter by the Blue Dog Coalition - a group of moderate and conservative Democrats in the U.S. House - to House Democratic leadership expressing "strong reservations" about the Democrats' health care plan.
The moderate-liberal Democrat said today that Congress was facing a "robust schedule that focused on issues vital to Americans." "These are perilous times for all Americans and we want to ensure that our citizens have access to a healthcare system that is affordable, deficit neutral, and driven by doctors, rather than insurance companies," Rep. Bishop said.
Rep. Bishop said one of the major issues for him and his Blue Dog cohorts is that healthcare legislation be in a pay-as-you-go format, rather than a mechanism for increasing the national debt. "Increasing our national debt further is something we're not open to," he said. "This system needs to be something that we can pay for, not something we pass along to future generations."
The Blue Dog Coalition said in the letter that "significant progress" had to be made on its concerns in order for its members to support the a final bill. The Blue Dogs say the current system must be examined for savings and maximizing the value of health care dollars spent before the government asks the public to pay more.
The group said it wanted to reiterate its position that the so-called "public option" be voluntary and that providers be fairly reimbursed at negotiated rates. "A 'Medicare-like' public option would negatively impact hospitals, doctors and patients," they wrote. "Using Medicare's below-market rate would seriously weaken the financial stability of our local hospitals and doctors."
Other concerns of the Blue Dogs include delivery system reform, protection for small businesses, and rural health care. The Blue Dogs say health care reform has to include Republicans' ideas as well. "The American public is looking for us to work together, regardless of party affiliation, to pass comprehensive health care reform," they wrote.
Pennsylvania Pool Controversy: Where You Fit In
Slyram, a moderate Democratic blogger, discusses the suburban Philadelphia swim club that booted 65 black and Hispanic kids from their pool - after they paid for membership - because they would "change the complexion" of the pool. He argues that the controversy should be examined from all angles because what is often labeled as racism could be a combination of racism and cultural, socioeconomic and diversity factors: "Private swim club members had issues with 'certain' children groups using the pool. While color seem to be the big issue, we should remember (real talk) that parents of all colors are 'particular' about whom their children are around. The kid who was crying on the news report seem like a nice young person but parents pick schools, churches, activities and neighborhoods all the time with the intent of protection the development of their children — of course, there are times when your kid is the one to avoid. I think it rarely crosses some people’s minds that Blacks guard whom their kids are around; seeking to avoid rough non-Blacks, rough Blacks or those with a superiority complex. Welcome to the New South."
Slyram reflects: "I played the uncle role while my sister and her husband were in Australia on business this week and celebrating their 20th Wedding Anniversary. Did a Black guy from south Georgia write that statement and a better question is do non-Blacks in the South really know Blacks living like: international business, two decades of marriage. I spent the last week in south Georgia trying to guard and monitor who my three young family members were exposed to and it was hard. We were up at Lake Blackshear and some of the kids at the swimming area and playground seem seem seem (how can I put this delicately) seem like my brother and me as kids. Remember, we grew up during the last part of Jim Crow so we were not soft but my sister then and her kids now. Soft. So, the kids are from diverse Charlotte and attend Montessori school (vouchers needed) with a range of kids but Uncle Me is not letting them speak to any kids who don’t look like them to avoid an elitist incident like the P.A. pool drama. The question is whether some kids who don’t look like them will try to bring them down or if they will say something pretentious that will get them grounded up — did I mention they are kind of soft."
Booker Rising response: If they had issues, then the swim club should've never opened up their membership and thus become a place of public accommodation....thus taking things outside the realm of private choice. The Valley Swim Club had no problems taking this day camp's $1,900. It was only after their non-white faces showed up that there was a problem (swim club members say the children were well-behaved even though it was a crowded pool, but still endured racist comments). The swim club now claims that they "overestimated" the facility's capacity and that the swim club director's controversial comments don't reflect the club's board of directors. Yeah, right. Even if so, it could've placed limits on how many kids could be in the pool at one time, or shut down the club for a couple of hours to accommodate this large group. I hope they get taken to the cleaners for their racism. Meanwhile, Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) and the state Human Relations Commission are on the case, protests are happening outside the club, and the club is temporarily closed down. Another facility offered its pool for the day camp to use, and companies are offering free sweet treats to the children.
Pascal Boniface: "Rama Yade, You Can Bring Human Rights To French Sport. Sarkozy Played Right Into Your Hands"
Asserts the director of the Institute of International & Strategic Relations (France), about the moderate-conservative's transition from French Secretary of State for Human Rights to French Secretary of Sport because French President Nicolas Sarkozy thought she was too outspoken and independent in her previous position. He argues that in his attempt to restrict her popular profile, President Sarkozy has unwittingly given Ms. Yade (pictured) a unique opportunity to promote human rights in a specific and clearly outlined area - sport - which can transform the French Sports Ministry like never before: (article in French): "The Olympic movement considers 'the practice of sport as an human right', in other words, all individuals should be able to openly practice sport. Sport, as a tool for socialization and preventative tool, can bring much to disinherited populations, both in urban areas and in conflict zones. That is due to its educational virtues and its potential for mobilization. Increasingly, sport is used during post-conflict time to contribute to [a country's] reconciliation or the rebuilding of social links. The very great visibility of sport and its media impact gives it an increasingly large responsibility. The international sporting movement is in first line to take advantage of these dynamics and to promote things like development and peace. It is a caricature to consider all high-level sportsmen to be egotistic. It is the case for some. But for others, on the contrary they are conscious of their value and ready to engage for causes in the public interest."
Mr. Boniface continues his commentary about Secretary Yade: "The promotion of sport can be approached differently than under the prism of a public policy restricted with national politics. As Secretary of State for Human Rights, Rama Yade was reticent to take into account the dimension and the international radiation of sport, because sport is in public perception one of the fields where diversity and its talents can be exerted and she didn't want to be confined with the image of diversity. If she can galvanize the energy and the motivations of athletes to promote human rights, her nomination will seem a promotion, not like a relegation. Up to now the persons in charge of external action were insensitive with the lever which sport can constitute as a means of international action. It is thus an avenue before Rama Yade."
Booker Rising response: Well, male athletes love Secretary Yade (gee, I wonder why?) so I don't think galvanizing them for a cause will be too difficult.
Akwaaba, Obrunis! Ghana Welcomes The "Black Whites"
Now, the Obamas' visit to Ghana ought to be really interesting. "Obruni" means "white person" or "white foreigner" in the Twi language. No big deal, you say? Well, Tyrone and Imani, black Americans are also called obruni. Ghanaians traditionally consider black Americans as having more in common with Europeans, white Americans, and white African colonialists than with black Africans, so we Black Yanks get lumped in with the white folks.
This "y'all are black whites" thing is not limited to Ghana either. In Liberia, it is not uncommon for black Americans to be referred to as "kwi", which was originally a Kpelle word meaning "civilized white". The ruling Americo-Liberians turned that term into a warped badge of honor used it against indigenous Africans, requiring them to meet certain kwi criteria to access education and politics before that country's military coup in 1980.
However, the "obruni" label has caused controversy in Ghana. Many African American tourists - who typically regard themselves part of the African diaspora returning to the home continent - have been shocked and gotten quite huffy when they've visited Ghana and are called white on Ghana's streets. Nevertheless, Ghana has had a relationship with black Americans since the 1950s. Black Americans from Malcolm X to Maya Angelou have made their way to Ghana over the decades. Don't forget that W.E.B. DuBois immigrated to Ghana in 1961 and died there in 1963. A proposal to give dual citizenship to African Americans has been underway for the past decade, and there is an African American expatriate community in Ghana.
Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first prime minister after getting independence from Britain in 1957, attended Lincoln University, a historically black college in Pennsylvania. He saw in African-Americans a key to developing Ghana. "Nkrumah saw the American Negro as the vanguard of the African people," said Henry Louis Gates Jr., chairman of the African and African-American studies department at Harvard University. "He wanted to be able to utilize the services and skills of African-Americans as Ghana made the transition from colonialism to independence."
The Pan-African attitude exhibited by Prime Minister Nkrumah remains. For at least the past five years, Ghana has done outreach to black Americans - who comprise 1/3 of U.S. tourists to Ghana - to strengthen ties to the country. It views black Americans as a critical niche market with growth potential for its tourism industry, which is the country's fourth largest sector. Ghana has undertaken a public education campaign for the past four years to drill the term "obruni" out of Ghanaians' heads, urging them to treat black Americans more like long-lost relatives than as affluent foreign tourists. The country seeks to rebrand itself in hopes that African Americans will think of Ghana as their second homeland - to visit, invest, send their children to be educated and retire there. Ghana wants to use the Obamas' visit to propel Ghana in the minds of American tourists - especially black American tourists - as happened for Senegal when former President Bill Clinton visited there in 1998. Thus, the Ghanaian government urges Ghanaians to use the term "akwaaba anyemi" - a phrase fashioned from two tribal languages meaning "welcome, sister or brother" - when interacting with African Americans.
Despite the remaining persistence of the "obruni" tag (old habits die hard), Ghanaians are very excited that the Obamas are visiting their country and have Obama Fever. Current headlines in Ghana are calling President Obama - who would be considered mulatto in Ghana - The Black Magic. And no, they don't mean Magic Negro. A group called Friends For Obama Ghana has put up signs around the capital city of Accra saying "Welcome Home" to the Obamas, and yesterday they had a parade. A 12-year-old Ghanaian child said to resemble President Obama is getting his 15 minutes of fame on Ghanaian TV. Obama merchandise is all the rage.
Ghanaians are proud that President Obama - like them - are not descendants of slaves and has an African father. However, they remain a little touchy that Mrs. Obama is a descendant of slaves and their country's role in the slave trade. Some Ghanaians are a tad miffed that the Obamas are visiting a slave castle during their visit (which they blame on Mrs. Obama), which only highlights that sordid part of Ghana's history instead of the current era. On the other hand, some Ghanaians consider African Americans "lucky" to be descendants of slaves, given Black America's prosperity (Ghana's per capita GDP: US$1,520. Black America's per capita GDP: $22,000).
The Ghanaians believe a lot is riding on the Obamas' visit, and want to maximize it by showcase their stable democracy, country of laws, and beautiful scenery. Akwaaba time, indeed.
VIDEO: Housing With Thomas Sowell
National Review concludes the five-part video series that the Hoover Institution has done with the American conservative economist and author of The Housing Boom And Bust. In Part V, Dr. Sowell scrutinizes the economic proposals of the Obama administration.
Shelly O: "Ammiri Il Mio Sguardo Nero Della Mary Di Virgin?"
That title roughly means "Do y'all like my Black Virgin Mary look?" in Italian. No right to bare arms here! U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama went conservative today, with the protocol veil while meeting Pope Benedict XVI.
U.S. President Barack Obama today his first meeting with the Pope at the Vatican. The two men met for about 25 minutes in the Papal Library. The pope was overheard asking President Obama about the just-ended Group of Eight summit in Italy. Reporters were then escorted from the room. Mrs. Obama joined the president near the end of the meeting with the pope. The pope and President Obama exchanged gifts. The Obamas received a mosaic as a gift from the pope (no word yet on what the Obamas gifted to the pope).
I'm doing a non-religious side-eye over why Mrs. Obama must cover her head, but not President Obama. Anyway, the Obamas are on their way to Ghana, the last stop on their trip.
Justice Malala on Expensive Engines
The South African center-right columnist opines: "It is my firm belief that one must give praise where it is due. This week I must praise President Gwede Mantashe for his firm hold over all his cabinet ministers. No, that was not a mistake. I really do mean Gwede Mantashe, the man you know as the ANC secretary-general. He is effectively running the country while the elected head of state, Jacob Zuma, is out partying and thanking the masses for all they have done for him. Not a word has been heard from the man except to remind us, at a rally, that the ANC will be around until Jesus pops in for a visit again. When public enterprises minister Barbara Hogan dared to say what many of us were thinking (that nonperforming state entities should be sold off instead of receiving bailout after bailout ad infinitum), Comrade Mantashe told her she was 'running ahead' of herself and there were no government plans to sell any assets." Booker Rising response: Boy, the African center-right sure is on the come up. I like how ol' boy weaves politics and a restaurant review into his full piece. LOL at the review ratings: 1 means Eskom, South Africa's electric company; 2 means poor; 3 is good; 4 means excellent; and 5 means Obama (given his rant here though, surely is he aware of Barry's bailout?).
Mr. Malala continues his commentary about Big Government and corporate welfare in South Africa: "Two weeks ago Hogan, of course, came fully on board, saying: 'I do not envision setting up any of our state-owned enterprises for sale...The assets we now have in our fold are extremely important assets as engines of the economy.' I agree with Hogan. SA Airways, for example, is an important engine of our economy, which is why it refuses to tell us - the shareholders - how much cash it has sunk into low-cost airline Mango. Or how come this engine of the economy has been given R1,6bn [US$193.8 million] of our money to tide it over this financial year. Wait for the outstretched hand next year. And the year after. Ho hum. By the way, has anyone pointed out to Comrade Mantashe that an estimated R100bn [US$12.1 billion] of taxpayers' money has been used to shore up loss-making public enterprises between 2004 and 2009? And I bet most of it has gone to tenders for cronies and relatives of the politically connected. Yes, dear reader, I know. It is not funny, it's tragic."
President Obama: "Y'all Need To Quit Tryin' To Make Michelle Give Me A Beatdown! The Video Shows I'm A Gentleman"
A still photo from the G8 summit of U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy seemingly checking out the booty of Mayara Tavares - a 16-year-old representing Brazil at the Jr. G8 summit, and who is an activist for children and teenagers' rights - has been spreading like wildfire on the Internet. However, a video clip shows that it was an innocent moment....at least on the part of President Obama, who was being a gentleman by helping the young black female standing behind him get down a large step:
However, Sarko was mos def in ogle mode. Sarko, she's only 16!
Quote Of The Day
"Years from now, I wonder how we’ll remember Sarah Palin. Politicians are an odd lot to begin with. But, even in that club, Palin is unique in her peculiarities. How can any office holder suddenly resign and then be surprised and offended when people try to uncover some hidden scandal? Hidden (or very public) scandal is by far the leading cause of office holder resignation! Palin is still being coy about whether she is planning a 2012 run at the presidency. To me, this reservation is ridiculous. There are only two passable reasons for her not to finish her term as governor. 1) She is 100% done with politics. 2) She wants a head start on getting her party’s nomination. As for 1, if she’s done, she should succinctly say so, leaving no room for wiggling. If she’s running for higher office, she should also say so – forget the typical politician habit of denying a presidential run until the fifteenth visit to Iowa. You can’t just give up your governor’s seat and not admit to your future plans. 'Erratic' is not a quality Americans look for in a president. Palin has certainly been the recipient of some nasty, petty attacks in the past. But the criticism coming out after her resignation is not some smear campaign by her critics. It’s the inevitable result of her odd decision and the rambling, unfocused explanation she tried to give. Palin may want to play the victim here, but, this time, she has no one to blame but herself." — Alan Stewart Carl, moderate blogger at Donklephant, on Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin
President Barack Obama To Africa: "Stop Blaming Colonialism For Your Problems"
U.S. President Barack Obama has told African leaders it is time to stop blaming colonialism and "Western oppression" for the continent's manifold problems (hat tip: NewsOne). Ahead of a visit to Ghana this week, the liberal Democratic president said: "Ultimately, I'm a big believer that Africans are responsible for Africa", he said. "I think part of what's hampered advancement in Africa is that for many years we've made excuses about corruption or poor governance, that this was somehow the consequence of neo-colonialism, or the West has been oppressive, or racism – I'm not a big – I'm not a believer in excuses."
The son of a Kenyan, President Obama added: "I'd say I'm probably as knowledgeable about African history as anybody who's occupied my office. And I can give you chapter and verse on why the colonial maps that were drawn helped to spur on conflict, and the terms of trade that were uneven emerging out of colonialism." He continued, "And yet the fact is we're in 2009. The West and the United States has not been responsible for what's happened to Zimbabwe's economy over the last 15 or 20 years. It hasn't been responsible for some of the disastrous policies that we've seen elsewhere in Africa. And I think that it's very important for African leadership to take responsibility and be held accountable."
Booker Rising response: Preach, Barry, preach! I'm looking forward to your trip to Ghana.
The Truth About Obama’s G8 Global Warming Pact: It’s Non-Binding, India And China Won’t Sign It, Russia Ignores It
I Hate The Media, a conservative Republican blog, write, about a G8 goal towards reducing greenhouse gases by 2050: "This week, the global warming circus raised its tent at the G8 meetings in L’Aquila, Italy. According to the media, the world’s wisest leaders have saved the world by signing a new global warming pact. Luckily, ABC News’ Jake Tapper cut through the crap and revealed a side of the story that’s absent from most reports and buried in others: 'The climate change provision sets a non-binding goal for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, using 1990 levels or later years as a base, with a goal for developed countries of 80%. The document pledges cooperation to limit the rise in global temperatures to no more than 2 degrees Celsius or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. But achieving this is far more difficult than writing it on a piece of paper as a pledge, particularly with developing nations balking at the goal and complaining that the industrialized world hasn’t followed through with aid and technology to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions.' Got that? It’s non-binding. So non-binding, in fact, that Russia, which actually signed the treaty, has already said it has no intention of abiding by it."
More: "Arkady Dvorkovich, the top economic advisor to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said, 'For us the 80 per cent figure is unacceptable and likely unattainable. We won’t sacrifice economic growth for the sake of emission reduction.' He might as well have been speaking for India and China who aren’t G8 members and who have already said, 'Thanks, but no thanks. We’re with Russia on this one.' So on one hand, the solution to global warming was all smoke and mirrors. On the other hand, the leaders of the G8 did manage to have some very nice dinners and treated their bloated staffs to very nice Italian vacations."
Senator Roland Burris To Retire, Won't Seek A Full Term
Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) will not seek a full term in 2010, a decision that was all-but-certain given the appointed senator's ties to ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The U.S. Senate's only black member had refused to make any commitment about his future plans until today. While charged with no wrongdoing, the liberal Democratic politician's ever-changing story regarding his relationship with the disgraced former governor - who is accused of selling now-President Barack Obama's old Senate seat to the highest bidder - and his virtually non-existent fundraising during the first three months of the year led political strategists to conclude he would not (or could not) run.
Sen. Burris's retirement saves the White House and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee a potential headache since they would almost certainly not have supported him in the primary, a move that could have led some black voters to question the party's motives.
Booker Rising response: It's looking like my home state of Illinois will have hot U.S. Senate race next year, both on the Democratic and Republican side. Too bad Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who is a Democrat, opted not to run. Which party's primary will I vote in next year (we have open primaries here in the Land of Lincoln)? I have no idea.Ghanaian Center-Right Think Tank: "Welcome Obama, But Our Democracy Is Shaky"
Yes, Tyrone and Imani, there is a Ghanaian center-right. Danquah Institute, a center-right think tank based in Accra, Ghana, pens an editorial in advance of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to the country tomorrow: "President Obama’s visit to Ghana should give us all as Ghanaians deep pride in our country and in our international reputation. That our small West African nation has been chosen as the first in the whole [sub-Saharan] continent to be so honoured since Obama took power is not due to the work of any individual, group or party. It is instead the result of an achievement we have built as a whole people since 1992 in not only the reborn of democracy but successfully warring off the infant mortality that has put paid to too many of our continental contemporaries. We are right to feel proud of this achievement and President Obama is right to pay tribute to it. He is also right to recognise that the importance of our successful multi-party democracy reaches far beyond the 23 million people within our borders. It has profound significance for other African nations whose nascent democracies might yet falter and fall. It demonstrates that democracy can succeed in our continent, providing an example that can illuminate and inspire our continental kin, giving them the light to find their own way to the brighter future we all seek. And, that future is one of prosperity in freedom. Ghana is fortunate to have reached a deeper level of democracy than many African nations where polling day is marked by distrust and scepticism and followed by widespread violence over controversial results leading too often to ineffective governments. Here we have succeeded in holding five consecutive elections in the Fourth Republic and we have succeeded in changing the reigns of power from one political party to another twice now. But whilst we might be ahead of the pack, whilst we might lead the continent in the march towards democracy as we did 52 years ago, we still have a long road ahead of us and the future of our democracy is by no means certain."
More: "There is no guarantee that the main opposition party today will not assume the kind of dangerously militant posture and speak the kind of language that got Ghana so close to a Kenya. So, what happens if unlike 2008, the Opposition does not get its electoral way after the 2012 results are announced? To avoid this in 2012 we need to work much harder to build public faith and confidence in the nuts and bolts of our election machinery that, if properly organised, can ensure no room for inflammatory accusations of bias or tampering. We need to deny the rig-sayers the oxygen of legitimacy, with which to breathe fear, anger, hatred and venom into the lungs of the Ghanaian electorate. In 2008, the rig-sayers were helped by the admission on the part of the Electoral Commissioner that the voter register was massively bloated. South Africa, with a population of 47 million people, counted a voter population of some 12 million. Ghana, with a population of less than 23 million people, said it had a voter population of some 10 million. Not only does a bloated register give political parties the opportunity to rig elections, they also give rig-sayers the legitimacy to say to their supporters and sympathisers that they have been cheated and that they should stand up and resist – whether the claim is true or false. This is what characterised last year’s general elections in Ghana and Ghana, we dare say, was probably only saved by the fact that the results were called for the main opposition party and not for the incumbent government. How then do we secure the legitimacy of not only the electoral process in Ghana but also the victory of an incumbent government? This is of particular importance in countries like ours (and the US) where a virtual two-party system can produce victories based on razor-thin majorities, where a relatively small amount of rigging has the potential to dramatically change the result. Ghana is far from securing its current position as a model democracy for the majority of the continent. We need to do so and that process must begin now."
Jeb Bush 2012? Thanks, But No Thanks!
Asserts Clifton B., a conservative Republican blogger: "Tucker Carlson interviews Jeb Bush in the current issue of Esquire magazine. After reading the article, I find Jeb to be the typical boring moderate Republican. In typical moderate Republican fashion, Jeb says repeatedly throughout the article that Republicans must put their principles in the context of today. That is all well and good, provided one fully understands what the principles are in the first place. This is where I start to question Jeb’s credentials."
He continues his commentary about the former Florida governor: "Jeb continues on about the need for the Republican Party to have more 21st century players, but when asked by Carlson who does he like, he first picks Newt Gingrich. How’s that for 21st century? Jeb does get around to saying Jindal, but omits Palin. No surprise there either, Jeb lets his inner elitist slip out over a reference to Joe the Plumber. Running Jeb Bush in 2012 will be a huge mistake for the Republican Party. His name alone would be problematic at best, but most importantly the Bush family seems to have a real problem with keeping with conservative principles. After 4 years of Obama’s socialism, America will need a strong and principled conservative to begin the difficult process of pulling America back towards capitalism or we could risk decades of a stagnant economy like Europe’s. Jeb Bush simply isn’t principled enough to do that."
Booker Rising response: We just finished the 2008 cycle, and the 2012 cycle will start soon! Three presidents from the same family, in 24 years? That ain't gonna fly with many Americans. Two presidents from the same family (Adams, Roosevelt, Bush) is enough. If I wanted royalty, I'd move to England or Saudi Arabia. Sorry, Jeb, even though you're alright with me, I ain't feeling this one. But Mr. B, since when was Jeb Bush a moderate Republican? LOL
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Barry: "Well, She Ain't Holdin' Like Michelle, But I'ma Sneak A Peek At That Onion Anyway"
U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy enjoy a booty ogle while taking their places with junior G8 delegates (who represent young people from the G8 countries) for a photo op at the G8 summit in Italy.
Bob Parks, a conservative Republican blogger, writes: "We will hear the spin, but President Sarkozy's expression is priceless. I'd keep a Secret Service [agent] between the president and the First Lady until further notice."
Magic Negro Watch, a conservative Republican blog, says that Mrs. Obama will think "look again and I'll cut yo half black ass!": "Dude…do you really want to be checkin’ out chicks with all the world['s] cameras on you while married to this woman?"
Tyrone, a conservative Republican blogger, wonders why President Obama didn't ask the young woman to be his intern while he was at it?: "Looks like Obama likes a little cream in his coffee after all. In his brief moment he forgot that he was married to someone black and extremely bitter. I don't believe the 'black racist militant crowd' that voted for him might not be so open minded about this. What would the folks at the Trinity United Cult think? This is a picture for the ages. For once, I'm actually defending Obama on something. If I was married to Michelle, I'll be looking at every woman that crosses my path twice as well!"
James T. Harris, a conservative Republican blogger in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, asks: "Is this the Hope and Change Obama has been looking for?"
Booker Rising response: First of all, that young woman is headed toward Lula, Brazil's President and thus probably is Brazil's junior G8 participant. Given her hair texture, I'd bet that she's mixed race. Given his occasional pawing of Mrs. Obama when he forgets that cameras snap and film his every move and assuming he is like the average black man, I think it's safe to say that President Obama is a big fan of the boo-tay. Why is Sarko always around when it involves Barry and a young woman (remember that French chick back in April who tried to kiss President Obama on the lips?). Forget Silvio Berlusconi, Mrs. Obama, Sarko is the bad influence! Alright, President Obama is just being a man. Barry, you don't wanna make that a habit though. LOL
Update: Thanks to reader TJ, we now know that this ain't President Obama's only booty ogle at this summit. Again, Sarkozy is his partner in crime. LOL
Update #2: You know this photo is making an impact when FOX News Channel and ABC come forth with the video clip to demonstrate that this photo is misleading. In the video, President Obama appears only to be helping the young black female standing behind him down that last stair. However, French President Sarkozy is definitely ogling. LOL
Steele Needs To Step Up
Argues Kevin Jackson, a conservative Republican blogger, about Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele (pictured): "Let me speak for conservatives who are afraid to say the obvious: Michael Steele is a bitter disappointment as RNC chair. Like many others, I had high hopes for Steele, however Steele is little more than a cheap alloy, and not 'steel' at all. He is smart and articulate, and as the first black Vice-President Joe Biden would say, 'That Negro is clean!' Maybe there is still hope? Admittedly I voted for Steele as Chairman of the RNC because he is black. There. I said it for all you who were thinking it. I pulled that one right from the playbook of the liberal ignoramuses—the intelligentsia. However, unlike the racist who voted for Obama because he was 'sorta' black, I am not racist at all. My vote for Steele was really a 'black guilt' vote for racist Democrats whose policies did not allow for the rise of a black RNC chairman until now. Like most of the non-black Democrats who voted for Obama, this black conservative I am sad to say is underwhelmed by Steele thus far."
Mr. Jackson continues his commentary: "What disappoints me most is Steele has no appetite, no passion for giving the Left serious beatdowns. Steele is the black version of 'more of the same,' when he is suppose to be Shaft. The Left is attempting to destroy the best country in the world, and Steele is throwing rocks in a gun fight. The people elected Steele to take on racism—and other crazy Leftisms—in a full frontal attack....Steele was elected to set the record straight about the Republican Party—from the perspective of a learned black man. He was to show the world that, unlike what racist Democrats would like us to think about black folks, there are blacks who come packaged with intelligence, drive, passion, enthusiasm, work ethic, and other conservative values. We are not all stupid liberals. We don’t all have our pants hanging down below our butts, and walk around holding our 'packages'. We do not all want to drive Escalades, and have a record label. Nor do most of us want to collect our 'gubment' checks, unless we happen to work for the evil empire. Simply put, there are many blacks who know that if we are victims, then we are most likely victims of ourselves…not America!"
More: "Here’s the wrap: It’s time for Steele to step up or step out. This weak-kneed, ankle-grabbing approach is not going to energize the base, nor will it provide outreach into the black community. Black people need to know the truth about their captors–slave owners known as Democrats. They need to know how the Democrats are playing them, and have the game explained. If Steele starts fighting like a man, and not like a sissy, then he will unleash those hidden conservative voices in the black community. Dissemination of the facts to blacks will give closeted conservative blacks a softer place to land. A tougher stand will empower non-black conservatives, who are tired of being called racists and elitists."
Independent Voters Backing Away From Obama
Sandra Rose, a British-born conservative blogger, writes: "Red flags heralded the coming of Barack Obama even before his storied emergence onto the political scene. The mystery was why so many followers fell for Obama’s lies. And why his approval ratings stayed so high even in the face of his dismal failures. Now, 6 months after Obama took the oath of office, his supporters have finally stopped drinking the Kool Aid. A comparison of national and smaller public polls show a downward trend of independent voters who approve of Obama’s job ratings. This is important because Obama needs these crucial independent voters if he has any hopes of winning a second term in office. The polls are reacting to Obama’s heavy handed free wheeling spending that has more than doubled the national debt since he took office. So far, Obama’s $800 billion stimulus bill (the one he didn’t bother to read) has failed to stimulate anything other than the coffers of the Democrats who supported his bid for office."
She continues her commentary about the Obama administration: "Oh, and remember those jobs that Obama’s administration promised would materialize if Congress passed his porkulus bill? Well, now the Obama administration is de-emphasizing the jobs creation provision of the bill as a requirement when 'rating' proposed projects for possible funding — a sign that the administration is beginning to panic. And on Tuesday, the legendary investor Warren Buffet warned that unemployment — which stands at 9.5% (the highest level in 26 years) — could hit 11%! Such signs are fueling discussions of yet a 2nd stimulus bill — though no one in Obama’s administration is willing to admit that a second bill is in the works."
Bibi: "Yeah, I'm Making Those Canadian Loonies. Conservative Sistas Gotta Eat Too! Also, I Give My Views About The G8"
For those who are wondering, loonies are Canadian dollar coins. Douglas & McIntyre, an imprint of D&M Publishers, has acquired Canadian paperback rights to Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working And How There Is A Better Way For Africa. In the controversial book, Zambian-born conservative economist Dambisa Moyo argues that foreign aid undermines African economies and outlines market-based solutions for Africa to progress. (The book was first published in hardcover by Farrar, Strauss and Giroux in March 2009.) Dead Aid has become a best-seller in Canada.
The imprint has also acquired volume rights to Dr. Moyo’s forthcoming How The West Was Lost, due for hardcover publication in June 2010. Both deals were arranged by D&M chairman and CEO Scott McIntyre.
In related news, yesterday our girl Bibi was on BBC Radio 4 discussing the G8 summit agenda, which includes foreign aid (scroll down to the very bottom to listen). Dr. Moyo appeared on the radio with Dr. Paul Collier, economics professor at Oxford University.
ISAAC HAYES COMMENTARY: Is America Being Made Less Safe Unconstitutionally?
Asks the conservative Republican blogger, about U.S. President Obama's agreement to reduce America's nuclear arsenal: "By now most Americans are aware of a grave national security decision that will make America weaker to deter foreign nuclear threats. The most feared country in the world with the greatest deterrent to global chaos has just laid down its guns and for what? To appease the international community and hope that a belligerent North Korea and Iran will say, 'Ok, we no longer want nuclear weapons.' The naivety of such foreign policy is illogical and suicidal. As I stated on the radio yesterday, if the Chicago street-gang Gangster Disciples laid down their guns, the Vice-Lords would not lay down their guns also. The Vice-Lords will open fire on a stupid group of unarmed Gangster Disciples. North Korea and Iran are not going to stop pursuing nuclear weapons because we are stupid enough to get rid of ours. In fact, the nuclear weapons that Russia agreed to get rid of were already planned to be disposed of because they were either outdated or unaffordable. Therefore, we are giving up weapons we would normally keep, while they are eliminating weapons they were never going to keep. It appears the Administration has finally gotten a taste of what Americans have been receiving the last several months - the old bait-and-switch."
He continues his commentary: "Now to the constitutionality of this all we turn to Article II, Section II of the U.S. Constitution, which reads: '[The President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; The U.S. Senate must do its job and stop this national security disaster before Americans join the list of endangered species. For once the Senate must stand up for the Constitution, for national security, for American peace and posterity."
Booker Rising response: For what it's worth, President Obama has not actually signed a treaty, "only" a preliminary agreement. He will have to follow the U.S. Constitution regarding ratification, and I'm not sure he has the votes for it. President Obama has wanted to disarm America for at least 26 years. And no, I don't agree with his policy here.
Shelly O: "Oggi Sono In L'Aquila. Vedo Che Ho Critici Circa La Mia Borsa $6.000"
That means "Today I'm In L'Aquila. I See I've Critics About My $6,000 Purse" in Italian. U.S. First Lady Michelle O visited Palazzo del Governo in L'Aquila, Italy this morning with other G8 spouses. The medieval city in central Italy was hit by a powerful earthquake in April 2009, which killed more than 300 people and displaced thousands.
According to Mrs. O blog, Mrs. Obama is decked out in a yellow floral Liz Claiborne cardigan and a J. Crew chartreuse pleated skirt. She is also wearing a beaded brooch from Italian fashion house Moschino at her neck. Mrs. Obama looks cute today.
I must continue my mantra: Shelly O, where are the black designers?! With all of the good black designers out there in USA, Europe, and in Africa, why can't a brotha or sista get a fashion shout out from Mrs. Obama? I'm hoping she's just saving the best for last, and will be colorfully decked out in some African designer's ensemble when they touch down in the Motherland tomorrow.
Expensive Fashion: Is Mrs. Obama Out Of Touch In These Hard Economic Times?
Is Mrs. Obama sporting a taste for ultra-expensive fashion pieces, or is she cementing her status as a savvy shopper? There's some criticism, after Italian luxury house VBH boasted that a black clutch purse (pictured below) that she carried in Russia is their shiny black alligator manila bag – with a retail sticker price of US$5,950. The White House claims that Mrs. Obama was carrying VBH's US$875 patent leather clutch. Told that the White House office denied the bag was the high-end VBH clutch, Kelly Vitko, a rep for VBH replied, "It’s definitely ours [manila bag]."
This is not the first time that Mrs. Obama has been criticized for her expensive taste during this economic crisis. Back in April, Mrs. Obama caught some flak after wearing a pair of $540 Lanvin sneakers to volunteer at a Washington, D.C. food bank.
Afrocity, a moderate-conservative Republican blogger, sarcastically writes that it's "'$5,960 clutch' time for blacks during economic downturn": "The day that an African American First Lady who hails from a down to earth 'keeping it real' family on Chicago’s South Side can carry a $5,950 bag, is the day that I would say 'Hello Black People! You’ve arrived!' Remember how Sarah Palin was derided during the presidential campaign when the RNC bought her a nice wardrobe to borrow for her campaign speeches and debate? This was when the Democrats boasted about Michelle Obama and her J. Crew wardrobe. Funny, I didn’t know that J. Crew sold $5,950 purses. Funny, that the RNC actually has a surplus in their budget while the DNC is in debt."
Demetrius Minor, a conservative Republican college student in Augusta, Georgia, writes on Twitter: "Michelle Obama carries a $6000 purse. If a Republican woman was to have that, she'll be labeled as ''out of touch'".
RoSiTa08, a conservative Republican in New York, writes on Twitter: "M. Obama flashes $5,950 alligator clutch in Russian woods...not like us 'common folk' HYPOCRITES!!"
I'm going with the manufacturer on this one. They know their products. I'm sure somebody has done or will do a zoom on the photos of her with said purse to determine whether it's alligator or patent leather. Personally, I think Mrs. Obama can do what she wants with her family's private funds, although I believe that it's not the wisest move in these economic times (just as I didn't have an issue with the Republican National Committee per se using private funds to outfit the Palin family with a $150,000 wardrobe...although I thought it was excessive). But if there's criticism of being "out of touch" on one end, expect such criticism on the other end.
Alligator purse? Uh oh. I'm sure PETA is on the case.
ERIK RUSH OP-ED: The Myth Of Homosexual Oppression
The conservative Republican commentator opines: "As for Obama, his aforementioned shameless pandering [to gays] goes back to the 2008 campaign. When he was running for president, he wrote a gratuitously endearing open letter to the Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, community. He had an LGBT 'Leadership Team.' Now, he has an entire subdomain on his website dedicated to LGBT issues. It's disgusting, and a sad statement as regards the American electorate, that a candidate for president could grovel, bend and scrape in such a manner and even come close to being elected. It's also a manifest example of the perniciousness of this agenda that the gay population has suddenly become the 'LGBT' population. Ingenious how they've managed to insidiously insinuate all things freakish into their poor, oppressed special interest tent."
Mr. Rush continues: "What's even more disgusting is that during his June 29 panderfest, Obama equated the 'struggle' of gay Americans for 'equality' with American blacks' quest for civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s. Now, all the junk science in the world isn't going to alter the fact that homosexuality is a choice. There are sufficient experiential commonalities amongst gays that validate this assertion, and no evidence in the area of biological science to suggest otherwise. As such, I have always considered those who make the comparison between blacks and gays as the worst kind of scum. Don't expect me to change my tune just because our precious first black president is making the comparison now. More disgusting still is the fallacious premise for all of this, being that homosexuals are somehow oppressed in America. They are not. Equating the opposition of Americans toward gay 'marriage' (an oxymoron anyway) with oppression, and labeling all who do not unconditionally embrace the gay political agenda as homophobes is beyond disingenuous. Yes, there was a time when gay people had a legitimate reason to be fearful for their safety, their jobs, and their reputations – but that time has passed."
More: "At this juncture, neither I,, nor any other conscientious Americans, seek to disenfranchise gays; we are simply opposed to their lobby's far-left entrenchment and their attempts to redefine morality, marriage and their Orwellian desire for universal 'imposed legitimacy.' What's going on now is nothing more than boilerplate far left intimidation and mass-scale brainwashing. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the belief that homosexuality is icky. It has nothing to do with homosexuality being unbiblical. Activist gays and those who support them politically are the ones with whom traditionally-grounded people take exception. If a gay person supports the gay political agenda, they're no different than anyone else who supports furthering progressive ideology that has already proven itself to be detrimental to our nation and our society."
Booker Rising response: I agree that gays are not an oppressed group, but discrimination still exists. The Bible shouldn't even be entering this debate, because of freedom of - and freedom from - religion. If you don't like gay marriage, don't enter into such a marriage.If folks spent even 20% as much time reducing the divorce rate in America, we'd have stronger families.
VIDEO: Housing With Thomas Sowell
National Review continues to highlight the five-part video series that the Hoover Institution has done with the American conservative economist and author of The Housing Boom And Bust. In Part IV, Dr. Sowell details the pitfalls of New Deal thinking.
LARRY ELDER COMMENTARY: Obamanomics Supporters - Cracks In The Dike
The libertarian-conservative Republican commentator argues that America has another threat to its security: Obamanomics: "While the media stopped to cover Michael Jackson's death, several tremors rocked the foundation of something that actually affects us all -- Obamanomics. First, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who supported the President over his Republican rival, criticized Obama's spending, saying 'we can't pay for it all.' Powell said: 'I'm concerned at the number of programs that are being presented, the bills associated with these programs and the additional government that will be needed to execute them....One of the cautions that has to be given to the President -- and I've talked to some of his people about this -- is that you can't have so many things on the table that you can't absorb it all.' Second, a few days ago, respected British economist Tim Congdon dusted off a 2003 paper -- written pre-Obama spending -- by the Federal Reserve's senior economist. It warned of the nation's growing debt and deficit, calculating their impact on long-term interest rates. The Fed's conclusion? 'A percentage point increase in the projected deficit-to-GDP ratio raises the 10-year bond rate expected to prevail five years into the future by 20 to 40 basis points....Similarly, a percentage point increase in the projected debt-to-GDP ratio raises future interest rates by about 4 to 5 basis points.' In plain English, this means, as Congdon puts it, a 'debt explosion.' Applying the 2003 paper's calculations and assumptions to our debt and deficit numbers under Obama, Congdon sees the 'horrifying' consequences of bank bailouts and increased public spending."
More: "Third, billionaire/Obama supporter Warren Buffett warned of impending inflation caused by increased government spending. 'A country that continuously expands its debt as a percentage of GDP,' he said, 'and raises much of the money abroad to finance that, at some point, it's going to inflate its way out of the burden of that debt....Every country that's denominated its debt in its own currency and has found itself with uncomfortable amounts of debt relative to the rest of the world, in the end they inflate. And that becomes a tax on everybody that has fixed dollar investments.' Fourth, the Obama-supporting/George W. Bush-hating/billionaire benefactor of hyper-liberal MoveOn.org, George Soros, predicted that the administration's spending and borrowing will trigger inflation and higher interests rates. 'As markets revive," he said, "fear of inflation will drive up interest rates, which will choke off recovery.' (Emphasis added.) Our country rushes ever closer to a Canadian/European economic model, where government spends a greater and greater percentage of the nation's income -- whether on education, 'bailing out' private companies, 'assisting' states that have imprudently run their affairs, supplying 'free' health care and health insurance, or the creation of 'green jobs' to battle 'global warming.' President Obama and the Democratic Party's congressional supermajority represent nothing less than a grave and gathering threat to that which made America great -- free enterprise, competition, allowing people to keep as much of their own money as possible, and the assumption that people know better how and on what to spend their money than does government. The Republicans -- who, remember, supported the first bailout, under Bush -- are only slightly better."
