HIV/AIDS Statistics

I know longer know how to jump rope or double dutch so don't ask me to play with your kids. Now that I have your attention please read this very interesting article on HIV and a man named John.
John. (not his actual name) is in a family of three brothers and two sisters. Of them, two of the five are living with HIV/AIDS.

John for the sake of his family members, wants to keep his illness quiet, so his name has been changed.

"When my sister was diagnosed it was before the disease had a name. She was diagnosed in 1979," he said.

Her only symptom, he said, was her boyfriend's unexpected death.

By the time the words GRID, (gay related immune deficiency) or, Slim (how researchers said the affected population in Africa referred to the disease), AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and more recently HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) were known, Kevin was had already been diagnosed.

In 1996 at the age of 46, he told his partner about the diagnosis. His partner was in shock when John told him so he got retested. Although they are still friends and his partner didn't become angry, he still moved out-of-state. He said he and his partner were having unprotected sex.

"I didn't think I was positive or my partner. The tests didn't always show in those days. The tests were not as sensitive and weren't always picking it up," he said.

John said he wasn't bitter when he found out, he took it in stride. He looks at his disease the same way a person who has heart disease would, he said.

"These things are going to happen. It is to be treated as any other public health concern. Are you not going to have a breast exam because of the public stigma? --No," he said.

The 52-year-old gay, white male is a stroke victim and wants retain some anonymity as he, in his own way, educates others about the disease--which is easier now since he has become disabled after having a total of four strokes.

"My only recover is to be involved. The main thing I'm trying to do is get people to care.

But even with being involved he says there is a stigma attached to having the disease, which is why he stays within the realm of those who walk his same path.

"You have to understand, Palm Beach County is very unique were the only county in the state that has the health care district covers health care not just hospital care. A lack of insurance keeps them from seeking services," he said.

Wednesday June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. The Palm Beach County Health Department in conjunction with it's community health partners organized a number of sites starting June 24 to June 27 to test for the virus that causes AIDS.

John said this would be the first year since his positive diagnosis that he won't be participating because of health concerns.

"We have seen 450 new HIV infections in each of the last two years. With the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS people need to know their status to be able to take advantage of these advancements and control their health. It's better to know," PBC Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki said.

Health officials said Palm Beach County is unique in that their numbers of HIV/AIDS are always high.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, over 230,000 Haitians live in Florida, making the state home to the largest Haitian population in the U.S., followed by New York. At one point, the Haitian community had been blamed for the high numbers but that has changed.

"It's not limited to the Haitian community. Statistically, there is no way of telling if the Haitian female or Jamaican or any other African-Caribbean race is being affected because statistics aren't broken down that way," Tim O’Connor, spokesman for the PBC Health Department said. The statistics show information broken down to White, Black, Hispanic and other, most times.

He said the most troubling fact is that there are 38 new HIV diagnoses each month.

A study conducted in 2002 by the PBC Health Department shows there are hot spots where teen pregnancy rates and risky sexual behavior are highest.

Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Pahokee, Belle Glade, West Palm Beach/Haverhill, Riviera Beach, Delray Beach, Canal Point, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach/Greenacres, are areas where women ages 15 to 19 are having babies and engaging in risky behavior.

Additionally, health department officials say women in their childbearing years are the fastest growing group of HIV positive patients. Studies also show in 2002, Black children accounted for 90 percent of the total pediatric AIDS cases in Palm Beach County and the state led the U.S. with the highest number of pediatric AIDS cases.

Estimates show that as many as 25,000 of the 100,000 HIV infected persons in the state don't know their HIV status, information from the Palm Beach County Health Department said.

Comprehensive AIDS Program South County Regional Manager Kai Johnson and Rose Joseph are two of three regional managers that will help coordinate the county testing this month. Johnson said beware of statistics because they don’t tell the whole story.

"At one time there was a large incidence of HIV/AIDS that began with the Haitian community but that hasn't really been true for a number of years now," Johnson said.

CAP statistics show in December 2002, an estimated 5957 blacks (includes African Americans, Haitians, Jamaicans and all Caribbean Islanders) were living with HIV or AIDS in Palm Beach County, representing 67 percent of all those living with HIV/AIDS in the county at that time.

Within the state, 1 in 46 Blacks are affected by HIV/AIDS and one out of 131 people living in Palm Beach County is living with HIV/AIDS.

"Intoxicated Infant"

I'm watching Family Guy again. I can't help it--it's funny. Stewie took a liking to the 'shine.
Anyway, my newest endevor is Blogtalkradio.com where I get to host my own show. the only think is that I have to host said show after my children go to bed.
Feel free to call in to check me out!
Blogtalkradio.com/lala60610

LaLa's on the Radio!

I'm bitter, I'm frustrated and Fed Up!

I watched the Republican debates on Fox Thursday night or as I like to call it, the
"I love Regan" contest.
Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani and Ron Paul reminded me of a box full of the cutest puppies all vying for mamma's attention.
McCain: I love Regan!
Thompson: No, I love Reagan
Huckabee: I've always loved Regan!
Chorus: We love Reagan! We love Regan!
Now, I've never heard a Democrat ever chant the name of a Democratic president like that.
Are they supposed to?
Kanye sang it on his new CD Graduation. He called a spade a spade when he did it--
"talking on TV like it's just you and me"
Characterized as getting back to the party line, the debate evolved into all of the Republican candidates trying to prove how far right they were willing to go. And folks, its pretty damn far.
I don't think a poor dummy like me was supposed to hear all of that.
I'm not a Republican. So maybe this is what it is like to be one--I don't know. Matter-of-fact, if this country's electoral college picks one more Republican president, I'll never get to see what it feels like to be one.
Come on delegates--let's get a Democrat in the office please and make it for more than one term.
Let's count the number of years we have had a Republican in office.
-Cut taxes but then spending too--no matter who it hurts.
-Fund the war until the American people protest in the streets and stage sit-ins to make us stop.
-Love president Regan but don't fund stem cell research to help Alzheimer patients.
-Kill the terrorists and make them pay for 911 (can't argue with them there)
According to the Voice of America Web site, Sen. McCain--who leads Republican polls-- summed up the Red Right's stance the best.

"In Thursday's debate in South Carolina, McCain emphasized his commitment to conservative ideals, similar to those held by former President Ronald Reagan.
"We have to return to those principles of less government, lower taxes, strong family values, strong national defense, and those [values] that made us the Reagan revolution that brought about a new dawn of a new day in America," VOA writes of McCain.

It's nice that they all love the 80s. I remember the era of Regan and he apparently was not intact during his last few years in office and the Iran Contra hearings and the inundation of coc-i-ena into this country and the Republicans not wanting to fund stem cell research--something that can help Alzheimer patients--a disease that affected our beloved former president.
Go figure.
Well, as long as the Welfare State that Ron Paul speaks of doesn't get worse, all will be well with the world.
I now know what Ron Paul is for: Reviving the role of Ross Perot.
He spoke out on the issues most everyday Republicans and conservative Democrats think about. He's just a sounding board but he's a good one.
Sometimes it just needs to be said out loud.
They all wanted to prove how in lock-step they are with the current president on the war just to flip flop later in what they'll know to be a mixed crowd instead an audience of their clones.
President Bush previously posed only one question to all of the Republican candidates: Do you have a set of values that you are willing to stick to?
This is coming from a two-term president whose father was a one-term president. Take his question seriously.
I didn't hear a clear answer. I heard them mention "Regan" and then voting for the war in Iraq.
Fox news jumped on it too.
They kidded Barack Obama on his newest support from Mr. Money money bags, John Kerry--who I think wanted to spite the other Dem opponents--but so what about that.
I think, like the rest of us, he really likes Sen. Barack Obama.
He had words with Hillary once. I can't remember what MSNBC said about why he didn't choose his former running mate.
To really get involved with the Republican Party you'd have to be doing fairly well in your personal life but I want them to care more about the corporate tax that is killing the smaller businesses. Heck, they won't even fix the SBA so that individuals can start businesses to support themselves.
They only care about businesses who have growth potential to support many. Many often starts out as a few. My business may grow that large but I will never get the chance to find out thanks to the SBA. There is a difference in being prejudiced against the poor, women and blacks and being a Republican but it's just that I cannot tell the difference anymore.
Only Romney said that he remembers what it is like to work a job.

Oh, Mr. Huckabee, stop getting people's hopes up about ending the IRS. It just won't happen because it will take change and change in government is something for idealists. You don't appear to be an idealist.
Yeah, I'm bitter--very bitter and I'm not alone.
One more thing about job growth--they are mostly service industry jobs that require specific training. I'm not working at any more gas stations. I'm a college graduate with a degree in Journalism. I need help starting a newspaper in my community or at least using my existing, transferable skills in a comparable industry.
Have a good weekend.

The Copycat Crew and the Big Red Elephant

I don't know why I am compelled to write anything about the the 2008 Campaign--I'm unemployed. I'd rather be at work getting paid to write but all I have is this blog. So I write.
So what's up with these theme songs at the end of all of the campaign speeches? I think they're nice because it gives the American people a glimpse into the personality of each candidate.

"Go Johnny Go"--John McCain
"Signed Sealed Delivered"-Barack Obama
"This is God's Country"-Romney or Edwards?

Anyway, I watched the speeches after the NH primary Tuesday and here is my take.
"Yes, We Can"
"I am still fired up and ready to go!" said Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) as he congratulated Sen. Hilary Clinton (D-NY) on her winning the New Hampshire primary Tuesday.
I could see flashes of disappointment in his face as he spoke. I can tell he doesn't like losing or coming in second.
His speech differed Tuesday after placing second in the primaries in that he started to add details on how he would get both sides together to make a better America.
"They can get a seat at the table but don't get to buy every chair."
He said that a few weeks ago, no one could have imagined what happened in Iowa and then again in New Hampshire. They figured he was dreaming when he told them he wanted to be the next American president.
Keeping with previous themes of speeches, he told a more subdued crowd
"they know deep in their hearts, that it must be different this time."
Credit goes to Obama for energizing the race for the nomination and usage of the word change. I credit him for his heart-to-heart talks that his speeches had become.
"We are ready to take this country in a fundamentally new direction.
Obama means what he says--you can see it in his face. He believes what he is saying to his audience.
Watching Obama run for president is like watching the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King run for president--if then were now. It's just that I feel almost as if Dr. King would be doing some of the same things as Obama.
The Senator took the second place win on the chin, for the team. He referred to all of them who are running for president as patriots and worthy of respect.
"...Roll up our sleeves and keep going..."
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY)is now taking center stage. The look on her face is 'whew, I'm finally up where I belong.'
"I listened to you and in the process, I've found my own voice," she told the audience.
"I felt like we all spoke from our hearts...let's give America he kind of comeback New Hampshire has just given me."
"Too many have been invisible for too long--well you are not invisible to me,: she said.
She talked about standing up for the little guy.
A lawyer, standing up for the little guy? Sounds like a movie.
I've been getting walked on for so long--I'm a cynic in that area but I'd love it if someone stood up for me.
"We are in it for the American People. We will all be called on to deliver on the promise of America."
"Mac is Back"
McCain seemed just as shocked as everyone else as his newly charged raucous fans/supporters left Obama and joined him. The way they were chanting his new mantra "Mac is Back" was almost frightening.
This group of what seems like mostly male supporters are American through and through. They are fighters and are well-worth courting. I hope Obama can win them back.
There was a Caller on C-Span who spoke after the televised portions of the speeches were over who said he cannot imagine any of the candidates trying to figure out how to cover $3,000 in household expenses with a $2,500 budget. He said he wants to vote for the candidate that can show him how to do that or at the least, has had to do it him or herself.
I feel ya on that one, Caller.

Obama 's Rochester NH rally at the Opera House

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)is the Michael Jordan of politics--if not told by the rabid cheers of his supporters then the
fire of his campaign and rally speeches--even when he is late.
He got heckled by a group of right-to-lifers who were in the

crowd and he handled it beautifully.
"I have no problem with you guys," he said, promising to speak with them after the rally if they wanted.
"They organized to do that and that is a part of the

American tradition," he said of them.
This is why he will be elected the next president of the USA.
"Organizing is hard to do, especially in the midst of people who

don' agree with you," he told the crowd reminding them that he started out his political learning about grassroots campaigning.


He gave his remarks before a packed crowd at the Rochester Opera House in New Hampshire.
"You will experience an epiphany. You will say, 'I have to vote for

Barack," he told the crowd.

He said people still say the Iowa win was a fluke but

it wasn't.
He lead at one point 49 percent but the gap was closed to 39

percent from Sen. Hillary Clinton's (D-NY) surge to 29 percent and
democratic nominee for vice president in 2004 and one-term North Carolina Senator John Edwards', 19 percent.
The New Hampshire Primary will be held Tuesday January, 8.
Obama said that people told him they are excited about the end of this current Republican rule.
"In one more day, we have the ability to say to those in Washington, your days are over. They will not run my White House," he said.
Anyone honest can tell you that attractiveness is a factor in

leaders. Obama is an attractive man with strong features. It

doesn't hurt that he is a Harvard grad. It doesn't hurt that he is

charismatic and projects good leadership skills.
However, according to his self assessment, if he were a doctor

he would be the type to tell you this is gonna hurt right before the nurse stuck you in the arm with the penicillin shot.
He is not promising miracles but truth and change. These items

hurt if given in high dosages or very quickly. Be prepared.
Who knows where the big bolder of change and truth will land

once it is pushed down the hill. It has a momentum of its own.
American people will have to change and cooperate.
Read between the lines in Obama's speech and ask yourself if you

are ready for change and truth. If not, then get ready. Let it

happen now while we have someone who knows how the change and

truth routine goes.
Example: Changing your body through diet means skipping fast

food joints from time to time. It hurts--especially when you

really wanted that Philly cheese steak or that slice of thick

pizza or that Vienna Beef hot dog. You may get a little grouchy.
If you want to change your lifestyle and that means no more

smoking and drinking, gossip or hanging out with people who are

detrimental for you--withdrawal of some sort will occur. It

pains you a little but if you are strong, you will win and be

better.
That is what Change and Truth are about.
Obama promises to college students $4,000 tuition credit in

return for community service or aiding foreign countries. It is

a double effect: it spreads the good news that all Americans

aren't ugly and that we have values and that we believe in a

better world.
The word American both hurts and soothes.
To do the same thing over and over but yet expect different

results is called insanity.
Obama is not about insanity but the clear opposite.
When corporate profits are cut, there has to be some

kind of mandate that people won't loose jobs or wages but that

owner or CEO will not be able to get a new yacht or move to a

bigger mansion. It is the corporate greed that hurts America.

Profits yes, shareholder's gain--yes--but greed no. There has to

be limits.
Maybe if that super rich CEO can go without that new

and bigger mansion or yacht, maybe they will understand what the

workers go through when they have to choose between extra good

tasting food like steak every once and a while or a vacation

for the family as opposed to paying that deductible to include

their teenager so that they too can drive the car or a house

that can actually accommodate aged parents and their family.
That is what the working poor think about.
They usually give up stuff like a new car when they should get

one or a bigger house out of the starter they bought years ago--

or, helping children go to college.
Hell, we can't even speak up in this country with out being

persecuted or blacklisted for opinions and thoughts that are

real. At the least, you'll be considered un-American.
Barack is a grown-up and he is reflective of the age group of people who

have the knowledge and strength to make the change and vote for

him.
I am 41 and a part of the forgotten generation

between Baby Boomers and the Generation X

the popular culture recognizes. Obama is 46, I believe--not too much older.
Generation X really starts at 1964 and beyond. I was born in 1966.

I grew up totally sixties and seventies before I got to the 80s

graduating high school in 1984. You know what was going on

then. Everyone was preppy and or Valley Girl-ish. I am still

sort of like that because preppy never goes out of style, it

just gets pushed to the back of the closet.
However, me and you bridge the gap--in that I remember what

older relatives did in the 1970s. The thin brows and afro hairstyles and

elephant leg pants and bell bottoms and platform shoes and the

"Spirit of '76" Bi-Centennial themed clothing.
The "hey baby everything's cool attitude" and "don't let the

Man get you down" and the relaxed attitudes on casual sex and

drug usage. It was at an all time high back then and we were

exposed to it whether we wanted to be or not. We were too young to say no. Gratefully, it all turned around.
The 1960s were not just about the Civil Rights Movement. There

were other things going on that were non-political.
Everything was groovy and protests were common. If it hurt,

speak-up and let the Man know--or drop some acid or other drug.
No, I'm not like the sixties children of the past an I don't take illegal

drugs. Cigarettes, coffee and whiskey are good enough. Or Vodka

and beer. You get my drift.

Godly people need money too

Every now and again, we will all need a little help. There is no shame in that however, not everything is for everybody.
When seeking payday loans both the lender and lendee should make an appropriate match. The lender should not have unreasonable interest rates as God's people have a tendency to repay their debts and should not be penalized with high interest rates.
Also, Christians are not often given to excess and won't borrow money for frivolous matters. Money lending is a serious issue and fairness in lending is important.

Obama's New Hampshire countdown begins

People who are anti-establishment and who are not insiders or

who are not a part of the status quo, are looking toward U.S.

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) and his campaign to lead them and the

rest of the country.
These are the Believers Obama speaks of in his campaign--except

they aren't really a part of his campaign--yet. They are the

so-called fence riders, independents, disillusioned Republicans

or youth.
They seem to have been waiting for a man like Obama to show up

and lead them into a new century and a civilized, more refined

America.

The free Obama rally held Saturday morning at
Nashua High School, in northern New Hampshire, was filled to

capacity and in overflow sections. Many people wanted to see for them

selves the crowd and hear the message of hope Obama has been

delivering across the country.
Parents who have older children who are Obama supporters, are

now becoming Obama supporters themselves.
One C-Span caller said Obama is energizing the youth. She

admitted that she graduated high school in 1968 and is ready

for the excitement of her youth that presidential candidates

exuded.
Many who spoke to C-Span reporters Saturday at the rally,

expressed that they either never attended a political rally or

felt they had no real choice among candidates or wanted to get

a taste of Obama just in case their Republican candidate didn't

make the cut.
Words like truthful, logical, trustworthy, wisdom and

inspiring have been used by callers in New Hampshire to

describe Obama as a person and as a presidential candidate.
These people believe he is a candidate of change.
Explaining to the crowd that he moved to Chicago after college

to work for a group of churches in a South Side grassroots

movement, he admitted he was used to long hours and low pay.

That job paid him $12,000 a year and carfare.
He worked with the program for three years setting up job

training and other social service programs.

All eyes are now on Obama if all eyes weren't on him already.
The momentum of winning the Iowa Democratic Caucuses seem to

swing right into play in New Hampshire on Friday night before a

frenzied crowd at the 100 Club Dinner and Saturday morning at

the high school.

He encouraged them to vote and to vote for him. He promised to

be persuasive.
He asked of the undecided in the crowd to show their hands. He

pointed out to his campaign workers there were a lot of them.
"I'm putting you on warning. We are coming after you today,"
the charmer said with a smile.

He spoke of the Iowa win to the crowd. He spoke before a sea of

people at the high school about having three days to prove

himself to them and to change America.
Many of the signs expressed love and he expressed that love

right back.
His whole campaign seemed to be based on love--for America.
"We have a chance to come together as Democrat, Republican and

Independent... and say we are one people. The time has come to

move beyond the anger. It's time to move beyond tearing

opponents down and instead bring the country together.
He said he is about healing fractures in the country
but is he only an anomaly? A spectacle?
Has he obtained superstar status and in the minds of voters

and thus stands on a pedestal?
No, because after his speech Friday and again Saturday at the

high school, he descended the platform, came from behind the

podium and walked amongst his people.
Those with signs of support, the undecided, those with camera

phones poised to snap photo pressed against him as he and shook

hands and greeted the people. He answered questions, had copies

of his book waved at him for an autograph. Boom mikes and

television cameras were thrust into his face. He looked to be

at home there in that environment among the regular people like

him who have not quite given up hope--those who still believe.
It puts one in mind of Biblical stories where Jesus is

described as pressing through the crowds--the throngs of people

who would show up to here his voice. Obama is a draw, a magnet

and many people are sticking to him.
I heard a man holler out, voice resonating with hope, "Barack

we're all betting on you man. We're all betting on you," as the

end of the event played out on C-span.

During his speech he basically said vote for honesty,
believe in action instead of talk, believe in the American

Dream again where everyone in the country really gets a chance

at success and the common man doesn't suffer from basic needs

going unmet--like in undeveloped countries.
"I know what it's like to see a loved one suffer," he said.
Obama told the story of his mom, who while sick with cancer and

dying in a hospital bed, was still reading insurance papers to

see if her treatment would be covered. He said she had just

gotten a new job and wanted to know if she was covered. He said

she spent the last few years of her life reading insurance

papers. She died at the age of 53 never, getting to see her

grandchildren.
He capitalized on his boldness in front of automakers in

Detroit.
"That's what people are looking for -- an honest assessment of

choices we have to make. America is back and we are ready to

lead once again. I will not hesitate to strike against those

who mean us harm but I will bring troops home," he said.

He said he is not running because of a long held ambition or

because he thinks its his turn but because of--quoting the Rev.

Dr. Martin Luther King--the fierce urgency of now.

"This isn't about me. It's about you and saying we can do

better than we've been doing," he said.
But how to go about change? Turn the hear up on the

Republicans?
No, he said it's best to engage with opponents and figure out a

comparable solution--the lawyer in him talking--about negotiating

a good deal.
On both sides, there have been casualties, so bringing all who

feel disenfranchised together is a good strategy.
"We don't need more heat--we need more light."
Obama's grandfather fought in General Patton's Army, he said,

during his speeches and his grandmother stayed home with the

baby and later worked on an assembly line making bombs.
He talked about being raised by a single mother and those World

War II era grandparents--making him a bridge of generations.
He talked about not having much by way of luxuries but having

an education and hope--something that his nay sayers say have

made him idealistic and in the words of some of his opponents

-- unelectable.
"I should not be standing here ..and there is no other country

on earth where I could be standing here, so yes, I believe in

hope," he said.
However, the going is going to get tough and Obama is nowhere

near the end.
"I know it's going to be tough...but there has never been

meaningful change in this country unless somebody somewhere

stood up (for what is right). That's how the colonists threw

off the evil empire...slaves became free."

A great day for the Senator from Illinois

"Hope is what led me here today--with a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas--and a story that could only happen in the United States of America. Hope is the bedrock of a nation...we are ready to believe again."--U.S. Senator Barack Obama

I watched the speech on CNN.

During his speech and after making history by winning the Iowa Caucuses,

Jr. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), said, "they said this day would never come."

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"They said our sights were set too high--that this country was

too divided, disillusioned to come together on a common

purpose...but this night you have done what the cynics said we

couldn't do."

IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN POLITICS, NO BLACK MAN HAS EVER WON THE IOWA CAUCUSES.

"In lines that stretched around schools and churches we came

together to say we are one nation one people and our time for

change has come," Obama said during his speech.

He said he feels his campaign win will end bitterness and

divisions in Washington.

"We are choosing hope over fear and choosing unity over

division and sending a powerful message that change is coming

to America."

The crowd chanted, "USA, USA!" in the background.

As pointed out by CNN commentator and Chicago radio talk show host, Roland Martin,

(WVON 1690 AM)there was truly a rainbow coalition standing behind Obama.

He reached out to New Hampshire and asked for the same as in Iowa.

The crowd cheered, "Obama! Obama! Obama!" during parts of his speech.

He is the great unifier, seems like.

His message is apparently working.

This is news people. Wake up.

The Senator from Illinois has been recognized--finally.

My son scampered down the stairs a minute ago and looked to see

what I was watching. It was CNN coverage of the Iowa Caucuses.

He didn't say much but he heard. He's only nine but I too have

that child-like excitement of the unthinkable.

In all of every living person's life there has never been a

black American president nor has an African American won the

Iowa Caucus.

People across this country are hurting. Illegal aliens are

moving back to Mexico. The dollar is weak.

Barack Obama will be the next American president.

Our nation's first Black President of the United States.

His campaign is based on Change and we are looking for him to

bring it.

I have faith in my country right now.

I feel so much pride right now for my country. I feel good

saying my country--finally. I no longer feel pushed aside.

Obama won Iowa (38 percent) over Hillary Clinton (29 percent)

and John Edwards (30 percent)

Mike Huckabee won the Republican caucus and the pundits say he

will make a formidable candidate.

Can this country handle have an African American for president?

I think so because politics is politics and people are people

and there are certain things that must be done by whomever wins

the presidency. The job will always be the same. It's a hard

job being president as well as first lady but this win in Iowa

will bring out the truth in everyone you know. Watch and listen

and learn from these things that are happening now. It will be

then that you know where you stand among your crowd, co-workers

friends and family.

I went to the Democratic National Committee site and saw an

article on how Mike Huckabee wouldn't be a good choice for

president.

I didn't see a word about Obama's win.

He took the 17-29 vote, said the best political team on

television, (CNN).

Well, maybe that is the way it goes, so I went to the GOP site

(Grand Old Party=Republican National Committee) and saw a map

asking me to find out how bad my state was at voter fraud. I

passed on the offer.

A blog post said today was "Test day for Clinton."

I hope some black newspapers out there are watching the news

and writing--like I am.

(Hint: If you will not be publishing tomorrow (Friday) then use

a second or third day lede because the story will be OLD by the

time it hits the streets in your town)

Take the hint please.

Now, when O.J. Simpson does anything everyone writes about it.

How could there be not a word on the blogs about Obama?

A quick search of "Obama" on Yahoo! returned mild manner

headlines like "Obama, Huckabee win Iowa" etc.

USA returned a headline of "Edwards, Clinton vie for second

place." At least Obama's name was mentioned in the lede.

They also had a pull out box "Close-Up Barack Obama,"

as they did for all of the front runners in the campaign.

Yawn.