Where Is The Outrage

It has been announced this week that the Insurance company AIG (American International Group) is requesting permission to pay over 235 million dollars in retention bonuses to some of their employees. This amount is far in excess of the 165 million dollars AIG wanted to pay as bonuses in March of this year. Those bonuses caused enough of an outrage that the CEO of AIG, at that time, resigned under the controversy. The following is an article that appeared recently in USA Today, addressing this very subject; http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2009-07-12-aig-bonuses-pay-czar_N.htm
Pay czar Feinberg looks at over $200 million in AIG bonuses
By Pallavi Gogoi and Kathy Chu, USA TODAY
NEW YORK — In what could be his first test in office, pay czar Kenneth Feinberg will decide whether to give beleaguered global insurer American International Group approval to pay out $2.4 million this week, and another pending $235 million in retention bonuses in coming months, to its employees.
When AIG paid $165 million in retention bonuses in March, there was widespread public outrage because the government had bailed it out with more than $180 billion in taxpayers' money. CEO Edward Liddy appealed to employees to return at least half of those bonuses as he was given a dressing down by lawmakers at a congressional hearing. Liddy has since decided to step down.
This time, AIG is seeking administration approval before giving bonuses.
"After being under siege last time, AIG wants the government to give some sort of political protection before paying out its contractual deferred compensation," says Andrew Samwick, a professor at Dartmouth College.
AIG spokeswoman Christina Pretto wouldn't comment except to say: "We all have the same objective, which is to restore AIG, repay taxpayers and reduce risk."
The latest Treasury compensation rules for companies that have received government funds "prohibits" any bonuses or retention awards to "highly compensated employees" and "senior executive officers." However, it is Feinberg's job to review any bonus structures that were awarded before Feb. 17 and also "where appropriate, negotiate appropriate reimbursements to the federal government."
Feinberg didn't return calls seeking comment. But Treasury spokesman Andrew Williams said in a statement: "Companies will need to convince Mr. Feinberg that they have struck the right balance to discourage excessive risk-taking and reward performance for their top executives. … Mr. Feinberg has broad authority to make sure that compensation at those firms strikes an appropriate balance."
The Obama administration had to take some heat for allowing the bonus payments in March, especially since President Obama had chided Wall Street for excessive pay. Since then, the administration named Feinberg to oversee and review payments and compensation plans for the executives and the 100 most highly compensated employees at companies that received government aid.
This week's proposed payout is already drawing criticism. The Service Employees International Union demanded that AIG halt the bonus payments. "The greedy CEOs who tanked our economy don't need another million-dollar bonus," said Andy Stern, SEIU president.
For now, the call is Feinberg's, and compensation experts are watching closely. "Feinberg might have to absorb some of the flak this time," says Charles Elson, director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware.

My question is where is the outrage over this latest development? Why do our legislators appear to be looking the other way over this latest event?
The following are excerpts taken from another USA Today article recently published;
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2009-07-10-aig-asks-obama-for-bonus-approval_N.htm
While the company isn't required to get the government's blessing because the payments are actually for 2008 employment contracts, the Washington Post said executives are reluctant to move forward with installments coming due next week without official approval.
In September, the government provided AIG with an $85 billion rescue package amid the mushrooming credit crisis. In return, they took about an 80% stake in the New York-based insurance giant. Since then, the government has provided additional rounds of support. AIG's available loan package now totals $182.5 billion, though AIG has not tapped all of the funds.

As far as I am concerned, if they have not repaid the obscene amount of money they borrowed from my tax dollars then, they are completely obligated to not only ask to pay bonuses but, to explain in great detail how employees, who ran the company into the ground, even deserve bonuses.

Now, maybe since Kenneth Feinberg was hired to deal with such requests is the reason the situation appears to be running under the radar. With addressing Healthcare and a new Energy Bill, the Obama administration has enough on their plate right now. My hope is that this corporation is being held on a very tight leash and will not be allowed to flagrantly spend money, it really does not own, in the face of economic discord.

I will never deny anyone compensation to support their family especially, if it is well deserved. But to me, until all the TARP money is repaid, there is not a single person in AIG who deserves anything more than their base salary. Especially those who helped bury the company to begin with. To me, that is where the outrage is.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://www.insurancedaily.co.uk/2009/07/17/alico-to-split-from-aig/
http://www.aig.com/Home-Page_20_17084.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_International_Group
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2009-07-10-aig-asks-obama-for-bonus-approval_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2009-07-12-aig-bonuses-pay-czar_N.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Feinberg

Coming To A Mall Near You

Recently the FBI has been conducting an investigation involving American bred Jihadists in the Chicago area. Mohamoud Hassan, Shirwa Ahmed and Zakaria Maruf are three individuals who came to the United States when they were children. They were brought here to live better lives than what could be offered to them in their native Somalia. However, what they did with their opportunity is very chilling. The article is too long to show here but, I suggest clicking on the following link and read an article about these individuals. This article appeared in the New York Times by Andrea Elliot; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/us/12somalis.html?_r=2

We have been very fortunate that terrorist attacks are not as common here as in other countries. But, the implication of what these individuals did and why, is enough to make you ask if we are doing enough to ensure the safety and security of our nation. The Muslim community in their neighborhood condemns what these individuals have done and promotes peace from the Koran. Now, do not get me wrong. Even home grown terrorists today use the Bible to justify their actions when Christian believers will tell you about brotherhood and peace. But, as in all religions, we have to take a close look at how any religious belief, is being taught and how it is being used as a tool of recruitment by undesirables, who have a destructive agenda.

Now, I am not promoting the Patriot Act. But, I do believe that law enforcement needs to keep a close eye and ear on various groups in our country, regardless of religion or non religious intent. People have to understand that freedom of speech does not mean using that freedom to promote actions that cause chaos and disruption. People have to also understand that there is a danger when you interpret something and manipulate that interpretation. Many people need and use religion to keep them grounded and of a straight mind. There are some people who are very impressionable and can be manipulated in a deceitful way. The person who causes this deceit must be held accountable.

So, I believe, we all carry a responsibility, if not for anything less than our own personal safety and security. To take action, even if it is to report what we see or hear, to authorities who can take a closer look at the situation. I do not believe this big brother or a Police State attitude. But, a prudent way to ensure that terrorism in this country is kept in check and prevent what has been happening in market places around the world from Coming to a Mall near you.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/a/al_qaeda/index.html?inline=nyt-org
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/s/al-shabab/index.html?inline=nyt-org
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/?cid=hp:cheatsheet6#cheatrow_7448
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/us/12somalis.html?_r=2

Sorry Can Be A Hollow Word

Federal Judge Denny Chin is not a household name. But, to Ponzi scam artist Bernie Madoff, Judge Chin is etched in his memory for the remainder of his natural life. Judge Chin presided over the Governments trial of Mr. Madoff and upon conviction, sentenced the new federal prisoner to one hundred and fifty years of incarceration. Upon his conviction, Bernie Madoff apologized to the victims of his elaborate Ponzi scheme, who were in the courtroom, the day of his sentencing. But, to many who have lost their life savings, sorry had a very hollow meaning.

Though, it is said, the losses may not be as great as reported. But, there are some people who have life stories altered because of Mr. Madoff’s actions. The following is an article that appeared in the Miami Herald and online. Written by Brittany Levine, this is the plight of three of Bernie Madoff’s clients;
http://www.miamiherald.com/467/story/1128728.html
Three South Florida victims of Bernard L. Madoff tell their stories
Three South Floridians revealed how they were victimized by Bernard Madoff. One is 'ashamed' because he got his friends and family involved.
The human toll in the Bernard L. Madoff scandal stretches from England to California, but few places have been hit harder than South Florida.
Three local residents, who are victims, offered their own variations on a theme of fraud and deceit in the days after Madoff was sentenced to 150 years for the long-running Ponzi scheme:
RICHARD SPRING
About 20 years ago, Bernie Madoff sat next to Richard Spring, of Boca Raton, on a New York subway. The two chatted about investments.
Now Spring wishes they never met.
Spring, 70, invested most of his savings with Madoff, according to his attorney Kenneth Lipman. The former stockbroker told his wife, his cousins, and his friends to invest with Madoff, too. He thought it was a safe bet, and for years he saw his investments grow by leaps and bounds.
Then it all crumbled as federal investigators exposed the massive Ponzi scheme. Spring has since become a virtual hermit, rarely leaving the house. He doesn't like to talk about his loss because he's ''ashamed'' he got his friends and family involved, Lipman said.
''It's been a tremendous blow to him. He used to be an optimistic, happy person. Not anymore,'' Lipman said.
He's cut back on spending, especially on luxuries such as his golf membership. His wife is ill and he has to pay her medical bills.
''Like everyone else, he thought he had a great deal of money that he could live off of for the remainder of his natural life,'' Lipman said. ``But he's a changed man.''
GUIDO PARENTE
It was his cousin, Bernie Madoff's longtime secretary, who convinced Guido Parente to invest. He said he ended up losing $1.2 million.
Parente calls himself a ''hands-on kind of guy'' who ''never understood how shuffling money around made more money.'' But Annette Bongiorno, his cousin through marriage, always bragged about her boss' stellar investments.
So Parente, who owns a glass manufacturing company in Plantation, got hooked. His daughter, who owns a children's gym in Fort Lauderdale, also invested $100,000 with Madoff.
Bongiorno, he said, made a commission off the investments. She could not be reached for a comment.
Parente, 66, planned to retire last year and spend time with his family in Benevento, a small town in southern Italy known for its yellow liqueur and hazelnut candy.
But he's back to work. Since the Madoff scheme unraveled, he has been rebuilding his savings and has a ''safe'' Morgan Stanley account.
Parente's hobby is building big houses with marble floors and Tuscan-style roofs. With his extra cash, he would build million-dollar homes on acre lots in Plantation. A few years ago, he sold a house and planned to pay off other mortgages with the profit.
But Bongiorno, 60, convinced him to invest it with Madoff, he said. The slow real-estate market has stalled the sale of the 7,000-square-foot house with an asking price of $2.9 million, and Parente is stuck paying the mortgage.
LORI SIROTKIN
Lori Sirotkin invested more than $1 million, including her children's college funds, with Bernie Madoff. And now the 52-year-old's world has been turned upside down.
She moved recently to Boca Raton from New Jersey to be closer to her mother. Her father died earlier this year. She's divorced, receives no alimony and is currently looking for a job in the medical profession.
Back in New Jersey she tried to cut costs. Only one light was allowed per room. She turned down the thermostat and layered her two teenage daughters in sweaters. If her daughters needed new clothes, ''they just had to squeeze into'' the old ones.
''I was broke,'' she said. ``My kids grew up thinking they could go to whatever college, whatever graduate school they wanted. Now I'm praying for scholarships.''
She said she knew nothing about finances -- her husband took care of the books -- but she trusted Madoff.
Recently, she joined a Madoff Google group, an online network of victims who share information. She's learning about finances and trying to protect herself for the future.
She has no retirement fund because she has always worked part-time.
For now, she waits for payment from the Securities Investor Protection Corp., the government-chartered corporation that compensates customers of failed brokerages for up to $500,000.
''When the money comes through, I'll be able to sleep at night,'' she said.
``Right now, I'm still very scared.''

No doubt Mr. Madoff is trying to take complete responsibility so no one else is prosecuted. But, let us face it, his wife and fellow family members, as well as, close employment allies had to know what was going on. I am sure he will have to cut more deals or he might find his prison cell becoming awfully crowded. The Government continues to pursue his wife Ruth and has confiscated all but 2.5 million of her assets. Other family members are being investigated as well as employees of his company. This investigation could take a few years before everything is sorted out. The SEC (Security and Exchange Commission) needs to look at itself as well considering this scam took place right under their noses. Who really knows how far reaching this case may become.

Personally, I do not think the prison sentence will stop future scam artists. I believe Judge Chin had good intentions, on sending a message, about how behavior like Mr. Madoff’s will not be tolerated. But, in the end, someone will come along and think they will get away with it. The reason, they believe they will not make the same mistakes as Bernie Madoff did. More than likely, it will not be the same mistakes. But, they will eventually get caught. After initial success, their greed will be too tempting to stop themselves.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Madoff
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1894410_1893837_1894189,00.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/business/25bernie.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/467/story/1128728.html
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Madoff/story?id=8041942&page=1
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1757090

The Man in The Mirror

Earlier this week, the public memorial service for Michael Jackson, took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Many big name entertainers were on hand to pay tribute to the “King of Pop”. Even the Reverend Al Sharpton made a speech. Everyone who spoke told of fond memories of Mr. Jackson. There were performances by most who took the stage but, the daughter of Michael Jackson is the one who stole the show and everyone’s heart.

Paris Katherine Jackson spoke of her father and the love they shared. As she broke down, so did many in the audience. Jermaine Jackson sang a favorite song of his brother Michael, almost succumbing to tears. But not everyone in the public spotlight shares the sympathy towards the entertainer.

U. S. Representative Peter King of the 3rd District in New York has stated publicly that too much is being made of Mr. Jackson’s death and he should not be so eulogized as a good person. Representative King points out the Pedophile and child abuse accusations made towards Mr. Jackson. Even though he was acquitted of any wrong doing in the trial he did face.

For me, I think the funeral should be over and done. I do believe it is being dragged out much longer than necessary. However, I do believe Michael Jackson should be remembered for the good he brought to this world. His talent was a stepping stone to the caring he showed towards children around the world. I think we honor his talent and take the skeletons of his life and bury them forever. No purpose would be served by denigrating a person who obviously gave to this world far more than he took from it.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/michael-jacksons-kids-pri_n_227210.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gigi-levangie-grazer/perilous-isolation-the-ve_b_228333.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/people/jackson-riddled-with-needle-marks-reports-20090709-ddnb.html
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/06/rep-king-on-jackson-theres-nothing-good-about-this-guy/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1915566/peter_king_new_york_congressman_calls.html?cat=49
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/06/pete-king-michael-jackson_n_226062.html
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=NY03&site=ctc

Lame Duck or Sly Fox

Over the July 4th weekend, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, announced she would be resigning her Governorship before the end of her term. By researching many media outlets I am finding a mixed bag of reviews and opinions on this move by the former Vice Presidential Candidate. However, the following is an article by Raj Rajagopalan, which I find might give the truer picture of the Governor’s motives. The following is the article as it appears on associatedcontent.com;
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1922558/sarah_palin_resignation_a_brilliant.html
Sarah Palin's announcement that she is stepping down from office came in as a surprise to many in the Washington circles and to many in the elite media. It was an unconventional move, unexpected from a politician.Why would a person who is being literally worshiped by the Republican base, and who is being hailed as the next Reagan by millions of loyal supporters, make such a shocking move? While at the first thought, it may look like a "political death" move, a thorough analysis indicates that it may be a brilliant and smart move, which may pay off big time, to both her, and the GOP, if successful.

It's undisputed that Sarah Palin has the same "Rock Star Celebrity" appeal, as our President, Barack Obama. She appeals and impresses millions in the Republican circles, to the same extent Barack Obama appeals and impresses millions in the Democratic circles. She has proved, time and again, that she could pull the same amount of crowd, in any event headed by her, as Barack Obama could pull, in an event headed by him.

It is a known and established fact that Barack Obama, before announcing his run for office of President, had very minimal and limited experience. The majority of his experience was that of a "Community Organizer". He barely had any foreign policy experience, or knowledge. This fact was evident in the initial debates he had with Hillary Clinton, in which she killed him, in each and every debate. The only foreign policy experience he had was gained as a result of multiple debates with Hillary, which ran across months, in an extended Primary. He announced his run for Presidency, after just spending 145 business days as a Senator, too little an experience by any standards. The only Executive experience he had was running a campaign for 2008 elections.

Personally, I do not like Sarah Palin. I think she is an insult to all women in this country who hold positions of authority and leadership. Now, I am from New England and maybe the geographic differences between Governor Palin and I play a part. However, I do not care how vetted and knowledgeable she becomes in world affairs. I believe in the importance of making a good first impression. To me, she has shown an ignorance and immaturity that has been permanently etched in my feelings and believability in her.

I do believe she will make, at least one more play, for the national spotlight. There is a part of the Republican base that feels she is representative of their beliefs and ideals. It will be this base that just might give her enough support that she could be a power to reckon with within the GOP. In the end it will be the Independent voter that will decide her fate. Right now, I do not believe anyone, other than the extreme Right, will really give her the time of day. But, time does change and memories can be fleeting. Maybe the Governor can show enough where she can swing votes to the GOP agenda after all. We will sure see.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1922558/sarah_palin_resignation_a_brilliant.html
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/07/on-sarah-palin.html
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/top_republicans_puzzled_by_palins_abrupt_resignation.html?CMP=KNC-360I-GOOGLE-BULL&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=sarah_palin_resigns
http://www.sarahpac.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

For The Good Of The Party

For the last eight years and in particular recent weeks, the Republican Party appears to be in a self destruct mode. When George W. Bush was elected in 2000, many groups like the Religious Right felt that the country would now head down a moral and fiscal path of responsibility. Every Republican, on any given week, would be told their talking points and go about the various News and Talk Shows touting the Bush Administration’s goals and achievements. But, something happened on the way to the proverbial Eden. Greed, power and lust got in the way.

The greed came in the form of the Republican Party trying to do everything it could to guarantee victory in future elections. Now, I am not talking about doing the people’s work in ensuring a safe, secure and economically stable country. They tried to do it by running a lobby called K-street and making laws that took from the American People and placing wealth in the pockets of the rich and corporate. Bribes and even attempted manipulation of voting districts became the norm.

The power came when the majority, if not all, the members of the Bush Administration came from a group called PNAC. The Project for a New American Century. (Read my article about the Vulcans) They took the Constitution and just about shredded it, in my opinion. Vice President Dick Cheney practically considered himself above the law and by the time the administration had left office, our economy was in shambles with almost, our entire treasury, looted in the guise of advice from Henry Paulson.

The Lust is easy. When you are greedy and you gain power, the feeling of entitlement, makes you feel invincible. From Mark Foley, David Vitter, Larry Craig and more recent, John Ensign and Mark Sanford, the GOP has been like a College Frat House. Every one of them was carousing without a care and with the air of entitlement. All until they were caught. Oh, and let us not forget the resignation of Dennis Hastert and the king of them all, Tom Delay. Now I’m not saying the Democrats are saints. But, they are not the Political Party that waves and quotes the bible and then violates everything they have just said as righteous.

Comments made on a Weekend Talk Show from some Republicans seem to indicate there are people trying to jockey for the position of leadership. The following are quotes from an article by Douglass K. Daniel, an Associated Press Writer; http://www.abc26.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-gops-future,0,7058732.story
First from former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney;
"Not all mistakes are the same. And not everybody is a governor or a senator or a president. And we expect people to live by a higher standard because what they do is going to be magnified. Their families are going to be hurt more by what they do," Romney said. "The things they care about will be hurt. And the culture of the nation and the people who follow them will be hurt."Some Republicans won't live up to the party's values and its standards of ethical conduct, Romney said."That's going to be true," he said. "But not speaking about things that are important would be an enormous mistake."
The following are quotes from the same article by Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty;
"Any time you have leading figures who are engaged in behavior that is sad and troubling and hypocritical, other people are going to look at that and say, 'Hmm, they don't walk the walk.' And so the words and the actions don't ring true," said Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn. "It certainly hurts the brand."
"If you're going to be, for example, the party of fiscal discipline and be the person talking who's about fiscal responsibility, then you better do that," said Pawlenty. "And so hypocrisy doesn't sell, and the Republicans have to be true to their values, be true to their principles and walk the walk."

Could Governors Romney and Pawlenty be the new leaders sorely needed in a Party bent on self destruction? I guess time will tell. For now I can only ask that people like Sanford, Ensign and all the others including Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh should shut up and go away. You are destroying any chance the Republican Party has at regaining the respect and confidence from the American People. Please, when your time comes leave, if not for anything but, The Good of the Party.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Vitter
http://vitter.senate.gov/public/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/09/AR2007070902030.html
http://www.dkosopedia.com/wiki/Republican_Sex_Scandals#2007
http://www.dkosopedia.com/wiki/Republican_Sex_Scandals
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/49385392.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUeyDiPhD:aUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
http://www.abc26.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-gops-future,0,7058732.story
http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/18904614.html
http://www.christophertruscott.com/2008/05/pawlenty-sex-scandal-it-doesnt-matter.html
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/02/sources-minnesota-gov-pawlenty-wont-seek-election/
http://www.citypages.com/2003-07-23/news/what-hearings-what-scandal/

Vindicated

On Monday June 29, 2009, The Supreme Court overturned a lower courts decision in the controversial New Haven Fire Fighters Discrimination Lawsuit. By a 5 to 4 decision, the court determined that the City of New Haven Connecticut did not have sufficient reason to throw out a test result and promote candidates to a position where they scored less than their peers. The candidates promoted were black and the Plaintiffs in this case were White and Latino.

The significant part of this case is that Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor was one of the presiding Appellate Judges that ruled against the Firefighters and was the reason the case was taken to the Supreme Court. Could this be the fuel needed by the GOP to deny Judge Sotomayor a place on the Court? Many of her supporters say no, and the following is an excerpt from an article by Mark Sherman of the Associated Press; http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090629/ap_on_go_su_co/us_supreme_court_firefighters_lawsuit
The ruling could give Sotomayor's critics fresh ammunition two weeks before her Senate confirmation hearing. Conservatives say it shows she is a judicial activist who lets her own feelings color her decisions. On the other hand, liberal allies say her stance in the case demonstrates her restraint and unwillingness to go beyond established precedents.

The New Haven Fire Department has come under much scrutiny, through the years, because of discriminatory practices in the hiring and promotion of Whites, Blacks, Latinos and all other ethnic groups. Three times prior to this lawsuit, an organization of black firefighters called the Firebird Society brought lawsuits and won in their accusations of bias and discrimination against black firefighters. The question I believe is, should we continue to discriminate until a point where we can say, as a society we are even? Or, should we just say enough and make sure all requirements for a position are fair to all regardless of race, religion or gender?


I believe in the latter. That is why I had voted for Barack Obama and am willing to give him a chance. He received my vote because I felt he was the most qualified and would do the best job. His skin color meant nothing to me. So far, I have agreed with some things our President is doing. Some I do not, while others I am waiting to see the results. However, I am not sure on his decision to nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. If President Obama’s agenda is to try to reverse discriminate to even the field, then I believe he will do just as much damage to our country internally as I believe former President George W. Bush did to us around the world. I can only ask President Obama one thing. Please remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King from his I Have a Dream Speech; I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
If placing Judge Sotomayor keeps this dream from happening then, Mr. President, you will have lost my confidence, my support and most important, my vote.

That’s How I See It.

Websites of reference;
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090629/ap_on_go_su_co/us_supreme_court_firefighters_lawsuit
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/new-haven-fire-department/
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/politics/2009/6/30/new_haven_fire_dept_had_history.htm
http://www.juntosociety.com/hist_speeches/mlkihad.html
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103289178
www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/07-1428.pdf