Campaigning with real estate mogul Donald Trump has proven distracting to Romney’s continued effort to garner support. Not only because of Trump’s past questioning of President Obama’s citizenship status, but the fact that he continues to raise the issue even though it has been thoroughly debunked. This is the latest illustration of Romney’s issue that he has with his supporters: he does little to rein them in. When they go off message or raise issues that detract from his campaign to broaden his appeal, he doesn’t admonish them.  Many observers opined that this birther stance of Donald Trump is so egregious, that Romney should openly say something against Trump.

To borrow a phrase from the 2008 election cycle, Mitt Romney has yet to “reject and denounce” his supporters, no matter how far-fetched the claims they make. If this continues, how will the Republican party reach out to the independents it needs to have a chance at winning? When one of your surrogates is toying with the notion that the sitting President of the United States is not a citizen, that is not a thing to overlook. How long will this go on?

Marc W. Polite

The Future Isn’t What It Used To Be

Enjoy!

-Marc W. Polite

The Non-Obvious Sci-Fi Guy

So we take today as an opportunity to reflect on this 54th anniversary of African Liberation Day. To learn more about this day, visit www.africanliberationday.net

-Marc W. Polite

Franco continues to do so, drawing tourists from around the world to the famous 125th street strip. As a result of the international profile of Harlem, Franco the Great has shored up a global following. Yet, the renown artist still has a deep affinity for the neighborhood. “Harlem is the only place I really know,” said Gaskin to the HarlemStage audience at a Wednesday evening screening of a film on the painter. 125 Franco Blvd. shows the work of Franco, his history in Harlem, and how the shifting dynamic of Harlem has affected his ability to continue his life’s work.

As is the case with every aspect of Black life in Harlem, outside economic forces have upset the neighborhood’s artistry and cultural aspects. Newer businesses coming into the area have discarded the gates, and some use the newer see through gates in their place. Now, there are 26 gate paintings remaining done by Franco. Those in the community interested in preserving this part of the neighborhood’s history are working on salvaging what remains to be stored in the park near the Triboro Bridge. Hopefully, with the necessary amount of attention, this goal will be feasible.

To learn more about the artwork of Franco the Great, go to Franco The Great ‘s website.

-Marc W. Polite

This week world leaders of the G8 countries met with President Obama at Camp David.

The development of the world wide web has led to increased communication capabilities globally. Citizens need not only pay attention to what’s going on in their own ‘neck of the woods’ but should also be concerned with issues effecting the entire free world.

At the G8 discussions this week, President Obama stated that the U.S. was committed to “taking all necessary steps” to keep Greece in the euro zone and promote the growth of the European markets.Another major global topic is the NATO protest. This brings back memories of the Cold War Era. This also reminds me of the Bush Era and bolsters America’s obsession with war.  CNN reported earlier in the week that veterans were throwing down their medals of honor to show disapproval of the war in Afghanistan.

It is so easy to get distracted beyond the harder issues that will effect future generations.

So this week in our discussion of “The New Leaders of the Free World” I ponder two questions:

What should America’s position be on global economics, particularly Greece?

Secondly, the rush to expand NATO was on the cusp of Clinton and Bush/Cheney years. Despite the all too obvious pause.  Does NATO have a unified position on its own expansion?

When a political candidate makes such a claim, then it is to be expected that it will be scrutinized. Apparently, this was too much for Mayor Booker. He stated on air that he found the attacks on Romney “naseauting” and went on to say that he does not want to “indict capital” While he raised the issue on the Republican side regarding Reverend Wright, to liken them both is comparing apples and oranges.

To be fair, Cory Booker has backed off this statement. He reaffirmed his support for President Obama, but many political observers are unconvinced. The loud denunciation from supporters of President Obama was enough to make him seriously reconsider his remarks. When you are a political surrogate, you cannot criticize the main line of attack. It makes one look untrustworthy. By attempting to play middle of the road, Booker opened himself up to this level of excoriation.

Furthermore, another point not picked up on by some observers is the fact that Cory Booker did say that he himself may be seen as a “job cutter” is telling. In defending Bain Capital and what occured with businesses the firm took over, Booker solidarizes with profiteering over people. Mayor Booker has done some of this in slashing Newark municipal services, so he has some experience in this area. With surrogates like this..

-Marc W. Polite

If I had to briefly summarize everything that happened in one word, I would use the term whirlwind. Resulting from my grind, and others reaching out to me, I have been able to accomplish much. Obviously, the nomination and winning of  the award last year was the biggest thing to occur, and subsequent things would follow. Coming right on the heels of that would be an avalanche of activity. From the beginning of more freelance opportunities, to a visit to the White House back in November.  I was able to get published in two great Black newspapers, and got my commentaries picked up in Maryland. Soon to follow, were more speaking engagements, and appearances. Just last week I was on a panel with a group of esteemed history majors.

I have started to do things with this space that have kept it fresh for those reading. The author interviews, inclusion of contributing writers, have all broadened the scope of what we discuss  here. By the way, if someone on the West Coast wants to contribute to the blog, that opportunity is still open. (The Mid-West and South is already spoken for)

I don’t have a theme for this post overall, but I would like to thank everyone immensely for continuing to read what comes across the screen here. Some of you arewondering, what is next for Polite On Society? I will continue to do what I do here, but I feel as though it is time to expand into another format. After much deliberation, I have decided to let the cat out of the bag. Right now, I am finishing up a book, and intend to have it out this year. More details will be coming, as things firm up and all of the particulars are figured out. Its time. I been wanting to make the jump to authorship, and now is the opportunity. Fear has to go to the side, and make way for what needs to happen. I look forward to this next step in the process, despite the challenges I know this will come with.

See you next post folks!

-Marc W. Polite

The Aspiring Author

P.S. If you get a chance, check out my latest profile of women in business over at Madame Noire.

With movements like Occupy Wall Street playing a role in an election and focusing on issues that effect working people, sleighs of hand like that will be less convincing.

Marc W. Polite

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post

With this stance on such a controversial issue, President Obama is putting it on the line.  It is a very risky move politically to take a stand on an issue that polarizes so many people on religious grounds. It is now up in the air as to which way the independents will go, and North Carolina may be lost over this. Given that this is an election year, of course it is a political move. However, it is the right stand to take.

While some have denounced this as a political move, this goes to show that we as a society have turned a corner on the issue of marriage equality. Especially if President Obama is re-elected, he will be pushed to enact policy on marriage equality to back up his words of support. It also has another effect. The Republicans are painted into a corner as the ones who are in the way of progress. Much will be said about this in the next couple of days.

What are your thoughts?

Marc W. Polite

Shauntae M. Jordan, MBA

The cost of a college education is an increasingly pressing issue. So much, that the issue has come up in issues of national politics. With more and more people taking on higher and higher debt, its fair to ask is there a better way out there to pay for college.

One individual who knows the answer to that question is Shauntae M. Jordan.  She is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, and holds an MBA. She obtained a number of scholarships and was able to limit debt this way. The name of her book is Learn How I Made A Fortune While In College.   An author and motivational speaker from South Carolina, Shauntae is determined to share her story with a broader audience. Below is a clip from today, where Ms. Jordan informs us how she went about doing this. In case you missed it today, Shauntae will be at the City College Bookstore tomorrow, Tuesday May 8th from 12noon to 2pm.