The Virginia gubernatorial election is less than 2 months away. Vying in the race for governor are candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell. Aside from the carefully scripted speeches, feel good photo opts and bombarding ads we should be able to answer the question who are Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell prior to their ascension to the office of governor?

Neither candidate is new to the political arena. Creigh Deeds served formerly as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, followed by being a State Senator. His opponent Bob McDonnell served formerly as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates as well and then as State Attorney General.  An evaluation of their political resumes would tell us more about their position on important issues that concern the majority of us – jobs, taxes, education, health care and the list goes on.

Let’s not be guilty of going to the polls uninformed or just going with the flow and allowing our vote to be taken for granted. Let’s search the net to learn who candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell really are, as action speaks louder than words.    

Recently at the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, protesters were reportedly dispersed by officers using pepper spray and sonic weapons known to be used in US military operations. 

Should local law enforcement be allowed to use military weaponry against protesters?

Check out this video jazz clip and  the Sunday Chill Mix on Tanya Free and Friends Jazz Radio Online ! Home of the best in straight ahead,bebop,blues and classic jazz!

 http://www.live365.com/stations/tanyafree

Have you seen these ladies? Check out today’s TanyaFree.com good news story.

What if your child’s assignment was inappropriate? Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ story. Comment on this story or any issue of your choice. What’s on your mind today?
 

November 4, 2008, marked a milestone in the history of our country, a moment that those who survived the Civil Rights Movement didn’t think they would live to see. A milestone they thought was the impossible - an African American became President of the United States. Despite this great milestone in our country’s history, there is something I didn’t think I would witness in this day and time –an uprising and resurgence of deep rooted racism. 

On April 4, 1968, the day of Dr. King’s death, I was too young to understand the complexity of racism but old enough to sense the tensions of the times. Well, it feels like déjà vu with the outright racial threats and attacks against the first African American President. We’ve come too far to allow those that are stuck in yesteryears’ hatred to take us ALL backwards. 

Like President Carter, we have to speak up and not allow the voices of racism to feed the media with false justifications for their actions. Nor should we allow conservative talk and media outlets that are guilty of ideological race baiting to go unaccountable for their actions. We have to use our buying power to discourage sponsors from running ads with any of these outlets. The campaign has already begun with an organization known as ColorofChange.org.    
         
Call or email political leaders and the media. Tell them to stop the rhetoric and cheap propaganda and do the right thing. Let’s unseat those leaders that fail to denounce racism.

Stand up and let’s deal with the truth!     

It has been eight years since the 9-11 attacks by Al-Qaeda terrorists. There’s debate on the Hill of possibly sending tens of thousands more American combat troops to Afghanistan.

How do you feel about the war in Afghanistan?   

 A video clip from Tanya Free and Friends Jazz Radio ! Check out Sunday Jazz here at www.TanyaFree.com for a special Sunday chill mix of the best in  straight ahead,bebop,blues and classic jazz.

Check out today’s article on Tanyafree.com, courtesy of my dear friend Sheila. 

Wassup at TanyaFree.com?

WOW! Woman wants to get… Check out this week’s “Wassup” story. Comment on this story or any issue of your choice. What’s on your mind today? 

Last week the President gave an encouraging speech to our children, followed by a powerful address to congressional leaders and the American people on health care reform. Both talks sparked outrage and outburst. I’ve asked and am compelled to ask again, where were these folk eight years ago, when this country was on automatic pilot and spiraling out of control?

Now that we have a President that’s trying to restore and move the country in the right direction, there are those with lingering resentment, hostility and are down right bitter and itching to have this President out of office with or without cause and by any means necessary. When did it become accepted protocol for a congressman to disagree by calling the president a liar during an address of a joint session of congress? What happened to respect for the office of the leader of the free world? Remember the Dixie Chicks, the singing group that was lambasted and blackballed for showing opposition to the former administration and accused of being unpatriotic?

Shouldn’t there be the same measure of repercussion or consequences for anyone that disrespects the office of this President and those that follow? 

Rep. Joe Wilson refuses to render an apology on the House floor for his comment during the President’s address to Congress last week.

What action do you think should be taken for not publicly apologizing to Congress?

Today is “Good News” Friday on TanyaFree.com. Check out this story of hope and triumph.

Wassup at www.tanyafree.com?

What would you do if your neighbor...? Check out this week’s “Wassup” story. Comment on this story or any issue of your choice. What’s on your mind today?

A few days ago, I stopped by a local car wash. While my car was going through the wash cycle, I stepped outside to the waiting area where there was limited seating. Being busy, all the seats were taken. But, as my soul mate and I were standing, a young man got up and offered me his seat. WOW! A rarity in this day and time when it seems as though we have become a society where politeness and common courtesy are no longer the social norm. 

Rude seems to be the adopted attitude of our society. Words such as thank you, please, and excuse me are at the opposite end of today’s standard of conduct. Whether in a personal or business setting, we all too often shift automatically to defense mode where there is a quickness to shoot someone the finger, cut another driver off in traffic, or pass by a person without saying excuse me. Personally, this is unnecessary stress. Offering a smile or a seat in a crowded room, giving the other driver a break, or offering a pardon is harmless and might make a positive difference in someone else’s life.

Those of us from the old school shouldn’t abandon what our parents, grandparents and even teachers taught when they often said “mind your manners.” A statement that was a reminder of behavior expected. Sadly, it’s an expectation that appears to be obsolete to today’s generation. Fred Astaire said “the hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.” So, it is really up to us to go back old school to “mind our manners!”
 

The President’s nationwide speech to school students has sparked enormous controversy. The White House posted an advance copy of the 18- minute speech for those with concerns.

What do you think about the President’s speech to the nation’s school students? 

Enjoy!

The things we sometimes take for granted are a treasure to others. Check out this video on Tanyafree.com and I think you will agree.     

Wassup at TanyaFree.com?

Fine and/or jail if you…? Check out this week’s “Wassup” story and you be the judge.  Comment on this story or any issue of your choice. What's on your mind today?

Summer is winding down, the NFL pre-season is in play along with being a few days away from Labor Day. The start of a new school year is a sure sign that it’s over. With the excitement of back to school shopping, the economy will get a boost.  Second only to Christmas, back to school spending generates the second largest annual sales in retail. That’s great news for the economy, but results from an educational perspective are not as favorable. According to the U.S. Department of Education, academic achievements of children in other countries surpass ours in reading, math and science.     

While many kids want the latest in footwear and urban gear, the best investment a parent can make in their child’s future is in their education. Making sure our kids have access to adequate study aids including a computer or laptop, electronic calculators and that ever growing school supply list should take priority.

With all the distractions our kids face today, let’s help our kids buckle down. Improve development of study skills by scheduling daily uninterrupted study time after school. Mom and Dad, we have to closely monitor our kid’s progress in school. Check within your community to see what after school programs are available for latch key kids if you can’t be there. We can’t expect the school systems to be the answer to all things educational, but rather a partner and tool in the process. 

A good education is priceless. Let’s work together to invest in our children’s academic achievement.