In professional sports, when a player displays unsportsmanlike conduct or inappropriate behavior, there are penalties and possible ejection from the game. In an effort to preserve the integrity of the game, hefty fines and/or suspensions are levied. But in the game of politics, we’ve lowered the bar, if it even exists at all. When did inappropriate outbursts and discourse resulting in civil unrest become patriotic or the American way? It seems as though we expect more of our athletes than those elected to represent us in Congress. 

Many of these elected officials are up for election this November. Politicians that have fanned the flames of hate, racial tension and civil unrest among the likes of tea baggers through direct lies and misrepresentations should be penalized. The integrity of our electorate cannot continue to be compromised by those determined to take us backwards.

The penalty for these politicians must come from the ballot box. Political jockeying has already begun for the upcoming November elections. It’s time to make the call and eject those that have exemplified Un-American like conduct.
 

Sarah Palin recently proclaimed the Republican Party as the party of “Hell No.”
     
Do you think this strategy of opposition and obstruction will benefit the Republicans in the November elections?

In the minds of many, President Obama is considered the black President. Personally I find that disrespectful and offensive on many levels. Hasn’t he earned the respect to be addressed in the same manner as the 43 prior Presidents, which weren’t tagged by their ethnicity or heritage?  President Obama is the 44th President of the United States, period. 

Contrary to what some folk think that because the President is black, African Americans deserve preferential treatment while others believe that he should not address any issues affecting African Americans for the fear of being too “BLACK,” whatever that means. This goes against our endless fight in this country for justice and equality for all people. In fact, such mindsets feed into the fears of those on the opposite side of the spectrum of racial disparity. Our expectation has and should always be of inclusion and never at the expense of any American.

It’s no secret that much of what’s going on in Washington as well as the country is a lack of respect for the President motivated by bigotry. The images and threats of violence displayed at recent rallies seem to emulate the chants of hate not seen since the 1950s and 60’s.  The argument that many of these protests and rallies are based on policy differences alone lack creditability and only fuel hostility and resentment. We must not allow those that are committed to the failure of this President to prevail.

Putting the race card aside, let’s work with the 44th President of the United States to move our country forward.
 

Health care reform has been a long and drawn out process. 

What do you think of the outcome? What will it mean for the President and the country? 

Have you ever had a bad medical experience? Check out this week’s Wassup video story and comment or share your thoughts on any topic of your choice. What’s on your mind?  www.tanyafree.com      

What ever happened to the values of honesty, integrity and competence? There was a time when consumer protection and company goodwill went hand in hand. It’s when a company or business guaranteed their product or services and valued their customers and customer service meant talking to a competent individual offering service with a smile. How many times have you been subjected to rude store clerks, and less than competent telephone customer service reps?

Isn’t it time we stop accepting this behavior as the status quo and support only those businesses that deliver and ensure quality products, service, and displays an authentic appreciation for our patronage? Our buying power determines the success and continued existence of these businesses. Let’s make them earn our support.    
 

Discussions in Washington concerning immigration reform have sparked controversy on the proposal of a national worker ID card.  

What do you think about a mandate that would require all American workers to have a biometric identification card? 
 

Could this be your bank? Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ story and comment or share your thoughts on any topic of your choice. What’s on your mind?   www.tanyafree.com

If you lost your job tomorrow, how soon do you think you could find comparable employment?  What about health insurance? Could you afford the cost of COBRA? These are life changing questions that both working Americans and millions of laid-off Americans are faced with and challenged by instead of the pursuit of the American Dream.

Despite Democratic and Republican rhetoric and gridlock, the loss of jobs and lack of adequate healthcare is not limited to any political party.  In my experience, I don’t recall anyone asking me my political affiliation before handing me my pink slip. 

Let’s send the message to our political leaders that the opportunity to achieve the American dream must not be hindered by political posturing and demagoguery.
 

In today’s record unemployment, finding a job is no easy feat. Several states may ease the process with a ban against credit checks on job applicants. 
Should a job seeker’s credit history or credit score be used to determine their eligibility for hire?    

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Check out today’s rare reflection and story of America.  www.tanyafree.com 

Come as you are, literally. Check out this week’s Wassup video story and comment or share your thoughts on any topic of your choice. What’s on your mind?  www.tanyafree.com 

The celebration of Black History Month has ended for another year. We celebrated our history and rich legacy and were inspired by the many stories of triumph over tribulation. Will we pack away the momentum or will we forge forward with a plan to make history?

Let us honor the victories of those pioneers who paved the way by doing our part to elevate ourselves to the next level. This is not a pull yourself up by the bootstraps message, rather a reminder that we collectively, standing on the shoulders of giants, must be in control of our destiny. Not everyone will lead a movement, be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or the next leader of the free world, but it is how we handle the daily hurdles and obstacles that will define the next generation and generations to come.

Let’s keep Black History, past, present and future alive!
 

In addition to body scanners, TSA screeners will be allowed to randomly swab airport passengers’ hands for detection of explosives.

Do you think this procedure can be implemented without discrimination or profiling?