54…40…FIGHT!!!

So I am now living in Seattle, Washington! I drove out here two weeks ago and things are REALLY laid back.  When I first got here, I had to really figure out – quickly I might add – that both texting & talking are illegal while driving. With that said, I have to plug in my phone to my car and ignore a constant echo. Fun times for sure!

            I am out here on the West Coast working on a Congressional campaign. I’m working in the first Congressional District of Washington State.  We still have to go through a primary.  Some things to consider regarding Washington State politics: Everyone mails in their ballots and the top two contenders advance to the general election in November.  This is honestly one of the reasons I love to travel to other states: learn how they “play politics” within their borders and how to effectively campaign to voters.  I think ever since I got involved with campaigns, I have been in a different state every election year (which is every year as politics never has an “off” year).

For example, I was on campaigns in the following states:

2008 – North Carolina

2009 – New York & South Carolina

2010 – New Hampshire & Massachusetts (arguably Rhode Island as well)

2011 – Virginia

2012 – Washington State (I think, from this point on, I will drop the “state” part and refer to the district as D.C.)

So far, I really enjoy the Pacific Northwest. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t rain every day – if anything it is just overcast a lot.  Today I went to downtown Seattle and just did some shopping and other “tourist” stuff.  Even though I am a little acrophobic, I went up in the Space Needle and enjoyed an incredible view of the Puget Sound, Downtown, and surrounding areas.  Afterwards, I rode the Monorail – first time – and went into downtown. Overall, it was a wonderful day.  Next weekend is Seattle Pride so I’ll be downtown for that as well.  I’ll be accompanied by the congressional candidate I’m working for this race (the candidate’s name is Suzan DelBene).

           

  I guess I should also mention that I drove across the country – yet again – in order to have a car out here in Washington.  I drove through new states which is always awesome. I mean, I’m still young I checked so I better get all of the states marked off so I can travel the world after I retire…right? I only have five more states to visit and I will have been to all fifty states! Those states are: Alaska, Hawaii, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Also while I’m here, I will make it up to Canada – again! This time I will be on the other side so it will be British Columbia. I love traveling so I am definitely enjoying my time in my car with the music and my thoughts. It’s like I’m living the retired lifestyle at twenty-five! I think I can correctly say, “winning” ha ha!

So I will try to post a blog piece every week. I noticed that I haven’t posted in a month and that doesn’t sit well with me – what can I say, I love to talk and write! Also, fifty points to the reader than gets the title of this blog piece! ;-)

NC Politics: Vote "No" on Amendment One on Tuesday, May 8th!

     I'm sorry it's taken forever for me to post this piece. I've had to to an extensive amount of research and studying.  Tuesday is an important day in North Carolina.  It is the day when voter will vote on Amendment One.  The text of the Amendment are as followed:

"An Act to amend the constitution to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state."

     This will be added under a new section (Section 6) under Article 14 of the North Carolina State Constitution.

Now, this amendment is not only wrong and redundant, it is not constitutional according to both the United States and North Carolina constitutions.  It should be noted that North Carolina already bans same-sex marriage (and yes, that is also unconstitutional but that's another blog piece).  I'll present reasons why Amendment One is unconstitutional - I'll present the issues with the North Carolina Constitution and then I'll move onto the United States Constitution.

North Carolina State Constitution:

* Article 1 - Section 1

     "We hold it to be self-evident that all persons are created equal...with certain inalienable rights...life, liberty, the enjoyment of fruits of their own labor, and the pursuit of happiness"
 
     So everyone is created equal...except woman who are not married (but who to live with someone they are not married to), children who will be denied coverage because their parents are not married or because they have a parent living with someone who is covered under someone else's insurance (again, but are not married), or those that are already in a civil union, how does that make sense?

* Article 1 - Section 19

     "No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be subjected to discrimination by the State"

     So again, what if two people are joined in a domestic civil union?  What happens with their status? If this amendment passes, will their civil union become null and void?  How is that equal protection of the law? Those already in civil unions will be denied rights already granted to them and others that are married such as visitation, insurance, etc. Again, how is that equal under the law if their civil union is null and void?


I'm sure there are more areas of the North Carolina Constitution that would validate why Amendment One is a horrible piece of legislation, redundant, and just unconstitutional; however, I remembered I didn't go to law school (although I wish I had done so). Anyway, on to the United States Constitution.


United States Constitution:

* Preamble -

     "We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice...provide for the common defence promote general Welfare..."

     These three areas help protect women, children (as well as all citizens obviously), and allow citizens to help shape the nation as times change. Hence the "more perfect Union" part. Furthermore, those that have a civil union under the current justice system would be denied this if the amendment were to pass.

* Article 6 - Paragraph 2

      "This Constitution...shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding."

     Supreme Law of the land...so federal trumps state??? (I know my legal friends are screaming the 10th amendment; HOWEVER, it does say that as well in the document. I read this to mean that even judges in other federal districts review and make rulings on other cases (for example, the 4th Circuit court would review a case ruled on by the 9th or 7th Circuit Courts to see if it has any bearing on their potential ruling...I could be wrong though - remember I didn't go to law school).

* Amendment 14 - Section 1

     "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

     Notice we have "Equal Protection of laws" again in the argument; however, this is at the federal level so it HAS to be upheld. To put it plainly, you can suspend a civil union's rights by passing a law that bans civil unions.


Again, I'm sure there are more areas of the United States Constitution that would validate why Amendment One is wrong and should not be passed.

If Amendment One were to pass, and I have already voted to ensure that it won't, it would be challenged in a court of law.  Even the Supreme Court would strike it down as unconstitutional.  There would be plenty of court cases for the United States Supreme Court to review and rule on the unconstitutionality of Amendment One.  Some of these cases are:

1. Loving v. Virginia (1967)
2. Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
3. Crawford v. Washington (2004)
4. Romers v. Evans (1996)*

* This court cases actually overturned a previous USSC ruling back in 1986. The 1986 Supreme Court Case was Bowers v. Hardwick. The main reason I saved this case for last - to list - is because it is strikingly similar to North Carolina (it was based in the state of Colorado).  I feel that this would be the main court case that would impact the Supreme Courts ruling regarding the unconstitutionality of Amendment One for North Carolina.

I strongly feel that this Amendment One is not justified and is unconstitutional. Furthermore, if we step back in history and words were added so that the proposed amendment would read, " An Act...to provide that marriage between one white man and one white woman is the only domestic legal union", then we would 1) have fought harder against it; 2) have had it struck down by the Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court Case of 1967; and, 3) have wondered why this piece of legislation is so discriminatory and a hindrance on progression for the United States of America.

To all voting citizens in North Carolina who read this; I urge you to vote "No" on Tuesday and vote against Amendment One.  It's not constitutional and it's not who we are as Americans.
    

Hayden Rogers: North Carolina’s 11th District Next Congressman

As Heath Shuler retires from Congress, it is important for Western North Carolina to elect someone who can continue to represent the district in Washington, D.C.  The person who is fit to become the next member of Congress from North Carolina’s Eleventh District is Hayden Rogers.

A native of Western North Carolina, Hayden Rogers knows how to balance jobs, education, and leisure.  While going to Princeton University, he balanced his courses and working jobs at nights to pay for his education.  As a son of public school teachers, Hayden understands the value of what an education can do for someone. In fact, Hayden values the investment in education so much that he takes an active role in his daughters’ education. Hayden strongly believes educational opportunities should be available to all children without any reservations. Furthermore, Hayden Rogers stands alongside teachers and will fight to ensure that no more teachers lost their jobs.

After his time at Princeton, Hayden Rogers returned home to help our local economy by opening his own small business.  After starting his own construction company, he successfully expanded his business to other areas such as real estate management, landscaping, and retail garden center.  Through his ability to understand the challenges of small business and the need to reduce costs and regulations, Hayden Rogers was able to create many jobs throughout Western North Carolina. He even has a favorable rapport with the Postal Workers Union and believes that their jobs are valuable to the citizens of Western North Carolina.  Hayden Rogers will fights for creating jobs in Western North Carolina just like he helped create jobs as a small business owner.

I’m voting for Hayden Rogers to serve as the next member of Congress for North Carolina’s eleventh congressional district.  On May 8, and in the general election, I hope you will join me and send Democratic candidate Hayden Rogers to Congress. With his bold leadership, job-creating opportunities, member of the National Rifle Association (yes, he is an NRA member and supports the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution), and ability to relate to the citizens of Western North Carolina, it only makes sense to vote for Democratic candidate Hayden Rogers for Congress.

The Journey to the Wild West (Part 2 of 2)

     Once I arrived in Arizona, it was an experience.  The fact that I had cell service was amazing!  I went line dancing, went to Tombstone (and watched Tombstone...ironically), went to Tuscon to see the Desert Museum, saw 'The Iron Lady" (again) with my grandparents, helped my grandmother make a pizza (half pepperoni and half broccoli), *cough* gained five pounds *cough*, went on a horrid ride to the salt River Canyon, and many other things.  I bought souvenirs and even got some political campaign buttons (and a book by Hillary Clinton) for less than ten dollars!
     While at the Desert Museum, I saw a rare lizard which is only one of two poisonous lizards in North America (I don't remember the name but I think it was a heela-monster and yes the spelling is wrong). I did not see the Grand Canyon though.  I also went to Mexico which was cool. I walked into Mexico and I walked back into the United States.  It was much easier to return to the United States from Mexico than it was to return to the United States from Canada.
     Overall, Arizona was a nice place to visit and the people were pleasant; however, I couldn't get past the backwardness of the political climate.  I really can't stand that idiot in the state governorship. I really don't understand her anti-immigration campaign. Her idea of "building a fence" is simply stupid!  There is a fence already in place at the border and I am certain it is made of either tin or aluminum.  During my time at the border - on both sides - there were at least 15-30 border patrol agents doing nothing except holding the ground in place.  This was also the case in New Mexico and Texas.  We don't need a fence - which will cost billions of dollars both in labor and training more agents to guard the fence, we need those on the taxpayer's payroll to quit standing around and actually do their jobs.  While I'm on this topic, by only asking, "Are you an American citizen" and with a sufficient "yes", the people are let through without question is really insulting.  Why not provide valid proof such as a U.S. Passport, a driver's license, or some other form of excepted identification (at the border I might add).  Also, it would help to bear in mind the 4th amendment to the Constitution and not just go on the racial profiling.  I am in favor of that.  Here is what I am not in favor of and really makes me mad both as a Hispanic and as an American: Being an American citizen with a tan complexion being told to open his truck, have his luggage searched through, having his car license plates run through a database, and flat out asking if he is a citizen of the United States and where he is going and what he is doing! Nevermind the fact that he has his passport, his driver's license from North Carolina (which, last I checked was in the United States), and cooperated in the best way he knew how even though it took every ounce of himself to not get in a shouting match and make a (valid) scene of racial profiling. One would think the passport alone would have validated the citizenship but oh no, NOT in the state of TEXAS!!! Yes, I am referring to my time in Texas east of El Paso (this part is in the first part of my blog entry). I've said it time and time again - let Hispanic Americans be in charge of - and lead - all Hispanic issues.  Furthermore, being Hispanic does NOT mean you are automatically a Mexican! I always thought the people were more open-minded and tolerant but clearly I was mistaken when it comes to the southwestern part of the United States.
   Overall, I had a good time out in Arizona and I plan on returning next year to "the Grand Canyon State" to visit my family.  Hopefully, I'll be able to see the Grand Canyon and visit a few more National Parks - mainly for the stamp to put in my National Park Passport...and yes, President Bartlett would be proud of me!    

The Journey to the Wild West (Part 1 of 2)

My trip to Arizona was good. I left on Saturday afternoon (the 7th) and got there on Monday.  Please bear in mind that I did this road trip by myself and I enjoyed it!  I think what I'm going to do is break down the trip into two separate sections: Going out West & Returning from the West [and I will break it down even further by state].  I really hope I don't confuse anyone in the process; but, if I do...sorry!

                                        Driving out to Arizona

    North Carolina ~ I really don't remember driving in the western part of the state.  I guess this is because I always - and still do - driving it to visit Western [Carolina University a.k.a. my Alma Mater]. At least there were no rock slides on I-40 to delay me from crossing over into Tennessee.
     Tennessee ~ The Volunteer State! I really figured out the inner and outer beltways of the interstate highway systems when driving through/around major cities. Yes, I used to live in Washington, D.C.; however, when I lived there I either walked somewhere or took the metro.  I've only driven in Washington a few times and I always got lucky regarding how to arrive at my destination.  Well, I would sometimes find a metro stop and just leave my car and take the metro into the city via the blue line (so yes, I kinda cheated).  Anyway, Nashville is a place where I would actually like to spend the day and see the sites.  It is not, I repeat, NOT because I'm a country music fan.  Don't get me wrong, there are few country songs that I like and will listen to if the chance presents itself; but overall, I am not a fan.  I don't even watch the...well wait, I do watch the CMT Awards but that's different.  It's like attending a mini-GOP convention!
     Arkansas ~ This was the state I was so glad I drove through at night.  What the history channel does not tell us is that "the natural state" is a boring, flat land-environment which lacks any means of hospitality or courtesy.  I have not meet, or interacted with, a single person from the state that makes it look like a great place to live.  The one thing it has going for itself is that it sits in Tornado Alley...and I say that only because I am a storm chaser at heart! Also, Conway is not an ideal place to spend the night...at least at the Quality Inn Hotel just off of Interstate 40.
     Oklahoma ~ I didn't return through the Sooner State (which was a mistake in-and-of-itself), but I loved driving through it!!! Getting past my love for Tornado Alley, I really enjoyed the state and all it had to offer.  Once I crossed the state border, I immediately began to sing all of the songs from the musical and I even sung "Oklahoma" twice as I was driving past the huge wheat fields! I also promised myself that the next time I traveled though the state, I would spend more time in Oklahoma City (the capital for those of you who are rusty on American Geography).  The reason is simple: it looks like a beautiful city and I loved the traffic patterns.  In addition, I also enjoyed knowing the names of the Native American tribes that were forced to relocate there due to the Trail of Tears.  I believe this was the first state where I started to play a wonderful game entitled, "Guess how many Congressional Districts there are and name their member of Congress and their party affiliation!" Furthermore, I would also randomly shout out when I was entering a new congressional district [and its member of Congress]. It should be noted that when I travel, I channel my inner-President Bartlett. (Yes, that was a political reference for those of you who can't remember when he served ;D)  For example, guess with congressional district has a democratic member of Congress in Oklahoma? I'll tell you if you don't know, ha-ha! I guess I should also reinstate the fact that I was making this road trip by myself and I really loved it!
     Texas ~ As I continued my political game, I entered into the Lone Star State (a.k.a. "W" and Perry country).  The panhandle is so much easier, and quicker, to drive through than the central part of the state (as I found out on the return trip). Anyway, Amarillo was alright; but, the traffic signs were a little hypocritical. For example, you can turn left on red even if there is a sign saying it is illegal to do so.  There weren't even traffic cameras in the intersections. I guess things really are better on top!
      New Mexico ~ The only highlight in "the Land of Enchantment" was stopping at White Sands National Park....okay, and driving through a live Missile Testing range. It was so epic! I spent the night in Ruidoso which is a wonderful place.  Oh yeah, I also went to Roswell and it is indeed...out of this world! While I had no close encounters, I did have to pull over a few times because I thought I saw "something" in the sky.  One of those "somethings" was a Delta flight going from Austin to Seattle - with a layover in Denver (and yes, I am an avid fan of flights and the whole aviation field - I should have been born in the '50s, '60s, or the later years of the '70s...not the '80s). I also went through a border checkpoint which was...a first. I didn't have to provide any documentation or proof other than a "yes, I am" to the question of my citizenship.  I will surely discuss this on a later blog because there is a LOT I would LOVE to talk about regarding immigration and the stupidity of the Southwestern part of the country regarding this important topic of politics.

                                        Returning to North Carolina

     Arizona ~ It look less than two hours to drive and it was early in the morning. I listened to Lady Gaga just to keep me sane while leaving "the Grand Canyon" state.
     New Mexico ~ The people are nice and driving through the lower portion of the state was fun. I was singing and dancing along with Darren Criss (Blaine Anderson from "Glee") as he sang "Hungry Like A Wolf/Rio" as I drove across the Rio Grande. I even sent out a tweet (and yes I was driving and I also left out the "e" on Grande because of my stupid auto-correct feature on the I-Phone).
     Texas ~ I REALLY HATE THE STATE OF TEXAS!!!! Let me back up a second: there are people I know who are either from the state or who are living within the state so I don't hate all of the state.  There was a border checkpoint east of El Paso and what I experienced was 100% racial profiling even though I showed valid proof of my citizenship! I've never been so uncomfortable in all of my life.  I even wrote an e-mail to Secretary Napolitano and Governor Perry with my "concerns" regarding the checkpoint. Other than that horrid and inexcusable incident, the drive was so long. I'm really glad I didn't go to San Antonio as I originally planned.  I went through Dallas/Ft. Worth at night and even that was a nightmare.  They can't drive, merge correctly, or use a turning signal. Heck, I don't even think they knew how to change lanes properly. I guess everything really is bigger in Texas...except intelligence levels (remember, I am generalizing based on my accounts and it does not reflect ALL of the residents of the "Lone Star State"). I was so glad to leave the state even though I wanted to spend more time there. One thing Texas has going for itself is its history and historical points of interest. I'll see Deely Plaza, The Johnson Space Center, the state capital, and the Alamo the next time I visit. At least I drove through the hometown of George W. and Laura Bush (even though I didn't care and I'm sure nobody else does either).
     Arkansas ~ I also REALLY HATE ARKANSAS! I do have to say this though: I stopped in Hope, AR! Now, ten points to the person to say why this place is important (especially for someone like me)? Here's a hint: The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" person is famous here, Give up??? President Bill Clinton was born there!!!
     Also, I decided to drive up to Hot Spring National Park. Now, I drove up the side of a mountain, walked into the observation tower center and asked if it served as the visitor's center as well. Oh no.....the visitor's center is in town!!! So after I ranted - for ten minutes - about the stupidity I had just endured, I drove back down the mountain and into downtown.  Guess what my next rant was about...the vistor's center!!! I had to pay for parking! I really really ticked off by this point! First of all, my tax dollars - along with everyone else's who pay taxes- pay for the park and the visitor's center; second, there were no signs directing me towards the visitor's center (the only signs was for the stupid observation tower which I had no interest in because I am not an avid fan of heights). I refused to pay for parking since I already do more than that in a single year.
     Again, I hate Arkansas for these reasons - and many more. The drivers there are just (I am currently trying to think of a polite word to use)...freaking stupid! As a matter of fact, I believe they are a few notches below Dallas/Ft. Worth drivers - and that's saying something!
     Tennessee ~ I always get a thrill when I cross the Mississippi River. In a sense, I feel like I am either Lewis or Clark; or, I'm time traveling from the present to the dawn of the 19th century. I realize that last line should have been in the "going to Arizona" section; but, it does apply here as well (just reverse the time-frames).
     North Carolina ~ Okay, the only thing that was different is the fact that I crossed the state line around 11:15PM.  I'm glad Asheville had minimal traffic on I-40.  It felt great to see my very-surprised dog greet me upon walking into the house at 1:03AM.  Oh yeah, every time I passed the exit to go to Western Carolina University, I sang the fight song as well as the Alma mater!

I realize this is a long blog post. To be fair, I will post what I did during my time in Arizona in a separate blog post (coming soon to a computer screen soon). Don't worry, I'll post it soon, I promise!

A Blue Dot Traveling to Red Country

In less than two weeks, I will be driving across the country to the state of Arizona.  I have decided to make the two-day journey to visit my grandparents since they have made their seasonal retirement to that part of the country.  I am both excited and nervous to embark on such a “bucket list” type endeavor.  First things first; I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon.  In addition, I want to be in Yuma when it is exactly 3:10 (I really hope someone got that reference).  I can’t wait to drive through Oklahoma & Texas – mainly because I have ALWAYS wanted to be a storm chaser and I love Tornados!!! (I guess the notion that Aquarians tend to have eccentric hobbies is accurate, haha.) Also, I really want to drive through New Mexico and take a picture of a cactus in its nature surrounding (and see Roswell, ha). I guess my memories of “Cruising U.S.A.” are, in some way, catching up to a reality I never really considered.  While I won’t be racing – except to beat daylight – I will be excited to travel to new states as well as I whole part of the country I’ve never experienced before.  If any thing else, it will allow me to fill out more of my, “Where I’ve Been” Map on Facebook. Those are just a few of the joys I am looking forward to on my cross-country road trip.

Now, the nervous issues regarding my journey are less than the joyful ones; yet, they are still relevant. This will be the first time I’ve driven across the country – well, close enough anyway.  I did a sporadic road trip to Texas last year in March (and that was an experience to say the least) and it enlightened me A LOT regarding their views on politics and how the government should work without knowing about how it actually works. Anyway, I digress.  In addition to the length of time I’ll be driving, alone I might add, my destination is the state of Arizona.  Now, I have highly criticized this state in the past and I am still standing by such criticisms.  Personally, I would love to visit Phoenix and give that unintelligent, moronic, and racist “governor” a piece of my mind – mainly because I’m an Hispanic male that was born in New York State and I have a clear understanding of the law and I’ll even say it all in English so she’ll understand.

 I thought about not spending any money while in the state, but I realized I would need gas for my car – even though I can apparently run since we all do this, at least, according to some of the Arizona state police and a few county sheriffs – and I would actually like to bring back a souvenir or two.  I’ve said it a few times and I’ll say it again: why not let Hispanic Americans take the lead regarding Hispanic issues like immigration? I guess that just makes too much sense….silly me!  I will say this, I really hope that if I get pulled over for something stupid and am asked for my papers…because I will lose it. I am not even joking. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a nice and friendly person…but if someone ticks me off and is just ignorant, then I go off. 

One more thing, I have two bumper stickers on my car: an Obama 2012 one and a Human Rights Campaign one. I guess the irony is that they are on my car which just happens to be…BLUE! Let’s not forget I am driving a foreign-made car. Who would have thought I was so political – and a democrat at that?! Anyway, I will make the best of it and be a nice person and smile. You know, play “Mr. Politician”, I might even volunteer for a candidate out there.  I’ll be in Arizona for roughly two weeks. I can’t wait to visit my grandparents and see the good things Arizona has to offer such as the landscape, the history, the big open sky at night, and the Grand Canyon.

Earlier I mentioned that I’ll be driving through Oklahoma and Texas. I will be driving through Tornado Alley during actual tornado season!!! I am super excited and I secretly hope I see one. I am debating whether to spend the night in Tulsa or Amarillo. I already have decided to spend one night in Little Rock.  I quickly realized, and much to my dismay, that it would be at least a two or three day journey out to Arizona.  Besides, it is my first time driving such a long distance so I will take my time on the road. I do plan on stopping at every state welcome center for my picture of the state welcome sign (and it will be going on Facebook).  On the trip home, I will stop in Hope, Arkansas, and visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Museum.  I will even stop somewhere in New Mexico and get some Alien/Area 51 souvenirs. Here is an interesting fact about me: I didn’t start believing in extra-terrestrials until 2006.

Another fact, it is going to be REALLY hot out there in the southwest portion of the United States (and I am not a fan of shorts; mainly because I have skinny chicken legs…but they are great for dancing since I have moves like Jaggar – or so I’m told haha).  Speaking of dancing, I do plan on hopefully doing some line-dancing out there since my grandparents are into that kind of entertainment. Remember, I’m a city person and I am a huge nightlife/club type of guy.  The fact that I can ride a horse (both western and English saddle I might add) should say something. Come to think about it, I think somewhere I have cowboy boots and a jean vest (and I haven’t worn any of it since…1998). It is important to bear in mind that I have resided in McDowell County, North Carolina, since 1998 so I can “go country” if I have to in any situation. Shoot, I’ll even throw in a southern accent and even ask for sweet tea! ;-) (“I ain’t got no English degree”….I’m sorry, I meant to say, “I’m sorry, but I do not have a degree in English”…yes, I had to correct myself; get over it).

***

Switching topics now; this upcoming Tuesday will be primary day for two states and the District of Columbia. The two states are Wisconsin and Maryland.  I will make the argument that Rick Santorum needs to win Wisconsin in order to make the case that he should be the GOP Presidential nominee. There are a couple of things that should be pointed out at this time.  Rick Santorum has repeatedly given praise of the leadership of Scott Walker as governor of Wisconsin.  I’m not sure if anyone is aware of this, but the majority of Wisconsin residents (I’m certain it’s in the ballpark of 64% give-or-take three percentage points) are opposed to Governor Walker and are currently trying to recall him from office. I actually have many friends that put their lives on hold and went to Wisconsin to help out in the efforts to recall Scott Walker. Actually, these friends are just as political as I am so it’s not really putting their lives on hold because politics is what they live for…like me.  I don’t really know, or care, about the current political climate in Maryland. The two main reasons why I don’t care are: Obama will take Maryland in the general election by at least 73% and Maryland residents are happy with their governor – who is in the same party as the President. I actually wish President Obama would take a lesson from governors like Martin O’Malley, but that’s a different discussion and I understand why he hasn’t done so yet.

My prediction for Tuesday’s primaries are as followed:

Maryland – Mitt Romney

Wisconsin – Rick Santorum…but it will be too close to call for at least two hours

District of Columbia – Mitt Romney

Hopefully, Newt Gingrich will finally drop out of the race; however, the thought in the back of my mind is that he won’t because he’s a stubborn, old, and arrogant person.  Ron Paul will not be dropping out of the race.

As for the current moment, I will stop this conversation and figure out the best way to discuss the Healthcare care currently being discussed in the United States Supreme Court.  Expect a wonderful post in the near future. Until then, I’m going to have some tea made from various tree barks and a hint of something citrus-y. I will also work on my music to compile for the long drive (the list is title “Car Jams).

A Potential Moment of Truth for the Politically Weak & Athletically Fit

     Well, we have finally come around to another primary day! This time, it is down south and it involves two states: Alabama and Mississippi.  It will be an interesting outcome indeed; however, I would like to briefly discuss the past weekend that endured within the GOP primary race.
     The past weekend involved four different caucuses with three of them having nine delegates awarded to the winner (the forth had 40 delegates).  Those four caucuses were: Guam, Kansas, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands - guess which one has 40 delegates [it is Kansas]. Rick Santorum won the Kansas caucus with over 50%, whereas Mitt Romney won the other three caucuses.  It should be noted that Ron Paul won the popular vote in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but because it is a...unique system it had Mitt Romney win the actual caucus.  Personally, it doesn't really matter because, like Puerto Rico, residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands are not able to vote in the general election...just the primaries and caucus (and yes, this makes no sense what-so-ever). Speaking as someone who actually knows people in Puerto Rico - hahaha - they have more important things to consider like statehood, independence, hurricanes, being home to the only rain forest in the United States (take that Hawaii!), and promoting tourism to help the economy of the country that they can't elect a leader to govern over them. Anyway, I digress...
     Okay, let's fast forward to today.  It is primary day in the deep south! I actually think Hawaii and the American Samoa hold caucuses today as well.  I guess we've had enough of caucus talk for the moment so we are only looking at primaries (Ron Paul would not be happy as his outlook is the exact opposite).    I always enjoy watching politics in the southern states...even though I never took Southern Politics in undergrad.  Anyway,  here are my predictions:

     2012 Primary (and Caucus) Predictions for the States of Alabama & Mississippi, Hawaii, and the United States Territory of the American Samoa:

Primaries ~

Alabama - 50 Delegates - Mitt Romney
Mississippi - 40 Delegates - Rick Santorum

Caucuses ~

Hawaii - 20 Delegates - Mitt Romney
American Samoa - 9 Delegates - Mitt Romney

***I know Gingrich has stated that he vows to stay in the race, but at some point he has to drop out because he can't win with two states.  If he doesn't drop out, then maybe Ron Paul will (I'm sorry Ron Paul supporters, but seriously....I'm not sold on him yet).

     Now before I get glares by the Ron Paul supporters, I am not saying he is a bad candidate or that he can't get elected....ok, I will say that much but I can defend that statement (at a later date). I am simply saying that he is true to his beliefs and he is very consistent when it comes to his voting records and positions.  Personally, I wish more people would read the Constitution.  Also, as a side note, he is a Duke graduate so that is always a plus - and now I'll be getting the glares from all my UNC friends, ha-ha!  I think he would make a more dramatic impact on policies, etc if he just stayed in Congress. I will continue to read up on his efforts and maybe, just maybe, I would consider voting for him.....but at the current time I am endorsing President Barack Obama for re-election.


     On a positive note, MARCH MADNESS is here!! All I'm going to say, at this point, is I hope Western Kentucky wins tonight's game! I still have to print, and fill out, my brackets! I want Syracuse to win (go figure and surprise, surprise.....give me a break I was BORN THERE!!!), but they have to face the University of North Carolina at Asheville. I have vowed to my UNC-A friends that I will remain neutral during their match-up on Friday afternoon. I do feel obligated to cheer for a North Carolina Public institution of higher education (and also was my back-up school if I didn't get into Western Carolina University). So for now.... GO SYRACUSE ORANGE[MEN] & GOOO UNCA BULLDOGS!!!!! The battle of the Bigs: Big East Vs. Big South!
     Oh,by the way, did anyone else see MY ALMA MATER on ESPN2 as they fought hard against Davidson on Monday night in the Southern Conference Championship game??? Two words - Double Overtime (and yes, I was on TV at least twice)!!! I am so proud to be a Western Carolina University Catamount Alumnus!  In fact, I've decided to forgo some of my other choices for graduate school and return to Western for my master's degree in.....Public Administration (not teaching as I once thought I was going to do; I'm too political).

If you want to contact me and discuss any political issues - or thoughts - then feel free:

E-mail: timoteohines@gmail.com
Facebook: Tim Hines
Twitter: @timoteohines