Oprah Exits in 2011: HEADING FOR MOUNT RUSHMORE..?

She leaves a trail of genius.

So who would have thought that after twenty-five (25 ) years as Talk Diva,  Oprah would tearfully say to her audience, its time to pack it in. 

After that revelation last Friday on the Oprah Show, questions on what the future holds for Winfrey has been fast in coming.  Some actually think its a show of hubris that Oprah thinks of stepping down, starting over ---elsewhere.  Possibly on her own network --Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).  She's a billionaire, and has proved thus far she's  also a skillful business woman.  The first Black female with such a portfolio as become an American icon.

Not to mention, that whatever/whomever she touches seem to gain fame.. even the notorious leaves her interviews embellished.. seen in a new light.   If even for a shot time.  Yes, Oprah in many ways, has the Midas Touch.. she turns what she endorses into 'gold'  as in hard green backs. 
 However, from the world of pop culture, is she headed to a Mount Rushmore somewhere on the American landscape?  Absolutely! She has proved time and time again she's a natural for the job...following her passion. Yet I question where that passion ends.

Could the future hold a Senator Winfrey?  Ambassador or Senior White House Advisor?  She's reportedly responsible for a million votes going to President Obama...will she as a celebrity extend her 'limits' as a new world opens to embrace her?   Still searching for answers...on Winfrey's move. But the politics behind the move is fascinating.  Kudos to Oprah... and I will be watching!


Join the conversation. Does Oprah have politics in her future?   How do you see her expanding her horizons?

Democrats: Still 'dithering' on Health Reform...!

Can you believe it, that despite the fact a bill has emerged from the House and Democrats claim they have sixty votes--  in the  Senate, there is still a cloud  hovering passage of  health care reform? Not to mention the liklihood of one emerging with a public option?  Nevertheless, the debate is on. At the end of the day, however, will the President have a bill on his desk by Christmas?  I say no.

As expected, thus far attempts  to bring Republicans into the fold have proved futile. Blue Dogs are also being  wooed  to do the job they were elected to do--  provide competition  in the marketplace  for  voters as  they think future-- and health care insurance. But is that likely to happen as Democrats 'dither' and three senators threaten to filibuster?   That said, for supporters of a billl with a strong  public option.. a bad or watered down bill is unacceptable.  So  among  Senators pushing back are: Bernie Sanders who threatens to withold his vote if Senate Democrats allow Blue Dogs and Republicans Senators: Snowe and Collins to carry the day.

Others are say half a victory is better than none. Really!  But  for whom is one- half good enough? These questions are being asked-- left and center. But most adamant not to support a bill without a public option are Senators Burris (D-IL) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont).  Most relevant at this time,  however, will the Democrats take a page from Republicans and show they can be as tough...mean, when they have the  numbers to call the shots?

This is crunch time. Not to mention 2010 elections are on the horizon, and to that I say let the games begin. Or rather --let the process of eliminaton begin. With Democratic voters showing much apathy-- threatening to sit-out upcoming elections ..who provides needed steriod shots to get them excited again? Steriod shots.. are measured by action in Congress to address a promised agenda.  Again, will the Democrats deliver... or will the 'dithering' continue?

That answer comes .. its your guess as well as mine.  I just pray they prove us wrong giveb the ball is in their corner.  

Join the conversation.. bets on a  health delivery package by December are on the table?  Chime in!

VernaSmith

Fort Hood: We want answers!

Veterans day cam and left a bitter taste in our mouths. Not to mention the tragedy at Fort Hood . The loss of twelve service men and one civilian continues to resonate. How could this massacre happen on American soil? We need answers. We must as a nation get to the bottom of this.

As many ponder the "Why" the puzzle gets larger. Yes, thus far answers seem to be evading us.
Surely I have an opinion...as you do, but its only an 'opinion.'

The president rightly emphasizes the hope that evidence will secure a conviction for THE ALLEGED GUN MAN, who has been THE aggressor in this case.

At the end of the day we hope justice will be served.

Bill Gates: Wall Street You Earn too much!

Are you mad as hell that Wall Street is still playing 'big' on the backs of taxpayers?

"High Anxiety" on Joblessness-- Obama Plans Summit..!

For those of us on Main Street recent reports  were not surprising, that joblessness had peaked to 10.2 percent.  In some parts of urban and rural America, there is not doubt.. that number realistically could be somewhere between 17-18 percentage points.

With the Christmas season on our doorsteps... and empty cupboards and bocket books the likely for many, the President is experiencing 'high anxiety," and plans a summit. As reported in the  Star Tribune...representation will come from many sectors. The big question: what can they add to the dialogue-- as those of us not working on Wall Street ponder the implications of jobless recovery.

Yes, those on Wall Street are thinking big bonuses after getting a bailout from taxpayers.  But for the compassionate liberals who delivered their 'gift package'  for them, there is no room at The Inn.  We/they  just cannot afford the price.  The situation is bad... and of course, it all began in the financial district, New York City.

But how did all of this  begin?  Bill Gates of Microsoft believes greed on Wall Street  started when government- 'the cops' - tried to limit Executive Compensation. Others have their impressions of who is the Robin Hood in this scenario.  That said,  however, this is a bad financial season for most of us; thus  is President's call for a summit the answer? 

Whatever is likely to happen  then, in terms of providing the right answers are unsure. One thing is certain with the battle over health care reform and the resistance to  this  legislation --with a public option,  voters are bristling with anger. Adding to that -- increasingly, more  Americans  are queing up at  bread lines or soup kitchens,  and that's not pleasant scenario. Consequently,  the 2010 elections could be quite telling.  Voters are ready to use their 'pitch forks' -- votes, to throw more than a few out of office.

Are the Democrats getting the message?  From all apperances they are... but is the "fix' coming too late?

 Ready to ask for your bailout-- and more vociferously than before?  The banks did..not to mention they were too big to fail.  Curling up and throwing a 'pity party' definitely wont help thos of us on Main Street. The strategy-- send a message to Washington using ever means available.  In short, it's time to get that message to your legislator....  we want answers... and now!!

Join the convesation.  Have your say!

VernaSmith

On Reform-- Will Abortion be an Issue...?

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I WOULD HOPE, NOT!!    What say you.