The Democratic National Committee rendered its decision to seat all of the delegates from Florida and Michigan but give them half a vote each. As soon as the committee’s decision was made public . . . Hillary Rodham Clinton’s true colors became apparent.

This subject has been broached before, http://bbooth.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/fanning-the-flames-of-discord/, but now due to diminishing options, the concealed political agenda of fanning the flames of discord can clearly be seen.

Harold Ickes, one of Mrs. Clinton’s chief advisers and a member of the rules committee stated, “Mrs. Clinton has instructed me to reserve her rights to take this to the credentials committee.”

He further intimated that the fight may not be over, and that it could go all the way to the convention in Denver. Mr. Ickes also claimed the outcome for Michigan was a hijacking of voters’ intent because it assigned delegates to Senator Obama even though his name was not on the ballot.

Why was Senator Clinton’s name still on Michigan’s ballot?

Why did she change her mind to abide by the party decision to penalize the two states by disallowing their delegates?

Mrs. Clinton chief objective has always been . . . if she couldn’t secure the nomination, she would discredit the winner even if it meant putting a Republican back in the White House. Her political aspirations have blinded her to the fact that the Democratic Party has been reduced to a petulant, derisive and unruly mob.

Has Senator Clinton’s incendiary remarks and divisive tactics left scars too deep to heal among Democratic Partisans?

Can the party be unified in time to keep John McCain out of the White House?

Hopefully in 2012, the Democratic Party would have learned from this and its leaders will not allow things to degenerate as it did in this campaign.

As for Hillary Rodham Clinton, only time will tell if the rancor she instigated . . . will have her once again . . . on the outside looking in.  

Bradley Booth

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

As the ground, shook beneath her . . . Wang Xiaoni rushed back to her apartment. Her safety didn’t matter at the moment. On her mind was the well-being of her baby and mother.

Wang Xiaoni worst nightmare gripped her as she saw the apartment building in rubbles. Trapped underneath it all—her 56-year-old mother, as well as her 5-month-old son.

She cried out to anyone who would listen . . . but it seemed as if her voice echoed into empty space. Perhaps, others did hear her pleas for help, but numbed from the earthquake, which accounted for the loss of 15,000 lives in DUJIANGYAN, China so far, were powerless to act.

Finally, help comes . . . a truck full of soldiers. As they cordoned off the area and try to extricate the ones buried in the rubble—Wang Xiaoni, 26 . . . silently prays. She hopes against all odds that her baby and mother are fine.

What seems like endless hours slowly pass—no one has been brought out alive.

She clings to a sliver of hope . . . 

Bradley Booth/Freelance Commercial Writer

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

After the results of the Indiana primary, three minutes into her victory speech . . . Hillary Clinton appealed to her supporters that she needed an infusion of money to continue:

“I need your help to continue our journey. This has always been your campaign, and this is your victory because your support has meant the difference between winning and losing.”

What was most perplexing about Senator Clinton’s comments——her use of the words our journey. In a time when most Americans are struggling with the state of the economy, Mrs. Clinton has loaned her campaign $11.4 million.

Perhaps it was at the request of her supporters.

A campaign funded by contributions from the populace has always been a good barometer for candidates to gauge, not only their level of support, but also their constituents desire to see them continue.

What does the following say about Hillary Clinton’s campaign: she contributed $5 million in February, $5 million April 11, $1 million May 1^st and $425,000 on May 5^th.

Seems as if the needs of one . . . far outweigh the needs of many.

No longer is the rhetoric to see a democrat in the White House——unless of course, it’s Mrs. Clinton. The derisive overtones, incendiary remarks, and questions of electability . . . all covertly done with one purpose——to cast a disparaging light on her political adversary to secure the nomination for herself.

Is this our journey that she was alluding to?

A house divided will never stand——neither will a campaign that is built on deceit.

One doesn’t have to look too far, to figure out why the money to support Senator Clinton’s campaign has been waning. The issue has never been one of electability—— but more of integrity.

Exit polls have shown . . . There’s growing sentiment that Hillary Clinton can’t be trusted. Contrary to the public’s perception of her exhuming skeletons from the closet of her political rival . . . Mrs. Clinton seems willing to provide opponents with a glimpse into her own as well:

· Her insistence of support for weapons inspections, not war in Iraq. Although her speeches advocated action against Saddam Hussein … and she voted to authorize the use of force.

· She agreed that Michigan and Florida primaries result shouldn’t be counted because they violated party rules … but has done a complete turnaround to help her campaign.

· She claimed that her opponent wavers on his stance of NAFTA … but failed to acknowledge that she was in favor of it.

· Hillary Clinton asserted that she help to broker peace in Northern Ireland . . . but no one can recall her in a negotiator role. Surely the empty park in Belfast, which was supposed to be filled with the laughter of catholic and protestant children, can attest to that fact.

· The pregnant woman who lost her baby and subsequently her life because of a lack of medical coverage….Mrs. Clinton had to recant the story because it was told to her and she never corroborated the facts.

· Senator Clinton claims that she and daughter faced danger on their trip to Bosnia . . . but later clarified that she misspoke about the incident.

The question in Hillary Clinton’s television ad should never have been . . . who do you want answering the phone at 3 a.m. But once it’s picked up, who do you trust . . . to make the right decision?

“What one does, indeed, speaks so loudly . . . that no matter what one says——cannot be heard.”

Bradley Booth

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

Roger Clemens apologized . . .

No one seems to know what for.

What was clear however, the mistakes that he was apologizing for . . . had nothing to do with his professional life as a baseball player.

If this is in fact true——why burden the public with it?

Amidst the improprieties on the field, with alleged use of steroids and HGH, come new revelations of adulterous affairs.

Roger Clemens has no one to blame but himself for his fall from grace. His defamation lawsuit against Brian McNamee is what opened this Pandora’s Box.

Rather than rehash a worn out story, let’s look at this from a different perspective. Baseball fans are divided on whether Roger Clemens is innocence or guilty of allegedly using steroids and HGH. As well they should be . . . nothing has been proven.

If Clemens wants to apologize to his family for personal mistakes, so be it. But baseball fans who have idolized him——should take a page from his book and apologize to their families as well.

If you admired Roger Clemens for his ability on the baseball field, spoke to your child about emulating his work ethics and stopped right there . . . you should be commended.

But for others——blind admiration for Clemens, led him to take their rightful place, as a role model in their children’s lives . . . a burden that should never be placed on any athlete.

The demands of playing requires a baseball player to be away from home more times than not. If they cannot be home to be a role model to their own children . . .

What makes them capable of being one for yours?

Bradley Booth

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

The life of Katherin Shuffield has been irrevocably changed forever.

She pleaded for someone to help her.

Katherin laid helpless in a pool of blood . . . shot in the abdomen by a mask bandit, while he robbed the Huntington Bank Branch located on 2030 N. Post Road, in Indianapolis.

The thought that consumed her wasn’t about herself, but the safety of her babies.

Katherin at the time of the shooting was five months pregnant.

Her assailant, if caught—won’t be tried for murder.

Under Indiana Law, the fetus has to be seven months old. So as Katherin weeps for the lost of her twins, lawmakers debate what charges should be brought against the suspect, who remains at large.

As prayers and sentiments from well-wishers cascade upon Katherin and her husband Jason . . . a disturbing thought comes to mind.

Throughout out this ordeal, there has been no mention of the perpetrator lurking in the shadows.

The entity that has decided to remain quiet . . .

Offering no words of comfort to the Shuffields, why after three robberies . . . in a span of a year——nothing has been done.

In this case their silence speaks volumes . . .

A bank is where one goes to ensure the safety of their hard earned money. It’s taken for granted that the bank will make certain to safeguard the capital you’ve entrusted them with.

In the case of the Huntington Branch Bank ——one has to think long and hard, if they want to deposit their money with a bank . . .

Who put a woman and her unborn children . . . in harm’s way.

Bradley Booth/Freelance Commercial Writer

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

The rancor with which the men spoke—— clearly depicted that they thought this was 1999 all over again.

Different victim . . . same results.

They didn’t question how could this happen. They simply stated the obvious . . . at least, the way they saw it.

New York City was hell-bent on annihilating Black Men.

This view can be interpreted in so many ways . . . but nothing to the extent of a racial killing. Two of the officers involved in the shooting of Mr. Bell were also African-American.

The truth concerning the events of that ill-fated night, perhaps will never be truly known. The different accounts by both sides, makes it increasingly difficult to understand what really happened.

The defense chose to paint the men has drunken thugs . . . while prosecutors portrayed the officers as a frightened and disorganized group.

Was it a bachelor party gone wrong?

Was it an overreaction by police, which led to the use of excessive and deadly force?

Neither of which delves into the disturbing trend that threatens to sever the already contentious and frayed relationship . . . between NYC’s finest—— and the citizens, they have sworn to protect . . .

Bradley Booth

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

On August 28, 1963 . . . a man stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and proclaimed his dream:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Forty-five years later . . . the fulfillment of that dream still eludes the nation.

Was this dream hewed from a deranged mind totally out of touch with reality?

Was this dream carved out of an imaginary utopia that only he could see?

Was this dream of a promised nirvana just an ideology, to give false hope to his people, who at that time were shackled by the chains of discrimination?

Some have become disheartened, and dispirited, that the message delivered back then does not apply today.

While others are so disillusioned and disenfranchised that they see no reason to raise their voices in unity, to assail the very political tyranny, which has enslaved them to a life of poverty.

Has the dream truly perished?

In these troubling times of economic turmoil, inadequate educational standards, and American soldiers dying overseas on every front, the demarcation lines are no longer skewed as they once were by the hue of a person’s skin, in as much as by the disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished.

In a nation overflowing with material prosperity, the promissory note pledged by the founding fathers that all Americans would inherit, for some have indeed been a returned check——clearly stamped “insufficient funds.”

             There seems to be a growing romanticism that serves politicians well when talking to citizens of the Rust Belt.

As I traveled through Pennsylvania, I couldn’t help but noticed the overpowering fear that gripped the people I spoke to. Across the hall from me, a group consisting of two families had taken what seemed like refuge, in one room of the hotel. It was the only way . . . they could afford to give their children, one-day of enjoyment over the spring break.

I met a young woman, who works two jobs and attends college, in order to make a better life for her two kids. I was drawn into a conversation with a couple that had moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and were now in danger of losing their home.

The economy in Pennsylvania has been transitioning from an industrial state to an information driven one for the last twenty years. Yet, some would rather curse the darkness, as opposed to getting a bigger breaker to provide more light.

 Pennsylvanians have been characterized as simple, hard working individuals, who despise politicians with flowery speech. This portrayal has led some politicians to believe that they can easily be duped— into casting their votes for anyone promising to restore jobs to the Rust Belt . . . re-establishing their way of life.

What they failed to realize is that the economy has been the bedrock of previous political campaigns. All across Pennsylvania, young people are crying out for a “Change We Can Believe In.”

They have been energized and await the opportunity for their voices to be heard come election time. On April 22, Pennsylvania will host the largest of the remaining contests, which has given politicians a chance to outline their promises.

The emphasis has shifted from global and industrial policies to household economics: subprime mortgages, the rising cost of healthcare, gas prices, supermarket costs, and student loans interest rates.

While one candidate talks about changing the way things are done, the other speaks of bringing back jobs to the Rust Belt.

Which can make good on their promise?

If the empty park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which was supposed to be filled with the laughter of Catholic and Protestant children, is any indication—bringing back jobs, restoring a way of life, for most Pennsylvanians . . . sounds like another hollow promise.

Bradley Booth

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

Not the safety of their customers—by trying to find a solution to the FCC mandate that cell towers and sites be equipped with eight hours of backup power. Nor rescue workers inability to communicate, which accounted for numerous delays and incalculable lives lost during Hurricane Katrina.

Wireless companies have shown through their actions that BOTTOM LINE PROFITS take precedent over averting human casualties.

Two and a half years after Katrina, imagine the scene that has taken place. Wireless companies running to court——claiming that the FCC has overstepped its authority. Although they agree that their networks are desperately in need of an upgrade . . . the FCC mandate would impose . . .  A TREMENDOUS ECONOMIC and BUREAUCRATIC BURDEN on them.

Strangely enough, the company notorious for its excessive amount of dropped calls . . . definitely dropped the ball on this one. Instead of doing right by their customers, Sprint Nextel stated the FCC rules would cause “STAGGERING and IRREPARABLE HARM” for the company.

It has been eight months since the FCC released its regulations and the two sides are no closer to a resolution. The U.S. Court of Appeals granted Sprint Nextel’s request to stay the regulation as the case proceeds. We can only wait in eager anticipation as to what will play out in May, when oral arguments begin.

Verizon Wireless should be commended. The company has a history of installing backup batteries and generators to its cells sites. Most notably during the 2003 blackout that kept parts of the Northeast in darkness for several hours, Verizon customers were still able to communicate.

AT&T, the nation’s largest wireless carrier has remained silent on the FCC regulations.

As for Sprint Nextel . . . Perhaps, just as easily as they track dropped calls, the loss of—is just another line on the company’s ledger.

Bradley Booth

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com

Depending on what part of the city you were in, you were either greeted by people, who were in utter disbelief and shock that a man who had been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, would have fallen from grace because of his inability to control . . . 

Eliot Spitzer, the governor of New York resigned today. For some it was a day of mourning, for others a day of jubilation. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and three daughters, and perhaps, some may have a tinge of sympathy for Mr. Spitzer as well . . . but today, belong to the people of New York.

It was time to take a deep breath and reflect on what lies ahead. A budget that has be ratified by April 1. A bureaucratic system embroiled in anarchy almost from the inception of Mr. Spitzer taking office, will undoubtedly welcome the change.

New Yorkers can now try to turn the page and welcome a man, who some believe will have a calming effect on the state of New York. In Harlem, its venerable citizens rejoiced, not due of an avarice to see one of their own ascend to such a lofty position, but simply because the seed had been planted so long ago, and today the harvest bore fruit.

The challenges that lay ahead for the new governor will of course be daunting, but for most of the citizens of Harlem, who have watched the political rise of David Patterson; they extol him as a man of moral fiber, integrity, and the temperament to mediate across bipartisan lines, attributes they claim, that will enable him to fulfill his role as governor.

Is Lieutenant Governor Patterson a breath of fresh air? Will his administration bring about a sweeping change in the way things are done in Albany?

The camera has flashed, the negative is developing, and the picture . . . remains to be seen.

Bradley Booth/Freelance Commercial Writer

Website: www.BBoothAssociates.com