Purposeful Thoughts Without an Adgenda

The numbers, confirming previous estimates, show that taxpayers spent $118,140 to reimburse people for drug test costs, at an average of $35 per screening.

Good for the POTUS to make the comments he did. Granted, the timing was odd. However, he had little choice. After Joe "say what pops in your head" Biden made his comments and North Carolina took a unnecessary step backward in time (Since same sex marriage was already not recognized there) the 24 hour news networks were clamoring. Silence would have escalated the issue. So the President came out and said what he said with a thoughtful and deliberate explanation. Now comes the political backlash. Seriously, why is it such a big deal. If Obama said he wasn't for it what would happen? He would still get the LBGT vote. I mean where are they going to go Romney...yeah not so much. 

Watching the coverage on CNN Roland Martin (of recent SuperBowl suspension fame) kept bringing up the black church and next Sundays pulpit. While he is correct that Obama's position will be at odds with many religious leaders, especially in the black community, his accent of the effect is vastly over exaggerated. I was raised in the black church and am still an active member. I have heard "Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" from a number of Pastors. Fact is the support in the black community for Obama is extremely salient. Yes, the voter turnout will not be what it was in 2008. But quite simply the black vote is going to go overwhelmingly to Obama.  I mean where are they going to go Romney...yeah not so much. 

Martin seems to have a dog in the fight when he is arguing that this will be such a big issue in the black community. All I can presume is that it is because it is such a big issue for him. Because he got suspended for anti-gay comments. Because he wants it to be. Because he is anti-gay. I have had my own views on same sex marriage "evolve" for the exact reasons Obama cited today. We can be reflexive in protecting things as we perceive they should be. However, as life goes on and people come in your life and exemplify the values you hold in a separate or different manner that may change. It happened over the course of an interracial relationship I was in. Her father, a virulent racist, is now a friend of mine. Learning from life experiences is evolution. 

Tolerance when not learned can be earned. Rejecting what you see clear as day is intolerance. 

Jeb would make a fantastic nominee for the GOP except there is no way (That's right, mark my words) he will be the #2. Especially not for Romney. Did you see his tepid endorsement and arms length stance throughout this process? When it is Jeb's time (In 2016) he will clear the field easily and be a strong contender for the White House. I suspect he will be our next President, after Obama's second term of course.