Tuesday, December 30, 2008

What Lies Ahead In the New Year?

When history books are written about the happenings during this time and place in the U.S., September 2008 will be recorded as when-America- officially-lost-its-world-standing... and its people officially lost their ever-loving minds!

Here is a list of the top 10 notables:
1. Gov. Blagojevich (shows unbelievable brazen defiance)
2. Gov. Sarah Palin (sacrificed own daughter for political gain)
3. Chip Saltsman (exposes himself as sophomoric GOP frat boy)
4. Bernie Madoff ('unrepentantly' rips off billions)
5. Cynthia McKinney (misguided missionary making waves with the Jews)
6. Caroline Kennedy (an empty pantsuit trying to walk in Hillary's shoes)
7. OJ Simpson (too stupid to know how to disappear from limelight)
8. Top 3 Auto Executives (displayed extreme avarice: flying high-on-hog to beg for money)
9. Al Franken (LOSER!!... even if he is eventually declared the winner)
10. The main stream media (no further comment needed)

Hopefully this cast of characters will fade into the woodwork, as we turn a new leaf. But we must admit... they have been great fodder for the past few months. Well, onward to 2009!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Vivian Berryhill's Christmas Greeting To All...



May the memories and the joy of this season sustain you, and your families, throughout this upcoming year. And may you remember to share the peace and love you have embedded in your hearts this Christmas Day with neighbors, friends, and those less fortunate than you, each day of the New Year.

God bless you. And God, please bless America!


Vivian Berryhill
Soul Voice

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Truth-teller Biden Is America's Last Hope


You have to hand it to Vice-President elect Joe Biden, what comes into his head, indeed comes out of his mouth. And, when you think about it, that is not such a bad thing... because at least so far, he has demonstrated that whether we like it or not, he is 'not' going to yank the publics' chain. He is going to give whatever-the-news... straight and to our faces!

Such is the case regarding his recent comments about the dismal U.S. economy. In a recent ABC interview, Biden said:

“The economy is in much worse shape than we thought it was in. There is no short run other than keeping the economy from absolutely tanking. That’s the only short run.

The single most important thing we have to do as a new administration, to have - to be able to have impact on all of the other things we want to do, from foreign policy to domestic policy, is we’ve got to begin to stem this bleeding here and begin to stop the loss of jobs in the creation of jobs, said Biden to George Stephanopoulos."
Wow... Joe! That's what I call dousing the American public with a dose of ice-cold reality. Biden must be appreciated for being 'man' enough to tell what we here in the heartland of America already knew: "It's bad out here... and about to get worse!"

There is no misunderstanding or mistaking the meaning in this dire warning from Biden. It is quite clear: "Hold on to your hats boys and girls, as all of us (the use-to-be rich, the 'always-been' poor and what's left of the middle class) are now in the same boat: the TITANIC!"

Although Biden has been ridiculed for his gaffes over the years... but if the truth be told, Biden's real criticism is that he will tell the American people what is really going on. And the truth is especially crucial at this challenging time in our history, as the trusted pillars that have been the anchors holding this nation up: the mortgage companies, the auto industry, the insurance business, the banks, and job/employment security, are now crumbling before our eyes! And folks are afraid, and are looking to leaders such as Biden, to tell it like it is.

So, as America waits until after the Christmas holidays to see which shoe will drop next...we can only hope that Joe won't let the powers that be, and those in the news media who have lost all credibility with the American people, put a muzzle on him. We 'need' him more than ever to keep sharing the real deal with his fellow Americans, so we can be as informed as our elected officials are in Washington, DC, and govern our lives accordingly. Because of all the folks in the DC beltway who live to give us the political 'spin'... Joe Biden has never been one of them. Here's hoping he won't start now.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Don't Feed Garbage to the Public

The messy details surrounding the Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama, are beginning to resemble a 'Whitney Houston/Bobby Brown' reality television nightmare. And the sad part about this entire saga is: Americans love reality t.v. We have become a nation who relishes in the dirty, seamy lives of others... especially the rich, famous, and VIPs.

The "Hot Rod" Blagojevich scandal has all of the ingredients for prime-time sleeze t.v. The only difference is instead of a one-hour reality show, scheduled one day per week for the millions who enjoy viewing other people's garbage and trash... CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Fox News, et. al, will slow drip this spiel during their 24-hour news cycles, forever!

To use one of Obama's famous phrases––this Blagojevich drama truly is "a distraction". The president-elect needs to be able to present his economic and overall policy agenda for the nation, announce picks to his Administration, have a decent 'honeymoon' with the American public without having to waste valuable time and energy talking about "what-did-he-know-and-when-did-he-know-it"... or being bombarded during the critical first 100-day press conferences with questions about Chicago's culture of corruption, and pay-to-play politics.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald needs this time also to complete his investigation, interview others who may be involved... without the media talking heads polluting the airwaves with uncorroborated debate, uninformed opinions, and wild speculations on "who-did-what". For the past two years, the media has been derelict in their duty, and have failed the American public by not fully vetting our president-elect... so, the media should stay on the sidelines now, and let the legal course of action proceed.

Calling for Blagojevich's resignation, and the loud drumbeat to impeach is premature and only increases the drama. Staking out Rahm Emmanuel's house and harassing him in front of his children only serves to stoke the fire and bring more attention to this debacle.

What should have been a one-day story now has the potential to play on the American scene through the the first six months of next year... unless everyone–– bloggers included–– back off of this drama and don't feed garbage to the public!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Patrick Fitzgerald Goes For Illinois' Jugular Vein

Chicago's corrupt political combine is bleeding profusely, and promises to taint or take down many powerful names before this is over.

In what some are calling just the 'tip' of this filthy corruption iceberg, Illinois Governor "Hot" Rod Blagojevich was led to political slaughter, in handcuffs, during the early morning hours on December 9th on charges of corruption. The most damaging accusations found in the 76-pg affidavit against Blagojevich was his blatant attempt to sell the Senate seat recently vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama. And, although the law deems one innocent until proven guilty, the Illinois Governor's own wire-tapped words demanding money for appointing a replacement to fill the vacancy left by Obama... will more than likely be his undoing.

The small world known as Chicago politics, has recently seen the conviction of Mr. Tony Rezko, a former fund-raiser for Governor Blagojevich, whose scheduled sentencing was reportedly delayed as he is allegedly cooperating with the feds to deliver a bigger fish. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, seems to be crossing names off of his pre-described filth list.

In addition to trying to profit from the Illinois Senate seat, according to excerpts from the affidavit:

"...the main charges focus, however, on events since October when the Government obtained information that Blagojevich and Fundraiser A, who is chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, were accelerating Blagojevichs allegedly corrupt fund-raising activities to accumulate as much money as possible this year before a new state ethics law would severely curtail Blagojevichs ability to raise money from individuals and entities that have existing contracts worth more than $50,000 with the State of Illinois. Agents learned that Blagojevich was seeking approximately $2.5 million in campaign contributions by the end of the year, principally from or through individuals or entities - many of which have received state contacts or appointments - identified on a list maintained by Friends of Blagojevich, which the FBI has obtained". [December 9, 2008]


Chicago politics, notoriously known for its pay-to-play schemes, and renown shake down antics, is a cesspool of slimy political hacks waiting to be exposed to the world... and hopefully the town cleaned up. It appears that Patrick Fitzgerald, who is going for Illinois' jugular vein, just bought himself reappointment in the Obama administration... at least for now.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

To President-elect Barack Obama - From Citizen Berryhill

Dear Mr. President-elect Obama,

With out a doubt, your history making ascension to the highest office in the land has brought, and continues to bring, unexplainable pride to millions of people of color, not just in America... but around the globe. People are rooting for you, as they want you to be a good President.

But on the other hand... there are also millions of others who do not like you, respect you, or want to see you confirmed as the 44th President of these United States. Please understand that for some in that category, it's personal. But there are many, who have not accepted your position, operating out of fear because there remain 'questions' about your life that have not been thoroughly answered.

I am writing this open letter to you today on behalf of both sides. Mr. President-elect, surely you know that there is a 'tempest in the teapot' brewing regarding the vault version of your birth certificate. And, only you, Sir, can bring closure to this issue.

For months now across bloggersville, and... now the issue is surfacing in main line media outlets as well, American citizens–– yes, the ones who voted for you... and the ones who did not–– are 'bewildered' that you feel the need to pay money (in the midst of a recession) to three major law firms to make sure that the American people, who you wish to serve, cannot have access to your birth records in Hawaii or your college transcripts. Speculation is running rampant that you received aid as a foreign student. So, instead of relishing in your victory, those who supported you are having to confront these allegations daily...without documentation or ammunition to counter the claims.

Americans believe you when you say you 'love this country'. However, to allow this birth certificate brouhaha to reach the Supreme Court on December 5, causes many to question your love for the country you want to lead. Why would you allow this issue to proceed to the Supreme Court, knowing the national scab has not fully healed from the Bush vs Gore election which was decided at the SCOTUS level? Unfortunately, Mr. President-elect, whichever decision is handed down by the Justices, will not make this issue go away. And, quite frankly, a Constitutional crisis may be imminent... which could further divide an already divided nation.

I know this birth certificate issue may seem trivial in the scheme of things: National Security briefings, world threats, picking a cabinet, an economic crisis looming large... but to many of our fellow Americans, 'nothing' is more important than the Constitution of the United States. Consequently, you Sir, are the only one who can bring closure to the issue at this juncture.

So, please Mr. Obama... for the sake of all the people who supported and voted for you... and, also to quiet (once, and for all) the skeptics, naysayers, and people who already deem your presidency 'illegitimate', do like Senator John McCain did, and present your birth certificate to the American people today.

Our prayer is that you will do the right thing, put an end to this nonsense... so America can come together and tackle the real issues that face this country.

God bless you. And, God bless America!

Vivian Berryhill, Citizen

Monday, December 1, 2008

What 'Trump' Card Does Hillary Hold Over Obama?

Tongues are wagging from coast-to-coast as President-elect Barack Obama makes it official: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will serve as U.S. Secretary of State... for as long as she wants that job. Many of Obama's Clinton-hating supporters are seething with anger and feel his "Hope, Change" slogan––that so many believed in––were just 'mere words'.

How did Senator Clinton manage to pull off this 'plumb job' in the Obama Administration, is the question on many lips. This question is particularly troublesome when avid Obama supporters, like Senator John Kerry, Gov. Bill Richardson, and Dr. Susan Rice, were looked over, while 'arch-enemy' Hillary walks away with the second best job in the nation, and the most highly visible position in the world!

During the press conference announcement of his National Security team, Obama was confronted by one reporter with the following question... the one question that is being asked by 'any' and every anti-war supporter on the street:
"You talked about the importance just now of having different voices and robust debate within your administration. But, again, going back to the campaign, you were asked and talked about the qualifications of the -- your now -- your nominee for secretary of State, and you belittled her travels around the world, equating it to having teas with foreign leaders; and your new White House counsel said that her resume was grossly exaggerated when it came to foreign policy.

I'm wondering whether you could talk about the evolution of your views of her credentials since the spring." [Peter Baker, December 1, 2008]
And, while the newly elected Obama initially tried to make light of the reporter's question, it didn't take him long to realize that reporter Baker wasn't backing down. It was then that Obama tried to square-that-round-hole he dug for himself during the course of the brutal campaign against Clinton. But, conventional wisdom says not many folks are buying his nuanced, flip-flop explanation.

The customary honeymoon given most new presidents, may be shorter lived than usual for Mr. Obama. His base is really mad about the Clinton appointment in particular... and they don't appear to want give him a pass on this one, or to go away silently.

Oh well. Whatever 'trump' card Hillary is holding over Obama's head, must be a doozy. But, it won't be long before time brings it all to light!