Real Reasons Why 70% of Black Women Are Single

[The Dating Guru]  By JJ Smith

We’ve all heard on Oprah, CNN, ABC News, and the Washington Post that 70% of Black women are single, and 42% are unmarried. 

We’ve even recently heard a young Black woman, Helena Andrews, say that she is successful, Black and lonely and that “Bitch is the New Black”. 

Helena’s story is probably the most heartfelt as I can relate to her, when I was in my 20s that is… but now at 40, I can say that there are many things that I have learned about Black men and two that stand out the most are that:  (1) “Being a bitch” was never going to get me the love I desired from Black men. (Note: Being a bitch as in being mean, argumentative, hard to get along with, bitter, etc.); and  (2) Our "credentials" don't attract men!  Just because WE feel that we are successful, independent, professional and educated doesn’t mean that’s we’re attractive to men, or even datable for that matter. I have learned that it is our EXTERIOR that gets a man's attention --smile, look, personality, non-bitchy attitude, confidence and overall attractiveness-- and our INTERIOR --our love for God, family, friends, being honest, supportive, respectful, emotionally stable, goal-oriented -- that keeps a man coming back for more.

Even though many news organizations have provided the statistics I mentioned above, I’ve rarely seen these media outlets offer any real solutions.  In fact, I’ve yet to hear anyone really explain the REAL reasons so many Black women are single, as it's much more complicated than the “numbers.” 

I personally don’t believe in allowing the media to exploit this issue and give an appearance that Black people have issues and challenges that we cannot solve on our own.  As a single, successful Black woman, I refuse to allow the media to make me feel bad or desperate about the plight of the “single Black female,” especially given the personal and professional success sistas have made in a male-dominated world. 

So, Black men and women, WE can facilitate our own discussion on this challenge and identify real solutions that work for us. I’ll begin by offering this 2-part article to address this challenge.  In Part 1, discuss the real reasons why so many Black women are single--because you know the media isn’t telling the whole story and in Part 2, I will offer 10 practical solutions for women who are looking to find a “good man.”  Please feel free to share other suggestions.

The Real Reasons So Many Black Women are Single: 

Some of the reasons could apply to women that are not Black, but the focus of this article is on Black women because that’s all we keep hearing about in the media these days.

There are many factors that have lead to why so many Black women are single, but I believe the most significant factors are listed below:

1. The Black Man Shortage (as I read on Essence.com):  42% of Black women are unmarried.  70% of professional Black women are single.  The numbers don’t lie and there is a real gap between “datable” Black women and men. Even if there is some degree of inaccuracy in the numbers, if you just talk to Black women, many will agree that there are some challenges finding a “good Black man, ” that is, one that is not behind prison bars, gay, or with other races.  I’m also fully aware of this challenge due to the number of Black women who write me about it every week. So, the   statistics do play a role in this challenge, but it does not tell the whole story. Please read on.

2. Too Many Black Women Have Bought Into the Stereotypes On Who They Are:  The perception that Black women are hard to get along with, mean, bitchy, argumentative, bitter, etc., has become a reality for too many Black women.  I know, because I used to be that way and still have relapses on occasion but irrational behavior and constantly “going off” on people, especially your man, is not an attractive quality to have when trying to maintain a relationship with a man.  I had to LEARN that just because I was running things at work, didn’t mean I was going to run things with my man.  So, I had to “check my attitude” at the door when dealing with my Black man.  Maybe a man really needs to be the head of the household, and if you don’t trust that he can be, then leave him alone and move on.  A wise man once told me that anything with two heads is a monster, so only one can be head of the household, and for me, I prefer it to be my man. Sistas, we know we have carried too much of the financial and emotional burden of raising our families alone, but we should use that to draw strength from and not allow that to make us emotionally weaker.  I remember being in my 20s at a management consulting firm I worked for and this brother told me that I would definitely make Partner but no one would ever like me because I was so damn mean, and I actually was naïve enough to take that as a compliment; not realizing that my “meanness and bitchiness” had spilled over into my personal life and keeping me from attracting and keeping good men in my life.

3. Many Black Women Have Made a Conscious Decision To Be Single:  I know you’re saying "yea, right."  But this is actually true.  I know personally for me, I have been married before, but I prefer to be single, especially since I don’t want to have children.  Personally, I am not looking to get married again, but I’m not opposed to the idea either.  If I meet someone who makes me feel that being married to them is better than my freedom and the luxuries of my single life, then I would consider getting married again.  The most important thing to me is to have quality, meaningful relationships with men with similar dreams, goals and interests in life.  People fall in love and marry because it’s the tradition.  Men and women have been getting married since before recorded history.  Until recently, America was the most “married” nation in the world.  But now many ask, “Do I have to be married to live happily ever after?”  In today’s society, people have a strong desire to simply be happy, whether that means being married or unmarried.  Being single is not synonymous with being “alone”.  Many single people do have a meaningful love relationship in their life. Society makes people think that end goal of two people who love each other is a “traditional monogamous marriage” but I don’t believe everyone fits that model.  Whoever said dating has to end in marriage?  If marriages were so great, why do more than half of them end in divorce?  So, there are really some women who are happy being single--Seriously!

4. Black Men Don’t See Many of the Qualities That They So Much Admire in Their Mothers and Grandmothers. To say it’s just a shortage of Black men is only a small part of the problem, but as Black women we have to re-evaluate who we are and who we’ve become today.  Black men don’t see the strong, quiet strength of their mothers and grandmothers; neither the homemaking-cooking skills either.  In my book "Why I Love Men," I have a section called “Never Underestimate the Relationship Between a Man and His Mother” that discusses this further.  A wise woman understands the precious bond between a man and his mother.  You’re not going to change it nor would you want to.  A mother is very proud of her son, especially if he’s a good man.  His mother values him.  His mom and grandmother has loved him unconditionally all his life, and well, you, not so long.  If you want a smooth relationship with a Black man, be sure you understand WHY he loves his mom so much and it will help you build a stronger relationship with him.  And, if you don’t know why he admires and loves his mom so much, ask him.  In fact, a huge red flag for me is when a guy doesn’t have any relationship with his mother, and she is still living.  Or if he speaks to his mother in a disrespectful or harsh manner, he will likely treat you the same way. 

5. Black Women Have Spent Their Best Years Pursuing Their Education and Career Goals not Realizing that Their Strongest Assets (e.g., Looks, Fertility) Decrease With Age.  I know this may be unpopular, but it is the truth.  A woman who wants to have a family should capitalize on her looks, age, and fertility while she is young instead of only focusing on chasing the high-powered career.  I believe --and  of course I could be wrong-- that a man would more likely be with a young, fine woman that is less educated and makes him feel good --in terms of stroking his ego-- then an average looking woman with a great career and education.  If marriage and having children is important to you, you may want to NOT focus as much time on pursuing your career goals, but spend more time pursuing and developing meaningful love relationships while you’re young, perky and fertile. If you want a husband and family, you have to pursue it with the same focus and attention you did to achieve your career goals, and by all means, don’t let your looks, fashion sense, and overall attractiveness go downhill.  In "Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating," I share insider secrets, practical advice and techniques that any woman can use to maximize her physical beauty without cosmetic surgery, because as shallow as it may sound, how physically attractive you are is very important to men, and should also be to you if you are seriously looking to attract and keep a man. 

6. Black Men Struggle More Than Any Other Group of People in Society and in the Workplace: You have to ask why are there so many Black men in prison and under-educated?  Why is the unemployment rate so high for Black males?  Why is the suicide rate so high for Black males?  Why are so many Black men absent in their child’s life?  Why are Black males struggling more than other group of people?  We have to better understand the struggles of Black men to really increase the number of “datable” Black men; and I’m no expert on the answers to these questions and I know when I’m out of my lane, but there are others who have studied Black males and written on this topic and could surely provide some answers to these questions.

7. Black Women Haven’t Adjusted to the New Hypercompetitive Dating Environment That Exists Today: Many of the traditional rules of courtship don’t exist, for better or for worse, Black women have to do things differently to attract and maintain a long-term relationship with a man.  And, if you think about it, most of us have never been taught how to date to find a compatible partner.  There was no college course for it.  Yes, many women have received advice from family or friends.  We may have taken advice from other single women.  But most of us are winging it as we go.  There are some women who are obviously better at it than others.  In "Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating," I’ve consolidated the best strategies that I have learned from friends, relatives and my own experiences and frankly some of the best practical advice that I have ever received and successfully applied to attract the type of men I wanted in my life and they did show up.  These strategies have worked for others and they can work for you.  You can’t continue doing the same thing and expect different results.  It is time to change your approach to dating.

So, those are my thoughts, I’d love to hear why you think so many Black women are single and please be sure to read Part 2 of this article soon:  10 Things Single Black Women Should Do to Find a “Good Man.”

Also, check out “Real Talk with JJ and The Fellas” see www.jjsmithonline.com, as we will dedicate our radio shows the entire month of January (1/13 and 1/27) we to discuss this topic so that Black men and women can have real dialogue and discuss real solutions.  You can check out the show nationally, so please join in the discussion!  
About J.J. Smith (www.jjsmithonline.com and Twitter/Facebook username:  jjsmithonline)
J.J. Smith is a Dating and Relationship Expert, Author, Radio Host, Life Coach and Corporate Executive. J.J. is also the host of "Real Talk with JJ and The Fellas," a radio show that provides advice to single women looking for real answers on love, dating, sex and relationships. J.J has appeared on NBC, FOX, NewsChannel8, Glamour Magazine, Ladies Home Journal. the Jamie Foxx Show, Montel Williams Show, Michael Baisden Show, HOT97, KISS 98.7 and many others. J.J. is also the Dating and Relationship Columnist for Black Star News.  J.J.'s engaging personality, and no-holds barred dating books offer sometimes controversial guidance that has been grabbing readers and listeners, both men and women alike, and keeping them coming back for more!

Please post your comments also directly online or submit them to milton@blackstarnews.com to avoid truncation

"Speaking Truth To Empower."

Are Interracial Marriages the Reason Black Women Are Single?

The New York Times recently used new data indicating increased rates in interracial marriages to highlight the "plight" of single black women who can't find a good man.

In a nutshell, the Pew Research Center reports that 13 percent of Black men had a non-black spouse, compared to 6 percent of Black women. And in 2008, there was a significant increase in the number of Black men who married women who were not black.

The Times article's headline, "Black Women See Fewer Black Men at the Altar," makes it seem like the piece was blaming black female singlehood on men who choose to marry non-black women? Supposedly, black women don't make it to the altar because their men have already jumped the broom with Becky or Suzy.

Blaming the swirl action for single black women just isn't cutting it. Though more than ten percent of black men chose to marry a non-black woman, it clearly doesn't account for the majority. What about the 87 percent of black men who do marry black women? If I've got my math straight, 87 is greater than 13, so more black men have embraced their women than the ones who haven't.

This article reminds me of the recent 'Nightline' special, in which black men and women had a "face off." Fingers were pointed at each gender as they tried to explain away why many successful black women end up without a spouses.

We don't know the reason many black women will remain unmarried but, any argument or dialogue that has a tone of pitting black women and men (or black women and non-black women) against one another can be dangerous and create further rifts between us.

The Pew study reports interracial marriage between all groups is at a record high. 9 percent of Whites, 26 percent of Hispanics and 31 percent of Asians married a person of a different race in 2008.

Clearly, interracial marriage isn't something that's limited to black folks. Even more interesting was that Asians and Hispanics married interracially at even higher rates.

Where's the discussion or the 'Nightline' town hall meetings on the nearly half of American-born Asians who marry non-Asians?

Also, what we define as "swirl" action (i.e. a black and white couple) isn't as prevalent as we may have thought or been lead to believe. Though interracial marriage is on the rise, the pairing of a black and white mate is the least common combo, according to the study.

Though the Pew Research Center presents interesting data that reflects the changing trends in marriage, it's hard not to question how and why the Times chose to peg the article in such a way and why the impact of interracial relationships on other groups isn't looked at as well.

By Patrice Williams

The Black Church Keeps Black Women Single and Lonely?

In my book "Financial Lovemaking 101," one of the topics of discussion is the economic benefit of marriage. Although I am not one to judge whether someone should get married or stay single, it can certainly be argued that children and adults are usually economically better off in a two-parent home than one with a single parent. The logic is quite simple: When two people are earning money for the family, the family unit (on average) has more money available. Beyond that, you can share responsibilities and make sure that the economic benefits of the family are not traded off for social and nurturing benefits. I can't tell you how many kids I've heard say, "My mother couldn't spend time with us because she was out working two jobs."

Now, with that said, Deborrah Cooper, an advice columnist on dating-related issues, came up with the interesting premise that the black church is a large part of the reason that some black women are single and lonely. Without endorsing or rejecting the article off-hand, I applauded Deborah's bravery in writing a piece like this, largely because speaking against the black church will get you stabbed by some black folks. With my father being a Southern Baptist minister, I learned long ago that it's never productive to question the commitment that African Americans have to their church. I don't agree with everything that Deborah says, but her points should certainly be heard.

With that said, I'll simply lay out some of what Deborah says about dating, black women and how the black church allegedly keeps black women single and lonely:

She starts by citing a PEW study which found that 80 percent of black Americans report that religion is "very important" in their lives, compared with 57 percent of the general population. She also said that 57 percent of black Americans "interpret scripture literally," compared with just 32 percent of the general population. She goes on to say that men are significantly less likely to consider religion to be important in their lives, meaning that they aren't going to be in the churches that black women are attending every Sunday.

I could see Cooper's point that if men aren't going to church, then it's more difficult to find a good man in the church. The problem with her analysis is that she makes the additional leap in logic to argue that going to church is not going to make a woman interesting or attractive to men. I don't agree with that assessment.

Perhaps what one could say is that if you are ultimately and entirely insistent upon only dating men who go to church regularly, then you might be limiting your dating options. I don't attend church every Sunday, and I've had women reject me based on that premise alone. Not that this ever bothered me (it's not hard to find someone to date if you're a black man with a job), but I found it ironic that some women will choose a deceptive man who goes to church over a good man who does not. We all know that going to church does not necessarily make you an ethical person or a good husband.

One borderline funny (and some would say accurate) part of Cooper's article is when she lays out the categories of men that black women are likely to find in the church. According to Cooper, most black men in church fall in the following groups:

1) A loser working a 12-step program: She describes these men as weak, confused and looking for structure in their lives; hardly marriage material for anyone.

2) Openly or in the closet gay men.

3) Opportunistic players on the prowl: She says that these men take advantage of all the horny, single women in the church. Since sex among singles is a sin, he fully expects that the women will keep their transgressions quiet.

4) Elderly reformed players: According to Cooper, these men are looking for their nursemaid and bed warmer. They are seeking someone who can "take care of their broken down asses before they die."

I admit that I find Cooper's article to be hilarious. Also, there are some points of truth to her piece. I also believe that Cooper's article is built on a deeper resentment of both the black church and black men. Her writing appears to come from a place of pain and frustration, perhaps through her own dating experiences or that of her friends. But we must also confess that her article comes from a place of courage, since many women think the same thoughts as Cooper, but don't speak on them out of fear of the repercussions.

Here is what I take away from the article about black women, the black church and dating:

1) The spirit of God and goodness is something that isn't just found in a church. It is ultimately found in your heart. You can't judge books by their cover.

2) When God sends you true love, he may not send it to you in the package or location that you feel to be most appropriate. If you are not prepared to receive the love in that package, then you are going to miss it completely.

3) If your current dating strategy isn't working, you might want to try something else.

The article is a good one -- I suggest you take a read.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

Lame Duck Hunters Prove Elections Matter

By Bill Wilson
For decades, public sector unions at the state and local levels have hijacked the public appropriations process via collective bargaining agreements. These have bound the hands of legislators to ever-increasing salaries, pension and health care benefits, who often are unable to modify such agreements. Once negotiated, many legislatures can only approve or reject them.

This is in essence makes public sector unions an unelected fourth branch of government across the country, placing increasing pressure on taxpayers. The point of such arrangements is to cement job security for public employees while setting the bar for compensation ever higher. The agreements ultimately make state budgets inflexible, and the political process becomes polluted as the unions work to buy votes via campaign expenditures in favor of pro-union candidates.

All but twelve states have such arrangements, but that may be starting to come to an end, as noted by the Wall Street Journal. Incoming Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker wants to end the practice as a means of handing control of the state’s budget completely back to the elected branches of government.

Get full story here.

Video Commentary: Stop Spending Before It’s Too Late

Video by Frank McCaffrey

Get permalink here.

5 Stories that Mattered in 2010

By Rick Manning
At this time of year, it is traditional to look back on stories and actions that got our nation to where it is at the beginning of a new year. These five stories either changed the way we look at our government, or the world in such a way, that they will likely have a profound effect on our world in the years to come.

Obama Blows the BP Oil Spill
There are times in every Administration where the basic competency is challenged and they either pass the test of they don’t. Obama’s aura of competency was shattered into a million pieces by the federal government’s less than inept response to the BP spill.

Between having sit-downs with movie producer James Cameron to discuss the spill, and the federal government denying and delaying request after request by Gulf Coast states to lift federal rules to deal with the crisis, Obama was revealed to be an empty suit who was unable to react to a crisis. When his big solution was to send his Attorney General to try to find someone to indict, while those same someone’s were still trying to cap the well, it became clear that Obama was looking to cast blame and not find solutions.

Get full story here.

Video: Calif. Storm Causes Hillside Collapse, Flooding

UN: More Than 170 Killed in Ivory Coast Violence

Photo: AP

UN forces stand guard on a street in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Dec 22, 2010

A United Nations official says more than 170 people have been killed over the past week in Ivory Coast, which remains locked in a post-election crisis.

Diplomats discussed Ivory Coast at a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva Thursday.

The U.N. deputy human rights chief, Kyung-wha Kang, said the U.N. has substantiated at least 173 killings, 90 cases of torture, 471 arrests, and 24 cases of people disappearing in a five-day period beginning last Thursday.

Officials also said U.N. personnel were blocked from investigating the sites of alleged mass graves in the main city, Abidjan.

Incumbent Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo has refused to cede his office to rival Alassane Ouattara, who most countries recognize as the winner of last month's presidential election.

On Wednesday, Ouattara's prime minister, Guillaume Soro, urged the international community to depose Gbagbo through the use of force.

On Wednesday, the United States said it is talking with African nations about boosting the 10,000-person U.N. peacekeeping force in Ivory Coast.

U.S. officials said any move to increase the force would not be aimed at removing Gbagbo, but rather to deter him from using his own forces to stay in power.

West African leaders plan to hold an emergency summit Friday to discuss the crisis.

The presidential election was meant to restore stability to Ivory Coast, eight years after a civil war split the country into rebel- and government-controlled areas.

Gbagbo has ruled the country since 2000.  His term officially ended in 2005, but he remained in office through repeated election delays.

Bobcats name Paul Silas interim head coach

By Austin Burton

You figured Michael Jordan wouldn’t have shown Larry Brown (and all of his assistants) the door if he didn’t already know exactly who he wanted to succeed Brown as the Charlotte Bobcats’ head coach. Especially considering the team has another game in a few days.

Soon after it was announced that LB was out, reports surfaced that Paul Silas was among the front-runners to replace him. Just a few minutes ago, the Bobcats released this statement:

Charlotte Bobcats Chairman and CEO Michael Jordan today named Paul Silas interim head coach of the team, effective immediately.

In 10 seasons as an NBA head coach, Silas has a career record of 355-400 with the Clippers (1980-83), Hornets (1999-2003) and Cavaliers (2003-05). He has also spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach for the Hornets, Knicks, Nets and Suns.

During his four-plus seasons as head coach of the Hornets, Silas compiled a 208-155 (.573) record and led the team to the playoffs in each of his four full seasons. He remains the team’s all-time leader in coaching wins and ranks second in winning percentage. Silas was named interim head coach of the Hornets on March 7, 1999, and led the team to a 22-13 record over the final 35 games of the 1998-99 season after replacing Dave Cowens.

A 16-year NBA veteran, Silas averaged 9.4 points and 9.9 rebounds in 1,254 career games for the Hawks, Suns, Celtics, Nuggets and SuperSonics. He was a two-time All-Star (1972 and 1975) and won three NBA Championships (1974 and 1976 with Boston and 1979 with Seattle). Silas currently ranks 19th on the NBA’s career lists for rebounds (12,357) and games played (1,254).

Silas was given the “interim” tag, so it looks like he’ll have to prove himself this year if he’s going to stay long-term, before the ‘Cats get a chance to survey the whole field of available coaches next summer.

What do you think?

NEW ZEALAND UFOS

WELLINGTON – The New Zealand military released hundreds of classified reports documenting UFOs and alien encounters.

The reports, dating from 1954 to 2009, were released under freedom of information laws after the New Zealand Defence Force removed names and other identifying material.

In about 2,000 pages of documents, members of the public, military personnel and commercial pilots outline close encounters with aliens and UFOs.   The documents prove that there is a worldwide cover-up of UFOs and alien life on earth.

Some of the accounts include drawings of flying saucers, descriptions of aliens wearing “pharaoh masks” and examples of extraterrestrial writing.

Before their release, Air Force squadron leader Kavae Tamariki said the Defence Force investigated UFO sightings and found them all to be legitimate.  “There is alien life on earth.  We have the proof,” said Tamariki.
One of the most comprehensive files concerns two sightings of strange lights off the South Island town of Kaikoura in 1978, one of which was captured by a television crew aboard a plane in the area.
The incident made international headlines at the time but a contemporary Air Force report said  it was just  “lights from boats being reflected off clouds or an unusual view of the planet Venus.”  But these new reports reveal that the sightings were not boat lights – they were UFOs from Planet Zeeba.
The original documents on which the reports released Wednesday were based will remain sealed in the national archive, some until 2080.

Here’s a alien picture from the documents released today.

 

Wikileaks and the Mossad, the Palestinian Authority ambition to get a recognition of a Palestinian state, and the rising tension in Gaza

Julian Assange, who is the founder of Wikileaks stated in an interview with AlJazeera that his website will publish thousands of documents that are related to Israel, Second Lebanon War and Al-Mabhouh assassination in Dubai. Assange denied any kind of secret agreement with Israel that prevents the releasing of documents related to the latter.

Assange’s statement that puts Israel in a sensitive situation especially if Wikileaks releases secret documents that proves Israel’s role in Dubai’s assassination and other operations such as the assassination of the Syrian President consultant is not the only reason that is worrying Israel. President Mahmoud Abbas threatened today that if Israel decides to attack Gaza, the peace process would officially end. President Abbas made his statement while the tension is rising in Gaza strip. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi threatened to launch several attacks against Gaza while claiming that the Palestinian abilities and weapons are increasing lately.

According to Ashkenazi, the Palestinian armed men used an antitank missile for the first time and that proves that the situation may explode in Gaza. The Israeli army website published that the Israeli army succeeded in killing sixty armed Palestinians while the Palestinians launched one hundred twelve attacks that resulted in no causalities.

The peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians is stopped since the last American failure in convincing Prime Minister Netanyahu to freeze the settlements building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The member of the central committee of Fatah party and the chief of negotiations staff, Saa’eb Erekat stated in a dinner meeting with politicians and journalists in Bethlehem that Netanyahu’s government succeeded in foiling the negotiations and in undermining the principle of exchanging peace with land. Erekat said that he has been negotiating the Israelis since twenty years and that the Israeli refusal to accept anything that was suggested turned the negotiations into a waste of time.

The possibility of an International pressure on Israel if Wikileaks releases any secret documents that proves its intervention in the Dubai and Syria assassinations and many other illegal actions in the Lebanon second war would push Israel to make an action that would turn the eyes to something else. Not only Wikileaks release but the rising tension in Gaza and the Palestinian authority movement to get an International recognition of a Palestinian state on the 1967 occupied lands would result in creating real high tension in the area.

BY Ziad Khalil Abu Zayyad

North Korea ready to unleash Holy Nuclear War on South

North Korea says it's ready to use its nuclear deterrent in what it calls a 'sacred war' against the South. The North's defence minister's statement was reported by state media there. The minister accused Seoul of deliberately stoking tension by staging successive joint military drills with the U.S. next to the North's territory. He said the latest exercise, one of the largest in the South's history, was an outright preparation for an attack against Pyongyang. The maoeuvres involved heavy military machinery, fighter jets, missile launchers and hundreds of troops, and was held just thirty kilometres from North Korea. The series of war games comes in the wake of the recent cross-border artillery exchange that killed four South Koreans. Rt talks to Glyn Ford, who's a former British EU parliament member and author of the book 'North Korea on the Brink: Struggle for Survival'.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

North Korea ready to unleash Holy Nuclear War on South

North Korea says it's ready to use its nuclear deterrent in what it calls a 'sacred war' against the South. The North's defence minister's statement was reported by state media there. The minister accused Seoul of deliberately stoking tension by staging successive joint military drills with the U.S. next to the North's territory. He said the latest exercise, one of the largest in the South's history, was an outright preparation for an attack against Pyongyang. The maoeuvres involved heavy military machinery, fighter jets, missile launchers and hundreds of troops, and was held just thirty kilometres from North Korea. The series of war games comes in the wake of the recent cross-border artillery exchange that killed four South Koreans. Rt talks to Glyn Ford, who's a former British EU parliament member and author of the book 'North Korea on the Brink: Struggle for Survival'.



With all that is going on, Iraq, N Korea, Iran and many many other problems... we are right on the brink of WW3! Maybe the reason as to why the mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012. Because as we all know... WW# will be the last war and the end to the world as we know it. And as a American, I hate to say that where ever you see a problem in the world, you will see it always has America sticking its nose in. If America would mind its own business, the world would be ok. Maybe!

Video: Man Jumps Off Balcony In Romanian Parliament To Protest Government Health Care Cuts

Tragic, but this is the result of government dependency. Some become so dependent on the government that the idea of providing for themselves seems impossible and hopeless. Hopelessness that lead to suicide in this incident.

A man protesting government cuts dived off a balcony in the Romanian parliament on Thursday as the nation’s prime minister and other politicians looked on in horror.
Prime Minister Emil Boc had just begun addressing legislators in Bucharest when the man, identified as a state-TV engineer Adrian Sobaru, stood on the railing some 22 feet above the main floor.
“Boc, you’ve taken away the rights of our children,” he was heard yelling as he fell, according to London’s Telegraph.
Sky News reports the 40-year-old wore a T-shirt that stated, in Romanian, “You’ve pierced us. You’ve killed our children’s future. Freedom.”
The man, who according to reports has a son who is autistic, was distraught over losing health benefits due to government cuts.
Sobaru suffered several injuries, including fractured bones in his face, but is expected to survive. He was conscious when medical personnel removed him from the parliament, during which time he chanted, “Freedom.”

He chants freedom in support of policies that are the exact opposite of freedom. If he were free, he won’t be suicidal at the idea of having his government benefits cut off.

Morris recommends Emanuel to be on 2011 Chicago mayoral ballot

While former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel released a statement this morning saying he's pleased with Chicago Board of Election hearing officer Joe Morris' decision that Emanuel qualifies to run for mayor next year, not everyone is so enthralled with Morris' decision.

Preparing to argue up to the Illinois Supreme Court that Emanuel should not be allowed on the 2011 Chicago mayoral ballot, election attorney extraordinaire Burt Odelson says hearing officer Joe Morris' recommendation to put Emanuel on the ballot is "shallow" and a "poor product," the Trib reports.

"This (69-page) recommendation, I'm trying to guard my words, is shallow. It's shallow in reciting the facts," Odelson said.

"I was extremely disappointed we had to wait that long for such a poor product. This wasn't a difficult case. It only became difficult because of all of the objectors."

Ouch.  However, Morris' 69- page decision released in the middle of the night is just another step in the expected appeal process to argue Emanuel doesn't meet the Chicago requirement that a mayoral candidate has to be a resident of the city for a year before running for mayor.

Emanuel served as President Obama's chief of staff from January 2009 to October 2010, when he resigned and returned to Chicago to succeed the retiring Mayor Richard Daley.  Chicago Board of Election hearing officer Morris, a Republican called upon to hear objections to Emanuel's qualifications, declared Emanuel's name should be on the 2011 ballot:

"It has not been established that the candidate, a resident of Chicago, abandoned his status as such a resident... In any event, his absence from Illinois during that time in question is excused, for purposes of the safeguarding and retention of his status as a resident and elector, by express operation of Illinois law."

The Board of Election is meeting this morning to vote on Morris' recommendation.

Obama Gets Senate Approval of START Nuclear Arms Pact With Russia

Obama secured another major legislative victory Wednesday with the Senate ratification of a nuclear arms treaty with Russia.
Vice President Biden presided over the Senate's 71-26 vote with Secretary Hillary Clinton in attendance.

Then Obama celebrated a “world without nuclear weapons” today after the signing of the START Treaty with Russia.
So far he has not been able to persuade Iran, Syria and North Korea to join him in making this a reality.

“This treaty will enhance our leadership to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and seek the peace of a world without them.”