I have never been as disappointed in an American president as I am now at this current one occupying the Oval Office. I was holding out hope that he was really going to be different, maybe in part because, he was our nations first African-American President, and because there were so many non-minority citizens who believed he would be a breath of fresh air. That 'Black' President of honor and integrity so many times portrayed in Hollywood on the big screen does not exist. No not this fence-sitting, weasel who would not stand up to the likes of a few Repubcrats in the Senate including that disgusting Senator from Connecticut, whose name I care not to even distinguish by spelling it out in this blog.. For completeness, I'll simply refer to him as Joe.
I know that there are those in my family and friends as well as other liberal progressives, who will really scoff at me for saying this but I no longer can lend support to President Obama. He's given us fair warning now after a year in office, that he's just another Chicago politician who's more concerned with his 'image' and 'legacy' than helping the helpless American poor. I've turned away from him because I truly feel that he will cave on the progressives on 'everything' of substance that comes to the fore from this point onward.
But this blog was not intended to direct my anger at him or those so-called conservative democrats. This blog is in praise of a former governor of Vermont, who has demonstrated a soundness of mind despite what the 'media' did to him, rather shameful during his run for the Presidency in 2004.
Although I don't think it's going to amount to a hill of beans to this administration, I do want to thank the former governor for having a sense of conviction and taking a DAMN stand for once.
Thank you Howard Dean for opposing this farce of a healthcare reform piece of junk that our President and leaders in the Senate are trying to shove off on the American people. It does absolutely NOTHING to reel in the big insurance companies. In fact a former insurance executive said yesterday on MSNBC'S 'The Ed Show' that the insurance companies will find a way to get around those weak measures the Senate has sold us and are popping the corks today.
So thank you Mr. Dean for your courage and sense of integrity because we progressives are in for a very disheartening next 3 years under this administration.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
PRESIDENT' OBAMA'S DISAPPOINTING HEALTHCARE REFORM PERFORMANCE
This black American man is very angry and disappointed in the first black President of these United States of America. I thought it might be better termed sadness, but sadness is best suited to feelings of something that was in all actuality unavoidable. This President's actions or non-actions concerning the health of millions of helpless Americans cannot be overlooked any longer.
I'm angry at the man at the top because he is the one who could have wielded much more power to help bring about REAL change in the way our nation's health care is provided than he apparently ever attempted to do. Yes Mr. Obama, you have failed the very people who worked our tails off relentlessly to see you take the oath of office on January 20th of this year. You allowed first, the hugh Pharmaceuticals, then the greedy Insurance Industry to influence you and your approach in support of a change in our health care delivery. You then sat idly by and allowed the US Congress to argue over and delay and delay REAL change.
Yes, they share a very large burden in seeing REAL health care reform NOT materialize but I simply cannot help but to hold YOU responsible.
You reached out a hand to those who opposed you and your once- stated goal of seeing that ALL Americans have affordable and meaningful health care coverage, while those very people had every intention of seeing you and your policies fail. Even at the expense of the lives of millions of suffering Americans.
I wonder Mr. President, where would 'I' and the nation's other minority citizens be today had President Johnson in 1964, said that, "certain parts of civil rights reform was but a 'sliver' of the overall goal of equal rights for all under the constitution". If he had so stated that "we should compromise and 'take what we can get' with those who would stand in the way of equal rights for all men.
I wonder where would 'MY DAUGHTER' and other women be today had Mr. Johnson taken off the table initially, any talk of granting ANY civil rights to her but only to 'black' men. I wonder if the President in 1964 had allowed a handful of conservative members of congress gut and derail passage of landmark civil rights legislation, would YOU have even been remotely considered a legitimate contender for the nation’s highest office.
Mr. President, there was no loyal and more hopeful citizen than this man in supporting your candidacy for change and I'm hoping that I was not in error.
You have but one year in this office and there are so many issues facing this nation. But I must say here that progressive Democrats such as I are extremely disappointed thus far in many of your decisions. THEY will NOT stop until you have failed believe me. Please do not assist them.
Mr. President, I suppose the tear drops will have dried on my keypad before you read this letter, but they are not important. I rather feel that of more importance is that you stand and fight for the nameless out here who believed in you.
I'm angry at the man at the top because he is the one who could have wielded much more power to help bring about REAL change in the way our nation's health care is provided than he apparently ever attempted to do. Yes Mr. Obama, you have failed the very people who worked our tails off relentlessly to see you take the oath of office on January 20th of this year. You allowed first, the hugh Pharmaceuticals, then the greedy Insurance Industry to influence you and your approach in support of a change in our health care delivery. You then sat idly by and allowed the US Congress to argue over and delay and delay REAL change.
Yes, they share a very large burden in seeing REAL health care reform NOT materialize but I simply cannot help but to hold YOU responsible.
You reached out a hand to those who opposed you and your once- stated goal of seeing that ALL Americans have affordable and meaningful health care coverage, while those very people had every intention of seeing you and your policies fail. Even at the expense of the lives of millions of suffering Americans.
I wonder Mr. President, where would 'I' and the nation's other minority citizens be today had President Johnson in 1964, said that, "certain parts of civil rights reform was but a 'sliver' of the overall goal of equal rights for all under the constitution". If he had so stated that "we should compromise and 'take what we can get' with those who would stand in the way of equal rights for all men.
I wonder where would 'MY DAUGHTER' and other women be today had Mr. Johnson taken off the table initially, any talk of granting ANY civil rights to her but only to 'black' men. I wonder if the President in 1964 had allowed a handful of conservative members of congress gut and derail passage of landmark civil rights legislation, would YOU have even been remotely considered a legitimate contender for the nation’s highest office.
Mr. President, there was no loyal and more hopeful citizen than this man in supporting your candidacy for change and I'm hoping that I was not in error.
You have but one year in this office and there are so many issues facing this nation. But I must say here that progressive Democrats such as I are extremely disappointed thus far in many of your decisions. THEY will NOT stop until you have failed believe me. Please do not assist them.
Mr. President, I suppose the tear drops will have dried on my keypad before you read this letter, but they are not important. I rather feel that of more importance is that you stand and fight for the nameless out here who believed in you.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
"RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE"
Recall where you heard the phrase sited above in this blog's title, 'renewing America's promise'?
Well, I'll just try and refresh you but this is not a reminder to you but to the elected people in our nations current Congress. And especially to the so-called 'blue dog' or conservative Democrats in the Senate who are prepared to vote against a 'public option' or public plan in the healthcare reform bill to insure that insurance companies be held accountable.
After hearing all of the debate and sometimes sheer lies being sprouted about this past summer in opposition to a universal healthcare reform bill almost exclusively proposed by Democrats in the legislature, I thought to myself what ever happened to those promises we heard on August 25th 2008.
What occured on that date? Well nothing other than the Democratic National Convention and their stated Platform.
What follows is the first paragraph in the preamble to the Democratic National Convention's Party Platform....
'We come together at a defining moment in the history of our nation – the nation that led the 20th Century, built a thriving middle class, defeated fascism and communism, and provided bountiful opportunity to many. We Democrats have a special commitment to this promise of America. We believe that every American, whatever their background or station in life, should have the chance to get a good education, to work at a good job with good wages, to raise and provide for a family, to live in safe surroundings, and to retire with dignity and security. We believe that quality and affordable health care is a basic right. We believe that each succeeding generation should have the opportunity, through hard work, service and sacrifice, to enjoy a brighter future than the last.
A great nation now demands that its leaders abandon the politics of partisan division and find creative solutions to promote the common good. A people that prizes candor, accountability, and fairness insists that a government of the people must level with them and champion the interests of all American families. A land of historic resourcefulness has lost its patience with elected officials who have failed to lead.
And what follows is a portion one of the very first planks agreed upon in this platform..
'We therefore oppose those who advocate policies that would thrust millions of Americans out of their current private employer-based coverage without providing them access to an affordable, comprehensive alternative, thereby subjecting them to the kind of insurance discrimination that leads to excessive premiums or coverage denials for older and sicker Americans. We reject those who have steadfastly opposed insurance coverage expansions for millions of our nation's children while they have protected overpayments to insurers and allowed underpayments to our nation's doctors. Our vision of a strengthened and improved health care system for all Americans stands in stark contrast to the Republican Party's and includes:
Covering All Americans and Providing Real Choices of Affordable Health Insurance Options. Families and individuals should have the OPTION of keeping the coverage they have or choosing from a wide array of health insurance plans, including many private health insurance options and a PUBLIC PLAN. Coverage should be made affordable for all Americans with subsidies provided through tax credits and other means.'
So yes there it is, written and adopted by ALL Democrats at that convention just a little over a year ago in Denver, Colorado.
I did not hear Senator Bachus or Senator Nelson nor Senator Lincoln and many others of the 'blue dog coalition' rise in vehement opposition at that time to a real PUBLIC OPTION as they so stridently do so today.
I also realize that I am but one tiny voice, but one of the majority of the American People you so loudly proclain you are representing in your opposition for real healthcare reform in this country.
You so-called 'blue dogs' were in lock step in Denver last year when it was fashionable to be a Democrat, yet you now stand in the way along with the Republican opposition of delivering the very thing we want. Real healthcare reform with a public option and no more tricks with such things as 'triggers' and the like. Please listen to your fellow Senator Rockefeller and do the job we expect of the Democratic majority we elected and of which you were a part, by ceasing your opposition to a 'public option' and renew your promise to America. Finally, THEY lost last November because the American people rejected their ideas.
Well, I'll just try and refresh you but this is not a reminder to you but to the elected people in our nations current Congress. And especially to the so-called 'blue dog' or conservative Democrats in the Senate who are prepared to vote against a 'public option' or public plan in the healthcare reform bill to insure that insurance companies be held accountable.
After hearing all of the debate and sometimes sheer lies being sprouted about this past summer in opposition to a universal healthcare reform bill almost exclusively proposed by Democrats in the legislature, I thought to myself what ever happened to those promises we heard on August 25th 2008.
What occured on that date? Well nothing other than the Democratic National Convention and their stated Platform.
What follows is the first paragraph in the preamble to the Democratic National Convention's Party Platform....
'We come together at a defining moment in the history of our nation – the nation that led the 20th Century, built a thriving middle class, defeated fascism and communism, and provided bountiful opportunity to many. We Democrats have a special commitment to this promise of America. We believe that every American, whatever their background or station in life, should have the chance to get a good education, to work at a good job with good wages, to raise and provide for a family, to live in safe surroundings, and to retire with dignity and security. We believe that quality and affordable health care is a basic right. We believe that each succeeding generation should have the opportunity, through hard work, service and sacrifice, to enjoy a brighter future than the last.
A great nation now demands that its leaders abandon the politics of partisan division and find creative solutions to promote the common good. A people that prizes candor, accountability, and fairness insists that a government of the people must level with them and champion the interests of all American families. A land of historic resourcefulness has lost its patience with elected officials who have failed to lead.
And what follows is a portion one of the very first planks agreed upon in this platform..
'We therefore oppose those who advocate policies that would thrust millions of Americans out of their current private employer-based coverage without providing them access to an affordable, comprehensive alternative, thereby subjecting them to the kind of insurance discrimination that leads to excessive premiums or coverage denials for older and sicker Americans. We reject those who have steadfastly opposed insurance coverage expansions for millions of our nation's children while they have protected overpayments to insurers and allowed underpayments to our nation's doctors. Our vision of a strengthened and improved health care system for all Americans stands in stark contrast to the Republican Party's and includes:
Covering All Americans and Providing Real Choices of Affordable Health Insurance Options. Families and individuals should have the OPTION of keeping the coverage they have or choosing from a wide array of health insurance plans, including many private health insurance options and a PUBLIC PLAN. Coverage should be made affordable for all Americans with subsidies provided through tax credits and other means.'
So yes there it is, written and adopted by ALL Democrats at that convention just a little over a year ago in Denver, Colorado.
I did not hear Senator Bachus or Senator Nelson nor Senator Lincoln and many others of the 'blue dog coalition' rise in vehement opposition at that time to a real PUBLIC OPTION as they so stridently do so today.
I also realize that I am but one tiny voice, but one of the majority of the American People you so loudly proclain you are representing in your opposition for real healthcare reform in this country.
You so-called 'blue dogs' were in lock step in Denver last year when it was fashionable to be a Democrat, yet you now stand in the way along with the Republican opposition of delivering the very thing we want. Real healthcare reform with a public option and no more tricks with such things as 'triggers' and the like. Please listen to your fellow Senator Rockefeller and do the job we expect of the Democratic majority we elected and of which you were a part, by ceasing your opposition to a 'public option' and renew your promise to America. Finally, THEY lost last November because the American people rejected their ideas.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
PRESIDENT CARTER AND THE RIGHT
I'm not supprised at the faux outrage I'm hearing coming from the right on President' Carter's statement last night on MSNBC'S 'Morning Joe' political talk show. The NBC anchor Brian Williams interviewed the former President and his comment on race relations in this country was in my opinon, straightforward and concise. What he said was, “Racism ... still exists and I think it has bubbled up to the surface because of a belief among many white people, not just in the south but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It’s an abominable circumstance and grieves me and concerns me very deeply,” . Mr. Carter also reiterated that, “I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he is African-American,".
I have to agree with the former president's conclusions and I suspect that a fair majority of Americans do as well. However, it appears that a certain group of conservatives, particularly those views heard this morning on the above mentioned television program just don't get it, or at the very least, they pretend to not understand the point he was making concerning the established fact of the ugly stain of racism in our country's history.
Of course the former President did not say nor did he infer in any way that simply because some American's are opposed to the views and policies of the current administration, that they are ALL 'racists'. Which is the recent rantings from conservatives,'tea partiers', birther's, and the like.
The former President is not a simpleton nor does he have any incentive to fan the flames of racism in a nation that is already on the verge of a wildfire. Those who attack him in this way are either misinformed or are treading very dangerous waters.
I had my problems with the Carter administratiion to be fair but to simply incite the crazies in this country to further divide decent people by disparaging him is not only dishonorable but very much so a dangerous tact.
I have to agree with the former president's conclusions and I suspect that a fair majority of Americans do as well. However, it appears that a certain group of conservatives, particularly those views heard this morning on the above mentioned television program just don't get it, or at the very least, they pretend to not understand the point he was making concerning the established fact of the ugly stain of racism in our country's history.
Of course the former President did not say nor did he infer in any way that simply because some American's are opposed to the views and policies of the current administration, that they are ALL 'racists'. Which is the recent rantings from conservatives,'tea partiers', birther's, and the like.
The former President is not a simpleton nor does he have any incentive to fan the flames of racism in a nation that is already on the verge of a wildfire. Those who attack him in this way are either misinformed or are treading very dangerous waters.
I had my problems with the Carter administratiion to be fair but to simply incite the crazies in this country to further divide decent people by disparaging him is not only dishonorable but very much so a dangerous tact.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON'S LACK OF SHAME
When I heard Congressman Joe Wilson(Republican of SC) clearly and distinctly yell out on the floor of a joint session of Congress to the President of the United States, "YOU LIE", It simply stretched credulity to not believe my lying ears.
It was the sort of moment that should have caused all parties on all sides to take pause and clearly lay down the gauntlet. That that sort of shameful, rude, insidious, disrespect for our nations leader did more than just cross the line, it foretold the kind of people we have become in this country as a whole. And I say 'we' because because of the seeming apathy emanating from people who should know better and the outrageous support from others I do not expect very much from in support of his outburst.
What has become of this country of recent years when we appear to tolerate the most vile and worst from human behavior. Those with political agendas on the far right has gone so far as to propel this man to the status of 'national hero' and therby approving his incivility. Those of much more moderate views have given him a pass as' 'merely expressing frustration' because he's so damned angry at the President because they don't agree with his governing policies. Then there are the weak progressivies on the left that always seem to be caught off guard.
The House of Representatives is scheduled today to introduce a measure of condemnation against this wayward Congressman and yet no one really believes this will amount to very much. The irresponsible Congressman has already decided that it is more profitible to him to continue to be boosted by his rightwing pals than to offer any semblence of decent decorum usually expected from an elected US Congressman.
When will this madness we have come to know in this country abate? Not as long as we have supposedly responsible leaders who find it appealing to some in this nation who have no shame
It was the sort of moment that should have caused all parties on all sides to take pause and clearly lay down the gauntlet. That that sort of shameful, rude, insidious, disrespect for our nations leader did more than just cross the line, it foretold the kind of people we have become in this country as a whole. And I say 'we' because because of the seeming apathy emanating from people who should know better and the outrageous support from others I do not expect very much from in support of his outburst.
What has become of this country of recent years when we appear to tolerate the most vile and worst from human behavior. Those with political agendas on the far right has gone so far as to propel this man to the status of 'national hero' and therby approving his incivility. Those of much more moderate views have given him a pass as' 'merely expressing frustration' because he's so damned angry at the President because they don't agree with his governing policies. Then there are the weak progressivies on the left that always seem to be caught off guard.
The House of Representatives is scheduled today to introduce a measure of condemnation against this wayward Congressman and yet no one really believes this will amount to very much. The irresponsible Congressman has already decided that it is more profitible to him to continue to be boosted by his rightwing pals than to offer any semblence of decent decorum usually expected from an elected US Congressman.
When will this madness we have come to know in this country abate? Not as long as we have supposedly responsible leaders who find it appealing to some in this nation who have no shame
Monday, August 31, 2009
DE'JA' VUE AND THE CONCEPT OF THE NOW
It's occured to me at various times throughout my life and rather recently when I have experienced that strange phenomen known as deja'vu'(my own definition being a breif sensation of seeming to be reliving a previous experience almost as if it is a recording, and knowing exactly what will occur)may have a little to do with my concept of 'the now'.
I've heard all of my life people say that we should stay in the now, live one day at a time and so on.But that has been one of the most difficult of situations for me to comprehend. I've sometimes wondered how it would be if we could somehow not have day and night. That is to say, if the sun never would set but stay in a fixed point in the sky always. We count time or our days based upon the spinning of the earth on it's axis. One complete spin equaling a day. And when the sun sets and remains out of view, we perceive that period as night, and the opposite as day. But what if we did not have these two periods. What if it was always day or daylight. That would be a strange world to live in, but I think it would more closely reflect the real world than what we see now. If this strange situation would somehow become the norm for us and become accepted, then would it not appear to us as all the same day forever? Always in the now? No concept of the past nor future?
Could the experience of 'deja' vue', be another way of our continuing experiences of the 'now'? I have found these questions to be most fascinating as well as intellectually stimulating and will continue to ask and to solicit feedback. What are your thoughts on this/ Please leave a comment.
I've heard all of my life people say that we should stay in the now, live one day at a time and so on.But that has been one of the most difficult of situations for me to comprehend. I've sometimes wondered how it would be if we could somehow not have day and night. That is to say, if the sun never would set but stay in a fixed point in the sky always. We count time or our days based upon the spinning of the earth on it's axis. One complete spin equaling a day. And when the sun sets and remains out of view, we perceive that period as night, and the opposite as day. But what if we did not have these two periods. What if it was always day or daylight. That would be a strange world to live in, but I think it would more closely reflect the real world than what we see now. If this strange situation would somehow become the norm for us and become accepted, then would it not appear to us as all the same day forever? Always in the now? No concept of the past nor future?
Could the experience of 'deja' vue', be another way of our continuing experiences of the 'now'? I have found these questions to be most fascinating as well as intellectually stimulating and will continue to ask and to solicit feedback. What are your thoughts on this/ Please leave a comment.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
THE PRESIDENT WE 'THOUGHT' WE ELECTED
I and many of the 'liberal'(and yes I did say liberal and I’m not afraid of it, as we have allowed the far right to demonize that term) decent folks who ARE the reason for Mr. Obama occupying the Whitehouse today are beginning to wonder if indeed that he is the agent of change and the new and bold leader we worked our butts off to get elected last year.
I make this claim not only on his seeming inability to show strong leadership on healthcare reform but also on many of the stances he has taken on issues that are totally contrary to the views of the 'majority' of Americans who helped him in his historic run for office.
He's managed to court favor with the Republicans and the so-called 'blue dog' democrats on a number of issues while totally slamming the door on us, the very people who got him elected. Yes a slap in the face of the many who actually believed we had finally found a true leader who would be FOR the people. He appears weak by standing up and blaming cable news for not helping him get out the truth to the people when he himself has made clear his stand on reform to the people. He turned over this important reform issue to 6 senators, half of which are Republicans who's aim is his presidential failure.
You immediately removed 'single payer' from any healthcare reform discussion, an issue you campaigned on. A slap in our face.
You've been inconsistent at best in your support of a 'public option', which you guaranteed during your campaign speeches. A slap in our face. You've allowed the Congress to now toy with a proposal called 'co-op' which does not in any way make the insurance companies accountable and give them competition... A slap in the face.
This sort of behavior is simply not acceptable to those of us on the left who are responsible for getting you elected. I know of many who are losing or have lost confidence in your ability to persue the progressive agenda you campaigned on.
It's way past time to stop trying to refute the many erroneous and quite frankly hideous charges presented on the far right and to take a stand. Come out and lead as you promised to do. You will not continue to enjoy our support if you continue to court bi-partisanship from a Republican Party that has no intention of ever working with you And if you lose your loyal base of support Mr. President, then who else will you turn to?
As for you so-called 'blue dog' democrats, you are despicable at best. Many of you who are in office today because of the progressive movement initiated by this President. And now it appears that you were simply there for the ride. You have come out against the most important piece of legislation promised by the democratic party in last years election which you ferverently supported. I would be more respective of you if you would just change political party affiliation to Republican. You certainly seem to be echoing their stance... At least we knew what to expect from Republicans. The devil we could see.
What ever happened to the President we thought we elected. He certainly does not look familiar today...
I make this claim not only on his seeming inability to show strong leadership on healthcare reform but also on many of the stances he has taken on issues that are totally contrary to the views of the 'majority' of Americans who helped him in his historic run for office.
He's managed to court favor with the Republicans and the so-called 'blue dog' democrats on a number of issues while totally slamming the door on us, the very people who got him elected. Yes a slap in the face of the many who actually believed we had finally found a true leader who would be FOR the people. He appears weak by standing up and blaming cable news for not helping him get out the truth to the people when he himself has made clear his stand on reform to the people. He turned over this important reform issue to 6 senators, half of which are Republicans who's aim is his presidential failure.
You immediately removed 'single payer' from any healthcare reform discussion, an issue you campaigned on. A slap in our face.
You've been inconsistent at best in your support of a 'public option', which you guaranteed during your campaign speeches. A slap in our face. You've allowed the Congress to now toy with a proposal called 'co-op' which does not in any way make the insurance companies accountable and give them competition... A slap in the face.
This sort of behavior is simply not acceptable to those of us on the left who are responsible for getting you elected. I know of many who are losing or have lost confidence in your ability to persue the progressive agenda you campaigned on.
It's way past time to stop trying to refute the many erroneous and quite frankly hideous charges presented on the far right and to take a stand. Come out and lead as you promised to do. You will not continue to enjoy our support if you continue to court bi-partisanship from a Republican Party that has no intention of ever working with you And if you lose your loyal base of support Mr. President, then who else will you turn to?
As for you so-called 'blue dog' democrats, you are despicable at best. Many of you who are in office today because of the progressive movement initiated by this President. And now it appears that you were simply there for the ride. You have come out against the most important piece of legislation promised by the democratic party in last years election which you ferverently supported. I would be more respective of you if you would just change political party affiliation to Republican. You certainly seem to be echoing their stance... At least we knew what to expect from Republicans. The devil we could see.
What ever happened to the President we thought we elected. He certainly does not look familiar today...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
ALMOST FARCICAL
"LETDOWN THE CURTAIN, THE FARCE IS DONE"
Rabelais
(1490-1553)
I've come to a point where after reading and hearing much chatter about the new healthcare reform 'proposals' coming out of the US Congress, that it's really too much to bear. I'm so sick of the lies and distortions coming from the far right and others opposed to progress in this country, that lending any further credibility to the discourse only gives undeserved status to the myths that abound. Therefore I write one of my hopefully last blogs on this subject with a touch of humor.
It's become very clear to me that no amount of evidence of fact supplied to the Republicans, Conservatives, Right-wingers, and downright Wing nuts, is going to make a bit of difference to them. They have made it clear that they want to have their way at any cost and to maintain the 'status quo'. And no one is going to convince them otherwise.
The progressives on the left and the middle have made a valiant effort to try and have decent and honest dialogue on this crucial aspect of our futures, and have been shouted down and in some cases had physical threats delivered to them. The President now has only one remaining course of action and that is to take his message directly to the American people in the form of an Oval Office address. I feel that by doing so he will be able to quell the apparent uprising brought about those previously mentioned, and explain to the vast MAJORITY of us just what he was elected to do and proclaim his mandate.
And for the Bacusus's and Grassley's, and Palin's, and Limbaugh's, and Hannity's I give to you yet another of Rabelais' quotes.
"Above the Pitch,Out of Tune, and Off the Hinges"
Rabelais
(1490-1553)
I've come to a point where after reading and hearing much chatter about the new healthcare reform 'proposals' coming out of the US Congress, that it's really too much to bear. I'm so sick of the lies and distortions coming from the far right and others opposed to progress in this country, that lending any further credibility to the discourse only gives undeserved status to the myths that abound. Therefore I write one of my hopefully last blogs on this subject with a touch of humor.
It's become very clear to me that no amount of evidence of fact supplied to the Republicans, Conservatives, Right-wingers, and downright Wing nuts, is going to make a bit of difference to them. They have made it clear that they want to have their way at any cost and to maintain the 'status quo'. And no one is going to convince them otherwise.
The progressives on the left and the middle have made a valiant effort to try and have decent and honest dialogue on this crucial aspect of our futures, and have been shouted down and in some cases had physical threats delivered to them. The President now has only one remaining course of action and that is to take his message directly to the American people in the form of an Oval Office address. I feel that by doing so he will be able to quell the apparent uprising brought about those previously mentioned, and explain to the vast MAJORITY of us just what he was elected to do and proclaim his mandate.
And for the Bacusus's and Grassley's, and Palin's, and Limbaugh's, and Hannity's I give to you yet another of Rabelais' quotes.
"Above the Pitch,Out of Tune, and Off the Hinges"
Saturday, August 22, 2009
TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS
The 2Nd amendment to our constitution gives each citizen the right to 'keep and bear arms', and to use good judgment in doing so. The writers of that amendment did not and could not have envisioned how that right would eventually be abused and manipulated by individual citizens with many and varied selfish motives.
As I sat and watched on MSNBC's Hardball TV program this past week, I was astonished as to just how terribly out of hand that abuse has become. Chris Mathews, the program's host was interviewing a man from New Hampshire as to his motive for appearing at a town hall meeting where the President was to be present, with a loaded(as he proudly admitted) hand gun strapped to his thigh. After repeated attempts at giving the gentleman a chance to explain himself, the host finally managed to squeeze out of him a sort of answer, a canned answer that many on the right often give when approached with such madness.
"Why It's not against the law in this state and It's my Constitutional right under the 2Nd amendment", boldly stated the man. And there inlies the grave problem with that argument from people of this persuasion. "Just because it's not against the law does not make it right", retorted Mr. Mathews. "And you have the right to go to church on a pogo stick and chew gum but would you"? To which the gentleman proffered no credible response. As it's turned out, that so-called average innocent American town hall protester against the President's healthcare proposal was anything but average nor an innocent American expressing his anger.
After background info checks found that he'd a history of right-wing activism and 'militia' involvement.
I sited this one particular incident in order to shed a bit more light on the unbelievable dishonesty, ignorance and hypocrisy, that some in our country profess to be their constitutionally given 'rights', and how much disdain they hold for 'government' intervention into their personal lives.
I've often wondered what would be revealed if we could somehow take a study of those individuals who so hate government and gaze into their actual situations and see just where they would be without government 'helping' them. They yell the loudest and protest in the ugliest manner at the very government that they rely upon to make sure they have that right to sport their' colt 45's at a Presidential gathering. It strikes me as either total ignorance at best or conscious malignant expression at the very worst.
It strikes me equally worrisome that our US Secret Service, whose charge is to protect the President from harm could allow such people to get anywhere near the President. And how little news coverage such incidents receive.
It was clear to Mr. Mathews as well as this writer what the intent of that gentleman for openly and brazenly displaying his 2Nd amendment 'right' was. He along with many in this country who take similar stances did not ever want to see this President set foot into the Whitehouse. And though they could not prevail legally at the ballot box, they they want to make it clear that they have not and never will accept the reality. And they will use any and every means at their disposal to incite fear and loathing and hate and anger at a decent man whose only desire is to make life better for them and their progeny.
Perhaps the day will soon arrive when we can view the precious rights given to us under our constitution with a bit of god-given 'common sense', and not as a means to gender up the darkest inner convictions that reside in each of us.
As I sat and watched on MSNBC's Hardball TV program this past week, I was astonished as to just how terribly out of hand that abuse has become. Chris Mathews, the program's host was interviewing a man from New Hampshire as to his motive for appearing at a town hall meeting where the President was to be present, with a loaded(as he proudly admitted) hand gun strapped to his thigh. After repeated attempts at giving the gentleman a chance to explain himself, the host finally managed to squeeze out of him a sort of answer, a canned answer that many on the right often give when approached with such madness.
"Why It's not against the law in this state and It's my Constitutional right under the 2Nd amendment", boldly stated the man. And there inlies the grave problem with that argument from people of this persuasion. "Just because it's not against the law does not make it right", retorted Mr. Mathews. "And you have the right to go to church on a pogo stick and chew gum but would you"? To which the gentleman proffered no credible response. As it's turned out, that so-called average innocent American town hall protester against the President's healthcare proposal was anything but average nor an innocent American expressing his anger.
After background info checks found that he'd a history of right-wing activism and 'militia' involvement.
I sited this one particular incident in order to shed a bit more light on the unbelievable dishonesty, ignorance and hypocrisy, that some in our country profess to be their constitutionally given 'rights', and how much disdain they hold for 'government' intervention into their personal lives.
I've often wondered what would be revealed if we could somehow take a study of those individuals who so hate government and gaze into their actual situations and see just where they would be without government 'helping' them. They yell the loudest and protest in the ugliest manner at the very government that they rely upon to make sure they have that right to sport their' colt 45's at a Presidential gathering. It strikes me as either total ignorance at best or conscious malignant expression at the very worst.
It strikes me equally worrisome that our US Secret Service, whose charge is to protect the President from harm could allow such people to get anywhere near the President. And how little news coverage such incidents receive.
It was clear to Mr. Mathews as well as this writer what the intent of that gentleman for openly and brazenly displaying his 2Nd amendment 'right' was. He along with many in this country who take similar stances did not ever want to see this President set foot into the Whitehouse. And though they could not prevail legally at the ballot box, they they want to make it clear that they have not and never will accept the reality. And they will use any and every means at their disposal to incite fear and loathing and hate and anger at a decent man whose only desire is to make life better for them and their progeny.
Perhaps the day will soon arrive when we can view the precious rights given to us under our constitution with a bit of god-given 'common sense', and not as a means to gender up the darkest inner convictions that reside in each of us.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
EVER WONDER?
Ever wonder what they mean when you hear opponents of healthcare reform at those'insurance company sponsored' town hall gatherings yell, I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK? Well they've been told to say this by some really smart, organized, well funded(rich), yet hateful people on the political right that the media WILL single them out and air their grievances under the guise of 'fair and balanced' news coverage. And give the erroneous impression that this is middle-America? Well they are the 'US' (as in 'us' against them) often heard by conservatives and Republicans hoping to divide this country racially, ethnically, and by any means to keep the 'status quo'. They want their country back from whom, what? Could it be that they want their country back from a legitimately elected 'black' President?(although I feel that they are misguided and wrong, I'd at least respect the candor). Could it mean that they want a 'white' man running this nation as in their clouded view, our founding fathers intended?
You see, this healthcare reform debate currently at the forefront in this country is a good outlet for Conservatives and others who did not like the results of the previous election, to fight it out all over again but on the backs of woefully misinformed very large numbers of 'white' Americans from the south mainly. This galls me to no end that such people could actually exist. That they would go so low as to take advantage of honest and decent 'white' Americans( targeteting the most uneducated and poor), by persuading them to vote and voice opposition against their own better self interests. If most of them actually had taken the time to go and read, really read many of the proposals in the upcoming healtcare bill, including the most contentious 'public option' part, they would see that it's really in THEIR best interest and not to good for powerful insurance companies. I know a lot of people including 'white' people who could be much better off with having a choice in healthcare coverage regardless WHO supplies it. If they could just be persuaded to go and read for themselves and see that this 'public option' is just that, an 'option'. But noway nohow said the rich and powerful insurance companies. We can not allow the people to be told the truth. We must scare the bejesus out of them by calling this reform all sorts of things like, Socialism, Nazi ism, Euthanasia, Death panels,Big government takeovers, and Pulling the plug on grandma, for god's sake.
I'm appalled and saddened that these good and decent people are duped and led astray in the most slimiest manner believable. When we as a people have dipped to the lowest level in mankind we, we find all these sorts of injustices and indecency that appears on our plate today.
It is my fervent prayer that someone with a good and honorable sense about themselves stand up and take a real stand against this in our country, and perhaps begin to heal a nation that appears on the brink of social collapse.
You see, this healthcare reform debate currently at the forefront in this country is a good outlet for Conservatives and others who did not like the results of the previous election, to fight it out all over again but on the backs of woefully misinformed very large numbers of 'white' Americans from the south mainly. This galls me to no end that such people could actually exist. That they would go so low as to take advantage of honest and decent 'white' Americans( targeteting the most uneducated and poor), by persuading them to vote and voice opposition against their own better self interests. If most of them actually had taken the time to go and read, really read many of the proposals in the upcoming healtcare bill, including the most contentious 'public option' part, they would see that it's really in THEIR best interest and not to good for powerful insurance companies. I know a lot of people including 'white' people who could be much better off with having a choice in healthcare coverage regardless WHO supplies it. If they could just be persuaded to go and read for themselves and see that this 'public option' is just that, an 'option'. But noway nohow said the rich and powerful insurance companies. We can not allow the people to be told the truth. We must scare the bejesus out of them by calling this reform all sorts of things like, Socialism, Nazi ism, Euthanasia, Death panels,Big government takeovers, and Pulling the plug on grandma, for god's sake.
I'm appalled and saddened that these good and decent people are duped and led astray in the most slimiest manner believable. When we as a people have dipped to the lowest level in mankind we, we find all these sorts of injustices and indecency that appears on our plate today.
It is my fervent prayer that someone with a good and honorable sense about themselves stand up and take a real stand against this in our country, and perhaps begin to heal a nation that appears on the brink of social collapse.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
HEALTHCARE MR. PRESIDENT
Mr. President I've just read an AP report that says the Whitehouse is going to give up on the 'public option' on the new healthcare reform bill in the senate, thereby caving in to the ultra right. If this is so, I'm horrified. If you letdown the majority of Americans who put you in office, I'm horrified. If you think for one minute that those Republicans who vehemently voted against you in favor of Sarah Palin have ANY intention of EVER working WITH you, I'm horrified. The fact of the matter is they have EVERY intention of seeing you FAIL not only on healthcare reform but on ANY policy you propose. If you continue to turn a blind eye to the voice of the 2008 electorate and cow cow to the minority in hopes of obtaining some rose-colored bi-partisan legislation, I'm horrified. The American people did not put you in office to be bi-partisan, they placed their trust in you to 'get things done', and getting things done encompasses, including a 'public option' in healthcare reform. If you think for one minute that a watered-down bill without it will satisfy the people who put you in office will somehow be overlooked and be forgotten, you are terribly mistaken. Those hateful people who voted against you in November will oppose you at every turn with LIES as they have done since it looked remotely as though you had a chance to be elected as the first Black American to the Presidency. They will vote against their own best interests in order to see you fail in EVERYTHING you do. And you can forget about an energy bill and anything else in your term because they will oppose you with more lies in the precedent that they made you cave on healthcare. Mr. President, you simply cannot slap the majority in the face who sincerely believed in you when you promised real change. Mr. President, I truly believe that there in pure evil in this world and it is squarely at your doorstep now. You must not allow this country to be taken down by this malevolent force, which has no ones good intentions at heart.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
THERE'S PARKING CITATIONS, THEN THERE'S IDIOCY
I was outside in the parking lot of the State's/County's workforce Development Department(employment office) in San Bernardino today and noticed a guy driving around in a little what looked to be a miniature Jeep. I saw him stop in one of the parking lanes and get out of this little Jeepney and proceeded to take out that little pad(the kind the regular city parking enforcement attendants use) and began to write a citation. I approached him and politely asked if he was citing autos in a hugh parking lot, that was not even 1/9 filled to capacity. He never even looked up to acknowledge that another human being had addressed him. He continued writing but somehow managed to reluctantly ooze out a very weak sounding, "Uh HUM", and nothing more. This blog is not about that young city parking enforcement aid at all. I'm happy to see the young man out working and actually doing the job he'd been mandated. This blog is about something far more fundamental.
Now I admit I was a bit hurt by his apparent rudeness but I am not quick to anger nor am I reactionary. I think what disturbed me more than my own wounded pride was the gall of the city to actually send out units to issue unregistered automobile citations to individuals in a public parking lot. Yes I know it's against the law to drive an unregistered automobile in this city and people need to follow the rules. But this was simply too much. Too much because of the reason those cars were parked there in the first place.
This was not the 'Ontario Mills Mall', where shoppers are out spending money many don't have. This was an employment office(better yet, jobless people's office) for God's sake. Weary, scared people who managed to get out and attempt to find employment, any employment they could to try and keep a roof and feed babies. And I don't have to remind you what the employment situation is in this country today.
What saddened me was the gall this particular city's officials assumed With all of the real crime I'm certain is happening in that city on a daily basis, That they can focus on decent human beings out struggling to keep their heads above water by having them come out of the office to their cars to be invited by yet another 'bill'. Where are our priorities as human beings?
Now I admit I was a bit hurt by his apparent rudeness but I am not quick to anger nor am I reactionary. I think what disturbed me more than my own wounded pride was the gall of the city to actually send out units to issue unregistered automobile citations to individuals in a public parking lot. Yes I know it's against the law to drive an unregistered automobile in this city and people need to follow the rules. But this was simply too much. Too much because of the reason those cars were parked there in the first place.
This was not the 'Ontario Mills Mall', where shoppers are out spending money many don't have. This was an employment office(better yet, jobless people's office) for God's sake. Weary, scared people who managed to get out and attempt to find employment, any employment they could to try and keep a roof and feed babies. And I don't have to remind you what the employment situation is in this country today.
What saddened me was the gall this particular city's officials assumed With all of the real crime I'm certain is happening in that city on a daily basis, That they can focus on decent human beings out struggling to keep their heads above water by having them come out of the office to their cars to be invited by yet another 'bill'. Where are our priorities as human beings?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
THE AMERICAN ACCENT
Ever wonder how your voice sounds to others? Do you have an accent? How many 'American' accents can you discern? Are there really 'American' accents?
I was sitting and just allowing thoughts to pass my brain a day ago and it occured to me out of the blue the way we talk here in America. I started thinking of the different sounds I've heard from people throughout my life and travels here in the US. And I really found that I can only actually completely distinguish about 2 or 3 major accents from people living here. Yes the 'southern drawl' is an easy one , and the 'New England' or 'northeast' sounds are most familiar to many of us.
I was raised on the Texas gulf coast and I certainly did at one time have a strong southern drawl, but it never sounded quite like the 'whites' in the area. Neither did any of my 7 sisters or 1 brother sound much like the other southerners in our community. My maternal grandmother, who raised us, was Creole and she certainly had a very distinct accent as well as most of the many people from the bayou country of southern Louisiana. Yet their voices sounded quite differently from the 'Cajuns'.
I recall being a bit embarrassed when I first arrived in California from Texas along with my 'southern black' drawl. so much so , that I made a very conscious effort to change the way I talked with the aid of just acquiring the natural sounds we often pick up from the people we are frequently in contact. so now I really have what i term a 'non' accent. So many people today after hearing my voice often remark that they hear some kind of accent but it isn't recognizable. My guess is that it's an amalgam of several different accents.
I'm certain you have had the opportunity to listen to certain individuals, and I won't single any one person out as to not embarrass them, that really taxes the ear to listen to. On the other hand, I'm certain you've heard a voice that was so calm and distinct and so pleasing to hear that you could listen to them for hours.
I think my point in saying all of this is to see if we can become aware of the gratification we all may be able to achieve by simply taking the time to verbally produce a tone that others will love to hear. We may find that our thoughts and feelings are taken much more seriously and are found to be more interesting to those we encounter.
What do you think of this and do you have an 'American' accent?
I was sitting and just allowing thoughts to pass my brain a day ago and it occured to me out of the blue the way we talk here in America. I started thinking of the different sounds I've heard from people throughout my life and travels here in the US. And I really found that I can only actually completely distinguish about 2 or 3 major accents from people living here. Yes the 'southern drawl' is an easy one , and the 'New England' or 'northeast' sounds are most familiar to many of us.
I was raised on the Texas gulf coast and I certainly did at one time have a strong southern drawl, but it never sounded quite like the 'whites' in the area. Neither did any of my 7 sisters or 1 brother sound much like the other southerners in our community. My maternal grandmother, who raised us, was Creole and she certainly had a very distinct accent as well as most of the many people from the bayou country of southern Louisiana. Yet their voices sounded quite differently from the 'Cajuns'.
I recall being a bit embarrassed when I first arrived in California from Texas along with my 'southern black' drawl. so much so , that I made a very conscious effort to change the way I talked with the aid of just acquiring the natural sounds we often pick up from the people we are frequently in contact. so now I really have what i term a 'non' accent. So many people today after hearing my voice often remark that they hear some kind of accent but it isn't recognizable. My guess is that it's an amalgam of several different accents.
I'm certain you have had the opportunity to listen to certain individuals, and I won't single any one person out as to not embarrass them, that really taxes the ear to listen to. On the other hand, I'm certain you've heard a voice that was so calm and distinct and so pleasing to hear that you could listen to them for hours.
I think my point in saying all of this is to see if we can become aware of the gratification we all may be able to achieve by simply taking the time to verbally produce a tone that others will love to hear. We may find that our thoughts and feelings are taken much more seriously and are found to be more interesting to those we encounter.
What do you think of this and do you have an 'American' accent?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
THE LOST COAST
A MAN SAID TO THE UNIVERSE, "SIR, I EXIST,"
"HOWEVER", REPLIED THE UNIVERSE, "THE
FACT HAS NOT CREATED IN ME A SENSE OF
OBLIGATION".
~STEVEN CRANE~
Some years ago when my work required a fair amount of travel, I was on a temporary assignment in Northern California. (And I mean NORTHERN), as I don't consider as many do, the San Francisco Bay area as being northern California. To give you some perspective, it takes about 7 or 8 hours to drive from Los Angeles along Interstate 5 to San Francisco. Then headed north from there, it's another 6 or so hours up the coast on Hwy 101 to Eureka, California. This particular place was the small Humboldt County community of Arcata. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean and the magnificent Coast Redwood trees. This California North coast is by far my most favorite place in the entire country.
On my days off during this particular assignment, I often hopped into the rental car provided and took off to explore the surrounding area. On one particularly beautiful August morning, (July though September being the driest and sunniest months in an otherwise fairly wet climate) I made my way up through those very awesome Redwoods west along a short stretch of golden hilly farmland out to the coast (beach) where one can stop along any point on the road and catch a glimpse of the migrating California Grey Whales.
Continuing south I entered what was called on my little road map, the California Lost Coast. And If I had thought for a moment that I had been transported to a different planet when I first sat eyes upon those humongous Redwoods, then I was in total 'nirvana' when I came upon this stretch of 'black sand' beach. But if you take a closer look you'll see that it's really not typical sand as we see on most beaches at all. Through some sort of ancient geologic process and weathering and erosion, they are tiny black pebbles worn to almost the consistency of fine grain sand.
What held me in awe was the rather striking contrast between the jet black sand and the snow white surf kissing the shore. I parked and set off walking and marveling at the beauty before me and the sounds of the heavy surf breaking against the shoreline. I walked for what seemed like miles without ever seeing another human nor even a trace that humans had ever been in residence there. And as I sat there wiggling my toes through that shiny black sand, I recalled the feeling I had when I first read a poem by Steven Crane in High School. 'A Man said to the Universe'. It made me realize that although I am a unique individual among many others, I am by no means the 'center' of the world. Just one member of the human species among countless other species who inhabit this great earth together. And what a tremendously loving being our creator is to have come up with such a creation.
"HOWEVER", REPLIED THE UNIVERSE, "THE
FACT HAS NOT CREATED IN ME A SENSE OF
OBLIGATION".
~STEVEN CRANE~
Some years ago when my work required a fair amount of travel, I was on a temporary assignment in Northern California. (And I mean NORTHERN), as I don't consider as many do, the San Francisco Bay area as being northern California. To give you some perspective, it takes about 7 or 8 hours to drive from Los Angeles along Interstate 5 to San Francisco. Then headed north from there, it's another 6 or so hours up the coast on Hwy 101 to Eureka, California. This particular place was the small Humboldt County community of Arcata. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean and the magnificent Coast Redwood trees. This California North coast is by far my most favorite place in the entire country.
On my days off during this particular assignment, I often hopped into the rental car provided and took off to explore the surrounding area. On one particularly beautiful August morning, (July though September being the driest and sunniest months in an otherwise fairly wet climate) I made my way up through those very awesome Redwoods west along a short stretch of golden hilly farmland out to the coast (beach) where one can stop along any point on the road and catch a glimpse of the migrating California Grey Whales.
Continuing south I entered what was called on my little road map, the California Lost Coast. And If I had thought for a moment that I had been transported to a different planet when I first sat eyes upon those humongous Redwoods, then I was in total 'nirvana' when I came upon this stretch of 'black sand' beach. But if you take a closer look you'll see that it's really not typical sand as we see on most beaches at all. Through some sort of ancient geologic process and weathering and erosion, they are tiny black pebbles worn to almost the consistency of fine grain sand.
What held me in awe was the rather striking contrast between the jet black sand and the snow white surf kissing the shore. I parked and set off walking and marveling at the beauty before me and the sounds of the heavy surf breaking against the shoreline. I walked for what seemed like miles without ever seeing another human nor even a trace that humans had ever been in residence there. And as I sat there wiggling my toes through that shiny black sand, I recalled the feeling I had when I first read a poem by Steven Crane in High School. 'A Man said to the Universe'. It made me realize that although I am a unique individual among many others, I am by no means the 'center' of the world. Just one member of the human species among countless other species who inhabit this great earth together. And what a tremendously loving being our creator is to have come up with such a creation.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A FIRST FEAR
I was in 3rd or maybe 4Th grade at Pipkin elementary school so many years ago. I was like so many young kids of that time and to a larger extent, today's times. I had a male classmate who's name escapes me to this day whom I enjoyed talking with. He often told stories of wonder and excitement and his imagination was without end. Being mischievous and curious I listened with amazement. One autumn day he told me of a magical place where you could ride horses and eat all the candy you wanted and that he often went there. Well, I wanted in too. I managed to convince him to take me with him to this place after school and he finally relented. As memory serves me, we left with that glorious sound of the last school bell signaling the end of yet another boring school day. I recall we went walking along Pine St. past the water tower and just blocks from school. There was a tiny street(not much more than an alley)where we turned and went down. He led me to a place just off the road slightly into the edge of the woods. There was this hugh whole in the ground where workmen had dug only recently or maybe even that day. I knew because they had placed the smudge pots around it as a safety warning (as was the custom during that time). As we stood there peering into this enormous abyss, he told me that we had to get down into it and we'd be almost at the magical place. Being so excited to be almost there I started down and slipped and continued falling into this large hole. Before I knew it I was at the bottom and noticed that I was alone as he had not followed me. I got to my feet and yelled to him to come down and join me but I received no reply and could not see him at the top. After a few minutes of looking around this large muddy pit I now found myself in, I tried to climb out. But I could not get a grip on the sides of the damp muddy walls of this place. The harder I tried the more I slipped back down and was really getting my tennis shoes and socks wet and muddy as well as my blue jeans and shirt. I continued yelling and screaming to my friend or anyone but only silence. After about an hour or so of trying to free myself from this prison, I realized for the first time in my young life what the fear of dying was like. There I was stuck in this deep hole and I could see with each passing minute as the bright autumn sunlight faded and the temperature dropped that no one would be coming to my rescue. There I sat in the mud crying and too exhausted to holler out or even try to free myself any longer. I now resigned myself to the reality that I would die there that night because my grandmother, with whom I lived, had no way of knowing where I was or where to find me. I recall dozing off to a brief sleep but the cold and wetness were at odds with any slumbering.Then out of the darkness I heard a voice, a very welcoming voice. It was that familiar sound of my grandmother yelling my name as she did so many times at dusk to rein us children inside. I managed to get to my feet and began yelling back as loud as my little crackling voice could . "I'm here". "I'm here", "down here". Then there she was, barely visible at the top of that dark hole saying, " we are putting down a rope for you". Within a few minutes I was being pulled up out of that hell by my grandmother and Miss Emma and to freedom. They drove me home and I just knew I was in for the worst whipping of my life but it never happened. My grandmother gave me a bath and told me to never ever go with anyone on my way home from school without her knowing. I thought I was going to die that night but I could not possibly have known the horror that that woman had gone through that afternoon in her mind. had he run off? was he hurt somewhere? Had a truckload of 'night riders'(local KKK groups from nearby Vidor, Texas)picked him up and murdered him?.. That was my first fear. It was a constant one for her and many other parents.
Have any of you a recollection of a first fear in your life? If so, I'd love to hear about it.
Have any of you a recollection of a first fear in your life? If so, I'd love to hear about it.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
UNBELIEVABLE
I realize that I swore this blog would not delve much into the realm of politics, But I'm in total disbelief at what I just heard on MSNBC'S 'Hardball' talk show with Chris Mathews. One of his guests was G. Gordon Liddy,(Yes the same Whitehouse 'plumber' we all became familiar with during the 'Watergate' scandal of the early 1970's). Well he now happens to have descended to the same level as that Limbaugh fellow. He currently does a right-wing radio talk show and I'm certain he enjoys a fair amount of loyal listeners who also worships Limbaugh.
He's apparently taken up this slimy theme playing around the country at the moment, of questioning the legal citizenship of President Barack Obama. His evidence ,as far as I was able to discern from Mr. Mathews' questions, are based upon an unknown 'step-grandmothers' supposedly sworn statement that she witnessed his birth at a poverty-stricken area hospital somewhere in Mombasa, Kenya. It's quite obvious to me and many others that this man and others of his ilk are out to do their best to humiliate and destroy this fine man. Even the daughter of the previous Vice-President, Liz Cheney, seems to be helping to perpetuate these smears. This is so 'UNBELIEVABLE' to see that there are so many in this country who are so filled with hate and malice that an African- American man has become the leader of the free world. Will they ever display any sense of dignity?
Although, I am the progeny of African descendants, I voice these frustrations not as an African-American but as a proud AMERICAN man who has now nor ever harbored any racial animus against any particular race of people. I've two sisters who are happily married to 'white' men and I love and respect them both. I've a strong sense of the decency in humankind and have devoted my life to try and improve community among man. But I find at times such as now , that we all are set back temporarily, when the ugly voices of Mr. Liddy and his kind are recognized. And to what end. Don't they realize after living a life on this planet that we are ALL one and the same? No one race is better or worse than another. This truth must be realized someday and I believe it will, and it is then that we all will begin to experience the wonder and glory that our creator intended.
He's apparently taken up this slimy theme playing around the country at the moment, of questioning the legal citizenship of President Barack Obama. His evidence ,as far as I was able to discern from Mr. Mathews' questions, are based upon an unknown 'step-grandmothers' supposedly sworn statement that she witnessed his birth at a poverty-stricken area hospital somewhere in Mombasa, Kenya. It's quite obvious to me and many others that this man and others of his ilk are out to do their best to humiliate and destroy this fine man. Even the daughter of the previous Vice-President, Liz Cheney, seems to be helping to perpetuate these smears. This is so 'UNBELIEVABLE' to see that there are so many in this country who are so filled with hate and malice that an African- American man has become the leader of the free world. Will they ever display any sense of dignity?
Although, I am the progeny of African descendants, I voice these frustrations not as an African-American but as a proud AMERICAN man who has now nor ever harbored any racial animus against any particular race of people. I've two sisters who are happily married to 'white' men and I love and respect them both. I've a strong sense of the decency in humankind and have devoted my life to try and improve community among man. But I find at times such as now , that we all are set back temporarily, when the ugly voices of Mr. Liddy and his kind are recognized. And to what end. Don't they realize after living a life on this planet that we are ALL one and the same? No one race is better or worse than another. This truth must be realized someday and I believe it will, and it is then that we all will begin to experience the wonder and glory that our creator intended.
A USEFUL TOOL
Above is a photo of my 5 inch reflector that comes in very handy for an enthusiast such as me who's interested in the cosmos and the very dangerous objects that lurk in around throughout the solar system and beyond. Yes those NEA'S(near earth objects)that may someday mark the end or near extinction of mankind and even the planet itself. They are out there and are very real and the only thing that has kept us safe so far is that thin blue film seen around the edges of the earth on photos taken from space. Our atmosphere. Which is responsible for causing the vast majority of those stray asteroids to burn up before they reach the surface. Yet evidence from the past has shown that some have been so massive as to withstand the fall into our delicate airspace.
It's well-known by many astronomers that there are far too few scientists and even lay individuals who monitor the skies out there for a possible large one that could possibly survive and wreak havoc upon mankind. Therefore I've decided to do as much as one individual can to at least try and help find those monsters. However, even if we find them with a reasonable amount of time before impact, the chances are not very great that there is anything we can do to prevent the destruction they could cause. But I'd sure like to know beforehand so it won't come as a total shock when we suddenly look up and see a slow moving mass closing down upon us as if the land was falling from the sky. at least we could attempt to be as close to loved ones and family as possible and to have had the opportunity to try and make amends to those we may have harmed and to say to them how much we love and care for them.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
LEARNING TO REMOVE DOUBT
About a year ago or so, I had a sort of daydream or maybe a brief epiphany. I hesitate to use words such as 'vision' or phrases like 'A voice told me', partly because some will instinctively dismiss your words as perhaps just another 'cook' or' moonbeam man' or the like. I do know however, that I was wide awake at the time and this was no dream, in the literal sense of the word. I had been thinking for several days previous to this epiphany, about how it would be to be somewhere very far out in outer space(actually lost). About how terribly alone it would be way out there where there is no up or down or left or right with no sense of orientation whatsoever. And then this feeling simply came to me 'out of the blue'. It was as though someone or something said in a very calm and soothing voice to me that "you are not lost and never will be. You are not alone and nothing in this cosmos can ever harm you in any way."And I believed this voice yet I was a bit skeptical. Then it occured to me that there was more to follow so sat there and concentrated on the now and tried as hard as possible to be still and quiet , as I've learned to do in my older life when I feel something is about to be revealed to me. Now I don't profess to possess much if any at all psychic abilities. But I don't dismiss 'anything' as being possible. That voice continued in that calm and soft and reassuring manner.."You will have to learn how to remove all 'doubt' from your consciousness. " this will not be very easy for you but with much practice and learning you will accomplish this one day". And 'poof' , it was gone. And I was left there to analyze what had just happened to me.
I've been off and on pondering that experience ever since. I have not reached any conclusions and not sure if I ever will but my strong inclination to 'know,' just will not allow me to abandon that epiphany. I really feel that it meant something and something very important, and intend to continue to persue some answers. Perhaps they may come here, since my writing of these blogs sort of came about as a coincidence really. I do believe that if it means what I think it does then I have no choice but to jump in feet first and search with madness. If any of you have had any such experiences, I'd love to hear from you.
I've been off and on pondering that experience ever since. I have not reached any conclusions and not sure if I ever will but my strong inclination to 'know,' just will not allow me to abandon that epiphany. I really feel that it meant something and something very important, and intend to continue to persue some answers. Perhaps they may come here, since my writing of these blogs sort of came about as a coincidence really. I do believe that if it means what I think it does then I have no choice but to jump in feet first and search with madness. If any of you have had any such experiences, I'd love to hear from you.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
MY SINGER TREADLE
Now this brings me back to my childhood growing up in Texas. A circa 1902 Singer treadle sewing machine. Although it's whereabouts are unknown at present, the one I own now(images at left and top) is almost identical to my grandma's old treadle machine. She was a marvelous woman and she taught me how to use that old machine and how to sew many articles of clothing. A trade I remember and enjoy to this day. I acquired this model from a thrift store some time ago and have been trying to restore it to as close to it's original condition as possible. Including attempting to remove a coat of very unsightly plum-colored paint the previous owner took the liberty to invade this lovely antique with. However, it still is in great working condition and I find the time to mend my worn clothes when necessary. It doesn't have all of the whistles and bells that come on modern ones but, this old Mable will still be sewing another 109 years from now.
THE DYING MYTHS LAST GASP(In Defence of our President)
I've decided to take a short pause from my usual area of posts. And I'm doing so because I feel this really needs to be addressed. I've also intentionally tried to stay clear of political topics on this blog but I feel someone need to say something here. So please indulge me for a rare and brief digression.
I normally arise daily at a very abnormal hour and one of the things I find spending these pre-dawn hours doing is watching the "Morning Joe' political talk show on MSNBC. I've done so since the network hastily replaced "Imus in the Morning' several years ago. I was skeptical from the beginning but remained as open as possible that this former right-wing Republican Congressman from the Florida panhandle would have something interesting to tell the public. My skepticism remains. You see, Mr. Morning Joe, loves to parade a countless number of so-called people in the know on his program each day and manages to insult as many as he can who disagrees with his 'CONSERVATIVE' bent. To his credit, he does somehow pretend to try and fit in with the mainstream view at times but to me it's so obviously phony. I watched this man throughout the election season(2007 and 2008) each morning and was amazed at how much he tried to sway public sentiment against then IL. Senator Barack Obama. Often echoing that ultra right-wing phrase of 'he's the most liberal Senator in Congress'. The Republicans, Right, and Conservatives(no distinction among the three) in this writer's view, tried their best to prevent the first legitimate Black American man from ascending to the highest office in our country and failed. That Illinois Senator prevailed and became on January 20Th 2009, the 44Th President of the United States of America.
I sit and watch and listen to a constant barrage of comments that our current President is 'failing', and will ultimately lead this nation 'over a cliff' , as Morning Joe loves to state. Almost all of his guests (mostly 'white' men and women) seem to have suddenly become instant economists and mostly all predict, to the glee of Morning Joe, that this President has and will 'FAIL'. Who would they rather have running this country at this time? John(the economy is basically sound)McCain? Sarah(I can see Russia from my backyard)Palin? or maybe George(who literally did RUN this country over a cliff in 8 years)Bush? The obvious answer from the point of view of most Black Americans including myself, is neither, either or just anyone else. You see, it was most disturbing to SOME(and I want to emphasize some and not even close to the majority)Americans that a 'black' man is now their 'leader'. How can this be? Not a vile 'black man'. They are lazy and unintelligent and irresponsible and non trustworthy and criminal and don't have the slightest clue.
You see, his election was somehow a fluke even illegitimate(see Fox News and Acorn), yes, unbelievably they are still crying 'Acorn' on that network. His election was ONE thing to have to swallow, but to somehow to have a successful administration? No way, no how, never. We must oppose him at each and every turn, no matter how small the issue. We must see to it that he fails miserably. Fails in procuring a sensible health care program for Americans. Fails to revive an economy on the brink of depression left to him by a failed Republican administration. Fails to end two wars and get our young men and women back home from death and dying around the world. 'Failure', 'Failure', 'Failure' is all that they have left to hope and pray for. Why? You ask the young black woman sitting at the reception desk in your office. You ask the young black man at your parking garage ticket booth taking payment. You ask those 3 black men standing in front of the liquor store with brown bags in their palms. You ask the black history professor in your class. They will all tell you why if they are honest. That hideous myth that has perpetuated this nation since this nations inception, is slowly beginning to reveal itself. That myth which was taught to us by our mothers and fathers and and their parents and their parent's parents and all the way back. That terribly destructive and cancerous myth is now in serious jeopardy.
I normally arise daily at a very abnormal hour and one of the things I find spending these pre-dawn hours doing is watching the "Morning Joe' political talk show on MSNBC. I've done so since the network hastily replaced "Imus in the Morning' several years ago. I was skeptical from the beginning but remained as open as possible that this former right-wing Republican Congressman from the Florida panhandle would have something interesting to tell the public. My skepticism remains. You see, Mr. Morning Joe, loves to parade a countless number of so-called people in the know on his program each day and manages to insult as many as he can who disagrees with his 'CONSERVATIVE' bent. To his credit, he does somehow pretend to try and fit in with the mainstream view at times but to me it's so obviously phony. I watched this man throughout the election season(2007 and 2008) each morning and was amazed at how much he tried to sway public sentiment against then IL. Senator Barack Obama. Often echoing that ultra right-wing phrase of 'he's the most liberal Senator in Congress'. The Republicans, Right, and Conservatives(no distinction among the three) in this writer's view, tried their best to prevent the first legitimate Black American man from ascending to the highest office in our country and failed. That Illinois Senator prevailed and became on January 20Th 2009, the 44Th President of the United States of America.
I sit and watch and listen to a constant barrage of comments that our current President is 'failing', and will ultimately lead this nation 'over a cliff' , as Morning Joe loves to state. Almost all of his guests (mostly 'white' men and women) seem to have suddenly become instant economists and mostly all predict, to the glee of Morning Joe, that this President has and will 'FAIL'. Who would they rather have running this country at this time? John(the economy is basically sound)McCain? Sarah(I can see Russia from my backyard)Palin? or maybe George(who literally did RUN this country over a cliff in 8 years)Bush? The obvious answer from the point of view of most Black Americans including myself, is neither, either or just anyone else. You see, it was most disturbing to SOME(and I want to emphasize some and not even close to the majority)Americans that a 'black' man is now their 'leader'. How can this be? Not a vile 'black man'. They are lazy and unintelligent and irresponsible and non trustworthy and criminal and don't have the slightest clue.
You see, his election was somehow a fluke even illegitimate(see Fox News and Acorn), yes, unbelievably they are still crying 'Acorn' on that network. His election was ONE thing to have to swallow, but to somehow to have a successful administration? No way, no how, never. We must oppose him at each and every turn, no matter how small the issue. We must see to it that he fails miserably. Fails in procuring a sensible health care program for Americans. Fails to revive an economy on the brink of depression left to him by a failed Republican administration. Fails to end two wars and get our young men and women back home from death and dying around the world. 'Failure', 'Failure', 'Failure' is all that they have left to hope and pray for. Why? You ask the young black woman sitting at the reception desk in your office. You ask the young black man at your parking garage ticket booth taking payment. You ask those 3 black men standing in front of the liquor store with brown bags in their palms. You ask the black history professor in your class. They will all tell you why if they are honest. That hideous myth that has perpetuated this nation since this nations inception, is slowly beginning to reveal itself. That myth which was taught to us by our mothers and fathers and and their parents and their parent's parents and all the way back. That terribly destructive and cancerous myth is now in serious jeopardy.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
WALTER AND THE REST OF US
At@6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning February 20th, 1962, my eldest sister Melba(13 at that time) and I( age 11 photo on left) sat in our tiny home in Beaumont Texas before preparing for another school day. As we awaited the picture tube to warm up on the households only Philco black and white TV set , I fumbled around with the rabbit ears to try and ensure a fair reception. The occasion? Well we were awaiting to hear Walter Cronkite's CBS news broadcast from Cape Canaveral, Florida of John Glenn's historic space flight aboard the Frinedship 7 space ship(as it was called in those days). The flight as well as the entire mission went off flawlessly and we headed off walking the 2 miles to school on that cold February morning. Shortly after I arrived at my classroom I overheard my teacher and another one talking about that spaceflight in the hallway,"man was he really moving" said my teacher. "yep, 17,000 miles an hour is flying for sure", said the other teacher. And I wondered, how awesome it was for a human being to be able to travel that fast, to go completely around our whole wide world in a matter of a few minutes...Faster than it took for me to walk halfway back home..
Now you may or may not be wondering why I began this blog with this little personal story. If the former, then I want to say that I've been watching the television coverage on the death of Walter Cronkite the past several hours and it's occured to me after hearing thoughts and feelings from his friends and fellow journalists, that many of us common folk has some as well..
From those early broadcasts on the American space flights through the civil rights years, and the landing of the first humans on the moon, he was as much a part of my life as was that little old black and white tv set. A year and a half later on a rainy Friday morning on November 22nd 1963, us kids again were present in front of that tv set hearing Mr. Cronkite speak those searing words that our beloved President Kennedy had been shot and was now dead. I can hear to this day , that moment of utter silence and shock that filled our home followed by tears from my grandmother and other siblings as well as by me.
It was that well-known voice of authority and honesty that will always be a part of my life and of those souls who were fortunate enough to have been alive to spend some time with this great man. I wish to extend my condolences to his family and friends around the world. And I would love to hear from you, the common person, of your thoughts and feelings about a very loved human being.
If you were not privileged enough to have been around during his time, maybe you can share some feelings given to you by a parent or grandparent.
AND THAT'S THE WAY IT IS, JULY 18TH, 2009.
REGINALD
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Digital Stuff
One of the last subjects(which I've termed 'thinking thoughts' )my late brother Harold and I discussed shortly before his passing in 1998 concerned this very medium we are using today. The internet, and all of that digital information floating around in what is known as cyberspace. I asked him one evening as we were sitting learning how to use the new pc and surf the web, Just where does all of that 'invisible' information go? Is it in the air all around us? What if we could somehow see it? What would it look like? Will it have some sort of impact on our lives in the future good or bad? We all know that it's there somewhere. Each time we use a cell /mobile phone, we add more of this invisible 'digital stuff' to our surroundings yet many of us are totally unaware of it's very existence. I must admit here that we came to no significant conclusions on any of this but the discussion was very insightful to say the least. If you may have some thoughts or ideas on this topic, I'd really appreciate hearing from you.
Reginald
Reginald
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