ALL LIVES MATTER: A Strong Rebuke Against Race-Based Movements

As a person of Scottish, Cherokee, and African American descent who grew up in the poor and mostly Black part of Dallas Texas - I've been forced to confront race and racism from all sides at an early age.  Some Black people don't like me because of my White mother or because I'm not dark enough or "black" enough.  Some White people don't like me because I'm Black.  Some White people only like me because they think I'm Hispanic at first.  Some Hispanics like me...until they realize I'm Black.  On and on it goes.  

As I watched the events in Dallas Texas unfold last night and today (where five Dallas police officers died after gunmen systematically executed them during and after a Black Lives Matter rally in downtown), I can't help but wonder if those who support the Black Lives Matter movement really understand what it is they are advocating.    All evidence seems to suggest that they don't.  On the outside, BLM seems harmless and honorable enough.  When you take a closer look, however, you will start to see some fundamental and alarming problems.  

• The very name of the movement - Black Lives Matter. 
• There is an ellipsis at the end of this movement's name - ...more than other lives. 

I'm not saying that the ellipsis was intended, but it's there none the less.  This is why you see people now adopting the hashtag #alllivesmatter.  They do this because the movement has made them feel as though their lives do not matter.  I understand that there is a growing problem with police violence in this country which disproportionately affects those in Black communities.  I understand that Black lives matter.  The name though, while seemingly trying to draw attention to the issues of police violence against Black people, also implies that other lives don't matter at all or at the very least not as much.  The focus shouldn't be on race, but it is.  This isn't helping the racism issue in this country.  It's breeding a whole new generations of racist...on ALL sides.  

Think about it this way - The Traditionalist American Knights of the KKK  state that they are a non-violent organization dedicated to the "preservation of the white race in the United States".  They say they are non-violent; but as we all know, their very existence inspires hatred and violence.  The fact that they self segregate and focus solely on the white race signals that other races are not important or valuable.  This is the issue with identifying by race in a political or social movement.  It seems harmless, or loyal, or in touch with one's ancestry; but it's not.  Its divisive, destructive, and dangerous.   

• The focus of the movement. 
• According to the BLM website  the focus is on "state violence" against Black people. 

The word "violence" is found on the BLM Who We Are page six times.  The focus is on violence executed by the "state".  With such a focus on "violence", it was only a matter of time before the movement inspired violence.  The BLM movement says it is "broadening the conversation"; when in fact it's narrowing the conversation to race and excluding non-black people from that conversation.  You can't seek to stop race-based attacks on the Black community by alienating people of non-black heritage.  This is exactly what BLM is currently doing.  The message, the focus, and the execution ALL need to change.

• The organization of the movement.  
• In interviews with those described as the founders of the BLM movement, it has been stated that BLM is a leaderless movement.  

Here's the problem - A leaderless movement is also a movement that is unfocused, off-message, and subject to a dangerous evolution.  We didn't achieve progress for Black people in America without leaders.  This type of non-approach leaves the execution of this movement open to interpretation.  As we saw in Dallas, some have now interpreted this as violence against police.  I'm not saying that the killing of five Dallas police officers was sanctioned by BLM, but the movement bears some responsibility in that it refuses to clearly identify as "non-violent" and in fact, it's sole focus IS violence.  It allows people from the community to decide for themselves how to resolve "state violence" - some, opting just to shoot back.  Violence or focusing on violence is NOT the right approach.  The BLM movement is in it's "toddler" period now and has done little in the way of fixing the problem of racism or violence in this country.

• The execution of the movement.
• The movement has"fired" upon the wrong targets too many times.  

In December of last year, BLM disrupted air travel at an airport and shopping at a popular and busy mall.  This is yet another example of the wrong focus and execution.  A movement shouldn't seek to punish those who may have nothing to do with the plight of the Black community.  These were people trying to see their families or buy gifts for loved ones.  Seeking to disrupt everyday life is not the way to change the hearts and minds of this country.  It reeks of selfishness and ill-will toward those who have nothing to do with "state violence".  At political rallies, BLM shows up screaming or taking over stages in an effort to force people to listen.  Screaming at people only alienates them further.  Again, this is where leaders come in.  They help people focus and stay on message; and to deliver that message in a way that is not only powerful, but poignant and better received.

The Bottom Line

Trying to force people to listen to your point of view, while systematically alienating those who you say you are trying to speak to is fucking foolish.  It's time for everyone to stop hiding behind their race.  It's time to stop pretending that pride in your heritage is the reason for your actions and behaviors.  It's not.  Your selfishness and belief that your life matters more than those of a different race because of a threat (either perceived or real) is the reason for your actions and behaviors.  You can be proud without alienating those around you.  You can honor your history without creating or contributing to a future soaked in violence, segregation, hatred, ignorance, and intolerance.  We can all live together in love and peace...when we CHOOSE to do so.  We can all move beyond racism once we stop breathing life into it with provocation, violence, screaming, anger, hatred, and retaliation.  

White people, stop pretending like you're in danger of losing something.  You're not.  White Americans slaughtered Native Americans in order to lay claim to something that didn't belong to them.  White Americans enslaved Africans and refused to treat them like humans.  The only thing you're in danger of is perpetuating the cycle of ignorance that says you're superior to anyone.  We aren't.  We come from the same stock of people who murdered some and enslaved others.  ENOUGH.  Get your shit together and realize the worth of all human life whether you relate to them or not.  

Black people, stop pretending like you arrived on a slave ship.  You didn't.  Stop saying you want and end to racism while simultaneously segregating yourselves.  Stop screaming at people and learn to have a real conversation.  Do the hard work that is required to really "broaden the conversation"; not just the easy work of preaching to the choir.  Stop punishing the good White people of this country for shit the bad ones do.  We don't honor our ancestors and those who fought for our freedoms by shitting all over their sacrifice with our selfishness and willful ignorance.  We have JUST as must a part to play in eradicating racism as any White person living or dead.

Racism and discrimination of ALL kinds is defeated in the small moments in life.  Talk to that co-worker who may be narrow-minded or sheltered.  Show those passing you on the street the kindness they may not think you deserve.  Conduct yourselves with the kind of honor that transcends your heritage.  Stop being afraid to speak out against violent actions and words from your "own kind".  Stop letting people of all colors get a free pass on hatred and ignorance.  Speak up.  Speak softly.  Speak often.  Speak from your heart.  The war on race won't be won by force.  It will be won when we decide that human life is THE most important resource on the planet.    

An Inconvenient Truth

My, how a few months changes everything...

There is no honor, nor nobility, nor any grace in spending months decrying the Democratic Super Delegate process; only to make it a part of your strategy for winning.   This alone proves that Bernie Sanders is as much a typical politician as anyone else currently running for President on either side. 

Wake up people!!!

He is essentially saying that EVEN if Hillary takes the popular vote (that's you - in case you were confused) and the Pledged Delegate count; that his campaign plans on completely disregarding the will of the people (that he CLAIMS he's representing) and try to convince Super Delegates to vote for  him in an effort to usurp Hillary Clinton as the nominee for President.  

So, to all the hardcore Bernie Sanders supporters out there in the world...you can support him if you like -that's your prerogative- but PLEASE stop pretending like your candidate is above all the bullshit.  He not; and neither are you for supporting him.  He does not represent a political revolution.  He represents politics JUST AS IT IS...flawed.  I can respect people for knowingly supporting their candidate despite their shortcomings.  I cannot respect those who choose to pretend like their candidate is vastly better or different or more honorable than any other.  

#hypocrisy #politics #nowthetruthcomesout 

We the People

As I got up this morning, I completely overlooked the Supreme Court Decision on gay marriage.  In my grogginess, I moved about getting ready for what I anticipated to be a long workday.  I made my way through my morning routine...shower, teeth brushing...”de-ashification” (lotion)...coffee... and getting dressed.  As I walked toward the front door, the man to whom I used to be engaged informed me of the Supreme Court's decision.  My response was nearly indifferent.  I replied with an "oh, that's good".  See, I was engaged to be married several months ago.  Since that time, I called off the engagement and the relationship for reasons that I won't go into here.  At any rate, I made my way down to my car only to discover that a huge panel underneath the car was broken and hanging off.  I realized that I wouldn't be able to drive to work as planned.  As my anger mounted at the impending car repairs, I made my way back into the apartment, called an Uber, and waited to be picked up.  All I could think of was the cost, the inconvenience, getting to work late, this “stupid” gay marriage decision, and how very alone I felt.
    
I got into the Uber car, and headed off to work.  As luck (or lack thereof) would have it, the driver was tuned into NPR radio.  The topic, of course, was gay marriage.  The pundits were all flexing their opinion muscles.  They talked about the significance, the implications, and the possible legal fights ahead. At first I listened, still indifferent.  Then, they paused to cut over to the live speech by President Obama from the Rose Garden.   That's when everything changed for me.  As Obama spoke about the history of this struggle and the progress of American society, I began to cry.  All my indifference melted away as I realized that while I was so very happy for all those who wanted to get married but could not, I was further away from my marriage moment than I thought I'd be at this point in my life.  This strange mix of grief and gladness would not let up.  As I made my way to work, all I could think about was how I'd missed my chance.  Yeah, I know that sounds a tad dramatic maybe, but it's hard to see "marriage" for myself right now.
 
Once my tears began to subside; my thoughts turned to those who will undoubtedly announce the moral decay of American society and the destruction of all things "godly".  It hurts to know that there are those in the world that would seek to keep me and my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as second class citizens; and for what?  Before gay marriage was even a thought, heterosexual couples have made a career of entering into marriages lightly and subsequently destroying this “holy” institution.  Furthermore, even those who didn’t believe in God or even believed in things which directly went against God were allowed to take part in this allegedly holy event.  It occurs to me on this day, people of all backgrounds should consider this… Perhaps it’s not holy or godly or Christ-like to exclude certain people from being married.  I offer that perhaps it’s ungodly, or unholy to treat marriage as something disposable.  Perhaps it’s immoral to enter into marriages with insufficient regard.  Perhaps the shame should be placed on the devaluing of marriage rather than who gets to be married.  I don’t pretend to have all the answers but as a formerly married, formerly straight man now living as an openly gay man who now has the right to marry anywhere in my homeland, I have to say that my perspective is clearer than it has ever been.

The Bottom Line

For those who wish to take part in this new era of equality, know this…
Your marriage should NOT be just another option.
Your marriage should NOT be disposable.
Your marriage should NOT be for show.
Your marriage should NOT be for convenience.
Your marriage should NOT be entered into lightly.

For those who wish to decry today’s Supreme Court decision, know this…
Gay marriage does NOT change your relationship with your god.
Gay marriage does NOT infringe upon your rights or opinions.
Gay marriage does NOT diminish your faith.
Gay marriage does NOT make your marriage less special.

For ALL those who are or will be married, know this…
Love, honor, and respect your own marriage.  After all, it’s the only marriage you can both nurture or destroy.
 

Power Nigger

David Ross Jackson

Now that I have the title of my article out of the way, I will make sure I set an iPhone appointment reminder for the year 2040 so that I can remember to expect a complete over-reaction from the world around me for having typed the word "nigger" today.  

(This is a Paula Deen reference for those who have been sequestered on a jury or living under a rock.)

I'd like to take a moment to point out a few critical facts:

• My heritage is African-American, Scottish, and Cherokee.
• I've been a victim of racism directed at me from both black and white people.
• I've been called a nigger by both white and black people.  
• Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Are we clear?  Good.  Moving on...

Let me further clarify, words of any kind, which are said from a place of hatred should not be met with indifference.  I do, however, believe that American society will never be able to move past true racism because we simply choose to focus on words and censorship rather than love and education.  We choose to give certain words power rather than being the living example of true power.  We hold all the power to ending racism, but refuse to use it.  Think about it in the simplest of terms.  If children on a playground are calling another child names and that child exhibits ZERO reaction to the name-calling; 9 times out of 10, the name calling will end.  It's really no different with racist words.  

I truly believe that evolving beyond race and racism in this country will work in the same way.  If we all stop choosing to be offended by a word, then perhaps it will stop being offensive and by default stop being used.  It seems overly simple right?  Well...perhaps it is.  As much as we all like to think we can control what others say or feel; the simple truth is, we can only change the way we react.  

I wont continue to dwell on this subject because I believe "dwelling" is the root issue.  We want to dwell on the past.  We want to lie down and take a long nap in past racism.  Does racism still exist, of course it does.  I have no delusions.  Am I going to give another's words power over my very life?  No. 

The Bottom Line:

An offensive word doesn't exist without offense. Am I suggesting everyone run around screaming "nigger" at the top of their lungs while grocery shopping?  Hell no!  I am fairly sure we are not all evolved enough to endure that.  I am suggesting that we all take a gigantic fucking deep breath and stop over-reacting at every turn.  Only god, or the universe, or perhaps only one's self, can really judge one's heart.  Give weight to one's actions rather than one's words.  After all...

Anyone can say "nigger", but not just anyone can be one. 

Origin of NIGGER

Alteration of earlier neger, 

From Middle French negre, 

From Spanish or Portuguese negro, 

From Latin niger

A Tale of Two Men

Boy meets Congressman.  Boy has inappropriate relations with Congressman.  Congressman gets caught.  Congressman looses everything.  Boy fades into oblivion after fifteen minutes of fame.   It's the oldest story in the book.  Well, maybe not the oldest, but it's quickly becoming the most cliche story in the book.  As I was reading the story about Republican Representative Phillip Hinkle referring to the mess he's gotten himself into as a "shakedown", it occurred to me that this story was only being covered from one angle.  It was the typical angle.  Hinkle is a public figure...queue the public outrage.  

I try to approach my writing with fairness.  Of course I have my opinions.  I wouldn't be much of an aspiring opinion writer if I didn't.  I think everyone should be taking a good long look at BOTH of these men.  Since Rep. Hinkle will most certainly be publicly crucified, let's take a look at the person most people will not be talking about.

Kameryn Gibson - 

Here, we have an 18 year old young man who has posted an ad on Craigslist.  In the ad, he claimed he was 20(a lie) and looking for a "sugga daddy".  First of all, I'm no legal expert but this is at the very least borderline prostitution.  Let's get real for a moment.  It's one thing to go online looking for sex.  It's an entirely different thing to be looking for someone to pay you for sex.  Where is the outrage about this young man's behavior?

Adding insult to injury, Kameryn took items from the Congressman as "hush money"...an iPad, Blackberry, and $100.  He then decides to "do the right thing" and allow all this to go public.  I'm confused.  Wouldn't the right thing be to not post an ad that basically amounts to prostitution?  Maybe the right thing would have been to not accept cash and other items to stay quiet.  Perhaps the right thing would also be not allowing your sister to go to a newspaper with this story.  It seems to me that this young man is desperately trying to get attention in any way possible.  Maybe he has aspirations to be famous?  Maybe he has a complete lack of aspiration, hence the "sugga daddy" mentality.  Maybe he's just an attention addict and this whole situation is like crack to him.  I just question the point of all of this in light of his own terrible decision making.  At the end of the day, it doesn't make it more wrong that Congressman is involved in this.  It's all wrong.

Kameryn lied.  Kameryn wanted to trade sex for money. Kameryn took cash and gifts to keep quiet.

I have a hunch that we are hearing about all this because the Kameryn and his sister Megan started seeing dollar signs.  I also think they knew there would be a certain level of notoriety that comes along with this sort of situation...something they were both unable to resist.  

The Bottom Line:
In a world that values celebrity over all else, it's time we get real about things like character.  Sure, public servants should be held accountable for their actions.  After all, we are paying their salary.  That, however, does not exclude the everyday person from being accountable as well.  Our political figures are a real reflection of the people.  That fact alone should scare us all into making better decisions and being the best people we can be.  These two seemingly different people are really not all that different at all.  When the sensationalism settles and the story is long over, we still have to look at ourselves in the mirror.

Who do you see staring back at you?

Trumped

It occurs to me that Donald Trump represents the very best and the very worst of American culture.  On the one hand he is the picture of success and resilience.  On the other hand, he's a gas-bag headline whore who thrives on attention no matter the cost.  

I've been quite irritated with Donald Trump for the past several months because of all this running for President talk.  Let me be brutally clear...Donald Trump is Ross Perot reincarnated...PERIOD.  Donald Trump no more wants to run this country than Ross Perot did back in his day.  

The breakdown:  Every so often there is a man with enough personality and money to join a Presidential election in order to accomplish one goal.  The goal is to take away votes from a party in order to get a particular and desired candidate into office.  In other words, Donald Trump is trying to influence the outcome of the Presidential election in a way that will ultimately benefit him as a business man.  I can tell you right now, Donald Trump is not going to step away from his billion dollar empire to take the political job equivalent of working at Macy's as a cashier.  It's simply not going to happen.   

Then came the Obama birth certificate talk...  This is the point at which I moved from irritated to pissed off.  Trump used sensationalism and crack-pot conspiracy theories to get free advertising.  After all, the only thing Donal Trump has EVER tried to sell is "Trump".  It's a global brand with many different offerings.  He's not trying to sell anything in particular, just the overall brand.  He IS the brand.  So, any time he appears in a news conference or on a TV show it's a push for the Trump brand.  The sad part of this ordeal is that there are people out there that buy into this crap.  They believe that President Obama has not proven that he was born in the US.  Certain people continue to ignore that he's issued the legal document that is used by all Hawaiians now.  The long form is no longer even accepted for legal purposes in the state of Hawaii.  So what Trump and other nay-sayers have been asking to see is a document that is no longer legally relevant.

Trump has seen from the start that he could use this issue to get press time.  He laments the fact that news organizations only ask him about the birth certificate.  There are two reasons for that.  First, it's just about the only thing he has to talk about.  Second, he keeps making statements about the birth certificate that only generate more questions, which really means more press.  He may be fooling some people, but he's not fooling everyone.  He's most certainly not fooling me.  

The Bottom Line:  Business men in the vein of Ross Perot and Donald Trump will say and do ANYTHING to make a dollar.  Ross Perot ran as an Independent in 1992.  One of his campaign talking points was not outsourcing American jobs.  In 2009, Perot Systems was sold to Dell for 3.9 billion dollars.  Dell...one of the largest outsourcing companies around.  Don't get Trumped.  This is some knee-deep Voodoo. 

(click on the word Voodoo above for hilarious reminder of the type of person we are dealing with)

   

Dear Sarah Palin

Since you first came onto the national scene as a Vice Presidential candidate, I have been very annoyed with you constantly insulting the intelligence of the American public.  You bemoan the mainstream media for having the nerve to report on you at all; yet you use that very same media to disseminate your own views to anyone who will listen or read.  I've watched your actions intently.  Somehow you have duped a great number of people into believing that you are an "average" American.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  In fact, you are probably one of the most skilled politicians in the game today.  You learned a hard lesson about marketing during the Presidential campaign and I must admit, you are a fast learner.

You learned that writing a book in this country causes many to take a person seriously, even when it's not merited.

You've learned that winners never quit and quitters never win, unless they've held the office of Governor.

You've learned that Facebook is quickly becoming just as effective as "main-stream media" but without the actual label of a news organization.

You've learned how to turn an American tragedy into an opportunity to talk about politics and campaigns.

You've learned that one can fully prepare for a Presidential campaign without ever having to admit the fact.

You've learned how to never answer a question with a Yes or No.

You've learned that you can quote those who've come before you in an effort to avoid having to formulate your own responses.

Finally, you've learned, as countless politicians before you, misery loves company.  You rarely stand alone on a major topic and always make sure to bring others into the mix so they can shoulder the responsibility of your actions or words.

You may have fooled some people into believing that you have America's best interests at heart, but you have not fooled this American.  Anyone can get help writing a book.  Anyone can disguise finger-pointing with a knowing smile and soft voice.  It takes a real person of courage and originality to take responsibility for their own actions and words while not hiding behind the very things they rail against.

Sincerely,

David Ross Jackson

PS.
A portion of this letter was written while I was using the restroom.  It's bittersweetly ironic, don't ya think?

Please See Sarah Palin's latest media tirade/political ad here.

Boiling Frogs

Click on the image above to enlarge!

As far back as the 1800's, scientists conducted experiments on frogs.  They placed them in a pan of cool water.  When the water was heated too quickly the frogs attempted to escape.  When the water heating was reduced to around 0.2°C per minute, the frog was said to remain until dead.  While these finding are wildly contested by modern day scientists, the idea of something or someone becoming accustomed to gradual changes in their environment rings true.  It's how bad and good habits alike are formed.  It's how we become conditioned to the world around us.  If we see something shocking enough, it's no ceases to be shocking.  

In America, apathy and fear are the waters in which we currently boil.  I see it on Facebook.  I see it on the news.  I see it at my local grocery store.  People everywhere are willing to cash in their freedom just as long as they can plan their next meal or Disney vacation.  We are more concerned with a Facebook status than with voting.  We'd rather drink ourselves into a stupor on the weekends than read up about what laws are being passed that may adversely affect us.  Don't get me wrong, there is a time and place for having fun and just living life.  I love to have fun.  I just want to make sure that twenty years from now I can still have fun!  One day soon, however, we may all wake up to a world that has been hand-crafted by our apathy and fear.  We are such a distracted nation.  We tell ourselves that it's acceptable that a tiny percentage of people in this country make up the rules for the rest.  We are becoming convinced that terrorism is the perfect excuse to handcuff ourselves and throw away the keys.

I haven't decided whether apathy or fear is more dangerous to American society.  What I can say with certainty is that the combination of the two is perilous.  I could very well be preaching to an empty church.  It seems fewer and fewer people are willing to acknowledge that there is even an issue.  I wonder what it will take to get people to realize something has gone awry?  The possible answers to that question worry me.

The Bottom Line: 
It's been said... If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

In Jesus Name We Pray, Gaymen!

As the first truly Autumn-ish day sweeps over the Dallas area, I am unable to pull myself away from all the Bishop Eddie Long commentary.  Let me start by saying that I understand that the allegations have not been proven true.  Even still, the subject of Pastors, Deacons, and church members getting it on with the same sex is still one that should be discussed.

I read though a brief opinion article by Shayne Lee an African-American professor of sociology at Tulane University.  You can read the article for yourself here.  He seems to focus on race, which I'm sorry to say, is not only a bore, but a cop-out.  As a gay man and former minister of both music and youth, I can assure you I am well aware of the amount of energy that goes into bashing homosexuals from the pulpit to the pew in both "black" churches as well as "white" ones.  I can also tell you that there is more gay sex going on between church members than one might be led to believe and race really doesn't matter.  I've been to all manner of churches in my life.  The White folks are doing it; but as long as you show up for church on time with your wife and kids nobody really talks about it.  The Black folks are doing it on the DL(down-low) and then screaming at the top of their lungs about how gays have a first class non-refundable airline ticket to hell, followed by reservations at Chateau a la Sulfur.  Black...White... Martian...it makes no difference   The church is made up of people.  Some people are gay... therefore, gay people WILL be in your church.  A homo was probably sitting a few rows over checking you out this past Sunday.  LOL

I just wonder how many priests, pastors, deacons, bishops, mega-church maniacs, and closet-case music ministers it will take before people wake up and realize that the church is NOT above it all.  It's the words, thoughts, and actions of men like Ted Haggard and Eddie Long(guilty or not) that disillusion people of faith all over the world.  Alleged men and women of god are preaching hateful messages while secretly "gaying" it up in the sack.  It's really all about realizing that god, whoever that is to you, created us all.  God knows better than anyone what is going on.  You think it may be possible that god loves us all?  I mean really...thousands of years of oppression and hypocrites and scandals and wars...for all that, we are no closer to god than we ever were.   

 The Bottom Line:
Gay St. and Church St. are the same road known by two names.  Stop all the hate and hypocrisy.  It is time the church take a detour to Love Blvd. and for once, live up to god's message of unconditional love.  

Politics As Usual

While you may think that this is my lame attempt at a Democratic smear campaign against the newly-elected Republican Senator Scott Brown of  Massachusetts, you'd be way off the mark.  I was not inspired by politics in the sense that you might expect. I was, however, shocked by the glaring double-standard represented in the photo above.

Had this been a female political candidate pictured above, not only would it be front page news, it would be reason enough to sway the vote...and NOT in her favor.  Scott Brown poses nude back in the day and he's called a "beef-cake" or "America's Sexiest Man".  Any female trying to be taken seriously in the political realm would have been labeled as someone having poor judgement or worse.  Every detail of the woman's life and choices would have have been scrutinized by pundits far and wide.  She'd have to explain her reasoning for doing the photo shoot.  She'd be made to dissect every detail leading up to the photo.  All her other decisions would be called into question because of the photo.  It makes me angry that we still live in a world where Hillary Clinton gets talked about for showing a tiny bit of cleavage on the floor of the Senate.  Scott Brown, on the other hand, doesn't really have his judgement questioned at all for posing nude.  For all the Republicans out there... let me give you an example you can relate to.  Sarah Palin... While I am not a fan, I do feel like she was overly scrutinized by the media in a very sexist way.  She was a beauty queen...made top news.  She was photoshopped into a bikini, then had to explain that it wasn't her.  She was referred to as a "m.i.l.f.".  The talk about what she was wearing was endless.  This is the type of sexist ignorance that this country still thrives on and it's truly sad.

The Bottom Line: 

The world we live in makes unrealistic demands of it's women.  We want to hold women to a higher standard but don't want to empower them to be anything other than centerfolds.  This country lauds it's progressive culture but is responsible for holding women back.  The men in this country who are responsible for the culture of "the boys" should try holding themselves to this other-worldly standard for once.  After all...it's mostly men who are making a mess of this country...last time I checked.

Negro Nation

Head of a Negro - By Albrecht Durer 1508

As a man of African-American descent, I am confounded by all the drama over race in America.  On the one hand, we are one of THE most liberal nations in the world.  On the other, we are Iran.  Think about it.  We live in a hyper-sensitive, racism-infused culture where people like Sen. Harry Reid are blasted for saying what MANY of us in the world (black, white, or other) were already thinking.

The Statement: President Obama would win over John McCain, because he is "light skinned" and has no "Negro dialect."

While I would not have used the term Negro, we have to remember that Harry Reid is about 150 years old and much more familiar with that term than any other.  I believe he made the statement in the same vein as Asian people being called Orientals.  The terms have all been changed but the meanings are really still the same.  I've said for a long time that the reason people like Jesse Jackson could not win a bid for President is because he was too "black".  I am, however, much more direct when it comes to these type statements.  Jesse Jackson doesn't relate to the majority.  We all know that candidates are elected, to some degree, because of their ability to connect with the American people.  If we think otherwise we are kidding ourselves.  With Jackson, everything is about being black.  Well, in the real world, not every damn thing is about being black.  Sen. Reid's comments about President Obama's lack of Negro dialect is TRUTH.  We speak English in this country, not Ebonics.  Barack Obama shows a stunning level of intellect and eloquence that is evidenced by his CHOICE to speak in an articulate manner.  Notice the word CHOICE.  Ebonics or "Negro dialect" is a choice.  While I see nothing wrong with it, there is a time and a place for it.  Does this mean President Obama can't be "ghetto" when he wants to be?  No.  He's can do that.  He should do that.  It's high time that everyone quit making everything about race and start moving on from this political correctness garbage that is about as genuine as costume jewelry.  We are a nation of people who say what we are supposed to say instead of the truth.  We continue to lie to ourselves.  Is there genuine racism?  Of course.  Should that be tolerated?  No.  Harry Reid wasn't being racist.  He was making what is actually a very good observation about American culture.  I think some people are just bent out of shape because the truth can hurt.  I can't wait to live in a world where white people can talk about black topics without Al Sharpton reminding us all that "we" used to be slaves.  I wasn't on the Mayflower.  I wasn't a slave.  I am NOT a slave.  While I have and probably will always run into racism now and then, I refuse to be defined by it.  I will never forget the profound sacrifices of people like Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King.  I will always appreciate the terrible price that was paid by my ancestors.  In contrast, I will not live in a "me versus the white man" world which is neatly manicured by people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

The Bottom Line:
I am sad to see people like Harry Reid forced to apologize for speaking the truth.  It saddens me more to see others use the opportunity to label someone as a racist who is not.  This was a Negro nation before Barack Obama and will be well after he is gone.  Negroes will always be a part of this nation's great (and not-so-great) history.    Just like the Jokers in a deck of cards... there are only certain games in which the cards can even be played.  It's time to take the Race cards out of the deck and start enjoying the game.

Oprah, Palin, & Mononucleosis

I just got done watching Sarah Palin on Oprah.  Listening to her gave me Mono!  Why won't Sarah Palin just answer a damn question directly?  I don't understand why this woman refuses to say YES or NO.  She had the perfect opportunity to undo or reduce her poor image with the opposition and she only made it worse. Maybe she just confirmed what the nay-sayers have said all along.

I won't deny, there is something appealing about Palin's personality.  Did she ever need to be in politics?  I'm thinking no.  Did she ever need to be on a Presidential ticket as the Vice Presidential candidate?  No...certainly not!  Is there a forum for her in the public eye?  I think so.  Those who know me well understand that last statement is a huge departure from how I've felt in the past.  I just wanted her to go away.  I do believe that she represents a good portion of the people in this country.  I don't believe she will ever be respected by those with opposing views until she stops playing cat and mouse with the media.  One day she's the cat and one day she's the mouse.  Until she learns to simply ANSWER THE QUESTION, she will not be taken seriously.  She spent an hour on what many would consider the world's most influential television show very nearly refusing to give direct answers and trying to be portrayed in an intelligent light.  All she really managed to do was make herself look even worse by not being up front with those watching.

I have an idea.  If Sarah Palin is going to make a career out of not answering questions directly or dancing around subjects, maybe she should stop going on TV for interviews.  She should stop wasting everyone's time.  She should go back to being a mom.  What's even more amusing is that there are still people trying to refute valid criticism of this Palin interview.  Someone told me told me today, "if you don't want to see Sarah Palin turn the channel...It's not rocket science".  To that I say, if Sarah Palin wishes to remain in the public eye and put herself in a public forum in an attempt to "tell her story", then she, along with everyone else, should be ready for those who will call bullshit when they see it.  It's THAT simple.

Bottom Line: Sarah Palin would have you believe that what you see is what you get...and all those other warm and endearing clichés.  The real truth is that what you see is what Sarah Palin wants you to see...nothing more.  So, to Sarah Palin I say this...  Show us something different.  Show us that you can answer questions directly.  Show us that you can "talk straight" with us, rather than acting like the politicians you moan about.  Stop pretending that you are just a "good ole girl" and own up to the fact that you are NO different than any other politician in the game today.  You are a person with a plan, an agenda, just like the rest of those in power and on their way to power.  You are not the brightest individual in that group either, so it's time you put up or shut up Maverick.

You betcha!

The Art of Rejection and Dentistry

What is rejection? At first glance this would appear to be an easily answered question. When one takes the time to really think about rejection though, one will find that the answer is not quite as simple as one might have thought.
I’ve found that rejection really has many facets. I should note that I choose the word “facets” for two reasons. First, there is the common definition… a facet being an angle or a side to something. Then I looked deeper and found that there is another meaning…one found in the world of Dentistry. I found this definition very intriguing. Facet: “Dentistry. A small, highly burnished (polished by friction) area, usually on the enamel surface of a tooth, produced by abrasion between opposing teeth in chewing.

Let’s start chewing…

What is rejection?

I feel rejection is the type of combo you wouldn’t find on a McDonald’s menu anywhere. There is the feeling or intention of the person rejecting, paired with the perception and understanding of the person being rejected. The act of being rejected is defined by the feeling of being rejected. In other words one doesn’t really exist without the other. If I don’t feel rejected then the simple fact is…I haven’t been.

What does Dentistry have to do with it?

Well if you look at it metaphorically, you can see that “opposing teeth” produce a highly polished side or “facet” to the tooth by way of friction! The two opposing people can in fact be “polished” or even perfected by rejection, which serves as “friction”.

I got all that from teeth?

Yes! I’ve recently been on both ends of what most would perceive as rejection. I was the person rejecting and then the person being rejected. I didn’t really enjoy being on either end of it to be quite honest. I don’t enjoy putting people through rejection and I don’t really care for being rejected either. If we start to look at rejection in a better light, we can see that it’s a very necessary part of developing character. It is painful but necessary. We can see that rejection really leads us to better and more appropriate opportunities. Rejection can teach us to look within for answers. Rejection polishes us and makes us brilliant and smooth around the edges. Whether it’s rejection from a job, person, family member, friend, or foe, see it as an opportunity to move in a better direction. See it as a way to find that perfect “place” in your life. There are of course those who will disagree with my way of thinking and maintain that rejection is useless and simply some people’s way of being hateful and hurtful. Really it’s all in how you look at it. You can choose to look at the glass as half full or half empty. The choice is always ours.

So, the next time you find yourself on the “wrong” end of rejection, take a moment to breathe and then remember that while the polishing process can be painful at times, it is needed to make us better.

What's Good for the Goose...

After reading about the 4 Uighurs from China who have been at the Guantanamo detention center for the last 7 years, I was left confused.


Here are some of the questions that I could not answer to save my life:

Why did the world’s most powerful government with nearly limitless resources only determine after SEVEN years that these four men were not a threat to the U.S. and innocent of any crime?

If we (the U.S.) put them in detention, why were we now trying to pawn them off on every other country but our own?

In the interest and spirit of "transparency", why are secret deals being brokered with tiny island governments to take in these former prisoners?

Why not make public our efforts to give these people a normal life again?

Doesn't the world need to see that we are capable of owning up to our mistakes and making things right?

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All I've heard about the closing of these types of detention centers is that we are closing them because they are wrong and a symbol of poor U.S. foreign policy and oppression. Now we are trying to piece their lives together secretly. Don't say it's for their safety. If that were the case we'd never know where they went. If the U.S. is footing the bill for their resettlement, I'd like to know the details. I'd like to know how my taxes are being spent for this. Don't get me wrong, I feel badly for those poor souls who have spent seven years locked away and labeled terrorists only to have the U.S. basically say "just kidding". We'd pay restitution for someone cleared by DNA evidence and released from prison after being wrongly convicted. I think it’s fair to help them. I believe it’s our responsibility.

I, for one, do not understand why we are placing them on tiny islands and not here in the U.S... If they are cleared of wrong-doing then what is the problem? In this country's vast Muslim population they could probably find some true anonymity. I don't see how they will ever have that being on an island with 500+ Muslims out of about 68,000 people.

This whole scenario leaves me with more questions than answers. I'd like real transparency. I want to know how we are making things right for these four and the others who have been cleared as well.

If these four people can be plucked from their countries, held without trials or charges, labeled enemy combatants or terrorists, then dropped on a remote island somewhere to fade into history; the same could happen to us.

Think about it for a minute...

Is that really so far fetched?

While the following quote was originally a reference to the sexes being treated equally, I think it has a deeper relevance for all…


“What's good for the goose is good for the gander”



Stay Free!

Wright: Just WRONG - Open Letter to Rev. Wright

Dear Rev. Jeremiah Wright,



I'd like to write to you to express my deep contempt for your continued displays of ignorance. I won't mix words here. You have proven yourself to be an idiot. After your comments today about Jews not letting you speak to Obama I have just HAD IT. You'd do well to be a Jew yourself; just remember that. Perhaps you could learn a thing or two by converting. You'd learn to show some respect for a group of people who has endured attitudes like yours for THOUSANDS of years....not merely hundreds. You are a gas-bag who will say anything hateful to get attention and perpetuate racism. You are giving your church, religion, blacks, and the human race a bad name; and it's time you zip the lip!





I don't usually resort to name-calling but I feel the need to meet you on your level so that you will understand how some people really feel about your antics. Obama not speaking to you has nothing to do with Jews. It has to do with the fact that you seem to have lost your mind in recent months, if not years. I'm personally glad that people all over the world are now aware of just how ignorant and hateful you have become. Your stupidity has managed to go largely unnoticed except by those who happened to be under the sound of your voice. While I have and always will be a proponent of free speech, I will call B.S. when I see it. As I see it now, you are knee deep in it.





In closing, how about you read the rest of the Bible. You know…the parts that tell you to "love thy neighbor as thyself". Try that on for size. Drop the racism and hatred and step away slowly. Nothing is holding you back in this life except for your sorry attitude.





Sincerely,



David A.K.A "FED UP"

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UPDATE: 11JUNE 2009 - 4:27PM

Hello everyone - It's been a busy day for me but I wanted to take a moment to make an update to this story based upon Rev. Wright's "clarification”.

I will say that I'm still NOT buying it. He's trying to soften the impact of what he said by saying he misspoke like Hillary Clinton.

So if Hillary jumps off a bridge does that make it OK for you Reverend? That is the coward’s way out in my opinion and I am not impressed with your half-hearted effort at damage control.

Rev. Wright has made a career of speaking to both congregants and media alike. To pass this off as a gaffe not only insults our intelligence but it reeks of indifference. It is clear to me that Rev. Wright wishes to stay mired in past ideals instead of moving forward. He resorted to the verbal equivalent of a drive-by shooting the other day and now wants to make it seem like a mere mistake. I call B.S....AGAIN.

Not Your Mother's Tea

Today across America predominantly Republican throngs will gather to protest government taxation and the "Bailouts". At least that's what they would have you believe. Leave it to the Re-publican party to, once again, recycle old ideas and try to make them seem fresh and relevant. As I sat here reading through the different web items regarding this, I realized how appropriate the first two letters of the word Republican really are. There is a definition of Re found in the dictionary and it applies to the Republican Party like no other word...

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re- 
a prefix, occurring originally in loanwords from Latin, used with the meaning “again” or “again and again” to indicate repetition, or with the meaning “back” or “backward” to indicate withdrawal or backward motion
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I take this angle because I find it odd that the GOP has taken the Boston Tea Party meaning and REfurbished it as a way to give their party a "new face". I'm all for going "green" and recycling things but this is ridiculous. The original Boston Tea Party was a protest against British rule as well as taxation by that Kingdom that offered no representation. Today's bailout-heavy legislation is no comparison. While I understand the sentiment of protesting against more taxes and the bailouts, I do not understand why the GOP cannot come up with their own NEW approach at getting their point across.

Below, are some of the more notable recycled ideas...that have NOT worked.
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First it was Sarah Palin, the GOP's answer to Hillary Clinton.

Then it was Michael Steele, the GOP's answer to being African American and Political???

Now, It's this Tax Day TEA Party, the GOP's answer to REinvention.

The problem I see here is that the REpublican Party hasn't even taken a full day off to figure out who they are, who they want to be, where they are going, and how on earth they plan on getting there. It's like we are watching the early stages of a marketing firm's attempts at an ad campaign. We are witness to every bad idea that is being thrown out there instead of seeing the final product.

Mark my words...today's TEA Party gimmick will come and go and the GOP will be no closer to understanding who they are as a party or which direction they should be traveling.


Stay Free!

Quityerbitchin

I've had it! I've absolutely had it! With what you ask? I’ve had it with all the people in this country who didn't vote for Obama that refuse to “get over it”. This is quickly becoming the United States of Bitter. I have the misfortune of being in close proximity to one of these people on a daily basis and I cannot hold my “pen” any longer. Maybe the bitter ones should get there head out of Fox News' ass long enough to come to terms with the fact that Obama is the President and that is NOT going to change anytime soon. The endless bitching and belly-aching about everything from the Stimulus Bill (which DEMs and REPs alike authored and passed into law) to Obama bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia is just counterproductive. I for one don't give a flying heap of dog doo if Obama were to lick the toes of a monarch. Granted, feet aren't exactly my "thing". That's why these naysayers can't do anything substantial for this country…they’d rather moan about insignificant mess than actually contribute.

I guess the reason I am so passionate is that I find it offensive that many who didn't vote for Obama now seem to think it's their right as Americans to not support the President. I'm not asking that everyone agree with each other but the time has come to put all the “sore loser” mentality aside and grow up. Bitching about every single thing, big or small, is not helping anyone. Quite frankly it’s not very "grown-up".

So the moral of this story is put your effort and support where your mouth is and Quit Yer Bitchin!

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Stay Free!

Michael Steele: Another GOP Gimmick

I wish the Republican Party would take this election beating and do something substantial. I reserved making any judgments on Mr. Michael Steele until I had more information and could observe his actions. I was also trying to give the GOP the benefit of the doubt.

As it turns out, it's precisely what I first feared it might be...a GIMMICK.

After all these years the GOP has never had a Black Chairman. Now that we have a Black President they miraculously find a Black man to head the party? That "smells" just like adding Sarah Palin to the GOP ticket as a way to steal female voters left angry about Clinton.

Instead of learning from this election bludgeoning, the GOP's answer to their trials is to offer up yet another gimmick. As if having a Black man chair anything for them is going to make the world forget their failures to connect with the majority. As if this not-so-slight of hand is going to make the GOP look fresh and in touch again. It doesn't. In my opinion it's like dressing up in "black-face" and expecting people to really believe you are black!

The prescription for GOP future is to take about a year to first get their footing again. This would include getting MAJOR "web help" to catch up to the younger generation. Their web effort during the election was pathetic at best. They should also stop scripting their organization so much. Is there nobody in the GOP who is just naturally well spoken and articulate? I get the feeling that the GOP doesn't really want to move forward but would rather repackage old ideas and make them seem new. This doesn't really work with cell phones and it doesn't work with politics. In fact, it ends up more like reusing toilet paper. It's nasty and doesn't work!

My message for the GOP: Don't kid yourself or America. There is a reason you've lost so much ground and it's going to take more than token responses and gimmicks to help you move forward. Spend more time coming up with a plan that makes sense and less time searching for your next gimmick.

Stay Free!

What's The Big Damn Deal???

I AM of African American descent and even I don't find this cartoon offensive. I think as a country we've just entered into a new era of over-sensitivity. While I am well aware that African Americans were referred to as monkeys in the past...I do not believe that this was the intent of the cartoonist. I think to say that he did mean it racially is a "stretch". One can see whatever meaning one wishes, if one tries hard enough. Obama did not write the stimulus bill alone and therefore the depiction of a monkey being shot being Obama really makes no sense.

I also find it disturbing that leading the cry of "racism" is the Rev. Al Sharpton - Opportunist Wind-bag Supreme. I am a firm believer that he, along with Jesse Jackson, will take up any cause that gets them air time. I also believe they are caught up in a civil rights movement of old. While racism and civil rights are still VERY much a valid and pressing issue in this country, I believe it is vastly different than it was when both Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton were growing up and first getting involved in the movement. They refuse to change with the times and have "money-motivated" aspirations in play. I, for one, "ain't buying it".

I think this cartoon points out that there are a bunch of crazed monkeys writing legislation these days. Moreover it speaks to the lack of thought that goes into a lot of the legislation that is being signed into law. I think people should remember that this country was founded on free speech and stop trying to turn everything into an automatic racial issue just because we now have a black President. Maybe the people freaking out about this should check THEIR perceptions of other black people. If monkey makes them automatically think of a black person then there is something a little "off" there if you ask me.

P.S. - I voted for Hillary...then Obama. Just in case any of you are wondering. :-)

Stay Free!