You gotta love this t-shirt!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Barack Obama - Democratic Presumptive Nominee
Going back down memory lane here. I'm playing catch-up here in my Obama Chronicles.
Well, June 3, 2008 will go down in infamy...Barack Obama officially became the Democratic presumptive nominee! I was in tears when I saw on Wolfe Blitzer on CNN make the announcement when the votes came in from the state of South Dakota. Although Hillary Clinton actually won the state, the number of delegates Obama earned took him over the top.
It was a wonderful night...making/receiving calls and emails from friends who were just as estactic about the news. Then to see him address the crowd in St. Paul, MN to claim the nomination...I was done! Thank goodness for DVR so that I could play it back because I was too busy screaming during the actual speech. Actually, I screamed during the DVR replay too. LOL
The brother was cool as could be, even though he made history.
Well, June 3, 2008 will go down in infamy...Barack Obama officially became the Democratic presumptive nominee! I was in tears when I saw on Wolfe Blitzer on CNN make the announcement when the votes came in from the state of South Dakota. Although Hillary Clinton actually won the state, the number of delegates Obama earned took him over the top.
It was a wonderful night...making/receiving calls and emails from friends who were just as estactic about the news. Then to see him address the crowd in St. Paul, MN to claim the nomination...I was done! Thank goodness for DVR so that I could play it back because I was too busy screaming during the actual speech. Actually, I screamed during the DVR replay too. LOL
The brother was cool as could be, even though he made history.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Maria Stewart: Words of Wisdom that are True Today
(1832) Maria W. Stewart, “Why Sit Ye Here and Die?”Maria W. Stewart (1803-1879) was one of the first American womento leave copies of her speeches. The address below is her second public lecture. It was given on September 21, 1832 in Franklin Hall in Boston, the meeting site of the new England Anti-SlaverySociety. Although as an abolitionist, she usually attacked slavery, in this address she condemns the attitude that denied black women education and prohibited their occupational advancement. In fact she argues that Northern African American women, in term of treatment, were only slightly better off than slaves.
Why sit ye here and die? If we say we will go to a foreign land, the famine and the pestilence are there, and there we shall die. If we sit here, we shall die. Come let us plead our cause before the whites: if they save us alive, we shall live—and if theykill us, we shall but die.
Methinks I heard a spiritual interrogation—'Who shall go forward, and take off the reproach that is cast upon the people of color? Shall it be a woman? And my heart made this reply —'I fit is thy will, be it even so, Lord Jesus!'
I have heard much respecting the horrors of slavery; but may Heaven forbid that the generality of my color throughout these United States should experience any more of its horrors than to be a servant of servants, or hewers of wood and drawers of water! Tell us no more of southern slavery; for with few exceptions, although I may be very erroneous in my opinion, yetI consider our condition but little better than that. Yet, after all, methinks there are no chains so galling as the chains of ignorance—no fetters so binding as those that bind the soul, and exclude it from the vast field of useful and scientific knowledge. O, had I received the advantages of early education, my ideas would, ere now, have expanded far and wide; but, alas! I possess nothing but moral capability—no teachings but the teachings of the Holy spirit.
I have asked several individuals of my sex, who transact business for themselves, if providing our girls were to give them the most satisfactory references, they would not be willingt o grant them an equal opportunity with others? Their reply has been—for their own part, they had no objection; but as it was not the custom, were they to take them into their employ, they would be in danger of losing the public patronage.
And such is the powerful force of prejudice. Let our girls possess what amiable qualities of soul they may; let their characters be fair and spotless as innocence itself; let their natural taste and ingenuity be what they may; it is impossiblef or scarce an individual of them to rise above the condition of servants. Ah! why is this cruel and unfeeling distinction? Is it merely because God has made our complexion to vary? If it be, O shame to soft, relenting humanity! "Tell it not in Gath! publish it not in the streets of Askelon!" Yet, after all, methinks were the American free people of color to turn their attention more assiduously to moral worth and intellectual improvement, this would be the result: prejudice would gradually diminish, and the whites would be compelled to say, unloose those fetters!
Though black their skins as shades of night, Their hearts are pure, their souls are white.
Few white persons of either sex, who are calculated for anything else, are willing to spend their lives and bury their talents in performing mean, servile labor. And such is thehorrible idea that I entertain respecting a life of servitude,that if I conceived of there being no possibility of my risingabove the condition of a servant, I would gladly hail death as awelcome messenger. O, horrible idea, indeed! to possess noblesouls aspiring after high and honorable acquirements, yet confined by the chains of ignorance and poverty to lives of continual drudgery and toil. Neither do I know of any who havee nriched themselves by spending their lives as house-domestics, washing windows, shaking carpets, brushing boots, or tending upon gentlemen's tables. I can but die for expressing mysentiments; and I am as willing to die by the sword as the pestilence; for I and a true born American; your blood flows in my veins, and your spirit fires my breast.
I observed a piece in the Liberator a few months since, stating that the colonizationists had published a work respecting us,asserting that we were lazy and idle. I confute them on that point. Take us generally as a people, we are neither lazy noridle; and considering how little we have to excite or stimulateus, I am almost astonished that there are so many industrious and ambitious ones to be found; although I acknowledge, with extreme sorrow, that there are some who never were and neverwill be serviceable to society. And have you not a similar class among yourselves?
Again. It was asserted that we were "a ragged set, crying for liberty." I reply to it, the whites have so long and so loudly proclaimed the theme of equal rights and privileges, that our souls have caught the flame also, ragged as we are. As far as our merit deserves, we feel a common desire to rise above the condition of servants and drudges. I have learnt, by bitter experience, that continual hard labor deadens the energies of the soul, and benumbs the faculties of the mind; the ideas become confined, the mind barren, and, like the scorching sands of Arabia, produces nothing; or, like the uncultivated soil, brings forth thorns and thistles.
Again, continual hard labor irritates our tempers and sours our dispositions; the whole system becomes worn out with toil and failure; nature herself becomes almost exhausted, and we care but little whether we live or die. It is true, that the freepeople of color throughout these United States are neitherbought nor sold, nor under the lash of the cruel driver; many obtain a comfortable support; but few, if any, have an opportunity of becoming rich and independent; and the employments we most pursue are as unprofitable to us as the spider's web or the floating bubbles that vanish into air. As servants, we are respected; but let us presume to aspire any higher, our employer regards us no longer. And where it not that the King eternal has declared that Ethiopia shall stretch forthher hands unto God, I should indeed despair.
I do not consider it derogatory, my friends, for persons to live out to service. There are many whose inclination leads them toaspire no higher; and I would highly commend the performance ofalmost any thing for an honest livelihood; but whereconstitutional strength is wanting, labor of this kind, in itsmildest form, is painful. And doubtless many are the prayersthat have ascended to Heaven from Africa's daughters forstrength to perform their work. Oh, many are the tears that have been shed for the want of that strength! Most of our color have dragged out a miserable existence of servitude from the cradleto the grave. And what literary acquirements can be made, or useful knowledge derived, from either maps, books or charm, by those who continually drudge from Monday morning until Sunday noon? O, ye fairer sisters, whose hands are never soiled, whose nerves and muscles are never strained, go learn by experience! Had we had the opportunity that you have had, to improve our moral and mental faculties, what would have hindered our intellects from being as bright, and our manners from being as dignified as yours? Had it been our lot to have been nursed in the lap of affluence and ease, and to have basked beneath the smiles and sunshine of fortune, should we not have naturally supposed that we were never made to toil? And why are not our forms as delicate, and our constitutions as slender, as yours?Is not the workmanship as curious and complete? Have pity upon us, have pity upon us, O ye who have hearts to feel for other's woes; for the hand of God has touched us. Owing to the disadvantages under which we labor, there are many flowers among us that are…born to bloom unseen, And waste their fragrance on the desert air.
My beloved brethren, as Christ has died in vain for those who will not accept of offered mercy, so will it be vain for the advocates of freedom to spend their breath in our behalf, unless with united hearts and souls you make some mighty efforts to raise your sons, and daughters from the horrible state o fservitude and degradation in which they are placed. It is upon you that woman depends; she can do but little besides using her influence; and it is for her sake and yours that I have come forward and made myself a hissing and a reproach among the people; for I am also one of the wretched and miserable daughters of the descendants of fallen Africa. Do you ask, whyare you wretched and miserable? I reply, look at many of themost worthy and interesting of us doomed to spend our lives ingentlemen's kitchens. Look at our young men, smart, active and energetic, with souls filled with ambitious fire; if they look forward, alas! what are their prospects? They can be nothing but the humblest laborers, on account of their dark complexions; hence many of them lose their ambition, and become worthless. Look at our middle-aged men, clad in their rusty plaids and coats; in winter, every cent they earn goes to buy their woodand pay their rents; their poor wives also toil beyond theirstrength, to help support their families. Look at our aged sires, whose heads are whitened with the front of seventy winters, with their old wood-saws on their backs. Alas, what keeps us so? Prejudice, ignorance and poverty. But ah! methinks our oppression is soon to come to an end; yes, before the Majesty of heaven, our groans and cries have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth [James 5:4]. As the prayers and tears of Christians will avail the finally impenitent nothing; neither will the prayers and tears of the friends of humanity avail us any thing, unless we possess a spirit of virtuous emulation within our breasts. Did the pilgrims, when they first landed onthese shores, quietly compose themselves, and say, "the Britonshave all the money and all the power, and we must continue theirservants forever?" Did they sluggishly sigh and say, "our lot is hard, the Indians own the soil, and we cannot cultivate it?" No; they first made powerful efforts to raise themselves and then God raised up those illustrious patriots WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE, to assist and defend them. And, my brethren, have you made a powerful effort? Have you prayed the Legislature for mercy's sake to grant you all the rights and privileges of free citizens, that your daughters may raise to that degree of respectability which true merit deserves, and your sons above the servile situations which most of them fill?
Sources:Speech delivered at Franklin Hall, Boston, September 21, 1832.The full text appears in Marilyn Richardson, Maria W. Stewart:America’s First Black Woman Political Writer (Bloomington:Indiana University Press, 1987), 45-49.Copyright 2007 - BlackPast.org blackpast@blackpast.org
Why sit ye here and die? If we say we will go to a foreign land, the famine and the pestilence are there, and there we shall die. If we sit here, we shall die. Come let us plead our cause before the whites: if they save us alive, we shall live—and if theykill us, we shall but die.
Methinks I heard a spiritual interrogation—'Who shall go forward, and take off the reproach that is cast upon the people of color? Shall it be a woman? And my heart made this reply —'I fit is thy will, be it even so, Lord Jesus!'
I have heard much respecting the horrors of slavery; but may Heaven forbid that the generality of my color throughout these United States should experience any more of its horrors than to be a servant of servants, or hewers of wood and drawers of water! Tell us no more of southern slavery; for with few exceptions, although I may be very erroneous in my opinion, yetI consider our condition but little better than that. Yet, after all, methinks there are no chains so galling as the chains of ignorance—no fetters so binding as those that bind the soul, and exclude it from the vast field of useful and scientific knowledge. O, had I received the advantages of early education, my ideas would, ere now, have expanded far and wide; but, alas! I possess nothing but moral capability—no teachings but the teachings of the Holy spirit.
I have asked several individuals of my sex, who transact business for themselves, if providing our girls were to give them the most satisfactory references, they would not be willingt o grant them an equal opportunity with others? Their reply has been—for their own part, they had no objection; but as it was not the custom, were they to take them into their employ, they would be in danger of losing the public patronage.
And such is the powerful force of prejudice. Let our girls possess what amiable qualities of soul they may; let their characters be fair and spotless as innocence itself; let their natural taste and ingenuity be what they may; it is impossiblef or scarce an individual of them to rise above the condition of servants. Ah! why is this cruel and unfeeling distinction? Is it merely because God has made our complexion to vary? If it be, O shame to soft, relenting humanity! "Tell it not in Gath! publish it not in the streets of Askelon!" Yet, after all, methinks were the American free people of color to turn their attention more assiduously to moral worth and intellectual improvement, this would be the result: prejudice would gradually diminish, and the whites would be compelled to say, unloose those fetters!
Though black their skins as shades of night, Their hearts are pure, their souls are white.
Few white persons of either sex, who are calculated for anything else, are willing to spend their lives and bury their talents in performing mean, servile labor. And such is thehorrible idea that I entertain respecting a life of servitude,that if I conceived of there being no possibility of my risingabove the condition of a servant, I would gladly hail death as awelcome messenger. O, horrible idea, indeed! to possess noblesouls aspiring after high and honorable acquirements, yet confined by the chains of ignorance and poverty to lives of continual drudgery and toil. Neither do I know of any who havee nriched themselves by spending their lives as house-domestics, washing windows, shaking carpets, brushing boots, or tending upon gentlemen's tables. I can but die for expressing mysentiments; and I am as willing to die by the sword as the pestilence; for I and a true born American; your blood flows in my veins, and your spirit fires my breast.
I observed a piece in the Liberator a few months since, stating that the colonizationists had published a work respecting us,asserting that we were lazy and idle. I confute them on that point. Take us generally as a people, we are neither lazy noridle; and considering how little we have to excite or stimulateus, I am almost astonished that there are so many industrious and ambitious ones to be found; although I acknowledge, with extreme sorrow, that there are some who never were and neverwill be serviceable to society. And have you not a similar class among yourselves?
Again. It was asserted that we were "a ragged set, crying for liberty." I reply to it, the whites have so long and so loudly proclaimed the theme of equal rights and privileges, that our souls have caught the flame also, ragged as we are. As far as our merit deserves, we feel a common desire to rise above the condition of servants and drudges. I have learnt, by bitter experience, that continual hard labor deadens the energies of the soul, and benumbs the faculties of the mind; the ideas become confined, the mind barren, and, like the scorching sands of Arabia, produces nothing; or, like the uncultivated soil, brings forth thorns and thistles.
Again, continual hard labor irritates our tempers and sours our dispositions; the whole system becomes worn out with toil and failure; nature herself becomes almost exhausted, and we care but little whether we live or die. It is true, that the freepeople of color throughout these United States are neitherbought nor sold, nor under the lash of the cruel driver; many obtain a comfortable support; but few, if any, have an opportunity of becoming rich and independent; and the employments we most pursue are as unprofitable to us as the spider's web or the floating bubbles that vanish into air. As servants, we are respected; but let us presume to aspire any higher, our employer regards us no longer. And where it not that the King eternal has declared that Ethiopia shall stretch forthher hands unto God, I should indeed despair.
I do not consider it derogatory, my friends, for persons to live out to service. There are many whose inclination leads them toaspire no higher; and I would highly commend the performance ofalmost any thing for an honest livelihood; but whereconstitutional strength is wanting, labor of this kind, in itsmildest form, is painful. And doubtless many are the prayersthat have ascended to Heaven from Africa's daughters forstrength to perform their work. Oh, many are the tears that have been shed for the want of that strength! Most of our color have dragged out a miserable existence of servitude from the cradleto the grave. And what literary acquirements can be made, or useful knowledge derived, from either maps, books or charm, by those who continually drudge from Monday morning until Sunday noon? O, ye fairer sisters, whose hands are never soiled, whose nerves and muscles are never strained, go learn by experience! Had we had the opportunity that you have had, to improve our moral and mental faculties, what would have hindered our intellects from being as bright, and our manners from being as dignified as yours? Had it been our lot to have been nursed in the lap of affluence and ease, and to have basked beneath the smiles and sunshine of fortune, should we not have naturally supposed that we were never made to toil? And why are not our forms as delicate, and our constitutions as slender, as yours?Is not the workmanship as curious and complete? Have pity upon us, have pity upon us, O ye who have hearts to feel for other's woes; for the hand of God has touched us. Owing to the disadvantages under which we labor, there are many flowers among us that are…born to bloom unseen, And waste their fragrance on the desert air.
My beloved brethren, as Christ has died in vain for those who will not accept of offered mercy, so will it be vain for the advocates of freedom to spend their breath in our behalf, unless with united hearts and souls you make some mighty efforts to raise your sons, and daughters from the horrible state o fservitude and degradation in which they are placed. It is upon you that woman depends; she can do but little besides using her influence; and it is for her sake and yours that I have come forward and made myself a hissing and a reproach among the people; for I am also one of the wretched and miserable daughters of the descendants of fallen Africa. Do you ask, whyare you wretched and miserable? I reply, look at many of themost worthy and interesting of us doomed to spend our lives ingentlemen's kitchens. Look at our young men, smart, active and energetic, with souls filled with ambitious fire; if they look forward, alas! what are their prospects? They can be nothing but the humblest laborers, on account of their dark complexions; hence many of them lose their ambition, and become worthless. Look at our middle-aged men, clad in their rusty plaids and coats; in winter, every cent they earn goes to buy their woodand pay their rents; their poor wives also toil beyond theirstrength, to help support their families. Look at our aged sires, whose heads are whitened with the front of seventy winters, with their old wood-saws on their backs. Alas, what keeps us so? Prejudice, ignorance and poverty. But ah! methinks our oppression is soon to come to an end; yes, before the Majesty of heaven, our groans and cries have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth [James 5:4]. As the prayers and tears of Christians will avail the finally impenitent nothing; neither will the prayers and tears of the friends of humanity avail us any thing, unless we possess a spirit of virtuous emulation within our breasts. Did the pilgrims, when they first landed onthese shores, quietly compose themselves, and say, "the Britonshave all the money and all the power, and we must continue theirservants forever?" Did they sluggishly sigh and say, "our lot is hard, the Indians own the soil, and we cannot cultivate it?" No; they first made powerful efforts to raise themselves and then God raised up those illustrious patriots WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE, to assist and defend them. And, my brethren, have you made a powerful effort? Have you prayed the Legislature for mercy's sake to grant you all the rights and privileges of free citizens, that your daughters may raise to that degree of respectability which true merit deserves, and your sons above the servile situations which most of them fill?
Sources:Speech delivered at Franklin Hall, Boston, September 21, 1832.The full text appears in Marilyn Richardson, Maria W. Stewart:America’s First Black Woman Political Writer (Bloomington:Indiana University Press, 1987), 45-49.Copyright 2007 - BlackPast.org blackpast@blackpast.org
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Obama Love - All Over the World
It amazes me how much impact Barack Obama is having all over the world! Apparently, people are paying close attention to this Presidential primary election cycle and are quite taken with him.
Bush, during his travel to Tanzania this week, had to see these wonderful people carrying signs of their sentiments! You gotta love it!
And Calypso artist, The Mighty Sparrow composed and recorded this wonderful tune on behalf of Obama. The Mighty Sparrow endorsed Obama in 2007.
People of Africa and the African Diaspora are moved by this man's message. Not since the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s has a Black American really impacted, motivated and moved the brothers and sisters of the diaspora to this degree. I keep saying that Obama has started a movement here...and from what we can see, abroad as well.
George Graham, a Jamaican journalist, likened Obama's message to that of Bob Marley: "One Love, One Heart, Let's Get Together and Feel Alright".
More to come.
Bush, during his travel to Tanzania this week, had to see these wonderful people carrying signs of their sentiments! You gotta love it!
And Calypso artist, The Mighty Sparrow composed and recorded this wonderful tune on behalf of Obama. The Mighty Sparrow endorsed Obama in 2007.
People of Africa and the African Diaspora are moved by this man's message. Not since the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s has a Black American really impacted, motivated and moved the brothers and sisters of the diaspora to this degree. I keep saying that Obama has started a movement here...and from what we can see, abroad as well.
George Graham, a Jamaican journalist, likened Obama's message to that of Bob Marley: "One Love, One Heart, Let's Get Together and Feel Alright".
More to come.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
GO GIANTS!!!!
Let me start off by saying that I'm a Philadelphia Eagles fan...a moment of silence for my team.
With that said, I told everyone I know since the Giants won the NFC Championship that they were going to beat the New England Patriots...and they didn't make a liar out of me!!!! I've been called "silly", "a hater" and told that "women always go for the underdog". And they are friends! But I just kept my own counsel because I knew that the Giants could do it.
Let's just say that this is also a little bit of redemption. Okay, Da Eagles went up against the Patriots in the Superbowl a few years ago - and lost. Yeah, I may be a bit bitter...just a tad. So I'm glad that another NFC East team shocked the Patriots into reality and knocked them off their high horse! No 19-0 for them...no copyright for a "19-0" trademark. They can be and were defeated!!! What a wonderful end to their season!!!!!
I'll let the Giants fans enjoy this. Come next year, Da Eagles will be back and taking no prisoners in the NFC East...Game On!!!
Congratulations Giants!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Time Passes Right Along
My mother used to bellow "Time waits for no one!" whenever I was running late or when she thought I was wasting time. Now that I'm older and it seems that time does in fact fly - whether I'm having fun or not - her words are more meaningful.
I think the flying of time becomes more relevant when I am procrastinating. An hour can seem like a long time to get somewhere on time but it's not when you aren't fully dressed and still need to make a 30 minute trek. Like money, one has to budget time, less it runs out because you think you have more of it than you actually do. Maybe that's why I don't like being tied to clocks and schedules...too much like a commitment. Actually time is a commitment, as are budgets. Hmmm...maybe that's why people who are good with time are also good with money...or so it seems.
There's that ugly word - commitment. I never really like to commit to something, especially if it's something I don't feel compelled to do or there's a possibility of something else coming up that I find more interesting. Selfish? Probably. I look at it this way, there's only a certain amount of time one has available. Rarely is time your own...as in, you have absolute possession or control. And in life, you have to commit time in order to make a living, have even the basic living conditions and to relate to others. After all, there are deadlines that must be met, bills that must be paid, schedules that must be honored, promises that are to be honored, which depends on time. Sure, you can resist deadlines, schedules and promises at your own peril. Try eating something after its expiration date...if the worst consequence from that action is that it tastes yucky, you're lucky. LOL
Therefore, we must commit to some things in life...which means the sacrifice of time, money, or something else of value. After all, life is about sacrifices.
Now that I am older and I see how fast time goes by, it's worthwhile to use it wisely and judiciously. I read somewhere that the former president of Morehouse College said that getting somewhere or doing something before the deadline is doing it on time; getting somewhere or doing something at the appointed time is not on time. Budgeting time by finishing or getting somewhere before the appointed time allows for the opportunity of doing something else that can be meaningful in the meantime. That time can be spent reading, resting, a project, exhaling, smelling flowers or enjoying an engaging conversation with a stranger. It also allows time to breathe easier because you met your end of the commitment.
Fair warning though, if you're due at my house at 3pm and you knock on my door at 2:30pm expecting open arms because you deem that to be on time...keep in mind it will not be well received. Stay in the car or call me on the phone...my "on time" may be just a little later that 2:30pm but it will still be "on time". LOL
I'm still a work in progress!
I think the flying of time becomes more relevant when I am procrastinating. An hour can seem like a long time to get somewhere on time but it's not when you aren't fully dressed and still need to make a 30 minute trek. Like money, one has to budget time, less it runs out because you think you have more of it than you actually do. Maybe that's why I don't like being tied to clocks and schedules...too much like a commitment. Actually time is a commitment, as are budgets. Hmmm...maybe that's why people who are good with time are also good with money...or so it seems.
There's that ugly word - commitment. I never really like to commit to something, especially if it's something I don't feel compelled to do or there's a possibility of something else coming up that I find more interesting. Selfish? Probably. I look at it this way, there's only a certain amount of time one has available. Rarely is time your own...as in, you have absolute possession or control. And in life, you have to commit time in order to make a living, have even the basic living conditions and to relate to others. After all, there are deadlines that must be met, bills that must be paid, schedules that must be honored, promises that are to be honored, which depends on time. Sure, you can resist deadlines, schedules and promises at your own peril. Try eating something after its expiration date...if the worst consequence from that action is that it tastes yucky, you're lucky. LOL
Therefore, we must commit to some things in life...which means the sacrifice of time, money, or something else of value. After all, life is about sacrifices.
Now that I am older and I see how fast time goes by, it's worthwhile to use it wisely and judiciously. I read somewhere that the former president of Morehouse College said that getting somewhere or doing something before the deadline is doing it on time; getting somewhere or doing something at the appointed time is not on time. Budgeting time by finishing or getting somewhere before the appointed time allows for the opportunity of doing something else that can be meaningful in the meantime. That time can be spent reading, resting, a project, exhaling, smelling flowers or enjoying an engaging conversation with a stranger. It also allows time to breathe easier because you met your end of the commitment.
Fair warning though, if you're due at my house at 3pm and you knock on my door at 2:30pm expecting open arms because you deem that to be on time...keep in mind it will not be well received. Stay in the car or call me on the phone...my "on time" may be just a little later that 2:30pm but it will still be "on time". LOL
I'm still a work in progress!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Yes We Can!
The Associated Press and CNN have projected that Hillary Clinton won the New Hampshire primary. But I ain't mad! So far, he's a close second. Despite what the pollsters said as late as today, Hillary won after all. I don't put much stock in polls, especially those before votes are cast. I'm actually glad that he lost New Hampshire...Barack can exhale for a moment, dig in a little more and we can then see what stuff he's got deep down inside. I hope he refrains from being nasty (he's not about that, so I'm not that concerned). Start talking more about the issues...in fact, bring them out a little more, especially about the economy because working class families are really feeling the pinch. He better reach out to my crowd a little more: 35-50 year olds and women, now that Hillary has "found her voice".
Hmmm...is Oprah going to come out again and help build up momentum?
I aint mad! It's time to move on. This is just one state...48 states and the District of Columbia are still in play. That means each of us have to step up and get out the vote...not just our individual votes but those of the people in our families, in our communities. Barack just said "Nothing can stand in the way of the voices of the people who stand for change!" I'm all for that!
What was most impressive to me was the turn out. People came out in large numbers for Democratic candidates! Of the 500,000 people who voted in NH, some 280,000 Dems voted. Regardless who they voted for, it's so cool to see people standing in line, breaking a state record for primary vote to say "This is the person I want to see in the White House next year!"
So what are you willing to do for the candidate of your choice?
Hmmm...is Oprah going to come out again and help build up momentum?
I aint mad! It's time to move on. This is just one state...48 states and the District of Columbia are still in play. That means each of us have to step up and get out the vote...not just our individual votes but those of the people in our families, in our communities. Barack just said "Nothing can stand in the way of the voices of the people who stand for change!" I'm all for that!
What was most impressive to me was the turn out. People came out in large numbers for Democratic candidates! Of the 500,000 people who voted in NH, some 280,000 Dems voted. Regardless who they voted for, it's so cool to see people standing in line, breaking a state record for primary vote to say "This is the person I want to see in the White House next year!"
So what are you willing to do for the candidate of your choice?
Sunday, January 06, 2008
To Fear or Not to Fear
I am so excited about the Obama win in Iowa on January 3, 2008. Not just because I am a supporter but because of the historical factor...A Black person running for president is finally being seen as a possibility and his bid is not about race.
While I am happy for the brother, I am afraid for him all the more. History has taught us that people who are about change, doing something different, not all about the status quo, are marked people. And if you're about all of that and you are Black, you've got a bulls-eye on your back. In my lifetime, people like Malcolm X and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were taken out because they were about change. As much as I'd like to think (and believe) that things are different in the new millenium, I have my doubts. There are a number of nutjobs out there...people who don't want things to change...or they do want things to change - right back to the way they were: Jim Crow, disenfranchisement of women, etc. You know, when people had "their place" in society and that was just fine.
History has also taught us that people don't want to be "placed", they want to grow, to evolve, to dream, to live life to the fullest, to accomplish goals, to uplift themselves and others. Who really wants to hear that they should not or cannot achieve something? Sure, some people believe what others tell them and bow down, while others believe in their abilities and their goals and go forward. Consider that those who were instrumental in the development of personal computers, software and Internet capabilities made it possible for me to write in a blog and you to read mine and others.
I don't want to live in fear...fear for people like the Obamas and the Bhuttos of the world. People like them were constantly told "you can't" or "you shouldn't". Yet they did. Unfortunately, Sister Bhutto's life was ended by those who didn't want her to do or to be. But her legacy, her words, her drive still lives on in those who believe and lights a torch in others.
While a number of Black folks are collectively holding their breaths, hoping and praying that no one hurts Obama, there are non-Blacks who share the same fear.
I'm glad that there are people who don't let fear hold them back from pursuing goals. That's one of the lessons I'm learning from Obama and Bhutto. I no longer want to live in fear because it shows lack of faith in myself, in my abilities to achieve the goals I've set. To be afraid for Obama's safety gives power to his haters. I believe it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said something about the willingness to die for something in which you believe. That's truly living passionately in my book! And that's what people who do not let fear enter into their mindset or allow the word "cannot" in their vocabulary do - live life passionately.
As I go through life, I will no longer hold my breath everytime Obama is in a crowd or let fear enter into my mindset as I set goals and work towards achieving them. Obstacles and challenges always present themselves...that which doesn't kill, makes one stronger!
How do you go about living a fearless life?
While I am happy for the brother, I am afraid for him all the more. History has taught us that people who are about change, doing something different, not all about the status quo, are marked people. And if you're about all of that and you are Black, you've got a bulls-eye on your back. In my lifetime, people like Malcolm X and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were taken out because they were about change. As much as I'd like to think (and believe) that things are different in the new millenium, I have my doubts. There are a number of nutjobs out there...people who don't want things to change...or they do want things to change - right back to the way they were: Jim Crow, disenfranchisement of women, etc. You know, when people had "their place" in society and that was just fine.
History has also taught us that people don't want to be "placed", they want to grow, to evolve, to dream, to live life to the fullest, to accomplish goals, to uplift themselves and others. Who really wants to hear that they should not or cannot achieve something? Sure, some people believe what others tell them and bow down, while others believe in their abilities and their goals and go forward. Consider that those who were instrumental in the development of personal computers, software and Internet capabilities made it possible for me to write in a blog and you to read mine and others.
I don't want to live in fear...fear for people like the Obamas and the Bhuttos of the world. People like them were constantly told "you can't" or "you shouldn't". Yet they did. Unfortunately, Sister Bhutto's life was ended by those who didn't want her to do or to be. But her legacy, her words, her drive still lives on in those who believe and lights a torch in others.
While a number of Black folks are collectively holding their breaths, hoping and praying that no one hurts Obama, there are non-Blacks who share the same fear.
I'm glad that there are people who don't let fear hold them back from pursuing goals. That's one of the lessons I'm learning from Obama and Bhutto. I no longer want to live in fear because it shows lack of faith in myself, in my abilities to achieve the goals I've set. To be afraid for Obama's safety gives power to his haters. I believe it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said something about the willingness to die for something in which you believe. That's truly living passionately in my book! And that's what people who do not let fear enter into their mindset or allow the word "cannot" in their vocabulary do - live life passionately.
As I go through life, I will no longer hold my breath everytime Obama is in a crowd or let fear enter into my mindset as I set goals and work towards achieving them. Obstacles and challenges always present themselves...that which doesn't kill, makes one stronger!
How do you go about living a fearless life?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Smiling...and Positive Thoughts
Today, D, his daughter and I were at the Verizon kiosk at Circuit City. During an attempt to resolve an issue, the Verizon rep kept calling me "Ma'am", which irritated me because I don't like being referred to by that term. As each year passes, more and more people have used that term to address me. It makes me wonder if I look that old to people.
As we walked away from the kiosk, I told D that I must do something to change the way I look or something to reduce being "Ma'am-ed". I was thinking that maybe I should wear makeup more often, start wearing contacts, dye my hair more often. He said I should smile more. I was surprised. I didn't think I looked mean or frowned while out and about...at least not anymore.
When I was younger, people used to tell me to smile. I remember a bus driver told me - point blank - that I should smile and at least appear that I enjoy life. I rolled my eyes at him. :-) Heck, I was embarrassed because I was boarding the bus and others heard him. But his comment always stuck with me. I tried not to frown or look mean anymore but I guess I haven't fully accomplished that goal.
During the rest of our shopping excursion, I felt self conscious. I tried to keep smiling but like I told D, I thought I'd look like a smiling fool.
It makes me wonder how I present myself to the world. Do I look like I'm irritated or mean or unapproachable? I know that I tend to wear my thoughts on my sleeve - so to speak. I must do it more often than I thought.
I can walk around telling myself to smile. But I think the ticket is to think more positive and pleasant thoughts. Hmmm...that would take care of two things...increase my public persona and enhance my overall well-being.
It's 2008!!!
Although 2007 went by quickly, I am glad that it is over. It has been a turmultous year. Drama with work, financial challenges and having the blues. But I'm not going to dwell on the negative because there were some "plus" moments:
- I've determined what type of romantic relationship I want and I started the work to achieve it.
- I've overcome obstacles, jumped through hoops and am here to talk about it.
- I have wonderful friends!
- I rediscovered crochet and I love it!
- I finally had a procedure done that will improve my quality of life.
- I lost about 25 pounds.
- Thanks to "Dancing with the Stars", I reconnected with a friend of a friend (who is now my friend) and was introduced to DC Hand Dancing. Lessons begin January 8...I'm so there!
This year is going to be a lot better than the last because I am going to make it so.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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