So by now I'm sure you've heard that the legendary King of Pop has had his flame extinguished. More like laid down his temple. Whatever you thought about him, whatever you cared, his talent was undoubtedly incredible. He had proved himself to be more than a mere man when it came to the reach of his words, music and love. Even in his later years when it appeared his relevance had subsided substantially, Michael Jackson was still, hands down, simply the best. He allowed us all to be children again when a song came on the radio. He allowed us all to be lovers falling in love again. He allowed us through his music, to be human beings, people of the highest caliber, even if only for a few minutes a day.
I will not burden myself with the sackcloth of missing him. But I will continue to admire the Man that I knew, the entertainer that fashioned so much of my life, and the kind spirit that we should all pray to be all the time...
My 2 cents.
6.23.2009
Not for nothing
I am not downplaying what is going on in Iran. I don't want to make light of such a serious situation. I don't want to take lightly the young woman being shot in the streets of Tehran. But hell if that was any young Black kid in the streets of damn near any major city in the US, would the outrage be as loud? Would the news media be asking when is enough? Would John McCain and Lindsey Graham be as outraged? I think not. Even with a Black President young Black kids lives still aren't as valuable as one Iranian woman who might indeed be the martyr for a whole nation.
My 2 cents.
My 2 cents.
6.21.2009
Stop Interferring
I don't know what the american public feel they are doing by interfering in Iran's trouble. Isn't Iran a sovereign nation? Even if you don't agree, when did it become your place? Showing individuals a better way and allowing them to choose for themselves and for their nation, if the nation should so also choose, that's one thing. But to defiantly press on in the media with these images and rhetoric only foments anger, resentment, and illicits the children of those two emotions: violence and strangling of individuals human rights. If this is to be an revolution, then let it be. Otherwise you could well be awakening the sleeping giant whose dormancy has allowed for much relative peace and security. LOVE your neighbor and still allow him to work things out for himself.
6.17.2009
The Revolution Must and Will Be Televised
Okay, so you by now no doubt have heard and/or seen what's going on around the world in Iran. The world has become a crazy place huh? The Soviet Union collapsing, Europe turning into a similar such union even if only monetarily(for now anyway), China becoming the world's sole financial superpower, a Black Man heading what has arguably been the most powerful nation in world history. Such things are for the pages of literature and yet it is our world right now.
Into this mix, we have one of the most hotly contested elections the world stage has had the pleasure of seeing for quite some time. Gore/Bush had it's own cache, but Iran is a pepperpot soup ready to boil over. Granted, there are always contested and/or disputed elections all over the globe all the time but none with as much seemingly significance as this latest Iranian fiasco.
Do the people have a right to protest? Well, yes if the constitution of Iran makes such allowances. Remember, democracy as a template aside, they are not the United States. They do have their own sovereign laws and rights.
Do the people have a legitimate argument? Maybe. The current President, for even if it is contested it was already called, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was quite abrupt in his declaring victory. But is it so different from news bureaus calling elections for one candidate before all polls are tabulated?
Should we foment the anger and curry favour of either candidate? No. It is sometimes best to allow people to fend for themselves and give them the room and freedom to work things out amongst themselves. If Iran is to ever come out from what may or may not be an oppressive situation, having stewards at the helm who are familiar with the passion and techniques used to overcome such obstacles, is a dire necessity.
What is amazing to me though beyond all the above, is how far technology has allowed all of us to be so in tune with our brothers and sisters at every turn of the dial. Mind you it doesn't always translate into regard for or abhorrence for all peoples and situations but is has opened eyes that were once blind. imagine how little we would know of Darfur, or Iraq, or Guantanamo or Sri Lanka or Tibet, in the last few years without the "new media". I don't care for all applications because I feel we are way to saturated with non-human interaction but all the same it is most needed to to mediate the rocky road that the world seems so helplessly trapped on.
Also this type of movement in Iran, supported largely by the Internet and some notable websites, is remarkable. It seems as though no more will governments be able to completely hide the bold truths of peoples discontent. The brutality of the 60's in the US will never have a chance to rear its' ugly head again anywhere if people like the students in Iran are able to have their say. The brutality of colonialism and imperialism will never again be able to take root if we use this media and each other in a way that benefits not only our individual lives but that of our neighbor halfway around the world.
Maybe this world isn't ready for the type of change that appears to be bubbling up in Iran. Maybe the world wasn't really ready for a lot of things this year. But we must deal with what we are handed. If Iran is to be dealt with in a fair and just manner, we must allow her her moment to sort things out and resign ourselves to deal justly no matter the outcome.
On a side note, if a revolution does persist in Iran, who gets the credit? Bush or Obama?
6.16.2009
Joe the Plumber
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 11:12pm
You know after watching this last and seemingly more personal debate of the 2008 Presidential campaign season, I must say that I am now more than ever, completely impressed with Bob Schaeffer. No bullshit, he actually held them, both Senators, to the question asked. And this reference to Joe Plumber, was most appropriate. You see Joe six pack and Sarah Hockey Mom dont necessarily translate across america. My dad is not a plumber but he is a blue collar Man much the same who happens to own and run multiple business'. For the countless numbers of blue collars guys and gals out there who tirelessy perform tasks that at times seem utterly mundane, and oft times downright unpallatable, I'm happy to see all of you represented. You take the shit jobs, sometimes quite literally and don't really ask for much in return save that you are allowed to live the lives that you and your family struggle with and strive for daily. Most of you aren't earning huge salaries and often have to put in the type of hours doing the kind of back breaking hard work that would make many weep. Much of you lament this to a degree, because while you day in and out serve your local communities, your own families suffer greatly in the interim. You do this to build happy families and provide the type of education, healthcare, lifestyle and opportunities that many of you had not the pleasure of knowing as youth. You should all be applauded. And I don't want to leave out all the spouses, for those that are married, who hold you up on the flipside. Some families would crumble if not for the dads and moms who are at home or who take an active part in child rearing.For those Joe plumbers or bus drivers or whoevers that are producing numbers that allow you to hire staff and by extension take care of countless families, profound praise. Hard work does indeed pay off. I pray that I might soon join your ranks. It is by the grace of GOD, by whichever name and face you recognize, that we are able to go out ther and produce everyday and stay self-sufficient and self-reliant. You are the backbone, and no doubt have always been, of every society and economy since antiquity. And shit, who is Main Street america? Much as I see there is at least one Main Street in every state across america. If that is the case, then "who" is Main street america? Just thought I'd ask.
You know after watching this last and seemingly more personal debate of the 2008 Presidential campaign season, I must say that I am now more than ever, completely impressed with Bob Schaeffer. No bullshit, he actually held them, both Senators, to the question asked. And this reference to Joe Plumber, was most appropriate. You see Joe six pack and Sarah Hockey Mom dont necessarily translate across america. My dad is not a plumber but he is a blue collar Man much the same who happens to own and run multiple business'. For the countless numbers of blue collars guys and gals out there who tirelessy perform tasks that at times seem utterly mundane, and oft times downright unpallatable, I'm happy to see all of you represented. You take the shit jobs, sometimes quite literally and don't really ask for much in return save that you are allowed to live the lives that you and your family struggle with and strive for daily. Most of you aren't earning huge salaries and often have to put in the type of hours doing the kind of back breaking hard work that would make many weep. Much of you lament this to a degree, because while you day in and out serve your local communities, your own families suffer greatly in the interim. You do this to build happy families and provide the type of education, healthcare, lifestyle and opportunities that many of you had not the pleasure of knowing as youth. You should all be applauded. And I don't want to leave out all the spouses, for those that are married, who hold you up on the flipside. Some families would crumble if not for the dads and moms who are at home or who take an active part in child rearing.For those Joe plumbers or bus drivers or whoevers that are producing numbers that allow you to hire staff and by extension take care of countless families, profound praise. Hard work does indeed pay off. I pray that I might soon join your ranks. It is by the grace of GOD, by whichever name and face you recognize, that we are able to go out ther and produce everyday and stay self-sufficient and self-reliant. You are the backbone, and no doubt have always been, of every society and economy since antiquity. And shit, who is Main Street america? Much as I see there is at least one Main Street in every state across america. If that is the case, then "who" is Main street america? Just thought I'd ask.
Socks
Socks feel real good on my feet. I love them best right out of the package when they're brand new( in case you didn't realize that anything right out of the package is almost always brand new), and at their peak of softness. Or just as they come out of the dryer on a cool, brisk fall or icy, frigid winter day. All squishy when you get caught in the rain and catch yourself accidentally stepping in a puddle( imagine we used to do this deliberately when we were young). Socks are awesome. Black socks, white socks, grey socks, polka dots stripes or Elmo. I love socks. Dirty socks suck lint balls though.
Never Realize When It's Father's Day Cause Yur Always Around
God knows there were days growing up that I coudn'tstand the sight of your face,the sound of your voice, or the way you made me feel like a little boy everytime you walked in the room.Do you remember how many times you showed up toMy recital, or practice or game?I swear the only thing I think I learnedgrowing up was how muchmoney really meant.
The fellas on the block were the first to hear bout my "first time".The first time I went to jail;the first time shit got real hard,my "family" held me up.Could never say to you what a miserable little fuck I thought you were.Funny though how time changes things.When my little one was breedingI realized that everything I hatedwas the only way I would make it through this next stage;that all the years of school never prepared me for.Ain't that some shit?
If you don't mind I did change a couple of things though.Whenever I feel down, I call them instead of the bank.When things are going well, I share.Whenevr, wherever I canI show up,never mind how silly ballet practice seems.And still yet,what do I have to complain about?You came home every night,even if we didn't see you.I still own stuff you bought when I hated you.The Man I am todayThe good Man I am today,would never be if it wasn't for you.The good Father I try to be...
With all the fuss this world makesabout Mother's Day,I follow your example and stay cool asthe breeze that blows through thebeachside that raised you, that I would never see until I was a grown Man.I follow your example andsay "Thank You" on the phoneall the while making sure that there isanother day like this next year for "them ".
If I were a tree,you be the root.If I were a river you would be the first drop.If I were a Star,you would be the Sun.You are my beginning,I pray there is no end.Thanks Dad.For Everything.
The fellas on the block were the first to hear bout my "first time".The first time I went to jail;the first time shit got real hard,my "family" held me up.Could never say to you what a miserable little fuck I thought you were.Funny though how time changes things.When my little one was breedingI realized that everything I hatedwas the only way I would make it through this next stage;that all the years of school never prepared me for.Ain't that some shit?
If you don't mind I did change a couple of things though.Whenever I feel down, I call them instead of the bank.When things are going well, I share.Whenevr, wherever I canI show up,never mind how silly ballet practice seems.And still yet,what do I have to complain about?You came home every night,even if we didn't see you.I still own stuff you bought when I hated you.The Man I am todayThe good Man I am today,would never be if it wasn't for you.The good Father I try to be...
With all the fuss this world makesabout Mother's Day,I follow your example and stay cool asthe breeze that blows through thebeachside that raised you, that I would never see until I was a grown Man.I follow your example andsay "Thank You" on the phoneall the while making sure that there isanother day like this next year for "them ".
If I were a tree,you be the root.If I were a river you would be the first drop.If I were a Star,you would be the Sun.You are my beginning,I pray there is no end.Thanks Dad.For Everything.
6.15.2009
Love Is...
Love is all at once the most wonderful and most devastating of all God's mysteries. On any level and in any form: it can break apart families or create new ones. In an instant new worlds are begun and old ones shattered into a myriad of pieces that no amount of love can return to form. Who can say that they have never known pain from love and I say that that Man has never known love.
Have you love for the Man or Woman who begs humbly in the road for a piece of spare change? When was the last time you said no? When was the last time you cleaned out the junk from your car seats? Enough spare change there to feed a child in a far off land.
Have you love for the child who never has known a moment of love from any of the hundreds of parents that each year bemoan the extra tax payments for these poor children? These welfare kids? When was the last time you noticed exactly how much extra spare cents went missing from your check? When was the last time it meant the difference between you eating or going hungry for a week?
Love is a funny thing. Yes it is indeed. Too often we only associate romantic love and oft times it is the only love we desire. But give me the touch of an honest Woman's words, the aroma from a home which is settling in to Sunday dinner, the full tank surprise on Monday morning when you are on the way to work. Give me my child whose words sting with truth and whose heart comforts in a way she understands not yet.
I love. I love. I LOVE.
Have you love for the Man or Woman who begs humbly in the road for a piece of spare change? When was the last time you said no? When was the last time you cleaned out the junk from your car seats? Enough spare change there to feed a child in a far off land.
Have you love for the child who never has known a moment of love from any of the hundreds of parents that each year bemoan the extra tax payments for these poor children? These welfare kids? When was the last time you noticed exactly how much extra spare cents went missing from your check? When was the last time it meant the difference between you eating or going hungry for a week?
Love is a funny thing. Yes it is indeed. Too often we only associate romantic love and oft times it is the only love we desire. But give me the touch of an honest Woman's words, the aroma from a home which is settling in to Sunday dinner, the full tank surprise on Monday morning when you are on the way to work. Give me my child whose words sting with truth and whose heart comforts in a way she understands not yet.
I love. I love. I LOVE.
Gas prices on the rise....AGAIN
Stop blamin the Saudi's and others for the increasing fuel prices when it's uS manufacturers and suppliers who have slowed or cut back production just in time for the summer driving season...
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