microbrother

The Meaning of Devotion

2011-12-25T12:43:00.010-05:00

On this day of the celebration of the birth of Christ, I want to pay homage to caregivers of the world and highlight a very good friend's devotion to his ailing mother who recently passed by asking, "What would Christ want him to do?"

Some forty-plus years ago, on the campus of Howard University, Adrienne introduced me to her geeky friend, Brian Booth aka “Dr. Booth”. Adrienne was “Big-A”(literally) and I was “Big-M”.

The three of us always enjoyed hanging-out together on campus on Fridays at noon to look at the fraternity Greek Shows. Big-A was in love with Buddy, a Groove Phi Groove. Dr. Booth and I google-eyed the fine girls who were attracted to the Ques. In those days, Howard girls were so fine that whatever the Ques didn’t want, any guy would have been proud to be seen with their rejects….if Dr. Booth and I were only so lucky.

One day, the doctor invited us to his home where we met the petite public school teacher, the lovely Lena Horne-like, Mrs. Warfield. She put down her crossword puzzle and greeted us with her razor tongue and a rapier wit! She asked Brian, “Where did you find this bum?” I was taken aback. Not knowing quite how to respond, she immediately broke-out into a hearty laughter. And so began the exchange-of-wit relationship with Mrs. Warfield. Brian went on to Georgetown Law School and volunteered at the local Pacifica radio station, WPFW 89.3 FM, hosting a show called “By the Law”. I wrote features for the monthly station guide. Brian would discuss basic legal issues and played a little jazz from his collection. Developing material for a monthly station guide felt like a full-time job. I could only imagine what Brian went through to prepare for his weekly show. One night, I remember him asking me to call-in and ask a legal question.

“….but, Dr. Booth, I ain’t got nothing to ask. I don’t know what to ask”
“Look man, just call and ask, how do you form a LLC?”
“What’s a LLC?”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll explain it to you and everybody else when you call….okay?”
“Hmmm….okay. But don’t make me sound stupid”
“What are you talking about? You’re already stupid!”

That evening, I tuned-in. Dr. Booth was talking about forming business structures, a primer for budding entrepreneurs. He encouraged his “vast” listening audience to call-in with their questions. I ain’t callin'. Dr. Booth sounded like he was sweating bullets while trying to keep the subject interesting with his co-host, while they waited for some callers.
Like any dutiful loving mother who wants to support her son, Mrs. Warfield called-in.

“So, you think you know something about the law?”
“Ah, yes ma’am. What is your question this evening?”
“Well, I want to know how to form a corporation where I can put my son in who is a student, along with his up-keep, student loans and write the whole damn thing off so that I can live the rest of my days in the islands?”
“ah ah ma’am (nervous chuckle)………”

Over the years, Dr. Booth and I enjoyed jogging together. We eventually ran 10K races and went on to do the memorable New York City Marathon. Wobbly-legged from the 26-mile endurance course, Rachel, Dr. Booth and I met Rachel’s law buddies at a restaurant in the Village and, later danced to hip-swiveling salsa music at a Latin club. It was about this time that Dr. Booth began taking his handle seriously. He talked about the lactic acid that had built-up in our legs that caused the wobbly-leg. He talked about the supplements that we needed to take and the stretching we needed to do.

From that point on, I can’t remember a conversation we had that health issues was not weaved into it. He became such a health fanatic that Big-A dubbed him “Dr. Wackko”. My wife, Alfreda, is a crazy health nut too. She enjoyed talking to Dr. Wackko, sorry…I mean Dr. Booth.
It was not until Mrs. Warfield took deathly ill that we took the knowledge that Brian had garnered over the years with some importance. The medical doctors at Washington Hospital Center had, essentially, given up on her. I remember visiting her one afternoon and seeing her lay motionless in bed. I tried to get her attention, looking for that spark in her that I knew so well.

“Mrs. Warfield, it’s the bum! Can you hear me?”

I called my father, Pastor Ray, to give her last rights or something. I then, called Brian to get his butt up here immediately! The doctors were, eventually, able to bring her back. A few days later, Dr. Booth said that he had to do something drastic for her…..Hyperbaric Chamber!

“.....a hyper what?”

In those days, there were only two states that had this contraption: California and Florida. Brian’s sister, Marsha, lived in California. He packed-up the bare essentials that were needed and flew with the ailing Mrs. Warfield to California. He started the non-insured and expensive Hyperbaric Chamber treatment for her immediately upon arriving in California. He called me a few weeks later and told me that she was responding to the treatment. After being on the west coast, now for months, Mrs. Warfield had come back to life. Her tongue and wit were sharp as ever!

Dr. Booth asked Dot, his classmate at Georgetown, and me to pack-up all his remaining possessions in D.C. and place them in storage and to sell his mother’s home. California is where she can receive the care she needed was the thinking.

Well folks, that was twenty years ago? Brian is one of his mother’s three children that took on this awesome task. It is because of what he did for his mother that showed me how to be the son that my Alzheimer’s-diagnosed mother needs right now. He, literally, snatched his mother from the jaws of death and gave her twenty more years of TLC, sacrificing his personal goals and ambitions.

Dr. Booth, I salute you and love you for showing all of us, in life, the meaning of the biblical passage that states “honor thy father and thy mother”. Our prayers are with you and our doors are open to you. And when you are ready, we will take that long over-due vacation you need.

God bless you!
Big-M

My Father's Day 2011 Tribute

2011-06-19T22:43:00.003-04:00

As a construction contractor, I work with guys all day long. I can state that male relationships are developed and strengthened when men team together: be it work, sports or the military.

Recently, I visited one of our job sites to document our progress. In doing so, I observed how one of my partners, Jesse Witherspoon, interacted with his son, Dezmon. I had not seen Dezmon in at least twenty years.

My own father, Pastor Ray as he was known, taught me to always look a man in the eyes and give a firm handshake. This young man looked me in the eyes and greeted me with a firm handshake and a smile. When he spoke, I heard and understood everything that he had to say. I see the same traits in my nephews, Gannon, Del and Eddie. Today, I can not resist finding that very impressive among their generation. I can only attribute these traits, rightly or wrongly, to the men in these young men’s lives.

Pastor Ray, was bigger than life to me. To this day, I still marvel at how he and my mother owned a home, raised five kids and gifted me with a menagerie that he built with his own hands in his “spare time” to house my rabbits and ducks. As the neighborhood zookeeper, my collection also included dogs, turtles, gold fish, parakeets, and an iguana; all of these “creatures” supported on one working man’s income and my little newspaper route.

My parents sent me to St. Emma Military Academy, fifty miles west of Richmond, Virginia, when I was thirteen and my brother, Rick, to Archbishop Carroll High School, here in D.C. I get exhausted just thinking about the responsibility my father, the leader of our household, had to bear on a daily bases. And yet, he always had a smile and a positive word to say to everyone.

During the last thirty years of his life and being visually blind, Pastor Ray led Guiding Star, a small Baptist church in Brookland, Washington, DC. He married all of my family and friends and buried some of them. Toward the end of his life, riddled with pain from cancer, I asked my father how did he do all that he did for us? And during one of his last hospital stay, where did he draw the strength to minister to his hospital roommate, late at night in his last hour, knowing that his time was near too? My father simply looked to the heavens.

I can remember during my rebellious phase, declaring that I did not understand my father and that I did not want to act like him. You can imagine how startled I was when some years later my niece stated, “Uncle Mike, you act just like Granddad!” Well, today I can say that I accept my niece’s assessment as a compliment. When I talk to folks, sometimes I can hear my father’s voice speaking through me when working with a cantankerous situation; I try to look at the big picture by considering all the personalities involved and the impact that my decision may have on everyone. I always attempt to leave a negative situation on an upbeat note with a smile and a firm handshake: classic Pastor Ray!

Please, don’t misunderstand me. I am no where near the man father was, but I feel his spirit living within me. So, on Father’s Day 2011, I salute Jesse Witherspoon and the many fathers like him for instilling young men like Dezmon with the simple, but foretelling attribute to look another person in the eyes with a smile and to extend a firm handshake in greeting. I think that this gesture speaks volumes of the father/son relationship.

Happy Father’s Day, to all the men and women who had a positive impact on some young person's life!

Solace in a Woman's Voice

2011-04-30T15:03:00.009-04:00

Easter Sunday morning, I was listening to WPFW 89.3FM and one of my favorite programmers, Myuki Williams, played Ms. Roberta Flack's "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" and it just froze me in my tracks as it had done when I was a kid.

In this wild and crazy time of armed struggle on different fronts, world economic challenges, political rancor and intolerance for others, I was momentarily taken back to a most innocent and optimistic time in my life. I felt myself, literally, releasing all concerns for schedules, to-do lists, obligations or where I needed to be. I just wanted to hear Ms. Flack's melodic voice again!

Not having a copy of the song in my collection, I immediately searched YouTube for this drop-dead work of vocal artistry and stumbled on a young woman, Leona Lewis, who this old fart had never heard before. Thinking, "who would dare tread on this sacred legendary work?"

I gave a listen.

From her first moan/note, I was amazed how this British-born artist caught my attention. Lewis imbued the lyrics of this timeless piece with mature emotions, phrasing and timing, leaving me to believe so much greater than her youthful years should permit.

As one who treasures the written word, I struggle with the question of conveyance: lyrics vs. music; conveyers: men vs. women. Is the most important artistry of conveying the message in one or the other.... and to which audience is the medium most affective? Using the same lyrics, can women convey a message better than men? How much impact does music have? Well, in the case of The First Time Ever I saw Your Face, it leaves no doubt in my mind that it is a talented woman's domain, lyrically and musically.

So, you be the judge. I welcome you to listen to this beautiful, heart-felt rendition of Ms. Flack's signature piece by the lovely and demure Leona Lewis.

Peace

Damn, white folks did a good job!

2009-02-26T14:31:00.008-05:00

Is she too dark? Is her hair too nappy? Why is he so dark that he is blue? What will my children look like?

Growing up in River Terrace, Washington, DC, I never heard these question asked until I left my little comfort zone on the banks of the Anacostia River. At the renowned Howard University, I had an opportunity to go to school with black kids from all over the world at a time when Negroes were beginning to refer to themselves as “Black”. Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!

In those days, I thought Howard University had the most beautiful women I had ever seen! I guess that’s why keeping my grades up was always a challenge. I saw all hues, hair and dress styles. There were history classes that taught us not just “his-story”, but delved thoroughly into Black History.

I was inspired to write this piece because of a You Tube video that was shared with me titled, “A Girl like Me”. I was shocked by what I saw because I just realized that young black folks, especially young women, are still struggling with the aesthetic issues of race from the days of slavery. The position of our First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, became even more important to me after viewing this video because her actions and style will impact women of color all over the world in terms of how they perceive themselves. I’ve been told that on-paper, one would have assumed that the president married a white woman or a very light-skin black woman. But, no the president married a statuesque dark-skin woman with, OMG, a butt!

Folks, I don’t know who has the hardest job, now…..President Obama or the First Lady?

The GOP Marionette Show

2009-02-24T23:56:00.010-05:00

President Barack Obama, tonight, met his objective of making his intentions quite clear. And that was to inspire the American people to face the issues that are before us and to overcome them with unity. Well done, Mr. President!

However, I was more interested in what the Republican response would be. Earlier, I commented to a fellow blogger that the Republican Party (GOP) could not nurture legitimate leadership for this new epoch because of the perceived hate and greed that is, historically, at the base of the party.

It appears to me that the GOP positioned Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-La) during the campaign to help ameliorate the infectious affect that then Sen. Obama had on the imagination of the American electorate. I can not get my arms around the “sincerity” of the GOP in selecting the governor to speak after the president tonight no more than I can get my arms around their sincerity in appointing the ex-Lt. Governor of Maryland, Michael Steele, as the Republican National Committee Chairman. Based on Gov. Jindal's out-of-step-with-reality speech leads me to believe that the GOP just want to put a brown face on their last century politics because even Stevie Wonder can see that the federal government needs to be involved with getting this economy out of the crapper. So, why can’t the GOP?

Assigning Gov. Jindal and Chairman Michael Steele scripts written for Ronald Reagan in 1940 will surely fail at the box office in 2009.

Diddle-dee & Diddle-dumb

2009-02-20T21:14:00.019-05:00

Hey! It's an emergency GOP caucus between Michael Steele and Alan Keyes, the GOP's secret weapons ! Let's listen in.

Hey Alan! It’s me, Mike Steele

Hey Mike! Congratulations on your RNC Chairmanship!

Thanks, Alan. Listen, I was just talking to Armstrong Williams. We were talking ‘bout this democrap stuff. I’m getting pressure from upstairs. Our leadership wants me to chart a new course for the GOP.

What…the leadership? Mike, you ARE the leadership. You’re the RNC chair!

****

Ah…yeah, Alan....I know. But, it’s not that simple.

A cartoon is just a cartoon? Hmmmm

2009-02-19T22:43:00.006-05:00

Well, I guess Nixon with his sweaty upper-lip fall from grace, Billy’s blow jobs in the oval office and Bush getting the “shoe” in Iraq just brought down the respect and integrity of the presidency to the point where anything goes.

The chimpanzee execution cartoon depicted in the New York Post did not shock me. Come on, folks….we knew this stuff was coming! Racists die hard. This is only the beginning. Nevertheless, we should be prepared to fight these attacks at every turn. We must be steadfast at defeating the racists’ attempts at denigrating the change that President Obama is trying to put in place.

What the racists did not factor in is the fact that the majority of the people in the world are people of color. Just as in the fiasco at Abu Ghraib, the 19th century thinking racists are only making matters worst for members of their ilk. The Occicontin-addicted, Rush Limbaugh, calling for the failure of President Obama’s administration only accelerated the free-fall of the conservative movement’s demise, as we know it.

Younger citizens and younger members of both political parties are starving for a new way of conducting this country’s affairs and I salute them.

What's good for the goose....

2009-02-03T22:11:00.005-05:00

When pursuing anything government related, I’m always asked:

Have you ever been involved with the government before?
Have you ever been denied a government contract because of malfeasance?
Do you owe the government any taxes?

I’m still wondering just how many more lawmakers (on all levels) may not have paid their taxes, yet you and I are bludgeoned by the IRS whenever we fall short. This issue brings into question, just what is the vetting process like?

We all knew that President Obama’s administration would be under close scrutiny, more so than most. I’m in it for the long haul. The president said himself that there will be some screw-ups along the way. But, I won’t resign to accepting something as simple as asking these three basic questions of anyone, and I do mean anyone who is seeking to hold a significant office in any administration.

Mr. President, you set the bar high to a new world record, which begs the question: can you maintain it?

Poetry in Motion

2009-02-02T07:23:00.007-05:00

What Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger pulled off last night in Super Bowl XLII is the stuff young wide receivers and quarterbacks dream of all of their lives. As a wide receiver in high school, I can remember practicing that very same reception Holmes made to clinch the Steelers’ sixth Super Bowl title.

The trick is to keep your feet “inbound” and concentrating on catching the ball, all the while being aware of the defenders! Holmes and company attempted the same play on the left-side of the field and woefully, blew it. Given the importance of scoring at that pivotal time in the game, it took a lot of chutzpah to gather oneself after that failure to come back in the very next play and run the same pattern in the opposite corner for a picture-perfect completion! Man…that is every receivers’ dream come true.

In my tweet, I admitted that I was prepared for a Steelers blow-out. I was, pleasantly, surprised to see that the Cardinals showed up to play. My heart went out to Kurt Warner who defied the odds in his serpentine and unlikely football career to wind-up in Super Bowl XLII. Steelers’ linebacker, James Harrison, initially squashed the Cardinals hopes of victory with a hundred yard interception which left him gasping and Holmes' TD was the fait accompli.

I would be remiss not to mention the importance of the young Steelers’ coach and give kudos to Mike Tomlin. I am proud of this young brother and I look forward to his long and successful career.

What a Wonderful World

2009-01-28T06:02:00.006-05:00

As an ardent Obama supporter during the presidential campaign, I committed myself to be critical of him as I would any other person who holds the public trust. By the same token, I will give credit where credit is due. For the record, I did give kudos to George Bush for what he tried to do in Africa.

With that said, I must applaud the Obama administration for its relatively seamless transition and its recent pronouncements. The Middle East has been a concern of mine for as long as I can remember because it is a lightening rod for those that see the inhabitants of that region as disenfranchised and neglected.

The Middle East is equivalent to a vial of nitroglycerin traveling down an unpaved road on the mountain-side of the Andes. Yes, it doesn’t take much to set that part of the world off. I truly believe that if this volatile region is not given balanced attention, it will continue to be the bane of our existence. The Jewish lobby has done an outstanding job of keeping the State of Israel’s interest on the front burner of every western politician’s agenda to the point that they are literally afraid to criticize Israel’s actions.

It was so refreshing to hear former President Jimmy Carter, not be afraid of backlash and “ostracization”, in speaking the truth about the reality of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. We can no longer sweep these realities under the rug and pretend that they don’t exist. I believe the Obama administration is embarking on the right path to address these and like issues throughout the world through ambassadors such as George Mitchell and Susan Rice.

No longer should the world’s perception of our foreign policy be, “our way or the highway”. No longer should a Palestinian mother-to-be commit her unborn baby to a tit-for-tat armed struggle in order to be recognized and respected. No longer should young Israelis divide their conscience and Palestinian apartheid. No longer should a nation state feel the need to develop nuclear capability to get respect in the “hood”. No longer should children in so-called under-developed nations fear for their lives because of ethnic differences. No longer should we continue to alienate our neighbors because their “ism” is not our “ism”.

I welcome this administration’s attempt to bring some civility and fairness to the problems at hand. It has been said that this president has unprecedented goodwill throughout the world and with that kind of support, all good things are possible.

Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win!

2009-01-19T20:16:00.003-05:00

Well folks, 20JAN09 is tomorrow!

I considered myself cool as a cucumber through the last two years. But, of late, I’ve been experiencing some anxiety, some mixed emotions.

You see, for some reason I feel responsible for speaking for those great spirits that have gone on before us, those who are not physically with us anymore. I feel inadequate to express what my grandparents and my father would want to say. My parents and the generations of those before them paid dearly for our time in the sun tomorrow. My father was a preacher man and a great speaker. So, you can understand my dilemma. But, for now, I’ll just gather myself and my thoughts for another time.

I do know those great spirits enjoyed a good tune when they heard one. So, I thought I would just let Seal express what’s difficult for me, tonight.

Take a listen!

Billy-Boy's Penitence

2008-11-30T09:55:00.004-05:00

Hill and Bill over her prospective appointment as U.S. Secretary of State

I’ve been playin’ second fiddle to your ego, your interests and your women for over thirty years! Now......make no mistake about it, Billy Boy.....this is my time and you ain’t going to screw it up!

Baby, I know you’ve sacrificed a lot for me and this country and I’m truly indebted to you for what you’ve done. I stand here, today, and pledge to you that I will continue to do all I can to make your dreams come true.

Oh, Bill! Cut the crap. Just keep your zipper up and your mouth shut!

Uh?

Thanksgiving thoughts

2008-11-27T09:03:00.005-05:00

As I mature, I take more stock in the smaller joys of life and I find myself, gleefully, thankful for them.

In this time of economic uncertainty and as a small business owner, you would think a more robust and steady cash flow would be my end-all to happiness. But, I'm hear to say that that would be great, but I'm finding more happiness in much smaller things that offset my uneasiness about the economy. Just to cite a few: my niece naming her son after me, my wife bringing home shrimp fried rice, my 84-year young mother calling me and saying she feels great and happy to be alive, my buddy who is the "Donald Trump" of our circle of friends telling me I gave him a good idea, the sun burning the chill off a cold winter morning.

Most of you know how much Barack Obama's victory means to me, but what I really enjoy is riding my bicycle! Yes, you heard me right....riding my bike really makes me feel good! I guess it has something to do with exercising and the release of endorphins into the blood stream.

With rush-hour traffic being a bear in D.C. and the cost of gas being all over the map, I put Ol' Blue in the garage and bought a Bianchi Axis bicycle two years ago. I bought the latest biking apparel and I've been told that I look pretty cool in it, too! I'm, definitely, ready for the road. At 57, my family and friends think I'm out of my mind. My wife thinks it's just an extension of my mid-life crises, but I think it's the greatest way to get around in D.C. For the purpose of full disclosure, I have to admit that I was involved in an accident. A car struck me and fractured my leg. But, that didn't stop the "biker-kid" for long. I continue to ride, daily, and for that among so many other things of course, I am truly thankful.

By the way, if the Lord is willin' and the creek don't rise, my plan to ride from coast-to-coast will be a reality!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Joe got his knife back?

2008-11-18T22:57:00.004-05:00

Hello?

Joe lap dog! (chuckle) Keyes…Alan Keyes!

Lap dog? You were a lap dog before me! (chuckle) Hey, Alan.

Joe, seriously, I just want to congratulate you and tell you how much I admire what you did for John McCain and to also say how surprise I am at the fact that the Dems didn’t crucify your ass! Man, Obama is one shrewd dude.

Yeah, he’s really playing his cards right.

Joe, you know you were sitting on death row, but Obama is playing to the world how “forgiving” he can be by giving you a pardon. If someone had done what you did from the Republican Party, they would have been whacked in a New York minute.

But, Alan, that’s so last century. Barack is up to something. I don’t think I’m going to get off that easy. Eventually, I’m going to have to face the music in Connecticut. I think he’s got something much grander up his sleeve and I’m just going to have to see how this thing plays out.

Hmmmm, you’re probably got a point. But, however it plays out; it ain’t going to be in your favor.

I’m not sure about that, Alan. I might end up looking good until the next cycle, but the Republicans can end up looking worst. Obama, I think is trying to come off looking like a unifier by propping me up, the fallen angel, and the reprisals by the GOP-right will show the nation and the world just how recalcitrant and out of touch they are. Hence; fostering less confidence in that elephant-of-a-party!

That dude is shrewd!

The Bush/Obama meeting

2008-11-16T09:03:00.003-05:00

Revelations:

Mr. President, thank you for your gracious hospitality.

Ah, hell....back home, I would've broke out the grill and barbequed-up a steer for ya! Look, Barack…you're goin' to be in this exclusive club real soon. How about we dispense with the formalities...... (chuckle) call me George or you can just call me plain old "W" !

Okay, George?

I'm glad we're havin' this sit-down 'cause I'm pleased-as-punch that America has risen to the point where we could put aside all that foolishness from the past and elect a Negro. I take great pride of all I've done for your people, with Colin and Condi high up in my cabinet. Did you know I've done more for Africa than previous presidents? Yes, sir! And I'm goin' to do even more than Bill Clinton when I leave office. You see, what bugs me, Barack, is that the American people don't really understand me. Oh, I know I don't speak all flowery like you and I made a few mistakes (as you will, too) but I love this country very much and all I wanted was the best for it. Just maybe, my best wasn't good enough. I think history will be kind to me.

I'm sure you tried, George.

Janet, the president's personal secretary, enters the oval office with a pleasant smile, bringing a silver platter with a silver pot of sassafras tea and large deli cookies and places it on a table near the two men. The president thanks her as she turns to leave. President Bush rises and begins serving the president-elect.

Barack, I don't care what those talkin' heads say about me, but being president is OJT, on-the-job training. I'll never forget when I first heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center. I was reading to some kids and my aide interrupted me and whispered in my ear what turned out to be the bane of my existence. I'll tell ya, I was numb with shock. I didn't know what to do! I felt like sayin', 'hey, somebody turn on CNN and let’s hear what the president has to say!". But, I am the president. What do I do next? It was times like that that causes a man to go deep within to find the answer. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, so I prayed on it. I asked God for direction and I did what I thought was best for America. I wanted to look presidential, to give the American people the confidence that I was in control!

Yes, Mr. President, that was a difficult time for everyone.

Barack, don’t let America’s existence in Iraq be for naught.

Mr. President, I understand the importance of our presence, there. But, I am also mindful of the human cost these wars have been and the toll it has taken on this country’s credibility. With all due respect, sir, I think we lost our direction after 9/11. I believe we should have been focused on where the terrorists reside. By doing so, we could have maintained the support of the American people and our allies throughout the world. Mr. President, I was not privy to the information that you and your advisers had at hand at the time you committed our troops to that part of the world, but today, the American people have given me a mandate to bring an end to the war in Iraq, a responsible end with dignity. My team looks forward to working with your administration to make that possible. Just as important is our concerned about the economy. I have selected a well respected person to be my secretary of treasury and I’ll be announcing my selection in short order. As you were so gracious in meeting with me, I’m looking forward to you doing what is needed to settle the markets and to appease the members of the upcoming G-20 meeting.

My goodness that sounded very presidential. Barack you can count on me and my staff to do all we can for you.

Mr. President, I know it is customary for the out-going president to take certain executive actions at the eleventh hour. I just want to remind you that there is a lot at stake, here. I only ask that you be cognizant of that.

Mr. President-elect, you have my word on that!

Laura Bush and Michelle Obama enter the oval office. Both men rise to their feet and kiss their respective wives on the cheek.

Come on….Laura and I will walk you to the door.

Washington area finest

2008-11-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

I commend the Fairfax Fire and Rescue for, immediately, dispatching their world-wide respected rescue team to the beleaguered island-state of Haiti, where thirty children were killed after the collapse of their school building.

Thank you!

Political Decompression

2008-11-06T09:13:00.002-05:00

Perhaps you feel like me. I am emotionally and physically spent!

As one who has done D.C. Marathons, Marine Corps Marathons, New York City Marathons, biathlons and umpteen 10K races, my body and mind feels equally exhausted after completing this political cycle.

I can only imagine what President-elect Obama and Senator McCain must feel like. Especially Senator McCain at seventy-two years of age!

After fielding the many phone calls, emails, debriefing meetings with friends, I just want to shut-down and rest. I have not had a sound-night’s sleep in the last two weeks because I have been consumed with work and anticipation of the things to come.

If you feel like me, let’s do something nice for ourselves. I plan to take a nice swim and treat myself to a massage.

Yes We Can!

2008-11-04T23:45:00.008-05:00

Dedicated to my father, “Pastor Ray” 1922 – 1998

A wake-up call from my father:

Son, son…wake-up! How can you sleep? History has been made!

Hey, Dad. What? What’s going on? DID HE GET IT??? Did he win? Barack, won?

Yes, boy! Get your butt up and celebrate with the world!

Oh my God! We really did it, Dad!

Yes, son, victory is ours!

Dad, I wish you could be with me, now.

What are you talking ‘bout, ya big dummy? I’m always with you. I never left ya. Who do you think helped you to close that big contract you were working on for so long? Who do you think kept, that big ol’ Thoroughbred from crushing you when you two tripped over that six-foot fence? Who do you think guided the doctor’s scalpel in your surgery? It was the Big Guy and me, that’s who!

Thanks, Dad. I guess I’ve always felt your spirit with me. But, I just want you here to see Barack and the inspiration that he has given to so many us.

Boy, I knew all about that young man before you did and that’s why I got together with all of my buddies up here to make sure he would become the 44th President of the United States.

Dad, did you and your buds have the same issues about Barack’s candidacy as we have down here?

Ugh (chuckle). Son, we don’t have issues….we have grace. Everyone is represented, here: black, white, red, yellow and brown people. All of that foolishness we had on earth, stayed on earth. You know, when I think about it, earthly issues seem so stupid to me now. In my 75 years down there, I saw folks squabble over stupid stuff…and that’s all it was…stuff!

Yeah, Dad. I guess I see it, too. Who makes the most money? Who has the biggest house? Who has the latest clothes? Who controls the most land? You’re right…it’s just stuff.

Son, do you remember in ‘63, when I was ill and the doctors didn’t have a clue as to what my problem was?

Sure, Dad! How could I forget? You were in the hospital for three months and to a kid like me, it felt like a lifetime. In those days we weren’t allowed on the hospital floor.

Well, we lost John Kennedy during that time…...

Yeah, I remember calling your hospital room to tell you about President Kennedy and when the nurse answered the phone all I heard was what sounded like a man crying.

Yeah, son. It was me. I felt the same way about JFK as you do about Barack.

Dad, as a kid, I memorized the names of all of President Kennedy’s cabinet members. I can’t say I remembered any administration cabinet members’ names, since.

Hey, son…I’m going to have to run, shortly. I’ll be breaking bread with Jack Kennedy, Malcolm X, Martin, Strom, George Wallace and others in celebration of Barack’s …..

Dad, Dad, excuse me, but….did you just say Strom Thurmond and George Wallace? What are they doing up…?

Son, like I said, all of that foolishness that started on earth, remains on earth. As a matter of fact, George is my Bid Whist partner, up here! Barack won’t be successful unless he has everyone working together like we do up here. Again, it won’t be easy, but it can be done. Jack said we could put a man on the moon and we did it! Now, get your butt up and get going. Do your part to help make America a proud country. Give your mother a big hug for me….love ya, son.

I love you, too…Dad!

A grandmother's love!

2008-11-03T21:17:00.004-05:00

Senator,

My heart-felt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Rest assured that your beloved grandmother will always be with you. Because of her love and support, you have been prepared for the task at hand.

Be strong, senator! Your pain will endureth for a night...but joy comes in the morning.

A dream no longer deferred

2008-11-03T00:11:00.001-05:00

Well, we are coming to the end of a hard-fought fight, folks! Tomorrow is the big day. I will be busy doing last minute campaigning for my guy. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect and express my gratitude to those I have interacted with over the last twenty-one months.

In all my years of participating and observing political cycles, this by far has been the most exciting and rewarding cycle of them all.

I want to say thanks to everyone who has written me, called me, beat me up, cursed me and complimented me in my effort to express myself on these all too important issues of our time. I have grown and I think our society has become better as a result of this exercise we call electoral democracy.

I look forward to commenting on the new administration’s successes and failures in hopes of maintaining this new interest in civic studies and to make this country a place that we can all be proud of, once again.

In the parting words of the great Edward R. Murrow, good night and good luck!

Obama’08!

My greatest honor!

2008-11-02T08:45:00.006-05:00

This is no “stock photo”, folks. This is my 84-year young mother.

Yesterday, while preparing to take this photo, I got misty-eyed because I knew that this is the most important vote of her lifetime and, perhaps the last presidential vote she will cast.

Mother-dear was rushed to the emergency ward last Monday, the day before I was to take her to vote. I stayed with her all day in the hospital until my sister relieved me. While there, I read and prayed with her. She asked if I thought she would be out in time to vote for "O-baby" , her term of endearment for Senator Barack Obama. She was released from the hospital, Thursday.

While waiting her turn at the polls, we saw other seniors of all races in wheelchairs, walkers, those being assisted by family members. We had never seen such an election turn-out like this before. Everyone was so helpful to one another and gleeful with anticipation. The whole process took no more than thirty minutes, but emotionally, it was the best thirty minutes we shared with our fellow Washingtonians in a longtime!

So, if you know a senior or someone who maybe challenged to get to the polls on Tuesday, do what I have been doing because it feels so good.

Thanks, Mom, for the privilege and the honor you gave me!

Where's Joe the Plumber?

2008-10-31T16:29:00.002-04:00

.....Joe?....Joe? Has anyone seen Joe the Plumber?

As an ardent Obama supporter, I got to admit that I felt sorry for the Republican party presidential nominee at a rally in Ohio, yesterday. McCain looked embarrassed standing on the dais, wondering where his latest no-show gimmick, “Joe the Plumber” was.

They say Joe was cashing in at the time of the rally, trying to cut a recording deal? Cindy McCain looked like she has had enough and wants to pack it in and go home(s). Can’t blame her much. Going home(s) beats looking at the “plumber’s crack” all day and throwing down road-kill mooseburgers with the governor and kids.

Girl gotta do what a girl gotta do!

2008-10-30T10:25:00.006-04:00

Palin discusses her future with Rick Davis (McCain's campaign manager)

Rick, after the O-man’s 30-minute dig last night, with all due respect for our boy, the senator’s moose is cooked! Now, I agreed to come onboard to generate some interest in the campaign, but, lets face it: I did my job, but you didn’t do yours! Now that I got a li'l following, a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do. Sorry, Charlie, I got to think about my future.

What’a ya saying?

Hmmmm game show host sounds pretty good about now.

Opportunist!

My monumental moment!

2008-10-26T09:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, in the nation's capitol, I am proud to say that I casted my vote in the most important election in human history for Senator Barack Obama!

Dare to struggle, dare to win!

2008-10-25T12:10:00.004-04:00

The following was inspired by fellow bloggers Jski1012 and Linebacker53 who spoke about the mean and hateful things that have been said about Senator Barack Obama.

I guess we were not “really” surprised as to what an Obama candidacy would bring out of America, if not the world. Racists’ and sexists’ worst fears are, now, upon us. Also, Senator Hillary Clinton and Governor Sarah Palin proved not to be immune.

As I have always stated, I am a 1st Amendment supporter and that is why I do not delete comments from my blogs. The hate-filled comments that we are subjected to should serve as evidence to the world of what type of people we coexist with. People of color and women are the majority people in the world and yet, quite often, we are at the bottom of the socio-economic totem pole while some wish it to remain that way.

Senator Barack Obama’s ascent as the nominated presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party of the United States of America…Wow!...has done so much to uplift the spirit, the esteem and has given hope to so many who heretofore had no dreams, nothing to look forward to.

This movement did not start with Senator Obama. It has been developing every since injustice and inequality has been practiced on these shores. Our DNC presidential candidate’s rise is the culmination of so many people of different backgrounds who fought to bring about fairness and opportunity to everyone in this society. Yet, pockets of recalcitrant haters still exist, a la the Ashley Todd-types, and perhaps, that is useful because it makes us appreciate all that we have gained together as a society.

The McCain Campaign: better than a reality show!

2008-10-18T10:11:00.005-04:00

People, I talked to Senator McCain just after the final debate and I need to make some changes: new ads, new focus! If anybody got a problem with that, tell them to see me, Rick Davis.

Ah, Rick! Call for you….it’s Senator Grahm.

I’ll take it in my office, thank you.

RICK, WHAT THE BLAZES IS GOING ON? I TALKED TO JOHN AFTER THE DEBATE. THE SWABBIE THINKS HE WON ‘CAUSE FOX SAID SO! I WENT ALONG WITH HIM ‘CAUSE HE LOOKED LIKE CRAP AND HE’S MY FRIEND!

Sir, I was just about to implement some cha…..

DON’T INTERRUPT ME, SON. NOW... SOMETHIN’ GOTTA CHANGE, HERE. MY GUY’S CAMPAIGN IS BEGINNING TO MAKE HIM LOOK LIKE A PURE-D FOOL, THESE LUNATICS SHOWING UP AT RALLIES. YA NOT GIVING JOHN ‘NOUGH COGENT STUFF TO TALK ON THE ECONOMY. YA MADE AN ICON OUT OF A PLUMBER WHO IS A LYING NUT. YA GOT SARAH “ANNIE OAKLEY” PALIN APPEARING ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, TONIGHT AND, NOW, COLIN “TURN-COAT” POWELL IS GONNA ENDORSE “THAT ONE?"

"I am not George Bush....but, I love George Bush!

2008-10-16T00:48:00.003-04:00

Senator Grahm….please hold for Senator McCain.

Phil?

Hey, swabbie!

Well?

You knocked it out of the ballpark, matie! That was the best I’ve seen you. Good job.
Look, real quick….I talked to Bill-O this morning. He’s onboard, but he said he needed something, he needs a hook, he needs some red meat. Got an idea: a government with all Dems!

What?

Imagine this: Democrats controlling both houses AND Pennsylvania Avenue! After the second session of Congress, the people will be begging for the GOP to come back. The Dems will be like kids in a candy shop. Spending will go through the roof and the deficit will be astronomical! So, what you need to do for the next twenty days is to push that fear to the people. That’s the hook Bill-O, your base and the indys need to hear. It’ll scare the hell out of the people that feel the markets have screwed them.

Hmmmm, one question, Phil: why did Fox’s poll say I won last night’s debate and everybody else said I lost?

Bill-O & Phil: Early morning tete-a-tete

2008-10-15T07:45:00.012-04:00

Bill-O returns Senator Phil Grahm's late night call:

Honeyyyyy, it’s Bill O’Rileyyyyyy….

Thank you, Wendy-poo!

Bill-O! Hey, thanks for gettin’ back with me. Good morning.

No problem. Good morning, Senator.

Bill, I’m going to get to the point. Our guy is sweatin’ bullets and he needs to get a facelift. It’s T minus 20 days and we got to work together to turn this thing around for him. Now, I’m thinking that if our conservative friends in the media can get onboard, I mean REALLY get onboard; maybe we can stop some of the bleeding. I know Rush’s position on my guy. Your thoughts?

Well, Senator, have you talked to Rick Davis, yet?

No, I wanted to talk to you and a few others, first.

Senator, I’ll never say this in public, of course, but Senator McCain got serious issues. I want to assure you sir that I’m a devoted Republican and you know that. But I’m hard-pressed to prepare for my show everyday in support of our man when he doesn’t give me anything I can hang my hat on. With all due respect sir, how far can I take his POW experience….the war hero? His campaign is throwing out “economic decoys”: Reznick, Ayers, ACORN, trust. Senator, I want to go to bat for the senator, but he’s not giving me any red meat! At this point, he better hope that the “Bradley effect” kicks in. Like the kids say, “I’m just trying to keep it real,” sir.

I appreciate your honesty, Bill-O.

Senator, just give me something, anything! My people want to support him with their hearts and minds. But, honestly, they’re there only out of loyalty, now. [I] hope the debate goes well, tonight.

Thanks, Bill. I’ll get back with ya.

The weight of the world on his shoulders

2008-10-14T10:28:00.003-04:00

I thought this was an excellent picture that speaks volumes, metaphorically, to the challenges this young man is facing. Yes we can!

Obama’08

Writing on the wall

2008-10-12T09:00:00.004-04:00

….a desperate and introspective John McCain laying his burdens down with Phil Grahm

Hello, Phil?

Hey swabbie!

Phil, I got to talk to you! This whole thing is out of control! Did you hear that dumb-ass woman telling me that the O-man is an Arab? Phil, I’m tellin’ ya, everywhere I go I’m running into these crazed KKK-like lunatics asking me these ignorant questions and shouting radical epithets against Obama….it’s really scaring me. This is not the America I fought and sacrificed for!

John, we knew it wasn’t gonna be pretty. After what that nitwit in the White House put this party through, we knew it would be an up-hill struggle. And those boys on Wall Street just made matters worst. When the Keating-5 came to light, I thought my talk with those boys would have put everyone on notice that, ‘if you don’t want to be regulated, be self-regulated and you can make ALL the money you want under the radar.’ Nah, those boys got greedy and reckless. Hell, I didn’t think it would screw-up the whole world!

Phil, I’m gonna have to have a sit-down with Rick [Davis] to come up with a new strategy.

A new strategy?

Yeah, Phil, because the electoral map is dismal and based on what I see, the only way I could pull this thing off is that the O-man say or doing something really stupid and Obama is too smart for that. Sarah’s Alaska public trust sanction and Todd’s radical secessionist affiliations…..why didn’t we vet that Annie Oakley?

Swabbie, all is not lost, yet. I know Rush is not a big fan of yours, but I’m gonna put a call into him and ask that he talk-up your campaign. I’ll give Bill-O and Sean a call, too. We still have the debate on Wednesday, so let’s not give up the ship just yet. After all, I told the little-lady I’m gonna be the next Secretary of Treasury.

Well, tell Wendy to hold her horses ‘cause it ain’t looking too good. I’ll tell ya Phil, I’d rather lose this campaign than to see this country divided the way it was in the 1860s. Perhaps, just perhaps I can come out of this thing with a li’l self-respect. Ugh, only God knows what Bush is gonna leave the White House with.

Republican presidential rallies or lynch mobs?

2008-10-11T08:02:00.007-04:00

Fueled by a sense of desperation, Republican presidential rallies have been peppered with shouts of “terrorist,” “Arab,” “bomb,” “alien” and “kill him” directed at Senator Obama.

It became so bad at a GOP rally yesterday that Senator McCain got fed-up with the amount of hatred and ignorance his base is spewing that he spoke out against it, calling Senator Obama, “a decent, family man, [a] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with.” Apparently, it has become quite clear to Senator McCain that his campaign is spiraling out of control. It is this writer’s opinion that the McCain Campaign manager, Rick Davis, is directing this presidential campaign in an effort to divert our attention from the economic crisis at hand. Governor Sarah Palin is becoming a drag on McCain as a result of a bipartisan Alaska legislative committee finding her in violation of the public trust.

The Republican presidential candidate, in the eleventh hour of this political cycle, is trying to salvage what self-respect he has and love for this nation by rejecting the stoking of hatred for Senator Obama, instigated by the far-right fringe elements of our society.

Strapped by a political “perfect storm” of two on-going ground wars, the worst international financial disaster seen in years, the worst sitting president, declining poll numbers and an erratic campaign, Senator McCain’s efforts are, perhaps, too little…too late.

"But Phil, I did my best!"

2008-10-08T00:05:00.005-04:00

Debate Prologue

Senator Barack Obama said, essentially, Senator McCain’s campaign lacks ideas, a plan and time! Hence, the shout to kill Senator Barack Obama at a recent Governor Palin rally, the reason to sling epithets and slurs is an attempt to win at any cost. Is that cost making country first or is that cost making Senator McCain first?

The Debate

Senator McCain needed to knock Senator Obama out of the ring, but he didn’t! Sure, last night, there was not much that we have not heard before. But I think, according to Senator McCain, “that one, Senator Obama” presented himself more presidential and didn’t permit Senator McCain to misrepresent his position on health care and foreign affairs. God bless him, the Arizona senator did the best he could to connect with the electorate, but his best just wasn’t good enough last night. He latched onto the retired naval CPO who asked the question about the security of Israel. Senator McCain got so excited I thought he was going to ask him out for a date after the debate.

As I stated before, I still feel a generational/personality difference between the two senators. This difference is manifested in how they interact with each other and their positions they’ve taken. For example, Senator Obama has been more conciliatory and complimentary when his opponent says something that he agrees with in these debates. Where as Senator McCain is recalcitrant. Also, in the first debate, Senator McCain failed to make eye contact with Senator Obama. I cite these finer observations because it is important when interacting with those that do not agree with you. To have these interpersonal skills can bring adversaries to your side or at the least, find common ground. Senator McCain quoted President Theodore Roosevelt, “speak softly and carry a big stick”. There is not much about Senator McCain that leads me to believe that the senator is prepared to talk, constructively, with our adversaries.

Debate Epilogue

When I view events such as the debates, I tend to go back and forth between CNN, MSNBC, FNC and CSPAN. It never ceases to amaze me how polling outcomes are vastly different between the “news services”. It appeared, again, that we were looking at entirely different events. The conventional thought is that voters gravitate to the news service that most supports their political views.

However, what must be obvious to us all, as of this writing, is that Senator McCain is down in the polls and is in the proverbial “kitchen sink” attack mode. I have doubts about the senator’s ability to change his fate by only making a case of Senator Obama’s pass relationships in light of his own questionable relationships and the all-consuming economic crisis we find ourselves in.

Nowhere else, but up?

2008-10-03T08:43:00.005-04:00

Fact: this debate was all about who is the real Sarah Palin and can she save Sen. McCain’s lack-luster performance?

Last night, it appeared that I was witnessing the Sarah Palin from the RNC in St. Paul, this summer. She was glib, enthusiastic and seemed confident in her ability to get her thoughts across to the public.

In my piece entitled, “Beware of Deception” I wrote about the attributes of guerrilla warfare. Yesterday evening, Gov. Palin used such tactics, for obvious reasons. With pat responses and question evasion, she deflected the serious issues of the debate and wooed the viewers with her smoke screen folksy persona that left me wondering, ‘which Sarah Palin is present, tonight?’ Is she the dingbat from the Charles Gibson and Katie Couric interviews or is she the vivacious new infusion that the Republican Party so sorely needed?

If she is this new infusion, God bless her because the GOP is pale and anemic. The McCain/Palin Campaign just pulled up stakes in that great motor-state of Michigan, obviously, because they felt it would be a waste of their resources to pursue those hard working Americans, any longer. Or is the governor just a well prepared dingbat, oooh boy!

Will the real John McCain and Sarah Palin, please stand-up? America, can we really afford to entrust the future of this country to the erratic McCain/Palin ticket?

Heeeeere's, Johnny!

2008-09-27T01:22:00.008-04:00

If Senator McCain really needed to show his stuff, it should have been last night at Ol Miss. The military, foreign affairs…..that’s his shtick!

America gave him his chance. Did he deliver? Since a fellow blogger took offense to my “western showdown”, I will use a boxing analogy this time: when you are fighting the champ, you have to beat him, decisively, in order to take his title. Sure, the good senator from Arizona was strong in his foreign affairs arguments, but he was not decisive or convincing. As a matter of fact, Senator Obama scored highly in this area.

Senator McCain made references to how people thought and did things back in the 1900 and something. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love ancient history, too, but….. Back then, this country practiced gunboat diplomacy. But, microbrother, Senator McCain points-of-reference are off-kilter because he was a P.O.W. for five and a half years.

Sure, and there is a generational issue, too. Well, those are my points, exactly. If we are trying to reposition our world paradigm and our leaders are taking us backwards, how in hell do we progress as a society? Let’s not talk about the financial disaster we’re in!

Senator McCain, you have been on the Hill since Senator Obama was still trying to find his way, yet after all of these years, your foreign affairs mind-set sounds whacked, today. And this is supposed to be your strong suit? Will somebody, please, deal this man a better hand? Rrrrrr, matie!

Beware of deception

2008-09-26T18:41:00.004-04:00

"All warfare is based on deception. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him." - Sun Tzu

This political cycle has been better than any Hollywood drama.

John McCain is wounded and weak. He finds the need to resort to other tactics, e.g. canceling the first day of the convention, choosing a "wild card" as a running matie rrrrrr, the first to use negative ads, misrepresenting the facts, the rush to suspend his campaign for photo-ops . Most military forces can not go against U.S. forces, man-to-man, because the U.S. is just too strong. Therefore, the smart thing to do is to use guerrilla warfare tactics which are very affective, as most recently seen in Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

McCain’s “political” guerrilla warfare can not be taken lightly. His tactics may appear lame and weak, but they could be just enough to encourage those that feel lame and weak to come out and support him when they would not otherwise, do so.

Respect your opponent, people!

How much is that puppy in the window?

2008-09-25T19:36:00.002-04:00

Joe, this is Keyes…Alan Keyes! Hey, man…I just read about what the Connecticut Dems did to ya.

Oh, hey Alan. Yeah, I thought that was pretty cold. Uh, I don’t know what to do, now. I guess I, sorta, know how you feel? Oh, btw, I loved your “absolute morality” shtick.

Yeah, I think we got something in common. Joe, I was thinking that, maybe, we need to start our own political party.

What?

Yeah Joe! There’s a lot of folk out there that’s got this political “identity” problem. Nah, let me re-phrase that: the “public” thinks we have a problem. We just have a different take on the political landscape….that’s all. Check it out: we can get Michael Steele and Armstrong Williams. Maybe we can get that ex-Steeler, Lynn Swann! We’ll be able to pull all of the disillusioned dems, repubs and indys.

Okay, Alan…that might work. Perhaps, in 2012, we can make a run for the White House!

Yeah, Joe…that’s the ticket!

Yeah, and I can become president!

Uh, Joe…I’m going to be the presidential candidate.

No, Alan. Obama will be the first black president. I think I should be the first Jewish president!

Whose idea is this? Mine! If you think you’re going to be president before me, you’re crazy! It’s my time! I’m tired of being everybody’s lap dog! This is just your first time!

You're going down, McCain!

2008-09-25T12:57:00.001-04:00

You can run to Capitol Hill, but you can't hide. I' m calling you out, McCain....tomorrow, at Ole Miss at 9pm, sharp!

Obama '08!

Johnny & Phil part-2

2008-09-24T22:27:00.010-04:00

Hello…Phil! I just called to say thanks for that “back hand” you gave me yesterday. I was just feeling so discombobulated over this financial @#$% we’re in that I don’t even know which of my seven houses I’m in right now.

Well, you’re calling from a 212 area code. I guess you’re in New York.

Hey, what do you think about that strategy Karl and Rick came up with? The media ate it up!.

Your polls should get a boost behind it.

Yeah, that was a stroke of genius! I know the O-man is calling me all kinds of S.O.B.s because he called me first this morning about a suspension of our campaigns, to return to Washington and to deal with this stuff we’ve ignored for so many years. I told him that I’d get back with him. So, I called Karl and Rick.

Swabbie, you just did what Republicans do. I know Lee is rolling over in his grave. Look, over those years, we just permitted our free enterprise system be a free enterprise….laisez faire! Remember John Wayne, Ronald Reagan. 'We can’t let those red-pinko communies dictate counter to what our founding fathers fought and died for!'

Phil, I wish you could have heard me this morning. I told the O-man that we could make a joint-statement declaring a suspension. I told him that I’ll have my people call him back to coordinate the statement….NOT! We didn’t return his call and I turned around and made a public statement about MY suspension.

That Karl and Rick are something else! And you really came off looking and sounding magnanimous, swabbie!

Yeah, I was pretty “magnanimous”. But, you know as well as I do, Phil, that I’m not ready for these debates and Sarah is, definitely, not ready.

John, I think Karl and Rick will agree with this: It’s all about image…. perception. Your actions today were presidential. Just go up to the Hill. Take a few photos and talk a li’l trash then get your butt down to Mississippi…..this is your presumptive Secretary of Treasury speaking! I’ll call ya.

BTW, there’s word on the street that “W” wants to get together with you and the O-man, tomorrow. Give’ em hell, Matie! Rrrrrrrrr

Johnny & Phil

2008-09-23T23:29:00.012-04:00

A little birdy overheard this conversation between John McCain and Phil Graham while on the campaign trail:

Listen Phil, since this whole financial @#$% broke last week on Wall Street; I don’t know how we’re going to handle this. I know the O-man’s team is gonna rip a new one in me on Friday.

John, don’t worry about it. My good friend, how long have we’ve known each other, you big dumb swabbie? Look, I’ve been advising you all of these years. I ain’t going to leave you hangin’ like this. Repeat after me: We..are..going..to..the..White..House..together! I’m gonna get you through this one, too. Hank Paulson is a good man. I got a meeting with him, tomorrow….

I hope it’s a very private meeting ‘cause I don’t need to hear about it on MSNBC or CNN. Look, Phil, this country is in a mess and, for God’s sake, I’m not up to…….

Look, I don’t wanna hear it, John.

Did’ya hear George Will is pulling his support for me?

George is an intellectual jerk. Ahhh, your base don’t read anyway! I mean, they don't read him.

Judgment

2008-09-21T12:26:00.004-04:00

The current turbulent financial crises, possibly amounting to the tune of one trillion dollars, and the equally disastrous middle-eastern wars must now be resolved in a non-partisan and even in a non-denominational manner more than ever.

As a result of this domino catastrophe, it is imperative for the best minds and those with the best intentions to roll-up their sleeves and tackle these problems with every citizen. For the purpose of full disclosure, I am a Democrat and a supporter of Senator Barack Obama, as well as a Christian.

Judgment/leadership is the preeminent dual nouns in developing the right solution to these problems. If the survival of my family depends on the administration that possesses these attributes, it is not important to me if there is a “D”, “R” or an “I” after their names. However, after what I have witnessed in this election cycle, it is pretty difficult for me to rely on John McCain, the senator who thought the economy was fundamentally strong and who, occasionally, gets confused about geography and the names of warring factions. In reality, regardless of who is in office, taxes must be raised and belt-tightening will be necessary. There maybe even a need to have the draft reinstated.

Can you imagine your financial future, the lives of your sons and daughters in the hands of someone whose judgment/leadership abilities are in question, someone who is still defining himself?

........not with my family, not with my money and not with my country!

There’s a new sheriff in town and he has big ……

2008-09-20T11:16:00.005-04:00

Perhaps I am only stating the obvious here, but I will state it anyway. But first, let us dismiss with all of the perfunctory excuses (e.g. lack of experience, he’s unknown, elitism, exotic) for why Senator Barack Obama is deemed not acceptable by a greater percentage of the American electorate and state it like it truly is: Ears…okay…he has big ears!

Today, the whole world is laughing at the stupidity and earism of this symbol of freedom called America. After the meteoric blunder of the Bush Administration for the last eight years, for what other reason could this election cycle be so close?

Now, there it is: Big Ears.

America would rather shoot itself in the foot before it would elect one of the most intelligent and able men that this country has produced who seeks the highest office in the land. A recent poll stated that Americans between eighteen and thirty-nine years of age preferred Obama over McCain. That tells me that young people are beyond the “big ears” issue and accepting of Obama based on his character, intelligence and outlook for America. They are thinking about now and the future.

For those of you who are parents and are concerned about the future of your children, why stifle their future with more “Bush-think” because of your last century hang-ups? Most prudent parents want conditions better for their children than they had for themselves.

Some say the American electorate is stupid, prove them wrong and vote for the guy with big ears……this time!

I'm a little confused

2008-09-17T21:06:00.006-04:00

Let me see if I have this straight.....

* If you grow up in Hawaii , raised by your grandparents, you're 'exotic, different.'

* Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, yours is a quintessential American story.

* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

* Name your kids Willow ,Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

* Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.

* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.
* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive and next in line behind a man in his eighth decade.
* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and then left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a true Christian.

* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

* If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible.

* If your wife is a Harvard graduate laywer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America 's.

* If you're husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now....I think.

author unknown

A woman's perogative

2008-09-13T00:10:00.008-04:00

Governor Sarah Palin, last night, seemed to have overcome the oncoming headlights from the night before. Not ideal, somewhat scripted, but she did come across more relaxed on her home turf of Wasilla.

However, I feel that her position on women’s reproductive rights is still going to be a point of contention for the campaign with “Hillary’s 1st Army,” on the march. I think acceptance of the lack-luster John McCain and a personable mommy-factor in Sarah Palin is not enough for this army to accept, contradicting their core beliefs.

Could Barack Obama who has two young daughters whom he loves so dearly and a wife whom is the rock his home-life is built on be so repugnant, so repulsive that American women will give up the values that they hold near and dear to just be thrown to the wind to have a woman be next in line for the presidency? If so, would be insane.

How many single moms/middle-class Americans can support weaker tax protection for their families and recalcitrant judicial appointments? How many more mothers will have to watch their children fight another war, initiated by poor judgment? How many rational Americans can continue to support those that condone the legalization of military assault weapons on our streets and the basic tenets of George W. Bush for four more years?

Moose caught in headlights

2008-09-12T05:00:00.008-04:00

Confident to be prez? hmmmmm

Alaska Governor and Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee, Sarah Palin's, “maiden interview” last night with ABC reporter, Charles Gibson, left her looking uneasy with her new role.

I attribute this impression to being out solo and unscripted; discussing issues new and above her, proverbial, pay-grade. Perhaps with additional coaching from the Bush/McCain Lobbyist Team (BMLT), she will become more comfortable with promoting "McSame" of the Bush Doctrine and the gravity thereof. After all, this was only a dry-run for the nominee, albeit, she is competing in the major league, now.

Seven years ago....

2008-09-11T00:39:00.004-04:00

I am certain that everyone with a pulse and of sound mind can remember where they were September 11, 2001. I was sitting in a continuing education class of two hundred people. When all of a sudden, a woman screamed and ran out of the room. Shortly afterwards, a man came into the room and walked up to the instructor and whispered something into his ear.

“I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen, due to circumstances beyond our control, we will end today’s class and I encourage you to leave the facility immediately and drive safely home”.

It was not until my friends and I got into the car and turned on the radio did we learn what had happened. “Two commercial airlines had struck the World Trade Center” The very first thing that came to my mind was al-Qaeda. I thought no one else was “meshuga” or bold enough to pull that off, but al-Qaeda! I live in D.C. and the class was in Baltimore and I thought of my family. Fortunately, I did not have any family or close friends in any of the three locations struck. I also remember, strangely, not having any fear, but feeling concerned about the future.

Perhaps, like you, I remained glued to CNN. I did not support George Bush, but it appeared that the administration was doing all that it could do to assess the situation and provide some national protection. I can also remember wondering if U.S. foreign policy had gotten so bad that it instigated fringe, anti-U.S. groups to action? With all of America’s wealth and technology, it could not surmise and prevent this disaster from happening? Or did someone just drop the ball as was done at Pearl Harbor?

The amount of support and wishes of goodwill this country received after these attacks were unprecedented. America had the world in its hands! However, the Bush Administration squandered this opportunity in favor of narrow interests and, perhaps, self-interest. As a result, we are now paying dearly. Economic conditions are cyclical. The wars in the middle-east and the mortgage crises have exacerbated this down cycle for America. Much of the ups and downs in the economy are market driven. However, policies could have been put in place to counter the repercussions of market errors, but this administration chose to abrogate oversight responsibilities in the spirit of “less government”. The money that is lost in these wars could have been used to shore up our fragile infrastructure and our recession only compounds our economic condition.

After our experience of the last seven years, I now place judgment over all other criteria in selecting the next president. I support Barack Obama because he is not married to the narrow, self-interest thinking of the current administration. War, inherently, should be an option of last resort. After diplomacy has been exhausted and military action is necessary, we should proceed with clear objectives. Our president, after receiving the best counsel possible should then take military action.

Senator Obama will bring a team together based on sound judgment that will lead us through this mine field left by the greed and disinterest of the past.

I am a community organizer!

2008-09-07T13:08:00.012-04:00

First: Giving honor to the community organizer of all community organizers.......Jesus!

***********

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities.
- Sarah Palin, 2008

I was appalled to hear that statement by the Republican Vice Presidential Nominee last week. The first thing that came to my mind was to wonder how the very people in Wasilla, Alaska, who helped her in her rise to political office, must feel.

Community organizers have been the building blocks for everything we enjoy in this society since its inception. Every social/political movement has its base in community organizing: When colonists of old decided that taxation without representation was not a just way to govern. When black slaves, Nat Turner and Joseph Cinquez, said enough is enough! When women, deprived of the right to vote, stood their ground and deprived their husbands the pleasure of marriage. When Dr. Martin Luther King and Minister Malcolm X juxtaposed civil disobedience and the threat of the ballot or the bullet. When Mrs. Jones deemed that her intersection was a safety hazard and organized her neighbors to petition the city for a stop sign. When neighbors organize with other neighbors to save schools, hospitals, jobs and homes from foreclosure.

Yes, the community organizers, who work diligently and often voluntarily or for very little money at all, make a difference in our communities. Madam Governor, to denigrate their worth is to sabotage your chances for success. As a one-time community organizer, I understand how an organizer connects with the neighbor, the beautician, the grocer, the postman, the local politician. I am sure you understand this principle, but you chose to abrogate this knowledge in order to bring down your opponent. We realize that principles and respect are not natural characteristics of a Republican political campaign, but your indiscretion will come back to bite you because we are people, too.

Madam Governor, the next time you need to reach out to the community for support, just remember that the community organizer is the one who can make that happen for you, if they so choose.

Dear John......

2008-09-06T20:56:00.005-04:00

I just want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on winning the Republican Presidential Nomination. I want to reassure you that Dick and me don’t have any hard feelings toward you for not wanting us at your big party in St. Paul last week. Little people don’t think much of me right about now and my poll numbers are down. So, I understand how you feel.

I know you and me haven’t seen eye-to-eye over the years, but Dick and me think you’re still a good old boy and we want you to continue the Republican tradition. As you know, we are putting all of our resources at your disposal. I still can’t believe I served two terms. All I can say is that our people are really good. So, don’t you worry about a thing. The 169 lobbyists we have on your team know what to do. Hell, look at the ideal selection our guys made with Sarah Palin. During Viet Nam, I was enjoying running women and having a goodtime and daddy told me to get involved with the armed forces because it would look good. The swift boat guys were hesitant to work with my campaign, but daddy talked to T. Boone and the rest is history. And if you think the swift boat fellas were affective for me, wait until you see what our people are going to come up with for you!

I couldn’t say this around the guys, but if you do the right thing while you’re at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, you will be taken care of, in spite of Cindy’s money. And for the first time, you’ll be your own man. Dick’s people made a killing in Iraq. Right now, the vice president is not worried about a thing, except his ticker.

I truly believe America is the greatest country in the world and the only way we can remain number one is to insure the dominance of the top tier. We finance technology and foster innovation. We state the course for success and the little people carry out our plan.

Dick and me want to thank you for all of your support and we wish you and Sarah much success. Always remember that we take care of our own.

God bless America!

Sincerely,
George W. Bush

p.s. You, Sarah, Dick and me must get together and go moose hunting after the campaign. Don't worry, I'll make sure Dick's gun has blanks.

Swan Song

2008-09-05T09:06:00.008-04:00

The Republican Presidential Nominee, John McCain, a historically boring speaker, went deeper than I have ever seen him go to present himself as the man he wants us to choose as the next President of the United States.

Inspirationally, the senator never had the ability to move me and perhaps never will. But, I did come away with a better understanding of his POW experience in Viet Nam. He stated, again, that he was self-centered and did not really have a sense of patriotism until he was at his lowest and then received assistance from fellow POWs. Hmmm, how dare other folks confess such sentiments?

Obviously, Viet Nam is the senator’s strongest life experience. But, o.k. how many more times are we going to have to endure this experience with him? The sign of true humility is to hush about life-altering episodes and allow others to sing your praises. If you are blessed to live long enough, you too, will experience tough times.

Senator McCain did bash the abuses of the Bush Administration, but did not offer substantive solutions. Drill, drill, drill should not be the mantra for energy independence. Bomb Iran, bomb Iran should not be a McCain Administration theme song because these slogans suggest the continuation of the Bush legacy. After twenty five years of being entrenched in the political system in Washington, surrounding yourself with lobbyist/handlers and bear-hugging George W. Bush is not the best way to extricate yourself as the change agent you want to be. Is that why the "Maverick" leans on Governor Palin so much?

Yesterday evening, in St. Paul, was Senator John Sidney McCain’s attempt at giving a most passionate swan song.

Let's get ready to rumbllllllllle!

2008-09-04T01:39:00.005-04:00

Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska, stuck it to my guy last night in St. Paul. She was well prepared, mixing her “lipsticked-pit bull” aggression and her “ah shucks” small town charm to lambaste Senator Obama. She is positioning herself to be a formidable opponent. It’s too bad that her running mate, Senator McCain, can’t match her oratory skills or charisma. o.k., can't expect too much, we’re talking about John McCain here.

Now that the governor is moving up to the big league from the “pick-up game” behind the schoolhouse in Wasilla, she needs to prepare for the whipping she and the senator are going to get down the road. The McCain campaign needed a trump card, stat! They simply wanted to go after Senator Clinton’s army of women and the governor does not even support women’s reproductive rights, not to mention the governor's support for McCain's taxing of employers who provide health benefits to their employees…hence, families!

When it comes down to economic issues where McCain is only offering the top 1% a tax break and international issues where he is reluctant to talk with countries that don’t agree with U.S. policies, the Republican nominees will have their lunch eaten…. unless Governor Palin brings a brown-bagged Bullwinkle moose burger.

In a family way

2008-09-02T08:09:00.009-04:00

The Sarah Palin drama has brought American family life out of today’s reality shows on to the political scene.

I am reminded of the Godfather philosophy that dictates while competing gang factions are warring, spouses and children are off limits. I commend Senators Obama and McCain wanting to take the focus off of the young Palin family member and turn their attention to the needs of the Gulf States. Senator Obama, the offspring of a teenaged mom, was the most strident in his comments in support of the Palin family regarding this sensitive issue. The senator has set the example for the rest of us on how to wage a successful campaign without the god-awful tactics and slurs of the Republican mean-machine. There is honor among gangsters and some politicians.

However, what I am more concern with and think is fair game is Governor Palin's questionable affiliation with the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) which at some point promoted Alaska's secession from the United States.

BTW, didn't those southern states try the samething 147 years ago? hmmmm

I'll get it right, this time!

2008-08-31T17:10:00.005-04:00

Perhaps like you, I have been monitoring Gustav and, especially, the government entities involved with the preparation to meet the level-4 hurricane due to hit the Gulf States tomorrow. It disgust me to think of the lost of life and property because the administration had no clue as to what to do during Katrina.

I have not been in the practice of complimenting the current administration for anything. However, I will congratulate the Bush Administration in its preparation for Hurricane Gustav. It appears to be trying to do the right thing. When I first saw the initial images of the Katrina disaster in New Orleans, I thought I was looking at another hellish catastrophe in Haiti. I was shocked to no end to learn that these photos were taken on the continental United States.

As a president in the winter of his term, President Bush will not be able to improve much on his overall approval rating, but he will be credited for saving lives tomorrow. I think the political process needs to continue, given the fact that the convention will be in the Twin Cities and away from the gulf. Nevertheless, key party decision makers need to be at their post to be able to deal with Gustav issues, immediately. Perhaps, this is a blessing in disguise for Senator McCain. The last thing he needs is another love feast, bear-hugging photo opportunity with his hero, President Bush, on a high profile, internationally-seen event like the Republican National Convention.

An arranged marriage

2008-08-30T12:31:00.005-04:00

The McCain Campaign is truly a throw-back to the last century by conjuring up an arranged marriage of sorts with Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. But, hey, you know the old adage, “politics make strange bedfellows”. I got to hand it to the old battle ax; all of his “picks” have been easy on the eyes.

I’ll be the first to admit that this presidential race will be won by a small margin and that the American female electorate has been extremely active in this political cycle. Therefore, is it wise to select a running mate whose positions have nothing in common with this vigorous electorate other than having a vagina?

Governor Palin is against women’s reproductive rights. This one point, alone, runs smack against the core of many of Senator Clinton’s supporters' principles. And to bring on a person that has any hint of controversy (a la rogue brother-in-law)? I’ve heard Senator McCain is a risk taker, but this choice sounds like an act of desperation.

Senator McCain, Senator Clinton stands for the full spectrum of women’s rights. The whole world knows Hilliary Rodham Clinton and Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton!

The Democratic Nominee

2008-08-29T00:46:00.005-04:00

As an Obama supporter, I heard from my presidential nominee in his acceptance speech tonight no less than what I had expected. I am grateful to be alive, to have witness this historic moment…..Obama/Biden’08!

A fellow blogger, Tees, over at Fox raised interesting questions with me, questions that I have pondered in the past. She asked, “Would an Obama presidency make a difference for black folks in America? If not, what makes him any different from white presidents from the past?”

Well, I thought about Nelson “Madiba” Mandela’s presidency. After years of civil strife and armed struggle in South Africa, much was expected from him. Shortly after his inauguration, there was uneasiness among white South Africans because a black man was in charge who suffered so much under their rule, whose people were denied equal rights for generations. OMG! What will become of us? What will happen to our land, businesses and our entitlements?

Black South Africans began to believe that all of the inequities of life in the most prosperous country in southern Africa would change immediately. After years of institutional greed and the “good ol’ boy” way of doing things in America, change won’t happen that fast. However, prudent policies and inspiration for change can be set in place to bring about change. Change is a process. Change requires a new mental paradigm to facilitate it. Therefore, I submit that an Obama administration will not, immediately, make a difference for black folk, as well as all America. However, I do believe that an Obama administration will start the process for change we seek. It will be incumbent on all of us to do our part to make these changes possible.

Tees, the difference, I hope, a President Obama will differ from white presidents in the past will be to throw out the presidential playbook of the past and govern this country openly and democratically that demands our respect and trust.

Hillary

2008-08-27T00:15:00.001-04:00

As I mature, I find myself making a larger effort in seeing multiple sides of pressing issues of the day. And so goes my thinking on ardent Hillary Clinton supporters, tonight.

Her passionate supporters are no different than the Obama supporters. Let’s be honest: the country for the first time in history had the opportunity to see either a woman or a black man become an American presidential nominee. These two people represent groups whom have been beat down and kept down under an oppressive white patriarchal society have finally been lifted to, possibly, lead the free world!

There was much sacrifice and emotions spent in seeing the first African American or women in the highest political office in the land and I respect the lost that Hillary’s supporters are feeling, right now. I thought Hillary delivered the best speech I have ever heard her give, to begin the healing, to bring these passionate groups together and support Barack Obama as our presidential nominee.

Hillary’s speech, like Michelle’s last night, did what it was suppose to do. The senator from New York implored her followers to understand that it is not about her or Barack. It is about making good health care a right and not a privilege. It’s about not borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Saudis. It’s about improving life for the least of us. It’s about ending the war in the middle-east responsibly. It’s about putting a Democrat back in office and that Democrat is Barack Obama!

Tonight, I’m not interested in what took place in private backroom meetings. I’m only concern with seeing this party break camp this weekend, united and stronger in order to defeat the on slough of Republican divisive campaigns that I know are coming. And tonight, Hillary did her part to insure our defense.

The First Lady

2008-08-26T00:17:00.004-04:00

Tonight, Michelle exceeded everything required to settle the uneasiness anyone could possibly still abhor against her and Barack.

I never understood the acceptance by some of the myth that Barack and Michelle Obama are elitist. If money is the measuring stick for elitism, well, what they have earned through hard honest work has come just recently. If elitism is a measure of how much you want to improve your station in life and to want to uplift the people around you, then who can cast the first stone?

The success that the Obamas share is far different than the McCains. One family, pulled themselves up by the bootstraps in the shadows of a working-class existence, to go on and excel academically and to come back to pull others out of abject poverty and despair. And the other family, inheriting untold wealth and living a life that very few of us can neither relate to nor imagine. It must be blissful to have so many homes that you can not remember how many you have, especially when you are just trying to make the mortgage each month.

Yes, the Republican “mean machine” can fool some of the people some of the time, but, tonight, Michelle set the record straight.

The trifecta of Entertainment

2008-08-13T18:45:00.003-04:00

I’m Selfish!

I want to keep all of the jewels that our community produces. Call me crazy, but I want them all to continue!

The trifecta of tragedy in entertainment: Morgan Freeman, Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac impacted my life with their genius in the art of portrayal of life on the big screen. Fortunately, Morgan Freeman is still with us. These men’s body of work had the power to evoke a special emotional response in my soul. The following three posts are a tribute to their lives.

Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Joe “Batman” Clark, Principal of Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey in “Lean on Me” had me on my feet cheering when his students marched on city hall to demand his release from jail for having defended the children’s ability to get a quality education, free of drug dealers and thugs. Along with Denzel Washington, he went on to portray a Union inductee in the U.S. Civil War. As an elder slave, Freeman’s character encompassed dignity even under the indignities of neither having shoes to fight in or compensation equal to white inductees. His prayer and the encouragement he gave to others during a revival scene the night before their last battle was moving.

Thank you, Morgan! I wish you continued good health.

Isaac Hayes

2008-08-13T18:34:00.003-04:00

Isaac “Black Moses” Haye’s “Ike’s Rap” got me through my first serious love affair as a young man…..we played it over and over and just couldn’t get enough of Moses’ take on the sensitivity between a man and a woman. The 1971 release of Shaft was a bad motha-shut-your-mouth! Richard Roundtree’s character, John Shaft, super black macho role was accentuated by Isaac Haye’s musical score. Folks would go crazy at the sound of the first chord of the electric guitar’s wow-wow! ♫ Who is the man that will risk his neck for his brother man? Shaft, can you dig it? ♫ The Shaft score boosted the pride of many of us because we just didn’t see black super heroes on the silver screen that often in those days.

I had the pleasure to attend an Isaac Haye’s concert at Constitution Hall in D.C. It was wild! Every guy looked like John Shaft and every girl looked like his woman. The lights went out and all we could hear was the wow-wow, there was complete pandemonium – SHAFT! It was a night I’ll never forget. Ummm….I’m ready to dust-off my old LPs, right now.

Thank you, Moses! Rest in peace.

Bernie Mac

2008-08-13T18:30:00.003-04:00

Contrary to popular opinion, I never thought Bernie Mac was a great actor….he was funny, but not a great actor. Bernie was great at playing Bernie Mac, the best. As the kids say, ‘he kept it real’. Bernie’s characters always stated what they had on their mind, just as Bernie did.

Bernie’s standup performances reached a crescendo in the “Kings of Comedy” series along with Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. My favorite Bernie Mac movies are the Ocean series with George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt and the guys. And I was looking forward to an Ocean 14.

Bernie, unfortunately, stepped on some toes at an Obama function in Chicago last month. Our presumptive presidential nominee had to, quickly; get on stage to repair the sensibilities of some of the highbrow attendees. It reminded me of the Chris Rock movie, Head of State, where Bernie played the brother of Chris’ character who was running for president, too….it was hilarious!

My father lived with sarcoidoses, too. I understand life living with this mysterious respiratory disease. Thank you, Bernie for sharing your brief time with us. You made us laugh, you made us cry…..you will be missed!

It's your day!

2008-08-02T23:03:00.002-04:00

As one who has had a love-hate relationship over the years with my hometown football team, the Washington Redskins, I was made proud today by the team and fans as I watched Art Monk and Darryl Green being inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

I can’t think of many things that bring diverse groups of people together, voluntarily, than sports. There were so many D.C. fans with maroon and gold on in Canton that one would have thought it was Washington’s opening game day. And it was all owed to the respect and love that they had for this year’s inductees.

What more can be said about Art and Darryl than to have supporters come up to be with them on their special day in the way that their fans did. You gave of yourselves unselfishly which is a rarity, today.

Thank you, gentlemen, for all of the exciting times that you’ve given us.

Well done senator, welcome home!

2008-07-27T23:05:00.007-04:00

I have blogged about America’s need for a make-over, both nationally and internationally, in the past. It was made oh so evident this past week with Senator Barack Obama’s reception overseas. When I saw the senator nail that three-point shot, I saw that as a metaphor for the whole trip.

Critics claimed the senator’s tour as presumptuous. I am hard pressed to understand the criticism because he simply did the same thing as his Republican rival, yet with more panache. Let’s face it; a presidential campaign is a beauty contest: the contestants are judged on their ability to answer, wisely, pressing questions of the day. They must be agile while showing strength when needed; socially adept in wooing contentious personalities to their side. They must be elegant and comport themselves presidential.

Unfortunately, not everyone was blessed with people skills, intelligence and charisma as Senator Obama. This man is the one the world needs in order to begin setting this country back on track and to regain, at least, some of the respect it has lost.

Senator McCain could never have pulled-off what Senator Obama just did. To be candid, no matter how well the junior senator from Illinois did, it may never be good enough to some who would rather see the future traumatized further by the same old narrow thinking that puts us at peril, than to give the gift that was given to us a chance.

Happy birthday, Madiba....and thank you!

2008-07-19T17:23:00.010-04:00

One of the most memorable experiences I have had was watching the 1993 Nobel Prize winner, President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s, historic walk to freedom from Pollsmoor Prison on February 11, 1990 in South Africa.

Like most of the world, I did not know much about the liberation struggles in Africa until the early 1970’s. Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmed Sekou Toure, Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela were the giant liberation leaders on the continent at that time. I had the honor of being a member of a welcoming party to America for the president of Guinea, Ahmed Sekou Toure.

Today, President Mandela is the only survivor of that illustrious and brave group of liberation leaders. On his ninetieth birthday, he still holds true to the values and aspirations he had in prison for South Africa. As a result, during his presidency, shortly after being released from prison, South Africa transitioned relatively smoothly from a social system of aparthied to one of full democracy in less than four years.

After the many atrocities that were committed against black South Africans, along with the inspiration of South African Anglican Bishop, Desmond Tutu, President Mandela commissioned a Truth and Reconciliation forum. This venue allowed the members of the former apartheid regime who were accused of atrocities against black South Africans to come face-to-face with their accusers in hopes of healing all of South Africa. This forum proved to be tremendously successful and has been duplicated in other war-torn areas of the world, as well.

Because of President Mandela’s world-renowned leadership qualities, he has been lifted to the status of one of the greatest leaders, ever. Happy birthday, Madiba! And thank you for your many years of unwavering love and service to South Africa and freedom loving people all over the world.

Jesse Helms

2008-07-12T10:52:00.009-04:00

As a progressive minded person and one who had military experience, I write this recognition in respect of a worthy adversary who stood for everything I fought to change in America.

Senator Jesse Alexander Helms, Jr. was an ardent conservative politician. He struggled ruthlessly against social change. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of George Wallace in supporting the precept of racial segregation yesterday, segregation today and segregation tomorrow. The senator from North Carolina did a remarkable job, along with his compatriots, in their attempt to thwart social change in this country that would bring equality to all Americans.

Senator Helms saw this country through 18th century spectacles where white women knew their subservient place in society and people of color were no more than chattel to the white-male ruling class. It is people like the senator that makes me very proud of the hard-fought social war that black folks waged for the freedoms that we, now, enjoy.

Fortunately, today, warriors like Helms are only a handful, but their legacy continues. The possibility of conservative revitalization of the likes of a hundred years ago is highly unlikely. However, it is imperative that progressive thinkers continue to struggle for the inclusion of all in this great social experiment called democracy. We must keep America strong through its diverse skills-set, diverse perspectives and talents.

The best recognition of the life of Senator Jesse Helms is to appreciate the unity that the recalcitrant Helms and men of his ilk forced us to create in order to defeat the narrow philosophical view of this country and the world that they forged as policy.

Justice or Just Us?

2008-07-02T23:36:00.010-04:00

Recently, Ronnie White, a nineteen year old man allegedly struck and killed a Prince George’s County, Maryland Police Officer, Cpl. Richard S. Findley in a stolen truck. Not much more than a day later, White was found dead in his cell from strangulation. The preliminary investigation suggested that White’s death was not a suicide.

This writer was neither a witness to the crime nor condones the dreadful loss of Cpl. Findley’s life. However, I believe county officials are implicated in the taking of the law in the hands of those sworn to uphold the law in White’s death.

When I first heard of the arrest of Ronnie White, being held in custody in a Prince George’s County jail, I knew he would not survive to see his arraignment because he was deemed a “cop killer”. If murdering the accused before a trial is going to prevail, there will be no difference between our so-called modern, civilized justice system and the vigilantism of old. With the advent of recent atrocities all over the world, can one at least hope that the American legal system on these shores still works fairly?

As the economy worsens, there is a good chance that our legal system will be strained by the funneling of more people through it. Therefore, we need to continue to speak out where injustice sticks its ugly head and assure all people that they can get fair and impartial treatment in our system by holding those entrusted with insuring the law, accountable.

My heart-felt sympathy goes out to the families involved.

A sad day in southern Africa

2008-06-23T11:10:00.006-04:00

On 24APR08, I called for Mr. Mugabe to step down as president of the southern African country that was once considered the bread basket of Africa, Zimbabwe.

Mr. Mugabe’s 1980 historic revolutionary overthrow of the former Rhodesian government has been marred by his ruthless hold on power of the now impoverished Zimbabwe. Today, President Mugabe succeeded in thwarting the democratic election candidacy of Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai (in photo) as president. According to Tsvangirai, he is pulling the plug on his campaign due to the violence caused by the highly contentious contest.

This is a sad day in southern Africa because this region has the greatest potential to fuel progress for the whole continent. We have seen the overflow of Zimbabwean refugees into South Africa. The strain of this influx on the South African government revealed ugly images last seen during its own liberation struggle.

The heroes of the new South Africa are too old to see southern Africa through these latest challenges of the region. I believe President Mugabe is not a well man. And in his medical/psychological dilemma, a whole region of Africa can be destroyed. Therefore, I am calling on respected organizations such as TransAfrica to lobby the United Nations and non-governmental organizations to assist in the resolution of the problems in southern Africa.

As in the middle-east, regional problems can become international problems if left unattended.

Juneteenth Day

2008-06-19T08:12:00.006-04:00

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger stood on the balcony of Ashton Villa in Galveston, Texas, and read a special order from President Abraham Lincoln:

The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer. The freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts, and they will not be supported in idleness, either there or elsewhere.

Instantly, June 19, or Juneteenth for short, became a day of celebration and family reunions in Texas.

President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. It seems hard to believe that it took two-and-a-half years for the news to reach Texas. An old folktale explains that President Lincoln sent the news from Washington by a Union soldier who rode all the way on a slow-moving mule. According to some historians, many slave owners in Texas were aware of the Emancipation Proclamation but refused to tell their slaves about it.

Juneteenth was celebrated in Texas until the late 1960s and early 1970s. The civil rights movement seemed to overshadow the holiday. But in the late 1970s, Juneteenth became a popular holiday again, and the tradition began to spread beyond the borders of Texas.

Source: cinnamonhearts.com

L.A. Lakers: MIA - Missing In Action

2008-06-18T01:06:00.006-04:00

I don’t know about you, but I really got bored in the second half. The Boston Celtics just ran roughshod over that “pick-up” team that showed-up at The Garden, last night. I just sat their wondering when the Lakers were going to show.

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett did exactly what they were signed-up to do: showed their stuff! If point guard, Rajon Rondo, stole in the street like he stole the ball from those other guys in last night’s game, he’d be serving time now. That young brother has a great future. As a matter of fact, the whole Celtics squad was outstanding!

I’d like to give Doc Rivers his props on his first win as a NBA head coach. I know Coach Auerbach is beaming with pride. At the end, did you see the legendary Bill Russell embrace Kevin Garnett? It reminded me when Charlie Sifford embraced Tiger Woods after Tiger won the Masters….the passing of the torch!

Since the Lakers had the audacity to not show-up last night, the real show was the GMC truck commercials with that wild brother, Keegan-Michael Key. Thanks, Keegan. You saved the evening.

To my hero on Father's Day

2008-06-14T11:30:00.014-04:00

While listening to the moving tributes to Tim Russert, I was struck by the admiration he had for his father, “Big Russ”. I remembered thinking, ‘Tim felt about his father the same way I feel about my father, Pastor Ray!' Aunt Lil's baby brother. My father claimed his reward ten years ago and there is not one day that goes by that I don’t think of him.

My parents were of the 1950’s. My father would catch ‘em and my dear mother would fry ‘em and somehow they always made ends meet. Today, I marvel at how one man could afford to maintain a family of six mouths to feed plus the many dogs, rabbits, ducks and turtles we had over the years in River Terrace, Washington, D.C. Oh, how could I forget, Pastor Ray’s father, Poopie, had fourteen kids who loved and adored him, too!

My father had no visual sight in the last fifteen years of his life, yet he was able to see so clearly. I cherished his wisdom and consulted with him on major issues and even on those not so major. Sometimes, I find myself picking up the phone to call him only to remember that we now communicate, spiritually. My only regret is that he can not be with me to share the excitement of Senator Obama’s candidacy the way we did when D.C. won Super Bowl XXII. Right after the game, we rode up and down Pennsylvania Avenue , honking the horn, yelling and screaming like two maniacs!

My father was the greatest man I’ve ever known and if you had known him I’m sure you would’ve agreed. If you do not have a father in your life, find one…adopt a father so that you can experience what Tim and I had in our lives, too.

Love ya, Dad!

Bush Presidential Library

2008-06-11T18:50:00.005-04:00

The New York Times, 29FEB08, reported that the manufactured candidate, George W. Bush, will probably accept foreign donations to build his presidential library in Dallas and would consider keeping the donors’ names confidential if they did not want to be identified. Given his “accomplishments” in office, I can surely understand why Bush contributors are not from the U.S. and may want to remain anonymous.

A good friend just sent me this satire of the proposed Bush Library that is floating out there in cyberspace. I think it is hilarious and I want to share it with you, too….thanks, Brian.

W Presidential Library

The George W Bush Presidential Library is now in the planning
stages. The Library will include:

The Hurricane Katrina Room, which is still under construction.

The Alberto Gonzales Room, where you won't be able to remember
anything.

The Texas Air National Guard Room, where you don't even have to show up.

The Walter Reed Hospital Room, where they don't let you in.

The Guantanamo Bay Room, where they don't let you out.

The Weapons of Mass Destruction Room, which no one has been able to
find.

The National Debt room which is huge and has no ceiling.

The "Tax Cut" Room with entry only to the wealthy.

The "Economy Room" which is in the toilet.

The Iraq War Room. After you complete your first tour, they make you
go back for a second, third, fourth, and sometimes fifth tour.

The Dick Cheney Room, in the famous undisclosed location, complete
with shotgun gallery.

The Environmental Conservation Room, still empty.

The Supremes Gift Shop, where you can buy an election.

The Airport Men's Room, where you can meet some of your favorite
Republican Senators.

The "Decider Room" complete with dart board, magic 8-ball, Ouija
board, dice, coins, and straws.

The museum will have an electron microscope to help you locate the
President's accomplishments.

Admission: Republicans free; Democrats $1000 or 3 Euros

We've come this far by faith!

2008-06-04T01:13:00.008-04:00

To my presidential candidate of choice, Senator Barack Obama,

You remained faithful to the principals of your campaign and you won a good fight. I salute you, sir, on a job well done!

I need not remind you that the real fight has only begun. There will be many forces that will attempt to obstruct your path to the White House. But, there are many more who want to see you be successful and will help you because you have inspired us in a way that no other politician has done in quite some time. We, now, believe that a better way is possible.

It is well known that all great things that have been accomplished in the pass began with a single thought, an inspiration. That thought for this generation is “change”. That inspiration for this generation is your candidacy. We stand here, sir, in support of this movement to prove that this country can truly be a place for the whole world to respect, not by fear, but by the good that we do for the least of us!

Sincerely,

microbrother

Politician gone wild!

2008-06-03T08:49:00.006-04:00

Personally, I’m tired of my candidate of choice, Barack Obama, having to apologize for stuff other people say or do. I guess Barack is going to apologize to the country on my behalf for telling another commuter what I thought of his driving skills, yesterday. Obviously, he has no control over that. But, that Tourette's syndrome vice president, Dick Cheney, runs around and says anything that comes to his mind.

It’s hilarious when you think of how politicians who are running for office have to walk delicately to not incense the electorate and you compare them with politicians that just don’t give damn. hmmmm….who could that be?

Unfortunately, there is some talk that Cheney maybe, distantly, related to Barack. The VP noted that he had Cheneys on both sides of his family.

"And we don't even live in West Virginia," Cheney quipped.

"You can say those things when you're not running for re-election."
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, quickly asked Cheney to apologize.
"I truly cannot believe that any vice president of the United States, regardless of their political affiliation, would make such a derogatory statement about my state or any state for that matter," he said.
On Capitol Hill, Cheney's comment was denounced by both Democrats and Republicans.
"This is exactly the type of stereotyping that we don't need from our elected officials," said Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. "It's disrespectful, and it's certainly not funny. ... As a proud state, I can say we are disappointed."
Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., blasted Cheney, saying that for a vice president to openly display "such contempt and astounding ignorance toward his own countrymen" was an insult to all Americans.
"Now that he or the administration he represents no longer needs their vote, Mr. Cheney apparently feels that he is now free to mock and belittle the people of West Virginia," Byrd said.

Well, we are shocked! Cheney can direct the manufactured candidate from the VP office. He can appropriate billions to Halliburton. He can use foul language in the well of the U.S. House of Representatives. He can shoot friends in the face. But, Barack felt the need to apologize to a young woman for using a term of endearment, “sweetie” ??????

The 2008 DNC Rules & Bylaws

2008-06-02T08:27:00.013-04:00

Fannie Lou Hamer, the 1964 DNC heroine.

I don’t care how old folks get or how many degrees we earn or how many kids we raise, some of us still act like children on the playground! If the game ain’t being played the way you think it should be played, pull the rules book out of your hip pocket and show everybody where you are correct. But, if you know you can’t, shut-up, get out of the way and let the game continue!

I’m probably not saying anything new here, but it’s good to reiterate an important principal: before you play the game, understand the rules, especially, if you had a hand in developing the rules. If all the players/candidates understand the rules that govern this process, why did we go through the exercise?

The 2008 Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting took place, almost, in my backyard. I was going to walk over there to the hotel and check it out, but after the rain and all of the Hillary/Florida supporters clogging the sidewalks, I decided to just watch it on CSPAN.

The 2008 Democratic primaries are unlike the pre-1964 Democratic primaries that intimidated black folks and other minorities with the imposition of illegal taxes and tests. No, b.s. like that didn’t take place because every Democratic candidate and delegate from every strata of this party had a say in developing these rules. I’ll be damned if the likes of Everett Ward and Donna Brazile will allow fairness to be abrogated in this process during these primaries because they remember their mommas and Fannie Lou Hamer.

Harold Ickes, you can take Hillary’s cause to the DNC Convention and wage your floor fight if you like, but just remember that you’ll be doing it at the expense of destroying what most of us want and I’ll remind you, again: to go to the convention in unity and defeat the Republican Party in the fall! And while you’re thinking on that, remind your peeps that if unity is not their objective, they stand to have Roe v. Wade challenged, pro-choice obliterated and an imbalance on the Supreme Court for at least two generations to come!

Scott McClellan: Did he just save the world or lose his way?

2008-05-29T00:46:00.009-04:00

Finally, there is someone in the Mad House that has exposed the truth about the lies and deceptions of The Manufactured Candidate’s (TMC) administration. We can expect the fall-out from McClellan’s memoir, “What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception”, in the upcoming weeks, especially, in the McSame campaign.

Thank you, Mr. McClellan. You might be the one person, single-handedly, responsible for preventing the TMC’s third-term. The world will be forever in your debt!

Watch your back!

Can you see them?

2008-05-27T23:51:00.009-04:00

I refer to my piece from 23MAY, “Mrs. Clinton, Mrs, Clinton…” where I stress the point of irresponsible and often flipped remarks about doing harm to political candidates, or to anyone for that matter, can be a license to the maladjusted members of this society to act.

By Mrs. Clinton (Mrs. Clinton because I’m still pissed) throwing the RFK “A” word inference out there, the vile “dumbditz” are making light of this very serious issue. Case in point: Just yesterday, in responding to a question about her take on Clinton’s RFK inference on FOX, Liz Trotta, the former New York bureau chief of The Washington Times and a dumbdit for FOX News Channel, flubbed the usage of “Osama” and “Obama”. And in her effort to be clever about Clinton’s use of the “A” word inference, Trotta mumbled something to the effect, “or both if they could”. Decide for yourself

Folks, it’s all about money and ratings! If you have a better explanation for this wanton disregard for one of our greatest gifts to the world, I’m open to hear it.

The Making of the Manufactured Candidate

2008-05-25T23:24:00.012-04:00

I just finished watching the premiere of “Recount,” HBO’s depiction of the State of Florida’s highly contested 2000 presidential general election.

You, perhaps like me, did not have the privy of being on the inside to witness what actually happened in Florida. But, I feel HBO’s attempt of an actual portrayal, from all accounts, appeared to be on target.

I know hindsight is always 20/20, but I couldn’t help but wonder how James Baker’s GOP Florida recount defense team feels right about, now? After all that they had gone through to insure the seating of that asshole as the 43rd president of these disunited states, are they pleased with themselves?

That whole experience raised questions about the electoral process that we had hoped would have been resolved by now. And, yet, we may still face the same issues in the same state, again! Thank God, that dingbat Katherine Harris isn’t around any longer.

Folks, I ask, are you any better today, than say, eight years ago?

Mrs. Clinton, Mrs. Clinton, what the hell were you thinking???????

2008-05-23T22:46:00.012-04:00

To suggest that Senator Obama could be shot, is that how bad you want the presidency? Old stupid me, I expected this type of talk to come from the David Dukes of the world. We have forgiven you so many times in the past, but with this, you have crossed that unforgivable line. What respect I held for you has been dwindling day by day…..I am now depleted.

Mrs. Clinton I’m referring to you as Mrs. Clinton because I am pissed! You've just set the atmosphere for all the crazies in this country to do what they do best, be crazy! “Come on out fellas, make headlines for your stupid ass selves. And when you’re done, I’ll invite you to the White House to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom when I become your president!” Today, you became the best example of what Senator Obama wants to change in the country.

Folks, in my last blog, I just suggested a Presidential Aptitude Test which was inspired by the show, Survivor. I described the agility, cunning, deceitful and hateful things that those contestants did to one another in order to win. Was I right on the money?

Senator from New York, you’ve just ignited the fears, again, of many black folks who would love to see Senator Obama become the first black president of these disunited states. And in all fairness, I am going to include the media and the Lee Atwaters/Karl Roves of the world in my disdain for what has happen, too. Mrs. Clinton couldn't stoke these fears all by herself. Contrary to popular belief, there are blacks that did not vote for Barack, not because you were a better candidate…nah. They did not vote for him because he is the best that we have to offer America and they do not want to see him destroyed. And what you did today, intentionally or unintentionally, Mrs. Clinton, what you did brought out our worst fears.

I don’t think anyone will settle for your choice of phrasing as a fuax pas, a mental slip. No, you’re too intelligent for that. Remember, you’re the candidate that will be ready on day-one to address whatever challenge America will face. God forbid, if something awful, as you implied did happen to Senator Obama, this country will never be the same.

Would your conscious be ready for that on day-one, Mrs. Clinton?

How smart is your candidate?

2008-05-23T08:52:00.018-04:00

A friend sent this cartoon to me which became the muse for this blog….thx, Barb!

The caption under the cartoon is, obviously, too small to see. It says, “I keep thinking we should include something in the Constitution in case the people elect a [freaking] moron".

Being in the trades, I’m required to take test and become licensed and insured before I can get my grubby hands on anything. It’s all about liability. If I screw-up (and I would have to screw up, royally) my liability is not insurmountable.

But, if I were president and I screwed up, losing hundreds of thousand lives and destroying futures, what insurance will cover my blunder? What test did I take to assure the American electorate that I have the quantifiable wherewithal to handle the job? What we do is put our multi-millionaire presidential candidates through an endurance gauntlet of stump speeches, town hall roll-up-your-shirt-sleeves meetings, substantively empty debates, Sunday morning “sound-bite” opportunity shows, bad regional food, bowling-for-votes and chugging shots at local watering holes.

The other night, I was channel surfing and I ran across these scantily clad women, so I stopped. It was the internationally-watched, Survivor. That’s right…I watched it. I thought that this show was an excellent metaphor of what politicians must do in order to get elected. After watching these hot chicks go through tests of nerve, agility, cunning, manipulation, deceit and all of the other disgusting things that they had to do, the light came on, da daaaah!….The Presidential Aptitude Test. Yeah, a P.A.T. Imagine our multimillionaire candidates being given a, let’s say….real world test. The P.A.T. would be broken down into two parts: a written test and a practical test.

Are you smarter than a fifth-grader?

What do we really know about their knowledge of basic government facts, e.g. the branches of government, the constitution, the bill of rights? Can you be pulled over and asked where you’re from just because you’re middle eastern looking and your name is Hussein? These are basic facts that all candidates for citizenship must know. But, do presidential candidates know them? Do our presidential candidates know America’s historical allies? Do they know where these countries are on the globe? Can they name the heads of state? My intent is not to be facetious, but to ask valid questions….ok, I’m lying. But, come on, after the last seven years, I think my questions are valid.

We all assume that our candidates are knowledgeable and capable, but, are they? They have wonderful personalities and great teeth. But, the U.S. no longer has the luxury of thinking that we don’t need to learn a second language because everyone speaks English and if they don’t, they better learn, uh? or appreciate customs and mores of other cultures because it’s all about us, right?

The Written Test

Should our candidates have to sit down at a table (a proctor sitting in front of them with her glasses sitting on the tip of her nose and a stop watch in her hand) and take an examination to test their “presidential knowledge base” like we have to do when we want to be a doctor, lawyer or a carpenter?

Do they know the difference between Shiites and Sunis, Hutus and Tutsis? Can they, intelligently, breakdown the economy, “macro-ly” and “micro-ly”, to us little folk so that we can understand why in hell we're getting gouged at the fuel pump? We’ll find out if they know how to pump their own gas in the practical test.

Now, the real fun – The Practical Test

Imagine this- Our candidates will be the head of a household, in the hood with three kids and one facing college, next year. Each candidate will have a household annual income of $65,000. To make ends meet, the candidate joins the army reserves hmmm.....should we deploy the candidates? The rent is $2,000 a month and the roof leaks. The family car is a Ford Taurus with 150,000 miles. The candidates will have a union factory job and a boss from India. Got the picture?

Now, let’s see how well the candidates meet the family needs. Like most parents, the candidate will go to PTA meetings, especially this time because his daughter’s teacher called and said it is important to be there this time. On Saturday, everyone piles in the Taurus to go shopping at Sam’s Club, knowing that the food budget is going to be less because food has gone up. That night, the candidate and spouse are home watching reruns of Good Times because they cut back the cable in order to get ready for baby girl going to college, next year.

On Sundays, the candidates attend church regularly because the rigors of “regular” working people’s day-to-day lives can be overwhelming and they find that they need to hear something inspirational that will get them through the week. Church starts promptly at 11:00am and the liberation theological pastor’s text, this week, is taken from Hebrews, Call forth those things that be not, as though they were. Faith…just keep on, keeping on! “lawdy, lawdy lawdy….I just don’t know how we’re going to make it!” You see, the candidates can’t remember the last time that their personal checking account balance was less than $30,000, if it ever got that low. In that case, the bank would automatically transfer additional funds. Can’t wait to get that stimulus check!

We’ve come down to the final month of the practical test and there are only two candidates left well, I’ll be… One candidate dropped out after he understood that his savings would be drained before Medicaid would kick-in to take care of his 80 year old mother who has Alzheimer’s. Another candidate dropped out under stress from having to live in a neighborhood where he heard gun shots and after calling the police, no one showed up. ‘It’s not worth dying for!’ The final candidate simply said that he wanted to make sure his daughter got in college, but he didn’t have to take orders from his idiot boss anymore and that he needed to go back to India. Well, I guess he told him!

The drama is building because the nation is down to its last two democratic candidates in the practical testing phase. The media is in frenzy. Each major network sent their junior reporters to the candidates’ homes because rookies always go to the most dangerous area to report. We have Sen. Beverly Benson, D-NY, upper middle-class white suburbanite, Yale Law School grad and we have Sen. Abdul-Haqq Khoury, D-Il, first generation American, lower middle-class black man, urbanite, Harvard Law grad. Sounds like history in the making!

The Benson Household

“The conditions of this test are nothing new to me. I have friends that live this way every day: they get-up early and make breakfast for their families, and then they go to work where they work hard all day. My friends come home in the evening, tired; they make supper and help their kids with their homework.” The exasperated senator from New York continues, “I can relate to these people, excuse me, ‘sweetheart, don’t worry about the dishes tonight. The maid will be in tomorrow morning’. Oh, I guess you weren’t supposed to hear that. ‘Just kidding, the detergent is under the sink, darling. I’ll be right there after this interview.’”

The Khoury Household

“Look, I’m forty-six years old and I just got finished paying off a student loan. It’s just recently that I’ve experienced how good other people have had it. I didn’t start making any money ‘til I came to the U.S. Senate. My work as a community organizer didn't pay very well. Hell, if it weren't for my wife, I’m not sure how we would have made it. This practical test we’re going through was my life, uh, it’s better than my life, growing up. I’ve been here before; I got the T-shirt to prove it! By the way, we’re about to have dinner. We’re having baked beans and hot dogs, care to join us?”

Epilogue

Well folks, you get the idea. I interjected a little satire, but my point is to bring attention to real issues of the day and not dwell on decoys or petty issues that are designed only to distract. The decisions we make today affects the whole world. Therefore, it seems ludicrous to allow ourselves to get caught up on lapel pins, name-calling or what others may say, incorrectly, on the candidates' behalf when we have to select someone who is going to make life and death decisions.

Our scrutiny of candidates on real issues will discourage the “manufactured” candidate from coming on the scene, again. Manufactured? These are the shell of a person who are filled with special-interests' money, special-interests' dreams and aspirations. They act and respond by remote control. The manufactured candidate has no capacity to think and reason and they have been known to malfunction.

Microbrother, do you mean the Manchurian Candidate? Whatever…I’m talking about Bush, o.k?

A candidate that can not be denied

2008-05-21T11:43:00.006-04:00

Senator Barack Obama looks and sounds more presidential every day.

Whenever I get an opportunity to talk to someone from outside of Washington’s beltway, I invariably asked their opinion of Obama’s candidacy and what it means to them. Old Blue has seen better days and yesterday, I was given such an opportunity. So, I asked a friend for a ride.

Momoh, a self-proclaimed king-in-waiting from Liberia, said while we were riding along that he was so excited for Obama. Folks from Africa and the Caribbean are not new to having a black head-of-state. I neither over estimate the enthusiasm of people from other parts of the world on this candidacy nor do I express mine. I want to hear their honest opinions. As soon as I mentioned Obama’s name, a smile came over Momoh’s face. In broken English, he shared his joy.

“Obama is good for America! I talk friends and they say Obama good, too. Everybody like him!”

My interest, in my very unscientific poll, is to get a feel for how citizens of other countries view the U.S. I clearly remember watching the evening news and I heard a pregnant Palestinian dedicate the fetus in her womb to the liberation struggle. Our foreign neighbors determine how well foreign policy is received. No one knows which child is a future Secretary General of the United Nations or a walking time-bomb.

Momoh’s comment has been typical of others I’ve spoken to. If Obama can inspire folks from troubled countries, if he can inspire the thousands like we saw in Iowa last night, there is no doubt in my mind that we will be much better for it. It irritates the hell out me to hear reports of babyboomers and older generations being resistant to the Obama Movement.

People, we have had our time. Let’s get out of the way and permit these young, energetic and bright people to take their place!

El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz

2008-05-19T23:57:00.023-04:00

In 1965, in his eulogy, Ossie Davis called Malcolm X, "Our Shining Prince".

Growing up in River Terrace, Washington, DC, my very early years were insulated from much of the madness that was going on in the country, at the time. I didn’t have any interaction with white people until I went to St. Emma Military Academy which was fifty miles west of Richmond, Va. I can remember hearing on the news, periodically, about two angry Negro preachers (and that’s what we were called then). One was in the south and the other in the north.

I couldn’t understand why they were so angry. I asked my father and he explained that these preachers were trying to make conditions better for Negroes. I was puzzled because I thought us, Negroes, had no problems. We could fish in the Anacostia when we wanted to. We could catch a game at Griffith Stadium and we could go to the movies for a quarter at the Langston or the Senator Theaters. What problems did we have?

In the summer of 1963, my father took my brother and I to a huge demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial to see one of those angry Negro preachers. The one from the south and, man, that was one hot day! I had never seen so many white people in my life! River Terrace was different. Everyone looked like me. My doctor looked like me. My teachers looked like me. My dentist looked like me. I didn’t know what to think of this mass of humanity, but they were so nice to my brother and me. My father lifted me up on his shoulders to see this preacher who looked like my father, talking to all of these white people.

One day, on my way home from Woodson Junior High School, I remember hearing some grownups shouting, “they killed him… they killed him!”.

The Muslim preacher is dead! What’s a Muslim?

My first year at St. Emma, I met other Negro kids from all over the world! The guys from New York were so cool. They spoke differently. Their music was exotic, latin and jazz. They wore beautiful sweaters on the weekend called Blye’s. They talked politics. They talked about that Muslim man that was killed the year before. The New Yorkers spoke with passion about him, the kind of passion that made you want to know about this man.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

One of the cool guys from New York stuck a paperback book in my hand. Read it! Malcolm X’s life was so different than my own. Those same white people that were so nice to my brother and me killed Malcolm’s father when he was just a boy. His father was a preacher like my father. I couldn’t imagine my father being killed. Now, I understand why he was so angry.

The cool New Yorker gave me other books. That year, I never read so many books before that weren’t school assignments, in my life! St. Emma was very insular and we didn’t know much about the racial tension that was going on in the country at the time. The cadets at school depended on information that was received through letters. If a cadet didn’t get a letter, he would read another cadet’s letter. The guys received word about the struggles in our hometowns and we read more books and discussed what we read.

That dude is crazy!

Lemuel broke out in a Dashiki! I had never seen one before. Lem was spouting all this crazy stuff about we come from Africa and we should be proud of our heritage. I think he changed his name, too. Malcom X got rid of his slave name so Lem did too, I guess. I didn’t think the “good reverend” was ready for me to change my name, but Lem was entertaining!

It wasn’t until years later that I realized that Lem and the cool guys from New York were setting the foundation for my appreciation of Malcolm X and all that he stood for. I truly believe that Dr. King was successful in what he did, due in part, to the stature of Malcolm X on the national scene. As a young man, I couldn’t accept nonviolence as a tactic. Turn the other cheek in River Terrace? I don’t think so. The strength and integrity that Malcolm exemplified was a model for all of my peers.

Just before his untimely death, Malcolm X was becoming a world citizen. He was learning that not all white people were like those that had killed his father. He had made peace with himself and was preparing to start a new phase of his development that encompassed people of all races that were willing to work for the betterment of mankind.

Today, on his eighty-third birthday, I say, ‘thank you, Malcolm. You will never be forgotten.'

I can no longer remain silent

2008-05-18T13:31:00.006-04:00

Upon opening the morning paper I see the story about a young sister who, at the tender age of 31, died, perhaps, due to her obesity and after reading her story….with out a doubt, I’m sure obesity was a factor. I’m going to stick my neck out, again, and talk about this issue as I see it.

I know it is considered impolite to discuss in mixed company the subjects of sex, age, politics, religion, and body weight. However, we pay good money to see comedians like Richard Pryor or Chris Rock talk about these very issues! They not only talk about it, they beat you up about it and we laugh. Why can’t we talk about these issues like we talk about the latest gossip in Hollywood?

I don’t know how many times I’m asked by an obese woman, “how do you like my hair?” or “how do you like my dress, my nails, my jewelry, my make-up, my…….?” Rarely am I asked, “How do you like my body?” talk about a relationship-ender.

These very subjects that we shun in public discourse are the very same subjects that are killing us in private.

Only a mother can love

2008-05-16T07:49:00.010-04:00

To all the people who voted for Bush and support him:

After Bush’s performance in Israel, yesterday, I’m at a loss for words. Again, your president goes overseas and makes you look stupid and, unfortunately, the rest of us are getting dragged along, too. This president is totally out of control! He leaves these shores to incense warring factions and encourages us not to speak with countries we have ideological differences.

"We have a protocol ... around here that we don't criticize the president when he is on foreign soil," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "One would think that that would apply to the president, that he would not criticize Americans when he is on foreign soil. I think what the president did in that regard is beneath the dignity of the office of president and unworthy of our representation at that observance in Israel."

Well, I’m sorry Madam Speaker. This president has thrown protocol out the window so, damn it, I will too! His actions are despicable! His continued lack of diplomacy and discretion only increases the repair needed after he leaves office, exponentially.

I don't envy President Obama's 'to do list'.

Bloggers Unite for Human Rights!

2008-05-15T07:16:00.016-04:00

My fellow bloggers have asked me to address the issue of human rights, today. I am committed to this overwhelming task, but, here it is, deadline-15MAY08 and I’m still trying to get my arms around this weighty subject.

I wanted to address a pressing issue about women's conditions in the Congo that I read in The Nation, especially after reading an interview on her documentary about the atrocities committed against Congolese women, Lisa F. Jackson stated that, “rape is cheaper than bullets”. This was all the ammunition (excuse the pun) I thought I’d need to discuss what is going on in the former Belgium colony, regarding this much needed, but narrow issue of human rights.

But, after being inundated with news of the cyclone in Myanmar, the hurricane in a toxic wasted community in Oklahoma, the earthquake in southwest China, recession, the brush fires, world starvation, the craziness in Iraq, Afghanistan, the tit-for-tat skirmishes throughout the world, gas increase, foreclosures, shrinking ice caps, global warming, mega-mergers, job loss, wanton murders, AIDS, subsistence living….oh, my God! Marvin, what’s going on? I realized that the subject of human rights just got broader and much more complex.

In 1976, Tangshan, China lost over 200,000 people in an earthquake and we didn’t hear a peep about it but, microbro, they got 1.3 billion people! Chairman Mao, in those days, was pretty adamant about keeping news of such events close to the breast. But, the thought of losing that many people and it not show up on the radar of human catastrophes is mind boggling.

These issues are forcing me to go deeper. Now, stay with me for a minute. There are 57,268,900 square miles of land on mother earth and there are over 6.6 billion people (+/-) inhabiting her. That means that there is, approximately, 1 person per 1,152 square miles of land (please check my math because the kid is no Einstein). Only “usable” land has to be factored into this equation. In 1994, the United Nations marked its 10th anniversary of the Convention to Combat Desertification, a plan aimed at stopping the phenomenon of usable land becoming “un-usable”. Despite the efforts to combat desertification, the trend seems to be picking up speed — doubling its pace since the 1970s. According to the U.N., one-third of the earth's surface is at risk, driving people into cities and destroying agriculture in vast swaths of Africa. Thirty-one percent of Spain is threatened, while China has lost 36,000 square miles to desert — an area the size of Indiana — since the 1950s. "It's a creeping catastrophe," said Michel Smitall, a spokesman for the U.N. secretariat that oversaw the 1994 accord. "Entire parts of the world might become uninhabitable."

Just the other day, I saw a deer walking down the street in my neighborhood. I saw on the news where bison were on the street in a western town. Foxes are seen in urban backyards! Man and God’s other creatures are vying for the same space!

So, microbrother, where are you going with this?

What I’m trying to say is that as natural resources decreases and human population increases--- human rights violations increases. It’s all about survival!

The so-called “first world” or Europeans (which includes the U.S.) and their operatives have been taking precious natural resources from the “third world” with out regard to what that meant to the indigenous people or their land for centuries. So, why are women of all ages being raped in the Congo? Why are there swaths of cleared forest in the Amazon Basin and dust storms in the once vegetated valley of the Nile? By taking advantage of historical rivalries between indigenous people, artificial borders and unions were created to accommodate colonialists’ need to justify its scourge of the earth for resources. Today, China’s ferocious appetite for resources is impinging on the world’s limited supply. Because mankind has not been a good caretaker of our precious earth, we are suffering the consequences.

Microbrother is saying that as natural resources become scarce, human rights become scarce. Think about it, when we believe all is well, people will share with the rest of the world! When resources become less accessible, we become more nationalistic. As conditions worsen, we become more community oriented. When conditions become dire, we become more family centered and at the least, it becomes just about me! Human rights just went down the crapper.

The more I think about it, when we become better stewards of the world’s resources, we become better human beings. And that’s why the common thread through all that I have shared in the past is a cry for a change, a change in how we treat the earth and one another.

….and that change starts with me, it starts with you. Yes we can!

The Hold-out or Hold-up?

2008-05-10T16:57:00.022-04:00

Why is Hillary “really” holding-out?

I was talking to my boy, “E” (his claim to fame was being on the same side of Julius "Dr. J" Irving in a pick-up game at U-Mass) and the conversation was on the hottest subject in the country:

She ain’t stupid. She knows she ain’t goin’ to win and her campaign is in debt.
O.k., so, what do you think it is? What about a supreme court seat?
Not sure. Well, we know she needs to get out of debt and I think, maybe she’s trying to position herself for a shot at the oval office in 2012. I think the court would be too restrictive for her personality.
I'm listening!
Remember when she spear-headed her universal health plan and she got trounced?
Yeah?
Well, maybe she’s trying to garner enough delegates through these final primaries to create a position from which to bargain with the DNC and the Obama campaign. While at the same time, by continuing her run, she proves to her base that she's a kick-ass fighter to the bitter end.
O.k., I’m wich ya?
She'll get a one-on-one sit-down with the O-man that would, probably, go down something like this:

“O.k. O-man, you’re in a better position for the nomination than I am. But, if you screw this opportunity up, I'll be on your narrow behind like white-on-rice! You’re goin’ to get your ass kicked in the general election without our unified support….”
“Talk to me, baby girl. What's on your mind?”
“O-man, you adopt my universal health plan!”
“That's it?”
“Of course not. Nominate my recommendation for Secretary of Health and Human Services, to implement my plan. I want you to lobby your ass off to make sure "SHE's" confirmed. I want you to have a rose garden ceremony for the ratification where you will, publicly, acknowledge my leadership role in bringing this legislation to pass.”
“Is that it?”
“No…chill. I want you to appear with me for several fundraising events so that I can get this damn campaign debt off my shoulders. That fool out in 'Tinseltown', Peter Paul & Mary, whatever his name, is getting on my last nerve."
“Hmmm, I’ll think about it”
“While ya at it, think about this, too: I got the 'yeehas' in Texas. I got the 'lunch-bucket' factory workers and 'dirt farmers' in Ohio. I got the 'wannabe-Americans' in Cali. I got those, 'blue-collar, moonshine running miners' in the West Virginian hollas and Kentucky. I got the 'gun tottin', bowling-for-votes' Pennsylvanians in the mill that ain’t going to budge ‘til they hear from the ‘Hill’….think on that, my brotha!”
“I see….settin’ yourself up for a 2012 run, uh?”
“It ain't over 'til the lady in the pants suit says it's over. Have a nice day, Mr. Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee.”

Tough chick, ain’t she?
Let's shoot some hoops!

2008-05-09T08:12:00.010-04:00

Some of microbro's mother's advice...

Always change your underwear; you never know when you'll have an accident!
Don't make that face or it'll freeze in that position!
Be careful or you'll put your eye out!
What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?
You have enough dirt behind those ears to grow potatoes!
Close that door! Were you born in a barn?
If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!
Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been!
Speak to everyone!

Can we have a bowl of gumbo, together?

2008-05-07T08:55:00.009-04:00

No surprises last night. Everyone expected the O-man to take North Carolina and Hillary to take Indiana, but no one expected the O-man to lose by such a small margin which gave the Clinton campaign pause, again. For all intents and purposes, Obama won Indiana.

Kudos and a big shout-out to Donna Brazile and Jamal Simons for holding their own on CNN while under fire from recalcitrant Clinton supporters. But, did you check out Donna? I thought she was going to get “sistahfied” at one moment! Did you hear the, "honey" come out? I don’t think anyone in their right mind want to piss her off. Hey, she was simply calling for party unity and if you can’t understand the reason for that, well, those “take no prisoners” republicans are going to make it crystal clear real soon!

Serve ‘em up some more of that gumbo, Donna!

However, as much as I enjoyed last night's show, I think the real story is what’s happening in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. They say over 60,000 (and still counting) folks have perished over there by a cyclone. Now, I’m not sure of what a cyclone is, but I do know that it’s a baaaaad boy!

Bush communicated to the Myanmar government that he wanted to offer U.S. assistance to that beleaguered country, but..but...but he criticized them for delays in approving visas for U.S. disaster aid workers.

Un minuto, Mr. Bush!

How long did it take for U.S. disaster aid workers to get “visas” to go to Louisiana….United States of America…..you know, in North America……to help U.S. citizens in New Orleans?

Will somebody help me understand because I’m just stupid? How can numb-nut criticize anyone on disaster recovery operations? I still don’t understand the mindset that voted this fool in office, not once, but twice! I can give the numb-nut credit for one thing….he’s consistent! His administration will continue to make us look like ass-holes to the rest of the world until the moving van backs up to the rear door of the White House and take that fool out of there.

Man, I’m sure glad I exercised this morning.

The Grand Dame of Linden Street

2008-05-03T04:00:00.005-04:00

My ninety-three years young aunt called me one night and asked me to take her to run some errands the next day. Folks, when my Aunt Lil calls and ask you to do a favor for her, you jump! You got to understand that this lady is a very unique person.

I asked her what time I should be at her home in the morning, “son, you know I don’t do anything ‘til I talk to the heavenly father and eat my oatmeal! Make it 10:00 o’ clock.” Yes ma’am.

Well, the next morning, I cleaned-up Old Blue and got some gas. I was at Aunt Lil’s home at 9:50. I had to be early, she detests “colored folks’ time”. Aunt Lil stepped out of her door with dark blue top and pants. She wore white knit-gloves, looking like she was going to a business meeting.

“Aunt Lil, you’re looking mighty….”
“Dignified?”
“….but, of course! Can I help you get up in the truck?”
“No! What do you think I am, old or something?”
After her valiant, independent struggle to step up into Old Blue, she blurted,
“Help me!”

Once inside, I clandestinely pulled out my voice recorder.

“I hope I’m not inconveniencing you, today?”
“Aunt Lil, it is my honor and my pleasure!”
“Are you going to ask me fifty million questions, again?” busted!

I ignored her question and retorted with a question about her morning itinerary. She said that, first, we were going to the bank, and then to the vacuum cleaner repair shop to get her two vacuum cleaners (circa 1960) fixed.

When I’m with my Aunt Lil, I’m guaranteed to hear her favorite reframes to the point where we recite them in unison:
“I think about each thing fifty different ways” and “I talk to the heavenly father, everyday”.

When I was a kid I thought my aunt was the wicked witch of the east. She was tough as nails, but she loved her family immensely. I didn’t appreciate this fact until I became older. You see, Aunt Lil was the second oldest girl in a family of fourteen children. After the death of her oldest sister, she became the surrogate mother of her siblings because my grandfather was working outside of the home all the time and my grandmother, well, really appreciated the extra help. Growing up in D.C. during the depression years were challenging for my family.

At the age of nineteen, Aunt Lil signed a lease for a new home at 1217 Linden Street for the whole family. She assured my grandparents that she could make moving to this “upscale neighborhood” work. Just imagine your kid telling you something like that. This perky young woman organized her siblings for the big move and actually pulled it off. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Aunt Lil went on to purchase prime properties in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, DC. One property was just a stone throw away from the U.S. Capitol. All of her accomplishments were made during a time when black folks did not have many opportunities to advance their economic position in life, being a woman to boot. Yet, she became a millionaire by her “Harriet Tubman-like” pit-bull determination and her “Mother Teresa-like” compassion.

Her laser focus didn’t go over very well with most men of her day. She had marriage proposals and sought the company of men who met her high standards. But, her focus was the care of her family and the development of her little empire.

“I would love to have had four daughters so that I could raise them the way I saw fit. They would have had the best education. They would know how to take care of a man. My husband would never stray away because I would have been so good to him that he would not want any other woman. By my example, my daughters would know how to treat a good man.” Amen!

After we left the bank, I had the bright idea of swinging by Linden Street to revisit the old family homestead while I had Aunt Lil all to myself. With my aunt, you have to be ready for anything. For example, I wanted to interview her on the National Public Radio’s (NPR), StoryCorps, so that she could tell her own rich story. I made an appointment with StoryCorps and informed my cousin of my intent. We were all excited and the day of the interview my aunt changed her mind, stating that she wasn’t up to it. You see, she had open-heart surgery while in her eighties and as can be expected, she has good days and she has bad days. Nevertheless, she still loves to talk.

It was my Aunt Lil who told me about my great grandfather, Henry, who escaped from slavery as a boy and made his way to D.C. and supported himself selling ice on a horse-drawn wagon. She told me about my, grand Uncle Wil, who was the treasurer of Tuskegee Institute under Booker T. Washington. Aunt Lil not only cared for her aging parents and siblings, she cared for her nieces and nephews, as well.

Her family came first.

I keep my camera on me for auspicious occasions like this. When we arrived on Linden, a narrow street on Capitol Hill, I asked her to stand on the steps of the old family home because I wanted to take a picture of her there, some seventy-five years after she made that audacious decision.

“I don’t want to take no picture. I’m not dressed properly” uh?
“Aunt Lil, you look great. You look ‘dignified’!"
“Oh, go on boy, you’re just saying that”

I snapped a few pictures and all of a sudden neighbors began coming out of their homes to see what was going on. We introduced ourselves and Bob, Helen and Lisa seemed very interested in Aunt Lil. When my aunt recognizes that young people are interested in what she has to say: stage lights come on, there’s a sound check and cameras roll! These “Lindenites” swapped stories, fact-checked and had a grand ol' time. Bob had to run back to his home to get his camera and voice recorder for posterity.

While Aunt Lil took center stage, I stood back and watched how these boomers, like me, really got into “her-story”. I thought about how fortunate I am to still have my aunt, my mother and a few other senior family members in my life and all the knowledge that they have imparted on me, while feeling ashamed of hating my aunt when I was a kid. When I was a child, I thought as a child. I was so proud of my aunt’s energy and recall for facts. Aunt Lil never lets me forget how sharp her mind continues to be. “I think about each thing fifty different ways.”

Before we left, Linden Street, she asked Bob if he was married, “you know, I’m still looking” flirt!
On June 1st, Aunt Lil will be ninety-four years young. Please join me in wishing her good health and continued strength. By the way, I asked her what she was going to do on her birthday. In character, she replied:
“Get a man and remodel my basement.” you go, girl!

It's all about the future

2008-05-01T17:06:00.000-04:00

This evening, I received an email from a fellow Obama supporter that caused me to pause. I want to share it with you in Billy’s own words, unedited.

*******

All:

I fight hard to see him [Barack Obama] as President and share my reasons। He is not just a politician.

My Obama story, in 1999 me and my first wife had my first child Jordan S. Owens she lived 9 days. She was taken home appeared healthy, however she was born with only 3 of her heart valves open. You have 4 heart valves for each chamber of the heart. This went undetected in the hospital that rushed me and my ex-wife out as soon as she was born. After the loss of our daughter we heard to fight the case would be near impossible or too expensive. However, luckily to Tort Reforms that a young attorney previously fought for on behalf of poor people, and minorities we were able to receive counsel and make a difference in the medical practices of this hospital. We were able to go against them. The person they told us in 1999 the person who had been was working practically for free fighting for fair, equal medical treatment was Barack Obama - at that time he become political.

I send this because my passion to see him in office has nothing to do with his blackness, but I know first hand that he did try to make a difference in the pains in peoples lives and did so without being rewarded economically for it.

He touch my families life, and I do not know him. I will never be able to get my daughter back but someone may be able to have beautiful black baby boy or girl survive for that was put in place after our ability to fight this practice.

God Bless,
Billy O

William C. Owens, Jr.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - Life Time member #4929
Nu Pi Graduate Chapter

Beloved

2008-04-30T08:54:00.001-04:00

As a preacher’s kid (PK), I can’t imagine anything worst than my father, as I perceive, sabotaging my ambitions. Pastor, my father is my hero. I say “is”, even though he claimed his reward ten years ago, because his influence still looms large in my life. Barack Obama, the boy, did not have his father in his life as I did. For this reason, I know the past few days, he experienced an avalanche falling on his head. He looked up to you, Pastor Wright, as the father-image he lacked.

I heard your speech at the NAACP conference in Detroit (posted on this blog) and your Q&A session at the National Press Club here in D.C. I did not have a problem with the essence of what you had to say. I just question your timing and antics. Only a month ago, I mentioned to a good friend that I was pleased that some of our more strident leaders/spoke people have been keeping a low profile. I believe that they have done so because they respect Barack’s campaign enough to not want to draw negative attention to it. After all, there is plenty of Obama opposition out here and there will be even more in the general election.

Then, why would my own father sucker-punch me?

This PK knows that when preachers feel moved to share what’s on their mind, it ain’t much we can do about it because you feel that you are held to a higher power. But, pastor, pleeease. For all intents and purposes, Barack is your son! Your antics during the Q&A session at the National Press Club just weren’t necessary! We all know how the media and the Lee Atwaters/Karl Roves of the world are just waiting for the type of opportunity that you gave them on a silver plater. And you really delivered, yesterday.

Pastor Wright, if you truly love Barack, leave him be! What he is trying to do is much greater than you and I. We, the public, can only imagine the injustice that you must feel after so many years of remarkable service to our community and to this country. And to have the “blood suckers” latch on to your jugular in an attempt to destroy you and Barack is an abomination. But, our God is an awesome God. He will neither leave us nor forsake us! Therefore, let Barack be, for we all will be better for it.

Sincerely,

microbrother

I got hustled!

2008-04-27T13:45:00.001-04:00

I use to enjoy going to the gas station to fill-up my ’91 Chevy pickup, “Old Blue”. Not because I like spending money, but because I enjoyed mixing it up with the “fellas”. I don’t know about your gas station, but my station has the best “gas station hustlers” in D.C.

I’m not one to give a buck to anyone who just asks for it because I know how hard I had to work to get that buck. Three years ago, the best hustle line I heard was what I perceived as the truth. There was a brother, who we will refer to as Skip, approached me one night (I was immediately turned off) and asked, “look brother, I ain’t goin’ to bullshit ya. The truth is, I’m a recovering addict and I can’t find work because I did some time. I’m just trying to get something to eat. I want to work but, right know, the system is working against me. Can you help me?”

I thought, ‘damn, I believe him’. With a tear in my eye, I reached into the cab of my truck and pulled out a Subway bag with my full size turkey sandwich with cheese, relish, lettuce, a boat load of tomatoes and mayo and gave it to Skip. The brother looked at me in amazement and took my hand and shook it with both of his hands. Either Skip was a good actor or he was truly hungry. Nevertheless, I felt good about what I did.

Yesterday, I went to my station and I didn’t see Skip and I didn’t see the usual cast of characters hocking their wears and begging for money. But, I did see that the station increased its regular gas price to $3.59 a gallon for regular. I only got a half tank of gas.

Is there a correlation between the increase in gas cost and not seeing Skip and the fellas, anymore?

I began to wonder more about how the oil cartels and major oil companies are affecting lunch bucket workers like me on a daily basis. I can remember filling up my VW for only $3 in 1971. Now, I’m spending almost $100 to fill-up Old Blue!

Imagine George Bush telling this country “his truth”, that he and his boys were concerned about an oil crisis and that we needed to secure and own a “gas station” in the middle-east so that we would not have to rely on the whims of OPEC. Imagine him saying that we needed to forget about al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and focus on a great business opportunity in Iraq. I’m sure Bush and the fellas factored in the collateral damage (dead bodies) and assessed the long term return on investment to their stake holding buddies (cash in the pockets of the Gordon Gekkos).

Imagine the best hustler line used on the world to go to war. Can you condone the actions taken in Iraq, given the cost of fuel today at your gas station? Hmmmmmmmm

While I pull out my 21-speed Bianchi road bike because my conscious won’t allow me to stomach the human cost for Old Blue and me to get around anymore, check out microbro’s cheap gas locator.

White America can't handle the truth

2008-04-25T22:46:00.001-04:00

My many years in the black church, listening to Pastor Jeremiah Wright's take on the gospel as it relates to his ministry with Bill Moyers tonight was no new information to me. Perhaps, it was nothing new to you, too.

To put it quite simply, he spoke the truth. However, I am afraid, just like in that great Jack Nicholson line, white America “can’t handle the truth”. I’m sorry, but regardless of how well Pastor Wright makes or does not make his case, this failed generation who is passing judgment on him will never understand the gravity of his thought or any other prophetic black speaker.

Understanding is developed through association. We all know that the 11:00 hour on Sunday morning has been, historically, the most segregated hour in America. Most church members talk to other members like family, because it is family. If one has never experienced a black church, one will, perhaps, never understand the meaning of the church in our community. And by the same token, we will never understand the worship culture of a mosque or of a temple if quality time has not been spent in these homes of worship.

As I write, I am still wrestling with the question of whether or not it was worth the effort on the part of Wright and Moyers to attempt to explain the thinking of the Jeremiah Wrights of the world, especially, at this critical time in history. At one point, I said to myself, ‘oh, please pastor….don’t go there. It will only confuse white folks and they will take it out on the O-man at the ballot box’. But, I’m reminded of how each new generation grows a little taller, reaches a little higher and runs a little faster in order to improve our place in society.

Pastor Wright and Senator Obama have just raised the bar, again, for a serious dialogue about painful and unspoken truths that go to the core of these disunited states on race.

Sean Bell's Executioners Acquitted

2008-04-25T14:23:00.001-04:00

Excuse me folks, but I’m full of questions today:

Mr. "Big City" Mayor, let me ask you, how many bullets do you think it would take to bring down, let’s say, a crazed white man, high on crack? Firing a 9mm automatic pistol with hollow point bullets, I’d say, one, maybe two shots……just checking. I don’t know because I’m stupid.

Does Bloomberg think that all black folks are stupid and foolish like me, enough, to just stand by and watch our people continue to be shot down in the streets of New York like rabid animals? Come on! To be shot fifty times and expect no reaction because you said be calm? Pleeeaaase.

Oh, forgive me Mayor, at least New York's finest spared Sean the indignity of having a broom stick shoved up his ass like they did Abner Louima.

It's time to step down, Mr. Mugabe!

2008-04-24T09:56:00.002-04:00

…“No more internal power struggle, brother you’re right, you’re right, we’ll have to fight for our rights, divide and rule could only tear us apart, in every man’s chest there beats a heart and I don’t want my people to be tricked by mercenaries…Africans liberate Zimbabwe.” …Bob Marley

It seems only yesterday, as a young and idealistic member of the Southern African Support Project (SASP), we sat and watched the transition of the colonial rule of Rhodesia to the newly independent African country of Zimbabwe! Oh, it was a glorious time.

After years of lobbying, fundraising and demonstrating in the streets of Washington, DC, we finally saw the fruits of our labor come to fruition. It appeared that Rhodesia was going to be the first of the southern African countries to realize independence. Robert Mugabe was mentored by Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and later became a teacher in Rhodesia. Mugabe rose to lead the Zimbawe African National Union (ZANU) and waged an armed struggle against the British-backed colonial power led by Ian Smith because of the atrocities committed against the indigenous people by the white-ruled minority.

Today, as President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe is considered one of the most vile leaders on the continent, if not the world. With inflation running as high as one thousand percent and the brutality against political opposition, his administration is criminal. The atrocities occurring under Mugabe’s watch are despicable. It is difficult for me to read the news daily and learn of the continuing abuses of the Mugabe dictatorship. Some thirty years ago, I had worked with others for the liberation of Rhodesia and imagined it as being, one day, an example of the success of a post-colonial country for the whole world.

Unfortunately, I am only left with the political axiom, “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

It's time to step down, Mr. Mugabe!

It's her day

2008-04-23T07:36:00.000-04:00

I congratulate Senator Clinton on her victory in the Keystone State. She won this battle, but Obama will win the war!

In Search of Environmental Justice

2008-04-22T15:10:00.002-04:00

Growing up on the banks of the Anacostia River, in a small enclave of working-class black folks known as River Terrace, was a joy for microbrother and his boys. We played football and baseball there. We flew our kites during the gusty winds of March and fished for Catfish and Cod under shady trees in July.

Occasionally, we’d see rich white folks on their forty-footer “yachts” cruising down the river and wondered what it would be like to ride on a boat. The electrical power plant, PEPCO, was about a half mile on the river, just north of where we played. The large billows of black smoke coming from the plant were a landmark.

One day, we were in our football huddle planning our next play and some kid asked, “o.k., who busted their butt?” Of course, everyone denied it. But, the foul odor remained for hours. Later, I remember the grownups talking about the raw sewage being dumped in our sacred river and, at times, we saw tens of fish, floating dead.

It is now that I understand that I grew up in a toxic environment! Sometimes we could not sleep because of the foul odor coming from the Anacostia. My parents, along with other concern neighbors, began to speak out about our condition. When I look back, I wonder: could my father’s death, from multiple myeloma, could have been environmentally induced. What about Mr. McGhee’s death or Mrs. Anderson’s or Mrs. Whitehead's? We all lived on the waterfront.

Today, the world celebrates Earth Day while I search for environmental justice.

My Vote's for Obama (if I could vote)

2008-04-22T13:34:00.000-04:00

........ thank you, June

On Mon, 4/21/08, maillist@michaelmoore.com <maillist@michaelmoore.com> wrote:
My Vote's for Obama (if I could vote) ...by Michael Moore

April 21st, 2008

Friends,
I don't get to vote for President this primary season. I live in Michigan. The party leaders (both here and in D.C.) couldn't get their act together, and thus our votes will not be counted.
So, if you live in Pennsylvania, can you do me a favor? Will you please cast my vote -- and yours -- on Tuesday for Senator Barack Obama?
I haven't spoken publicly 'til now as to who I would vote for, primarily for two reasons: 1) Who cares?; and 2) I (and most people I know) don't give a rat's ass whose name is on the ballot in November, as long as there's a picture of JFK and FDR riding a donkey at the top of the ballot, and the word "Democratic" next to the candidate's name.
Seriously, I know so many people who don't care if the name under the Big "D" is Dancer, Prancer, Clinton or Blitzen। It can be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Barry Obama or the Dalai Lama.

Well, that sounded good last year, but over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting। I guess the debate last week was the final straw. I've watched Senator Clinton and her husband play this game of appealing to the worst side of white people, but last Wednesday, when she hurled the name "Farrakhan" out of nowhere, well that's when the silly season came to an early end for me. She said the "F" word to scare white people, pure and simple. Of course, Obama has no connection to Farrakhan. But, according to Senator Clinton, Obama's pastor does -- AND the "church bulletin" once included a Los Angeles Times op-ed from some guy with Hamas! No, not the church bulletin!

This sleazy attempt to smear Obama was brilliantly explained the following night by Stephen Colbert। He pointed out that if Obama is supported by Ted Kennedy, who is Catholic, and the Catholic Church is led by a Pope who was in the Hitler Youth, that can mean only one thing: OBAMA LOVES HITLER!

Yes, Senator Clinton, that's how you sounded। Like you were nuts. Like you were a bigot stoking the fires of stupidity. How sad that I would ever have to write those words about you. You have devoted your life to good causes and good deeds. And now to throw it all away for an office you can't win unless you smear the black man so much that the superdelegates cry "Uncle (Tom)" and give it all to you.

But that can't happen। You cast your die when you voted to start this bloody war. When you did that you were like Moses who lost it for a moment and, because of that, was prohibited from entering the Promised Land.

How sad for a country that wanted to see the first woman elected to the White House। That day will come -- but it won't be you. We'll have to wait for the current Democratic governor of Kansas to run in 2016 (you read it here first!).

There are those who say Obama isn't ready, or he's voted wrong on this or that। But that's looking at the trees and not the forest. What we are witnessing is not just a candidate but a profound, massive public movement for change. My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate.

That is not to take anything away from this exceptional man। But what's going on is bigger than him at this point, and that's a good thing for the country. Because, when he wins in November, that Obama Movement is going to have to stay alert and active. Corporate America is not going to give up their hold on our government just because we say so. President Obama is going to need a nation of millions to stand behind him.

I know some of you will say, 'Mike, what have the Democrats done to deserve our vote?' That's a damn good question। In November of '06, the country loudly sent a message that we wanted the war to end. Yet the Democrats have done nothing. So why should we be so eager to line up happily behind them?

I'll tell you why. Because I can't stand one more friggin' minute of this administration and the permanent, irreversible damage it has done to our people and to this world. I'm almost at the point where I don't care if the Democrats don't have a backbone or a kneebone or a thought in their dizzy little heads. Just as long as their name ain't "Bush" and the word "Republican" is not beside theirs on the ballot, then that's good enough for me.
I, like the majority of Americans, have been pummeled senseless for 8 long years। That's why I will join millions of citizens and stagger into the voting booth come November, like a boxer in the 12th round, all bloodied and bruised with one eye swollen shut, looking for the only thing that matters -- that big "D" on the ballot.

Don't get me wrong. I lost my rose-colored glasses a long time ago.
It's foolish to see the Democrats as anything but a nicer version of a party that exists to do the bidding of the corporate elite in this country। Any endorsement of a Democrat must be done with this acknowledgement and a hope that one day we will have a party that'll represent the people first, and laws that allow that party an equal voice.

Finally, I want to say a word about the basic decency I have seen in Mr. Obama. Mrs. Clinton continues to throw the Rev. Wright up in his face as part of her mission to keep stoking the fears of White America. Every time she does this I shout at the TV, "Say it, Obama! Say that when she and her husband were having marital difficulties regarding Monica Lewinsky, who did she and Bill bring to the White House for 'spiritual counseling?' THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT!"

But no, Obama won't throw that at her. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be decent. She's been through enough hurt. And so he remains silent and takes the mud she throws in his face.
That's why the crowds who come to see him are so large. That's why he'll take us down a more decent path. That's why I would vote for him if Michigan were allowed to have an election.
But the question I keep hearing is... 'can he win? Can he win in November?' In the distance we hear the siren of the death train called the Straight Talk Express। We know it's possible to hear the words "President McCain" on January 20th. We know there are still many Americans who will never vote for a black man. Hillary knows it, too. She's counting on it.

Pennsylvania, the state that gave birth to this great country, has a chance to set things right। It has not had a moment to shine like this since 1787 when our Constitution was written there. In that Constitution, they wrote that a black man or woman was only "three fifths" human. On Tuesday, the good people of Pennsylvania have a chance for redemption.

Yours,

Michael Moore MichaelMoore.comMMFlint@aol.com

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What will be my legacy?

2008-04-19T13:50:00.002-04:00

Having gone to St. Emma Military Academy, but not being Catholic, I always marveled over Catholics' fascination with the Pope and all of the pomp and pageantry that goes along with the title. Just a few years ago, most people never heard of Cardinal Ratzinger /Benedict XVI. Today, the Catholic world is clamoring to touch his robe.

In my mind, I think of people who develop a body of work that is recognized by the masses who earn that kind of adoration. Benedict XVI has been cloistered in academia, delving into the minutia of papal policy and never sought the limelight. Now, all of a sudden, he is a rock star. I could understand Pope John Paul because he seemed to have struck a cord with people over so many years by dealing with issues that concerned average people, especially of the Catholic youth and non-Catholics. Albeit, Pope John Paul was enjoying all of his popularity while Cardinal Ratzinger was back in Rome minding the shop.

This Pope is in the winter of his life and I think he could make his mark if he addresses at least one important issue before the end of his papacy. I know that sexual abuse has been a major issue among Catholics in the States and he did make an acknowledgement of it, but I think poverty and hunger is a larger issue in the world. For all intent and purpose, the Pope is a world leader and it world be a shame if he did not use his influence to assist in setting things in place to make a difference before he leaves this world.

Will somebody help me understand?

2008-04-17T10:58:00.001-04:00

“Senator, why won’t you wear an American flag pin? I question your patriotism”.

WILL SOMEBODY HELP ME!

I can’t believe how people can be old and still be S.O.S., stuck-on-stupid! There has to be an awareness vacuum in this country. You know what I mean…...like, little pockets in this country where different types of information can’t penetrate, where people can’t get new information and discuss contrary points of view.

Charlie Gibson and George Stephanapoulos should be embarassed of themselves.

And what in hell does a button have to do with this man’s willingness to put his life on the line to salvage what remains in the aftermath of Gordon Gekko-like greed and self-interest of the multi-national oil companies and the military/industrial complex?

PLEASE, SOMEBODY HELP ME, NOW!

Ok, ok, ok….I’m going to chill because I must continue to remind myself that what we are witnessing are the Lee Atwater/Karl Rove playbook tactics at play, designed to distract and bog down Obama so that he can not deal with the real issues. BUT, just one last stab: don’t these people know that their ignorant questions are being recorded for posterity and will be aired over and over ad nauseam?

I can’t help thinking about Jackie Robinson and what he had to go through as the first black in major league baseball. O-man may not have been the right candidate twenty years ago . Nor do I think he may be the right man twenty years from now, but he is the right brother, today. It takes the patience of Job and the skill of a surgeon to put up with the asinine tactics we see being played out on a daily bases.

However, I continue to question both democratic candidates’ position on pulling troops out of Iraq in the time-frames they suggested. Having some experience in the military, I remain pessimistic on that note. Also, they both fell in the same trap that Bush-1 fell into, remember: “Read my lips: NO NEW TAXES”

Come on, O-man! I love you, but that was a naive statement then (a la Bush-1) and it’s a naive statement now. It only bolsters the enemies’ point about you not having the experience required. I understand that things are said on the stump to appease the masses….ok, fine. But, things change. The situation on the ground may require a different strategy once you’re in office. You are only limiting yourself when you make commitments like that, and by the way, you didn’t look comfortable when you made those statements. If you can’t deliver by getting the troops out on your time-frame and/or you can’t affect change in the budget and have to raise taxes, well……..

The District of Columbia Emancipation Act

2008-04-15T21:06:00.001-04:00

In tribute to my great grandfather, Henry Smith, who escaped from slavery at the age of twelve and traveled north to Washington, DC, and all the great souls that made that journey too, I dedicate this post to them. The following piece is taken from the National Archives and Records Administration. The sketch to the right was done by F. Dielman in 1866 during the D.C. Emancipation celebration.

* * *

On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill ending slavery in the District of Columbia. Passage of this law came 8 1/2 months before President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation. The act brought to a conclusion decades of agitation aimed at ending what antislavery advocates called "the national shame" of slavery in the nation's capital. It provided for immediate emancipation, compensation to former owners who were loyal to the Union of up to $300 for each freed slave, voluntary colonization of former slaves to locations outside the United States, and payments of up to $100 for each person choosing emigration. Over the next 9 months, the Board of Commissioners appointed to administer the act approved 930 petitions, completely or in part, from former owners for the freedom of 2,989 former slaves.

Although its combination of emancipation, compensation to owners, and colonization did not serve as a model for the future, the District of Columbia Emancipation Act was an early signal of slavery's death. In the District itself, African Americans greeted emancipation with great jubilation. For many years afterward, they celebrated Emancipation Day on April 16 with parades and festivals.

This is playground stuff

2008-04-14T11:13:00.001-04:00

The world needs to understand that Barack Obama is not just campaigning for President of the United States by himself. It's like the Verizon Wireless commercials, he is running with a whole movement behind him. A movement of people who have been used and abused by this political system. These folks know that never before has anyone who look like them have ever gotten this close to the highest office in the land, if not the world!

Tavis Smiley, the former Black Entertainment Television talk show host, recently resigned as a commentator on the syndicated "Tom Joyner Morning Show", according to Joyner, because he was tired and busy with other things. Joyner stated that he believed that the real reason is because Tavis was beaten up by the listeners of his program for being too critical of Obama. If this is true (which I'm certain it is), for Tavis Smiley not to be sensitive to the enthusiasm of Obama's supporters whom perhaps, are a major part of his audience as well, amazes me. Tavis questioning candidates' platform and veracity is justifiable. But, to rebuke Obama for not attending the State of the Black Union, that Smiley hosted and criticising him for not attending a Dr. King memorial is ludicrous. After all, Obama suggested that his wife, Michelle, could attend the Union meeting because he had a scheduling conflict. Everyone knows Michelle's capability. Why wasn't she good enough if he couldn't make it himself? Also, Tavis slammed Obama for not attending recent commemoration events in Memphis for Dr. King. Why Tavis? The senator just spoke at Dr. King's church, Ebenezer, for Dr. King's birthday commemoration.

It appears that Tavis got his ass whipped on the play ground and decided to take his ball and go home, not to play with those guys any more!

Come on, Tavis...grow up! You are trying to stand in the way of a elephant stampede that will mow you down. Let's lose the child-like pouting and join in a constructive debate and not a power play to see who can really capture the imagination of the American electorate because you ain't going to win that one.

We need your voice. We need your talent. We may even need your ball. So, let's makeup and play some ball.

That'a boy!

2008-04-14T10:34:00.001-04:00

Unfathomable Possibilities

2008-04-06T10:17:00.001-04:00

It has become apparent to me that the O-man is the most dangerous man to the maniacal right-wing members of this society and they will do whatever is necessary to destroy the credibility of the senator. By the same token, they will go just as far to tarnish Senator Clinton.

After reading a recent email from another Obama supporter, sharing the video about the Peter Paul scandal, criticizing the Clintons, I considered the unfathomable possibility of O-man being derailed by the Lee Atwaters and Karl Roves of the world.

With Clinton in the “kitchen sink attack” mode, the nomination determination is coming down to the king-making decision of the super delegates. Should it stand to reason that we must be extremely careful of the criticisms leveled against the democratic candidates? If Clinton does become the nominee, the caustic tactics of the radical right-wing can destroy Obama supporters’ inclination to support Clinton in the general election.

For this reason, I believe that all criticism should be carefully vetted before we makeup our minds about any candidate because the alternative could destroy the Democratic Party and any redemption of America on the world stage.