IS IT ME OR...
Did President Obama go through at least 2 non-functional pens as he attempted to sign the stimulus bill?
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I MIGHT BE BIASED BUT...
I am in complete agreement with the Honorable Craig Washington's decision to remove the picture of the slain officer from the bench. It had no place on the bench and he didn't remove it from you courtroom, but from his bench. He did his duty.
I might be biased because Craig Washington has been a familiar face and a pillar in my community for a loonnng time.
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I am saddened to hear that three major neighborhood newspapers are no longer in existence.
The Leader, Mount Airy Times Express and the Germantown Courier are no more. However, there's a great opportunity for the Northwest to come together, combine their resources and start a whole new paper to service the entire area.
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Chris Brown has lost the respect of my daughters. I don't care what happened, his reaction is unjustified. Any man who puts his hands on any woman isn't a man at all. He is a punk-behind coward with some serious issues. Domestic Violence in any shape or form is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Valentine's Day Provokes Self Examination
The funniest rumor that I heard about me was that I had gotten married. That is hilarious considering that I haven't even had a real boyfriend!
I really haven't even had much of a heart for the last 4 years. After my mom died, I literally felt my heart break. I never knew what it meant when somebody said they were heartbroken until then. I think the only people who I really can say that I loved during that time were my children. Anybody else was just ... there. After the heart break subsided, and my divorce finalized, my heart then turned to stone. I never really thought about it, it just became a way of life for me until around November of last year when my daughter asked me if I thought I would ever fall in love. My response of course was "what's love got to do with it?" and I advised her not to put too much emphasis on it. Her response was "Well, G-mom loved everybody, no matter what." My response: "I'm not G-mom." But she had made her point and planted the seed in my mind.
My mother and my grandmother really did love everybody that they knew - regardless of race, religion, social status, income, mental capacity, etc. For the life of me, I couldn't understand why they put up with some of the people that they put up with, and often asked them. Because I don't remember their answers, it probably didn't make sense to me and so I just dismissed it.
Since my daughter's question, I've read different books about the subject of love and the different types of love. I snapped back to reality and am thankful for God's love for me because without it I am nothing. I also came to realized that I really do love my relatives and my closest friends. Most importantly, I LOVE ME!!!
Then I joined Enon and you know how you have to go to discipleship classes before you receive the right hand of fellowship - well, the first lesson touched on the three types of love, and our last lesson went in depth on the subject. So I figure,maybe it's time for me to be open to another type of love.
Now, everywhere I look and listen, people are talking about love. At church, the scripture reading was 1Chorinthians 12-13. I listen to the radio and everybody's playing love songs. Everybody's got a Valentine's day special or sale.
I have never been one to put much emphasis on man-made holidays, and this Valentine's Day is no exception. But all of the talk and commercials have made me re-evaluate my position. Although I am alone, I'm not lonely (for the most part). I believe that love is something that happens over a period of time, after you really get to know a person. I know I am not at the point to love someone totally unconditionally because I'm not God.
I do know that I was created to love and to be loved, but not to settle for anything less than I desire or deserve. So I made a list of characteristics that I want in potential mates and I don't think that they are unreasonable. We'll see. Not that I'm looking to "fall in love", I honestly don't believe in that.
Wish me luck!
I'll keep you posted.
Peace and Love.
I really haven't even had much of a heart for the last 4 years. After my mom died, I literally felt my heart break. I never knew what it meant when somebody said they were heartbroken until then. I think the only people who I really can say that I loved during that time were my children. Anybody else was just ... there. After the heart break subsided, and my divorce finalized, my heart then turned to stone. I never really thought about it, it just became a way of life for me until around November of last year when my daughter asked me if I thought I would ever fall in love. My response of course was "what's love got to do with it?" and I advised her not to put too much emphasis on it. Her response was "Well, G-mom loved everybody, no matter what." My response: "I'm not G-mom." But she had made her point and planted the seed in my mind.
My mother and my grandmother really did love everybody that they knew - regardless of race, religion, social status, income, mental capacity, etc. For the life of me, I couldn't understand why they put up with some of the people that they put up with, and often asked them. Because I don't remember their answers, it probably didn't make sense to me and so I just dismissed it.
Since my daughter's question, I've read different books about the subject of love and the different types of love. I snapped back to reality and am thankful for God's love for me because without it I am nothing. I also came to realized that I really do love my relatives and my closest friends. Most importantly, I LOVE ME!!!
Then I joined Enon and you know how you have to go to discipleship classes before you receive the right hand of fellowship - well, the first lesson touched on the three types of love, and our last lesson went in depth on the subject. So I figure,maybe it's time for me to be open to another type of love.
Now, everywhere I look and listen, people are talking about love. At church, the scripture reading was 1Chorinthians 12-13. I listen to the radio and everybody's playing love songs. Everybody's got a Valentine's day special or sale.
I have never been one to put much emphasis on man-made holidays, and this Valentine's Day is no exception. But all of the talk and commercials have made me re-evaluate my position. Although I am alone, I'm not lonely (for the most part). I believe that love is something that happens over a period of time, after you really get to know a person. I know I am not at the point to love someone totally unconditionally because I'm not God.
I do know that I was created to love and to be loved, but not to settle for anything less than I desire or deserve. So I made a list of characteristics that I want in potential mates and I don't think that they are unreasonable. We'll see. Not that I'm looking to "fall in love", I honestly don't believe in that.
Wish me luck!
I'll keep you posted.
Peace and Love.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The American Dream
My mother and I loved to debate each other's opinions and I was usually swayed to her point of view. However, while she firmly believed that blacks were much better off than they were "in her day and time", I, rebel that I am, firmly disagreed, stating that her perception was just an illusion. (She fondly referred to me as the "Rebel without a cause.)
While going through yet another box of memorabilia, I came across this book that I bought back in the late 90's: America: Who Stole the Dream? by Philadelphia Inquirer Reporters Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele.
"LET'S SUPPOSE, for a moment, that there was a country where the people in charge charted a course that eliminated millions of good jobs.
Not surprisingly, the facts and statistics outlined in this book, which was written around 1996, are true today. Two areas that I distinctly remember reading about are financial ethics (wall street) and immigration. Warnings of the effects of America's activities during that time, have come to fruition.
How far have we really come?
While going through yet another box of memorabilia, I came across this book that I bought back in the late 90's: America: Who Stole the Dream? by Philadelphia Inquirer Reporters Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele.
"LET'S SUPPOSE, for a moment, that there was a country where the people in charge charted a course that eliminated millions of good jobs.
Suppose they gave away several million more jobs to people from other nations.
Finally, imagine that the people running this country implemented economic policies that enabled those at the very top to grow ever richer while most others grew poorer.
You wouldn't want to live in such a place, would you?
Too bad.
You already do."
Not surprisingly, the facts and statistics outlined in this book, which was written around 1996, are true today. Two areas that I distinctly remember reading about are financial ethics (wall street) and immigration. Warnings of the effects of America's activities during that time, have come to fruition.
How far have we really come?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Remembering Berta
G-mom, Sister, Mother, Aunt
Traveler, Shopper,
The Ultimate Survivor
Domestic Abuse, Breast Cancer and Depression
You beat the odds, inspired many, and stayed in remission.
Your prophecy has been fulfilled
My “rude awakening” has been revealed.
My journey still continues...
Memories of quotes and anecdotes provide me with encouragement and strength
in my darkest hours.
Still missing your physical presence,
My comfort lies in knowing that your spirit lives on with your ancestors.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
More Money For Parking Authority?!?!?
Now they are increasing the cost for meter parking. When the state took over the parking authority, they promised the Philadelphia School District 45 million dollars. So far they have only paid 4 million to the school district.
Read FOX Story....
Legal Intelligencer Story...
Their website tells you nothing except how they intend to continue this method of legal extortion among Philadelphia residents. Then, they are taking the money out of Philly and funding state initiatives. Does any other city in Pennsylvania have this form of extortion going on? Please advise.
Peace and Love.
Read FOX Story....
Legal Intelligencer Story...
Their website tells you nothing except how they intend to continue this method of legal extortion among Philadelphia residents. Then, they are taking the money out of Philly and funding state initiatives. Does any other city in Pennsylvania have this form of extortion going on? Please advise.
Peace and Love.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Proud To Be An American
I have never been more proud to be an American who is black than I was on yesterday. As I watched our new President, proudly and boldly take his oath, how could I not feel a sense of pride?
My current job provided me the opportunity to share that experience with about 45 teenage boys and girls. As the students at A. Philip Randolph Career Academy watched in awe and admiration, you could hear a pin drop. The applause and cheers that filled the school after the oath was something I will never forget. I think that knowing the history of their school's namesake made these young people more aware of the significance of this event.
The entire day was emotional for me on many levels, and I enjoyed every moment of it! I went to the gym with the intention of getting home in time to watch the Neighborhood Ball. When I got home and realized that I missed the dance, I was deeply disappointed, so I decided to watch Katie Couric instead I'm glad I did, because it offered quite a pleasant surprise. She did a segment on a civil rights leader who is often unsung...Medgar Evers. Then, she showed clips of the first couple's dance - so I didn't feel like I missed anything.
I have always felt that Mr. Obama - oops, I mean Mr. PRESIDENT was cool, suave and debonair, but in my opinion, his most admirable trait is the way that he adores, appreciates, and respects his wife. This is a real man, who recognizes the important role that his wife plays and is not in any way threatened or intimidated by her strength, intellegence and beauty. He knows that "he's a movement by himself, but with her at his side, he is a force to be reckoned with" (Neyo)
Speaking of prayer, did Rick Warren read his prayer, or was I imagining things. To me he appeared to be reading a prepared speech and not giving a heart felt prayer. Mr. Presiden't speeches never appear to even be rehearsed, let alone read from a script.
Anyway, as always, I leave you with...
Peace and Love.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Dream...
...in my opinion, is still deferred.
As I celebrated Dr. King's birthday yesterday, (his actual DOB), I thought about a phrase from his "I Have A Dream" speech that has always stayed in the back of my mind... "It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."
The dream that MLK spoke of in his speech is still unfulfilled. Undoubtedly, blacks Americans have something to be proud of and I wish my mother and grandparents were here to witness this event. They would have been indescribably hyped and proud to see our new real life Huxtable family role model. Hopefully this will raise standards and hopes in our communities, but I think we need alot more than lip service and unrealistic promises.
I participated in a workshop yesterday where the facilitator shared the findings of a recent study. The findings were that African-American children who come from low-income, one-parent households, are academically inferior. The fact that they needed to pay somebody to to tell them that makes them academically inferior and lacking in common sense. If you put a child from any race, creed or color in the same conditions, you will get the same results. I am so tired of hearing how our local and federal governments and foundations spend millions of dollars to conduct studies to tell them what we already know. Last year, The Urban League of Philadelphia published one of the most comprehensive reports that I've ever seen, entitled "The State Of Black Philadelphia". And they GAVE COPIES AWAY FOR FREE last summer!!! (Now it will cost you a nominal amount)
Now that all the study results are in, they should begin earmarking money to implement programs and services needed to enhance the quality of life in underserved communities.
I hope and pray that Mr. Obama will allocate some of the trillions of stimulus dollars directly to our needs. We would have to come correct from jump street in order to even be considered. As the old saying goes, we have to jump higher and run faster. Because we don't have a group of leaders or lobbyists who represent us to actually come up with and present a well prepared proposal to the powers that be, all I can do is hope and pray. Don't get me wrong, I know that there is power in prayer, but sometimes God requires us to have a vision and take action as well.
Having said all that, looking at the trickle down affect of the US Stock Market to worldwide economy, I can't help but smile as I remember those controversial infamous words from one of our other prominent leaders of that same era.
As Brother Malcolm put it..."Their chickens have come home to roost".
Peace and Love.
As I celebrated Dr. King's birthday yesterday, (his actual DOB), I thought about a phrase from his "I Have A Dream" speech that has always stayed in the back of my mind... "It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."
The dream that MLK spoke of in his speech is still unfulfilled. Undoubtedly, blacks Americans have something to be proud of and I wish my mother and grandparents were here to witness this event. They would have been indescribably hyped and proud to see our new real life Huxtable family role model. Hopefully this will raise standards and hopes in our communities, but I think we need alot more than lip service and unrealistic promises.
I participated in a workshop yesterday where the facilitator shared the findings of a recent study. The findings were that African-American children who come from low-income, one-parent households, are academically inferior. The fact that they needed to pay somebody to to tell them that makes them academically inferior and lacking in common sense. If you put a child from any race, creed or color in the same conditions, you will get the same results. I am so tired of hearing how our local and federal governments and foundations spend millions of dollars to conduct studies to tell them what we already know. Last year, The Urban League of Philadelphia published one of the most comprehensive reports that I've ever seen, entitled "The State Of Black Philadelphia". And they GAVE COPIES AWAY FOR FREE last summer!!! (Now it will cost you a nominal amount)
Now that all the study results are in, they should begin earmarking money to implement programs and services needed to enhance the quality of life in underserved communities.
I hope and pray that Mr. Obama will allocate some of the trillions of stimulus dollars directly to our needs. We would have to come correct from jump street in order to even be considered. As the old saying goes, we have to jump higher and run faster. Because we don't have a group of leaders or lobbyists who represent us to actually come up with and present a well prepared proposal to the powers that be, all I can do is hope and pray. Don't get me wrong, I know that there is power in prayer, but sometimes God requires us to have a vision and take action as well.
Having said all that, looking at the trickle down affect of the US Stock Market to worldwide economy, I can't help but smile as I remember those controversial infamous words from one of our other prominent leaders of that same era.
As Brother Malcolm put it..."Their chickens have come home to roost".
Peace and Love.
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