INTERESTING (AND DISAPPOINTING!) REACTIONS

 

I had a light bulb go off over my head the other day, I figured I would reflect here.

With all the social media available, it's easy to get a more realistic image of a public figure these days. You see what they comment on, what they are going through, and what they believe in. 

I think it's cool to be able to share our views, to let the world in on who we are and what is important to us. The UNcool part is when we get an opposing view and all of a sudden, we get angry or offended. In a PUBLIC forum, that is hilarious. 

What inspired this thinking was an exchange I had with a local TV news reporter, whom I had great respect for, that didn't go well at all. 

She had posted something about Kamala Harris that was nothing but positive, which was clearly because she was a graduate of the same college. Because I admire the local news folks waaaaay more than their national counterparts, I made a comment that I hoped would provoke thought. Something along the lines of "don't look deeper, because you would be disgusted". 

I was trying to be nice about it, since I am aware of Harris' record as a prosecutor and her political rise, but not trying to judge, yet trying to open the eyes of someone who CLEARLY didn't see the truth. Despite her mentioning "truth" in her post. That's prolly what made me reply, to be honest. It's one thing to be a fan, ignoring some awful things about that person, but to outright lie is an action that we all should react to and not just pass by. 

The "friend" responded with, "this is not the place to put negativity, and if you do, you will be blocked". 

Well, it's not a surprise these days that folks are thin-skinned and react without thinking. I considered her position for a few seconds and replied to her reply, "It's ok, I'm out. Obviously 'truth' is a very fluid subject here". 

I always consider tone and perspective when I write on any public platform or even in regular conversation. Those that know me well know I am respectful and polite, even if we are complete opposites in our ideas. 

The part that bothered me was the fact that here was a smart, educated, well-positioned young lady that had the means and the tools to KNOW the truth, yet she ignores it based on skin color and gender... and the fact they are fellow alumni. That doesn't seem right, especially in these heated times. 

By calling her out on it, she chose the easy and least conflicted way out. Just delete the person who put her in position to react to the REAL truth. That is how MANY folks handle issues these days, and it's not shocking to know that the issues don't ever go away or improve. 

Will I miss seeing posts of this young lady? A little, since I enjoy the life experiences of a diverse crowd. Mostly, I feel sorry for her, since she will one day, if she is lucky, be faced with the reality of just who she puts up on a pedestal. It will be a sad time for her, but a good one if she learns to look a little deeper into those she admires...there are sooooo many deserving people out there.

If we ever get back to the days of mutual respect and seeking out real conversation, the world would be a far better place. We could learn more about what we don't know about, and have more informed opinions on the things we THINK we know. We could avoid the anger that comes from our own insecurities, and be friendly to those that agree to disagree. We could embrace our differences instead of fearing or hating. We could end wars before they start, and understand the challenges of those that come from far far away. 

That sounds like a world I want to live in. How about you? 

MEETING NEW FOLKS

Since as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed talking to people. Their life and experiences are different than mine. I've considered my history as mild compared to many, especially those that have emigrated from a land far away. Maybe this has to do with Mom being a foreigner herself, and knowing how tough it was for her to survive here. Language has it's challenges, society has it's challenges, even finding work would have it's challenges. To overcome all this and succeed is a testament to the individual pushing forward.

In the recent past, I have spoken to people from India, Bangladesh, Ghana, China, Korea, and others. The overwhelming majority are students who came to study at the college here in Middletown. For my little borough to become so international is the coolest surprise! The kids give me hope for a happier and less violent world....

It reminds me of why I feel racism is the dumbest human fail.

We here in the United States have the good fortune of hosting many people from a diverse set of backgrounds. Some are escaping violence in the homeland. Some are looking for the opportunity to raise their family in a safe and secure environment. Some already have family here. Some are alone. We all have a story worth listening to and respecting. I'm not sure who or why or what so many fear, to the point that society seems to hate each other at first glance, but all of us are missing out on learning different cultures and journeys.

To just dismiss this is to lose out on a fundamental human condition - we are NOT meant to be alone. We are NOT meant to stagnate. We are NOT meant to be isolationists. We are NOT made to fear the unknown.

The image we have of the world and it's people are not always correct. Media and Government do NOT take the place of an actual conversation and seeing the genuine reaction of those in front of you. I had a nice discussion with someone from Jerusalem, a Palestinian man, and came away with a desire to know more. He was a very deep thinker and it was obvious he was compassionate. The only downer was that our exchange was far, far too short.

Luckily, most of the folks I chatted with around here are being welcomed with open arms. They are part of our town, and with them, will come many new things for the area. Restaurants, stores, and new faces out and about, make my hometown a place that others will visit and appreciate. It feels so good knowing there will be more and more people that will call MY town THEIRS as well.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

It's February already, so that means it's another month closer to spring, another Valentines Day to suffer through, and of course, Black History Month.

There is quite a difference of opinion as to the merits or usefulness of this celebration, but, as a fellow human being, I want to know the why's, what's, and who's and focusing attention for a month out of the year is not asking too much. Seriously, Columbus STILL gets a DAY for...... ???

I won't tell a tale or point you in any one direction. There will be an avalanche of information out there for all to see in the coming weeks. The NY Times has put out pictures that have never been published with the story behind the photograph [here]. It seems every major news outlet has something interesting to learn. Morgan Freeman has stated publicly that he doesn't WANT a month dedicated to education of Black History because Black History is American History. I agree, it's all related but too much is hidden or untold. Sometimes we need a kick in the butt to get us to do something we NEED to do so.......

I hope YOU take this opportunity to be entertained by TRUE stories of struggling, surviving, and prospering in a society that wasn't (isn't) cheering you on.... Black History isn't JUST slavery and abuse. It IS many victories by many people, many you may never have heard of...

STACEY DASH

I am not shocked with the reaction to Stacey Dash's comments lately. When I started listening to social media, I realized quickly that people are NOT always kind. As a matter of fact, when hidden behind the curtain of the internet, you will see their true colors. They have no repercussions to being hateful, angry, or despicable. While this has a usefulness all it's own, the message they are trying to get out is clouded by their attitude.

It took a while for me to recognize that everyone has a right to express themselves. I was about 5 at the time, and it wasn't because the Constitution said it is so. It was because it doesn't make sense to censor anyone here in these United States.

We are a country of great diversity. There is no secret that we have an ongoing problem with that same diversity. It's also no secret that someone who has very little experience with a certain kind of people, may feel some sort of way about them because of ignorance. The way we learn about a stranger isn't to hate them for being around us. Maybe we are afraid that the stranger we despise is someone we may look up to.

They have been through more struggles, they have endured more pain, they have sacrificed more, and they are more worldly because of it all. Maybe we don't want a reminder that with all the advantages we have here, we didn't take advantage of them as well as this man/woman from a different land.

I don't know when "respect" was lost on society. Maybe I was too sheltered under Mama's skirt to see the world for what it always was. Maybe I dream too much. I don't know, but I think you would agree, hearing a different opinion than OUR own is an opportunity to learn something WE might not have known. I welcome the story of a family, moving from all they know, moving from family, friends, and generations of history, to a new land of opportunity. Just because WE don't take advantage of these same options, doesn't mean they aren't there.

Stacey is a classic example of a young lady who sees the world around her and wants to help people see it in a different light. She has a platform to speak and she takes advantage of it. Hundreds of thousands of people listen to her and millions would welcome her to a family dinner. She has led a life that many, many people would aspire. She has seen success and COULD just ride it out quietly cashing her checks. Yet she speaks her mind. She doesn't hide from her words, and obviously has thought about things before she puts it all out there for the world to react to. What some don't realize is that her stage is a LOT bigger than most.

I could say here in MY circle, "Peyton Manning hates pizza!" and no one would react. That isn't a reflection of the words spoken, it's a sign of the volume of my voice. Stacey says something about a TV network, and you would think she wants to have Hitler's baby. Her circle, obviously MUCH larger so her voice carries.

Should we dismiss her because we disagree? Of course not. Should we applaud her just because she says something? Of course not. Should we RESPECT her for using her voice, and hoping she can make a difference? Of course we should. Not everyone in her position would have the fortitude to take the abuse that she knows will come her way. I don't know how she handles the invitations to assist in her suicide. I don't see how she can ignore those accusations in her race that she be kicked out. I don't understand how she can stay positive in the darkness that people try and cast over her.

Is it because she is an attractive woman? Is it because she has a mind of her own and doesn't just follow along? I sincerely hope she keeps expressing herself, right or wrong. The world needs a strong opinion from young and old, male and female, and everyone that feels left out. How else are we going to make our world a better place unless we listen to all???

GEORGE TAKEI SAID IT WELL.... AMERICANS

I am (finally!) getting through George Takei's autobiography, "To The Stars", and on page 187 was something that I HAD to write about.

[Full disclosure: Some of you have prolly noticed that I have read MANY books from the cast of Star Trek. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, William Shatner (sorry Bill, for the equal billing hahaaha).... yes, I've read ALL of them.... BEFORE I picked up this one.] Yet, as I progress in this man's life, it builds like a great movie. Some of this is my fault as I hated the section on how our country treated it's own citizens during a time of war. It's embarrassing to have a history of abuse that we have here in the United States, but with this pain can come a strength... if we can overcome it.

For those of you who don't know George, (no, we are NOT on a first-name basis... YET!) he is a most interesting young man. To those of us who are admitted Trekkers, he is Hikaru Sulu from San Francisco, helmsman on the USS Enterprise. Some people may only know him as the outspoken and interesting man on social media who has a never-ending smile, a clever opinion, and  husband since 2008.

Either way, once you get past the obvious stardom, you find a man whose journey in this lifetime has been amazing. From his childhood of good memories and hard-working parents, to the choice of a non-traditional career, to page 187 (I stopped right there to write THIS!), you get the impression of a man who has made

the most of his opportunities and appreciates the gift he has. We could all be so lucky.

So what's the big deal about page 187 that prompted my listless self to sit here and get wordy?Let me use George's own words, as he discussed his participation in the musical "Fly Blackbird!" and the influence it had on his views of being American....

"Over it's run, "Fly Blackbird!" affected an enormous number of people. One of them was me. I gained friends and insights that led to a deeper understanding of this ever-changing, ever-developing new breed of humans called Americans. As a people, we may have  varied histories tracing back to the Mayflower or the slave ships, to split-rail corrals or to barbed wire

fences. But, whatever our histories, however tortured and adversarial they may have been, our destinies are bound inextricably together. We have a common future. Our challenge lies, not in carrying the weight of our pasts like anchors, but in working in concert to build that common tomorrow."

One of the things that I realized a long time ago was, no matter how compassionate a person can be, you NEVER have the perspective of someone else. Be it a person from a different culture, a different neighborhood, or a different race, no one TRULY knows the pain and suffering of a person going through the abuse. Many of us say we don't see color but that would be lying. We SEE it and react accordingly. We despise the language used by some to describe our brothers and sisters from a race NOT Caucasian. We are sickened by the treatment of human beings by those who have the power and desire to beat down their own people. We are especially saddened that, with the power of the internet, we see MORE mistreatment around the world than we can imagine. George is right. We DO have a common future. Will it be as FAMILY or as strangers?

Thank you George, for the hard work at entertaining us, for speaking out on issues that need revealed, and for just being a great human being.... you make us ALL proud.

Now excuse me as I get back to the story.....

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.... and

I just came from watching "Straight Outta Compton" and had some thoughts...

As much as I try and imagine a colorless-people Earth, it would be ignorant to say that it is. Our world is FAR from perfect....

One of the traits we think that defines humanity is treating each other with dignity and respect. We fail miserably and completely. Racism, despite being common to most countries, has to be one of the most embarrassing qualities I can think of. To form an opinion that is only based on appearance is not only irresponsible, it's just plain stupid.

To those that think our country has repaired the racial divide, I can only hope they do not bear witness to the realities of being a so-called minority here in these United States. I was one who was blind to the struggles of those who didn't have similar skin pigments as me. All I knew was, my friends were not defined by ethnicity and I didn't treat anyone different because of what they looked like. The small town I grew up in didn't demand you lock your doors or fear the Police in any way.

My eyes were opened later in life as I heard the stories of many, the common thread being a life affected in a NOT positive way by others, usually of Caucasian persuasion. This brought a huge disappointment in my country and species, yet drew me closer those brothers and sisters that I may never meet....

Those that struggle to survive, not knowing if today will be their last. Those that live in fear of oppression by authority figures. Those that are abused by Law Enforcement, despite their promise to "Protect and Serve". Those that could offer wisdom, yet are shunned because of a language or other barrier.

This CAN'T be the America we are proud of. The one that offers opportunity to those who work hard and contribute to the greater good. If we take the most basic rights away from people living here, legally or otherwise, shame should be the overwhelming emotion for those directly unaffected. Why do we tolerate this mistreatment of our own?


I wish I knew....

Ferguson is not an isolated or extreme incident. Everyone HAS to admit there IS a horrific treatment of our people here... our people.... our family, if not by blood by spirit. This has been going on for generations and to ignore it will only make those affected more motivated to enact some revenge or at least make their voices loud enough for all to take notice. They should NOT go it ALONE. We need to unite regardless of our social status or family genes.

I always hoped to see the day when racism was a distant memory, but I fear that we are so flawed as a species, the cure lies beyond our reach. Maybe the future will bring about an intelligence we do NOT have at the moment. Maybe the fact that we are ALL unique and different and these differences should be celebrated and embraced.

My life now brings me in touch with folks from a diversified ancestry. Just in the past few months, I've talked to people from as far away as Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Ghana, and even Kathmandu in Nepal. I have to look at a map to see where these interesting places are and the stories I hear are always fascinating. It proves that no matter where you are from, we are all the same. The same concerns, the same things make us happy, the same things crush us.

I'll never understand how we cannot feel a deep respect for those that leave their home to come to a place that offers a better opportunity for them or their kids. Maybe it's the fact that Mom came from a foreign land that makes it seem so cool. The conversations with these adopted people just support the idea that they learn from us, we learn from them, and we BOTH are stronger because of the bond created. Sounds simple right?

it's also simple how we can fix this beyond conversations and friendly attitudes.

If you see injustice happening, it's your duty as a fellow human being to step up and defend those that are being persecuted. If you think it DOESN'T affect you then you are just contributing to the issues at hand with no hope of solving the problems that cripple the prosperity and happiness for all. The inadequacies of our humanity that we are handicapped with should NOT stop us from improving the quality of life for those around us. If we all do our part, this tragedy we are all living through can be healed. We CAN make it disappear. Do YOU want to be a part of the success or one of the reasons we fail?

it's all in your hands...

The movie?

I have to admit, I didn't know much about the events so it was mostly new to me. If you like a story with a mostly happy ending and includes people you can be proud of, go see it. The music is part of the show, but if you didn't already know, it's the music that brought about an awareness that wasn't being shown anywhere else. You may have a new appreciation and understanding.... and a smile.

I HAVE A DREAM TOO.....

In my search for more info on the civil unrest that has been going on, I was pulled towards the famous, “I Have a Dream” Martin Luther King speech. The sad fact is that parts of it still ring true today, over 50 years later....

If you haven't read it in a while or never heard it in it's entirety, click here for the written version. I wondered as I went from line to line, how many folks only know the few sentences that are often quoted. They miss the point entirely if that's all the farther they go....

One part that struck me was.... “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men – yes black men as well as white men – would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.”

You COULD say that America has defaulted for MOST of us. Those in charge have centered more on economic status than anything. If you aren't earning more than enough already, it doesn't appear to be getting any easier in the coming years.

The struggles of the middle-class on down aren't a priority to those we vote for and mean even less to those that run the businesses that employ them. Wages have been stagnant so long as it's now the norm to pay whatever the minimum can be for a particular position. Instead of a growing and vibrant workforce, we have one that “appreciates just having a job”. Is this the best we can do???  I thought this was the land of opportunity????

The rich and powerful have tested us – ALL of us – and we have done nothing in response. Isn't it time to join hands, man AND woman.... black AND white... plus any other group that feels neglected.... join hands to start a new revolution? This one should be directed at those directly responsible for this condition we are in. A revolution for ALL to have a real chance to earn more than a minimum wage.... a chance to use your given abilities to their ultimate capabilities.... a chance to improve the conditions for you and your family... a way out of the crushing reality from a shattered dream.

How much of this trouble we see today is just a symptom of the declining middle-class? Once proud, the voices have been silenced by downsizing, outsourcing, and restructuring. I can't imagine, if we all have a chance to earn a good living at a job we are appreciated and needed, that many of these issues today would go away. A proud man is a mighty force. One that has the strength to lift an entire nation to higher highs, overcome the lowest lows, and keep the peace of prosperity going. If everyone was offered this opportunity, would we be standing in the shadows of chaos today, searching for answers to civility?

I also noticed the section that says, “We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling-off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment.”

We don't need any of the so-called leaders to tell us what to do or how to repair this long suffering damage to our brothers and sisters. If you step back and just watch our children interact with each other, before the hate is taught.... before the hateful words are learned..... before they are exposed to the violence and vengeance of the racial divide.... you will see the wisdom of youth. Playing together, laughing together, being together and enjoying the fellowship we all need. They do not see the differences of color, they see the sameness of humanity. The same number of arms and legs. The same words to communicate. The same sound of laughter, the same reasons to cry. Why do we ever change our minds when we are so correct from the start?????

We can and we must come together. Mistakes have been made, the past littered with memories that must be respected but not repeated. Only together can we bring peace to our land, prosperity to our children, and a future so bright it gives the rest of the world hope that they too can overcome their own lingering problems, to rise above it all, and see peace and prosperity in the eyes of their own people as well. It's time for the UNITED States to be a leader again, not by intimidation, but as an example for others to want for themselves.

One final piece of the speech that struck me as a timely reminder from a national treasure..... “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundation of our nation until the bright days of justice emerge. And that is something that I must say to my people who stand on the worn threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust all white people, for of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone and as we walk we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.”

This sounded to me like it was written last week.

How crushingly sad, that after all the pain and heartache, after all the violence, after all the death that came to our brothers and sisters, our eyes have not opened enough to see, what is so very clear to most sensible folks – the uniqueness of our humanity can never overcome the terrible decisions and mistreatment we bring down on other living and breathing souls. Be they brothers from down the street or our cousins from the other side of the world, we all ask for dignity and respect, which SHOULD be given freely by everyone. Whatever the disconnect, somehow we must find a was to bridge the gap of ignorance and set free the negativity and beliefs of the past.

We can't repair the damaged relationships by watching an interview, reading an article, or sitting back and hoping for the best. It will take a real effort by ALL of us to make our world the paradise it always COULD have been, what it always SHOULD have been, what it will ultimately WILL be.... with or without us.

Let's start today.....

RACISM, RIOTS, & GENERAL FOOLISHNESS

With Baltimore just an hours drive away, I figured it was time to finally react to the unrest we seem to have lately. The underlying problem to all this turmoil is be based on the worst of all human traits – racism.

I've said for years, if I could have just one wish, it would be to eliminate all forms of racism across the globe. In my eyes, there is nothing more ignorant than hating someone purely based on appearance. Not only isn't it accurate, it limits the positives that could be gained by knowing more about this person and their life.

America became America by embracing many people from many lands. We took hard-working folks from all over the planet, stirred them all up, and became the place many folks wanted to live. If you had a dream to be successful, America was where it was possible. Did we have problems? Of course, but who wouldn't? Combining so many cultures was bound to create some challenges, but one would think by now that we would learn to appreciate the differences and have them all worked out.

If only....

Here in 2015, which I am sure most of us think as “modern times”, we can still act like cavemen. It isn't limited to our borders either, unfortunately. All over the world, we see events happening to people who have committed no crime except be born of a color or culture that another, more-powerful group dislikes. We have genocide going on daily, whether we see it firsthand or not, and as a human being, I am embarrassed by it all.

Embarrassed that my brothers and sisters in Nigeria can't seem to put the guns down and work together towards a peaceful, loving paradise their land COULD be.

Embarrassed that thousands of people every year flee their homeland, in fear of their family's safety, trying to start anew in a strange country and with little to offer but the sweat from their hard work. Not only do they lose their possessions, they lose their history and possibly their long held culture. So sad...

Embarrassed that my brothers and sisters in Pakistan can't appreciate the benefits of human rights, and kill those who try and spread the hope towards a better future for their country and it's people.

Embarrassed by my brothers and sisters that are members of the Islamic State, who destroy their own history in the name of religious cleansing. They kill those that do not believe as they do and somehow are able to get more and more followers. How terrible must things be when THAT is the best option???

Embarrassed by the people who still cling to the misguided idea that the professional world is the “white” world. Money, last I checked, was still green, doesn't care who is holding it, and spends the same for everyone.

Embarrassed by my brothers and sisters in law-enforcement who don't see the people in neighborhoods they patrol as human beings and treat them with the civility and dignity everyone deserves. If by now, they haven't seen this issue blow up right in front of them, can they be retrained or are they just not qualified?

Embarrassed by my brothers and sisters disrespecting the memory of Freddie Gray by leaving a legacy of destruction and chaos instead of actually making a difference in the city he lived and breathed. Setting a car on fire, stealing, and generally acting a fool does nothing to open up the minds of those who are blind to the struggles of those living there.

Embarrassed by my brothers and sisters in charge of anyone who violates the trust of the public to protect and serve. I'm thinking not only of law-enforcement, but also those that sit up on Capital Hill, ignoring the cries of their constituents for a better, safer, AND more respected life.

People do NOT feel safer than 30 years ago.

People trust the Law less than 30 years ago.

People are less hopeful than they were 30 years ago.

What we have been doing HAS NOT BEEN WORKING!!!

It's time for a change....

We need to re-examine what both sides can do to make this awful relationship, better. It wouldn't be that hard....

If you are involved with twitter or any social media, those 140-character opinions seem to reflect a one-sided view of any issue. Should those that LOOK guilty, be labelled as guilty without being charged? Of course not. We all know this yet we act like we have all the facts. Having so much public opinion will, in fact, shape our view no matter what we do. If the view is wrong though, it has a traumatic effect on everyone and can ignite a war that we all lose.

I've always thought I'd outlive the foolishness of racism. It was a constant head-scratcher as to why more people didn't what is clearly the truth..... that we are all related, all family, all connected, maybe not by blood but in every other meaningful way. I have to admit, seeing the widespread demonstrations and hearing all sides talking, I may have to amend my original expectation.

We are not smart enough to overcome this issue at this time.

It requires common sense, compassion, and understanding. It also requires respect, patience, and a desire to make the world – or even a small part of the world – a better place. It also requires effort.....

Unfortunately, that may be a deal breaker.

The apathy from government and it's citizens are the reason we are in this situation to begin with. We let obvious issues fester until they blow up in outrage, then we wonder why this all happened. To actually admit there is a REAL problem would mean that leadership in the last 50 years has failed. If we admit the leadership has failed, then we can blame no one but us, the voting public. If we would have been more involved, those in charge that enabled these problems to continue would be outed and replaced.

Obviously, this racial tension is not imagined. As my brothers and sisters must still deal with many of the things folks fought long and hard to overcome, it made me think of Martin Luther King's “I Have a Dream” speech and ponder just what is better since that day in 1963.

to be continued.....