Table Talk (Part 1)

Earlier this week a gentleman was in the same restaurant I was in for lunch with one of his friends. He obviously didn’t see me walk right by him and sit at the next table eating my lunch. They were talking about politics. Now I was trying not to listen and eat in peace, but when he made one statement I think my expression said it all to his friend sitting with him, because he immediately looked at me and tried to shut his friend up before he said more.

Now what could he have said that caught my attention you may be wondering?

This one statement… “These Black people only voted for Obama because he’s Black.” :O

Now I work in a conservative area of town, so it’s not out of the ordinary to hear some things, but this statement said more about the way this guy thinks that he realized. Plus it demonstrates the lack of socialization he obviously has had with Black people if you make such a statement. Now I’ve heard Black people make similar statements and I’ve taken the same position with them too, so I’m not trying to beat up on anyone here, just want people to stop doing this.

Now I think he realized that the person behind him (me) was Black. Perhaps I’m not your everyday Negro J , but I’m not going to jump on your case for every stupid statement you make, especially when it comes to race. You have to understand where the person is coming from in their comments.

So I tried to get finish eating, he immediately changed his conversation and hurried up with their lunch so they can leave. What he said must have gotten to him, because as they were getting ready to go he turned and apologized to me.

Now keep in mind I haven’t said a word. I was trying to eat in peace. But I told him that it was OK. Not all Black people are the same or like what you’ve been told or see on TV. Just like I know that all White people are not alike.

I voted for Obama, not because he was Black, but because I agreed with his approach. Then I began speaking about what I could tell he knew more about, Republican politics. “I was very disappointed with what McCain allowed to go on in his campaign. I knew that wasn’t who he was, but he did little to stop it. He lost a lot of respect with many open-minded Blacks who defended him in 2000 from the same type of Karl Rove attacks the Bush team did to him with the SC Republican Primary whisper campaign about his adopted daughter. For him to revert or allow the same tactics was revealing.”

I can talk Republican politics to show that I am not one sided, despite my disagreement with much of its tactics. I try to understand and respect the other person’s views. I just wish many would do the same for Democratic politics and positions and stop bashing each other for anything and everything.

***TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW***

Consider Yourself

I guess I’m still in remembrance of Michael Jackson when I heard the latest load of **** coming from Bill O’Reily, but now we get to listen and watch people begin to trip. Such as the comments by a certain congressman and FOX News entertainer. But while some quickly seek only the negative I’m trying not to stoop to their level. Why should we continue to acknowledge the ignorance and insensitivity of these individuals?

Seriously, think about it. If you’re upset at me for something that I’ve said or someone said that I’ve done then that’s an indicator that you don’t fully understand who’s really trippin’. Even if it’s true, what are you doing in love to walk with me to help? This is one of the reasons why I have pulled back from attacking those who refuse or still can not comprehend the simplicity of the message I strive to offer.

You should always strive to build a rapport with people that they are comfortable speaking candidly with you, so when and/or if the occasion arise that you need to speak to them or they to you it’s understood that you do so with unconditional love.

We can not be afraid to confront wrong, because you’re concerned that the wrong you’re doing may be exposed? And if someone or you are found doing something wrong, don’t beat them over the head with political ideological, patriotic or religious condemnation. Stop damning people and start loving them. How hard is that? Don’t immediately assume that someone is doing wrong, because you don’t understand something they’ve said or have done or presently may be doing. When you embrace people for who they are instead of what you want them to be you may find yourself a new friend and a blessing to your life.

You never know who you may be helping. Regardless of how old or young you may be or the length of time you spend in church, how much you support a specific political party or ideology we all find ourselves trippin’ on people from time to time.

I’m willing to openly say that I have on many occasions. I can not stand Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh, Karl Rove and FOX News, but when someone decides to call me some ridiculous name they feel will be offensive because they disagree with something I’ve writen or said or do it makes you wonder. You can dislike me, just as I dislike certain individuals. You can disagree with me, but just because you disagree with me doesn’t mean that you’re right.

What I’ve learned is more important is to honestly ask myself what am I doing to help? Talking about or at someone or remaining silent about what someone has done, written or said isn’t helping them. Being a true friend opens the door of opportunity to be of help to them and vice versa.

I’m not even going to say consider others, because some need to consider themselves and how they consider themselves before branching out to anyone else.

I appreciate your time and the courtesy you’ve shown to me by reading this article.

Enjoy.

What Are You Doing For Others?

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” – Coach John Wooden

I’ve found the day to be a success when I make it to the end of it, but how much of a success was it if I was unwilling or did not give something positive to someone else.

Although it is a difficult challenge when presented, we must always strive to be considerate of others. The profit of kindness dividends changes more than the one who receives, but the one who gives too. Even when they do not deserve your kindness it’s always best to give it, because your gesture may be the very thing that brings success to their day as it will your own.

So as frustrating it is to politely communicate with a negative, difficult or even sour or close-minded person I respectfully suggest you give it try. Before you know it you will find yourself with an unlikely friend instead of an assumed enemy.

At the center of the concept of considering others is “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Will You Be There

“How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” – GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

As I watched the public memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson online I can truly say that he is in a much better place, away from the hate filled people of this world and selfish hate driven people. I’m absolutely amazed by the bitterness of people.

I think Marlon Jackson adequately addressed all of the people who continue to find it in their heart to hate and to only speak of the negatives of a person’s life without including the negatives of their own. I’ve learned awhile ago to stop arguing with people who may respond negatively to me, because and overwhelming majority of the time they are not trying to consider another’s point of view or even including themselves into their criticisms. If we just simply stopped being so selfish in all we do and simply begin to incorporate the simple statement I’ve repeatedly remixed for months and Consider Others, just perhaps something good will happen.

I see why we should not be afraid of death. Depending on the bent of the conduct of our life, the other side of the door we all will find ourselves walking through is just a moment of solace and peace leading us to our justified destination. Death is not the punctuation of finality, but the conjunction of the continuation of the sentence of our life. If you were to die at the end of this sentence what would the statement of your life read?

Be aware of what you say, because it may be your last words. Strive to make those words positive, inspiring and welcoming instead of sentence of negativity, despair and fear. Words are power and you will be judged by the power, action and truthfulness of those words, so make them mean something.

“Where there is love there is life.” – MOHANDAS K. GANDHI

For those who continue to travel to the destination few have arrived; the place where you can honestly give up the temptingly alluring romance of hate, negativity, fear, selfishness and inconsideration for others, you then will realize that you’re there.

Click here to get my graphical tribute to Michael Jackson

Jim Brown’s Verbal Birdie

NFL legend and social activist Jim Brown took a hard swipe at Tiger Woods in the recent “Real Sports” on HBO. Mr. Brown said Tiger Woods is a “monster competitor” on the course, but has been “terrible” as a social contributor off of it.

Well although some may be afraid to address this in terms of race, it has an element of race in it. So as a Black man who is only a few years older than Tiger and was made more aware of golf by the contributions of Tiger Woods I submit my opinion to Mr. Jim Brown with sincere respect. I believe this is more of a generational lapse of opinion in social contribution. Just because Tiger does not contribute socially in the way one may prefer it doesn’t mean he hasn’t made great contributions to youth in addition to his own ethnic heritage, Black and Asian.

The game of golf has not always been welcoming to someone like Tiger or even myself if it wasn’t for the contributions of other Black Golfers such as Ann Gregory, Joseph Bartholomew, Charlie Sifford or Ted Rhodes who paved the way for a Tiger Woods or even an Anthony Kim or a Michelle Wie.

Mr. Brown I will be the first to say I greatly appreciate and respect all that you’ve contributed to youths of all races over the years. I’m sure there is someone who can make the same criticism of you, but they choose not to do so because we all can contribute socially. We all can not and would not make the great sacrifices that Martin, Medgar or even Malcolm made, but it is because of those sacrifices that we don’t have to make them today. But we can make our own contributions in our own way. To harp back on my eternal theme, we have to always remember to consider others in all we do that includes our criticism of them.

The Tiger Woods Foundation is not some run-of-the-mill foundation. In addition to teaching kids about the game of golf the foundation also provides a FREE program for young people to help realize their dreams. What about the grants and scholarships, I would like to have one of those. Mr. Brown, Mr. Woods is doing great things not only on the golf course, but off it to. I respectfully invite you to just give the man a chance instead of joining in with words that hold the resemblance to what you fought against for so long.

Although some will read your comments and instantly criticize you and naively compare you to Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton as if that’s an insult; I choose not to go that route. I have too much respect for you and for all of the work you have done to criticize your criticism. This is why I respectfully disagree with your critical assessment of Tiger Woods. There’s many others who would rightfully deserve your criticism of their social contributions to all of our youths.

Tiger Woods is a good guy and have not publicly provided any valid arguments to contradict this opinion. Give the guy a break and reconsider your criticism of him from his perspective.

References & Inspirations

The Golf Channel – 07/06/09 “Black and White – and Brown”

The Tiger Woods Foundation – http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org/

Seeking Independence

This past weekend we all were stunned with some very interesting events. I’m obviously not going to be able to touch on all of them, but just wanted to mention a few that caught my attention. The gamut runs into politics, sports and entertainment, so I will try to keep my thoughts, ideas and suggestions brief on all of them.

Sarah Palin; Governor of Alaska (Steps Down Before 1^st Term is complete)

To the surprise of many on multiple sides of the political spectrum, I’m not going to beat up on her for this latest sporadic decision. Like I’ve said awhile ago, there’s no need for me to keep beating up on the GOP, because they’re doing a good job at it on their on. Each time I’ve tried to offer a sincere non-partisan warning it was ignored, discounted and attacked, so my position has been to step out of it and speak to those who are open-minded enough to hear what I have to say and I in return to them.

Sarah Palin has the right to leave the position of Governor, a position that the people of Alaska voted her into a few years ago for any reason.

Politically, this move makes it even easier for her fellow Republicans, not Democrats, but REPUBLICANS that will run for President in 2012 job much easier to slam her on. This Democrat is leaving her to her own vices.

It’s time for politicians and political pundents to trust people to be smart enough to recognize partisan political games, political ideology from people who just want to do what they’re suppose to do and serve We The People. Too many political people are too busy serving themselves and those who helped them get to where they are instead of We the People.

I sincerely wish Sarah Palin the best and will not participate in attacking her personal decision to leave office 18 month before the term is up. Politically, she just opened herself up to attack by HER FELLOW REPUBLICANS, although I believe there will be some Democrats who will see the easy target and shoot at it. But I say to them, this is not our fight to wage at this time.

Now anyone who still believes I’m being hard on her still is simply crazy. I have my own opinions about this decision in relation to politics, but I respect her personal decision and question the strategy of the political decision. Who does she have advising her? This is not a wise political strategy regardless of party. So for once I agree with George Will and Newt Gingrich on questioning the political strategy behind this, but I’m not attacking the beloved politician, only wishing her well in her future endeavors.

References & Inspirations

Huffington Post – 07/06/09 “Paling Follows GOP Members of Congress Who Quit Because They Felt Like It”

Steve McNair; Former Titans & Ravens QB Found Dead

Now being a Tennessee Titan fan I was blown away by the news of Steve McNair being killed on Saturday. What bothered me more was the situation he was in.

Man… Steve… Big Sigh… Seriously, you’ve could have just called a brother. I would have welcomed you in. Man we all go through these hard times in our relationships. We’re the same age, I understand how ya feel. People start trippin’ and you feel you have no one there to really talk to. I get you, but dude… she’s 20 years old. This girl was only 1 years old when we graduated from high school, this is not right man. Was the ______ that good? There’s some 30-something year old women out here that would have been more logical alternative than this.

It’s alright man. What’s done is done. If I am to be honest I must offer my unconditional and sincere prayer for the continued grace and mercy to be bestowed upon your soul, memory and the family, friends and fans you leave behind. Everyone is not forgiving, but everyone wants to be forgiven. Who am I to judge you? You’re still alright with me. Rest in peace.

References & Inspirations

ESPN – 07/06/09 “Steve McNair Shot Four Times, Classified as Homicide”

Tiger Woods; 2009 AT&T Nationals Winner

All I have to say is… THAT’S MY MAN! I really like Anthony Kim, but when I saw Tiger come up from 6^th to tie for first and then stayed there I knew he had it. I want to be like you when I grow up.

Seriously, this may not be grand news to some because Tiger has won multiple tournaments. He’s Tiger Woods many would say. But as my father illustrated in a sermon of the weekend, it is the work behind what allows someone to make such a statement that’s the real point of it all. He is the #1 Golfer in the world, but consider the journey.

Over the weekend there was an announcer who was talking about Tiger’s career in various aspects and he briefly mentioned the tremendous impact he has made to the culture of golf since his 1997 Master’s win. Although the other announcers glossed over the importance of his statement I had to agree with him. Here I am watching golf and enjoying it. I’ve actually preferred to watch a PGA Tournament over most of the NBA Playoffs. That’s a death sentence on the streets. J I would have had my ‘Brother Card’ revoked and put on Black Man suspension if this got out. J (For those who may be uptight, I’m only kidding).

Listen, my point is that Tiger Woods along with other great golfers like him and others have made a great cultural impact to the amazing game of golf to a segment of the population often discouraged from the game. I am more than just basketball, football and baseball, I am golf, tennis and politics too, since that’s a game within itself.

It’s not because of his heritage I and many others marvel at his accomplishments, but it is because of his heritage that I and many others recognizes his accomplishments, because it makes a statement to people of all backgrounds that anyone can achieve their goals and dreams if you work hard at it and not allow the obstacles to hold you back. Congratulations Tiger and just watch, one day I swear I’m going to be out there. Me and You, one on one and when I’m finish you’re going to call me Tiger Woods. J

References & Inspirations

Golf.com – 07/05/09 “Tiger Woods wins AT&T National over Hunter Mahan & Anthony Kim”

Michael Jackson; King of Pop

I don’t even know what else to say. The imprisonment of fame and wealth along with the leaches that comes with it is enough to overwhelm anyone, but just like the statement another King realized its truth, at least you can say today that you’re Free at Last.

Day of Independence

I thought that I take a slightly different approach to celebrate this Independence Day in the United States. I understand not all may not catch what I’m doing, but I hope you feel that you can respectfully ask me any question or add to what I’m offering on this day of independence.

In America we celebrate our Independence today, July 4th, but I ask you to consider this day in the relations of the independence of many of her citizens. Have we obtained the independence our country was founded upon? I believe the best answer is ‘kind of, but not quite.’ I guess a better way to put it could be “don’t ask, don’t tell”.

Don’t ask what, to the American Black, the American Hispanic, the American Asian, the American Muslim and Native American, the American Gay, the American Poor is your 4th of July? Because you may not like or understand the answer.

Would it be a day that reveals to them, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which they are the constant victim?

Would it be a day to them a celebration of a sham; the boasted liberty, an unholy license; our national greatness, swelling vanity?

Would it be a day to them to recoil your sounds of rejoicing as empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants around the world, but lack of recognition of the ones among us; the shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; our prayers and hymns, the sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are, to them, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy or a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages?

There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States. But this is not the sum of who we are?

Although America has made grave mistakes and stood tall in her hypocrisy of democracy we have the opportunity today to celebrate a day of independence. Not just in the name of some patriotic tradition, but independence from what held us back for so many years. We continue to correct the mistakes we’ve made out of ignorance, defiance or subornest with our declaration of independence for all to gain from. When Frederick Douglas wrote and delivered the speech I thinly remixed above, independence was only reality for White men for the most part. Even White women weren’t totally free, despite being socially free.

Today many of us celebrate the accomplishments of America in midst of her failures. We have elected our first President of African decent. Although some continue to stubbornly cling to the ways of yesterday with their rhetoric and acts of hatred and violence towards the greatest assets of America; our diversity and independence. We still have a long road to haul, but what would America be without the diverse independence of the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of its people.
There is no other place on Earth I prefer to live, although there are many beautiful and wonderful places on this planet that we all should be appreciative of. America has much to learn and gain from the world as the world has to learn and gain from America. We are all caught in a network of mutuality. Our independence is bound by the independence of the world. This day of independence is just the day the United States celebrates its sovereignty, but everyday is a day we all can work towards our own independence from what binds us and to correct and improve upon the mistakes we’ve made in our own hypocrisy.

How will you celebrate your day of independence?

References & Inspirations
Frederick Douglas – 07/04/1852 “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro”

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For All Time

Final Tribute to Michael Jackson

Over the past few days I’ve tried to write or submit some thought on Twitter or Facebook about Michael Jackson in my tribute to this uniquely creative humanitarian and human who obviously connected to so many throughout the world. Some choose to emphasis the negative, but I choose to consider the positives. We all have some things that is odd and may spark speculation. This is a fact of life for many public figures including Michael Jackson.

Throughout the years I connected with much of his music and story because I could relate to what it was like not being understood. As the leaches that surrounded him continue to mooch off of his success I bid Mr. Jackson a peaceful farewell. Enjoy the freedom that can only be experience by leaving this side of eternity.

There’s not much left to really say with the exception of that you will be missed by many and hope to see you in Heaven. We still have to moonwalk to Billie Jean together, but I guess it would just be really cool to do it there than here.

I won’t say that I’m your biggest fan, but a faithful one. Rest in Peace Mike.

Casting Stones: Sex, Politics & Religion

I’ve honestly tried not to beat up on Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) too much for multiple reasons. I’m honestly trying not to point out the hypocrisy of many who bought into the deceitful marriage of religion and politics that was consummated by the Republican Party for political gain. There’s nothing wrong with being religious and political, but they do not belong together.

I’ve said before that one political party doesn’t have a lock on morality regardless how they may want you to believe they do. The fact is that the Republican Party has actively used religion to influence political debate for electoral gain for years. This has contributed to the already divided Christian church even more so than it already was.

Now I’m sure I’ve already upset someone by even mentioning the Republican Party. I’m sure someone will find something to disagree with me before hearing me out. It will be a difficult argument to make that the Republican Party has not manipulated a segment of the Christian church for political purposes, but as I said before it is not exclusively one party. The Democrats hands are just as unclean as the Republicans. Just as the Republican Party has influenced more White Conservative Christians, the Democratic Party has influenced more Black Moderate & Liberal Christians. Come crunch time you can bet some Republican will have the opportunity to speak at First Baptist and some Democrat will have the opportunity to speak at Mt. Zion. Someone, please tell me it isn’t so.

The issue is that we’ve bought into it. That’s why they continue to do it.

The reason why I say all of this is for the purpose of stating that too often we confused God & Government. (Hmm, that sounds familiar) I’m not saying that a person who is a politician can not or should not be influenced by their personal religious beliefs, nor am I suggesting that religion has no place. It’s the perversion of it that raises the question of its emphasis.

Mark Sanford is not the first and will not be the last politician to get caught doing something he shouldn’t be doing. The whole thing with these men and women who are caught in sex-related scandals in any industry or profession whether they are a politician, preacher or physician it often comes down to power.

Mark Sanford deserves some criticism, because he was so vocal against Bill Clinton like many Republicans. So perhaps he should have considered the other person before criticizing them. (Hmm, that sounds familiar too.) Now the whole ‘Family Values’ argument utilized by people such as Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and Mark Sanford to beat Democrats who were got caught up over the head in order to drum up votes sounds a little off-beat today in the light of the hypocrisy. Yes, Democrats have John Edwards and Elliott Spitzer and who can forget Bill Clinton, but you didn’t hear them claiming to be in the party of Jesus either.

I decided awhile ago to leave these manners alone as much as possible, because it could be me. Especially if a certain former supermodel/talk show host becomes interested in me. Y’all can say what ever the Hell y’all want to say, I’m not passing that opportunity up. Whatever, Yes I did it.

Seriously, I’m honestly not too upset with Mark Sanford. Which is a little surprising, because politically I generally oppose Mark Sanford. Politically he could have done handled this better. Plus the hypocrisy of it all is interesting. Besides the political nature of this story I empathize with him as I have with John Edwards. People change and relationships can change. It doesn’t make him a bad man. It’ doesn’t make him a bad Christian. It makes him human.

When the people who are casting stones were to reveal their skeletons will they still cast that stone they’re casting at someone else?

Human Nature

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In the wake of millions of people throughout the world mourning and in shock over the sudden death of Michael Jackson I wanted to take a moment to think about the reoccurring message that flowed throughout most of his music like a melodic baseline. That was a message of love, tolerance and acceptance of people as they are.

What I’ve found to be very interesting is the commentary I’ve been hearing and how it’s been given since the announcement of his death.

Many of us can remember the song “Black or White”, because it was often referenced in jokes aimed at the ethnicity of Michael Jackson. One of the many things that he uniquely understood and tried to convey was how to be a blank slate.

He was often misunderstood and marked as an easy target by many. The thoughts, ideas and suggestions people made about everything from his appearance to his sexuality to how he conducted business was a point of argument and concern for many. Often in death the detractors are reluctant to speak much ill of the deceased, because it’s socially seen to be in poor taste. Obviously it didn’t stop them from saying it while he was living, so why should it stop them in his death?

Who among us do not have a side to us we wouldn’t want publicized? The things we’ve said or may have done for any reason dragged into the court of public opinion for all to judge would be an absolute nightmare for many of us. I’m sure if I had or ever obtain the level of fame halfway comparable to Michael Jackson some would find some things I do strange and out of the ordinary when over analyzed and scrutinized by the public. Some have criticized my words on this very forum, so I couldn’t imagine what that would be like millions of times over. So as we all think about the life and death of Michael Jackson I suggest that we look at the person beyond the glare of entertainment and consider his greater impact and contributions to the world.

One of the things that Michael openly shared was a message of love. It’s human nature to want to lift someone up before we work to bring him down. How often are we willing to put ourselves in their shoes in efforts to understand who they are as a person and not who we have made them out to be?

Forgive him for what you don’t understand, because you would want to be forgiven for what we may not understand about you. Allow him to be in peace. Consider the over arching message he strived to offer through music and build upon it.

References & Inspirations

Michael Jackson – 1983 “Human Nature”

Michael Joseph Jackson

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I was actually traveling when I heard the news on XM Radio that Michael Jackson died. I didn’t want to believe it. Not Michael Jackson, no it couldn’t be Mike. Mike’s gone, but I never got to meet him. He can’t go yet.

I listened to CNN on XM 132 for hours. I couldn’t believe it. When it began to set it, I started to think about my room as a pre-teen and teenager. The first time I saw Thriller was over a church member’s house. We all sat down in front of the TV to watch it. It was an event.

As I began to receive text, email, tweets and IM from all over I started to think about my favorite songs. ‘Say, Say, Say’ , Billie Jean, The Lady in My Life, Smooth Criminal, I Can’t Help It, just to mention a few. I didn’t care about what people said about him, I was cool with him. Now he’s gone. MAN!

I just don’t really have enough words for this one, so I’ll just leave you with one of my favorite songs and videos of all time. Rest In Peace Mike. Thanks for the music, creativity and inspiration.

Fell free to share your stories about Michael Jackson too.

You Were Taking a Hike?

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Well some may believe that I will take this opportunity to bash the Republican Party for being hypocrites and offer up the same dose of medicine they was so willing to dish out to Democrats during the whole Clinton-Lewinski, John Edwards, Elliott Spitzer Scandals. As tempting and justifiable it would be to do so, I’m going to do my best to resist. Although I am loving this, two in the same week. All I need now is for Dick Cheney to fall down again and Rush Limbaugh to get laryngitis and I’m cool for the entire week.

Over the past few weeks now I’ve laid off of the criticism of politicians to focus on what’s more important in our discussions. I intentionally did not say anything about Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), because I didn’t want to get into the useless argument and have someone accuse me of attacking him because he’s a Republican. I honestly feel sorry for the man. Politically I’m smiling, but I didn’t want to be one of the people beating up on him.

So I turn my attention to the Governor of South Carolina, Chairman of the Republican Governor’s Association and potential 2012 Presidential hopeful, Mark Sanford.

If Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) would have called me this is what I would say.

<Big Sigh> Dude… What the… Man! Why didn’t you just call or email me? Yeah I’m a Democrat, but I would have been honest with you. I’m not that partisan. It’s alright; I’m not going to beat up on you too much, because you’re doing a good job of it yourself.

So where do we begin?

Over the Father’s Day weekend much was made of your mysterious disappearance. OK, this raises a Red Flag.

At first I was thinking, ‘OK, What’s the big deal’. He’s a grown man. I may not agree with all of the positions you take, you like anyone else deserve some time to yourself to do what he wants to do. So I took the position of “Let the man chill out and relax for a few days.” I was about to come to your defense and tell me fellow Democrats to let the man have some time to himself, but something just told me to hold off.

1. You tell your staff that you’re going hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Cool, but some advisor should have said, “Um Governor you know it’s National Hike Naked this weekend, you may want to rethink the public perception that gives. You know the Democrats will have a field day with that scenario.” Hmmm… Red Flag.
2. Then reporters begin to start talking amongst each other and speculation begins to build. Someone saw you at the airport in Atlanta boarding a flight going to Argentina. Red Flag.
3. At the same time the news began to break about “the missing governor”. So people ask your wife, SC First Lady Jenny Sanford questions about your whereabouts. When she told the AP that she didn’t know where her husband had gone on Father’s Day weekend. That’s when you have to begin to wonder if something bad had happen. That’s a big flaming Red Flag.
4. Then you get word about the panic that’s beginning to build on your way back to the states. That’s the time you get your game plan together.
5. You arrive back in Atlanta from Argentina and you’re greeted by a reporter from TheState.com this is when you should have realized that the fan is on and the ____ is about the hit the fan if you don’t have your ____ together.

Listen man, I’m not a politician and yes I am usually suspicious of most of what the GOP says and does. But I have given some members of your party credit. There’s a governor next to you that’s running for Senate that I actually like. So I’m not 100% against everything and anything you all do, like many act towards my party. But Dude come on. I shouldn’t have to tell you this. DON’T TRUST NO REPORTER. ALWAYS BE ON GUARD. Some you can trust, but reporters are as partisan as politicians. Not in the political sense, but in sensational sense. It doesn’t matter political party, you’re a highly visible politician with the anticipation of loftier ambitions, and we’re watching you. You see the “Chrissy Snow” like antics Sarah Palin makes and the “Leave it to Beaver” presence of Bobby Jindal. You actually had a good chance, but…

“Well this was a ‘dear, dear friend’.” I’m sure. I have dear friends, but none are sexual. You can love someone, but that doesn’t mean that you’re in love with them. So Mark, what’s the deal?

“The relationship didn’t become romantic until a year ago.” Hmmm… You know this is going to get ugly.

I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but you know you just broken one of the biggest Man laws. I’m sorry for the language on this, but “Cover Your Ass.” How hard is that?

It’s alright man, it’s going to be alright. Apologize, cry, repeat. I’m not going to beat you up. But you know this just makes my and many other Democrats argument even easier for when or if you decide to run in 2012. Oh! I guess you may have to rethink that now. Who’s left? Sarah Palin… Come on now. Charlie Crist is running for the Senate, Arnold can’t run. The only other real candidate is Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN).

Well I won’t ride you too hard. I’m sure you’ve already been rode… oh never-mind. So I wonder who’s going to take your place now, since you’re stepping down from the Republican Governors Association. Perhaps Mr. Succession himself, Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) will do the honors.

Should I even begin with Sen. David Vitter, Sen. John Ensign, Sen. Larry Craig, FL State Rep. Bob Allen or Glenn Murphy? MAN! It’s hard out here for a Republican. What do you need Democrats to beat up on you for when you’re doing a good job at it on your own.

Yes, to all the partisans out there, I know that Democrats cheat too, as I pointed out at the beginning of this. But I bet John Edwards is at home with a big smile on his face right now.

Good Luck Mark. Now I don’t want to hear nothing else about ‘family values’, because I’m going to hit you in the head with the list of politican’s with family values.

References & Inspirations

Huffington Post – 06/23/09 “Sanford in Argentina, Not On Appalachian Trail, He Says On Return”

LA Times – 06/20/09 “Sen. John Ensign, mistress’ husband point fingers at each other”

Life and Death

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The end of our lives often represents how we feel what is essentially the essence of our life; unfinished. I haven’t really talked about death too much on here except for the occasional “In Memory of…”, such as I did with Yolanda King, Jack Kemp and John Hope Franklin to name a few. I’m not sure why I’ve come to this subject, but just felt the need to address the subject more. I want to avoid speaking in a depressing manner, because death is not complete incompleteness, even when it is premature or seems undone. It really is apart of life.

We all tend to arrogantly live our lives as if we are promised tomorrow. We find ourselves putting important things off for another day for whatever the reason may be. I’m not speaking about the meaningless things we plan, such as cutting the grass or washing clothes. I’m speaking about the things we do throughout our day without much thought or consideration.

Death is an important even within our lives, because it encourages us to make our life mean something. If you could measure the depth, height and length of your life to now what would be its sum?

Would the measure of the horrible and regrettable things you’ve said, thought or believed out-distance the things you’ve did and said for good or with empathy?

Would that comment, filled with the intentions of condemnation be the final example for which you will be remembered and judged upon?

Life and death is in the power of the tongue and over the past few years this blog as been a very good sharpening tool. So I strive to refrain from speaking (writing) death into the lives of those who choose to read what I have to say, regardless if they agree with me or not. Regardless how unaccountable or how much I disagree with a certain radio talk show host, cable network and former politicians, but that doesn’t mean they can’t change.

Since we don’t know when our time will come due, what are we to achieve? What were you born to do?

I believe I’ve reached a point where I’m simply tired of the stagnation of virtually everything. We got to move our minds out of the practices of sowing death into the lives of people with our thoughts, acts and perceptions and begin to consider each other, show some empathy and concern. I’m just another version of you.

Life is too short for us to continue arguing the same arguments and never seeking any solution or common ground to build upon. Racism will continue in our world, because we fail to consider one another as one. Hate will persist to exist in the hearts of men and women because we are unwilling to seek a solution to what we disagree and/or don’t understand. I’m not trying to sound like a preacher or even get ultra-religious on you, but we must begin to consider what we all participate in and seriously seek a solution, because the death that’s lies within our thoughts, ideas and suggestions regardless how small or insignificant is helping to ruin the world.

The Imagination of People in Desperate Times

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Recently, I was asked by someone I get to see and speak to in-person periodically who reads this blog. We talked about various things included the economy, wars and all of the other crazy things going on in the world. They noticed that I’ve stopped writing so directly about various political figures the way I use to and wanted to know why? This leads me to write about something that was said, the imagination of people in desperate times. Yes that’s a long title, but that’s what I’m talking about. So thanks to that person who wisely do not want to be named, but you can comment. I won’t rat you out.

What would it be like to live in a place where we were not bound by what we thought was impossible?

A place where we did not have to guard our thoughts, a place where we were guided by our ideas and directed by our suggestions? A place where the imagination isn’t bound by our fear of rejection or conflict?

We are so bound by the limitations of our own mind. Our biggest obstacle of our life’s work is that we fail to involve our imagination. Our thoughts, ideas and suggestions often become what we have heard, seen or been told. We are so willing to limit ourselves to a position or ideology that we loose sight of the humanity of our opposition. We only see an enemy instead of a potential friend or ally. We often find area for disagreement, that we allow little room for consideration and no space for common ground.

Many of us put ourselves in a box, but we believe we think outside the box. How is that possible, when you can’t see how one man can have the audacity of hope? (No pun intended) The testicular fortitude to believe he can change the world, not by the might of his army, but the will of his people.

To go on a slightly political and patriotic tangent for a brief moment, I have this to say to anyone willing to receive it. It’s going to get better. We defeat ourselves when we give up hope. It’s not just you; it’s not just where you live, its many people.

Some choose to blame someone, but it’s not the fault of any one person, company or political party, but the greed and lack of vision of some people, companies and political entities. I’ve found it more productive to end my distain for certain individuals and leave them to their own vices. I can only move forward and stop allowing them to hold me back with their thoughts of terror, inconsiderate ideas and suspect suggestions. We got to save the arguments for another day and time, because we all have to fix what’s messed up.

If you have to fight why not fight against the feeling of hopelessness and those who are beaten down with cynicism and pessimism due to the current situations in their lives. I can’t make you draw upon your own imagination, but I just ask you not to give up.

Perhaps I’m just a student of hope and optimism, but I believe “the hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined non-conformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love (1963)

How powerful are the words you think, say and believe? Do you believe what you say or do you just say what you believe? I know everything seems bleak in every way, but keep moving, don’t give up. Don’t be bound by the limitations of our own mind and lack of imagination. Don’t get caught up in the places of complacency and hopelessness. Keep moving.

References & Inspirations

Jewish Journal – 01/20/08 – “Keep Moving from This Mountain (1965) – MP3 pt.1 & MP3 pt.2”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 1963 “Strength to Love”

DAD:The Dispensation of Adolescence Development

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The Dispensation of Adolescence Development:

Essentially, this is an unnecessary elaboration of discussing the privilege and appreciation I have of being a father.

My intentions are always to seek a common and respectable understanding and appreciation of each other. To acknowledge our differences with mutual admiration and appreciation is to understand that we are more similar than we are different. Love who you are and your heritage, honor, respect and consider the heritages and traditions of others. This is not just a message I attempt to convey within a blog, but a lesson I strive to teach to my son and soon-to-be-daughter by example.

A father of any race, religion, creed, age or culture can relate to the issues of another father regardless of who they are, because we’re men. The disapproving look you give your son when he’s doing something he knows he’s not supposed to do is universal. Our responses may be difference in practice, but the result is very similar; “BOY! WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?” The fiery you have if some pervert tries or hurts your daughter is the same. “I’M GOING TO BEAT THE … OUT OF THIS…” because that’s your little girl and you love her, color doesn’t enter the equation. Real fathers would rather die protecting their family than seeing them hurt.

As a father I often find myself referencing my own experiences with my father. Those who are fortunate to have a father that plays an active and visible role in your life should consider this day a blessing. You have another opportunity to express how much you love and cherish the man who is your Daddy.

Although my father doesn’t have to feed, clothes and provide for me any longer, he continues to play a valuable role as my primary mentor, reference source and life’s teacher. I strive to emulate the positive attributes of my father and improve upon what I felt was mistakes to my son today. My only regret is that I don’t spend as much time with him as I would like. He’s very busy and I am too. But his presence is always near as I journey through this thing called fatherhood.

On this day many people celebrate Father’s Day in some manner. For some it is in memory, for others it may be in spite, but I hope by the end of the day it is in love or with closure.

As a Dad you tend to get some pretty messed up gifts. Mother’s get the nice gifts and all the hoopla. Whatever. If it wasn’t for the guy there you wouldn’t be a mother, but I digress.

We tend to get brown socks, not the Cleveland Driver or that certain pitching wedge (hint) as gifts. Our gifts are the standard ties, shirts with #1 Dad or even a pair of tube socks, not the $$$ power tool we really wanted. I won’t give him any grilling utensils or lawn accessories.  Most of the men reading this who are fathers can testify to receiving at least one gift they didn’t want and if not, well today is Father’s Day so you still have time.

Anyway, what I’m going to offer my father is my unconditional time, love and respect. I’m going to intently listen to him how I did when I was little. Back then my father was the smartest man in the world. As I got older I learn that there were some things he didn’t know, when I became a teenager I ‘knew more than he did’, now I realize that I was right in the first place. He is the smartest man in the world.

In my case, my father is a pastor and currently responsible for a religious organization in addition to a local church. So I may do the “Preacher” thing and go visit the sick, those in prison or may be going to prison, visit a local school or cheer those who need counseling for a day, but I may find myself answering the phones or even at my parents house cutting the grass. If so, that’s fine with me, as long as he’s happy.

Fathers are not promised. Fathers are often the undervalued and unrecognized commodity of the family. Fathers are important, even if some choose not to acknowledge this fact. The presence of a father is valuable in the development of any child. Mothers often try and some do a decent job, but the presence of Daddy is priceless.

Some men and women may have difficulties embracing this due to unfortunate circumstances, events and experiences with their father or lack of a father. I would not be honest if I said I can relate, but I can empathize with the hurt, sorrow and/or contempt you may have. All men are not qualified to be fathers, often because they too were hurt, lost or have contempt of their father. If this is you and you’re a father I just ask you to do all that you can to not repeat the mistakes your father may have done to you with your child. Your son or daughter will appreciate you even more once they learn of the struggles you’ve overcame in raising them.

To those of you who are fortunate enough to still have your father accessible take the time to love him. Forgive the mistakes he’s made and appreciate his successes and efforts. Being a father is not easy. I know some guy better say Amen to that. Just like being married, somehow it’s always your fault. The man who steps up to be one, show him some love and appreciation. You’ll never realize what he may have sacrificed for you and your family.

I guess that’s all I have to say about that. Tell your Daddy or the man who was like a Father to you that you love and appreciate him. You never know when it may be the last time.

Learn to Love.

Happy Father’s Day.

Tim Valentine; Father/Son

My Father’s Day Gift Ideas:

www.clevelandgolf.com

www.bmwusa.com

www.johnstonmurphy.com

www.bachrach.com

www.apple.com

www.movado.com

*I’ll settle for your thoughts, ideas & suggestions or even friendship, since none of those things have warranties. One more note: This post actually has very little to do with race, I just wanted a title that would catch your attention.*