I call myself being open minded and made an effort to watch some of the Republican National Convention. I thought, just maybe, the grown-ups in the room would give viewers some cold hard facts as to why Americans should want Donald Trump re-elected as President. With every Republican speaker that came to the podium praising Trump for this or that, I found facts in opposition to their statements. I suppose this convention could and should've been called the Alternative Facts Republican Convention. It was full of shameful Falsehoods! I was slightly impressed with the empathy shown in First Lady Melania Trump's speech. She performed her duty as First Lady well, standing behind her husband when he needs her most. However, as a wife she has shown about as much love for Trump as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, maybe even less. Melania has mostly exhibited a cold and irritable disposition when paired with Trump at public engagements. She's been seen avoiding his kisses, pushing his hand-holding requests aside and choosing to stand or walk away from him if possible. There was even a time when it seemed he asked her to smile and she gave a quick plastic flash of a grin before briskly returning to her frown. Actually, the book I'm willing to lay down a few bucks on is the one Melania writes. When she does it's sure to be a best seller. But enough about a marriage that seems anything but loveable. When I just couldn't bare to listen to any more Republican Alternative Facts, even though the Alt-F Queen herself (Kellyanne Conway) was to speak tonight, I decided to read what others thought about the convention. One comment I came across displayed a list depicting exactly who Donald Trump has been and continues to be in life. It actually reads like a This is Your Life Donald Trump memorandum.
So without further ado, I give you the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump:
The "son" who conspired to steal his fathers $500 million fortune.
The “genius” who hid his college grades.
The “patriot” who dodged the draft. And attacks dead Veterans and their widows.
The “businessman” who bankrupted 3 casinos and lost over $1B in 10 years.
The “playboy” who pays for sex.
The "investor" who borrowed $800 million from 70 American banks...and lost it all.
The “christian” who doesn’t go to church.
The "friend" who was a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein for more than 15 years.
The "smart man" who declared bankruptcy SIX times and never paid his debts.
The "candidate" who ran for president twice (see Reform Party 2000- scandals there too).
The "respectful" who is alleged to have assaulted multiple woman over many years.
The "gambler" who allowed russian crime bosses to run illegal casinos out of Trump Tower.
The “philanthropist” who defrauds charity.
The "don" who launders money for russian mobsters.
The "author" who paid a ghostwriter to pen the art of the deal.
The "loaner" who got more than $2 BILLION from Deutsche Bank over 20 years.
The “billionaire” who hides his tax returns.
The "lawful" who likes threatening his opposition with prison.
The "bugged" who said repeatedly that he was spied on by the previous President.
The "campaigner" who accepts help from foreign powers to win an election.
The "taxpayer" who inflates the value of his assets for loans/deflates for taxes.
The "best" who claims that he is the best thing to have ever happened to Puerto RIco (Nearly 3,000 people died as a result of the storm and after effects, including widespread water shortages and power outages that lasted months).
The "contractor" who awards government contracts/jobs to supporters/donors (see Whitefish Energy/GSK Pharma/Trump Org, among many others).
The "parent" who separates children from their families and cages them.
The "boss" who hires only the best people then fires them.
The “innocent man” who refuses to testify.
The "builder" who wants a wall that already exists.
The "leader" who said racists, sex offenders and murderers are good people.
The "economist" who claims that the US economy is the best it's ever been.
The "rigger" who has claimed repeatedly that the election will be rigged (also in 2016).
The "compassionate" who deports dreamers and people fleeing persecution.
The "honest man" who has told 18000+ LIES since being in office.
The "chosen one" who claims god gifted him with a trade war/thousands lost jobs.
The "unlimited" who claims article 2 allows him to do anything he wants.
The "profiteer" who ignored the emolument clause/family runs the business.
The "truthteller" who said that Covid 19 is a democrat HOAX/used word hoax 250 times so far this year (2020).
The "faithful" who cheated on each of his three wives multiple times.
The "peacemaker" who uses paramilitary against peaceful protesters.
The "newsman" who claims that most news services are fake news.
The "pious" who stands in front of a church while holding a bible as a prop.
The "wise" who praises dictators/killers/gangsters as strong.
The "unifier" who promotes fear and division rather than courage and inclusiveness.
The "pardoner" who commutes/pardons associates who are convicted felons.
The "commander in chief" who committed 10 obstructions of justice *
*(see Mueller Report)
The "Potus" who was impeached in his first term in office.
The "magician" who said that Covid 19 would magically disappear.
The "carer" who watched as over 180,000 AMERICANS DIED of Covid 19.
The "medical expert" who advises injecting/ingesting/inhaling disinfectant.
The "principled" who's own sister Maryanne Trump Barry said he had NONE.
The "jobmaker" who watched 20 + MILLION people lose their jobs and did nothing.
The "constitutionalist" who wants a third term in office.
The "president" who has no plan to defeat Covid 19. (Direct quotes- "I take no responsibility", "It is what it is.")
Don't believe he has no plan ?
see worldometers.info/coronavirus/
And COMPARE countries.
If you're a conservative, you should be ashamed of your president.
I wouldn't trust Trump to run a hot dog stand, let alone a country.
(This list keeps getting bigger...and feel free to post this list on other social sites.)
To watch and applaud the many ways Black Lives Matter is nudging society toward accepting and celebrating Black Lives gives hope to many a disenfranchised people. Media across the board are attempting to break away from norms of exclusion by projecting beautiful Black tones in features once reserved for whites only content. And they are utilizing the incredible skills of Black Artists that have long been left out or minimalized in the mainstream. 'To boldly go where no one has gone before." Vogue Magazine is adding Black to their September 2020 Special Issue and they're using Black Lives to do it.
The most important human endeavor is striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our existence depends on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to our lives.
- Albert Einstein
Morality - a particular system of values and principles of conduct, especially one held by a specified person or society.
If Former First Lady Michelle Obama reminded us in her DNC speech earlier this week of America's past greatness and world leadership role, then Former President Barak Obama's DNC speech last night alerted us to exactly where we dangerously stand today; at a leadership crossroads. It was like waking up to distress signals after a four year binge, looking into the mirror and seeing you have fallen from grace and need immediate intervention and rehabilitation before it's simply too late to save yourself.
President Obama gave our country a much-needed warning about just how bad things are and how much worse it can get if Donald Trump is re-elected for a second term. Everything he said about the Trump presidency was a chilling fact we all have seen play out right before our disbelieving eyes. If those addicted to supporting Trump are tired and worn out from the lies and disillusionment, accepting the truth about what he is and what he has done to our country is your start on the road to recovery.
Hi! My Name Is _____________, And I Am A Recovering _______________
As good as President Obama's speech was in identifying our country's historic courage and future potential, it's outline of consequences America faces if it continues down the Trumpian path are alarming. Fear of our government completely abandoning it's 233-year old constitution in favor of something crass, cruel and completely undemocratic is a possibility. The stakes are too high in this 2020 Presidential Election for us not to care.
I once considered voting for businessman/billionaire Ross Perot as President, just to shake up the country's political stage in Washington D.C.. Now, after witnessing failure and fall-out from citizens electing a candidate based on fatigue and frustration with the same old party politicians, I realize the danger in it. When citizens of a country become desperate for change, there lies the danger. Not in choosing an unconventional man or party to lead, but in the blind rage and anger that might go into choosing that man or party to shake things up. They should be careful what they wish for, lest they unintentionally unleash an uncontrollable nightmare with Pandemic-like consequences. America must not vote blindly or carelessly in the 2020 Election, or any election. But it must vote! Because our health, well-being and very existence is what's at stake.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods (Psalm 40:4) Vote Joe Biden!
Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a soul searching DNC speech last night. She reminded America of it's world leadership role and the importance of reclaiming it's strong, moral character. America has been a beacon of hope to nations around the globe. Sadly, since the Trump Administration has taken office it has chipped away at all that has made America a guiding light. Michelle was straight forward in stating Donald Trump does not have what it takes to be President of a country as great as America. He simply lacks the content of character needed to fill so important a position.
In a "Psychology Today" article (2016), Dr. Gregg Henriques, states the following:
Let's take a minute and reflect on what Martin Luther King meant when he talked about the content of character. This refers to the core ethical values of honesty and integrity, respecting others, taking responsibility for one's actions, being fair and just, and being someone who promotes love and compassion in others. We can also think about the content of character in terms of core virtues and the extent to which one embodies wisdom, humility, courage, justice, temperance, and the value of human dignity. The irony is that the article was a post-election piece from 2016, comparing the characters of candidates Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton. It ends with this sentence:
Given that the President of the United States is the single most important representative of the character of our nation, the choice before us is profound in its implications. And here we are coming upon the 2020 Presidential election. As Michelle said, "It is what it is." We cannot expect the Republican Party to have a political epiphany before election day and help save America; though some are murmuring feelings of discontent after the latest white house scandal (Postal Service Disruption). By refusing to hold Donald Trump accountable, as well as, defending his actions and behavior, republicans have been complicit in crimes against America and its constitution. Let the citizens of this nation turn out and use the ballot to put an end to this corrupt and criminal era we find ourselves living in. The thought of four more years of this administration's blunders should be enough to bring Democrats, Independents and many Republicans together for the good of the country. Get out and vote out of office those directly involved or who stood on the sidelines and did nothing while America shamelessly burned from within. Duty Calls!
U.S. Presidential Election Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 Vote Biden and Harris
And so even though we face the difficulties of
today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American
dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out
the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of
former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the
table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state
sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be
transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of
their character.
One of the greatest scenes in film history is from the great film "The Shawshank Redemption." When Morgan Freeman's voice-over kicks in, the scene becomes immortalized.
verb (used with object),im·mor·tal·ized,im·mor·tal·iz·ing.
I love watching college and professional sports with all the hyping reportage that comes with it. At one point in life, I suppose I was fanatical in my need to watch or attend games of my favorite teams (Oakland Raiders/San Francisco Giants). We who live to see our sports teams compete are a passionate breed willing to "go the distance" in order to fulfill that ……… addiction.
During this challenging year of 2020, the Coronavirus Pandemic has delayed and altered our lives in unprecedented ways. And, if sports is a big part of one's life, it is missed as much as any hobby, pet, loveable job or likeable family member. Watching sports allows fans to indulge in a fantasy of collective achievement. A fan can leave reality behind as he/she enters the stadium. Joining tens of thousands of other screaming fans the individual becomes an adrenaline-pumped assembly of revved up energy prepared for take-off. Once unleashed, energy in the stadium is so electric and contagious it takes over all in attendance, launching them into an orbit of sports ecstasy and making all other facets of life irrelevant. Honestly, if not for the smartphone, fans attending games (real fans) are for all intents and purposes living on another planet with little concern for what's happening back on earth.
Those were the days. Today's 2020 Pandemic has crushed the fantasy of sports, forcing fans to face life without seasonal flights to stadiums, bars or man-caves. Life without sports fantasy has become a lesson in confronting real life issues back on earth. Our sports addictions have been exposed for what they are; escapes to a land of make believe. The Pandemic has stripped away all false images and hopes, only to reveal our most important needs in life; relationships and a home. Showing some love for our families, our communities and overall humanity should be number one priority during these times and moving forward. If these past few months on lockdown have shown nothing else, it's shown how much our human society is driven by greed and not need. Who could have guessed that the richest country this world has ever seen would be crippled and brought to its knees by a Pandemic they knew was coming. Maybe this is how the Romans felt when their great republic began to teeter and fall; astonished and troubled. With all the resources at its disposal, America continues to lag behind the rest of the world when it comes to effectively fighting the Pandemic. Could it be that, like the Romans, the arrogance of America is causing its failure? America seems to have lost its way. It rushed to re-open it's economy at the expense of human life, putting consumerism over health. We've had political leaders, ala Mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn Goodman, promoting unsafe reopening in tourist driven American cities, only to see a surge of infection and death from the virus. It's as if the virus has infected the common sense of folks who were fortunate enough so far to have escaped its ravages.
Today there are over 150,000 confirmed deaths from Covid-19 in America, and people are still dying or having their health compromised by Coronavirus. Because there's no vaccine and still unanswered questions surrounding contagion, every human being is susceptible to being a carrier and/or a victim of the disease. When it comes to returning to a life of sports, there's only one game being played that's worth our fandom; the race to find a vaccine or cure. Science should be the team we are all rooting for, not leagues concerned with profit/loss and market share. And maybe Dr. Fauci walks away with Most-Valuable-Player award when all is said and done. For those who put consumerism over health and medical science, you are part of the problem instead of the solution. Though we all could use a distraction and break from this Pandemic crisis, we can't let our guards down and revert back to living as if washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing are no longer a priority. Playing team sports at this time is not a winning game-plan nor should it be a top priority. It’s actually a fantasy; an artificial need that may end up doing more harm than good. We don't want our stadiums resembling that infamous Colosseum now part of the historical ruins of Rome, anytime soon now, do we.
I salute and applaud those athletes who are choosing to Opt Out of playing sports in 2020. Our professional sports leagues, with their billionaire owners, are in the business of making money. Providing entertainment just happens to be a means to an end for them. Their addiction to making money has become as dangerous as any other addiction; it selfishly puts the lives of others in danger. So who you gonna root for this season, Wealth or Health. Choice Matters!
And you know what that means; online shopping at the Raiders store and sending out future player profile tape to Division I colleges. Because you know future NFL teams will have female players suiting up on gameday.
Question is do I want my little darling to play offense, defense or just be safe and develop a punter/kicker leg? At 8.4 lbs and arriving a month early, I'm going with defensive end. Her two big brothers will see to that. Look out Howie!
If President
Barack Obama had ignored and did nothing after being briefed on Russia paying
bounties for the killings of American troops in Afghanistan.
If President
Barack Obama had withdrawn U.S. troops from Iraq and then invited the Taliban
to Camp David for an agreement meeting on the withdrawal:
If President
Barack Obama had withheld congress approved funds (aid) in order to bribe a foreign
leader for dirt on his opponent in the upcoming U.S. election. (Quid Pro Quo)
If President
Barack Obama had said he’d welcome dirt from a foreign country on his re-election
opponent.
If President
Barack Obama had chosen Vladimir Putin’s word over the U.S. Intelligence community
about Russian interference in our election.
If President
Barack Obama had not disclosed his business plans with Russia to build a Tower hotel in Moscow, with a VIP suite for Russian president Vladimir Putin
thrown into the deal.
If President
Barack Obama had refused to cooperate with investigations into Russian
interference in the 2016 election and obstruct cooperation. (Mueller Investigation)
If President
Barack Obama had unconstitutionally divert Defense Funding to build a border
wall he campaigned on.
If President
Barack Obama had fired and/or ordered the firing of high-ranking government officials simply
because they disagree with him or refuse to lie for him.
If President
Barack Obama’s personal attorney had been convicted of making excessive campaign contributions per his request, paying hush money to two
women he committed adultery with.
If President
Barack Obama had been Impeached.
If President
Barack Obama had ignored warnings of a world-wide pandemic and refused to effectively
lead the country once infections and deaths of Americans began. And what if he
suggested citizens ingest bleach as a cure.
If President
Barack Obama had ordered a high-powered military helicopter to clear out
peaceful protestors so he could have a photo-op in front of a church; while awkwardly
holding a bible.
If President
Barack Obama had bragged about grabbing women by the pussy.
If First
Lady Michelle Obama at the 2016 DNC had plagiarized a speech by
former republican First Lady Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush or Laura Bush.
What if Donald
Trump were the first black President of the United States, following on the
heels of one of the most eloquent and empathetic men to ever hold the office.
Would his political party have backed him this long and allow unimpeded his run
for a second term? Would black citizens feel safe? Would America feel safe? Race and Country Matters!
You know the
saying, “If it looks like a duck.” Well, no longer do we need to speculate about
our current President’s condition. He is a duck; possibly an internationally compromised duck. And the scary part is he does
not care if we see the strings Vladimir Putin has attached to his backside
to make him quack. God bless us all and may God bless the United States of America.
I'm listing here links to talks by two American authors who see it as their civic duty to share truths about race and politics in our country. Malcolm Nance and Carol Anderson are recognized and respected professionals in their fields of study. What I found so engaging listening to both were their skillful ways of telling a story; truthful stories with identifiable facts that hold your attention. Story tellers have always been some of the greatest teachers in societies.
I plan to add one or more of their books to my library, but in the meantime felt it my duty to share with those who haven't heard either speak. Each lectures with a concern, care and passion that moves minds and jumpstarts action/activism. Both breakdown issues in ways that require you bring only your attention in order to understand. After listening to Carol and Malcolm, you'll come away feeling informed and armed with a sharper lens to view current issues on race and/or politics in America. And you'll be reminded why you must Vote!
When I think of professional sports as a platform for protest in today's Black Lives Matter movement, I'm reminded of historical sports figures who made statements of racial protest in their day; Jesse Owens, Bill Russell, John Carlos and Tommie Smith. Some of these black men, and I'm sure others less famous, were banned and/or blacklisted from competing in their sport ever again, ala Colin Kaepernick.
There was one great African-American sports figure who stood up and protested not only racial inequality and discrimination, but also an unjust war (Vietnam). In 1967, Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali had his championship title and professional boxing license stripped after being convicted of draft evasion. He was sentenced to 5 years in jail and a $10,000.00 fine. "On April 23, 1971, the Supreme Court voted to send the world's best known athlete to jail" We all remember Ali as a natural at creating fun rhymes/raps about his unmatchable boxing prowess and "pretty" looks. His unique lyrical cadence and style were all his own. To this day his saying "Float like a Butterfly Sting like a Bee" is still printed and sold on T-shirts; I happen to own one and wear it proudly. Though he sometimes taunted opponents with poems of domination and victory, almost all understood that it was just Ali having fun and selling the big showdown. I recently came across an early Ali interview where he gives a powerful rendition of a poem he penned, inspired by racial injustice and police brutality during the 1971 Attica Prison uprising. Not only does Ali display a mesmerizing ability to recite the lengthy poem from memory, he delivers it with a style and grace not unlike the boxing skills he demonstrated in the ring.
Ali’s genius and grace transcended the boxing ring, and this poem is proof of that.
"We the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL Players earlier and encourage all players speak out."
Sorry Roger Goodell, but you completely missed the police brutality protest bus when it stopped at your station four seasons ago. You and many others put profit over principle. Since you now see the error of your ways, you might consider granting reparations to those players who's careers were shortened or defamed due to your ignorance and neglect. I'm sure they'd appreciate it, that is if you really mean to right a wrong.
We American football fans who understood all along taking a knee during the national anthem meant no disrespect to our military, hoped in time the NFL would come around. And they have somewhat, see Inspire Change Initiative. Unfortunately, it took a nationally televised murder of a black man by police, along with national protests, for the National Football League to get on the bus and admit their mistake. Better late than never I suppose.
Now how about some financial compensation for players you threw under the bus for speaking out against police brutality. Many can never recoup the privilege of potential fame and fortune you so conspiratorially took away from them. And like our current president, you incited hatred toward protesting players when you criticized their peaceful actions instead of supporting them, or better, joining them. An NFL apology is nice, but does not bring justice to the wrong these players suffered when choosing to peacefully protest against police violence in our nation. We're not talking 40 acres and a mule compensation, but when something is taken unjustly you'd expect something of equal or higher value given in return. "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them like wise." Luke 6:31
Theleague is known for imposing hefty fines on players and teams when they behave badly. It’s meant to teach a lesson as well as punish the perpetrator. Well, it's time to "do ye also" by pulling out the bad boy checkbook and penalizing yourselves. And while you're at it, take a damn knee!
Prayers, Blessings and Justice for the family of Ahmaud Arbery
Yesterday's national news highlights yet another unarmed, black youth gunned down by a white person who saw dark skin color in the neighborhood and felt entitled to bear arms and give chase. Not only did the 64-year-old white male grab a gun and give pickup truck chase, he instructed his 34-year-old son to grasp a rifle and join in the hunt. The results were tragic. They were hunting what they suspected was a nigger who had stolen from the father's pickup truck a month earlier. The young 25-year-old black man was an innocent jogger who lived in the rural Georgia neighborhood and was taking his usual afternoon run; unarmed.
I am a black man in my mid-50's with two black sons in their 30's. When I see youth with My Kind of features and skin color targeted with deadly force for no reason other than causing discomfort and/or vengeance in hateful white skinned individuals, I feel angry. I feel angry because I'm a lover of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for All Kind. I feel angry because another injustice on My Kind by Another Kind, condoned by another district attorney's office, saps my hope for change in America. I feel angry because if a son of mine suffers the same deadly fate of Ahmaud Arbery, my love for life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for All Kind might get hijacked by anger and hate for Another Kind.
I know of the racist history in these United States, especially in the confederate South. I am old enough to understand the warnings my southern raised father gave about dealings with certain white kind and white law enforcement/courts. As a young liberal, when I first heard father's warnings I thought I knew better than he; times had changed since his youthful era of Jim Crow and segregation. I've since learned how generational indoctrination and repetition of deep racism is a right of passage for certain Kind; "as American as Apple Pie." Now I am the father fearing for my sons safety in a country that still condones violence on My Kind by Another Kind.
I once read a book about the fears of a convicted criminal serving time at an inhumane penal colony on Devil's Island, French Guiana. His fears were not loss of family and freedom or brutal punishments. His were fears that come with penal colony living conditions and treatment that changes a man from a civil being to that of a hateful beast; a dangerous beast with no morals, no remorse, no forgiveness and no hope for himself or those he sees as Other.
"I'll never forgive prison for making me a worse man than I am. A little more and I won't be fit to live anywhere but here. That's what it's doing to me." (Condemned to Devil's Island)
Today I feel angry. I pray for myself, My Kind and those of the Other Kind. I pray that ongoing racist conditions in these United States of America do not change me into a beast filled with anger and hate. For that I would never forgive this country for making me a worse man than I am. God give me the strength to continue praying for and forgiving those who might not like My Kind.
Rabbi Hillel: "That which is hateful to you, do not unto your neighbor"
"What is hateful to you, do not do to another"
