An Armchair View of History

Greetings!

I have often used this space to sing the praises of President-elect Obama. I have had countless conversations with believers and non-believers alike. The dialog made me stronger because you sure have to have a thick skin and a bag of verbal tricks when you are trying to convince folks that a new day is a comin’. I still walk on clouds when I see how Obama confidentially chooses his cabinet and responds to the critical issues of the day with the type of finesse never seen of any incoming president, ever.

Regretfully, I could not make it to Washington D.C. to witness the euphoria first hand. However, I had to weigh my commitments and responsibilities against the desire to be right there with the rest of my comrades who helped to make this day possible. Commitment and responsibility won out. It doesn’t sadden me though – I get to watch “The Moment” with the most important person in the world to me…my mother.

My mother is 81 years old and was born in the South during a time when segregation was alive and well. It was my mother who came north to join her siblings to improve her quality of life. In making that move, she improved my life by default. Although I was born in a very volatile time in civil rights history, I, like Barack Obama stand on the shoulders of my mother and other revolutionary and evolutionary ancestors who sought to make it better for generations to come. I am grateful that my mother has lived to see this day and I am HONORED to share “The Moment” with her.

So for everyone that I know that is in the area, enjoy your time and soak in the experience. Take plenty of pictures and carry a note book to chronicle this event.

Just remember one thing - January 21, 2009 is when the real work will begin.

With that, I wish you all the best today and always.

G

Yes We Did

Greetings!

At 11:00p on November 4, 2008, Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States. At that minute, I was stunned, but as the reality of it all hit me upside the head I began to reflect on this 22 month journey, one that I was on board with from day one.

This journey started for me on a fall day at Boston College when my cousin, her friend and I had an opportunity to be a part of a select group of freshman, faculty, alumnae, and guests who came to see him speak about social responsibility. During this conversation, he notified the incoming class that they needed to be a part of something that was bigger than them selves – something that would stand as a testament to their parents, their children and their grandchildren. It was here that one student wanted to know when he was going to announce his candidacy for president. Obama slowly smiled and seemed to dismiss the notion that he could be a viable candidate. That was the fall of 2005 – what a difference a day makes….

I am beside myself right now. During the campaign, I allowed myself to dream about the possibilities. I have to admit that I got a little scared on Monday, thinking about the people who were not voting, the various reasons they made that choice and how far the right would go to get their peers to the polls to bring the McCain/Palin to the White House. At about 6:00p, after the first polls closed, they showed the electoral count and it was McCain 8, Obama 3. That worried me because in sports, 9 times out of 10, the one who gets on the board first, gains a momentum that sometimes can’t be stopped. I got my swagger back when Obama won Pennsylvania. When Ohio came in, my hopes escalated. At 11:00p the networks simultaneously called the race. The tears rolled down my face before my brain, my heart and my soul could reconcile the fact that history, our history was just made. It was difficult to go to sleep last night, but it was amazingly easy to get up this morning. I watch the BBC and saw all the celebrations all over the world as they congratulated us for being smart enough to choose change over fear.

I got text messages from a lot of folk – when they voted and when Obama won. The most profound message came from one of my closest childhood friends who said “I feel blessed that in my lifetime I was able to see a black man become president and more importantly that my children get to see that the sky in the limit.”

I went this morning to pick up the locals newspapers which I will save. I will also buy a half a dozen magazines I am bound to pick up that will chronicle Obama Rising.

As I rounded the corner to go to my desk, I saw this lady who many months ago said that she would support him; however, she was afraid that someone would try to kill him. I told her that we all should be aware of the danger, but not let that fear discourage us from our destiny. I reminded her of that conversation. She gave me a big hug and said – we did it!

And though it seems heaven sent / We ain't ready to have a black president."

Tupac said that almost ten years ago – I am glad he wasn’t right, but sad that he did not see OUR dream realized.

I am thoroughly distracted, extremely proud and very hopeful for all us – black, brown, white, yellow, purple and striped!

Tell me how you felt at 11:00p on November 4, 2008.

With that said all the best today and always.

G

The Time is Now

Greetings –

I just wanted to check in. Much has happened since my last post but I am not going to try to recount it in this space today. Any clownery that may have been going on can be talked about on another day. Today is about making history. Not just any history because as you may have noticed electing the oldest president and the first female vice president is also history. No – it is time to change the game, raise the bar, and pave the way for a brighter future for all of us around the world.

As I watch Barack and Michelle Obama vote in Chicago along side their daughters and Joe Biden escorting his mother to the polls to cast their votes, I am getting excited about the possibility.

As I stood in line this morning (the first time I have EVER had to stand in line to vote) seeing generations of people reuniting with friends, schoolmates and play cousins, it made me feel good to know that we all understood what’s at stake. My neighbors whipped out their camera phones and digital cameras taking pictures of the lines, themselves and the people they know – recording history while they waited to vote, hoping for an “Obama Outcome”

Every news show is reporting that voting is at a fevered pitch.

That’s cool but make sure that you are a part of the solution. Take your place in history.

Toot, Barack Obama’s grandmother did not live to see this day. She did transition this life knowing she cast an absentee ballot for her grandson.

Vote and come back here and comment on your experiences. Even if you don’t plan to vote I would love to hear the reasons why - diverse views help everyone gain a better understanding.

With that said – I wish you all the best today and always.

G

Convention Wrap Up - What is Means to Us

Greetings!!

It has been some kind of something since the end of the Democratic Convention!

I could spend a lot of time oozing my groupie love about Obama and his acceptance speech. I won’t indulge, I will just let the man and his words continue to resonate and motivate me and others to be the best we can be!

Of course some time has to be spent on the Republican National Convention. I have never watched more than 15 minutes of the RNC. This year I was compelled to tune in because I needed to know how Senator Obama and the Democratic Party were being portrayed. I needed to take a hard look at the delegates – to see their faces and somehow see what motivates them to back Senator McCain. The most obvious difference was the lack of representation of color. It got to a place where I felt like I knew every Black, Latino, Asian and Other in the whole place because the same fifteen were presented hundreds of times throughout the night. Another thing I noticed about this small group is that they seem like zombies – somehow indoctrinated into a society that they did not necessarily belong. They probably are saying the same thing about the sea of color at the DNC, but it somehow seems so different.

Then came the big day that intended to be the 1-2-3 punch: Giuliani, Romney and Senator Palin, McCain’s choice for running mate. Now everyone that I know waited with bated breath to see her story – one that just one week before, wasn’t even trying to be told! When Giuliani and Romney took jabs at Obama’s record, it was really expected – all warm up “acts” zing the opponent. What I did not expect was the sarcastic, demeaning tone that Governor Palin opted to take for her debut on the world’s stage. Don’t get me wrong, she had a flawless delivery and definitely energized the base. She did a good job of giving America a glimpse of who she was and possible reasons that she should be one breath away from the presidency.

What she didn’t get across to me – why I as a woman would throw my support so squarely behind her because she is a woman? Also – who is she to go head to head with Obama, the media, and big government when her record speaks to flip flopping, scandal and red tape. Sara Palin is a poster child for the Hillbilly movement including having a baby and going back to work after three days, pictures showing her on the shooting range as if she was getting ready for Terminator 2008 – The Sara Palin Story, and being party to a shot gun wedding plot to reduce the sting of an out of wedlock pregnancy. What has been described as “spunkiness” seems to be more “bama-ness” (for those who are not sure what a “bama” is go to http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Bama - number three seems to fit Sara perfectly.) I just have this horrible image in my mind of Miss Sara going to meet with foreign dignitaries in a country like India and she slays a sacred cow right there in the middle street. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that they have not had allowed her to do any serious speaking since the convention. They have been “de-bamatizing” her before they allow her out again. The Republican party is trying to make it about her and Obama when she is strictly a pawn in McCain’s game of chess.

The strategy has had some positive results – McCain is up in the polls and he is more animated which for some may make him look a bit younger. Based on what I am hearing on Black talk radio there is some anxiety which has translated itself into defensiveness. The media is feeding in to the “vagina for vagina” theory that assumes that Hillary Clinton’s women supporters are automatically going to support Palin because she is a woman. Although we shouldn’t let these factors derail us, it is something that has to be considered when taking next steps.

First of all – don’t be alarmed by murmuring coming from the Obama clan. With anything in life you have to move tactically. Palin wasn’t McCain’s first choice – it was a reaction to the Clintons’ performance at the DNC. Now Obama and his strategist have to make sure that the messages being conveyed are pointed. Not only that, these messages must be free of the sexism that many felt was ever present when Senator Clinton was in the race. That means putting your key sister soldiers in place to combat the war on Palin – a war none of us can afford.

Secondly – time is running out for people to get themselves together to vote. I have said this time and time again – felons, foreigner, fakers: do whatever you have to do to make sure that you have your paperwork straight before that registration deadline hits! I have been a lot of places this year and have talked to a lot of people and they all beam with pride about Senator Obama’s ascent. It’s all good to want to sport an Obama shirt/button/bumper sticker or debate the massive about his candidacy, but at the end of the day it begins and ends with your vote. Don’t let this race be close – we got 8 million Black people who are eligible to vote and don’t. Make it happen.

Lastly – do what we do when we are faced with insurmountable odds – pray in whatever way you do – bow your head, face Mecca 5-6 days a week, chant, sing, or whatever it takes to speak this presidency into existence. Then get up and get crackin’ – we need you!

I would love to hear your thoughts.

With that said – I wish you all the best today and always.

G

DNC - Sacrifice for the Greater Good

Greetings!

I was so wound up from Tuesday’s convention program that I was up way too late when I had to get up way too early. I managed to make it through the day but I struggled to keep my eyes open during some of the speeches on Wednesday night. So although I promised myself that I would check in daily to this space to give my account of this convention, I just could not bring my fingers to the keyboard.

Let’s just start with Tuesday night’s lineup. The Governor of Montana, Brian Schwietzer came on immediately before Senator Clinton and did he get the crowd going! I felt like I was at a down home Rodeo. He really set the stage for the main event. Chelsea sauntered across the stage to introduce her mother after a nice video presentation of the work she has done leading to that moment. Some of the arm chair quarterbacks thought that she may have spent too much time talking about herself and her accomplishments, but I definitely disagree. Hillary came out the gate endorsing Barack Obama and she reinforced this message throughout her presentation. The portion of her speech that resonates with me is when she turned to her supporters and asked:

“I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?”

That said volumes to me – it said that she was willing to give up her own aspirations for the time to get the democrats back in the White House. Some people wanted to say this speech was the kick off for her 2012 bid – we won’t know until that times come. What we do know is that she is asking those rabid supporters who are willing to cast their ballot for John McCain to drink the Kool aid for the benefit of the party.

The next night was just as electrifying even if I did not have the same amount of energy to be fully engaged. I happen to be out for dinner and I broke a few traffic laws to make sure I was front and center for Bill Clinton’s speech. Now if anyone needed that Hillary pep talk Tuesday, it was her husband and partner and crime. President Clinton never did like the sound of no, never had a taste for defeat, so it is understandable that he didn’t immediately jump on the Obama band wagon. Media tried to make a big deal out of his enormous silence right after the primaries. Guess what? It is human nature to be deflated in the face of defeat – you didn’t get selected for a job, you are the last one picked for a game of dodge ball, you were outbid on Ebay – any number of setbacks can cause a human being to lose his/her footing. Whatever process President Clinton had to go through to get to that moment is OK with me. His speech was succinct bringing his own personal experience as a young man running for the president full circle. The story he unfolded took the gut feelings supporters AND opponents have for Senator Obama to a cerebral and logical space. His description of Obama was dead on – “remarkable ability to inspire people”; “a clear grasp…”; “a unique capacity.” These are powerful words from a man who already had his bags packed and ready to move back into the oval office!!

The Clintons reinforced an important lesson for me – despite the scars of the battle, you have to think tactically in order to win the war. They both understood that you can’t get in the way of momentum – the momentum being experienced in this historical campaign.

So tonight we will all witness history as Obama accepts this nomination in a large capacity stadium. Some haters have prayed for rain – it is too bad that they don’t get that rain drops make all good things grow. He will deliver this acceptance on the forty-fifth anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. King delivered the historical speech “I Have a Dream.”

Today we don’t have to be asleep to realize the dream.

With that, I wish all the best today and always.

G

DNC: A Lesson in Black Love

Greetings!

I watched the Democratic National Convention from 7:00 p.m. until it shut down on Monday. At a minimum the proceedings were a well orchestrated marketing tool that could possibly convince a few Hillary diehards or a few people in one of those red states to vote for Senator Obama. But for me it was more than that – it demonstrated that this candidacy is anointed. Who would ever imagine that a man, with inoperable brain cancer would muster up enough energy to strut across a stage and pledge his support to Obama. I pray that Ted Kennedy will be around to see the inauguration….

Michelle Obama only reinforced what I already knew. This is a woman that ALL women should be trying to emulate – a mother, a career woman, and a tireless advocate in her community. A woman with her own voice who is also ride or die for her husband – a husband who is ride or die for her. She gets that she is part of team and that she should take care of her franchise players – Malia and Sasha. By doing this she proves that real Black love exists and more importantly some of the toxic relationship behaviors that are prevalent in our community should be stopped and become the exception and not the rule. Taking decisive action to take care of one another the way the Obamas have been doing during this grueling campaign is a win-win for our partners, our children and our community.

I have included a link to the text of Michelle Obama’s speech. What did you think?

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/08/25/prepared_remarks_of_michelle_obama/

With that said, I wish you all the best today and always.

G

Let History Begin!

Greetings!

I thought it fitting to emerge from my self imposed summer shutdown on the first day of the Democratic National Convention. I have to admit that I am excited and somewhat anxious. The stakes are ridiculously high - there are bruised egos, naysayers and maniacal forces hell bent on keeping Senator Obama out of the White House. I have accepted that as fact and have made it my mission to continually engage in conversations that help to correct any misconceptions lingering in the media and out of the mouths of the ignorant and misinformed.

Night one of the convention will be as critical as it will be historical. Michelle Obama will go the podium. I will leave it there and will welcome your thoughts tomorrow.

Lastly – I have to sadly remember three people that have shaped Black culture in this country and around the world. Rest in Peace to Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes, and Pervis Jackson (from the Spinners). My heart is heavy because they will not be here on earth to witness history in making. During Bernie Mac’s memorial service, Samuel Jackson took a minute to acknowledge that Bernie Mac’s last public appearance was at an Obama event. Although there was controversy about his routine, Samuel Jackson appealed to the crowd to register and actually vote on November 4th hopefully casting their vote for Obama. Jackson went on to say that would be a fitting tribute to the Mac Man. I second and third that!

With that I wish you all the best today and always.

G

Random Acts of Fierceness

Greetings!

At this moment, as I peck away at my keyboard, Barack Obama is getting a superstar reception from the people of Berlin. Thousand upon thousands lined up, waving German and American Flags and chanting YES WE CAN!!

If you didn’t get the memo – we are getting a sneak preview of the next President of the United States. A few hours ago Dick Gregory, comedian and political activist said on the Warren Ballantine show that the only people who don't know that Barack is going to be the next president is the people of United States. I don’t believe that – I just think folks are in denial. John McCain try put a dash of hateration on this situation when HE was the one who DARED Senator Obama to venture across the pond. My suggestion Senator McCain – don’t write a check you A$$ can’t cash! You are over here wandering around in supermarkets acting like you got a handle on America’s economic woes and you don't even have a clue. Prepare to shut it down...

So in honor of the ultimate fierceness of the Berlin moment, I bring you:

RANDOM ACTS OF FIERCENESS

Whoopie Goldberg took a minute to really school Elisabeth, her View comrade on why she should pack up her self righteousness and get out of Dodge. Elisabeth always seems like she thinks she is the only one in a profound space when in actuality she hasn’t lived enough life to be talking down to people the way that she does. She tried to dominate a conversation about the “N” word when she was sitting alongside two sisters who have personal experience with the word and an Italian American comedienne who I am sure has heard it in someone’s stand up routine a time or two. “How do I explain it to my daughter?” You tell your Mini-me: “use it at your own risk” and keep it moving. That’s what it comes down to – there are words in every language that when used with a different inflection, body language, audience and tone that can say one thing – or the other. Those who don’t understand the rules of engagement shouldn’t use the word no more than a person who doesn’t know how to swim should dive into a pool.

Soledad O’Brien should be applauded for the hard work she put in the series Black in America. More kudos is given to CNN for giving such liberal coverage to the subject. Sure it’s a slow news season, but to tie in a number of your shows to addressing the issues that Black people face in the country is commendable. I did not like all the stories that were told – some seem to reinforce some of the typical stereotypes, but guess what? These stories depict some people’s reality! Until more than just a select few can get past the minefields that await Black folks this story will have to be told again and again. What’s critical here that ALL of our people tune in and seek the direction that will uplift yourself, your family, and our people.

Last week Nasir Jones, better known to the world as Nas released his ninth studio album. In classic Nas tradition, the release had its share of scandal. He originally wanted to name the project "N", but Black activists, record company executives and pontificators on all sides of the issue furiously went to work to protest the project’s release with such an in-you-face title. Of course not one of them can tell you anything about the lyrical content, but made it their business to ignite a media circus that makes me question the motive – was it because of the potential detriment using the word would do to our young boys and girls? Or were you so angry that Nas was so unapologetic about his decision that you just wanted the project to ultimately fail? Well if teen/Disney sensation Jamie Lynn Spears can pimp her child on the cover of OK! magazine with no thought of the message SHE might be sending, then I think Nas should have been afforded the same privilege and let the people decide whether or not they would buy the CD, explain the decision to the children, etc., I am personally a fan and when I was driving home from school last night was struck by the intensity of the tracks. The one that seemed the most timely was Sly Fox – a tune our dear Reverend Jackson should have checked out before he found himself near a “hot mic.” I urge anyone who is curious AND open-minded to check it out.

What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts.

With that I wish you all the best today and always.

G

Madness

Greetings!

I have had my head down for the last couple of weeks wrapping up my two summer classes. I only have one more to go before I am to let my head rest a bit before getting back on the grin On September 2nd.

I have been simmering particularly over the last couple of weeks. I keep a running list of topics I would like to cover in this space, but that is useless because there is always SOMETHING that blows up the proverbial spot! Some things though can not be ignored so forgive me if I go back a bit.

There is no eloquent way to put this – I am pissed at Jesse Jackson.

I could state the obvious – Jesse talking about demasculating a fellow Chicagoan/civil rights enthusiast/presidential candidate or the fact that he used the “N” word during that same conversation. No that would be way too easy. This is why I am mad with Jesse:

1. He felt comfortable enough to share such disparaging remarks with someone he didn’t really know.

2. He didn’t have sense enough to know that Fox News is one big HOT MIC. This network has been known for biased/slanted reporting by the majority of its reporters, particularly when it comes to Barack Obama. If you must be in their camp you shouldn’t talk about the weather in their bathroom much less break them off the type of commentary that will make their ratings soar.

3. Jesse got every Black pundit in the world having to walk the fine line of explaining why you said what you did and defending your honor as our community’s elder statesman. That’s the kind of tightrope walking we don’t need right now.

4. He placed his SON, who is a key player in the Obama camp, possible candidate somewhere in Obama’s cabinet (or at least in the Chicago senate seat that Obama will vacate), in the position of having to throw his own father under the bus in the hopes of salvaging any hopes of attaining his political ambitions.

5. That he would shake his fist in such rage as if Obama is someone he wants to brawl with in the street.

Those are just the top five reasons why I’m mad, there are many more, but there are other things going on the world.

I did not like the New Yorker cover, but I was definitely not enraged by it. I clearly remember a cartoon of Teddy Roosevelt that was past unflattering during a time when people had more reverence for those who occupied the oval office. As with any other caricature, it sought to show the absurdity of all of the rumors that swarm around Obama. Problem is political satire doesn’t come with an instruction manual and for those backwards folks who have to have their news spoon fed to them, this piece only reinforces the lies that are out there. I love Obama’s reaction – he told Larry King that this is an example of first amendment and parody, they just didn’t do a good job of it! You might have noticed that Michelle has been pretty quiet about it – that’s because Miss Thing is probably mad at the possible implications of the cover and is in a room with NO MICROPHONES and NO CAMERAS going off! Then she will come out, bump the next fist and keep it moving – that’s real gangster there (Jesse take notes…)

I am not mad at the cover, but I am certainly mad at any one in the black community that is going to try to turn this into the type of race conversation that distracts us from the task at hand.

My last political rant is about a politician in my area. She has been “occupying” a senate seat in my district for more than a decade. At first I supported her – a lawyer, single mother and a person who seemed to have passion for the community. Her political tenure has evolved into political scandal almost as egregious as Kwame Kilpatrick and the highest level of pandering to special interest Black folk that I have ever seen in my lifetime. I am constantly in debate about her ineffectiveness, but there did not seem to be any possibility of her being removed. I have no political ambitions but I have actually had serious conversations with someone I thought would be perfect to “de-throne” her. Nothing seemed to work, until last year when she did not get enough signatures to be formerly placed on the ballot. Her constituents worked feverishly to do what they needed to do to get her on the ballot and she beat the young lady running against her. Now she is up for re-election. She knows she dodged a bullet last time so she has begun a much more effective messaging campaign to the voters in the area. Unfortunately, she will probably be right back on the hill regardless of those who dare to challenge her.

I am mad because this type of infinite reverence for “anybody” Black has got to stop! We are ready to give Jesse a pass, even when he makes himself an unnecessary and obnoxious distraction to the Obama campaign. My local candidate has not demonstrated any real leadership, but the black matriarchs and patriarchs of my community who get what they want from her will continue to “slice throats” just to keep her in office. I know there is a better way, so let’s try our best to get to it.

I would love to hear your thoughts on what makes you mad!

With that I wish you all the best today and always.

G

Brother Malcolm

February 21st was the forty third anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. Although the death of this icon is not commemorated to the degree of the deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. or John F. Kennedy, it is a moment in time that changed a whole lot of things for Black People.

Most of us know the story, even if we didn’t read the book – Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the seventh child of a Southern father and a West Indian, biracial mother. His father was brutally murdered, leaving his mother to care for eight children and battle mental illness that was thought to stem from the violent murder of her husband. Eventually Malcolm X’s family was split up and he ended up in Boston, Massachusetts with his sister. It was there (as well as in Harlem, NY) that he engaged in criminal activities that resulted in his incarceration. It was during his time in prison that he converted to the National of Islam (NOI).

As a faithful soldier of Elijah Muhammad, it was said that Malcolm X grew the Nation’s membership from approximately 500 to over 30,000 in a very short time. He gained national attention as a hate monger and was constantly under surveillance by the FBI. Eventually, dissension began to grow between factions of the NOI. This resulted in Malcolm leaving the Nation and began the Muslim Mosque Inc. Soon after the split, Malcolm journeyed to Mecca, the most significant pilgrimage of Muslims around the world. This event marked the evolution of Malcolm X to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. During this trip he realized that he could no longer characterize all white people based on the injustices at the hands of some white people in America.

This evolution in his thought promised to pave the way to constructive dialog that would have greatly contributed to the Civil Rights era. Collaborations were in the pipeline – there is even the famous picture of Malcolm and Martin, taken on March 26, 1964. These icons were vigorously shaking hands with these huge grins on their faces. The new day was dawning.

But we never got a chance to see what could have been. Less than a year later, Malcolm X was gunned down in the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem. Many years later, Minister Farrakhan admitted that radical members of the Nation of Islam were responsible. He made this admission right next to the late Betty Shabazz.

Malcolm X would have been eighty-two years old now. What would he have thought about this election? I constantly live in a parallel universe, so I can’t help but see the similarities in Malcolm X and Barack Obama: the ability to lead people; the intellect to understand one’s flaws and to work on them; the oratory to inspire a movement. I believe that Malcolm would have fully endorsed Senator Obama and would have been a trusted advisor that would have stood in the background to let the new guard take the helm.

I really wish you were here, but somehow I still feel like you’re watching.

By Any Means Necessary.

With that, I wish you all the best today and always.

G

A Way with Words

pla·gia·rize - transitive verb : to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source

A couple of days ago the media broke the story that the Clinton camp is accusing Barack Obama of plagiarism. This allegation was based on Obama’s use of phrases from Massachusetts Governer Deval Patrick’s speeches.

I love it – Obama a plagiarist. This claim is over the top and this is why I don’t believe the hype.

One – Obama and Patrick are cut from the same cloth. Two Black men of humble beginnings who find themselves in positions that no one ever thought possible. The message is obviously going to have some commonality – not unless they start making up new words for what these two have achieved!

Two – Obama and Patrick are friends. Can you imagine their conversations? Hey Barack, I saw your speech the other night. You killed it! But if you really want to bring down the house you should say….

Three – Obama, Patrick and many other public figures are scripted or use speech writers. Those folks are never really credited

Four – Words are a shared experience in our community – from Martin Luther King’s I have a dream, to Malcolm X’s daunting phrase – “By any means necessary”, to Martin Lawrence’s Wazzup!!!?? I bet you the folks from the ad agency who produced that beer commercial did not send Martin Lawrence a check for that catch phrase.

Words should be shared, and they do not have to be defamatory. Obama, cruising through to his tenth win is NOT a plagiarist but a victim of another borrowed term – HATERATION.

Now the residue from this toxin is trying to affect the position Michelle Obama has the right to assume as the future first lady of these United States.

Malcolm X said in his last speech that Black people need to develop the analytical ability to read between the lines. So make sure you don’t get caught in the hype. More importantly, save all your friends from the impenetrable noise of the media machine!

With that I wish you all the best today and always.

G

From Bob to Barack

Greetings!

Today is Bob Marley’s 63rd birthday. Robert Nestor Marley was born in St. Ann’s Parish in Jamaica. This legendary musician not only brought reggae to global prominence, he also was a tireless advocate for the downtrodden and the disenfranchised. His musical messages spoke against injustice, called people to action, and routinely reminded people that we are all one people.any consider him a modern day prophet.

Does this sound familiar?

Barack Obama may not be able to carry a tune, but his message is still the same. Better education and affordable healthcare for all; people from all walks of life coming together to resolve global issues; messages of hope. I am in awe when I hear some of the most unlikely people speak of him in such reverent tones.

Who knew that we would see Bob Marley's message reinvent themselves in a presidential race?

So I thought it only fitting to celebrate two men – both products of a biracial union, who have and will continue to deliver a powerful message.

Happy Birthday Bob Marley! Congratulations on taking 13 states Barack Obama!

With that I wish you all the best today and always.

G