I recall hearing many sermons and Biblical stories about Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt where they were enslaved. I was fascinated with the 1956, movie, The Ten Commandments depicting The Great Exodus. Didn't Chatlton Heston (Moses) do some-kinda magic with that staff he carried around. And holy Moses, wasn't Yul Brenner a stern and menacing looking Rameses dude? After filming that movie, I think Heston always thought he was really Moses till his death and Brenner became the poster boy-forerunner for America's male baldness.
There is one thing that confuses me to this day. I know for certain that 'faith-believers' still get all Goose 'bumpy' watching that movie. Here's what's confusing to me. Why the hell do the Evangelicals go along with their boy Trump's depiction of those Central Americans fleeing terrible violence in their native countries and seeking refuge in America as a "horrible invasion!" Actually, I think it reminds me of the Exodus? How do 'Church folks' not see the pain that God saw with those olive-skin Israelites?
I'm thinking if Trump gets a second term, the 'Evangelicals are going to petition for a revision of the five Books of Moses. I'd sure go to a re-make of The Ten Commandment movie starring villain Moses, played by Chuck Schumer and hero, Rameses, played by Donald Trump. The movie would make more than enough money to build that border 'wall.' Why, people would attend that movie just to see a bald headed Trump.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Just Do It!
Supply and Demand is a fascinating economic phenomenon, eh? It is such a significant element interwoven into our Capitalistic enterprise.
Funny thing how we could easily straighten out our current illegal immigration crises and illegal drug problem if we'd simply address the matter of supply and demand. First, let's hire only white Americans to work the truck farms, construction jobs and service jobs for the same wages corporate America pays the illegal immigrants. Secondly, let's ask all Americans to stop abusing illegal drugs.
That was easy enough! End of illegal immigration problem, illegal drug problems and the corporations still make great profits.
President Trump is taking those steps. His Trump Hotels and Golf Courses recently fired dozens of undocumented workers, which have been in his employment for years. Now, all he needs to do is find white workers willing to do undesirable jobs for low wages.
Funny thing how we could easily straighten out our current illegal immigration crises and illegal drug problem if we'd simply address the matter of supply and demand. First, let's hire only white Americans to work the truck farms, construction jobs and service jobs for the same wages corporate America pays the illegal immigrants. Secondly, let's ask all Americans to stop abusing illegal drugs.
That was easy enough! End of illegal immigration problem, illegal drug problems and the corporations still make great profits.
President Trump is taking those steps. His Trump Hotels and Golf Courses recently fired dozens of undocumented workers, which have been in his employment for years. Now, all he needs to do is find white workers willing to do undesirable jobs for low wages.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
An Opportunity Lost
I reflect on my life and have few regrets. One such anguish would be not picking the minds of grandparents and parents about particulars in their journey. Those family members have all passed therefore whatever story could be old is lost forever.
A few years ago, my brother Tom and I were visting and sharing many childhood and young adult memories of our family and our common work relationships from yesteryear. At one point, my brother, four plus years my junior said, "You do know that when one of us pass these stories become somewhat meaningless because only you and I know the players."
I suppose I am like many who become so busy with our own journey that we just didn't take much interest in the history of blood, which traveled the roads before us. Oh, I picked up bits and pieces about paternal and maternal families but I realize so much more could have been shared had I pushed the issue.
My mother's sister, Katherine was dedicated to genealogical tracing of the Bennett family and certainly some of that stirs my interests but it lacks the elements of the human experience that I find most fascinating. Let me give a for instance: Maternal grandfather, E. V. Bennett was a shy and somewhat private man, almost showing tendencies of reclusiveness. As a young boy, I spent much time with E.V. and Mammy Bennett. I suppose the fact that we lived nearby and for two years while my father was in the military (1944), E.V. and Mammy were 'hands on' helping their daughter with her two sons. I followed that old man around as if he was the 'Pied Piper.' As I grew into my teen years, I could have formulated more questions about the Bennett journey but I was too busy with 'my' things.
When my Bennett and Roustio (Frank & Rosedelle) passed their stories became second hand until all their children passed and now the particulars are lost.
I once asked Grandpa E. V. "Grandpa you're always driving Mammy to Sunday Church, Wednesday prayer meeting and other church events but why don't you go with her to church?" E.V. smiled and answered, "Why I think I've heard every sermon ever preached three or four times." I guess many viewed E.V. Bennett as a non-religious man and perhaps they were correct. However, I'll always believe that Grandpa E.V. was indeed a Man of Faith.
E. V. Liked his fiddle and I recall him often singing this one song...
(Touch)
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
A few years ago, my brother Tom and I were visting and sharing many childhood and young adult memories of our family and our common work relationships from yesteryear. At one point, my brother, four plus years my junior said, "You do know that when one of us pass these stories become somewhat meaningless because only you and I know the players."
I suppose I am like many who become so busy with our own journey that we just didn't take much interest in the history of blood, which traveled the roads before us. Oh, I picked up bits and pieces about paternal and maternal families but I realize so much more could have been shared had I pushed the issue.
My mother's sister, Katherine was dedicated to genealogical tracing of the Bennett family and certainly some of that stirs my interests but it lacks the elements of the human experience that I find most fascinating. Let me give a for instance: Maternal grandfather, E. V. Bennett was a shy and somewhat private man, almost showing tendencies of reclusiveness. As a young boy, I spent much time with E.V. and Mammy Bennett. I suppose the fact that we lived nearby and for two years while my father was in the military (1944), E.V. and Mammy were 'hands on' helping their daughter with her two sons. I followed that old man around as if he was the 'Pied Piper.' As I grew into my teen years, I could have formulated more questions about the Bennett journey but I was too busy with 'my' things.
When my Bennett and Roustio (Frank & Rosedelle) passed their stories became second hand until all their children passed and now the particulars are lost.
I once asked Grandpa E. V. "Grandpa you're always driving Mammy to Sunday Church, Wednesday prayer meeting and other church events but why don't you go with her to church?" E.V. smiled and answered, "Why I think I've heard every sermon ever preached three or four times." I guess many viewed E.V. Bennett as a non-religious man and perhaps they were correct. However, I'll always believe that Grandpa E.V. was indeed a Man of Faith.
E. V. Liked his fiddle and I recall him often singing this one song...
(Touch)
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Monday, February 4, 2019
They Should Be Horse Whipped
In the opening scene of the television series, The Lone Ranger actor Clayton Moore rode his horse Silver down the hillside rather fast. Grandpa E.V. would say, "That man outta be horse whipped ridin' that horse down hill like that!"
About the time I think I've seen Americans' ultimate stupidity on display, I am treated to a 'new low.' Perhaps some bizarre behaviors are driven by idleness and boredom while other crazy stunts come about on competitive dares. Whatever the motivation some activities hold potential harm and appear down-right stupid.
Back in the 1920's and 1930's, we were entertained by flag-pole sitters and marathon dancers who attempted to establish time-records. About the same time the 'Goldfish-gulping' began. You can take it to the bank that alcohol ran a second-rail that night. Why not see how many people we can stuff into a telephone booth or Volkswagen? Hey, you rural fella's can lean from the shotgun side of a car swinging a baseball bat and see how many mailboxes you can destroy in one night. Speaking of your auto fun, let's stand atop a speeding vehicle and assume the 'surfing' position while hoping the driver doesn't make a sharp turn at 70MPH. The perverted exhibitionist thought he/she had been left out so they disrobed and ran through public venues in the buff. DON'T LOOK, ETHEL!
Today's low IQ Americans seemingly have become bored with their own body piercing and tattooing frenzy so what next? Here's a unique idea, let's spray paint our dog's testicles! And we won't use just simple spray paint but we can make an art form out of it by using different colored glitters. Great idea. Who trust us more and loves us unconditionally more than man's best friend...you got it..
Fido. Shall we mistreat him for our sick enjoyment. Gee, we could even shave the family pet and make him look as disgusting as many of our over-the-top tattooed friends.
Like the old saying..."Great minds talk about ideas; Average minds talk about events and Simple minds talk about people, while the mindless spray paint heir dogs scrotum.
Y'all are 'nuts' and you outta be horse whipped!
About the time I think I've seen Americans' ultimate stupidity on display, I am treated to a 'new low.' Perhaps some bizarre behaviors are driven by idleness and boredom while other crazy stunts come about on competitive dares. Whatever the motivation some activities hold potential harm and appear down-right stupid.
Back in the 1920's and 1930's, we were entertained by flag-pole sitters and marathon dancers who attempted to establish time-records. About the same time the 'Goldfish-gulping' began. You can take it to the bank that alcohol ran a second-rail that night. Why not see how many people we can stuff into a telephone booth or Volkswagen? Hey, you rural fella's can lean from the shotgun side of a car swinging a baseball bat and see how many mailboxes you can destroy in one night. Speaking of your auto fun, let's stand atop a speeding vehicle and assume the 'surfing' position while hoping the driver doesn't make a sharp turn at 70MPH. The perverted exhibitionist thought he/she had been left out so they disrobed and ran through public venues in the buff. DON'T LOOK, ETHEL!
Today's low IQ Americans seemingly have become bored with their own body piercing and tattooing frenzy so what next? Here's a unique idea, let's spray paint our dog's testicles! And we won't use just simple spray paint but we can make an art form out of it by using different colored glitters. Great idea. Who trust us more and loves us unconditionally more than man's best friend...you got it..
Fido. Shall we mistreat him for our sick enjoyment. Gee, we could even shave the family pet and make him look as disgusting as many of our over-the-top tattooed friends.
Like the old saying..."Great minds talk about ideas; Average minds talk about events and Simple minds talk about people, while the mindless spray paint heir dogs scrotum.
Y'all are 'nuts' and you outta be horse whipped!
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Go Figure!
I find it interesting to note the inconsistencies and the different applied moral values in the exercise of forgiveness of missteps committed by our elected leaders. I think of this in the current backdrop of the social/racial dust-up caused by the Virginia Governor, Ralph Northam who 'blackened' his face in the mid-1980's. That insensitive act caught up with him 35-years later and has many from both party's calling for the Democrat Gov's resignation.
A quick look in the rear view mirror, we recall the Supreme Court confirmation of an African-American man in spite of what many thought to be rather convincing evidence that he sexually harassed an African-American woman co-worker. And very recently another High Court confirmation came in the face of some rather disturbing sexual harassment allegations.
Then we had Congressman Anthony Weiner announce his resignation from the House when it was disclosed that he sent an online photo of his penis to a gal-pal. Weiner had to go! But President Clinton got a 'pass' when he showed a White House intern his penis. (Note: Have y'all noticed that we Puritanical Americans sure do have a fascination with the 'penis' and 'pookie.')
Very recently, our Congress stripped a fellow GOP Representative of committee assignments because of his racially insensitive white supremacist remarks. Stripped of committee assignments but not censored or pressured to resign. Of course, current President Trump's 2005, "You can grab them by the pu*#y,"comment is not a deal-breaker; nor is calling predominately Black nation's "Shit holes."
Finally, there is the bi-racial football player who is blackballed by NFL owners but the former Arizona Sheriff who broke the law by racially profiling was granted a prison pardon by President Trump. Oops, just one more: why so much anger over illegals and so little anger over corporations and farmers who ignore their illegality due to financial gain from paying them low wages?
Who commits the greatest transgression?
Folks, let's own it. It ain't only "beauty that's in the eye of the beholder;" but it seems 'forgiveness of sin is in the most hypocritical beholder's eye.' We must agree both are anchored in prejudicial attitudes.
A quick look in the rear view mirror, we recall the Supreme Court confirmation of an African-American man in spite of what many thought to be rather convincing evidence that he sexually harassed an African-American woman co-worker. And very recently another High Court confirmation came in the face of some rather disturbing sexual harassment allegations.
Then we had Congressman Anthony Weiner announce his resignation from the House when it was disclosed that he sent an online photo of his penis to a gal-pal. Weiner had to go! But President Clinton got a 'pass' when he showed a White House intern his penis. (Note: Have y'all noticed that we Puritanical Americans sure do have a fascination with the 'penis' and 'pookie.')
Very recently, our Congress stripped a fellow GOP Representative of committee assignments because of his racially insensitive white supremacist remarks. Stripped of committee assignments but not censored or pressured to resign. Of course, current President Trump's 2005, "You can grab them by the pu*#y,"comment is not a deal-breaker; nor is calling predominately Black nation's "Shit holes."
Finally, there is the bi-racial football player who is blackballed by NFL owners but the former Arizona Sheriff who broke the law by racially profiling was granted a prison pardon by President Trump. Oops, just one more: why so much anger over illegals and so little anger over corporations and farmers who ignore their illegality due to financial gain from paying them low wages?
Who commits the greatest transgression?
Folks, let's own it. It ain't only "beauty that's in the eye of the beholder;" but it seems 'forgiveness of sin is in the most hypocritical beholder's eye.' We must agree both are anchored in prejudicial attitudes.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Walk a Mile In Another's Moccasins
Not that the 53rd NFL Super Bowl needs another sidebar story for viewers to debate, it nonetheless appears the pre-game and half-time entertainment offers one. There is a dust up within the African-American community regarding Atlanta Native Gladys Knight's National Anthem performance. The fuss pits the 74-year for legendary singer, Knight against 31-year old, Colin Kaepernick's First Amendment expression as he refuses to stand for the National Anthem before NFL games in an effort to bring attention to what he believes is excessive use of force by policemen perpetrated on African-Americans.
Evidently, some folks feel that Knight is 'selling-out' on her Black brothers and sisters' fight for social justice by accepting the NFL's invitation to perform.
Not that my voice is meaningful, I still will offer the following: I profoundly defend Kaepernick's First Amendment expression rights and any other NFL players who might join in kneeling during the National Anthem. That said, I also praise and give thanks to military vets who made sacrifices defending our Nation, its symbolic flag and peoples' rights to sit during the Anthem.
I don't know a lot about the personal lives of Kaepernick and Knight. I do recall that Knight was pregnant at age 16, had three children and four marriages. I also know that her adult son who served as her manager suddenly died of a massive heart attack and Knight herself entered a rehab center for a gambling addiction. Suffice to say, the iconic singer faced many emotional hurdles during her journey. Kaepernick on the other hand is the child of a Caucasian mother and African-American father. He was a highly touted high school and college educated athlete who signed a multi-million dollar NFL contract.
It is fair to conclude that these two individuals have experienced different journeys. What I find interesting is those outside those two journeys have the audacity to critique and criticize choices each has made regarding personal-life decisions.
Now, I understand that this subject can engender high octane emotions and I welcome any comments on the blog. However, please don't be foolish and attempt taking me to the wood shed suggesting something so stupid as to point out that I am unaware of the 'Black experience.' Should you go there, you disclose a failure to know me and my journey.
My contention is a simple straightforward one: Don't expect Knight to make her personal career decisions based on Kaepernick's personal career decisions.
Finally, I hope one day to see Kaepernick throw another NFL touchdown pass and in the meantime, I'll enjoy the singing voice of Gladys Knight honoring our country with her rendition of the National Anthem. Certainly, I pray that our leaders and concerned citizens continue to pressure all parties to investigate and resolve the issue of police and citizenry engagement.
Oh, before closing there is one other thing I should tell you about Gladys Knight and Colin Kaepernick...they each have a net worth of $20 million.
(Touch)
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
Evidently, some folks feel that Knight is 'selling-out' on her Black brothers and sisters' fight for social justice by accepting the NFL's invitation to perform.
Not that my voice is meaningful, I still will offer the following: I profoundly defend Kaepernick's First Amendment expression rights and any other NFL players who might join in kneeling during the National Anthem. That said, I also praise and give thanks to military vets who made sacrifices defending our Nation, its symbolic flag and peoples' rights to sit during the Anthem.
I don't know a lot about the personal lives of Kaepernick and Knight. I do recall that Knight was pregnant at age 16, had three children and four marriages. I also know that her adult son who served as her manager suddenly died of a massive heart attack and Knight herself entered a rehab center for a gambling addiction. Suffice to say, the iconic singer faced many emotional hurdles during her journey. Kaepernick on the other hand is the child of a Caucasian mother and African-American father. He was a highly touted high school and college educated athlete who signed a multi-million dollar NFL contract.
It is fair to conclude that these two individuals have experienced different journeys. What I find interesting is those outside those two journeys have the audacity to critique and criticize choices each has made regarding personal-life decisions.
Now, I understand that this subject can engender high octane emotions and I welcome any comments on the blog. However, please don't be foolish and attempt taking me to the wood shed suggesting something so stupid as to point out that I am unaware of the 'Black experience.' Should you go there, you disclose a failure to know me and my journey.
My contention is a simple straightforward one: Don't expect Knight to make her personal career decisions based on Kaepernick's personal career decisions.
Finally, I hope one day to see Kaepernick throw another NFL touchdown pass and in the meantime, I'll enjoy the singing voice of Gladys Knight honoring our country with her rendition of the National Anthem. Certainly, I pray that our leaders and concerned citizens continue to pressure all parties to investigate and resolve the issue of police and citizenry engagement.
Oh, before closing there is one other thing I should tell you about Gladys Knight and Colin Kaepernick...they each have a net worth of $20 million.
(Touch)
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
Friday, February 1, 2019
Got To Make The Best Of a Bad Situation
Exciting times? Fearful times? Challenging times? Sad times? Confusing times? I suppose your choice or perspective is dependent on a preconceived notion, your open mindedness or lack thereof, political persuasions or wishful thinking. What times you ask? This time in America's history when its 'democracy' is being tested perhaps more so than any other time in its existence.
The Constitution was adopted in 1788, and became the blueprint for 'democracy.' Make no mistake this democracy has been tested previously with severe economic issues, threats of States' successions, slavery, racial intolerance, foreign wars, nuclear proliferation, problematic cold wars, political assassinations, a Presidential resignation and civil discourse of many kinds. Several of the aforementioned disputes and disruptions continue in 'real-time' while others lay dormant but ready to be awakened.
Perhaps the greatest single factor that creates the the most uncertainty and challenge to our democracy is the cyber-world, which offers a precarious negative tool for the disruption and distortion of TRUTH. The old adage, "Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see," falls short when we acknowledge the 'false' narratives driven by social media and Internet cyber feedings. These days, we would be wise to doubt the 'seen' as well as the 'unseen.'
A nation's people are told that their free and open political elections no longer result in honest tabulations and consequently those people become doubtful, angry and divided. The three branches of government, once heralded are no longer representative for their power balance but have become fertile grounds for stated and open distrust for all the world to see. Our President does not believe his intelligence agencies but tends to believe contradictions from foreign leaders and our nation's constituents argue and become more divided. Amidst all these issues we find language vulgarity more common in our discourse as racial, ethnic and religious intolerance basks in open-boldness.
Each day, we must fight our own demons of cynicism, anger and depression. We must tread the waters of hope with confidence that the storm will pass and an even stronger nation emerges.
(Touch)
Bad Situation
The Constitution was adopted in 1788, and became the blueprint for 'democracy.' Make no mistake this democracy has been tested previously with severe economic issues, threats of States' successions, slavery, racial intolerance, foreign wars, nuclear proliferation, problematic cold wars, political assassinations, a Presidential resignation and civil discourse of many kinds. Several of the aforementioned disputes and disruptions continue in 'real-time' while others lay dormant but ready to be awakened.
Perhaps the greatest single factor that creates the the most uncertainty and challenge to our democracy is the cyber-world, which offers a precarious negative tool for the disruption and distortion of TRUTH. The old adage, "Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see," falls short when we acknowledge the 'false' narratives driven by social media and Internet cyber feedings. These days, we would be wise to doubt the 'seen' as well as the 'unseen.'
A nation's people are told that their free and open political elections no longer result in honest tabulations and consequently those people become doubtful, angry and divided. The three branches of government, once heralded are no longer representative for their power balance but have become fertile grounds for stated and open distrust for all the world to see. Our President does not believe his intelligence agencies but tends to believe contradictions from foreign leaders and our nation's constituents argue and become more divided. Amidst all these issues we find language vulgarity more common in our discourse as racial, ethnic and religious intolerance basks in open-boldness.
Each day, we must fight our own demons of cynicism, anger and depression. We must tread the waters of hope with confidence that the storm will pass and an even stronger nation emerges.
(Touch)
Bad Situation
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