I suppose 'leaving' your youthful home to enter military service, pursue a college education or enter the work force is significant and transitional for any 18-something year old. Certainly, Illinois State University was an eye opening experience for a city boy whose family had zero experience with higher formal education. Make no mistake, I have admiration for white collar, blue collar and think-tanker pursants. Whatever our passion and whatever floats our boat makes the world a better place.
Regarding race relations, my ISU athletic experience (basketball/baseball) was not much different than high school. We had few Black athletes on 'Redbirds' teams during that period. I do recall one year when our basketball team declined to attend a Christmas Tournament in the South when we were told that our Black teammates could not eat or stay in the same places as White players. It was a no brainer.
It was a sociology course and particularly the introduction to the many studies conducted by American psychologist, Gordon Allport as presented in his book, 'The Nature of Prejudice,' which opened my eyes uncovering why no corner of the world was free of prejudices. Group identification and fears motivated peoples' suspicions, which developed attitudes of hatred supported by ever changing beliefs. Racial, ethnic and religious prejudices have always been mankind's greatest pandemic. The book was cited as a classic in 1965, ten years after its initial publication. It became one of the most influential and often cited writings about inter-group relations. On a personal note, I found much of what Allport reported and dispelled about prejudices to coincide nicely with the teachings of Jesus-Christ, which was broadly and deeply embraced by my entire family and friends. I remember vividly sharing this new found knowledge with hometown friends and family. Much to my disappointment many rebuked my offerings suggesting that I was becoming brain-washed by 'those' liberal professors. The moment was 'real' to me. I would embrace a mission from that day forward. A mission to reject the ignorance of prejudice and call it out. I did not know at that moment that one day as a high school basketball coach, I would also be cognizant to challenge my Black players to refuse crutches in their challenges. "Be smart and know that some want you to always view yourself as crippled by color, origin or religious beliefs," would become my sermon. More on that later.
The essence of Allport's book, 'The Nature of Prejudice' brought to light the manner in which an individual holds fast to learn attitudes of contempt. If one has a prejudicial attitude towards a group of people (racial/ethinic/religious) they will support that attitude with unproven beliefs. When the belief is disproven the individual with a prejudicial attitude will simply latch on to another unproven negative belief. (Don't confuse them with facts). The book to this day is viewed by social psychologist as defining the field of intergroup relationships regarding prejudice and its effects on group interactions.
As I recall the many expressed opinions of whites from my youth it is noteworthy that a prejudice individual might point toward a black man as being "lazy" but then in the next breath express a negative attitude towards an industrious and upward mobile black man as being "uppity" and not "knowing his place."
Blacks were in that stereotypical conundrum...you know the one..."Between a rock and hard place."
Next...Those negative 'racial' attitudes will need to be addressed by most coaches.
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Melting Pot? Not Really!
I've heard the urgent and frequent emotional plea that our nation needs to have a 'race conversation.' I suppose the logic behind this request is that the process will render some understanding of America's racial history and injustices. Perhaps the various races would begin identifying and understanding racial problems and begin moving in meaningful directions towards solutions. I'm thinking, only a fool would reject this resolution-concept but it would be a bigger fool that would attempt such a project without first examining from whence they got their 'own' ideas about race relations and feelings about 'those' other folks who look differently, worship differently and perhaps speak differently. Before any 'conversation-on-race,' we all need to engage in self-introspection.
I'll begin my personal examination by stating this> Before I came to understand America's 'melting pot,' I was aware of some East St. Louis ethnic and racial factors before my 5th grade teacher gave us that pop quiz about 'The Melting Pot.' My city was comprised of many different kinds of people. There were neighborhoods known primarily to be Italian, Polish, Irish, German, Hispanic and Black. Note: For the sake of honesty and my own integrity, the 'Black' part of town in the '40's was referenced as 'colored. Th e aforementioned races, except Blacks came to this Ameriça of their own volition seeking refuge and/or a better life. History documents Blacks brought to these shores by Whites who perceived them as property (slaves) and used them for hard labor tasks, which bolstered the White man's economic fortunes. Of course, the East St. Louis Blacks of my youth had long been 'freed' from slavery but still in a position of far lesser opportunities than all other ethnic groups that I observed.
Those ethnic neighborhoods of my youth were most often the design of specific ethnic group who sought to be near other people like them for language and cultural support. All groups except the Blacks. The Blacks were located primarily in the Southend where there was cheaper housing. Although, many White families I knew were not much better off than some Black families except there seemed to be a prevailing attitude that whites were better off if for no other reason than skin-color. I noticed Black women were welcome in our White neighborhoods to do domestic work i.e., house cleaning, washing and ironing for low pay. Those women often remained with 'one' family for years...an interesting sense of loyalty. That said, I ocassionally saw Black men in White neighborhoods picking up alley trash or doing some odd jobs. My understanding was most Black men employed worked in chemical and other factories and the stockyards/meat processing plants.
I did not attend elementary or junior high school with Black students but in 1954, I entered East Side High and even though there was a all-Black public high school (Lincoln) there was a small but significant athletic-contributing number of Blacks on our East Side 'Flyers' teams. As I began making more Black friends, I still heard confusing comments from older adults. 'Those' people are lazy.' Not my teammates. I made Black friendships on the basketball court and baseball field but we went separate ways socially, which was not particularly unusual because in the industrial city of 86,000, close friendships were neighborhood driven.
Here is a rather interesting fact regarding East St. Louis Senior High sports history. The 'Flyers' football teams were highly successful when the school was all White, a mixture of Whites and Blacks and more recently as all Black. Basketball teams experienced above average success when all-White and racially mixed but when it became all-Black the teams were top notch caliber. Wrestling, tennis and baseball programs during the all-White era were outstanding championship caliber. They have collapsed during the all-Black enrollment. Track and Field was good when all-White but outstanding all-Black. Make what you will of those reality statements. Before coming to your conclusion consider what my late good friend a forty year Major League Baseball scout, Ken Bracey told me after watching a Decatur Thanksgiving Boys Basketball Tournament featuring seven quality athletic Black schools: "Mel, Jim 'Catfish' Hunter once asked me, 'Where 's all that great Black baseball talent in Illinois?' I can now tell him that all those kids who could be the next Ozzie Smith are not playing baseball but they're on the blacktop playing roundball." Bracey added a personal note: "If those 5'7" guards spent the same amount of basketball time on baseball they might make the MLB but they ain't gunna make the NBA."
Next blog: 'The Awakening'
I'll begin my personal examination by stating this> Before I came to understand America's 'melting pot,' I was aware of some East St. Louis ethnic and racial factors before my 5th grade teacher gave us that pop quiz about 'The Melting Pot.' My city was comprised of many different kinds of people. There were neighborhoods known primarily to be Italian, Polish, Irish, German, Hispanic and Black. Note: For the sake of honesty and my own integrity, the 'Black' part of town in the '40's was referenced as 'colored. Th e aforementioned races, except Blacks came to this Ameriça of their own volition seeking refuge and/or a better life. History documents Blacks brought to these shores by Whites who perceived them as property (slaves) and used them for hard labor tasks, which bolstered the White man's economic fortunes. Of course, the East St. Louis Blacks of my youth had long been 'freed' from slavery but still in a position of far lesser opportunities than all other ethnic groups that I observed.
Those ethnic neighborhoods of my youth were most often the design of specific ethnic group who sought to be near other people like them for language and cultural support. All groups except the Blacks. The Blacks were located primarily in the Southend where there was cheaper housing. Although, many White families I knew were not much better off than some Black families except there seemed to be a prevailing attitude that whites were better off if for no other reason than skin-color. I noticed Black women were welcome in our White neighborhoods to do domestic work i.e., house cleaning, washing and ironing for low pay. Those women often remained with 'one' family for years...an interesting sense of loyalty. That said, I ocassionally saw Black men in White neighborhoods picking up alley trash or doing some odd jobs. My understanding was most Black men employed worked in chemical and other factories and the stockyards/meat processing plants.
I did not attend elementary or junior high school with Black students but in 1954, I entered East Side High and even though there was a all-Black public high school (Lincoln) there was a small but significant athletic-contributing number of Blacks on our East Side 'Flyers' teams. As I began making more Black friends, I still heard confusing comments from older adults. 'Those' people are lazy.' Not my teammates. I made Black friendships on the basketball court and baseball field but we went separate ways socially, which was not particularly unusual because in the industrial city of 86,000, close friendships were neighborhood driven.
Here is a rather interesting fact regarding East St. Louis Senior High sports history. The 'Flyers' football teams were highly successful when the school was all White, a mixture of Whites and Blacks and more recently as all Black. Basketball teams experienced above average success when all-White and racially mixed but when it became all-Black the teams were top notch caliber. Wrestling, tennis and baseball programs during the all-White era were outstanding championship caliber. They have collapsed during the all-Black enrollment. Track and Field was good when all-White but outstanding all-Black. Make what you will of those reality statements. Before coming to your conclusion consider what my late good friend a forty year Major League Baseball scout, Ken Bracey told me after watching a Decatur Thanksgiving Boys Basketball Tournament featuring seven quality athletic Black schools: "Mel, Jim 'Catfish' Hunter once asked me, 'Where 's all that great Black baseball talent in Illinois?' I can now tell him that all those kids who could be the next Ozzie Smith are not playing baseball but they're on the blacktop playing roundball." Bracey added a personal note: "If those 5'7" guards spent the same amount of basketball time on baseball they might make the MLB but they ain't gunna make the NBA."
Next blog: 'The Awakening'
Thursday, June 11, 2020
A Million To One
The year was 1953. I was a 14-year old ninth grade student at Lansdowne Junior high school in the East St. Louis educational system of Grade School (1-thru-6), Junior High (7-thru-9) and Senior High (10-thru-12). She (Gerry Bischof) was a 13-year old eighth grader at Holy Angels Catholic School.
We shared a 'Post Office" game-kiss at one of those teeny-bop house party's and our journey began.
We were told, you're too young, it's an unlikely relationship: a Catholic girl & a Protestant boy with somewhat different backgrounds. What were the odds? A million to one.
Sixty-seven years later, Gerry and I celebrate our 60th Wedding Anniversary this June 11, 2020. Our seven year courtship and sixty married years has been been richly blessed. We share family love with three adult children and their spouses, 15-grandchildren and three spouses and three (4th on the way) great-grandchildren. We have made incredible friendships as a coaching career and motivational speaking has taken us to nine different communities and across the country.
In full disclosure, I must admit that my wife, Gerry has been the most consistent and supportive anchor in our love story. Her toughness and resilience made her the perfect Coach's wife. Her personal strength and 'hands-on' approach made her a can-do loving mother and Nana. Her sincere personality permeates with true caring kindness and becomes a magnet cultivating lasting friends.
Quick Stories underscoring Gerry's straight-forward, pull no punches and genuine persona...
1) On Meeting my parents:> I was 15-years old pitching at a summer league baseball game where the open and confident fourteen year old Gerry walked up to my parents and said, "Hi, I'm Gerry Bischof, Moe's girlfriend."
2-On Coaching:> Gerry was seated next to Former U of I basketball coach, Bill Self at a high school tournament championship game and during a time out with 3-minutes remaining and the score tied, she leaned around Self and said to me, "Honey, I'm leaving to beat the crowd, I'll see you at home." Self couldn't believe Gerry was leaving such an exciting game and said to her, "Don't you care how this game turns out?!" Gerry, the high school coach's wife of some thirty-nine years calmly explained, "Bill, I know how it's going to turn out. One coach's wife is going to have a great Sunday and another coach's wife Not so good a Sunday." Self turned to me and said, "That's one helluva perception!"
Gerry: You have my love and admiration...Happy 60th Anniversary. Little Girl.
Ps. Hey, Lois Siegel: Thanks for the party invitation. Who woulda thunk?!
(Touch)
A Million To One
We shared a 'Post Office" game-kiss at one of those teeny-bop house party's and our journey began.
We were told, you're too young, it's an unlikely relationship: a Catholic girl & a Protestant boy with somewhat different backgrounds. What were the odds? A million to one.
Sixty-seven years later, Gerry and I celebrate our 60th Wedding Anniversary this June 11, 2020. Our seven year courtship and sixty married years has been been richly blessed. We share family love with three adult children and their spouses, 15-grandchildren and three spouses and three (4th on the way) great-grandchildren. We have made incredible friendships as a coaching career and motivational speaking has taken us to nine different communities and across the country.
In full disclosure, I must admit that my wife, Gerry has been the most consistent and supportive anchor in our love story. Her toughness and resilience made her the perfect Coach's wife. Her personal strength and 'hands-on' approach made her a can-do loving mother and Nana. Her sincere personality permeates with true caring kindness and becomes a magnet cultivating lasting friends.
Quick Stories underscoring Gerry's straight-forward, pull no punches and genuine persona...
1) On Meeting my parents:> I was 15-years old pitching at a summer league baseball game where the open and confident fourteen year old Gerry walked up to my parents and said, "Hi, I'm Gerry Bischof, Moe's girlfriend."
2-On Coaching:> Gerry was seated next to Former U of I basketball coach, Bill Self at a high school tournament championship game and during a time out with 3-minutes remaining and the score tied, she leaned around Self and said to me, "Honey, I'm leaving to beat the crowd, I'll see you at home." Self couldn't believe Gerry was leaving such an exciting game and said to her, "Don't you care how this game turns out?!" Gerry, the high school coach's wife of some thirty-nine years calmly explained, "Bill, I know how it's going to turn out. One coach's wife is going to have a great Sunday and another coach's wife Not so good a Sunday." Self turned to me and said, "That's one helluva perception!"
Gerry: You have my love and admiration...Happy 60th Anniversary. Little Girl.
Ps. Hey, Lois Siegel: Thanks for the party invitation. Who woulda thunk?!
(Touch)
A Million To One
Monday, June 8, 2020
How Shall We Respond?
Reflecting on a lengthy life-journey, I readily recall many mentors who laid before me a solid blueprint, a road map if you please for negotiating challenges, which would certainly come along. One of those wise men giving early advise was a Little League baseball manager, Jim Spickard.
Mr. Spickard was capable of seizing a baseball (game) scenario and making a life-skill application.
Let me offer two examples: I was 12-years old playing in the East St. Louis Jaycee Youth baseball league. I hit a pretty solid line-drive into left-center field. I knew I had a chance for a home run. In my eagerness, I cut the corner rounding first base missing the bag by inches. Moments later I pulled up at third base with what I believed was a stand up triple. Immediately, the opposing manager asked for an appeal at first base for missing the bag and the umpire called me out. I'm sure Mr. Spickard saw the great disappointment in my face but he grabbed me by the shoulders and looking into my eyes he spoke, "Son, in this game and in life there's no shortcuts to success. You gotta touch all the bases." On another ocassion, I was pitching and the opposing team and their fans were especially loud with their heckling and comments. Mr. Spickard walked slowly to the pitcher's mound where I stood and he spoke, "You know nothing is going to happen in this game until you throw the baseball. But if you lose your poise, you will lose your control and likely lose the game. Do you understand?"
I answered in the affirmative.
I've been fortunate to have excellent family guidance and great sports' mentors. That said, I can honestly state that there was nothing, absolutely nothing I ever did in my life, which served me greater than taking the baseball on a regular basis from age ten to twenty-one and facing the opponent! It provided confidence and focus on the basketball court and it helped in my personal coaching career. I have always been capable of shutting out the negative, dismissing the critic who second-guesses and ignoring the energy robbing wannabes. The number of times I've lost poise and control since I was 12, can be counted on one hand not using all fingers.
The aforementioned is not intended to be a brag. Not at all. It serves as a hint, a warning if you please that current societal unrest, which looms large has the potential to cause many to lose their poise, lose their control and suffer harm. Currently, many folks have come together riding a feel-good wave of togetherness regarding some obvious acts of police brutality. We must be careful not to overreact and cause crippling harm to the vast majority of good law enforcement needed in every community. Our people must anticipate a counter-protesting insurgency and the necessity for poise and control to be the staples of the day if our nation is to be a winner.
Mr. Spickard was capable of seizing a baseball (game) scenario and making a life-skill application.
Let me offer two examples: I was 12-years old playing in the East St. Louis Jaycee Youth baseball league. I hit a pretty solid line-drive into left-center field. I knew I had a chance for a home run. In my eagerness, I cut the corner rounding first base missing the bag by inches. Moments later I pulled up at third base with what I believed was a stand up triple. Immediately, the opposing manager asked for an appeal at first base for missing the bag and the umpire called me out. I'm sure Mr. Spickard saw the great disappointment in my face but he grabbed me by the shoulders and looking into my eyes he spoke, "Son, in this game and in life there's no shortcuts to success. You gotta touch all the bases." On another ocassion, I was pitching and the opposing team and their fans were especially loud with their heckling and comments. Mr. Spickard walked slowly to the pitcher's mound where I stood and he spoke, "You know nothing is going to happen in this game until you throw the baseball. But if you lose your poise, you will lose your control and likely lose the game. Do you understand?"
I answered in the affirmative.
I've been fortunate to have excellent family guidance and great sports' mentors. That said, I can honestly state that there was nothing, absolutely nothing I ever did in my life, which served me greater than taking the baseball on a regular basis from age ten to twenty-one and facing the opponent! It provided confidence and focus on the basketball court and it helped in my personal coaching career. I have always been capable of shutting out the negative, dismissing the critic who second-guesses and ignoring the energy robbing wannabes. The number of times I've lost poise and control since I was 12, can be counted on one hand not using all fingers.
The aforementioned is not intended to be a brag. Not at all. It serves as a hint, a warning if you please that current societal unrest, which looms large has the potential to cause many to lose their poise, lose their control and suffer harm. Currently, many folks have come together riding a feel-good wave of togetherness regarding some obvious acts of police brutality. We must be careful not to overreact and cause crippling harm to the vast majority of good law enforcement needed in every community. Our people must anticipate a counter-protesting insurgency and the necessity for poise and control to be the staples of the day if our nation is to be a winner.
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Trump Supporters Could Be Correct!
I am NOT a Donald Trump supporter. How's that? You say you've concluded that from my previous blogs on the subject? Okay, then I'll spare any further explanations.
Let me preface this blog with the following: I've been a Christian from the time I answered an alter-call at The First Methodist Church in 1951, East St. Louis, Illinois. Unfortunately, I continue to fall short of God's desires for me as I still stumble and sin. I have two specific daily prayer times. My morning prayer is self-reflective seeking guidance. My evening prayer is focused on family, friends, national leaders and those whom I don't know who are in need. I read the Bible but I'm not a Biblical Scholar. That said, I am careful never to 'speak' for God, although I notice some folks are completely comfortable sharing with others that which they say, God told them to tell us. On a personal note, I've always been jealous of people that God picks to give me advice.
Pastor John Hagee said that Hrricane Katrina was sent by God because New Orleans was going to have a 'Gay Parade.' I bet that upset the 'straight' people in New Orleans who lost everything. There's nary a month goes by that Rev. Pat Robertson doesn't share a gem from The Almighty. Back in 1980, Rev. Oral Roberts told followers, God gave him an ultimatum to raise 8-million dollars for his Oral Roberts University or God was going to call him home. I guess Oral got the money because he didn't die until 2009.
I am starting to be more receptive of this notation that God has a chosen few to 'get the inside scoop' first. Hear me out. Former Texas Governor and Energy Secretary, Rick Perry said, "God ordained it that Trump become President." Rev. Franklin Graham insinuated the same saying, "I think God was behind this last election." These fellas are not alone believing Trump was put in the Oval Office by some divine power...according to a Pew Research survey, 27% of Americans believe it.
Maybe Trump was sent by God to be President of the United States. Today we see millions of people throughout America and around the world who have been awakened to protest 'racism.' Nobody can refute the fact that bigotry in America and around the world has been real. America's racism is historically anchored since the early settlers started cheating the Native Americans and the Cowboys began killing them. Furthermore, Blacks brought to our shores to serve as slaves for the White man's economic gain and this cheap labor need continues in a sinister fashion as America plays games with underpaid illegal Hispanics.
Donald J. Trump with his unabashed negative rhetoric and racially charged 'code language' aimed at Hispanics, Blacks and Muslims was evident at the early stages of his presidential campaign. He immediately garnered support from the KKK and White Nationalists. Trump was cheered by those who thought calling out Black NFL players as "son-of-a-bitches" for kneeling during the National Anthem in a passive protest against police brutality. Trump calls White Nationalists "good people" as he stokes the embers of bigotry. Recent video-taped killings of Blacks at the hands of police and vigilantes brings into light of day the ugly feelings of bigotry released and exposes the underbelly of America's greatest chasm from God. One cannot help but wonder, did God send Trump to energize racial hatred and bring forth from the shadows America's great sin of prejudicial racism? It has reached a climax, which has boiled over into the streets of America as masses proclaim, Enough is Enough!
Just maybe Rick Perry and Franklin Graham are correct...God sent Trump to be President. Perhaps the time in the looking-glass gives hope for a rebirth through forgiveness and remembering Christ's last commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you."
Ps. Trump supporters should look on the bright side. The irony in this scenario is the possibility that years from now American History books might suggest the beginning of the end of American racism began during the Trump Presidency.
Let me preface this blog with the following: I've been a Christian from the time I answered an alter-call at The First Methodist Church in 1951, East St. Louis, Illinois. Unfortunately, I continue to fall short of God's desires for me as I still stumble and sin. I have two specific daily prayer times. My morning prayer is self-reflective seeking guidance. My evening prayer is focused on family, friends, national leaders and those whom I don't know who are in need. I read the Bible but I'm not a Biblical Scholar. That said, I am careful never to 'speak' for God, although I notice some folks are completely comfortable sharing with others that which they say, God told them to tell us. On a personal note, I've always been jealous of people that God picks to give me advice.
Pastor John Hagee said that Hrricane Katrina was sent by God because New Orleans was going to have a 'Gay Parade.' I bet that upset the 'straight' people in New Orleans who lost everything. There's nary a month goes by that Rev. Pat Robertson doesn't share a gem from The Almighty. Back in 1980, Rev. Oral Roberts told followers, God gave him an ultimatum to raise 8-million dollars for his Oral Roberts University or God was going to call him home. I guess Oral got the money because he didn't die until 2009.
I am starting to be more receptive of this notation that God has a chosen few to 'get the inside scoop' first. Hear me out. Former Texas Governor and Energy Secretary, Rick Perry said, "God ordained it that Trump become President." Rev. Franklin Graham insinuated the same saying, "I think God was behind this last election." These fellas are not alone believing Trump was put in the Oval Office by some divine power...according to a Pew Research survey, 27% of Americans believe it.
Maybe Trump was sent by God to be President of the United States. Today we see millions of people throughout America and around the world who have been awakened to protest 'racism.' Nobody can refute the fact that bigotry in America and around the world has been real. America's racism is historically anchored since the early settlers started cheating the Native Americans and the Cowboys began killing them. Furthermore, Blacks brought to our shores to serve as slaves for the White man's economic gain and this cheap labor need continues in a sinister fashion as America plays games with underpaid illegal Hispanics.
Donald J. Trump with his unabashed negative rhetoric and racially charged 'code language' aimed at Hispanics, Blacks and Muslims was evident at the early stages of his presidential campaign. He immediately garnered support from the KKK and White Nationalists. Trump was cheered by those who thought calling out Black NFL players as "son-of-a-bitches" for kneeling during the National Anthem in a passive protest against police brutality. Trump calls White Nationalists "good people" as he stokes the embers of bigotry. Recent video-taped killings of Blacks at the hands of police and vigilantes brings into light of day the ugly feelings of bigotry released and exposes the underbelly of America's greatest chasm from God. One cannot help but wonder, did God send Trump to energize racial hatred and bring forth from the shadows America's great sin of prejudicial racism? It has reached a climax, which has boiled over into the streets of America as masses proclaim, Enough is Enough!
Just maybe Rick Perry and Franklin Graham are correct...God sent Trump to be President. Perhaps the time in the looking-glass gives hope for a rebirth through forgiveness and remembering Christ's last commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you."
Ps. Trump supporters should look on the bright side. The irony in this scenario is the possibility that years from now American History books might suggest the beginning of the end of American racism began during the Trump Presidency.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
I'd Like To Do It Again.
Funny and not so funny things, which I've noticed about me and others of my generation. I remember a time when I bounced out of bed to begin my day and was completely oblivious to my joints and stability. However that ship sailed several sunsets ago. These days I'm very cognizant of the muscular origin and insertion with bones and joint movement. Those arthritic reminders along with early morning first steps has me lingering bedside for a few moments before heading to the medicine cabinet to ingest, probiotics, blood pressure pills, a few vitamins and some pill that softens the bladder...and that latter pill brings me to what seems to be an old men's fascination with the garden hose...I'll explain.
I recall as a young teenager when I feared my 'stream' just might knock the porcelain off the back of our commode. That memory returns these days when I 'hose-off' the driveway after grass cutting...you guessed it, I have the cleanest driveway in the neighborhood. I surely enjoy that 'hose power.' I remember a fashion item from back-in-the-day, which holds no motivation in my eighties....I only wear leather shoes to church, weddings and funerals. Today, this old Dude is perfectly happy with my white imitation leather Rebocks with two Velcro straps in place of laces. The white athletic shoe go well with my white socks, faded blue jeans and Branson T-shirt.
I've noticed in the past few years or so that my 'walk-stride' has given way to more of a 'shuffle-slide.'
My wife is constantly telling me to, "Stand up straight, you're slouching!" I swear to you I think I'm standing tall; I'm sure of it...she's just nitpicking. Fifteen years ago, my wife and I would go out to dinner around 6:00PM, but today's perfect dinner date begins between 4 & 5 o'clock...it's called Happy Hour and/or senior discount menu offerings. It's a perfect storm allowing us more nights out on a fixed income and a alcohol beverage that serves as a sleep aid by nine o'clock because this old fart needs some shut eye before I wake at sunrise.
This past winter, I recall being is a large church audience before the sermon began when a lovely lady nearly my age began introducing half the congregation to each other. This Southern woman had the absolute most irritating Southern drawl, which was compounded by volume. Why, I whipped out both my hearing aids immediately...couldn't do that back when!
Gotta stop here. Gunna get the lawnmower and hose out.
(Touch)
Old Bones
I recall as a young teenager when I feared my 'stream' just might knock the porcelain off the back of our commode. That memory returns these days when I 'hose-off' the driveway after grass cutting...you guessed it, I have the cleanest driveway in the neighborhood. I surely enjoy that 'hose power.' I remember a fashion item from back-in-the-day, which holds no motivation in my eighties....I only wear leather shoes to church, weddings and funerals. Today, this old Dude is perfectly happy with my white imitation leather Rebocks with two Velcro straps in place of laces. The white athletic shoe go well with my white socks, faded blue jeans and Branson T-shirt.
I've noticed in the past few years or so that my 'walk-stride' has given way to more of a 'shuffle-slide.'
My wife is constantly telling me to, "Stand up straight, you're slouching!" I swear to you I think I'm standing tall; I'm sure of it...she's just nitpicking. Fifteen years ago, my wife and I would go out to dinner around 6:00PM, but today's perfect dinner date begins between 4 & 5 o'clock...it's called Happy Hour and/or senior discount menu offerings. It's a perfect storm allowing us more nights out on a fixed income and a alcohol beverage that serves as a sleep aid by nine o'clock because this old fart needs some shut eye before I wake at sunrise.
This past winter, I recall being is a large church audience before the sermon began when a lovely lady nearly my age began introducing half the congregation to each other. This Southern woman had the absolute most irritating Southern drawl, which was compounded by volume. Why, I whipped out both my hearing aids immediately...couldn't do that back when!
Gotta stop here. Gunna get the lawnmower and hose out.
(Touch)
Old Bones
Saturday, May 30, 2020
America's Game> "Cowboys & Indians"
To this day we Americans' glamorize the Cowboys' macho image. Goodness sakes, when the horseless carriage became our travel mode replacing the horse, we just had to identify our motor vehicles' strength in terms of 'horse power.' And to this day, some cowboys driving their Ford Super Duty 475 HP Truck are compelled to attach a set of metal "balls" to the wagon-hitch-knob as a sentimental remembrance of "Old Paint," if not to suggests their own personal endowment.
White Europeans came to North America as uninvited immigrants. They immediately decided that the land of plenty (spacious and blessed with Natural Resources) must be theirs not that of these savages who spoke some foreign language. To accomplish this narcissistic manifest destiny, those white settlers cheated and slaughtered the 'dark skinned' indigenous Red Skin. people. Readers: Can I get an "Amen" for the formation of a Christian nation? Ah, come on! AMEN! The reality is the United States government authorized over 1,500 wars against Indians and consequently reduced the Native American population from approximately 7 million to 238,00. My fellow Americans that's called genocide, you know the killing off of a particular group of people. It's usually found in one of those "shithole' countries we don't like.
America's longing for the cowboy times is alive today. When the 21st century American cowboy protests, he shows up in public dressed in military fatigues armed with assault weapons much more than yesterdays six shooter. We observe the cowboy philosophy with 'some'of our law enforcement officers. The Sheriff's posse no longer lynches dark skinned people at the edge of town but they instead shoot them in the back as the 'black man' runs for his life or the cowboy hogties the victim and applies pressure force to the victim's neck killing the modern day 'savage.' Readers: "Liberty and Justice for All?" How about now? Can I get and "God Bless America?" And perhaps a "God Forgive Us?"
Funny how we white folks enbrace and cheer our black athletic heroes who win Olympic Gold, score Super Bowl MVP awards, slam dunk, hit grand slams and wow us with song and theater performance but we will not speak out against injustices suffered by these brothers and sisters. Most people who read this feel exonerated simply saying, "I'm not a racists." Perhaps they are not racist. But have they considered being an active anti-racist, which could become part of the solution to our beloved nation's greatest problem?
I'll end this blog pointing to whites once again benefitting from Indians. My daughter's family lives in the affluent Nortwest Suburbs of Chicago. My grandchildren in that area attend a school that spends $18,000 per student annually compared to the Illinois average of $14,000. Well, as this school year was shifted from building attendance to online education due to a pandemic you would think homework was increased. My daughter told me that some teachers really loaded up on the homework and damn if the increased work load wasn't caused by India childrens' parents who were calling the teachers and complaining that their kids were NOT being educationally challenged with enough work. There's Hope Folks! We just might see a white kid winning a spelling bee constest in the future!
White Europeans came to North America as uninvited immigrants. They immediately decided that the land of plenty (spacious and blessed with Natural Resources) must be theirs not that of these savages who spoke some foreign language. To accomplish this narcissistic manifest destiny, those white settlers cheated and slaughtered the 'dark skinned' indigenous Red Skin. people. Readers: Can I get an "Amen" for the formation of a Christian nation? Ah, come on! AMEN! The reality is the United States government authorized over 1,500 wars against Indians and consequently reduced the Native American population from approximately 7 million to 238,00. My fellow Americans that's called genocide, you know the killing off of a particular group of people. It's usually found in one of those "shithole' countries we don't like.
America's longing for the cowboy times is alive today. When the 21st century American cowboy protests, he shows up in public dressed in military fatigues armed with assault weapons much more than yesterdays six shooter. We observe the cowboy philosophy with 'some'of our law enforcement officers. The Sheriff's posse no longer lynches dark skinned people at the edge of town but they instead shoot them in the back as the 'black man' runs for his life or the cowboy hogties the victim and applies pressure force to the victim's neck killing the modern day 'savage.' Readers: "Liberty and Justice for All?" How about now? Can I get and "God Bless America?" And perhaps a "God Forgive Us?"
Funny how we white folks enbrace and cheer our black athletic heroes who win Olympic Gold, score Super Bowl MVP awards, slam dunk, hit grand slams and wow us with song and theater performance but we will not speak out against injustices suffered by these brothers and sisters. Most people who read this feel exonerated simply saying, "I'm not a racists." Perhaps they are not racist. But have they considered being an active anti-racist, which could become part of the solution to our beloved nation's greatest problem?
I'll end this blog pointing to whites once again benefitting from Indians. My daughter's family lives in the affluent Nortwest Suburbs of Chicago. My grandchildren in that area attend a school that spends $18,000 per student annually compared to the Illinois average of $14,000. Well, as this school year was shifted from building attendance to online education due to a pandemic you would think homework was increased. My daughter told me that some teachers really loaded up on the homework and damn if the increased work load wasn't caused by India childrens' parents who were calling the teachers and complaining that their kids were NOT being educationally challenged with enough work. There's Hope Folks! We just might see a white kid winning a spelling bee constest in the future!
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