A few weeks ago, when Thanksgiving Day rolled around, I cited my basic awareness that on major holidays, individuals and families often opt to abandon many of their typical leisure pursuits, such as TV viewing, reading, hobbies, crafts, etc, in favor of family/group-based endeavors. Gathering kith and kin for large meals, arranging family outings to see the latest movie releases, and reviewing and assessing newly enhanced toy and/or gadget collections (for kids of all ages), are activity types that will dominate schedules on Christmas Day, and in many cases, for several days to follow.
To wit, awareness is a beautiful thing. I can foresee no great hue and cry for a Day-after- Christmas blog.” In my pre-Thanksgiving Day post, I revealed the Top 10 Things about which I was thankful. Not to worry, I will not bore you to tears by enumerating a similar list of my Christmas gifts. Rather, in penning this final 2007 offering, I encourage you to reflect upon and contemplate, not mine, but your own gifts.
Not the presents someone gave you, of even those you gave to others. No, I’m speaking of those things that you truly value most. And do not worry; this is not a treatise on the de-commercialization of Christmas. In fact it is not a treatise of any sort.
Quite simply, I am asking you to devote a few moments to thinking about the sources of your happiness, and contentment. Chances are, if you made a list comprised of 5 or 10 items, family, would appear in a prominent place on your list. More than likely, at least one friend would make the list. Perhaps having a sense of safety and security…is on your list.
All or none of these items may be on your list. The point is, while we may seldom think of them in this specific context, for most of us there are key drivers to our satisfaction in general, and more pointedly, to our happiness and contentment. Typically, they are not found at Belk’s, Wal-Mart, Nordstrom, or even Neiman-Marcus. They are often not bought at all, or simply are not for sale, regardless of price.
Frequently they are people, accomplishments, and/or memories. They are things you would be reluctant to place a price on, even if you could. We all have them; what are yours?
The items that appear on our list, be they few or many, are things that define us. They tell who and what is important to us, and just as often, to whom we are important. If you like your list of gifts, regardless of the presents you received, or did not receive for that matter, you are apt to have had a very Merry Christmas.
I am done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/ , or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaxDGfA7evA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Christmas_Song
http://www.history.com/minisites/christmas
http://www.santas.net/aroundtheworld.htm
http://books.google.com/books?q=christmas&source=citation&ots=K5gM-L4uhX&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=bottom-3results&hl=en
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thischristmas/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEETviNu_VM
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Holidays-and-Events/Christmas/Main.aspx
http://www.soon.org.uk/christmas.htm
http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/christms.html
http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Total Loss: Nothing Lasts Forever, R.I.P.!
Life has an interesting way of intervening in the course of human events. To paraphrase Robert Burns, "The best-laid schemes of mice and men often go awry." I had efficiently queued-up the topic for this week’s post, but the fates derailed my efforts.
Last Thursday, former Senator George Mitchell released a 409-page report of his findings on steroid use in baseball. Suddenly, while Barry Bonds may still be a villain, he is certainly no longer baseball’s Lone Ranger of “juice.” Apparently, if Barry was playing dirty, he had a significant amount of company, including other baseball heavyweights.
This past summer, when the Bonds’ storm was moving with gale-force strength, and the speed of a category 5 hurricane, I opined that fierce competitors in baseball and many other popular sports have long sought, and used the source of the keenest competitive edge available. The Mitchell Report seems to confirm that, at least in baseball, by implicating some of the sport’s beloved royalty, including Roger Clemens. Nevertheless, I digress.
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” Juliet Capulet uttered those famous lines to Romeo Montague at the end of Scene II in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
I lost a dear, loyal, and long-time acquaintance today. As these things so often go, even though it was not totally unexpected, the moment was sobering, still. In spite of the fact, I saw it coming; the advanced information simply neither prepared me for, nor neutralized the brutal sting of finality.
It all began a couple of weeks ago when my friend suffered severe internal damage, and lost a significant portion of vital fluids. As the primary caregiver, I contacted an expert, of course. He reported the prognosis was not good, and laid out the list of options available to me. Like any savvy individual, faced with such uncertain circumstances, I requested a second, and then a third opinion.
Ultimately, however, the subject matter experts agreed, and rendered parallel opinions. The collective conclusion was, resolving the matter required a costly procedure, which in turn might reveal even more serious damage, which could require additional costly procedures. This conundrum screamed triage.
Pressed to a last resort, after taking a symbolic deep breath, I reluctantly consulted the insurance carrier. Yesterday afternoon, the carrier's representative called with the news. He patiently detailed the list of maladies and the cost of correcting them by using the proposed treatment alternative. He then restated my friend’s profile, including age, and specific condition. Clearly, he had done the cost/benefit analysis. At the end of his spiel, he rendered the news in a clear and measured tone, perfected by practice, “Your car is a Total Loss.”
Yes, if you have not figured it out by now, this is an allegory. By any reasonable assessment, it is just a car. But to me…well, having owned that 1986 Kalahari (Gold, if you must) Porsche 944 since it was new, 21 and ½ years ago, let me just say, I am unable to bend my mind to the point of making a reasonable assessment of the matter. I can stipulate that!
Today, it was time for the solemn death march. I drove out to the funeral home, excuse me, I mean the repair shop, to remove my remaining personal effects, and the license plate. Over two decades of memories washed over me as I gathered my belongings. Although in need of a wash, the car…scratch that, the automobile still looked good. Of course the sporty stance belied the puncture in the oil pan that had allowed all the oil to escape. And who knows if there was any residual engine damage?
Not I. In fact, I prefer not to know, and instead remember that the last time I drove the Porsche, two weeks ago today; it operated like the precision machine it had been, since 1986. As I left the repair shop, taking one last glance in my rear view mirror, I contemplated the Porsche’s next move, to the auto graveyard, more familiarly known as the salvage shop. I thought to myself, having lasted 21 and ½ years was quite an accomplishment. That is 99 years in dog years for all the pet lovers, PETA members, and Michael Vick haters out there.
Finally, in retrospect, while driving away, I whispered, “I derived more than 21 years of driving pleasure, covering 229,633 miles. Really, it as not a Total Loss: Nothing lasts forever, R.I.P.!”
That’s it for me today; holla back!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_944
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9948/default.aspx
http://www.carsurvey.org/modelyear_Porsche_944_1986.html
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/1740.shtml
http://www.automotive.com/1986/09/porsche/944/index.html
http://www.automobilemag.com/am/1986/porsche/944/recalls.html
http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/1986_Porsche_944_40863372
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Porsche-Repair-829/1986-Porsche-944-oil.htm
http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/99-int/1986/porsche/944/base-coupe/313/index.html
http://www.944central.com/
Last Thursday, former Senator George Mitchell released a 409-page report of his findings on steroid use in baseball. Suddenly, while Barry Bonds may still be a villain, he is certainly no longer baseball’s Lone Ranger of “juice.” Apparently, if Barry was playing dirty, he had a significant amount of company, including other baseball heavyweights.
This past summer, when the Bonds’ storm was moving with gale-force strength, and the speed of a category 5 hurricane, I opined that fierce competitors in baseball and many other popular sports have long sought, and used the source of the keenest competitive edge available. The Mitchell Report seems to confirm that, at least in baseball, by implicating some of the sport’s beloved royalty, including Roger Clemens. Nevertheless, I digress.
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” Juliet Capulet uttered those famous lines to Romeo Montague at the end of Scene II in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
I lost a dear, loyal, and long-time acquaintance today. As these things so often go, even though it was not totally unexpected, the moment was sobering, still. In spite of the fact, I saw it coming; the advanced information simply neither prepared me for, nor neutralized the brutal sting of finality.
It all began a couple of weeks ago when my friend suffered severe internal damage, and lost a significant portion of vital fluids. As the primary caregiver, I contacted an expert, of course. He reported the prognosis was not good, and laid out the list of options available to me. Like any savvy individual, faced with such uncertain circumstances, I requested a second, and then a third opinion.
Ultimately, however, the subject matter experts agreed, and rendered parallel opinions. The collective conclusion was, resolving the matter required a costly procedure, which in turn might reveal even more serious damage, which could require additional costly procedures. This conundrum screamed triage.
Pressed to a last resort, after taking a symbolic deep breath, I reluctantly consulted the insurance carrier. Yesterday afternoon, the carrier's representative called with the news. He patiently detailed the list of maladies and the cost of correcting them by using the proposed treatment alternative. He then restated my friend’s profile, including age, and specific condition. Clearly, he had done the cost/benefit analysis. At the end of his spiel, he rendered the news in a clear and measured tone, perfected by practice, “Your car is a Total Loss.”
Yes, if you have not figured it out by now, this is an allegory. By any reasonable assessment, it is just a car. But to me…well, having owned that 1986 Kalahari (Gold, if you must) Porsche 944 since it was new, 21 and ½ years ago, let me just say, I am unable to bend my mind to the point of making a reasonable assessment of the matter. I can stipulate that!
Today, it was time for the solemn death march. I drove out to the funeral home, excuse me, I mean the repair shop, to remove my remaining personal effects, and the license plate. Over two decades of memories washed over me as I gathered my belongings. Although in need of a wash, the car…scratch that, the automobile still looked good. Of course the sporty stance belied the puncture in the oil pan that had allowed all the oil to escape. And who knows if there was any residual engine damage?
Not I. In fact, I prefer not to know, and instead remember that the last time I drove the Porsche, two weeks ago today; it operated like the precision machine it had been, since 1986. As I left the repair shop, taking one last glance in my rear view mirror, I contemplated the Porsche’s next move, to the auto graveyard, more familiarly known as the salvage shop. I thought to myself, having lasted 21 and ½ years was quite an accomplishment. That is 99 years in dog years for all the pet lovers, PETA members, and Michael Vick haters out there.
Finally, in retrospect, while driving away, I whispered, “I derived more than 21 years of driving pleasure, covering 229,633 miles. Really, it as not a Total Loss: Nothing lasts forever, R.I.P.!”
That’s it for me today; holla back!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_944
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9948/default.aspx
http://www.carsurvey.org/modelyear_Porsche_944_1986.html
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/1740.shtml
http://www.automotive.com/1986/09/porsche/944/index.html
http://www.automobilemag.com/am/1986/porsche/944/recalls.html
http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/1986_Porsche_944_40863372
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Porsche-Repair-829/1986-Porsche-944-oil.htm
http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/99-int/1986/porsche/944/base-coupe/313/index.html
http://www.944central.com/
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Countdown To Election '08
In less than 11 months, 328 days to be exact, millions of Americans, me included, will dutifully proceed to polling places in virtually every city, town, and village to purposefully execute one of the most solemn and celebrated of civic responsibilities. We will vote for, or against, and elect, the next Commander-in-Chief, the 44th President of the United States of America.
For residents of the Sunbelt Region, the Carolinas, and especially the Palmetto State, this past Sunday was a day that served to emphasize the coming drama in a special way. In what amounts to the crowing testament, thus far, of Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, the duo; trio really if you count Mrs. Obama – Michelle, came to William Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina to rock the vote.
Over the years, Oprah fans and observers have come to know and read Oprah’s favorite books, be gifted with Oprah’s favorite things, and this year the electorate will be afforded an opportunity to vote for Oprah’s favorite candidate, Barack Obama. Sunday’s mass rally attracted nearly 30,000 people. It was by a significant margin the largest event to date for the Senator and his campaign.
Presidential elections are routinely filled with an array of twists, turns, and high drama. Looking at a small subset of the field of candidates, and potential candidates vying for the democratic nomination, it is already clear ’08 will not prove to be the exception. Most polls show the top 3 contenders to be Senator Barack Obama, Illinois, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York, and John Edwards, former North Carolina Senator, not necessarily in that order.
In Iowa, where the January 3rd Caucuses will kick-off Campaign ’08, Obama recently held a slight, statistically insignificant, lead over Clinton, who held a similar lead over Edwards. In South Carolina, where the Democratic Primary is scheduled for January 26th, Clinton has led Obama, with Edwards trailing there as well.
In order to emerge as the Democratic Party nominee for president, the winner must garner a majority of the 4,046 delegate votes available. There are 56 democratic caucuses and primaries, including one for each of the 50 states, and Washington, DC, as well as one each for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Democratic Voters Abroad.
There is a term used in chess, which may also apply to politics, called denouement. Loosely translated, it means the outcome or final resolution of a complex sequence of events, such as chess moves. It is an understatement to say, we have a ways to go before reaching the final resolution to Campaign ’08.
Each member of the triumvirate referenced above has some perceived edge, as well as liabilities that are sure to be highlighted during the Primary Season, and for the survivor elevated exponentially during the General Election. Let us consider the candidates, and a few of their strengths and weaknesses.
Senator Obama, who was born August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, established himself as a cogent communicator with a superbly delivered Keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and went on to win his maiden campaign for the United States Senate with a stunning 70% of the vote. He has proven to be a surprisingly adept and successful fund-raiser, and of course, as we know, he is Oprah’s favorite candidate! The Senator has greatly energized a large segment of the black electorate, and is expected to attract significant numbers of black voters.
Alternately, he is frequently characterized by his competitors and detractors as lacking experience. Expect this point to be made with increasing frequency, and ferocity as the campaign unfolds.
Senator Clinton, born October 26, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, is the wife of former President Bill Clinton, and of course spent 8 years as The First Lady. She benefits from a large and seasoned network of party regulars who supported her husband in his stints as Arkansas Governor and two successful bids for the White House. Many will view Mrs. Clinton’s run as the natural evolution of former New York Representative Geraldine Ferraro’s run for Vice President, as Walter Mondale’s running mate during their ill-fated 1984 Campaign. However, in addition to enjoying a strong feminist base, Senator Clinton also expects to hold a strong appeal to black voters, challenging Obama in some circles in that regard.
On the flip side, despite her experience as a Washington-insider, her key role in the Clinton Administration will be viewed and exploited as a negative by many. Moreover, aside from any policy fallout; anticipate her role as the Number 1 FOB (Friend of Bill) to surface as fodder for attack.
Former Senator Edwards, born June 10, 1953 in Seneca, South Carolina, served one term as a United States Senator from North Carolina. He declined to seek reelection in order to run for President. In July 2004, John Kerry announced Edwards as his running mate. The two went on to lose to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in what would become Bush’s second term in office. Edwards currently serves as Director of the Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law School. Of the three front-runners, He holds the distinction of having negotiated the rigors of the Democratic Primary as a candidate. Edwards’ work on issues of poverty and his moderate to liberal social agenda, pro Affirmative Action, but also pro Death Penalty, will be used to a leverage support.
Conversely, his ties to Senator Kerry and their failed bid, in the most recent 2004 Presidential Election, will be cited as a key negative. Also, like Obama, Edwards was a one-term Senator, whose lack of overall experience will be highlighted.
The choice to address only 3 contenders here, or a single Party, is not a tacit nod to any of those candidates, or that party, but a function of time and space. In other words, it would take much more of both to have done more. It is likely someone not in the top 3 will surge. Oh yeah, the other Party could also win it all.
I will offer one additional element of food for thought. Each of these candidates is a United States Senator, or former United States Senator. The last President elected while serving in the Senate was John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in 1960. The last former Senator elected President was Richard Milhous Nixon, in 1968, and 1972. Depending upon how one chooses to view it, either the current crop of Democratic front-running contenders is futilely engaged, or…one of them is destined to become the architect of a huge victory that breaks a long dry spell.
As I draw this post to a close, I am left with one bit of lingering curiosity. Are any of you affected at all, either drawn to or repelled by Obama, due to Oprah’s endorsement? She is a phenomenal person, capable of making a larger than life impact in some areas. Is your choice for President one of those areas?
I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/398986.html
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/398957.html
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/12/09/506930.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz67XRdqwmc
http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/news_index.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2007-12-10-0009.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-071209oprah-obama,0,394591.story
http://www.latimes.com/la-na-oprahsun10dec10,0,4626272.story?coll=la-home-center
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/687971,CST-NWS-mitch09.article
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/national/stories/DN-obama_10nat.ART.State.Edition2.2d572a1.html
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=645414&BCCode=BNENTERTAINMENT&newsdate=12/9/2007
http://uncutvideo.aol.com/events/Barack-Obama-2008
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/10/the-oprah-factor-and-obama/
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1687526,00.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/04/AR2007090402188.html
For residents of the Sunbelt Region, the Carolinas, and especially the Palmetto State, this past Sunday was a day that served to emphasize the coming drama in a special way. In what amounts to the crowing testament, thus far, of Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, the duo; trio really if you count Mrs. Obama – Michelle, came to William Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina to rock the vote.
Over the years, Oprah fans and observers have come to know and read Oprah’s favorite books, be gifted with Oprah’s favorite things, and this year the electorate will be afforded an opportunity to vote for Oprah’s favorite candidate, Barack Obama. Sunday’s mass rally attracted nearly 30,000 people. It was by a significant margin the largest event to date for the Senator and his campaign.
Presidential elections are routinely filled with an array of twists, turns, and high drama. Looking at a small subset of the field of candidates, and potential candidates vying for the democratic nomination, it is already clear ’08 will not prove to be the exception. Most polls show the top 3 contenders to be Senator Barack Obama, Illinois, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York, and John Edwards, former North Carolina Senator, not necessarily in that order.
In Iowa, where the January 3rd Caucuses will kick-off Campaign ’08, Obama recently held a slight, statistically insignificant, lead over Clinton, who held a similar lead over Edwards. In South Carolina, where the Democratic Primary is scheduled for January 26th, Clinton has led Obama, with Edwards trailing there as well.
In order to emerge as the Democratic Party nominee for president, the winner must garner a majority of the 4,046 delegate votes available. There are 56 democratic caucuses and primaries, including one for each of the 50 states, and Washington, DC, as well as one each for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Democratic Voters Abroad.
There is a term used in chess, which may also apply to politics, called denouement. Loosely translated, it means the outcome or final resolution of a complex sequence of events, such as chess moves. It is an understatement to say, we have a ways to go before reaching the final resolution to Campaign ’08.
Each member of the triumvirate referenced above has some perceived edge, as well as liabilities that are sure to be highlighted during the Primary Season, and for the survivor elevated exponentially during the General Election. Let us consider the candidates, and a few of their strengths and weaknesses.
Senator Obama, who was born August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, established himself as a cogent communicator with a superbly delivered Keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and went on to win his maiden campaign for the United States Senate with a stunning 70% of the vote. He has proven to be a surprisingly adept and successful fund-raiser, and of course, as we know, he is Oprah’s favorite candidate! The Senator has greatly energized a large segment of the black electorate, and is expected to attract significant numbers of black voters.
Alternately, he is frequently characterized by his competitors and detractors as lacking experience. Expect this point to be made with increasing frequency, and ferocity as the campaign unfolds.
Senator Clinton, born October 26, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, is the wife of former President Bill Clinton, and of course spent 8 years as The First Lady. She benefits from a large and seasoned network of party regulars who supported her husband in his stints as Arkansas Governor and two successful bids for the White House. Many will view Mrs. Clinton’s run as the natural evolution of former New York Representative Geraldine Ferraro’s run for Vice President, as Walter Mondale’s running mate during their ill-fated 1984 Campaign. However, in addition to enjoying a strong feminist base, Senator Clinton also expects to hold a strong appeal to black voters, challenging Obama in some circles in that regard.
On the flip side, despite her experience as a Washington-insider, her key role in the Clinton Administration will be viewed and exploited as a negative by many. Moreover, aside from any policy fallout; anticipate her role as the Number 1 FOB (Friend of Bill) to surface as fodder for attack.
Former Senator Edwards, born June 10, 1953 in Seneca, South Carolina, served one term as a United States Senator from North Carolina. He declined to seek reelection in order to run for President. In July 2004, John Kerry announced Edwards as his running mate. The two went on to lose to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in what would become Bush’s second term in office. Edwards currently serves as Director of the Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law School. Of the three front-runners, He holds the distinction of having negotiated the rigors of the Democratic Primary as a candidate. Edwards’ work on issues of poverty and his moderate to liberal social agenda, pro Affirmative Action, but also pro Death Penalty, will be used to a leverage support.
Conversely, his ties to Senator Kerry and their failed bid, in the most recent 2004 Presidential Election, will be cited as a key negative. Also, like Obama, Edwards was a one-term Senator, whose lack of overall experience will be highlighted.
The choice to address only 3 contenders here, or a single Party, is not a tacit nod to any of those candidates, or that party, but a function of time and space. In other words, it would take much more of both to have done more. It is likely someone not in the top 3 will surge. Oh yeah, the other Party could also win it all.
I will offer one additional element of food for thought. Each of these candidates is a United States Senator, or former United States Senator. The last President elected while serving in the Senate was John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in 1960. The last former Senator elected President was Richard Milhous Nixon, in 1968, and 1972. Depending upon how one chooses to view it, either the current crop of Democratic front-running contenders is futilely engaged, or…one of them is destined to become the architect of a huge victory that breaks a long dry spell.
As I draw this post to a close, I am left with one bit of lingering curiosity. Are any of you affected at all, either drawn to or repelled by Obama, due to Oprah’s endorsement? She is a phenomenal person, capable of making a larger than life impact in some areas. Is your choice for President one of those areas?
I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/398986.html
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/398957.html
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/12/09/506930.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz67XRdqwmc
http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/news_index.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2007-12-10-0009.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-071209oprah-obama,0,394591.story
http://www.latimes.com/la-na-oprahsun10dec10,0,4626272.story?coll=la-home-center
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/687971,CST-NWS-mitch09.article
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/national/stories/DN-obama_10nat.ART.State.Edition2.2d572a1.html
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=645414&BCCode=BNENTERTAINMENT&newsdate=12/9/2007
http://uncutvideo.aol.com/events/Barack-Obama-2008
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/10/the-oprah-factor-and-obama/
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1687526,00.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/04/AR2007090402188.html
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Is Justice Blind, Or Merely Fatally Flawed?
There is a lot to commend about the American system of jurisprudence. It is widely held to be at the top of the heap, as far as sifting through the rubble of mass mayhem that afflicts our society, and discerning with Solomon-like wisdom, when, where, or whether to split baby Justice. Yet, for all our advances, there are times, or more appropriately cases that prompt us to scratch our collective heads, and like Arsenio Hall, say, “hmmmm!”
The case of Lee Wayne Hunt is shaping up as one such instance. Mr. Hunt has spent 21 years in prison, convicted largely on the weight of a now disavowed technique of assaying forensic evidence, known as comparative bullet lead analysis. The theory underlying this now defunct process held that by analyzing the lead composition of a bullet, the weapon used to fire it could be identified.
The FBI popularized and stood behind this science and methodology for years. But recently the Bureau revealed they have determined the process to be flawed, unreliable, and misleading. In fact, they stopped using it more than two years ago. One small (not really) hitch…they did not inform the hundreds of defendants in prison due to the evidence gleaned from the use of the technique. Further, neither did they did not advise law enforcement agencies across the Country, still using the process to leverage convictions.
As if this were not enough to call into question Mr. Hunt’s conviction, his co-defendant, Jerry Cashwell, allegedly confessed to his attorney that he alone committed the double murder for which Hunt was also convicted. That admission was made 20 years ago, the co-defendant subsequently committed suicide 5 years ago while serving the same double life sentence as Hunt, and yet the Court of Appeals denied Hunt a new trial.
Not only did the Court deny Mr. Hunt a new trial, but there are indications Staples Hughes, the attorney who revealed Cashwell’s admission may lose his license for violating attorney-client privilege. This confluence of circumstances has influenced a former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice, I. Beverly Lake, Jr., to join Mr. Hunt’s defense team.
Former Justice Lake has a pre-existing interest in remedying wrongful convictions. He established the NC Actual Innocence Commission to review and evaluate felons’ claims of innocence. When describing his motivation for creating the Commission, former Justice Lake said, “I wanted to improve the public’s confidence in the system.”
By signing-on with this case, Lake, a long-time republican, provides instant credibility, and underscores the position this is not just a weak case promoted by liberal defense lawyers hoping to expand their agenda. It is still unknown whether Mr. Hunt will prevail in his efforts to secure a new trial, but one thing that is known is his case has attracted a powerful and respected ally. It is courageous and principled acts such as this one by former Justice Lake that model virtue we hope for in our system of jurisprudence.
Indeed, Lady Justice may be blind (as in objective), but many of the operatives responsible for meting out fairness and equality are fatally flawed. This case highlights examples of placing the rigid application of rules before dispensing justice. Former Justice Lake has taken a moment to call out and call upon his former peers to “do the right thing.” I will be watching with keen interest to see how this matter unfolds. I hope you will too!
That’s what I think. What do you say?
Holla Back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about Lee Wayne Hunt, click on the links below:
http://www.charlotte.com/opinion/story/377634.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/17/AR2007111701641_pf.html
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/crime_safety/story/804540.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/16/60minutes/main3512453.shtml
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20071202/EDITORIAL/712020343
http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=278633
http://www.wbt.com/news/details.cfm?article_id=34326
http://www.abajournal.com/news/pd_faces_ethics_complaint_for_telling_of_dead_clients_confession
http://truthinjustice.org/lee-wayne-hunt.htm
http://barbarasblogspot.blogspot.com/2007/11/lee-wayne-hunt-i-am-innocent-cbs-60.html
The case of Lee Wayne Hunt is shaping up as one such instance. Mr. Hunt has spent 21 years in prison, convicted largely on the weight of a now disavowed technique of assaying forensic evidence, known as comparative bullet lead analysis. The theory underlying this now defunct process held that by analyzing the lead composition of a bullet, the weapon used to fire it could be identified.
The FBI popularized and stood behind this science and methodology for years. But recently the Bureau revealed they have determined the process to be flawed, unreliable, and misleading. In fact, they stopped using it more than two years ago. One small (not really) hitch…they did not inform the hundreds of defendants in prison due to the evidence gleaned from the use of the technique. Further, neither did they did not advise law enforcement agencies across the Country, still using the process to leverage convictions.
As if this were not enough to call into question Mr. Hunt’s conviction, his co-defendant, Jerry Cashwell, allegedly confessed to his attorney that he alone committed the double murder for which Hunt was also convicted. That admission was made 20 years ago, the co-defendant subsequently committed suicide 5 years ago while serving the same double life sentence as Hunt, and yet the Court of Appeals denied Hunt a new trial.
Not only did the Court deny Mr. Hunt a new trial, but there are indications Staples Hughes, the attorney who revealed Cashwell’s admission may lose his license for violating attorney-client privilege. This confluence of circumstances has influenced a former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice, I. Beverly Lake, Jr., to join Mr. Hunt’s defense team.
Former Justice Lake has a pre-existing interest in remedying wrongful convictions. He established the NC Actual Innocence Commission to review and evaluate felons’ claims of innocence. When describing his motivation for creating the Commission, former Justice Lake said, “I wanted to improve the public’s confidence in the system.”
By signing-on with this case, Lake, a long-time republican, provides instant credibility, and underscores the position this is not just a weak case promoted by liberal defense lawyers hoping to expand their agenda. It is still unknown whether Mr. Hunt will prevail in his efforts to secure a new trial, but one thing that is known is his case has attracted a powerful and respected ally. It is courageous and principled acts such as this one by former Justice Lake that model virtue we hope for in our system of jurisprudence.
Indeed, Lady Justice may be blind (as in objective), but many of the operatives responsible for meting out fairness and equality are fatally flawed. This case highlights examples of placing the rigid application of rules before dispensing justice. Former Justice Lake has taken a moment to call out and call upon his former peers to “do the right thing.” I will be watching with keen interest to see how this matter unfolds. I hope you will too!
That’s what I think. What do you say?
Holla Back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about Lee Wayne Hunt, click on the links below:
http://www.charlotte.com/opinion/story/377634.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/17/AR2007111701641_pf.html
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/crime_safety/story/804540.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/16/60minutes/main3512453.shtml
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20071202/EDITORIAL/712020343
http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=278633
http://www.wbt.com/news/details.cfm?article_id=34326
http://www.abajournal.com/news/pd_faces_ethics_complaint_for_telling_of_dead_clients_confession
http://truthinjustice.org/lee-wayne-hunt.htm
http://barbarasblogspot.blogspot.com/2007/11/lee-wayne-hunt-i-am-innocent-cbs-60.html
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Rising Like The Phoenix; But You Knew He Would!
Well, you did know that, didn’t you? That’s right, John Donald Imus, Jr., better know as Don Imus, is slated to return to the airwaves, next Monday, December 3rd. In case you forgot, or have been living sans TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, or other periodicals or publications, the 67-year old Imus is the shock jock who imploded on-air, April 4, 2007, while discussing the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game between Rutgers University and the University of Tennessee.
During the conversation, Imus and an on-air colleague, his executive producer Bernard McGuirk, engaged in a running commentary, laced with insults, sexist comments, and racial ephitets (here, on YouTube) aimed at the young women on the Rutgers’ team. Though it took a week or so to unfold fully, the fallout from the exchange led to Imus and McGuirk being fired.
Although Imus later apologized, his mea culpa was considered too little too late to avert his firing. Indeed, that fait accompli occurred April 11, 2007, when he was axed by MSNBC, and April 12, 2007, when CBS Radio followed suit. Both media giants are located in New York City.
The dust-up that ensued from Imus’ comments, and eventual firing, featured luminaries lining up on both sides, some coming to his defense, and arguing against his firing, while others called for and promote his removal, with equal vigor.
Among those in favor of keeping Imus on the air, Pat Buchanan called Imus a good guy, who made a mistake, and apologized for it, Bill Maher intoned, an apology should suffice, while Rosie O'Donnell made a free speech pitch, on The View.
For those opposed to Imus continuing on the air, Al Sharpton called Imus’ comments abominable, racist, and sexist, and called for his firing, Clarence Page said he would not appear on Imus’ show again, and Joe Klein argued the incident was not isolated.
The National debate, and make no mistake, there was one, often unfolded along racial lines. Frequently, whites asked, “What is the big deal?” Those who posed this question often noted, “after all, he did apologize.” Alternately many blacks seem utterly perplexed that there were whites who just didn’t get the ever-elusive “it.”
One popular argument points to the wide-spread muscle and influence of that favorite whipping boy, the Hip Hop Culture, as the nefarious culprit responsible for all the hoopla. This theory holds that black youth promulgate a contemporary derivative of Blaxploitation by popularizing an inescapable rash of racist, sexist, and misogynistic language.
In other words, so-called blackspeak is such a prevalent component of contemporary interaction; one is left no choice but to engage in using this heretofore despicable verbiage. That is an interesting point of departure for discussion of the issue. However, before it can receive a logic-tested stamp of approval, it must address the fact that whites purchase the majority of hip-hop music.
In one estimate musicologist Arthur Kempton, suggests, "Today 70 percent of hip-hop is bought by white kids." Of course, beyond the consumers, most of the record company owners and key executives are white. This observation is not an effort to reassign blame, rather the infusion of key facts that defy some of the more simplistic efforts to place blame in the first place.
Another oft-used straw man asserts that many blacks use such language between and among themselves. True enough! Therefore, it is asked, how can whites be faulted, or worse attacked for using the same words and phrases? That is patently unfair, they argue, and reverse discrimination, to boot.
While there is no basis for concluding a causal relationship exists in the cases above, it is much trickier to refute in totality. I will never be confused with being a Cosby clone on this issue, but there is no denying, I am in the, bury the N-word camp, as just one example.
Finally, there are those who submit Imus and his antics are covered under free speech guarantees. The First Amendment of the American Constitution, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a component of international law, both serve to preserve the right to freedom of speech. Of course there are some clear limitations that apply to this construct. For example, it is commonly understood, it is not OK to walk into a crowed theater and yell “fire.” Good, bad, or indifferently, hateful comments such as those made by Imus do not automatically fall in that delimited category.
So Don Imus is back. Do you care? Should you? Are there compelling reasons to ensure his return? Was Imus unduly harmed and unfairly treated by being vanquished in the first place?
Questions 1 and 2 are rhetorical. I don’t need to know the answer. You may find it worthwhile to answer them for your self, however. Questions 3 and 4 are of greater broad significance, and the answers will affect how we approach Imus redux in a National context.
Many individuals felt Imus’ punishment was too harsh for the crime, so to speak. They not only believe there are compelling reasons for his return, they are glad he is back. Those same people likely think his 6-month hiatus was a source of undue harm. After all, his primary income stream was interrupted for nearly half a year. What is fair about that?
Quickly, I’ll give you my answers to all four queries:
No, I do not care. The guy is a shock jock. His mission in life, at least, as an on-air personality, is to create and maintain controversy; the more, and the more often, the better. To reiterate, no, I do not care; to add, I will not be watching…or listening.
No I should not care. Spending more than a fleeting moment being concerned about Imus inflicts an infamous double-whammy. It wastes time and is a magnet for negative energy. No way; no thanks.
No…and yes. There is no compelling socially redeeming reason to ensure he returns to the airwaves. But, market forces dictated he would be back. He will again attract viewers and sponsors in large numbers. That spells cash cow, and that is pretty compelling.
No. Staying with the market analogy, Imus’ 6-month vacation was simply an opportunity cost. If you subscribe to the belief he had the right to express his opinion, his temporary separation from employment was merely the price of that expression.
That is my take. What’s yours?
Holla Back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about Don Imus, click on the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Imus
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/12/national/main2675273.shtml
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/11/imus.rutgers/index.html
http://tv.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=ce95e851-0d3b-4e3c-b59a-ca80288e62b6&entry=index
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1679772,00.html
http://www.myrateplan.com/blog/satellite/imus-returns-to-tv-but-youll-need-satellite-tv-to-see-him
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/arts/television/14imus.html?ref=television
http://nymag.com/news/features/35539/
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,302075,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1609490,00.html
During the conversation, Imus and an on-air colleague, his executive producer Bernard McGuirk, engaged in a running commentary, laced with insults, sexist comments, and racial ephitets (here, on YouTube) aimed at the young women on the Rutgers’ team. Though it took a week or so to unfold fully, the fallout from the exchange led to Imus and McGuirk being fired.
Although Imus later apologized, his mea culpa was considered too little too late to avert his firing. Indeed, that fait accompli occurred April 11, 2007, when he was axed by MSNBC, and April 12, 2007, when CBS Radio followed suit. Both media giants are located in New York City.
The dust-up that ensued from Imus’ comments, and eventual firing, featured luminaries lining up on both sides, some coming to his defense, and arguing against his firing, while others called for and promote his removal, with equal vigor.
Among those in favor of keeping Imus on the air, Pat Buchanan called Imus a good guy, who made a mistake, and apologized for it, Bill Maher intoned, an apology should suffice, while Rosie O'Donnell made a free speech pitch, on The View.
For those opposed to Imus continuing on the air, Al Sharpton called Imus’ comments abominable, racist, and sexist, and called for his firing, Clarence Page said he would not appear on Imus’ show again, and Joe Klein argued the incident was not isolated.
The National debate, and make no mistake, there was one, often unfolded along racial lines. Frequently, whites asked, “What is the big deal?” Those who posed this question often noted, “after all, he did apologize.” Alternately many blacks seem utterly perplexed that there were whites who just didn’t get the ever-elusive “it.”
One popular argument points to the wide-spread muscle and influence of that favorite whipping boy, the Hip Hop Culture, as the nefarious culprit responsible for all the hoopla. This theory holds that black youth promulgate a contemporary derivative of Blaxploitation by popularizing an inescapable rash of racist, sexist, and misogynistic language.
In other words, so-called blackspeak is such a prevalent component of contemporary interaction; one is left no choice but to engage in using this heretofore despicable verbiage. That is an interesting point of departure for discussion of the issue. However, before it can receive a logic-tested stamp of approval, it must address the fact that whites purchase the majority of hip-hop music.
In one estimate musicologist Arthur Kempton, suggests, "Today 70 percent of hip-hop is bought by white kids." Of course, beyond the consumers, most of the record company owners and key executives are white. This observation is not an effort to reassign blame, rather the infusion of key facts that defy some of the more simplistic efforts to place blame in the first place.
Another oft-used straw man asserts that many blacks use such language between and among themselves. True enough! Therefore, it is asked, how can whites be faulted, or worse attacked for using the same words and phrases? That is patently unfair, they argue, and reverse discrimination, to boot.
While there is no basis for concluding a causal relationship exists in the cases above, it is much trickier to refute in totality. I will never be confused with being a Cosby clone on this issue, but there is no denying, I am in the, bury the N-word camp, as just one example.
Finally, there are those who submit Imus and his antics are covered under free speech guarantees. The First Amendment of the American Constitution, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a component of international law, both serve to preserve the right to freedom of speech. Of course there are some clear limitations that apply to this construct. For example, it is commonly understood, it is not OK to walk into a crowed theater and yell “fire.” Good, bad, or indifferently, hateful comments such as those made by Imus do not automatically fall in that delimited category.
So Don Imus is back. Do you care? Should you? Are there compelling reasons to ensure his return? Was Imus unduly harmed and unfairly treated by being vanquished in the first place?
Questions 1 and 2 are rhetorical. I don’t need to know the answer. You may find it worthwhile to answer them for your self, however. Questions 3 and 4 are of greater broad significance, and the answers will affect how we approach Imus redux in a National context.
Many individuals felt Imus’ punishment was too harsh for the crime, so to speak. They not only believe there are compelling reasons for his return, they are glad he is back. Those same people likely think his 6-month hiatus was a source of undue harm. After all, his primary income stream was interrupted for nearly half a year. What is fair about that?
Quickly, I’ll give you my answers to all four queries:
No, I do not care. The guy is a shock jock. His mission in life, at least, as an on-air personality, is to create and maintain controversy; the more, and the more often, the better. To reiterate, no, I do not care; to add, I will not be watching…or listening.
No I should not care. Spending more than a fleeting moment being concerned about Imus inflicts an infamous double-whammy. It wastes time and is a magnet for negative energy. No way; no thanks.
No…and yes. There is no compelling socially redeeming reason to ensure he returns to the airwaves. But, market forces dictated he would be back. He will again attract viewers and sponsors in large numbers. That spells cash cow, and that is pretty compelling.
No. Staying with the market analogy, Imus’ 6-month vacation was simply an opportunity cost. If you subscribe to the belief he had the right to express his opinion, his temporary separation from employment was merely the price of that expression.
That is my take. What’s yours?
Holla Back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about Don Imus, click on the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Imus
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/12/national/main2675273.shtml
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/11/imus.rutgers/index.html
http://tv.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=ce95e851-0d3b-4e3c-b59a-ca80288e62b6&entry=index
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1679772,00.html
http://www.myrateplan.com/blog/satellite/imus-returns-to-tv-but-youll-need-satellite-tv-to-see-him
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/arts/television/14imus.html?ref=television
http://nymag.com/news/features/35539/
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,302075,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1609490,00.html
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
It's Thanksgiving, Right?
Those of you who regularly check in have come to expect a variety of discussion topics, usually centering on some current and significant event, or person in the news. In the grand scheme of things, this week is no different in terms of there being a teeming cornucopia of possibilities from which to choose.
Michael Vick surrendered to authorities Tuesday and began his jail sentence early, Don Imus is scheduled to return to the airwaves on WABC-AM Radio in New York, December 3rd, and as Campaign ’08 heats up, early polling reveals Senator Obama currently holds a slight lead over Senator Clinton, who holds a similarly slight lead over Senator Edwards. When statistical insignificance is factored out, it’s essentially a dead heat.
However, instead of choosing from those, or selecting one of many other hot-button topics du jour, I have instead taken note of the example used in TV and Syndicated Radio scheduling. A great deal of money has been invested in numerous sophisticated studies and other research, all of which have found that you and your families will be busy enjoying good food, and better company, instead of watching or listening to your favorite TV or radio program.
Being a reasonably astute observer, I infer…you, gentle readers, will not be spending an inordinate amount of time reading blogs, no matter how deep, or insightful they may be. To that end, this week’s conversation will be a derivative of David Letterman’s frequently mimicked Top Ten List. No newspaper, magazine, blog, or TV links to track and follow, just my personal list of the top ten things I am thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, and the advent of the holiday season in general.
Without further ado, I am thankful for:
#10. Basketball. Pee wee, high school, college, NBA; basketball is fantastic. I have played the game for more than 40 years. It is a source of enjoyment and relaxation, and a catalyst for spirited debate. In a nutshell, it is therapeutic. I am at peace.
#9. Talent, ability, and resourcefulness to earn a living. Each of us is endowed by our creator with an enormous array of skills, talents, abilities, and potential. Having the wherewithal and opportunity to employ one’s gifts in productive and useful purposes is a blessing of the highest order. I am blessed.
#8. Knowledge that I am bigger than my doubters. In life we all encounter obstacles. It is incredibly important to refuse to be diminished or deterred by detractors and doubters. It is even better to use these occurrences as opportunities to grow. I am growing.
#7. Wisdom and examples of elders and Griots. It is often said we should learn from our mistakes. However, very often those who passed this way before, parents, and advisers, extend themselves by sharing the lessons of their challenges. As a rule of thumb it is better, as well as less costly and painful, to learn from others’ mistakes, rather than our own. I am open to learn for others.
#6. Intellectual curiosity. The world is hugely complex and growing more so, daily. Successful navigation requires a certain child-like inquisitive nature; a willingness to suspend belief in boundaries, limitations, and impediments, and instead surmise that every question has a complementary answer, every challenge, a gallant conqueror, and every potential failure, a Phoenix-like solution. I am rising.
#5. Teachers, professors, advisers, and counselors. The United Negro College Fund popularized the phrase, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” No individual or group of professionals is more undervalued in our society than those who embrace the essential work of taking young flexible minds and shaping them into vessels that will serve as personal on-board computers and navigation systems for the next 70 to 100 years. I am a product of having had many amazing teachers.
#4. Friends and loved ones. Each of us is challenged to transform our existence from merely making a living to enjoying a fully engaging fruitful and productive life. No single factor is more critical to maximizing life’s bountiful range of experiences than the players present in one’s inner circle. They see you as you are…and love you anyway. I am inspired by my friends and loved ones.
#3. Life, health, strength, and vigor. It goes without saying; most of our fondest desires can be experienced, only if we have at least a modicum of life, health, strength, and vigor. As long as we have a reasonable portion of these commodities, we have endless possibilities to shape our own destiny. I am alive, healthy, strong, and vigorous.
#2. My parents, may they rest in peace. Parenthood is a calling. Not everyone is cut out for it. It is a lifetime sentence, complete with a never-diminishing commitment. However, when done well, it is also the most rewarding experience known to humans. I am fortunate to have had parents who not only gave me great advice, but who also provided me phenomenal examples.
#1. Understanding God is good…all the time! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God advises: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” My parents, my life, my friends, my teachers, my intellect, my elders, my knowledge, my talent, and yes, even my affinity for basketball are all gifts…from God. I am the humble benefactor of His glorious goodness, grace, and tender mercy. Amen!
As you head off to enjoy time with friends and family, take this original Holiday Haiku, from me, made especially for you and this Thanksgiving Day.
“A Thanksgiving wish:
Eat, drink, and be quite merry,
Peace be unto you!”
That’s it for me.
Happy Thanksgiving; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
Michael Vick surrendered to authorities Tuesday and began his jail sentence early, Don Imus is scheduled to return to the airwaves on WABC-AM Radio in New York, December 3rd, and as Campaign ’08 heats up, early polling reveals Senator Obama currently holds a slight lead over Senator Clinton, who holds a similarly slight lead over Senator Edwards. When statistical insignificance is factored out, it’s essentially a dead heat.
However, instead of choosing from those, or selecting one of many other hot-button topics du jour, I have instead taken note of the example used in TV and Syndicated Radio scheduling. A great deal of money has been invested in numerous sophisticated studies and other research, all of which have found that you and your families will be busy enjoying good food, and better company, instead of watching or listening to your favorite TV or radio program.
Being a reasonably astute observer, I infer…you, gentle readers, will not be spending an inordinate amount of time reading blogs, no matter how deep, or insightful they may be. To that end, this week’s conversation will be a derivative of David Letterman’s frequently mimicked Top Ten List. No newspaper, magazine, blog, or TV links to track and follow, just my personal list of the top ten things I am thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, and the advent of the holiday season in general.
Without further ado, I am thankful for:
#10. Basketball. Pee wee, high school, college, NBA; basketball is fantastic. I have played the game for more than 40 years. It is a source of enjoyment and relaxation, and a catalyst for spirited debate. In a nutshell, it is therapeutic. I am at peace.
#9. Talent, ability, and resourcefulness to earn a living. Each of us is endowed by our creator with an enormous array of skills, talents, abilities, and potential. Having the wherewithal and opportunity to employ one’s gifts in productive and useful purposes is a blessing of the highest order. I am blessed.
#8. Knowledge that I am bigger than my doubters. In life we all encounter obstacles. It is incredibly important to refuse to be diminished or deterred by detractors and doubters. It is even better to use these occurrences as opportunities to grow. I am growing.
#7. Wisdom and examples of elders and Griots. It is often said we should learn from our mistakes. However, very often those who passed this way before, parents, and advisers, extend themselves by sharing the lessons of their challenges. As a rule of thumb it is better, as well as less costly and painful, to learn from others’ mistakes, rather than our own. I am open to learn for others.
#6. Intellectual curiosity. The world is hugely complex and growing more so, daily. Successful navigation requires a certain child-like inquisitive nature; a willingness to suspend belief in boundaries, limitations, and impediments, and instead surmise that every question has a complementary answer, every challenge, a gallant conqueror, and every potential failure, a Phoenix-like solution. I am rising.
#5. Teachers, professors, advisers, and counselors. The United Negro College Fund popularized the phrase, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” No individual or group of professionals is more undervalued in our society than those who embrace the essential work of taking young flexible minds and shaping them into vessels that will serve as personal on-board computers and navigation systems for the next 70 to 100 years. I am a product of having had many amazing teachers.
#4. Friends and loved ones. Each of us is challenged to transform our existence from merely making a living to enjoying a fully engaging fruitful and productive life. No single factor is more critical to maximizing life’s bountiful range of experiences than the players present in one’s inner circle. They see you as you are…and love you anyway. I am inspired by my friends and loved ones.
#3. Life, health, strength, and vigor. It goes without saying; most of our fondest desires can be experienced, only if we have at least a modicum of life, health, strength, and vigor. As long as we have a reasonable portion of these commodities, we have endless possibilities to shape our own destiny. I am alive, healthy, strong, and vigorous.
#2. My parents, may they rest in peace. Parenthood is a calling. Not everyone is cut out for it. It is a lifetime sentence, complete with a never-diminishing commitment. However, when done well, it is also the most rewarding experience known to humans. I am fortunate to have had parents who not only gave me great advice, but who also provided me phenomenal examples.
#1. Understanding God is good…all the time! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God advises: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” My parents, my life, my friends, my teachers, my intellect, my elders, my knowledge, my talent, and yes, even my affinity for basketball are all gifts…from God. I am the humble benefactor of His glorious goodness, grace, and tender mercy. Amen!
As you head off to enjoy time with friends and family, take this original Holiday Haiku, from me, made especially for you and this Thanksgiving Day.
“A Thanksgiving wish:
Eat, drink, and be quite merry,
Peace be unto you!”
That’s it for me.
Happy Thanksgiving; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Hurrieder I Go...
The behinder I get reflects the prevailing experience for nearly half of African Americans born in the late ‘60’s, according to Michael A. Fletcher, writing in an article published in the Tuesday, November 13, 2007 edition of the Washington Post. The data underlying Mr. Fletcher’s story are found in three reports released Tuesday by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The reports, formally known as the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, were designed to evaluate the authenticity of the American Dream.
Two of the key questions explored were: Do Americans earn more than their parents? How is the result influenced by race and gender? In short, the findings show 45% of children born to parents with a median income of $55,000, in 1968, adjusted for inflation, are now among the nation’s lowest 20% of earners. Moreover, children of parents earning a median family income of $41,700 fell to the lowest income group.
Scholars from several think tanks and universities, including the Pew Charitable Trusts, which released the study, the Brookings Institution, which authored the study, and Columbia, Harvard, and Northwestern Universities, have been unable to explain the enormity of the downward mobility phenomenon experienced by the principals in the study. Researchers already knew, based on other data, African Americans had experienced inverse mobility. The sheer dimensions of the problem, however, were as unexpected as the underlying reasons were unclear.
Alternately, some things are clear from the study. Among them:
Participants were repeatedly interviewed about their income since 1968
Only 16% of whites experienced similar income degradation
Two out of three Americans have been upwardly mobile during the period
Roughly half earned more than their parents and were better off in relation to the rest of the population
Growth was most significant among the lower income
4 out of 5 children born to parents in the lower 20% of income out-earned their parents
9 of 10 whites earned more than their parents
3 of 4 blacks earned more than their parents
Median income for adults in their 30’s and 40’s grew 29%
Household size concurrently shrank, raising income per person even more
Between 1974 and 2004, median income for men dropped 12%
For the same period, increased numbers of women in the workforce resulted in tripling their median income
Black women earned a 2004 median income almost equal to white women
At the same time, black men earned less than two-thirds that of white men
Black families in their 30’s earned 58 percent of comparable whites
While no definitive cause has been attributed, there is speculation a number of factors contribute to these sobering statistics. Several scholars, including Ronald Mincy, a Columbia University sociologist, believe the increased number of black single-parent households, persistent educational gaps, racial isolation, and the huge wealth gap between blacks and whites, all affect the disparity. Other studies have found the wealth differential to be 10 to 1, or for every $10 of wealth whites have, blacks have $1.
I believe the inability of researchers to devise pat answers to questions raised by the data presented in the study is tied to the counter-intuitive nature of the results. We are consistently taught, and inherently, really want to believe in certain basic and oft repeated bromides.
We are informed hard work will result in a level playing field. We are told educational pursuit and achievements prepare us to compete at the highest level. We are trained to believe home ownership is the foundation of the American Dream. We have had it drummed into our collective heads that the accomplishments and achievements of those who came before us serve as both the roadmap, and the motivation to spur us on to greater heights. We are told that racism, while a frequent, graphic, and painfully documented fact of the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries, has been vanquished in the 21st Century, and remains only as an excuse for the slothful, unimaginative, and alibi-seeking.
At this point, I am reminded of the fellow who asks, incredulously, “Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?” Certainly, I do not suggest these advisories, and many others, are without wisdom, value, or merit. However, as I have noted previously, about other matters, this is a complex and multi-faceted issue. We will not construct the solution by looking at only one side of the equation.
The researchers involved with the Panel Study of Income Dynamics are committed to continue working to determine the precise causes of the downward mobility revealed in the reports. But until they get back to us, it is we, the reasonably informed, and moderately engaged, who are called upon to step into the gap. Yes, we must accept responsibility. Of course, we must embrace accountability. Definitely, we must take action, and urge others to do likewise.
But, you know what? While we are doing all that, we must also summon the will and display the courage to go to the proverbial Emerald City (and I don’t mean Seattle), and challenge the men behind the curtain pushing and pulling the levers of institutional racism and intolerance. We must demand that they join us in doing the right thing. James Baldwin wrote, in The First Next Time, “Color is not a human or personal reality (in America), it is a political reality.” Race and racism are not pleasant concepts, yet they are unavoidable constructs. Therefore, we must deal with them!
In summary, the idea that we must get our own house in order is totally appropriate. Yet, imagine what would happen if you completely rebuilt your home in the midst of a decaying, dilapidated, vermin-infested neighborhood. What would be the prospect of your investment increasing in value, or yielding a reasonable return, if nothing else changed? None whatsoever!
Institutional racism, race-based polices and practices, and other forms of intolerance are akin to moral decay, ethical dilapidation, and community infestation. Any effort designed to re-make ourselves without eradicating these environmental toxins is at best a half-way solution. Such an effort cannot provide a full and complete remedy to the problems that plague us.
That’s what I think. What about you?
Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/, or by Googling thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about how the middle-class dream eludes African American families, click on the links below:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/12/AR2007111201711.html?nav=rss_print/asection
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/The+Pew+Charitable+Trusts?tid=informline
http://mirroronamerica.blogspot.com/2007/11/middle-class-dream-eludes-african.html
http://educationpolicyblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/work-hard-be-nice-and-other-lies-my.html
http://www.mywire.com/pubs/AFP/2007/11/13/4941522?pbl=289
http://www.usatoday.com/money/2007-11-13-income-gap_N.htm
http://www.civilrights.org/research_center/civilrights101/economicjustice.html
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=114&subsecID=236&contentID=1346
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/race/economics/analysis.html
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ignorance or Apathy?
You know the standard punch line to this old joke. I don’t know, and I don’t care. Well the matters that weigh in the balance are far too serious to joke about. Simply put, neither response is good enough.
If you have not figured it out by now, this is a discussion born of the fact yesterday was Election Day. For democracies, such as ours, days like yesterday, should be etched in patriotism, solemnity, and importance.
If the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence comprise the foundational framework of the American democratic process, elections provide us with the enabling operational apparatus. They allow us to make the leap from ideals written on paper to the living, breathing men and women who are charged with representing us in the day-to-day. These public officials craft and execute legislation, resolutions, and ordinances, not to mention provide approval for spending billions upon billions of dollars budgeted by local, state, and federal governments.
Indeed, elections are no joking matter. But there is more. Without question part of my interest in elections is stimulated by limited, but intense exposure to the inner workings of the process here in Mecklenburg County (including Charlotte and its six satellite communities). Nearly a decade ago, I had the opportunity to spend six months working in the capacity of interim elections director. This experience provided me an up close and personal view of a real, live Primary Election; complete with a variety of conflict and drama…the nature of which, I will spare you the details. You can thank me later.
But more than that stimulus, the power and purpose of participation in this essential ritual and right is derived from the prodigious cost in human capital and lives spent to guarantee the opportunity for all people, but especially black people, to cast ballots and vote for the candidates of their choosing at the appointed time. Were I to choose a modifier, it would be sacred!
Are you familiar with the names, The Rev. George Wesley Lee, Lamar Smith, and Herbert Lee? How about places, called Belzoni, Brookhaven, and Liberty? Probably not, but for the record, the men are three of the many martyrs who were killed for their role in working to gain blacks the right to vote. All three were Mississippians; the Rev. Lee (Belzoni) and Mr. Smith (Brookhaven) were killed in 1955, Mr. Lee (Liberty, ironically) in 1961.
The senseless death of these men is maladroitly interwoven into the patterned fabric of what is commonly referred to, in the vernacular, as the struggle. For those utterly detached from the concept, the struggle is that amorphous endeavor to rise to attain the level of fully functioning in our society. This concept, of course, is akin to the signature phrase often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, coined by Italian immigrant, Philip Mazzei, “All men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.”
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, August 6, 1965. The most recent extension, the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 was signed into law by President George Walker Bush on July 27, 2006. The ceremony for the 2006 Act, held on the South Lawn of the White House took 8 minutes. I find it instructive that after more than 40 years there is still a need for a Voting Rights Act, and even more compellingly enlightening that given such a need, the Act has not been made permanent!
It is imperative for each of us to recognize (for those of you in the Hip Hop Nation), A Luta Continua, a Pan-African phrase popularized in the 50’s and 60’s, which translates to, the struggle continues. Sadly, this fact is evident because in spite of Messrs. Lee, Smith, Lee, and others paying the ultimate sacrifice, the City of Charlotte, for example, turned out an anemic 24% of registered voters yesterday to elect a mayor, city council, several school board members, as well as determine the fate of several critical bond issues.
Admittedly, the six Mecklenburg County towns surrounding Charlotte did better, albeit, marginally in some instances:
· Cornelius – 28%
· Davidson – 52%
· Huntersville – 29%
· Matthews – 33%
· Mint Hill – 40 %
· Pineville – 44%
From the City of Charlotte, where less than 1 of every 4 registered voters showed up at the polls, to the Town of Davidson, where barely more than 1 of every two persons registered voted, the people failed the process. The voters abdicated their responsibilities, and forfeited, en masse, the legacy bought and paid for by the likes of Lee, Smith, and Lee.
There exists well-researched trend data that suggest voter participation has been steadily declining since the 60’s. In fact, statistics show, in an election comparison from 1960 to 1995, a variety of rates prevail for democracies, ranging from 95% in Australia, which has compulsory voting, to 51% in Poland, the only Country out of 36 in the data set, with a rate lower than that in the United States. One country, Switzerland, tied the US, with 54%.
Issues believed to influence voter participation include, disenchantment, indifference, contentment, as well as economic, demographic, cultural, technological, and institutional factors. Still, no matter how long and hard I muse, sift through, reckon, or contemplate the subject, I am unable to grasp how, why, or on what level these issues and factors trump those to which Lee, Smith, and Lee were subjected. As a result, I am convinced, we Americans, especially black Americans, are afflicted not with ignorance, or with apathy, but both ignorance and apathy; ignorantly apathetic, or perhaps apathetically ignorant, you might say!
That’s what I believe. What say you?
Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com, or Google: thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about voting patterns, and/or the Voting Rights Act, click on the links below:
http://www.meckboe.org/ENRSummary/summary.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_Rights_Act
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting/intro/intro_b.htm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&safe=active&q=voting+rights+act+reauthorization
http://www.renewthevra.org/vra_news/remote-page.jsp?itemID=28352945
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781453.html
http://www.crmvet.org/mem/41lives.htm
If you have not figured it out by now, this is a discussion born of the fact yesterday was Election Day. For democracies, such as ours, days like yesterday, should be etched in patriotism, solemnity, and importance.
If the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence comprise the foundational framework of the American democratic process, elections provide us with the enabling operational apparatus. They allow us to make the leap from ideals written on paper to the living, breathing men and women who are charged with representing us in the day-to-day. These public officials craft and execute legislation, resolutions, and ordinances, not to mention provide approval for spending billions upon billions of dollars budgeted by local, state, and federal governments.
Indeed, elections are no joking matter. But there is more. Without question part of my interest in elections is stimulated by limited, but intense exposure to the inner workings of the process here in Mecklenburg County (including Charlotte and its six satellite communities). Nearly a decade ago, I had the opportunity to spend six months working in the capacity of interim elections director. This experience provided me an up close and personal view of a real, live Primary Election; complete with a variety of conflict and drama…the nature of which, I will spare you the details. You can thank me later.
But more than that stimulus, the power and purpose of participation in this essential ritual and right is derived from the prodigious cost in human capital and lives spent to guarantee the opportunity for all people, but especially black people, to cast ballots and vote for the candidates of their choosing at the appointed time. Were I to choose a modifier, it would be sacred!
Are you familiar with the names, The Rev. George Wesley Lee, Lamar Smith, and Herbert Lee? How about places, called Belzoni, Brookhaven, and Liberty? Probably not, but for the record, the men are three of the many martyrs who were killed for their role in working to gain blacks the right to vote. All three were Mississippians; the Rev. Lee (Belzoni) and Mr. Smith (Brookhaven) were killed in 1955, Mr. Lee (Liberty, ironically) in 1961.
The senseless death of these men is maladroitly interwoven into the patterned fabric of what is commonly referred to, in the vernacular, as the struggle. For those utterly detached from the concept, the struggle is that amorphous endeavor to rise to attain the level of fully functioning in our society. This concept, of course, is akin to the signature phrase often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, coined by Italian immigrant, Philip Mazzei, “All men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.”
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, August 6, 1965. The most recent extension, the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 was signed into law by President George Walker Bush on July 27, 2006. The ceremony for the 2006 Act, held on the South Lawn of the White House took 8 minutes. I find it instructive that after more than 40 years there is still a need for a Voting Rights Act, and even more compellingly enlightening that given such a need, the Act has not been made permanent!
It is imperative for each of us to recognize (for those of you in the Hip Hop Nation), A Luta Continua, a Pan-African phrase popularized in the 50’s and 60’s, which translates to, the struggle continues. Sadly, this fact is evident because in spite of Messrs. Lee, Smith, Lee, and others paying the ultimate sacrifice, the City of Charlotte, for example, turned out an anemic 24% of registered voters yesterday to elect a mayor, city council, several school board members, as well as determine the fate of several critical bond issues.
Admittedly, the six Mecklenburg County towns surrounding Charlotte did better, albeit, marginally in some instances:
· Cornelius – 28%
· Davidson – 52%
· Huntersville – 29%
· Matthews – 33%
· Mint Hill – 40 %
· Pineville – 44%
From the City of Charlotte, where less than 1 of every 4 registered voters showed up at the polls, to the Town of Davidson, where barely more than 1 of every two persons registered voted, the people failed the process. The voters abdicated their responsibilities, and forfeited, en masse, the legacy bought and paid for by the likes of Lee, Smith, and Lee.
There exists well-researched trend data that suggest voter participation has been steadily declining since the 60’s. In fact, statistics show, in an election comparison from 1960 to 1995, a variety of rates prevail for democracies, ranging from 95% in Australia, which has compulsory voting, to 51% in Poland, the only Country out of 36 in the data set, with a rate lower than that in the United States. One country, Switzerland, tied the US, with 54%.
Issues believed to influence voter participation include, disenchantment, indifference, contentment, as well as economic, demographic, cultural, technological, and institutional factors. Still, no matter how long and hard I muse, sift through, reckon, or contemplate the subject, I am unable to grasp how, why, or on what level these issues and factors trump those to which Lee, Smith, and Lee were subjected. As a result, I am convinced, we Americans, especially black Americans, are afflicted not with ignorance, or with apathy, but both ignorance and apathy; ignorantly apathetic, or perhaps apathetically ignorant, you might say!
That’s what I believe. What say you?
Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com, or Google: thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about voting patterns, and/or the Voting Rights Act, click on the links below:
http://www.meckboe.org/ENRSummary/summary.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_Rights_Act
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting/intro/intro_b.htm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&safe=active&q=voting+rights+act+reauthorization
http://www.renewthevra.org/vra_news/remote-page.jsp?itemID=28352945
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781453.html
http://www.crmvet.org/mem/41lives.htm
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
O My!
After taking a look at the point-counterpoint controversy of an American icon last week, and the scandal-ridden fall out of a former idol the week before, I decided to take a shot at writing about an American who has done more than most to reshape contemporary culture, as we have come to know it. But before moving to lay out the conversation for this week, I require your indulgence to briefly re-visit my last post.
Typically, reactions to stories I share with you are mixed. Each previous week, some respondents weighed in to agree, while others disagreed, challenged the core of my conclusions, or in one instance, suggested that I declined to take a clear and compelling position. Last week was different, however. Each of you, whom made the effort to holla back, whether in writing, by phone, or in person, sided with Dr. William Henry Cosby, Jr.
That is a point worth sharing. I am genuinely interested in your thoughts about contemporary issues. The point at which the issue was placed into finely detailed perspective, for me, occurred when an urbane, witty, avid-reading, close personal friend did not know Michael Eric Dyson, one of the Cos’ chief critics (on the issue of his current book and tour). Game, set match…to Bill!
That brings me to this week’s discussion. First, for the sports fans among you, no this has nothing to do with the legendary Dick Enberg, who popularized the expression, Oh My! Rather this post is intended to provide an abridged blogography of Oprah Winfrey.
While several of my posts have targeted controversies, challenges and dilemmas of a variety of protagonists and/or ill-fated characters, this is a Horatio Alger-quality good news story. O was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, January 29, 1954 (1 month after I was born). Incidentally, Kosciusko is also the home of former civil right’s activist, James Meredith. Mr. Meredith is not deceased, by the way, but prefers to disassociate himself from the civil rights movement. But that’s a story for another time.
In a way today’s story is an anti-story. I awoke this morning to an e-message from a friend sharing an article citing the imminent demise of E. Stanley O’Neal, of Merrill Lynch, from the ranks of Fortune 500 CEO’s. I was momentarily tempted to write about it. It actually seemed particularly noteworthy when paired with news that Richard Parsons is expected to be forced out by Time Warner, any day now.
Those changes portend a seismic shift in this cohort, even though 2 is a relatively small raw number. After all, there are only 7 blacks among Fortune 500 CEO’s. A reduction by two will decrease the segment by a whopping 28.5%. The corresponding change in percentage of black Fortune 500 CEO’s of the total number of Fortune 500 CEO’s slides from a dismal 1.4% to an even more abysmal 1%.
Based upon my review, the 7 include, listed alphabetically:
· Aylwin Lewis, Sears Holdings
· Alfred Liggins, Radio 1
· E. Stanley O’Neal, Merrill Lynch
· Richard Parsons, Time Warner
· Russell Simmons, Rush Communications (Yep, Mr. Def Jam)
· John W. Thompson, Symantec
· Oprah Winfrey, Harpo Productions
In case you are wondering what the bull pen looks like, there are three African-American CEO’s on deck in the second 500, companies ranked 501 to 1000. Clearly, African Americans are not exactly knocking down the door.
But I digress. This piece is all about Ms. Winfrey. Her story is one of unquestioned success. According to Forbes Magazine, there were 946 billionaires in the world in February, 2007, as reported in the March 8, 2007 edition. While 663 of those were wealthier than Oprah Winfrey at the time, when the list is adjusted to comprise only Americans, the number of billionaires drops to 482. By the way of contrast, Italy had the second highest number of billionaires, 3.
Ms. Winfrey, estimated by Forbes to have had holdings worth $1.5 billion, easily makes the Forbes 400, delineating the 400 wealthiest Americans. The current year cut-off was $1.3 billion.
According to Forbes, Winfrey is worth over $2.5 billion, as of September, 2007[1] and has overtaken Ebay CEO Meg Whitman as the richest self-made woman in America[2] In July of this year, Ms. Winfrey was reportedly the highest paid TV entertainer in the US. She is said to have earned $260 million, or more than 5 times what was earned by the person in second place, July 2007 issue of TV Guide. [3] It is fair to say, 2007 was a very good year!
In fact, it has been a very good couple of decades for Oprah, to greatly understate the case. Her acclaim, influence, and wealth all register on a staggering scale. She has been:
· Ranked the richest African American of the 20 century
· Deemed the most philanthropic African American of all time
· The world’s only black billionaire for three straight years
· Assessed by some to be the most influential woman in the world
o “Arguably the World’s most powerful woman, CNN and Time.com[4]
o “Arguably the most influential woman in the world, the American Spectator[5]
o "One of the 100 people who most influenced the 20th Century" and "one of
the most influential people" of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Time. [6]
o In 2003 Winfrey edged out both Superman and Elvis Presley to be named the
greatest pop culture icon of all time by VH1.[7]
O my! Oprah has towered over the American entertainment industry landscape for more than two decades, and shows no sign of relinquishing her lofty status. She has dominated multiple media, including TV, cinema, radio, magazine, and books. Her wealth is legendary, her philanthropic pursuits record-setting, and her influence, immeasurable.
The divine Ms. O is one-of-a-kind. Though parts of her story are played out daily on Syndicated TV, her accomplishments, and accompanying accolades are so numerous, it is worthwhile to pull them together in one place for review, every now and then. Hers’ is an amazing story. There may never be another like O!
That’s my take; what do you think?
Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com, or, Google: thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about the life and times of Oprah Winfrey, click on the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosciusko%2C_Mississippi
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=health&id=5712396
http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1
http://www.oprah.com/about/press/about_press_bio.jhtml
http://education.guardian.co.uk/schoolsworldwide/story/0,,2201561,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=8
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/tows_landing.jhtml
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Oprah_Winfrey/
http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/winfrey.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1187226,00.html
http://www.forbes.com/2007/03/07/billionaires-worlds-richest_07billionaires_cz_lk_af_0308billie_land.html
http://blogs.payscale.com/content/2007/09/payscale---the-.html
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/billionaires-up-america-down/
Typically, reactions to stories I share with you are mixed. Each previous week, some respondents weighed in to agree, while others disagreed, challenged the core of my conclusions, or in one instance, suggested that I declined to take a clear and compelling position. Last week was different, however. Each of you, whom made the effort to holla back, whether in writing, by phone, or in person, sided with Dr. William Henry Cosby, Jr.
That is a point worth sharing. I am genuinely interested in your thoughts about contemporary issues. The point at which the issue was placed into finely detailed perspective, for me, occurred when an urbane, witty, avid-reading, close personal friend did not know Michael Eric Dyson, one of the Cos’ chief critics (on the issue of his current book and tour). Game, set match…to Bill!
That brings me to this week’s discussion. First, for the sports fans among you, no this has nothing to do with the legendary Dick Enberg, who popularized the expression, Oh My! Rather this post is intended to provide an abridged blogography of Oprah Winfrey.
While several of my posts have targeted controversies, challenges and dilemmas of a variety of protagonists and/or ill-fated characters, this is a Horatio Alger-quality good news story. O was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, January 29, 1954 (1 month after I was born). Incidentally, Kosciusko is also the home of former civil right’s activist, James Meredith. Mr. Meredith is not deceased, by the way, but prefers to disassociate himself from the civil rights movement. But that’s a story for another time.
In a way today’s story is an anti-story. I awoke this morning to an e-message from a friend sharing an article citing the imminent demise of E. Stanley O’Neal, of Merrill Lynch, from the ranks of Fortune 500 CEO’s. I was momentarily tempted to write about it. It actually seemed particularly noteworthy when paired with news that Richard Parsons is expected to be forced out by Time Warner, any day now.
Those changes portend a seismic shift in this cohort, even though 2 is a relatively small raw number. After all, there are only 7 blacks among Fortune 500 CEO’s. A reduction by two will decrease the segment by a whopping 28.5%. The corresponding change in percentage of black Fortune 500 CEO’s of the total number of Fortune 500 CEO’s slides from a dismal 1.4% to an even more abysmal 1%.
Based upon my review, the 7 include, listed alphabetically:
· Aylwin Lewis, Sears Holdings
· Alfred Liggins, Radio 1
· E. Stanley O’Neal, Merrill Lynch
· Richard Parsons, Time Warner
· Russell Simmons, Rush Communications (Yep, Mr. Def Jam)
· John W. Thompson, Symantec
· Oprah Winfrey, Harpo Productions
In case you are wondering what the bull pen looks like, there are three African-American CEO’s on deck in the second 500, companies ranked 501 to 1000. Clearly, African Americans are not exactly knocking down the door.
But I digress. This piece is all about Ms. Winfrey. Her story is one of unquestioned success. According to Forbes Magazine, there were 946 billionaires in the world in February, 2007, as reported in the March 8, 2007 edition. While 663 of those were wealthier than Oprah Winfrey at the time, when the list is adjusted to comprise only Americans, the number of billionaires drops to 482. By the way of contrast, Italy had the second highest number of billionaires, 3.
Ms. Winfrey, estimated by Forbes to have had holdings worth $1.5 billion, easily makes the Forbes 400, delineating the 400 wealthiest Americans. The current year cut-off was $1.3 billion.
According to Forbes, Winfrey is worth over $2.5 billion, as of September, 2007[1] and has overtaken Ebay CEO Meg Whitman as the richest self-made woman in America[2] In July of this year, Ms. Winfrey was reportedly the highest paid TV entertainer in the US. She is said to have earned $260 million, or more than 5 times what was earned by the person in second place, July 2007 issue of TV Guide. [3] It is fair to say, 2007 was a very good year!
In fact, it has been a very good couple of decades for Oprah, to greatly understate the case. Her acclaim, influence, and wealth all register on a staggering scale. She has been:
· Ranked the richest African American of the 20 century
· Deemed the most philanthropic African American of all time
· The world’s only black billionaire for three straight years
· Assessed by some to be the most influential woman in the world
o “Arguably the World’s most powerful woman, CNN and Time.com[4]
o “Arguably the most influential woman in the world, the American Spectator[5]
o "One of the 100 people who most influenced the 20th Century" and "one of
the most influential people" of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Time. [6]
o In 2003 Winfrey edged out both Superman and Elvis Presley to be named the
greatest pop culture icon of all time by VH1.[7]
O my! Oprah has towered over the American entertainment industry landscape for more than two decades, and shows no sign of relinquishing her lofty status. She has dominated multiple media, including TV, cinema, radio, magazine, and books. Her wealth is legendary, her philanthropic pursuits record-setting, and her influence, immeasurable.
The divine Ms. O is one-of-a-kind. Though parts of her story are played out daily on Syndicated TV, her accomplishments, and accompanying accolades are so numerous, it is worthwhile to pull them together in one place for review, every now and then. Hers’ is an amazing story. There may never be another like O!
That’s my take; what do you think?
Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com, or, Google: thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about the life and times of Oprah Winfrey, click on the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosciusko%2C_Mississippi
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=health&id=5712396
http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1
http://www.oprah.com/about/press/about_press_bio.jhtml
http://education.guardian.co.uk/schoolsworldwide/story/0,,2201561,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=8
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/tows_landing.jhtml
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Oprah_Winfrey/
http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/winfrey.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1187226,00.html
http://www.forbes.com/2007/03/07/billionaires-worlds-richest_07billionaires_cz_lk_af_0308billie_land.html
http://blogs.payscale.com/content/2007/09/payscale---the-.html
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/billionaires-up-america-down/
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Blame Game
Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow, Right! The venerable Cos is many things to many people. A septuagenarian, Cosby was born in Philadelphia in 1937. Since 2004 he has been barnstorming across America, brandishing his unique, newly minted version of the gospel truth. His message is aimed at edifying and elevating African-Americans out of what he and Co-Author, Dr. Alvin Poussaint refer to as a Culture of Victimhood.
Cosby and Poussaint jointly authored a book entitled, Come On People: On the Path from Victims to Victors. The book, the authors, especially Cosby, and the message, have stimulated robust conversation and debate in chat rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and recently all have been prominently featured on the talk-show circuit.
Who is William Henry Cosby, Jr., anyway? When did he become the anointed African-American issues savant du jour? What has he done to captivate the so much of the focus of our…and at least the staunchly conservative segment of the larger community? Why do you care…what Bill Cosby thinks, or says? Where will the gospel according to Cosby lead us, if we choose to accept his wise counsel?
Cosby has led a full and richly rewarding life. He dropped out of high school after failing 10th grade, and later attained his GED through correspondence courses, working as an apprentice in a shoe repair shop, and serving a stint in the Navy. He was a scholastic athlete at Temple University, where he studied physical education, ran track, and played football. Cosby also dropped out of Temple, but returned to earn a BA. He also earned an MA, and an Ed.D from the University of Massachusetts. Oh by the way, for all my friends who cherish Purple and Gold, Dr. Cosby is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi.
Cosby has accomplished more than many remember, and more than most of us know. He started his professional career as a stand-up comedian, and in 1963 had his first album; Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow, Right! He broke through in TV two years later as a co-star in I Spy. Since then Cosby has gone on to garner an abundance of success in multiple endeavors. He has:
Authored 10 books
Made 36 albums
Been awarded at least 6 Doctorate Degrees
Received 2 Golden Globe Awards
Won 3 Emmys
Taken home 9 Grammy Awards
Served as a pitch man for Jell-O, Kodak, Coca-Cola, and Service Merchandise
Been a political activist
Honored as a humanitarian
Supported numerous philanthropic causes
Been married to his wife, Camille since 1964
Parented, with Camille, 5 children, one Ennis, who was killed in 1997.
Not a bad resume’ for a two-time dropout, born less than a decade after the Great Depression! The preceding summary helps answer the question, who is Bill Cosby? It may even cover, who does Bill Cosby think he is? It also fills in some blanks that serve as a proxy to validate when he was anointed, at least for some. Cosby has not only transcended the field of entertainment, but through his activism, humanitarian acts, and philanthropy, he has also made an indelible mark on issues that influence our daily lives. Indeed, Mr. Cosby is culturally relevant, and as such, absolutely, there are many reasons why we should care what he thinks or says.
OK, the who, when, and why questions have been addressed. That leaves two questions, including the compelling what has this man done to warrant the hype, and the direction-laden, where will The Cos lead us?
What has he done to provoke this controversy? Bill Cosby has staked himself out as a contrarian. His critics, and there are many, posit he is an embittered old man who, frustrated by personal tragedy, and beset by his own demons, has lashed out against those least equipped to subdue the various challenges they face. In other words, critics say he has invoked a potent combination of blame the victim and personal deflection; The Blame Game.
Alternately, his supporters, and there are many of them also, insist he has merely summoned the courage to quote the Dane, Hans Christian Andersen, and say, in a clear, resonant voice, The Emperor Has No Clothes! They contend African-American leaders and spokespersons routinely refuse to hold us accountable, individually and/or collectively. Moreover, they argue, it is this lack of self-oversight and governance that have led to the dire consequences and circumstances in which so many of us are too often immersed.
I respect Mr. Cosby greatly; his vita speaks for itself. I think he is sincere in his efforts, and that he believes his plan will help African-Americans, too many whom are lost, find our way. But, quite frankly, the message of his gospel seems unbalanced to me. Cos’ call-to-arms singles out African-Americans, period! The algebra of that equation just does not stand up. There are two sides, and they must both be solved. I am all for responsibility and accountability…just apply the remedy across the board. Then I think you have a winning formula.
Where will we end up by playing blind mice to Cosby’s Pied Piper? My cursory examination of the debate leads me to conclude Cosby’s prescription is a GPS-quality diagram straight to a fractured community, polarized by a debate prompted by an African-American hero.
That’s right, Bill Cosby is an icon, who has done enough for African-Americans that if he were to take his proverbial ball and go home today, he should still be accorded hero status. But even Michael Jordan learned that if you keep playing the game, you have to develop new skills as your old ones erode, or you will be embarrassed, or worse, made irrelevant.
So, Come On Bill: Even Things Up, and Let Us Help You Make Us Victors! That is my take. What do you think?
Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/ ,
Or, Google: thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about Dr. William Henry Cosby, Jr., click on the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Cosby
http://www.amazon.com/Come-People-Path-Victims-Victors/dp/1595550925
http://www.searchforvideo.com/watchclip.php?title=Bill+Cosby+About+Gangsta+Rap%2C+Drugs+And+Youth&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%3Fv%3DVXrLnshM_ME&description=Incredible+engagement+of+a+wise+man.&source=YouTube.com&image=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.youtube.com%2Fvi%2FVXrLnshM_ME%2Fdefault.jpg&category=directory&searchterm=%2Fentertainment%2Factors%2Fbill-cosby%2F
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=396&Itemid=33
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/16/opinion/16herbert.html
http://sharoncobb.blogspot.com/2007/10/on-meet-press-this-morning-bill-cosby.html
http://www.racewire.org/archives/2007/10/bill_cosbys_book_bares_blacks.html
http://www.americasdebate.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13814
http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/11/cosby/
http://books.google.com/books?id=rs5mrCyaaTEC&pg=PA29&lpg=PA29&dq=dyson+on+cosby+poussaint&source=web&ots=0UNIrieSeG&sig=29hzeyIiOdCuVJIf-J84bZM08do#PPP1,M1
Cosby and Poussaint jointly authored a book entitled, Come On People: On the Path from Victims to Victors. The book, the authors, especially Cosby, and the message, have stimulated robust conversation and debate in chat rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and recently all have been prominently featured on the talk-show circuit.
Who is William Henry Cosby, Jr., anyway? When did he become the anointed African-American issues savant du jour? What has he done to captivate the so much of the focus of our…and at least the staunchly conservative segment of the larger community? Why do you care…what Bill Cosby thinks, or says? Where will the gospel according to Cosby lead us, if we choose to accept his wise counsel?
Cosby has led a full and richly rewarding life. He dropped out of high school after failing 10th grade, and later attained his GED through correspondence courses, working as an apprentice in a shoe repair shop, and serving a stint in the Navy. He was a scholastic athlete at Temple University, where he studied physical education, ran track, and played football. Cosby also dropped out of Temple, but returned to earn a BA. He also earned an MA, and an Ed.D from the University of Massachusetts. Oh by the way, for all my friends who cherish Purple and Gold, Dr. Cosby is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi.
Cosby has accomplished more than many remember, and more than most of us know. He started his professional career as a stand-up comedian, and in 1963 had his first album; Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow, Right! He broke through in TV two years later as a co-star in I Spy. Since then Cosby has gone on to garner an abundance of success in multiple endeavors. He has:
Authored 10 books
Made 36 albums
Been awarded at least 6 Doctorate Degrees
Received 2 Golden Globe Awards
Won 3 Emmys
Taken home 9 Grammy Awards
Served as a pitch man for Jell-O, Kodak, Coca-Cola, and Service Merchandise
Been a political activist
Honored as a humanitarian
Supported numerous philanthropic causes
Been married to his wife, Camille since 1964
Parented, with Camille, 5 children, one Ennis, who was killed in 1997.
Not a bad resume’ for a two-time dropout, born less than a decade after the Great Depression! The preceding summary helps answer the question, who is Bill Cosby? It may even cover, who does Bill Cosby think he is? It also fills in some blanks that serve as a proxy to validate when he was anointed, at least for some. Cosby has not only transcended the field of entertainment, but through his activism, humanitarian acts, and philanthropy, he has also made an indelible mark on issues that influence our daily lives. Indeed, Mr. Cosby is culturally relevant, and as such, absolutely, there are many reasons why we should care what he thinks or says.
OK, the who, when, and why questions have been addressed. That leaves two questions, including the compelling what has this man done to warrant the hype, and the direction-laden, where will The Cos lead us?
What has he done to provoke this controversy? Bill Cosby has staked himself out as a contrarian. His critics, and there are many, posit he is an embittered old man who, frustrated by personal tragedy, and beset by his own demons, has lashed out against those least equipped to subdue the various challenges they face. In other words, critics say he has invoked a potent combination of blame the victim and personal deflection; The Blame Game.
Alternately, his supporters, and there are many of them also, insist he has merely summoned the courage to quote the Dane, Hans Christian Andersen, and say, in a clear, resonant voice, The Emperor Has No Clothes! They contend African-American leaders and spokespersons routinely refuse to hold us accountable, individually and/or collectively. Moreover, they argue, it is this lack of self-oversight and governance that have led to the dire consequences and circumstances in which so many of us are too often immersed.
I respect Mr. Cosby greatly; his vita speaks for itself. I think he is sincere in his efforts, and that he believes his plan will help African-Americans, too many whom are lost, find our way. But, quite frankly, the message of his gospel seems unbalanced to me. Cos’ call-to-arms singles out African-Americans, period! The algebra of that equation just does not stand up. There are two sides, and they must both be solved. I am all for responsibility and accountability…just apply the remedy across the board. Then I think you have a winning formula.
Where will we end up by playing blind mice to Cosby’s Pied Piper? My cursory examination of the debate leads me to conclude Cosby’s prescription is a GPS-quality diagram straight to a fractured community, polarized by a debate prompted by an African-American hero.
That’s right, Bill Cosby is an icon, who has done enough for African-Americans that if he were to take his proverbial ball and go home today, he should still be accorded hero status. But even Michael Jordan learned that if you keep playing the game, you have to develop new skills as your old ones erode, or you will be embarrassed, or worse, made irrelevant.
So, Come On Bill: Even Things Up, and Let Us Help You Make Us Victors! That is my take. What do you think?
Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/ ,
Or, Google: thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about Dr. William Henry Cosby, Jr., click on the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Cosby
http://www.amazon.com/Come-People-Path-Victims-Victors/dp/1595550925
http://www.searchforvideo.com/watchclip.php?title=Bill+Cosby+About+Gangsta+Rap%2C+Drugs+And+Youth&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%3Fv%3DVXrLnshM_ME&description=Incredible+engagement+of+a+wise+man.&source=YouTube.com&image=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.youtube.com%2Fvi%2FVXrLnshM_ME%2Fdefault.jpg&category=directory&searchterm=%2Fentertainment%2Factors%2Fbill-cosby%2F
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=396&Itemid=33
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/16/opinion/16herbert.html
http://sharoncobb.blogspot.com/2007/10/on-meet-press-this-morning-bill-cosby.html
http://www.racewire.org/archives/2007/10/bill_cosbys_book_bares_blacks.html
http://www.americasdebate.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13814
http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/11/cosby/
http://books.google.com/books?id=rs5mrCyaaTEC&pg=PA29&lpg=PA29&dq=dyson+on+cosby+poussaint&source=web&ots=0UNIrieSeG&sig=29hzeyIiOdCuVJIf-J84bZM08do#PPP1,M1
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Et Tu, Marion: The Rise And Fall Of A Track Star
There are stories, and then there are stories. For several weeks I have shared contemporary stories with you, some from the news of the day, most of the rest, from the recent past. Some stories resulted from my own personal interest, others were prompted by interest from and/or requests by friends. But all were stories I wanted to write.
While this story details a current event, to write it, I am traveling a difficult path. In penning this piece about Marion Jones, who observed her 32nd birthday last Friday, I am exploring the meteoric rise and precipitous fall of a great sports heroine.
Ms. Jones, a University of North Carolina (UNC) alumna, a heritage and legacy we share, burst upon the scene as a high school track star, winning the California State Championship in the 100 meters four consecutive years. Marion went on to matriculate at UNC, where she played point guard for the 1993 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship team, as a freshman.
This is where the difficulty emerges for me. This is a story I do not want to write; but I must! It is emotionally cathartic for me. Sure, I admired her and followed her career because she was a multi-talented athlete who dominated her sport, and at one time was considered the world’s fasted woman, and best female athlete. But really…for me, much of her appeal and inherent significance as an athlete accrued from her Carolina Blue lineage. There, I said it!
With that admission out of the way, I acknowledge there are both similarities and differences in this piece and others I have written. Specifically, the Barry Bonds post covered an athlete operating in the Twilight Zone that consumes competitors caught up in the specter of having been alleged to have used banned and/or illegal substances. At the moment, they are separated by the key distinction that Marion has copped to it, while Barry has not.
That is clearly a major difference. For all the certainty in the minds of Bonds’ accusers, the debate continues. The absoluteness regarding Bonds’ alleged doping is relegated to the province of skeptics, cynics, and other non-believers. Alternately, for Marion, there is no longer any debate, all doubt has been removed, she is a cheat, and a liar.
Looking back at the history of Marion’s athletic career, circumstantial evidence is preponderantly stacked against her. Ms. Jones’ brushes with the banned substance police include:
- Being successfully defended by Johnny Cochrane against charges of using banned substances during her high school track career
- Having married shot putter C. J. Hunter in 1998, who was banned from the 2000 Olympics in Sidney, Australia after testing positive for a substance known as nandrolone; the couple divorced in 2002
- Giving birth in June, 2003, to a son, fathered by Tim Montgomery, a World Class sprinter who broke the 100 meter World Record in 2002; Montgomery was subsequently banned from the sport and his record rescinded after admitting to using performance enhancing drugs
- Having been named by Victor Conte, BALCO Founder, in a 2004 ABC 20/20 interview, in which he claimed he personally gave Marion five different illegal performance enhancing drugs
- Receiving tutelage for a number of years from Trevor Graham who is being investigated by a Federal Grand Jury for ties to athletes who used banned substances
- Working with Charlie Francis, who admitted providing performance enhancing drugs to Ben Johnson, who tested positive for steroids after a record-setting performance in the 100 meters at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea
- Collaborating with Steven Riddick, who coached Tim Montgomery and other athletes involved in drug scandals
- Having a June 2006 “A” Sample positive urine test for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned performance enhancing substance, at the USA Track & Field Championships; cleared by a later negative “B” Sample
- Admitting lying to federal agents about steroid use prior to the 2000 Olympics and pled guilty in US District Court in White Plains, NY, in October, 2007
There are numerous takes on the scandal that has ensued due to Jones’ admission. On one axis, the prevailing sentiment seems to be for analysts to take the “show no mercy to the abominably abhorrent she-devil” approach.
A middle ground segment opines there are lessons to be learned by her comeuppance. Her own of course, but more notably the hordes who emotionally invest in intangible qualities that make some human beings seem better, superior in fact, to the rest of us.
On the opposite polar extreme of the spectrum from the she-devil proponents, there are those who note Jones had a difficult and trauma-filled childhood, and should therefore be the object of pity. Her father left the family shortly after Marion’s birth. Her mother remarried when Marion was 8, and her stepfather subsequently died four years later, devastating Jones and her younger half-brother.
So, when one pulls it all together, what does it all add up to? Or perhaps more appropriately, when one subtracts all the fluff, hype, and non-essential (to the case) matter, what’s left?
For me, two key points resonate. First, for all her failings, Marion is most certainly not an abominably abhorrent she-devil. Second, I must add quickly, neither is she a victim, warranting pity.
After evaluating the sum of Marion’s skills talents, and abilities, her options, choices and consequences, and finally her meteoric rise and precipitous fall, I conclude Ms. Jones was undone by a vicious and continuous cycle of poor choices.
There can be no doubt she surrounded herself by an unscrupulous coterie of questionable intent. Moreover, in instances where her posse’s intentions were not questionable, they appear to have been worse; pernicious, clearly not in her best interest.
But that’s where personal accountability must prevail. If Marion is to leverage the lessons of her decampment from fame and fortune, she must make good on her pledge to use “the example of her bad choices and decisions to make the lives of many people improve.” That much is non-negotiable!
That’s what I think; holla back!
Read my blog anytime, 24/7/365, by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/ , Or, Google: thesphinxofcharlotte. A new post is published each Wednesday.
To read and learn more about the life and times of Marion Jones, click on the links below:
http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/312583.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marion_Jones
http://cornellsun.com/node/25124
http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/318240.html
http://www.sportinglife.com/others/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=others/07/10/13/ATHLETICS_Jones_Nightlead.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19404801/#storyContinued
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/10/08/jonesmedals.ap/index.html
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15060426
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21138883/http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=2554924http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=2554924
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Let Justice Run Down As Waters
Last week I wrote a good news story. One that was straight-forward, and not laced with negative nuances or undertones. This week I will discuss a topic the central figure will never read, and would not understand if you or I were to read it to him.
I decided nearly a week ago to write about the case of Floyd Brown. It is not nearly as wholesome and/or folksy as the Johnson C. Smith University Top 10 Among Black Colleges story. When I chose today's topic, it was also unclear how, or when, the case would end. Now that it has culminated as it did, it’s not just a good news story, or even merely great news. This is an epic and phenomenal story. Civil liberties and constitutional rights have been preserved, albeit too long coming. After all, William Gladstone noted many years ago, justice delayed is justice denied!
This case has at its central focus, one of “the least of these.” If you believe in the bedrock principles and fundamentals upon which this country was founded, what could be more compelling? Indeed, this has been 14 years of simmering high drama in the making.
Those who know me are aware of my position, and the fact I have labored to make sure we all keep episodes like the Jena 6 story in perspective. From all accounts, shameful atrocities occurred in Jena. Many have come to light, and number of them are being dealt with as a result.
But simply put, injustices abound. So much so, until it serves none of us well to put all our eggs in one basket, or feel we have made a huge dent in the problem when any single instance is righted. We have not.
On the contrary, there is more than ample evidence the problem is wide-spread and trenchant. We know, as a result, it will take significant, if not full-scale commitment by each of us, over the course of the foreseeable future, just to stem the tide. Floyd Brown's case is yet another prime example why I maintain the position I do on how we react, individually and collectively, to such matters.
Mr. Brown of Wadesboro, North Carolina, which is in Anson County, was charged with murder, and spent 14 years in jail, at a cost of more than $2.3 million…without a trial. That’s right, 14 years in jail, without a trial!
He was released Monday by Durham Superior Court Judge Orlando Hudson, Jr., who dismissed the case. This is the same judge who suspended Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong for his actions during the Duke Lacrosse case, in the event his name sounds familiar to you.
As with the other cases I have previously discussed in this space, there were a number of inconsistencies, ambiguities, and peculiarities with Brown's case. Among them:
· The D.A. did not rebut claims Mr. Brown’s confession was faked
· The two-paged verbatim confession is the only evidence linking Brown to the murder
· Evidence is missing from the Anson County Sheriff’s Office
· Two detectives on the case were convicted of accepting bribes
· The two detectives were subsequently jailed for corruption
· A tipster’s description of a possible culprit does not fit Brown
· The NC Department of Justice has reviewed allegations of wrong-doing in the case
Floyd Brown is estimated to have an I.Q. of around 50. There is a lot about what has happened to him over the past 14 years he does not, and will never, understand. Nor should he have to. He is a member of the human race.
Brown’s attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus. That’s Latin, and translates literally to, produce the body. In more straight forward lingo, it’s an appeal of last resort to free someone from jail, when all other efforts have failed. It is used as a protection against illegal imprisonment.
The writ was filed in Durham, NC, which is in Durham County, in part because NC law allows it to be filed in any County, but also because Brown’s attorneys believed they needed a change of venue to secure a fair hearing for their client. Two judges in Anson County had previously supported the Anson District Attorney’s position.
In the March 15, 1965 issue of The Nation, an essay by The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., entitled Let Justice Roll Down appeared. The theme of the essay penned by, and proclaimed in Dr. King’s uniquely clarion voice poignantly paraphrased Amos 5:24, “But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”
After his case was dismissed, when Brown was asked if he thought he would ever be released, he replied, “I figured it was time.” Monday afternoon, justice ran down as waters for Floyd Brown. It was (past) time.
Holla Back!
To read and learn more about the case of Floyd Brown, click on the links below:
http://www.cityofwadesboro.org/
http://www.charlotte.com/floydbrown/
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3704228&page=1
http://www.netscape.com/tag/floyd+brown
http://news14.com/content/headlines/588102/hearing-set-in-floyd-brown-case/Default.aspx
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7124678
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/crime_safety/story/730579.html
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2007/7/25/121014/837
I decided nearly a week ago to write about the case of Floyd Brown. It is not nearly as wholesome and/or folksy as the Johnson C. Smith University Top 10 Among Black Colleges story. When I chose today's topic, it was also unclear how, or when, the case would end. Now that it has culminated as it did, it’s not just a good news story, or even merely great news. This is an epic and phenomenal story. Civil liberties and constitutional rights have been preserved, albeit too long coming. After all, William Gladstone noted many years ago, justice delayed is justice denied!
This case has at its central focus, one of “the least of these.” If you believe in the bedrock principles and fundamentals upon which this country was founded, what could be more compelling? Indeed, this has been 14 years of simmering high drama in the making.
Those who know me are aware of my position, and the fact I have labored to make sure we all keep episodes like the Jena 6 story in perspective. From all accounts, shameful atrocities occurred in Jena. Many have come to light, and number of them are being dealt with as a result.
But simply put, injustices abound. So much so, until it serves none of us well to put all our eggs in one basket, or feel we have made a huge dent in the problem when any single instance is righted. We have not.
On the contrary, there is more than ample evidence the problem is wide-spread and trenchant. We know, as a result, it will take significant, if not full-scale commitment by each of us, over the course of the foreseeable future, just to stem the tide. Floyd Brown's case is yet another prime example why I maintain the position I do on how we react, individually and collectively, to such matters.
Mr. Brown of Wadesboro, North Carolina, which is in Anson County, was charged with murder, and spent 14 years in jail, at a cost of more than $2.3 million…without a trial. That’s right, 14 years in jail, without a trial!
He was released Monday by Durham Superior Court Judge Orlando Hudson, Jr., who dismissed the case. This is the same judge who suspended Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong for his actions during the Duke Lacrosse case, in the event his name sounds familiar to you.
As with the other cases I have previously discussed in this space, there were a number of inconsistencies, ambiguities, and peculiarities with Brown's case. Among them:
· The D.A. did not rebut claims Mr. Brown’s confession was faked
· The two-paged verbatim confession is the only evidence linking Brown to the murder
· Evidence is missing from the Anson County Sheriff’s Office
· Two detectives on the case were convicted of accepting bribes
· The two detectives were subsequently jailed for corruption
· A tipster’s description of a possible culprit does not fit Brown
· The NC Department of Justice has reviewed allegations of wrong-doing in the case
Floyd Brown is estimated to have an I.Q. of around 50. There is a lot about what has happened to him over the past 14 years he does not, and will never, understand. Nor should he have to. He is a member of the human race.
Brown’s attorneys filed a writ of habeas corpus. That’s Latin, and translates literally to, produce the body. In more straight forward lingo, it’s an appeal of last resort to free someone from jail, when all other efforts have failed. It is used as a protection against illegal imprisonment.
The writ was filed in Durham, NC, which is in Durham County, in part because NC law allows it to be filed in any County, but also because Brown’s attorneys believed they needed a change of venue to secure a fair hearing for their client. Two judges in Anson County had previously supported the Anson District Attorney’s position.
In the March 15, 1965 issue of The Nation, an essay by The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., entitled Let Justice Roll Down appeared. The theme of the essay penned by, and proclaimed in Dr. King’s uniquely clarion voice poignantly paraphrased Amos 5:24, “But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”
After his case was dismissed, when Brown was asked if he thought he would ever be released, he replied, “I figured it was time.” Monday afternoon, justice ran down as waters for Floyd Brown. It was (past) time.
Holla Back!
To read and learn more about the case of Floyd Brown, click on the links below:
http://www.cityofwadesboro.org/
http://www.charlotte.com/floydbrown/
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3704228&page=1
http://www.netscape.com/tag/floyd+brown
http://news14.com/content/headlines/588102/hearing-set-in-floyd-brown-case/Default.aspx
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7124678
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/crime_safety/story/730579.html
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2007/7/25/121014/837
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Home Schooling
Fist things first; this is not a conversation about parents teaching their children at home. Two weeks ago I noted a friend challenged me and others to take more time to focus on positive aspects of life rather than negative. Rather nonchalantly I demurred and committed to do it later. Well, unable to shake the query or the challenge, I decided to, at least temporarily, abandon the great ship of procrastination and do it now!
As I settled in this evening to ponder what I assumed would be a seemingly endless list of possibilities, I came face-to-face with the reality of the point my good friend was making. I can now say without equivocation, if one is sifting through the lens of traditional media for positive, or otherwise affirming topics, the Pimp’s Credo comes to mind; “It ain’t easy”…to find one.
Taking stock of the daily news, I was reminded of what is meant by the concept of Culture of Complaining. It’s almost as though the information testers and measurers have decreed we must consume our MDR (Minimum Daily Requirement) of negativism.
If you have angst, there are stories to feed your anxiety. If you are angry, there are topics to fuel your hatred. If you tend to be scared, there are reports to validate your fear. If you harbor visions of conspiracies, there analysts ready to provide confirmation.
What if you have hope? Well now, that’s a totally different matter. The Bible verse found at Matthew 19:24 comes to mind, “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Comparing a camel going through a needle’s eye to finding a positive news story seems apropos.
But hey, just as I believe wealthy people can qualify for a heavenly home, I not only believe, but am committed to providing a vehicle for conducting a positive conversation in the public domain. After pushing through the initial wall of inertial resistance, I concluded the perfect opportunity is right under my nose.
On Monday, the October 8th Edition of U.S. News and World Report hit newsstands, and included in it is the magazine’s first ranking of “America’s Best Black Colleges.” This news takes on added significance as Johnson C. Smith University is #10 on the list.
That is great news. It’s a positive story over all; it is great for North Carolina, it is outstanding for Charlotte…my adopted home town, and it is a wonderful thing for JCSU, the home school.
Guess what! The story does not end there. There are 114 black colleges in America, 11 in North Carolina. Of those 11, the split between public and private is close to even, 6 private, 5 public. The ranking’s first tier totaled 34 schools, including 7 of North Carolina’s 11, and all five public schools. Three additional private schools, Livingstone College, Shaw University, and Saint Augustine’s College made the second tier. Only one North Carolina HBCU (Historically Black College and University) failed to make either first or second tier, Barber-Scotia College in Concord.
In addition to Johnson C. Smith University, Bennett College was the second private school on the first tier list, coming in at #16. The North Carolina schools were ranked or classified as follows:
First Tier
- 10. Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte
- 12. Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem
- 16. Bennett College, Greensboro
- 16. Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City
- 16. North Carolina Central University, Durham
- 19. North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Greensboro
- 34. Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville
Second Tier
- Livingstone College, Salisbury
- Shaw University, Raleigh
- Saint Augustine’s College, Raleigh
Unranked
- Barber-Scotia College, Concord
The total undergraduate enrollment at North Carolina’s 11 HBCU’s is estimated at 30,327. That the vast majority of these schools provide great educational opportunities is definitely a good news/feel good story.
Work with me now. Suspend your tendency to play devil’s advocate for a moment. Forget about prison population vs. college enrollment statistics for blacks, let go your righteous indignation about issues of historically denied access, push back the temptation to contest the value proposition of Best College rankings, and in general just squash all negative, nay saying notions. Go ahead, you can do it.
Focus instead on the pathway to success that over 30,000 mostly young African-Americans have undertaken. Think of the new careers, the high-achieving professionals, and the proud parents and family members that serve as their safety net and primary support group. Inhale it, marinate on it, allow yourself to take time to savor something you probably had not thought about…but when you did, after a little prompting, you smiled.
Come on admit it…that was cool. Make yourself a promise; you will do it again. Soon!
Holla back!
To read more about Johnson C. Smith University, the U.S. News & World Report "Best Black Colleges in America ranking, North Carolina HBCU's, and/or HBCU's across the Nation, click on the linkes below:
http://www.jcsu.edu/news/newsreleases/jcsunatllist.htm
http://www.charlotte.com/breaking_news/story/296557.html
http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/2007/09/27/the-crossroads-of-history-americas-best-black-colleges.html
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1_hbcu_brief.php
http://www.answers.com/topic/johnson-c-smith-university-1?cat=travel
http://www.topix.net/content/kri/2007/09/ratings-ready-today-jcsu-on-list-of-top-black-colleges
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_historically_black_colleges_of_the_United_States
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