Thomas Wolfe, a noted American writer, and University of North Carolina graduate, penned a novel called, “You Can’t Go Home Again.” The book, published posthumously, in 1940, two years after Wolfe died, posed the premise that one cannot recapture the past.
On its face, that is a plausible assertion. The world is a dynamic orb, and our roles in it are constantly evolving. However, long before Wolfe wrote what would become a classic novel; American blacks effectively refuted the central theme of his tome. With the celebration of Juneteenth, June 19th, 1865, and other Jubilee Festivals across America during the period, the foundation for the Modern-Day Black Family Reunion was established.
We were reminded of the wide-ranging scope of this phenomenon, collectively, as we made an impromptu e-visit to the Rand Family Reunion, during CNN’s Black in America last week. But more pointedly, over the course of this summer, many of us, including me, have had the opportunity to participate in our own Family Reunions.
As a matter of fact, with apologies to Wallace and Bethany Ford Graham, and Dempsey and Mardecia Wiggins, progenitors of both my paternal and maternal lineage, and all their progeny, I was privileged to complete a Family Reunion two-step this month, by attending reunions for both sides of my family.
The Grahams and Wiggins adhered dutifully to the admonition to be fruitful and multiply. Since I did not tell them I would be writing about them (subscribing to the “It is easier to beg forgiveness than to elicit permission” Rule), I owe lots of people (Did I say “we” were fruitful?) an apology. I’m sorry cousins!
Traveling the 4 hours and 250 miles across the state from Charlotte to Kinston, (http://www.ci.kinston.nc.us/), a couple of times in a month provides significant time for reflection. Sixteen hours in a car, even spread over a couple of weekends, is a significant span of time.
Not having lived in Kinston in 46 years, there are a lot of people-facts, events, and just plain old history that I missed as my home town and family unfolded over time. Nothing during that time, and possibly in the history of Kinston impacted the community more than the flooding brought on by Hurricanes Fran, and Floyd, in 1996, and 1999, respectively. Fran delivered 16 inches of rain on the area, while Floyd left 17 inches, and the ravages of a 500-year flood level reached by the Neuse River. A decade later, there are places that still evoke thoughts of 3rd World neglect.
One part of my serial reflection revolved around recognizing, that while those sights are painful to observe, I can only image how incredibly challenging being in the midst of it was to endure. But as I engaged, and was engaged by family members who not only never left, but never thought of leaving, I was reminded that this was not just a place to host a Family Reunion, but it was home; the center of my family’s universe, both sides of it.
During any family reunion, the agenda will likely encompass a creative array of activities. There are often games, fashion shows, worship services, and always plenty of opportunities to eat. Those things not withstanding, the one thing more than any other that is sure to resonate is the people. There are favorite cousins (mine has always been Cousin Theron, who was born 5 days before me, but I have now given equal billing to double-Cousin Ruby, 1st Cousin on my dad’s side, and 2nd Cousin on my mom’s side), aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, proud mothers and fathers, precious babies, and enough poignant moments to fill a mental, digital, or leather photo album.
Family members assembled from across America. We had kin from up and down the Eastern Seaboard, and from as far away as Colorado and Arizona. Yet, I venture to say, more often than not, number 1 on the top 10 Countdown of Family Reunion memory-makers is reserved, as it was with the Grahams and Wiggins, for those sage “elders of the family.” Those grandparents, great grandparents, and other eldest surviving family members; they carry the legacy torch, and they do it regally.
I raptly observed (and greatly appreciated) their stately grace, as well as the deference and respect with which they were accorded by the entire family. Cousin Onetia Graham Martin, the proverbial font of all things historical related to the Graham Family, and Cousin Roy Wiggins, the 84-year-old, still active Deacon at Savannah Free Will Baptist Church (our home church), the eldest surviving grandson of Dempsey and Mardecia. They make being a scion of the Graham and Wiggins families a signal honor; an unparalleled privilege.
We have not had a lot of Family Reunions on either side of my family. But as I greeted old, familiar relations, and established contacts with new (to me) ones, I felt certain that if we have a Family Reunion, on either side, I will make attending a priority. It was great to connect/reconnect with, and/or know that there are physicians, professors, entrepreneurs, college and professional athletes (and yes Antoine, I will be looking for you when College of Charleston is hooping), an Olympian, ministers, and lots of hard working salt-of-the-earth people in my family. That’s all good. But it’s cousins Onetia and Roy I will reflect upon most fondly...and often.
Without a doubt, the final reflection on my trips was, not only could I go home again; I was compelled to make the journey! Holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/23/meeting-cousin-rubystein/
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/23/rand.ancestry/index.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n10_v48/ai_13276665
http://lhh.fimark.net/family-reunion-planner.html
http://www.ncnw.org/events/reunion_history.htm
http://reunions.afrigeneas.com/resources.html
http://www.seo.harvard.edu/news/1998-04.html
http://www.marial.emory.edu/pdfs/Vargus022-03.pdf
http://www.temple.edu/fri/history.html
http://www.blackvoices.com/black-family-reunion/planning-tips
http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/08/20/loc_blackfamily21.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_9_61/ai_n26906126
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
"Our Time!"
Over the next two nights, CNN will attempt to sanitize, synthesize, and crystallize the essence of the black experience in America. The highly anticipated, much ballyhooed, two-night, two-hour segments have already been extensively critiqued; both praised, and panned, depending upon the source of the assessment.
Any realistic evaluation of the series must begin with conceding that conducting an exhaustive treatment of issues that have been 400+ years in the making, in 4 hours or less (commercials you know), is not just a tall order, but impossible. What is achievable, and let us hope CNN succeeds in providing it, is a fair and balanced presentation.
First, it is important to stipulate, CNN should be commended for conceiving and executing this undertaking, especially considering it will be more than half a year before February rolls around again. The first of the two segments will focus on black women and families, starting this evening at 9:00 p.m. EDT. The second segment kicks off tomorrow at 9:00 p.m. EDT, with a look at the experiences of black men.
The two segments were presaged during the past weekend with an in-depth look at the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. CNN has created a special website, http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/, which allows site visitors to preview the series. Maria de la Soledad Teresa O’Brien, better known as Soledad O’Brien hosts the series. O’Brien, a native New Yorker, is of Irish Australian and Afro-Cuban heritage, and currently hosts the CNN Special Investigations Unit.
As I alluded to in the opening paragraph of this post, the buzz factor surrounding this series is already off the charts. It will certainly rise even higher over the next few days. I have seen notices and advisories for weeks now, indicating the series would be aired. I read reactions from people who previewed it, watched some of this past weekend’s Special, and decided to engage you on the topic.
One of the by-products of Barack Obama’s success in vying for and securing the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States is, even more attention and scrutiny are devoted to all things concerning black people. Does that make CNN’s effort with this series just another “Flavor of the Month” gambit? Will this “curiosity” subside if McCain prevails in the November contest, and Obama resumes his duties as the Honorable, but junior Senator from Illinois, rather than assuming the mantle as Commander-in-Chief of the US? Oh yeah, let’s not overlook the elephant in the room; is Barack Hussein Obama black enough (for you)?
Surely, this well-written, powerfully delivered, incisive look at the travails and triumphs of a people, many of whom were brought to these shores as chattel property, and now poised to play a key role in a electing a leader who looks like them, will be universally viewed as the ultimate Horatio Alger tale. Wait a minute, not so fast!
Yes, there are still trenchant impediments to uniformly robust success by all blacks; not just the fortunate, or the elite. As the series underscores, black women represent an alarming and disproportionate share of new AIDS cases. At the same time, black men are unemployed at twice the rate of white men. Joining these chilling twin statistics is the fact that a discouraging and pernicious performance gap plagues black student educational achievement levels, compared to that of their white counterparts.
Without trying to tell the entire story of the series, which I encourage you to view, it is clear there are no silver bullets, panaceas, or other quick fixes in sight. The story of black folks in America is still evolving. If we are savvy, inventive, and unyieldingly committed, we will, individually and collectively find the lessons this historic series has to offer, and leverage them to form strategies to attack and eradicate the problems that assail us.
When I reference our finding the lessons, I am referring to the collective, national us. It is black people, but not just blacks; it is all Americans. The fate of Black America is inextricably intertwined with that of America, the whole. It is a fact, solving the nation's health care dilemmas, enhancing employment opportunities, closing the education gap, devising an end to the mortgage lending, housing, and fuel crises, counteracting the recession, and jump-starting the economy will all contribute to a more beneficial experience by blacks in America. True that, but quiet as it is kept, these prescriptions will contribute to a more perfect union and provide remedies for what ails all of America, and to a large extent the world.
In his Nomination victory speech, Senator Obama proclaimed. “This is Our Time!” I say, it’s about time; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/index.c.html
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/index.b.html
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/hbcu/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soledad_O
Any realistic evaluation of the series must begin with conceding that conducting an exhaustive treatment of issues that have been 400+ years in the making, in 4 hours or less (commercials you know), is not just a tall order, but impossible. What is achievable, and let us hope CNN succeeds in providing it, is a fair and balanced presentation.
First, it is important to stipulate, CNN should be commended for conceiving and executing this undertaking, especially considering it will be more than half a year before February rolls around again. The first of the two segments will focus on black women and families, starting this evening at 9:00 p.m. EDT. The second segment kicks off tomorrow at 9:00 p.m. EDT, with a look at the experiences of black men.
The two segments were presaged during the past weekend with an in-depth look at the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. CNN has created a special website, http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/, which allows site visitors to preview the series. Maria de la Soledad Teresa O’Brien, better known as Soledad O’Brien hosts the series. O’Brien, a native New Yorker, is of Irish Australian and Afro-Cuban heritage, and currently hosts the CNN Special Investigations Unit.
As I alluded to in the opening paragraph of this post, the buzz factor surrounding this series is already off the charts. It will certainly rise even higher over the next few days. I have seen notices and advisories for weeks now, indicating the series would be aired. I read reactions from people who previewed it, watched some of this past weekend’s Special, and decided to engage you on the topic.
One of the by-products of Barack Obama’s success in vying for and securing the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States is, even more attention and scrutiny are devoted to all things concerning black people. Does that make CNN’s effort with this series just another “Flavor of the Month” gambit? Will this “curiosity” subside if McCain prevails in the November contest, and Obama resumes his duties as the Honorable, but junior Senator from Illinois, rather than assuming the mantle as Commander-in-Chief of the US? Oh yeah, let’s not overlook the elephant in the room; is Barack Hussein Obama black enough (for you)?
Surely, this well-written, powerfully delivered, incisive look at the travails and triumphs of a people, many of whom were brought to these shores as chattel property, and now poised to play a key role in a electing a leader who looks like them, will be universally viewed as the ultimate Horatio Alger tale. Wait a minute, not so fast!
Yes, there are still trenchant impediments to uniformly robust success by all blacks; not just the fortunate, or the elite. As the series underscores, black women represent an alarming and disproportionate share of new AIDS cases. At the same time, black men are unemployed at twice the rate of white men. Joining these chilling twin statistics is the fact that a discouraging and pernicious performance gap plagues black student educational achievement levels, compared to that of their white counterparts.
Without trying to tell the entire story of the series, which I encourage you to view, it is clear there are no silver bullets, panaceas, or other quick fixes in sight. The story of black folks in America is still evolving. If we are savvy, inventive, and unyieldingly committed, we will, individually and collectively find the lessons this historic series has to offer, and leverage them to form strategies to attack and eradicate the problems that assail us.
When I reference our finding the lessons, I am referring to the collective, national us. It is black people, but not just blacks; it is all Americans. The fate of Black America is inextricably intertwined with that of America, the whole. It is a fact, solving the nation's health care dilemmas, enhancing employment opportunities, closing the education gap, devising an end to the mortgage lending, housing, and fuel crises, counteracting the recession, and jump-starting the economy will all contribute to a more beneficial experience by blacks in America. True that, but quiet as it is kept, these prescriptions will contribute to a more perfect union and provide remedies for what ails all of America, and to a large extent the world.
In his Nomination victory speech, Senator Obama proclaimed. “This is Our Time!” I say, it’s about time; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/index.c.html
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/index.b.html
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/hbcu/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soledad_O
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Keep Hope Alive; Run Jesse, Run!
OK, obviously, there is no secret regarding what this post is going to address; the other Jesse! Last week the topic was the venerable, Honorable Senator Jesse Helms. Today the spotlight light shifts to another venerable Jesse, this one a veteran of the American Civil Rights Movement.
For the past 10 days or so, one of the Nation's hottest media topics has centered on the brief, but now infamous whispered musings of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. The good Reverend Jackson, who is noted for among other things, having coined the phrase, “Keep Hope Alive,” is likely to long be remembered for a much less inspiring phrase, depicting his interest in separating Senator Obama from a key portion of his anatomy. No, the phrase does not appear in this post. If you do not know what it was, and feel you must find out, consult one of the several links included below.
In the relative calm of this period between the end of the Primaries and the unofficial resumption of inter-party pleasantries, after Labor Day, it is almost as if there was a sense of things being too quiet, subdued, and uneventful. Indeed, there has not been so much African American angst about the race since the last black preacher induced brouhaha, involving the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. The situation has caused many to recall another well known Jackson chant…”Run Jesse, Run!” This time though, rather than a fetching plea of approval, adoration, and support, it is a warning, if not a demand to get out of Dodge, or at least as far away from things having to do with the Presidential campaign as possible.
It takes little in the way of reflection to determine what a sad turn of events this has become. In historical terms, just 20 short years before Barack Obama’s pivotal and eloquent Keynote Speech at the 2004 Democratic Party National Convention in Boston, the Reverend Jackson was the toast of the 1984 Democratic Party National Convention in San Francisco, in the wake of his own pivotal and eloquent Keynote Speech. Jackson most certainly played an important role in blazing the trail Obama has traveled to reach the lofty perch he holds today.
In an ideal world, they would be the lone two members of an exclusive mutual admiration society; Jackson the mentor, Obama the protégé. But in this, the real world, they appear to have gravitated to their neutral corners; one the envier, the other, the ascendant. As the French say, Le Roi est mort. Vive le Roi! Translation: The King is dead. Long live the King!
Over the past several days, I have seen many widely varying assessments and analyses of the subject. While much of what I have read emanated from various media outlets, a lot of it has been shared via the convictions of individual friends, colleagues, and other associates. One of the most poignant and compelling views came from a colleague, to whom I shall refer simply as JJ. See the four points that comprise JJ's analysis below, in their entirety:
1. I don't think we should compare Jesse on BHO to Andy Young, John Lewis, Maya Angelou, Tavis Smiley, Bob Johnson, et al. Unlike them, he was in BHO's corner early. Remember on primary day in Illinois, Jesse was at one precinct campaigning for Obama, while his own wife was campaigning for Hillary at another. In fact, I understand Jesse supported BHO when he ran for IL State Senate years ago.
2. While I would admit that Jesse might have a tinge of jealousy watching Barack do so well when he didn't, after his earlier runs he said he ran to get blacks interested in the political process and registered to vote. BHO is certainly building upon Jesse's success, and I don't think that is lost on Jesse or Barack.
3. What BHO said is very similar to Bill Cosby's rhetoric of the past few years -- black parents need to take responsibility. Many well-educated blacks (you and Michael Eric Dyson included) did not agree with Dr. Cos. I don't know what Jesse said in response to his frat brother's ranting, but he might have wanted to castrate him too. It might not be personal, though it is hard to say that under threat of having his private parts removed. It is very ironic that Jesse would object to conversation about black men paying child support when he (we presume based upon details released publicly during that time) is paying for a child conceived by another woman while he was married -- if he has to pay, why wouldn't it be OK for BHO to say everybody needs to?
4. This crude commentary reminds me more of Mike Tyson than anyone else who observers are trying to place Jesse with. Remember comments made by the person who used to be Iron Mike before the Lennox Lewis fight? A lot of stuff about testicles and such. I don't know if this is characteristic of Jesse's behavior in private, but such a visceral reaction leaves many questions. Is it early onset Alzheimer's? Is Jesse showing solidarity with Jeremiah Wright as preachers tend to do when they think a colleague has been unfairly treated? Does he feel BHO has slighted him in some way? Is he resentful that many have advised him to keep a safe distance away in order that BHO looks more mainstream? Is Jesse just a "sick puppy" who has been camouflaging a dark side under his preacher's robe? I've been angry at times, but it's never gone this far, so is this a "man thing?"
Those four points were done so well, I threatened to let them stand alone as this week’s post. Thanks JJ, for the willingness to share your thoughtful and penetrating analysis.
The depth of the positions taken, the variation in tone, the resonant themes underscored by the active participants in this discussion, the majority of them black, remind me once again of the myth of the monolith. I am done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://www.theroot.com/id/47225
http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/columns/local_story_197210534.html?keyword=secondarystory
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/13/AR2008071302097.html?hpid=artslot
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/942/story/240201.html
http://us.mg2.mail.yahoo.com/dc/launch?.rand=fjt7d4gk0s7v6
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977398406&grpId=3659174697244816&nav=Groupspace
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/15/littwin-obama-making-most-of-jackson-flap/
http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/columns/local_story_197210534.html?keyword=secondarystory
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jWabcu6kZ9ykE80H7bgxHDIcfWWAD91RBFL80
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=2160631
http://gawker.com/5023729/did-jesse-jackson-call-obama-the-n+word
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/najee-ali/why-jesse-really-attacked_b_112241.html
http://thedailyvoice.com/voice/2008/07/stand-down-jesse-000855.php
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jessejackson1984dnc.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM
For the past 10 days or so, one of the Nation's hottest media topics has centered on the brief, but now infamous whispered musings of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. The good Reverend Jackson, who is noted for among other things, having coined the phrase, “Keep Hope Alive,” is likely to long be remembered for a much less inspiring phrase, depicting his interest in separating Senator Obama from a key portion of his anatomy. No, the phrase does not appear in this post. If you do not know what it was, and feel you must find out, consult one of the several links included below.
In the relative calm of this period between the end of the Primaries and the unofficial resumption of inter-party pleasantries, after Labor Day, it is almost as if there was a sense of things being too quiet, subdued, and uneventful. Indeed, there has not been so much African American angst about the race since the last black preacher induced brouhaha, involving the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. The situation has caused many to recall another well known Jackson chant…”Run Jesse, Run!” This time though, rather than a fetching plea of approval, adoration, and support, it is a warning, if not a demand to get out of Dodge, or at least as far away from things having to do with the Presidential campaign as possible.
It takes little in the way of reflection to determine what a sad turn of events this has become. In historical terms, just 20 short years before Barack Obama’s pivotal and eloquent Keynote Speech at the 2004 Democratic Party National Convention in Boston, the Reverend Jackson was the toast of the 1984 Democratic Party National Convention in San Francisco, in the wake of his own pivotal and eloquent Keynote Speech. Jackson most certainly played an important role in blazing the trail Obama has traveled to reach the lofty perch he holds today.
In an ideal world, they would be the lone two members of an exclusive mutual admiration society; Jackson the mentor, Obama the protégé. But in this, the real world, they appear to have gravitated to their neutral corners; one the envier, the other, the ascendant. As the French say, Le Roi est mort. Vive le Roi! Translation: The King is dead. Long live the King!
Over the past several days, I have seen many widely varying assessments and analyses of the subject. While much of what I have read emanated from various media outlets, a lot of it has been shared via the convictions of individual friends, colleagues, and other associates. One of the most poignant and compelling views came from a colleague, to whom I shall refer simply as JJ. See the four points that comprise JJ's analysis below, in their entirety:
1. I don't think we should compare Jesse on BHO to Andy Young, John Lewis, Maya Angelou, Tavis Smiley, Bob Johnson, et al. Unlike them, he was in BHO's corner early. Remember on primary day in Illinois, Jesse was at one precinct campaigning for Obama, while his own wife was campaigning for Hillary at another. In fact, I understand Jesse supported BHO when he ran for IL State Senate years ago.
2. While I would admit that Jesse might have a tinge of jealousy watching Barack do so well when he didn't, after his earlier runs he said he ran to get blacks interested in the political process and registered to vote. BHO is certainly building upon Jesse's success, and I don't think that is lost on Jesse or Barack.
3. What BHO said is very similar to Bill Cosby's rhetoric of the past few years -- black parents need to take responsibility. Many well-educated blacks (you and Michael Eric Dyson included) did not agree with Dr. Cos. I don't know what Jesse said in response to his frat brother's ranting, but he might have wanted to castrate him too. It might not be personal, though it is hard to say that under threat of having his private parts removed. It is very ironic that Jesse would object to conversation about black men paying child support when he (we presume based upon details released publicly during that time) is paying for a child conceived by another woman while he was married -- if he has to pay, why wouldn't it be OK for BHO to say everybody needs to?
4. This crude commentary reminds me more of Mike Tyson than anyone else who observers are trying to place Jesse with. Remember comments made by the person who used to be Iron Mike before the Lennox Lewis fight? A lot of stuff about testicles and such. I don't know if this is characteristic of Jesse's behavior in private, but such a visceral reaction leaves many questions. Is it early onset Alzheimer's? Is Jesse showing solidarity with Jeremiah Wright as preachers tend to do when they think a colleague has been unfairly treated? Does he feel BHO has slighted him in some way? Is he resentful that many have advised him to keep a safe distance away in order that BHO looks more mainstream? Is Jesse just a "sick puppy" who has been camouflaging a dark side under his preacher's robe? I've been angry at times, but it's never gone this far, so is this a "man thing?"
Those four points were done so well, I threatened to let them stand alone as this week’s post. Thanks JJ, for the willingness to share your thoughtful and penetrating analysis.
The depth of the positions taken, the variation in tone, the resonant themes underscored by the active participants in this discussion, the majority of them black, remind me once again of the myth of the monolith. I am done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://www.theroot.com/id/47225
http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/columns/local_story_197210534.html?keyword=secondarystory
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/13/AR2008071302097.html?hpid=artslot
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/942/story/240201.html
http://us.mg2.mail.yahoo.com/dc/launch?.rand=fjt7d4gk0s7v6
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977398406&grpId=3659174697244816&nav=Groupspace
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/15/littwin-obama-making-most-of-jackson-flap/
http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/columns/local_story_197210534.html?keyword=secondarystory
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jWabcu6kZ9ykE80H7bgxHDIcfWWAD91RBFL80
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=2160631
http://gawker.com/5023729/did-jesse-jackson-call-obama-the-n+word
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/najee-ali/why-jesse-really-attacked_b_112241.html
http://thedailyvoice.com/voice/2008/07/stand-down-jesse-000855.php
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jessejackson1984dnc.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Independence Day; Free at Last!
History has given us the gift of some intriguing coincidences, as well as some compelling ironies. In observing both, there are times when, even though I hold him/her in great awe, I am convinced God is, if not a confirmed jokester, at least the owner of a genuinely robust sense of humor.
In last week’s post, I referenced July 4th, America’s official Independence Day. The piece was intended to serve a bridge to the Holiday. I have addressed at nauseam, the “principle of incompatibility” that divides holidays from organized labors such as reading, studying, and heaven forbid, working. To that end I usually try to ratchet it down a notch or two, or several, during holidays.
Looking back at Independence Days past, 1826 probably held one of the more noteworthy coincidences. July 4th, 1826, marked not only the 50th Anniversary of American Independence, but was a day two of our nation’s Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, died. Yes, they died the same day in the same year. Such an occurrence today would almost certainly serve as a catalyst for rumors of a death pact.
Adams and Jefferson shared more than joint status as co-signers of the Declaration of Independence; they were the 2nd and 3rd Presidents of the United States, respectively. It is reported that Adams’ last words were, “Jefferson still survives.” However, unbeknownst to Adams, Jefferson had died earlier that day.
Adams and Jefferson had quite a concurrent history. Adams was the first to serve as America’s Vice President, he was the first President to live in the executive mansion (known today as the White House), and he was also the first President to be defeated in a re-election bid…by Jefferson, who had served as his Vice President.
Thomas Jefferson went on to become President after defeating Adams, but not without a bit of what we would think of today, as drama. Aaron Burr tied Jefferson with 73 electoral votes. As a result, the election was sent to the House of Representatives to determine the winner. After 36 ballots (that's right 36), Jefferson prevailed. In later developments, Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Not surprisingly, Burr's career in politics took a precipitous decline afterward, even though he was never convicted of a crime for his role in the incident.
Burr's leaving the office meant Jefferson had to secure another Vice President for his second term as President. After 203 years, P-Funk fans still tip their hat to Jefferson, as he selected George Clinton to hold the second chair. (Funk-a-teers will know what I mean).
The virtually concurrent deaths of Adams and Jefferson marked an intriguing Independence Day coincidence of considerable magnitude. This past Friday, Independence Day again collaborated with the death of a prominent political figure, this time in what many consider a compelling ironic twist. Former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms, popularly known as Senator No, died leaving a highly volatile legacy for his supporters and detractors to debate.
It is a fact that there are those who consider Helms a patriot. Others have cited his “courage” to stand against the forces of change, on issues ranging from gay rights to trade agreements, to foreign aid. Many of his most notable tirades focused on issues of civil rights and affirmative action, and funding for AIDS research. He was also a leading Senate opponent of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, and he authored and/or approved the now famous, in North Carolina anyway, white hands commercial, aired during the first of two Senate campaign battles against former Charlotte Mayor, Harvey Gantt (1990).
The Honorable Senator No appeared to take great pride in his predictable opposition to progressive ideals, and often needled the media when he felt he had bested their desired interests. He earned the distinction of being North Carolina’s longest serving Senator. That is a noteworthy accomplishment, and cannot be diminished.
However, it must be noted that many of the tributes and editorials that began streaming forth Friday have sanitized the bigotry and mean-spiritedness that marked so many of Helms’ political encounters and triumphs. His was a divisive, zero-sum brand of politics that often targeted the historically disenfranchised for more abuse, insult, and exclusion. In that light, it is impossible to deny the essence of irony in the events of Independence Day, 2008. One can almost envision seeing and hearing the spirit of King, after having scaled the mountaintop, uttering that famous three-word phrase…
I’m done; holla back! Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Clinton_(vice_president)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Clinton_(funk_musician)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Helms
http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=h000463
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/1995/05/bates.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7490458.stm
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/04/obit.helms/index.html
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1871
In last week’s post, I referenced July 4th, America’s official Independence Day. The piece was intended to serve a bridge to the Holiday. I have addressed at nauseam, the “principle of incompatibility” that divides holidays from organized labors such as reading, studying, and heaven forbid, working. To that end I usually try to ratchet it down a notch or two, or several, during holidays.
Looking back at Independence Days past, 1826 probably held one of the more noteworthy coincidences. July 4th, 1826, marked not only the 50th Anniversary of American Independence, but was a day two of our nation’s Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, died. Yes, they died the same day in the same year. Such an occurrence today would almost certainly serve as a catalyst for rumors of a death pact.
Adams and Jefferson shared more than joint status as co-signers of the Declaration of Independence; they were the 2nd and 3rd Presidents of the United States, respectively. It is reported that Adams’ last words were, “Jefferson still survives.” However, unbeknownst to Adams, Jefferson had died earlier that day.
Adams and Jefferson had quite a concurrent history. Adams was the first to serve as America’s Vice President, he was the first President to live in the executive mansion (known today as the White House), and he was also the first President to be defeated in a re-election bid…by Jefferson, who had served as his Vice President.
Thomas Jefferson went on to become President after defeating Adams, but not without a bit of what we would think of today, as drama. Aaron Burr tied Jefferson with 73 electoral votes. As a result, the election was sent to the House of Representatives to determine the winner. After 36 ballots (that's right 36), Jefferson prevailed. In later developments, Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Not surprisingly, Burr's career in politics took a precipitous decline afterward, even though he was never convicted of a crime for his role in the incident.
Burr's leaving the office meant Jefferson had to secure another Vice President for his second term as President. After 203 years, P-Funk fans still tip their hat to Jefferson, as he selected George Clinton to hold the second chair. (Funk-a-teers will know what I mean).
The virtually concurrent deaths of Adams and Jefferson marked an intriguing Independence Day coincidence of considerable magnitude. This past Friday, Independence Day again collaborated with the death of a prominent political figure, this time in what many consider a compelling ironic twist. Former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms, popularly known as Senator No, died leaving a highly volatile legacy for his supporters and detractors to debate.
It is a fact that there are those who consider Helms a patriot. Others have cited his “courage” to stand against the forces of change, on issues ranging from gay rights to trade agreements, to foreign aid. Many of his most notable tirades focused on issues of civil rights and affirmative action, and funding for AIDS research. He was also a leading Senate opponent of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, and he authored and/or approved the now famous, in North Carolina anyway, white hands commercial, aired during the first of two Senate campaign battles against former Charlotte Mayor, Harvey Gantt (1990).
The Honorable Senator No appeared to take great pride in his predictable opposition to progressive ideals, and often needled the media when he felt he had bested their desired interests. He earned the distinction of being North Carolina’s longest serving Senator. That is a noteworthy accomplishment, and cannot be diminished.
However, it must be noted that many of the tributes and editorials that began streaming forth Friday have sanitized the bigotry and mean-spiritedness that marked so many of Helms’ political encounters and triumphs. His was a divisive, zero-sum brand of politics that often targeted the historically disenfranchised for more abuse, insult, and exclusion. In that light, it is impossible to deny the essence of irony in the events of Independence Day, 2008. One can almost envision seeing and hearing the spirit of King, after having scaled the mountaintop, uttering that famous three-word phrase…
I’m done; holla back! Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Clinton_(vice_president)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Clinton_(funk_musician)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Helms
http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=h000463
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/1995/05/bates.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7490458.stm
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/04/obit.helms/index.html
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1871
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Half-way; Tempus Fugit!
Yesterday, July 1, was the 183rd day of the year. That’s another way of saying this year, Leap and all, has reached its half-way point. With that almost surprising observation, I am reminded of another bromide; Tempus Fugit. Loosely translated, the Latin phrase means, time flies.
It seems a though it was not that long ago, we were watching the Ball drop, or rise, or whatever it does to symbolize the dawn of the New Year at Times Square these days. Moreover, since then, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, the beginning and end of spring, Mother’s Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, the advent of summer, and a whole host of Hallmark Holidays…have all come and gone.
Two days from now, we will observe, celebrate, or otherwise commemorate Independence Day. On July 4th 1776, two hundred thirty-two years ago, America declared its independence from England. On this day in History, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Although the document was not signed by all of the 13 Original Colonies until sometime in August, July 4th has been universally accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence.
As with past holidays, I am not going to torture you or me for that matter, with a regular post. I expect the next few days to be largely about summer rituals. Most of us will fill the time with vacations, picnics, family reunions, parades, trips hither and yon; to and fro, and a variety of other fun, playful, and celebratory activities.
Undoubtedly, the high cost of fuel and travel in general will cause some to cut back, and others to shift into grin and bear it mode. For some this may mean trekking to the park, or Carowinds (for Charlotteans), instead of the beach or the mountains, or some other destination requiring a long auto ride, or a flight. For others who feel they, and their long-suffering spouses, significant others, and family members have earned it, or simply are demanding it, “the trip” will be on!
However you choose to spend the next few days, use your time wisely; invest fully. Recognize that time moves apace. Before you know it, Labor Day, the end of summer, the start of fall, Columbus Day, Halloween, Election Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, the close of fall, the opening of winter, Christmas, and a whole lot of Hallmark Holidays…will have all come and gone. That’s right, it will not be that long before 183 more days will have passed, and we will be watching as the Ball drops, or rises, or whatever it does to symbolize the dawn of the New Year at Times Square these days!
That’s it; I am out of here. Enjoy your holiday weekend, and if you feel like it…holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
It seems a though it was not that long ago, we were watching the Ball drop, or rise, or whatever it does to symbolize the dawn of the New Year at Times Square these days. Moreover, since then, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, the beginning and end of spring, Mother’s Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, the advent of summer, and a whole host of Hallmark Holidays…have all come and gone.
Two days from now, we will observe, celebrate, or otherwise commemorate Independence Day. On July 4th 1776, two hundred thirty-two years ago, America declared its independence from England. On this day in History, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Although the document was not signed by all of the 13 Original Colonies until sometime in August, July 4th has been universally accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence.
As with past holidays, I am not going to torture you or me for that matter, with a regular post. I expect the next few days to be largely about summer rituals. Most of us will fill the time with vacations, picnics, family reunions, parades, trips hither and yon; to and fro, and a variety of other fun, playful, and celebratory activities.
Undoubtedly, the high cost of fuel and travel in general will cause some to cut back, and others to shift into grin and bear it mode. For some this may mean trekking to the park, or Carowinds (for Charlotteans), instead of the beach or the mountains, or some other destination requiring a long auto ride, or a flight. For others who feel they, and their long-suffering spouses, significant others, and family members have earned it, or simply are demanding it, “the trip” will be on!
However you choose to spend the next few days, use your time wisely; invest fully. Recognize that time moves apace. Before you know it, Labor Day, the end of summer, the start of fall, Columbus Day, Halloween, Election Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, the close of fall, the opening of winter, Christmas, and a whole lot of Hallmark Holidays…will have all come and gone. That’s right, it will not be that long before 183 more days will have passed, and we will be watching as the Ball drops, or rises, or whatever it does to symbolize the dawn of the New Year at Times Square these days!
That’s it; I am out of here. Enjoy your holiday weekend, and if you feel like it…holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
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