Let me begin by saying welcome to June. Otherwise known as Black Music Month and the month of celebrating Juneteenth and Summer. This morning, I caught a footage on TV about Senator Obama leaving his home church in which he was a member over 20 years. The same church in which formally, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was pastor. We all know about it. And also the church has formally welcomed Father Michael Pfleger and some of his sermons in regarding Race, and America's "mishaps" are somewhat similiar to what Rev. Wright said prior to his viewpoints. I know what he said kind of makes me cringe at times, and others the same, but that's the reality. What do I think about this subject of Barack's Departure, is nothing new but slightly, to me is good for Senator Obama and his family to focus on the presidential run.
Now the next question probably would be, what church would Obama join next? I've had church members or former church members left my home church for obvious reasons:
But getting back to Senator Obama and his departure from Trinity United Church of Christ. I mean that was his choice to leave. Flat out. We all make choices in life right? With all the hype and him running for president, yes distractions will occur in anything, but this is not a play thing, nor let's have the Pastors featured in this election. This is like serious business at hand. I have to say if I were in his position, I would probably done the exact same thing. I don't blame him at all.
Back in February, when the Primaries were going on, Michelle Obama made a statement: "For the first time in my adult life, I have been proud of my country." That was the quote she gave in Madison and for some took that almost a different turn. I've heard some say that "I've been proud of America since the first day, and I don't why it took Michelle Obama so long to accept that" in a smear type fashion. I know, media and politics. Thinking about that quote, coming from a black woman like her is almost rare to me to hear that, In my view. It is. I've even heard some black men commenting the same thing. I was reading a comment from BET's blog site that one man, who I'm assuming is Black, scripted that despite of that statement, he felt that African-Americans aren't considered or treated as "real americans". Now, let me just say, don't go overly patroitic! This is just one person's opinion. It's debateable. Calm down! Read the blog, "Obama Splits With Yet Another Clergyman " from BET.com. Has yours truly been accepted by the same statement that Michelle Obama said? Well let me say that if you go to my myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/smcclintonjr5 . And if you see on the front page on the right, you'll see your answer. I know it's one of those blogthings that are fake in all, but the message underneath says it all. Now what is a "real american"? I remember when Chris Rock had his HBO Special, "Never Scared" four years ago. And he had a comment or statements of "real americans" or Americans in general. Morely, it involved contributing anything American: He commented on three examples that Veterans are an example. By the way, mad respect to all the Veterans. No matter which branch in the Armed Forces. I can't say nothing about them. I have Veterans in my family and church. He also commented that those who came from other countries are another example in that category. Also he described on the sacrifices for the immigrants that endured. The third comment he said "Everybody else, you're just lucky" as in reference who are just born here, and haven't contributed anything that is somewhat "American". Go get Chris Rock's HBO Special, Never Scared on DVD or do a search on Youtube. I would show it here, but the clips do have explicit language. As hilarious as it sounds or appears to be, he does hit home with the issues like this.
This also reminds me of Christians. I'm one yes. The United Methodist Church is part of that umbrella. I was told as a teen years ago that wearing a cross around your neck doesn't mean you're a Christian. Much as wearing a lapel pin on your jacket doesn't signifiy your American side of patriotism. What does it mean really? In my opinion, I may be wrong, it does come from inside. As in, "Inside You". And I would also say family values. My family can take attest to this. You can prove your Christianity by acting upon "the acceptance" that is instilled in you. Same as true patriotism. Just act on it instead of saying it to get other's attention. To quote one wrestler, Scott Hall (we knew him as Razor Ramon) "Don't sing it. Bring it!" or The Rock would say "JUST BRING IT!"
Finally getting back to acceptance in regarding the "real americans" thought. I think it would take time just to accept it. Despite of the bitterness, this is not a fly by night, overtime work thing here. Now if it took Michelle Obama time (and I mean "TIME") just to accept the notion of being proud of America, in her adult life, it could work for others if they choose to follow it. Just like if someone accepts Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior after years of doing work in and out of the church. Or coming off the streets after doing drugs, alcohol or other sorts of crime. It takes time folks. Seriously. No need to push envelopes! Maybe some might say if America does admit the "mishaps", there might be full acceptance also. I was watching a footage/news briefing from 1997 about President Clinton offering his apology to three members of the Tuskgee Airmen, who were at the time were given a false experiment in cure of syphills. The reason why it was false because the Airmen didn't know they were examined that way. Keep in mind that it took up to 65 years just to admit two things: an apology and accepting wrong doing. Read the article "Tuskegee Experiment and Apology" from the Online NewsHour website.
Yes, this is my take. Right or wrong. Just my thought.
Jan 10, 2008
Also featured on MyFoxMilwaukee.com
Alright, since just about everyone is almost intrigued with the Presidential Primaries thus far, I have to admit one thing about Barack Obama as a contender for the presidential seat. No doubt he has a speaking tenacity that would move people to take action, but the question is, is there a rhyme behind the reason for it? Let me clarify. Last year, I was watching Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO in which Professor Cornel West and Rapper Mos Def were on the show. Bill asked the question about the black vote being split between Hillary and Barack. Professor West, by the way he's a college professor at Princeton University, commented this on show last year. If you haven't seen any of Bill Maher's shows on HBO, I tell you, it would make you think! And by the way, the show returns on January 11th and the rating is TVMA if you must know.
Here is a "snippet" I picked up from the show about Professor West's view of Sen. Obama from the show's transcript:
WEST: No, let me put it this way: it is true – it is true, especially after 9/11, the nation has the blues, and there’s no doubt that the nation with the blues can learn something from the blues people.
WEST: Now, Barack Obama has a deep solidarity with blues people who look at America from the underside. And he has a decency, he has a brilliance. The question will be, will he have enough courage and boldness. I support my brother, but I’m hoping that he continues to be bold and courageous because he can, in fact, come not to the salvation – no individual can save a nation; if a nation is sleepwalking and doesn’t wake up, then it will never be safe. [applause] [cheers]
But an individual can be a catalyst, can be a cause to wake them up. And that’s what Barack Obama wants to do. He wants to redeem the soul of the nation.
Keep in mind that this was last year, and after listening to Senator Obama this year with the Iowa Caucus bid, I can probably say that I'm listening carefully to the words, but I'm also reading between the lines, or analyzing. Yes, remember what I said last year about Eugene Kane when I commented about what is he really saying in his editorials.
Okay, back to Obama. From my standpoint, I will have to agree with Professor West about the decency and brillance portions of what I think would enlighten the voters. Including, I think, "the Black Vote". That's right I said it! Yes, I know about him not having the experience like Hilliary Clinton. And the New Hampshire "lost" was out of nowhere like a blast. If you kept score before, the last time New Hampshire had luck for Clinton, was 1992. That's Bill Clinton. He was down in the first state and came back in NH within second with Paul Tsonges. That was dubbing him as "The Comeback Kid". I think history almost repeated itself with HIlliary even more. On the real, I respect Hilliary Clinton. Only because of the 8 years when Bill Clinton was in White House doing his thing, in a good way! And to add, the race between her and Obama in the Democrats would eventually heat up. Just like the Monday Night Wars between the WWE and WCW.
Now the question is, can Barack Obama rebound and collectively keep the ship going for the next couple of weeks, or maybe a couple of months? I'll put it like this: If Senator Obama plays his cards right, I repeat, "his cards" , he would be infact a top shoe in for the President's chair, or the White House if you will. Partially, he would have to continue to get support in a positive way wiithout the ramificaitons of comments that a "African American male can't be president". Or this by stating that he's "not black enough." Now in responses to that, give the man a chance. I was listening to Arthur Jones on 1290 the other day, that he summarized the responses like that, drags down the conscience of the can do spirit of "you can be anything if you put your mind to it".
So therefore, the talking will stop soon. There are 10 months to go to Election Day, a couple of months in between there are 48 states to go, and Wisconsin, we know is smack dab in the earlier parts after Super Tuedsay. Maybe a huge stake, I don't know. Despite of what happens between now, February 19th, and then, it's just like the NFL playoffs: anything can happen. Win or go home. Who knows, maybe Sen. Barack Obama can bring it more and make history.
November 5th, 2008
I can't even express the thoughts of what I'm about to write here. Then again, I might have some thoughts of feeling of ecstatic in a good way. I titled this as "My Special Take" in which I believe is my special Election Day 2008 blog. At 10:00pm, I was watching MSNBC, (on Satellite) and I was focusing on the words that Keith Obermann was commenting about the soon to be win for the now President Elect-Barack Obama. Get used to saying that: "President-Elect Barack Obama". Like it or not. When the score of votes of 207-136 were flashed on the screen, the states of California, Oregon Washington, and Hawaii turned blue, and when that happened: "GAME OVER!" Those two words were my reaction to the Obama victory, and out of reach for Sen. John McCain. I mean, I've heard from others older than me, like my late grandparents, great-grandparents, older family members, church members, and immediate family members, hearing and speaking that this day, those of my color (as on paper) would never get to see someone like Barack, a presidency. Well folks, let me be the first to say that has to be buried. Put that negative thought, and the "Bradley Effect" into a mahogany prison and seal it. I think this goes to show that this victory, I can't say for the next election, but this election was something to prove. Of course, America can elect someone of a minority to lead the country, as someone would say on the outside. But the question is how despite of the differences? By the way: A mahongany prison is a casket. Just to clarify. Now what about Sen. McCain? Let me be the first to tell you all that I think Sen. McCain as a human being, has nothing to be ashamed of. I'll be the first to admit that he's given Obama a challenge among the obstacles. Not because he served this country, but as of staying in the game as long as he can during the debates. For Gov. Sarah Palin, whom I think came out of the blue, no pun intendent, also gave Obama/Biden a challenge. I can somewhat say this that she might be a formadable candidate to contend with, despite of her previous issues. And I say this out of respect.
Also, some or most of you are going to ask yourselves. And I know this:
All of those questions I think would require some thinking, note taking, thought, prayer, brainstorming, and overall I think: judgment. Those are the things I think, would get the new President-Elect going. So you can say about much about Barack Obama. I don't care. I mean, we all have our own opinions and mindsets, and that's cool. But I can say this: Like him or not, you have got to give it to him. Give him his props, or as I Iike to call it: "Mad Respect." I think it's going to take time to get used to this. And I can add that this country is still the land of opportunity. And I think Barack's opportunity, starts now. I tip my hat to him, although I did put my money on him. But now, we'll see how this 44th President really comes out. Time will tell.
Why this post on a faith blog? Well, it's about one word: Joy. Partially, Ecstatic in dictionary terms does mean joy. Already, Barack lost his grandmother, but gained a presidency. Some of us knows what to have that dark/light scenarios. But I can fairly say, that now since he's got this, he's got really work it out. I can somewhat compare this victory to some sport and political historical moments like:
I could go on and on. Why I'm putting this on here? It goes to show you that despite of those examples, faith played a role in those scenarios! Imagine the church sermons on Sunday. I can hear them talking about this. Believe me! Also, no doubt that this historic win will be talked about for years to come. And I know families, especially black families, will be telling their children that you too can be anything you want as long as you put your mind to it. We need to tell our children that. I don't have any kids, but I tell them, whether they know me or not. One of my living uncles once told me at age 18, that don't let nothing stand in your way. I'm not going to let anything get in my path! Former President, Ronald Reagan used the term "It's Morning Again in America." Well for most of us, it is morning and I think, were all awake.
Now it's time to really work together. Get the country back in order and mostly get ourselves back in order. That's right. If you want to be strong on the east coast, or the dirty south, you better be strong of where you are in your life. And show the rest of the world that America could carry this out. I may not like some bloggers outbursts of disappointment, but I can say I respect them as human beings. Were all human. We probably don't know the full extent of what the future holds. But we have to work at it. Just like looking for a job in a brutal economy. I'm out everyday looking for work not only because of my Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Management, but to better myself. That is an objective in the works. So, it's time to work it out and get moving.
This is my "special take". Right or Wrong. Just my thought.
