Your People–The Dead Give-Away

Behind this story — https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/09/12/freedom-georgia-initiative-wilkinson-county-blackwell-pkg-wknd-vpx.cnn a comment was made on Facebook that was a blatant put down of these families seeking to do something they thought was important to them.

So a bunch of black people bought some land to build a place for only black people???

Sounds like they want segregation back. Why did Civil Rights become such a big thing to end segregation just to have it brought back? I’m pretty sure all those people that fought for civil rights are rolling in their graves.

And if white people did this, we would be called racist and we would not be allowed to do that. Why the double standard???

And yes, I know that white people who are pro-African can live there. . .

My Response: Why does this upset you?

Her Response: Because your people fought for desegregation years ago just to have it thrown back into their face. And if white people did this we would be called racists. Don’t think I can say it any simpler than that. Those people want to keep the racism going.

And I don’t have to explain to anyone why I feel the way I do!!

She’s right of course, she doesn’t have to explain herself to anyone. Her response did all the explaining anyone needed to have.

Now, I have to admit, some other things this person has said in the past let me know that she was one of those people who simply tolerates black people, not really accepting them. I make the distinction between a person being tolerant, accepting, or racist based upon their conversations about black people. She is tolerant, but her public views, when guarded attempt to make her appear to be accepting.

Now, here’s the rub for me. She and some of her “friends” apparently begrudge this group of people having the ability to buy land to develop for a safe haven for black families and the group that bought the land has made it clear, they will welcome others whether black or not. My thoughts are: Has she not heard of the impact of slavery and the fact that black folks didn’t have access to property or land. Has she not heard of the Jim Crow laws in the south that cheated black people out of land? Has she not heard of the difficulty black folks had in renting in certain communities and they certainly had a hard time buying property in some of those same communities. So to blatantly begrudge (actually get angry about) a group of black families buying land is really puzzling to me. Perhaps, I didn’t put her in the right category — maybe she is a covert racist and doesn’t want to claim it. There are many people out there who truly are racist — covertly — the undercover, sneaky kind. The ones who’ll smile in your face and stab in the back the minute they get the chance. We’ll see.

But let’s get back to the families buying property to start up a town. That has happened once or twice before — in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Rosewood, Florida. The black families that once lived in these cities were massacred by angry white people, not black people. What were they angry about? I can imagine, the same thing — begrudging a group of people having the ability to start a town. My biggest concern for this family/friends group is that they aren’t overcome with hatred by white people and end up massacred, like those who came before them.

One would think, in 2020, almost a century later — that people would be able to get along and not begrudge another group anything they could accomplish. But here’s what I’ve discovered — there are some white people — not all — who resent a black person having a degree, having a profession, driving a decent car and living amongst them. That is the sad reality of the situation. Like I said, it’s not all, but we can see from the news — every medium — that the posturing exists across the nation. “We’ll put up with you, but we don’t like it,” comes across very clearly.

Well, you know, like the lady on Facebook who didn’t feel she needed to explain herself to anyone, I feel the same way. I don’t have to explain why I feel the comment was a tad racist, because it is. Whenever someone begins a statement with “your people” I’m inclined to ask, “what people would that be?” I don’t own any people so none of them can be mine (taking a literal view of the situation). My ethic make-up encompasses more than being black and I have the DNA tests to prove it, but then — I don’t have to prove a damn thing to anyone. So exactly, “who are my people?”

Another common complaint (the same lady has) is the attention the Black Lives Matter gets. She hates the attention because she really doesn’t understand and her common, default narrative is — what about the Native Americans? Why doesn’t anyone care about them? I’m guessing she really doesn’t know history or she’d know — it has been the white people in this country who have — massacred, disparaged, humiliated, belittled and enslaved other groups of people. We see that with “the border” and the ban on immigrants — God forbid more people of color came into this land. The Native Inhabitants of this land have been treated monstrously — had the land stolen from them and then those who survived the inhuman treatment at the hands of white men, were forced to live in restricted areas in which it was apparently thought they would not survive, in dry, desert-like environments. They did and many tribes are being compensated for the treatment they received at the hands of white men — history tells it better than I can or would even try. I have always had compassion for the Native Inhabitants because everything they had — the land, their language, their religion, and their right to educate their children was restricted by greedy, hateful white people. I do not refer to them as Native Americans because they were in this land before any of the Europeans ever got here and decided to call this land, America.

Another narrative that is a false one is that black people are lazy and don’t care about anything. This one person claims (sounds like repeat racist rhetoric by trump) that all the black people is make property value go down. From what I’ve been told in the city where I live, black people aren’t the ones not taking care of property, but realistically, it’s the white corporations who buy up the property to rent to black people seeking a better life who won’t take care of the infrastructure of the houses they rent, but they want their rent on time.

I really wish people would do some serious research (other than in a Confederate Bible) to understand the inequities forced upon people — especially those who are not white.

I’ve been working my butt off — trying to steer off racial unrest and ease the racial tensions, but I’ve come to realize, unless people are willing to see themselves and who they really are, nothing I do will matter. So, rather than spend time trying to convince the “toleraters” of anything, I’ll be seeking opportunities to work with those who are accepting of us to see what we can do make living in our community a better place for all.

So, the next time, someone uses the phrase with me, “your people,” I’m going to peel back my nice self and let loose on them, guaranteeing they’ll never want to speak to me again.

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“Access Denied”

I’m not sure how many black Americans feel about all the uproar from those who don’t fully understand, why Black Lives Matter, or what it means to have been denied access to so much in this country that has made the, “wealth gap” between black Americans and white Americans so great. Simply put, from the time African slaves were brought to this country, we have been “denied access” to the basics that promote prosperity for the general populace.

For those who do not claim to be racist, I would like for you to take a walk-through history–via an actual book or Internet research to understand how the denial of access has kept people behind. For those who know and understand–I hope you’ll speak up to confirm what I say and I’m going to use the plural pronoun, “we” because my ancestors were part of the journey and the multitudes who were denied access.

• We were denied access to the native language of the many tribes brought to this country. Fear of what was being said, and not understood by white slave owners, forced African tribesmen to forego their native language to learn a new one–in captivity.
• We were denied access to learning to read or write the new forced language because the white slave owners knew, that once we learned how to read and understand the environment and how it purposefully kept people under control, we would rebel and fight for the freedoms we rightfully deserved as human beings.
• We were denied access to protecting women and children from being molested and raped by white slave owners who “raped the women” to expand their wealth of slaves without paying for more. Many of those women were raped in front of the men they had been given to for “procreating more slaves” and the men were prohibited from doing anything to protect their women.
• We were denied access to having our inventions patented because we were not considered “full human beings.”
• We were denied access to raising our own children when the “master” thought it was more beneficial to separate black children from their mothers so they could benefit economically.
• We were denied access to joining the military to fight in early wars and had to join all black regiments (check the history for yourself), there was more to the black regiments than the Tuskegee Airmen than many have no knowledge about.
• We were denied access to buy land or houses in specific areas and had to use white allies to purchase for us and then were denied access to equality of living in peace and freedom because white neighbors didn’t want us around them.
• We were denied access for the opportunity to go to school with white children (segregation).
• We were denied access to use public transportation in the same way as our white counterparts.
• We were denied access to college education and therefore established our own after a number of black people, sat in hallways, on the floor, grappling to understand what was said by white professors so they could also get a higher education.
• We were denied access to hotels, bathrooms, theaters, and restaurants and when were given access–we were seated in out of the way places so as not to upset or offend the white clientele.
• We were denied access to be accurately portrayed in the movies, and in television shows as a people with their own rich culture.
• We were denied access to economic growth–bank loans, mortgages, and other businesses. When some dared to defy the status quo and established their own access to economic wealth (Black Wall Street), angry, bigoted white people burned down the town and killed many of the residents.
• We were denied access to equal justice in all areas of our “so-called justice system. We were never given opportunity to prove innocence because were always judged guilty simply because of our skin tones.
• We were denied access to the same amenities of our white counterparts on trains, in bus depots and on buses.
• We were denied access to community amenities–the swimming pools, the tennis courts.
• We were denied access to healthcare and dental care and funeral homes–we had to establish our own which were not equal to the access others had.
• We were denied access to cemeteries–I guess dead black folks were a big threat.

So, I get why some people are up in arms with the current environment and awakening of reality–black people have a right to be angry and to protest the injustices suffered by our ancestors and what many are enduring right now–access denied–to being treated like a human being, American citizens, with justice for all.

The following is taken from a post on Facebook in response to someone bemoaning the fact that Black people wanted their own television station and colleges and universities–they did not understand why, so I responded. There was so much more, but at the time I read their post, only two things struck me to remember.

For Blinded Eyes–Historically

This morning, I woke up at 3:00 am and could not sleep, so I started scrolling through Facebook posts and ran across a post that got my attention. I cannot remember who wrote it, but perhaps, if they read through this one, they will know who are.

 

I do not remember all of it, but there are two things which struck me the most. You see, the post was bemoaning the fact that the author did not see the need for: BET (versus WET) or Black colleges versus white colleges. I wish I could remember more, but at 3:00 am, I guess I am doing good to remember this.

 

BET–the Black Entertainment Television–why? Because for years, there did not appear to be any room for black entertainers on most television networks. Most of the network productions portrayed black people as clownish or stupid, illiterate, and poor, with a few exceptions. The reason BET needed to be–because the WET (White Entertainment Television) (the author’s words, not mine) was all there was–and still does not adequately portray who black people are. But I want the author to remember think about this–exactly how long has the television industry been around and exactly how many shows accurately portrayed the black community? How long did it take for black entertainers to be taken seriously and given serious roles in the entertainment industry?

 

HBCU–Historical Black Colleges and Universities exist because for generations–white colleges would not allow black people entrance. The few black people who got into the hallways were left there–outside the classrooms, straining to hear what was said so they could keep up with the workload, but never accepted as part of the class. Historically, and apparently now, that attitude still exists today in some people who think black people are not good enough to get where they are.

 

I would ask the author and any who agreed with them to do some research and remember that the slaves were not allowed to learn to read, then they weren’t allowed into white schools, colleges, hotels, and when they were allowed into restaurants, they were seated “out of the way” of the white clientele.

 

If anyone is still reading this–that is a miracle, but I want to say this much. Instead of bemoaning or complaining about black people wanting equality and justice, remember what was done to us–and all the “access denied” that we endured, and yet, many of us have managed to do so much more than some white people who always had access to whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted it–and we did not. My response is not meant to stir up more racial hostility, but to hopefully cause some to wake up–and understand, we are just trying to obtain what you’ve always had–“access to doing better.” Whenever I see a lack of understanding about the history of black folks in America, I will address it and I would hope that–it would open the door to conversations that matter and will make a difference to all.

I do not have a problem addressing issues when I see them, but I will take the time to respond in a coherent manner, that does not promote any further racial tension. What I will not do, is to ignore the obvious ignorance that some have displayed simply because they want to deny history, or never understood it.

 

 

 

Election 2019

Once upon a time, I thought I wanted to run for president and when I found out how much that would cost, I decided to run for an open seat on our city council. Now, I’ve never been overly fond of politics or politicians, but I thought I’d give it try any way. What I learned is–I was right to distrust the political machinery, even in a local election. Corruption has a stench that reaches into the hearts of small towns as well as big cities.

I followed the procedures I was given to get on the ballot–getting the required number of signatures, filing all the paperwork and having it done before deadline. On Memorial Day–2019,  I was told I had a target on my back. I heard what was said, but really didn’t give it much thought. “What can they do to me?” I thought. I knew there was nothing negative anyone would be able to find on me and if anything were publicized, it would have to be because someone made it up. Well, they did, but that didn’t stop me.

So, about a month or two before the election on November 5, 2019, I found out the plot–an 83 year-old white man who had been the former mayor and councilmember was running for the council seat because he didn’t want another African American on the council (we had one who got there by manipulation). Then things got really juicy. I was provided the man’s historical stance in trying to keep Black people out of the city–from blocking the sale of a building to a Black Church, to manipulating the Council into buying the building–only to discover once the city couldn’t afford the upkeep and had to close the building, the building ended up in the hands of a Black Church, anyway.

The name of the city was changed because it included the word, “Detroit” because some people didn’t want the association with the bigger city. About 20 years ago, the Black population was insignificant to most, but since then (around 2008), the numbers have been growing and now, it is believed that 40% of population is Black.

In 2017, the city was sued by the Department of Justice for allegedly violating civil rights voting laws. In November of 2017, a Black person was elected (primarily because of split votes between five Black candidates). In June of 2019, the city and DOJ reached a settlement–the city would use Ranked Choice Voting to establish a pathway for minority candidates to be elected. I ran, but was not successful in my bid for the seat because (viola) the plot to keep me off the council worked (name recognition).

How did it work? The “former mayor” of over 20 years ago, put out campaign signs for himself, another council candidate and a mayoral candidate. Whether others were involved remains to be discovered, but I’m guessing, someone will talk and someone else will hear about it. With the three signs put together in various locations, it gave the impression the three candidates were running as a team or slate (and since the three candidates were white, it made the DOJ lawsuit very relevant). And apparently, that’s how a number of people saw it–manipulation at work.

On election day, November 5, 2019, before the polls closed, the spouse of one of the candidates for council (the incumbent) happened to hold a conversation with a poll worker that he didn’t know, was there for me (correction–he did know). He laid out the entire plan (that was misunderstood by source). “My wife and Henry (pseudonym)  will win, and Mary will get a 1000 votes, then we’ll offer her an opportunity to apply for an appointment” (contextually, this was not reported with full knowledge and understanding of what was being said. The 1000 vote reference was about past experiences for candidates to win).

I got 1061 votes and the next day when we were given the results of the election, I was asked to consider applying for the appointment of a vacated seat. (This blog post ignited conversations–perhaps needed conversations in order to clear the air of any all misunderstandings. However, looking at the “entire” situation, without parsing–the optics were not good and possibly led to the misunderstandings, but I am yet analyzing to understand the motivation that prompted this entire discussion).

While I was considering applying, I got the word not to take it because it had been pre-planned and was possibly in violation of the Open Meetings Act. The way it was explained to me, by someone who had first-hand knowledge of the manipulative way the council worked. Some time ago, a seat was vacated and a number of people applied for the appointment. After the interviews, some were told they were sure to get it, but they didn’t. One of the interviewees found out later that a member of the council was friends with the wife of one of the interviewees and had been promised the positioned. The other person felt this was a waste of his time and since that “policy” was apparently the status quo, he didn’t want me involved with shenanigans. I’m grateful for the info.

Here’s what was offered: I would get the vote for the appointment as long as another person didn’t apply for it. I have documentation of what was said, just in case one or more of parties involved happens to read this. I love paper trails. And for those reading, before jumping to conclusions, try to understand how I perceived what I did. Being a minority, brings a certain mistrust to a number of situations and when a person “watches” what happens (not just hears), I tend to look a little closer look at everything, not just one thing. I’ve been told before that perhaps, I’m too analytical and that may be true, but being analytical means I examine all sides of an issue before drawing definitive conclusions. Note: DOJ has since responded to an inquiry by me and confirmed what I already knew–name recognition used as a means to choose candidates–will not change using Ranked Choice Voting. Basically, nothing much will ever change unless a person changes their name and that still may not work.

So, my proposal to fill the vacant seat is to appoint the person who was already voted for by the residents, rather than have 4-member council (likely divided) to try to make the decision. Based upon the “vacancy” section in the city charter, the council appoints the person to fill the vacancy–“before the DOJ settlement decree” and since the rules for voting changed, there should also be a change  in filling a vacancy since the Election Results record shows, how the next person ranked on the ballots with the residents’ input. The one thing the “plotters” overlooked is who would win the mayor’s seat, but that’s for another article. In that article, I’ll explain how “manipulation” won the day over egos. After all, the same manipulation that worked the first time around–when five Black candidates were in the race, won again–vote splitting–a winning strategy.

Too bad manipulation won’t hold seat. Tick-tock–the 6 month clock is running! Being escorted out a bar for being drunk (and I can imagine disorderly) right before an election–is not a good look and certainly not a “good representation” of self or city.

More next time! Keep watching as the “world turns and manipulation rules” in Eastpointe, MI! At the behest of the residents, I’m going to apply for the appointment and we’ll see how that works, in 2019. If it wasn’t for the residents, I’d call it a day and move on with my life–still helping where I can–but without the weight of corrupt politicism as a burden.

Author’s note: While some folks were trying to block me from winning an election out of pure racial bias, they forgot to keep watch of the mayoral candidate–who just happened to be Black–and won. Talk about Irony!

 

 

What A Mess!

Lies, government shutdowns, lies, indictments, lies, fake news (WHlies), tax cut scam exposed, lies, border crisis that doesn’t exist, national emergency lie, obese–medical liars, tantrum-throwing toddlers, lies, and still Republicans won’t do their Constitutional duty. Why? They’re bought and paid for with Russian rubles.

As big a mess as this is–the biggest mess that will need to be cleaned up, hasn’t been exposed yet–but it’s coming. We’re getting closer and closer to having the truth exposed about the trump crime family and that could be one of the reasons why trump sounds even more incoherent than he normally does.

I could reiterate all the dumb, anti-American crap he’s pulled, but that would be a waste of time to write and yours to read it. So, I’ll just stick to a few points that warrant attention.

• Stacking the judicial benches is going to prove a problem for America’s democracy being sustained since trumplican appointees are more interested in appeasing him than in adjudicating the rule of law. We see it on a daily basis with decisions by district court judges, federal court judges and with Supreme Court justices who are not on the list of institutions that no longer have integrity and certainly warrant no respect–from the rest of us. We have sexual predators on the bench, drunkards, liars, and those who think their religious beliefs outrank the Constitution. And we know they are serving at trump’s behest because he’s even trying to convince some to “retire” so he can appoint news who do his bidding. Without a fair, unbiased, rule of law judicial bench in the Supreme Court, we move from a democracy to a dictatorship with the ease of the rigged election that installed trump in the White House.
• The idiot in the WH disrupted stability and security for over 800K government workers for a wall that’s not needed. Totally anti-American act in an attempt to get his way with no regard to those affected and he has no remorse. In fact, while the government was shut down, he spent $50K on a simulated golf program installed in the White House. And now–the claim there is a “national emergency” is as big a lie as he is a president. There is no national emergency and he has admitted. He said, “I didn’t need to do this,” right after he declared the emergency–an attempt to circumvent Congress to build a wall, not needed or wanted by many of those who live in the border states. But then again, he pays more attention to Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and the idiot panel on Fox News than those advisors who are supposed to be experts.
• The only person thrilled by all the chaos in America right now is Vladimir Putin. He’s preparing to attack and knows with all the chaos, America won’t be in position to respond, effectively. Our allies can’t trust us because of the menace in the White House, but our adversaries are tickled pink that he is so easily manipulated. And the idiot actually thinks other world dictators respect him because he refuses to see the truth–they know he’s an incompetent fool and they’re going to take advantage of him, but that leaves America at risk–to the shenanigans of Kim Jong Un and Putin and others.

The most disconcerting thing about this “mess” is the fact that some people who claim to be Republicans still don’t see what’s happening in front of them. Yeah, they’re not happy with their tax returns, they no longer have adequate healthcare and many are dying, and they’re not happy with the wall or how tax dollars are spent, but they’re still supporting the idiot. Go figure!

I don’t have any answers for the questions that I’m sure are raised in the minds of people who actually think. I do know this to be true–elections have consequences–and one of the worst consequences for America could very well be–the loss of democracy in this country. The dismantling began with the rigged 2016 election and continues and will throughout the 2020 election–unless voters shake off the orange stupid-dust, and wake up and vote for the country, not their party.

There’s a slew of candidates preparing a presidential run for 2020 and no matter who the Democratic nominee–that’s who I’m voting for to save America from the treasonous traitor in the WH. I hope everyone reading this, will do their own research to determine what’s fact from fiction and will vote for all the Democrats on a ballot in every state. Now, is not the time for tribalism with a whim to destroy (trumplican party). Americans–True Patriots of the country–It is time to rise up and defend our democracy!

Vote Blue No Matter Who!

My Review of 2018

This entire year has been memorable for a number of reasons as indicated in the bulleted list.

• Contacted Gretchen Whitmer to volunteer for her campaign
• Collected signatures on petitions for her campaign
• Attended Petition Submission
• Attended events for her campaign across the State
• Canvassed for the Democrats throughout my community
• Joined the local Dem club
• Attended first Democrat Conventions
• Worked the polls during primary and general election
• Joined the Black Caucus Dem Club
• Attended County Democrats Convention
• Elected to Executive Board of County Democrats
• Attended many meet and greets for candidates
• Promoted a boatload of Democrat candidates on social media
• Created live videos promoting the importance of voting, immigration, etc.
• Created videos to just to vent against the idiot-in-chief
• Created videos to promote my potential candidacy for president in 2020
• Watched the biggest sham of a presidency reveal more stupid and treasonous activities on a daily basis.
• Participated in several Marches in the cold, in the rain, in the heat: March For Our Lives, Families Belong Together, Cinco De Mayo Parade, Labor Day Parade,
• Lost 16 pounds knocking on doors
• Saw Bill Cosby go to jail for sexual assaults
• Saw many celebrities accused of sexual misconduct
• Saw the stain of corruption spread to the Supreme Court with the Kavanaugh confirmation
• Determined Russia has infiltrated American democracy with the intent to demolish it with the help of Koch Brothers, the Mercers, the Adelsons, the Murdochs and corrupt, treasonous Republicans (most now trumplicans)
• Vowed to fight against tyranny and a “life-time president”
• Learned the journey to the White House–is costly–emotionally, physically, as well as financially
• Trained to become more politically active in all elections

It has been a very busy year, one that has opened my eyes and hopefully the eyes of others in understanding we cannot be apathetic bystanders, we must get involved at every stage of local government to ensure our democracy is sustained and all participate in the process.

I won’t bore people with redundancies, since I’ve actually written about much of what has occurred this year, but I wanted to put in one place, a summary of my political involvement on my journey to the White House. A look back at what we’ve done is a good place to start planning where we go next and how best to make it work for all involved.

Hope you’ve all had a merry Christmas and look forward to a happy New Year (without the anger or lies of you-know-who).

 

Black Voters Beware!

Though reports are just being revealed about the nature of Russian disinformation and misinformation, it is astounding to see how much they understood how easily manipulated Black voters would be. Most of the misinformation under the guise of accounts supposedly belonging to Black Lives Matter or other such accounts, they were able to feed Black voters information that intentionally targeted them to either vote for Republicans or not to vote at all.

The report reveals that the Russian trolls were able to convince Black folks to attend rallies that became chaotic and unruly resulting in arrests, create such animosity against Black politicians and the Democratic party that many chose to stay at home and not vote or to vote and write in ridiculous names for the presidential candidate, and then to me, the most appalling event was in having Black folks malign and disparage other Black folks if they dared to discuss being a Democrat.  When so-called professionals, deliberately attempt to undermine the democratic process by promoting misinformation, we have a problem. The only people who can alleviate the problem is the Black Voter by educating themselves to the facts.

I’ve written about this before in my blogs, but it warrants repeating to some degree.

• “The Inconvenient Truth About the Democrat Party” as told by Carol Swain, Ph.D. at PragerU is partial truth and to me a whole lie. This is a conservative production, deliberately attempting to conflate truth with their own narrative.
• Fox Entertainment Network is not a news show and none of the Black hosts or pundits will ever represent the Black Community. They are shills (especially Candace Owens) who are paid to get Black Americans to rethink their values and hopefully persuade them to vote for Republicans.
• The Republican party of the 21st Century is not the same party of the 19th or 20th Century. Common sense–if all are paying attention to what’s going on in politics–should rule. Republicans are responsible for voter suppression (shutting down early voting, closing voting locations, not counting all absentee ballots, criminally collecting ballots to either change them or to make sure they are never returned, to intimidation–having racist monitors at polling places). Just recently, we have seen election fraud in North Carolina by the Republican candidate–Mike Harris, and Republican legislators trying to subvert the will of the voters in Michigan (Rick Snyder) and Wisconsin (Scott Walker)–simply because they lost leadership positions to Democrats and yet they think they have the right to legislate incoming Democrat authority.
• Republicans are still trying to keep Americans from being healthy and this particularly true for Black Americans who may be stripped of healthcare coverage because of their mandates, designed to strip people of dignity and access to adequate healthcare, especially for those with preexisting conditions.
• Republicans are slashing educational budgets in Washington to make sure that Black communities don’t have the resources needed for a quality education from K-12 and beyond.
• Republicans are reversing consumer protections that allow us breathe cleaner air, drink uncontaminated water and eat food not poisoned by chemicals in the soil.
• Republicans are creating a mockery of economic wealth enjoyed only by the rich since most of us end up paying the costs for unwarranted tariffs on goods we all all use. Ask the farmers how this has worked out for them and then while you’re shopping, understand why a head of iceberg lettuce will cost $2 or more in the grocery store. Don’t get upset with companies falling by the wayside and closing shop, get upset with the idiot in the WH who thinks “trade wars are fun.”
• Republicans are also reconstructing what anti-discrimination laws look like and that directly affects what access most of us will have to educational systems and jobs.

The point of all this is to make the Black Community aware of what has been done to discourage our votes for those (Democrats) who actually attempt to make laws that benefit us. The more we know–especially those of us who have lived through the 50s and 60s–the more wisdom we have to pass along to the younger generations. We must provide them with all the tools they’ll need to be successful and to survive the onslaught of racism and bigotry that will exist for generations to come. We must educate ourselves to the truth, living in the present moment–taking what we learn from the past regarding political parties and using it to build a solid foundation for our future–as forward thinking Democrats.

BLACK VOTERS–LISTEN AND HEAR ME WELL–We are an important factor in every election–local, state and national and it’s time we started acting like we are part of the solution and not part of the problem. How do we manage that? We get involved–totally engaged in the political process making sure our concerns are heard and addressed and and making sure we’re willing to “work” to make it happen. Talk is cheap and the only prayers answered are those that are followed up with action. Heard the saying, “Action speaks louder than words?” It’s true, we more involved we are as a community of Americans of Color, the less likely we’ll be ignored and the greater the likelihood we’ll see legislative policies enacted that benefit us, and not treat us like we are “less than” anyone else.

Is this clear enough for you? If not, please don’t hesitate to do the research for yourself or contact other Black leaders in the Democratic party for resources or to contact me via the email listed on my campaign page: facebook.com/YesIAm2020. This is not an attempt to solicit your vote, but the email address on this page is public knowledge and has a phone number you may call and leave a message. I care enough about the Black Community and what we can accomplish through the political machinery to risk having idiots contact me, however–my political platform is to represent all Everyday Americans and if elected President of the United States, that’s exactly what I’ll do–sign bills and lobby for those which benefit all the people, not just some of them. We can do this–unified–when we understand who we are and how the forces outside of us attempt to keep us marginalized, disenfranchised,  and underrepresented in all arenas.

Find a local Dem club and get involved and then run for office–on the local, state or national level. Don’t just sit twiddling your thumbs and complaining–jump in where you fit in and work it to your advantage–to benefit the entire community. Our Vote Is Our Voice In Our Democracy!

Letter To American Congress

Dear lawmakers:

As a citizen in this already great country, I find it incumbent upon me to remind you of your obligations and responsibilities for all Americans since you chose to run for the office you currently have.

Most people think politics is a dirty business and want no part of it. I’m sure in the beginning of your political career you probably thought the same thing, but you were determined to make a real difference in what happens in this country and to make lives better for all. Unfortunately, you like so many others before you, have forgotten about the importance of people and have instead become inured to the plight of the poor and working class in order to keep your position by caving to those with money. “The lust of money (will do anything to get it) is the root of all evil.” And it appears that particular passage of scripture (from most bibles) is true. Greed and the need to satiate a desire for power has been a disruptive factor for many in Congress. I hope this does not describe you, but if it does, it’s time to make a change.

Most Americans realize by now that had it not been for the interference by Russia in 2016 election that many of those in Congress and certainly the person in the White House would not be there. We know you knew about the cheating and it’s time you’re held accountable. Since truth and integrity were not part of the plan to get what you wanted from the beginning, we don’t really expect truth and integrity to find its way back into your lives, but we can hope. While we’re waiting, we’re demanding that you exercise the Constitutional right of oversight of the White House before there won’t be any of us left.

Unless you are totally blind and deaf and ignorant, lacking the mental capacity to see that greed and corruption are what brought us to this place, you know it’s time to remove Donald J. Trump from the Oval Office and Mike Pence who is complicit in the knowledge that greed was the motivator and criminality the end results. We do not need criminals or those who are criminal-minded to be in positions of authority in America. And we certainly don’t need a dictator-wanna-be demanding loyalty from others, seeking praise and attention to appease his insecurities.

The continued existence of our democracy is up to you. Everything that happens–all the bloodshed and deaths–are on your hands. You are responsible. If you no longer have a conscience, you will still stand before God and be judged for all you’ve done–good and bad. If you plan to hear, “well done,” I suggest you do well and govern for the sake of all the people and not just for the Koch Brothers, the Mercers and Murdochs of this world and certainly not for the Russians or the money they give to keep their plan going–to destroy democracy. If you have family, you should care about how the history books will note this passage of your life.

Thank you for being a true, patriotic American in responding the needs of the people and just remember, compromise is not a bad word and neither is bipartisanship if we want to keep America moving forward and not sliding backwards.

Sincerely,

Everyday Americans

Democracy Undermined By GOP!

It’s bad enough to know that Republicans can only win an election when they cheat–by various means–gerrymandering, voter suppression and now–inhibiting the ability of incoming, newly elected Democrats–subverting the will of the people.

First, it was North Carolina–when remaining GOP legislators–deliberately and with malicious intent, passed legislation to keep the new Governor from having full authority of the office of his job. Jealousy and hatred ruled and apparently, set the stage for other states to follow their odious example.

Now, after the 2018 Mid Terms, Wisconsin, Michigan, and perhaps, Pennsylvania and Utah are experiencing similar issues with corrupt, un-American, Republicans who disdain our democracy.

If and when outgoing governors–sign these bills into law–limiting the authority of incoming governors–they are traitors to their state and to the democracy that most of value. In a democracy, the rule of the people–when they vote–should be honored and respected. The people, by their vote–voiced their choice in who they wanted to govern them. Anyone else interfering with that process is guilty of violating constitutional rights of the people and infringing upon the rights of elected officials –curtailing their ability to do their job–govern for all the people.

This is beyond shameful, but so indicative of hate-filled, bigoted people. The once respected Republican party has become a party of disingenuous zealots who only care about controlling people, not the people themselves.

Rick Scott–in Wisconsin–will bear the shame and tainted legacy he leaves.

Rick Snyder–in Michigan–who has already left many with dubious thoughts about him because of the Flint water situation–will also bear the shame and leave a further tainted legacy when he leaves. It’s a shame and embarrassment to the Republican party and it should leave a really sour taste in the mouths of all who support this kind of subversion of elections.

I believe this behavior is a concerted, planned ploy by the Republican Governors Association (RGA) to deny incoming elected officials their right to govern and in the case in Michigan, we know Republicans are angry that the top positions elected will now be held by women–and like the misogynists they are–they’re trying to control what the women do–as if they need babysitters.

The people of Wisconsin are fighting back, just like those in North Carolina (on the heels of re-doing their election because of election fraud) and those of us in Michigan, will not lay down and let repulsive Republicans get away with this effort to thwart the voters. In our democracy–we have a constitutional right to choose who we want to govern us and the fact that there are those who choose to “rampantly push through legislation out of spite” during lame duck sessions–reveal how much they hate our democracy.

Those supporting repressive and probably illegal practices of subverting a voter’s constitutional right to choose who they want to govern, should be sanctioned and never allowed to hold public office, anywhere.

The People–in every state–have a right to choose who governs them and how they choose to do so, not the outgoing legislators–passing dubious bills–limiting authority of duly elected leaders.

It’s Time To Fight Back, America

In Every State That Tries To Deny

The Rights Of Duly-Elected Leaders!

We Need To Outlaw Lame Duck Legislation That Interferes With The Authority of In-coming Leaders!

I’m In–Are You?

Write, call, fax, email, tweet your legislators who are trying to interfere with the democratic process and let them know, you’re paying attention and you will make sure they’re never elected for anything, ever again. This behavior is fraudulent and they should all be sued for “subverting democracy and the constitutional rights of voters.” Check your state’s government websites for contact information for your legislators and get busy. I’ve been involved in the protest in the capitol in Lansing, emailing, faxing, and calling, and tweeting the legislative leaders and the governor. We must stand up and fight back, if we’re to maintain our democracy.

Our Vote Is Our Voice And It Matters!

Protesters at Michigan Capitol–I’m on the end “live streaming” event.

Get Involved!

Who Has The Real Power?

I’ve been listening to the news and scrolling Twitter and Facebook and I’m always surprised at the level of hate some use to target others. While thinking about this, I realized that people who hate others–have given the “others” immense power. Think about it! When people hate others enough to obsess over everything they do, that’s power because they don’t have time or the inclination to do anything, but hate!

Listening to an “interview” with a voter in MS–they (a White male) said, they’d rather do without healthcare because–“my grandpa didn’t have have healthcare, my paw didn’t have healthcare and I don’t need healthcare (the man said with a toothless grin). I’ll vote for a Republican just because they’re Republican over a Black person any day.”

So, rather than have access to healthcare, education, and a living wage (the agenda Democrats are promoting), this person and I can only conclude, many like him–hate Black people so much, they’ve given them power over their lives. Really? Hate is more important than having a life worth living? That’s powerful stuff!

I can only imagine how the Black people in MS feel knowing how much people hate them. Some may be intimidated by the hatred, but others (hopefully) will use it to their advantage and really give the haters something to hate. They should unite in their efforts to establish and maintain an educational arena where their children thrive, where healthcare is readily available to the residents in the poorest, communities of Black folks, and they learn to create their own employment opportunities that leaves the haters out in the cold.

Now, before you start thinking that idea is racist, think about what I said and why. For decades, Black people have been forced to do things for themselves when they were denied access to a dentist office, a doctor’s office, a quality education and even the use of public bathrooms and water fountains. If you didn’t think that was racist, don’t you dare think what I said was racist. If poor white people cared about their standard of living, they’d wake up, bury the hate and really see what it is that Democrats want to accomplish for all the people, not just some. But if their hatred is so strong they would rather hold onto it rather than progress in life–that’s their decision. And trust me–Black people have been marginalized for most of their lives; they’re used to it and know how to accomplish in spite of it–without whining about it. Is it fair? Absolutely not, but it is the reality in a region where poor white people have blamed Black people for their lots in life, not having what they want or at least what they think they want.

The reality is–White people have always had the advantage–the access to books, banks, education, healthcare and businesses. That was part of their privilege of being White. Black folks had to earn every thing they accomplished in life and they had no privilege to give them advantage. The weird thing about watching what’s going on in the southern Red States with all of their racism and hatred is the fact that the poor White people, keep electing other White people who are rich and always vote against any possibility of anyone getting ahead in their states–other than those who already have.

Look at Kentucky, with Mitch McConnell leading the Senate and now he’s worth millions, but his constituents are poor, have lousy access to healthcare, one of the worst educational systems in the country and their water is killing them. And yet, Mitch voted in favor of rolling back the consumer protections established to protect people in order to gain favor and money from the corporations who are polluting the water. It would appear that Mitch McConnell could care less about his constituents as long as he can line his pockets.

But Mitch is not the only trumplican who hates their constituents. Look at Florida and Rick Scott’s governance with the Red Tide–killing off sea life, endangering the lives of the people and the economy because of the tourism needed to keep things afloat. They voted against their own interests because of hate. Doesn’t seem like such a smart thing to do, but they did it.

What most “christian” Republicans haven’t realized is that it is Democrats who actually do what the Bible says for us to do. We are commanded to take care of the poor and the needy, to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty and to love all unconditionally. That’s what Democrats do because the bottom line is–love is more powerful than hate because love accomplishes, while hate destroys. And when the haters openly voice their hatred, they empower the target of their hatred to do even more great things.

The White Supremacists have targeted Black folks in a number of states, killed innocent people because of their hate and then end up spending the rest of their lives behind bars, and becoming targets by those who are determined to teach the haters a lesson. So, now–who has the real power?

I’m sure I haven’t said anything new–nothing that hasn’t been said before, but I wanted to emphasize the fact that hatred–gives power to the targets of the hate and does nothing for those who hate. It’s time folks realize that together we all win, but divided–few win and all suffer. Take the time to think about everything I’ve said and really understand who has the most to lose when hate is the driver force in a person’s life.

Having What It Takes To Lead!

In observing what people do in leadership positions, and knowing that I see myself in a leadership position, I decided to ask others–what character traits they thought should be seen in a good leader. Though this is not a scientific poll or survey, it does provide insight as to what people expect in leadership. Thanks Facebook Friends for the following:

Joel Rutherford FTA which was in a book by the Dali Lama and I totally agree with; F=Fairness to all T=Transparency… openness in whats expected from both followers and the leadership A=Accountability for the actions of everyone in the group no matter their role.

Eyandra Otis Easy to talk to, open to all opinions and suggestions, has been through some type of struggle, relatable, patient, not afraid of making mistakes, put there own mistakes in the open.

Joey Iceberg Nelson Forthright and bold

Lorraine Horowitz-fenchel Ability to compromise with and respect others and not exploit the worst aspects of the public but appeal to our better selves.

Elena Greer Decisive yet laid back and open

Darolyn Brown A sense of fairness and common sense; a hunger to learn; and the ability to comprehend abstract ideas; persistence; and the greatest of these is the capacity to love.

Mary Ann Freeby Let’s start with sanity, compassion, integrity, the ability to comprehend, listening skills, a desire to serve others, empathy, accountability, reasoning skills and honesty.

Sue Burns Crill 1. Being especially cognizant of your level of patience & waiting until someone is through speaking….holding your tongue, even…..figuratively & literally, if necessary. Asking when the speaker is silent: Is there anything more you would like to … add to that?
2. Actively soliciting & listening intently (take notes, even) to ideas from your t.e.a.m. (yes, constituents too), but remember there is no “I” in team…..it is: OUR team did great…..never MY team.
3. Respect & never deflect.
4. Be your kind, caring, loving self.

Melanie Woodrich Humility, honesty, passion, empathy, gumption, creativity, and integrity.

Honest, Open (transparent), Fair, Caring, Loving, Accountable, Empathetic, Sincere (listening skills), Authentic (respectful of self and others, humble, reflective),  Team-Player, Selfless, Attentive, Focused, Determined, Assertive, Thoughtful, Considerate, Service-minded, Goal-Oriented, Pragmatic-optimist, Relatable, Compassionate, Teachable.

The summary (rephrased for brevity) is my conclusion as to what people intended. Now, if I’m to do a self-assessment with this information–I’d have to say, I fit most of the criteria–I have what it takes to be a good leader. Now, does that mean I know everything I need to know? Absolutely not–but I’ve got a good head start!

More than anyone else, I recognize all my imperfections, but I also realize that no one walking the earth is perfect and that there is always room for improvement. That being said, I welcome comments (from those who know me well enough to make a sensible comment) and I look forward to hearing what all have to say.

How will I use the comments made? Not to get angry or cynical, but to reflect upon what is said and make adjustments where warranted. I see myself as a very honest, forthright person and some might say aggressive, but I stand firm on being assertive. I’m right until proven wrong and when proven wrong, have no problem owning the correction. I know how to apologize to others when needed, but I try very hard not to put myself in a position in which I end up doing anything that needs an apology. There is one exception to this–I will not–under any circumstances–apologize to TraitorDon for anything I’ve said about him. He is the absolute epitome of corruption and power-hungry bigotry. He deserves no apology from any sane individual who is not a trumplican. And for those who would say, we have to forgive others–you forgive him. He knows not the Christ I know and love, therefore, I have no obligation to treat him like a bonafide Christian according to the Words of Christ.

When a person is responsible–directly or indirectly–for the loss of life–they deserve no consideration and since my grandchildren will be negatively impacted by this menace’s decision because of his hatred of Obama–he can enjoy his eternity in the lake of fire prepared for all liars. Make no mistake about it–trump is the menace to society, the enemy of the people, and the leader of bigoted racists.

If you need further understanding of who I am and what I have to offer America in the Oval Office as an Everyday American–check me out facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and then, let’s connect and talk.