When I thought about writing this particular post this morning, my spirit was heavy. How and why should I have to defend, explain and discuss how black and the blackness of our Commander-in-Chief are dividing this country?  Black – what does it mean? Webster’s Dictionary has a litany of definitions. Black, the achromatic object color of least lightness characteristically perceived to belong to objects that neither reflect nor transmit light, a person belonging to a black skinned race ep: Negro or Afro American; heavy, serious, having a very deep low register, dirty, soiled, reflecting or transmitting little or no light, very sad, gloomy or calamitous. My personal favorite is in-the-black, showing a profit such as a financial statement. Black the word and its connotations is a black cloud that disrupts the airwaves, is lodged in the minds of our citizens and is clogging our ability to disseminate, sort and analyze what we are seeing and hearing throughout all forms of media. Blackness is blinding and has blinded us to the truth and enormity of the issues this country faces. Everything from global warming, health care reform, the economy, education, justice, war and peace have been colored, covered and choked by the black dust filling the air that we breathe. Black used as a weapon, definer and conclusion of what can and should be accomplished. How did we get here? How did the color of our President’s skin give license for race to become the central theme of everything he does and put into question anything he has accomplished? I hear the proponents of equality, justice spouting the rhetoric that his race has nothing to do with the issues. Is that so? Let’s consider the following in reference to the actions, words and comments by the media at large, congress, talking heads and pundits when discussing or referring to anything and everything this President does or is trying to do.   Webster’s dictionary will serve as the expert on all things black.  Blackball an adverse vote esp. against admitting someone to membership in an organization. Let’s give that definition to congress; blackball, to exclude socially, ostracize, also the media, congress and talking heads. Black and blue darkly discolored from blood infused by bruising, that would be the daily berating, beatings and belittling passed off as news by the media and news anchors. Black book, a book containing a blacklist.  Black list, a list of persons who are disapproved of or are to be punished or boycotted.  President Obama’s name tops this list across the country. Black Death, the black patches formed on the skin of its victims. That would be the spot covering the souls and minds of the peoples of this nation. Black eye, a discoloration around the eye from bruising, that would be how other nations across the world see us as we continually attack and demean our president.  Black flag, to go immediately to the pits, which is where the right wing birthers and talk show hosts would prefer to pitch our president. Black gold, petroleum, one of this nation’s favorite form of black. Black guard, the kitchen servants of a large household, a rude or unscrupulous person, the first where many people think black folk still should be in the white house and the second the people that think and believe that. Blackhead, a small plug of sebum blocking the duct of a sebaceous gland especially on the face, in this case blackheads, block the brain and reasoning of congress and the media at large. Blackheart, a plant disease is which the central tissues blacken, in this case a disease in our hearts hardened to the truth.  Blackout, to become enveloped in darkness, temporary loss of vision, consciousness or memory, which blankets our nation. Black vomit, vomitus consisting of dark-colored matter, that would be what gushes out of radio and television anchors that disrespect, disregard and delight in dissing President Obama. Lastly, the black hole, a hypothetical celestial body with a small diameter and intense gravitational field that is held to be a collapsed star. But in this case the infamous black hole is not hypothetical as we spiral into its depths losing our ability to think and feel empathy, compassion or reason.  Black and blackness used to refer to a color in a crayon box. The color black is now used as a wedge to divide and enflame. Today be aware of the blackness that shrouds our nation and decide if you will remember it is only a color and not a condition or the essence of our president of these United States of America.

I went to bed exhausted. My mind was crammed with images and words of the past month full of health care reform events, rallies, meetings and editorial submissions. The words “get a job, we hate you and Obama” and unprintable expletives rang in my ears. The visions of old ladies being forcibly carried out of Austin’s health reform rally Saturday August 29^th 2009 as they clashed with proponents of health care reform and proudly carried signs of a Nazi Obama. What a month I thought as I fell asleep. My last conscious thoughts were optimistic – that the efforts of Bell County MoveOn.org Council had made a difference in humanizing the debate on affordable and accessible healthcare for all.

I was awakened by what I would like to think of as an omen. I was having dinner with President Obama and First Lady Michelle. We were at an assisted living facility surrounded by seniors angling their wheelchairs and walkers to get close to the President and thank him for the passage of health care reform legislation. I was miffed since the meal had begun with just the President, Michelle and I. Where were these people coming from and how dare they interrupt my time with the President?  As I was conjuring up ways to politely tell the seniors to get lost in walks Denzel Washington, Will Smith and my estranged son, Jumoke. My son hugged me close as Denzel and Will gave me a shout out as they pulled a chair up.  It was a dream interrupted by joy in my heart and the damn alarm I had forgotten to turn off. But the seed of hope had been rekindled and I woke up with a smile on my face.

This past month has been one health care reform event after another, and the August congressional recess was a call I had to answer.  The people I stood with, rallied with, and wrote letters with, all had a common purpose. We want to educate and inform our neighbors how important it is to insure the passage of health reform this year. The proponents of health care reform seek to demonstrate brotherly love and not just talk about it.  During the Austin rally on August 29^th one of the speakers inquired as to why if you talk about helping your brother you are a Christian – but if you actually want to put action behind helping your brother you are called a Socialist?  It is a question that should be asked across the nation – and answered by those who value money before life.

I have heard throughout this month a phrase repeated, “I want my America back” and it gave me pause to wonder what were they really saying? Was it the sentiment like the guy who told me to go back to the ghetto (Temple Telegram August 23^rd 2009) or the people driving by in their cars at honk and waves flipping the finger and screaming out vulgar names? Was it the people who were still holding on to the anger of the lost election of 2008 when President Obama was elected? What were they talking about?  Was it the home of the free for some, equal access for some, opportunity, fair representation of the law, education, health care and housing all for some? Was this the America they wanted back? Sadly yes. The America I have known all of my life. It was the encouragement of my parents, JFK, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and recently, Teddy Kennedy, all deceased, that held up the vision of a country that could be better. Their words and their works equipped me with a dream that lives in my heart and fills my consciousness of a new America.  I don’t want the America back that speaks of ideals but fails to live up to them. I want an America that strives to be better.  As I watched the funeral of Teddy Kennedy yesterday I felt a sadness of losing a great man who spent his life trying to change the face of America. But the sadness was eclipsed by the joy of knowing the foot soldiers his legacy leaves behind. There are millions of people like me around America who know we can be better. Teddy Kennedy passed on the baton to another visionary, Barack Obama.  He needs our help and we need his help to forge this new America.  America the beautiful is in our sights. Let us move toward it starting with health care reform for all.

I attended a workshop July 25^th 2009 to learn more about health care reform. I felt that in order to separate the myths from the distortions that dominate the news, I needed to be better informed.  After all, how could I engage my neighbors, community and legislators about life and death problem that affects over 47 millions Americans if I couldn’t communicate clearly and succinctly the urgency to legislate health care reform NOW?  Attendees were a diverse representation of gender, race and age.  It was clear that health care reform didn’t discriminate.  Everyone had stories of their lives, families and friends affected by the lack of basic medical care.  Some reasons I heard that got people out of bed on a Saturday morning were riveting.  I talked to people who had lost their health care because of downsizing and elimination of their jobs, those who had no access to coverage due to pre-existing conditions, premiums so exorbitant that individuals could no longer afford them, business people unable to provide health care for their employees because of the skyrocketing costs and other stories as varied as the people attending.  The people at that workshop represented the stories of people around this country who are living without health care, dying, suffering and languishing as congress, lobbyist and the media debate its merits and affordability. It is strange that the right to bear arms would supersede the right to quality of life or the right to health care but that is another topic we will discuss another day.  During a break between sessions, a young women came into the conference room to inquire what exactly this health care reform workshop was about. It was explained briefly by various attendees that it was about supporting legislation to provide affordable health care for all Americans. She said, “Oh, this is not for me. I don’t agree with that” to which I asked why not?  She replied, “Because if people are sick they can go to emergency.” I think everyone in earshot was amazed that she thought it was a solution. When someone suggested that scenario was more expensive then preventative care or having access to health care, she turned on her heels and left.  I couldn’t help but wonder if the words “Patriots” on the signage directing people to the workshop gave the impression we were tea baggers or, at the very least, of like mind. In that moment it hit me how many of my fellow citizens actually feel that all people in this country don’t deserve or merit health care.  Could they know that 1 out of 4 Texans don’t have health care?  Do they care that Texas is at the bottom of the totem pole in the entire nation for providing health care to children, seniors, soldiers, veterans, widows and workers? How could she and the proponents against health care reform see dollar signs and not people? I don’t get it but her inquiry strengthened my resolve to help President Obama get health care reform instituted in this country NOW!

It will take every concerned uninsured and insured citizen to fight this fight that will insure health care for every American. This debate has been raging since President Truman, Roosevelt, and Clinton tried to get it legislated. 70 years later we are arguing about whether our fellow citizens should have health care. It doesn’t’ make sense unless you factor in the 1.4 million dollars lobbyists from insurance companies and related health care interest are pumping into Washington everyday.

I am a Texas resident and so am calling on my entire fellow Texans to turn up the heat on our state representatives and senators. Collectively they oppose health care or any measure that would help Texans and other Americans receive basic medical care.  I purposely highlight Texas Senator John Cornyn. Senator Cornyn is a junior member of the Senate Finance Committee currently determining ways to pay for health care reform. His vote will help decide what kind of health care reform plan hits the entire senate.  Since Senator Cornyn was elected to the senate in 2002 and he has received campaign contributions of over $1,352,724 from the health industry,  $2,995,628 from finance/insurance/real estate, $1, 311,843 from other, and $858, 153 from Ideology/single issue interest. I have no clue what other and ideology-single issue represents, but it sounds rather dubious and ominous. Wait there is more! According to Opensecrets.org for the 2010 cycle of campaign contributions Senator Cornyn already has received a total of $219, 646 from Pharmaceuticals/health products, $348,169 Insurance and $746,463 from health professionals. Senator Cornyn doesn’t support health care reform but suggest an alternative that would include state-based initiatives and incentives to spur people to live healthier lives, which would lower health care cost. I don’t know about you but it looks like the big dollars supporting Senator Cornyn is the only Americans health he is concerned about. Call, write and e-mail him today and let him know his rhetoric, stance and protection of his donors and campaign contributors will not protect him from the electorate who put him in office. His Washington phone number is 202-224-5922 and for all of his contact information, access this link.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has indicated she might run for governor, but until that time she also must be reminded that health care reform should be at the top of her agenda. She has offices in Washington, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Abilene and Harlingen Texas. Just the rent on these offices could cover hundreds of Texans health care.  Her Washington D.C. phone number is 202-224-5922.  Lastly, Representative John Carter who represents district 31 of Bell County, Texas, has the following atrocious voting record on health care, NO March 2008 on giving mental health full equity with physical health, NO to allow State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP) to cover 6 million more children in January 2008, NO to adding 2-4 million children to SCHIP eligibility in October 2007, NO on requiring negotiated medical prices for Medicare part D in January 2007, YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay February 2006, YES on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages May 2004, YES on limited prescription drug benefits for Medicare recipients, November 2003, NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs July 2003,  YES to remove restrictions on menopause medication June 2008.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) on health issues rated Representative John Carter 0%. APHA is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world. Take a moment as you study Representative Carter’s voting record over the pass seven years and ask yourself who does he represent? It is incumbent on Texans and people around the country to find out who your congress people are representing?” Then it is imperative that you call them out and demand they answer for the lack of concern they have for their constituency regarding health care and all issues that affect children, seniors, poor, disadvantaged and disenfranchised Americans.

In conclusion remember to separate Facts from the Myths:

Myth: President Obama and the proponents want government run health care to take over.  Fact: Competition with the private sector is the aim to bring cost down. What is Medicare, Veterans Hospitals and Medicaid if not governmentally run? Should we dispose of it?

Myth: If we have government-run health care then we will have long waiting periods and rationed health care. Fact: Health care is already rationed in this country it’s that it’s rationed to who can pay rather than who needs it most.

Myth: Government-run heath care won’t let you choose your doctor. Fact: Private insurance doesn’t let you choose your doctor either. If the doctor isn’t in your network, you pay out of pocket or don’t see the one of your choice.

Myth: Government-run health care dictates which medications physicians can prescribe. Fact: Private insurance already dictate which medications will be prescribed by limiting what they will pay for and how high your co-pay will be.

How empowering it is if you know the facts and you can see the myths for the lies they are.

We need Health Reform with a Public Option. There are four keys to the Public Health Insurance Option. R.E.A.L.

Right away – Everyday we delay, the costs are escalating.

Everyone must have access to quality health care in America.

Accountable- A public health options must be publicly accountable and transparent to the electorate and congress.

Large enough to lower cost by having a nationwide network of providers so that costs are competitive and we have the ability to bargain on equal terms with private insurance plans.

I know this has been one of my longer columns and I appreciate you hanging to the end. We as a nation can’t allow this opportunity to legislate health care reform pass us by for another seventy years. Party, race, gender or belief is irrelevant. Americans across this country need affordable health care.  Tomorrow is too expensive and too far away for our fellow citizens who need it today.  If you can’t justify it based on its merits and the longevity of America’s strong standing in the world,  consider that if we can fight two wars, bail out wall street,  and support gas and oil interest, can’t we at least support the Americans who make that all possible?

It has been less than seventy days since Barack Obama was sworn in as the President of the United States of America.  His challenges are staggering and will become even more so as congress and the media continue to undermine and second-guess his agenda and proposals. It is up to the electorate (US = you and I) to help our president get this country back on its feet if we are to survive the challenges that affect us all. The week of March 30, 2009 our president heads to Europe for the G-20 Summit.  Opposition awaits him before he hits the tarmac. I am concerned for him and the people of this country and the world. One man is expected to change the world and the mess it has become. He is bombarded with swells of criticism and a chorus of voices calling for his failure at home and abroad. We have to circumvent the negativity and proponents of NO.  At this point, our congress and the media have been looking out for their own interests – the election of 2012, propping up their ratings, and jockeying for political favor seems to be first priority.  Their interests do not appear to be ours, but instead, the interests of lobbyists and the special interests they represent.  If we are going to thrive it is up to us to save our own hides. We the people voted for change and it is we the people who have to show up and ensure that the change is implemented.  President Obama can’t do this alone and we shouldn’t expect him to. We must continue to write, call or e-mail our elected officials and turn the heat up. Remind them to support our current president or be prepared for unemployment in 2012 or 2016.  We are all in this quagmire of a failing economy, planet in peril, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, infrastructure failings and deteriorating educational institutions together.  The solutions to these dilemmas and others will not wait until the next election cycle.  Now is the time to stand up, show up and speak up. Now is the time to do what you can, from where you live, to help turn the corner and help this country recover. There is lots of work to be done. Currently the administration is focusing on providing jobs for the millions who have lost them and the millions more threaten by impending job losses.  The agenda for a green economy proposed by this administration is one of the answers to promote jobs and save our planet. Please take time to view Emmanuel’s video that simply explains how you can become involved.

The video simplifies how your community can be a beneficiary of the 150 billion dollars allocated for the green economy in the congressional and presidential budgets. We have less than three and half years to get this country back on its feet. Jobs, healthcare and educational reforms must be instituted for this country to survive the tailspin we find ourselves in.

In conclusion think of it this way. If your automobile had four flat tires as you were traveling down the road which would you fix? How many would you fix to get back on the road?  All four, period!! That is where we find ourselves as Americans.  All of our tires are flat and a patch job, or one spare, will not get us back on the road.  So let’s suck it up, and get to work and help our president do what must be done. The time is now let’s get it done.

February 2009 represents one of the most memorable black history months I have observed.  This Black History month the President of The United States of America is a biracial man born of a white mother and African father.  Barack Obama 44^th President of America elected November 4^th 2008.  Who could have imagined that such a historically life changing event would happen in my lifetime? The sit-ins, boycotts, marches, demonstrations, beatings, and imprisonments could not and would not be shushed.  In one voice the many demanded equality and the opportunity to be the best they could be based on nothing but ability. The role models and leaders that represent every hue of the citizens of this country are testament that the sacrifices have been worthwhile. There is still much work to do to ensure equality in all areas of African Americans daily lives. But looking back to where we started and where we are today I say with up most optimism that the best is yet to come for African Americans and all the citizens of this country.  I am inspired to keep on pushing forward, contributing wherever I can to continue to lift this nation up to a higher standard and thereby lifting up the African American community. This 2009 Black History I commit my time, money and/or resources to supporting the presidents’ agenda, volunteering in local and state elections but most importantly, I commit to speaking and teaching about my history that is intricately woven into the fabric of this country and the world.  After all, those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Black History month began February 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson the founder of Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.  Dr. Woodson communicated with other influential African Americans and settled on the second week of February to recognize the accomplishments of African Americans.  In 1972 the name was changed to Black History Week and to Black History Month in 1976. The Black History Month of observances has filled me with indescribable pride for the majority of my adult life.  It has given me an opportunity to honor those who have gone before me and teach people of all races about the accomplishments and sacrifices of African Americans.  There are so many heroes and heroines in our history, but for this column, I would like to single out the following five.  Four little girls died in a bombing by the Ku Klux Klan at the Seventeenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Alabama on September 15, 1963.

I was eleven years old and will never forget the horror and the sadness. I never want anyone to forget them and how their young lives changed all of us. I want to speak their names so we will remember that President Obama’s ascent to the highest office in the land came with blood that still dampens this land.  The four girls names were Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Denise McNair. The first three girls were fourteen and Denise was eleven.  They died for our freedom and the opportunity for us all to achieve our dreams no matter how lofty. We must keep their memory, so please, tell someone else about Addie, Carole, Cynthia and Denise.

The other name I would speak today is Congressman John Lewis. Mr. Lewis’ entire life has been committed to ensuring the freedom and equality of Black Americans. Mr. Lewis organized sit-in demonstrations as a student at Fisk University at segregated lunch counters.  In 1961 he participated in the Freedom Rides that challenged segregation at interstate bus terminals throughout the South.  He was severely beaten many times but that only slowed him down, he never gave in or gave up.  At 23 Mr. Lewis was one of the founders of the SNCC, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was a planner and speaker at the March on Washington in August 1963.  His energy and resolve were granite and on March 7, 1965 Mr. Lewis and Hosea Williams led 525 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama to advocate voter registration.  The scene that ensued is still a horrific reminder of the sacrifices of so many determined individuals that stood with Mr. Lewis and Mr. Williams. The day was known as Bloody Sunday and Mr. Lewis suffered a fractured skull. It too slowed him down but never stopped him from standing up and speaking out for freedom and equality.  I applaud and admire Mr. Lewis for all he has done and is still doing for our country. I was touched, elated and brought to tears when I saw President Obama embrace him before being sworn in as the 44^th President of these United States reminding us all that we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. There is not a day that I am not grateful and mindful that I must continue the tradition to teach one.

Black History Month in February is a cause for celebration and reflection on how we have overcome so much and though I have no illusions that there is still much work, today, this month I say well done -  the best is yet to come for us all.

The 56^th Inauguration of our 44^th president, Barack Obama, is an experience that has strengthened my resolve to continue putting action beyond my opinions. January 20^th, 2009 I stood with, and among, the nearly two million people who radiated the warmth of good will and optimism. It can only be described as amazing. Collective masses of people representing anyplace you can live on this planet showed up to witness and celebrate the unthinkable – the swearing-in as president , the first African-American man in the United States of America. Implausible, impossible and incredible is our new reality. Imagine if you can, almost two million people jammed into the Washington mall from approximately 3:00 a.m. in bitter cold until President Obama put his hand on Lincoln’s bible at 12:30 p.m. NO individual was hurt or killed during the four days of Inaugural celebration and Martin Luther Day observances in the mall or immediate area of innumerable activities. That is remarkable if you consider the rude, incendiary and hostile behavior of some of the police who seemed determined to insight a disturbance. No one, not even the most volatile among us, took the bait. We intervened, protected, rescued, and reassured one another that our common purpose of unity was stronger than the old script of divide and conquer. The images of inspired and diverse people converging on Washington D.C. were repeatedly televised, e-mailed, and spread throughout the world. The reason for celebration was crystal clear. The people had taken the chance to believe that a politician who actually talked a good talk – would walk it. On a freezing January 20^th hope strengthened into faith then into belief then into a bond of common purpose that surpassed the disbelief, nastiness and ill will of those that said it couldn’t be done. 1.8 million people stood shoulder to shoulder to listen as once again Barack reminded us that the election and his swearing–in was only the beginning.

The next four years ahead demand our commitment and continual engagement to insure that the change we sought is instituted into reality and laws. Three weeks into his presidency the divisive, partisan mean-spirited ways of Washington seem determined to re-establish and keep things the way they have been for the pass eight years. Ineffective, incorrigible and indifferent to the people they were elected to serve. ENOUGH! I know that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Obviously our congress must think we are insane. Well I, for one, believe they need to be reminded throughout this administration’s term and those to come, that we have had ENOUGH. My vote that is my voice will remind them that while in Washington they were elected to help make change that benefits all Americans. I intend to remind them to support and assist Barack in doing the peoples business, or in 2010 and 2012 they will be voted out. The same is true for the media and pundits that kindle feelings of mistrust, print misleading information and fan the fears of hateful, spiteful ill-informed citizens. Their jobs are to inform the public, not incite. We are their employers also, and if they don’t tone down the hostile half-truths, they too will be out work. Today I am asking you to participate in pulling our country back from the verge of catastrophe economically and politically. Speak up, call up, e-mail, or write your local, state and national representative when you observe them serving anyone but their constituency. Call out editors and representatives of the media when they cross the lines of decency and truth. We as a nation can no longer afford anything less than a full-hearted commitment to all the people of this country. 2008 was the beginning of the change we so desperately sought. It is time today, this moment, and the days ahead to stay engaged, shoulder to shoulder, and help President Obama help US be the country we know we can be. The time is now. So get fired up and get ready to participate. Get off of your apathy and let’s kick some attitude.

I will win this, I thought, when I heard the news that ten people would win a trip to the 44^th Inauguration of Barack Obama with a winning essay. The essay topic was “What does this inauguration mean to you?”  I didn’t win the contest literally, but this morning I realized I won something just as meaningful; the opportunity to remember that this day is possible because of the efforts of millions of people. It is good to remind myself I am one of those people. This coming year of 2009 is pregnant with opportunities to make a difference in my life, community and the world.  I am excited and energized to be part of this president’s success and my own.  I invite you to do the same in your own way. We need all hands, heads and hearts engaged to end the wars, feed the hungry and help those on our shores and abroad to have the basic necessities of clean water, shelter, medicine and education. I read recently that “Success it the progressive realization of a worthy ideal”.  I challenge you to decide this year what worthy endeavor you will tackle. The world is full of need and our new president will need your help. I don’t know what this inauguration means to you, but wherever you are and whatever you are doing January 20^th 2009, may it be the catalyst that encourages you towards a better life.  My essay follows, and I encourage you to script one of your own so you can be a winner too.

I want to be a witness.  The 44^th Inauguration of Barack Obama president-elect is the most improbable, world-changing event of my lifetime. Every American has been changed by the affects of this election because they realized that it is all about them. Their voice, hope and vote made the difference.  But I, and every African American and person of color have been affected in a way that words can’t articulate.  If pride could be packaged there wouldn’t be enough boxes to hold what we felt the evening of November 4, 2008 when Barack’s name was announced as the 44^th president-elect of America.  Victory for every wrong ever done to us because of the color of our skin since we reached the shores of this country was in some ways reconciled.  This Inauguration is the culmination of five decades and four generations of my family and our ancestor’s sacrifices for this country I love.  My place at the inauguration would be a worthy testament to the marchers, boycotts and freedom fighters that forged the way for this time in history to be possible.  I want to be there as a representative of those who dreamt the dream that a man could be judged by his character and not the color of his skin and the bridge for the many who come, and are coming, to be part of the American dream.  This inauguration symbolizes that the principles of freedom, equality and the opportunity for a better life is still what Americans and the people who come to our country want and deserve.  This 44^th inauguration is a demonstration of how Michelle Obama’s comment “for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country”, and Sarah Palin’s comment in regards to Barack, “he’s not quite like us as he pals around with terrorist” collided in the political hemisphere and instead of dividing our country, united the majority of the electorate.  I admit that Michelle’s comment made total sense to me growing up a nine year old black girl in sixties Anchorage, Alaska. I watched from a distance the murders of JFK, Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy wondering where and how I fit into the American fabric.  In a different context I also understood Sarah Palin’s comments because they echoed what I heard growing up and her words represented what millions of other Americans felt.  This inauguration is the testament that there is enough room for all dialogue as long as it is respectful.  This inauguration means that all that is right has eclipsed the weary, worrisome wars and running racial dialogue that underlines all that is wrong with our country.  We, as a country, have risen from the ashes of our storied history and common weaknesses into the best we have ever been.  I would be honored if you would choose me to witness and represent the strength, faith, tenacity, patriotism, judgment and goodwill of the people of this country who elected Barack Obama the 44^th president. This inauguration is the shining star that marks how far we have come as a country, and though we have a way to go, I am confident that with Barack’s leadership we will get there.  Thank you, and thank Barack.

I am a firm believer that to looking behind slows ones progress in moving forward.  There are exceptions to every rule and 2008 is that exception.  There is no way to sum up the miraculous events that occurred this year if we don’t take a step back and remember all of it, especially the current economic crisis and Presidential election.  The economic crisis festered for the pass six years and came to a head in September 2008, and we will be feeling its effects well beyond 2008. It is part of the past that will haunt us on this day and many more to come. The past also manifested the hopes and dreams of freedom fighters to join with millions in the present that made it possible for Barack Obama to become the first African American President of the United States of America.  The road to his success is also our success.  What couldn’t be done has been done, and that takes away ANY excuse anyone might have in their own life when it comes to believing and/or achieving dreams.  2008 surpassed my wildest imaginings of what America could be if we all united.  Umoja, unity, the first principle of Kwanzaa celebrated December 26^th was and is the key to the coming year.  The slacker administration of Bush and his posse has left a mess of such proportions that it will take a unified country, congress, and agenda to put this country back on the road to prosperity and peace within and outside of our borders. The passing of the baton from George W. Bush to Barack Obama on January 20^th will be the beginning of living in the present. It will be a new way and a new day. It is a cause for celebration throughout the world.  Hope, honor, and possibilities replace regret. Good riddance.  The daunting task that awaits the new president-elect to right our country in 2009 rides on the goodwill and support of the voters of 2008.  It is imperative that we remember what Barack promised to do as president and that we hold him accountable.  The past can only repeat itself if we don’t learn from it.  As we toast good-bye to 2008, remember the good and the bad.  Let us move forward into 2009 knowing that the best is yet to come for our country and for us.

Peace to you all, from Patricia and web mistress Peg

I got up this morning once again THANKFUL for all that I have and gratitude for all the prayers answered in my life throughout the year. I silently added a check next to the multitude of things and situations that worked out minus angst and worry. Thanksgiving comes easy as I choose to live my life from a glass always half full.

As I smugly gave another round of thanks my memory took me back to a place in my life when the glass was usually half empty. The intangibles of health, love, family and good friends didn’t fit the bill of things to be thankful for during the usual cash strapped days of raising my son. I couldn’t spell gratitude as I trampled the things I had in search for all the things I desired that changed with the whim of the moment. I actually thought once upon of time that Thanksgiving was about a full blown eating marathon shared with family and love ones.  A typical thanksgiving was waddling to the Black Friday sales as the retail industry cash register drawers budged with cash and credit card receipts. Prior thanksgiving holidays were celebrated as gluttony and excess fueled eating, drinking and shopping. I don’t remember exactly when the meaning of the word Thanksgiving began to shift from me, me, me, to the well-being and concerns for people who had/have nothing to be thankful for and yet they were/are. I envied them that elusive quality to express joy when the world was going to hell in a hand basket. I wanted and needed Thanksgiving to be more than a holiday once a year. What I have found over this past decade is that giving up the past and future ensures my thankfulness in every present moment.

So I began to be thankful in all things, and that is not easy. Losing my mother, sister, and two life long girl friends to cancer this past decade gut kicked the joy out of me. But Thanksgiving filled up my pain as the memories and love I had shared with them comforted me.  My good fortune was having them in my life at all. This Thanksgiving is a bittersweet one.  I have so much, and even sharing it doesn’t seem to take the sting out of the neediness that blankets the world. It would be easy to give in to the Thanksgiving of old and numb myself out with too much of everything. But this morning I let myself give into all of the wonderful blessings that I can share with my friends, family, and you, the reader. Today I give thanks for a world once asleep waking to realize that, yes, we are our brothers and sisters keepers.  I share the joy of helping to elect Barack Obama as president of this country – a man who embodies the principles and ideals that remind us that anything is possible. Let us remember this Thanksgiving that all we have is all that we need. This Thanksgiving let us pray for those who have, and are, losing their jobs and homes. Let us pray for the millions who are watching their life savings be gobbled up by greed and avarice of a few. This Thanksgiving think of those whose children or spouses are fighting in war torn countries so we could watch Thanksgiving parades and football. Think of those trapped in those war-torn countries too.  Then after praying, give to someone else the thing you feel lacking in your own life. Sharing brings more of the “thing” back to you- trust me on this.

In conclusion, our list of concerns may vary, but the one thing we all have in common is the choice to be thankful no matter what is going on in our respective lives.  This Thanksgiving consider being thankful right where you are with all that you have. You will be amazed at the satisfaction that fills the empty places. Happy Thanksgiving and Peace to you this holiday.

Forty-five years ago Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. He foretold that there would be a time when men would be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. He had a dream that evoked a belief in our hearts and minds that equality in these United States was possible. His dream became our prayer.

Four years ago Barrack Obama was introduced to the world on the stage of the 2004 Democratic Convention. His words were electrifying. I was filled with hope and optimism.  I sensed that the world would see him again but I never could have imagined that this extraordinary man would become the 44^th president of these United States.

Two years ago I screamed for my husband as though the house was on fire as I watched Barack Obama announce his intentions to run for president of the United States of America.  My husband sat down beside me as we listened to Obama’s every word. After his pronouncement we agreed that he would be our next president.  I was committed to do all I could to insure that he would not only be the democratic nominee but elected as president.  Martin’s world rang in my ears as I watched Obama willing to be the mantle of change that inspired over fifty two percent of voters in this country to elect him the 44^th president of this country.

He never would have made it if the pundits and critics were to be believed.  He believed long before most of us that it was our moment – it was our time. He never would have made it if not for the millions of small donations backed by the fervor, commitment and tenacious work of the volunteers that also believed it was time.  He made it because we stood with him and took it one step further as we voted for him. He made it because the content of the man shone brightly through the color of his skin.

November 4^th, 2008 the culmination of over 20 months of vigorous, unrelenting campaigning ended with a resounding YES!  Yes we can be the beacon of light that still shines brightly throughout the world.  Yes we can and yes we did.  November 4^th the majority of voters collectively elected Barrack Obama 44^th president of our country. The next four years promise to be all we imagine them to be.  Jobs, health care, help for our ailing planet and veterans are only the beginning. Barack can’t do it alone. The real work begins now.  The change we seek is not the man we elected, but the change is within ourselves.  So catch your breath and let us help Barack Obama keep his campaign promises as we take back our country. The best is yet to come.