Friday, February 08, 2008
Joy Behar Is On Cue This Morning
"The Republicans have just been going around shouting 'Reagan, Reagan' like they've got some weird Turret's syndrome."
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
(Re)Post
My First Memory
My first memory of a Radical Blackness was in Headstart or in some early point during my time at Price Elementary School when they held a celebration during Black HIstory Month to commemorate the making of MLK's birthday into a federal holiday. As we endted the auditorium, I saw the emblazoned, life-sized figures of Black faces hanging on posters from the ceiling: Bill Cosby, Angela Davis, Lena Horne, and Maya Angelou are some that I remember. These were beautiful black faces, and the auditorium reverbrated as the sound of Stevie Wonder's voice bounced off the wall as he sang "Happy Birthday," his tribute to Dr. King. It was Black pride and Black assertiveness in a school where most of the children's faces were of color- either black or brown.
My Elementary school was a beautiful school as I remember. It seemed either grey or light green on the outside, contrasting the off white and colorful murals on the side walks with a welcoming asphald playground where I used to swing and play house in the monkey bars. I never climbed just to climb. I was different. Inside was good as were sheltered by mostly endearing black faces with an occassional white one appearing, such as Aunt Johnnie's good friend and my teacher for one year while I was there at Price, Mrs. Bull. It was especially the case for me, as my Aunt Johnnie was given care for my tutelage from the time I was three years old-- from Head Start to first grade. This has led to the wicked side of me-- my vanity and somewhat snobbishness. I did feel special during my time there at Price, and I was taken care of by my aunts and the others there around me. I felt like an exception. I loved school, and even more so I loved learning.
My childhood was shrouded in some magical cloud where I spent the considerable part of my time -- in the libraries, museums, and engaged intellectually, pondering the things of the world. There was an excited energy around my youth, from my parents involvement in and the immediacy of the Jackson and Washington campaings and my aunts and grandmother's participation in the Chicago Teacher's Union. Although they were not dyed-in - the-wool progressives, this involvement on their part allowed me a premature taste of the ideology and the vision and the urgency of Blackpride and its commitment to progressive struggle. I dont know how much of my awareness was due to their involvement and how much was just my being there in Chicago. The entire city was possessed by an energy and a zeal that was daily fed to the masses of people-- on television, through social activist networks, and through word of mouth interaction.
I remember the elation of Washington's election as mayor and I remember the intense sadness and futile loss of his death. I remmeber the power and vision of Jesse Jackson's bid for presidency and the unity felt in his political message. The beauty of that time was real and inspiring and the legacy of those people in progressive movement created the context and the background for my political development and my growth as a human being concerned with the welfare of humanity and the eradication of oppression for people across the globe.
My background is spotted with movments of progressivisim and elements that provide a backdrop for my formation as a person of consciousness. My mother and other members of my family were involved with the Frank London Brown Historical Society, which sounds like a very progressive group that met periodically to host discussions on issues of the black community, black history, and the legacy of progressive struggle, and hosted very notable figures that addressed the group and had ties to several celebrity figures that were local. Not only was my mother present in the organization, but also Aunt Johnnie, Uncle Archie, and Cousin Fannie. My mother's participation ended when the organization was raided. Government crackdowns on progressive entities brought my mother's enlightnment to a halt. I know absolutely nothing else about this organization, not even whether it is still in existence.
My Uncle Archie, who was a member of the group, was apparently a friend and neighbor of Dick Gregory's. My Uncle Donald was tied to, if not a member of, the Black Panther Party. My uncle is very a very progressive-oriented man- he gave me a copy of Langston Hughes' "I Wonder as I Wander" when I was thirteen years old. That book enlightened me in many ways and opened my eyes to the world as I learned about the Chinese and watermelons floating down the Mekong River, and Russian peasants in Tashkent sipping from a communal bowl of tea.....
My first memory of a Radical Blackness was in Headstart or in some early point during my time at Price Elementary School when they held a celebration during Black HIstory Month to commemorate the making of MLK's birthday into a federal holiday. As we endted the auditorium, I saw the emblazoned, life-sized figures of Black faces hanging on posters from the ceiling: Bill Cosby, Angela Davis, Lena Horne, and Maya Angelou are some that I remember. These were beautiful black faces, and the auditorium reverbrated as the sound of Stevie Wonder's voice bounced off the wall as he sang "Happy Birthday," his tribute to Dr. King. It was Black pride and Black assertiveness in a school where most of the children's faces were of color- either black or brown.
My Elementary school was a beautiful school as I remember. It seemed either grey or light green on the outside, contrasting the off white and colorful murals on the side walks with a welcoming asphald playground where I used to swing and play house in the monkey bars. I never climbed just to climb. I was different. Inside was good as were sheltered by mostly endearing black faces with an occassional white one appearing, such as Aunt Johnnie's good friend and my teacher for one year while I was there at Price, Mrs. Bull. It was especially the case for me, as my Aunt Johnnie was given care for my tutelage from the time I was three years old-- from Head Start to first grade. This has led to the wicked side of me-- my vanity and somewhat snobbishness. I did feel special during my time there at Price, and I was taken care of by my aunts and the others there around me. I felt like an exception. I loved school, and even more so I loved learning.
My childhood was shrouded in some magical cloud where I spent the considerable part of my time -- in the libraries, museums, and engaged intellectually, pondering the things of the world. There was an excited energy around my youth, from my parents involvement in and the immediacy of the Jackson and Washington campaings and my aunts and grandmother's participation in the Chicago Teacher's Union. Although they were not dyed-in - the-wool progressives, this involvement on their part allowed me a premature taste of the ideology and the vision and the urgency of Blackpride and its commitment to progressive struggle. I dont know how much of my awareness was due to their involvement and how much was just my being there in Chicago. The entire city was possessed by an energy and a zeal that was daily fed to the masses of people-- on television, through social activist networks, and through word of mouth interaction.
I remember the elation of Washington's election as mayor and I remember the intense sadness and futile loss of his death. I remmeber the power and vision of Jesse Jackson's bid for presidency and the unity felt in his political message. The beauty of that time was real and inspiring and the legacy of those people in progressive movement created the context and the background for my political development and my growth as a human being concerned with the welfare of humanity and the eradication of oppression for people across the globe.
My background is spotted with movments of progressivisim and elements that provide a backdrop for my formation as a person of consciousness. My mother and other members of my family were involved with the Frank London Brown Historical Society, which sounds like a very progressive group that met periodically to host discussions on issues of the black community, black history, and the legacy of progressive struggle, and hosted very notable figures that addressed the group and had ties to several celebrity figures that were local. Not only was my mother present in the organization, but also Aunt Johnnie, Uncle Archie, and Cousin Fannie. My mother's participation ended when the organization was raided. Government crackdowns on progressive entities brought my mother's enlightnment to a halt. I know absolutely nothing else about this organization, not even whether it is still in existence.
My Uncle Archie, who was a member of the group, was apparently a friend and neighbor of Dick Gregory's. My Uncle Donald was tied to, if not a member of, the Black Panther Party. My uncle is very a very progressive-oriented man- he gave me a copy of Langston Hughes' "I Wonder as I Wander" when I was thirteen years old. That book enlightened me in many ways and opened my eyes to the world as I learned about the Chinese and watermelons floating down the Mekong River, and Russian peasants in Tashkent sipping from a communal bowl of tea.....
A Message From Barack Obama
Tomorrow is Primary Day in Alabama, and I'm writing to you with an important reminder to vote and to make sure that your family, friends, and neighbors get out and vote too.
Use our online tool to find your polling location:
Find Your Polling Place
When Michelle and I talked about my running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it.
You have challenged conventional thinking and built a grassroots movement for change that is sweeping this country.
I have no doubt that the election tomorrow will be close. It's vitally important that you vote and ensure that others who want change in this country vote too.
Our work here will have a lasting impact in Alabama for a long time to come.
I believe that this movement for change can do more than just win an election. Together, we can transform this country.
Find your polling location and vote tomorrow:
http://my.barackobama.com/ALlookup
Thank you for being part of this,
Barack
P.S. -- Here are a few details and rules that will help make the voting process run smoothly. Make sure to share these with your friends:
*
The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
*
If you are in line or in the process of voting at 7:00 p.m., the polls must remain open until you have an opportunity to vote.
*
You should bring a valid photo ID or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document.
*
If your right to vote is challenged for any reason, you can cast a provisional ballot.
Use our online tool to find your polling location:
Find Your Polling Place
When Michelle and I talked about my running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it.
You have challenged conventional thinking and built a grassroots movement for change that is sweeping this country.
I have no doubt that the election tomorrow will be close. It's vitally important that you vote and ensure that others who want change in this country vote too.
Our work here will have a lasting impact in Alabama for a long time to come.
I believe that this movement for change can do more than just win an election. Together, we can transform this country.
Find your polling location and vote tomorrow:
http://my.barackobama.com/ALlookup
Thank you for being part of this,
Barack
P.S. -- Here are a few details and rules that will help make the voting process run smoothly. Make sure to share these with your friends:
*
The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
*
If you are in line or in the process of voting at 7:00 p.m., the polls must remain open until you have an opportunity to vote.
*
You should bring a valid photo ID or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document.
*
If your right to vote is challenged for any reason, you can cast a provisional ballot.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Ralph Nader Running for President in 2008
I believe Ralph Nader is on the payroll of the Republican Party.
Friday, February 01, 2008
A Beautiful Song I Heard On The Radio This Morning
Check it out, ya'll
(There've been times in my life)
I'm tired and I wanna give up
(I've been wondering why)
Why is the world gettin' so crazy?
(Still, somehow I believe)
I've come too far to die now
(I always survive)
If you're a survivor, get up!
Let's get it!
Gonna cry now, go ahead and get it out of my system
I know I hurt now, but soon I gotta get back to livin'
Can't be here next year, givin' you these same tears
I hope you enjoyed it, 'cause it's the last time you will take a piece of me
I start right now, I don't know how I'm gonna get thru it
I know right now, I pray somehow 'cause I can't do it
I can't keep livin' like this, there's gotta be more than this
Jesus, I'm ready, I'm ready for what you have for me
Chorus
(Are you gonna wait for a sign?)
Are you ready for you're miracle
God's people it's time to'(stand up and fight)
Let's get it, let's get it'This is it!!
You can't mess with my mind anymore'This is it!
I'm smarter, see I've been here before'This is it!
It's time today, I'm not afraid anymore'This is it!
Yes, I believe, if you believe, help me say'This is it!
I'm a child of the King baby, look at somebody and tell 'em'This is it!
I look back now, I look at how you tried to break me
To take my life, my peace of mind and drive me crazy
My self esteem, my dreams, my destiny
So, God allowed it, because He knew He had big plans for me (Hallelujah!)
It's your grace, I know today it's how I made it (Thank You, Jesus)
When I thought that it was over' (Lord, have mercy)
Chorus
Everybody that's been holdin' you down, look at 'em and tell 'em'This is it!
I feel my help coming on right now, ya'all'
You think that maybe it's over'(You're life ain't over)
Not unless you want it to be
(Are you gonna wait for a sign?)'you're miracle
(stand up and fight)
Rap
This is it ya'll, this is it ya'all
You've been waitin' and debating , here it is, ya'll
All your stuff from your past, shake it off ya'll
Though they said you wouldn't last, but who is ya'll?
Want your dreams back? Let's get it!
Your peace of mind back? Let's get it!
Want your family back? Let's get it!
Are you ready? Let's get it! (This is it!)
I speak against everything that comes to destroy the purpose in your life'This is it!
Worrying about your finances, your future, when you can't even sleep at night'This is it!
I speak against depression and fear, every attack from the enemy'This is it!
This is your day, the Lord made it baby! God has set you free!'This is it!
You can't mess with my mind anymore'This is it!
I'm smarter, see I've been here before'This is it!
It's time today, I'm not afraid anymore'This is it!
I wanna hear ya'll sing this with your boy!
Every body say'This is it!
You can't mess with my mind anymore'This is it!
I'm smarter, see I've been here before'This is it!
It's time today, I'm not afraid anymore'This is it!
Yes, I believe, if you believe, help me say'This is it!
(There've been times in my life)
I'm tired and I wanna give up
(I've been wondering why)
Why is the world gettin' so crazy?
(Still, somehow I believe)
I've come too far to die now
(I always survive)
If you're a survivor, get up!
Let's get it!
Gonna cry now, go ahead and get it out of my system
I know I hurt now, but soon I gotta get back to livin'
Can't be here next year, givin' you these same tears
I hope you enjoyed it, 'cause it's the last time you will take a piece of me
I start right now, I don't know how I'm gonna get thru it
I know right now, I pray somehow 'cause I can't do it
I can't keep livin' like this, there's gotta be more than this
Jesus, I'm ready, I'm ready for what you have for me
Chorus
(Are you gonna wait for a sign?)
Are you ready for you're miracle
God's people it's time to'(stand up and fight)
Let's get it, let's get it'This is it!!
You can't mess with my mind anymore'This is it!
I'm smarter, see I've been here before'This is it!
It's time today, I'm not afraid anymore'This is it!
Yes, I believe, if you believe, help me say'This is it!
I'm a child of the King baby, look at somebody and tell 'em'This is it!
I look back now, I look at how you tried to break me
To take my life, my peace of mind and drive me crazy
My self esteem, my dreams, my destiny
So, God allowed it, because He knew He had big plans for me (Hallelujah!)
It's your grace, I know today it's how I made it (Thank You, Jesus)
When I thought that it was over' (Lord, have mercy)
Chorus
Everybody that's been holdin' you down, look at 'em and tell 'em'This is it!
I feel my help coming on right now, ya'all'
You think that maybe it's over'(You're life ain't over)
Not unless you want it to be
(Are you gonna wait for a sign?)'you're miracle
(stand up and fight)
Rap
This is it ya'll, this is it ya'all
You've been waitin' and debating , here it is, ya'll
All your stuff from your past, shake it off ya'll
Though they said you wouldn't last, but who is ya'll?
Want your dreams back? Let's get it!
Your peace of mind back? Let's get it!
Want your family back? Let's get it!
Are you ready? Let's get it! (This is it!)
I speak against everything that comes to destroy the purpose in your life'This is it!
Worrying about your finances, your future, when you can't even sleep at night'This is it!
I speak against depression and fear, every attack from the enemy'This is it!
This is your day, the Lord made it baby! God has set you free!'This is it!
You can't mess with my mind anymore'This is it!
I'm smarter, see I've been here before'This is it!
It's time today, I'm not afraid anymore'This is it!
I wanna hear ya'll sing this with your boy!
Every body say'This is it!
You can't mess with my mind anymore'This is it!
I'm smarter, see I've been here before'This is it!
It's time today, I'm not afraid anymore'This is it!
Yes, I believe, if you believe, help me say'This is it!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Alone Again
From Confusion Of Genders
How could a love like ours come to an end
We had it all but lost it 'round the bend
There's something that I'll never understand
Why now it seems like hurting's close at hand
But I'm alone again, alone again
Though the years that pass divide us
I am alone again, alone again
Something'll never keep us apart
How could a love like ours come to an end
We had it all but lost it 'round the bend
There's something that I'll never understand
Why now it seems like hurting's close at hand
But I'm alone again, alone again
Though the years that pass divide us
I am alone again, alone again
Something'll never keep us apart
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I Keep
Jill Scott
Some of them wanna break you down, steal your crown
Use and abuse you.
Some of them smile in your face, cause they heard it some place,
You got more then their used to
Some of them want to steal your love, ooh
Cuz they’re jealous of …how you’re living and giving.
I keep
Moving forward, pressing onward, striving further
I keep
Keep on laughing, keep on living, keep on loving yeah
I keep
Keep on dreaming keep on achieving, keep on believing
I keep
I keep smiling when I come thru …and I cry when I need too.
Some of them, oh they stab you in your back, cuz it̢۪s love they lack.
Some of them won’t even try …to see the good inside.
But I ….
I keep
Moving forward, pressing onward, striving further
I keep
Keep on laughing, keep on living, keep on loving yeah
I keep
Keep on dreaming keep on achieving, keep on believing
Hey. Oh oh oh
I keep on , keep on living, keep on learning , keep on smiling ooh ooh yeah
Keep on laughing, keep on living, keep on loving yeah
I keep
Keep on dreaming, keep on believing, keep on achieving.
I keep smiling when I come thru, and I cry when I need to
(Adlib below)
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yea yea yeah
I keep on , keep on keeping on.
Yea. I keep ,keep on keep keepin on keep keeping on
Some of them wanna break you down, steal your crown
Use and abuse you.
Some of them smile in your face, cause they heard it some place,
You got more then their used to
Some of them want to steal your love, ooh
Cuz they’re jealous of …how you’re living and giving.
I keep
Moving forward, pressing onward, striving further
I keep
Keep on laughing, keep on living, keep on loving yeah
I keep
Keep on dreaming keep on achieving, keep on believing
I keep
I keep smiling when I come thru …and I cry when I need too.
Some of them, oh they stab you in your back, cuz it̢۪s love they lack.
Some of them won’t even try …to see the good inside.
But I ….
I keep
Moving forward, pressing onward, striving further
I keep
Keep on laughing, keep on living, keep on loving yeah
I keep
Keep on dreaming keep on achieving, keep on believing
Hey. Oh oh oh
I keep on , keep on living, keep on learning , keep on smiling ooh ooh yeah
Keep on laughing, keep on living, keep on loving yeah
I keep
Keep on dreaming, keep on believing, keep on achieving.
I keep smiling when I come thru, and I cry when I need to
(Adlib below)
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yea yea yeah
I keep on , keep on keeping on.
Yea. I keep ,keep on keep keepin on keep keeping on
My Petition
Jill Scott
You say you mean good for me
But you don't do it
You say you have a plan but you just don't go thru with it
You say you know the way to go
And I should follow
But all of your empty promises
Leave me hollow
And oh
How do I trust you
How do I love you
When you
Lie to me repeatedly
And oh
How do I have faith, in you
When you just don't come thru
Like you say you could
Oh, say can you see [2x]
You say that I'm wrong for
Stating my opinion to you
You say that I'm wrong and there'll be quiet consequences too
But I know my rights babe
There'll be no law abridging
The freedom of my speech
Or the right for me to petition for a remedy of grievances
And I want to trust you
I want to love yeah
But you lie to me repeatedly
And oh I want to have faith in you
But you just don't come thru
Like you said you could
Oh say can you see
Hmmm
I want fresh fruit, clean water,
Air that I don't see
I want the feeling of being safe on my streets
I want my children to be smarter than me
I want, I want to feel
I want to feel, I want to feel free
For real ya'll
I'm just telling you so you know
I want to, I want to have faith in you
I really do but you keep lying to me
It hurts
I believe, I believe you owe it me
Give it to me like you said you would
Hmmm
Oh say can you see
Hmmm
Oh say can you see
Oohh say can you see
Hmmm
By the dawn's early light
You say you mean good for me
But you don't do it
You say you have a plan but you just don't go thru with it
You say you know the way to go
And I should follow
But all of your empty promises
Leave me hollow
And oh
How do I trust you
How do I love you
When you
Lie to me repeatedly
And oh
How do I have faith, in you
When you just don't come thru
Like you say you could
Oh, say can you see [2x]
You say that I'm wrong for
Stating my opinion to you
You say that I'm wrong and there'll be quiet consequences too
But I know my rights babe
There'll be no law abridging
The freedom of my speech
Or the right for me to petition for a remedy of grievances
And I want to trust you
I want to love yeah
But you lie to me repeatedly
And oh I want to have faith in you
But you just don't come thru
Like you said you could
Oh say can you see
Hmmm
I want fresh fruit, clean water,
Air that I don't see
I want the feeling of being safe on my streets
I want my children to be smarter than me
I want, I want to feel
I want to feel, I want to feel free
For real ya'll
I'm just telling you so you know
I want to, I want to have faith in you
I really do but you keep lying to me
It hurts
I believe, I believe you owe it me
Give it to me like you said you would
Hmmm
Oh say can you see
Hmmm
Oh say can you see
Oohh say can you see
Hmmm
By the dawn's early light
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
State of the Union
George Bush gave his state of the Union last night. Did anybody listen? I know I didn't.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Resemblance
I have said for many years that my grandfather looks like an older version of James Carville. When I was little, the surest way to irritate my father was to tell him that his father was all but a white man. This is a picture of my grandfather right before he died, the darkest he had ever been in his life. The other is a picture of James Carville.
The Second Meanest Man in Autauga County
My great-great grandfather Morgan Goodson was known, during his lifetime and after, as the meanest man in Autauga County. The second meanest man, of a younger generation than my great-great grandfather was my great-grandfather's, John Archie Deramus' first cousin, Archie Broadnax. They said one time a white man began bothering him while he was in a store in town. They said Archie pulled out his knife and cut that man everywhere but on the soles of his feet. Whites in town were demanding justice and were wanting to get ahold of him, so Archie took refuge in the swamp. They say the sheriff sent word by his wife telling him that "when he got ready and if he felt like it, he could come down and turn himself in."
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