I am blessed to have some wonderful, beautiful friends. They challenge me, they tolerate my aloofness at times, they respect me, they put up with my soapbox stances, encourage me to do more with my life, while at the same time accepting me just the way I am. I love them dearly. Often, we have these long debates about a myriad of subject matter from the state of Black America to the role of preachers in the church to the readiness of our candidates to run our country. In these debates I usually quote a statistic or utilize my vast trivia knowledge (I am a History Channel, A & E, and PBS fiend) to support my position or statements at the time. In one such debate, I was speaking with Kal about the 2008 election. We had actually started this conversation in late 2006 when we learned who the major candidates were. On the Democratic side in particular, there emerged the two strongest, Barack Obama and Hilary R. Clinton. When I do make bold statements and predictions my friends challenge my sources or make me give specific reasoning behind what I am saying. I truly believe that nine times out of nine I am correct. But there is that rare moment that a prediction I make I get totally wrong.
On February 10, 2007, in an effort to make it clear my stance at the time of what my feelings of what the world and America was ready for in their next leader, I committed to writing who I thought would be the 44th President of the United States of America. Below is that email. And yes, I did get it incorrect. Way wrong. Although, I still stand behind my statements for all the reasons listed, I think it was actually the candidate herself that shifted the momentum to the other candidate and vice versa. Looking back at all that has happened in the 20 months since this email was written; I am so glad that I got this one wrong.
Re: For the Record...(originally written February 10, 2007)
Kal and I have been having this debate that we'd like to include you guys in on: the 2008 Presidential Election. So far, I believe, that most of my predictions have come true (i.e. in Feb 2001 on the train in France that Bush would lead us into war, etc.). So that it is stated early and before the Presidential run season officially begins, I truly believe that the next president of the United States will most certainly, definitively, conclusively and fah sho be none other than Senator Hilary R. Clinton. My reasons are simple: people are upset at the current state of things and with all the attention that Obama is generating, the Dems will finally reach the elusive so called MTV demographic and lead legions of minorities to the polls. Obama will stir things up but will not get the nomination, naturally transferring his support to the next best thing: Clinton.
The world is ready for change and she is it. She is smart, has the right connections and represents more than "the lesser of two evils" that has inflicted politics over the last 40 years or so. More importantly, I believe she represents more than the traditional Dems. vs. Them mentality that she can play up very well and make her campaign more about the issues. Furthermore, the world body is looking for change. While other developed nations have exalted women to powerful positions including Britain with Thatcher (by the way the longest serving Prime Minister in UK history), the US lags so far behind that other nations are looking for this ceiling to change. History is waiting for Clinton and some people will vote for her based squarely on that. The Speaker of the House: a woman; the Sec. of State: woman (black woman at that) the next president: a woman.
However: President Clinton II will ride her historic victory for 2 years after which she will be called upon to fulfill some of her lofty goals, fail and become a 1 term president with no real positive legacy. Therefore ruining it for the Democratic Party for the next 8 years. She will get the incumbent nomination in '12 knocking out Obama (or the next hot ticket) and lose because she will no longer be a novelty, eliminating her fickle minority base....
There, have officially gone on record...any thoughts!!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Colin Powell: My Favorite Teacher
I couldn't wait when I turned eighteen to participate in an election, to take my place as an American citizen and cast a vote for the person I felt most qualified to run my city, my state, represent me in Washington DC, or represent this nation as President of the United States of America. In high school I was part of a history class that was designed to give us an indepth knowledge of the US Constitution and then compete in a state competition against several other high schools throughout the State of Indiana. Our inner-city high school had won this state contest five of the past six years up to that point. Our team was the only one in the state with vast racial diversity (meaning the only one with black students), so some of the teams were not only surprised by our continued success, they were visibly upset. I would have to survey a few of my friends, but I don't think that we even understood the complexity of racial discrimination or truly felt its impact at the State Competition. Our success was derived from one of the best teachers of which I ever have had the pleasure of being a student, Mr. Karl Schneider. Mr. Schneider's teaching style I have tried to emulate whenever I am in front of a group of eager minds waiting for knowledge to be poured into them. We were such students. Mr. Sneider though would lead us into certain answers, but never quite gave us the answers. He would approached the subject matter by asking us to find the answers using research methods, critical inquiry and analysis, discussion, and a myriad of other techniques that came from the student rather than the banking model of depositing information in our head only to regurgitate it on tests and class work. His methods had us investigate ourselves and truly discover the wondrous world that transcends the viewing of it in Black & White.
Mr. Schneider encouraged us to set aside friendship, race, class status (in this case it class refers to both economic and high school standing i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc.), physical attributes, and GPA when critiquing the papers and speeches we were developing for the competition. He told us to look within the person delivering the messages and find the flaw in what they were saying not the flaw in the person him/herself. He told us it was no need to revise the person, but ok to challenge their work and encourage revision. The We The People competition was designed for high school students to argue before a panel of judges five to six different categories of issues related to the US Constitution. It was cool how it was set up to mimic a Congressional hearing, so our argument had to be coherent, concise, and credible. The panel was made up of lawyers from around the state, state representatives and professors that knew their respective field as it relates to the Constitution, so we had to be thoroughly prepared. We worked nearly an entire semester in this class studying the Constitution, practicing memorizing our speeches, and learning about each other in the process.
This past Sunday I awakened and turned on the television as I always do and catch the round of Sunday political programming. I had heard buzz that one of my ultimate heroes was going to be on and announce that he would endorse one of the candidates running for President of the United States of America. This was big news because he is one of the most respected military, diplomatic and political figures in the nation and when he speaks people seem to listen. I took a deep breath because I knew the severity of his being on television this day, two week and two days before the election. I wondered exactly what would happen, would he endorse the candidate of the party of which he has benefited from for the past thirty plus years, or would he cross political party affiliation and endorse the candidate that resembles his race. I knew the arguments before they even happened, if he went McCain, the Republican, it would be praised as a thoughtful decision, not a loyal soldier backing his party. In contrast, going Obama, would certainly come off as he is not thinking, he's voting for him simply because he's Black, and not that he did any due diligence in reaching this decision.
I looked on with intent as he was asked, "General [Colin] Powell, are you ready to back any particular candidate for President?" he responded with the most thoughtful, thorough and insightful answer no one else but a seasoned diplomatic statesman such as Colin Powell could deliver. He broke it down into in minute piece and talked very concisely about the vision for America and how the core issues were not being addressed by his party's candidate, such as the current economic crisis and the responses to some of the defamation of the Democratic candidate. He spoke of judgment and how the Sarah Palin fiasco was a disappointment and that he felt she was not ready to be President on day one as the Veep should be (like a back up quarter back ought not be injured if the starter goes down). I was impressed by his answer because it reminded me why I like Powell so much in the first place. Though a staunch loyalist (great soldiers are), he still had an aire of independent thought when it came down to issues that affected the vast majority of the American People.
I thought of Karl Schneider. He taught us about the Constitution, how he loved its concept and despised its misuse. He told us that the true American looks within a situation, a process or a person and make judgments based on character and commitment, and all challenges could be overcome with this type of "on purpose" living. I admire Colin Powell in the same way I admired my history teacher: he was fair, balanced, challenging, respectful, loyal and committed to changing the world for the better. I wish Mr. Schneider could be alive today to witness how far America has come, how the content of one's character overrides pigmentation of the epidermis.
One of the last things I remember about Mr. Schneider is a few weeks before the State competition, he told us we would be the last class that he would ever teach formally, because he would retire at the end of the year. How lucky was I to be taught by this man, who forever changed my life, because he changed the way I processed thought. We won the state competition and went on to place fourth at the National We the People competition that April. Two months later I graduated and Mr. Schneider retired. A few years later he died, but his spirit lives on, because I saw him Sunday morning on television sharing his in-depth wisdom and encouraging the investigation of the issues, the character and commitment of those that will lead our nation. The best teachers teach us to find the teacher and teachable moments in all things....thanks Colin, Karl...
Mr. Schneider encouraged us to set aside friendship, race, class status (in this case it class refers to both economic and high school standing i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc.), physical attributes, and GPA when critiquing the papers and speeches we were developing for the competition. He told us to look within the person delivering the messages and find the flaw in what they were saying not the flaw in the person him/herself. He told us it was no need to revise the person, but ok to challenge their work and encourage revision. The We The People competition was designed for high school students to argue before a panel of judges five to six different categories of issues related to the US Constitution. It was cool how it was set up to mimic a Congressional hearing, so our argument had to be coherent, concise, and credible. The panel was made up of lawyers from around the state, state representatives and professors that knew their respective field as it relates to the Constitution, so we had to be thoroughly prepared. We worked nearly an entire semester in this class studying the Constitution, practicing memorizing our speeches, and learning about each other in the process.
This past Sunday I awakened and turned on the television as I always do and catch the round of Sunday political programming. I had heard buzz that one of my ultimate heroes was going to be on and announce that he would endorse one of the candidates running for President of the United States of America. This was big news because he is one of the most respected military, diplomatic and political figures in the nation and when he speaks people seem to listen. I took a deep breath because I knew the severity of his being on television this day, two week and two days before the election. I wondered exactly what would happen, would he endorse the candidate of the party of which he has benefited from for the past thirty plus years, or would he cross political party affiliation and endorse the candidate that resembles his race. I knew the arguments before they even happened, if he went McCain, the Republican, it would be praised as a thoughtful decision, not a loyal soldier backing his party. In contrast, going Obama, would certainly come off as he is not thinking, he's voting for him simply because he's Black, and not that he did any due diligence in reaching this decision.
I looked on with intent as he was asked, "General [Colin] Powell, are you ready to back any particular candidate for President?" he responded with the most thoughtful, thorough and insightful answer no one else but a seasoned diplomatic statesman such as Colin Powell could deliver. He broke it down into in minute piece and talked very concisely about the vision for America and how the core issues were not being addressed by his party's candidate, such as the current economic crisis and the responses to some of the defamation of the Democratic candidate. He spoke of judgment and how the Sarah Palin fiasco was a disappointment and that he felt she was not ready to be President on day one as the Veep should be (like a back up quarter back ought not be injured if the starter goes down). I was impressed by his answer because it reminded me why I like Powell so much in the first place. Though a staunch loyalist (great soldiers are), he still had an aire of independent thought when it came down to issues that affected the vast majority of the American People.
I thought of Karl Schneider. He taught us about the Constitution, how he loved its concept and despised its misuse. He told us that the true American looks within a situation, a process or a person and make judgments based on character and commitment, and all challenges could be overcome with this type of "on purpose" living. I admire Colin Powell in the same way I admired my history teacher: he was fair, balanced, challenging, respectful, loyal and committed to changing the world for the better. I wish Mr. Schneider could be alive today to witness how far America has come, how the content of one's character overrides pigmentation of the epidermis.
One of the last things I remember about Mr. Schneider is a few weeks before the State competition, he told us we would be the last class that he would ever teach formally, because he would retire at the end of the year. How lucky was I to be taught by this man, who forever changed my life, because he changed the way I processed thought. We won the state competition and went on to place fourth at the National We the People competition that April. Two months later I graduated and Mr. Schneider retired. A few years later he died, but his spirit lives on, because I saw him Sunday morning on television sharing his in-depth wisdom and encouraging the investigation of the issues, the character and commitment of those that will lead our nation. The best teachers teach us to find the teacher and teachable moments in all things....thanks Colin, Karl...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Running for Ray
I never met Ray. I've never spoken to him on the phone, never have seen a picture, and never have heard his voice. I didn't know one thing about him, that is until I met his daughters. We were all waiting for the Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon to begin when Kal and I made a pact that we would motivate at least 10 people during the race. This of course we hoped would keep us going and make sure we interacted with a few people of the thirty thousand or so that were running this day. One of the first people we saw were three young women wearing bright yellow shirts that read: "Running for Ray." When I asked them to explain who exactly Ray was, they cheerfully responded, "Ray was mine and her father," pointing to her sister, "and my uncle!" the other young lady chimed in. "Why are you guys 'running for Ray'?" I asked. "Ray is our hero!" Suddenly the wager my three friends and I made seemed all too trivial. Suddenly it seemed no longer enough to just be motivated by not finishing last to prevent me from buying them dinner for the next year. I felt a bit silly, like I could be using this experience for more than a game between friends.
Ray had died a year earlier of cancer. It was his dream to have his little girls (they were in their twenties) run in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon with him. But like so many of us that believe that we have unlimited opportunities to spend with those we love most, his dream never came to fruition even though he had completed 12 Mini's prior. So they were running for Ray, but in a way they were running with Ray also. I felt joy for them that they were doing something special for someone they loved, keeping him alive by making a bold statement to complete their father's dream. In turn they inspired a few of us, including me.
When I looked around I saw thousands of such journeys printed on the shirt of people who had a myriad of reasons they were taking time to run the 13.1 miles for "something." The reasons varied from a lost loved one to cancer survivors to a couple that were beating the odds of obesity and completing a run/walk just to prove to themselves that they could do it. "So why are you here, what are you running for?" a gentleman asked me as the race began. "I don't wanna buy dinner, my friends will tell me I suck if I come in last place," I said with a huge smile. Kal laughed. I felt much better about our bet. Once again Kal, Shauntea, Michael and I had set a goal and now were able to complete it. We had spent many adventurous nights laughing and fellowshipping over the years camping at Clifty Falls, getting lost in Paris (Kal and I getting stuck on the train [sigh]), experiencing the ruins of Rome, Naples and Florence, Swimming in the bio-luminescent lagoon of Puerto Rico, New York, Chicago, etc. The bet seemed as good a reason as any.
But secretly, I had another agenda. Twenty years ago at the tender age of twelve, I had ran in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon with my school. We had trained for about nine weeks to prepare for the race that should have taken about 3 hours to complete. At around mile 7 of the 13.1 miles, I came down hard off of a curb and twisted my foot so far I could see the bottom of my shoe and hear a loud cracking sound. OUCH! My teammates saw me stopping and I told them to keep going for I was all right. I wasn't. Not at all. But in those days the route was a little different than it was now. We began at the Monument Circle and ended at the Speedway Track. Therefore my parents were waiting for me 13 mile away at the track! Cell phone technology was non existent and I am a little kid so I didn't know how to ask strangers for help. So I did the best think I could think of: continue running. I ran and ran and tried to forget the pain that was radiating from my shoe and just thought happy thoughts to get me through (iPods--not invented yet!). I did make it to the track and at the entry I saw my father and mother eager to see me and excited that I was almost finished (the track is the last 2 miles of the race). My father came up to me and said that he would run the remaining distance and I said please take me to a hospital where they diagnosed it as a broken ankle. The doctors were shocked that I make it so far on my foot. In other words I never finished.
This day, I was determined to finish, cross the checkered line and make up for the decades that passed that I had this "failure" on my mind. Two hours twenty-one minutes and fifty-eight seconds later, I cross the finish line, first among my friends, who came in within seconds after I did. Although time-wise Michael beat all of us (he began the race a few minute later than we did), and Shautea crossed last, having to purchase dinner for all of us for the remainder of the year, I felt very proud of all of our accomplishments. Kal was battling with knee problems the entire race, Mike, in his second Mini completion, had an injury a few years ago that could have kept him from ever running again, Shauntea completing the Mini for the second time had a newborn baby months prior to the race and I literally collapsed in pain from cramps in my leg as soon as I crossed the finish line. Damn, we're old!
I am so glad we made the bet, not because I get free dinners, but because I get to be free with wonderful people I love dearly and enjoy knowing. I get to challenge and be challenged by beautiful friends that are my heroes. I wish I would have made a T-shirt for them. Some were running to overcome obstacles, just for fun and others--for Ray. But my shirt would have read: Seizing the Opportunity, Running With FRIENDS!
Ray had died a year earlier of cancer. It was his dream to have his little girls (they were in their twenties) run in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon with him. But like so many of us that believe that we have unlimited opportunities to spend with those we love most, his dream never came to fruition even though he had completed 12 Mini's prior. So they were running for Ray, but in a way they were running with Ray also. I felt joy for them that they were doing something special for someone they loved, keeping him alive by making a bold statement to complete their father's dream. In turn they inspired a few of us, including me.
When I looked around I saw thousands of such journeys printed on the shirt of people who had a myriad of reasons they were taking time to run the 13.1 miles for "something." The reasons varied from a lost loved one to cancer survivors to a couple that were beating the odds of obesity and completing a run/walk just to prove to themselves that they could do it. "So why are you here, what are you running for?" a gentleman asked me as the race began. "I don't wanna buy dinner, my friends will tell me I suck if I come in last place," I said with a huge smile. Kal laughed. I felt much better about our bet. Once again Kal, Shauntea, Michael and I had set a goal and now were able to complete it. We had spent many adventurous nights laughing and fellowshipping over the years camping at Clifty Falls, getting lost in Paris (Kal and I getting stuck on the train [sigh]), experiencing the ruins of Rome, Naples and Florence, Swimming in the bio-luminescent lagoon of Puerto Rico, New York, Chicago, etc. The bet seemed as good a reason as any.
But secretly, I had another agenda. Twenty years ago at the tender age of twelve, I had ran in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon with my school. We had trained for about nine weeks to prepare for the race that should have taken about 3 hours to complete. At around mile 7 of the 13.1 miles, I came down hard off of a curb and twisted my foot so far I could see the bottom of my shoe and hear a loud cracking sound. OUCH! My teammates saw me stopping and I told them to keep going for I was all right. I wasn't. Not at all. But in those days the route was a little different than it was now. We began at the Monument Circle and ended at the Speedway Track. Therefore my parents were waiting for me 13 mile away at the track! Cell phone technology was non existent and I am a little kid so I didn't know how to ask strangers for help. So I did the best think I could think of: continue running. I ran and ran and tried to forget the pain that was radiating from my shoe and just thought happy thoughts to get me through (iPods--not invented yet!). I did make it to the track and at the entry I saw my father and mother eager to see me and excited that I was almost finished (the track is the last 2 miles of the race). My father came up to me and said that he would run the remaining distance and I said please take me to a hospital where they diagnosed it as a broken ankle. The doctors were shocked that I make it so far on my foot. In other words I never finished.
This day, I was determined to finish, cross the checkered line and make up for the decades that passed that I had this "failure" on my mind. Two hours twenty-one minutes and fifty-eight seconds later, I cross the finish line, first among my friends, who came in within seconds after I did. Although time-wise Michael beat all of us (he began the race a few minute later than we did), and Shautea crossed last, having to purchase dinner for all of us for the remainder of the year, I felt very proud of all of our accomplishments. Kal was battling with knee problems the entire race, Mike, in his second Mini completion, had an injury a few years ago that could have kept him from ever running again, Shauntea completing the Mini for the second time had a newborn baby months prior to the race and I literally collapsed in pain from cramps in my leg as soon as I crossed the finish line. Damn, we're old!
I am so glad we made the bet, not because I get free dinners, but because I get to be free with wonderful people I love dearly and enjoy knowing. I get to challenge and be challenged by beautiful friends that are my heroes. I wish I would have made a T-shirt for them. Some were running to overcome obstacles, just for fun and others--for Ray. But my shirt would have read: Seizing the Opportunity, Running With FRIENDS!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
For Fernando Mercado
This Poem was written for Fernando Mercado, who ended his own life on October 8, 2008, leaving friends, family and an extended network of many who cared to wonder why. My prayer is that those that knew him find some peace and this poem helps you with acceptance of this event......Find opportunities to celebrate his life, and less to mourn his death.
The Best Thing You Can
Do For Me Right Now
a poem for Fernando Mercado
The pain is just too much for me to bear
I don't think anyone anymore even really cares
About my plight that has taken flight
Far above where I can no longer contain it
I can't maintain my sanity
There is a man in me that I don't recognize anymore
I feel so trapped in silence
In a room that contains no doors
At least God manifest a window
So I can at least see that there is a world outside myself
Tear down these walls, oh Lord
I can't afford to pay attention to my sorrows
Happiness seems as uncertain as tomorrow
I feel as though I am followed by storms
And the sun is there to blind me not keep me warm
I often pray for frigid temperatures and snow
Because at least everyone else will feel
The coldness that I seem to know
Everything I touch is a failing endeavor
I can hear everyone laughing and taking pleasure
In seeing me fall flat on my face
So if there is a trace of hope inside of me
I want it to provide for me
A beacon so that I can make it through to the shore
I want to be sure that my pain does not transfer
Into a cancer that love cannot even cure
My message is for you to endure
For you to carry on the burdens of this life
Because it is worth living
It is worth giving of yourself
And being in the company of friends
Don't allow your life to end
Without loving with your best effort
Comfort those that cry for me
And try to be strong
For you have a long way to go
Show me that you care
By being there for each other
That is the best thing you can do for me right now
Do For Me Right Now
a poem for Fernando Mercado
The pain is just too much for me to bear
I don't think anyone anymore even really cares
About my plight that has taken flight
Far above where I can no longer contain it
I can't maintain my sanity
There is a man in me that I don't recognize anymore
I feel so trapped in silence
In a room that contains no doors
At least God manifest a window
So I can at least see that there is a world outside myself
Tear down these walls, oh Lord
I can't afford to pay attention to my sorrows
Happiness seems as uncertain as tomorrow
I feel as though I am followed by storms
And the sun is there to blind me not keep me warm
I often pray for frigid temperatures and snow
Because at least everyone else will feel
The coldness that I seem to know
Everything I touch is a failing endeavor
I can hear everyone laughing and taking pleasure
In seeing me fall flat on my face
So if there is a trace of hope inside of me
I want it to provide for me
A beacon so that I can make it through to the shore
I want to be sure that my pain does not transfer
Into a cancer that love cannot even cure
My message is for you to endure
For you to carry on the burdens of this life
Because it is worth living
It is worth giving of yourself
And being in the company of friends
Don't allow your life to end
Without loving with your best effort
Comfort those that cry for me
And try to be strong
For you have a long way to go
Show me that you care
By being there for each other
That is the best thing you can do for me right now
Derrick S. Slack
10/9/2008Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Head of State
Last year (2007) when I lived in Ghana, I was up late like I am right now, anxious and preparing my notes, doing last minute research and pacing in my hotel room nervously. The next morning I would have met the (in)famous African leader, Robert Mugabe. I had been calling out all week during the African Union summit on my radio show on VIBE FM Ghana for the African heads of state to come on my radio program and "tell their side of the story." I realize with the Western media outlets like the BBC and CNN, the story that was being circulated around the world may not be the lived reality of the people actually living there (there in this case being Zimbabwe). I received word from 
his people that he was in fact interested in talking with me (I had generated a lot of buzz on my radio programs as a straight shooter and outspoken critic of just about everything, although I was somehow perceived as fair and balanced). I had already interviewed Jesse Jackson (on July 4th ironically) and we had a blast talking about everything American, African and of the African American. I couldn't get a straight answer as to why he was in Accra, Ghana attending the African Union Summit, it seemed like a last minute decision, because he didn't even have credentials to get in the place. But boy what a name makes, he somehow made his way in and, I don't know what he did, he wouldn't really say.
Mugabe was the first (actual) Head of State I had met and had a focused conversation with. He was surprising short (unless I am just abnormally tall) and calm. I thought his presence would fill the room with an ominous mist of fear or an internal loudness that I imagined a "dictator" would possess. But if had not been up all night and all week preparing and getting a crash course in African politics and the situation and history that lead up to what was currently going on in that country, I probably wouldn't have even recognized him. This man came in with two people, not the entourage I had expected, no one checked for bombs or weapons, but somehow I suspected that one of those men had a gun, a machete or at least some tear gas to stun a would-be attacker. I just allowed him talk, asked a few probing questions and kept my word that I would let him tell his side of the story -- which by the way was quite fascinating!
I had the same feeling last night because I knew that today I would see for the first time up close and personal the (what I hope will be) next president of the United States of America: Barack Obama. I had been waiting for him to come back to Indy so I could be one of the first in line to hear history in the making. I woke up early and dressed and was ready to leave when my sister called and said that she too wanted to go, finally accepting my invitation from earlier in the week. I was excited to spend this historic occasion with her. We think we were leaving early to get up front, but to our surprise the line was already wrapped around the entire Fairgrounds where the rally was held. The line had to be (no exaggeration) a mile long! Well, I thought to myself, it's too late to volunteer for this event so that I could get a front row unobstructed view of the man, and its so many people we might not get to get in at all! So I remained patient, after all I am organizing a trip to the Inauguration, so I could potentially get another chance, or I could just fly out to another rally and see him there. The line was moving and pretty fast to get in. So there was hope.
We finally get to the door and are confronted with another obstacle, we had a white ticket. The Orange tickets were for the pit in front of the podium, the green were for the stand behind the podium (where you can be seen forever on film of the rally) and the white tickets were for general admission in the bleachers. I am used to getting into places usually reserved for others, but this place was highly organized and secure. Even my trademark, don't look them in the eye, look like you know where you are going routine didn't work, they wanted to see my ticket. So reach into my pocket and I just so
happen to have an orange piece of paper in there that I pull out. Wow, good thing I wore these pants yesterday, when I got an email address written on this paper that I did not remove. I waive it in the air and they let me in. But little sis had to go the other way toward the stands. Somehow minutes later (that Slack ingenuity) she shows up at my side in the pit in front of the stage. We have the perfect spot!
Two and a half hours later waiting in the rain, we see him. Unlike Mugabe, this man was tall, full of energy and his presence filled the outdoor stadium with something I can only describe as special. I knew that I was looking at our next president. We met several friends and were all inspired to not only go out and vote, but to go out and change the world. So many people in one small place and nothing terrible happened, I felt blessed being there. I also felt the confirmation for my own path to greatness. Listening to him I heard my friends, relatives, strangers alike telling me that I potentially have that same power that I saw so fluently radiate from this man. I felt as if I could be an officer of change, that I could speak to the multitudes, inspiring them to overcome challenges and stand up to adversity. I wanted to go back in time (just a year and half ago) and speak with Robert Mugabe again armed with this knowledge and challenge him to do more with the power he has. To use it to bring beauty, peace, prosperity....like Barack will as a Head of State.
his people that he was in fact interested in talking with me (I had generated a lot of buzz on my radio programs as a straight shooter and outspoken critic of just about everything, although I was somehow perceived as fair and balanced). I had already interviewed Jesse Jackson (on July 4th ironically) and we had a blast talking about everything American, African and of the African American. I couldn't get a straight answer as to why he was in Accra, Ghana attending the African Union Summit, it seemed like a last minute decision, because he didn't even have credentials to get in the place. But boy what a name makes, he somehow made his way in and, I don't know what he did, he wouldn't really say.Mugabe was the first (actual) Head of State I had met and had a focused conversation with. He was surprising short (unless I am just abnormally tall) and calm. I thought his presence would fill the room with an ominous mist of fear or an internal loudness that I imagined a "dictator" would possess. But if had not been up all night and all week preparing and getting a crash course in African politics and the situation and history that lead up to what was currently going on in that country, I probably wouldn't have even recognized him. This man came in with two people, not the entourage I had expected, no one checked for bombs or weapons, but somehow I suspected that one of those men had a gun, a machete or at least some tear gas to stun a would-be attacker. I just allowed him talk, asked a few probing questions and kept my word that I would let him tell his side of the story -- which by the way was quite fascinating!
I had the same feeling last night because I knew that today I would see for the first time up close and personal the (what I hope will be) next president of the United States of America: Barack Obama. I had been waiting for him to come back to Indy so I could be one of the first in line to hear history in the making. I woke up early and dressed and was ready to leave when my sister called and said that she too wanted to go, finally accepting my invitation from earlier in the week. I was excited to spend this historic occasion with her. We think we were leaving early to get up front, but to our surprise the line was already wrapped around the entire Fairgrounds where the rally was held. The line had to be (no exaggeration) a mile long! Well, I thought to myself, it's too late to volunteer for this event so that I could get a front row unobstructed view of the man, and its so many people we might not get to get in at all! So I remained patient, after all I am organizing a trip to the Inauguration, so I could potentially get another chance, or I could just fly out to another rally and see him there. The line was moving and pretty fast to get in. So there was hope.
We finally get to the door and are confronted with another obstacle, we had a white ticket. The Orange tickets were for the pit in front of the podium, the green were for the stand behind the podium (where you can be seen forever on film of the rally) and the white tickets were for general admission in the bleachers. I am used to getting into places usually reserved for others, but this place was highly organized and secure. Even my trademark, don't look them in the eye, look like you know where you are going routine didn't work, they wanted to see my ticket. So reach into my pocket and I just so
happen to have an orange piece of paper in there that I pull out. Wow, good thing I wore these pants yesterday, when I got an email address written on this paper that I did not remove. I waive it in the air and they let me in. But little sis had to go the other way toward the stands. Somehow minutes later (that Slack ingenuity) she shows up at my side in the pit in front of the stage. We have the perfect spot!Two and a half hours later waiting in the rain, we see him. Unlike Mugabe, this man was tall, full of energy and his presence filled the outdoor stadium with something I can only describe as special. I knew that I was looking at our next president. We met several friends and were all inspired to not only go out and vote, but to go out and change the world. So many people in one small place and nothing terrible happened, I felt blessed being there. I also felt the confirmation for my own path to greatness. Listening to him I heard my friends, relatives, strangers alike telling me that I potentially have that same power that I saw so fluently radiate from this man. I felt as if I could be an officer of change, that I could speak to the multitudes, inspiring them to overcome challenges and stand up to adversity. I wanted to go back in time (just a year and half ago) and speak with Robert Mugabe again armed with this knowledge and challenge him to do more with the power he has. To use it to bring beauty, peace, prosperity....like Barack will as a Head of State.
Racist Attribute
Nearly each day I call in to the Greg Garrison Show on WIBC 93.1 in
Indianapolis and debate many issue with the host Greg Garrison, a
conservative former prosecutor in the area. This particular show he
went off when I questioned some of his comment of how "Barack Obama
scared him" and how he "absolutely fears this man. He was praising
Sarah Palin for her "experience" and grace and how she is a breath of
fresh political air, etc. This is the letter I wrote to explain
further my position. For an archive of the show go to
(http://wibc.com)
Indianapolis and debate many issue with the host Greg Garrison, a
conservative former prosecutor in the area. This particular show he
went off when I questioned some of his comment of how "Barack Obama
scared him" and how he "absolutely fears this man. He was praising
Sarah Palin for her "experience" and grace and how she is a breath of
fresh political air, etc. This is the letter I wrote to explain
further my position. For an archive of the show go to
(http://wibc.com)
_________________________
Greg,
I fully understand your frustration with people using race as a factor when bringing up certain issues, and your visibly (audibly) getting upset this morning. Let me be clear I was NOT calling YOU a racist! Please check the archive of the show this morning (September 24, 2008, around 10:37 AM). Believe it or not Greg racism is still a problem, perhaps not as overtly institutional as a generation ago, but it certainly still does exist on an individual basis. I am sure that at least one, two or maybe even a thousand of these individuals listening tune in and hear "Look, guys, I'm a smart guy, a lawyer even, and I am so afraid of the Black man running for president...but the other candidate's VP, whom I have only heard speak once or twice, she has to be all right....she's White AND a woman, so we have NOTHING to fear with her." I know the power of radio, and even further know the power of ignorance, primarily why I chose to get into education and dedicate my life to helping dispossessed people around the world. And face it, like your guest said today, most Americans get their news from talk radio and the internet, and a lot of it, yes including your show, is from a narrow perspective. When I can hear colleagues regurgitating
comments from the day before's Rush Show it worries me, especially since, when challenged on their view they give me a look as if to say, "Well I heard it on the [news/Rush/Garrison/Fox/etc.] so it must be [what I should be thinking/true/valid]."
You gave a lot of time today in defense of YOU not being a racist, and I do respect you for your comments, your show and that you allow me on even though you know 93% of the time I will have an opposing viewpoint. You even said that you "don't want that (the race card) brought up again." That's great but I challenge you to have a conversation with anyone about the GOPs VP choice without bringing up the 1) she's a woman, 2) opposing views on her are sexist. Perceived
racism/sexism, is just as real as the indoctrination of it. For according to some examples you have said on your show, i.e. African Americans are CEO of large corporations (Dick Parsons, Bob Johnson, Kenneth Chenault, others), have an equal access to higher education, have served in the highest branches of our government (Senate, Congress, Supreme Court, Sec. of State,etc.), even one of them is running for president, so by in large we can move passed this race thing.
We have moved a very, and I mean very long way from the racist (and sexist) founding of this country. But when you can say people are being sexist for their view of one and NOT being racist for the other, I question your intentions. Haven't women been given the same access to education, been leaders of government, large corporations, and 18 million people voted to have one as the Chief Executive of their beloved country? Are not we beyond the sexism that has defined Western Civilization? Why not give as much time explaining this to your listening audience?
On the issues, Palin is empty, you have to realize this. She was chosen and a political ploy to win votes, not make policy. Obama, whether you agree with his policies, is at least speaking about them. McCain's campaign chief admitted at the RNC that the election is about personality, not policy or the issues. This scare me to no end that they'd rather have an empty pretty face one heart beat away from the Presidency, then a proven uniter of both policy and personality.
I enjoy our conversations, regardless if in my attempt to try to at least get someone to think about the other side actually happens, I would like to continue trying. But, I certainly apologize for being unclear as to calling you a racist, for I was not......can't promise not to bring up race though, for I believe it is an important subject to explore.
Derrick
http://www.dslack.com
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