Why I Haven't Blogged in Awhile

Facebook has taken me away from this blog for sometime now. Why? It's much easier to have flowing discussions on FB than here on the blog. For example, here's what I'm talking about today on FB:

My Status update - To quote Nate Silver, if Coakley blows it with an electorate that gives Obama 59% approval, that's very different than if voters are totally fed up with the Dems.

Michelle
I think Im going to be a libertarian from now on. I love Obama, just because he is such an inspiration, but I am fed up with big government, tired of them being in every little bit of business. Im just fed up with Politicians.

Christopher

Amen Michelle...I am going Independant

Susan

I think voters are just plain fed up. Neither party has answers! How disappointing that even though we have a Democrat in the White House, as well as Democrat Pelosi and all her minions in Congress, we're still at a stand still. I'm Republican on most counts, but I'm fairly certain no Republican would be doing any better.

Me
Voters aren't fed up. Most voters don't even pay attention to what's going on (if they did, we'd have much higher voter turnouts). There's a very vocal minority on both wings that are getting all of the press because it sells ad revenue. Most politicians, of both parties, actually care very much about the work they do, but differ on how to best help the country. It's easy to blame politicians, but you you know what? They didn't get there by themselves. We have elections - we put them in office. If we don't like them, we have this wonderful system that allows us to vote them out of office and replace them with someone else. There's so much that actually does get done on the Federal, State and local level that most people don't hear about because it's not mentioned in the 10 second soundbites on the nightly news or the talking heads on TV don't argue over it. Go to your legislators website, read the bills they're working on, write to them to tell them what you think. But most of all, vote. (this PSA brought to you by www.chazthinks.blogspot.com)

Me again
To qualify, voters aren't fed up with the person that "they" voted for, they're fed up with anyone who doesn't do exactly what they want them to do.

Not sure if I'm all that surprised the more I think about it.

Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize

Speaking as a black man, the reaction to Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize isn't that surprising - we've faced this our whole lives. None of us has ever deserved a promotion, been accepted into a college, or been qualified for any type of accolades that we've received - there's always a more deserving person who should have gotten it.

Awesomesauce!!!

"You are being shagged by a rare parrot"!!

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And we're off!

All packed, now to get some sleep before leaving Wednesday for India. A quick flight from National to JFK, then a 14 hour flight to Delhi. Yikes!

India

The Mrs. and I are leaving for India in a few days. Hopefully, we'll have plenty of 'net access so I can share our journey with anyone who's interested. Until Wednesday, Namaste!

This Makes Me Feel A Little Better

I've been concerned about the Obama administration's stance on Gay Rights, in particular their brief on the DOMA case. In reading James McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom" - a great book on the Civil War, I came across the following about Lincoln.

"Nor did he go as far as many other Republicans who called for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia and repeal of the fugitive slave law."

The real firebrand at the time in the Republican party was Seward. But it's because he was such a firebrand that he wasn't able to get elected to the Presidency.

Not to different from what we're saying about Obama today. But we don't remember Lincoln as the President who was reluctant to take action on slavery. Instead, we remember him as "The Great Emancipator".

Let's give the brother some time to get things done.

Disappointed

Haven't posted anything in awhile. Just wanted to say how disappointed I am in the administration's brief on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Hopefully, they know what they're doing. They've proven that they're playing the long game, not the short one, but on this one, I don't know.

Summer Jersey for Good Craic

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Teabaggin'?

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Ouch!

My right shoulder has been killing me for about 2 weeks now. It started when my dog, Kaleb, decided it would be fun to chase a squirrel while I was walking him. He ran off and nearly pulled my arm off. I didn't think much of it at first - I even played a game in goal the following Sunday.

This past Friday while at work - the pain suddenly became unbearable. I suffered through it and even went out for my friend Dan's birthday. Nothing like beer to fix your pain, right? Wrong. By Saturday, I couldn't lift my arm above my head and I finally saw the doctor today. Prognosis? It's my rotator cuff. It's not torn, but it is damaged. I'm looking at a month's worth of rehab now.

Good times.

Found a Blackberry

In a crowd as large as yesterday's, it was inevitable that a ton of cell phones, digital cameras, etc. would be lost. We found one yesterday in Crystal City. If anyone out there reads this and knows who's phone has the following number, leave me a message and I'll do the best I can to get it back to them.

781-718-1062

What A Day!

Today Is The Day We Have Been Waiting For

It's like Christmas, New Years and a birthday all wrapped up together. My thoughts are a jumble right now, don't really know what to say or how to say it.

We're leaving around 7:00 tomorrow morning to catch the bus downtown - we were lucky enough to get tickets for the swearing-in. We've got plenty of under armour, hand warmers, etc. It's gonna be cold, but well worth it. Plenty of pictures and video to follow.

Headed Home

We've been in Las Vegas for the past 5 days, celebrating my 40th. We've had a great time, despite Amber's new found addiction to Roulette! See you on the East Coast.

39

Ambition: Go to Uva or Brown, major in political science, and make America safe for Liberalism, or become a Navy pilot and own a Porsche 911 convertible.

That's what I wrote for my senior yearbook in high school, way back in 1986. Tomorrow I turn 40, and I've been feeling a bit melancholy and down, but reading that makes me feel a lot better. I actually did what I set out to do. I didn't become a Navy pilot, obviously (too tall), but I did go to Uva, majored in International Relations/Religion, and I think this past November I've achieved my dream. Not too shabby!

A lot has happened to me since 1986. Some major ups, some major downs, but I think I'm actually at peace with myself and where I am in life. A major reason for that is the incredible support I've had from my parents, who've been by my side through everything, and the love and support of my wife Amber for the past 7 years.

When I met Amber, I was coming off of on of the most dismal periods of my life. I was a life threatening accident the summer of 1999, got divorced in 2000 and lost my job in early 2001. The summer of '01, everything started to change – I was hired by NEA, and I met a woman who believed in me and has helped reach my true potential. I don't have the words to show how much she's meant to me, but anyone's who's met her knows what I'm talking about. She really is my rock.

So, here I am, my last day as a 30-something. I've got great friends, a wonderful family, and the best wife anyone could hope for. Here's to 40 more!

Nod yo head

Yeah, I'm still here

About to turn 40 - have much to write about that later.

Happy Thanksgiving

Here's hoping you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you.

Inauguration Ball 2009‏

The following was sent to me by my father - a friend sent it to him, but it was originally published at Daily Kos: on Oct. 29th. I wish I could write this well.

Inauguration Ball 2009
by Kenyada
Wed Oct 29, 2008 at 02:58:06 PM PST
I don't know, maybe it was one too many re-runs of The Twilight Zone; maybe it was one too many posts at 538. All I know is that one night I found myself in a huge ballroom, somewhere in the middle of Washington, D.C.

Guests began arriving early. There are no place cards and no name tags. Everyone knows everyone else here. Now, there's a grand foursome Malcolm and Betty Shabazz sharing laughs with Martin and Coretta Scott King. Looks like Hosea Williams refused the limo again, keeping it real. And my goodness; is that Rosa Parks out there on the dance floor with A. Phillip Randolph?

Seated at a nearby table, Frederick Douglass has a captive audience in W.E.B. DuBose and Fannie Lou Hamer, and Medgar Evers has just joined them. Marian Anderson was asked to sing tonight, but she only agreed to do it if accompanied by Marvin Gaye, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix. Look, there's Harriet Tubman. No one knows how she arrived, but there she is. And my guess is that, when the time comes, no one will see her leave. There's Jackie Robinson swiftly making his way through the hall as the crowd parts like the Red Sea to the unmistakable sound of applause. "Run, Jackie, run!" Along the way he is embraced by Jessie Owens. Three beautiful young women arrive with their escorts - Schwerner, Goodman and Chaney. Ms. Viola Liuzzo flew in from Michigan, exclaiming, "I could not miss this."

Richard Pryor promised to be on his best behavior. "But I can't make any guarantees for Redd Foxx and Moms Mabley," he chuckled. Joe Louis just faked a quick jab to the chin of Jack Johnson, who smiled broadly while slipping it. We saw Billy Eckstine and Nat King Cole greet Luther Vandross. James Brown and Josh Gibson stopped at Walter Payton's table to say hello.

I spotted Congressman Adam Clayton Powell of Harlem having a lively political discussion with Eldredge Cleaver. Pearl Harbor WW II hero Dorey Miller shared a few thoughts with Crispus Attucks, a hero of the Revolutionary War. And there is Madam C.J. Walker talking with Marcus Garvey about exporting goods to Africa. General Benjamin O. Davis flew into Washington safely with an escort from the 99th Fighter Squadron - better known as The Tuskegee Airman.

At the table on the left are three formidable women - Shirley Chisholm, Sojourner Truth, and Barbara Jordan - gathered for a little girl-talk... about world politics.

As usual, all the science nerds seem to have gathered off in a corner, talking shop. There's Granville T. Woods and Lewis Latimer needling each other about whose inventions are better. Someone jokingly asked Benjamin Banneker if he had needed directions to Washington. And George Washington Carver was overheard asking, "What, no peanuts?"

Dualing bands? Anytime Duke Ellington and Count Basie get together, you know the place will be jumping. Tonight is special, of course, so we have Miles, Dizzy, and Satchmo sitting in on trumpet, with Coltrane, Cannonball, and Bird on sax. Everyone's attention is directed to the dance floor where Bill "Bojangles" Robinson is tap dancing. Right beside him is Sammy Davis Jr., doing his Bojangles routine. And behind his back, Gregory Hines is imitating them both. Applause and laughter abound!

The Hollywood contingent has just arrived from the Coast. Led by filmmaker Oscar Micheau, Paul Robeson, Canada Lee, and Hattie McDaniel, they find their way to their tables. Dorothy Dandridge, looking exquisite in gold lamé, is seen signaling to her husband, Harold Nicholas, who is standing on the floor with brother Fayard watching Gregory Hines dance. "Hold me back," quips Harold, "before I show that youngster how it's done." Much laughter! Then a sudden hush comes over the room.

The guests of honor have arrived.

The President and Mrs. Obama looked out across the enormous ballroom at all the historic faces. Very many smiles, precious few dry eyes. Someone shouted out, "You did it! You did it!" And Obama replied, "No sir, you did it; you all - each and every one of you - did it. Your guidance and encouragement; your hard work and perseverance..." Obama paused, perhaps holding back a tear.

"I look at your faces - your beautiful faces - and I am reminded that The White House was built by faces that looked just like yours. On October 3, 1792, the cornerstone of the White House was laid, and the foundations and main residence of The White House were built mostly by both enslaved and free African Americans and paid Europeans. In fact, most of the other construction work was performed by immigrants, many of whom had not yet become citizens. Much of the brick and plaster work was performed by Irish and Italian immigrants. The sandstone walls were built by Scottish immigrants. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that The White House is, ultimately, The People's House, with each President serving as its steward.

Since 1792 The People have trimmed its hedges, mowed its lawn, stood guard at the gate, cooked meals in the kitchen, and scrubbed its toilet bowls. But 216 years later, The People are taking it back!

"Today, Michelle and I usher in a new era. But while we and our family look toward the future with so much hope, we know that we must also acknowledge fully this milestone in our journey. We want to thank each and every one of you for all you have done to make this day possible. I stand here before you, humbled and in awe of your accomplishments and sacrifice, and I will dedicate my Presidency, in your honor, to the principles of peace, liberty and freedom.


If it ever appears that I'm forgetting that, I know I can count on you to remind me." Then he pointed to me near the stage... "Kenyada, isn't it time for you to wake up for work? Isn't it time for all of us to wake up and get to work?"

Suddenly I awake and sit up in bed with a knowing smile. My wife stirs and sleepily asks if I'm OK. "I've never been better," I replied, "Never better. It's gonna be a good day."

These are additions from the comment section of Daily Kos- all great in their way.

Alice Walker and Maya Angelou were greeting sisters like Shirley Chisholm and Marian Anderson. "There are so many strong women like you," one of them murmured. "You've kept the light on for so many others."

Ray Charles smiled his million-dollar smile over the keyboard.

I can see them too. White tux, black tux, glittering beaded dresses, rich gold brocade-Jackie Kennedy style. I can also smell rich French perfume mixed with pomade as each of them pass by, finally able to come in through the front door instead of making a quick dash through the kitchen or the back service entrance. Some tip, others stride-all not believing that they are the guests invited to stay and dance instead of the entertainment or a quick photo op.
"We can stay? All night and have dinner and dance? But one look at Obama says it all-they can stay and laugh and drink and talk and feel they belong-truly belong in the crowd.
Some unexpected guests show-Ron Brown, while disappointed its not Hillary, joins the political crowd to have a long chat. He's still gratified that because of his work with Clinton, Obama will have some experienced people to work with in Government. Malcolm X tiptoes in just to get a look at the Lincoln Bedroom and to look over the shoulders of Keith Ellison. He's proud, despite his skepticism, that a fellow convert has made it in Congress. He's also proud that despite all the efforts, Jordan was still crossed in a sense.
Then I too wake up.

Reverend James Cleveland humming to himself.
I don't feel no ways tired
I've come too far from where I started from.
Nobody told me that the road would be easy,
I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me.
Can you hear? Can you hear?
Two voices, not dueling, but joined in harmony. There's Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward singing.
How I got over,
How I got over, my Lord
And my soul looked back and wondered
How I got over, my Lord
just listen

Don't miss the opportunity to shake hands with Thurgood Marshall - he's over there in the corner, quietly contemplating every move Frederick Douglass makes. ;)

Justice Marshall will be in the book version, along with some other glaring omissions, Admittedly, I wrote this out too quickly on a yellow legal pad (I write faster than I type) The words flooded through the pen to paper damp with tears. I know there are names that belong in this piece, and I hope that those now heavenly bodies will attribute the slight to my head and not my heart. (Kenyada)

A stirring performance from Nina Simone.

Langston and Zora setting pen to paper no doubt.

You missed the two lean, tuxedoed gentlemen who strode in, bathed in the light of hundreds of chandeliers, and more. John and Robert Kennedy made their way through the applauding room to the new President's table, each kissing the back of Michelle's hand, then clasping Barack Obama's hands, and bowing slightly, as the beaming new president humbly returns their gesture.
As the brothers slip off into the celebrating crowd, a tall shadow falls across the head table, and Barack turns to receive the large hand proferred by a man with thinning hair and a deceptively gentle Texas accent. "America has always been a place of new beginnings. Once again, we begin anew with you, Mr. President.", drawls Lyndon Johnson , who then steps aside to introduce a silver haired gentleman. "May I introduce Senator Albert Gore ." who adds "My son speaks highly of you in his prayers. Politics means nothing unless you arrive with your conscience intact."
In one corner, we see a cluster of Black faces, all in neatly presented uniforms - of every historic American epoch. Union Army blues; jaunty Army Air Corpsmen with their caps cocked to one side; a young man still in Viet Nam combat fatigues, wearing a helmet with a can of gun oil secured by a strap, just under the magic markered words "What's Going On?"; young men in desert camo. Ice cubes tinkle in their glasses as cigars are smoked, when they are suddenly stopped in mid-sentence by the approach of the grim black face of a man in ragged knee breeches. One of the group exclaims "Father!" and across the centuries they snap to a salute for the quiet man whose name tag reads Crispus Attucks .
A sweet voice with a ragged edge suddenly belts out. "I know you want to leave me, but I refuse to let you go!" sings Levi Stubbs , as Barack and Michelle walk hand in hand to the dance floor. They pause to shake hands with a natty, bespectacled old gent in a linen suit. "Enjoy your night, son. There's a ton of shit headed your way at a mile a minute!" says Harry S Truman , adding "May I introduce my boss?"
Harry steps aside to reveal an elegant elderly woman directing an antiquated wheelchair. A beaming Franklin D Roosevelt parks his cigarette holder and holds out his hand "Delighted, sir! Absolutely delighted!" Barack excuses himself from Michelle, and dances slowly and gently with Eleanor Roosevelt , and their quiet conversation continues. Meanwhile, a melifluous baritone asks Michelle "Madame, would you do me the honor?", and Michelle glides off to the dance floor with Paul Robeson .
When he wasn't dancing or holding court with women of varying ages, Ben Franklin commented that he had not seen such a diverse crowd "since my funeral, and I am certainly enjoying this occasion much more!" He then fell into conversation with Matthew Henson after paying their respects at President Obama's table.
Meanwhile, Malia and Sasha Obama are in the next room at the children's celebration, laughing and playing with their new friends: three little girls , dressed in their starched Sunday best, just as they were when they went off to Sunday school at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, so many long years ago.
The night glitters on, and for an evening, wounds are healed, tatters are sewn, optimism is unbridled. Like Cinderella eyeing the clock, the revelers know the harsh realities that will still be with us in the morning.
But tonight, our better angels dance.