A New Narrative

Wow!!! 2015 is here and has begun in earnest.  It’s the beginning of a new day, a time to make some New Year resolutions, lose some weight, find a new job, set some goals, improve oneself by taking a few courses, learn a trade, retire, worry less, take a needed vacation or just enjoy life more.   Regardless of what will be your experiences in this New Year, this year will be different for all of us, for we are not the same persons we  were last year. 

One major factor is our development comes from the impact of those events and things that affected us so greatly in 2014.   Those occurrences became a part of our social consciousness and that alone has altered our perspectives, hopes and dreams for 2015.  We all have been changed and challenged by things in 2014, some were good, some were so-so and others have been difficult to comprehend, to say the least. Each of us has a list, counted them twice and prayed about them countless times.  

Last year was something else and we can surely expect that this year will be full of surprises as well.  Many things changed and will continue to evolve as the year progresses simply because we do not know what the future holds.  Will we experience that breakthrough we long for, obtain that degree or training skill needed to move to a better paying job, find success in a new venture that puts us into another socioeconomic level and provides some financial relief to pay off some debts?  Whatever the outcomes, we hope for the best, live through whatever comes and look for better days.             

It’s time for some new words of wisdom, a new manuscript, or some good stuff from the past that has always provided guidance and reasoning for the future.   In the times and era in which we live today, what you say, do and believe in matters.  Saying or doing something that reflects a narrow, shallow or negative way of thinking is not going to work.  My mother use to say...“be careful of what you say for those same words can come back to haunt and bite you.”  Or perhaps the words of Reinhold Niebuhr, a noted theologian, who wrote the “Serenity Prayer” works.   “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”  What do you think?            

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, Twitter #AC53, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-265-5546.  

A Christmas Wish

It been quite a year so far, some days have been inspiring, some average, and while others have been days that no one would ever hope to come.  On one hand, we have witnessed breakthroughs in medicine, research, science, exploration, athletics, and extraordinary human endeavors.  Additionally, we have seen the rebound of various exchange markets to new all-time highs, expansion of health care for families, reinvestment in housing, increase business, new products, job creation and social reforms. 

However, on the other hand there have been days in which our hearts have been sadden by so many underling  issues that continue to go unaddressed because of political posturing and indifference.  This includes more families living in poverty, lack of job training, underemployment, high incarceration rates among people of color, increased crime, escalation in gun violence, limits on immigration and drug use.  The entire list of issues that need addressing is alarming and are all worthy of more attention.         

It will be interesting to see where 2014 ranks among other years in the 21^st Century.  Will it be a year measured by what was gained, accomplishments, loses or by what we continued to avoid?  Only time will tell.  What I can say about this year is that it has been quite a journey of unbelievable highs and lows.  From economic growth and advances in science and industry to the spread of worldwide terrorism, new diseases, the use of deadly force by law enforcement of unarmed people, increased public protests, political unrest, expanding wealth gap, and the search for a meaningful dialog about race in America.  This year has been some ride of raw emotions, critical thinking, and flashbacks with historical footnotes.           

But as this holiday season draws to an end, it’s my hope that each of us wish for better days, change of hearts, sober thinking and true peace in our neighborhoods, cities, and nation and around the world.   It will take all of us to make a difference in the upcoming New Year so that the mistakes of 2014 are not repeated and more progress can be made on all fronts.  No Christmas season is complete unless we take the time to remember those who are less fortunate and find ways to become engaged in making life better for all.  We truly live in a land of opportunity and blessings.   What do you think?            

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, Twitter #AC53, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-265-5546.  

Taking A Stand

It is remarkable to witness the emergence of numerous non-violence protests all across America.  Some could say that these are throwback concepts or “old school” from the days and times of the civil rights movements of the 1960’s and beyond.  Nevertheless, it is a welcome site to see such things in real time through the use of various media outlets and through social media.   In so many ways the ability to see things unfold in real time without being there is helping us to transform our families, schools, neighborhoods, nation and world. 

The rise in recent protests and more has ignited a passion in all of us that things have to change.  There is no more room for the “status quo” or same as usual practice which allows for some sort of lethal response being used to a perceived criminal behavior or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  This movement is growing and has become multicultural at its base and is spreading like wild fire throughout America.  In addition, this movement is gaining new levels of foot soldiers that cross all socioeconomic barriers, including professional and college sport teams.  These new waves of advocates are letting their voices be heard through wearing t-shirts, donations, demonstrations and social media.   

What gives us considerable hope is that these new movements are helping us to review policies, practices and various laws in serious ways.   It is also helping us to identify gaps and breakdowns in systems.   Additionally, it is helping to ensure transparency, which will allow for significant changes to be made.   In addition, it is creating a new level of community engagement and bringing new partners to the table for open discussions in solving some of our community more complex problems of unemployment, affordable housing, homelessness, mental health care and poverty.   
          
In the end and I hope that we each take the opportunity to join in with some of these moments, for our great democracy and its core values of freedom, fairness and justice hang in the balance.  Our nation can only rise up to its true potential when its citizens truly participate in making America a place where everyone has a voice.   And taking a stand with the right values and a clear moral compass is what makes all the difference in the world.  What do you think?            

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, Twitter #AC53, Facebook, or call 414-571-5015.  You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-265-5546.  

Finding A Way Forward

A lot of people did not see this coming... a new and younger generation rising and picking up the cause of free speech and active protest in the wake of so many things going awry.  Today more and more people are letting their voices be heard and marching for various causes.  Some of the things that have people upset are the ongoing and endless debate about immigration, voter suppression tactics, minimum wage increases, equal pay for equal work, affordable housing and now... community policing.  

The recent series of shootings by police, a choke hold and the use of deadly force that was caught on camera are sounding the alarm.  And to make matters worse, no criminal indictments.  This new generation is not going to stand around and take this without people and a system being held accountable.  They see a system that is broken; police militarization and a growing culture of indifference among those who are sworn to protect and serve the communities of color.     

These recent events have exposed the underling reality of what prejudice looks and feels like, especially towards Blacks and people of color in general; Black men and boys in particular.  I know we have our own issues of Black on Black crime and that needs to be addressed as well.  But the treatment by those in law enforcement and being paid to do so... should be better and needs to improve.  

Many of us know that policing is a tough job and there are times in which things can get lost in the fog of situations, reactions and emotions.  To be fair, our community needs effective policing, but there are limits to everything.  Additionally, these recent events have uncovered that a number of rules of law and processes have become outdated and additional training standards need to be put into place that reflect good bearing, discipline and multiculturalism.  

However, I see those issues as well as other issues connected to a number of failures in our society, and... we need to work on them too.  There is a need to improve our community with better paying jobs, reduce homelessness, more affordable housing and reducing the high levels of poverty.  And perhaps we will see a lesser need for expanded policing.  What do you think?            

The Elephant In the Room

For nearly all of us, our journey through the American experience continues to remind us that many things from our past are still a part of our current reality.  The transition of a lot of this venom has been etched into laws, policies, cultures, minds and hearts.  These kinds of things helped to set the tone and the agenda for what would come next.  The aftermath or enduring legacy is what we are fighting and dealing with today.  This manuscript of the “New Jim Crow,” is in full living color, close up and on display.  A lot of us are shaking our heads, rubbing our eyes and covering our ears and all the while saying... “I can’t believe this is happening,” ... again! 

It is fully apparent that there are a lot of people, especially some “old heads” who are still caught in the past, can’t let it go and move on to doing something more constructive.  They are forever stuck in the past and are so engrained into a mindset in which they only see life through shades of gray and not in the colors of humanity.  This kind of ideology is at the epicenter of why we cannot “push and pull” our county out of poverty, injustice, war, discrimination, health care, crime and lawlessness.  The outliers, impact and all the outcomes are pointing to the fact that the problems in our society goes much deeper and is more widespread. 

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that a lot of people need to step back, refocus and retool in how to do the right thing.  Many of us have lost or were never told of the lessons of our history, the American experience.  If we never learned anything from history, we are bound to repeat it again, again and again.  So, here we are again and some of us did not get the memo or missed that history lesson altogether.

At the core of it all is “racism.”   For it is racism that reflects a state of mind that believes that one person, race or group is better than another.  It is the belief that members of one race possess abilities and characteristics specific to that race and because of those differences one must distinguish it as being inferior or superior to another race or ethnic group.  This leads to the widespread issues of prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against others of a different race is based on a general belief that one’s own race is superior.  Racism is real and no matter what standard you use to determine the merits of a particular situation... it is still the elephant in the room.   What do you think?            

A Time To Give Thanks

Beyond all the reality of living in one of the best countries in the world, there will always be opportunities to make improvements to make it even more a land of possibilities.  Besides the ongoing political debates on immigration, health care, crime prevention, affordable housing and employment, there is a need to take a time out to remember the significant of this time of year.  As this Thanksgiving Day is upon us, it is time to focus on the importance of this time with the celebration of family, history, heritage, good food, and faith.

The celebration of Thanksgiving dates back several centuries and is recognized as a national holiday is several countries.  It is generally observed as a time in which to celebrate a good harvest at the end of the planting season.  Of course the true meaning of Thanksgiving has been lost over the decades and the day has evolved into a number of other things including shopping, football and parties.  It is also looked upon as the start of the Christmas holiday and Advent season.    

In the heart of most Americans, Thanksgiving is one of those special times in which families come together to share some quality time, great food, offer prayers, catch up with events, take pictures, play games and reflect upon what it means to be family. The time honored guest at these gatherings is turkey with stuffing, along with yams, pumpkin pie, ham, rolls, vegetables and cranberry sauce.  If it was a “soul food” thanksgiving dinner, there may be a number of other additional side items including greens, chitterlings, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, peach cobbler, ice cream, mash potatoes, barbeque ribs and chicken.             

This is also a time to focus on those Americans, members in our congregations, the homeless who are living in shelters, under bridges, on park benches, inside cardboard boxes, cars and in manmade shelters.  There will always be those in our great nation who have fallen on hard times, out of work, mentally ill or down on their luck and just need a helping hand.  This is a time to show compassion, good will, spiritual values, and to demonstrate our true humanity.   If we forget who we are and what it means to live in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, then we also have forgotten all those who have gone on before us and helped us to be who we are today.    What do you think?            

Pushing The Envelope

The more you think that we are making process in our country, the more things remain the same, especially in terms of discrimination, wealth disparity, gun violence, high rates of unemployment and the percentage of people and families living in poverty.  This is just a short list, but we all know the list is long and continues to grow.  If you have the time, one can just pick a cause and find more work to do then they think.   What makes the situations even worst is that many people and organizations are not focused on being the champion to address an issue, they are either just trying to monitor the situation, do what they can, ill-equipped to fully address the issue or just look the other way.  In either case scenario, instead of reducing the high levels of a particular issue, many community problems continue to fester and grow.  

To make things even worst is the amount of rhetoric being spewing out through the media on particular issue... and of course without a solution.  So much of it is just talk and always with a negative spin.    If you listen to it long enough it can become intoxicating, additive, polarizing and leads to more inactivity.   As a result it is becoming more of the same, say what you want to say, do what you want to do and blame everyone one else for the condition.  This is not some new philosophy that just began today, it been around a long time... 

It may surprise you, that there are many who subscript and buy-in with this kind of thinking. They catered to this home grown wisdom and believe that the people who espouse this mind set have a right to push it to the limits and to see how far they can go with something without getting caught.  But like all things in life... what goes around also comes around.  Too much foolish talk can turn people off and they will begin to look for another voice of reason, someone that will speak and represent them.     

What is needed today are people who are willing to “stretch the limits,” of what is possible.  To go further in believing and doing; changing the outcomes of residents, building stronger communities that mean something, and to inspire another generation to believe once more in the American Dream.  It is the ability to innovate, inspire others to believe and doing something that wasn’t previously though possible.  And for good measure, they begin to ... set a new standard of excellence.   If we are going to make a profound different than we need to know how and when to push for the right causes and let the record speak through our compelling arguments that our best days are always in front of us.   What do you think?            

Rocking The Boat

There is nothing more important than having a good reputation, image and message, especially if you want to... go somewhere and be somebody.  In this modern fast pace social and political climate in which we live today, it is hard to keep everything in check.  A person or organization must be careful of what they say and do.  With the ability to fact check on what you say, background check on who you are, reference check on who you associate with, and a credit check on how you pay back what you borrow, this has become an age of increase accountability.  Of course, you have to keep in mind who wants to know and why... that can be a cause of concern as well.   

The most interesting question of this new era for anyone who wants to be out front and leading, is how do you navigate these “waters and waves” to achieve success?  Along with this understanding and more interesting process after overcoming the first obstacle, is how to develop a winning game plan to deal with the numerous challenges that will come in the near future.  One has to also develop an attitude, mindset and strategy that helps them to remain focus, balance and adaptable as the times and social landscape changes and pivots.   

Today, there is so much exposure to information about things, events and people.  It is sometimes too much to handle or put your hands around.  It can also be information that is ongoing and evolving with no end in sight.  And with people having instant access to information, data, research, commentary, opinions and news feeds 24/7, it is a wonder if any of us are able to do anything without someone noticing.  Just a few minutes of fame with a bad spin can turn out to be a nightmare that turns your aspirations into ashes. 

Well, here are my two-cents on things that need to change in our community... and this may cause some problems, because this may change a situation which most people do not want to change.  Let work on reducing youth poverty with 4 out of 5 Black and 2 out 3 Latinos youth in Milwaukee living in this reality, reduce gun violence (it takes more than putting more law enforcement on the streets), expanding Medicaid and Medicare for the poor and elderly, build more affordable housing and let’s stop the political gamesmanship.   Well let me stop here... this might be too much to handle... for this wave might turn the boat over.  For loose lips might sink ships and careers.   What do you think?            

A Few Good Advocates

It can never be understated that a lot has been lost over the past few decades in terms of social awareness, justice, political gain and economic development.   Nowhere has those affects been more profound than upon African Americans and other people of color.  The planned and rapid changes in policy, laws, governance and due process has set back many of the gains of the civil right movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Today, there continues to be attempts to reverse or restrict the rights of all Americans, especially those who are the most vulnerable.  These rights include voting, civil, employee, human and women.

On the board horizon there seems to be far fewer advocates in urban communities to speak out on issues affecting residents.  Even more striking has been a noticeable loss of mentors, village elders and mothers to assist in the personal growth of the upcoming younger generations.  With this perspective, a number of views have emerged as to why.  In one view, the ongoing shifts in society have resulted in more dysfunction within families and with that advocates have been more focused on those issues.  Another view point has revealed a loss of social consciousness of what it takes to keep communities connected and growing.  Yet another view point highlights a loss in the development of grass root leadership, which has been a hallmark of how neighborhoods have been able to sustain their identity over the decades.      

The loss of community minded advocates has made a significance impact on the quality of life within most neighborhoods.  This loss has led to issues of translation, transition and transformation.  When a community loses it ability pass on the gifts of dialog, culture, skill and heritage from one generation to another, the future of that community will be one of struggle and distance.  At the center of a growing and striving community are persons and organizations that stand ready to assist residents to enjoy a great place in which to live, work and play.    

With too fewer advocates on issues, many urban communities have been adrift and unable to keep those in public office accountable to the growing needs of residents.  What is needed today is a renewed call for people to step up to the plate and become advocates on the issues that are affecting their neighborhood in general and those that affecting the larger community.  Making it all possible is that people need to look beyond their personal agendas and see the world through the lens of those who are suffering in silence.   What do you think?            

Making Your Vote Count

In the makeup of our great county, some of the fundamental principles of the constitution include the freedom of speech and the right to vote.  Each year there is an election held somewhere in America, either is a regular or a special session.   For the most part, the majority of elections are held in the fall on the first Tuesday in November.  This is especially true for all national elections and may include those running for President, US Senate or Congress.     

In this long standing and bold tradition, many states, cities, counties and local municipalities also hold their elections on the same day.  It is about taking advantage of a higher expected voter turnout.  Besides electing people to public office, some elections may also include a number of binding and non-binding resolutions, new laws to consider, and funding requests.   In some years a ballot can be very long, confusing and complex, especially during Presidential elections.  During off year elections, (non-Presidential), ballots are more reasonable and expected turnout is usually lower.            

As I look back on the American history, the right to vote has not always been there for African Americans and people of color.  It is amazing that throughout our history there have been individuals, organizations, businesses and political parties that have tried to influence the vote or restrict that right.  This has occurred through redistricting, changing campaign finance laws, voting rules, high level endorsements of candidates, and allowing more money to be given to a particular candidate.   For most this is the age of ...“how to buy an election.” 

However, each election cycle brings something new to the “game of politics,” regardless of the level of the office.  Today, there is a lot of strategy, research and analysis being done before, during and after each race.  The amount of time, energy and staffing that goes into a campaign these days is enough to keep your head spinning for some time.  Additionally, there are the media ad buys on radio, cable, television, and in newspapers.  In addition, let not forget those spot interviews, forums on issues, candidate debates and my favorite ... “robocalls.”   It is enough to make us all “famous,” ... looking to be seen and seen to be heard. 

But what makes an election so great in our American experience is that it puts everyone on the same level... everyone has one vote... and that is it.  It does not matter what your political views are, likes and dislikes about a candidate, the “playing field is the same.”  An election does not depend on how much money you have, the kind of house you live in, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, or being rich, poor or just getting by... an election depends on you taking the time to cast your vote and that gives you the loudest voice in the world. 

Regardless of what your personal feelings about elections, they are a part of the fabric of America and our political process.  There is no need to voice your outrage about elections, they were here before we were born and they will be around long after we are gone.  The critical question is “will you chose to exercise your fundamental right, if and when an election is upon us?  Let see, election time is here, November 4 is just around the corner... and the stakes are high.   What do you think?                 

When The Stakes Are High

Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been the spokesman and the face of the national response to Ebola, since it came to America in September.  The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa continues to be the deadliest disease epidemic of our modern times and is affecting the entire world as we know it.  This is the by far the largest Ebola outbreak in history and it’s the first in West Africa.  Additionally, according to the CDC, this is the first Ebola epidemic the world has ever known and especially since it has reached America and Spain.    

The epic center for this outbreak is along the west coast of Africa and includes the countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.  Since the outbreak there have been over 9,000 cases with over 4,500 deaths in just two months in Africa.  Additionally, a few cases have been reported in Nigeria and Senegal.  In addition, but unrelated to the West Coast outbreak is an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that has reported 69 cases with 49 deaths since August.       

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been tracking this disease or a number of forms of this disease since 1976 when the first known outbreak occurred in Sudan and later in Zaire.  Additionally, it has emerge in Uganda and in pigs in the Philippines.  It is not easy to catch, but spreads when a person comes into contact with the body fluids of an infected person. The disease moves fast and if a person is not treated within 21 days, the chances of survival are slim. It is believed that the transmission of the Ebola diseases to people is linked to the eating of “Bushmeat” that is the consumption of equatorial animals in Africa.  This meat is also known as wildmeat or gamemeat and refers to meat from non-domesticated mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds hunted for food in tropical forests.           

It was not if Ebola was coming to America, but when it was coming.  And now that it has come, the disease has changed a lot of what we do and how we see others in the world.  Interestingly enough, only a hand full of medical research labs around the world were trying to create an antidote for this modern deadly virus.  But since it appearance on the world stage, things have changed.  From head to toe world leaders and governments have been awaken to the reality that Ebola is here and it is not going away. 

Today, many people now realize that if Ebola is not stopped in its track, it will change everything and affect our way of doing business, trade and travel globally.  Ebola has also unearth a number of other issues as well, including world poverty, discrimination, indifference, lack of quality health care systems, underfunding of research, limited number of treatment centers, lack of protective equipment, a lack-a-daisical attitudes towards preparedness and following protocols, and treating those will no medical insurance.   

Yet, perhaps another hidden reason for an interest in stopping Ebola is the fact that these West African countries also produce a number of agriculture and natural resources ... world’s largest rubber plantation, diamonds, iron ore, palm oil, cocoa beans, titanium, aluminum, gold, petroleum, coffee, bananas, pineapples and uranium, to just name a few.  What do you think?                

Changing Colors

Each year one of the most beautiful things to witness in the fall is the changing of colors in the leaves of trees, especially the sugar maple.  The sugar maple really provides a wonderful contrast in colors in its leaves as autumn comes...you see green, brown, and the red.  It’s the “red” color of the tree leaves that catches our eye the most.  The turning of the leaves is something most of us do not pay too much attend to, unless you have to rake them up, put them in bags for pick up, add them to the compost pile so as to use them next year for the home garden. 

From a distance these contacting colors help prepare us to know that fall is here and winter is just around the corner.  When you add in the “turning of leaves” in other trees in the area, including the Ash, Elm, Oak, Basswood, Dawn Redwood, Hackberry, Juniper, Carbapple, Cherry and blend those in with the Spruce and Evergreens, than the view is quite inspiring.  The amazing think about this panoramic display of colors from nature is that it helps us to appreciate our natural surroundings.  It should also remind us to not take things for granted and that all life is important. 

But the turning of the leaves of the sugar maple provides us with a number of clues or lessons that we should pay particular attend to.  One of the first facts is that this tree does not grow everywhere in the US.  Secondly, the “sugar maple” is a great shade tree to stand and sit under.  It can keep the sun and rain off one’s head.  Even those it primarily grows in northern climates as a hardwood tree, it too like most things around us is affected by climate change and manmade pollutions due in part to its shallow root system.  This tree provides a signal with its “turning of leaves” that winter is really upon us and that the year is coming to an end.  

But the amazing thing about his tree, like most trees that lose its leaves in the fall is the fact that another year is coming upon us and that spring is just around the corner.  This lets us know that it’s a new time, a new season and new opportunities.  It is a time when new buds, fruit and leaves will emerge from those same trees that once were dormant and now are showing signs of new life.  If I see this right, than what we think or how we view our community can all change.  It is all possible; it is a part of nature and controlled by natural laws and if we look for it and prepare for it, than change will happen.   What do you think?           

Getting It Together

All across Milwaukee these days, there appears to be a renewed sense of urgency to get things done to improve the quality of life of residents in the city.  At first, I thought it was the weather, the upcoming November elections or the need of nearly everybody wanting to be seen doing something or to be heard.  But I believe and this is just me, that there seems to be more people who are seeing a need to become more engaged and to collaborate with others in order to solve many of the lagging problems facing the largest city of Wisconsin.  

During this year along, there have been a record number of community and town hall meetings sponsored by public officials at every level.  Additionally, there have been numerous agencies and organizations across the city providing outreach, organizing, workshops, seminars and fairs on topics of health care screening, employment, education, housing, credit repair, safety, youth services, Veterans and aging.  In addition, many religious groups, churches, non-profits and charities have provided an array of spiritual, counseling, and support services to individuals, families in crisis and victims of domestic violence. 

It has been wonderful to see; I completely promote and support such efforts.  What else has been encouraging to witness is the number of local mass media resources, including radio, TV, and newspapers helping to promote and report on many of these noteworthy events and more.   Even more revealing has been the amount of national attention.  This national attention has attracted a number of high profile personalities, award winning writers, noted researchers and political officials to visit, make presentations and give inspiriting speeches.         

This kind of attention can get addictive and signal a movement that we have not seen in years.  This new movement is about human rights, which includes a call for justice, equal treatment and the right to be heard.  At the base of this movement is how we are treating each other, calls for unity, protections of personal liberties, respect of family and getting back to the fundamentals of what it takes to make a good society.  While this new movement is taking shape, which is being born out of frustration, disappointment in elected officials and the political process, disenfranchisement, ongoing injustice, wealth disparity, and exclusion from livable wage employment...this new movement is gaining steam. 

What is more amazing about this new movement is that it is for real, has foot soldiers, advocates, an agenda and an open forum.  For many of us, this awaking is something we have been waiting for a long time and is long overdue.  The push for such reforms is coming from the new and upcoming generations of millennials, Gen Y and Gen Z.  They are becoming more demanding and expecting more accountability from the previous generation of “baby boomers.”  So, I say... let’s join this new movement and give a boost to what can only improve the quality of life for all in Milwaukee.   What do you think?           

    

What Will It Cost?

I remember the era (1980’s) in which “scan cashiering” was first introduced in grocery stores.  It did not take long for one to see that a new way of doing business was before us and that the old traditional way of “checking out” would never be the same.  In theory and concept “scanning” at the checkout counter would help to speed things up for customers, reduce the time standing in line, inventory control, ordering of products, control cost and in the long run be a better way of doing business in a changing society.   Since its introduction there have been several adaptions to the “scan cashiering” process, including self-checkout kiosks, various methods of payment, credit cards, coupons, product bar codes and loyalty reward programs. 

Even with such advances in technology or what is known today as a “point of sales” system, some things have not change and that is the “cost.”  Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate having a shorter time in which to “checkout” at most stores, restaurants, convenient stores, airports, malls and certainly at the gas pump.  If fact it is one of the normal perks that one expects while shopping, it faster and convenient.   But even with a more efficient way of conducting our business, the fact still remains that there is still a “price tag” on every item and that is the bottom line.          

Today, in our nation, some things have changed because of advances in technology, research, education, communities, travel, global warming, buildings and health care.  Yes, I agree with you that more needs to be done and should be done in those areas. But what is puzzling to me is that we are short on making advances to reduce infant mortality, incarceration of non-violent offenders, poor community policing, reducing gun violent, expanding diversity in public and private workplaces, hiring US Military Vets, raising the minimum wage for poor families, ending voting restrictions, creating better schools, safer communities, health care for the poor, reducing college debt, women rights, and limit corporate greed and excess.

What is more outrageous and nonsense in my view is the fact or it seems that we have money to build bridges to nowhere, give tax breaks to those who do not need them, invest in personal ventures and spend millions on getting elected for public office.  If we are talking about misplaced priorities and values, then here we are.  Then again, what have we learned, the more we believe we have change the more it remains the same... even with a change in the cast of characters... the results and the cost remain the same... if only we can read the “price tag.”  What do you think?           

Looking For a Solution

I have attended a lot of meetings, summits, updates, briefings, causes, award ceremonies and the like over the past two years.  Most of them in their own right are wonderful events to attend, well organized and serve a unique purpose in our modern society.  For those who are fortunate to be a part of these activities, to be in the loop or run in those circles; these kinds of events are just a normal part of doing business or an expectation of one’s job.  It could be how you move up in life, shaking hands, rubbing elbows and to be seen by those who are the “wheelers and dealers” in the city and beyond.  It perhaps how one builds their resume, portfolio, exchange business cards, build a reputation and getting your name out there.  The motto for such actions could be... “It’s who you know and who knows you.”        

From my observations, here are a few take a-ways of ideas that I have learned from going to these events and perhaps I am not alone.  First of all, there seems to be an endless number of topics, issues and causes of interest.  Those include housing, health care, aging, foster care, education, crime, employment opportunities and poverty to just name a few.  Secondly, there are a large number of organizations, agencies, community groups, civic officials and even governmental departments, who are all vying for support from the public as to what they have to say about what they are doing.   
Thirdly, it seems that these events only appeal or cater to a particular segment of the general population and because for the most part many people don’t know what is going or care in the first place.  Lastly, I am struck by the number of ideas, suggestions, and findings from research and of course the many, many, many....“great and glowing speeches” about what’s happening.   

What seems to be absent from many of these noteworthy events are workable solutions, creative plans, levels of engagement and the resources available to address the modern challenges.  Don’t get me wrong, I like eating as many cooked versions of chicken, salads, rolls, dressing and deserts as the next attendee, but it would all taste a little bit better if the presentations included a roadmap, building blocks, bridge, connections and outcomes.  Most of us don’t mind attending these events and hearing wonderful speeches, for most of us, we are fully aware of the problems that need to be addressed in our community... “we are just waiting for a lesson plan on how to deal with it.”   By the way, could you pass the dressing, it’s my favorite?  What do you think?            

 

The Inner City Blues

“Oh, make you wanna holler, The way they do my life”

Those are some of the lyrics sung by Marvin Gaye in the song entitled “Inner City Blues.”  It was included and became  one of his three top selling singles on the “What Going On” album in 1971.  The song full title was “Inner City Blues (Make me wanna holler) and was the last song of the album.   It was recorded in September of 1971 and soon reached the top of the billboard charts.  Like a number of songs recorded in the late 60’s and early 70’s, it too was able to capture the mood of the nation. 

As a nation, we were still in a war (Vietnam) coping with an economic crisis, high unemployment, civic unrest, mistrust of policing; rising taxes, poor housing, lack of quality health care, and escalating crime.   Additionally, we were working our way back from the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., major city riots, marches, draft dodgers, urban blight and an expanding social service network.  Those were tough times and a lot of people who lived through those days have not forgotten the cost, pain and suffering that they and their families endured.
Trying to find a way to heal, move forward or just to survive took real acts of courage and faith.   

And just like a page from history, his song resonates and speaks volumes of what most Americans feel today in 2014.  You can’t make this stuff up.  This “stuff” just makes you want to “holler.”  Marvin Gaye song covers it all... “inflation, bills piling up, send boys off to die, hang ups, let downs, bad breaks, setbacks, can’t pay my taxes, throw up both of my hands,  crime increasing, trigger happy policing, panic is spreading , and God knows where we’re heading.”

At the end of the song, Marvin closes out with... God bless you and the Lord keep you, and may you live, live, live a good life... God bless you, Lord Keep You and may you live, live, live a long, long sweet life, ... don’t let the things get you down, hold your hands, baby, walk around... Say God bless you and I’ll keep you, I’m praying a prayer for each and every one of you... Heaven bless you.”   It is truly amazing that this song from the 1970’s has a place with us today.   In so many ways this song continues to speak to us today and it echoes the  “inner city blues.”   What do you think or holler back?          

 

Let's Do a Selfie

It is all the rage these days, but it is nothing new... people taking photographs of themselves. The greatest difference today is that is easier to do since the creation of smartphones, digital cameras and webcams.  Unlike the past, when people used a camera that had a timer, station it on a tripod, shelf or table top. They would set the timer and then hurry to get in front of the camera before the timer would go off and the photo was taken.  Or better yet attend the fair or amusement park and go into one of those photo booths and get some black and whites done.  That will certainly make your day. 

Now days, all a person has to do is to hold their smartphone about an arm’s length or pointed at a mirror and start taking photos.  You can choose your back ground, who in it with you and location.  And those photos can be uploaded to a number of social networking services such as Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumbir, Twitter and of course this list continues to grow.   

A lot of older Americans don’t get what is behind the rise in interest in this strange phenomenon.   But I certainly can tell you, it continues to grow in popularity, especially among the 18-34 ages demographic.  My view is not along, if fact major industries, business and governments have all taken notice as well.  A number of new companies have emerged and are benefiting from use of this new technology.   

The real question is why do people take selfies?  Those psychological factors vary and would depend upon a person situation.  It could include; to get attention from as many people as possible, to get a self-esteem boost, to show off, to get a specific person’s attention, boredom, and perhaps fun.  There is meaning behind why we do it, and why it’s has become such a massive trend.  And the meaning varies including as a way to stay connected with family, interest among friends, colleagues or to capture a special moment as it happens in time.  

Today, taking a selfie is mainstream and part of our daily lives.  Its reemergence and wide spread use is changing how we think and feel about the community, world, family and ourselves.  These self-portraits of ourselves in these moments of time are also helping us to cope with others thinks as well.  But in all cases, a "selfie"captures what it sees and sometimes that it the truth.  It is time to take a real good picture with our community in the background.  Now, hold that pose... No, Duck lips please!!! What do you think?