Rocking The Boat

 There are a number of reasons as to why boating accidents continues to rise each year across America.  According to the US Coast Guard, the number one cause of boating accidents is operator inattention, followed by improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, alcohol or boating while under the influence.  But with everything in life and with boating being no exception, there is more to boating than just what it looks like on the surface.

Boating of course is far different than driving or owning a car, SUV, truck, recreational vehicle or motorcycle.  Some boats are powered by speed motors, wind sails, rowing, paddling or a combination.  They also come in various sizes, lengths and heights in mass.  In boating, there are no driving lanes, mile markers, open water speed signs, speed bumps or traffic lights.  Of course there are rules on water safety, equipment, repairs and life jackets.  And there are classes offered to teach people how to have a positive boating experience.  Other than that, if you own a boat “you are the captain of your ship” and you can go boating when the harbor is open and the season is right.  

   

For those boating enthusiast, they can’t wait to get the boat out and onto the lake each year.  There is nothing like the open waters, relaxing, feeling the breeze and enjoying nature.   For some, their boat is a part of who they are and it’s a part of the family tradition.   These boaters go fishing, skiing, swimming, travel, tour the harbor or just take family and friends out for the day to enjoy time together. 

At last count, boating involves work, knowledge and acquiring some seaman skills of navigating and tying knots.  It also details responsibility, patience and taking water safety seriously.  The proper operation of a boat involves making sure that its “sea worthy” before casting off and getting underway.  Weather it’s the maiden voyage or just a routine adventure; it takes work to get any boat ready to sail before leaving the dock.  Besides get underway, there must also be a plan on what to do when taking on water, man overboard, collision with another boat or running aground. And when you think about the ongoing issues and crisis in urban America, it’s comparison to boating has so many parallels for it takes a lot to ensure that each adventure has “fair winds and following seas.”   

The Doctor will see You Now!

Each year a number of people try to avoid, if they can help it, going to a number of professional services in medicine.  All the while knowing that each of those services are necessary in order to improve the quality of life for them and that of their family.  With a growing need for medical services, an aging population and preexisting conditions, the list of unique specialties is also growing.  These days, it is hard not to find someone who is not going on annual trips to see one or many medical doctors, the dentist, optometrist, cardiologist, neurologist, dermatologist, podiatrist, specialists, clinicians, a dietitian and/or a practitioner.  And let’s not forget the physical therapist, psychiatrist and the pharmacist.    

  

The ongoing debate for affordable healthcare spans more than half a century and it remains the same… how can all Americans receive and afford quality healthcare? This debate has by far been the more contentious at every level of our government and during political campaigns.   And this debate will continue well into the foreseeable future.   

The most interesting thing is that medical coverage across the nation is so splintered as to it’s accessibility, availability and affordability.  This includes within both public and private sectors.  Those who work at the various levels of federal, state and local governments see huge differences in plans.  For those who work in the private sector, private payers and the like, see a healthcare market place of competing plans and options. However, the greatest challenge is how to cover those without healthcare and what kind of plans are available to those who are not employed, underemployed, self-employed, between jobs, and others who are not covered at all by an employer.       

For certain our journey to this point has been hard fought and there will be other battles to come.  Overall the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare, although not perfect by any means, has helped to saved many lives, extended coverage for parents who have children in college and to stop the practice of being denied coverage due to a preexisting condition.  The most amazing thing about it all, is that regardless of one’s socioeconomic status…you can be covered.  The question now is how do we sustain and improve the quality of what is being offered for those most in need?      

Looking for Leadership

There is much that can be said, looked at or experienced in terms of those who seek out various positions of leadership in our modern society.   At every level of our social endeavor, there are and will always be positions that require some form of leadership.  The titles of leadership vary from one business, firm, industry, government or community.  But the clear facts remain, there is a need for someone to be in charge or responsible for ensuring that things are operating efficiently.     

Without question, we all admire seeing good and effective leadership.  We also appreciate when individuals aspire to positions of leadership with greater responsibility.  On the other side, we expect people in positions of authority to take their duties seriously, be a person of great character and integrity.  We also like to witness our leaders rise to perceived expectations and that no moment is “too small” or “too big” in which they cannot be effective.   It’s just part of the job. 

We have no problem pointing out when our leaders let us down or when things do not turn out positive.  And we also will give them credit, when credit is due for making a good decision. Some of our leadership models have been created to deal with great challenges, to shoulder greater responsibilities, to lead by example or to charge into battle when it is required.  Leadership is at times without easy answers, it’s not for the faint of heart or for those that lack the courage to face mounting issues.  It is not for title seekers and those who seek out honors or awards.  True leadership is for those who see themselves as making a difference when moments matter and the lives of others are at stake.   

What is so concerning these days is that so many people do not understand the real value of leadership and why it is so important to us for our modern society?  A clear example today is the fact that a large number of our military veterans, who have served the nation in times of conflict, find it hard when looking for employment after service.  Our veterans bring so much to the table in terms of leadership, discipline and skills, but are too often ignored or shut out for various reasons of backroom politics, prejudice, ignorance or indifference.  Instead of grand parades, allocates for military service, salute or slap on the back, why not take advantage of what they really bring home…leadership.   Just a thought!    

Broken Pipes

In recent years alarm bells have been sounding off all across the nation about the rising levels of lead coming into homes, businesses, daycare's and schools through the water lines.  Without a doubt and with medical research and doctors backing up the findings, lead in the water system is a danger to the general public and especially for young children.  This has been an issue in the making for decades, impacting several generations and now has become critical.  We have all become aware that the consumption of lead at any level has a long term impact upon little children and their cognitive development.  This is unquestionable a serious problem. 

It’s always has been a problem and the more we have learned about the long term effects of lead, the more we have grown skeptical about how it is used in business, industry, construction and for storage.  For years lead has been a key component in paints, pipes, manufacturing and construction.  Trying to find alternatives and replacing lead piping in aging infrastructure projects and communities continues to be a tall order and expensive.  Regardless of what the financial cost are to replace or upgrade, it pales in terms to the long term physical and mental health of residents. 

The water crisis in Flint, MI helped to raise the issue and gave voice to other cities and states struggling with the same issue.  Additionally, the Flint situation helped us all to understand how serious a problem can grow if not addressed in time.  It also helped us to review processes, policies, adjusting budgets and to take a serious look at what we should be doing now before matters get worst.  In addition, the Flint water crisis became a flash point that stirred a national outcry for change in governmental accountability, water management and environmental stewardship. 

Perhaps the more interesting aspect of any national crisis is not just what happen, but what has been the response to the crisis.  In some cases we witness broken pipes in terms of communications, follow through and clean-up.  And now as we moved on to the next national crisis, we must become aware of the importance of not only dealing with the situation at hand, but also to make sure that our lines of communication are also not broken.  

Treading Water

Don’t you just love it when summer officially comes in Wisconsin, I certainly do.  Although short lived, it does make us feel good to enjoy the warmer weather, if only for a few months.  It’s a time to take advantage of doing a number of outdoor activities including going to the beach, listening to a summer concert in the park, boating on the lake, running in a distance race, family reunion, gardening or just going on a meaningful day trip or vacation.  Without question, it is a time we all look forward to each year.    

On one hand, we see people who are making more than a livable wage or higher incomes.  For them these are great times.  It’s a time to invest in stocks, bonds, housing, and a business startup, become an adventure capitalist or just sit back and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor.  There seems to be no limit on what can be done, the sky is the limit, for these are some of the “best” days of their lives.  It is certainly a time of personal enrichment, renewal, expansion and to “ride the waves until they stop.”       

On the other hand and regardless of what each season brings, a lot of people living in urban America see little to no change at all in terms of their socioeconomic status or living condition.  Today, there are many more people who lives only consist of a daily grind to ink out a simple living and nothing more.  Without a break, each day they find it quite difficult to see any potential opportunity in the midst of just getting by.  Even when working a second or third part time job, they can only do the basic bare medium and yet feel trapped by the reality of real life experiences. 

The one sure thing about treading water in life is the fact that you have to be able to stay afloat, all the while trying to keep your head above water.  It is much harder than you think and to accomplish.  And when you do not have a certain level of education, training skills nor the opportunity, the next incoming wave can take you under.  It is one thing to keep your hands moving and legs kicking, it’s another to see your way forward when all around you looks and feels the same.  

Boots On The Ground

For a lot of people Memorial Day is often confused with Veterans Day in terms of importance and meaning.  As a grateful nation we take out considerable time each year to honor those who have served or are currently serving in one of the five branches of the military.  Memorial Day (last Monday in May) is a time to honor those lost during wars and combat, while Veterans Day (November 11) celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.   Regardless of how one feels about these two special days, we should not forget that many of the liberties we enjoy today are because of those who defended and serve to protect those freedoms.

These times are not just about honoring those who so bravely served to defend the rights of us all, but these are also times to refocus on what is so important in life...freedom, family and faith.  Without a doubt these times help us to gain some insights into what real sacrifices look like and that each day there are military service-members in harm’s way around the world.  And in the words of Colonel Nathan Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson) in the movie ‘A Few Men’... “You want me on that wall and you need me on that wall.”  Nothing says it so clearly about the ongoing commitments of so many during these times of shifting politics, conflicts and terrorism.    

Too often we do not treasure what we have until it is gone, challenged or becomes questioned.  It takes a lot to keep a strong military going, to keep things safe and to maintain peace.  The one thing that has been the backbone of our great nation has been the ability to advance US values, interests and objectives.  In addition, our military defends the values of human rights, restore peace and to guard against tyranny.  It’s a tall order and the mission is ongoing... “to defend the Constitution of the United State against all enemies, foreign and domestic...” 

Now that is the hard part, where the rubber meets the road.  Not only do we need boots on the ground to defend our freedoms globally, we also need social and economic boots on the ground to turn around many of our most challenging communities.   We are in dire need of support from a new wave of community foot soldiers who will help take on restorative justice, economic empowerment, and holistic healing.   So, I say... It’s time to strap them up!  

The Twilight Zone!

They say that there is nothing new under the sun and if you live long enough you will see things from the past reemerging.  Well…the past just showed up.   For those of us who have seen it before this new “old stuff” just has a new set of clothes on, a haircut or designer nails.  But at the end of the day…it’s the same old stuff that projects prejudice, injustice and discrimination.  To a younger generation this “old stuff” is new and has them on edge and asking…“what gives?” 

It reminds me of a television show series from the late 1950’s to 1964 called the ‘Twilight Zone,’ created by Rod Serling.  This series achieved popularity and critical success while introducing us all to science fiction and to new ways of envisioning things.  Each episode focused on a particular genre, including horror, fantasy, science fiction, suspense or a psychological thriller; and often concluded with an unexpected twist and moral lesson.  What made this weekly series so interesting to me were the unique introductions, including…“You are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination.  Next stop, the Twilight Zone!” 

Weather the “zone” is real or not, people are feeling out of sort these days.  And with so much going on and taking all the headlines it is no wonder people are on edge, looking for some relief and better times.  People are upset at all the empty rhetoric, broken promises, repeal and replace of Obamacare, filling the swamp, political posturing, fake news stories, false allegations and ongoing investigations.  And just wait; there is more coming that will impact our climate, financial systems, retirements and education. 

What seems to be missing in all of this, overlooked or not talked about during these days is the growing rate of poverty, increased drug use and overdoses, expanding prison incarceration, lack of reentry programs, escalating gun violence, rising mental health challenges and finding affordable housing.  We can all agree that these are interesting times in our American discourse and for a number of us we are just waiting for the next headache, shoe to drop or subplot to appear.  How we move forward and what we expect to happen next is anyone’s guess.  Of course, we do not know the ending of this saga, but it is going to be one for the ages.  Perhaps we have already arrived at our… next stop!    

Under Pressure

With so many bold promises made on campaign trails, a new administration and congress are finding that leading and getting things done is much harder.  As each week rolls by the path forward and the agenda is becoming more dicer.  The end game is becoming more distant, cutting deals, working across party lines and the ability to build winning coalitions only looks good on paper.  Now that this brand of new leadership or “rubber” has hit the road…stuff is getting really ugly. 

             

Talk is certainly cheap when you can blame others for the mess, but now with the power in hand and the numbers to make something happen… well!  What is the problem now?  To make things more interesting and with future elections looming, countless local constituents have become upset during town halls meetings of elected officials and demanding that their health care and social benefits remain unchanged.   These are certainly hot button issues.  And in the words of the rapper known as Nelly…“it’s getting hot in here.” 

It certainly has been some interesting times lately and we have learned a lot to get us where we are today.  This has included learning several new words and concepts… like… walking things back, fake news, Alt-right, demagogue, deplorables, redacted and unmasked…just to name a few.   I am willing to bet that more is on its way.  So, just keep a pencil or pen and paper available…class is now open.   For people do and say some strange things when they are under pressure. 

Throughout our lives we have all come to believe that leadership matters and for those who aspire to a higher office in public service, our prayers go with you.  Leadership helps to get things done, without question.  We all need great leaders to inspire us, to support and to learn from.  It’s one of the foundations of a great nation, community, business or institution.   And   leadership is also at times without easy answers, setbacks and a loss for words.  But that comes with the job description.  As my mother use to say…“if you can’t stand the heat… get out of the kitchen.”    

Time For a Reset

It must be “nice” to have all the time in the world to get involved with the “calls for actions,” protests and political campaigns.  But for a lot of us, it is another story… we are just trying to make ends meet each and every week.  And we certainly don’t have the time, luxury nor the bank account to deal with all the crazy things that are going on and especially what is coming out of Washington these days.  It is getting quite confusing… to say the least.  

And to make matters sound worst is the reality that the lives of people continue to be held in the balance and used as pawns.  For those who live below the poverty line, dealing with a long term illness, disability, unemployment, incarceration, mental health crisis or a drug addiction…life is as real as it can get.  All the big talk or hot air and political posturing is not working for those who are looking forward to improving the quality of their lives.  If you can feel what I am saying! 

It easy to talk when all your bills are paid, enjoying a good paying job with benefits, live in a nice house in a great neighborhood, go on a vacation or two each year, drive a new car and can retire in style.  But talk is cheap when the shoe is on the other foot and things are not going so well.  If fact, the one remaining shoe is on a “bananas peel” and it can go at any time.    

What is so puzzling to me is that the needs and the voices of those who suffer in “silence” are going unheard.  They are being ignored by those who have been elected to serve for them.  And it is ashamed that what we see unfolding is going in a different direction than what we were told.  What ordinary people need who are caught up in an economic freefall is some relief, an opportunity or second chance.  As the old saying goes… “If I only knew than what I know now…I would have made another choice.”   Now where is that button?  

Broken Fences

What a person does is far more powerful than what they say.  Our talk can only take us so far… but when it’s time to back up our words with action…it might be another story all together.  And as we continue to travel down this new reality path of what it means to be an American, let us not lose sight of our heritage, courage and faith.  Let us remember that… we have come a long way and this too shall pass.      

Only Native Americans can truly say that these are our lands and that reality and identity cannot be lost.  For many of us, our coming to America is deeply embedded in the clear understanding that our ancestors came to these shores as immigrants, slaves or indenture servants.  Regardless of how they came to this new world, their journey through the America experience has become a part of our living story.  Their footprints and sacrifices have lay the foundation for what has made America so great…a land of the free and a home of the brave. 

Of course, there are those in each generation who try to divide people and to create confusion.  They take advantage of perceive weaknesses, known fears and limitations.  They focus on creating an illusion that things are bad and others are to blame.  In the words of my elders… they know how to stir the pot.  They also believe that if elected to office that they can make things better and be the different maker.  Recently, former President George W. Bush stated that “power is addictive.”  And that is what so many people seek.

It hard believe that after 240 years of American history, we are still dealing with so many issues from our past.  Building a fence, a wall or a bridge is nothing new.  If fact we still are dealing with a number of fences erected centuries ago and are stilling standing today.  For all fences are not physical barriers, they also include barriers that are psychological, emotional and spiritual.  And these fences are at times more challenging to deal with then a physical barrier.  We must remember that a fence goes up to either to keep something out or to keep some in.      

It's Complicated

Well the cat is out of the bag now… becoming the top political leader of the greatest nation in the world is not as easy as many first thought it would be.  The learning curve is long and it takes time to gain a grip on things.  I find it quite amazing that people are now coming to realize that campaign promises are one thing, but leading a nation is a whole different ballgame.  And if and when the truth is told, trying to change the course of nation cannot be done overnight or by just a few tweets.  It going to take more and we have not even begun to address the issues and challenges of urban America.     

The promises of our great nation has never been found in what people say, but rather by what is demonstrate through action.  Words can only go so far, but backing it up becomes the hard part.  Getting things done has always been the measuring stick by which we continue to judge our leaders through our American discourse.  And great leadership takes time to develop and requires building trust with others along the way.        

The current national and global pathway is becoming filled with uncertainty, questionable behavior and fringe elements.  For certain the cultural temperature has risen to new levels not seen in decades and the fight for equality, justice and acceptance has become front page news.  We are definitely in new and uncharted waters in terms of our socioeconomic reality, political correctness and national pride.  What and how things will turn out is anybody’s guess at this time.         

What is so striking is the fact that so many Americans are becoming confused about what they are experiencing, hearing and seeing.  And now more than ever, people who voted in this past election cycle are beginning to question their decision and asking the difficult questions that are affecting them and their families.  For most of us we knew this was going to be a rollercoaster ride in the first place, but we did not expect that the ride would take so many turns, dips, hills, valleys, bumps and curves.  Well and in the time being, I suggest we check our seat belts and hold on tight…it’s about to get real interesting.     

Lift Every Voice...

At least one thing is for sure these days in America; someone is personally affected by each irrational decision made, especially if it goes again the rights of being an American.  Of course it does not take much to stir up some opposition, protest or push back on a policy when people perceive that is hurtful and it discriminates against others.  It does not “bode” well when civil leaders do not take seriously how people feel about an issue; avoid the topic altogether or are seen working again common interests and real needs.  And as everyone knows there is a real possibility that the next election cycle may bring about another change.  

Recently, it has been quite the “show” with so many protest marches, sit-ins, media sponsored town halls and the public outcry about policies that has disrupted the lives of millions.  And when you factor in the ongoing attacks on women health rights, LGBT community, immigrant ban and with over 20 million Americans now relying on the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care), it is no wonder that people are on “edge” and “upset.”  You just can’t repeal something that so many have come to rely on… without a better replacement.

To some people they see these other issues as only “distractions” and part of a larger narrative to shift the focus away from solving real problems that are affecting everyday Americans.  The real issues that need to be addressed include increasing economic development, job creation, urban revitalization, criminal justice reform, and access to quality health care and better housing.  What are the plans for these issues? 

  

The forecast for the rest of year, according to some community and social advocates will be more of the same.  Unless the current new administration shifts directions, the “people’s movement” will only intensify.   It is a shame that the greatest nation in the world is becoming more “bogged down” in various issues and not focused on the needs of every day Americans.  Without a doubt the uproar is warranted and the emotions are “raw.”  Yes, these are challenging times, but we must remember that the voices of all Americans matter and should be heard and respected.      

Hidden Stories

Our American history is full of unique stories that are a part of our national heritage.  Many of these historical events, characters, places and times have been recorded in various forms, books and encyclopedias.  Quite a few of us have grown up taking history courses and have even gone on to major in history while in college.  However, in our quest to learn more about our American history we soon discover that what has been recorded is not often the full story, but only a brief observation as reflected by historians of that era. 

There is a lot to learn about our American history and to also realize that a lot of it has been omitted, altered or “hidden” due to racism, intolerance and indifference.  In fact, much of our American history has been told through the eyes of immigrants and not by those Native Americans who were here long before the Mayflower or explorers.  And it is important to note that after Native Americans; everybody else came to these shores as immigrants, slaves and indentured servants. 

Our American experience is a collection of stories about immigrants and includes so much more.  These stories include struggle, faith, endurance and courage.  They also include stories of change, discovery, inspiration and firsts.  And every day and as time passes by, someone finds a sliver of knowledge from the past that lifts the vail on the truth or how something was accomplished.  These kinds of discoveries help to change future perceptions; alter dreams and reveals that the contribution of a few is what made the difference when it counted the most.  

The recently release “Hidden Figures” movie is just one of those unique stories from history that most of us have never heard of or knew about until now.  This bit of history, about an all-black group of female mathematicians assigned to the West Area Computing unit at NASA in the late 1950s and how their work helped to put a man into space as well as several other space missions is truly remarkable.  The telling of their story of overcoming racial and gender barriers, shattering stereotypes and doing the math is truly inspirational.  Today, this is also the story of so many people who can relate to what these women of color when through just to do a job.  I wonder what other “stories” are just waiting to be brought to the light.          

Alternative Facts

If you think things will change since the election and inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, don’t hold your breath. Things are really going to get very interesting in some aspect or another real soon.  For some these changes are just what the doctor ordered, but for the majority of us the socioeconomic nightmare persists, dreams shattered, limited opportunities, and prejudice and discrimination continue to be on center stage.  If you are feeling this way, I just want to remind you that this is only the first week of a new administration.  

It is one thing to share your side of things, what you value, political views, background and faith, but it is another thing when you cite things that are clearly not supported by the facts on the ground or by photos taken in history.  It is truly remarkable that people will put their reputations on the line to support a position that is clearly not the truth.  And even when being confronted with the truth or facts, they blame others, the media and insist that what they shared is their observation and “it is the truth.”   

        

No doubt we have learned a lot during this “unprecedented” election cycle, where a number of things that were “never done” or “known before” became the new normal.  This election cycle has also shined a “new light” on how far we have come in terms of our civil discourse and yet how far we have to go.  For many of us, this has opened our eyes to see that there is a lot more work that needs to be done to close the gaps.  

Without a doubt, our way of viewing patriotism, nationalism and respect for dignity and order is now on the table for debate.  It’s just not politics anymore.  What is more discerning is that when so much attention was spent on the elections, a lot of the issues of so many people were ignored.  The clear facts remain; people are struggling to find affordable housing, livable wage employment, health care, safe neighborhoods and quality education for their children.  Regardless of what people say or to blame others, the “facts” remain on the ground and they speak the loudest.