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?