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.         

Looking For More

When you believe you have seen or heard it all, something out of the bizarre occurs and it leaves you wondering what just happen.  It also sets the stage to what might transpire next.  It is worth noting that this election year has been quite entertaining, alarming and depressing all at the same time.  On one hand, a number of things were called “unprecedented” or unusual for a presidential campaign.  While on the other hand, several of the old tricks of “dirty” politics, name calling, voter suppression, intimidation and fear mongering remained the norm.  

What is so surprising this year, unlike other years was the high level of sophistication, shifting tactics, key operatives, shallow narratives, email hacking and the role social media played.  This does not over shallow the impact of “fake” stories, draining the swamp, lock her up, suspicion of voter fraud, recounts and the possible hacking of voting machines.  And to take a few steps further, repealing the Affordable Care Act, rebuilding the Military, getting people back to work, returning jobs and businesses from overseas, changing the tax codes, revising social security, cancel or renegotiate trade agreements…the list is long and continues to grow each day due to new special interest groups. 

All of these sound bites are pretty interesting issues to tackle, but what most of us really know is that “talk is cheap” and that change takes a lot longer than the first 100 days.  What people are choosing to talk about is one thing, but what they are not willing to talk about is the “elephant the room” and that is how to “Unite the Nation.”  For many this will never happen during this presidency due to not winning the popular vote and thus a presidency that is considered illegitimate.  The second major underling issues in the room include how to tackle rising drug additions, mental health, economic disparity, immigration reform, affordable housing and improving education.   

I know that for many of us, the 2016 election did not turn out the way you had hoped or dreamed about.  I know you were looking and expecting more, but this is “what we got.”  The next few years are going to be one for our life time and it is going to be perhaps a real bumpy ride.  It will not be business as usual or one of comfort, so I suggest to… “Strap yourself in and hold on to something tight.”