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?           

 

The Big Little League

It’s been quite a month...and what a wild emotional and draining ride it has been. On one hand our hearts were broken by what occurred in Ferguson, MO.  Another shooting of an unarmed young black man by the hand of a policeman, protests, looting, riot gear being worn, tear gas being used, arrests, rifles pointed at protesters, setting of curfews, civic disobedience, and military equipment.  And it was hard not to notice that this was happening in America and not in some other part of the world... all the while the nation and the world took notice... and our reactions became difficult to describe or to believe.       

However, on another hand our hearts began to rejoice with the news coming from the Little League World Series held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  On this national and world stage, a 13 year old young black girl, Mo’Ne Davis (Philadelphia) made history by being the first girl to win a game as a pitcher in the Little League World Series.  In fact, her debut was a shutout as she was throwing the “heat” at 70 mph.  She was amazing, pose and truly a team player.  The other great story was the Jackie Robinson West baseball team from Chicago.  They won the national title in dramatic fashion on a doubt play to end the game against the team from Nevada, a team they had lost to earlier in the week.  This was truly proud moments for them, their families and for the city of Chicago.  Kids doing what they should be doing, having fun and playing a game.      

The accomplishments of these little leaguers playing “America’s Pastime” game became an inspiring story to follow.  This was a great story to watch unfold, to see that young black youth can achieve on a playing field as long as it is level.  If fact, our black youth can achieve when they are given a chance to succeed in the classroom, community, sports, career and life itself. Their story has caused others to take another look at restarting youth leagues in other major urban cities again. 

All urban communities are rich with many stories of young black youth doing the right things day in and day out.  They are going to school, volunteering, attending church, playing sports, making good grades, respectful of their elders and becoming good citizens.  But I am afraid that most of those stories are never told.  In so many ways, what the 2014 Little League World series did for us was to believe again in the “American Dream” and that good things are always possible if we look and work hard for them.  What do you think?           

Let's Get It Right

It cannot be said enough...in order for change to occur... all of us must participate in the process and create the reality we seek and so deserve.  Every step we take and every opportunity we have to make our collective voices to be heard... everyone must be engaged to ensure that outcome.  We can’t wait or depend on others to understand, appreciate or embrace our values, culture, ethnic background, needs or spiritual heritage.   In the words of Mahatma Gandhi...“You must be the change we wish to see in the world.”
    
What happen in Ferguson, Missouri this past week is nothing new, but rather is a continual narrative in the American experience over the past 400 years.  The tragic loss of life of an unarmed Black male teenager at the hand of law enforcement continues to raise red flags and is a failure of the system, policy, lack of training and just common sense.  But what this event also uncovered was a failure of leadership, teamwork, outreach, partnerships and civic engagement.  It is clear that the failure was on all fronts... and many of those fiascoes carried on for several days and violated some civic rights.  In so many ways... some things could not have been handled worst.  In addition, there was a lack of professionalism, high levels of hostility and poor judgment.  Well... here is the real shocker... Ferguson, Missouri is not alone. 

It cannot be understated that there are a number of communities in America like Ferguson that need to make serious changes.  These changes include leadership, workforce, policies, voting and improving community relations.  We must come to grip with the fact that a number of cities need to make a transition as well as a  transformation.  People must be aware that no system is perfect, but any system must be reflective of meeting the ongoing needs of the people they are intended to support.  And of course that means it has to have both checks and balances.     
       
It is unclear what the outcome of all the events that occurred in Ferguson, however one thing is for certain, the city and its residents will never be the same. Things will change and it will take the residents to make those critical changes and not from outsiders.  Residents in other similar communities across the nation will need to learn from the failures of Ferguson and chart a new course.  The loss of any young person to gun violence is one too many and if we are to learn anything from Ferguson is to make sure we get it right and pass those lessons on. 

What do you think?           

 

The New Normal

We all know that it continues to happen... no one should be surprise by it.   But each time it happens... something else in the narrative just seems unthinkable.  In a nutshell, gun violence in America should be officially labeled as a disease and treated as such.  We need to find a cure for this new disease that is affecting our quality of life and certainly  plaguing our communities.  Of course there are a lot of root causes that feed into this new disease, including poverty, hopelessness, unemployment, mental illness, lack of education, racism, prejudice, neglect, self-worth, wealth, policy and social status.       

In a recent report by the Children’s Defense Fund, “The State of America’s Children 2014” paints a clear picture of what is occurring.  This report is just “eye opening and jaw dropping” and is a report card that reveals just how deep the “rabbit hole” is.  I must warn you that this report could be too much to handle for many and will require some time to process for most.  This report contains what most of us fear, hear about, or have seen firsthand in our communities... that gun violence is having a great impact on our youth.    

Here are some of the facts cited in the report: guns kill or injure a child or teen every half hour.  In 2010, 2,694 children and teens were killed by guns and 15,576 were injured by guns.  Guns killed more infants, toddlers and preschoolers than law enforcement officers in the line of duty.  US children are teens are 17 times more likely to die from gun violence than their peers in 25 other high-income countries.  Since 1963, three times as many children and teens have died from guns on American soil than US Soldiers killed in action in the Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq wars.   In 2010, Black children and teens were nearly five times and Hispanic children and teens were more than three times more likely to be killed by guns than White children and teens.  The US military and law enforcement agencies possess 4 million guns, US civilians have 310 million.  Every year American companies manufacture enough bullets to fire 31 rounds into every one of our citizens. 

As you can see, there is a need for some fresh ideas to deal with our addiction to guns and the impact it is having on our future.  If we are unwilling to deal with this long term problem, there will be no end in sight and this new normal will become permanent.  Additionally, this report is not along in painting the picture of our nation that is in serious trouble with its future generations, but also a nation that is in trouble in its defense of it true principles and its moral compass.  What do you think?