I usually don't get involved with politics but I thought it would be good to check out the political landscape in the race for Mayor of Boston ... Mayor Thomas Menino is the city's first Italian-American mayor and will be the longest serving mayor in Boston's history (as of July 13th). While I agree with most of his policies, there are many out there who don't feel the same. So it'll be interesting to see if he will retain his throne ...
While I can't vote (I don't live in Boston), I'll be keeping a close eye on what happens. Afterall, what happens politically in Boston, affects those surrounding communities.
Contestant #1: Michael Flaherty
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday Morning
"Woke up this morning, with a smile on my face"
(The Way - Jill Scott: Who Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1)
Last Tuesday morning, I did exactly that. I grinned a toothy smile from ear to ear in hungry anticipation for what I considered the most astounding event of my lifetime and in the history of America:
The inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States.
I can recall as a youngster my grandfather's die-hard civil rights fanaticism and the mark it imparted on my life. I was instructed to always be proud of my ethnicity and understand our history no matter how embarrassing or difficult it felt when infrequently taught in school. An attendee of the March on Washington, my grandfather felt our race was the most prominent aspect of our appearance and strived to instill an extraordinary sense of decency and decorum. Consequently, I harbor an extremely profound sense of pride for my people (even when they annoy me) and carry myself as honorably as possible.
So it comes with no surprise that I believe my vote for Barack Obama, like the vote of most African-Americans, carried with it the spirit of my grandfather's vote as well as the weight of my ancestors extending back to Africa. Furthermore, many African-American individuals stated that they voted based not upon race but on the issues facing contemporary America.
I concur.
Nevertheless, the emotional factor that determined my vote runs exceedingly deep. It is something that many of my white friends and colleagues cannot possibly comprehend. Consequently, watching the fulfillment of that vote, that dream of an African American president, simply took my breath away.
I sat in the kitchen with my parents, Java-Mama and Pops and while we joked and commented throughout many of the pre-inaugural happenings (i.e. outrageous outfits, who was thinking what, the event running on CP time, etc.), silence rapidly descended during the oath of office and throughout Obama's inaugural address. I glanced over to catch my mother tenderly dabbing at the corners of her eyes and Pops looking on in quiet satisfaction, his mind flashing back to days when this event would have been nothing more than a pipe dream.
They came of age during the Civil Rights era, watching evening news reports displaying pictures of beaten protestors, sprayed with hoses and attacked by dogs. They experienced the void in our community with the deaths of the great Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. And my father, who was raised in the substantially racially charged state of Mississippi during the 1940's, felt the sting of injustice and discrimination at segregated schools and restaurants.
Yes, I've had it good but only because of their generation and the many before them, who fought to bestow this upon me. I've been fortunate enough to attend top schools, experience diversity among my social circle and never remain confined to the back of a public bus.
This inauguration meant so much to young and old alike in our community. And as I watched Barack and Michelle walk the streets of D.C., I felt an enormous swelling of dignity and wished my grandparents had lived to witness this day.
Reality has set in. The time for celebration has passed and Obama is hard at work. Will his presidency mimic his predecessor or will he outshine the administrations of some of our most esteemed presidents? History will be the arbitrator of that question. Does his achievement signal the end of racism and discrimination for blacks and other minorities in America? Perhaps. The fight for equality is not over by a long shot. There will still be a hate crime somewhere, sometime before the fulfillment of his first week. However, we must stay true to Obama's message: "...But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
That night, as I sat at my desk at work, extremely focused and on cloud nine, I listened to the song "Changes" from the late Tupac Shakur on the radio. And as the line, "we ain't ready to see a black president" was uttered, I simply smirked to myself in deep amazement.
Dedicated to my grandfather ...
"Hey Grandpa, we did it!"
(The Way - Jill Scott: Who Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1)
Last Tuesday morning, I did exactly that. I grinned a toothy smile from ear to ear in hungry anticipation for what I considered the most astounding event of my lifetime and in the history of America:
The inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States.
I can recall as a youngster my grandfather's die-hard civil rights fanaticism and the mark it imparted on my life. I was instructed to always be proud of my ethnicity and understand our history no matter how embarrassing or difficult it felt when infrequently taught in school. An attendee of the March on Washington, my grandfather felt our race was the most prominent aspect of our appearance and strived to instill an extraordinary sense of decency and decorum. Consequently, I harbor an extremely profound sense of pride for my people (even when they annoy me) and carry myself as honorably as possible.
So it comes with no surprise that I believe my vote for Barack Obama, like the vote of most African-Americans, carried with it the spirit of my grandfather's vote as well as the weight of my ancestors extending back to Africa. Furthermore, many African-American individuals stated that they voted based not upon race but on the issues facing contemporary America.
I concur.
Nevertheless, the emotional factor that determined my vote runs exceedingly deep. It is something that many of my white friends and colleagues cannot possibly comprehend. Consequently, watching the fulfillment of that vote, that dream of an African American president, simply took my breath away.
I sat in the kitchen with my parents, Java-Mama and Pops and while we joked and commented throughout many of the pre-inaugural happenings (i.e. outrageous outfits, who was thinking what, the event running on CP time, etc.), silence rapidly descended during the oath of office and throughout Obama's inaugural address. I glanced over to catch my mother tenderly dabbing at the corners of her eyes and Pops looking on in quiet satisfaction, his mind flashing back to days when this event would have been nothing more than a pipe dream.
They came of age during the Civil Rights era, watching evening news reports displaying pictures of beaten protestors, sprayed with hoses and attacked by dogs. They experienced the void in our community with the deaths of the great Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. And my father, who was raised in the substantially racially charged state of Mississippi during the 1940's, felt the sting of injustice and discrimination at segregated schools and restaurants.
Yes, I've had it good but only because of their generation and the many before them, who fought to bestow this upon me. I've been fortunate enough to attend top schools, experience diversity among my social circle and never remain confined to the back of a public bus.
This inauguration meant so much to young and old alike in our community. And as I watched Barack and Michelle walk the streets of D.C., I felt an enormous swelling of dignity and wished my grandparents had lived to witness this day.
Reality has set in. The time for celebration has passed and Obama is hard at work. Will his presidency mimic his predecessor or will he outshine the administrations of some of our most esteemed presidents? History will be the arbitrator of that question. Does his achievement signal the end of racism and discrimination for blacks and other minorities in America? Perhaps. The fight for equality is not over by a long shot. There will still be a hate crime somewhere, sometime before the fulfillment of his first week. However, we must stay true to Obama's message: "...But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
That night, as I sat at my desk at work, extremely focused and on cloud nine, I listened to the song "Changes" from the late Tupac Shakur on the radio. And as the line, "we ain't ready to see a black president" was uttered, I simply smirked to myself in deep amazement.
Dedicated to my grandfather ...
"Hey Grandpa, we did it!"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
My Petition
I'm fuming. I'm absolutely ticked. I feel screwed over. I hate this feeling and when I feel this way, a part of me is ready to go into action and rectify the situation. However, I don't think there is anything I can do, or rather, I don't think I have the time to fight it. Let me explain.I got a phone call from Java-Mama today and she informed that the city (I don't live in Boston but rather outside it; I just said that to keep those mofo stalkers from tracking me down! You know how us celebs do!) will now be charging for trash removal. That's right, you didn't misunderstand. I typed CHARGE! All right, I'm a person who is reluctant to change but once said change has occurred, I often find I appreciate the change. That said, it depends on the type of change. For example, I was slow to pay my bills online because of my experience with the TJX credit card scandal (I got caught up in that) but now I pay nearly 80% of my bills online and don't think I'll ever return to snail mail. Nevertheless, I believe change has to be positive and worthwhile. Beneficial. Okay, I'm sounding like Obama now!
The city will be charging $2.00 for these special blue trash bags you can purchase from your local supermarket or hardware store. The program goes into effect October 6th and any household that continues to utilize the old trash removal system will be fined and have their trash returned. You can have a private vendor remove your trash but seriously, who has that kind of money? Last time I checked, trash was all going to the same place. It's TRASH people! I'm extremely thankful my grandparents aren't alive to see this idiocracy because I know they'd be just as pissed!
The recycle program will continue free of charge and the city proposes, "the more you recycle, the less bags you'll use and the more money you'll save!" Bulls***! Not everything can be recycled. I'm all for saving planet Earth, Mother Earth, whatever, but damn, at least give me a choice! Isn't this America? It's bad enough that we're FORCED to wear our seatbelts, FORCED to have carbon monoxide detectors, FORCED to have health insurance, FORCED to eat zero trans fat food ... you get where I'm going here? Okay, not all of those changes are malicious but still, it's the principal behind the idea. Now we're being FORCED to recycle, while lining our politicians' pockets.
The explanation given on the city website stated that there was a deficit in the city budget and this program was being implemented to “even the difference” and refinance the “rainy day budget.” Okay, fine. We have a deficit. Why not raise taxes? Last I checked, our taxes were being spent toward trash removal anyway. In essence, we're just being double-taxed! And the best part about all of this? No one knew about this program. Everyone went on with their busy little lives, worried about Lil' Johnny's soccer practice and the latest episode of American Idol and failed to notice the new law that passed and slipped on the books! No petitions, no demonstrations, no town-hall meetings. Nothing.
Sadly, I can't or rather don't have the ability to fight this. And the city knows this. They have our backs up against the proverbial wall. I will soon be out of job and between attending school, looking for work and just living my life in general, I don't have time to protest or petition the new law. Most of the residents in the city are in the same position. Nearly 85% of the residents are foreigners and will probably just accept the law. Moreover, we're struggling in a uncertain economy and people don't have the money or time to fight this. Consequently, this isn't a local tactic. Government on all levels (federal, state, local) is quite proficient at sneaking laws in under the public's nose. You’d think government would find a way to help their citizens rather than hurt us.
But hey, I forgot, how stupid of me, this is America. Screw or be screwed.
"How do I trust you? How do I love you when you lie to me repeatedly?"
(Jill Scott - My Petition, Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds, Vol. 2)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Time For Some Campaigning (from Jib Jab)
I saw this yesterday on the Today show. I love how it doesn't single out just one politician or party but takes "jabs" (no pun) at everyone. And Obama riding on the unicorn was just too funny! I like my "Barry" (aka Barack) but if you can't laugh at who you're supporting, it's time for a Prozac or a Red Bull!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
If You Don't Have Anything Good To Say ...
... just don't say anything at all! That's a phrase I'm sure all of us have heard from our wise old grandmothers at some time or another. And that's exactly what Jesse needs to do. I used to have respect for this man and I'm not belittling his accomplishments, but after the illegitimate scandal broke, I started wondering. Now after this incident, I can't say I'm too surprised. I've got religious issues to begin with (I'm always questioning stuff; that's why I don't get along well in church) so seeing this supposed man of the cloth saying such a vile and ignorant remark didn't rehabilitate me.
I spoke to my mother about it last night and she came of age during the sixties (JFK, MLK, LSD and all the other initials associated with that decade). She initially never had much respect for Jackson. Now we both agreed he has been an asset to the community and his legacy will be great if not controversial. Aren't all great leaders? Nevertheless, his recent comment just depicted him as an absolute fear-mongering, divisive, unintelligent fool. And to make matters worse, it reinitiates the age old debate about dirty laundry.
I mentioned dirty laundry in a previous post (click here) regarding my Independence Day weekend. The African-American community, as well as other minority communities, are apt to put our business out in the spotlight. When one has to struggle for equality and civility, highlighting the negative aspects of your culture doesn't help your cause. Who are these people to stand up and speak for us? What gives Cosby and Jackson and so many others the right to speak for us and put us in our place? My answer to that would be intelligence plus character. The truth always come out in the end and somebody needs to have the guts to stand up and take charge, present the change and challenge the status quo.
Consequently, the inevitable emerged. This morning on "Today," they mentioned this scandal and then posed the age old question: are there more individuals who feel this way in the black community? Duh!?! No culture or race is perfectly united. You have to be a complete moron to even ponder that question. So you don't like Obama or have an issue with his political philosophy. That's fine. Take it up with him, counter his cause (become a Republican like Condi and Keyes), or else just shut the hell up. Yeah, I'm a bit biased. Oh, and I'm sure this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact Jackson never got this far in his campaign :: roll my eyes :: Put in the vernacular, "don't hate!"
And the gravy on top? His son denouncing his remarks. I think I hear a vacuum cleaner someplace sucking up stuff ...
I spoke to my mother about it last night and she came of age during the sixties (JFK, MLK, LSD and all the other initials associated with that decade). She initially never had much respect for Jackson. Now we both agreed he has been an asset to the community and his legacy will be great if not controversial. Aren't all great leaders? Nevertheless, his recent comment just depicted him as an absolute fear-mongering, divisive, unintelligent fool. And to make matters worse, it reinitiates the age old debate about dirty laundry.
I mentioned dirty laundry in a previous post (click here) regarding my Independence Day weekend. The African-American community, as well as other minority communities, are apt to put our business out in the spotlight. When one has to struggle for equality and civility, highlighting the negative aspects of your culture doesn't help your cause. Who are these people to stand up and speak for us? What gives Cosby and Jackson and so many others the right to speak for us and put us in our place? My answer to that would be intelligence plus character. The truth always come out in the end and somebody needs to have the guts to stand up and take charge, present the change and challenge the status quo.
Consequently, the inevitable emerged. This morning on "Today," they mentioned this scandal and then posed the age old question: are there more individuals who feel this way in the black community? Duh!?! No culture or race is perfectly united. You have to be a complete moron to even ponder that question. So you don't like Obama or have an issue with his political philosophy. That's fine. Take it up with him, counter his cause (become a Republican like Condi and Keyes), or else just shut the hell up. Yeah, I'm a bit biased. Oh, and I'm sure this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact Jackson never got this far in his campaign :: roll my eyes :: Put in the vernacular, "don't hate!"
And the gravy on top? His son denouncing his remarks. I think I hear a vacuum cleaner someplace sucking up stuff ...
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Banana-rama
What in the hell?!?! The toy manufacturing company claims that it was just simply a toy but I'm sorry, when you make a doll in the form of a monkey for a black candidate, of course it's going to set some people off. I don't usually get into the whole black/white thing. I've got friends from all ethnic backgrounds and I'm hardly in a position to be racist or discriminate since I'm gay and black. But seriously? Are these people that naive to claim that "they didn't know?" Give me a break!You can read the full story here.
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