The "Right Conversation"

The controversy continues as people have been drawn into the discourse of Rev. Wright’s statements. There has been a historic speech given about race relations in this country, and a subsequent endorsement by Gov. Richardson. The Governor called him a special man for these times. President Clinton and Governor Richards have been sounding the bell of peace at this time as well. The negative commentary seems to be getting to all in the Democratic Party. The time for unity amongst all of the candidates are needed.

Although Senator McCain has been in the news for making a few gaffes regarding foreign policies, .Sen. McCain has been above the fray for the most part. There is enough negativity to go around, and it seems that many news outlets have been doing their part in promoting it. I believe the nation is ready for a conversation that is in tune with our national interest. The conversation regarding race in this country is needed. It is being discussed however, out of context. The news outlets should produce forums that cover the issues concerning African Americans in a broader context.

There are some issues that concern particular ethic groups more than others. However, there are many issues that affect us all, and we should be discussing those. Many Americans are losing their homes. The mortgage crisis is getting out of hand. Many Americans are seeing no solution to the problem, and have started to burn down their homes, thinking that their insurance coverage could be a way out. Many have lost jobs, and the economy seems to be collapsing. The financial markets have been in trouble, and many fixes had to be use to stabilize the market. Many Americans have been without healthcare for too long.

American businesses are feeling as though they are being overlooked for business contracts, from our government, to companies abroad. Americans are now unsure if their personal information is safe from wondering eyes who are working in the government and who should be protecting us. I am looking forward to the discussion on issues like these. If Americans have legitimate questions regarding the thoughts and beliefs of the candidates, then they should be asked and we should listen to the candidate’s response.

America’s leader is placed in a very hard position. We know no one is perfect and we always ask them to be. We know that they are human and will occasional misspeak. We have to separate out the nonsense from the needed knowledge to make an informed decision. There is no wonder why world leaders have stated that America has lost its magic. It may be that the nonsense gets too much play. The real issues are not being addressed; with the spirit and tenacity, that all Americans display, regardless of race or financial situation, when times are hard. We should not have a throw any problem under the bus approach, as it really does not reflect our values

There has been a lot of wrongs in Americas past, as well as many statements like Rev. Wrights’. There is enough anger and resentment for us all. Will there be a time of reconciliation? This is what many Americans have hoped for. It may be the “Change’ that people have been looking for in Obama’s candidacy. No matter who wins or lose in this election, it will be up to us to build the America we are looking for. The Change America needs will began with us.

Brad

TODAY A NEW GENERATION MUST LEAD

The Wind Beneath My Wings

The task is daunting, as it complex and simple all in the same breath. How do get an underserved yet privileged, people to understand and to appreciate their role in today’s society. What are you rambling about this time, I can imagine some are saying. However, I cannot shake this thought that too many people take their rights and responsibilities for granted, yours truly included. I am specifically talking about how we take for granted the freedoms and privileges, that were fought for by the hero’s and she-ro’s of yester years.

How many of us can say that we always VOTE at election times? How many of us realize that people have laid down their lives so that you can get an education. Some men have fought wars for this country despite being viewed as less than human by many in her. When do the oppressed become satisfied with the status quo?. When do a people stop yearning to be free? This question is as relevant today as when it was stated a little differently years ago by Harriet Tubman. She was quoted as saying “I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves”.

How many of us can say that we are trying to live up to the dreams and aspirations that women like Ms. Tubman had for all of us, who may have been oppressed. I return to the other part of my opening statement when I indicated although being an underserved people (for those who are) we are in this day quite privileged as well. I really don’t know many who don’t have access to a cell phone or a computer in today’s age. However, how many of us use these technologies in advancement of causes and ideals that serve people other than themselves.

Imagine if we really would Google the earth, in hopes of finding the underserved farmers who needed a few pack of seeds, who when planting them could feed their family. We probably could find a box of seeds on the Internet quite cheap, mail and call foreign lands while riding on the subway to check its arrival, but do we? I am sure that there are many unsung hero’s who are doing the job of saving this world around us. However, I know that we don’t have the superstars of this type made to be our examples.

Unfortunately, we only seem to hear about the bad examples of Man’s actions or inaction’s in today’s day and age. We never hear about the true day to day heroes, or at least the ones I consider to be. They come in many shapes, forms and fashion. They are often their and you never really know it. I saw one of this day and age heroes this weekend on CSPAN. Tavis Smiley bought together some of Black Americas most thoughtful and activist individuals for the 2008 State of Black America Conference in New Orleans.

It was during this conference that I picked up the quote from Rev. Al Sharpton that Ms. Tubman made, which I further researched. I found the information being exchanged to be very insightful. However, the question going forward is what does the future hold from here? How do we improve Black America? White America? And every shade in between. I believe that we must remember that we all have some work to do.

I know that men like Mr. Lee Archer the famed WWII Ace of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and Dr. Roscoe Brown Tuskegee Airman (pictured above) are the wings which many of our nations bombers depended on for assistance when fighting for freedom in this world, and the wind beneath a generation of young folk who know that we can transcend any boundary that men may place in our path. I believe we all can find much in this society that needs fixing. I believe we must all, find the courage and the fortitude to make a stand and to fight the good fight.

America seems to be recognizing that we all must play a bigger part in getting the job of fixing these United States for the better. Whether the leader is a White man, White women or Black man, we all will have work to do in making things right. We cannot rely on the few to do it all. I believe we have all rested on the accomplishments of the few for too long. If we are to advance as a civilization, the dreams and aspirations of all people must be realized.

Brad