A writer writes!
Throughout the United States you occasionally hear about Black men being found innocent of crimes years after they were judged guilty in the United States court system. Through DNA test, recanting of testimony, etc. many Black men have been released from prison in the past decade when the evidence showed that they were not guilty. Their lives ruined, with no money being enough to make up for the life they endured in the prison system, they are released into society.
For years there have been claims that the court system is unfair to African Americans especially Black men. With all of the overturned convictions one would think there would be close examination of any verdict that imprisoned a Black man to life or death without undeniable evidence that they are guilty. But, even in the year 2013, in this great scientific age where we can now walk around and communicate with each other verbally, visually, or in writing via a hand held device, the court system still suffers from personal prejudices of those who are part of the system.
For those cases where detectives, police, attorneys and/or an alleged witness lied to convict a Black man, the question has to come about, what was their motive to lie? Racial prejudice, ignorance, hatred? In a society where racial prejudice existed for years, how could their not be doubts that the judicial system in the United States is not fair to Black men?
Is there some common belief that Black men are evil and more likely to commit a heinous crime than other ethnic groups? Is that profile and belief so great that it overwhelms the judicial system so a Black man stands a greater chance of not being given a fair trial? Look at what images are presented of Black men on television, the movies, in video games. Especially notice what images are presented of Black men on your local news shows. Then ask yourself, if a crime was committed in your neighborhood and you were shown a photograph of a white male, a Black male, and an Asian male, whom would you suspect without even hearing of the details of the crime?
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
The Distractions of Life
A writer writes!
Life presents many challenges. After we face the more serious challenges, we want to be distracted from those serious moments and indulge in activities that distract us from the serious nature of life. That is where sporting events, amusement parks, movies, and other forms of entertainment come into play. Sometimes our entertainment focuses our energies and frustrations into the entertainment venue we choose.
Sunday, thousands of Pro football fans gathered in stadiums across the country. All wearing similar garb and unified against a common foe. Fun and games governed on the field by rules.
Our distraction serve a purpose. A release from the serious part of life. Entertainment, leisure, and a chance to maybe vent some inner frustrations or live out fantasies. Sometimes we need to ensure that our distractions do not become our life. We are here for a purpose and unfortunately it is not just to have fun. So, after we work hard, then let's move into the distractions as our mental and physical release. Don't forget to help out others, and sacrifice some for the benefit of others. And yeah, when it's time to go into your distraction, have fun!
Life presents many challenges. After we face the more serious challenges, we want to be distracted from those serious moments and indulge in activities that distract us from the serious nature of life. That is where sporting events, amusement parks, movies, and other forms of entertainment come into play. Sometimes our entertainment focuses our energies and frustrations into the entertainment venue we choose.
Sunday, thousands of Pro football fans gathered in stadiums across the country. All wearing similar garb and unified against a common foe. Fun and games governed on the field by rules.
Our distraction serve a purpose. A release from the serious part of life. Entertainment, leisure, and a chance to maybe vent some inner frustrations or live out fantasies. Sometimes we need to ensure that our distractions do not become our life. We are here for a purpose and unfortunately it is not just to have fun. So, after we work hard, then let's move into the distractions as our mental and physical release. Don't forget to help out others, and sacrifice some for the benefit of others. And yeah, when it's time to go into your distraction, have fun!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
World Outrage Over The Syrian Situation?
A writer writes!
The political drama continues over the use of chemical weapons in Syria. As more evidence comes out, maybe we will see more outrage and condemnation by countries around the world. If countries are not outraged does that mean they support the use of chemicals against defenseless citizens? One would hope that is not the case. But, by now there should be a line of countries all standing in the "against Syria line". One hopes that Man's ability to kill ourselves in as inhumane a fashion as possible is not becoming something that we just accept. I read about the slaughter of thousands of Jewish people by the Nazi's in World War II. I visited the Holocaust museum in Washington D.C. that stands as an American testimony to not forgetting the horrible actions of the past by man.
In my own culture, Black people were lynched in this country often for no reason at all except the color of their skin. We've heard about "ethnic cleansing" in European countries. So, the world is correct in taking action when these horrendous events happen. To not do so condemns us to accepting such actions as just being part of who we are and what we do as human beings.
Be outraged and express that outrage via your social media outlets and to your governing officials.
The political drama continues over the use of chemical weapons in Syria. As more evidence comes out, maybe we will see more outrage and condemnation by countries around the world. If countries are not outraged does that mean they support the use of chemicals against defenseless citizens? One would hope that is not the case. But, by now there should be a line of countries all standing in the "against Syria line". One hopes that Man's ability to kill ourselves in as inhumane a fashion as possible is not becoming something that we just accept. I read about the slaughter of thousands of Jewish people by the Nazi's in World War II. I visited the Holocaust museum in Washington D.C. that stands as an American testimony to not forgetting the horrible actions of the past by man.
In my own culture, Black people were lynched in this country often for no reason at all except the color of their skin. We've heard about "ethnic cleansing" in European countries. So, the world is correct in taking action when these horrendous events happen. To not do so condemns us to accepting such actions as just being part of who we are and what we do as human beings.
Be outraged and express that outrage via your social media outlets and to your governing officials.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Saying No to Breast Cancer - A Tribute to Dawn Alvies
A writer writes!
Tomorrow I pay respects to Dawn Alvies, a woman of courage and faith. Ten years ago Dawn and I sat in a fast food restaurant at my request to talk about a decision she had made. Dawn had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She had decided not to seek surgery as a cure, but instead put her future in the hands of God. I expressed to Dawn my concern about being sure that God wanted her not to pursue the possibility of a cure through surgeons who were given their abilities by God? Dawn calmly responded, that she would put her trust and faith in God, and not run to surgeons to cut on her body.
Time passed and Dawn and I changed jobs. One day I saw Dawn struggling to walk in the hallway. Then I heard reports that she was suffering due to the onslaught of the cancer. Finally, I heard that Dawn was no longer able to walk and had been hospitalized for treatment. Dawn applied for disability from her job which was approved. I then awaited other developments fearing the worse.
Then one day I heard that Dawn was going to attend a health fair being held in our building. I stopped by and yes there was Dawn walking around. I could tell she was in pain, but she was able to walk. After that we stayed in touch via email. I invited her to my wedding, not expecting her to show up. But, while standing in the reception line I was surprised to see Dawn in line. She looked different and I could tell she was wearing a brace. But, she was walking and flashing the radiant smile she was known for.
We stayed in touch via email the next two years. Each time she wrote she continued to sound positive. I received the last email from her about two months ago. I responded by asking her if we could do lunch one day. She replied that she would see if she could put together a lunch with our former team members. I waited but didn't hear back from Dawn. But, there would be periods in the past when I would not hear from her for months. So, I figured I would eventually hear from her. About a week ago I received an email that Dawn was in the hospital and the doctors had given her a few weeks to live. The cancer reportedly had spread to her brain. Either that same day or the next day I went to the hospital to visit Dawn. She was weak and bedridden, but she was able to speak to me and give me the classic Dawn smile. I departed reminding her that we still needed to do lunch.
Despite the doctors prognosis, I expected Dawn to somehow prove the doctors wrong again and somehow continue to live. But, last Thursday I received an email that she had passed away at home. God has called her home and I can imagine her now smiling even more broadly at the amazing "life" she now has after being on this planet in human form. I'm glad she no longer has to endure whatever suffering her body went through the past 10 years. 10 years of displaying her faith. 10 years of courage.
She lived her faith and belief in God. I hope one day to still have that lunch with you Dawn. I will miss you.
Tomorrow I pay respects to Dawn Alvies, a woman of courage and faith. Ten years ago Dawn and I sat in a fast food restaurant at my request to talk about a decision she had made. Dawn had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She had decided not to seek surgery as a cure, but instead put her future in the hands of God. I expressed to Dawn my concern about being sure that God wanted her not to pursue the possibility of a cure through surgeons who were given their abilities by God? Dawn calmly responded, that she would put her trust and faith in God, and not run to surgeons to cut on her body.
Time passed and Dawn and I changed jobs. One day I saw Dawn struggling to walk in the hallway. Then I heard reports that she was suffering due to the onslaught of the cancer. Finally, I heard that Dawn was no longer able to walk and had been hospitalized for treatment. Dawn applied for disability from her job which was approved. I then awaited other developments fearing the worse.
Then one day I heard that Dawn was going to attend a health fair being held in our building. I stopped by and yes there was Dawn walking around. I could tell she was in pain, but she was able to walk. After that we stayed in touch via email. I invited her to my wedding, not expecting her to show up. But, while standing in the reception line I was surprised to see Dawn in line. She looked different and I could tell she was wearing a brace. But, she was walking and flashing the radiant smile she was known for.
We stayed in touch via email the next two years. Each time she wrote she continued to sound positive. I received the last email from her about two months ago. I responded by asking her if we could do lunch one day. She replied that she would see if she could put together a lunch with our former team members. I waited but didn't hear back from Dawn. But, there would be periods in the past when I would not hear from her for months. So, I figured I would eventually hear from her. About a week ago I received an email that Dawn was in the hospital and the doctors had given her a few weeks to live. The cancer reportedly had spread to her brain. Either that same day or the next day I went to the hospital to visit Dawn. She was weak and bedridden, but she was able to speak to me and give me the classic Dawn smile. I departed reminding her that we still needed to do lunch.
Despite the doctors prognosis, I expected Dawn to somehow prove the doctors wrong again and somehow continue to live. But, last Thursday I received an email that she had passed away at home. God has called her home and I can imagine her now smiling even more broadly at the amazing "life" she now has after being on this planet in human form. I'm glad she no longer has to endure whatever suffering her body went through the past 10 years. 10 years of displaying her faith. 10 years of courage.
She lived her faith and belief in God. I hope one day to still have that lunch with you Dawn. I will miss you.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
From Foreign to One World
A writer writes!
Foreign policy. The term itself paints a picture of all the inhabitants of the planet being contained in distinct boundaries that make us different and separate from each other. Could that be why we can't get along? Is that why we are a planet of flag waving, patriotic song singing human beings? You hear people saying "We're the best country in the world!" If we are, then so what? How does that statement benefit a country thousands of miles away? How does such a statement bring unity to the world, a world which desperately needs a unified approach.?
We are all part of one planet, one world. That seems to be a fact that we do not recognize in the rush to nationalistic and partisan viewpoints. Those who travel to various countries get a better appreciation of people in real life. They see that we may speak a different language and have different customs, but we truly are all connected. It is my desire to travel the world to see face-to-face my fellow inhabitants of this planet in their home setting and culture. Through interaction we can better understand and respect each other. Only through actually seeing for ourselves that people in a "foreign" country really are just like us, will one day the label "foreign" be banished as an obsolete word on the planet Earth.
Let's all try to make the world a little smaller and less foreign. If you get the opportunity to travel to other locations around the world, embrace the opportunity. It is a chance to help us bring us to our true potential as human beings. That being a world of inhabitants who respect each other and who want to take care of the one world we all share.
Foreign policy. The term itself paints a picture of all the inhabitants of the planet being contained in distinct boundaries that make us different and separate from each other. Could that be why we can't get along? Is that why we are a planet of flag waving, patriotic song singing human beings? You hear people saying "We're the best country in the world!" If we are, then so what? How does that statement benefit a country thousands of miles away? How does such a statement bring unity to the world, a world which desperately needs a unified approach.?
We are all part of one planet, one world. That seems to be a fact that we do not recognize in the rush to nationalistic and partisan viewpoints. Those who travel to various countries get a better appreciation of people in real life. They see that we may speak a different language and have different customs, but we truly are all connected. It is my desire to travel the world to see face-to-face my fellow inhabitants of this planet in their home setting and culture. Through interaction we can better understand and respect each other. Only through actually seeing for ourselves that people in a "foreign" country really are just like us, will one day the label "foreign" be banished as an obsolete word on the planet Earth.
Let's all try to make the world a little smaller and less foreign. If you get the opportunity to travel to other locations around the world, embrace the opportunity. It is a chance to help us bring us to our true potential as human beings. That being a world of inhabitants who respect each other and who want to take care of the one world we all share.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Answers That We Have Eliminated?
A writer writes!
This world has many devastating diseases. Some, like cancer, do not have a "cure" as of yet. Here is a thought. Isn't it likely that our Creator provided us with all we need to deal with the illnesses and diseases that nature or our own bad habits produced? I have heard about rain forests being destroyed in South America. Unique vegetation has been wiped out as Man has destroyed the natural land to be replaced by some man made landscape. It it possible that rain forests or other remote areas of the world, such as undersea plant life, contain the natural plants which have chemicals that are the cure for such illnesses as cancer? Why would our Creator not provide for the means for us to take care of ourselves without needing the Creator's constant attention?
We live on a planet where we have been entrusted to take care of and act as good stewards. But, do all of our practices ensure we take care of the environment, and ensure continued presence of clean air and water? We were only given one Earth to take care of. The only option for living arrangements would be to settle outside of Earth on another planet, or man made domiciles in space. I doubt if we are that advanced to set up such living conditions for mass populations.
So, maybe we need to rethink destroying what we don't fully understand or appreciate. If nature provides us with all we need to continue life, we need to respect and nurture nature more. It would be ironic if the cure for cancer was in a rain forest that was destroyed. Or if the person who had the gift to develop a cure for cancer was killed in one of the many armed conflicts the world has had in the past 80 years?
This world has many devastating diseases. Some, like cancer, do not have a "cure" as of yet. Here is a thought. Isn't it likely that our Creator provided us with all we need to deal with the illnesses and diseases that nature or our own bad habits produced? I have heard about rain forests being destroyed in South America. Unique vegetation has been wiped out as Man has destroyed the natural land to be replaced by some man made landscape. It it possible that rain forests or other remote areas of the world, such as undersea plant life, contain the natural plants which have chemicals that are the cure for such illnesses as cancer? Why would our Creator not provide for the means for us to take care of ourselves without needing the Creator's constant attention?
We live on a planet where we have been entrusted to take care of and act as good stewards. But, do all of our practices ensure we take care of the environment, and ensure continued presence of clean air and water? We were only given one Earth to take care of. The only option for living arrangements would be to settle outside of Earth on another planet, or man made domiciles in space. I doubt if we are that advanced to set up such living conditions for mass populations.
So, maybe we need to rethink destroying what we don't fully understand or appreciate. If nature provides us with all we need to continue life, we need to respect and nurture nature more. It would be ironic if the cure for cancer was in a rain forest that was destroyed. Or if the person who had the gift to develop a cure for cancer was killed in one of the many armed conflicts the world has had in the past 80 years?
Monday, September 2, 2013
Reach Your Full Potential-Use Your Gift
A writer writes!
Each of us has been given a gift that is unique to only us. It is a talent or a skill. We all have something unique about us. Hopefully you have found or have an inkling of what is your gift. We owe it to ourselves to develop that gift and allow it to reach its full potential. That means we have to spend time focusing on self development rather than focusing on the skill and gift that someone else has. Idolizing someone else is not the way to develop yourself and your talents. Your gift may be a raw talent that needs refinement. That means it will take time for you to fully master your gift so that it can be the asset to you and others that it was meant to be.
Don't be afraid of dedicating hard work to improve your self and to refine your gift. Don't say years later..."I should have."... Do it now! Every day, work on discovering and refining your unique gift and talent. Step back now and think about what are you doing to polish your natural talent so it shines as something positive in this life? Don't spend time following others. Follow yourself first. Right now, think about how many hours you spend pursuing someone else's dream rather than yours? Ask yourself the question, "Have I reached my full potential?" If not, "What am I doing to use the gift that I have been given?"
Each of us has been given a gift that is unique to only us. It is a talent or a skill. We all have something unique about us. Hopefully you have found or have an inkling of what is your gift. We owe it to ourselves to develop that gift and allow it to reach its full potential. That means we have to spend time focusing on self development rather than focusing on the skill and gift that someone else has. Idolizing someone else is not the way to develop yourself and your talents. Your gift may be a raw talent that needs refinement. That means it will take time for you to fully master your gift so that it can be the asset to you and others that it was meant to be.
Don't be afraid of dedicating hard work to improve your self and to refine your gift. Don't say years later..."I should have."... Do it now! Every day, work on discovering and refining your unique gift and talent. Step back now and think about what are you doing to polish your natural talent so it shines as something positive in this life? Don't spend time following others. Follow yourself first. Right now, think about how many hours you spend pursuing someone else's dream rather than yours? Ask yourself the question, "Have I reached my full potential?" If not, "What am I doing to use the gift that I have been given?"
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