THE AMEN CORNER:
What would Noah do? Reject 2 ministers? Hey, anything for the ARK. It looks like rain and a nomination in the forecast.
Well it looks like church is out. Obama has left Trinity United Church. One could see this coming. It's best to do this before the Rev. Wright's book hits the bookstore this fall.
Where do these ministers come from? Oh, let's not talk about black liberation theology - please. Pulpit buffoonery is what you get when the cross has been dropped along the way...
Now, look for a few born again nationalists to dump on Obama and mention how he is distancing himself from his "family" and old time congregation. Well, many things come down to ratings these days. Obama is getting ready for prime time. If you want to remain a small colored cable show, keep the mumbling in the dark. Is this selling out or the remaking of Obama? Throw the first prayer book if you think you know the answer.
E-NOTES: WHEN THE NEWS IS NOT ENOUGH. THE BLOG OF E. ETHELBERT MILLER
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Politics on a Saturday in DC when the tornadoes are not enuf.
I walked over to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel around 10AM today. Clinton supporters out - it was early and I didn't know what to expect. Folks were trying to get organized. The media made it sound like busloads of people were coming to town. This is Zimbabwe isn't it?
I didn't hang around to find out. I did see a couple of Black women - I wanted to tell them about Juneteenth but decided against it. These folks are going to be late to the Obama nomination...
I sat at Cosi (above Q Street) and read a few manuscripts. I had packed a few CDs - so my ears were filled with Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane playing with Monk. Not a bad way to spend the day.
I had lunch at Chop't: Creative Salad Company. This is a sweet place located at 1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Good fresh food. Highly recommended.
www.choptsalad.com
I walked over to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel around 10AM today. Clinton supporters out - it was early and I didn't know what to expect. Folks were trying to get organized. The media made it sound like busloads of people were coming to town. This is Zimbabwe isn't it?
I didn't hang around to find out. I did see a couple of Black women - I wanted to tell them about Juneteenth but decided against it. These folks are going to be late to the Obama nomination...
I sat at Cosi (above Q Street) and read a few manuscripts. I had packed a few CDs - so my ears were filled with Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane playing with Monk. Not a bad way to spend the day.
I had lunch at Chop't: Creative Salad Company. This is a sweet place located at 1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Good fresh food. Highly recommended.
www.choptsalad.com
TEMO TIME:
Faceless Voices by Temo
Temo Buliro, writing under her first name only, has authored Faceless Voices a collection of short stories set in contemporary Africa and modern-day USA. The seven short stories are loosely based on the senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and intuition. Sometimes humorous, always witty, the engaging tales take unexpected twists and turns.
The stories address many of the concerns in today’s society: suppressed expression and emotion; marital relations, including infidelity and divorce; career ambitions and the “glass ceiling; mental illness or disease; and domestic violence.
Quick, stimulating reading for the busy book lover but with a refreshing depth that will appeal to the discerning, contemplative individual. Temo is also the author of a children’s book, Walk to Recovery, which received Honorable Mention at the prestigious 2001 Jomo Kenyatta Literature Prize, a biennial literary award in the East African region.
She has been published in several leading East African newspapers and magazines on lifestyle topics ranging from marital fidelity to motherhood—a woman’s choice. Temo ran her own communications consultancy, Word Craft Ltd., in Nairobi, Kenya from 1993 to 1999 with an impressive client list including the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Shell & British Petroleum, and Tetra Pak.
She holds a masters degree in Mass Communications from Shippensburg University, Pennsylvania, USA, and although she maintains strong family ties in Kenya, lives in Maryland, USA.
Faceless Voices is available from Xlibris Corporation, an imprint of Random House, or through other online bookstores such as Amazon.com.
Book page: www.xlibris.com/FacelessVoices.html
Author page: www.xlibris.com/Temo.html
Email: Orders@Xlibris.comFax: 610.915.0294Telephone: 1.888.795.4274 x7876 or x7479
Mail: Xlibris Corporation International Plaza II Suite 340 Philadelphia , PA 19113
Faceless Voices by Temo
Temo Buliro, writing under her first name only, has authored Faceless Voices a collection of short stories set in contemporary Africa and modern-day USA. The seven short stories are loosely based on the senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and intuition. Sometimes humorous, always witty, the engaging tales take unexpected twists and turns.
The stories address many of the concerns in today’s society: suppressed expression and emotion; marital relations, including infidelity and divorce; career ambitions and the “glass ceiling; mental illness or disease; and domestic violence.
Quick, stimulating reading for the busy book lover but with a refreshing depth that will appeal to the discerning, contemplative individual. Temo is also the author of a children’s book, Walk to Recovery, which received Honorable Mention at the prestigious 2001 Jomo Kenyatta Literature Prize, a biennial literary award in the East African region.
She has been published in several leading East African newspapers and magazines on lifestyle topics ranging from marital fidelity to motherhood—a woman’s choice. Temo ran her own communications consultancy, Word Craft Ltd., in Nairobi, Kenya from 1993 to 1999 with an impressive client list including the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Shell & British Petroleum, and Tetra Pak.
She holds a masters degree in Mass Communications from Shippensburg University, Pennsylvania, USA, and although she maintains strong family ties in Kenya, lives in Maryland, USA.
Faceless Voices is available from Xlibris Corporation, an imprint of Random House, or through other online bookstores such as Amazon.com.
Book page: www.xlibris.com/FacelessVoices.html
Author page: www.xlibris.com/Temo.html
Email: Orders@Xlibris.comFax: 610.915.0294Telephone: 1.888.795.4274 x7876 or x7479
Mail: Xlibris Corporation International Plaza II Suite 340 Philadelphia , PA 19113
NEXT STOP JUPITER? A Note from Thomas Stanley
Dear Friends and Allies,
Yesterday, May 30 marked the 15th anniversary of Sun Ra's reassignment to some other poor planet in need, no doubt, of music, philosophy, and laughter. While many of us still miss him dearly, at the time of his departure, he had told us in so many ways that he was ready to move on and for us to be tested without him. I have no idea whether we are passing or failing the test of the cosmos, but I am sure as Sonny wryly reminded us, "This is examination day."
In commemoration of Sonny's love and music, I have posted a clip from an interview I did with John Gilmore six weeks after Sun Ra's space suit (body) expired on a new anti blog. In this clip the late saxman tells the story of how a piano player named Herman Blount came to be known as Sun Ra.
There's also info under the Events tab about an upcoming exhibit at H&F Gallery in Mt. Rainier on Saturday, June 7, that will feature a rare performance by DC-based electric improv group MIND OVER MATTER MUSIC OVER MIND of which I am a member.
So accept the challenge of our alter destiny as Sun Ra called it and move FORWARD with grace and dignity . www.musicovermind.org
Peace/Thomas
Dear Friends and Allies,
Yesterday, May 30 marked the 15th anniversary of Sun Ra's reassignment to some other poor planet in need, no doubt, of music, philosophy, and laughter. While many of us still miss him dearly, at the time of his departure, he had told us in so many ways that he was ready to move on and for us to be tested without him. I have no idea whether we are passing or failing the test of the cosmos, but I am sure as Sonny wryly reminded us, "This is examination day."
In commemoration of Sonny's love and music, I have posted a clip from an interview I did with John Gilmore six weeks after Sun Ra's space suit (body) expired on a new anti blog. In this clip the late saxman tells the story of how a piano player named Herman Blount came to be known as Sun Ra.
There's also info under the Events tab about an upcoming exhibit at H&F Gallery in Mt. Rainier on Saturday, June 7, that will feature a rare performance by DC-based electric improv group MIND OVER MATTER MUSIC OVER MIND of which I am a member.
So accept the challenge of our alter destiny as Sun Ra called it and move FORWARD with grace and dignity . www.musicovermind.org
Peace/Thomas
THE RETURN OF THE WHITE MINSTREL?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWigzBClEk8
We are living during a time in which the church seems to be an institution for entertainment and not spiritual guidance. If we cannot look to members of the clergy for compassion and words of love - where do we look?
If we cannot expect more from men of the faith, then the darkness is no longer simply in the sky - it surrounds us.
Peace be still?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWigzBClEk8
We are living during a time in which the church seems to be an institution for entertainment and not spiritual guidance. If we cannot look to members of the clergy for compassion and words of love - where do we look?
If we cannot expect more from men of the faith, then the darkness is no longer simply in the sky - it surrounds us.
Peace be still?
Friday, May 30, 2008
WHO DAT? OH, MY GOD IT'S REUBEN JACKSON.
June 4th
INTERSECTIONS presents Reuben Jackson!
Reuben Jackson lives in Washington, DC, where he works as an archivist with The Smithsonian Institution's Duke Ellington Collection. His poems have been published in 21 anthologies, journals such as Chelsea, Gargoyle, Callaloo and The Indiana Review, and a volume of verse entitled Fingering the Keys, which won the 1992 Columbia Book Award.
Reuben has also written music reviews for The Washington Post, Washington City Paper, Jazz Times and Jazz magazines, and for National Public Radio's All Things Considered. He is a poetry instructor at The Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
*Please take note this event will take place at the Museum's Anacostia Gallery, which is located at: 1922 MLK Rd, SEWashington D.C., 20020 202-889-5000 x 141
Why: Artwork, poetry, community, refreshments, and live music by the Rados!
When: Doors open at 7:30 pm. Reading begins at 8:00 pm. Upcoming Dates: June 4th and June 18th.
June 4th
INTERSECTIONS presents Reuben Jackson!
Reuben Jackson lives in Washington, DC, where he works as an archivist with The Smithsonian Institution's Duke Ellington Collection. His poems have been published in 21 anthologies, journals such as Chelsea, Gargoyle, Callaloo and The Indiana Review, and a volume of verse entitled Fingering the Keys, which won the 1992 Columbia Book Award.
Reuben has also written music reviews for The Washington Post, Washington City Paper, Jazz Times and Jazz magazines, and for National Public Radio's All Things Considered. He is a poetry instructor at The Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
*Please take note this event will take place at the Museum's Anacostia Gallery, which is located at: 1922 MLK Rd, SEWashington D.C., 20020 202-889-5000 x 141
Why: Artwork, poetry, community, refreshments, and live music by the Rados!
When: Doors open at 7:30 pm. Reading begins at 8:00 pm. Upcoming Dates: June 4th and June 18th.
CAPITOL LETTERS:
This afternoon I had a nice chat with Holly Jones. She is the person behind THE CAPITOL LETTERS WRITING CENTER.
You can visit the website at: www.capitolletters.org
This afternoon I had a nice chat with Holly Jones. She is the person behind THE CAPITOL LETTERS WRITING CENTER.
You can visit the website at: www.capitolletters.org
WHAT DOES THE E STAND FOR?
The E stands for EATONVILLE. That's the new restaurant (and art place) Andy Shallal is opening directly across the street from BUSBOYS AND POETS. The address is 2045 14th Street, NW. I took a tour with Andy this morning and was knocked over by the space. It's going to be a happening spot. It's going to have spunk. Outside tables and chairs. Inside will be multi-level. My People! My People! What will we do? Zora on one corner. Langston on the other. Oh, here comes the Harlem Renaissance, I have to go.
The E stands for EATONVILLE. That's the new restaurant (and art place) Andy Shallal is opening directly across the street from BUSBOYS AND POETS. The address is 2045 14th Street, NW. I took a tour with Andy this morning and was knocked over by the space. It's going to be a happening spot. It's going to have spunk. Outside tables and chairs. Inside will be multi-level. My People! My People! What will we do? Zora on one corner. Langston on the other. Oh, here comes the Harlem Renaissance, I have to go.
Politics:
So it's many years after 1984 - why are we still looking at the Big Screen and saying nothing?
It's amazing how the media is jumping on a former presidential press secretary, when the media never asked any difficult questions when the guy was doing his "job." Piss on the messenger or knock him down a well like this is Sparta. Geez - maybe all we want to do is go to war and that has become our post-Cold War personality as a nation. What if by the second reel we are no longer the good guys? What if we lost our soul as a nation? How do we get it back? Where is the good priest with a cross? There is no outrage to lies anymore. We are in the era of apology and confession. Meanwhile so many things in the world shop is broken, and not even Polar Bears can run free.
So it's many years after 1984 - why are we still looking at the Big Screen and saying nothing?
It's amazing how the media is jumping on a former presidential press secretary, when the media never asked any difficult questions when the guy was doing his "job." Piss on the messenger or knock him down a well like this is Sparta. Geez - maybe all we want to do is go to war and that has become our post-Cold War personality as a nation. What if by the second reel we are no longer the good guys? What if we lost our soul as a nation? How do we get it back? Where is the good priest with a cross? There is no outrage to lies anymore. We are in the era of apology and confession. Meanwhile so many things in the world shop is broken, and not even Polar Bears can run free.
VERY IMPORTANT E-NOTE NEWS:
Guest blogger coming in July: MICHON BOSTON.
Here is her bio note:
Michon Boston works as an independent consultant and producer. She was project director for The Big Read - D.C. and has been producing ITVS Community Cinema previewing documentaries from the PBS "Independent Lens" series as part of a community dialogue.
Michon's play "Iola's Letter" about Ida B. Wells was published in an anthology Strange Fruit: Plays on Lynching by American Women edited by Kathy A. Perkins and Judith L. Stephens (Indiana University Press).
She is working on reviving "Iola's Letter" in addition to working on digital and new writing projects to make art, culture and media tools for civic dialogue and engagement.
Guest blogger coming in July: MICHON BOSTON.
Here is her bio note:
Michon Boston works as an independent consultant and producer. She was project director for The Big Read - D.C. and has been producing ITVS Community Cinema previewing documentaries from the PBS "Independent Lens" series as part of a community dialogue.
Michon's play "Iola's Letter" about Ida B. Wells was published in an anthology Strange Fruit: Plays on Lynching by American Women edited by Kathy A. Perkins and Judith L. Stephens (Indiana University Press).
She is working on reviving "Iola's Letter" in addition to working on digital and new writing projects to make art, culture and media tools for civic dialogue and engagement.
Sports:
Lakers are in. Kobe always had a knockout punch. No way this guy is going to be denied a championship.How happy he must be to play on Earth and not Pluto. Lakers against Celtics? That's what theNBA and networks wanted all season long. Conspiracy? Did Fisher foul Barry? Yes, he did. It's all about ratings and the selling of the product. Look for Kobe to have one "huge" game in the finals. One of those history making events; or maybe a signature move that kids in the playground will practice over and over. Remember Jordan switching that ball from hand to hand in midair? The NBA Finals is nothing but canvas. The player that brings the paint rules.
Lakers are in. Kobe always had a knockout punch. No way this guy is going to be denied a championship.How happy he must be to play on Earth and not Pluto. Lakers against Celtics? That's what theNBA and networks wanted all season long. Conspiracy? Did Fisher foul Barry? Yes, he did. It's all about ratings and the selling of the product. Look for Kobe to have one "huge" game in the finals. One of those history making events; or maybe a signature move that kids in the playground will practice over and over. Remember Jordan switching that ball from hand to hand in midair? The NBA Finals is nothing but canvas. The player that brings the paint rules.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Puerto Rico - Si!
PR can make headlines by giving the nod to Obama on Sunday. That would be big news!
It would also push back the Hispanics for Hillary nonsense. I find it interesting how everyone who speaks Spanish is put into the same box. Are we talking Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, or the many folks from Central America?
PR can make headlines by giving the nod to Obama on Sunday. That would be big news!
It would also push back the Hispanics for Hillary nonsense. I find it interesting how everyone who speaks Spanish is put into the same box. Are we talking Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, or the many folks from Central America?
WORDS FROM ANOTHER BLACK MAN?
The biggest and most common talking point when the police fire at someone is counting how many bullets they fired. There are politicians, media people and - above all - community activists who can work themselves into a rage over how many bullets were fired.
If we stop and think - which of course the demagogues hope we never do - it is hard to see any moral difference between killing someone with one bullet or with dozens of bullets.
- Thomas Sowell, The Washington Times, May 29, 2008.
The biggest and most common talking point when the police fire at someone is counting how many bullets they fired. There are politicians, media people and - above all - community activists who can work themselves into a rage over how many bullets were fired.
If we stop and think - which of course the demagogues hope we never do - it is hard to see any moral difference between killing someone with one bullet or with dozens of bullets.
- Thomas Sowell, The Washington Times, May 29, 2008.
Politics and War:
In Dublin, Ireland,100 nations reached an agreement on a treaty that bans current designs of cluster bombs. The treaty would require the destruction of stockpiles within eight years.
Not involved in the treaty discussions were the biggest makers and users of cluster bombs:
United States, Russia, China, Israel, India and Pakistan.
In Dublin, Ireland,100 nations reached an agreement on a treaty that bans current designs of cluster bombs. The treaty would require the destruction of stockpiles within eight years.
Not involved in the treaty discussions were the biggest makers and users of cluster bombs:
United States, Russia, China, Israel, India and Pakistan.
Sports:
So good to see Ray Allen get his shot back.
I love this guy's game.
Hey - is that Ethelbert cheering for the Celtics? Nah - He's a Kobe guy.
Look for Magic and Bird to be poking each other in the ribs during the NBA Championship Game. Lakers over Celtics in 7. Look for one 50 plus game from Kobe. Give the guy another MVP Award.
Wait - are the Spurs done yet? Tony, Tony, Tony?
So good to see Ray Allen get his shot back.
I love this guy's game.
Hey - is that Ethelbert cheering for the Celtics? Nah - He's a Kobe guy.
Look for Magic and Bird to be poking each other in the ribs during the NBA Championship Game. Lakers over Celtics in 7. Look for one 50 plus game from Kobe. Give the guy another MVP Award.
Wait - are the Spurs done yet? Tony, Tony, Tony?
LOOK TO VIRGINIA: On the Road to Freedom.
Alexandria Black History Museum 25th Anniversary Events:
www.alexblackhistory.org
Alexandria Black History Museum 25th Anniversary Events:
www.alexblackhistory.org
JAZZ ON SUMMER AFTERNOONS - IN THE GARDEN!
Thursday, June 19 - August 7, 2008
12:15 - 1:45 PM
The Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ
www.NewarkMuseum.org
Things kickoff with David Murray Black Saint on June 19th.
Thursday, June 19 - August 7, 2008
12:15 - 1:45 PM
The Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ
www.NewarkMuseum.org
Things kickoff with David Murray Black Saint on June 19th.
New book from Red Hen Press:
FAULT by Katharine Coles. This is her 4th book of poetry.
Coles is currently the director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Utah.
She also directs the Utah Symposium in Science and Literature.
Coles is the current Poet Laureate of Utah.
Much love to Katharine Coles and her family. I love her mom and dad. They came to my last reading in Salt Lake City...
www.redhen.org
FAULT by Katharine Coles. This is her 4th book of poetry.
Coles is currently the director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Utah.
She also directs the Utah Symposium in Science and Literature.
Coles is the current Poet Laureate of Utah.
Much love to Katharine Coles and her family. I love her mom and dad. They came to my last reading in Salt Lake City...
www.redhen.org
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
1. Look for Clinton to stay in the fight all the way to the Convention. It's all ego after next week.
2. Forget the "myth" about women staying home in the November elections. Obama is bringing so many new voters into the political process that he is transforming American politics. Oh, many of those Obama supporters are white women.
3. Look for Obama to begin pulling into the political process, white men in rural areas who need jobs. Geez. Jesse Jackson was doing this. Who do you think are in those labor unions?
4. The Obama elite nonsense is really a "skin cover" for the media. All we have to look at is the way these folks cover the war (Thanks Scott) to understand the election is being treated the same way. Have you ever seen Obama's skin of mass destruction? Of course, not. America's race problem is fanned just like it was a let's bomb Iraq campaign.
1. Look for Clinton to stay in the fight all the way to the Convention. It's all ego after next week.
2. Forget the "myth" about women staying home in the November elections. Obama is bringing so many new voters into the political process that he is transforming American politics. Oh, many of those Obama supporters are white women.
3. Look for Obama to begin pulling into the political process, white men in rural areas who need jobs. Geez. Jesse Jackson was doing this. Who do you think are in those labor unions?
4. The Obama elite nonsense is really a "skin cover" for the media. All we have to look at is the way these folks cover the war (Thanks Scott) to understand the election is being treated the same way. Have you ever seen Obama's skin of mass destruction? Of course, not. America's race problem is fanned just like it was a let's bomb Iraq campaign.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
FIND YOUR OWN WINGS:
It's surprising more people are not taking legal action against the airlines. How is this industry going to survive the next decade? Maybe we should just have the Government run the entire thing. One airline with standard regulations and safety protection. Call it National Air. Failure to do this means the public will be hijacked to pay for more and more services that were once free. The service is getting worse and the public is paying more.
Check this - US Airways will soon charge $5 to $30 to reserve a window or an aisle seat in the from of the plane.
How much might we have to pay to use the restroom during a flight? Push the overhead button if you desire a cup and want to save money.
Is there a $5 pee fee?
It's surprising more people are not taking legal action against the airlines. How is this industry going to survive the next decade? Maybe we should just have the Government run the entire thing. One airline with standard regulations and safety protection. Call it National Air. Failure to do this means the public will be hijacked to pay for more and more services that were once free. The service is getting worse and the public is paying more.
Check this - US Airways will soon charge $5 to $30 to reserve a window or an aisle seat in the from of the plane.
How much might we have to pay to use the restroom during a flight? Push the overhead button if you desire a cup and want to save money.
Is there a $5 pee fee?
Sour Grapes or Grapes of Wrath?
Look for Scott McClellan's new book to push Clinton off the front page of the news for a few days. This is the Veggie meal that will feed the media that was getting tired of the Democratic campaign for president. So all those folks coming to protest in DC and have their votes counted will be counted out of the news in a small way. Scott's book shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. Geez. One can tell public lies and who cares anymore. Ignore all the Scott tissue talk about Bush - the real culprit seems to be the media who might as well be on the White House payroll. No wonder all the questions at press conferences are so stupid. What do journalists drink when they work late? You can't sell a war to the public unless the media is buying. Scott was a White House press secretary!!! Geez. Peter Pan must be a superdelegate and the world continues to be run by pirates. Dare we tinker with the truth?
Look for Scott McClellan's new book to push Clinton off the front page of the news for a few days. This is the Veggie meal that will feed the media that was getting tired of the Democratic campaign for president. So all those folks coming to protest in DC and have their votes counted will be counted out of the news in a small way. Scott's book shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. Geez. One can tell public lies and who cares anymore. Ignore all the Scott tissue talk about Bush - the real culprit seems to be the media who might as well be on the White House payroll. No wonder all the questions at press conferences are so stupid. What do journalists drink when they work late? You can't sell a war to the public unless the media is buying. Scott was a White House press secretary!!! Geez. Peter Pan must be a superdelegate and the world continues to be run by pirates. Dare we tinker with the truth?
Where are the Saints?
So sad to read about the homeless in New Orleans. Nagin making off -the -cuff jokes about giving them a one-way bus ticket out of town. That type of warped humor shows a serious lack of compassion. How did this guy ever get elected? The number of homeless people has doubled since Katrina. We are talking about people who have at least one physical disability, some type of addiction, or are mentally-ill. Then we have the tri-morbid - they have a disability, an addiction and mental illness.
People need permanent housing, a cornerstone to help them get their lives back together.
Homes not shelters. Love as well as jobs.
So sad to read about the homeless in New Orleans. Nagin making off -the -cuff jokes about giving them a one-way bus ticket out of town. That type of warped humor shows a serious lack of compassion. How did this guy ever get elected? The number of homeless people has doubled since Katrina. We are talking about people who have at least one physical disability, some type of addiction, or are mentally-ill. Then we have the tri-morbid - they have a disability, an addiction and mental illness.
People need permanent housing, a cornerstone to help them get their lives back together.
Homes not shelters. Love as well as jobs.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Good Words from the Good Katrina:
Time To Go by Katrina vanden Heuvel
The Clinton campaign ain't nothin but a busted levee.
Time To Go by Katrina vanden Heuvel
The Clinton campaign ain't nothin but a busted levee.
OUR NEXT IPS SALON: PLEASE COME
IPS Salon Series: Tackling the Climate Crisis
Daphne Wysham and Janet Redman discuss ways to address the climate crisis at home and abroad. .
Ideas into Action for Peace, Justice, and the Environment.
June 1, 2008 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Busboys and Poets (Arlington Location)
4251 S. Stafford St.Arlington, Virginia, USA
. . .
N E W S L E T T E R
Sign-up to get Unconventional Wisdom, the latest from IPS delivered every two weeks.
S U P P O R T
Your support allows us to continue to sponsor and host events like this: Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Institute.
Daphne Wysham, Director and Janet Redman, Researcher, are part of the Sustainable Energy and Economy Network (SEEN), a project at the Institute for Policy Studies and the Transnational Institute (Amsterdam).
SEEN partners with citizen groups nationally and globally on issues concerning the environment, human rights and development. In matters involving North and South relations SEEN pays particular attention to challenges with energy, climate change, environmental justice, gender equity and economic disparities.
For more on their recent work:
World Bank: Climate Profiteer report
World Bank Climate Profiteering by Daphne Wysham and Shakuntala Makhijani in Common Dreams
Hoodwinked in Bali on Carbon Credits by Daphne Wysham in The Nation
Please RSVP to sena@ips-dc.org. Seating is limited.
Directions note: the street that Busboys & Poets in Arlington, VA is on (where the event is being held) has recently been renamed from "Stafford St." to "Campbell Ave."
IPS
info@ips-dc.org 202.234.9382 1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600, Washington DC 20036
IPS Salon Series: Tackling the Climate Crisis
Daphne Wysham and Janet Redman discuss ways to address the climate crisis at home and abroad. .
Ideas into Action for Peace, Justice, and the Environment.
June 1, 2008 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Busboys and Poets (Arlington Location)
4251 S. Stafford St.Arlington, Virginia, USA
. . .
N E W S L E T T E R
Sign-up to get Unconventional Wisdom, the latest from IPS delivered every two weeks.
S U P P O R T
Your support allows us to continue to sponsor and host events like this: Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Institute.
Daphne Wysham, Director and Janet Redman, Researcher, are part of the Sustainable Energy and Economy Network (SEEN), a project at the Institute for Policy Studies and the Transnational Institute (Amsterdam).
SEEN partners with citizen groups nationally and globally on issues concerning the environment, human rights and development. In matters involving North and South relations SEEN pays particular attention to challenges with energy, climate change, environmental justice, gender equity and economic disparities.
For more on their recent work:
World Bank: Climate Profiteer report
World Bank Climate Profiteering by Daphne Wysham and Shakuntala Makhijani in Common Dreams
Hoodwinked in Bali on Carbon Credits by Daphne Wysham in The Nation
Please RSVP to sena@ips-dc.org. Seating is limited.
Directions note: the street that Busboys & Poets in Arlington, VA is on (where the event is being held) has recently been renamed from "Stafford St." to "Campbell Ave."
IPS
info@ips-dc.org 202.234.9382 1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600, Washington DC 20036
GOOD NEWS FROM NILOUFAR:
The book I've been working on for 6 year, BELONGING: New Poetry by Iranians Around the World (North Atlantic Books, July 2008) will be published this summer: <http://www.amazon.ca/Belonging-Poetry-Iranians-Around-World/dp/1556437129/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204932218&sr=1-2>
My organization, The Translation Project, www.thetranslationproject.org presents new Iranian literature not only in award-winning translation, but in exciting, innovative film and theater projects that further illuminate these powerful works, making them accessible to diverse audiences.
You can see sample clips at <www.youtube.com/translationproject>. We offer world-class programming that can be curated in many successful ways at diverse venues: book events, dramatic poetry readings, film screenings, theatrical and multimedia literary presentations, and festivals, at universities, galleries, festivals, readings series, museums, etc.
I live in SF, and will be on the east coast in the Fall of 2008 and available for readings/events. I appreciate being connected to opportunities if you know of any.
Cheers,
Niloufar
The book I've been working on for 6 year, BELONGING: New Poetry by Iranians Around the World (North Atlantic Books, July 2008) will be published this summer: <http://www.amazon.ca/Belonging-Poetry-Iranians-Around-World/dp/1556437129/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204932218&sr=1-2>
My organization, The Translation Project, www.thetranslationproject.org presents new Iranian literature not only in award-winning translation, but in exciting, innovative film and theater projects that further illuminate these powerful works, making them accessible to diverse audiences.
You can see sample clips at <www.youtube.com/translationproject>. We offer world-class programming that can be curated in many successful ways at diverse venues: book events, dramatic poetry readings, film screenings, theatrical and multimedia literary presentations, and festivals, at universities, galleries, festivals, readings series, museums, etc.
I live in SF, and will be on the east coast in the Fall of 2008 and available for readings/events. I appreciate being connected to opportunities if you know of any.
Cheers,
Niloufar
Science:
My daughter sent me this link today. Yeah, baby...this is what I've looking forward to.
Salamander-inspired therapy may aid injured vets - CNN.com
My daughter sent me this link today. Yeah, baby...this is what I've looking forward to.
Salamander-inspired therapy may aid injured vets - CNN.com
Margaret Hasse's new collection of poems - MILK AND TIDES has just been released from Nodin Press in Minneapolis. Here is a blurb from the back of the book:
"Milk and Tides is a narrative sequence, like a poetic family album. It's a book about race as well as the tapestry of love.
- E. Ethelbert Miller
Director, African American Resource Center
"Milk and Tides is a narrative sequence, like a poetic family album. It's a book about race as well as the tapestry of love.
- E. Ethelbert Miller
Director, African American Resource Center
It's not another issue of FIRE - instead it's Grace Ali's newsletter of note.
Click here to view of note in your internet browser.
Click here to view of note in your internet browser.
More Poetry News:
In June, Anne Becker will be teaching two courses at the Writer's Center in Bethesda: MAKING IT WHOLE: POETRY CHAPBOOK WORKSHOP, and POETRY, A BODILY FUNCTION: POETRY WORKSHOP.
For further info go to: www.writer.org
In June, Anne Becker will be teaching two courses at the Writer's Center in Bethesda: MAKING IT WHOLE: POETRY CHAPBOOK WORKSHOP, and POETRY, A BODILY FUNCTION: POETRY WORKSHOP.
For further info go to: www.writer.org
MARILYN NELSON just sent me a CD of the Soul Mountain Poets.
www.soulmountainretreat.com
I'll play it later today. Right now I'm listening to Louis Armstrong -Fleishmann's Yeast Show & Louis' Home-Recorded Tapes.
Oh - that Rascal - Ethelbert. Where did that Rascal go?
www.soulmountainretreat.com
I'll play it later today. Right now I'm listening to Louis Armstrong -Fleishmann's Yeast Show & Louis' Home-Recorded Tapes.
Oh - that Rascal - Ethelbert. Where did that Rascal go?
DAVID BROOKS MAKING SENSE FOR ONCE:
"A vice president can, however, have a gigantic impact on an administration once in office (see: Cheney, Richard). Therefore, a sensible presidential candidate shouldn't be selecting a mate on the basis of who can help him get elected. He should be thinking about who can help him govern successfully so he can get re-elected."
OP-ED, The New York Times, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.
"A vice president can, however, have a gigantic impact on an administration once in office (see: Cheney, Richard). Therefore, a sensible presidential candidate shouldn't be selecting a mate on the basis of who can help him get elected. He should be thinking about who can help him govern successfully so he can get re-elected."
OP-ED, The New York Times, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.
BIG BROWN - THE BETS - THE BELMONT:
Back in high school a couple of us would sit around in the cafeteria and check on the ponies.
We didn't bet our lunch room money but we followed the races.
So will Big Brown win the Triple Crown?
The horse has a quarter crack or stress fracture but will still run on June 7th.
So how does one bet?
Don't you just love the drama that has been created? Win or lose - the media will benefit from viewers checking to see if a horse can win on 3 legs.
Back in high school a couple of us would sit around in the cafeteria and check on the ponies.
We didn't bet our lunch room money but we followed the races.
So will Big Brown win the Triple Crown?
The horse has a quarter crack or stress fracture but will still run on June 7th.
So how does one bet?
Don't you just love the drama that has been created? Win or lose - the media will benefit from viewers checking to see if a horse can win on 3 legs.
Ethelbert News::
The visual artist Alexandra Dominguez has agreed to design the book cover of my next collection of poems. I'm excited about working with her and Curbstone Press. Look for ON SATURDAYS I SANTANA WITH YOU to be released in Spring 2009.
Alexandra lives in Spain. We met in Norway. Here is a link to her website:
www.alexcaroldom.com
ON SATURDAYS...is dedicated to my friends: Grace A. Ali, Julia Galbus, Beverly Hunt and Wendy Rieger.
The visual artist Alexandra Dominguez has agreed to design the book cover of my next collection of poems. I'm excited about working with her and Curbstone Press. Look for ON SATURDAYS I SANTANA WITH YOU to be released in Spring 2009.
Alexandra lives in Spain. We met in Norway. Here is a link to her website:
www.alexcaroldom.com
ON SATURDAYS...is dedicated to my friends: Grace A. Ali, Julia Galbus, Beverly Hunt and Wendy Rieger.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Hey, JOE! Where are you going with that book in your hand?
FORTUNE by Joseph Millar
Eastern Washington University Press, 2007.
"Millar can ride a poem into some wildly imaginative territory....His impulse is to tell a story, but he never forgets, as a poet to tell it one line at a time."
- Billy Collins, former poet laureate of the United States
Get yourself a Millar, it's better than a Bud.
FORTUNE by Joseph Millar
Eastern Washington University Press, 2007.
"Millar can ride a poem into some wildly imaginative territory....His impulse is to tell a story, but he never forgets, as a poet to tell it one line at a time."
- Billy Collins, former poet laureate of the United States
Get yourself a Millar, it's better than a Bud.
NEWS ABOUT - LESLIE MCGRATH AND REETIKA VAZIRANI:
Leslie McGrath (05) is now Submissions Editor for Drunken Boat. She and Ravi Shankar are also editing the poetry manuscript of poet Reetika Vazirani.
Leslie’s poems have recently appeared in Agni online, Helix, and Alimentum. A number of her poems are being translated into Tamil for inclusion in an anthology of contemporary American poetry to appear in university libraries across India.
She's also co-curator of The Handprint Identity Project, a large scale collaborative (ten poets and ten artists) project on the theme of the handprint and American identity, which will be touring the US in 2009. Former Bennington Writing Seminars faculty member E.Ethelbert Miller is also part of this project.
Leslie McGrath (05) is now Submissions Editor for Drunken Boat. She and Ravi Shankar are also editing the poetry manuscript of poet Reetika Vazirani.
Leslie’s poems have recently appeared in Agni online, Helix, and Alimentum. A number of her poems are being translated into Tamil for inclusion in an anthology of contemporary American poetry to appear in university libraries across India.
She's also co-curator of The Handprint Identity Project, a large scale collaborative (ten poets and ten artists) project on the theme of the handprint and American identity, which will be touring the US in 2009. Former Bennington Writing Seminars faculty member E.Ethelbert Miller is also part of this project.
E-NEWS BULLETIN: Ethelbert returns to Washington this week from VCCA: www.vcca.com.
He completed work on his second memoir - THE FIFTH INNING.
He completed work on his second memoir - THE FIFTH INNING.
Fox Trot or Dancing with the Fools?
FOX news has to sack Liz Trotta
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/687958
FOX news has to sack Liz Trotta
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/687958
Politics:
Was that Carter speaking out as a superdelegate yesterday? Now if someone can just find Gore. What are these guys waiting for?
Obama has the nomination. Is this all about not hurting Clinton's feelings? The Democratic Party has already been hurt by her campaign. Let's not put any make-up on this. What's going to happen when Hillary speaks at the Convention? Is she going to try to upstage Obama? Of course she is.
What happens to our country if McCain wins in the fall? What might the next 4 years look like?
Where will all the young activists motivated by the work of Obama and Clinton go?
America is being transformed right before our eyes. What will the new America look like?
We need new leaders for a new world. So many questions to answer. We can't wait. Now's the Time!
Was that Carter speaking out as a superdelegate yesterday? Now if someone can just find Gore. What are these guys waiting for?
Obama has the nomination. Is this all about not hurting Clinton's feelings? The Democratic Party has already been hurt by her campaign. Let's not put any make-up on this. What's going to happen when Hillary speaks at the Convention? Is she going to try to upstage Obama? Of course she is.
What happens to our country if McCain wins in the fall? What might the next 4 years look like?
Where will all the young activists motivated by the work of Obama and Clinton go?
America is being transformed right before our eyes. What will the new America look like?
We need new leaders for a new world. So many questions to answer. We can't wait. Now's the Time!
SPORTS
The Spurs are the best team in basketball right now. If the Lakers are going to knock the crowns off their heads they should have done it yesterday. Unless Kobe drops 45 or 50 on this team in the next game, the series will be tied 2-2. Champions know how to fight their way off the ropes. You can see this in The Spurs. The more I see Tony Parker play - the more I like his game. Funny watching the ring collector - Robert Horry, still getting a few minutes.
The Spurs are the best team in basketball right now. If the Lakers are going to knock the crowns off their heads they should have done it yesterday. Unless Kobe drops 45 or 50 on this team in the next game, the series will be tied 2-2. Champions know how to fight their way off the ropes. You can see this in The Spurs. The more I see Tony Parker play - the more I like his game. Funny watching the ring collector - Robert Horry, still getting a few minutes.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
WOMEN IN LOVE?
"COUNT EVERY VOTE RALLY" IN WASHINGTON DC ON MAY 31ST.
WWW.WOMENCOUNTPAC.COM
THIS IS A RALLY TO DEMAND THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY COUNTS THE BALLOTS OF THE 2.4 MILLION VOTERS IN MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA.
THIS IS NOTHING BUT A MEDIA EVENT TO GIVE CLINTON SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT.
WHAT WILL CLINTON DO AFTER HER CAMPAIGN?
I THINK ONE SHOULD EXAMINE THOSE HILLARY DAYS RIGHT AFTER IOWA AND BEFORE THE TEARS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
WHAT WAS THE STATE OF HER MIND DURING THIS TIME?
MIGHT CLINTON TRY TO DISRUPT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION? YOU BET. SHE WANTS ALL THE MARBLES.
BEWARE OF THE CLINTON CONSPIRACY. THEY LEARN FROM THE RIGHT AND THEY DO WRONG.
I HAVE THE FEELING WE MIGHT HAVE A "KENYAN ELECTION" MOMENT SOON. WHAT DO YOU THINK OBAMA?
YES, SOMEONE COULD CHASE ME DOWN A DC STREET ON MAY 31ST WITH A BRA.
HOW MANY BLACK MEN HAVE BEEN LYNCHED WITH A BRA SINCE 1863?
"COUNT EVERY VOTE RALLY" IN WASHINGTON DC ON MAY 31ST.
WWW.WOMENCOUNTPAC.COM
THIS IS A RALLY TO DEMAND THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY COUNTS THE BALLOTS OF THE 2.4 MILLION VOTERS IN MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA.
THIS IS NOTHING BUT A MEDIA EVENT TO GIVE CLINTON SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT.
WHAT WILL CLINTON DO AFTER HER CAMPAIGN?
I THINK ONE SHOULD EXAMINE THOSE HILLARY DAYS RIGHT AFTER IOWA AND BEFORE THE TEARS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
WHAT WAS THE STATE OF HER MIND DURING THIS TIME?
MIGHT CLINTON TRY TO DISRUPT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION? YOU BET. SHE WANTS ALL THE MARBLES.
BEWARE OF THE CLINTON CONSPIRACY. THEY LEARN FROM THE RIGHT AND THEY DO WRONG.
I HAVE THE FEELING WE MIGHT HAVE A "KENYAN ELECTION" MOMENT SOON. WHAT DO YOU THINK OBAMA?
YES, SOMEONE COULD CHASE ME DOWN A DC STREET ON MAY 31ST WITH A BRA.
HOW MANY BLACK MEN HAVE BEEN LYNCHED WITH A BRA SINCE 1863?
Sports.
Do you have the Willies? Funny how folks talk about race but never want to talk about race when folks are really talking about race. So, why is Willie Randolph issuing an apology? When your team is losing folks want to win. Willie needs to confess -"it ain't me on the field." Too often African American managers (and players) don't have that friendly fan safety net. Unless you're Mr. Cub forget it.
Folks also have a problem with "cool" black people. It runs counter to the angry, emotional stereotypes we see everywhere.
Even on a DC bus you have to look for a cool black person; especially in the summer. We tend to be a tad hot these days. Hmmm. I wonder why?
Anyway, Obama is responsible for the rebirth of the cool. He is also creating a new paradigm in which race will be viewed.
Yes, Race matters, so don't put your crayons away. We still have some coloring to do.
Do you have the Willies? Funny how folks talk about race but never want to talk about race when folks are really talking about race. So, why is Willie Randolph issuing an apology? When your team is losing folks want to win. Willie needs to confess -"it ain't me on the field." Too often African American managers (and players) don't have that friendly fan safety net. Unless you're Mr. Cub forget it.
Folks also have a problem with "cool" black people. It runs counter to the angry, emotional stereotypes we see everywhere.
Even on a DC bus you have to look for a cool black person; especially in the summer. We tend to be a tad hot these days. Hmmm. I wonder why?
Anyway, Obama is responsible for the rebirth of the cool. He is also creating a new paradigm in which race will be viewed.
Yes, Race matters, so don't put your crayons away. We still have some coloring to do.
Politics:
Amazing Grace coming from Obama. Love and forgive? Oh, the silly Hillary of it all. It's obvious that the campaign is over and attention is turning to being elected president. Obama's success rests with the strength of the organization he has built. The first major decision that has to be made is the selection of a running mate. Look for the media to jump and attack on the choice. Obama can't win this one.
Some folks in the media will say the person selected is a horrible choice. Others will say the person doesn't bring enough to the ticket.
Many will use the selection of the running mate as insight into how Obama might govern. Will he be "radical" or play it safe?
The worst thing is to listen to the media right now. These folks (and pundits) will try and stick Clinton on the ticket. No way that will play among the passionate Obama supporters. So what's an Obama to do? My take is that deals are already being made behind the curtains. That's politics. You take and you give. You give and you take.
Hey - whatever happened to Oprah? She disappeared from the news like Jimmy Carter.
How come no Gore support for Obama? Another sign of weakness from this guy? Does he need a weatherman to tell him which way the wind blows?
I'm still waiting for the media to provide us with a silly name for VP for McCain or Obama.
Politics as entertainment. What's going to be the next headline?
Amazing Grace coming from Obama. Love and forgive? Oh, the silly Hillary of it all. It's obvious that the campaign is over and attention is turning to being elected president. Obama's success rests with the strength of the organization he has built. The first major decision that has to be made is the selection of a running mate. Look for the media to jump and attack on the choice. Obama can't win this one.
Some folks in the media will say the person selected is a horrible choice. Others will say the person doesn't bring enough to the ticket.
Many will use the selection of the running mate as insight into how Obama might govern. Will he be "radical" or play it safe?
The worst thing is to listen to the media right now. These folks (and pundits) will try and stick Clinton on the ticket. No way that will play among the passionate Obama supporters. So what's an Obama to do? My take is that deals are already being made behind the curtains. That's politics. You take and you give. You give and you take.
Hey - whatever happened to Oprah? She disappeared from the news like Jimmy Carter.
How come no Gore support for Obama? Another sign of weakness from this guy? Does he need a weatherman to tell him which way the wind blows?
I'm still waiting for the media to provide us with a silly name for VP for McCain or Obama.
Politics as entertainment. What's going to be the next headline?
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
A NOTE FROM MIKE:
DC-area listeners get to hear the 2-hour American Routes program on the main FM signal of WAMU-FM 88.5 this Monday at 2PM-4PM (it's usually on HD).. Host (and former DC resident) Nick Spitzer hosts a show about the great American "road trip." Hear about Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Jack Kerouac.
See http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/radio-road-trip/
Best,
Mike Licht
DC-area listeners get to hear the 2-hour American Routes program on the main FM signal of WAMU-FM 88.5 this Monday at 2PM-4PM (it's usually on HD).. Host (and former DC resident) Nick Spitzer hosts a show about the great American "road trip." Hear about Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Jack Kerouac.
See http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/radio-road-trip/
Best,
Mike Licht
POLITICS:
WELL THE MEDIA CAN NOW HAVE FUN TRYING TO DETERMINE WHO THE RUNNING MATES OF OBAMA AND MCCAIN WILL BE.
WATCH A NUMBER OF "SILLY" NAMES BE THROWN INTO THE LOOP - JUST TO CREATE A DUMB BUZZ.
IGNORE ALL THE PUNDITS. OH, AND DON'T FORCE CLINTON ON OBAMA. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.
LOOK FOR THE MAYOR OF NEW YORK TO BE ON SOMEONE'S LIST.
EXPECT SOME ACTOR TO BE CONSIDERED TOO. EXPERIENCE? THEY DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' EXPERIENCE.
JUST READ WHAT SOMEONE PUTS IN FRONT OF YOU. HEY - I CAN DO THAT. YO -OBAMA.
WELL THE MEDIA CAN NOW HAVE FUN TRYING TO DETERMINE WHO THE RUNNING MATES OF OBAMA AND MCCAIN WILL BE.
WATCH A NUMBER OF "SILLY" NAMES BE THROWN INTO THE LOOP - JUST TO CREATE A DUMB BUZZ.
IGNORE ALL THE PUNDITS. OH, AND DON'T FORCE CLINTON ON OBAMA. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.
LOOK FOR THE MAYOR OF NEW YORK TO BE ON SOMEONE'S LIST.
EXPECT SOME ACTOR TO BE CONSIDERED TOO. EXPERIENCE? THEY DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' EXPERIENCE.
JUST READ WHAT SOMEONE PUTS IN FRONT OF YOU. HEY - I CAN DO THAT. YO -OBAMA.
FLY Jefferson Airplane:
American Airlines is going to charge $15 for all checked bags starting on June 15th. This is a joke. Do we get our money back if our luggage is lost or received 3hours after travel? Geez.
Look for fights on airplanes around limited storage bin space. Is that your bag over your head?
It's also going to result in longer lines at security check points too. More bags to check.
American Airlines is going to charge $15 for all checked bags starting on June 15th. This is a joke. Do we get our money back if our luggage is lost or received 3hours after travel? Geez.
Look for fights on airplanes around limited storage bin space. Is that your bag over your head?
It's also going to result in longer lines at security check points too. More bags to check.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
AOL VOTING POLLS: Who's counting the bananas?
Someone should do a study of all those AOL polls one can take online. I always get a huge chuckle when I see the results to a question. I'm always in the minority.
I'm curious as to how many African Americans participate in these polls. I wonder what percentage of AOL users support chain gangs and sharecropping? Just being Curious Bert.
Someone should do a study of all those AOL polls one can take online. I always get a huge chuckle when I see the results to a question. I'm always in the minority.
I'm curious as to how many African Americans participate in these polls. I wonder what percentage of AOL users support chain gangs and sharecropping? Just being Curious Bert.
Money News:So did you hear about the DC coin? The new district quarter will be release soon by the U.S. Mint. There was discussion about the image that should be used. The 3 finalists were: Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglass, and Duke Ellington. Banneker won.
But where's the imagination here? The coin should feature the image of the poet Sterling A. Brown. Why? Well, not just for his literary achievements but for his name. The new quarters could have be given the nickname Brownies.
How many Brownies do you have in your pocket?
Anybody have a Brownie for the meter?
I prefer the sound of Brownie over that of quarter. How does your money sound when it leaves your pocket and don't come back? When you only have a few Brownies you have the blues.
GO GREEN WITH EETHELBERTMILLER.COM
Politics:
McCain needs to find a good egg. Crist or Jindal as running mates is not going to buy it. Jindal needs to fix New Orleans first. How much "experience" does this guy have to step in and become president if something happens to McCain? Not much. No way you can stick Jindal on the Republican ticket and attack Obama's experience. Does Jindal know where his office in Louisiana is yet? Oh, and Crist sake No. Do we need someone who supports chain gangs in the White House? Crist and Jindal even makes Romney look like a good choice for VP. Geez. Someone needs to invite Condi to lunch.
Oh, Huck it - McCain.
McCain needs to find a good egg. Crist or Jindal as running mates is not going to buy it. Jindal needs to fix New Orleans first. How much "experience" does this guy have to step in and become president if something happens to McCain? Not much. No way you can stick Jindal on the Republican ticket and attack Obama's experience. Does Jindal know where his office in Louisiana is yet? Oh, and Crist sake No. Do we need someone who supports chain gangs in the White House? Crist and Jindal even makes Romney look like a good choice for VP. Geez. Someone needs to invite Condi to lunch.
Oh, Huck it - McCain.
THE READING LIFE:
I started reading Michael Korda's ANOTHER LIFE (Random House,1999) last night and couldn't put it down. One of the best memoirs I've read. Highly recommended for anyone deciding what to do in life. Oh, and do you want to know about the publishing industry? Nothing but gold in these pages. The last book I read by Korda was his bestseller POWER.
I started reading Michael Korda's ANOTHER LIFE (Random House,1999) last night and couldn't put it down. One of the best memoirs I've read. Highly recommended for anyone deciding what to do in life. Oh, and do you want to know about the publishing industry? Nothing but gold in these pages. The last book I read by Korda was his bestseller POWER.
American Art Review:
The June issue of American Art Review has two good articles in it:
"The Plantation in American Art" by John Michael Vlach. His essay discusses the work in the exhibit LANDSCAPE OF SLAVERY : THE PLANTATION IN AMERICAN ART. The show is on view May 9 - August 3, 2008, Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina.
www.gibbesmuseum.org
"Georgia O'Keeffe and the Camera" by Susan Danly.
This essay is about the exhibit "GEORGIA O'KEEFFE AND THE CAMERA: THE ART OF IDENTITY on view at the Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine.
www.portlandmuseum.org
The June issue of American Art Review has two good articles in it:
"The Plantation in American Art" by John Michael Vlach. His essay discusses the work in the exhibit LANDSCAPE OF SLAVERY : THE PLANTATION IN AMERICAN ART. The show is on view May 9 - August 3, 2008, Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina.
www.gibbesmuseum.org
"Georgia O'Keeffe and the Camera" by Susan Danly.
This essay is about the exhibit "GEORGIA O'KEEFFE AND THE CAMERA: THE ART OF IDENTITY on view at the Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine.
www.portlandmuseum.org
ART News
My "New Friend of the Year" award goes to Bovey Lee. She's an amazing artist and a fun person. Many thanks for VCCA (www.vcca.com) for introducing us. Here is a link to Bovey's website: www.boveylee.com.
My "New Friend of the Year" award goes to Bovey Lee. She's an amazing artist and a fun person. Many thanks for VCCA (www.vcca.com) for introducing us. Here is a link to Bovey's website: www.boveylee.com.
"He talked a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy. His life had been confused and disordered since then, but if he could once return to a certain starting place and go over it all slowly, he could find out what that thing was..."
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
WE ARE NOT ALONE.
It's always great to have an exchange with someone you immediately feel good about.
I've been corresponding with Norman Kelley the last 2 days.
Here is a link to his site: http://www.normankelley.com/
It's always great to have an exchange with someone you immediately feel good about.
I've been corresponding with Norman Kelley the last 2 days.
Here is a link to his site: http://www.normankelley.com/
"And what of Barack Hussein Obama? Surely, of all Americans of Color at this current time, he seems to soar the highest. Clearly he represents a new paradigm, both political and social; his very candidacy forces, brings to the fore, topics of discussion long banished to small seminars on college campuses and to rehab-therapy groups- topics about how white folk feel about black folk, about how black folk actually feel about how other black folk define themselves. He could well be the catalyst for both the end of the civil-rights movement as we knew it and the beginning of a new type of participation. I say this to make clear how important I believe Senator Obama is and will be."
- Randall Kenan, THE FIRE THIS TIME
- Randall Kenan, THE FIRE THIS TIME
There is a very good article in the latest issue of The Sun (June 2008). Try and read "Like Wandering Ghosts: Edward Tick on How The U.S. Fails Its Returning Soldiers by David Kupfer.
Here is a comment Tick makes in the interview:
There are two things we have to do as a culture to end war: One is to take full responsibility for our wounded. It's not enough just to "bring the boys home," because they aren't boys anymore, and getting them home physically does not do it. We need to help them heal and help shoulder their burden. The other thing we need to do is take responsibility for the damage we have done to other countries and their people.
Tick (along with his wife Kate Dahlstedt) directs Soldier's Heart a nonprofit initiative to establish veterans' safe-return programs in communities across the nation.
www.soldiersheart.net
Here is a comment Tick makes in the interview:
There are two things we have to do as a culture to end war: One is to take full responsibility for our wounded. It's not enough just to "bring the boys home," because they aren't boys anymore, and getting them home physically does not do it. We need to help them heal and help shoulder their burden. The other thing we need to do is take responsibility for the damage we have done to other countries and their people.
Tick (along with his wife Kate Dahlstedt) directs Soldier's Heart a nonprofit initiative to establish veterans' safe-return programs in communities across the nation.
www.soldiersheart.net
E-Notes within E-Notes:I was writing a friend this morning and made the following comment:
Along with the nature of work changing we need to do something about health care. The cost of taking care of workers cuts into business profits.Corporations are also keeping costs down by going with a younger workforce. Eliminate an older person making $100,000 and pay 2 people $50,000 each. No one wants to pay for wisdom and knowledge anymore.Wait until the robots cut further into the work force. They will take the basic service jobs and create a new class of "untouchables" who will live in poverty, form gangs and try to attack those who live in high-tech guarded communities or advanced nation states. Just look at the pirates operating off the coast of Somalia. Geez, I sound like Arthur C. Clarke.
NEW ORLEANS AND NEWS FROM ANU:
Hello everyone,
Last night I did a short performance, a monologue of a civil rights leader, Unita Blackwell, recalling her days in the movement. At the end of the piece, her voice breaks into song, "Will you die for your freedom? Certainly, Lord, certainly, certainly, certainly, Lord."
It left the audience completely quiet, after which they broke into loud strong applause.The piece was in honor of the Indian guest workers currently on hungerstrike here in DC as I write this.
Over one hundred workers walked off their jobs in March, in protest of the essentially forced laborcamps they were subjected to upon reaching the US under the very controversial H-2B guest worker program.
They marched from New Orleans and arrived here, demanding, among other things, a case investigation by Congress.http://nolaworkerscenter.wordpress.com/
You can help by simply stopping by to say hello if you live in DC.They love visitors, it boosts their morale. That's what I did onMonday. It left me humbled and inspired. You can also help by spreading the word to folks you know in the media, students, churchgroups, anyone and everyone.
Below are details about their case, their current schedule and what you can do to help out if you so choose.Thanks for reading and be well.
Anu
SCHEDULE
Rally: Weds, May 21st NoonCapitol Reflecting Pool(3rd St between Maryland and Pennsylvania Ave, NW)
A second wave of workers will join the hunger strike, and allies will join in a solidarity fast.Community-wide Meeting with the Alliance of Guestworkers for Dignity Thursday, May 22nd 7-9pm, All Soul's Unitarian Church,1500 Harvard St, NW.
Interfaith Worker Justice Prayer CircleFriday, May 23rd:NoonCapitol Reflecting Pool, 3rd St between Maryland and Pennsylvania Ave,NW
There will be another major action on Wed, May 28th.
DONATIONS CURRENTLY NEEDED
List of items:Blankets (10)Pillows (15)Hats (for the cold, 10)Umbrellas (10)Sleeping bags Jackets,Woolen cloth. Groceries (bags of rice, spices, water etc.)Rice cookerBed/mattress.
Hello everyone,
Last night I did a short performance, a monologue of a civil rights leader, Unita Blackwell, recalling her days in the movement. At the end of the piece, her voice breaks into song, "Will you die for your freedom? Certainly, Lord, certainly, certainly, certainly, Lord."
It left the audience completely quiet, after which they broke into loud strong applause.The piece was in honor of the Indian guest workers currently on hungerstrike here in DC as I write this.
Over one hundred workers walked off their jobs in March, in protest of the essentially forced laborcamps they were subjected to upon reaching the US under the very controversial H-2B guest worker program.
They marched from New Orleans and arrived here, demanding, among other things, a case investigation by Congress.http://nolaworkerscenter.wordpress.com/
You can help by simply stopping by to say hello if you live in DC.They love visitors, it boosts their morale. That's what I did onMonday. It left me humbled and inspired. You can also help by spreading the word to folks you know in the media, students, churchgroups, anyone and everyone.
Below are details about their case, their current schedule and what you can do to help out if you so choose.Thanks for reading and be well.
Anu
SCHEDULE
Rally: Weds, May 21st NoonCapitol Reflecting Pool(3rd St between Maryland and Pennsylvania Ave, NW)
A second wave of workers will join the hunger strike, and allies will join in a solidarity fast.Community-wide Meeting with the Alliance of Guestworkers for Dignity Thursday, May 22nd 7-9pm, All Soul's Unitarian Church,1500 Harvard St, NW.
Interfaith Worker Justice Prayer CircleFriday, May 23rd:NoonCapitol Reflecting Pool, 3rd St between Maryland and Pennsylvania Ave,NW
There will be another major action on Wed, May 28th.
DONATIONS CURRENTLY NEEDED
List of items:Blankets (10)Pillows (15)Hats (for the cold, 10)Umbrellas (10)Sleeping bags Jackets,Woolen cloth. Groceries (bags of rice, spices, water etc.)Rice cookerBed/mattress.
More about Winston Napier:
http://www.clarku.edu/offices/publicaffairs/news/press/articles/napier2008.cfm
http://www.clarku.edu/offices/publicaffairs/news/press/articles/napier2008.cfm
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Blues and Tunes too Sad to Blow:A.L. Nielsen just sent me a note about Winston Napier leaving this space. Blue Notes?
Too many people departing before they complete their 5th inning.
Winston Napier - speaking in that voice that made you wonder if he was James Earl Jones or maybe the real Othello.
Winston always the intellectual. His death makes me want to discuss theory with him.
How do we explain it? Why is the world so empty? Where did our friend go?
Why so soon?
BIO: WINSTON NAPIER
B.A., William Patterson College, 1974
M.A., Howard University, 1977
Ph.D., Howard University, 1991
Professor Napier specialized in critical theory, 20th-century African American literary culture and African American philosophical thought. Former editor of the Howard University Journal of Philosophy, he published in Literature and Psychology, The Massachusetts Review, New Literary History, and The Village Voice Literary Supplement. He was the editor of the critically acclaimed African American Literary Theory: A Reader (New York University Press).
Politics: SuperDuper Black People:
Click here:
The black superdelegates: A guide to the 100+ African Americans who may decide the election -
The Daily Voice - Bl
Click here:
The black superdelegates: A guide to the 100+ African Americans who may decide the election -
The Daily Voice - Bl
Is that John McCain or Tommy Burns?
100 years ago, Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns to become the first black heavyweight champion.
Will Obama win a political knockout in November?
Johnson defeated Burns in 14 rounds on December 26, 1908, in Sydney, Australia.
If Obama wins will there be celebrating in the streets? Will folks turnover cars and set fire to trashcans?
Will there be organized violence by hate groups to try to turn the clock back?
Will some folks begin a four year search to find the next "Great White Hope" to win back the White House?
Oh, somewhere the ghost of Jack Johnson is shadowboxing with a smile on his face, eating eels and thinking distant thoughts.
100 years ago, Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns to become the first black heavyweight champion.
Will Obama win a political knockout in November?
Johnson defeated Burns in 14 rounds on December 26, 1908, in Sydney, Australia.
If Obama wins will there be celebrating in the streets? Will folks turnover cars and set fire to trashcans?
Will there be organized violence by hate groups to try to turn the clock back?
Will some folks begin a four year search to find the next "Great White Hope" to win back the White House?
Oh, somewhere the ghost of Jack Johnson is shadowboxing with a smile on his face, eating eels and thinking distant thoughts.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Not Just Disturbing but Disturbing to the Mc:
http://bravenewfilms.org/watch/25742564/39179?utm_source=rgemail
http://bravenewfilms.org/watch/25742564/39179?utm_source=rgemail
POETRY:
We Begin Here: Poems for Palestine and Lebanon
Recorded at Canio's Books last June was broadcast on May 15 on WPKN 89.5 and WPKM 88.7.
Readers include Kathryn Levy, Kathy Engel, Naomi Lazard, Margaret Gibson and Rev. Osagyefo Sekou.
Here is a link to the audio file of the broadcast.We Begin Here: click here
We Begin Here: Poems for Palestine and Lebanon
Recorded at Canio's Books last June was broadcast on May 15 on WPKN 89.5 and WPKM 88.7.
Readers include Kathryn Levy, Kathy Engel, Naomi Lazard, Margaret Gibson and Rev. Osagyefo Sekou.
Here is a link to the audio file of the broadcast.We Begin Here: click here
WAR -WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?
So the US is holding about 500 juveniles in prison in Iraq. Why is this a surprise? Look around the world and all you see- nation after nation are juveniles either with guns or stones in their hands. Several years ago on a talk show I remember someone blaming the entire Middle East conflict on juvenile delinquency. I thought the person was crazy! What happened to the political and historical reasons for the conflicts? Yet, if we stop for a moment, we have to acknowledge that a serious problem are child soldiers. In fact we might have to discard the terms childhood and adolescence. They just don't apply to every culture. In the old days when I traveled to socialist countries I was always laughing when I attended the "youth" meetings. I found myself (back then) sitting in a room with folks in their 40s and 50s.
So after we get beyond the media alarm that America is holding juveniles in Iraqi jails - what do we do? Just release folks back into society? If you were locked up for a year in poor and who know what conditions, are you kissing your guards upon your release? How "bitter" (remember that word) might some of these young kids be now? How many of these juveniles have lost loved ones? How many have families to return to? This seems like a sad situation gone sour. It might even smell of serious human rights violations.
One idea might be to turn the jails into schools. Key to the curriculum would have to be Iraqi history and the teaching of the Quran. How do we help a "lost" generation rediscover the teachings of Islam that can establish a true community of brotherhood and love? Not an easy task - but Medina was not built in a day - or maybe if McCain is right - we have 100 years to figure out what to do. It looks like we need to make plans not for juveniles but instead old men.
So the US is holding about 500 juveniles in prison in Iraq. Why is this a surprise? Look around the world and all you see- nation after nation are juveniles either with guns or stones in their hands. Several years ago on a talk show I remember someone blaming the entire Middle East conflict on juvenile delinquency. I thought the person was crazy! What happened to the political and historical reasons for the conflicts? Yet, if we stop for a moment, we have to acknowledge that a serious problem are child soldiers. In fact we might have to discard the terms childhood and adolescence. They just don't apply to every culture. In the old days when I traveled to socialist countries I was always laughing when I attended the "youth" meetings. I found myself (back then) sitting in a room with folks in their 40s and 50s.
So after we get beyond the media alarm that America is holding juveniles in Iraqi jails - what do we do? Just release folks back into society? If you were locked up for a year in poor and who know what conditions, are you kissing your guards upon your release? How "bitter" (remember that word) might some of these young kids be now? How many of these juveniles have lost loved ones? How many have families to return to? This seems like a sad situation gone sour. It might even smell of serious human rights violations.
One idea might be to turn the jails into schools. Key to the curriculum would have to be Iraqi history and the teaching of the Quran. How do we help a "lost" generation rediscover the teachings of Islam that can establish a true community of brotherhood and love? Not an easy task - but Medina was not built in a day - or maybe if McCain is right - we have 100 years to figure out what to do. It looks like we need to make plans not for juveniles but instead old men.
Politics:
Mike Huckabee wants to run with McCain. I guest Huckabee knows a joke when he sees one. He is a very funny politician. One thing about Huck is that he brings his own music. The concern I have is that folks will laugh and dance and ignore the policies the guy supports. Another concern is how Huckabee will respond to the Islamic Revolution that continues to spread around the world. The last thing we need is a return to the Crusades. I still think if the Republicans want to hold the White House for another four years they will have to place Condi Rice on the ticket. This is something I bet Lee Atwater would do if he was alive. Rice running with McCain cuts into the black vote that is going to support Obama. White women upset with Clinton being defeated for the Dem Nomination might jump into the McCain/Rice camp - this would let them support a woman who might one day be president. Of course the media will find pundits to debate whether white women support black women. bell hooks -we haven't seen you lately.
Meanwhile across the country soccer moms tell Curious George jokes and wave bananas - there is no longer fear of a black planet.
Mike Huckabee wants to run with McCain. I guest Huckabee knows a joke when he sees one. He is a very funny politician. One thing about Huck is that he brings his own music. The concern I have is that folks will laugh and dance and ignore the policies the guy supports. Another concern is how Huckabee will respond to the Islamic Revolution that continues to spread around the world. The last thing we need is a return to the Crusades. I still think if the Republicans want to hold the White House for another four years they will have to place Condi Rice on the ticket. This is something I bet Lee Atwater would do if he was alive. Rice running with McCain cuts into the black vote that is going to support Obama. White women upset with Clinton being defeated for the Dem Nomination might jump into the McCain/Rice camp - this would let them support a woman who might one day be president. Of course the media will find pundits to debate whether white women support black women. bell hooks -we haven't seen you lately.
Meanwhile across the country soccer moms tell Curious George jokes and wave bananas - there is no longer fear of a black planet.
MS. BLACK WORLD DOES THE FUNKY BUTT:
So I get this email message informing me of an upcoming conference (November 19-23, 2008) that will be held in New Orleans. As you know, November 20th is "BertDay" so I have other plans. But hey - check the title of the conference:
The Institute of The Black World 21st Century State of the Black World Conference II.
Oh, boy. I checked the list of invited speakers and it looked like an Old Timers Game or a benefit for the 9th Ward without The Harlem Globetrotters. Why do we keep having these types of events? Don't we know the state of the black world yet? Geez, the fact that the Mayor of New Orleans is invited to this gathering is an indication that we are a world in need of borders and boundaries.
What is going to happen in New Orleans in November? Is this going to be one big party with folks wearing African garb and counting down to Mardi Gras?
Well, I'm going to stay in DC in November and watch the women do the Funky Butt on Bert Day. I thought I heard Buddy Bolden say....
So I get this email message informing me of an upcoming conference (November 19-23, 2008) that will be held in New Orleans. As you know, November 20th is "BertDay" so I have other plans. But hey - check the title of the conference:
The Institute of The Black World 21st Century State of the Black World Conference II.
Oh, boy. I checked the list of invited speakers and it looked like an Old Timers Game or a benefit for the 9th Ward without The Harlem Globetrotters. Why do we keep having these types of events? Don't we know the state of the black world yet? Geez, the fact that the Mayor of New Orleans is invited to this gathering is an indication that we are a world in need of borders and boundaries.
What is going to happen in New Orleans in November? Is this going to be one big party with folks wearing African garb and counting down to Mardi Gras?
Well, I'm going to stay in DC in November and watch the women do the Funky Butt on Bert Day. I thought I heard Buddy Bolden say....
Update:I completed work on my second memoir - THE FIFTH INNING.
Many thanks to VCCA who made it possible.
http://www.vcca.com/
Thanks also to Denise, Jasmine-Simone, Nyere-Gibran, Jina Ortiz, Julia Galbus, and Gail McCulloch.
TODAY IS THE BIRTHDAY OF LORRAINE V. HANSBERRY: May 19, 1930.
http://web.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap8/hansberry.html
http://web.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap8/hansberry.html
TODAY IS THE BIRTHDAY OF MALCOLM X: May 19, 1925
Official site: http://www.cmgww.com/historic/malcolm/
".I always had a deep affection for Malcolm and felt that he had a great ability to put his finger on the existence and the root of the problem. He was an eloquent spokesman for his point of view and no one can honestly doubt that Malcolm had a great concern for the problems we face as a race."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a telegram to Betty Shabazz after the murder of Malcolm X. More quotes...
Official site: http://www.cmgww.com/historic/malcolm/
".I always had a deep affection for Malcolm and felt that he had a great ability to put his finger on the existence and the root of the problem. He was an eloquent spokesman for his point of view and no one can honestly doubt that Malcolm had a great concern for the problems we face as a race."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a telegram to Betty Shabazz after the murder of Malcolm X. More quotes...
Sunday, May 18, 2008
MY MOTHER MUST BE A HILLARY DEMOCRAT
When I talk about Obama she changes
the subject or says nothing. I know old
folks set in their ways. If something new
tastes like freedom they won't taste it.
Nothing is going to change their ways.
When change becomes chains you just
hope for the best. So I change the subject
and my Mom and I talk about Jesus. I think
about water turning into wine and pray
for other miracles.
- E. Ethelbert Miller
When I talk about Obama she changes
the subject or says nothing. I know old
folks set in their ways. If something new
tastes like freedom they won't taste it.
Nothing is going to change their ways.
When change becomes chains you just
hope for the best. So I change the subject
and my Mom and I talk about Jesus. I think
about water turning into wine and pray
for other miracles.
- E. Ethelbert Miller
HELL: DANCING WITH THE JINNS?
What country is going to be hell this week? So sad to see those pictures coming out of Beirut. Hezbollah back in the news. Sunni and Shiite conflicts just seem to be spreading.
Dancing with the jinns?
The view from outer space is one of nothing but men running around the streets with guns.If I was a woman why would I give birth to another man? This world is either trapped in Lord of the Flies or Clockwork Orange. Take your pick.
We seem to be living in either a new feudal period, a time of gangs, or an era of mutation. Might the human race be mutating? I like that one. A new species struggling to be born. When will we reach the butterfly stage? I would like to possess beautiful wings and dance from flower to flower. I prefer that to dancing with the jinns.
What country is going to be hell this week? So sad to see those pictures coming out of Beirut. Hezbollah back in the news. Sunni and Shiite conflicts just seem to be spreading.
Dancing with the jinns?
The view from outer space is one of nothing but men running around the streets with guns.If I was a woman why would I give birth to another man? This world is either trapped in Lord of the Flies or Clockwork Orange. Take your pick.
We seem to be living in either a new feudal period, a time of gangs, or an era of mutation. Might the human race be mutating? I like that one. A new species struggling to be born. When will we reach the butterfly stage? I would like to possess beautiful wings and dance from flower to flower. I prefer that to dancing with the jinns.
Is Walter White still passing and are the coloreds still being lynched?
What year is it? More than Harlem on my mind.
It's nice to see the NAACP electing a young Ben Jealous to be their new leader. What will this mean? Can this guy become "Big Ben" and change the structure of this old Civil Rights organization? A smaller board should be the first step. How much does this organization spend each year on lunches?
The NAACP needs a case or issue to put them back on the front burner. Does Jealous have a vision for the 21st Century? Can we begin to move beyond DuBois?
How "advanced" is this organization going to be? Will black people form working coalitions with the other coloreds? Is the problem of the 21st century a problem of religion, class and maybe not just the color line?
My advice to Jealous is to stay away from Black Summits and radio talk show hosts. Avoid reading back issues of The Crisis.
The NAACP should build strong chapters on black college campuses. Howard University with a new president coming in is a good place to begin. We need to advocate and call for a Talented Majority and not just a talented tenth.
The NAACP needs to tackle the issue of poverty. Material and spiritual poverty.
It must be a Pan-African organization and have very aggressive policies that will help us solve problems in Haiti as well as Somalia and Sudan.
An open drive on line to make folks life-time supporters of the NAACP might be a good project. Borrow some fundraising tips from Obama and Company.
Bring back Negroes with suits. Play Ellington's sacred music...
Are we people on the march again, or do we just want to attend a march?
Ben - please stay away from The Mall and the Lincoln Memorial.
Somewhere there is a young Langston Hughes out there waiting to write another history of the NAACP. I'm so jealous.
What year is it? More than Harlem on my mind.
It's nice to see the NAACP electing a young Ben Jealous to be their new leader. What will this mean? Can this guy become "Big Ben" and change the structure of this old Civil Rights organization? A smaller board should be the first step. How much does this organization spend each year on lunches?
The NAACP needs a case or issue to put them back on the front burner. Does Jealous have a vision for the 21st Century? Can we begin to move beyond DuBois?
How "advanced" is this organization going to be? Will black people form working coalitions with the other coloreds? Is the problem of the 21st century a problem of religion, class and maybe not just the color line?
My advice to Jealous is to stay away from Black Summits and radio talk show hosts. Avoid reading back issues of The Crisis.
The NAACP should build strong chapters on black college campuses. Howard University with a new president coming in is a good place to begin. We need to advocate and call for a Talented Majority and not just a talented tenth.
The NAACP needs to tackle the issue of poverty. Material and spiritual poverty.
It must be a Pan-African organization and have very aggressive policies that will help us solve problems in Haiti as well as Somalia and Sudan.
An open drive on line to make folks life-time supporters of the NAACP might be a good project. Borrow some fundraising tips from Obama and Company.
Bring back Negroes with suits. Play Ellington's sacred music...
Are we people on the march again, or do we just want to attend a march?
Ben - please stay away from The Mall and the Lincoln Memorial.
Somewhere there is a young Langston Hughes out there waiting to write another history of the NAACP. I'm so jealous.
Politics:
You can always tell when the Democratic Party begins to obtain a little more power (back?). As soon as Republicans begin to get voted out of office a word slips back into the media -bipartisan.
Do Republicans think about being bipartisan? Not really, they think about pushing their agenda without compromise whenever they get elected. The Democratic Party continues to run (and govern) from a position of weakness. Is it an intellectual weakness? Does the Democratic Party have new ideas or do they simply have half-baked bipartisan ones? Stay-tuned.
You can always tell when the Democratic Party begins to obtain a little more power (back?). As soon as Republicans begin to get voted out of office a word slips back into the media -bipartisan.
Do Republicans think about being bipartisan? Not really, they think about pushing their agenda without compromise whenever they get elected. The Democratic Party continues to run (and govern) from a position of weakness. Is it an intellectual weakness? Does the Democratic Party have new ideas or do they simply have half-baked bipartisan ones? Stay-tuned.