CHEGUI…
By Anthony | January 29, 2009
Greetings,
Amidst the euphoria and myriad of emotional celebrations some 400 years in the making last week there was another moment stopping event – albeit sad.
On January 19, 2009 Jose “Chegui” Torres left us.
For those not aware Mr. Torres was a true renaissance man.
As a boxer he became the first Latin American to win the Light Heavyweight title in 1965 with a momentously honorable victory over the then champion Willie Paestrano.
The way in which the Ponce, Puerto Rico native captured the title was indeed impressive – a ninth round knockout – but the manner in which he handled that night at the second Madison Square Garden was more powerful than any punch he ever threw.
Back then Latin boxers, or any pugilists of color not from the states, weren’t known to make such demands on the venues or of the managers for the cards they fought on, however on March 30,1965 Jose Torres demanded that his native Puerto Rican national anthem La Borinquena be played before the title bout.
In fact, it had reached a point where there was a possibility that the fight may not go on as the large contingent of Puerto Rican, and various other Latin followers, were all set to raise hell if those in control did not acquiesce to their simple request.
Common sense and simple human respect won that evening, as there was a large roar when the first words of the anthem were heard, and then an even louder call that registered into El Barrio and countless other Latin communities throughout the world for what took place inside the Garden.
Now if that were the only thing Jose Torres would be remembered for that would certainly be laudable, but Chegui’s impact did not stop there.
This is a man who seamlessly walked away from a Hall of Fame boxing career to become a writer – he authored books on Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, as well as a columnist for the largest and oldest Spanish-language daily newspaper El Diario in New York City where his columns ranged from politics and art/culture.
Torres was a close friend to Robert F. Kennedy and Mario Cuomo as well as noted writers Pete Hamill and the late Norman Mailer.
Yet even amongst these accomplished individuals Chegui never forgot about his people and his relation to them.
He became a friend and ardent supporter of the Young Lords Party that fought for fairness and justice in the city’s Latin areas.
Long after his boxing skills were just a memory the youth of his spirit continued to resonate loudly in opposition to the United States Navy’s military exercises on the island of Vieques. He was arrested for disorderly conduct at the United Nations to bring attention to these bombing practices that were destroying the land mass and killing its inhabitants.
As a young kid he struggled, as many have, with the lack of images of people who looked liked him that were in powerful positions and wondered why – an irony not lost by me in the timing of his death and the historic inauguration one day later.
On a much more personal note I had the pleasure of spending some time with Chegui about five years ago while working on a documentary about him.
It was a pleasure to hang with him and just see how easy going, at peace with himself and funny he could be. I still remember the sound of the coqui (a small frog common to Puerto Rico) he had on his answering service.
His wife Ramona epitomized the perfect partner who he clearly loved, respected and was lifelong friends with.
I enjoyed the time with Jose so much that after we finished the project the crew that I worked with along with Chegui and a few others had a big lunch together to just let him know how much we all cherished the time. This was something I had never done before with a subject, but felt compelled to do so.
It’s funny as I got to know Jose I realized that there are many other people from all walks of life who feel like I do about him.
I’m appreciative that I got to know Chegui, and thank him for the honor in which he lived.
NOTE – Please go to the videos tab to view clips from Jose Torres documentary.
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NOW WHAT…
By Anthony | November 8, 2008
Greetings,
As we revel in the rapture of the once unthinkable let’s now roll up our sleeves.
This beautiful mosaic – put before the light and given the impetus by President Elect Barack Obama - of young, old, black, white, yellow, red, brown, gay, straight, disabled and non disabled people across this country now have to remain vigilant and on point.
For this revolution cannot compromise its core intentions.
In a lot of respects this is much more difficult than deciding to participate in a process - some having long given up on – that asks us to wait on line for several hours to hope that your vote gets counted.
This is about all of us looking within and creating our own human revolution and watching it trickle, if not overflow, for everyone, because when you are happy I am or when I eat you do as well.
This will require a continuation of the energy exhibited on Election Day and during the campaign.
For if I’ve really listened to President Elect Obama it seems that he has been offering this directive that tells us to get up and make the change we wish to see.
Wonderfully enough I have seen this happening on various levels even prior to his seemingly meteoric rise right before my eyes.
One such example is young people organizing against the unequal amount of military recruiters in their schools in comparison to the availability of other options.
This movement - not against the military just in search of other possibilities - has empowered many all over the country through education while broadening the horizons and choices of these teenagers vis-a-vis rising college tuition in spite of the limitations or indifference from school leadership.
Another is the ongoing Black Male Empowerment series originated by Kevin Powell in New York City that brings men from all ages and backgrounds together to discuss their lives and create positive ways to circumvent Black male self destruction.
These are just a few.
I’m reminded of the truly encouraging citation, “turning poison into medicine.”
This line, from the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) - a Buddhist organization for peace, culture and education of which I am a member - speaks of the strength of the human spirit to overcome regardless of the odds or an apparent setback and the flexible ability of flipping the seemingly negative, if not downright sinister, plans others may have for the good.
Undoubtedly, I am sure there are similar passages in other spiritual practices.
This week we witnessed this with the resolute election of the skinny guy with the funny name.
After years of poison from the likes of George W. Bush and the tired old rhetoric from the opponent, the fighting will of the human spirit said enough and the world - waiting for fresh air - stood up and applauded.
Now, there are those who even amidst this incredibly historic time will downplay it and choose to speak of conspiracy theories or other possibilities that fail to factor in the capacity to turn poison into medicine, and to that I simply ask what do you believe in and to look deep within your life to find such a moment.
Surely it is there, where the initial outcome was not of our liking, but that never give up attitude kicked in and said this will be my catalyst for something better, and I am the producer and director of this production called my life.
Subsequently, you got that job, found a better relationship, rebuilt once damaged ones, changed your attitude thus making your environment better, benefited from having a dark secret exposed to light, etc….
Even if Barack Obama disappoints us and fails to live up to any of his promises and expectations it is vital that we all now exhibit this spirit and challenge him while also fighting for our own revolution in our everyday personal lives and communities.
If we do this then believe me things will change.
PEACE
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NOVEMBER 4, 2008…
By Anthony | November 6, 2008
Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin’ on by you know how I feel
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
- Nina Simone, Feeling Good
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
- Curtis Mayfield, New World Order
Greetings,
In this lifetime!
My parents, sisters, daughter, niece, nephew and all of us have seen a person of color become President of these United States!
It’s truly historic!
The presidency of Barack Hussein Obama represents a powerfully optimistic statement to the world as the equally euphoric reactions all over the globe prove.
I won’t wax poet about it, just remember that image when the Obama family walked on that platform in Grant Park.
November 4, 2008 was an incredible day on so many levels.
Like many I got barely three hours of sleep the night before – a result of both excitement and nervous energy.
The polls in my area of central Harlem, New York City opened at 6am and we had planned to get there then to vote.
I picked up my father at roughly 5:30 and by the time we all gathered at P.S. 175 – where I went to elementary school – the line was already at the corner.
Black people in this rapidly gentrifying cultural epicenter moved with a committed single purpose as parents brought children, children brought parents, grand children brought grand parents and many transported the elderly and disabled.
Inside there was a festive atmosphere and any inconvenience was taken in stride.
My mom, dad, oldest sister and I all voted in that order as my other sister and her family did the same in Westchester county while my daughter, for the first time in her life, along with her mother voted in Virginia – playing their part in turning that state to Obama.
After voting I interviewed a number of people and in the next while I’ll post a video clip of some of what went on throughout Harlem on that day.
Suffice it to say the comments from the people of all races were in line with the precedent setting moment.
Later that evening when it became clear that there would be no discernible shenanigans with the voting numbers like the past two presidential elections I went to the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building where thousands of all races from places like Suriname, Costa Rica, Nigeria and the Grant Projects gathered.
Many carried banners of Obama, but there were quite a few American flags.
Now for some people of color the relationship with the stars and stripes is akin to that of a crack head – you know they are there but for the most part you avoid at all costs.
However, this time there’s a sense of truly being a part of what this country, from its inception, says it represents amid slavery, the Jim Crow history and other insecure moves.
Finally, John McCain’s concession speech was very good and asked me to re-examine the Arizona senator, perhaps out of pity or the humility shown by a gracious winner.
It seems as though the fanatical part of the Republican Party took control of his campaign and mind, while he – willing to do anything to win – compromised.
That self destruction and lack of discipline is something he’ll have to rationalize, I’m just so happy many of our seniors – including a 103-year old woman in Harlem – and young people were able to be a part of and see this moment, while shedding a tear and giving thanks to so many like my grand parents, other relatives as well as Curtis and Nina who are no longer with us.
PEACE
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DISINGENUOUS DUPLICITY…
By Anthony | November 1, 2008
Greetings,
I’ve had it with the duplicity shown by those who go out of their way to find tangible links between Barack Obama and the actions of others when the evidence suggests they’re revealing more about themselves.
It just reeks of so many things that distinctly prove they have nothing else to grasp at, and most importantly their time is running out.
For the sake of discussion I’ll just ask a few rhetorical questions.
If Obama’s flimsy relationship with William Ayers is so bad and forces us to question his judgment then shouldn’t the same be said of the school’s President, B. Joseph White, and those Ayers answers to as a professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
It should also be noted that those in a position to hire Ayers were so daunted by those Weather Underground activities that took place when the Illinois senator was eight years old that they ignored it and allowed him to hold the titles of Distinguished Professor of Education and Senior University Scholar.
Ditto Bernardine Dohrn, Ayers’ wife, who was also a member of the Weather Underground back when Barack was watching cartoons.
She is an Associate Professor of Law at Northwestern University and the Director of its Children and Family Justice center.
No cries from the Obama haters to shutdown the school or even out those who she deals with.
Ditto Rashid Khalidi, the latest bogeyman thrust upon us.
He has expressed support of the Palestine Liberation Organization – in direct opposition to a lot of this nation’s foreign policy and mainstream views.
Yet, the Columbia University professor and director of its Middle East Institute School of International and Public Affairs has not been admonished by president Lee Bollinger. Yes, the same Bollinger who staged a dramatic “debate” with Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the fall of 2007 because of perceived negative statements the latter made about, among other things Israel.
“You, quite simply, [are] ridiculous. You are either brazenly provocative or astonishingly uneducated… . I doubt you will have the intellectual courage to answer [our] questions … I do expect you to exhibit the fanatical mind-set that characterizes so much of what you say and do… . Your preposterous and belligerent statements … led to your party’s defeat in the [last] elections.”
The above quote is from Bollinger directed at Ahmadinejad, not Khalidi.
Now, hopefully time will be the judge of Mr. Obama, but from what I’ve seen there’s at least a decent cogency about him.
The challenge is holding Barack Obama accountable should he become president.
The recent cries of socialist from the opposition are in line with the above disingenuous actions. Just another way of dividing us – class warfare – in a time when we need to be changing our economy from the dog eat dog monetary system economy to the more humane resource based.
Simply put, those who fear “spreading the wealth” have a financial stake in maintaining the status quo.
Please, when you have the opportunity research The Venus Project and when you have two good hours sit down and go to this site: http://www.informationliberation.com/index.php?id=25977
PEACE
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THE CAMPAIGN SEASON…
By Anthony | October 29, 2008
Greetings, as we inch closer to Election Day some pretty random thoughts have crossed my mind while observing the last 20 months of this historic Presidential campaign season. So, in no particular order of importance, here goes:
Barack Obama is an excellent example of keeping your eyes on the prize. From his middle name to his nationality to his former pastor and other “associations” to his “patriotism” etc… they have tried to discredit and force him to lose focus in so many ways, yet he has stayed calm and on point. Showing a level of aplomb during difficult times that his detractors feign with bluster.
Barack Obama is not the answer to all of our ills, not even half of them. If anything I can only hope that the level of interest in the electoral process that has emerged from some segments that were once neglected will now continue after November 4th with the same vigor when it comes to individual responsibility and holding those in leadership positions accountable. Additionally, I often wonder what is expected from a possible Obama presidency by those corporations that have contributed to his campaign - in unprecedented sums - but then again all the more reason for us regular people to stay vocal, remember we contributed too.
Michelle Obama is real, and so is their relationship. Every time I see Barack’s better half I know unequivocally why he asked her out. This woman is smart, beautiful and without any pretense. Whenever they are together you clearly see the respect and genuine love they have for each other. It’s quite startling when I compare that to the behavior of other politicians – and even public figures – when out with their significant others, dare I say John and Cindy McCain. They just come off as awkward together to me.
Does the President really run things? Surely the office of the presidency (lack of caps intentional) has taken a major hit in terms of integrity and relevance by the woefully embarrassing George W. Bush reign, but it just appears to me that the “most powerful job in the world” has been co-opted by the banks leaving the commander-in-chief to just serve as a manager for their interests – this includes his use of the military for their economic purposes. Interestingly enough this is not something that I feel has just started over the last eight years.
The Federal Reserve runs this country. Sadly, I have come to this realization more so over the last year and a half than ever before. True patriots have detailed this in books, lectures, videos and by passing it on any which way possible. There’s a lot in this country’s history that we can learn from; the past is prologue; just check into the moves of former President’s Andrew Jackson and John F. Kennedy as well as the formation of the Fed at of all places Jekyll Island.
Is enough done to help people vote? Just seems to me that during the General Election we should be given more than just one day to vote - Or turn it to a national holiday and Dubya can tell all of us to shop. Seriously though if you just look at what happened in 2000 and 2004 you could at least suggest this and feel comfortable, since counting votes has become so hard. Yet, the American people are asked to deal with everything that has been thrown at them in just the last two months – try telling your boss that you’re taking the day off to vote nowadays.
Why no talk about Diebold? Lost in the predictably contrived argument regarding ACORN and voter registration is the role the security systems corporation, Diebold, played in the 2004 election, specifically in of all places Ohio, and how their computers applied votes to the incumbent four years ago. In fact, the company’s president, Walden O’Dell, wrote a letter just two and a half months before the ‘04 election stating he was “committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the president next year.” Regrettably, there’s been no mention of this clear conflict of interest possibly happening again with computerized voting machines.
The Gotcha Girl! I am thoroughly convinced that Sarah Palin’s 15 minutes in this campaign was to thwart the excitement generated by the Obama run. It could be the only logical purpose of forcing this misguided neophyte down our throats at the 11th hour and in the most clandestine of ways. Great line by journalist Margaret Carlson on the Alaska governor’s future, “she’ll probably be a game show host.” I think she’ll probably end up doing weekend sports in Anchorage. Either way she’s dangerous!
The use of props. I may be wrong on this, but it seems that the Obama campaign was the first to have people behind him when he spoke at rallies. This was where we all saw these young and racially diverse crowds. Ironically, as the season went on virtually every viable candidate changed their stages to create the same level of excitement, but not equaling the racial diversity. If you’ll recall in 2000 during the confusing days after the election both Bush and Gore competed for the best patriotic background with American flags beautifully draped behind them. Just an observation. I hope the American people are not being played like the Constitution has over the last eight years.
Multiply or Divide. I came across a timely post from another site (Auguste Roc from DanaRoc.com) recently that spoke of what you get with multiplication and division. Simply put, when you rally and move people of all races, sexes, faiths and whatever else you multiply the chances of bringing everyone together and helping them all realize that we all want the same things. However, when you divide them with hackneyed scare tactics and the sort you will always be practicing the wrong math.
George W. Bush is not as stupid as we think. It’s just too easy for comedians these days, but there are times when I think he’s playing a role. Remember some folks like their President to be the kind of guy you can have a beer with. So maybe the bar has been raised this time.
Thank You, Keith Olbermann. It’s almost surreal because I remember his ESPN SportsCenter days and enjoyed him then, but now he’s really saying something. The Special Comment’s are right on time, his unabashed critiques of Bush et al, even Obama on his FISA stance, the McCain-Palin train wreck and the egomaniacal Bill O’reilly provide hope that someone in the mainstream media is not afraid to speak truth to power. Now, if you could just add a bit of diversity to your regular crew of commentators. Thanks to mainstream commentator Rachel Maddow as well.
The sideshow continues. As much as I appreciate Olbermann there are times I even find some of his attacks on the right similar to the pettiness of Fox News. Meanwhile, we are not being told of the increasing deployment of the military on U.S. soil. This could be the next thing that just all of a sudden appears out of nowhere and surprises everyone. Unfortunately, Northern Command (NorthCom) and the likes of Blackwater making moves in this country are not investigated like William Ayres, the cost of Palin’s wardrobe and Joe the Plumber asking a question.
My favorite TV moment of the campaign. I believe it was mid-March during all the Reverend Jeremiah Wright stuff right after the More Perfect Union speech in Philadelphia by Obama. Tired of seeing the same old faces discussing the issues of the day I came across a face of color no less. Radio talk show host Joe Madison was going at it with Pat Buchanan, but this time Mr. Madison was not afraid to call a spade a spade unlike others in his position. He simply asked the former senior adviser to three presidents and arch-conservative, “What are you afraid of?” Implying that white men run a great deal of this country and their fixation on this Reverend and the Illinois senator is of no real threat to them and the power they wield disproportionately in so many areas. It was priceless.
Saturday Night Live is relevant again. It had become an afterthought and for whatever it is worth in the large scheme of things – probably very little – the long running series is worth watching from time to time as Tina Fey gets mavericky.
Lastly, in these difficult times we are all forced to try a different way if we are going to survive. It’s very encouraging to see what has happened. Let’s hope no funny stuff happens in the final days and that we all continue to unite. PEACE
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BLOOMBERG TO THE RESCUE…
By Anthony | October 3, 2008
Greetings, here in New York City voters have the pleasure of being told their votes don’t count, what’s best for them and who’s the one person to provide it, all with a smile and very deep pockets.
Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg announced that he would seek a third term as mayor in spite of the wishes of many of these same voters who twice in the 1990’s rejected the idea of removing term limits.
This best for you decision reeks of ego and underhandedness.
Since voters have nixed the idea twice why not democratically put it up to a referendum in November? But as the mayor was quick to point out at the news conference there just would not be enough time, however when did he decide to enter into this possibility, last week?
The city is mired, as are many these days, in a very serious financial crisis, yet Mr. Bloomberg – who has been the mayor since 2001, and should be held accountable for this crisis - thinks that because he earned his fortune as a Wall Street trader after starting a financial data and news company he is above the wishes of the majority of the voters and solely qualified to reverse what he has been a part of.
Now, I’ll grant you that September 11, 2001 certainly affected the city in many ways, but it is mighty George W. Bush of him to think his way is the only way.
Mr. Bloomberg had the luxury of taking over after the ignominious regime of Rudolph Giuliani, who by the time he left office - bogus 9-11 idolatry aside – was ready to be shown the door by a good majority of the city.
Subsequently, Bloomberg’s poise and smooth posture was a welcome site from Giuliani’s gruff demeanor.
However, what we’ve seen is a wink and a smile followed by the proverbial knife in your back that you would expect from a Giuliani.
This power grab end run included, Mr. Bloomberg has seized control of the entire Board of Education and ushered in an economic policy that appears to leave the city that never sleeps only accessible to tourists and his wealthy friends as compassionless gentrification changes communities while pushing everyone else out.
In summary, doing away with term limits is a bad idea.
It’s the kind of thing leaders with ulterior motives do in times of crisis to get their way. PEACE
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MESSAGES IN THE MUSIC…
By Anthony | October 2, 2008
Greetings, the beauty of music comes in so many different forms of appreciation.
The deeply rhythmic spiritual chords of John Coltrane’s saxophone, the strong proud voice of Chuck D. in front of Public Enemy, the priceless and timeless works of Earth Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, and if you really wanna know me there’s no way I could leave my boy Djavan out and his Brasilian songs that have opened up so many other forms of music in my life.
Needless to say these are all just very small samples.
Where am I going with this?
Well, with Armageddon apparently around the corner every morning us Everyday People wakeup and hear the latest bank closing, pension/stock disintegration, dramatic rise in the cost of living, etc.. and are then told that we are left to pay the bill! I am reminded of how prophetic lyrics are.
Clearly there are so many that we can choose to help ease the negative trauma associated with the state of things now, just as there are those for when things are better in our personal lives.
Of late I have been drawn to the lyrics of a group called The The and a song titled Heartland.
Matt Johnson is the singer and writer for this English band I started listening to while in college at Brockport, NY in the mid 80’s via a now defunct but fabulous radio station in Toronto called CFNY.
The song is about the Americanization of Britain, and though I can’t fully speak to that it does remind me of how the masses are treated in this country. Lyrics that I really find apt are in bold. PEACE
Beneath the old iron bridges, across the Victorian parks
And all the frightened people running home before dark
Past the Saturday morning cinema
That lies crumbling to the ground
And the piss stinking shopping centre in the new side of town
I’ve come to smell the seasons change and watch the city
As the sun goes down again
Here comes another winter
Of long shadows and high hopes
Here comes another winter
Waitin’ for utopia
Waitin’ for hell to freeze over
This is the land where nothing changes
The land of red buses and blue blooded babies
This is the place where pensioners are raped
And the hearts are being cut from the welfare state
Let the poor drink the milk while the rich eat the honey
Let the bums count their blessings while they count the money
So many people can’t express what’s on their minds
Nobody knows them, nobody ever will
Until their backs are broken, their dreams are stolen
And they can’t get what they want, then they’re gonna get angry!
Well it ain’t written in the papers but its written on the walls
The way this country is divided to fall
So the cranes are moving on the skyline
Trying to knock down this town
But the stains on the heartland can never be removed
from this country that’s sick, sad and confused
Here comes another winter
Of long shadows and high hopes
Here comes another winter
Waitin’ for utopia
Waitin’ for hell to freeze over
The ammunition’s being passed and the Lord’s been praised
But the wars on the televisions will never be explained
All the bankers gettin’ sweaty beneath their white collars
As the pound in our pocket turns into a dollar
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S. of A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state
State
State
State
State
State
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TWO AMERICAS…
By Anthony | September 4, 2008
Greetings, while watching the conventions of the two major parties in this country I can’t help but agree with the perspective of former Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards.
Now wait one second, I am not in agreement with his recent philandering and marital transgressions that placed his ego far above his courageous wife.
What I am referring to is the glaring disparity in the colors of the faces in Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Surely, we all see it, right? They are the faces of two Americas.
Just take a peek - that’ s really all I can stand before bursting into laughter– at the hoopla during the Republican convention, where the rhetoric, void of any collective hope, is directed at our fears and the faces are overwhelmingly of one color feasting on the divisive red meat tossed their way.
It’s to the point where you do a double take when you do see a different hue.
All citizens are allowed to decide whomever they wish to vote for regardless of color, but as we are constantly reminded – please note the seemingly quarterly census figures that say in such a such year people of color will be in the majority - this country is not made up of just one color of people.
Furthermore, given the racial history of Africans, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans and any other group of color in this country, there is something that is perhaps fearful to us about such a gathering that stirs fears and largely ignores the other faces in America.
By no means are the events in Denver last week without the need for a discerning eye, but my point here is that there should be leadership that rallies us together while not constantly scaring and dividing us for gain.
It’s really just more of the same during this so-called election of change.
The mantra from the GOP acts as though the only service that matters in this country is that of the military, while belittling those who provide any other form of service.
Service to country comes in many forms, and in this day and age of doing you and let me get mine anyone who cares for another is doing a big service. Whether it is the part time music instructor, school tutor, caregiver to the elderly, mentor and dare I say the multi-faceted role of a community organizer.
It appears that either by hook or by crook the Republican gathering will dictate what kind of service is praiseworthy and relevant, while clearly setting barriers and impediments to those who choose another path or flat out disagree.
Moreover, while everyone, the democratic convention included, does somersaults to honor John McCain’s military service what fails to be mentioned is the Arizona senator’s neglect for veterans’ interests.
Three years ago during a Senate budget debate, McCain voted against an amendment that would have increased veterans’ medical care by nearly three billion dollars. Two years ago he voted against a $1.5 billion increase in funding for medical services.
This list of McCain’s insensitivities towards veterans is considerable and needs to be ushered into this debate over the next eight and a half weeks.
This suggestion questions the intestinal fortitude of the Democratic Party, which – in spite of its images of inclusion and hope – seems to try their very best to outdo the GOP’s platform. PEACE
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SHAWNE MERRIMAN…
By Anthony | September 2, 2008
Greetings, later this week the National Football League season begins, and for the next five and a half months we’ll be inundated with football. I just hope that as fans cheer for their favorite teams and players, we - and Shawne Merriman - will not be lamenting his recent decision.
You see the six foot four, 270 pound outside linebacker of the San Diego Chargers has chosen to forego the decisions of no less than four doctors and play with two torn knee ligaments!
On one end I honor and respect Merriman’s courage to risk further – and possibly career ending – damage, however I can’t help but ask why in the world is he playing with tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee.
“To be as simple as possible, I just wasn’t to play football,” Merriman said. “That’s what it comes down to. I know what’s on the table, I know what’s on the line. I put a lot of work into this and I want to play.”
So there you have it, a concise statement explaining his rationale, and though I might not agree it is really what every person wants in his or her lives – the ability to make their own free choices, hopefully with all the facts.
Besides the exhaustive medical search, Merriman also spoke with the team his former high school and college coaches as well as family.
In just three seasons the former University of Maryland first round draft choice (12th overall) has become one of the most feared players at his position. 39 ½ quarterback sacks, including 12 ½ last season, the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2006 and a three-time Pro bowl selection every year he’s played all indicate that the 24-uear old Washington, D.C. native is an impact player.
Yet, the decision still has far reaching implications.
In the future will announcers, analysts, coaches, fans and teammates expect the same of others who may not have the same pain threshold?
The worst thing that any athlete – especially a football player, the “quintessential warrior” - can be called is soft. In fact, I distinctly remember the criticism that Merriman’s teammate, LaDanian Tomlinson, endured when he sat out the AFC Championship game in January due to a knee injury, as many of the aforementioned could not believe he would miss such an important game.
In case you’re wondering, Merriman is entering the fourth of a five-year, $11.3 million contract that includes several incentives and bonuses, but the main caveat was $9 million in guarantees, since player contracts are not assured in the NFL and this signing bonus money is quite popular for many of the game’s noteworthy players.
Finally, perhaps above it all, it should also be noted that Merriman was suspended in 2006 for steroid use. PEACE
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YES WE CAN!
By Anthony | August 31, 2008
Greetings, I never thought I would see the day, but on Thursday, August 28, 2008 Barack Obama was officially the first person of color to come this close to becoming President of the United States.
Before a lively crowd of 84,000 people from all races and walks of lives history was made with Obama’s acceptance of the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Wow! What an interesting 19 months this has been!
I have to admit that on Saturday, February 10, 2007 when this guy with the interesting name announced he would run on that cold day in Springfield, Illinois I was not on board. Cynically and apathetically I assumed that Hillary Clinton, and the disingenuous Clinton Machine, would waltz through the short-lived primary (apparently she did too) and it was all set up for her to be anointed. Simply put my expectations in the process lacked the audacity to hope.
However, just as many pointed out – perhaps not as flamboyantly as Roman Catholic priest Michael Pfleger and Obama’s former pastor Jeremiah Wright, but nonetheless lucidly prophetic – there was someone who really had the audacity to hope and the courage to speak to unseen numbers of young people while truly galvanizing an overlooked electorate.
Ironically, roughly a year to the date of his announcement that he would run was when I began to feel it.
Yes, during the New York primary I did vote for Obama and was always pleasantly surprised to see the diversity of faces in the crowd at his speeches, but it was after the campaign reeled off ten consecutive wins in the primaries, and while listening to him speak to yet another enthusiastic gathering – that night it was Houston - that I took hold of what was really going on. This is a movement that speaks to us as individuals and our collective responsibility to one another.
One of the many intriguing points of the Obama campaign is how focused it has been from jump, and I can only help but use that as a powerful metaphor for how we can all reach our goals. Of course, I agree that he is an eloquent speaker, and those who belittle that come off as just hating. For communicating effectively is the first step in any relationship. I liken it to how sports coaches give pep talks to their players before they ask them to give their all, remember Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday?
During that movie Pacino, the coach, speaking to his team before a big playoff game, told his players that during a turbulent season of selfishness and in fighting that at this poignant moment in their season they could “heal as a team or die as individuals.”
Certainly the music and images provided by Oliver Stone add to the emotion of this exchange, but when you really look at it that’s where this country is at now and for the first time in my life I feel like those players did after they stormed out of the locker-room when I listen to Barack Obama.
In many respects leadership is about communication, and if you can move the masses during periods of massive cynicism - only 60% of the eligible electorate voted in 2004, the highest turnout since interestingly enough 1968 - you have made an important connection.
Surely, there are areas where I wish he were more the way I want him to be, but no one person can ever live up to our complete expectations, certainly not a politician and that’s where those of us who support him can nudge him in the direction we wish or accept what is given and compensate for the rest in our own lives.
As I watched and listened to the unadulterated coverage of that day on C-span I couldn’t help but wish I was there, while also being moved by the images of all people dancing to the appropriate songs played at the football stadium during this moment in time.
I also thought about many of those people who fought very hard for racial justice and fairness in this nation’s political process.
Much was made of the historical irony of the date of Obama’s speech coinciding with the 45th Anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior’s speech in Washington, but it was also the 53rd Anniversary of the senseless murder of 14-year old Emmett Till by a racist mob.
One can not help but appreciate the apparent strides when juxtaposing Obama’s historic rise with this nation’s racial history, but we all know there’s plenty of work to be done there however it is always good to stop for a moment, appreciate the now, reflect and honor the past while still fighting for the future. PEACE
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