The Being Brand

Being Confident

2012-01-30T08:51:00.001-05:00

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward."--Hebrews 10:35

Being Creative

2012-01-30T08:49:00.001-05:00

In preparation of upcoming performances I have been listening to recordings of great jazz singers and instrumentalists. In imitation creation begins.

Being Complex

2012-01-30T03:08:00.000-05:00

Complexity is generally the genesis of the path to understanding, not understanding itself.

Being Forever Aware of Fascism

2012-01-30T01:31:00.001-05:00

Conservative Zionism attempts to silence the voices of justice and the equality of peoples based on a sense of righteousness. In a letter to the New York Times Albert Einstein outlines the danger of fascism shortly after the formation of Israel in 1948. While Menachem Begin's leadership is rightfully questioned here, it is good to see that he had evolved beyond his terrorist fundamentalism as Prime Minister with the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1979. But the actions of the Israeli Defense Force during the 1982 Lebanon War in Sabra and Shatila where Lebanese and Palestinian civilians were mascaraed tarnishes the honor of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to him. We must always be aware. Fascism forever rears its ugly head.

Being Ron Paul

2012-01-29T04:16:00.001-05:00

While it is not surprising that Ron Paul according to the Washington Post was "deeply involved with his company that produced" those despicable racist newsletters and even wrote them as others have suggested, what is the worst scenario--continued corporatist control, war, and Wall Street looting? After all, many of our founding fathers owned slaves. Does that make the Constitution and Bill of Rights of no effect? I don't think I can vote for Ron Paul, although I respect some of his positions. But if the government goes broke and our constitutional rights are constantly being thwarted via legal means including congressional laws and Supreme Court decisions by believed non-racists or concealed ones (Clinton is excused for his racist comments during the primaries), we all go down. Blacks and other minorities will be first. Again I ask, which is worst?

Being Barack Obama

2012-01-26T02:28:00.003-05:00

In his State of the Union address Obama reveled in his accomplishment that Osama bin Laden and other top Al Qaeda leaders are no longer a threat to Americans. It was a strong opening. But the problem with such assassinations is that any opposition to others can be considered assassination-worthy for the security of a country and its people. As Israel has long engaged in targeted killings, it is significant that Andrew Adler, the owner of the Atlanta Jewish Times, wrote that the assassination of Obama should be an option for the Israeli government for the security of Israel and her people. Besides the legality of such acts of war among governing bodies nationally or internationally, is there not a better way?

Being Kind

2012-01-22T23:58:00.003-05:00

Whole Foods was really busy today. I was wet and cold after a 10 mile run and just wanted to grab some veggies, fruit and juice. I was parched and couldn't wait to get my favorite drink, ALO. To my disappointment there was only one on the shelf. I usually buy six or so. I grabbed it along with my other items and headed to the customer service counter.

"Might you have any more of these?" I asked.

"Let met check with grocery," the cashier said.

"Are those good?" another lady asked.

"They're the best," I said.

"What's in it?" she asked.

"It has 25% aloe vera juice and pulp," I said.

"I always like to see what other people are buying," she said.

"It has only 60 calories per serving and it's not very sweet," I said.

"I'd like to try it," she said.

"Here, take this one," I said with a slight inner twinge. I wanted it so bad.

"No, you go ahead," she said. "I'll remember the name for another time."

"Please take it," I insisted, feeling good about my decision.

She stood there looking into my eyes. She was always welcoming, but suddenly there was such softness around her eyes and mouth.

"That is so very nice of you," she said. "Thank you."

"You'll love it!" I said. "It's so refreshing."

"You are so kind," she said.

"When I see you again you'll have to tell me how you enjoyed it," I said.

"I sure will," she said beaming. "You're so kind."

"Blessings!" I said. "I'll see you again."

Offering that drink may not have been a huge gesture, but I felt really good about it and from the look on her face she did too. Let's be sure to practice kindness daily. Often times it's the small gestures that mean so much.

Being a Creative Destructionist

2012-01-20T05:57:00.000-05:00

Creative Destruction, the "gospel" of shipping jobs overseas, paying executives outrageous salaries and bonuses, and dismantling companies for future economic growth, turns out to be greed--pure and simple. And here I thought the derivation of the term gospel was "good news."

Being in the Armed Forces

2012-01-12T15:46:00.002-05:00

Rules of engagement, utterly deplorable, inhumane, and inconsistent with core values are words being used in discussion of the U.S. Marines who allegedly urinated on Taliban corpses. As I read the story and saw the images I kept thinking, these young men are trained to kill the enemy. They have no regard for their lives or the schizophrenic ability for pretense. How can there be rules of engagement and core values, when the very act of war itself is so inhumane and utterly deplorable?

Being Considerate of the Needs of Others

2012-01-09T13:40:00.000-05:00

When I pulled into the gas station there was simply something about a gentleman standing at the pump. But I didn't know what. I jumped out of my car to pop in for a Naked berry smoothie. I had just done a two hour intense workout and I was drained. As I was in line, he came in. I walked away from the line and then came back. Out of his pocket he withdrew a fist full of change.

"Should I lay it on the counter," he asked the attendant. "There are eight dollars here."

"No," she said. "Give it to me. I'll count it. But wait right there though."

As the attendant counted mostly dimes and nickles and a few quarters, they seem to sparkle. They were so clean. Shortly thereafter his wife came in and gave him a gentle hug, but not before giving more change.

"Here, I found another dollar," said the wife, lovingly caressing her husband's shoulders, handing the change to the attendant, and stepping back out quickly.

"Please give the change back to him," I said. "If you don't mind sir, I'd like to fill up your gas tank today."

"Really? You would?" he asked.

Yes, sir," I said, making sure to put that particular handle on his name again. Not being able to adequately provide for your family must be humiliating.

"Thank you so very much," he said. "May God richly bless you."

I waited for them to fill their van up. It took some time. My car is smaller.

"They must be on e flat," the attendant said.

"That's okay," I responded.

"Look," said the attendant, "he's crying."

After paying for the gas, I thought of how I might leave the station without running into them to avoid a sense of obligation. But that didn't work. They were both coming in my direction with tears streaming down their faces.

"We just asked God if he could provide a means for us to get to prayer," the wife said. "God answered our prayers."

She gave me a big hug and thanked me profusely. I mentioned that there is no other reason for our existence on the planet, save to be a help to one another.

"Do you have little ones?" I asked.

"Yes, the husband said. "We have four. Two are in the van."

"Beautiful. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," I quoted.

"Amen," they responded.

"Now, Father, we ask you to bless our dear sister 100 fold," he said. "Whatever her needs are, meet them. It's done."

There was a big group hug. When I got into my car I wept. Let's always be sure to consider the needs of others. In doing so we are blessed.

Being Doubtful

2012-01-08T07:24:00.002-05:00

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt."

-William Shakespeare, Measure by Measure

Being Newt Gingrich

2012-01-07T03:59:00.000-05:00

This man is not even deserving of a discussion.

Being Barack Obama

2012-01-02T03:45:00.002-05:00

President Obama signed the indefinite detention bill into law after initially having "serious reservations" about it. This seems to be Obama's MO: to claim either to be against something or in support of something and then do the exact opposite--think the extension of the Bush tax cuts, single payer health care, and now this indefinite detention bill.

This new bill is an extension of the Patriot Act which erodes American liberties and is endorsed by Obama. Liberals were frothing at the mouth Sunday about Ron Paul's comments on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and lying low about Obama's signing of this outrageous bill over the holiday in Hawaii on Saturday. What tools liberals and libertarians are!! Sadly, obviously presidents, including this one, are tools too.

Funny, I searched high and low for articles by the mainstream media about this indefinite detention bill on the internet and found none. From the looks of things, along with Congress and the Supreme Court, the mainstream media seems complicit in destroying the freedoms of the Constitution and Bill of Rights through laws passed or the sanctioning of such. Consider this indefinite detention bill, the Patriot Act, and Citizens United.

If presidents, Congress, the Supreme Court, and the mainstream media will not speak for the American people, who will? President Barack Obama most certainly did not.

Being Suspected Terrorists

2012-01-02T03:44:00.002-05:00

President Obama signed the indefinite detention bill into law on Saturday. We are all suspected terrorists now. Yes, this means you.

Subtitle D—Counterterrorism

SEC. 1021. AFFIRMATION OF AUTHORITY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES TO DETAIN COVERED PERSONS PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Congress affirms that the authority of the President to use all necessary and appropriate force pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107–40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) includes the authority for the Armed Forces of the United States to detain covered persons (as defined in subsection (b)) pending disposition under the law of war.

(b) COVERED PERSONS.—A covered person under this section is any person as follows:

(1) A person who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored those responsible for those attacks.

(2) A person who was a part of or substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners, including any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported such hostilities in aid of such enemy forces.

(c) DISPOSITION UNDER LAW OF WAR.—The disposition of a person under the law of war as described in subsection (a) may include the following:

(1) Detention under the law of war without trial until the end of the hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

(2) Trial under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by the Military Commissions Act of 2009 (title XVIII of Public Law 111–84)).

(3) Transfer for trial by an alternative court or competent tribunal having lawful jurisdiction.

(4) Transfer to the custody or control of the person’s country of origin, any other foreign country, or any other foreign entity.

(d) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section is intended to limit or expand the authority of the President or the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

(e) AUTHORITIES.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States.

(f) REQUIREMENT FOR BRIEFINGS OF CONGRESS.—

The Secretary of Defense shall regularly brief Congress regarding the application of the authority described in this section, including the organizations, entities, and individuals considered to be ‘‘covered persons’’ for purposes of subsection (b)(2).

Being Inspired by the New Year

2012-01-01T05:17:00.000-05:00

Grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness are re-newed continually. Begin again daily.

Happy New Year!!

Being Knowledgeable

2011-12-30T19:18:00.000-05:00

After watching Turtle: The Incredible Journey, a story that chronicles the life of a single loggerhead sea turtle who shortly after being born embarks upon an extraordinary seafaring odyssey over thousands of miles, spanning many years, having never gone before, yet never losing her way, I couldn't help but wonder about the knowledge that we are born with, yet and still we lose our way. Being thrown off our journey is not being lost. But knowing the difference is key. Our purpose is within. Know yourself.

Being Inspired by Others

2011-12-25T07:28:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

Being Sophie Scholl

2011-12-23T15:44:00.000-05:00

"The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves — or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honor, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn." – Sophie Scholl

Being Ron Paul

2011-12-23T06:18:00.004-05:00

Let me begin by saying I am not a fan of the mainstream news media and have not watched television in almost a year. But I do keep up with national and international news via the Internet through mostly alternative news sources.

Ron Paul recently stormed out of the CNN studio after being asked about the racist newsletter circulating for many years that bore his name and his affiliation with racist organizations who support him. His response was not presidential. As a presidential candidate or the president himself, it would not matter how many times a question has been answered, it should be answered yet again. Perhaps there are those among the over 300 million Americans who have not heard the answer. Why not just answer the question?

Paul's response begs the question of not only poor temperament, but how he will handle issues as president that are unfavorable to him or that he deems insignificant. By his ill-tempered behavior, he seems to think that the presidency is about him. While he positions himself as the outsider, his response reveals him as the typical insider.

Being a Police State

2011-12-01T06:07:00.009-05:00

Let it be known that Senator Lindsey Graham and other Republicans, along with 16 Democrats and 1 Independent, believe that if captured by your government under the mere suspicion of terror--whose suspicion, by the way?--that you have no rights.

The Senate passed a bill on Tuesday which would allow the military detain Americans indefinitely.

"The enemy is all over the world. Here at home. And when people take up arms against the United States and [are] captured within the United States, why should we not be able to use our military and intelligence community to question that person as to what they know about enemy activity?" Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said.

"They should not be read their Miranda Rights. They should not be given a lawyer," Graham said. "They should be held humanely in military custody and interrogated about why they joined al Qaeda and what they were going to do to all of us."

Do we need more proof that we will soon live in a Police State? This bill is an outrage.

Being Thankful

2011-11-24T07:36:00.001-05:00

For many years I have been thinking about family and what makes it. I have been thinking about the ties that bind, love, responsibility, forgiveness, and care. I love my siblings dearly because I know them intimately. I trust them. But is there something greater than trust which allows us to give of ourselves freely without recrimination or fear? While wisdom is the principle thing, love is its guide and it needs no history, just familiarity. We are one. Happy Thanksgiving. I love you.

Being a Police State

2011-11-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

A Police State has one purpose: to protect the powerful. And there is only one reason to fear peaceful protestors: if the powerful are threatened.

Being Partisan

2011-11-17T11:09:00.000-05:00

While we fight the not so good fight of partisan politics, those who we are defending are on the same side. How do we know these? We know them by the millions they receive as former congresspersons now consultants and lobbyists, and the apparent quid pro quo of present congresspersons exonerated by the body that governs itself. Newt Gingrich (R) served as a consultant for Freddie Mac receiving $1.6 million from this quasi-government agency marred in the subprime scandal. Kent Conrad (D), along with former senator Chris Dodd (D), were handling the negotiations for Country Wide while apparently receiving personal favors from this embattled institution. The Senate Ethics Committee saw no wrong doing. There is nothing new about any of this, but what is old is our ongoing fight of who's better when both parties have repeatedly failed us.

Being Open to the Opinions of Others Matters

2011-11-11T21:29:00.003-05:00

Much to my surprise I was called a "leftard" this morning after questioning a photo that included the caption "socialism has a documented record of colossal failure. World history has proven that. Socialism is NOT AN OPTION in America. Capitalism is how America became a super power." These early morning discussions are probably not for me as I would rather not do such ideological battles so early.For example:

"It is an inescapable fact of life" that "all wealth comes from thrift and productivity" I was told in a discussion about the ills of socialism in praise of capitalism. I pointed out that historically the statement was patently false. The Wealth of Nations has been built on centuries of free labor and indentured servitude, and that big banks and big business have always run the government. I included the Theodore Roosevelt quote that "behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people." I identified this "invisible government" as big business.

In the praise of American capitalism and the decline of socialist states in Europe, I countered that we are presently in economic decline because of a system of capital sanctioned by the government that allows "too big to fail" and disables us from making our own toilet bowl brushes. I noted that there are no pure -isms of any sort. I pointed out that Iceland had a booming economy, clean energy initiatives, and a great educational system. Then entered Goldman Sachs. I quoted Nassim Nicholas Taleb that we "socialize debts and privatize profits."

Regarding big business and small business, I made the distinction that "thrift and productivity" has been the hallmark of small business success, but not so much with big business. Government through trade policies tinker with productivity (often immorally when you consider the success of companies like Apple's production in Asia--as I type on my MacBook--sigh!), and bailout to the likes of GE to the tune of billions when thrift has long not been a hallmark of business and the engineering that once made that company great has largely been replaced with financial engineering tantamount to Wall Street gambling.

There were several replies that insisted that after all of the above and more that I had not answer the "simple" question about where wealth comes from. The discussion ended for me with jingoism about freedom and capitalism, and how Beijing after embracing capitalism soars. Differences of opinions I do not oppose, but often our differences are packaged in idealism and ideology which do not move discussions forward. How do we extract ourselves in order to really hear what others are saying? I suppose humility is a big factor here. I will examine myself further.

Being Inspired by Others

2011-10-16T12:28:00.000-04:00

Being the People We Have Been Waiting For

2011-10-13T06:00:00.005-04:00

While we need to draw attention to legislation that have made investment banks and corporations such as GE and AIG like commercial banks with depositors with the protection of the government that are themselves now too big to fail, why don’t communities do something about this? Commercial banks couldn’t survive without our deposits and investment banks couldn’t subsist without our investment. Goldman Sachs, for example, is heavily invested in cities throughout the country and many throughout the globe. We have to get creative and rebuild smaller thriving communities and essentially create the likes of Black Wall Street. But this time the segregation will be by choice. (Desegregation, by the way, helped to destroy the concentrated wealth of Black Wall Street.) We need to collectively segregate our capital and pool it in ways that will directly benefit the communities where we live. We are indeed the people we have been waiting for and in this regard it has nothing or little to do with elected officials and chief executive officers.

Being Healthy

2011-09-21T00:22:00.002-04:00

"Let food be thy medicine."

--Hippocrates, ancient Greek physician (460-377 BC)

Being America

2011-07-04T14:11:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th!

Being Mindful of Others

2011-05-30T23:25:00.003-04:00

Some years ago I met a distinguished looking young man in the library. He had a strong physique, but a slight twitch. I wanted to know more. Once an elite member of the Armed Forces, he was now living in motels. He had seen war when war wasn't declared. "Unspeakable," he kept saying. I looked for him daily, placing his hands in mine. One day he wasn’t there. I said a prayer.

Being Inspired by Others

2011-05-15T02:43:00.000-04:00

Being Honest

2011-05-07T10:34:00.000-04:00

Healthy skepticism necessary for democracy is not the same as the masquerading of righteousness for the purpose of attaining power.

Being Dishonest

2011-05-07T10:32:00.000-04:00

Within the seed of every dishonest act is a kernel of our own destruction.

Being Liberals

2011-04-03T12:23:00.002-04:00

Arianna Huffington's quote in New York Times that "the whole point that American policy needs to be redefined beyond left and right" seems to have gotten liberals riled up. But I find it interesting that these same people make excuses for the right-leaning policies of Barack Obama. Now, she's a media person and he's the president. Which has more power? Perhaps she does according to the outcry.

Being Corrupt

2011-02-25T23:42:00.001-05:00

Have unions become just as corrupt as big governments and big corporations? What does 21st century organizing look like? The people's needs are the same. If big governments and big corporations are the same, and unions are aligned with these, who truly speaks on behalf of the people and where do we go from here?

Being Neighborly

2011-02-23T15:57:00.003-05:00

A gorgeous oak tree in my yard seemed lower than usual. As I acknowledged its beauty, my 84-year-old neighbor called. "Don't you see that tree has fallen on the power lines?" She asked. "I thought it was lower," I said. "You thought?" She said. "Get on the phone and call DTE." "Yes, ma'am," I said. How did she know that I hadn't already called DTE? Her binoculars were broken last week. I suppose they're fixed this week. She watches the goings on in my house daily from her window. Sometimes we like to give her a bit of a thrill.

Being President Obama

2011-02-23T15:44:00.011-05:00

George Soros has said that President Obama has "lost control of the agenda." But did we need Soros to tell us this? I was talking with a friend who said that President Obama was just posturing waiting for the Republicans to move. Posturing? For what? The wars continue to the tune of trillions as welfare for the rich, needed social programs are on the chopping block for the middle class and poor, and a near trillion dollars were given with the extension of the Bush tax cuts for the rich. If this is posturing, we need President Obama to act.

Being Considered a Number

2011-02-23T15:38:00.002-05:00

The country is in trouble. In the prison industrial complex forces converge to create a growth stock by the numbers created and the rate of recidivism aided by laws and the courts that uphold them. In the online education complex students are marketed to rocking the hip hop beat in a continual influx of non-graduates. Sheer numbers create economic value. The growth of the country is never considered. It's an American Shame.

Being Supportive

2011-02-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

My sister Dellanne who lives in Houston wanted to know why I was depositing money into her account. She and her husband have essentially moved in with Haywood and his wife while he goes through treatment. Love, gratitude, and peace of mind are priceless. Support those who support you, and support others too.

Being Hoodwinked

2011-02-23T15:33:00.000-05:00

Americans have been hoodwinked. We've moved from the Gold Standard to the Debt Standard, constantly purchasing products via a credit card, giving us the euphoric sense of ownership. But who benefits most from this Debt Standard and do we still believe the Billy Preston song that "nothing from nothing leaves nothing?" The real sinister element is that we're numbed into inaction by the sense of having something.

Being a Wall Street Executive

2011-02-23T10:28:00.003-05:00

For those sensitive to such language and graphics excuse me, but I think the message is quite clear: "You put Lloyd Blankfein in a pound-me-in-the-ass-prison for one six-month term, and all this bullshit would stop, all over Wall Street," says a former congressional aide in a Rolling Stone interview. "That's all it would take. Just once." Here is the complete article, Why Isn't Wall Street in Jail? I think it is pretty clear. Wall Street is essentially the government if you look in the case of Bill Clinton's Treasury Secretary who went to Citigroup or Goldman Sach's Hank Paulson who became Treasury Secretary under George Bush.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-12-26T09:14:00.001-05:00

Being Dr. Albert C. Barnes

2010-12-26T09:09:00.003-05:00

"The Barnes Foundation would attack...the enemies of intelligence and imagination in art, whether or not these enemies are protected by financial power or social prestige." --Dr. Albert C. Barnes

I so honor Dr. Barnes who wanted his some $40 billion dollar art collection to be kept for educational purposes and despise the actions of all of those who thwarted his will for profit.

Being Christmas

2010-12-25T11:26:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas! Peace, love and blessings to all.

Being Republicans

2010-12-23T18:52:00.000-05:00

Republicans care most about money. Issues of morality and ideology are by far less significant. These are means to the end: money. Republicans are content to give in to Democrats so as long as hundreds of billions of dollars are given in tax cuts to the likes of the Waltons, and hundreds of billions more are given to the likes of Halliburton in war contracts. DADT? No problem. Money matters most to these.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-12-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

Being in the Obama Triangulation: The Right, the Left, and Slick Willy

2010-12-18T10:50:00.004-05:00

White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer told the New York Times, "As I understand it, triangulation is the idea that you demonstrate to some set of swing voters that you are politically palatable by poking the extremes of both parties in they eyes." After President Obama's press conference I wrote to a veteran pundit friend. The press conference reminded me of President Clinton's Sister Souljah moment. The statement by Pfeiffer affirms my suspicion.

In triangulation all points are stable and necessary. In this context the left and right are needed to position Obama. They are used "to demonstrate to some set of swing voters that you are politically palatable." The "you" here is Obama. This is the gut reaction analogy I made to my veteran pundit friend. As Clinton needed to prove to swing voters that he could offend the black community really badly and they remain on his side, Obama needs to prove the same but he does so on the left and right with half the skill. He has been called “divisive.” Perhaps triangulation is the genesis of that critique.

It was obvious to the black community what Clinton was doing, but what happened? He was dubbed “the first black president" until the real first black president emerged. He disrespected black people who were so loyal to him by openly making veiled racist statements when Obama ran against Hillary Clinton in the primary. President Clinton responded in shock by the response. What? The triangulation isn’t working now? The offense is not taken? Blacks aren't rallying to me in spite of the offense? Behold! A native son had arrived and one with great potential.

In this context of triangulation Obama makes both the left and right extremely offended by poking them directly in the eyes in order to secure swing voters. Where else would the left go? And the right is never counted upon for votes. This is how Obama seems to have governed. But there is a problem. He does not seem to be as smooth as "Slick Willy" and perhaps not as dishonest either. There had often been contradictions on his face. But they seem to be fading with each year as president.

The last press conference seemed to reveal Obama's contradictions in the uncharacteristic anger he showed toward the left. Had he not given them what they wanted? Had he not played his triangulation role well enough? It was a moment of self-indulgence. The anger seemed to fit perfectly into his sense of failure of not being like "Slick Willy." So, what happens? The real "Slick Willy" appears once again in the White House press room.

The Obama triangulation may not work because of the lack of deftness in delivery. But perhaps all that is needed is time.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-11-28T10:23:00.000-05:00

Being Thankful

2010-11-26T09:47:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. There is a lot to be thankful for.

Being a Fox Female Newscaster

2010-11-21T21:40:00.004-05:00

From this shot of Megyn Kelly to her daily appearance on Fox News it is clear that the more things change the more they stay the same. On Fox the women are simply sex symbols. Kelly is on the cover of GQ with this title: "She Reports, We Decided She's Hot" That's a joke. Fox News sells soft porn daily. With the women on Fox, it's all about plunging neck lines and rising skirts. But what they're pole-ing is more than titillating. It's deadly politics. Get thee to a topless bar. Go!

Being Inspired by Others

2010-11-21T16:28:00.001-05:00

Being Galled

2010-10-19T01:05:00.005-04:00

Stephen A. Schwartzman, chairman and co-founder of the Blackstone Group, compared his company's corporate tax increase of 15% to 35% to the invasion of Hitler. The galling thing about Schwartzman's statement is that his company exists because of the bailout, and contracts given to this investment and advisory firm. Now, he is deriding the government. Schwartzman is angry with the government when Blackstone would not exist without it. The comparison is also disturbing and grossly hyperbolic. Is Schwartzman Jewish?

Being Brotherly

2010-10-19T01:01:00.002-04:00

When I phoned my brother Haywood earlier he seemed a bit distracted. After a little while, I asked him if it was a good time. He said for me to go ahead. We had a good conversation as usual. A few hours later he phoned to say he was sorry that he hadn't given me his undivided attention earlier. I thanked him. I also wondered about our integrity and the concern we show each other.

Being Foolish

2010-10-19T00:54:00.003-04:00

In the Senate race in Nevada between Harry Reid and Sharron Angle, it is utterly foolish to keep talking about personality when there is so much to lose politically. Get a grip people!

Being Profitable

2010-10-19T00:46:00.005-04:00

There is a reason why the stock of Borders, and Barnes and Noble is tanking. Looking for books on the history of Detroit and Chicago in the 30s, I went to the aforementioned bookstores. I live in Detroit and there were no books on Detroit save some picture books, and they had nothing on Chicago. This is the why I largely order books online. The selection is vast and there is no hassle. I don't think Borders or Barnes and Noble can sell enough coffee to be profitable.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-09-12T01:53:00.000-04:00

Being Inspired by Others

2010-08-22T07:41:00.001-04:00

Being a Socialite

2010-08-20T20:16:00.002-04:00

While shopping today I ran into a socialite going on and on about this and that to a friend who seemed utterly disinterested. The socialite's voice alone was annoying. I felt pity for the friend. When I got to the parking lot we were parked next to each other. She was still yapping as she loaded her many bags. The friend stood at the passenger's side. I inched out. "Look what I got" asked the socialite. "What?" replied the friend, from the distance. "A Soul Train T-shirt," she exclaimed. The socialite instantly became a schoolgirl. "Nice shirt," I said. "You can get one online," she said. "I will," I replied. The friend joined us. "Remember Don Cornelius?" she said. "I do," I said. "I just looove Soul Train," said the socialite swooning." "Good day to you both," I said, pulling away. Suddenly, I felt better. Maybe she's not just some yappy self-centered socialite. Well, maybe she is, but at least she looooves cool music.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-08-08T06:50:00.002-04:00

"The Flower Duet" from Lakme by Leo Delibes

Being Driven by Fear

2010-08-03T01:25:00.008-04:00

Last week U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton ruled that key parts of S.B. 1070 could not be enacted. A rally took place in Arizona to protest the ruling. As I came across the photo below of a Tea Party member spewing hate over illegal immigration, the image reminded me of a scene in 1957 when women screamed at Elizabeth Eckford as she sought to enroll in Little Rock Central High School.

The nature of people do not change. Fear causes us to act out. The question is when will we identify and overcome such fears?

The fear of Mexicans that produced such hate clearly evident in this woman's face is irrational, as was the fear on the faces of the women in 1957.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-08-01T11:24:00.004-04:00

Pergolesi's Stabat Mater sung by countertenor Andreas Scholl and soprano Barbara Bonney is divine. Added to this video is the subliminity of Michelangelo's David. When I first saw the Pieta I was in college. I stood there immobilized, silently weeping uncontrollably. It breathes and speaks. It's just the most amazing piece of art. I must have stood at the sculpture for an hour. There was so much to take in, such extraordinary lines from the neck to the clothing to the femur bone to consider.

A lot has been written about Rodin's passion for movement. He must have gotten it from Michelangelo, not to mention Claudel. I seemed to see the scene at Golgotha and hear the words of he who spoke to Mary saying, "Woman, behold your son." The words reverberated again and again in my head as I stood there. He would soon be laid to rest. Michelangelo made this setting real from the tiniest of detail. I was simply in awe. The coupling of the Stabat Mater and the Peita in this video is beautiful.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-07-25T22:22:00.000-04:00

Enjoy this brief excerpt from one of the great baritones of the 20th Century, Robert McFerrin. While I'm sure many may not know the father, many know the son, Bobby McFerrin, Jr. You will see where the son got his talent. Robert McFerrin was the first African American male to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. I honor him.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-07-18T19:51:00.004-04:00

Two great artists, Kathleen Battle and Wynton Marsalis, performing Bach's Cantata 51, "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen"

Being Capitalists

2010-07-12T00:32:00.002-04:00

Here is an excellent-thought-provoking animated video on the "Crises of Capitalism."

Being Inspired by Others

2010-07-11T11:07:00.001-04:00

G.F. Handel: "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"

Being Capitalists

2010-07-09T23:50:00.007-04:00

Zorro, a frequent commenter, has shared a great article by Andy Grove,"How to Make an American Job Before It's Too Late." It deals with our misplaced emphasis on technology startups and their ability to create jobs. Think about it. How many jobs have Facebook created? Twitter? MySpace? So, we have replaced industrial jobs for technology ones that don't create jobs. This scenario ensures that the rich will continue to get richer and the poor will continue to get poorer. It is no surprise that the income gap between the rich and poor is the highest in 80 years. Being from Detroit, I have seen jobs disappear for many years so that the profit of corporations could increase through outsourcing. If we don't course correct, Lenin's quote will become true: "The capitalist will sell us the rope that we will hang them with."

Being Inspired by Others

2010-07-04T03:44:00.002-04:00

May God Bless America! Happy 4th!

Being America

2010-07-04T03:40:00.001-04:00

"Let America Be America Again" by Langston Hughes

Being Inspired by Others

2010-06-27T12:27:00.002-04:00

"Think of the magic of that foot, comparatively small, upon which your whole weight rests. It's a miracle, and the dance is a celebration of that miracle."

--Martha Graham

Being in Afghanistan

2010-06-22T22:18:00.003-04:00

Bye bye General McChrystal. This is not his first act of insubordination. Hopefully, it will also be a bye bye to a war in Afghanistan where there is no end in sight. This war can't be won.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-06-20T20:07:00.001-04:00

Being President Barack Obama

2010-06-16T20:48:00.001-04:00

President Obama never ceases to amaze. His steadiness is extraordinary. Yesterday's speech left me quite disappointed. I wanted to hear him talk policy. He did not. But the BP announcement today has made me very happy. Carol Browner, White House Energy Adviser, impressively outlined the agreement with BP. There will be a $20 billion independent escrow account that isn't a "floor or ceiling" and a $100 million fund for the people of the Gulf which will expedite the claims process. This does not change or preclude any other future claims. "All rights of the claimants are preserved," said Browner. This a first in the history of a multi-national company. Bravo, Mr. President!

Being Timothy Geithner

2010-06-16T20:25:00.001-04:00

Why is the Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, out front talking about Iran's nuclear capability? Is this unusual? What are his expertise in this area? It seems as if he has enough on his hands with the economy alone I would think.

Being Mohammed Ali

2010-06-14T17:31:00.004-04:00

In a conversation with my brother Haywood earlier today I asked him a simple question, "Is there anyone anywhere in any field that can't be bought today? Mohammed Ali is one of my heroes not only because of his extraordinary skill in the ring but because of his complete refusal to be bought and his fundamental sense of fairness. Where are those leaders today who would go to jail for their beliefs or even take a pay cut?

Being Inspired by Others

2010-06-13T10:54:00.004-04:00

This aria from the movie "The Fifth Element" is what's commonly known as "The Mad Scene from the opera "Lucia di Lammermoor" by Gaetano Donizetti. The ending is not quite in the style of Donizetti in one way but is indeed in another. After all, this was the era of bel canto (beautiful singing) where singers included spontaneous elaborate rapid brilliant cadenzas which spanned more than a few octaves. The style of singing is know as coloratura. It's just that this version has a way cool techno beat. Do stay for the ending. It's awesome! Someone researched the period well in this movie. This is always good to see. Enjoy!

Being Women

2010-06-12T16:39:00.001-04:00

If this is the year of women with Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman who act just as irresponsible and reckless as corporate men, what praise is that then?

Being the Supreme Court

2010-06-11T18:11:00.005-04:00

Isn't it strange that it's never judicial activism when conservative leaning judges make decisions on behalf of corporations, but it's always so when liberal leaning judges do so on behalf of the people? In The New York Times Op-Ed,"Keeping Politics Safe for the Rich," it is asserted that the Supreme Court "upended the gubernatorial race in Arizona, cutting off matching funds to candidates participating in the state's public campaign finance system." But the rich can spend endlessly of their own money as Whitman did with some $81 million in California and Bloomberg did with some $100 million in New York.

Th Supreme Court's decision declares what Jim or Jane can do with their money via matching funds but not what a billionaire or multiple millionaire can do with theirs. I think the law has to do with the inability of the power structure to envision the giving of millions of people via the internet and has hence corrected itself to maintain the balance of power. The Roberts' court has sided on the side of corporations and the wealthy repeatedly. Remember corporations are now people too. Surely these rulings aren't just.

Being Alvin Greene

2010-06-11T18:01:00.003-04:00

Before yesterday I didn't have a clue who Alvin Greene was. I caught a bit of his interview on "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann last night and a bit more on "The Rachel Maddow Show." I was aghast. He has no job, no campaign organization, no degree, and no name recognition. He doesn't even have a website. Yet, he was elected as the primary candidate for the Senate in South Carolina. Oh, did I mention he's facing felony obscenity charges? I smell a rat.

You be the judge of his qualifications:

This guy is thoroughly unqualified to serve in the Senate. But, of course, he would never make it anyway. He is obviously being used as a tool to run against the well-funded established Republican candidate, Jim Demint. While I think he's totally unqualified, just think about this. Sarah Palin could have been our president. Same difference.

Being Immune from Public Opinion

2010-06-09T13:02:00.007-04:00

The article written by George Friedman, The Limits of Public Opinion: Arabs. Israelis and the Strategic Balance, is very disturbing, for it posits that the only way to get Israel to abide by international law is through an alliance of Arab nations whose intention is annihilation, if only by threat alone. This is how power works, through the threat of war or annihilation. This is the only kind of respect it seems. The article posits that in the short term Israel can act without impunity as an Arab alliance doesn't exit because of factions. This can't be allowed by any country anywhere at anytime and the mere threat of annihilation, with countries with nukes whose purpose it is to be safe, annihilates itself anyway with their use.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-06-06T09:47:00.005-04:00

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa sings one of my favorite pieces, "Vocalise" by Rachmaninoff. Feel free to add you own lyrics.

Being Empowered

2010-06-04T00:39:00.004-04:00

Ain't no power like the power of the people, 'cause the power of the people don't stop! Say what? Ain't no power like the power of the people 'cause the power of the people don't stop! Power to people. Power to the people. Power to the people. Power to the people.

Right on!

Being in Remembrance

2010-05-31T12:45:00.002-04:00

May God bless our troops, their families, and loved ones.

May we always remember those who sacrificed their lives for ours.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-05-30T08:56:00.004-04:00

Marian Anderson has long been an inspiration, as well as the great Eleanor Roosevelt for so many reasons, including enabling this event on the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 and having the integrity to resign from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Being Democrats

2010-05-29T01:38:00.005-04:00

What I find amazing about the left is if they don't get everything they want when they want it, with all of their intellectual brilliance and fierce impatience, they whimper and whine just like the right, just like recalcitrant teenagers, for the right are as children, who when they don't get their way take their books, not toys, and beat them over the head of their own. What's up with this? I'm getting pretty annoyed with these teenagers.

Being in the Media

2010-05-28T19:09:00.007-04:00

Glenn Beck mocks Malia Obama's concern about the oil spill, her trust in her father, her race, and her education. There is absolutely nothing sacred with Beck...nothing.

The question is what can be done about him? When will enough be enough that no sponsor will touch him? Somebody is obviously watching him, eh?

Being Bizarre

2010-05-27T10:20:00.005-04:00

Outside of the Scarlett O'Hara Tea Party theme, Bristol Palin's photo shoot in Harper's Baazar is bizarre. Why would anyone want to see her, let alone hear her at $30,000 a pop? Her son is largely photographed in the spread. Talk about using your kids, like mother like daughter.

Here is a young lady who preaches the abstinence of her fundamentalist faith as a teenage mom while living off the largess of a mother who rose to fame using her feminine wilds, winking her way with seditious "snowbilly" speech. No, Bristol Palin is not a role model and neither is she a Hollywood starlet. Bristol Palin's hypocrisy is just gross.

Being in the Cult of Personality

2010-05-26T10:55:00.001-04:00

On Facebook a comment was made that Dr. Chu, Secretary of Energy, was brilliant but he never smiles. This ticked me off a bit, especially considering the lack of essence and thoughtfulness of so much today in various sectors. The cult of personality has to die, I'm afraid. We are by far too engrossed in what glitters while often times this is not gold. We also make a cult of many things even when it is indeed gold. Here is the band Living Colour with a great song on the subject. Awesome song! Great lyrics! Talented musicians! It's timely, indeed, even though it came out in 1988. The more things change the more they seem to stay the same.

Being in the Old Guard

2010-05-26T01:39:00.004-04:00

Watching Henry Kissinger on C-Span and Alan Greenspan frequently in the media, I keep wondering why they are forever recycled. Are there no other experts that know about foreign policy and finance? In fact, considering some of their covert destructive actions and faulty policy decisions, some may say that these gentleman are not experts, at least honorable ones. I honor age and appreciate wisdom. But I also wonder if some views that are being propagated are not always advantageous and if there are other ways to look at issues of foreign policy and finance that will advance the cause of peace and prosperity not only in America but throughout the world.

Being Republicans

2010-05-24T21:22:00.000-04:00

For all of you who are against big government and are now criticizing this administration for the disaster of private companies as if the government is in the business of oil drilling, you need to shut up. This was not a natural disaster; it was a private man-made one. Of course, the government now has to find remedies for the continued failure of private companies, those entities upheld by conservatives as demigods.

Being Paul Krugman

2010-05-24T11:50:00.006-04:00

As usual, Paul Krugman writes another thoughtful piece in the New York Times about our real enemies. Yes, the Tea Party folks are a loud boisterous largely racist bunch inclined to go against their own interests. But we have always known that they are a front for the likes of Freedomworks powered by big corporations. Who are our real enemies? They are as Franklin Roosevelt said, "the old enemies of peace -- business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering." Krugman asserts that these are those whom President Obama is fighting against; they are indeed the enemy of our representative democracy--not the loud boisterous Tea Party bunch, necessarily.

Being a Nuclear War Country

2010-05-24T00:42:00.006-04:00

The Guardian reports that the current president of Israel Shimon Peres, who was the defense minister in 1975, sought to sell nuclear weapons to apartheid South Africa. So, let me get this right. It's not okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons because of who they may sell them to but it's okay for Israel to have nuclear weapons because they are responsible in selling them? Wait...Israel has nuclear weapons? No county should have them.

Being Inspired by Others

2010-05-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

Here is vivacious Vivaldi! Enjoy!

Being Republicans

2010-05-23T07:30:00.002-04:00

Where is the outrage on the Right about the geometry teacher in Alabama who used President Obama in his hypothetical assassination example to explain angles? Of course, we remember the outrage it caused when school children sang a harmless song honoring the president. Really, are these people just sick? I'm wondering if there were such examples occurring on the Left when President Bush was president. When distinctions are made about the Right being extremist wingnuts-- not only because of what is done but what is condoned by silent voices-- who can really argue against this?

Being a Segregationist

2010-05-21T12:33:00.002-04:00

Rand Paul claims he would have marched with Martin Luther King Jr., but would have been against the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for which Dr. King marched. He's a states' rights guy. But we understand well the code language here. States'
rights meant that states did not have to adhere to federal laws such as desegregation, a right in the Declaration of Independence. "All men are created equal."

Being General Motors

2010-05-18T04:45:00.000-04:00

According to the New York Times "G.M. reported first-quarter earnings of $865 million as its revenue surged 40 percent, to $31.5 billion. It broke a long string of losses in North America even though industry sales remain near multidecade lows. The results show that G.M. is on track to become a public company again as soon as the fourth quarter, allowing the government to recover more of the billions of dollars it spent preventing the company’s collapse. After nearly running out of money at the end of 2008, G.M. had positive cash flow of $1 billion in the first quarter." This is encouraging news. While taxpayers still own a majority stake in GM, continued profitability will ensure our payback while an estimated one million jobs during this Great Recession were saved. Go GM!

Being the Vatican

2010-05-17T16:10:00.002-04:00

The Times Online UK reports that the Vatican will "claim bishops are not 'employees.'" If this is so, the Catholic Church is acting like the big immoral corporation that many assume it is. This is shameful!

Being Inspired by Others

2010-05-16T01:41:00.000-04:00

Yet Do I Marvel

I doubt not God is good, well-meaning, kind
And did He stoop to quibble could tell why
The little buried mole continues blind,
Why flesh that mirrors Him must some day die,
Make plain the reason tortured Tantalus
Is baited by the fickle fruit, declare
If merely brute caprice dooms Sisyphus
To struggle up a never-ending stair.
Inscrutable His ways are, and immune
To catechism by a mind too strewn
With petty cares to slightly understand
What awful brain compels His awful hand.
Yet do I marvel at this curious thing:
To make a poet black, and bid him sing!

--Countee Cullen (March 30, 1903–January 9, 1946)

Being Jon Stewart

2010-05-13T23:02:00.003-04:00

This is very funny! Here is Lewis Black on Jon Stewart's show: "Glenn Beck has Nazi Tourette's"

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Back in Black - Glenn Beck's Nazi Tourette's

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

Being Belle Yang

2010-05-11T20:11:00.006-04:00

Here is my friend, award-winning graphic artist and novelist Belle Yang, at work. The music is awesome!

Belle's beautiful book, Forget Sorrow, was released yesterday. Here is a recent interview with the WSJ.

Being Goldman Sachs

2010-05-11T17:05:00.001-04:00

In her article "Why a Criminal Case Against Goldman Sachs Matters and Why Charges Could Stick" Pam Martens makes her case clearly. Here is a large portion of the article:

The first Goldman Sachs panel to line up before Senator Carl Levin’s subcommittee on April 27 consisted of Daniel Sparks, Joshua Birnbaum, Michael Swenson and Fabrice Tourre. Mr. Sparks headed the Mortgage Department and supervised the other three who worked in the Structured Product Group at the time the SEC has alleged the securities fraud occurred.

To hear these four tell it, their jobs included trading for Goldman’s benefit (proprietary trading), originating investment products, selling the products to customers once they were created (distribution), and, in Mr. Tourre’s case, even speaking with the rating agency that would transform these subprime bets into AAA derivatives. And how did they sum up all of this as a job description? They testified, under oath I might add, that they were “market-makers.” In a sane world, a market maker is an entity that matches buyers with sellers and profits from capturing a portion of the spread (bid and ask) on the buy and sell price of securities.

To a lay jury, this might fly as legitimate conduct; something akin to a short order cook who shops for the groceries, whips up the omelets, throws a little parsley garnish on the plates, serves the diners, and tallies up his P&L at the end of the day. If he overbought on ground beef, he might have to have three days of specials like Shepherd’s Pie, Hungarian Goulash, and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce to “flatten” his position and “get closer to home.” Nothing criminal going on here; just good ole American know-how and innovative workouts.

The major problem with this analogy, and most others in defense of Goldman, is that the short order cook wasn’t trying to pass off E. coli beef for prime rib. Another problem for Goldman is that embedded in the heart of every securities law is the principle that the customer must be treated honestly and fairly and any mechanism or device to deceive, manipulate or defraud is patently illegal. Remember, securities laws grew out of the ingrained Wall Street corruption exposed in two years of Senate hearings in 1932 and 1933.

It is difficult to see how one can be engaging in proprietary trading for the benefit of the firm at one moment, acting in an agent capacity for the benefit of the customer the next moment, and creating investment products designed to fail on a latte break. Sparks, Birnbaum and Swenson all had principal licenses to engage in investment banking activities like underwriting as well as the Series 7 license to trade securities. Mr. Tourre had only the Series 7 and Series 63 licenses to trade securities. He had no principal license according to his regulatory file available online. That could be a big legal issue for Goldman as a firm, for Mr. Sparks who supervised him, and for the controlled-demolition investment product he assisted in creating without a principal license. Failure to supervise is one of the first areas security lawyers review in assessing a firm’s liability.

Please find the entire article here. Ms. Martens worked on Wall Street for 21 years.

Being Lena Horne

2010-05-10T08:59:00.004-04:00

Lena Horne (June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010) We so honor you for your great contributions to the arts and for uplifting a people for so many years. Thank you.

Give Dorothy Height our love.