Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Fifty Years, And Still Dreaming
August 28, 1963 was a turning point in American history. A speech given by an Alabama preacher turned activist, eloquently articulated the hopes and dreams of millions of Americans. That, 'my little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color or their skin, but by the content of their character'.
Over the years, I have heard a number of different stories of how that iconic speech came about. Some say that Dr. King's prepared remarks had blown away from the podium in the afternoon wind. Others claim that a woman in the front of the crowd shouted, "Tell them about the dream", referring to a sermon given in Detroit earlier in the year. One thing is certain: The majority of King's sixteen minutes on stage were ad-libbed.
On the surface, it may appear that in 50 years, King's dream has been realized. But, look closer.
When authorities are faced with the necessity of listing an offense as a "hate crime", we are still dreaming. When politicians rush through so-called "voter ID laws", in order to make voting more difficult for minority voters, we are still dreaming. When African-Americans make up only 13% of the general population, but account for 40% of our nation's prison population, we are still dreaming.
So long as the United States has over 1,000 active hate groups, our dream will not come true. So long as political pundits and commentators are able to make a living, shamelessly race baiting and fear mongering, our dream will never come true. So long as police are given authority to "stop and frisk" a person, simply for the crime oflooking suspicious not being white, we are still dreaming.
It's difficult not to take a "glass half empty" look at civil rights and race relations. Yes, in 50 years, we have taken many steps forward. But, at times, it's almost as if we've taken twice as many back.
Over the years, I have heard a number of different stories of how that iconic speech came about. Some say that Dr. King's prepared remarks had blown away from the podium in the afternoon wind. Others claim that a woman in the front of the crowd shouted, "Tell them about the dream", referring to a sermon given in Detroit earlier in the year. One thing is certain: The majority of King's sixteen minutes on stage were ad-libbed.
On the surface, it may appear that in 50 years, King's dream has been realized. But, look closer.
When authorities are faced with the necessity of listing an offense as a "hate crime", we are still dreaming. When politicians rush through so-called "voter ID laws", in order to make voting more difficult for minority voters, we are still dreaming. When African-Americans make up only 13% of the general population, but account for 40% of our nation's prison population, we are still dreaming.
So long as the United States has over 1,000 active hate groups, our dream will not come true. So long as political pundits and commentators are able to make a living, shamelessly race baiting and fear mongering, our dream will never come true. So long as police are given authority to "stop and frisk" a person, simply for the crime of
It's difficult not to take a "glass half empty" look at civil rights and race relations. Yes, in 50 years, we have taken many steps forward. But, at times, it's almost as if we've taken twice as many back.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
YouTube Releases Amazing Video In Celebration Of Pride Month
Last week's Supreme Court decision on DOMA and Prop 8 couldn't have come at a better time. On the same week that Stonewall took place in 1969, and the rainbow flag made it's debut 9 years later. YouTube released a video to celebrate both the Supreme Court decisions, and to celebrate Pride month.
Grab a tissue...
We've come a hell of a long way in forty years...
Grab a tissue...
We've come a hell of a long way in forty years...
Your Daily Affirmation
"On particularly rough days, when I'm sure I can't possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%...and that's pretty good."
Smart Guy Al
Was watching the Witnesses' new DVD, 'The Prodigal Returns', and something occurred to me.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
If John Lennon Auditioned For 'The Voice'
What would happen if John Lennon auditioned for 'The Voice'? Would any of the judges turn their seat?
That's the questioned being asked in this brilliantly edited video. It's put together very well. Quite realistic, and equally as depressing.
That's the questioned being asked in this brilliantly edited video. It's put together very well. Quite realistic, and equally as depressing.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Why Jehovah's Witnesses Are Drawn To The Muppets
For a lot of you, I'm going to ruin 'The Muppet Show', and for that, I apologize.
About 20 years ago, an old Witness friend told me about this. He said there were days when it was the only thing to get him through the day at Bethel.
Did you know that the lyrics of Kingdom Melody #117, 'Marriage - God's Arrangement', match up perfectly with 'The Muppet Show' theme song? It does....and it's GLORIOUS.
I thought I would have a little fun, and added new lyrics to a video of 'The Muppet Show' opening. Enjoy.
About 20 years ago, an old Witness friend told me about this. He said there were days when it was the only thing to get him through the day at Bethel.
Did you know that the lyrics of Kingdom Melody #117, 'Marriage - God's Arrangement', match up perfectly with 'The Muppet Show' theme song? It does....and it's GLORIOUS.
I thought I would have a little fun, and added new lyrics to a video of 'The Muppet Show' opening. Enjoy.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Quote Of The Day
"Please know that I am deeply sorry. I am sorry for the pain and hurt many of you have experienced. I am sorry that some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn’t change. I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized parents. I am sorry that there were times I didn’t stand up to people publicly 'on my side' who called you names like sodomite—or worse. I am sorry that I, knowing some of you so well, failed to share publicly that the gay and lesbian people I know were every bit as capable of being amazing parents as the straight people that I know. I am sorry that when I celebrated a person coming to Christ and surrendering their sexuality to Him that I callously celebrated the end of relationships that broke your heart. I am sorry that I have communicated that you and your families are less than me and mine."
- Alan Chambers in an apology to the LGBTQ community.
Chambers is the head of Exodus International, the most recognized "ex-gay" organization in the world. With the apology, came the announcement that Exodus would be closing their doors permanently as of yesterday. Founded in 1976, Exodus had 100 office locations within the U.S. at its peak, and over 150 locations worldwide. They were the leaders in so-called "reparative therapy", the belief that gay and lesbian people could become straight with the help of god.
In the last 12 months, Chambers has changed his position on a number of issues involving Exodus and the LGBTQ community. He was an ardent supporter of the "ex-gay" movement, citing himself as an example of its success. In recent months, he's said that he doesn't consider himself gay, yet he doesn't think of himself as heterosexual. He stated that he was confused about his own sexual identity. He has questioned whether reparative therapy is effective, and, as we can see, has realized how much damage him and his movement has done in this world.
A documentary will be airing tonight on OWN at 10PM, focusing on the "ex-gay" community and Alan Chambers in particular. I'm expecting to see a couple of bombshells being revealed.
......Aaaaaaaand It's Gone
It's two in the afternoon. I haven't passed out yet. Guess it's a good day.
I've been having an issue with chronic fatigue in recent weeks. I generally am up and going between 9 and 10AM. On most days, anywhere between 4 and 6PM, my body literally shuts down. Within a matter of minutes, I go from wide awake to having to force my eyes open. If I don't lay down, the room starts to spin. The walls go wavy. It's scary.
I discovered a couple of days ago that I was accidentally taking one medication, thinking it was another. Instead of taking Pilocarpine, which helps me generate saliva, I was taking two EXTRA Proplanalol a day. I can't remember offhand what Proplanalol does, but it's used as a blood pressure medicine. I'm also taking Lisinopril and Clonodine, which are also blood pressure medications. The Clonodine helps with my Tourette's, and can work as a pain reliever when coupled with the Lyrica I'm taking. So...long story short (too late), I was taking a total of seven doses of three different blood pressure medications daily. It's a wonder I didn't die in my sleep.
When you're taking (not including any ibuprofen or pain medication) four dozen pills every day, it's easy to get confused.
I've been having an issue with chronic fatigue in recent weeks. I generally am up and going between 9 and 10AM. On most days, anywhere between 4 and 6PM, my body literally shuts down. Within a matter of minutes, I go from wide awake to having to force my eyes open. If I don't lay down, the room starts to spin. The walls go wavy. It's scary.
I discovered a couple of days ago that I was accidentally taking one medication, thinking it was another. Instead of taking Pilocarpine, which helps me generate saliva, I was taking two EXTRA Proplanalol a day. I can't remember offhand what Proplanalol does, but it's used as a blood pressure medicine. I'm also taking Lisinopril and Clonodine, which are also blood pressure medications. The Clonodine helps with my Tourette's, and can work as a pain reliever when coupled with the Lyrica I'm taking. So...long story short (too late), I was taking a total of seven doses of three different blood pressure medications daily. It's a wonder I didn't die in my sleep.
When you're taking (not including any ibuprofen or pain medication) four dozen pills every day, it's easy to get confused.
 |
| Not pictured: Black tar heroin and the crushed Aderall that I snort in the morning. ;) |
If you told me as a kid that I'd be doing thousands of dollars each month of drugs, I wouldn't picture it like this. It could always be worse, I guess. Things have been worse. I shouldn't complain.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
My Book Of BS, Chapter 1 - God Violates The Laws Of Physics
"And the Lord said, "Fuck science". - Genesis 1:12
We Can Dance...If We Want To
I'm a sucker for good editing. And, this video is second to none. Incorporating dancing scenes from 77 different films, all synced in beat to Men Without Hats' 'Safety Dance'. If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
