The Synergistic Pen

I've made a point of not commenting much on the health care reform issue.  Its so much more complicated than whether your mother will be allowed to die or if immigrants get medicaid.  The really scary thing is, those who consider themselves "anti-reform"  don't "see" those that are affected by the current system and will be affected by a change in the system.  Reform of the health care system in the United States is about poverty and who remains below the federal poverty line.  Its about why they get to stay there and how, even while there, they are the "bread and butter" of health insurance companies.

I ran across this article this morning... The real anti-reform cost: Two women die every day giving birth in America and it caused me to reconsider my quiet observation. Being a woman and having given birth twice in my life, I do know the cost of prenatal care and delivery.  Now, I will admit, its been more than 18 years since I last had this experience, but as I read about the cost of delivery alone in the U.S. now, I was shocked. How do women give birth without some sort of insurance? How?

Medicaid and other insurance sources are an important component in the health of our children, even before they are born.  The same segment of society that decries the notion of having an abortion appears, on the surface, to be the same segment that doesn't believe those who don't abort should be afforded assistance in the prenatal care of the fetus.  This is also the same bunch that isn't real big on sex ed in schools, and probably are scared to death to say penis and vagina in the presence of their children.  These are the people who think those who get big diseases with little names "deserve" what they've gotten because they have no self control and are pawns of satan. These people probably have health insurance, they're saintly and highly favored before God, so its all good, I suppose.

Women who become pregnant have to go through so many changes in order to even get on Medicaid that they don't bother.  Why do you have to prove you're pregnant?  Hello?  Look at me, I'm 6 months along and the kid is kicking his foot out at you!  No, its NOT a tumor!  They don't receive the education they need to eat correctly, get enough vitamins, exercise or anything else.  They give birth to underweight children with physical and mental deficiencies, who, because of these deficiencies, now qualify for Medicaid. (Ain't that some irony on a stick for ya!)  The children, in turn, if not placed in the system (it happens), end up not receiving the vaccinations, etc, they need to be healthy.

Some of the children I teach children are receipents of public health insurance.  Children currently on Medicaid, who, if they break a bone, can only get it temporarily set at the local hospital, and then, in order to use the Medicaid services, must drive to Indianapolis (2.5 hours from here) to see a doctor, get a proper diagnosis and then have the bone set.  This, of course, means, the parent must miss a day of work (hourly pay) and the child misses a day of school (they're already behind academically) At the end of it all, they lose time and money again to have the doctor at the Children's Hospital in Indianapolis say the bone is healed and remove the cast. 

The parent can't get on the insurance plan at work because s/he works less than 40 hours a week.  If they're lucky enough to work 40+ hours a week, the cost of the insurance is so much per pay that they opt out of getting it.  Afterall, that's $80 a month that can pay the water bill or gas bill or buy a new pair of uniform pants... or liquor/drugs to drown their pain and sorrow and frustrations in.

Speaking as a woman who has been fortunate enough to have health insurance and simply wouldn't know what to do without it, is emphathic to the frustrations of women without insurance who are trying to raise children without insurance. This past winter, as my daughter fought off an infection that simply wouldn't go away, we spent money on co pays and things not covered and even at one point an ambulance (that bill made me sit and stare out the window for an hour) so, yes, I KNOW what is out there for those without.

Children who become ill, break bones, have issues that require medical attention.  Women who want birth control but can't get it because it costs way too much out of pocket.  People who want to do the right thing for themselves, to lift themselves up and have what others have, yet are being treated as if they simply don't exist (until, of course, one of their kids becomes a statistic of some sort later in their lives).

Health care reform is about more than having insurance.  Its about having dignity, being able to take go to the doctor of your choice, when you need to go and know it will be paid for, because you have the insurance to pay for it.  Its about giving birth to healthy children and not having to sacrifice in other areas to keep them healthy. Its about being able to function in society the same way people who do have insurance.  Its about classism, sexism, wealth vs. poverty and control of the masses.  This is about changing the rules of the game.  Its about time, don't you think?

As promised, a little more about the 2010 U.S. Census. Our copy arrived Monday afternoon and in his excitement, my husband filled it out, put it in the return envelop and took it to the post office before I even saw it.  I'm not happy about this.

With that said, I want to reiterate the importance of completing the form.  I had a conversation with a couple of ladies today who hadn't decided whether or not they would complete the form.  I pointed out how completing the census is as important if not more important than voting, as the head count determines the congressional distrcts for the next 10 years.  If they change the district boundaries, you may possibly lose representation.  Or gain.

"but I don't want people knowing my personal business."

Its not like they aren't asking stuff that is already known.  If you complete your taxes, vote, have a bank account, own a home, etc. folk already know most of you're "personal" business.

Somewhere in the distant past, black folk were told they had privacy.  We were dumb enough to believe it.  Oh well.

priceless!
thanks M....

the question has been batted around this month... "Is Black History Month Still Revelant?" 

I always ask, relevant to whom?  still waiting on a response to that.

Seriously... who was black history month created for, and is it still relevant to those people? I did a little research, checking biographies of Mr. Woodson, the founder of the weekly observance that eventually became Black History Month.  All I can find is that he felt it was important that "black studies" should be taught in schools and colleges.  What high schools?  What colleges? 

Now, so you know, the people asking this poignant question are black.  This in itself, fascinates me.  Assuming that Woodson's focus group was blacks, what would make black folks  honestly believe black history month has become irrelevant.... unless of course, they don't actually know any black history.  Anything is possible.

On the other hand, there are non black people of various sorts who "tolerate" this esteemed month of regiritation of all things King, X,Tubman, Douglass.  I had a white student of mine, seriously ask me... what's so damned important about Black History Month? (yes, she cursed... yes, I reprimanded her).   I told her simply, BHM is important because it is part of the history of this country, same as all the other "histories" of this country. 

Its important to understand that nothing happens in a vacuum.  Perhaps, that's why, in the minds of some, BHM has become irrelevant.  They can no longer see it as part of the big picture.  Few see how Harriet Tubman's work with the Underground Railroad was just part of her glorious life... because of her lurking around behind Confederate lines during the Civil War, she was able to be a spy, one of the few women that were able to help the Union Army.  No vacuum there.

Few get how Martin Luther King resisted the desire to become the spokesman of his people, but had preachers who came before him (including the one that stood in the pulpit at Dexter Avenue just before him) helped him see how his words could bring about change.

There are so many stories... of how the little people, us... who will never have our names in histories books, had, have and will change history in the small things we do daily.  One day a child I've taught might find a cure for a disease that has eluded doctors for decades.  That would be ME... making BHM relevant to me. 

Which begs the question... how are you making BHM relevant?  What have you done, do, or will do in the future to make history come alive?  What will you say to change the history of this country, this world?

Is Black Hsitory Month still relevant?  Only if you think you are relevant...

Okay, its time for the political correctness police to dust off their robes and wander around aimlessly as people make excuses for saying what they say.


In case you've weren't aware, Chief of Staff Rahm Emmauel, behind closed doors (where most of us assume we're safe from the PC Police) called a group of liberals who wanted to run ads against conservatives "f*ckin retards".  Somehow, our favorite Republican Barbie Sarah Palin found out about his comments and noted that what he said was inappropriate. Remember, Sarah is the mother of a child with cognitive and physical disorders.   I, as a teacher, a parent and a citizen of the world, agree with her, that word is not on the cool list. (don't panic, I'm allowed to agree with her sometimes, ok?) 


In the meantime, our favorite Republican Mouthpiece, Rush Limbaugh used the term publically during his radio program basically denouncing Sarah's need/desire to make that word go away. When asked about what she thought of his use of the term publically, Sarah, kinda, sorta, reprimanded him.  Go figure.


Tim Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics isn't happy about any of it.  He jumped on both Emmauel and Limbaugh about it. Emmauel apologized.  Limbaugh hasn't yet (and knowing him, probably won't; man, I hope I get to eat those words)  As part of the Special Olympics' "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign, a website has been set up to pledge not to use the "R-Word" anymore.  Shriver has also sent our dear Mr. Limbaugh a very strongly worded email that in part makes it clear that members of our society with intellecual disabilities are human, same as he is (personal tongue bite), and that his position as a public figure and commentator has an enormous influence on others.  Basically, Tim told Rush to quit being a retard.(yay for Tim!)


I, as a teacher, mother, daughter of a special education teacher, and member of the world, have always tried to be sensitive to the hearts and emotions of my fellow humans.  I am female, of African descent, height challenged, sight impaired, intelligent and outspoken: all of the stuff that is foder for comment and ridicule.  I've been called a "dumb girl/woman", nigger, midget, blind, wannabewhite and bitter, arrogant bitch.  I can relate to not wanting to be called something negative. 


I join Sarah, fellow female, sight impaired, intelligent and outspoken, who also happens to be mother of an intellecually impaired child, in saying to Rush, just shut the hell up man.  This time, you are really out of order.  Apologies are in order, you know it, get to it.


Everyone, make the pledge, make the "R-Word" go away.

Three random thoughts today...

• The 2010 Census.  I still hear some of my less informed, pretending to have a clue people talking about how the census is just the government's way of getting all in our business.  Ok stupidos, if you need to beleive that, cool..

for the more aware among who don't get ALL their quasi intelligence from CNN, the U.S. Census isn't about the government getting all in our business.  Its about counting heads so that the resources that most of us claim we need and want can be distribulted fairly.  The Census count is also used to determine political boundary lines, which brings me to random thought # 2.

• Political Naivete.  Ladies and gentlemen who didn't know where their polling place was before November 4, 2008, listen carefully.  I love you, seriously, but shut up.

Reading the Huffington Report and thinking Keith Olberman is "the man", does not make you political pundits.  Conveniently forgetting that the previous president was a puppet in the truest sense of the word is no excuse for complaining about the current president not being a damned genie, who snaps his finger and makes it all better and/or not showing up at your house to personally thanking you for pretending to give a damn (seriously, he knows you don't, get over yourself)


As intimated above, politics in this country requires participation in ALL aspects of the process, starting with getting counted.  In order to have your voice heard, you must be counted among the living.  That doesn't happen if you don't complete the census form people.  If you want to continue to get your food stamp card filled every month, it would help if someone knew that, so that the money and food is there for you to use. Random thought #3 segue...

• The hidden rules of captialism. (poverty, middle class and wealth)

I respect the "loyalty" factor as it relates to survival on the lower rungs of society.  I also respect what it really means to be middle class cus I was raised there and continue to try to keep myself afloat there.  The concept of wealth is foreign to me and probably to most who read this... and I think I'm ok with that, but I need you to understand something: we aren't and probably won't be for a very very very very long time, part of the 5% of the economic wealth of this country.  With that in mind, again, being counted makes all the difference in the world.  The 5% has every intention of remaining where they are and keeping you where you and have wonderful, discreet ways of keeping things as they are.  We fall for the okie doke daily, trust me.


I have begun reading "A People's History of the United States", by Howard Zinn.  Fascinating book.  It tells the history of this country from the point of view of everyone except the wealthy and academia, who, in case you weren't aware, were/are the ones who decide what we should and shouldn't know about ourselves (all of us, not just the people with copious melanin in their skin).  After I got beyond my general disgust at the way the Spanish and Italians killed off the aborigines on the Americas,  I have been able to deal with colonial arrogance in the face of true economic and social wealth.  We as a people in this country need to consider the words put to us via the media and from our pulpits.  We really do.


so when pastor tells you not to complete the census form, or when the dudes on CNN only tell you the stuff someone upstairs told them to tell you, consider this:


This is still our country.  We still get to comment and make our voice heard.  We all have functioning brains and should begin to use them.  You don't get to complain when your political lines are redrawn, or your taxes raised, or school funding in your district slashed... if you choose to be silent.


the forms come out in March.  We shall revisit this topic at that time.


carry on.

but, I don't get it...

were things so bad for the previoius administration that anything and everything this administration says is like honey on the tongue?

I'm am probably one of the few African Americans on the planet that thinks the POTUS shouldn't have received the Nobel Peace Prize. Actually, he intimated so, himself, but this ain't about his thoughts on it, it about mine.

I remained cautiously optimistic throught the long, grueling campaign. I knew there would be moments where if he said the right thing, we'd all cheer and even when he said the wrong thing, we'd justify it by saying, well, its better than what John said. I also knew, and felt deeply in my heart, he's pretty green, and that, yes, green could be good, as long as SOMEONE in the joint wasn't as green as he was. He fixed that with most of his cabinet appointees... starting with ole girl Hilary. No problem.

When he was elected, yes, I drove through a lake effect blizzard in 12 degree weather to be witness to the historical inauguration. I was and continue to be happy for him in his successful career thus far... except for one tiny thing....

he really hasn't accomplished anything yet. Or, maybe I missed something.

So, when the announcement came trickling down to me via my favorite politics loving 8th grade student (this child will be such a politician one day, pray for him), I was a bit shocked. My initial response was, who nominated him, when and why?

So we looked up the Nobel Prize, and all that was involved in getting nominated and who could nominate and when nominations closed and when did the voting occur and whatnot. It began to make sense.

He was nominated right after the inauguration apparently... after that fabulous speech about everyone getting along and how we, as Americans know we're buttheads, but we're gonna fix that, if everyone else will admit that they're buttheads too. Yeah, great speech, remember, I was there, I heard it.

Except...(and I know, its only been 9 months), not a whole lot has happened "peace" wise... again, unless I missed something. (I have been extremely preoccupied lately, and there was my self imposed news blackout for the sake of sanity period in there)

Did he receive the prize for the glorious rhetoric of it all? Do people get awarded (rewarded) for rhetoric? (don't answer that, it was rhetorical...hahaha! *sorry*)

this is the letter that came out of the White House the morning of the announcement... does he feel he's earned this?

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace. But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.

These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace.

And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Again, I ain't hatin'... I just think he should actually get something accomplished first, that's all. With all the infighting and backstabbing, and veiled racial bullshit... he has remained focused and determined. I like that. I sense he knows he will accomplish the goals he set out to accomplish. Let's just stop patting him on the back for them BEFORE he's done any of it...

please?
thanks.

Health care and the care of your health. You'd think the two would go together like water and ice or ice and steam, but for some reason, there appears to be a difference between the two.

I have always had health insurance. I have moaned and bitched about the change in deductibles and the copays, but, at the end of the day, I pay the premium, the co pay, the deductible and see the doctor. Because I am blessed enough to do this, I have no "pre existing condition" to be an aggravation for me when I've changed jobs and need to change carriers. Its worked out nicely.

The clinic where my doctor practices was closed for about 3 months last year due to flooding. The computer files were lost and for a while there, noone in the joint was sure who owed them money and who didn't. I've been getting bills in the mail that I wouldn't normally receive because, naturally, everything is submitted to the insurance company. Ladies and gentlemen, health care, even the preventive maintenance, wellness stuff, ain't cheap. I make the necessary phone calls and resubmit claims and everything is ok now, but I couldn't imagine having to pay out of pocket for that stuff. I feel for people who have to.

I also feel for doctors. When I took my daughter in for her menigitis vaccination before heading off to college a couple of years ago, the doctor asked specifically... can she have this done at the infirmary? I asked why. He was plain.

That vaccination will cost the clinic $127 and the insurance company will
probably only pay $50 of it. We have to eat the rest. Its gotten to
the point where clinics and doctors are working for free while the patients are
padding the pockets of the insurance companies.

This is what the health insurance debate is about. People needing insurance, having insurance and paying insurance, yet, for some reason, the insurance companies aren't providing health care ASSURANCE.

Some say the problem lies in the deregulation of the insurance companies several years ago (gee, doesn't that sound familiar, can you say "bank deregulation"?) Some say its just general greed of hospitals and insurance companies. I say its a spiralling mess of both.

So, all the nice people screaming like banchees at town hall meetings are confused. They're functioning under a delusion created by health insurance lobbists who want to make sure that the "good thing" their clients have been living with all this time, doesn't fade to black.

And then there's this other notion of what's really going on. Remember 9/11? Remember how, after the dust had cleared, the insurance companies had to pay off claims and rates went up and everything?

Remember Katrina and Rita? Same thing there. Notice how in and attempt to "balance" things out, the banks started all of that adjustable mortgage rate stuff? Remember the bottom falling out of manufacturing and everyone packing up and moving to China? How many more dominos will fall before its all over?

Well... I believe everyone should have health insurance. Everyone should visit the doctor at least once a year. This will cut down on the number of pre existing conditions, which will reduce costs in health care which will... well you see how it works.

If folk would just stop screaming lik e banchees at town hall meetings....

but we'll discuss thatin part 2....

I read a post on a forum today with a picture of President Obama presumably giving a young lady the once over. Naturally, the person that posted the picture had something negative to say about it... why not? ignant people tend to find ignant things to say... basically the commentary was... will Michelle approve? people tell so much about themselves in the things they say, don't they?


FOR THE RECORD.... this is what the VIDEO shows President Obama doing...




why must we keep up so much mess? WHY?

I swear, this particular day of the year bugs me. Part of the problem is the firecrackers this little brat across the alley insists upon exploding every day for at least a week before the holiday, early in the morning. I hope he has used up his alottment... I pray he has used up his alottment.

The other problem I have with his particular day of the year is the way most people aren't really clear on what is being celebrated. Some think its about who can best cook a large piece of pork. Others think its about standing around in uniforms and saluting flags. Some think its about sleeping all day. Others figure driving miles away from home to sit around with family and talking shit is the order of the day.

I have no idea why we celebrate this holiday anymore. White folk don't appreciate freedom, everyone else (folk without pink skin) have never really been free, so its just a day off to us, I suppose.

I spent the day wondering if I should repaint the pin stripping I did on my son's wall yesterday, doing some updating on my jewelry website (have you been there yet, no? git there dammit)... and listening to my husband have a really nice conversation with our daughter, who, with her brother, is spending the summer in Florida.

Then I went shopping. Yes, shopping. I don't care if there's a recession, I need shea butter and earrings. Ok, I didn't need earrings, but I like to support my sisters out there making handmade jewelry... so I bought some stuff at the annual caribbean festival ... it was raining... so, shopping was easy. I don't mind getting wet.

what was the question again?

Oh yeah, this particular day of the year no longer has meaning to me. I have always assumed I was free, I KNOW that my freedom is not dependent on anything any "american" did for me... although I am eternally grateful to all members of the armed forces for sacrifices made. Thank you all...

but... this particular day of the year...I don't know yall...tell me... should I care? Well, there are the fireworks... I like fireworks... (smile)

Dear Governor Sanford:

It has come to my attention that you used poor judgement lately. I'm not sure what exactly was on your mind and why you thought you were getting away with, but I must say, I am disappointed.

Not only have you disgraced yourself in the face of your family and constituency, but also before the eyes of God.

Aren't you one of the guys about 16 years back that INSISTED that President Clinton should resign because of his trist with Monica? Dang man, at least Wild Bill stayed at work! Why did you leave the country dude? Wouldn't it have been easier to send for her? Is she that fabulous? Will she let you live with her now (cus I hope ole girl has sense enough to change the locks on the door)

What were you thinking? At the end of the day, its just sex. You can get that on just about any corner in America. Was it her conversation? her fake picture? the voice on the phone? Tell me please, so I can go out and twist up some man's head right quick!

No, seriously, I weep for you in this situation. You really got caught up and now, probably actually believe everyone will say, poor man, woo woo woo. NOT. As I discussed this with someone this morning, it was noted how you have always made a point of making sure everyone knows how great a Christian you are and how your "Christian Values" are the cornerstone of who you are as a man and a politician. The thing about being a child of God, though, dude is this: you don't even "get" what being a child of God is until you've suffered a bit...

wait, you're suffering now, I think you "get it" now, huh?

I want to thank you, as a fellow child of God for putting the wrong message out there in the universe, pushing more people away from Christ and the faith and forcing me to now spend at least the next 2 weeks listening to atheists, agnostics and free thinkers on the way out there tip, use YOU as the example of why Christianity sucks.

I hope things get better for you. I hope you really do "get it" now. I hope your wife is more forgiving than I'd probably be. I hope you can find a job, cus, damn dude, you gonna lose this one.

Have a scrumdillious day Governor Sanford, for real doe...

This business in Iran is bothering me. In fact, all this business in the "middle east" has been bothering me for a while now. I tend to see the world through historically tinted glasses, a bit foggy, I will admit. Even with this truism about myself, I must say, there's something very toxic brewing here.

If you click on the title of this post, you will find yourself at a very interesting article in Salon.com by Michael Lind. Basically, Mr.Lind argues against theocratic governments and how Iran is attempting to hide a theocracy behind the current "free" elections.

There's nothing "free" about a theocracy, ladies and gentlemen. In a theocracy, clergy interpret and decide what is "right and wrong", "good and bad", "acceptable and unacceptable" in the society. They even define what/who "God" is and whether God is the God of all or just those who agree with them.

From a purely spiritual point of view, every person has the right to choose their path in life, not have it defined for them and then subjected to scrutiny 24/7. At least, that's what I believe based on my spiritual education. Naturally, there should be some rules, some guidelines so keep order in the world, however, to apply religious dogma to the daily functioning of government has never worked. Just ask the Jews.

God promised the Israelites the land of Canaan if they simply obeyed him. They did for a while, then, seeing the other nations function under kings and judges and religious leadership, they wanted what others had. Becoming disobedient, they set up a government that resulted in corruption of the laws of Moses. That particular theocracy/nation has never been quite the same, has it?

In our country, we have the right to worship as we please, the right to speak our mind concerning what the government does or doesn't do, and all sorts of other rights. The government attempts to remain secular, although, naturally, depending on the fervor (real or imagined) of whoever is in charge at any given time, we find ourselves being "corralled" with religious undertones attached to it all.

Natural rights, as Mr. Lind calls them, belong to everyone. To control how another human being functions in the world under the guise of "I'm doing this for your own good" only leads to rebellion. Sort of like what's happening in Iran right now.

Yet, the clergy/government seems shocked and confused by it all. Did they really believe everyone would just say, ok, we accept your (our) choice.

I think our founding fathers got it pretty much on point... even if we do battle it out daily about what we should and shouldn't be allowed to do, whether the government should interfere in our rights to do things, etc. and all the other stuff people don't really think about until a law is passed and they don't like what its about.

Oh well.... nations under God... gotta love them.

I'm cold. Ok, I admit it...

with that said, I must say, I had the most amazing day today. After figuring out how to get to the Metro station without getting lost we stood in a long line with people from all over the country... Minnesota folk in front of us, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa and North Dakota behind us...

we were excited, giddy... joyful even...

for some, it was about Bush FINALLY being gone... for others, it was about Obama FINALLY taking office...

for me, it was about listening to the words of people who had something to say... and so much was said...

After getting tickets, finding our way to the train and riding into the city, we found ourselves among even more people, simply NEEDING to be there... old, young, citizens and non (there was an African man standing in front of the White House yelling in his native language as his friend videotaped him. When he finished, he bent down, kissed the concrete, stood crying and simply walked away. I was awestruck). There were protestors, celebrators, performance artists, students completing service projects (one was dressed like bush with a prison suit on)

We were all acting like tourists, yet we weren't. We were acting like children in a candy store, yet we weren't. We were/are happy.

I'm tired. I swear I am. I'm so excited I don't know if I'll be able to sleep.

More later...

Ok, its 8:30 pm and I'm sitting in a hotel room in Culpeper, Virginia listening alternately to my cousin read the local paper to me, and the Pittsburgh/Ravens game. I'm exhausted.

Travel tip: buy a map of the place you're going: Google Maps sucks.... we spent 1.5 hours wandering up and down a mountain on a secondary road we didn't need to be on...

Another travel tip: NEVER NEVER NEVER answer the cell phone when you KNOW its your "know it all" uncle on the other end....

Culpeper is a nice little place. We have lucked out; its relatively warm (ok, the people here think its cold), its 34 degrees (it was 15 when we left the house this morning) I've called a couple of friends, checked in with hubby and mapped out the gameplan for Monday.

This is gonna be fun!

Its 2:54 am, Sunday, Janaury 18th as I write this. I'm dress, packed and waiting for my cousin who lives 20 miles away and who said she'd be here at 2:30. She called at 2:22 to let me know she was just putting her stuff in the car.

Oh, did I mention we're on our way to Washington to be Obama groupies? Yeah, two crazy chicks from Chicago driving in the middle of the night on ice covered roads to a place we'd rather visit in the spring.We're going to see something we might not see again in our lifetime.

The Inauguration. Hot Damn!!!

I am taking the laptop and will drop my random thoughts here as we enjoy our little adventure.

I will say right up front, I'm nervous. Not because of the road conditions or the trip itself. Not even because of all that I'm sure we'll encounter along the way. I'm nervous because... hell, I don't know. Maybe its not nervousness, maybe its anxiousness. I've invested a great deal of time and energy in "pretending" we're just going to the inauguration, when in fact, yes, this is probably going to be the most historic event of the century.

I wish Daddy were here to see it.

I wish all my ancestors were here to see it. THIS is what they got up every morning and endured insult and injury and pain and suffering for...
THIS is it... the opportunity for someone who WANTS to be more, to simply BE more...
and as I've said before, there is no longer any excuse for the rest of us now, is there?

What is so special about Barack Obama that he came from nothing, and decided he would be something, and then proceeded to allow nothing or noone keep him from what he desired.

Ok, gotta go... cuzin is here!!! Off we go into the wild, frozen EAST!!!

more later...

In a previous life, I had a job where I had to be able to "read" body language. It was imperative that I listen with both my ears and my eyes to what was being presented to me.... I loved that job... I swear I did...

I took a moment to watch a video clip of the 4 living presidents and president elect Obama as they met in the Oval Office. I immediately noticed something interesting. So, I scouted out some still photos to make sure I was seeing what I THOUGHT I was seeing... and there it was.

Body Language that, if you consider who was doing what, says alot about the man and who he is or was or might become, in this job.

Let's take a look at the "boys" shall we?

Photos

5 men, standing:

Daddy President : hands in pocket, left shoulder deferentially behind the soon to be president, laughing at comments being made, glad as hell he gets to go back to Maine or Texas or whereever the hell he's living now, when this is over. He is the most comfortable person in the picture.

Mr. President-Elect: hands folded in front of him, left shoulder also in a deferential position, (or is that beingg "pushed" back?) smiling and quite possibly still pinching himself over all of this. He's ready to take the job, knowing these men will be of help to him. He's patiently waiting for the current president to "go away". He makes a nice "bush" sammich there, don't he?

Mr. President: hands at sides, palms open, standing obviously, and intentionally one step ahead of the two men behind him... the one that he replaced and the one that will replace him, he alternately turns his back to them both; he's still in charge, if only for a couple of weeks. Respect him dammit.

Mr. Playboy President: hands behind his back, standing stiffly. Interesting alignment, standing closely to the current president. Or is that trying to get away from his neighbor on the left? Its generally known he and Carter don't like each other, but damn.. play nice will ya?

Mr. Senior Stateman President: hands at his side, notice the right hand almost in a fist position, and/or held stiffy in fron of him... he is allergic to Clinton. Standing apart from the group (again, doesn't like Clinton, who decided to put them next to each other anyway?) He, like Daddy Bush, relishes invitations to the big house, but looks forward to getting back to the farm.


now... make note, this is just MY observation... I can respect the 3 formers not saying a great deal, dubya and barry are having THEIR moment; but behaviors don't lie. If you check the video, Clinton, the attention seeker, keeps poking his head into the shot, Carter is trying to escape, Daddy wants to sit down and take a nap, and the once and future presidents are jocking for position...

man I love politics, even the unspoken stuff... don't you?

I couldnt resist...

I've been watching quietly since Monday night... just wanted to see what people would do, how people would react, what people would say.... and I heard something Tuesday night that made me stop and think...

One of the commentators on CNN was speaking about Obama right after the final projections came in... he used the analogy of Moses getting the people to the precept of the promised land and looking over to see what was there... Moses sent Joshua to see what was there and how the people could and would survive there...

Moses knew he wouldn't see that place, God had told him he couldn't go... he was part of the "corrupt" generation...he would not see the promised land... yet, he knew it would be ok...he knew Joshua would be a good leader...

I related my "MLK" experience to my 9th grade advisory class Wednesday morning as we basked in the afterglow of historic victory... I told them where I was and what I was doing the day MLK died... I told them how the experience of knowing, seeing and hearing MLK's words had made an impact on me and how that day had changed my life forever... as I was talking...it occured to me... Barack is the same age I am... he was somewhere having a life changing experience similar to mine... I wondered, how did April 4, 1968 change HIS life...? How has becoming "Barack Obama" over the last 40 years prepared this man for his role as president?

Barack is our Joshua... He has gone forth and inspected the land of the "enemy" and he has come back with a report and a plan... and as he has told us, we will have to sacrifice for the things we want and need and deserve... it won't be easy... but we can do it...

I've had people, of all racial persuasions tell me this week, how inspired they now are to do more, to want more, to work harder to become more... there really are no more barriers, are there? I've known this for a while...I just didn't want to believe it...I didn't want to step out and do the things that I KNOW I am met to do...

there are no more excuses for me... this is a new day...

We are the Joshua Generation... and we can do this...