Health care speech afterthoughts

The gang has cleared from my space. We gathered to watch President Obama give the health care reform speech to Congress. Now I am here burning the midnight oil collecting my thoughts on tonight's address. Surely my faith in him, his promises and in his administration has been reaffirmed. He gave a speech at a crucial time that will move this issue forward. At a time when some Americans began losing hope, he came - as he always does - to reassure us that he has not given up on the fight that will eventually allow accessible and affordable health care.

I could discuss the hecklers such as Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina who yelled "you lie" to the President of the United States or Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas who had a sign around his neck that read "What bill?" (that's for a later entry)... However, I will focus my attention on the letter that President Obama mentioned in his speech - the letter that dear Senator Ted Kennedy wrote to him in May. Check it out here.

No public option – No reform

Last summer I worked vigorously with countless of other Obama supporters to help him win the presidency. One of his major campaign promises was to revamp the failing health care system.
If you believe that the current health care system is not supporting all Americans, then I dare you to get on board and rally behind the public option. America needs this – not a “trigger system” that reports indicate that Obama is leaning towards to appease the republicans and blue dog democrats. Fiscal conservatives argue that a public option is too expensive, it’s too massive, and he’s pushing forth a socialist agenda. Give me a break. What is too expensive is voting to fund a war that we should have never entered. Health care is increasing, insurance companies are failing to provide services to those who have preexisting conditions, and millions of Americans are without coverage.

Many of my friends who are either finishing or finished college are participating in unpaid internships without healthcare. There are equal or greater people employed at companies who do not offer health insurance. Most companies have inserted clauses that drop coverage after one reaches a certain age (ie. I was dropped from my parent’s insurance once I reached 23). Thankfully my employer provides reasonably affordable insurance. However, without this public option, I fear that what I’m paying now will double or triple. This is the perfect opportunity to revamp the system and hold insurance company’s accountable to providing ethical coverage.

We elected President Obama to overturn the politics of the past. He cannot afford to break away or concede to those who are unwilling to offer up solutions or compromises. He cannot give in to the insurance lobbyists who are injecting fear and blatant lies into the health care reform discussions nor can he turn back on his campaign promises. This is important. The public option is absolutely necessary and will be a great way of regulating the current prices of insurance.

No public option – No reform.

I didn't know my own strength

Struggles. Fear. Dilemmas. Vicissitudes. Problems. Failing. Difficulties. Situations. Issues. Weaknesses. Miseries. Pain. Hurt. Falling.

Life can sometime throw hardballs that will cause you to question your faith. Doubt starts to creep in, anger builds and giving up seems the easy way out. Challenge yourself to use the negatives as opportunities to start afresh. Tie a knot at the end of your rope, rewrite your strategy and crawl if you have to - to reach the finishing point. Don't break.

Check out song#7 at http://www.whitneyhouston.com/.

Sermon notes (8-16-09)

No matter how late one stays out the night before, it is a ritual in most black families to be in someone's worship service on Sunday mornings. For the past seven consecutive Sundays, I have been a regular visitor at St John Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Dr. Denny Davis is a phenomenal speaker who provides practical and relevant sermon subjects. Yesterday, he preached a sermon titled "Don't become disqualified". Thank goodness for the G1 telephone. I'm able to take notes during the sermon, and I'd like to share the message that he preached during the 11 o'clock service. Enjoy!

1 Cor. 9:16-27
Don't become disqualified
-Professional, college and even high school athletes who’ve used performance enhancement drugs have had their titles and victories stripped of them b/c they disqualified themselves
-We can spend a lifetime preparing for our moment in the spotlight while destroying that moment in the end
-Don't take any moment of glory for granted
-People have blown great opportunities and chances - unfortunately forfeiting life's achievement due to a mindless act
-Life can be compared to a sporting event
-Be mindful of the things that can disqualify me
-One thoughtless moment can cause me everything – even after developing skills, talents & abilities
-Don’t live life “in the moment” forgetting the investments and sacrifices incurred along the way to succees

Tips to surviving temptations & finishing strong:

1. Take some time to develop convictions
-Something should sustain, keep and restrain me
-I must develop the right principles (v17)
-I have been given a trust and I need to know how to handle my options
-Life doesn't owe me anything… not a sense of entitlement; there are others more deserving.
-God expects me to operate on his behalf
-He’s entrusting me to be a witness 24/7
-Privileges that are given is because God trusts me & the picture is bigger than me
-Always be a drum major for truth by demonstrating the right priorities (Galatians 6)
-Display right practices
-My goal should be to do whatever it takes to win one for Christ – as Paul mentions
-Live in such a way that I inspire someone else to come to Christ
-My life should not be about me but should be about other people.
-There is someone watching my footsteps. Am I living in such a way that someone would want to follow my footsteps? (1979 blizzard… son follow footsteps of dad home)

2. Take time to develop character (v23)
-Never assume that I'm going to grow old
-Don't live life with regrets
-Life is important, individual, and intense
-Give life and God my best… don’t miss any opportunities by worrying about who’s running against me
-The race is not given to the swift or strong but to the one that endures to the end
-Life is intense (v25)
-Great opportunities have been afforded to some, but not everyone can the handle spotlight because they lack integrity

3. Take time to develop consistency
-Life requires development
-Strive to be intentional in everything that I do.
-Do not go through life aiming without a target

Race: Part I

If you have been watching the news lately, recall the recent headlines: Harvard professor played the race card; any good neighbor would call police, PETA remains skeptical of [Michael] Vick; considers protests at games, Is race driving the anger at these town hall meetings, and Georgia Office of Rep. Scott Defaced by Swastika. These headlines all indicate that America has her hands full with constructing better race relations in America.

In the later part of July, the Professor Gates' arrest was going away. In the middle of a press conference, on health care reform, a reporter interjected by asking President Obama’s opinion of the arrest. President Obama clearly misspoke by calling Officer Crowley’s actions as being “stupidly.” He later apologized. But Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck would not let the situation run its course.

In an interview with Greta Van Susteren, of Fox News’, Limbaugh mentioned: “We’re finding out that this guy’s got a chip on his shoulder. He’s angry at this country. He’s not proud of it… I think there are elements in this country he doesn’t like and he never has liked.” While Limbaugh and his conservative friends are entitled to their opinions of our president, I strongly refute Limbaugh’s remarks. Since February of 2007, and earlier, some conservatives have tried painting President Obama as someone who is out of touch with the founding fathers’ ideologies, as being un-American and have been on a mission to distort his presidency. While it is normal, and rather political, for the opposing party to counter each other’s agenda, it is also extremely disturbing for blatant lies to surface in hopes of twisting the truth. Limbaugh did not stop. He went on to say: “He's using the power of the presidency to remake the country.” Way to go Limbaugh! Each presidential candidate, in one fashion or the other, campaigns on reshaping the country.

In an interview, on Fox News’, Beck said, “[President Obama is] a guy who has a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture... I'm not saying he doesn't like white people, I'm saying he has a problem... This guy is, I believe, a racist.” Remarks such as this further divide our country. This infuses racial separations and makes it harder for us to create a nation where the color of our skin does not epitomize who we are as individuals. For an extended period of time, civil rights icons fought in hopes of establishing a country that does not judge the other based on their race. Since the election of the country’s first black president, the dialogue on race has resurfaced. I welcome this. We have so many people who are passionate about uncovering the deeply engrained, stereotypes and critical analysis of the black race. To an individual, there is much more than what you can visualize externally. As a nation that is full of people from all walks of life, with different backgrounds, different life stories and of all race – we have to get to a point where we can embrace people for who they are and accept them as is.

Have you said "I love you" lately?

This morning, I woke up to an inspirational text message from my mom. It truly came from her heart. All she said was, "I am proud of you. Love you." The baby inside of me is tearing. Ah, I can make it through the weekend. Love you, moms!

2007: State of the Black Union

One of my students sent this to me. I don't have time to comment right now, will do so later. Nonetheless, Dr. Julia Hare is very hilarious.

Ebay & General Motors

Are you looking to buy a vehicle? Then look no further than eBay. General Motors will begin selling cars tomorrow on the popular online auction site. This will be the real deal. The only catch is: you have to live in California. That sucks! According to Business Journal, “consumers will be able to browse showrooms, ask questions, negotiate prices and purchase new 2008-2010 vehicles”. Recently out of bankruptcy, GM is taking advantage of the market niche. A report titled, “Consumer Behavior Online: A 2009 Deep Dive” released by Forrester indicates that on average, consumers spend at least 12 hours a week online. This indicates that more people are less skeptical to goods online. For example, last month, instead of going into Best Buy or Circuit City to buy another laptop power surge for a hundred bucks, I went to the popular Froogle.com, and saved myself roughly $80. I ordered the surge online on Wednesday and it arrived by Friday. The power of the net!

Twitter & Facebook Problems

Okay. I am having withdrawals. Before eating breakfast, feeding the dog or preparing for work in the morning, I have grown accustomed to regularly updating my Twitter. For some reason, twitter.com is not responding. I have even tried to update my 140-character status message using the Twitta service from my TMobile G1. Nothing is happening.

The way the world communicates has changed. Talking on the phone has become antiquated and has been replaced by text messaging. Although I’m not a regular user of Facebook, one of my friend text me and said she was having problems logging into the system. System administrators: We are not going to be able to survive the day without having access to our popular social networking sites. Please fix this fast! These withdrawal pains are not easy.

Sunday's Song

I need just 10 minutes of your time. Please take a look at this video in its entirety.

Civil Rights Movement = 2 Gay Rights Movement?

Last night, one of my good friends, and I had an extremely long discussion about whether it would be appropriate to equate the gay rights movement to the civil rights movement. In both movements, each party is (or was) fighting for the right to equality, and both parties have people who oppose their right to live free from discrimination. Ultimately, the two classes have different fights, but their bottom line goal was (and still is) to convince their counterparts that they have the right to be treated fairly. Gay people are attempting to convince some heterosexuals, while blacks convinced some whites that their being discriminated against was unfounded and unfair.

My friend, who I will refer to as “John”, believed that the civil rights movement was extremely different, in context – which I agree. Our disagreement stemmed from whether the movements were the same sort of lobbying. I presented several analogies. One of the basic: if I’m told to dig a hole in Atlanta, and you’re told to dig a hole in Dallas – no matter where we’re digging holes at, at the end of the day – we both dug holes. John believed that black people were discriminated based on what a person could see – the color of their skin. And he is absolutely correct. Gay people are discriminated based on their sexual preference, whether you can immediately recognize a gay person would be based on a case by case analysis; however, each group is being discriminated against.

I was really taken back by how he could not see that they were both fighting for different rights, but yet both fighting for rights. Because of the extremely sensitive content, race and sexual preferences, our conversation quickly turned from whether they were both “equal rights” to whether gays should even have rights at all. Again, we differed. Our entire discussion began with a marquee from a church in Texas that read: “Gays right are not civil rights”. And I wholeheartedly disagree with this pastor’s opinion and personal assessment. This pastor can morally choose to disagree with a gay person’s lifestyle; however, it becomes extremely absurd when he beings to advocate denying certain people the right to equality. Neither should he use the pulpit as a punching bag to seclude a particular group of people. Being rooted and grounded in one’s personal beliefs does not exempt one from treating people fairly or cautious of their feelings.



John believed that gays should refrain from causing uproar because being gay is a preference, whereas being black is not an option. On the contrary, I expressed that individual classes should be able to live without lawmakers setting parameters within their freedom to choose. Whether one falls within the pool of diversity of being physically disabled, male or female, rich or poor, young or old, white or black – we as people should have the liberty of expressing ourselves as unique and different individuals. After all, this is what makes us the great melting pot of groups, ideas and citizenships.

By surrounding myself with people who come from different backgrounds than me, with those who have ideas that does not always align with mine has taught me that at the end of the day, we have something in common – we just want to be happy and free of worries. Because we sit in different sections of the aisle does not mean we cannot find that uniting bond that holds us together. While my atheist friend is guided by his personal convictions and my Muslim friend’s lifestyle are shaped through her ideologies, we are able to create civil discourse and merge our differences and ultimately realize that we are one.

Embracing a reemerging icon: Whitney Houston

Everyone has family members who have acted out in ways that would cause some members of the family to be downright embarrassed and humiliated. Being careful of passing judgment, these are the ones who relentlessly seek attention, constantly have problems after the next or just simply make those “what could you have been possibly thinking about”-type decisions. In some instances, their choices could potentially tarnish the upstanding legacy of the family. What I admire about my race is that we often have a heart of extending redemptive love to those who need it most. Instead of shunning our family members or speaking ill, we politely express our sentiments of unhappiness with their actions and encourage them to rectify their behavior. Some members exude tough love. Others stand in the background offering cheers of how to rise above their painful situation.

We all are aware of Whitney Houston’s past. At a very young age, she rose to stardom because of her singing abilities. She captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide through her crossover appeal, and she was offered several lead roles in films – becoming an amazing actress. However, she later faced public scrutiny because of her admitted drug use and failed marriage. You may recall back in 2005 when she made regular appearances on Being Bobby Brown; the show epitomized the obvious –Houston was being hit hard with the vicissitudes of life.

Houston does not ride solo in public exile. Others such as: Chris Brown, former NAACP Youth and College Director turned Baltimore preacher Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Michael Vick (among a host of other athletes – Ron Artest, OJ Simpson) and R. Kelly have all had to endure such unrestricted opinion.

Listening to Vivica Fox on the Wendy Williams Show last week when she spoke of the Chris Brown apology inspired me to write this entry. She said that “[Chris] has a tremendous amount of talent and a bright future. He made a mistake… when I see him I will embrace him and give him a hug”.

Bishop Jakes wrote in a press release regarding his son, Jermaine, that “in spite of the family pain we feel from this unfortunate situation, it has given us a chance to show him the same help, support, and restorative grace for which our family and church is noted.”

One of the biggest conduits for championing those who have fallen has been my Big Ma. She instilled in me that that while I might not agree with someone’s behavior or past mistakes, to always “be careful for nothing”. Perhaps my struggles are not public. Truthfully speak, I too have found myself on the dark Damascus Road and needed someone to embrace and love me. Therefore, I have to firmly support Whitney, the legend. I truly believe that her best days are ahead of her!

I L o o k t o Y o u

1. Million Dollar Bill

2. Nothin' But Love

3. Call You Tonight

4. I Look To You

5. Like I Never Left (feat. Akon)

6. A Song For You

7. I Didn't Know My Own Strength

8. Worth It

9. For The Lovers

10. I Got You

11. Salute

Blog Name Change: The Barber's Chair (TBC)

Taking the summer months off from blogging has been extremely relaxing.

During this two month sabbatical, I have been able to gather new thoughts, enjoy a few new reads, and also assess the reason why I enjoy blogging so much. By this time, you may have noticed that the name of the blog has changed to "The Barber's Chair". Changing the name was easy. Sitting at the barbershop one day, I recalled a conversation with my grandfather before he passed. He mentioned that the barbershop, back in his day, was the primary outlet for black men (especially) to engage in open conversations without fear of being restrained by their counterparts. When black men felt isolated and their voices where not heard, they used the barbershop as an avenue to uplift each other. This was regarded as their “community”. And to date, the black barbershop remains the same.

Going into a black-owned barbershop at any given moment (except Mondays – when most are closed), you very well might witness barbers acting as unscripted facilitators while many patrons provide feedback on the many topics of the hour. Perhaps the conversation may have changed from earlier times in history, the ultimate outlet remains unbroken.

Further, the black barbershop often gives men a sense of culture. This is one place where black men are able to express their likes and disgruntles in a free environment. Often, you might see someone coming in the shop rendering their services, asking to post a business card or selling a bootleg. This is embraced and very much encouraged.

So I extend this invitation for you to gather around the barber’s chair (TBC), and engage in meaningful conversation!

I'm back!

Sexy Spec & Pretty Ricky

I need not receive more texts asking if I've seen the Sexy Spec & Pretty Ricky video. I'm not sure what all the hype is all about. It's just a male performer dancing with clothes. I don't get it. Here goes:

From the Projects to the Supreme Court

President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the nation’s highest court on yesterday. If elected, she will become the first Latina and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

Her academic success and law records were enough reasons alone for her to be selected. In his revealing speech, Obama credited her background and her amazing story from the Bronx projects, to becoming a judge as highlights of her accomplishments.

Sotomayor, raised in the housing project, graduated from Princeton University and Yale Law School. She is a competent and smart judge - who inspires all, just like President Obama to "not despise the days of small beginnings".

Some are already labeling her a racist. However, she simply stated that because of her race, she has had different experiences than her counterparts. As a result, she would be able to have a broader picture of people from all walks of life (i.e. from people who lives in the projects to those who are stockbrokers and lawmakers) when making decisions from the bench. She may have poorly selected her words - perhaps she could have said "because of my humble experiences…” – nonetheless let’s get her confirmed. She's the business.

top three tuesday

top three shows:

Fashion Show
College Hill
Taking the Stage

Do you watch Cheaters?

This episode of Cheaters is hilarious. She chases him in the restroom and beats him with her shoe. Relationships will make you do some crazy things!

Education in America

Strong American Schools released some startling facts about our public school system. Did you know that –

• 1.2 million students drop out of high school every year


• ¼ of high school students do not graduate on time


• 70% of 8th graders can’t read at grade level


• 2/3 of jobs require a college education


• The majority of employers and college professors say today’s high school graduates do not have the skills to succeed. The majority of high school graduates say they regret not learning more in high school.

Source: www.strongamericanschools.org

Memorial Day Gratitude

Thank you to all the soldiers that have fought and continue to fight for our freedom on a daily basis. These women and men make it easier for us to live in a safe America.

Sunday's Song

He called 9-1-1 for what?

BEDFORD, Ohio (AP) -– An Ohio man who argued with his grown son over a messy bedroom said he overreacted when he called 911. Andrew Mizsak called authorities after his 28-year-old son — who's a school board member in the Cleveland suburb of Bedford — threw a plate of food across the kitchen table and made a fist at him when told to clean his room.

The son, also named Andrew, lives in a room in his parents' basement. The father declined to press charges and told police he doesn't want to ruin his son's political career. The son, who also works as a political consultant, said he's lucky to be living in the house rent free. He also promises to keep his room clean.

1st Black NASA administrator, hopefully

President Obama announced on Saturday that he has selected Charles Bolden, 62, to lead NASA. Bolden, a former astronaut, if confirmed, will become NASA's first black administrator. Bolden has an extensive resume. He has been to space at least 4 times.

"Ego" - Beyonce Official Video

T.I says "wait"

Rapper T.I. is scheduled to turn himself in by noon one day after Memorial Day to serve a 366-day sentence in prison. He is now appealing to remain free until prision officials can find a prison closer to his home. There's no word on whether officials will honor his request.

Queen & Lil Rounds

This is the Queen at 39. I have to admit, she is looking fly. I'm rather impressed... former rapper, turned actress; now reppin as spokeswoman for Covergirl.

Dick Cheney... go away!

Yesterday, former Vice President Dick Cheney cordially attacked the president's position on closing Guantanamo Bay. He claims that the U.S. will be less safe if we decide to close the prison facility that houses those who are claimed to be a threat to our national security. He also doesn't believe that third-world countries would want to take over housing these inmates because they have not agreed to do so in the past. Perhaps other countries were not on board because the Bush Administration had few allies. President Obama's administration is now advocating world peace and bridging the gaps of those torn relationships that Dick Cheney and his colleagues were responsible for ripping apart.

I strongly believe that we have to uphold fair and equal justice - even to those who are considered an eminent threat. This is the only way we are going to retain our powerful and respected position in the world. Housing these inmates in a federal prison would be just as safe. President Obama credits that there has never been a breakout in one of these high maximum security prisons. Furthermore, intense and harsh interrogation is not only unethical, but it also tarnishes the reputation of this great nation and what she stands for. Several studies also conclude that these unlawful interrogations causes people to admit to crimes they never committed.

This will be an interesting development to see if the Democratic Party will support the POTUS efforts to close Guantanamo Bay.

First Lady Pic of the Week

Stunning strut!