If I'm Dreamin'

If I'm dreamin', then just let me sleep

Don't wake me up until my dream is complete

--I'm Dreamin' by Christopher Williams

I am STILL reeling. . . . I KNEW there was no way he would lose but man, he REALLY won!!!!

Now we've got some serious work to do, people we gotta help a brother out and do our part to get this country on the right track. You can start in your own home with initiatives like recycling or carpooling to help impact the environment, invest in the stock market even though it's down (it WILL be back up) to help stimulate the economy, mentor a child or volunteer in an underprivileged area to help save one young person from any pitfalls that lie ahead. Don't be passive and wait on President Obama to be a savior otherwise you will be thoroughly disappointed. His win should inspire you to want to do and be more not expect him to fix the world.

If his Presidency is considered a failure it's because WE (as a country and a people) failed. Be encouraged and do your part!

BARACK THE VOTE

Okay, I had to do a double post today. . .the Red Beans & Rice were delish but I had to get serious for a minute.

I voted early in my state on Wednesday, October 22nd. It took me all of 15 minutes. It was the first time I voted early and can't believe I never thought to do it before. There are a lot of people who didn't vote early for various reasons (maybe your state didn't allow it) but today is do or die!!! I have called and harassed everybody I know that is registered to make sure they vote!

So much has been made about this being a "historical" election that it's almost a cliche. This is BEYOND historical. This is destiny. This is more than Dr. King probably ever even dreamed of. Not only is there a black man running for President. He could ACTUALLY win!!! And he's not just any black man. . .he's intelligent, smart, informed, dignified, distinguished, family oriented, funny, attractive, and just totally awesome.

But I do not for one naive minute think that Barack Obama is going to come in like Superman and clean up the economy and end the war in his first hundred days. Realistically it might not even happen during his presidency BUT I do think he will leave a mark that will forever change politics and this country. I think an Obama Presidency will mean that America regains the respect of other world leaders, an Obama Presidency will seriously force America to deal with this ugly thing called racism that eats away at our society every day and most importantly an Obama Presidency will make black children and ADULTS aspire to do more and be more because ANYTHING is really possible if we work hard, treat people right and never give up.

Please, please, please VOTE today if you are reading this and you haven't already cast your ballot. I do not want to wake up tomorrow and feel like it was just another dream deferred. This is real and it can happen VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!!!

Don't Believe the Hype

I've said it before and I'll say it again. . .I consider myself to be pretty involved and engaged when it come to politics in this country but that's not why I started this blog- to debate or promote my views. HOWEVER I am compelled to throw out factual information in the face of bullshit. (Note: This is from a credible unbiased Associated Press writer.)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check

P.S. If the audience at the Republican National Convention is any indication of WHO McCain and Palin are representing then I think we all know what needs to be done. . .

Phenomenal Mama of the Year

Lately it seems I have been struggling to keep up. Struggling to get everything crammed into a short 8 hour day. And our last excursion seemed to wipe out what little determination I had left. As much as I enjoy this blog and as committed as I had become I also found it becoming a struggle. A struggle to post something worthwhile. A struggle to even sign on in the evenings after to work and connect.

But last night I was given a burst of energy. Renewed motivation and a hot topic to discuss: Mrs. Michelle Obama. A Phenomenal Mama for the ages!

I almost did myself a disservice by not watching Mrs. Obama because I was tired and it was getting late but I felt drawn to the television as she took to the stage in her vibrant turquoise dress, with her perfectly coiffed hair and infectious smile. So, I copped a squat and turned up the t.v.

I felt riveted and a bit emotional throughout Mrs. Obama’s speech. There is something about her that’s almost Oprah-esque but she definitely has a certain flair all her own. She’s very quick witted, intelligent, and articulate (the Anglo’s favorite word) but she also possesses this down to Earth “sista” quality that reminds you of your best friend, aunt or co-worker who tells it like it is. . . . although she’s the closest thing we have to black “royalty” she also comes across as very approachable and able to relate to the masses.

But the thing that I admire most about Mrs. Obama is her absolute adoration and devotion to her children. It is so apparent that she is a nurturing, attentive and engaged mother. I admire any woman that can juggle motherhood, marriage, work, etc. and make it seem effortless but to do it on a world stage with so many people watching and so many people judging. . .that to me takes some serious confidence and courage. I have been on Team Obama since the beginning and not only am I rooting for Barack Obama to become the next President I’m also rooting for this family to continue to be strengthened throughout this process (and his presidency) so that all Americans can see the shining example of what a family is supposed to be and what really matters in this life.

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Obama

I have intentionally avoided talking about politics on this blog. I felt that my personal political views were not necessarily relative to parenting issues. . . that is until Barack Obama won the Democratic presidential nomination.

This historical feat is very relative for this particular forum because while I am a firm believer of "reaching for the stars" and "never giving up hope" I must admit there is a pessimist who lives within that is always pointing out the reasons why things will never work.

But now as this black man who was a public servant but virtually unknown to most of America until the 2004 Democratic Convention is thisclose to becoming President of the United States of America the pessimist in me has died.

Now when I tell my son that he can be ANYTHING in the world that he wants to be including President of the United States and he looks at me with those beautiful brown eyes full of wonder and asks, "for real?" I can proclaim without a doubt, "For real!"

Get ready people because A Change Is Gonna Come!!