His Second Term.

Today, we celebrate the installation of President Obama's second term. The road was a bit challenged to get here, but in the end America made the right decision! I won't be able to catch the actual inauguration because I have to work, but I know millions will be watching this morning.

Congratulations, Mr. President!

Party This Weekend at 1600!

Since I really haven't been blogging much in 2012, there's been not much political thought on the Presidential Race (and now WIN) for 44! Like most folks, Tuesday night was filled with anticipation, dread, mixed thoughts, and concern about the potential winner. Lord thank GOODNESS there's still some sense in America. Yes there's plenty of criticism of the Obama Administration, but looking at the possibility of spending four years under a Romney Plan (or lack thereof) was a pill our country couldn't swallow. The voice of the people has been heard. Like it or not, you need to move past the bullsh*t and work with the President.

I'm oh-so-glad the President achieved a second term. Hell, he deserves it. As I've plenty times this year, it took Bush eight years to fuck up the country, Obama can't solve it just four! Amen. The road ahead is gonna be long. Who knows what shenanigans the GOP has in store. I image the same old shuck and jive bullshit will continue. Hopefully, President Obama will take a lesson from across the aisle and use their same tactics to get a Democratic Agenda accomplished. The political gridlock needs resolved regarding the economy, unemployment, and general stability of the US. Lord I hope we can get through this! I know we can if folks can work together. It's time for Washington to suck it up and get to business.

True Blood: Everybody Wants To Rule The World

I was disappointed True Blood has jumped on the bandwagon demonizing President Obama. The use of an Obama mask representing a hate group is soooo tacky and right wing in my opinion. Damn. Et tu True Blood? Really?

I've been impressed with the season thus far and saddened we only have three more episodes left to the season. I'm glad they didn't let the storyline with Terry Bellefleur and his former Sargent drag on. The Ikrit demon thingy creeped me out. No more nightmares. Lafayette was a hoot as always..."Why y'all dead people gotta be so cryptic? It's not cute!" 

We were even given a glimpse of peen tonight...first I think for the show, which I find unusual for an Alan Ball project. Usually there's dick penis all over the place. I thought for sure Chris Meloni was a go to drop trou. He did it for Oz... but nope. Bupkis. Oh well I don't watch True Blood for genitalia.

My observation is this season definitely redeemed itself over last. While the Fae/Faeries have worked their way back into the plot, this season they make sense. No witches. No werepanthers (stupid idea). No drawn out crap rounding out to wasted storyline. I'm even enjoying Tara new fangship in vampirehood. The dynamic between her and Pam (Blonde Barbie Bitch, love her) is comical, endearing, and a great conception.

Russell and Steve Newlin? Interesting pairing up.

Oh did you check out young Alcide tonight? He was a cutie. So is grown up Alcide (Joe Manganiello). OK, maybe I do watch for the eye-candy, hm.... I'm slutty like that!

Seriously though, with a few tweaks, Season 5 could be as promising as the first few. Just no one Elitists in Obama masks please!

Was There Any Doubt?

And....What?!?!

Been a few thoughts ratting around in the grey matter that I haven't commented upon. Here's a rewind of some moments catching my attention this past week.

RuPaul's Drag Race Season Three Finale: First off, congrats to Raja...don't want it to seem like I'm sore loser cause I was a supporter of Team Alexis and Team Manila. That said, why the FRAK did I waste my time this season???? I knew from the FIRST episode Raja was probably going to win! Even though she worked my nerves at times, I grew to love Manila. By the Final three, I knew poor Alexis would be first to go, so I threw hope behind Manila. Alas...

The Weather/Tornadoes: OK? What in Samhain is going on? I'm not one to hit the panic button, but the last few weeks of Tornado activity has been just down right scary. Tornadoes hitting St. Louis' Airport, Tornadoes flattening entire towns in Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia... What the Hell?!?! Even PA wanted to horn in on the horrible weather. Two confirmed twisted rolled through my area on Thursday. Trees were down, flooding galore from the torrential rain, the Susquehanna way past looking menacing....Ugh! Getting to work, which normally is a 20 minute commute, took over an hour. Suffice to say our area wasn't as bad as the South, my point is why is Mother Nature tearing like a woman scorned? She's pissed!

Obama and his birth certificate: You know? Really? Why was this necessary? Honestly, Trump and the rest of the Birthers needed to go over this issue long ago. How commendable that on 44's part to put up with it this long. Mind you, I was one of those who really felt our president showing his birth certificate was so unnecessary. Officials and Reps from Hawaii time and time again gave the proof required to show his birth as US citizen. Yet, Trump and cronies just weren't satisfied. Lord! Donald just go get a haircut and leave us alone already!!! Why hasn't anyone mentioned HIPPA in all this? But I guess the highest citizen in the land isn't entitled to privacy. In any case, 44 showed 'em the long form.

The Royal Wedding: Is it done yet? I know I was one of the ones way back when to watch Charles and Diana, but I have no, none what-so-ever, interest in William and Kate. That's saying something cause usually anything British, and I'm so there. Dunno. Maybe cause Wills and Harry did a flip flop in the cuteness factor? Harry has gotten more over the years....Yeah he looked good standing next to his brother in West Minster. OK, I peeked at the highlights! I didn't watch it Friday morning though.

Superman's Citizenship: Are people really reacting over a comic book character renouncing U.S. citizenship? Really? C'mon people, it's a work of fiction! Get with the program. Let's worry about the frakkin' economy instead a make believe character written for children.

Doctor Who Series 6: After seeing part two of the season opener, I'm completely disillusioned with Who. What complete garbage! Both episodes seemed rushed and loosely tied. I do realize the point to Who has never to wrap things up in a tidy package, but these episode had too many plot whole. And can anyone explain the Silence to me? Um, the Doctor's been visiting Earth for hundreds of years and this is his first encounter? Oh yeah, you forget them when they're outta sight. I get it, outta sight, outta mind. Uh no...

This was perhaps one of the worst Doctor Who episodes to date. I don't know if I was more frustrated with BBC America's commercial interruptions or trying to understand a hastily written story. I've been watching the show since the 70s. I've long said the problem with the new incarnation of Who is it needs to go back to its root. Go back the Tom Baker era telling of story arc. Any one Remember the Invasion of Time? Now that was a story arc for the ages.... Ugh! Moffett, please turn this show around. It needs H-E-L-P. If need be, bring back some the older characters, while keeping the zest and underlying promise. Matt Smith are times shows incredible spark.

Despite my critiques, I'm still intrigued by the Doctor and River's relationship. The show is giving us the truth piece meal, but I think I've worked through the red herrings and alleged theorist on who exact River is. I might be important to not the child from the Season opener. Who was she? Why did Amy react they ways she did in child's room at the Ophanage? What was the real reason Amy told the Doctor she was pregnant and not Rory? Might point out the plot gap...HOW THE HELL DID SHE DISCOVER SHE WAS PREGNANT???

Skipping my rant, I do have speculations who the child trapped in the Apollo 11 suit was. Deconstruct the episode, piece all you know so far about River, and it all makes sense. Had to go back and re-watch River's introduction to the Doctor while he was in his David Tenant incarnation.... Oh I won't spoil it, but I would be très surprised if my theory was wrong...

MED Thoughts on "44" (Thanks, Rippa!)

I saw this over on Rippa's blog, and I give brother full credit for his post! Please be sure to review the original article on The Intersection Of Madness And Reality. I'm re-posting here because it got this brutha to think and this certainly is a must v-cast for any Barack Obama supporter/advocate. Wanted to give others the opportunity to reflect and respond on Michael Eric Dyson's thoughts as well...

Do you agree or disagree with Dr. Dyson? Read my comment and response to Rippa below after viewing the clip.

"Wow! I was really ready to throw down and defend Mister "44," who I love and respect no matter what the staunchest critics say about him, but Dr. Dyson was dead on. Unfortunately, Dr. D speaks the truth, really, that to the older generations, having a black president may not matter! Washington is just a hot bed of game,contention, and mess. Pander to my neighbor so I can get what I need for my constituents or my own self interests. I'm not saying the President isn't a good man or without altruistic intentions, but let's accept there's going to be issues he'll sidetrack, back peddle, and perhaps, completely overlook for a time, until he's comfortable with the impact he's made on the majority (translation white people).

The President has to straddle a difficult fence. I don't envy him, but again, I agree with Dr. Dyson Black people shouldn't give him a "free pass." He needs to be held accountable. Believe me, as a gay black man, I'm watching and hearing the rumblings the Gay Community is having with Obama for not fulfilling his promise to LGBTQ community over DADT (Don't Ask, Don't Tell) and other equal rights for gays. They/we're certainly are holding him up to his word. They/we are demanding he honor his obligation he campaigned.

Should certain issues be sacrificed for the time being? Which issues need to go first? Does a lack to act firmly on minority issues mean "44' has forgotten about us? I don't think so. He has so much on his plate, but I think Obama wants to reach out universally, not to just one community or the other, which means some in the minority (issues) will get overlooked. Is it right? Hell, no. But it's P-O-L-I-T-I-C-S!

Here's a personal question I need to ask. As someone who understands what it's like to be multiracial, how is the whole matter of race, ethnicity, and identity seen by the POTUS? For himself? I've seen interviews. Does he relate as an American? Or does he HAVE TO because we've given Obama the "Black" label, strictly identify as Black (or African American in the truest sense)? We all know he's biracial, "mixed" as we used to say, but grew up in a different set of circumstances than your average African American. I wonder...

Now we've heard the jokes...when the President makes a mistake or slights Black folk, blame it on his "White" half. Is it fair that we hold him to a standard that he has to be 100% in our corner? Honestly? I wanna say he should because if he didn't have the labels in front of his name...Professor, Senator, Mr. President...you know the racists would just see him as another "n" word. I don't know. America speaks with forked tongue no matter what the community, what the ethnic group, we all expect something from this President that he may or may not be able to achieve.

I accept that he'll need to not offend white people, who to be sure, many will accuse him of giving hand outs and freebies to "us" (Black folk) just because of his race. HOWEVER... like Dr Dyson indicated, each of the 43 Presidents preceding Mr. Obama looked out for their "own people," it just wasn't necessarily said because they were of the "majority." And Mr. Obama wants a second term. What President hasn't? So he's gotta play the game, back peddle in some areas, to insure he doesn't offend and hurt feelings to hinder a second term. Is this right? No, but is the nature of the beast. That's why I hate Politics. Ultimately, no matter who the politician, their best intentions, isn't it all about personal gain and legacy?"

Got Racism?

Yeah effing right!

My ass.

Lawdhavmercy! Ian's on a militant tear this morning.Tired of the "isms" today already...Sexism, Racism, Homophobia, Obamaphobia...and it's only 6:30 in the AM.
Oh Christ. What a way to begin your morning, eh? Got up and checked my email and Facebook, saw that one of my "friends" had did one of those annoying little "quizzy" things... Five Historical Things In History I'd stop If You Could. Well you know the fucker had the nerve to put the election of Barack Obama. Put me on blast! Fired off a reply, which I'm sure will end our friendship:

"If I hear one more white person complain about Barack Obama, I think I'm going to be sick. Will y'all get over it already.?!?! He's really not doing that bad of a job! Or is it that White people still see Black people as inferior in this country????? And Dave you put here that you'd stop the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, who by the way, Barack Obama has modeled his presidency upon, or didn't you pay attention during the Inauguration? So far he's {Barack} done the same things Lincoln did, and making better progress. I'm not expecting you to explain yourself or understand why black people think every negative remark against Obama is racist, because you people won't, nor do we have the time or desire to educate ones out of their self-deceived bigotry. I expected better statements than this from you. Really, I did. I'm really disappointed in you man...."

Ian's Inquiry: OK, Said friend might not be a racist, but I get that perception some folks are holding on to 44's election as this great evil, and to me it conveys nothing but racism. So, is every white person who has anything substantial negative about the President being prejudiced or racist?

44 Got Hungry

I know this clip has been posted on other blogs already, but I saw this last night and was gonna post, but got too tired. I like how they "supposedly" just jumped in their car and ran out for a quick jaunt, waited in line like er'rybody else, and actually paid for their meal. First of all, you know Secret Service was there five months in advance casing the the joint for any suspicious threats, then every employee had a thorough background check to the Nth degree... lawdhavmercy! Nothing surrounding our beloved President just happens "by chance." Nothing.

Negro Please!

And ewwwww! Why 44 frontin' like that? We all know he done (supposedly) gave up the cigarettes... He's probably jonesing for the good stuff like a mug. You know he wanted more on his hamburger than some damn mustard, lettuce, and tomato with a glasses of water! Eat healthy? He's the leader of the Free World! Can't the man throw down every once and a while?!?! Course, you know there's probably been some ordering our from Ben's Chili Bowl since the Obamas took residence at 1600, and I doubt it's the Secret Service neither. Ha!

Yeah, I know. President Obama's trying to eat healthy, we all know 44 could gain a pound or two, and then lose that, plus ten more the next time he plays hoops. So Mr Prez...we need some mayo, ketchup, horseradish, and a maybe even a couple strips o' bacon on that sammich! LOL.

Is there any wonder why I'm a big boy? LOL.

One Hundred

Today, we cheerfully, can celebrate this!

but for those of you who still think "44" was a mistake, remember this:

Yeah, George. Barrack's got your back. But not in the way you thought....

Bo & Boo!

"44" & Bo Obama, better known as "Boo!" And don't ask why I started referreing to the President as "44." I just like it. It's familiar without being too familiar...

I still think Bo is ugly, but he's growing on me. As long as the first daughter like him, nobody else's opinion matters I suppose. Doesn't the sight our First Family make your heart swell with pride, though?

ASU Snubs The President

How in the hell do you not confer an honorary degree to the President of the United States? Please, someone tell me. I'm in disbelief Arizona State University will not confer an honorary degree to this year's commencement speaker, President Obama, because he supposedly "has not yet reached the pinnacle of his experience." Um, excuse me. Hello? First Black President? US Senator? Illinois State Senator? Author? Lawyer? Community Organizer? Aren't these enough?

Why don't they just say what they really mean? "We don't wanna give that nigger a degree because he beat John McCain." I find it much better dealing with people when they're honest about their racism. Don't dance around it, be up front with it. Take off your robes and show your crooked ass smile! Wasn't Arizona the last state to formally accept Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national holiday?!?! How blatantly transparent and racist can Arizona State University be?

I wounder what the President himself feels about the issue? Probably is a good thing I'm not president, cause I'd back out of commencement proceedings. I'm sure Big Brother Barack won't, but I would. It's not the students' fault. It's all administrative politics. I'm Sure. And, as I pointed out, I'm positive some Arizonans are still smarting John McCain's loss for the Presidency. If the situation had been different though, you know damn Skippy ASU would offering all kinds of accolades and what not to the "distinguished gentleman from Arizona"...his his curmudgeonly self. No doubt McCain would get a degree.

We'll hear more about this gaffe in the coming days. Read the original Huffington Post article here.

Ian's Point: I'm just righteously indignant this morning. Perhaps I have no point other than I'm embarrassed for the 2009 Arizona State University Graduating Class!

Our Michelle, Our American Queen

Now, you know, I'm trippin today, right? I waited so long to see The Obamas meet up with the Old Guard o'er there in Britannia for the G-20 Summit.

Months waiting for the event, not disappointed, our good brother, President 44 and his wife, have officially met the Queen of England. I'm so satisfied cause Prez passed another test. Impressive. But lawdhavmercy! You know somebody had to steal his thunder from the occasion.

With all due respect, some white people across The Pond oughta quit. Saw all over the news this morning how some folk are up in arms because Mrs. O put her arm on the Queen's back. Oh Jeezus. WTF! Wasn't it the Queen who reached out put her £800 Gazillion British Pound sleeve on Michelle's back first? Besides, HRH actually looked happy to meet the Obamas. (Lord knows I was worried about our boy too. I love Barack and all, but even I doubted the "O" on his chest with falling in line with Royal Protocol. Especially after the Nancy Reagan faux Pas when he was President-Elect.)

Chile, now I am nothin' but impressed wit' Mr. and Mrs. Barack H. Obama. Just watching the news reports on CNN sends a chill down my spine. Watching our brother descend the steps of Air Force One or Marine One... President is definitely large and in charge! Head Negro In Charge. Three and a half months later, I'm still grasping we have a Black President.

And Miss Michelle? She's has officially become my heroine of the decade. She's just so real, so down to earth, yet conveying the "sistah is not to be trifled with" attitude. I love it. I mean, Sistah Michelle...the First Lady, is going sleeveless in many of her get-ups. And folks are just frownin' about it. Well, the Old Guard are. The common folk, peeps like you and me, are finally glad we have someone Regal enough to pull up J. Crew and make it look like a $1,000,000 bucks! I nominate her for Queen of the United States. Then again, RuPaul might be awfully pissed at me...

Oops...Barack Faux Pas'd.

Without trying to sound insensitive, I'm really not getting why folks are so up in arms over the President and his gaff on the Jay Leno Show the other night. Yes, he made a mild error in judgment with his Special Olympic comment, but I don't think he was attempting to be derogatory or disrespectful. Plus he immediately made an apology to the folks over at Special Olympics.

As someone who is now officially disabled and has worked with the disabled, people need to lighten the hell up to some extent. Politically Correctness has become the secret police in modern day. It's not that I'm not trying to understand the issue, I do. But President Obama didn not make a gross, inappropriate remark such as calling the disabled "gimps," "crippled," or "retards." Unfortuantely, in my community I hear it far too often from folk. I understand there's still stigma on the mentally and physically disabled. Obama saw his error, quicly apologize, his statment was received and accepted by Special Olympics.
Nuff said, right?

You'd think so. I've read more than a few comments on blogs calling for his resignation. Come on already. It's a minor infraction at best. No need for him to step down from the highest office. Given the Prez a little leeway. He's not the first President to say something stupid (Hello? Eight years of George Bush????) and he won't be the last.

Accept the apology folks, then move on.

Spoken Word

"For my friends on the right, I think it would be helpful to remember the critical role that the separation of church and state has played in preserving not only our democracy but also our religious practice. Folks tend to forget that during our founding, it wasn't the atheists or the civil libertarians who were the most effective champions of the First Amendment…. It was the forbearers of Evangelicals who were the most adamant about not mingling government with religious, because they didn't want state-sponsored religion hindering their ability to practice their faith as they understood it.

Whatever we once were, we're no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of non-believers. We should acknowledge this and realize that when we're formulating policies from the state house to the Senate floor to the White House, we've got to work to translate our reasoning into values that are accessible to every one of our citizens, not just members of our own faith community."

-Barack Obama speaking on Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network.

Synopsis In A Diff'rent Light

Ooh, but wasn't today a day for PRIDE, people?!?! Oh yeah. And it was all good. My, my, my, my, MY! It's damn sure official now, Barack Obama is the President of These United States o' America! Now, I had this finga snappin' witty ass post in mind, but as I sit in front of the keyboard, every word has flown outta my head. Lemme try to summarize.

First of all, di'n't my President and his wife look damn sexy as hell on that podium? I mean, Michelle was rockin' in that dress. Oh so tasteful. And not to be outdone, Prez B was lookin all the more dapper with his usual confidant and suave se'f! Chile! And shout out to Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. That calf boots and her little mini ensemble was right on time! Shout out to the First and Second Couple, although Vice President Biden needs a haircut. Sheryl Underwood was dead on when she said Joe Biden resembles the eagle character from The Muppets.

And what exactly was the fuss over Pastor Rick Warren? Seriously? His prayer was so lackluster, I kept thinking my Pastor could deliver a damn better speech than Warren's pedestrian crap. What was the hubbub was all about? Cause dude's anti-homosexual. OK, If he wants to hate on gays, let 'im. But MY JESUS loves me AND you! Dunno what god Warren worships, but God loves all His Chil'ren. Don't mean He likes er'rything we do, but He loves us just the same, no matter what that fool Warren thinks.

Obama's speech? A bit sobering, but analysists forewarned we wouldn't have another address like his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, so I was prepared for what he had to offer. But my favorite part of all the festivities today? After the Inaugural Luncheon when President Obama and company went to review the troops before heading up Pennsylvania Avenue for the Parade. Did you see it? I was hollerin' fo' sho! This is what ran through my mind. Now for those of you familiar good old spirit raising preaching on Sundays, read the next bit with that in mind. It's meant to be humorous. Don't take umbrage.

"Whaaa...Prez was standin' at the top of those Capitol steps. And then looked he down. I said he looked down. Yes, he looked down. Next Brother Barack stuck out his arm, all dignify and Presidential, for his wife ta take hol'. Sistah-girl Michelle, she done looked her man. She reached on ova, and took his arm. And den they smiled.

Said Barack Obama! Yes, Barack Obama. President! He and his wife, that's right she da Fuuurst Lady....wawl, lemme tell ya! They strolled on down 'em steps! And my, my, my! MY MAN, President Barack Hussein Obama, said they stepped on tha' the landing a'fore the troops. Then what did he do? Well lemme tell you! That brutha stood up, stood straight up. Barack took on that stance. Yeah you know what I'm talkin' 'bout. Stood that stance when a 'maine' feel like a 'maine'. Stood taller and prouder than any brutha I evah saw.

See hurr, he got that look 'on his face. Solid and con'fident, firm and true! Large and in charge! With that stance, he review-oo-oo-oo-wee--oooh-d them troops! Then he turnt to his wife. Yes see here, 'Chelle is the First Lady. Uh-huh! Then he smiled. Yes suh, he show'd her those pearly whites. Then he turnt back to them troops. Yeeeeeees, he did. Oh yes he did! Myyyyy Black President!

Barack Obama. Oh they call him Mister President. Yes, he stood taller 'an I ever seen. Said he looked at his wife. And smiled. And you know what that smile said? Oh do you know what that smile said? Do you know? OH, Do you know? Do you know? Well, Iiiiiiiiiii-eeee-iiiiiiii do! Lemme tell you! It saaaid.... " It's a bran' new day. I'm President now! That's right, Commander-In-Chief! Head Negro In Charge! And these here are MY TROOPS to command!"

A'ight now! Let the church say AMEN! Mmm hmm. For real, for real. Sike. Lemme stop playin! Forgive me for being stupid (stooooopid) but I've been on a trip ever since I got up this morning.

Happy Obama Day! -Ian

Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing

by James Weldon Johnson

Lift every voice and sing,

'Til earth and heaven ring,

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the listening skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on 'til victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,

Bitter the chast'ning rod,

Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;

Yet with a steady beat,

Have not our weary feet

Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,

We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,

Out from the gloomy past,

'Til now we stand at last

Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,

God of our silent tears,

Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;

Thou who has by Thy might

Led us into the light,

Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,

Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;

Shadowed beneath Thy hand,

May we forever stand,

True to our God,

True to our native land.

One Day More

.
My morning's darkness gives way to the light,
the haze of night is shaken from my sight,
and a whirlwind of thoughts soar,
take heed,
I ain't got time to be bored.

What day is today?
Is it tomorrow yet?
How long, how long, how long....
have the days been since that November night?
Come on already!
Just make it right.

What's going through my head?
Exuberance, joy, pride, hope, anticipation...
Got's no time to rest
time to get up from this here bed.

Words fail to gather to me now,
As I recognize the dawning of tomorrow
It seemed so far away,
the countless ticking hours,
slowly, slowly, slowly
Sixty days became fifty-nine days,
fifty-nine days became fifty-eight days,
and so on.

But at long last we are down to one,
Only one day more.
Yes, thank God Almighty,
its only one day more.

And when the 'morrow comes,
At noon a man will rise,
place his dark hand on the Bible,
and recite the Oath of Office,

Marking this tremendous American first,
January 20, 2009 will not be just one more day
in a season where light is scarce,
though it will be a cold Winter's mourn,
Americans and people around the world,
will gather and watch this moment,
and bask in the promise of new radiance

Riding on the words "Yes We Can,"
never forgetting the dark days past,
holding dear to the goals and the hope of our foreparents,
A grandmother will look at her grandchild,
a father take hold of his son's hand,
and with a few tears of joy,
they will celebrate together this installation of our new President,

Clinging to Barack's words "HOPE" and "CHANGE,"
We will forge ahead,
never forgetting those who came before.

Our Rosa, Martin, Malcolm, Thurgood,
our Chisholm, DuBois, Bethune,
Just to name a few names,
those among thousands who walked ahead,
We will not forget you,
Our day,
our one day more,
we hold you dear in our thoughts and our hearts,
you gave us inspiration when there was none,
tomorrow will be a celebration of you as well

For this child born in August,
who would later hear the words spoken on another August day
took up your mantle,
gathering that inspiration and rose up to the occasion,
and becomes America's 44th President,

That child,
Barack Obama,
represents your face of America,
a face not so new,
but symbolizing the face of a people,
a people who have been here since the beginning

Barack will take residence in the home built on the back of slaves,
hold an Office where many men before
had not always been so kind to America's darker skinned children,
But Obama's ascension to the Oval Office is a new dawn,
a time to put aside negativity.

For the dream has always been,
though oft times forgot,
this measure of equality
seems at long last,
that American has been given her due,

Too,
we are reminded Barack is not just for one group,
one set aside of individuals,
but for all Americans,
The Black, the White, the Latino, the Asian,
and our brothers who tread the soil long before
European settlers or slave ships from Africa
touched this continent....
Americans,
the tribes of the Native Peoples,
Native Indigenous Americans.

With respect,
I nod and bow my head in honour,
give thanks to you as well.
We who behold this marker in history,
Just like another set many year a' fore,
renew our promise in America,
that we are One.
That the whole is always greater than her parts,
is always best when united,

One people,
one mind,
though we come in different colours,
different creeds,
different faiths,
different genders, race, sexuality,
we are the cacophony of voices that becomes one.

Let's never forget what November 2008 brought,
let's usher forth renewed faith,
take courage to stop the ways of the past,
and bring on a new day.
It is our celebration,
it is our time,
our now,
how great, oh how great,
if we can only wait,
just one day more.....

written 19 January 2009
-Ian E.

5 Day Obama/King Weekend

When I was a young teenager and my father introduced me to Coretta Scott King, I gave little thought the impact such a chance encounter should have had on my life. It was only years later, after Mrs. King passed away, that I recognized and understood the importance of that occasion. Here was a woman who stood shoulder to shoulder with the greatest Civil Rights leader in American history, and I met her. I took for granted the things Mrs. King saw and experienced; how my meeting her was a touch upon history itself.

Now as an adult, and in my lifetime, America is on the eve of swearing in the first Black President. Any adjective I could type fails to give significant characterization of this historical event. And how was this all possible? By the struggles and strife of men who came before, like Dr. King. I embrace, with a full heart, how privileged I was to meet Mrs. King. See, it's funny. I've been griping and complaining because I keep missing opportunities to meet Barack Obama. I stand in awe of the man, captured by his greatness, and want to feel his presence in this historical moment. But duh! I already have been touched by history. I met the late wife of Dr. Martin Luther King. Greatness doesn't get much better than that!

This MLK Day Holiday weekend takes on special significance. Yes, we got Obama to the White House, but our journey didn't start there. If not for men like Dr. King, an Obama Presidency would never occurred. So as we look forward to Tuesday, I'm reminded how truly blessed America was, and is, for having Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr trailblaze the way for our brother Barack H. Obama, Jr...

Have a great King Day Holiday Weekend y'all!
-Ian

Transitions

Caught Bush's Farewell Address to the Nation tonight. I dunno, but perhaps it was one of Georgie's better speeches. Didn't Bush look like he aged? I mean his face seemed so haggard. My hope is Mr. Obama (notice I stopped calling him by the familiar) doesn't look like that at the end of his Presidency.

I was never a George W. Bush fan, but I don't surmise he was/is a bad man. Misguided, yes. Evil tyrant, no! W. made ineffective choices, had suspect judgment, recreated the English language, and took the US to new lows, but he did give Colin Powell and "Kindasleezy"....er, I mean...Condoleeza Rice, the opportunities to be Secretary of State. Two black folks? Back to back?

OK George, maybe you had your good moment or two, here and there. And Dr. Rice made a good Secretary of State. Believe me, I wouldn't raise up Condi's ire; would you? Un-uh. Sistah might lose some of that "doctorate" composure, open a can of "whup-ass" and break a shoe off in somebody! Borrowing the best quote of all times, "Don't FUCK with me fellas!"

But as transitions go, I'mfinished with George tonight. Done with saying President Bush. I've stopped saying President-Elect Obama days ago. Yeah, we still have the tiniest of days left till Inauguration, but all I can see right now is Obama, Obama, Obama. George has written his chapter in history. His time has been marked. Now? It's time for the good brother from Hawaii to step on' in, do his thang, and though the road is gonna be rocky, I have all the confidence in the world in Big Brother B. YES HE CAN!

Tuesday, when George and Laura step on Air Force One for the final time as President and First Lady, I'll be waiting for the Obama firsts...President Obama exiting Air Force One for the first time as Commander-In-Chief, President Obama giving his first address to the nation, President Obama's first address to the Congress, and yes, even President Obama's first controversy... all those events. What a sight it'll be to behold.

And you know what else might be a first? Not that I'm a fortune teller or anything, but the plausibility exists the Obamas may be the first First Couple in a loooong time to have a pregnancy while in the White House. Keep in mind Mrs. Obama is a young and vibrant woman; still in childbearing years. OH YES THEY COULD!

Wouldn't that be somethin? Not that I know them like that, but I'm just sayin'...it's POSSIBLE. And you thought the hoopla on November 4th was phenomenal?!?! Let there be an announcement Mrs. O is expecting child during Prez's term. Mmm Hmm. Tongues will be wagglin, folks will be givin each other the wink, the nod, that smile.... that "yeah you know it's rollin' like that!" attitude! I'm sure...ahem...they keep it real! Again, I'm jus' sayin. Don't tell me you ain't thought it. Tom Joyner and J. Anthony Brown clown on it from time to time on the TJMS. So, I know it's crossed someone's mind before.

Let me digress for a moment though. IF a First child occurs, you know that'll be AMERICA's child! Every community that supported Obama will be beaming with pride, like B and Michelle was one of the family. Folks will be exuberant for them. If there's one thing that unites and brings folks together, it's babies!

My baby speculation is not meant to be disrespectful to the First Family. You know I've nothing but admiration and respect for Mr & Mrs. O. A family with these titles? Parent, devoted husband/wife, lawyer, professor, State senator, US senator, and now, President? Uh-huh, nothing but R-E-S-P-E-C-T. You know their love is endearing. More than any other public couple, Barack and Michelle Obama love is the genuine article. Watching the 60 Minutes interview, or for that matter, any interview they've done together, just reinforces it. Their love is timeless....

"Good Morning, Mr. President!"

We'll be saying that soon enough. Eight days and counting! Good Monday Morning to you!