Black people have always been America's wilderness in search of a promised land.
-- Cornel West,
Whew, 2009.
More often than not, some well-educated people (a very relative term) have approached me with this youthful exhilaration about the first black president of the United States heading to the Washington, D.C. in a couple of weeks. Am I alone in the humorously ironic fact that these well-intended, euphoric-laced, enthusiasts are celebrating a black man, headed into a (haunted) white house, in the nation’s murder capital? I didn’t have the heart to remind these blind loyalists that (less than a decade ago) they celebrated the same ritual in “honor” of Bill Clinton—who they foolishly dubbed the first “black” president. Bill is starting to find there is much more to this race thing than your home address. In any event, this blog would be much more difficult without the unsolicited input of some of my black brethren—whom I love and pray for every day.
MOVING ON UP [insert the Jefferson’s theme]
There is a plethora of pastoral pews packing black church parking lots and loading buses and heading to D.C. for this “historic-themed” inauguration. The District of Columbia must be that one exception to that separation of church and state rule. In fact, a former co-worker told me she was going to take the week off and head to the White House, credential-less. I can only assume that CNN must have lifted her recent probation for excessive absenteeism. You know, for a color so rich and uncompromising as the foundation of the Black race, my people sure make tons of effortless concessions for people that could care less about them or the slave ship of free labor the nation was funded on. Yeah, I know Barack is different. He is going to bailout the auto industry, save the economy, reform the school system (by the way his kids are headed to private school) correct the housing market, put an end to war and terrorism, and spit on a Puffy re-mix. If that sounds ridiculous, wait until you see the black church parking lots on January 19th. I actually like half of Barack. After all, he is unflappable, well-spoken, consistent, nicely attired, and very valiant. Of course, so is my accountant, but......
TIME FOR SOME REAL CHANGE
Just imagine if all of the Barack bandwagon ballyhoos decided instead of flooding D.C. for a media-driven photo opt and cormorant dinner plates; they decided instead to cut a credit card in half
and refuse to apply for another one unless the interest rate was fixed at 5% (or less) for the duration of Barack’s tenure in office.
What if my black people decided to protest all NFL games for one year because they felt Michael Vick’s treatment was excessive.
Imagine if we decided to put all of our direct-deposited checks in one community-invested bank (of our choice) in exchange for an interest-free loan on all big ticketed items (regardless of credit score). The only caveat is all interest-free bank loans must be automatically withdrawn to ensure timely payments. The bank will be able to invest the direct deposits of 13 million people starting January 21 and the community has a real jump-start to improving one’s credit score.
Imagine if this rich uncompromising color decided to donate 5% of their annual income to save Morris Brown College—whose campus, as of this writing, is water-less. Can you believe that? In exchange for the community’s good will, Morris Brown would waive the first year of tuition for all incoming freshman, who agreed to help revitalize the campus (based on the student’s field of study) up to 10 years after graduation. Each one, teach one would be my motto.
How about all of Barack’s Baptist backers donating 3% of their income to General Motors in exchange for an interest-free loan and 75% off the reduction off a GM car that is currently rotting on a neighborhood lot?
Finally, what if we all agreed to donate 4 weeks of our professional time—on a rotating shift—to help rebuild New Orleans?
In exchange the volunteers (in conjunction with the corporate workforce) will have their 2009 income taxes waived for a year—you know like real public servants. One day we will understand that the government works for the people, not the converse. I cannot wait for the day that Black people stop using their color to promote silly, political deception and start using it for the intended purpose, pure dominance…, no chaser. Happy New Year. (click on the blog title for video bonus)
One Love,
Ray Lewis
11 comments:
Amen, Amen!
A four day Professional event would not be enough. Let see...
We can direct our attention to all actors, actress, singers, and musicians in their donating two to three figure million of their revenue. Starting with Jay-Z and Beyounce both worth 186 million last year; 6 million is like given candy to a small child. Let's not leave out the Politicians, they need to hold off on their pay increase this year possible next year too. Neither would loose any sleep over it and Orleans would be a happy camper.
I still love ya Jay-z and Beyounce,however the truth is the truth. If the celebrity channels had not mention your three figure revenue I would not have known nor cared. You both are making a living just like everyone else. When you look around you and see how the economy is taken it's toll, many including myself is being effected. There is a problem, which mean I can not support my artist.
USA
Amen, Amen!
Perhaps the solution to Orleans problem, if the politicians back off on their yearly increase for two years and those who make two to three figure million a year can give away three million.
Most African-American style of living is champagne on a beer, wine or kool-aide budget. When will we ever learn. There are two many commercial and e-commence stores in which one can find a bargain and still stay in style. We see, we must have, no matter what the cost. Then we complain how broke we are. Commercial industrial is a money scam, we buy even if we don't need.
If one want it bad enough, put your money aside; it will be there or something better. Who knows you may be surprise in finding it on sale.
Why not learn the lesson of the first mistake.
This is a new year, let's start fresh. Your mate or partner will love the way you look at any cost. It's all about the heart.
Have a happy new year! :)
USA
Very well said Sir..The only retort I have is, think of your alternative!!
Wow....
Such cynicism in your writing. For such a cynic (may I call you Cyn for short) you propose a lot of items that would cause a collective group to pool efforts and resources. Now Cyn, if I may, how does a cynic on the one hand disregard the historic moment and compare a man elected to the highest office in the land to his "accountant," and then on the other hand propose psuedo solutions that have been bantered about since the first slave ship reached Jamestown (cause we didn't get here on the Nina, the Pinta, or the Santa Maria with good ol' Chris Columbus). The pooling of resources sounds a lot like the writings of Karl Marx (except more socialist leaning). Cyn, are you a fan of Mr. Marx? Uhhhh.... his writings have already been instituted by several governments. They didn't work out too well. Let's assume we did pool our money together in a community invested back (headed by Mr. Madoff himself) how soon before most of the accounts are overdrawn because somebody's Macy's, Victoria's Secret, and Visa bills were late. Check that, the liquor store is having a sale on Patron; buy one bottle and get the 2nd for 1/2 off double the price. Ohhh well, I was gonna give my money to MoBrown but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get lit!
HOTEP
Glad to see him elected!!.voted for him..I admire the man!!...but I didn't drink the kool-aid.. he's a politician...so I'm just going to lay in the cut to see what he'll get accomplished..he's facing a lot of opposition!!...once he starts making tough decisions the honeymoon will be over...The Thrill Will Be Gone like B.B King!!
Hey Hotep, crack is whack.
Interesting post, Ray. I'm probably not going to write to my congressman with all of those ideas, but they make a good point about celebrating with action. Thanks for provoking my mushy brain today.
Uhhh.... Mr. Colin Morris,
HOTEP is being used (and can be used) as greeting and salutation, sir. Learn your history! Ohhh, never mind. Your brain must still be "mushy".
I like many of the ideas that you have forwarded in this post.
It is time that we started considering what have we done for us lately? Because the answer would certainly border around not nearly enough to nothing.
I also believe that we stil have the opportunity to improve our status. That has always been present no matter who is in office. But it seems that we have major difficulty with getting ourselves organized to reach needed goals.
This is my first visit to your blog. I have enjoyed reading your posts.
You have some valid points, and I can tell a strong love for your people. You do go overboard a lil, but I guess that's the Vescey in you. I enjoyed the read. Thanks for voicing your opinion my brother. I do thiong some of your suggestions should be taken to a larger audience! Don't you work for CNN????
You have some valid points, and I can tell a strong love for your people. You do go overboard a lil, but I guess that's the Vescey in you. I enjoyed the read. Thanks for voicing your opinion my brother. I do thiong some of your suggestions should be taken to a larger audience! Don't you work for CNN????
We can all do so much better in many areas. I'm just glad for the change. I think that more people having a sense of hope is what often drives us toward better goals. I now have more hope than I have in a long while.
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