The American Dream (re-post)

2009 Nobel Peace Prize Winner President Barack Obama made history again this year, and people have had so much to say about it. When I first heard the news, I was happy. The more I thought about it throughout the day, the more it reminded me of how I felt on November 5, 2008... the day after the election. So, I'm re-posting my thoughts from that day:

Original Date: 11/05/2008

I did not vote for the black guy...

"I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – toward a better future for our children and our grandchildren." – Barack Obama

When I went to cast my vote and looked at the ballot, I saw the proof that anything is possible. 30 minutes later on the drive in to work, I was overcome with emotion. I had tears streaming down my face as it hit me - this is going to happen.  No, I didn't vote for the black guy, but there was no way to ignore the sense of pride I felt in that moment. That an African-American man was hours away from being declared the next President of the United States was no doubt evidence of progress.  

"What's remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them." - Barack Obama

All politicians make long lists of promises, most of which they can't keep when they get into office.  This is just a to-do-list for the presidency.  Some things will get done, but most won't, and this is due more often than not to the process, not the intention or dedication of the politician holding office.

So when it comes to qualifications and experience, it will not make a huge difference because the process of government is the same.  What will make the difference for the country is a leader who can inspire and bring the nation together.  A leader who will bring fresh ideas to the table.  This does not mean that all ideas which are new are good, it just means that we can evolve and adapt in a world that is constantly changing, rather than standing still in some of our outdated thinking.

The environment was not a hot topic when this nation was founded.  It is something that must be addressed now.  Healthcare has evolved way beyond what the American people can handle on their own. Education has had its ups and downs, and right now it's down.  To say that the economy has suffered greatly under the current administration is an understatement.  And there's no need to even comment on the war.

In 2005, I did a series of articles with some African Americans during Black History Month.  The questions I asked each influential African American I interviewed were, "What happened to the civil rights movement, can it be renewed, and who will revive it for this generation?"

In 2005 (and pre-Hurricane Katrina), the answer was not Barack Obama.  Everyone felt a need for a new movement, but most did not have any ideas on who could lead it.  Saul Williams (poet laureate, actor, writer, director) felt that it would be a celebrity or group of high powered celebrities.  His thought was that back in the day, it was the preachers – the Dr. Kings who ignited the people.  Nowadays, celebrities have the most influence over the community, and the young community in particular.

Williams was not too far off.  Barack Obama has celebrity status by the younger generation's standards.  He's a role model.  You want him on your Facebook page (he's on mine).  He's like the cool teacher in school.  The one that did things differently.  The one that made things fun and interesting.  The one that you remember because he inspired you and gave you the reassurance you needed to overcome an obstacle that nearly defeated you.  Obama is that and more to millions of people of all generations in this country – and around the world.

The guy I voted for is the voice of a new generation of Americans. He is a leader who, last night took a place in history.  He has ignited a passion in this nation for a new direction.  And he did so because of who he is, not what he is.

I did not vote for the black guy.  I voted for the right guy.  I voted for the American Dream.

Never Can Say Goodbye...

A Tribute to Michael Jackson

Shocked and devastated. I am one of those true Michael Jackson fans. My memories can go on for days. As I went into my iTunes catalog and began to play my personal Best of Michael playlist, I took notice of how important this man (who I had never met) was in my life...

Read the full article... http://www.socyberty.com/People/Never-Can-Say-Goodbye.834523/1

High

We should...
escape from the world
and feel love for a minute
Let’s get high

Fuck reality
Check the fantasy:

Read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/High.784355

Falling

I’m falling

My heart
is speaking to
my soul
Asking for permission
to fall
in love

Each time we meet...

Read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Falling.784361

I Want You

I want you,
because when you speak to me,
you look into my eyes
so our souls
can converse.

I want you,
because I know that
you are still innocent
when it comes to true love...

Read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/I-Want-You.784359

Lullaby

Close your eyes now
And drift off to sleep
In my arms you lay so sweet
Let me comfort you
With a lullaby
As you rest peacefully

You sit curled up
Close to my heart
Where you will always be
You are my guide
My way in life
The light...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Lullaby.711985

ABUSE (Walk Away)

Always there to pick you up
I stood proudly by your side
So intrigued by the world you live in
couldn't see that I was blind

I loved you
Saw all the good you had inside
and I believed
Bought into every single lie

Gave you control, let you lead
with all the fears you hid behind
and I took care of you
putting all my dreams aside...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/ABUSE-walk-Away.684853

Ex Forever

I forgave you a long time ago
But I'm still healing from all the pain
Still trying to understand
Why you couldn't be happy with perfection

Gave you everything I could give
You Took it all
And walked away
So easily
Leaving me
With nothing...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Ex-Forever.409961

Love (Rescue Me)

These tears keep on falling
the rain won't go away
This is the pain of my heartache
Don't think I'm a ever be okay
With you
Not
Loving me
Back

Even after the full confession
I'm stressin' it
Still obsessing
Over you...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Love-Rescue-Me.409919

Seduction

...Hearts soulfully
locked together
by the physical
magnetic force
between opposite and equal

Hands feel shape
curves caressed softly...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Seduction.650905

Purpose

I cried
for days
when I found out
I was chosen
by God
to be
His servant.

A prophet.
I couldn't believe it.
But then I looked back
on my life
and understood...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Purpose.649303

History

Lift ev’ry voice

and

sing America!

We have overcome.

When came the call to action,

he responded like our King,

Uniter of the people...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/History.469801

Summertime

...The sun is scorchin'
My boys sit on the porch and
exhale
Inhale their smoke...
wait -
this poem almost choked...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Summertime.650909

Gunshots

I heard a shot
1st thing this morning
Heard children crying
and...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Gunshots.650919

Good Girl (What He's Really Saying)

"You're a Good Girl,
But you get no love
You get no sweet kisses
You get no warm hugs
No between the sheets
Marathon late nighters
No all day in bed lovin'
and holdin' you tighters...

read the full poem... http://www.authspot.com/Poetry/Good-Girl-What-Hes-Really-Saying.409975