Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Newsy COP 24/7

Today's' headlines and talking heads are weighing in on last evenings speech from President Obama, who set the stage, pull the curtains and turned on the hot lights of what's really going on in this nation. Mr. Obama's address to a joint session of Congress was straight forward but filled with hopefulness that we've come to expect from his speeches. I was enthralled as the President seemed strident and self assured from the bully pulpit that "we" as a country will have to close ranks to "re-build, recover and re-emerge" as a global beacon of prosperity. My heart soared as he called the nation to action, insisting on bi-partisian support and reminding us all that we are not quitters. Amen. There's no doubt to the



complexities, uncertainties and tomfoolery that has plagued our economy. Am I mad as hell about the situation? Damn right. I'm angry at the "smartest guys and gals" in the room who winked and nodded all of us into a this cess pool. It's so unfortunate that greed, incompetence, lack of oversight and personal responsibility, down right foolishness and simply stupidity that ran rough shot across the land. Even though I've tried extremely hard to play by the rules and struggle to meet my obligations. I understand that this crisis will call for me to bear the burden of those who may have grabbed for more of the American Dream than was realistically feasible. Moreover, I'm begrudgingly prepared to accept the fact that our systems were allowed to be looted and over run by callous bookmaking while in search of bonuses and profits. Who's to blame? Gosh dern it there's a vault load of blame that can be spread from here to the moon. Yet, as I've learned in life, you take it on the chin, reflect and then get back in the game. Mr. President, I understand that there's been a mess made as many were sleep at the wheel. But, I'm pledging my confidence with you now at the wheel and doing everything within the power of the presidency, you will get this vehicle moving in the right direction. I'm ready and willing for the long haul, let's get going, now!

Fat Tuesday: As I get out and about in Central city, especially now that we have additional watering holes, I keep wondering, "where are the people?" The Fat Tuesday activities were rather non-descript and so-so celebrated. I know that this is not NOLA, but that doesn't stop a reason to celebrate. In all actuality, this point was brought to my attention by barkeep Keith on the north shore. In a series of conversations, he chatted up some reflections about the community from his viewpoint. He said, "I have guys who come in here ( Sidetracks) who complain that there's nothing to do here in Little Rock.
But, usually these are guys that I don't see on a regular basis or at any of the special events." He went on to elaborate about why is there so much complaining from gays about activities then they don't support them. Wow, all this from a heterosexual working in a SGL outlet, who wants gay folks to come on out and have fun. What concept! Yet, his words couldn't be more on point. I realize that economic times have us all pulling back a bit on the disposable cash, but adjusting our cash outlay can still allow some participation across the board. I don't propose to tell you how to spend your dollars, but we must continue to face the fact that if "we don't support, then it's possible that these outlets won't be able to support our social needs."

Naked HIV: Marvelyn Brown, co-author of The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and HIV Positive, will be the featured guest of ADH and Arkansas Minority Health Commission this Thursday, 2.26.2009. 7 p.m. at Philander Smith College in the the M.L.Harris Auditorium. According to Editorial notes on Amazon.com, at nineteen years of age, Marvelyn Brown was lying in a stark white hospital bed at Tennessee Christian Medical Center, feeling hopeless. A former top track and basketball athlete, she was in the best shape of her life, but she was battling a sudden illness in the intensive care unit. Doctors had no idea what was going on. It never occurred to Brown that she might be HIV positive.
Having unprotected sex with her Prince Charming had set into swift motion a set of circumstances that not only landed her in the fight of her life, but also alienated her from her community. Rather than give up, however, Brown found a reason to fight and a reason to live.
The Naked Truth is an inspirational memoir that shares how an everyday teen refused to give up on herself, even as others would forsake her. More, it's a cautionary tale that every parent, guidance counselor, and young adult should read. I read a bit using the Amazon preview and discovered that this is a very simple writing. No tall verbiage or overwhelming prose. It's an easy read that most could enjoy as well as understand. If you are watching the purse strings, it's in paperback and the beauty of Amazon and a feature that I truly love about this portal is that you can get used copies for a fraction of the price. Also if you need a cheap date, this event is FREE.

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