Rumbles
of thunder, a slight breeze, 45 degrees, and rain...
Exactly
what we needed on Election Day. And, I am not using sarcasm. Sarcasm is not my
forte!
The
weather may not be 'good' for standing in line waiting to honor your civil
right. In fact, this is an ideal opportunity to prove that you are fully committed
to what assisted you in acquiring your Freedom.
James
Farmer, one of the architects, of the infamous Freedom Rides told me…yes, I met him and served as his guide for
48 hours (High Point University, February 1992)…
“Brian
Eugene, black people today have no reason not to vote. It does not matter if it
is cold, hot, raining, snowing, hailing, lightening, apathy, have a disability,
some ill-advised allegiance to a Black Power that does not empower us to hold
the government accountable…black people today have no real justification to sit
at home on Election Day.”
Rumbles
of thunder, a slight breeze, 45 degrees, and rain...
is
what I heard this AM after a sleepless night. I could not sleep. Definitely, not surprised! I have not slept
well for two years now.
After
the second sound of “God at work”, I got up. Pulled the curtains back. Gave
Jessie some attention. She so damn needy.
Walked into my living room. Grabbed the remote. The Today Show had just come
on. I sat there listening and watching the Talking Heads talk. Jessie sniffed
around searching for crumbs that may have fell to the floor during my 2AM
snack. A few moments later, Mr. Tavis Smiley was front and center on my tube
television screen. I was elated to see him among other Talking Heads on this expected
remarkable day.
James
Farmer -among other tidbits of knowledge told me on our memorable day-
“Brian
Eugene, we black people need to stop discrediting each other. Especially, if a
fellow brother or sister has been down in the trenches working on the behalf of
black people.”
That’s
what came to mind when Tavis began to speak.
Unfortunately,
Tavis has been demonized by his very own, Black People. Most of it as a result
of his criticism of President Obama’s last four years of leadership. Most of
the condemnation is completely unwarranted. Actually, it has been ass-backward criticism…what
man/woman should not be critical of government?
Without
a doubt Tavis Smiley has been a soldier. He has given his life to the Black
Cause.
After
a commercial break for local traffic reports and the blue weather forecast, Tavis and his buddies reappeared
on my tube television screen. Everyone was given an opportunity to articulate
their response to this question: “Will Americans know who won the election by
the end of the night?” Only David Gregory believes that the winner will be
re-crowned or crowned tonight.
*Protestors
in Birmingham, Alabama, were hit by a high-pressure water hose, NOT rain. All
the wanted to do was vote.*
Tavis
Smiley ended his stint on the Today Show with what I needed to hear and after
coming to a complete stop in my Civil
Rights Book of Images (picture above),
“It would be
absolutely disappointing if the President loses this election as a result of a
lackluster turnout from the black voting community. After acquiring their vote
last election, many believe that the black vote is a guarantee today. A great
number of black people are frustrated with the process, and with the results of
President Obama’s presidency. And, as I look at the North America weather map the
weather may be a self-induced barrier for black people. Nonetheless, there is
not much of an excuse not to vote today.”
Then
he was rudely interrupted by someone that has that F*ck You disposition,
Tavis
Smiley is no James Farmer – but they have something in common on November 6,
2012. Both agree that gloomy weather, an F*ck You attitude and irresponsible ennui
are illegitimate rationalizations for sitting at home while Americans cast
ballots.
Muata Nowe
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