44

POLL

I love how 44 can barely stop himself from laughing at the Democratic National Convention as he talks about how Dumb Donald (not the esteemed cartoon character from the beloved children’s cartoon, Fat Albert, but the other one) views himself. Dumb Donald thinks of himself as a “Himself,” when he’s really more like an “itself.” But I’m not here for that – now. I have a thought -an idea to connect our communities.

On Nov. 8 might police help the citizens they serve by helping them get to the polls? I understand they have an important job to do, but working with community leaders perhaps they could help coordinate shared rides or something.

In neighborhoods plagued by the trouble that comes with too little opportunity, parents and other caring adults in the community take back their streets daily, in the morning and the afternoon, by emptying out of their homes and lining their blocks to provide a human shield for their most precious treasures – their children.

A revolutionary act of kindness – to take ownership for all children, blood relation, neighbor or stranger. All of our children are the responsibility of all of us.

On Nov. 8, might some officers be available to be a peaceful presence en route to polling places, especially as it gets dark and/or in under-resourced areas?

It would be a good way for the people and the police to introduce one another to each other.

Remember in the Chris Rock movie, Head of State, his character, Gilliam Mays, a candidate for President, keeps his promise on election day to get his original constituents to the polls. Mays does this but driving his campaign bus throughout his community.
I love movies, plays, musicals. I love it when the lights go out and a more ideal version of us is illuminated.
Police Poll Patrol

YOUR

For those of you who have supported 44, I don’t know why you can’t support his choice for Secretary of State and keep on making history like we have for the last 8 years.

I understand that the election of a Black president and his remarkable success as the leader of a country that denies the plight and contributions of his ancestors and fellow Americans, has the status quo shook and that has reverberated into what can only be described as The Nightly Show, has so eloquently put it – Blacklash. But we shall not be moved.

Have you seen the Wiz? The movie, not the play. As the Wiz dictates which colors are in and out, the lyric goes: “I wouldn’t be caught dead in red.” Don’t get caught out there people. This is not a multiple choice test. There is only one answer.

I will have to pray because I know that there are those on the other side who feel just as strongly as I do. But I’m afraid. I’ve done everything to be successful and safe and I don’t feel like either. One of my biggest fears is that George Carlin, Marc Maron, Seth Macfarlane, Anthony Jeselnik and a bunch of other comedians I admire are right and that I’m deluding myself with this God thing. But at a time like this, all I can think of to not go mad is God help us!

Perfectly acceptable 4-letter words

I have always wanted to write and all my life, my head has been full of characters, their voices and their lives. I have always been too afraid to share them with anyone and especially afraid to share my thoughts on a wide array of interests including the arts, TV, movies, theater, law, education, and, when necessary, politics. Ever since 44 told us that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for, I’ve felt like I wasn’t doing enough. There is a line in the song, “Revolution,” by Arrested Development (featured on the soundtrack for the movie “Malcolm X”) that asks:

“I say, “Are you doing as much as you can for the struggle?” (no)
“Am I doing as much as I can for the struggle? (no)

Then why do I cry when
My people are in trouble (yo)
My ancestors slapped me
In the face and said (go).'”

So this is me – going, after spending decades stuck in place. I have always wanted to be an artist. But I have lived somewhat safely, choosing degrees from top schools, fancy titles and six figures instead of being bravely me. I did all that stretching outside my comfort zone until I was so stretched out that I lost me. Uncomfortable in every role, in every pay range, in all familiar and unfamiliar settings. Life’s too short. My parents worked too hard to make sure I had this educated, informed voice, so it’s disrespectful not to use it.

This voice is laced with profanity as it is my only vice. No drinking, no smoking, but there will be swearing. You’ve been warned. No need to worry. I’m very proficient at it and like to think that this lyric from the song, “Joy in Repetition” by the late Prince (on the “Graffiti Bridge” soundtrack) sums up my cussing talent just so: “four letter words are seldom heard with such dignity and light.”

I like to put a little extra emphasis on a few points I’m passionate about and I like code-switching in mid-sentence, plus it drives people crazy, so it’s how I repay the world for giving me so many reasons to cuss.

I want this blog to be about perfectly acceptable four-letter words that can be much more of a shock to the system than “bad” words. For me, these words include: LOSS, WORK, LIFE, BOSS, VOTE, etc. What’s your favorite “good” 4-letter word?