I read this, and I just wanted to share. http://freedomtweet.net/?p=203
Month: July 2010
The Intermittent Rigamarole of My Life
Yes, rigamarole is a real word.
From dictionary.com:
rig·a·ma·role (rĭg’ə-mə-rōl’)
n. Variant of rigmarole.
rig·ma·role (rĭg’mə-rōl’)
n.
- Confused, rambling, or incoherent discourse; nonsense.
- A complicated, petty set of procedures.
When things that seem to make all the sense in the world become confusing and chaotic, what do you do? I am looking forward to clearing my mind with some hot yoga in the morning. I know that all things work out the way they’re supposed to, but it’s sometimes difficult for me to shift to find the new perspective. Oh, I will shift. Without a doubt. But there’s a delayed reaction. Maybe (hopefully) it’s just for a little while. And by little while, I mean a quick moment. Lofty, but possible, right? It’s just hard being vulnerable and not in control. But ever the risk taker, I can’t help but try, even if it ends in failure. I bump my head and get back up after as soon as I’m no longer dizzy.
So until I make that shift that facilitates my ability to have a positive perspective, this is for me and anyone else there that is having some trouble sorting stuff out.
Be still, young heart, and never will you fall apart.
Be wise, my dear, you must learn to just be still
Until you really really know.
Show me your eye, shine your light, I wonder when will i know.
Injustice – Once Again
The verdict of the Johannes Mehserle trial came in. He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Guilty – yes. Involuntary manslaughter – no.
For those of you who may not know, Johannes Mehserle is a former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer who shot Oscar Grant in the back while lying face-down on the Oakland subway platform. How is that involuntary? Where is the justice? Did the jury really believe this trained police officer’s story that he thought he had pulled his taser? Even if it was a mistake (which I don’t buy), why would he have even needed a taser?
At some point, police brutality and misconduct needs to be addressed. I firmly believe that police officers should live in the communities they protect and serve. They should be community stakeholders and invested in the wellbeing of the communities. They should not be people who react and respond out of malice or even fear because they aren’t in tune with those areas.
Now I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding Mehserle and his employment with BART. I do know, however, that it’s a downright shame that a police officer can be caught on video shooting an unarmed man who is lying face-down on the floor in the back and not be charged or convicted of murder. This crime was indeed NOT involuntary. It was reckless, unnecessary, and senseless.
I hope that in the aftermath of the Mehserle verdict, the riots cease and that community leaders, along with community members, start really considering strategic implementation of efforts to prevent such travesties. We have to protect, not destroy, our communities. Reactionary, unproductive violence is definitely not the answer.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Are you ready for the primary?
One of my favorite sets of childhood memories is riding down to the neighborhood fire station with my mom to vote. Several of my family members were poll workers, so it was always a friendly experience that I looked forward to. The best part of the going to the poll was fake voting. 🙂 There were child-size voting machines there, so I got to click down the old school pegs and “cast” my vote as well. I’m sure this is one reason I’m civically engaged as an adult.
On Saturday, July 10, 2010, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Fulton County is hosting its first Family Voting Day. Serving a dual purpose, this event will allow yet another opportunity to cast ballots for the primary election early, and it encourages families to vote together (and expose kids to the duty of being heard through voting).
It’s important to vote–but it’s imperative to be an educated voter. If you’re a Fulton County resident, below are some links to help you prepare for the Tuesday, July 20 primary. If you’re not a Fulton County resident, please visit your state’s Secretary of State website and your county government website to find information on registering to vote (deadlines and rules), poll locations, and candidates. Be engaged in your community.
- It’s too late to register to vote in the upcoming primary, but here is the link to future registration deadlines and election dates. You can still register to vote in future elections.
- Here’s a great guide to voting regulations in GA.
- Need to check your voter registration status or find out where your poll is? Click here.
- Are you not able to vote on the 20th or attend Family Voting Day? Here are the locations for early voting.
- Don’t know what we’re voting for in this election? Here are sample ballots: Democratic and Republican.
- Interested in upcoming debates? Go here. (Also, stay tuned for more information on the gubernatorial debate hosted Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
- Finally, for more information about the candidates, visit this site.
Get involved. Remember that local politics are just as, if not more, important as national politics. Don’t just complain–identify your issues and make your voice heard. Voting is your bare minimum civic responsibility. Do your part.
Love and Randomness
Love is in the air. While it seems to be darting every which-a-way when it enters a 5 yard radius of me, it’s so great to see my friends swooning and being wooed. Black love exists!! (Despite the media alarms that it’s endangered–it still exists.) It’s something special to see your friends giddy and grinning. What’s more uplifting than the aura of love infused in the atmosphere? Positivity is contagious! Let it infect you!
There’s nothing like the feeling of a new connection. The stolen glances at the guy across the room whose good looks caught your eye. The charming smile sent your way to acknowledge that the interest is mutual. The instant spark you feel as soon as he enters your energy field to introduce himself and find out who you are. The natural flirting that neither of you can help. It feels great when you go out on your first (and second and third) date and your heart flutters as he dotes on you and stares into you, learning you, allowing himself to be learned. And it’s astounding when you could talk to him until daylight or when you can sit with him without a word spoken.
It’s really only supposed to work out once–which means it won’t work out who knows how many times before that. Although I sometimes kick myself for being (maybe too) open and vulnerable, I wouldn’t trade those immensely charged feelings of being connected to someone, desire, anticipation, hope, inspiration, promise for the hope of never feeling disappointed, rejected, abandoned. You won’t know if it’s meant to be unless you step out on faith and see.
Love is in the air. Jump up and grab some.
Real Middle School Mom of Atlanta 