Happy Hump Day, All!
“There are good times, there are bad times …. but there are times … that we can talk about!” So, Mr. Dorner has gone on to meet his maker … RIP. Our “first” African American president gave his State of the Union Address last night, and, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. Our world is witnessing weapons of mass destruction being made and tested as well as advancements in technology that allow us to communicate in almost any way we wish with someone on the other side of the world in seconds! We pass by each other … us humans … sometimes harboring thoughts of ill will while others seek to reach out to those in need. Interesting that this all exists under the same celestial canopy, right?!
“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” – I John 1:5 After my last e-mail about Mandela and “black men”, I received a few responses. One response was from an associate I met via a multi-level marketing opportunity. Essentially, the person stated that: “You end up your story ‘Peace’ but in [your] e-mails, there is a deep tone of [your] (beliefs, thoughts, feelings) … I will pray for your peace.” I thought it was nice, of course, that someone would pray for me. The other response was from a former yoga classmate who now runs her own studio. Her comment was: “Excellent”. These are just two responses but there was one more on the blog for EE where a former boarding school classmate mentioned that her father’s birthday was within four days of Mandela’s, and that her father – a survivor of Hitler’s Holocaust – is a man who fights for peace and justice as well. I am glad to receive any and all responses, and, if possible, I will respond with my beliefs, thoughts and feelings … in peace!
Last night, we witnessed the making of history during African American History Month. There was a Congresswoman, who had been shot in the head at nearly point blank range, standing … yes … standing and even attempting applauding when Pres. Obama talked about how folks who have lost loved ones to gun violence deserve at least a vote on gun regulations in this country. There was a 102 year old African American woman there who voted after waiting nearly 6 hours in line in Florida to vote! How historical and noteworthy …her patience and perseverance. Our president was encouraging us to do “the right thing” as he spoke from his heart. He also tackled some of the toughest issues facing our nation like taxes and employment and how to stimulate the economy. The teenager who performed at the White House several weeks back for the Inauguration and was shot and killed just a mile or so from the Obama’s house in Chicago had her parents present to support the initiative to re-examine gun laws.
When listening to Sen. Marco Rubio’s (Republican from Florida) response, it was like, as a friend of mine also posted on a social network said, he was responding to a speech … but NOT the one that the President had just made! Isn’t it interesting how two people listening to the same “conversation” can come up with two diversely different responses?! In many ways, it is human nature to disagree. Yet, when “we” may have one goal in mind … to make this world a better place, if we can … it would be helpful to set aside differences and work for the good of all humankind.
African American History has yet another event to include … President Barack H. Obama’s second term “State of the Union Address” and its success!
Peace,
John I. Cook, Director
Educational Excellence 