Educational Excellence

Yes, indeedy, as my friend Peter Zachary (RIP) used to say!  We’ve got another Friday to share, and the Holy Day Season is upon us again!  Is there a “TGIF” left to express?  I got this!  TGIF, then!

I have not recently been caught up in the capitalist “holy days” created!  Not that it should be for obvious reasons, but I don’t want to spend what I don’t have!  Also, I am at a place where I seek and practice the TRUTH!  We all know that the Pilgrims and Native Americans did not sit down at a table together and share a Thanksgiving Dinner!  It’s been a grand narrative to once again “white out” the truth in American History, make some money, and hide the brutality imposed on the numerous tribes of Native Americans.

Some folks still feel uncomfortable with the truth.  Not I!  If you’ve ever had to handle a long-term situation during which “you” were not heard but prescribed a role to play for someone ELSE’S comfort, you know what I mean.  If you have an analytical, somewhat scientific mind that understands the concept of cause and effect, you can see the redundancy of some of America’s “practices,” if you will.  In discussing the truth about American History, we can see the hypocrisies!  I’m not against anyone, but I am FOR myself.  So, if someone, thing, or institution is not for me, it shouldn’t be against me!  How can anyone be expected to be for freedom, brother- or sisterhood, while holding a fellow human being in slavery?  How about the narrative of “land of the free, home of the brave” while we put the native inhabitants of their own land on a reservation?  You can’t so cut the crap and change those institutions that don’t “practice what they preach!”

Growing up in an African-American family, both of my parents reinforced the values hidden in America’s narratives.  They didn’t teach us not to love America, but they instilled life-sustaining values that most humans would agree are good for human civilizations, such as “liberty and justice for ALL!”  If you live or have lived in America, it is clear that liberty and justice for ALL are NOT practiced in a country that espouses this concept!  You don’t have to be a social scientist to see this truth, but you do have to pay attention.  My Mother, for example, worked as a domestic engineer for several affluent Jewish families in New York.  On some occasions, I went with her to wash windows, cut the grass, or shovel snow for a Jewish family in White Plains, NY – my hometown.  As I witness the horrendous backlash against Jews in America and abroad, I wonder how much truth there is in the purported “evilness” of Jewish people.  It was like hearing the stereotype that African Americans are inherently lazy and inferior while living during the time of the first African-American presidency in a country that had people of that “color” enslaved!  Can we preach “truth and justice” after taking the land from and even killing the majority of the Native Americans?  Something has to change!  In correcting the narrative of America and how we are supposed to let “freedom ring,” no one has to be to blame except the “founding fathers!”  We must get on board and ensure this “doesn’t happen again!”  Who wants to be a slave?  NO ONE!

This Jewish family, for whom my mother served as a domestic engineer for nearly two generations, actually set up a pension account for my mother, who was also their maid.  One of my best friends growing up in White Plains was a Jewish guy who even paid for a motorcycle for me to help me get back on my feet after a brief incarceration!  As I observe the treatment of not only African Americans in this country as well as Native Americans, I can see that Americans don’t practice what we preach!  I mean, at some point, we must set the record straight.  If not, we will see the social discontent and ultimate violence against such groups over and over again!  Can we change the narrative and still be civil towards each other?  It will take some work.  We must step away from electing leaders with one thing in mind – their enrichment!  When I heard how many millions of dollars that Nancy Pelosi has accumulated as a representative in Congress and as “speaker of the house,” I nearly fell down!  Dang!  No wonder so many monsters are running for public office in the USA!

This “thing” going on between Hamas and the IDF (Jewish Defense), as well as a few other radical terrorist groups over there, is probably one of the most horrendous things that ever happened in human history that we know of!  And once again, everybody’s goal is to ensure “that this never happens again!”  What is my point?  DON’T BLAME THE VICTIMS!  There is so much resistance to telling the truth about these narratives because some people will be uncomfortable.  Do people have any idea how uncomfortable Native and African Americans felt while having their land ripped away from them and communities destroyed during the “white man’s” journey of manifest destiny on someone else’s native lands?

So, in closing, I merely suggest that we keep the lessons of good values like “freedom and justice for all” and scrap the racist tendencies and cover-ups woven into American and World History! That’s the only way we can attempt to ensure that it never happens again.

Thanks for reading!  Please don’t get defensive.  I’ve had to become an intellectual so that I don’t continue to feel uncomfortable.  I tell racist people that I am an anti-racist.  I tell folks that I am a social scientist.  And since I want a sense of well-being and a good quality of life, I speak up!!  No stuffing my feelings anymore!  My ancestors had enough of that!

Peace,

John I. Cook, Director

Happy Friday, All!  I hope your weeks have been spiritually fruitful and materially substantial!  So, TGIF … if you don’t mind me saying so!

It was just yesterday- well, Wednesday- that I was sitting back after playing with my new puppy, Mila, and feeling grateful for these few years of my retirement, which get better and better as long as I pay attention.  You have probably noticed that I talk about giving thanks and paying attention to “the universe” as I see it through the lens of quantum opportunities.  Things and people come and go. Some of them may be family members!  Let them GO!  Don’t fight the change!  As challenging as it may seem, persevere through the present change.  Don’t ignore it.  Next month will be one year that I have lived at this house in Puerto Viejo, Talamanca, Costa Rica.  Yet, I will have lived in Puerto Viejo for six years in December!  When I dozed off listening to some of my favorite jazz music on Wednesday, I remembered when my retirement journey started in Barcelona … Sabadell, Spain, to be exact.

Traveling alone was a challenge, yet I had the desire and am a decent organizer.  Still not perfect in that category!  But I get by with my own style.  Most people who know me, where I grew up, and where I went to college know I come from humble origins in my parents.  I witnessed them organize coins into a Saturday afternoon family trip to a State Park just North of our city, White Plains, NY.  I think that is in my DNA!!  I think that’s why I’m still single and doing just fine.  Most women I have encountered today don’t appreciate life’s simplicity like I do!  Western Europe was literally a trip and a half!  I learned and traveled, figured stuff out, and ate!  Shucks, I even ran out of money and had to get a loan while in Paris from my “brother from another mother” who was Stateside.  I’ve let unhealthy friendships go in my short time here of six years.  I’ve let people from back home go for a variety of reasons.  I don’t even ask them why anymore. I just move on to a higher frequency, so to speak.  I am embracing my change!

Some readers may remember that I would make a needed “border run” to Panama this month.  Due to strikes and protests in the streets of Panama near Bocas del Toro, most supplies needed by hotels, gas for boats, and even food stores were out of stock or dwindling rapidly.  The lodging that I had booked sent me a message suggesting that I postpone the trip to Isla Cristobal for a later date.  I did.  My next plan is to fly to Ft. Lauderdale for a weekend and get the needed stamp on my Passport to begin my residency application again.  When the universe speaks, I have learned to listen.  There is usually a good reason why plans have to be changed.

Having a puppy is more work than I thought!  I had forgotten about the training period with commands and behavioral modifications.  We do a lot of things together … most things.  She is growing nicely, and as long as I keep “the haters” away, we have established the needed “pet/owner” relationship.  Believe me when I tell you, there are people envious of the fact that I have a puppy and others who don’t care!  That’s fine because while I maintain a good quality of life for Mila and myself, I notice the naysayers and haters along the way.  On one occasion, the gate where I live was left open intentionally until I got up at 4am just to check on Mila!  She will not run away from the property I am renting, even if the gate is open.  She is intelligent enough to know who loves her and takes care of her and where that person resides – ME!  I don’t even want to hear the lies and excuses, so I keep my distance and keep it moving!  But yes, there are “people” here whose jealousy and contempt are astounding!  Yet, I know that these things are expected in such a small community where “everybody knows your name” and thinks that they know your business.  I grew up in the Winbrook Housing Apartments in White Plains, NY, and have seen and heard it all!

After getting into decent physical condition, I am still working to relieve some back discomfort as I continue to pamper my osteoarthritic hips, which I can’t afford to replace!  So far, it’s all a lot of work, but I’m up for it!  What else would I say?!  Remember that I am not telling anyone what to do, but I happily share my experiences and adventures with those open to them!

Enjoy your blessings and follow “good, orderly direction!”  Keep it simple, even!

Peace,

John I. Cook, Director

It’s Friday again, Y’all! I’m feeling relatively decent today! So, thank goodness I’m friendly! TGIF even!  My puppy Mila and I had another successful “playdate” with the owner of Mila’s sister, “Sunny,” her grandmother, her father “Max,” and her mother “Coco”!

One thing that we know is that there is a lot of drug abuse in America, and that’s no secret!  I can say that in my early years, when I learned of substance abuse, I was trying to be cool in the “clubs” in New York City. Places like Studio 54, The Garage, shucks, and even The Palladium!  I was not only teaching, but I was also announcing for a local cable television show called “Westchester Entertainment!”.  We were everywhere in clubs and parks, parties and concerts! That’s how we got invited to many fantastic New York City clubs!  I don’t know how I lasted so long, but I welcomed retirement from “the club scene,” too!  While studying at Princeton, I became a “hippy” of sorts. While I was never arrested for any substance abuse, it was clear after so much experimentation that I could quickly become addicted.  That was the sign of our times.  And I was a risk taker and wanted to see how far I could go!  I soon found out after two stays at a rehabilitation center that the school district helped me with.

Just last night, a close family friend, Gordon, gave me a call to check up on me.  Gordon’s Dad, “Mr. Joe,” and my Dad, “Big Ike,” were avid deer hunters.  Since Joe was born in Texas and Ike in Florida, they taught their sons how to shoot rifles.  We would visit the Catskill Mountains sometimes and learn how to fire .22 caliber bolt action rifles.  I never liked it so much, but I followed Big Ike’s lead.  Gordon and I are the same age but have different lives in general.  By the end of the conversation, we both agreed that we must be “chosen” because how else would we make it through such difficult times?

As I bumbled through my first marriage with my only baby’s momma, I began to see some “favor” with the universe as it unfolded with various opportunities.  I just had to look for them and apply myself with the discipline I learned from Big Ike!  This Man was a non-stop father, provider, and husband who worked day and night shifts with the Pinkerton Detective Agency to care for his wife and four kids.  I always tried to be an excellent father to my little family.  That never worked out for me.  It remains a thought as I seek ways to heal from those dramas I participated in and sometimes helped create!  Nowadays, I focus on myself and make improvements daily.

My older brother, Hank, aka Henry Charles Cook, took his own life in a drug-induced suicide.  My oldest sister, Barbara, was ultimately murdered on her birthday by her very sick partner at that time.  I didn’t want to go out like that!  So, as time went on, I went to twelve-step meetings and began to practice yoga, sit in the jacuzzi, and visit steam rooms and swimming pools to get in some laps whenever possible.  I was indeed blessed and continue to be so blessed in my daily endeavors that I know my ancestors are pulling for me.  After all, I am Big Ike’s only remaining son.

Hopefully, you can catch my drift.  While I don’t blame racism for my challenges, it certainly played a part from time to time, making me highly uncomfortable and unsure of myself as I embarked on my journey as a learning facilitator, an anti-racist, and a social activist and scientist.  Today, I am very focused on being the best person I can be!  Don’t try the dangerous stuff at home or alone; focus on enjoying and improving one’s life!

Thanks for reading!

Peace,

John I. Cook, Director

It’s another opportunity for those of us in this relatively civilized world to express some gratitude!  I mean, if we look around, we can SEE that there is so much death and destruction, division and devastation in this thing we call “life.”  I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m very grateful to be alive as we look at conditions in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli border …  Gratitude best expresses my feelings today!  TGIF, even!

I know that I came out strong on some of my points in these pieces on racism.  I have had to stomach a lot due to my skin color!  Yet, I want to acknowledge that while I am an African American man, I am thoroughly disappointed in the stuff that is oozing from the cracks in civilization worldwide, especially Russian reactions to a flight that arrived at an airport there from Tel Aviv!  As I watched some news clips of the remains of the main refugee camp in Gaza, it honestly looked like a sci-fi video game!  Even university campuses in the USA are experiencing this taking of sides amongst humans.  It’s a damn shame that we can’t see we are all on the same “side.”  It may take events like these before we all can see the horrors of humanity driven by our obsession with divisiveness.

I have seen the theory of blaming the victim for their circumstances as well as their inability to overcome those obstacles while living in the free democratic society that is claimed to exist in the USA.  Drugs and violence, crime, and visits to institutions like jails and hospitals are pervasive side effects of life in America!  “It’s all about the money!” stream the lyrics from rap song after rap song.  Conflicts among humans have doubled or tripled in many instances after the Hamas attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip!  As usual, hate crimes against African Americans have always led in statistics gathered by the Federal government.  Crimes against “Jews” have gone up immensely, as well as crimes against Muslims!  As I employ my social science observational skills, which we all have should we decide to use them, it’s clear that we are reaching extremely volatile conditions that may spread like tinder at any moment in any region.  I recall growing up and becoming interested in World History; there was a belief that World War III would start in the Middle East, the home of some of the most historical conflicts among humans.  Is anybody with me on this one?

In closing, on not such a nice note, I am deciding to live the best quality of life that I can.  My goal is to achieve and maintain a sense of well-being while everything else seems destined for destruction.  Can the world’s leaders turn the course of human history around?  I’m not convinced, and neither are they!

Peace,

John I. Cook, Director