Random Ramblings...

• Fame and fortune: Doesn't matter how high we climb, it's impossible to predict where we'll end up. Think Tiger, O.J., Heath, Chris B., or MJ. On the other hand, we should never give up hope that our fortunes can change for the better (if only temporarily, alas). Think Susan Boyle, Tyler Perry, Jennifer Hudson, or Fantasia. The lesson: Build our lives around things that mean more than fame or fortune--dreams, faith, family, and friends.
  


• Baffling bureaucratic policies: I've had some experience with bureaucratic irrationality. After 9-11, NYC offered Medicaid and food stamps for all takers with virtually no paperwork. Normally, I wouldn't have qualified even with just a part-time teaching job. Nonetheless, I applied, and for six months I had medical coverage and food assistance. I received approximately $37.50 per week. At the end of the benefit period, I was encouraged to re-apply. I would have to complete a six- or seven-page application about every aspect of my life (and anybody who lived with me). Considering how much I'd receive (see above) and the fact that I'd have to go through this procedure every six months, I decided it wasn't worth it. I came away wondering, Why do recipients have to repeat all the paperwork every six months, rather than once a year (when they would merely attest that there's no change in their circumstances or report whatever changes have occurred--new address, birth of a child, work circumstances). Think of all the trees we could save. Green power!
  


• Blessed are the rich is the societal mindset that leads to billion-dollar giveaways to corporate giants, while low-income families or persons with disabilities must jump through hoops for relatively little (or limited) assistance. Likewise, we shower celebrities (such as Oprah) and powerful people with free gifts and services; however, if you're homeless or poor, it's considered disgraceful to ask for help. In addition, when you do pay for something, you're likely to pay twice as much as others. Hmmm.
  


• Just who's violent, anyway? Come on, folks. Let's stop paying lip service to non-violence--from bullying to killing--when every successful TV show--reality or otherwise--glorifies the use of force: "Dog the Bounty Hunter," "Operation Repo," "Jerry Springer," "Parking Wars," "Prisoners Out of Control," "E! Investigates: Rich Kids Who Kill," and "Most Shocking" (car chases, etc.). Unfortunately, violence is how nations and individuals solve problems. It's also what entertains us. Hence, the success of viral videos of teens beating each other up. I don't know the answer to promoting less violence, however, let's at least recognize our contribution to its pervasiveness.
  


• "All-American John Wayne"? AMC is promoting a John Wayne movie marathon by describing him as an "All-American Icon." "What is an All-American?" Can someone be "Half-American," or "Part-American?" This is one of several terms frequently spouted by politicians and pundits that baffles me. Others are "patriot," "family values," "American values," and "true American hero." How does one qualify to be "all-American?"

Ugly American Politiks

I am ashamed of how elected officials are running the country. The name of the game seems to be: say whatever it takes to discredit the other guy--mostly these days, President Obama. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/16/10-most-offensive-tea_par_n_187554.html

Needless to say, he shouldn't be above criticism. Yet, in a little over a year, he's been active on many fronts from pushing through the health care bill to promoting non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Give the guy an "A" for effort.

He orchestrated a health summit, during which Republicans were testy and disgruntled.

Now gay activists are heckling him over the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. They want him to honor a campaign promise to end it. I don't know all the details--much of what I hear on TV news isn't informative but so much bombast. Nonetheless, can't groups push their agendas without so much acrimony?

America extols free speech, diversity of opinion, fair exchange of ideas. But, more and more, national debates are rancorous, uninformative, and mean-spirited.

Despite hours of TV coverage, neither Democrats nor Republicans clearly explained their health care platforms. They merely made dire predictions about escalating costs, higher premiums, and government control over health choices.

Many people I speak to have no idea what "health care reform" really means. Even today, I' m not clear how or when my uninsured niece will get health coverage for her family.

I don't have much hope that public debate will improve. Our country--like the rest of the world--faces serious issues in the 21st century from the environmental to the economic.

Still, we can't seem to put the public good above special interests.

Help for Haiti

For all the worse reasons, Haiti is in the news.

The recent earthquake has focused the world's attention on this small country that is the western third of the island, Hispaniola; the Dominican Republic makes up the other two-thirds.

As with many events that involve predominantly black countries, myths abound about the people and culture of Haiti. Despite the worldwide fame of stars, such as Wyclef Jean, most Americans know little about its history.

In fact, it was the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to gain independence, when the legendary Touissant L'Overture defeated British, Spanish, and French troops to emanicipate the slave population in 1804. http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/

Movies and TV have depicted Haitian voudu (or voodoo, as its more commonly called) as dark and mysterious. In fact, it's a blend of religious worship originating in several West African countries transplanted to Haiti.

This week, Pat Robertson, chairman and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, http://www.cbn.com/700club added to the confusion by stating that Haitians had made "a pact with the devil," which led to the earthquake. (Mr. Robertson, how do you explain killer mudslides in China, tsunamis in Asia, or the World Trade Center devastation?)

Fortunately, the international community, celebrities, medical personnel, and relief organizations have rushed to meet the needs of the people without judgement. Relief aid is difficult to administer when the structures that housed government offices have been demolished and political leaders have no resources or places from which to govern.

Bereft of food and supplies, some have resorted to looting. Despite no police presence to protect innocent bystanders, let's hope order is restored soon.

Haitians outside of the country are helpless to reach or help their own. I learned this week that a friend lost her sister in the earthquake. Her family has no idea how it will arrange for services.

On the positive side, ordinary people (like my granddaughter) are donating five and ten dollars to the relief effort. This is the best response to tragedy: reach out to those in need without prejudice. http://www.icrc.org/

Looking Back: 2009

In keeping with the spirit of reflection, here are some thoughts about events and people who made headlines in 2009.

Trashing of Barack Obama

The President of the United States is a public servant. Therefore, he's subject to scrutiny from supporters and opponents alike. But, during his first months in office, criticism of his policies and performance seemed to come fast and furious. Comments, from some quarters, seemed tinged with ridicule and racism. He could do no right. He was described as aloof, devious, wishy-washy, less charismatic (than on the campaign trail), un-American, and untrustworthy.

Political commentators, mostly conservative, assailed him for going on a date with Michelle, promoting "socialism," not stemming the loss of jobs, creating the bailout for corporations, waffling about sending troops to Afghanistan, pushing through a health care bill on the down-low, and not being presidential, and for getting (accepting?) the Nobel Peace Prize. It will be interesting to see how historians assess his presidency. My suggestion to the Prez: Keep doing what you and your advisers think best for the country.

Michael Jackson

We're a nation of addicts--for food, prescription drugs, alcohol, porn, "reality" TV, and violence in its many forms--from movies and video games.

Yet, revelations of Michael Jackson's use of drugs--for whatever reasons--seemed to bring out finger-pointers and head-shakers even before autopsy results were in.

Entertainment "news" shows featured pop commentators ( most of whom had no dealings with Michael) who reveled in expressing unfounded opinions.

Then, the City of Los Angeles, demanded that the Jackson family repay costs for the public memorial. Shouldn't this issue have been decided prior to assigning police and other personnel for that day?

Whatever his faults, Jackson has a worldwide fan base. His music continues to cross cultures and generations. Rest in peace, Michael.

A Star is Born

What a joy to see watch Gabourey "Gabe" Sidibe enjoy fame. She's got a bubbly personality and a dazzling smile. Most important, she defies all the stereotypes about fat, black women. Beauty comes in all sizes. And in a culture where thin-to-skinny women are idolized, it's a pleasure to see her hold her own.

Lady Michelle

Our First Lady continues to be popular with the American public. She's a fashion trend-setter, a hands-on mom, and active in a variety of causes, especially support for military families. She garners much positive publicity for the White House. Hail to the Lady-in-Chief!

Afghanistan War

Since my nephew is about to be deployed to Afghanistan, I've paid closer attention to the news accounts of what we face in that complex country. Our battles in this century involve fighting non-traditional enemies on foreign, often brutal, turf. Our effectiveness depends on a knowledge of countries and the cultures in addition to military might. Whatever it takes, let's hope our troops come home as scheduled. Not a sure thing according to some experts.

Health Care Debate

I've listened to both sides of the health care debate and am not impressed with how either opponents or proponents presented their cases. The plan (s) were discussed in terms that meant nothing to most of those I talked to. Both sides talked mostly about costs but offered no examples of how providing health insurance to the uninsured would raise (or maintain) premiums costs, harm (or preserve) doctor-patient relations, take away from (or leave intact) Medicare, increase (or decrease) costs for businesses.

There's been a lot of bombast and name-calling but no easy-to-understand explanation of each side's views. I hope Congress does pass a health care bill to provide a safety net for most Americans. Perhaps, the emphasis should be on preventive care as a way to contain medical costs.

About Gabe...and Me

Go, Gabe!
Life couldn't be better for Gabourey "Gabe" Sidibe, one of the stars of the much-touted movie, "Precious" based on "Push" by Sapphire (more on this sister in a later blog).

In an electrifying novel, a black street girl, sixteen years old and pregnant, again, with her father's child, speaks. In a voice that shakes us by its language, its story, and its unflinching honesty, Precious Jones records her journey up from Harlem's lowest depths... For Precious, miraculously, hope appears and the world begins to open up when a courageous black woman - a teacher hellbent to teach - bullies, cajoles, and inspires her to learn to read, to define her own feelings and set them down in a diary: to discover the truth of her life.

Black women have many stories to tell.

We live in separate universes from black men and the rest of society. We are so busy holding our families together that taking care of ourselves is a luxury we don't think we can afford.

"Precious" reminds us that we have value--no matter how damaged, how overworked, how ignored, how out of shape, or how underpaid.

Congrats, Gabe on your Golden Globe nomination.

My Gratitude List

Despite not knowing who will ever read these words, I want to shout to the world all the things I'm grateful for:

My faith (weak at times, but enduring).

My children (Darryl, Dee Dee, "Pchez," and Damon (who give my life meaning).

My grandchildren and great grandchildren (who keep me involved in your lives).

My family (living and dead, whose love and support make my life possible).

My mom, "Grandma Kitty", who supports and encourages me in my endeavors

My sister, Terri, and niece Kimberly.

My gifts and talents (too numerous to mention--just joking!).

My ability to survive tough life situations.

Our President Barack Obama(who's breaking rules, dodging harsh critics, but staying the course).

Our First Lady Michelle (who's smashed the stereotypes about what black women can do).

My mental and physical health.

New (refurbished) goals for 2010.

Rose, a lifelong BFF.

My cats--Rani and Pom-Pom.

Having worked with and met talented and inspiring writers--Bob Collazo, Tom Robbins, Kai Wright, Julia Lobbia, Peter Noel, Dennis Moore, Jennifer Gonnerman, Kemba Johnson, Adamma Ince, Chisun Lee, Joanna Haugen, and countless others.

A sense of humor that helps me laugh at the realities of getting older.

I know that you have a gratitude list. Leave me a comment about what you're grateful for.

Anti-Social Services

Personally and professionally, I've had occasion to deal with social services agencies in New York County and Clark County (Nevada).

There are similarities in how they handle applications and disburse public monies, which, too often, entail loss of clients' paperwork, rude or apathetic case workers, arbitrary (or incorrect decisions) about eligibility, and too-frequent re-certification (when all documentation is re-submitted).

Some examples:

• While working as temporary case manager for a private shelter provider in New York City, I received a long list of numbers for welfare agency heads and personnel who, presumably, could provide quick access to information about policies and procedures. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I'd get a mailbox too full to accept messages, no answer, or routed to voice mail. Rarely, if ever, did anyone return my calls.
  
  
• A pregnant mother of two hand-delivered an application, but later is informed that it's lost and she needs to re-file. Meanwhile, she's cut off from services.
  
  
• Another mother with a sick newborn missed an appointment because of a NYC snowstorm. The worker asks if she took her baby to a doctor. She says,"no" because the weather had been too bad. Nonetheless, she's told to provide medical documentation. As case manager, I offered to vouch that she had been at the shelter with her child on the day in question. Not good enough. Without a doctor's note, she was cut off from services.
  
  
• One NYC housing assistance program for homeless families (now defunct) required applicants to be on public assistance. One mother, a college graduate who worked, but who was in shelter because of domestic violence, balked at leaving her job and going on welfare. She was denied housing.
  

In addition to bureaucratic intransigence, social service offices generally are bereft of any decorative touches of warmth and send the message, "We don't think you're worth better."

Ironically, middle-class Americans, who oftentimes view welfare recipients as unwilling to work, uneducated, or opportunistic, eagerly accept government handouts for mortgage assistance and cash for "clunkers." They don't view themselves as taking advantage of the system but entitled to help.

What a difference a recession makes.

Random Ramblings

Should We Be Afraid?

Remember the post-9/11 anthrax attacks of September and October 2001 that killed five Americans?

Well, according to investigative journalists, Bob Coen and Eric Nadler, co-authors of Dead Silence: Fear and Terror on the Anthrax Trail, the issue of an anthrax threat has not gone away, just gone unnoticed by the media and the public.

In the summer, of 2008, Bruce Ivins, a long-time civilian researcher at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRID) at Fort Detrick reportedly took an overdose of Tylenol with codeine. He died in the hospital two days later.

Eight days later, the FBI said that it had been about to arrest Ivins, the object of its seven-year investigation. Controversy ensued, with both Congress and scientists asking to see hard evidence of his guilt.

Therein, lies the basis for this book. It's a real eye-opener (and unnerving to learn how unregulated the sharing of biochemical products is among the world's scientists).

Coen and Nadler also probe the "mysterious deaths of some of the world's leading germ war scientists in the wake of 9/11."

Not a book for the fainthearted.

Hit the Ground Running

Time to cut the BS. Here are my professional goals for 2010:

• Complete manuscript of my memoir Wind Beneath My Wings.
• Get an agent or publisher.
• Promote my new website for families of inmates--Inside/Out.
• Get some (well-paying) writing gigs--both online and in print.
• Rev up promotion efforts for various projects.
• Work on two novels.
• Create buzz around my blog(s).
• Publicize myself.

Sarah Palin: Enough Already!

Sarah Palin is making millions--with her book deal--and garnering loads of media attention with no real political platform or ideology. Her M.O.? Take exception to what she views as the media's sexist characterization of her. Welcome to the club.

• Hilary is too unemotional.
• Michele shows too much arm.
• Sonia (Sotomayor) isn't intellectually sharp.
• Oprah's too fat.

The media made you, Sarah. So, don't bite the hands that are giving you lots of ink and cyberspace.