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“I place the future in the Hands of God: Now are we saved indeed. For in God’s Hands we rest untroubled, sure that only good can come to us. If we forget, we will be gently reassured… No longer is the world our enemy, for we have chosen that we be its friend.”   ~ A Course in Miracles (ACIM), Lesson 194

Ieshia Evans, a single mom, protesting the shooting death of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge on 07/09/2016. Jonathan Bachman/Reuters

Ieshia Evans, protesting the shooting death of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge July 2016. Jonathan Bachman/Reuters

Now gone viral on the Internet, this iconic photo of Ieshia Evans, a  young African American protester, and a single mom, calmly facing down two armed police officers in riot-gear, and fast approaching her, is a poignant reminder of my late Aunt Birdie’s wise resolve:

“No matter what, be calm in a storm.”

Having been born and raised in the Jim Crow South, Aunt Birdie had learned early on how to quietly summon her dignity and courage so as to get through the local marketplace in a super hostile society in the Deep South.  This, of course, is contrary to Hillary Clinton’s lame observation while speaking before the NAACP’s annual conference in Cincinnati Ohio recently that: “Many African-Americans fear the police.”

Most African Americans Don’t Routinely “Fear the Police”

No Hillary, most African Americans don’t routinely fear the police or anyone else for that matter!  We also have great respect for law and order.  Yet, much like you and other law-abiding citizens, we just don’t want to be shot and killed with impunity by an undisciplined police officer while peacefully going about our daily affairs.  Such are the hard facts still facing us today!

According to the article titled: ‘Graceful in the Lion’s Den’ Photo of Young Woman’s Arrest in Baton Rouge Goes Viral by Michael E. Miller, Ms Evans, a nurse, “Went to Baton Rouge because she wanted to look her son in the eyes to tell him she fought for his freedom and rights.”  She, and the other arrested protesters, was released within twenty-four hours.

Actually, our failure to correct undisciplined Police officers is society’s real problem.  Racism is but a symptom of a deeper ill in our society. When the right leadership comes into power, this too will be resolved. Meanwhile, election 2016 is underway.

Election 2016, Hillary Chooses Her V.P.

On Friday, July 22, Hillary Clinton announces her VP pick.  Needless to say I was very disappointed in her choice. And thus reminded why I have no confidence in her to make progressive decisions for our country. While she loves to tout that she is a progressive, I just don’t believe her, plain and simple.

There are two reasons why I can no longer support Hillary Clinton, though I reconsidered such after Bernie Sanders’ endorsement of her:

First, in my opinion, if Hillary was a true “progressive” she would have chosen Bernie Sanders as her running mate.  Actually, I thought that she would, given all of her posturing about being stronger “working together.”

The day of Bernie’s endorsement, Hillary states that there was much to do.  Given her smarts, I thought she would have taken advantage of Bernie’s drive, his historic ability to unite people and raise funds properly.  Moreover, Bernie’s organizing talents, goodness and wisdom would be a tremendous asset toward advancing our country, which would have made her a great president!  But, foolishly, she didn’t make that choice.

Next, her decision making has not changed. Seems Hillary Clinton is more about her own comfort, the optics, the money, and not about her sacred responsibility to We-the-people.  While in many respects, Sen. Kaine is likely a nice person. The fact that he is reputed to be an advocate for more bank deregulation is very troubling, to say the least!

According to this recent Huffington Post article titled, Tim Kaine Calls To Deregulate Banks As He Campaigns To Be Clinton’s VP by Zach Carter: “Kaine signed two letters on Monday urging federal regulators to go easy on banks ― one to help big banks dodge risk management rules, and another to help small banks avoid consumer protection standards.”  Seems a repeat of the same disastrous policies of the Bill Clinton administration that allegedly were Republican or Conservative initiatives is upon us once again.  Who are these people?  And why are they passing as Democrats, the party for the people?

Touting Sen. Kaine’s fluency in Spanish as a nod to the Latino community is a proverbial slap in the face, in my opinion.  How tacky is that?

Monday July 25, the Democratic Convention begins in Philadelphia.  Prayerfully hoping for the best in all respects.

A Note to Hillary Clinton

“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time (Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President).

Praying for you and our country, and so we place the future in the Hands of God, Amen!

 

© 2016 by Delores L Adams and The Aunt Jemimah Post. All rights reserved.

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Norman Rockwell's Spirit of '76

Norman Rockwell’s Spirit of ’76

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  ~United States Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

Norman Rockwell (1894–1978), was one of America’s most prolific illustrators of the 20th Century. His calendar illustration of the Spirit of ’76 is his last commission for the Boy Scouts of America, completed when Rockwell was eighty-two years of age.

For me, the leading figures with fife and drum oft-depicted in most Spirit of ’76 images, best illustrate the three driving needs upon which our great country was found. These being: Life, Liberty and Happiness, great spiritual needs that drives us all.

Time to Think About Karma: Universal Law of Cause and Effect

Yet, in pursuit of our own basic needs, least we not forget the Universal law of Cause and Effect (Karma). In other words, what we create for others we’re certain to realize in our own lives eventually, unless we change drastically. Thus, it’s always best to treat others as we would like to be treated.

Sadly, many of our lawmakers have not only forgotten this basic spiritual law of Cause and Effect but seem to believe that they are above the law. That they can do as they please to further their own needs without giving thought to how their actions will affect others. Which, of course, is their sacred responsibility to first consider the needs of We-the-people.

Perhaps this is what is meant by this famous quote from one of our nation’s founders: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”  ~President John Adams, c. 1798

As our nation moves towards electing our next U.S. president in November, let us remember to prayerfully vote for the candidate who best reflects the righteous intent, sanity, and morality to uphold the quality of life for all of us, as best reflected in our founding documents.

Vote for Good not Evil

To vote for the right one, we may even have to go beyond the chosen nominees of our major political parties, if that is still the case. Now known as the “lesser of two evils” which is a dangerous game being played by the establishment, we are also free to write in the presidential candidate who has shown the moral courage and political will to do the right thing.

Fellow Americans, we are so much better than having to vote for the so-called “lesser of two evils” chosen by the establishment. Thus with a little faith and the necessary research to balance our thinking, we are destined to do so much better than that.

Happy 240th Birthday America, so glad you were born. We’ll get it right eventually.

Meanwhile fellow Americans, let’s recall our sacred duty to others as well as to our self. Keep the faith. Vote for Good not evil. And let the church say, Amen!

© 2016 by Delores L Adams and The Aunt Jemimah Post. All rights reserved.

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“You cannot sell your soul, but you can sell your awareness of it.”  ~A Modern Adage

Big Sur, California’s Most Renowned Coastline (Photo Credit Unknown)

Big Sur, California’s Most Renowned Coastline (Photo Credit Unknown)

With all the natural beauty in the world that feeds our very soul, seeing someone abandon their soul for worldly gain is not pleasant to write about. Yet we must; if not for our self, at least for our children who deserve a president that will ensure the tone for their advancement.

It is not only a president’s policies that we should question, but we must also give pause to the president’s character. As such significantly influences the quality of life in our society and the world. According to the polls, we have two of the most hated candidates ever for president! Namely: Donald Trump, the GOP’s presumptive nominee, and Hillary Clinton, the current Democratic Primary frontrunner.

Meanwhile, making matters worse: Enters California Gov. Jerry Brown who endorses Hillary Clinton, a proven hypocrite that is still under investigation by the FBI concerning her dubious email usage while Secretary of State.

Gov. Jerry Brown and Fmr. President Bill Clinton’s Faustian Deal

Jean_Paul_Laurens_-_Dr__Fausto

Dr. Fausto by Jean Paul Laurens (Wikipedia/Public Domain)

The German legend of Faust (a factitious character) is about a thriving, yet very unhappy scholar who abandons his soul for worldly power. Having lost his awareness of true happiness, Faust descends into insatiable pleasures and corrupts his thinking in the process. Though the so-called devil is not real, but a personified symbol of bad Karma, henceforth it is told that Faust sold his soul to the devil. In Johann von Goethe’s classic play depicting the Faust legend (c.1802), Dr. Faust’s tormented soul is ultimately saved by true love.

Today, some well-established folks still make pacts with the so-called devil. However, it now appears that Gov. Jerry Brown and Fmr. President Bill Clinton made a Faustian deal with each other some years ago (as do others in politics unfortunately).

Despite their bitter history since 1992 when Jerry Brown and Bill Clinton exchanged heated insults during their opposing bids for president, in 2010 Fmr. President Bill Clinton endorses Jerry Brown’s bid for governor of California.

Fast forward to a few days before the 2016 California Democratic Primary, Jerry Brown and Bill Clinton meet at the governor’s mansion for over an hour to “talk politics”. Soon Gov. Brown endorses Hillary Clinton (Bill’s wife) who’s in a very close race with challenger Bernie Sanders. Thus, Hillary now begins a radical campaign in California.

In his ‘Open Letter to California Democrats and Independents’ Gov. Brown states he is, “Deeply impressed with how well Bernie Sanders has done.”

Yet, Gov. Brown also states that: “Hillary Clinton has convincingly made the case that she knows how to get things done and has the tenacity and skill to advance the Democratic agenda.” Sadly, this seems more rhetoric than fact! Exactly what Hillary Clinton has done that really helped humanity remains a big mystery.

In earlier debates, Hillary Clinton liked to mention that Miriam Wright Edelman, an attorney and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), helped her career. Once saying: “You know, when I left law school, my first job was with the Children’s Defense Fund.”

Yet, as First Lady, Hillary advocated for welfare reform, upsetting her former colleagues at the CDF. Despite warnings by their senior officials that such would plunge over a million children into poverty, “the Clinton administration worked with Republicans to gut social services.”

(See in-depth article: “Hillary Clinton often boasts about helping children, but she betrayed them as First Lady,” Salon.com, Oct 2015.)

Seems the Clintons also betrayed their good friends, Miriam and her husband, Peter Edelman a legal scholar. Along with two other senior officials on welfare policy, Peter Edelman resigned from the Clinton administration relative to the 1996 scrapping of the welfare program. That also cut the classic, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (ADC), which was created by the Social Security Act under the New Deal.

The day it is signed, Miriam Wright Edelman releases this statement: “President Clinton’s signature on this pernicious bill makes a mockery of his pledge not to hurt children.”

Peter Edelman would later lament: “I have devoted the last 30-plus years to doing whatever I could to help in reducing poverty in America. I believe the recently enacted welfare bill goes in the opposite direction.”

In closing, the above Salon article states: “Today, over two decades later, Hillary Clinton’s policies remain conservative. She continues to sit at the right-wing of the Democratic Party. Clinton may have claimed in the debate that she is a Progressive, but her actions have long contradicted her words.”

Hillary Clinton Today

No significant change really. Sadly, Hillary Clinton’s refusal to honor a previously scheduled California debate with Bernie Sanders is not only an “insult” to California voters, who need to hear from their candidates on the issues, but speaks volumes to who she really is. Instead, Hillary attacks Donald Trump. Though it makes for a dramatic news cycle, the polls show that Bernie Sanders continues to defeat Donald Trump nationwide.

What is so sinister about Gov. Brown’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton and a clear betrayal of the people’s trust is that in reality, Mrs. Clinton is a terrible candidate. Her negatives are off the charts and her known disregard for the truth is abysmal.

Besides, the ongoing FBI investigation of her private email server as Sec of State, Hillary Clinton repeatedly lied about having approval for her private email server as if it were a widely accepted practice in the state department.

Even after the State Dept IG contradicts her boldface lies that private emails were allowed, Hillary continues the lie! After checking the key points in the IG’s published report, MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski states: “I really don’t want to be the one delivering this, but I got to tell you, this is really hard to believe.  It feels like she’s lying straight out.”

Frankly, there ought to be a law against lawmakers lying to the public, particularly in order to gain votes! If they can’t respect the truth, how are they going to have the strength of character to uphold the truth and thus maintain order in our society?

A Quasi Monarchist Perhaps?

With life and limb for self-rule, devout insurgents defeated a powerful English monarch during the American Revolution. Thus, our U.S. presidency cannot be sold or inherited!

Yet, by hook or by crook, seems the Clintons have been running for president since Bill Clinton termed out. Having been married to a president and touted his policies (many a total disaster), seems the Clinton’s believe that Hillary Clinton, whether or not qualified, is entitled to be our president! Sadly, it appears they have convinced some well-liked democrats as well.

Of course, this is not only against the spirit of our U.S. Constitution but it also sets a dangerous course for a termed-out, treacherous president to sneak back into the Oval Office. Who, in a pinch, would surly sell his kingdom for a horse! A closet monarchist indeed.

Hence, there ought to be a law against a spouse being elected U.S. president after their husband (or wife) leaves office! Oh be careful America, be real careful here.

A Verified Bigot

Many are convinced that Donald Trump, the GOP’s presumptive nominee, is not only a potentially dangerous leader that must not be elected, but a proven bigot and liar as well.

Despite Donald Trump’s racist remarks about a sitting judge in charge of a personal law suit against him, the public’s protests at his campaign rallies (some violent), and his usual racists rants, well-liked Republicans are now falling in lockstep behind him. Including House Speaker Paul Ryan, who recently endorsed Donald Trump for president.

Of course, many Republicans have been running on fear and racial hatred for years. Thus, the GOP’s covert racism has now come full circle in the nefarious rise of Donald Trump!

Sadly, both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have misused racism to sway voters in their favor. While Trump exploits racism to indulge racist voters, Clinton exploits racism to pander to racism’s victims. Sadder still, neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton’s actions (past or present) show a genuine regard for the advancement or the preservation of humanity.

Consequently, of this we can be sure: If either one of these imposters are elected (God forbid), there will be more of the same gridlock in Washington, or worse. Clearly, the signs are there!

Lest we not forget, Adolph Hitler also exploited bigotry in his rise to conquest and power!

Bernie Sanders: A Sincere Trailblazer

Thankfully we do have a choice in Election 2016. Thus, we no longer have to choose between “the lesser of two evils” as before.

One of the main concerns of our country’s Founders was to safeguard the balance of powers in our government. Without such, anarchy would surly follow, or worse.

Though Bernie Sanders’ sincere messages of peace, prosperity and justice for all is nothing new and is quite attainable with the right intention, seems “the establishment” (those in power) has lost its way. Yet, these are the very same principles upon which our country was found.

Thus, in this world, money alone cannot sustain us or matters of the heart. Yet, when we balance the needs of both mind and heart, not only can we sustain our great country, but we save the world in the process. Which way America?

Praises to Muhammad Ali “the Greatest” (1/17/1942–6/3/2016), Peace Be Upon Him.

Election 2016 Update: June 8th, Hillary Clinton took her victory lap last night, too bad it was won by nefarious means. Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump would likely impede our country’s progress. Many are praying for the evolution of our country, a more advanced president. The struggle continues. Peace to all!

© Delores L. Adams and The Aunt Jemimah Post 2012-2016. All rights reserved.

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“I run not to oppose any man or woman, but to propose new and far-reaching policies to deal with the crises of our times. And I run because I know we must change course now, or risk losing the future for so many to the interests of so few.”   ~ Sen. Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders & "Birdie" Sanders

  Sen. Bernie Sanders & “Birdie” Sanders

As Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks to his exuberant supporters in Portland, Oregon, March 25, also on Good Friday, a little bird flies in and rests on his lectern. They look at each other for about 10 seconds and it gently flies away. The people jump up cheering with excitement. In the video, Bernie basically says that despite what it looks like, it’s a Dove of Peace saying no more wars, please. Since dubbed “Birdie Sanders,” today it seems the Universe is saying:

“Keep telling the truth Sen. Sanders, the people need to hear the truth. As only the truth can free them of all the lies and half-truths too many of their established leaders prefer to tell them.”

Never Be Fair to Your Adversary

Years ago, a very dear friend once told me: “Never be fair to your adversary.”

Today, this is still good advice, given the intense election process. For Sen. Sanders, it’s a matter of comparing the differences between them for the voters. For the Clinton camp that cries foul every time Bernie mentions her leadership shortcomings, it’s likely a sneaky defense tactic to shift the spotlight off of Hillary Clinton’s abysmal record. Of course, the GOP is well aware of her record and is ready and quite willing to use such against the Clinton’s (in spades) should Hillary make it to the general election.

Today on CNN, Fmr. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a national surrogate for Hillary Clinton, thinks Bernie Sanders should stay in the race, but tone down the rhetoric. Sadly something has gone terribly wrong here! Many of these high-profile Democrats aren’t playing fair, having pledged as “superdelegates” for Hillary Clinton long before the convention; and seem bent on winning at all costs.

Yet, they also seem mesmerized by their own rhetoric, expecting Hillary Clinton to actually be the Democratic nominee and that Bernie and his supporters will give up their quest for a better American life and support her. Ed Rendell also thinks we (Sanders’ supporters) should even form a Super PAC for them. Imagine that? During the Town Hall meetings and debates, I got the distinct impression from Hillary that that’s the way it is done in politics.

Sadly, They Just Don’t Get It.

News flash: this is not politics as usual! In view of it all, seems Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and others made one of those historic “back room deals” when she ran the last time and lost to Obama. You know, the old game: “You scratch my back and I scratch your back in return.” Now, I (and many others no doubt) understand why the doable progress Obama promised America eight years ago has yet to be realized! And why Hillary Clinton keeps saying, “I know how to do it.” Yeah sure! I shudder to think what she will give away under pressure.

Thus Things Have Radically Changed

The people are awake now, are tired of the terrible betrayals by both parties, and tired of being used by the billionaires and millionaires to pad their own pockets while disregarding the country and the people’s basic needs. Actually, this is the type of stuff that started the destructive revolts of the past. How sad is that. Hopefully that won’t happen here.

America is destined to be so much better than that! Thankfully, a different politician is on the scene now. And he’s telling it like it is, much to the chagrin of the establishment. Usually, at times such as this a special leader comes forth: A true leader who has the courage of his convictions, the life experience to get things done, the compassion to truly care about others, and the wisdom to discern between insatiable greed and real wealth for the good of all.

The candidate of whom I write is, of course, Sen. Bernie Sanders, a real agent for change who is not for sale! A change agent who is calling for a political revolution, one that is won not in the streets but at the ballot box!

Today on CNN with Jake Tapper, Bernie Sanders states this when asked: “Look, I’m focusing right now on dealing with why the middle class of this country continues to disappear, why we’re the only country on Earth, Jake, that doesn’t provide paid family and medical leave, why we don’t guarantee health care to all of our people. I was just in Baltimore yesterday. The level of poverty is unbelievable. We have to rebuild our inner cities. I think the American people want us to focus on the real issues impacting them, how their kids can afford to go to college, not worry at this point about who is going to be a vice presidential candidate.”

Hence, a vote for Bernie Sanders will surly set American life back on its right course.

Free the mind, educate yourself, think well before you vote, and do keep the faith!

© Delores L. Adams and The Aunt Jemimah Post 2012-2016. All rights reserved.

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Jane and Bernie Sanders

Jane and Bernie Sanders

“I run not to oppose any man or woman, but to propose new and far-reaching policies to deal with the crises of our times. And I run because I know we must change course now, or risk losing the future for so many to the interests of so few.”   ~Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT)

Wow! The above noble words from the Bern set my feet back on solid ground.

Being an avid Bernie Sander’s supporter, naturally I was disappointed with the New York Primary results and cried for a minute. So, I allowed myself to go with that feeling, grabbed a cup of tea, a light dinner, watched more of the depressing news coverage (silly me), watched a sit-com on TV and took to my bed exhausted.

The next morning, the phone rings and wakes me from my good nights’ sleep. Yet, at the edge of my thoughts lurked Depression, my old nemesis, trying to remind me not to be so happy; which would have worked back in the day.

Having realized the value of real happiness after years of hard work, thankfully my higher mind sharply reminds me that I know better. That the ancient teachings of Jesus the Christ and Paramahansa Yogananda[1] have raised me to think better than that, so don’t even go there!

Bernie’s Encouraging Email

Being the one who initially inspired me, I go to my computer and look for an email from my candidate. Great, I got just what I needed. Thanks Bernie.

The above great words are from Bernie’s initial email announcing his candidacy for President of the United States, which was cleverly included in his recent email reaffirming his beliefs. How cool was that!

For me, Sen. Sanders’ very first words were right on: “I run not to oppose any man or woman, but to propose new and far-reaching policies…”

I detest fighting. Having to be against something rather than for something can be very stressful; thus I was instantly relieved, looked around and Depression had left the building (so to speak)!

Jane Sanders CNN Interview

Nearly a week before the New York Primary Jane Sanders, Bernie’s wife, also from Brooklyn, is interviewed by CNN anchor, Brook Baldwin. According to CNN’s article titled, “Jane Sanders Hits Primary Process…” the New York state primary voters had to register at least 25 days before an election in order to participate. For those needing to switch party affiliation the deadline was October 9th.

Accordingly: “I thought we were trying to reinvigorate our democracy … We’re bringing a lot of new people into the party and it’s really too bad that they’re shutting the door on them,” said Mrs. Sanders.

As to the Democratic nominating process: “You have to admit, the way that they’re doing things in terms of superdelegates and in terms of how delegates are put out there doesn’t make a lot of sense to the average person… We understood those are the rules [so] we’re not complaining about it,” said Mrs. Sanders.

Sadly, indeed there would be significant voter irregularities on the following Tuesday that lights up social media. Wednesday, the Huffington Post reports: The New York Attorney General is Investigating Primary Voting Irregularities.  Like, what else is new these days?

Dreaming the Impossible Dream

According to Bernie Sanders, We still have a path to the nomination….and there are a lot of delegates up for grabs.” In other words, we are in it to win it. And so we will.

Some like to trivialize Bernie’s attainable proposals as an impossible dream. Yet, without our dreams, life ceases to evolve and we become depressed. Sadly today, way too many people have lost their faith. Yet it is our very faith that gives us both the capacity to dream the impossible dream and the courage to make it happen. For a better way of American life, go here to Bernie Sanders’ website.

Long ago, I realized that not only does God give us dreams; He gives us the wings to make them fly.

© Delores L. Adams and The Aunt Jemimah Post 2016. All rights reserved.

[1] Founder of Self Realization Fellowship (SRF), Church of All Religions

 

 

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