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A prayer for our people, love this song by Joe Williams (1918-1999), one of America’s Jazz-Blues singers of all times. When Ellington wrote Come Sunday, c. 1943, social injustices were extraordinarily hard on Black folks.
Sanctioned by nationwide “Jim Crow” laws and customs, many White Americans thought themselves justified in denying Blacks, and other targeted groups, the life-sustaining benefits of their own country.
Sadly, these historic attitudes were exacerbated by crocked politicians trying to get over, and many of them did!
Sadder still, is the fact that today’s crocked politicians are still using inherent social divisions to win elections so as to justify stealing from the national treasury, one that they have sworn to serve and protect.
What way-too-many White folks, though not all, can’t (or won’t) see is that their socialized attitudes against other Americans are now being used against them!
Thus, in view of the House’s recent anti-Healthcare vote amid more tax breaks for the wealthy, seems the crooks in Congress are now trying to justify stealing our tax dollars from our social programs that affords health, education, and welfare for us all, while giving tax-breaks to the avaricious, over-fed people among us.
If Duke Ellington were here today, I like to think that he would dedicate “Come Sunday” to all Americans. And urge us to wake up and realize that we are all in this together. That our happy American lifestyle depends on it!
No matter the color of your skin or tribal alliances, we all are affected by the sick politicians in our government today who are ever proving that they are woefully incapable of reason and empathy for us, the American people, or anyone else for that matter!
And so we must wake up and change.

(Rev. 05/14/17) Posted on my FaceBook page, 05/05/17.

© 2017 by Delores L Adams and The Aunt Jemimah Post. All rights reserved.

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“This above all: To thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man [woman, or child].” ~Wm Shakespeare, Hamlet Act One

Lotus Flower

Lotus Flower, Symbol of Spiritual Awakening

 

Today, with all the confusion wrought by our current presidential election campaigns, for those of us who traverse the less-travelled road to the Truth within us, and have realized it, the above truism from the Bard (“To thine own self be true…”) is forever inspiring.

To know the Truth within us is to know who we really are. Thus, we are loathe to relinquish the gift of Truth, which is of God!

Without the Truth we are nothing. Thus, destined to accept life’s illusions no matter how glorified or dismal it seems.

That is: Until we tire of the endless unhappiness that reliance on established illusions will surly bring, and seek the promise of our True Self that illuminates the world around us.

Of course, the Truth is forever calling to us. Perhaps this is why we ultimately hate those who insist upon lying to us. Particularly those seeking influence over our daily lives, this being tantamount to denying our highest purpose in life. Which is to join with other souls and extend real abundance (love) to all without spiritual cost to none.

Truth Illuminates, Lies Darken

To accept the Truth as our Inner Guide is to ultimately realize the value of true happiness and inner peace.

Hence: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ~Jesus the Christ (John: 8:32)

In the political realm where society’s laws are ultimately created, some woefully misguided Americans tend to scoff at the idea of a so-called “democratic socialist” daring to run for U.S. president with the realistic intent to restore our failing democracy.

Yet, lest we not forget: Truth illuminates the world, lies darken it. Hence, why thousands of people continue showing up at Bernie Sanders’ historic campaign rallies.

Are Hillary and the Donald of the Same Ilk?

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. (Justin Lane, Andrew Gombert, European Pressphoto Agency)

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. (Justin Lane, Andrew Gombert, European Pressphoto)

Having an obvious aversion to transparency (the truth), could it be that Hillary and the Donald have more in common than most of their ardent supporters care to think? Having the same purpose, could it be that they’re closer than the opposite sides of the same coin?

Arguably, most people tend to embellish or even obscure certain facts now and then. Yet, a truly honest and mature person not only values the truth, but actually hates lying.

While it is beyond the scope of this article to determine why some folks tend to avoid the truth; yet, based on their public demeanor, seems both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are afraid of the truth. As a result, they resist transparency like the plague, or so it appears.

Of course, the habitual need for secrecy is a dangerous attribute, particularly in a world leader!

With Donald Trump, his familiar bully persona and endless chatter seems to be his main defense against the truth. This was abundantly clear during the GOP primary debates where he delivered vicious insult after insult rather than truthfully answer questions posed by the moderator or his fellow debaters. Recently, his alleged retort concerning his tax rate (a forty-year tradition of presidential candidates) was: “none of your business!”

While Hillary Clinton’s dangerous obsession with secrecy is legendary: Consider the FBI”s current investigation of her secret email server as Sec of State, her refusal to produce transcripts of her lucrative Wall Street Speeches (from which reporters were barred), and the press’s ever shrinking access to her. Last April 24th on CNN’s Reliable Sources with Brian Stelter, here, a source stated with noticeable trepidation that:

“Clinton travels on her own plane. The reporters travel on a separate plane. They’re often spending the night in different cities. [And] fundraisers are completely closed to the media.” Clearly a departure from traditional campaigns: “To be able to have a conversation with a candidate on the plane going from one campaign to another, that doesn’t exist anymore,” lamented the source.

As to the Trump campaign, here, the reliable source basically says: “The reporters who cover [Trump] have very little access to him at all. And something that exists in the Trump campaign that isn’t the case with Clinton, is there’s almost a hostility toward the press. The reporters are kept in a pen, usually pretty far from the candidates. Often with police barricades around it.”

Sadly, seems Trump’s alleged hostility toward the press is typical of his defense against the truth. Yet, a bubbly Clintonesque persona can be just as hostile as an abrasive Trump persona. Hence, the mournful destruction of a mild-mannered con artist!

“The Year of the Hated”

Hatred (a deep sense of loss) can be a vital signal when properly seen as a warning sign. But, we must think and act wisely, then let it go (forgive) lest we be consumed by it.

Thankfully, despite the lack of objectivity that some reporters (though certainly not all) in the Media seem to exhibit during their political news coverage, the printed news media is still publishing good stories that are worthy of its time-honored profession. A profession our free society must surly rely on in order to be free.

Though some television reporters have generally mentioned the public’s disdain for certain presidential candidates, in this Washington Post article titled: “The year of the hated: Clinton and Trump, two intensely disliked candidates, begin their face-off” by David Weigel, posted May 8, we find an objective view of the public’s thoughts and feelings about the current presidential frontrunners, which is very insightful.

In general, though their unfavorable ratings are high, supporters of both Hillary and Trump seem totally oblivious to the sentiments of the rest of society. Yet, according to the Real Clear Politics averages: “Trump has an unfavorable rating of 65 percent. Clinton has 55 percent.”

Nonetheless, widely enabled (to the exclusion of others) by the Media he allegedly treats with contempt, Trump wins the Republican Indiana Primary, much to his apparent surprise.

His final challengers, Sen. Cruz of Texas and Gov. Kasich of Ohio, soon concede and Donald Trump becomes the “presumptive nominee” of the Republican Party. Though absent the usual fan-fare from the GOP establishment.

Bernie Sanders wins the Democratic Indiana Primary, and vows to continue until all voters in the remaining primaries have voted! In conclusion, the above Washington Post article (“The Year of the Hated…”) aptly notes:

“The socialist from Vermont was the only candidate for president not disliked by a majority of voters.” And so, the Democratic Primaries between Bernie and Hillary continues.

“Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil”

Lezley McSpadden and Neighbors, New York Times

A grieving Lezley McSpadden and Neighbors, New York Times

Those who hate lying usually hate being lied too, which is a form of self-preservation.

Lezley McSpadden begins her memoire by saying: “First off, I don’t tell lies because I can’t keep up with them. My grandmother always said, “Don’t lie. Tell the truth and shame the devil.” She then says: “Your word is what you still got when you don’t have any money.”

Lezley, Michael’s mother, has recently published a memoire titled, “Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil: The Life, Legacy, and Love of My Son Michael Brown.”   Mike Mike, as she likes to call him, was an unarmed African-American teenager living in Ferguson Missouri who was shot multiple times by then police officer Darren Wilson on August 14, 2014.

Sadly, Darren Wilson has yet to be tried for Michael Brown’s murder. Truly, a missed opportunity to uphold justice in a society that is slowly declining for lack of criminal and economic justice, he likely won’t be tried in a criminal court.

Having discredited most of the eye witnesses, including Brown’s companion, an African American male who was with him when then Officer Wilson stopped them for walking in the street and ultimately shot Michael Brown to death, the Department of Justice decided not to indict Darren Wilson.

Hoping for some justice, a civil action is pending on behalf of Mike Brown’s aggrieved family. And the oft-painful quest for justice in our society continues.

President Obama and the BLM Movement

Having recently excused Secty Hillary Clinton’s secret email server as “carelessness” during an exclusive interview with Fox News last April, could it be that President Obama is actually a closeted Clinton supporter?

Sadly, President Obama, who seems a Hillary Clinton supporter more often than not, has directly or indirectly spoken out against advocates of the Black Lives Matter Movement (“BLM”) that once interrupted a fancy Hillary Clinton fundraiser much to her chagrin.

While he appears in favor of another devastating Clinton presidency (Heaven forbid!), President Obama seems to belittle the BLM Movement in the process.

Last April during a town hall type meeting with young people in London, Pres. Obama states among other things (see article “Obama Says Movements like Black Lives Matter Can’t ‘Just Keep on Yelling’” New York Times, April 24) that:

Once you’ve highlighted an issue and brought it to people’s attention and shined a spotlight, and elected officials or people who are in a position to start bringing about change are ready to sit down with you, then you can’t just keep on yelling at them,” Mr. Obama said.

On Saturday May 7 during “Obama’s Full Remarks At Howard University Commencement Ceremony,” published by Politico, the President rightly states:

“You see, change requires more than righteous anger. It requires a program, and it requires organizing,” said President Obama.

Yet, even as we write and with all due respect to President Obama’s ongoing efforts to stop police brutality, according to glaring news reports daily: Black folks, in particular, are still being needlessly detained by unfair police officers (some downright psychotic), raped, cavity searched on the streets, shot multiple times with no chance of survival, and otherwise severely brutalized just because some officers feel they are above the law!

Lest we not forget: It was Hillary Clinton who coined the toxic phrase “superpredator” relative to mostly young Black males who were the target of her husband’s contentious 1994 Crime Bill, which she strongly advocated for. Sadly, this terrible law virtually gutted the humane education of prisoners, wrongly justified lucrative private prisons, and caused the mass incarceration of marginalized Black and Brown citizens that devastated families and communities, from which many are still reeling.

And while Clinton has seemly apologized for saying such, Hillary that is, Bill continues to explicitly justify the “superpredator” term, the Clintons are far from convincing rational voters that things would actually change if they get another chance as president, God forbid!

Mr. President, Sometimes We Just Have to Yell!

Albeit it “politically incorrect,” clearly the BLM is bent on reminding voters of the Clinton 1994 Crime Bill initiative that continues to fuel deadly police brutality towards African Americans in particular without stop. In short, they just don’t want to be killed by another psychotic police officer!

When, after all is said and done, and terrible things continue to remain the same: Well, Mr. Pres, sometimes we just have to yell. And we can’t much blame the BLM Movement for that.

Truth and Justice for all is always a possibility within reach. Thus, we must never be fooled or otherwise sidetracked by the naysayers.

And so the 2016 race for the White House and a More Perfect Union continues.

Free the Mind! Keep the Faith, and Vote Prayerfully!

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

 

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“Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

“Old Glory” Historic nickname of the American Flag

“It’s very hard to bottle up the notion of freedom once it’s been uncorked.”  ~Brian Williams, Veteran News Anchor and Commentator

The Alligator and Mr. Nice Guy, a Parable

One day, a rather aimless young man is walking about in the woods. Much to his surprise, he spots an unknown bridge stretching across a wide and mighty river, heretofore only told by the local raconteur. On the other side of this fabled bridge, he sees an enchanted land gleaming with majestic hills and endless possibilities all there for the asking, or so he’d been told. With nothing else to do that bright and sunny day, his idle curiosity gets the best of him and he decides to explore the other side.

Upon reaching the edge of the river, suddenly a massive tree falls onto the bridge. And, with a loud bang, it’s damaged beyond crossing. Wow! He thought: Now what do I do?

No sooner than a bat of the eye, he sees something moving along in the shifting waters. Thinking it might be a barge, he runs along the river bank and catches up with the object. Much to his surprise, it’s that sneaky old alligator that lurks beneath the murky waters of the river he’s also heard about. Now shaken to the core, he proceeds to run away.

Scared out of his wits, nonetheless he hears a friendly voice. He stops, turns around and sees only the alligator. He thinks: This can’t be… after all, alligators can’t talk.

No sooner than his adorable floppy ears begin to sense a distant sound, the alligator asks where he is headed. Mesmerized by this mysterious yet smooth talking being, once again curiosity overtakes him and the young man answers the alligator. Recalling his good manners, having been properly raised and all, he calls out:

Uh, excuse me Mr. Alligator: Can you give me a ride across your mighty river?

It’s Ms. Alligator to you, she sharply replies.

Next, Ms. Alligator’s friend briefly appears with dark sunglasses and a saxophone, a front she had suggested. Seems he is off to their usual game of throngs. After all, alligators do love throngs of people. They just can’t get enough, and they aren’t prejudice either! Not sure if they are married. Do alligators fall in love and marry?

So, my dear young man, what is your name, Ms. Alligator warmly asks.

Well Ms. Alligator, he answers, I’ve been called by many names, some good and some not so bad. Until recently that is. The other day, an irate senior citizen called me a con artist. Seems my convoluted discourse made her feel like she was being primed by one of those con artists we all hear about. You know, the subtle type who preys on the elderly. Of course, that definitely is not me. Glad I’m not that messed up!

Actually, most people call me Mr. Nice Guy having kind eyes and being so polite, and all.

Yeah, I’ve heard all about those types, snaps Ms. Alligator. They’re called superpredators, I believe. Actually, cons are lost souls in dire need of redemption. I would pray for them, but that’s not my nature. Besides, why would God believe a sneaky old alligator that swims around in a murky lagoon all day?

Well, hop on Mr. Nice Guy. I will gladly give you a ride. I’ve been waiting for you.

Soon they swiftly glide across the mighty river. Barley hanging onto Ms. Alligator’s lumpy back, Mr. Nice Guy finally reaches the fabled shores of endless possibilities. He gladly hops off his precarious ride, ready to move forward.

But wait, not so fast! Suddenly, Ms. Alligator rises up, bites him in the butt and drags him into her murky waters.

Luckily, Mr. Nice Guy had on some very baggy pants that day which were secured with a wide black belt that caught on a nearby branch. As his inner warrior struggled to be free of Ms. Alligator’s deadly grip, he woefully asks why?

She looks at him ever so slyly and simply says: Well, Mr. Nice Guy, it’s just my nature.

Meanwhile, further down the river as far as the eye can see, a diverse multitude of happy people are boarding a great vessel to the other side. Having made a way out of no way, seems they are following a gray-haired man in spectacles with a tiny bird perched on his blue baseball cap. Finally, all are on board except for a certain rag-tag person struggling to be free.

Eventually, he reaches the gate and, lo and behold, it’s Mr. Nice Guy completely in rags. Yet, he has arrived! Though his derriere is slightly exposed, he is determined to follow this joyful crowd who had seemly made a way out of no way. Free of Ms. Alligator’s steely clutches, Mr. Nice Guy now sees the better way.

In boarding the ship, and still being of good manners and all, Mr. Nice Guy happily greets the ship’s captain and asks his name. The equally gracious yet very intuitive leader replies:

Well, I too have been called by many names recently, some good and some not so bad. But most folks, including my wife, simply call me Bernie. Welcome aboard my friend!

The moral to my version of this ancient parable is still relevant. So take heed and remember:

“When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.” ~Maya Angelou, legendary poet, author and civil rights activist

Momentum

The best kind of momentum is, of course, spiritual; which keeps us on the right path.

With this 2016 Election seeming more like the Summer Olympics than a presidential campaign, in many ways the momentum is off the charts! Likely inspired by his heartfelt sincerity and a clear vision for American progress that can be realized despite the naysayers, Bernie Sanders’ campaign rallies, which are drawing thousands, are also off the charts!

Such reports of his historic rallies all over the country are amazing: Thousands Rally for Sanders in NYC Ahead of State’s Delegate-Rich Primary, Chicago Defender. In a BBC article titled Bernie Sanders draws thousands to NYC rally: “Mr. Sanders said the rally in Washington Square, with its famous arch, was the most important event yet of his campaign, which for months has drawn huge crowds across the country.”

Truly this is a sign of an exceptional leader. Sen. Sanders is proving to be more than just merely qualified, but also a gifted leader who will not only properly lead our country, but will join with other like-minded leaders to advance world peace and prosperity.

Of Course, his Democratic rival, Secty Hillary Clinton, also has numerous ardent supporters. Though still undeclared, her most influential backer is once again speaking in support of her contentious email usage while in the state department.

On Sunday April 10, President Barack Obama gives his first interview with Fox News since 2008, a conservative news network. He discusses, among other topics, the FBI’s probe of Secty Clinton’s former emails, which could derail her campaign according to experts.

During the Fox News interview titled, “Obama vows no influence in Clinton email probe…” President Obama states: “He still doesn’t think the emails to and from her private server breached national security.” While “not a good idea…there’s carelessness in terms of managing emails that she has owned, and she recognizes,” Obama said, which is troubling still.

“Carelessness,” really Mr. President?

According to the Espionage Act, 18 USC 793 subsection (f) pertaining to “gross negligence” in the safekeeping of national defense information in particular, many experts and countless other reasonable people still believe that Hillary Clinton first broke the law by ignoring government protocol, and then used a private email server during her state department tenure. Whether justice will hold Hillary Clinton legally liable remains to be seen.

Seems Pres. Obama has forgotten to guard his own legacy (Obamacare, Marriage Equality, etc) while fellow democrats are tasked with keeping the party united and getting out the vote!

Still, the positive momentum continues, and in the right direction. Lost on many nonbelievers, yet every time We-the-People contribute to the Bernie Sanders campaign toward a more perfect government, both with our time and our money, which includes this writer, the Universe hears our silent prayer.

A Way Out of No Way

Looking ahead: With the Clintons back in the White House, things are likely to either remain the same or exacerbate given their lack of transparency and obvious fondness for big money and worldly power, in my opinion.

Having observed the Clintons for over 25 years and considering the well-known devastation their leadership has already caused our society, it would be very difficult (if not impossible) to vote for Hillary Clinton should she become the nominee; though I likely will vote the Democratic down ticket.

Of course, I don’t dislike Hillary Clinton; I just don’t think she is “qualified” to lead our country. There are some things money just can’t buy, spiritual gifts being among them.

During the height of the Civil Rights Movement when his life was constantly being threatened and that of his family’s, a young Baptist preacher realizes that God is truly able.  He would deliver the following affirmation to his ardent supporters:

“When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. This is our hope for becoming better [people]. This is our mandate for seeking to make a better world.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr. (A Strength to Love, 1st Fortress Ed.1981, pp 107-114)

Seems the Bernie Sanders campaign has “uncorked” that American revolutionary spirit too long suppressed by “the establishment” and it will not be easily restrained. No, not this time!

Free the mind! Free our Democracy with Peace and Harmony toward all!

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

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Happy-New-Year-2016-Emerson Quotes-Photos-Greetings

Happy New Year and Many Happy Returns of the Day!

Time is but an illusion really. The past is over and the future is now, go figure.

Only love is real. Yet, pain and suffering can seem more real than real at the time. Perhaps this is why some think of hell as eternal damnation, go figure.

Actually nothing lasts forever. And since hell is not real and only love is real, the odds of escaping an eternal hell are definitely in our favor, go figure.

Thankfully, it’s already been figured out for us. Thus say the Ancients:

Choose once again! But remember, what we chose for others we also choose for our self. Choose love.

Have a blessed and prosperous year. Free the mind!

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

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angelbaby1 

You Are the Brightest Star of All, Thanks for Lighting Our Way

Thanks for Teaching Us to Trust God Instead of Our Fear

Thanks for Showing Us How to Love Again As You Have Loved Us

Thanks for Telling Us that God Gives Us Dreams and The Wings to Make Them Fly

Happy Birthday Dear Jesus, So Glad You Were Born!

© Delores L. Adams and The Aunt Jemimah Post 2015. All rights reserved.

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