“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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