A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. -- Cicero
I’m starting this in the surgical waiting room. In April, Mama had a hernia (that she got when she had her AAA surgery done) repaired because apparently, it slipped. They’re fixing it now & Mama has promised me she’s gonna take it easy this time. We do not want a repeat of this. This time last year I was pet free, but found a tiny little kitten New Year’s Day & she had 3 kittens in May. The plan was to find them homes, but by the time they got old enough….now we have 4 cats.
I can’t believe the year is over...where did it go? Don’t you hate it when you get to a point on a calendar – end of the year, your birthday, etc – and wonder what happened? It’s like I went to bed, woke up and BAM it’s over. Maybe I’m just getting older & I “feel” it more.
I’ve had a few realizations of 2010: I realized early in the year that a co-worker who I thought had my back (because she said she would) clearly didn’t & quickly threw me under the bus. The last year I’ve lost contact with some folks. I understand that life can get hectic, but in spite of phone calls, voice mails & emails, I’ve heard nothing since April & that was the first time since September ‘09.
Also, I discovered that there are some people that even though they were an important part of my life, apparently, I’m not a big enough of a blip on their radar to rate a “hello” at Wal-Mart. I know they saw me because they made eye contact & turned around. To those folks…have a nice life. I wish you nothing but joy and good luck in all you seek. Yes you’re my family and I love you dearly, but I will not chase you down (literally or figuratively) to get you to love me or want me in your life. All that does is waste time & energy and when I finally realize that it did me no good, I’m both mad and hurt (believe me, I’ve done it). I have a big family that loves me, friends who think know I’m crazy and they love me anyway…and I’ve still got the feathers to prove it. There’s a line in “Stand By Me” “Friends come in and out of your life like busboys in a restaurant.” and I’ve always known this but when it’s family members, it kind of takes you by surprise…or it did me anyway.
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.-- Epictetus
Ok, done with the small & potentially negative stuff; onto the biggest & best realization of all. I am one lucky chick. Why? Well unlike so many in the country I have a job. I’m not real happy right now, I haven’t gotten a raise of any kids (even cost of living) in 4 years and as far as I know it ends in June. But I have a job. Even though I’ve still got a way to go before I’m at my weight loss goal, I’m healthy. My family is, for the most part, healthier. In September 2009 Mama had surgery to fix/remove an Abdominal Aortic Aneurism that could have killed her. This time last year she was on the backside of recovering from that.
Aunt Annie (next to Mama my favorite person in the whole world) was on oxygen 24-7 as a result of a major heart attack & bypass surgery in ’05. They told her that she’d need it for a a little while, but it had been 5 years! She did what she wanted but had to haul that O2 bottle everywhere she went. In the year or so she developed a tumor & in the spring they removed it & guess what? No more 24-7 oxygen! It seems that the tumor was in the “right spot” and as it grew bigger & bigger, it pressed against her lung and restricted her breathing. Now, if you want her, just call her cell phone because she won’t be home to answer the land line. I love it! Growing up the most important people to me weren’t my friends, it was my family and in particular my old ladies. Now that they’re all gone, I have The Aunts...Aunt Annie, Aunt Elvia, etc. If The Aunts makes you think of the movie Practical Magic, there’s a reason. I’ll have to tell ya’ll the story of “The Naked Man in Biloxi” sometime….it puts my rooster story to shame!
Like I said, I am so lucky and thankful to have the people in my life that I have, that love me as much as I love them. Too lucky and thankful to concern myself with the ones who aren't concerned with me.
Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.-- Oprah Winfrey
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Can we bring this punishment to America?
A friend just said that the body of 3 yr old boy was found just 12 miles from where she lives & body of his 5 y/o sister hasn't been found yet...killed by dad/stepmom of Mobile, AL. Every time I hear of a child that has been hurt or God forbid killed, my heart aches. But when I hear that these crimes have been committed by the so-called parents of the child – the very people who are supposed to love and protect them – my blood boils. In my opinion, there is no punishment harsh enough for these monsters. The only thing that would come close is the old school punishment of being drawn & quartered. Here are two descriptions of the punishment...can we get this on the next ballot?
“...Drawing and quartering is another punishment mentioned in kids' movies only because nobody realizes what's involved. The statutory punishment for treason in England from 1283 to 1867, D&Q was a multimedia form of execution. First the prisoner was drawn to the place of execution on a hurdle, a type of sledge. (Originally he was merely dragged behind a horse.) Then he was hanged. Cut down while still alive, he was disemboweled and his entrails burned before his eyes. (Some references, such as the Encyclopedia Britannica, say this step, and not dragging behind a horse, is what is meant by "drawn," but actual sentences of execution don't support this view.)
Finally the condemned was beheaded and his body cut into quarters, one arm or leg to a quarter. How exactly the quartering was to be accomplished wasn't always specified, but on at least some occasions horses were hitched to each of the victim's limbs and spurred in four directions. An assistant with a sword or cleaver was sometimes assigned to make a starter cut and ease the strain on the animals. The remains were often put on display as a warning to others. Nothing like the good old days, eh?...“
“...The convicted were drawn by horse on a wooden hurdle to the place of execution. Once there, they were ritually hanged (almost to the point of death), emasculated, disemboweled, beheaded and quartered (chopped into four pieces). As a warning against further dissent, their remains were often displayed at prominent places, such as London Bridge. For reasons of public decency, women convicted of high treason were instead burnt at the stake ....”
I know it probably shocks ya’ll that I support the death penalty (can sarcasm be picked up over the internet? I hope so.), and I think it should be on the table for all child molesters or child murders because I don’t think you can “fix” that. The other option being they are imprisoned for life in the general population with everyone knowing the details of their crime.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
On the next episode of "As The Tweet Turns"...
I’m probably gonna step in something I can’t scrape off my shoe, make somebody mad, maybe even lose a follower or two. Though I would hate the last part (I’m real close w/ most of the folks who are interested enough to follow me), like Gloria Gaynor said, I will survive.
I need someone to please explain to me why people use Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc as a way to deal with a personal grievance? If someone posts something on your wall, in your comments, sends you an email, or tweets it to you in a Direct Message (that no one else sees) why is it necessary to bring everyone else who follows/is friends with you and the other person(s) involved into your drama?
I understand that your feelings got hurt, I respect that that you feel insulted and I can appreciate that you feel you’ve been wronged. Do I believe you have the right to confront the person you feel has wronged you? Absolutely; no doubt about that. But do it one on one by whatever means of communication you chose. I don’t think you should challenge them to a duel at dawn, which to me is what online fighting feels like (I have a quote about online fighting, but I won’t use it. Not because it’s not PC, but because it would hurt the feelings of someone I adore). Have I gotten involved in these online soap operas? Yes. Would I take back what I said? No, because I meant what I said; if you hurt someone I care about it gets my hackles up.
The recent episode of “As the Tweet Turns” involves a DM conversation between Jimmy Wayne and another individual (I’m still not totally clear on who said what to whom first) and comments he made regarding someone else….can you see where this slippery slope is taking us? And yes, I slid down it too (yes I asked because I’m nosey like that) and accept any responsibility for stirring the pot.
Honestly, I thought it was over and done with but now more comments are being made, statements being posted that, in my opinion, cast a shadow on the MMH movement which is counterproductive to helping the children. I haven’t been as active of a member of the movement as some. But do you think that making public an altercation between individuals that makes the founder of the movement look bad will help? It may make folks question him & thereby question the organization & movement. Do I think that just because Jimmy’s doing something positive he should get a pass if he does or says something that hurts someone? NO WAY! Call him on it. I have. Don’t believe me? Read this blog I posted as a result of a comment he made that made me mad http://whatsbrandithinking.blogspot.com/2010/01/elephants-are-grey-but-not-all-grey.html I let him know (I can’t remember if it was in a DM or not) but didn’t name him in the post because he was in the process of doing something I believed in & I didn’t wanna run the risk of making him look bad and causing folks to have second thoughts about supporting what he was doing. A couple of messages were exchanged, but I didn’t make a big deal out of it.
I don’t know what transpired or who was involved and honestly (here’s what’s gonna send some folks right over the edge) I don’t care because it’s not my business. What took place did so between two or more adults and if you ask me (an no one did) that’s how it should have stayed. Who brought in a 3rd party? I don’t know and again, not my business. What he’s doing for kids, and what he’s lost because of his dedication to it, is to be admired. The work that has been done and continues to be done by MMH, Unseen Child and organizations/movements like them is too important for slights (real or imagined) or bruised egos (of any/all parties) to cast a negative light on ANY organization.
Did he say or do something that hurt or offended someone? I’m not going to say he did or he didn’t because I wasn’t involved in the initial exchange but I will say this; he’s not perfect…he’s human. As humans we are flawed. We say & do things that hurt folks; some unintentional and some not. I know this because I’ve done both. You get mad and if you’ve got a quick Irish temper like I do, you say/tweet the first thing that comes to mind (I’m learning to control this). Later you may realize that even though you can delete what you posted, but it’s out there baby & you can’t un-ring a bell. If he feels he has or realizes he has then yes, he should apologize. If he doesn’t and apologizes anyway they are just empty words and in my opinion if that’s the case, are better left unsaid.
The thing we have to remember when we admire someone is not to put them on a pedestal. It’s hard not to but speaking as someone who has had someone fall off and who has done the falling, it’s hard to stay up there and it’s a long way down.
When you get down to brass tacks, I buy Jimmy Wayne’s cds, tickets to his shows, came to Twitter and met my TGF’s (for which I am greatly thankful) not because of the work he does for kids, but because Jimmy is a singer, songwriter and a performer and a damn good one. He makes me laugh and he makes me think. That and he’s hot (yes, I’m a little shallow, sue me). Even after what I’ve been told, read, etc I’ll continue to do so without hesitation because I am a fan. That is, if he ever plays a show within driving distance of my hometown again.
Monday, July 19, 2010
New Blog
I posted a new blog on a seperate site (see July 16th Changes are coming). Here's the link if anyone is interested.
http://proud2babiggirl.blogspot.com/2010/07/rededication.html
http://proud2babiggirl.blogspot.com/2010/07/rededication.html
Friday, July 16, 2010
Changes are coming.....
There’s gonna be a bit of a change in this page. Mainly, I’m going to have to separate blog pages. To begin with, I'm re-naming this one and it'll be all opinion type stuff (hence the name “What I’m Thinking”); books, music, politics (I can feel that beast walking around in my head again). I’m super opinionated, that can rub folks the wrong way and I’m fine with that – I’m not sensitive.
The other is going to be about the weight, diet, exercise stuff, etc. I’m hoping that by posting something regularly (every week, every other week, I don’t know) will help me get back (because I'm waaaaay off) and stay on track. This way folks who are interested in my diet/exercise don’t have to wade through my political rants & those who agree with my politics don’t have to hear about how much I eat, how far I walked or what my current pants size is LOL!
The other is going to be about the weight, diet, exercise stuff, etc. I’m hoping that by posting something regularly (every week, every other week, I don’t know) will help me get back (because I'm waaaaay off) and stay on track. This way folks who are interested in my diet/exercise don’t have to wade through my political rants & those who agree with my politics don’t have to hear about how much I eat, how far I walked or what my current pants size is LOL!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
W.W.N.D.
Ya’ll, I’m worried about George Clooney. Can someone issue an Amber Alert for Matt Damon? We need to put Leonardo DiCaprio’s face on a milk carton? Let’s distribute “Have You Seen…“ flyer with photos of Angelina Jolie & Susan Sarandon. Has ABC, NBC, & CBS lost their broadcast signal? Why am I so concerned about the celebrities and major networks? Because they are nowhere to be found in the wake of the disastrous flooding in Tennessee.
The whole time I was reading the reports and watching footage online of the ruinous floods in Nashville and surrounding area, I waited for the big fundraiser. Knowing how the entertainment world -- actors and musicians from all genres -- came together to help the victims of the Christmas Day Tsunami Hurricane Katrina, and the recent devastating earthquake in Hati, I was certain that it was just a matter of days before it would take over the airwaves…and I’m still waiting. Country music stars held fundraisers within days…even before the waters had started to recede. And there is a concert planned…a great one…to be broadcast on GAC. Not ABC. Not CBS. Not NBC. ONLY on GAC.
The network coverage have been virtually non-existent. Yes, Anderson Cooper did come to Nashville and that attention was welcomed and greatly appreciated, but where are the news teams covering the destruction? Where are the volunteers from all over the country donating their time to help the residents recover from a natural disaster that hasn’t been seen in this area in centuries? For the most part, people don’t know the magnitude because it’s not being talked about. Why should the major media outlets care if the President doesn’t seem concerned. Why do I say he’s not concerned…where was President Obama? Has he done a PSA to be nationally broadcast urging people to help & donate? If he has, I haven’t seen it. He hasn’t been to Nashville. He didn’t even do a flyover. President Bush was vilified for ONLY doing a flyover after Hurricane Katrina and Obama hasn’t even done that much. Why hasn’t he been called to the public carpet for his lack of interest or concern. Wait…he did call Brad Paisley. What compassion. There was the attempted bombing in Time Square, he was focused on the oil spill in the gulf. Living on the Gulf Coast my entire life, I’m thinking about that too. Was this not as important? Forget the history and culture that are part of the very roots of America that’s been damaged and lost in Nashville, but people have lost everything, even their lives.
Larry Elder, a columnist with the Orange County Register, said in his column on May 14th (http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/floods-248910-people-hale.html), made a couple of points that came to my mind more than once;
• The media's beloved Obama failed to carry Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Those states, alien (if not enemy) territory, are simply of minor importance. It's just hard to feel those folks' pain.
• One Bush critic argued that the president didn't care about New Orleans because it is "black" and "sexy." Perhaps the media's indifference to Nashville is because that city is "only" 25 percent black, and therefore "white and redneck."
You know what's missing? The blame game. The residents of Nashville and other cities & towns in the area that were underwater, some that have never flooded, have yet to point fingers, complain because there not enough being done for them. That there’s no belly-aching because there’s not a government agency there with an open wallet. Why? Because, for the most part, they’ve got it covered. Those who didn’t loose everything are helping those who did. Even people who suffered loss of home and property in varying degrees are taking care of their homes and when they’re done at their home do you know what they’re doing? Going to their neighbors and saying, “What do you need? “How can I help?”, Storme Warren of GAC’s “Headline Country” said it best in this weeks show, “Friends, neighbors and even strangers statewide literally went door to door to help people clean up.” I’m not a Nashville resident, and though I'm a lifelong country music fan, I’ve never been there, but watching this episode, I was so proud of the folks who just got in there and did it. One guy they interviewed on HC said “We were looking for somebody else, but we couldn’t find the address so we just stopped at the first house we pulled up to.”.
I think I’ve answered my own questions, and maybe even your's as to why the news coverage is almost nil and why the Obama Administration isn’t overly concerned. The victims of the flooding aren’t acting out. They’re not committing crimes and blaming it on the situation. There’s no looting. There aren’t people bemoaning their misery or how long it’s taking to get things fixed and back to normal. The local businesses aren’t shutting down because their shops, nightclubs, and other tourist attractions that bring in a large percentage of the cities revenue for an undetermined amount of time because they were under 10 feet or more of water. What are they doing instead? When the water left, they cleaned up. THEY cleaned up. They didn’t wait for someone else to do it…they did it. Mr. Elder spoke with WSMV general manager Elden Hale and he quoted the WSMV news anchors, "'Volunteerism is in our DNA.' When the Red Cross came in they were surprised because so much had already been done.". It seems that people who take care of themselves and their neighbors aren’t as big of a news story as folks who ignore warnings and then sit and complain because someone isn’t there doing it for them. Well, if God forbid, I’m ever involved in a natural disaster, and I’m at a loss for what to do, I’ll just ask myself, WWND….What Would Nashville Do?
If ya'll want to help, here's a couple of ways. If you know of ANY other, please feel free to post them
http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_98169,00.html
www.cfmt.org
http://www2.grammy.com/MusiCares/NashvilleFloodRelief/
The whole time I was reading the reports and watching footage online of the ruinous floods in Nashville and surrounding area, I waited for the big fundraiser. Knowing how the entertainment world -- actors and musicians from all genres -- came together to help the victims of the Christmas Day Tsunami Hurricane Katrina, and the recent devastating earthquake in Hati, I was certain that it was just a matter of days before it would take over the airwaves…and I’m still waiting. Country music stars held fundraisers within days…even before the waters had started to recede. And there is a concert planned…a great one…to be broadcast on GAC. Not ABC. Not CBS. Not NBC. ONLY on GAC.
The network coverage have been virtually non-existent. Yes, Anderson Cooper did come to Nashville and that attention was welcomed and greatly appreciated, but where are the news teams covering the destruction? Where are the volunteers from all over the country donating their time to help the residents recover from a natural disaster that hasn’t been seen in this area in centuries? For the most part, people don’t know the magnitude because it’s not being talked about. Why should the major media outlets care if the President doesn’t seem concerned. Why do I say he’s not concerned…where was President Obama? Has he done a PSA to be nationally broadcast urging people to help & donate? If he has, I haven’t seen it. He hasn’t been to Nashville. He didn’t even do a flyover. President Bush was vilified for ONLY doing a flyover after Hurricane Katrina and Obama hasn’t even done that much. Why hasn’t he been called to the public carpet for his lack of interest or concern. Wait…he did call Brad Paisley. What compassion. There was the attempted bombing in Time Square, he was focused on the oil spill in the gulf. Living on the Gulf Coast my entire life, I’m thinking about that too. Was this not as important? Forget the history and culture that are part of the very roots of America that’s been damaged and lost in Nashville, but people have lost everything, even their lives.
Larry Elder, a columnist with the Orange County Register, said in his column on May 14th (http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/floods-248910-people-hale.html), made a couple of points that came to my mind more than once;
• The media's beloved Obama failed to carry Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Those states, alien (if not enemy) territory, are simply of minor importance. It's just hard to feel those folks' pain.
• One Bush critic argued that the president didn't care about New Orleans because it is "black" and "sexy." Perhaps the media's indifference to Nashville is because that city is "only" 25 percent black, and therefore "white and redneck."
You know what's missing? The blame game. The residents of Nashville and other cities & towns in the area that were underwater, some that have never flooded, have yet to point fingers, complain because there not enough being done for them. That there’s no belly-aching because there’s not a government agency there with an open wallet. Why? Because, for the most part, they’ve got it covered. Those who didn’t loose everything are helping those who did. Even people who suffered loss of home and property in varying degrees are taking care of their homes and when they’re done at their home do you know what they’re doing? Going to their neighbors and saying, “What do you need? “How can I help?”, Storme Warren of GAC’s “Headline Country” said it best in this weeks show, “Friends, neighbors and even strangers statewide literally went door to door to help people clean up.” I’m not a Nashville resident, and though I'm a lifelong country music fan, I’ve never been there, but watching this episode, I was so proud of the folks who just got in there and did it. One guy they interviewed on HC said “We were looking for somebody else, but we couldn’t find the address so we just stopped at the first house we pulled up to.”.
I think I’ve answered my own questions, and maybe even your's as to why the news coverage is almost nil and why the Obama Administration isn’t overly concerned. The victims of the flooding aren’t acting out. They’re not committing crimes and blaming it on the situation. There’s no looting. There aren’t people bemoaning their misery or how long it’s taking to get things fixed and back to normal. The local businesses aren’t shutting down because their shops, nightclubs, and other tourist attractions that bring in a large percentage of the cities revenue for an undetermined amount of time because they were under 10 feet or more of water. What are they doing instead? When the water left, they cleaned up. THEY cleaned up. They didn’t wait for someone else to do it…they did it. Mr. Elder spoke with WSMV general manager Elden Hale and he quoted the WSMV news anchors, "'Volunteerism is in our DNA.' When the Red Cross came in they were surprised because so much had already been done.". It seems that people who take care of themselves and their neighbors aren’t as big of a news story as folks who ignore warnings and then sit and complain because someone isn’t there doing it for them. Well, if God forbid, I’m ever involved in a natural disaster, and I’m at a loss for what to do, I’ll just ask myself, WWND….What Would Nashville Do?
If ya'll want to help, here's a couple of ways. If you know of ANY other, please feel free to post them
http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_98169,00.html
www.cfmt.org
http://www2.grammy.com/MusiCares/NashvilleFloodRelief/
Monday, April 26, 2010
Confederate Memorial Day
I know I posted a blog last week that’s pretty much about the same thing and I’m not trying to force anything on folks, I simply think it’s only fair that if African-American, Irish American, Jewish American, Asian Pacific American, Hispanic-Latino, Italian-American, Islamic History, American Indian history/heritage can be acknowledged, then that of the South should be as well. How many great American writers have come from the south? What about musicians? By all accounts, we wouldn’t even have Rock & roll or country music if it weren’t for the South. There is more to the South than the Civil War and that should be celebrated and honored. Today, April 26th, is Confederate Memorial Day and this is a updated/re-post of a blog I did a couple of years ago.
For those of you who don’t know, in Florida, April is Confederate History Month and April 26th is Confederate Memorial Day in the State of Florida (in Georgia and Alabama as well). Here is the PDF of the actual proclamation from 2000 at http://www.florida-scv.org/projects/confedhist/SenProcCHM.pdf. I can’t find a similar proclamation anywhere since 2000, but as far as I’m concerned, it stands. Because of the font, it’s a little difficult to read, but here’s what it states:
A Proclamation in recognition of Florida Confederate History Month
Whereas, the month of April is the time during which the Confederate States of America initiated and ended its four-year struggle for a sovereign and independent nation; and
Whereas, in proportion to its population, the State of Florida lent more soldiers and sailors to the Confederate Cause than did any other Southern state; and
Where as, All Floridians should be knowledgeable of the history of the War Between the State and the Battles fought in the State of Florida, including the Battles of Natural Bridge, Olustee and Santa Rosa Island; and
Whereas, April 26 has been designate by the laws of Florida as a legal holiday, a time in which to honor the memories of those who sacrificed their lives in the War Between the States;
Whereas, we recall the tragic events that took place between the years of 1861 and 1865, we do so in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the conflicting ideals and passions that pitted brother against brother and tore a nation apart; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it respectfully proclaimed that the residents of the State of Florida be urged to observe the month of April, 2000, as Florida Confederate History Month and, in solemnly contemplating the events of that time, resolve to foster a climate in which all Americans live and work together in "one nation under God".
In the spirit of "…All Floridians should be knowledgeable of the history of the War Between the State…", here’s a link to "A Southern View of History: The War for Southern Independence". It’s kind of an online (or you can order a CD) class about the Civil War, (War Between the States, War of Northern Aggression). http://www.florida-scv.org/projects/education/index.html
It’s not real popular to be proud of your Southern Heritage, anyone who knows me knows that I’ve never been super concerned about being popular. Do I wanna be liked, yeah—everyone does— but being the most popular has never been a personal goal. I’ve stated before that I seriously doubt that any History Month – be it Confederate History, Women’s History (March), or Native American History (November) – will ever get the press or public support and praise that Black History Month does and that irks me to no end. I’ve never understood why the history of one group was so much more important or precious that they should be held in a higher regard than any other.
For those of you who don’t know, in Florida, April is Confederate History Month and April 26th is Confederate Memorial Day in the State of Florida (in Georgia and Alabama as well). Here is the PDF of the actual proclamation from 2000 at http://www.florida-scv.org/projects/confedhist/SenProcCHM.pdf. I can’t find a similar proclamation anywhere since 2000, but as far as I’m concerned, it stands. Because of the font, it’s a little difficult to read, but here’s what it states:
A Proclamation in recognition of Florida Confederate History Month
Whereas, the month of April is the time during which the Confederate States of America initiated and ended its four-year struggle for a sovereign and independent nation; and
Whereas, in proportion to its population, the State of Florida lent more soldiers and sailors to the Confederate Cause than did any other Southern state; and
Where as, All Floridians should be knowledgeable of the history of the War Between the State and the Battles fought in the State of Florida, including the Battles of Natural Bridge, Olustee and Santa Rosa Island; and
Whereas, April 26 has been designate by the laws of Florida as a legal holiday, a time in which to honor the memories of those who sacrificed their lives in the War Between the States;
Whereas, we recall the tragic events that took place between the years of 1861 and 1865, we do so in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the conflicting ideals and passions that pitted brother against brother and tore a nation apart; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it respectfully proclaimed that the residents of the State of Florida be urged to observe the month of April, 2000, as Florida Confederate History Month and, in solemnly contemplating the events of that time, resolve to foster a climate in which all Americans live and work together in "one nation under God".
In the spirit of "…All Floridians should be knowledgeable of the history of the War Between the State…", here’s a link to "A Southern View of History: The War for Southern Independence". It’s kind of an online (or you can order a CD) class about the Civil War, (War Between the States, War of Northern Aggression). http://www.florida-scv.org/projects/education/index.html
It’s not real popular to be proud of your Southern Heritage, anyone who knows me knows that I’ve never been super concerned about being popular. Do I wanna be liked, yeah—everyone does— but being the most popular has never been a personal goal. I’ve stated before that I seriously doubt that any History Month – be it Confederate History, Women’s History (March), or Native American History (November) – will ever get the press or public support and praise that Black History Month does and that irks me to no end. I’ve never understood why the history of one group was so much more important or precious that they should be held in a higher regard than any other.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Pride, not prejudice
Let’s talk about discrimination. I don’t mean the kind you hear about on the news or the kind that groups like the ACLU fight. I’m talking about a kind of discrimination that’s almost encouraged by groups like the ACLU. It’s discrimination against the South & Southerners. A lot of you reading this think I’ve lost it, but keep reading and you may just see my point. That statement, in and of itself, may stop some folks from reading any farther. If that’s the case then so be it.
I've seen "American by Birth…. Southern by the Grace of God". on bumper stickers, coffee mugs, t-shirts, you name it. To me, those words mean pride in being both an American and a Southerner. When I say I’m a proud Southerner, I get the same look from most people, which is usually one of confusion. It's as if others don't understand why, much less how, I can be proud to be a Southerner. If you ask most people what were the causes of the Civil War, they’ll tell you slavery. Nothing else will be cited...just slavery. Because of slavery alone the South seceded from the Union and caused The War, how could I--how dare I, be proud. The answer is simple, it's the same way that anyone else can, and should be proud of their heritage.
I'm from the South, and to the best of my knowledge my family has always been in the South (through the joint research that I and cousins have done, I have documents from as far back as Rowan County, NC in 1790). My ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and on both sides of the Civil War. My great-great-grandfather moved to what became Tyndall Air Force Base with his family from Alabama, my great grandfather was born here and my family has lived in Panama City since then. That makes me the 5th generation to live, and the 4th to be born here. To me, that's something to be proud of. It galls me to no end that people think, and have the nerve to tell me that I should be ashamed of being Southern.
I'm a mix of Irish, Scottish, and Indian (Native American). What if I were to walk around wearing a kilt (Scottish – and yes, I know, these are generally worn by men), a feathered headdress (Indian/Native American), with a Shamrock and Claddagh (Irish) airbrushed on my kilt and feathers? Yes, it would look strange and it would most certainly be a grievous fashion risk, but all are examples of my ethnic heritage, so no one would complain about being offended. However, if I were to wear a shirt that said "Southern and Proud" or fly The Rebel Flag from my front yard, I would called a bigot, which would be, at best, a bold-faced lie. The Confederate Battle Flag, (a.k.a. Dixie, The Rebel Flag) has been used by White Supremacist/Neo-Nazi groups for ages, as a result, when someone sees it they automatically think that the person displaying it a racist pig. I am not, nor have I ever been a racist. I wasn't raised that way.
Why is it perfectly acceptable for everyone else to be proud of their heritage and why is it so difficult to believe that I feel the same? I would LOVE for someone to give me a logical explanation for that? Anytime there’s mention of a Confederate History Month or even Confederate Memorial Day (April 26th) you can almost hear the collective “Oh hell no!”. Do you know what you’ll get if you Google Heritage month? You’ll find (through a couple of sites) that February is African-American History Month. March is Irish American Heritage Month. May is both Jewish American and Asian Pacific American Heritage. September is National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, October also does double duty as Italian-American Heritage Month and Islamic History Month and November is National American Indian Heritage Month. There’s even a Gay Lesbian Pride Month – it’s June for those who want to celebrate. You can be proud to be African-American, Irish, Asian-Pacific, Jewish, Hispanic, Italian, Islamic, Native American and Gay/Lesbian, but I’m told that I should be ashamed to be Southern because of the Civil War and one of the events leading to it – namely slavery. Now anyone who thinks or says that slavery wasn’t a major issue in the beginning of the Civil War is a fool. Anyone who thinks and says that slavery was THE ONLY issue that started the Civil War is just as big of a fool...there were many reasons for the Civil War. Remember,"'to the victor belong the spoils" and one of those is to write the history of that victory. Do some research, read more than the history books in school. Because of one issue in a terrible event, I should hang my head in disgrace.
Following that line of thinking; someone from a German background should be ashamed because of Hitler. Someone who is Japanese should be forbidden to show pride in a grand and ancient heritage because of Pearl Harbor. What about someone whose family immigrated to this country from Iraq? What about people who are of the Muslim or Islamic faith? Clearly they should be ashamed of their religion because of the events of 9-11. Americans should be ashamed to be American. Didn’t our forefathers attack, kill, and wrench the land they built this country on from the Native Americans? They were pushed off of their native land and environment and on to reservations where they we at the mercy of the American government for their very survival. Sounds like enslavement to me. Maybe Native Americans should be ashamed because technically, like the Confederacy, they lost? Maybe Southerners should re-name ourselves? How about Southern-American? No? Maybe Confederate-Americans?
The two of the primary issues were State’s rights and the fact that the South was being taxed into oblivion (any of this sound familiar?). Political issues and disagreements began soon after the American Revolution ended and between 1800 and 1860, disputes between the North and South grew more passionate. One of the dominant issues was taxes, or tariffs, paid on wares shipped into this country. Taxes were placed on Southern merchandise that was shipped to other countries – something that was not always applied to Northern goods of corresponding value. A set-up like this allowed individual states as well as privately owned companies to follow suit. Southern banks and financiers, who paid higher interest rates on loans owed to Northern banks. The situation became critical after several "scares", including one in 1857 that hit Northern banks harder than those in the South. Southern investors who found themselves stuck with sky-high payments to save Northern banks that, because of ghastly investments, suffered serious financial losses.(again...sound familiar)
Prior to the Civil War, the political power in the Federal government was changing. Located in Washington, D.C., Northern and mid-western states were becoming increasingly powerful as the populations increased, and Southern states lost power, and sectionalism began to take hold. Like the original thirteen colonies went to battle for their independence almost a century earlier, the South felt a growing desire for freedom from the Federal authority in Washington. The people of the South believed that state laws carried more weight than Federal laws. This issue was called State's Rights and became a very warm topic in Congress.
Do I think that the institution of slavery was right and should have been preserved? NO, not by any stretch of the imagination...that part of American and Southern history I'm not proud. My point is not that slavery was right...no one in their right mind believes that. The way the men and boys of the South fought are the reason for my pride. They fought for what they believed was right and what they stood for. They were fighting for their way of life – right or wrong. Did slavery did benefit the South? Yes, but it also greatly benefited the whole country as well. Cotton was a very marketable product that was shipped world wide, which in turn, made money for the entire Union.
This country, both then and now, has convinced itself and most of the people in it into thinking that the South was the only place in the country that used slaves, but it wasn't. There were slaves up North as well, but they called them House Servants. Even those who worked for wages didn’t have anywhere near an easy life. What about the conditions that the factory workers lived and worked in? People – men, women and children – worked in factories as long as 14-16 hours a day earning as much as $3.50 a week. The children worked not out of choice, but necessity and the families lived in what at best could be called shacks in work camps on the lands adjacent to the northern factories.
The South and Southerners are looked down upon, and to a certain extent discriminated against, without a thought given to the Southerners feelings. Anytime there is a character in a movie, TV show, or book that is dimwitted, a man beats his wife, a female character that’s manipulative, or when there's a call for someone that my Granny would call "trashy" chances are they have a Southern accent. Why is it that anytime a bigot, Neo-Nazi or hate monger is needed, the automatically give them a drawl. Are there not racists in the Northwest? What about the wholesome Midwest? California? Surly not in liberal, all accepting Sunny California! What about the Northeast? Never! Fine Yankees would by no means look down on or treat someone differently because of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. In fact, a couple of seasons back when the writers of one of my favorite television shows – Law & Order – SVU—needed a racist figure to be the loudmouth of a Neo-Nazi group, they cast one of my favorite actresses, Marcia Gay Harden, and gave her a Southern accent. She’s in New York! There aren’t racists in New York? Fine, in the last 5 minutes of the show, she revealed herself as an undercover agent, but she had spent the last 55 minutes spouting racist, discriminatory crap. But what do you think the viewers took away with them? Not the fact that she saved the life of one of the main characters from being killed by the real villain or that she apologized to two of the officers who had been the target of her many racially prejudiced rants, or the moment when she stood up in the courtroom, did her best “Heil Hitler” stance and in her finest twang, screamed, “WHITE POWER”. I’ll give you three guesses – and the first two don’t count.
When this type of characterization is placed on Blacks, Orientals, Hispanics, Muslims, or any other fraction of the population, the ACLU is the first one to jump in and scream at the top of their lungs, "Discrimination!!!!!!" but do Southerners get the same kind of consideration? Not a snowballs chance in Miami! Why? Because right or wrong, over a century ago we put our foot down, stood up for our rights, fought for something we believed in. The difference – we lost.
Doesn’t this country preach tolerance? What about a little of the tolerance for those of us who are proud of our Southern ancestry as to those who are proud to be Native American, German, French, Spanish, etc. To those of you who say its offensive, do you want to know what I find offensive? The idea that we as Southerners should be embarrassed and when someone insinuates that anyone who is proud to be Southern is a member of the K.K.K. THAT I find offensive! I believe that is offensive to be told that I should be ashamed of my ancestral history and that it should be swept under the rug of history and ignored because it’s not politically correct, because it was one of the most, if not THE most, sorrowful time in our country’s history, and because the discussion of a barbaric practice makes people uncomfortable. Do I think that only the glory and highlights of the South or the Confederacy should be taught, explored and examined? Absolutely not. Throw open the windows of history, brush away the cobwebs of political correctness and let the light shine on the reality and look at it all; the good and the bad, the glorious and the dishonorable, the things we’re proud of right alongside of the parts we’re not so proud. I am proud to be a Southerner, make no mistake of that. To be proud, is not to be a bigot.
Here are a few articles to check out....food for thought (added 4/10/2013):
Causes of the The War Between the States - A Southern Perspective http://blueandgraytrail.com/features/southerncauses.html
The Pre-Civil War Era (1815–1850)
http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/precivilwar/summary.html
Causes of the Civil War -- Economic and Sectional differences
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/schager/US%202005-06/Civil%20War/economics%20&_civil_war.htm
Genesis of the Civil War
http://www.lewrockwell.com/rockwell/civilwar.html
The Southern Side of the Civil War: Facts Your History Teacher May Not Have Mentioned About The War Between the States
http://michaelgriffith1.tripod.com/southernside.htm
I've seen "American by Birth…. Southern by the Grace of God". on bumper stickers, coffee mugs, t-shirts, you name it. To me, those words mean pride in being both an American and a Southerner. When I say I’m a proud Southerner, I get the same look from most people, which is usually one of confusion. It's as if others don't understand why, much less how, I can be proud to be a Southerner. If you ask most people what were the causes of the Civil War, they’ll tell you slavery. Nothing else will be cited...just slavery. Because of slavery alone the South seceded from the Union and caused The War, how could I--how dare I, be proud. The answer is simple, it's the same way that anyone else can, and should be proud of their heritage.
I'm from the South, and to the best of my knowledge my family has always been in the South (through the joint research that I and cousins have done, I have documents from as far back as Rowan County, NC in 1790). My ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and on both sides of the Civil War. My great-great-grandfather moved to what became Tyndall Air Force Base with his family from Alabama, my great grandfather was born here and my family has lived in Panama City since then. That makes me the 5th generation to live, and the 4th to be born here. To me, that's something to be proud of. It galls me to no end that people think, and have the nerve to tell me that I should be ashamed of being Southern.
I'm a mix of Irish, Scottish, and Indian (Native American). What if I were to walk around wearing a kilt (Scottish – and yes, I know, these are generally worn by men), a feathered headdress (Indian/Native American), with a Shamrock and Claddagh (Irish) airbrushed on my kilt and feathers? Yes, it would look strange and it would most certainly be a grievous fashion risk, but all are examples of my ethnic heritage, so no one would complain about being offended. However, if I were to wear a shirt that said "Southern and Proud" or fly The Rebel Flag from my front yard, I would called a bigot, which would be, at best, a bold-faced lie. The Confederate Battle Flag, (a.k.a. Dixie, The Rebel Flag) has been used by White Supremacist/Neo-Nazi groups for ages, as a result, when someone sees it they automatically think that the person displaying it a racist pig. I am not, nor have I ever been a racist. I wasn't raised that way.
Why is it perfectly acceptable for everyone else to be proud of their heritage and why is it so difficult to believe that I feel the same? I would LOVE for someone to give me a logical explanation for that? Anytime there’s mention of a Confederate History Month or even Confederate Memorial Day (April 26th) you can almost hear the collective “Oh hell no!”. Do you know what you’ll get if you Google Heritage month? You’ll find (through a couple of sites) that February is African-American History Month. March is Irish American Heritage Month. May is both Jewish American and Asian Pacific American Heritage. September is National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, October also does double duty as Italian-American Heritage Month and Islamic History Month and November is National American Indian Heritage Month. There’s even a Gay Lesbian Pride Month – it’s June for those who want to celebrate. You can be proud to be African-American, Irish, Asian-Pacific, Jewish, Hispanic, Italian, Islamic, Native American and Gay/Lesbian, but I’m told that I should be ashamed to be Southern because of the Civil War and one of the events leading to it – namely slavery. Now anyone who thinks or says that slavery wasn’t a major issue in the beginning of the Civil War is a fool. Anyone who thinks and says that slavery was THE ONLY issue that started the Civil War is just as big of a fool...there were many reasons for the Civil War. Remember,"'to the victor belong the spoils" and one of those is to write the history of that victory. Do some research, read more than the history books in school. Because of one issue in a terrible event, I should hang my head in disgrace.
Following that line of thinking; someone from a German background should be ashamed because of Hitler. Someone who is Japanese should be forbidden to show pride in a grand and ancient heritage because of Pearl Harbor. What about someone whose family immigrated to this country from Iraq? What about people who are of the Muslim or Islamic faith? Clearly they should be ashamed of their religion because of the events of 9-11. Americans should be ashamed to be American. Didn’t our forefathers attack, kill, and wrench the land they built this country on from the Native Americans? They were pushed off of their native land and environment and on to reservations where they we at the mercy of the American government for their very survival. Sounds like enslavement to me. Maybe Native Americans should be ashamed because technically, like the Confederacy, they lost? Maybe Southerners should re-name ourselves? How about Southern-American? No? Maybe Confederate-Americans?
The two of the primary issues were State’s rights and the fact that the South was being taxed into oblivion (any of this sound familiar?). Political issues and disagreements began soon after the American Revolution ended and between 1800 and 1860, disputes between the North and South grew more passionate. One of the dominant issues was taxes, or tariffs, paid on wares shipped into this country. Taxes were placed on Southern merchandise that was shipped to other countries – something that was not always applied to Northern goods of corresponding value. A set-up like this allowed individual states as well as privately owned companies to follow suit. Southern banks and financiers, who paid higher interest rates on loans owed to Northern banks. The situation became critical after several "scares", including one in 1857 that hit Northern banks harder than those in the South. Southern investors who found themselves stuck with sky-high payments to save Northern banks that, because of ghastly investments, suffered serious financial losses.(again...sound familiar)
Prior to the Civil War, the political power in the Federal government was changing. Located in Washington, D.C., Northern and mid-western states were becoming increasingly powerful as the populations increased, and Southern states lost power, and sectionalism began to take hold. Like the original thirteen colonies went to battle for their independence almost a century earlier, the South felt a growing desire for freedom from the Federal authority in Washington. The people of the South believed that state laws carried more weight than Federal laws. This issue was called State's Rights and became a very warm topic in Congress.
Do I think that the institution of slavery was right and should have been preserved? NO, not by any stretch of the imagination...that part of American and Southern history I'm not proud. My point is not that slavery was right...no one in their right mind believes that. The way the men and boys of the South fought are the reason for my pride. They fought for what they believed was right and what they stood for. They were fighting for their way of life – right or wrong. Did slavery did benefit the South? Yes, but it also greatly benefited the whole country as well. Cotton was a very marketable product that was shipped world wide, which in turn, made money for the entire Union.
This country, both then and now, has convinced itself and most of the people in it into thinking that the South was the only place in the country that used slaves, but it wasn't. There were slaves up North as well, but they called them House Servants. Even those who worked for wages didn’t have anywhere near an easy life. What about the conditions that the factory workers lived and worked in? People – men, women and children – worked in factories as long as 14-16 hours a day earning as much as $3.50 a week. The children worked not out of choice, but necessity and the families lived in what at best could be called shacks in work camps on the lands adjacent to the northern factories.
The South and Southerners are looked down upon, and to a certain extent discriminated against, without a thought given to the Southerners feelings. Anytime there is a character in a movie, TV show, or book that is dimwitted, a man beats his wife, a female character that’s manipulative, or when there's a call for someone that my Granny would call "trashy" chances are they have a Southern accent. Why is it that anytime a bigot, Neo-Nazi or hate monger is needed, the automatically give them a drawl. Are there not racists in the Northwest? What about the wholesome Midwest? California? Surly not in liberal, all accepting Sunny California! What about the Northeast? Never! Fine Yankees would by no means look down on or treat someone differently because of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. In fact, a couple of seasons back when the writers of one of my favorite television shows – Law & Order – SVU—needed a racist figure to be the loudmouth of a Neo-Nazi group, they cast one of my favorite actresses, Marcia Gay Harden, and gave her a Southern accent. She’s in New York! There aren’t racists in New York? Fine, in the last 5 minutes of the show, she revealed herself as an undercover agent, but she had spent the last 55 minutes spouting racist, discriminatory crap. But what do you think the viewers took away with them? Not the fact that she saved the life of one of the main characters from being killed by the real villain or that she apologized to two of the officers who had been the target of her many racially prejudiced rants, or the moment when she stood up in the courtroom, did her best “Heil Hitler” stance and in her finest twang, screamed, “WHITE POWER”. I’ll give you three guesses – and the first two don’t count.
When this type of characterization is placed on Blacks, Orientals, Hispanics, Muslims, or any other fraction of the population, the ACLU is the first one to jump in and scream at the top of their lungs, "Discrimination!!!!!!" but do Southerners get the same kind of consideration? Not a snowballs chance in Miami! Why? Because right or wrong, over a century ago we put our foot down, stood up for our rights, fought for something we believed in. The difference – we lost.
Doesn’t this country preach tolerance? What about a little of the tolerance for those of us who are proud of our Southern ancestry as to those who are proud to be Native American, German, French, Spanish, etc. To those of you who say its offensive, do you want to know what I find offensive? The idea that we as Southerners should be embarrassed and when someone insinuates that anyone who is proud to be Southern is a member of the K.K.K. THAT I find offensive! I believe that is offensive to be told that I should be ashamed of my ancestral history and that it should be swept under the rug of history and ignored because it’s not politically correct, because it was one of the most, if not THE most, sorrowful time in our country’s history, and because the discussion of a barbaric practice makes people uncomfortable. Do I think that only the glory and highlights of the South or the Confederacy should be taught, explored and examined? Absolutely not. Throw open the windows of history, brush away the cobwebs of political correctness and let the light shine on the reality and look at it all; the good and the bad, the glorious and the dishonorable, the things we’re proud of right alongside of the parts we’re not so proud. I am proud to be a Southerner, make no mistake of that. To be proud, is not to be a bigot.
Here are a few articles to check out....food for thought (added 4/10/2013):
Causes of the The War Between the States - A Southern Perspective http://blueandgraytrail.com/features/southerncauses.html
The Pre-Civil War Era (1815–1850)
http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/precivilwar/summary.html
Causes of the Civil War -- Economic and Sectional differences
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/schager/US%202005-06/Civil%20War/economics%20&_civil_war.htm
Genesis of the Civil War
http://www.lewrockwell.com/rockwell/civilwar.html
The Southern Side of the Civil War: Facts Your History Teacher May Not Have Mentioned About The War Between the States
http://michaelgriffith1.tripod.com/southernside.htm
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A Little Loose Change Can Make A Big Difference
On January 18th, I posted a blog called “Walkin’ the Walk” about country singer Jimmy Wayne’s walk from Monroe Harding in Nashville, TN to HomeBase Youth Services Phoenix, AZ to bring awareness to the homeless teens who have aged out of the foster care system. (Click the link below to read “Walkin the Walk”). I wanted to write a little more about a couple of things. Something I failed to mention back in January, and I didn’t want to let it slip by this time, is that the country music news blog Got Country? Is donating 10 cents for every mile Jimmy walks! For more info, to make a donation yourself, or to get the niftiest country music news, check out Got Country?
In “Walkin’ the Walk”, I mentioned a fundraising project called “Helping Jimmy Wayne Make A Change with Loose Change" (aka LooseChange) Project” that really deserved much more than a “mention” and I apologize for that. The reason being is that it’s proof that a little can accomplish a lot. LooseChange was started by Jimmy Wayne fan Teresa (she’s a blast…follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/texaslovesya) where fans (or anyone) collects the loose change you find in parking lots, couch cushions, the bottom of an old purse, etc and donate it to HomeBase Youth Services through their website. This was inspired mainly by a picture of some jewelry & change that Jimmy posted over the summer of some things he had found while “treasure hunting” in a parking lot before a show. Teresa said “At the time I thought that was odd, but then I remembered his upbringing and how that was probably a habit he has always had :) “. To launch the program, the online country radio station (who has also been known to spin a little KC & the Sunshine band) Nixa Country had Rachel, a representative from HBYS, on to explain more about the program and how a little bit can go a long way.
Think about when you checkout at a convenience store. You hand the cashier a $5 bill for something that’s $4 & change. Where are these coins going end up? In your pocket? The cup holder in your car? The nightstand by your bed? Your washing machine? That handful of change can truly change the life of a teenager. As of 22-March-2010 the LooseChange has raised $531.81. That may not sound like a lot, but according to Rachel from HBYS, $1 is enough to feed a homeless teen a meal....so what may seem on the surface like a drop in the bucket, can actually provide 531 meals!
As a longtime fan of Jimmy’s and a supporter of his MMH project, I want to thank Teresa for coming up with the Loose Change Project months ago. It’s one of those things that when you hear about it you think to yourself, “Why didn’t I think about that.“ I also wanna send a big thanks out to Nixa Country & Val Jean for all of their hard work in promoting not just Jimmy as an artist, but MMH & especially the Loose Change Project. Their support, starting with Day 1 of the walk, has been nothing short of amazing. Something as “small” as mentioning Jimmy’s mission when they play his songs to something as unifying as Val Jean leading an online group prayer/20 seconds of silence twice a day for Jimmy’s safety. They’ve gone so far as to establish a page on their station site exclusively to support MMH and the Loose Change Project. For obvious reasons, I don’t think it would be possible for a “mainstream” radio station to go as far as they have for an artist or a project that artist is a part of. Unlike typical radio stations that are located in a town and serve a specific area/community, Nixa is a totally net based station that can reach country music fans all over the US and potentially worldwide. Imagine the impact that could have?
I’m posting a series of links below in case you need more information on Meet Me Halfway, the Loose Change Project or how you can get involved. To keep up to date on everything MMH/LooseChange, you can follow Jimmy on Twitter, listen to Nixa Country, check in on one of the official pages or check out Got Country?
* Jimmy Wayne: http://www.jimmywayne.com/
* Jimmy Wayne on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimmyWayne
* Meet Me Halfway: http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com/
* Project MMH: http://projectmmh.org/
* HomeBase Youth Services: http://www.hbys.org/ (go to Donate tab, then Donate Online, then where amount section is, you can drop down to "Loose Change" to make a donation – no amount is too small!)
* Got Country? http://gotcountry.blogspot.com/
* Nixa Country: www.nixacountry.com/meetmehalfway.html
* “Walkin The Walk” blog: http://brandibelle-big-girl-blog.blogspot.com/2010/01/walkin-walk.html
In “Walkin’ the Walk”, I mentioned a fundraising project called “Helping Jimmy Wayne Make A Change with Loose Change" (aka LooseChange) Project” that really deserved much more than a “mention” and I apologize for that. The reason being is that it’s proof that a little can accomplish a lot. LooseChange was started by Jimmy Wayne fan Teresa (she’s a blast…follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/texaslovesya) where fans (or anyone) collects the loose change you find in parking lots, couch cushions, the bottom of an old purse, etc and donate it to HomeBase Youth Services through their website. This was inspired mainly by a picture of some jewelry & change that Jimmy posted over the summer of some things he had found while “treasure hunting” in a parking lot before a show. Teresa said “At the time I thought that was odd, but then I remembered his upbringing and how that was probably a habit he has always had :) “. To launch the program, the online country radio station (who has also been known to spin a little KC & the Sunshine band) Nixa Country had Rachel, a representative from HBYS, on to explain more about the program and how a little bit can go a long way.
Think about when you checkout at a convenience store. You hand the cashier a $5 bill for something that’s $4 & change. Where are these coins going end up? In your pocket? The cup holder in your car? The nightstand by your bed? Your washing machine? That handful of change can truly change the life of a teenager. As of 22-March-2010 the LooseChange has raised $531.81. That may not sound like a lot, but according to Rachel from HBYS, $1 is enough to feed a homeless teen a meal....so what may seem on the surface like a drop in the bucket, can actually provide 531 meals!
As a longtime fan of Jimmy’s and a supporter of his MMH project, I want to thank Teresa for coming up with the Loose Change Project months ago. It’s one of those things that when you hear about it you think to yourself, “Why didn’t I think about that.“ I also wanna send a big thanks out to Nixa Country & Val Jean for all of their hard work in promoting not just Jimmy as an artist, but MMH & especially the Loose Change Project. Their support, starting with Day 1 of the walk, has been nothing short of amazing. Something as “small” as mentioning Jimmy’s mission when they play his songs to something as unifying as Val Jean leading an online group prayer/20 seconds of silence twice a day for Jimmy’s safety. They’ve gone so far as to establish a page on their station site exclusively to support MMH and the Loose Change Project. For obvious reasons, I don’t think it would be possible for a “mainstream” radio station to go as far as they have for an artist or a project that artist is a part of. Unlike typical radio stations that are located in a town and serve a specific area/community, Nixa is a totally net based station that can reach country music fans all over the US and potentially worldwide. Imagine the impact that could have?
I’m posting a series of links below in case you need more information on Meet Me Halfway, the Loose Change Project or how you can get involved. To keep up to date on everything MMH/LooseChange, you can follow Jimmy on Twitter, listen to Nixa Country, check in on one of the official pages or check out Got Country?
* Jimmy Wayne: http://www.jimmywayne.com/
* Jimmy Wayne on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimmyWayne
* Meet Me Halfway: http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com/
* Project MMH: http://projectmmh.org/
* HomeBase Youth Services: http://www.hbys.org/ (go to Donate tab, then Donate Online, then where amount section is, you can drop down to "Loose Change" to make a donation – no amount is too small!)
* Got Country? http://gotcountry.blogspot.com/
* Nixa Country: www.nixacountry.com/meetmehalfway.html
* “Walkin The Walk” blog: http://brandibelle-big-girl-blog.blogspot.com/2010/01/walkin-walk.html
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Not all grey things are elephants
Hello. My Name is Brandi and I’m a redneck. Now those of you reading this that have known me one way or another for any length of time are thinking, “Ok…and….” There’s no and, just a statement of fact. If you read the previous post (What America Needs…) I’ve got a couple of historical references to the origin of the word redneck and the stereotypical image; dumb/ignorant, truck driving, beer drinking, country music/Southern Rock listening, gun toting, ignorant, racist jackass. For the record, I used to drive a truck – a 1973 Ford F-100 as a matter of fact – before it got totaled. Now I drive a Chevy HHR. I listen to country music and Southern Rock on a regular basis, Elvis is my all-time favorite singer, but I also listen to swing, blues, jazz, Celtic and opera. Yes, I said opera. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I’m far from dumb or ignorant. No one can accuse me of being racist and I don’t own a gun simply because I’ve been told my temper is too quick. Unlike Tom T. Hall, I don’t like beer. I don’t drink that often and when I do I prefer a margarita. Alright, truth be told, I prefer Southern Comfort, but I hit 30 & it started hitting back and ya’ll, it’s just not worth it. I’m a redneck, but I don’t totally fit the stereotype do I? Oh…and I NEVER go barefoot.
Now you’re all probably wondering where I’m going with this…or maybe not. My last blog was inspired by a singer I’ve loved for as long as I can remember, Charlie Daniels. This one was motivated by a comment by another favorite singer of mine. I’m not sure what moved them to make the comment that “Jesus is a countryboy, Satan is a redneck” but it got my hackles up in a big way! Maybe they encountered one of those hatemongering racist jackasses I referred to above but just because you run across one person who fits the clichéd redneck mold, you can call him Satan, knock yourself out. But that doesn’t mean that he represents what a redneck is. That’d be like seeing a black guy in a gang, an Italian guy who’s in the mob or hearing recent comments by Pat Robertson; then deciding and posting that all black guys are in gangs and all Italian guys are in the mob or that all Christians think the disaster in Haiti was caused by God’s wrath because of a deal with the devil. Elephants are grey, but not all grey things are elephants.
In fact, most of the rednecks I know – the kind of person who works hard, upholds their religious beliefs, treats people fairly, expects the same, and demands that wrongs be righted – would probably kick Satan to the curb (I had something WAY more colorful in mind, but I’m trying to be a good girl). I made the comment/asked the question if the person had been Black, Asian, Arab, etc would they have made the statement that “Satan was Black, Asian, Arab, etc”. The point was made that country boy/girl & a redneck boy/girl were two different people no matter what their color. Personally I think being a redneck is just who you are. It doesn’t matter where you live, what you do for a living, what color your skin is, what you drive or how much money you make. If you’re a redneck, you’re a redneck. But fine, let’s not bring race into this. Let’s say you make the choice to be a redneck. So what other things do we choose to be? We can choose to be a blonde, brunette or redhead. For the most part, you choose your profession. You choose your religion. So plug any of those things in to “Satan is a “. Really, post “Satan is a Blonde/Brunette/Secretary/Nurse/Construction Worker/Catholic/Baptist/Muslim/Hindu” anywhere and see what happens. Boy oh boy what kind of dust storm would that kick up?
Am I offended by their comment? In the words of my Aunt Nooie, kinda-sorta. I think what got me was not so much what they said but that they said it when just days ago they said how much they hated racism. To me, racism, discrimination, prejudice of any kind go hand in hand, do you agree? I’m not saying the person who made the comment is a racist. I’ve followed their career long enough to know better than that. But if you wouldn’t dare to make a disparaging statement, or if you’d be offended if the comment was made in front of you, about one group; be it based on race, religion, gender, sexual preference, then you shouldn’t say it about one of the non-sacred cow type groups like Caucasians, blondes, Southerners/rednecks/hillbillies, Christians, and people who are overweight. If a comedian makes a joke about someone who is non-Caucasian, Muslim, from a different country, etc, the ACLU is all over them! The poor soul barely gets the words out of his/her mouth before the old hook is sent out to pull them off stage. Where is where the ACLU is when the same comedian is making jokes about inbred Southerners? Why is it ok that every single racist bigot shown on television or in movies is Southern and white but if there are too many stereotypes of another race, if a terrorist character is Muslim, people get offended? There aren’t racists in other parts of the country? People who aren’t white can’t be bigots? Really? Do I get in a state of fury when the folks on Criminal Minds (one of my favorite shows) do a profile of the latest psycho killer as “white male, average size/build, 35-40...”? No. Because statistics show that most serial killers are white men in their late 30’s-early 40’s. I know racism and bigotry exist. I’ve seen it growing up and I’ve got some relatives that are living examples of the fact that it’s alive and well. I was taught it was wrong and with my Granny, it wasn’t tolerated.
Let it be known, I am NOT a person who worships at the altar of political correctness. I think it’s stupid. There aren’t words enough to tell you how much I despise it. If you ask me (and no one did) people in this country, if not the word have become hypersensitive about everything and we all - Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Muslim, Christian, even Southern – just need to grow a thicker skin. Do I laugh at Jeff Foxworthy’s redneck jokes? Yes. Because I know people like the folks he talks about and have on occasion, seen myself. Do I laugh at dumb blonde jokes? Always and I tell them with great frequency. They don’t bother me because like Dolly Parton, I know I’m not dumb and I also know I’m not blonde. I’m a big fan of the first amendment. It gives me the right to do this. But if one person can say what they want about who they want then everyone should be able to. I mean, if I call my friends redneck crackers, I shouldn't get my knickers in a twist is someone of another race/religion does. If you can pray freely, why can’t I? If you’re holidays should be respected, so should mine. I wouldn’t have a problem with a Nativity scene and a decorated Christmas tree displayed alongside a Menorah, symbols for the Muslim holiday in December and a Yule log for our Pagan friends and neighbors. Equality needs to be equal.People preach acceptance, tolerance, unity, and inclusion from every corner of this country. But where is the acceptance, tolerance, unity, and inclusion for people who aren’t considered a minority by the ACLU?
I’m not trying to bad-mouth anyone here. I’m not calling anyone names, insinuating that the singer who made the comment is a racist, bigot or anything negative. Their comment, like so many other things, simply inspired me to think. Do I think they should have censored themselves? No. Remember…flag waving free speech fan here. But the thing to remember about putting something on the web, and it doesn’t matter if your famous person posting a blog on your MySpace or a private citizen tweeting something or making a comment on a news website, is that someone who doesn’t know who you are or what you stand for may take some innocuous comment and decide “This is who you are”. And the truth of who you are is so far away from what they think, that when you stand at their truth, you need a GPS and bread crumbs are to find the REAL truth.
Bellamy Brothers' Redneck Girl: http://bit.ly/6NVfEc
Gretchen Wilson's Redneck Woman: http://bit.ly/5AyBOh
Now you’re all probably wondering where I’m going with this…or maybe not. My last blog was inspired by a singer I’ve loved for as long as I can remember, Charlie Daniels. This one was motivated by a comment by another favorite singer of mine. I’m not sure what moved them to make the comment that “Jesus is a countryboy, Satan is a redneck” but it got my hackles up in a big way! Maybe they encountered one of those hatemongering racist jackasses I referred to above but just because you run across one person who fits the clichéd redneck mold, you can call him Satan, knock yourself out. But that doesn’t mean that he represents what a redneck is. That’d be like seeing a black guy in a gang, an Italian guy who’s in the mob or hearing recent comments by Pat Robertson; then deciding and posting that all black guys are in gangs and all Italian guys are in the mob or that all Christians think the disaster in Haiti was caused by God’s wrath because of a deal with the devil. Elephants are grey, but not all grey things are elephants.
In fact, most of the rednecks I know – the kind of person who works hard, upholds their religious beliefs, treats people fairly, expects the same, and demands that wrongs be righted – would probably kick Satan to the curb (I had something WAY more colorful in mind, but I’m trying to be a good girl). I made the comment/asked the question if the person had been Black, Asian, Arab, etc would they have made the statement that “Satan was Black, Asian, Arab, etc”. The point was made that country boy/girl & a redneck boy/girl were two different people no matter what their color. Personally I think being a redneck is just who you are. It doesn’t matter where you live, what you do for a living, what color your skin is, what you drive or how much money you make. If you’re a redneck, you’re a redneck. But fine, let’s not bring race into this. Let’s say you make the choice to be a redneck. So what other things do we choose to be? We can choose to be a blonde, brunette or redhead. For the most part, you choose your profession. You choose your religion. So plug any of those things in to “Satan is a “. Really, post “Satan is a Blonde/Brunette/Secretary/Nurse/Construction Worker/Catholic/Baptist/Muslim/Hindu” anywhere and see what happens. Boy oh boy what kind of dust storm would that kick up?
Am I offended by their comment? In the words of my Aunt Nooie, kinda-sorta. I think what got me was not so much what they said but that they said it when just days ago they said how much they hated racism. To me, racism, discrimination, prejudice of any kind go hand in hand, do you agree? I’m not saying the person who made the comment is a racist. I’ve followed their career long enough to know better than that. But if you wouldn’t dare to make a disparaging statement, or if you’d be offended if the comment was made in front of you, about one group; be it based on race, religion, gender, sexual preference, then you shouldn’t say it about one of the non-sacred cow type groups like Caucasians, blondes, Southerners/rednecks/hillbillies, Christians, and people who are overweight. If a comedian makes a joke about someone who is non-Caucasian, Muslim, from a different country, etc, the ACLU is all over them! The poor soul barely gets the words out of his/her mouth before the old hook is sent out to pull them off stage. Where is where the ACLU is when the same comedian is making jokes about inbred Southerners? Why is it ok that every single racist bigot shown on television or in movies is Southern and white but if there are too many stereotypes of another race, if a terrorist character is Muslim, people get offended? There aren’t racists in other parts of the country? People who aren’t white can’t be bigots? Really? Do I get in a state of fury when the folks on Criminal Minds (one of my favorite shows) do a profile of the latest psycho killer as “white male, average size/build, 35-40...”? No. Because statistics show that most serial killers are white men in their late 30’s-early 40’s. I know racism and bigotry exist. I’ve seen it growing up and I’ve got some relatives that are living examples of the fact that it’s alive and well. I was taught it was wrong and with my Granny, it wasn’t tolerated.
Let it be known, I am NOT a person who worships at the altar of political correctness. I think it’s stupid. There aren’t words enough to tell you how much I despise it. If you ask me (and no one did) people in this country, if not the word have become hypersensitive about everything and we all - Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Muslim, Christian, even Southern – just need to grow a thicker skin. Do I laugh at Jeff Foxworthy’s redneck jokes? Yes. Because I know people like the folks he talks about and have on occasion, seen myself. Do I laugh at dumb blonde jokes? Always and I tell them with great frequency. They don’t bother me because like Dolly Parton, I know I’m not dumb and I also know I’m not blonde. I’m a big fan of the first amendment. It gives me the right to do this. But if one person can say what they want about who they want then everyone should be able to. I mean, if I call my friends redneck crackers, I shouldn't get my knickers in a twist is someone of another race/religion does. If you can pray freely, why can’t I? If you’re holidays should be respected, so should mine. I wouldn’t have a problem with a Nativity scene and a decorated Christmas tree displayed alongside a Menorah, symbols for the Muslim holiday in December and a Yule log for our Pagan friends and neighbors. Equality needs to be equal.People preach acceptance, tolerance, unity, and inclusion from every corner of this country. But where is the acceptance, tolerance, unity, and inclusion for people who aren’t considered a minority by the ACLU?
I’m not trying to bad-mouth anyone here. I’m not calling anyone names, insinuating that the singer who made the comment is a racist, bigot or anything negative. Their comment, like so many other things, simply inspired me to think. Do I think they should have censored themselves? No. Remember…flag waving free speech fan here. But the thing to remember about putting something on the web, and it doesn’t matter if your famous person posting a blog on your MySpace or a private citizen tweeting something or making a comment on a news website, is that someone who doesn’t know who you are or what you stand for may take some innocuous comment and decide “This is who you are”. And the truth of who you are is so far away from what they think, that when you stand at their truth, you need a GPS and bread crumbs are to find the REAL truth.
Bellamy Brothers' Redneck Girl: http://bit.ly/6NVfEc
Gretchen Wilson's Redneck Woman: http://bit.ly/5AyBOh
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What America Needs....
To say this has nothing to do with the election of Scott Brown would be a bit of a lie. I actually started this a couple of weeks ago. When I say started, I mean rolling the thoughts around in my head. I actually started writing it last week and was stalled. I was too far away from the point/spirit of origin and I'd kinda lost the vibe. Watching the events unfold last night -- a Republican winning in Massachusetts! Not just any seat either; Ted Kennedy's seat (though Scott Brown reminded us that it was "the people's seat") -- lit the fire again.
I had been watching the news before going to work the other day and of course everything was about the economy, the war, unemployment, everyone blaming everyone else....and all I could think is that this country needs something done and soon. No matter what each party says, both Democrats & Republicans got us in this mess. The citizens also carry part of the responsibility for it as well. We saw the politicians we elected; either by the votes we did or DIDN’T cast or with our apathy and just sitting back and letting things happen. Yeah, I was getting myself riled up. I got about half-way to work and the song “A Few More Rednecks” by Charlie Daniels came up on my MP3 Player, and I thought, yeah, that’s exactly what we need. Have you ever heard the song? Do you know the words?
I know you’re thinking, “Yeah, right...a redneck in charge” But when you hear redneck what do you think of? Probably the stereotypical image you’ve seen in movies & TV; beer/whisky drinking, truck driving, NASCAR loving, mullet wearing guy with a couple of old cars and a Confederate Flag in the yard, which means he’s a racist. Even without the flag you’d think he was racist because, well, he’s a Southerner. The stereotypical redneck female isn’t much different except that she’s either (a) barefoot & pregnant or (b) wears Daisy Dukes usually while wearing high heels. Keep in mind that being pregnant does not negate the possibility of wearing the Daisy Dukes. You see this everywhere! Anytime there’s a Southerner 9 times out of 10 this is the image you get. Is this the image of a true a redneck? Yes. Is this the only image of a true a redneck? Not by ANY means! I know everyone’s heard Jeff Foxworthy’s “You know you’re a redneck when/if...” and unless you have no sense of humor 99% of the time they’ve got you falling over laughing. But do you know what a redneck is? Where the word came from? How did the term redneck even come to be? (Warning: Short history lesson follows)
Some believe it was born when the necks of the farmers in the South were burned from working outside in the sun all day. Another story is that it began in Scotland when the Presbyterian Covenanters signed documents stating that they wanted a Presbyterian Church government and rejected the Church of England. Many of those who signed the document wore red scarves or pieces of cloth around their necks to make their position known and signed it in their own blood.
My favorite is the story of the West Virginia miners. Trouble had been brewing for some time but the spark that lit the fire happened in May of 1920 with Matewan Massacre. The mine owners hired Baldwin-Felts detectives to "evict" miners who joined the union from company owned houses and did so with gunfire and violence. In the ensuing gun battle between the detectives, Sheriff Hatfield, and the mayor, four townspeople and some Baldwin-Felts detectives were killed and the local sheriff was accused of murder. It’s reported that miners had begun wearing bib overalls and around their necks, they tied red bandanas and became the symbol for the rising army of miners, which led to them being called rednecks by both friends and foes.
After being acquitted of the murder of in the Matewan Massacre, Sheriff Hatfield was murdered on the courthouse steps by Baldwin-Felts agents while attending another trial. He was shot 17 times and NO ONE was ever charged. Miners rallied in protest of the killings calling for a march on Logan County. The Battle of Blair Mountain began when the miners marched across Lens Creek Mountain. The Logan County Sheriff Don Chaffin organized a group of deputies, mine guards and others to oppose them. The Governor requested federal troops and on September 1st, his request was answered by President Harding. The miners were defeated, but their story lives on as a symbol for workers to this day.
Looking at these examples, a redneck is someone who works hard, upholds their religious beliefs, expects to be treated fairly and demands that wrongs be righted. In my opinion, a redneck isn’t even exclusively Southern. I know several people who were born & raised on the other side of the Mason-Dixon Line who are more redneck than folks I grew up with. Remember the song that I said inspired this post? Here are some of the lyrics:
What this world needs is a few more rednecks/Some people ain’t afraid to take a stand/What this world needs is a little more respect/For the Lord and the law and the workin’ man/We could use a little peace and satisfaction/Some good people up front to take the lead/A little less talk and a little more action/And a few more rednecks is what we need/ What most people call a redneck/Ain’t nothin’ but a workin’ man/And he makes his livin’ /By the sweat of his brow/And the calluses on his hands/Now you intellectuals may not like it/But there ain’t nothin’ that you can do/Cause there’s a whole lot more of us common-folks/Then there ever will be of you/
This is the kind of person/people we need at the helm of this country. In the last 25 years, this country has been slowly going to Hell in a hand basket and it’s been hand delivered by the elected politicians who are preoccupied with lining their pockets, keeping lobbyists, special interest groups and corporations happy instead of worrying about the welfare of their constituents and the state of the country. It’s more important to them to keep their seat and maintain the power that comes with being a career politician than to do what’s best for the people who elected them. Don’t think I think it’s all the "Yankee Kennedy" type politicians that are responsible. We’ve got our fair share in the South and even had one right here in NW FL.
Career politicians are half of the ruination of the political system because they are more concerned with their “legacy” than doing the job they were ELECTED to do. The other half? A citizenry that has stopped paying attention, which for the most part has stopped caring. A population of apathetic voters that expect information to be handed to and then explained them, looks to someone else for their opinions and then blames everyone else when things don’t go exactly how they wanted and were “told” they’d be. Be responsible, do some research. They said they had opinion “A”, but what does their voting record say? Have they always been for “A” or now support it because it’s popular & they’re trying to get elected. Just because you’re a Democrat, don’t automatically discount the Republican candidate and vice versa. What are the issues important to you? Where do they stand? THAT’S what you choice should be based on. Not party, not ideology, but on issues and how it will shape our country.
http://www.tsrocks.com/c/charlie_daniels_band_texts/a_few_more_rednecks.html
Monday, January 18, 2010
Walkin' the walk
It seems like every time you turn around, there’s another celebrity of some description promoting another cause and asking you to give your money and time. It leaves you to wonder, or at least it does me anyway, how involved are they? How much of their time do they devote to the cause that’s so important to them? For instance, if you’re preaching to me about how crucial it fuel economy, green living and decreasing my carbon footprint is to our nation, our world and the future, why do you have a huge mansion, half a dozen cars and private jet? What’s that all about? I think the word I’m reaching for is hypocrisy.
There are celebs that practice what they preach and I think that that inspires people to action than just a celebrity being “the face” of a cause. I mean when Al Gore starts talking environment what I hear sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher, but when Ed Begley, Jr speaks I pay attention. Now don’t start thinking I’m an eco-friendly green person, I’m not...oh well. But the point is that Ed Begley, Jr lives the eco life where as Al Gore talks about it. There’s no way his mansion or jet is green.
Another name you can add to the list is Jimmy Wayne. He’s a country singer now, but he grew up in conditions that to call them unhappy and hellish is an award winning understatement. He and his sister were moved from foster home to foster home as a child and as a teen he was homeless until an elderly couple took a chance. Knowing the problem is still there, Jimmy has started a movement called Meet Me Halfway. He decided that beginning on New Year’s Day, he was going to walk from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ to bring awareness to the problem and to benefit Home Based Youth Services in Phoenix. There have been a few nights he’s had to stay in a hotel because the temps were in the single digits. Along the way he’s been sleeping in a sleeping bag in a tent. His fans, me included, have been worried about his safety on this journey, and along with the help of the online radio station Nixa Country have set aside a time each day (10 AM & 10 PM) when fans and listeners can pray together for Jimmy’s safety along the trip and for the MMH movement itself. Fans have also started the Loose Change project where you collect the loose change you find in parking lots, couch cushions, the bottom of an old purse, etc and donate it to Home Based Youth Services through their website.
I said that Jimmy was sleeping in a sleeping bag in a tent on his journey. The tent and the sleeping bag were provided by Marmot and according to one picture Jimmy posted, it was 12 degrees outside, but inside his bag it was 75! At that point we stopped worrying about him freezing in his sleep! Folks have been meeting up with Jimmy along his trip bringing him supplies, picking up his tab at a diner, stores not letting him pay for items as a way to show support and it’s heartwarming to see people helping and supporting something so important to Jimmy.
Seeing all of this brings a few things to mind; the company that donated the items for Jimmy’s trip and wondered if they’re donating to the cause as well? Don’t get me wrong, as a fan, I’m thankful they donated these items I am, but maybe they could donate the value to MMH/ Home Based Youth Services. The folks who have met up with Jimmy and brought him food, hot coco and hand warmers -- one person even left supplies in a box on the side of the road with his name on it – would they have done that if it hadn’t been country singer Jimmy Wayne? Have they ever bought an extra cup of coffee or extra burger to someone who’s homeless? Probably not. I haven’t. Are we gonna start? Because as sad as it sounds, as a culture, we’ve become used to seeing it and we either don’t see them or we choose not to. Jimmy posted this comment “Been walking all day; suns goin down; its strange 2 C people look away; then again a familiar thing from long ago!”
There maybe people who are on the streets because of choices they’ve made. Some are there because they choose not to support themselves. But the lion’s share of people are there because they lost it; lost a job, lost a home, lost family. The Mark Wills song "Don’t Laugh at Me" comes to mind
“I'm the cripple on the corner/You've passed me on the street/And I wouldn't be out here beggin'/If I had enough to eat/And don't think I don't notice/That our eyes never meet/I lost my wife and little boy when/Someone cross that yellow line/The day we laid them in the ground/Is the day I lost my mind/And right now I'm down to holdin'/This little cardboard sign.
What about the children who are out there? Jimmy’s focusing on the teens because once they “age out” of the system, what happens to them? If they’re in the system then the chances of them having family members or a support system of any kind is slim and none. I was telling someone I know who’s not a fan about what Jimmy’s doing and they said, “Goin’ a little far for some PR huh?”. I explained about Jimmy’s motivation and they said, “Well, seems like a stunt. He’s probably crashing in comfy hotels the whole time.” Let me play devil’s advocate, what if he is? This is all just a ploy to get attention for himself and his career. If he’s trying to build a good guy image this is the way to go. People are bringing him stuff, hanging out, even walking with him. The press is gonna love you, the people are gonna love you and the women are gonna go nuts! Yeah, he’ll get attention and it’ll be the positive kind that sticks with people. People tend to forget how many #1 songs you’ve had, how many awards you’ve won, but you walk across the country, by God they’ll remember that!
You know, even if this is just a PR strategy? WHO CARES! (for the record, I don’t think so) Ok, even if he is in hotels every night, cushy or otherwise, the man is walking outside during a freakish cold snap that turned most of the country into a freezer for almost 2 weeks! This is no picnic, this isn’t a Sunday stroll – according to mapquest.com, it’s 1637.91 miles from Nashville to Phoenix. He’s doing more than giving money, he’s not doing a concert, he’s not doing PSA’s; he’s actually physically committing to it. I’m not knocking people who don’t get out there and brave the elements, but there’s no way you can deny Jimmy’s level of commitment.
The idea that we can totally eliminate poverty and homelessness is a great, but I don’t think it will ever be done. Even the Bible says, “For the poor always ye have with you;...” (John 12:8) but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something. That we should sit on our hands say how awful it is. The bottom line, whatever his motivation; be it selfish or altruistic he’s got people talking. They’re talking about what he’s doing and about the problem. The more people talk the more people are aware and maybe, just maybe, something can be done.
http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com/
www.hbys.org
www.nixacountry.com
www.marmot.com
There are celebs that practice what they preach and I think that that inspires people to action than just a celebrity being “the face” of a cause. I mean when Al Gore starts talking environment what I hear sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher, but when Ed Begley, Jr speaks I pay attention. Now don’t start thinking I’m an eco-friendly green person, I’m not...oh well. But the point is that Ed Begley, Jr lives the eco life where as Al Gore talks about it. There’s no way his mansion or jet is green.
Another name you can add to the list is Jimmy Wayne. He’s a country singer now, but he grew up in conditions that to call them unhappy and hellish is an award winning understatement. He and his sister were moved from foster home to foster home as a child and as a teen he was homeless until an elderly couple took a chance. Knowing the problem is still there, Jimmy has started a movement called Meet Me Halfway. He decided that beginning on New Year’s Day, he was going to walk from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ to bring awareness to the problem and to benefit Home Based Youth Services in Phoenix. There have been a few nights he’s had to stay in a hotel because the temps were in the single digits. Along the way he’s been sleeping in a sleeping bag in a tent. His fans, me included, have been worried about his safety on this journey, and along with the help of the online radio station Nixa Country have set aside a time each day (10 AM & 10 PM) when fans and listeners can pray together for Jimmy’s safety along the trip and for the MMH movement itself. Fans have also started the Loose Change project where you collect the loose change you find in parking lots, couch cushions, the bottom of an old purse, etc and donate it to Home Based Youth Services through their website.
I said that Jimmy was sleeping in a sleeping bag in a tent on his journey. The tent and the sleeping bag were provided by Marmot and according to one picture Jimmy posted, it was 12 degrees outside, but inside his bag it was 75! At that point we stopped worrying about him freezing in his sleep! Folks have been meeting up with Jimmy along his trip bringing him supplies, picking up his tab at a diner, stores not letting him pay for items as a way to show support and it’s heartwarming to see people helping and supporting something so important to Jimmy.
Seeing all of this brings a few things to mind; the company that donated the items for Jimmy’s trip and wondered if they’re donating to the cause as well? Don’t get me wrong, as a fan, I’m thankful they donated these items I am, but maybe they could donate the value to MMH/ Home Based Youth Services. The folks who have met up with Jimmy and brought him food, hot coco and hand warmers -- one person even left supplies in a box on the side of the road with his name on it – would they have done that if it hadn’t been country singer Jimmy Wayne? Have they ever bought an extra cup of coffee or extra burger to someone who’s homeless? Probably not. I haven’t. Are we gonna start? Because as sad as it sounds, as a culture, we’ve become used to seeing it and we either don’t see them or we choose not to. Jimmy posted this comment “Been walking all day; suns goin down; its strange 2 C people look away; then again a familiar thing from long ago!”
There maybe people who are on the streets because of choices they’ve made. Some are there because they choose not to support themselves. But the lion’s share of people are there because they lost it; lost a job, lost a home, lost family. The Mark Wills song "Don’t Laugh at Me" comes to mind
“I'm the cripple on the corner/You've passed me on the street/And I wouldn't be out here beggin'/If I had enough to eat/And don't think I don't notice/That our eyes never meet/I lost my wife and little boy when/Someone cross that yellow line/The day we laid them in the ground/Is the day I lost my mind/And right now I'm down to holdin'/This little cardboard sign.
What about the children who are out there? Jimmy’s focusing on the teens because once they “age out” of the system, what happens to them? If they’re in the system then the chances of them having family members or a support system of any kind is slim and none. I was telling someone I know who’s not a fan about what Jimmy’s doing and they said, “Goin’ a little far for some PR huh?”. I explained about Jimmy’s motivation and they said, “Well, seems like a stunt. He’s probably crashing in comfy hotels the whole time.” Let me play devil’s advocate, what if he is? This is all just a ploy to get attention for himself and his career. If he’s trying to build a good guy image this is the way to go. People are bringing him stuff, hanging out, even walking with him. The press is gonna love you, the people are gonna love you and the women are gonna go nuts! Yeah, he’ll get attention and it’ll be the positive kind that sticks with people. People tend to forget how many #1 songs you’ve had, how many awards you’ve won, but you walk across the country, by God they’ll remember that!
You know, even if this is just a PR strategy? WHO CARES! (for the record, I don’t think so) Ok, even if he is in hotels every night, cushy or otherwise, the man is walking outside during a freakish cold snap that turned most of the country into a freezer for almost 2 weeks! This is no picnic, this isn’t a Sunday stroll – according to mapquest.com, it’s 1637.91 miles from Nashville to Phoenix. He’s doing more than giving money, he’s not doing a concert, he’s not doing PSA’s; he’s actually physically committing to it. I’m not knocking people who don’t get out there and brave the elements, but there’s no way you can deny Jimmy’s level of commitment.
The idea that we can totally eliminate poverty and homelessness is a great, but I don’t think it will ever be done. Even the Bible says, “For the poor always ye have with you;...” (John 12:8) but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something. That we should sit on our hands say how awful it is. The bottom line, whatever his motivation; be it selfish or altruistic he’s got people talking. They’re talking about what he’s doing and about the problem. The more people talk the more people are aware and maybe, just maybe, something can be done.
http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com/
www.hbys.org
www.nixacountry.com
www.marmot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)