Staten Island Views

First the praise- good choice attempting to withold the full comments by Jesse Jackson during his open mic rant. Still don't know why, but trying to protect his reputation and the true cause of his efforts are admirable.

Jess Jackson is no longer able to call himself a 'Civil Rights Leader' He has debased his viability, and become impotent to the public at large. Harsh? Of course it is! He knows that as a purported leader he is held to a higher standard. As such his use of racially charged language to describe the people he claims to support is unforgivable. Not by me, and not by God....but by his own message. He can no longer lead a fight against injustice....someone will forever bring this up....and they wont be wrong. He needs to step down immediately to preserve the organizations he founded, if not he is destined to drag them down and make them equally insignificant as he is now.

Rev Jackson RESIGN NOW!

While the below referenced poll does not settle the issue, it certainly bolsters my position that Sharpton is NOT the spokesperson for Black America...even if you discount Obama's presence, you can clearly see in these results that there is no overwhelmingly approved leader. This of course is both good and bad. Good that someone who is as volatile and self-serving as Sharpton can be is not the leader and bad that there is no single clearcut leader for issues that specifically face the african-american populace. The best position held here is by the 6% that say the address their own racial issues and trust themselves to lead themselves to the right conclusion. I can't help feeling that there are many more out there that if they found themselves in a racially charged situation that they would stand up and gather the necessary resources to solve their plight.

see-http://www.gallup.com/poll/108805/Black-Spokesma
n-Title-Still-Grabs.aspx

someone tosses a 1950's curve ball. An African American family was given the runaround and refused a room at a Clarion Hotel in Scranton,PA. Personally, I believe the hotel is liable for the damage and should have to pay, BUT only as a measure of poor hiring practices. I don't believe it is a policy of the hotel, but rather an employee's poor choices. That said it is unfathomable to believe that this still takes place in 2008. How many other families have passed through that lobby while she was on duty? How many may have slept in their cars, or had accidents on their way elsewhere if they were too tired. When will this stop?

http://www.courthousenews.com/2008/07/14/World_s_Second
-Largest_Hotel_Chain_Wouldn_t_Rent_To_Black_Family_Man_
Says.htm

if you do, and you have a 8-13 year old, then they can experience what we did when we watched. The new version will be 'updated' with newer music and hipper kids (by today's standards). Why mention it here? On June 25th The chorus from PS 22 (Graniteville, Staten Island) will be singing what could end up being the opening song for the show!

PS22 Chorus has had over 1 million hits to their website http://www.ps22chorus.blogspot.com/

You must see and hear them before you judge. Check out the banner, they played for and with Crowded House, other celebrities, and the Mayor. Their voices and images are a part of the World Trade Center Museum. Why am I so excited? My daughter is on the chorus (her last year).

By Joshua Harris

 

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings.

 

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "People I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

 

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

 

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Other I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards?

 

But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only and inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

 

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.

 

But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.

 

Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self- pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

 

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep  that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

 

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

 

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written in His blood.

 

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

 

-         End

 

 

READ EPHESIANS 9 - 11:15

 

 

What will the cards in your file room say?

 

How many cards will Jesus have to sign in His blood to cover you…more importantly have you done what is necessary for Jesus to even go to your file room.

 

What will you do when you finish reading this that will begin to write new cards?

 

How will you fill the ‘People I shared the Gospel with’ file drawer? Whatever thoughts or intentions you have, begin to think about how it will affect your file room if the same scene illustrated here happens to you.

 

 

I just added another card to my file, now it’s your turn. God Bless

 

 When did it become socially acceptable to host a drinking party for your children and their friends. What message do we send them when we as parents go out on a limb to remain in THEIR good graces. ANY parent that does this, even if nothing happened before, should hang their head in shame for justifying giving alchohol to kids. In 2006 141 Children ages 16-20 were victims of fatal alcohol fueled crashes in New York State alone. The statistics, though declining over the years, are sad. More and more we have been hearing about parents that allow and even encourage their children to their first drink. More and more we are enacting laws that stiffen penalties for this behavior. It is a sad day in this country when the only way we can get people to act responsibly is to make it a law. There is hope however, this law if effective may save the life of one child...and if so, it is more than worth the effort.

see- http://www.silive.com/siadvance/stories/index.ssf?/bas
e/opinion/121370580319710.xml&coll=1

Monday morning you missed something good. This kid has a future! He is well spoken, didn't trip over his words and maintained his composure throughout the interview. Mixed humor with poignant moments. Maybe its just my emotions over the recent loss,  but I see great things ahead for Luke. Good luck and Godspeed! My sincere condolences.

As we navigate the pathways, highways and byways of life, we often find ourselves in the position to make promises. When we were young the promises were simple and often too easy to keep or on the opposite side: impossible to keep. You know those young promises;  

we’ll be best friends forever,

I’ll be good in school,

and I’ll keep my room clean …well, from now on.

These promises were broken, not because they were impossible to keep. They were broken because the issue was just not important enough to us or too grand an idea or ideal or the promisee was not due the honor of our faithful fulfillment. This is not to judge right from wrong, nor to say that our words have no value, I’m just stating the way things are.

Then there came the opportunities to make more sincere, but still unrealistic young adult promises.

I’ll love you and only you forever,

I’ll study hard, I’ll graduate on time,

I’ll stop seeing that girl,

I’ll help you anytime you need it,

I’ll never look at another woman,

I’ll make you proud mommy,

I’ll make you proud Daddy….you’ll see….you’ll see.

Though these were also promises made with the best intentions, they were also promises all too often bent or broken.

Fast forward to mature adulthood. Here we still make some of those immature promises.

Promises to our doctors;

I’ll exercise more or I’ll smoke or drink less,

to the finance company; oh don’t worry I’ll pay this bill on time,

to our friends; we’ll never part no matter what.

But this is also the time in life when hopefully we have learned the breadth and depth of what a broken promise can do. The time where we have made some major, sincere, promises. Promises made with our signatures on official documents. Promises linked to our livelihood and our ability to support our families. And even promises made with a ring in front of friends and family. By now we may have already hurt someone or lost something due to some of the important promises we didn’t keep.

Why all this, you may be asking about promises and such. What does all this have to do with today and the situation we find ourselves in?

A part of me is glad you want to know. You see I made a promise. I made a promise without trying to appease someone, without trying to shut them up, without a long drawn out speech about flying pigs or ice cubes in Hades, without being duly sworn with my right hand raised, and without a signature connected to the threat of repossession or collections. I made a simple promise to a simple man. The words of that promise are not important now….but know that since the day I uttered it, I have kept it. Know that there is no force on this earth that will cause me to break it. Before you get to the edge of your seat in anticipation of hearing the words of that promise, don’t bother…it was between me, him, and God.

But back to the point, I can’t possibly be the only one in this room that made promises to my father. I know without knowing that promises have been made by his friends, by my brothers, by my sisters, by my nieces and nephews. Some of those promises I may have already spoke of. Think now about something you once promised him.

My charge to you today, to all of us is simply this; if there is a promise or even a list of promises you have made to my father, choose one and purpose in your heart that beginning this day you will keep it. It doesn’t matter how big or how small. It doesn’t matter if you only said it to keep him from bothering you about something, it doesn’t even matter what the reason you made the promise is. Just choose one and keep one. He deserves that and more from all of us. To those who never made a promise to him, choose one you made to someone you love and keep it. Purpose in your heart that to honor the type of life my father lead that you will keep just one promise. As for me don’t worry dad, I’ll keep mine….

                                      Written and read by "sinypcrx"

                                      at the funeral of  his father.

 

 

 

 

 

                                      (3 months ago)

                                      I miss you dad!  :'(

what is in store for Michael McMahon's City Council seat (49th Dist)?

Mitchell-more of the same, supported by developers.

Rose-opportunist entry, no real leadership.

Baker-represents real change, well known on North Shore, strong base.

Gowda-relative unknown, base too specific.

Marco-relative unknown, base too small.

While Mitchell has the most money (gleaned from developers to which he will be beholden), Rose hasn't done anything lately and doesn't appear to be taking the race seriuosly yet, Marco and Gowda though serious are not likely to be taken seriously...that leaves Baker. Though this is his first bid for political office he has a long standing record of service to the nation (20 Years US Army) and the community (8 years teaching, 11 years pastoring). His campaign is grassroots supported with mostly community members and some health care professionals. As he doesn't have to answer to major donors, he will be our best chance for a council member that wants what we want- a better Staten Island. see http://www.bakerforcitycouncil.com

If you don't want anyone to know about your sweetheart real estate deal, or be reminded of your end run around trade prohibitions with Iran, then you might not want to be a major player in current politics. Its open season on anyone who moves close to McCain or Obama. If you have anything in your past that you are not particularly proud of ( and who among us really doesn't) then my advice is don't advise. Now that does leave our current candidates in a bit of a quandry... they now have to carefully choose people that will help them carefully choose people. I say, why not just skip to the good part, toss a few names to the media...in short order they will know what each person had for breakfast three years ago, the number of times they wore different colored socks, and whether they prefer cats or dogs and why. All this attention on whose political adviser is worse does not serve the public trust. There is far too much at stake in this election for all these minor distractions. Yes choosing an adviser with a spotty past may not show good judgement, but how do we expect to get anything done if as soon as the name is given, we find some obscure thing from their past, (that NO ONE was up in arms about prior to now) and use it to brow beat them until they quit. Let's give them a break...after all Pobodys Nerfect!

This isn't the first time in political history where we have seen an enthusiastic young voter bloc. In elections past the younger voters were whipped into a passionate frenzy regarding the importance of their presence in the process. Promises were made and many were broken.

I think this time will be different, but I don't have much company. You see both parties are counting on their young voters... counting on you not showing up. If this sounds like a challenge...its because it is. The other day while listening to commentary on who will be getting which voter block, the commentator had no shame in saying that on election day there would be a playstation tournament announced on campus and no young voters would show. Another added that young voters have a history of getting involved, then not showing up when it counts. I say it is time to change that perception and rewrite history.

This is not a partisan challenge it is a civic challenge. The time has come for young people to be the voice that makes the difference. If you are not registered - GO, If you are not aware of the issues - FIND OUT, If you are ready to be a part of one of the most important elections in history - VOTE! Let your voice be heard, and change the course of history! The line has been drawn, CROSS IT!

The internet has played an increasing role in our daily lives, but none more important than the spread of news practically instantaneously and the latest side effect - an indellible memory. The internet remembers what you said, when you said it, who was there and any other host of variables.

This political season has brought out both the good and the bad roles the internet plays in politics. Campaigns have raised millions with a few mouse clicks, messages and intentions are crystal clear and in writing on candidate websites. On the bad side, rumors smears and innuendo have spread faster than wildfires uphill. Digging for the truth, while cumbersome, has proven doable for those who genuinely seek it. The ugly side is that the net continues to show that there are still sections and people in this, the greatest nation on earth, that are filled with hatred and animosity towards their fellow citizenry. Reflectively that can be construed to be a good thing too. I would rather know that people have these feelings against whites, blacks, immigrants and others. I would rather know that I may be treated differently by some people because of religiuon or sexual identity. We have come so far in this country, yet everyday I am reminded of how far we have to go. The best part of all that goes on on the internet is those who know better and refuse to be a part of the hatred. To them I raise a glass. Cheers!

Perhaps no one knows that as well as 97-year-old Shirley Freeda Preiss. She was born at home in Clinton, Kentucky in 1910, before women had the right to vote, and never had a birth certificate. Shirley has voted in every presidential election since FDR first ran in 1932, and proudly describes herself as a "died-in-the-wool Democrat." After living in Arizona for two years, she was eagerly looking forward to casting her ballot in the February primary for the first major woman candidate for President, Hillary Clinton. But lacking a birth certificate or even elementary school records to prove she's a native-born American citizen, the state of Arizona's bureaucrats determined that this former school-teacher who taught generations of Americans shouldn't be allowed to vote.

"I have a constitutional right to vote, don't I?" she asks with her soft Southern drawl. "I didn't get to vote because of a birth certificate. What am I going to do now?"

Her strong-willed 78-year-old son, Nathan "Joey" Nemnich, a World War II veteran, is infuriated. "I'm pissed. She's an American citizen who worked her whole life and I want her to vote," he says. He went down to the local Motor Vehicle Division to get her an Arizona ID and register her to vote, armed with copies of his mother's three drivers' licenses from her previous home in Texas, along with copies of her Social Security and Medicare cards. All that wasn't good enough for the state of Arizona. "The sons of bitches are taking away our Constitution," Nemnich says.

In Arizona and now as seems likely in Missouri, Kafkaesque rules blend with right-wing ideology to block American citizens like Shirley Preiss from voting, collateral damage in the Republican-led war on democracy. "I was very disappointed," she says of the state's roadblocks to voting. "It's not acceptable. I've always voted."

taken from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-levine/after-id-ruli
ng-missouri_b_101261.html

it is a LIE. The story from the original source keeps changing, the venue, the attendees, the wording, etc....it is a fabrication....period.

see - http://www.reason.com/blog/show/126883.html

 

You will remember this post in January of 2009 when we are watching the inauguration of John McCain (GB II). The recent primaries have shown that we are still not on point with the methodology and accuracy that should be in place during an election as important as the one approaching. We can't let the day come and go...then fight it out in court later. The time to correct issues, layout policies (ID required and others), and make changes is NOW!