What is it all About
Today I write with a troubled soul. Those of you, who have read my blog or just generally know me, know that I am not exactly the sensitive type. I say that to ask you to bear with me as I try to express not just my own views, but also those of many friends and acquaintances, and maybe even a generation who undoubtedly share some of these same views. My subject today is love and relationships, and why are they, especially the later, proving to be so elusive to my generation. I say my generation. At this point, I am not sure if that is Gen X, Y or Z or some combination of all three. If it helps to have context, I am 41, single and never married.
So why is my soul troubled? You may have guessed from the title and first paragraph of this blog that I have recently experienced the ending of a relationship. This ending was surprising to many, including me, who saw great potential in this relationship. Of course I was, and I suppose still am, sad. Why couldn’t we overcome the differences that spelled the end of our relationship? I shall return to this point later in the blog. If this were all that was bothering me I doubt that I would be writing. After all I have my own circle of confidants for such sympathy and support. No, the source of my torment is bigger, far greater than just my own pain.
Recently, I have come across what seems an alarming number of people who have broken up, divorced or are in the process of the same. I was having drinks with some friends recently, when I came across an old friend. I immediately said “how are you, how is your husband”? She replied, sullenly, “Didn’t you know, we are getting divorced”. I was floored. I mean they have been together for more than a decade, have two beautiful kids and generally seemed like that family you hear about in the American dream. I have another set of friends who have been battling for several years, and at this point, appear only held together by a child they have in common. Believe it or not, I was pulled aside by a friend, in the same week as I ran into my divorcing friend with the same circumstances as my “battling” friends, seeking advice on whether to stay or go. Wow.
I think, then, my soul is troubled, not just because of my own relationship struggles, but because so many around me seem to be having the same, or worse trouble. Why? What has happened to our generation? I mean it seems we all want or are seeking love. The evidence is everywhere and has been written about extensively. In the music world for example, Prince sang about “everyone looking for the ladder”, India Arie crooned “I am ready for love” and my personal favorite, Sade, proclaimed herself “A soldier of love”. Death Cab for Cutie provides one of the more poignant examples of true love. In the song “I Will Follow You into the Dark” the group sings “if there is no one beside you when your soul embarks I will follow you into the dark”. It is basically one lover saying to another, who is dying, that I will commit suicide and join you in the “dark” rather than live in this world without you. I realize that this is a dramatic example, and I certainly do not advocate suicide (pro choice/pro life friends, this subject in another blog), but I think it makes a point about how powerful love can be and why many of us pursue it. Why then is love, and relationships, which are supposedly based on love, proving so elusive?
The Story behind the Stats
In the US one in every two marriages ends in divorce. For you statistics geeks that is 50%. In other words, the chances of a modern marriage lasting are no better than a coin flip—a silly game of chance. This rate is the highest it has been since 1970. A generation earlier the divorce rate in the US hovered slightly above 35%. Of course the rate varies based on many factors such as race, income, religion, etc, however, all in all it is a sobering statistic for those of us still “chasing the ladder”. Many more do not make it to marriage at all.
The reasons behind the statistics are plentiful:
Marriage
Lack of effort. People taking easy way out. If it does not work with minimal effort, the marriage is abandoned.
People set in their ways.
Starter marriages. I can get it right next time.
Failure to really know one another or share common values.
Lack of agreement on whether to have and/or how to raise children.
Money.
Infidelity.
Lack of communication and/or different styles of communication (Mars/Venus phenomenon).
Relationships/Getting to Marriage
Independence. I am good on my own. I do not need a mate to make a good living.
Alternatives. Couples deciding to just live together.
Career. Individuals wanting to “make it” prior to marriage or see marriage holding them back from advancement.
Lack of suitable candidates.
A related point to the preceding—either I will not wait on a suitable mate or do not believe I need one to have a child. Sperm bank and adoption seen as real options.
Global society makes it harder, not easier to connect. Yes, even with Facebook and Twitter.
In African American, and other minority communities, the disparities in education and career options between men and women.
The sad reality is that we now live in a “microwave society”. Often times if a relationship does not work or can not be fixed in an instant, it is over. We seem to want our relationships like we want our popcorn—when we want them and ready, to perfection, in four minutes or less. Unfortunately the real world does not work like that. Relationships are hard. They require lots of work. Nowadays it seems there is no longer any dependence of men and women. They can do without each other. Knowing this makes it easier to break off a relationship, often times over the smallest issue when either or both partners are not satisfied.
Of Consequences and Hope
In a simple sense, the consequences of failed marriages and relationships, more generally, are an increasingly cynical and bitter society—men and woman. A deeper look, however, reveals far more dire consequences: (i) people sad and losing hope; (ii) less true happiness; (iii) economic struggles; and (iv) a nation of children devoid or lacking family values. Of these consequences, the one that most troubles me most is (iv). Clearly there are many adults, who were the product of single parent homes, who are thriving and well adjusted. I was raised by a single mother. I think, all things considered, I am pretty well adjusted and generally happy. That said, there are far more folks negatively impacted by this issue (see education, employment and prison statistics to name a few). Assuming the parents are generally happy, and have decent communication, raising children is a task best shared by two. One, it is easier to divide the workload. Two, children need unique things from each parent as they grow and develop. Finally, with two parents there may be more money to provide for the family needs. As “republican” as it may sound, I would like to see a return to more two parent households, co-parenting, and yes, “family values”.
I do believe there is hope. As smart and as successful as our generation has been generally, I believe we can better figure out relationships and how to make them work. More tenacity is needed. Additionally, we have access to a greater number of resources than did past generations. Counseling, religion and friends and family are all sources of support for troubled times. If we use our intelligence, employ our tenacity and make good use of our resources, I believe we can do better.
Let me close by saying there is nothing wrong with being single. Relationships and marriage are not for everyone. There are plenty of single people who raise great kids, and God knows that there are many, many children who need good homes. For those that do pursue relationships, including marriage, mental readiness (including having dated sufficiently so as to be out of your system), willingness to work and faith in the possible or prerequisites.
Thanks for letting me speak. My soul is far less troubled than when I started writing. I remain hopeful, optimistic, and yes, still looking “for the ladder”. I hope you do too.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
If We Must Die, Then Let It Be Like This: One for All and All for One—Random Thoughts on Preventative HealthCare
Unus Pro Omnibus, Omnes Pro Uno
Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno is a Latin phrase that means "One for all, all for one" in English. It has come to be the motto traditionally associated with the titular heroes of the novel The Three Musketeers written by Alexandre Dumas, père, first published in 1844. In the novel, it was the motto of a group of French musketeers named Athos, Porthos, Aramis and d’Artagnan who stayed loyal to each other through thick and thin. It is also a motto used by the company where I now work. As many of you know my company is dedicated to fighting the spread of Kidney disease and preventing patients from having to undergo dialysis.
In novel/movie, d’Artagnan when entering the final battle scene and almost certain death gathers the musketeers together and says:
“if we must die, if we must die, then let it be like this….One for All, and All for One”….
The movie inspires me not because it is another example of a hero being heroic in the face of grave danger. After all, that is what heroes do. I am inspired, rather, because d’Artagnan says if we “must” die, then let it be like this. Meaning, there is not necessarily nobility in dying or even in the way we die, rather there is nobility in, when faced with death or other perilous circumstances, we face them together or each for the other. In the example of my company, we don’t wish any patient to have to dialyze, but if they “must” dialyze, then we, as caregivers are in it with them. There is no underestimating the goodwill this generates. Switzerland, in fact, has adopted this phrase as their national motto. Aristotle would have surely embraced this concept for he believed for a society to be successful it had to be organized around a common purpose, and it was in the striving for the “good” in that purpose that created a state that would best serve the citizens.
Why This High Minded Musing
In two days I face my own perilous situation. I will have abdominal surgery for a condition called Chrons. Chrons is a disease, unfortunately with no cure, that causes inflammation, pain and discomfort in an individual’s intestinal region. If the condition does not respond to medication, then surgery is required. I have had the disease since I was 18 and this will be my second surgery. With only two surgeries in 20+ years I am one of the lucky ones. I am also lucky because I have access to a healthy lifestyle, good doctors and insurance. Sadly, even in America, these aforementioned assets are not readily available for all Americans. I suppose it is surgery, and perhaps the fear of one’s own mortality that surgery brings that has made me contemplative and motivated me to write down a few thoughts.
Private, Badge of Honor
For the 20+ years that I have had Chrons, I have kept it quiet, worn it like my own private badge of honor. My loyal supporters: a couple of college fraternity brothers, my best friend from law school, my uncle and my mother (who when we dealt with my first surgery spent more than 4 months by my bedside in the discovery, surgery and recovery phases of my illness). I suppose they, my family more generally, together with the woman in my life, can be viewed as my musketeers. When I found out that I would again require surgery, the words of d’Artagnan sprang to mind. I boldly stated to my mother that “if we must die, if we must die, then let it be like this—One for All and All for One”! She did not care for that and began quoting me numerous bible verses on faith. I had to tell her that I was not being fatalistic or even depressed. My faith, in my opinion, is unshakable. The poem “Invictus”, Latin for “unconquerable” hangs on my wall. I know God is the master of my faith, the captain of my soul. I was saying if I “must” die, and I do not think that is even a remote likelihood in this context, then let’s be in it together. Let you all be strong for me. Luckily, they, my entire family, teammates and friends have been greatly supportive. Why then had I kept this a secret for so long?
A Role Model Emerges
Growing up I played football, I wrestled, and I even fought. As an adult I spent over ten years on Wall Street as a lawyer and later an Investment Banker. None of these endeavors were for the timid. I felt if I showed weakness, I would be written off as weak. This perceived weakness would limit my advancement possibilities. I could not have that. I mean I am a hard charger, the Gordon Gecko of my group, maybe even a future Congressman or Senator. In many ways I have been a walking contradiction. Saying I want to make change in the world, impact the political process and do for those less fortunate. I long could have used my own disease and access to the assets I have to better raise awareness, but I did little. Perhaps I was paralyzed by fear or too selfish from the pursuit of those things I wanted to achieve. Whatever the case, I did not sacrifice or at least in the way that I should have sacrificed. This has changed meaningfully in the past two years. I have always been interested in our healthcare system. Two years ago I received the opportunity to work for a terrific company that specializes in dialysis. Not only do we treat patients, but educate, advocate and raise money for those less fortunate. The company has provided me many opportunities, for which I will be eternally grateful, to put my money, heart, soul and advocacy efforts behind the prevention of this disease that needlessly impacts so many.
My second inspiration also involves my company. Last week I found out that my boss and mentor also has Chrons. He relayed to me that he has been an active member of the Chrons Foundation for years, even traveling to speak on the subject. He is one of the highest ranking and most respected executives at our company. It really made me look at myself and ask “what have I done” to carry out the “One for All” motto in the society at large. After all, perhaps like Switzerland, to truly live this motto I can not just be concerned with my own musketeers, rather almost by definition don’t I have to do my part to impact and support greater society? I know that success, for me, will not be limited by my advocating for others with this disease. If it does, I reject that brand of success. I will be unafraid. I have been blessed with resources that can assist others and prevent suffering. I plan to use them. I thank this mentor, more than he knows, for modeling the way.
An Ounce of Prevention
The cases are well made for prevention. Whether Republican or Democrat I hope that one day our society will see that access to healthcare for all is a good thing. While everyone may not like the healthcare bill that was recently passed, it does have two very important attributes—greater access to healthcare for a greater number of Americans and more dollars for preventative healthcare. Many ask “why should I pay for someone else’s healthcare”? I say we pay either way. If a person, who has a condition that could have been detected early and treated with prevention, and instead of preventative care they are forced to receive treatment for often, then, catastrophic conditions at the ER, society bears a far greater cost in the later circumstance. County hospitals, and their ER rooms, where patients who do not have insurance go as a place of treatment of last resort, are funded by tax dollars. Simple math tells me that I would much rather pay for prevention than catastrophes. The data varies, but for the system, we know that this delta in preventative dollars and dollars spent on emergency treatment can be in the billions.
I do believe everyone should pay their fair share of healthcare costs. I like a formula based approach here. Perhaps a marginal dollar analysis that ranks the priorities in life: shelter, food, etc and says out of your after tax income and after food, clothing and shelter you must pay x% toward healthcare prior to paying for other items that are, as judged by society, of a lesser priority. Even under such a formula, it is likely that many Americans would not have healthcare or would be under-insured. Unless we say as a society that we are willing to let our citizens die in the streets when they are sick and can not pay, which I hope and pray to never be a part of such a society, then we must cover the gap. I, as a tax payer, would rather pay for more prevention and less emergency care, because it is less expensive and would actually save tax dollars.
Take me as a case in point. I am blessed to have good insurance. I get regular check ups, healthy living plans and medication that prevent the onset of more serious situations like surgery. If, for example, half of my preventative care had been taken away, and I had, over the last 20 years, two additional surgeries, those surgeries would have amounted to several hundred thousand dollars vs. the few thousand on the aforementioned preventative care measures. If I had not had insurance, that delta of those several hundred thousand dollars would have to be covered by the system when I went to the ER. Multiply that times millions of uninsured Americans and you will arrive at a serious threat to our system.
In the final analysis people die. We face a question of how they die and how we as a society want to express our nobility. Again I say, “if they must die” let’s make it fewer people, let’s make it less painful and more cost effective for us all. We can do this through a system of better preventative care. We can do this through a motto as simple as “One for All, All for One”.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes with my upcoming surgery. Hopefully by the grace of God and the hands of a very skilled surgeon at UCSF I will be fine. Let us all think about those who are not as fortunate as I. There is great nobility in that pursuit.
Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno is a Latin phrase that means "One for all, all for one" in English. It has come to be the motto traditionally associated with the titular heroes of the novel The Three Musketeers written by Alexandre Dumas, père, first published in 1844. In the novel, it was the motto of a group of French musketeers named Athos, Porthos, Aramis and d’Artagnan who stayed loyal to each other through thick and thin. It is also a motto used by the company where I now work. As many of you know my company is dedicated to fighting the spread of Kidney disease and preventing patients from having to undergo dialysis.
In novel/movie, d’Artagnan when entering the final battle scene and almost certain death gathers the musketeers together and says:
“if we must die, if we must die, then let it be like this….One for All, and All for One”….
The movie inspires me not because it is another example of a hero being heroic in the face of grave danger. After all, that is what heroes do. I am inspired, rather, because d’Artagnan says if we “must” die, then let it be like this. Meaning, there is not necessarily nobility in dying or even in the way we die, rather there is nobility in, when faced with death or other perilous circumstances, we face them together or each for the other. In the example of my company, we don’t wish any patient to have to dialyze, but if they “must” dialyze, then we, as caregivers are in it with them. There is no underestimating the goodwill this generates. Switzerland, in fact, has adopted this phrase as their national motto. Aristotle would have surely embraced this concept for he believed for a society to be successful it had to be organized around a common purpose, and it was in the striving for the “good” in that purpose that created a state that would best serve the citizens.
Why This High Minded Musing
In two days I face my own perilous situation. I will have abdominal surgery for a condition called Chrons. Chrons is a disease, unfortunately with no cure, that causes inflammation, pain and discomfort in an individual’s intestinal region. If the condition does not respond to medication, then surgery is required. I have had the disease since I was 18 and this will be my second surgery. With only two surgeries in 20+ years I am one of the lucky ones. I am also lucky because I have access to a healthy lifestyle, good doctors and insurance. Sadly, even in America, these aforementioned assets are not readily available for all Americans. I suppose it is surgery, and perhaps the fear of one’s own mortality that surgery brings that has made me contemplative and motivated me to write down a few thoughts.
Private, Badge of Honor
For the 20+ years that I have had Chrons, I have kept it quiet, worn it like my own private badge of honor. My loyal supporters: a couple of college fraternity brothers, my best friend from law school, my uncle and my mother (who when we dealt with my first surgery spent more than 4 months by my bedside in the discovery, surgery and recovery phases of my illness). I suppose they, my family more generally, together with the woman in my life, can be viewed as my musketeers. When I found out that I would again require surgery, the words of d’Artagnan sprang to mind. I boldly stated to my mother that “if we must die, if we must die, then let it be like this—One for All and All for One”! She did not care for that and began quoting me numerous bible verses on faith. I had to tell her that I was not being fatalistic or even depressed. My faith, in my opinion, is unshakable. The poem “Invictus”, Latin for “unconquerable” hangs on my wall. I know God is the master of my faith, the captain of my soul. I was saying if I “must” die, and I do not think that is even a remote likelihood in this context, then let’s be in it together. Let you all be strong for me. Luckily, they, my entire family, teammates and friends have been greatly supportive. Why then had I kept this a secret for so long?
A Role Model Emerges
Growing up I played football, I wrestled, and I even fought. As an adult I spent over ten years on Wall Street as a lawyer and later an Investment Banker. None of these endeavors were for the timid. I felt if I showed weakness, I would be written off as weak. This perceived weakness would limit my advancement possibilities. I could not have that. I mean I am a hard charger, the Gordon Gecko of my group, maybe even a future Congressman or Senator. In many ways I have been a walking contradiction. Saying I want to make change in the world, impact the political process and do for those less fortunate. I long could have used my own disease and access to the assets I have to better raise awareness, but I did little. Perhaps I was paralyzed by fear or too selfish from the pursuit of those things I wanted to achieve. Whatever the case, I did not sacrifice or at least in the way that I should have sacrificed. This has changed meaningfully in the past two years. I have always been interested in our healthcare system. Two years ago I received the opportunity to work for a terrific company that specializes in dialysis. Not only do we treat patients, but educate, advocate and raise money for those less fortunate. The company has provided me many opportunities, for which I will be eternally grateful, to put my money, heart, soul and advocacy efforts behind the prevention of this disease that needlessly impacts so many.
My second inspiration also involves my company. Last week I found out that my boss and mentor also has Chrons. He relayed to me that he has been an active member of the Chrons Foundation for years, even traveling to speak on the subject. He is one of the highest ranking and most respected executives at our company. It really made me look at myself and ask “what have I done” to carry out the “One for All” motto in the society at large. After all, perhaps like Switzerland, to truly live this motto I can not just be concerned with my own musketeers, rather almost by definition don’t I have to do my part to impact and support greater society? I know that success, for me, will not be limited by my advocating for others with this disease. If it does, I reject that brand of success. I will be unafraid. I have been blessed with resources that can assist others and prevent suffering. I plan to use them. I thank this mentor, more than he knows, for modeling the way.
An Ounce of Prevention
The cases are well made for prevention. Whether Republican or Democrat I hope that one day our society will see that access to healthcare for all is a good thing. While everyone may not like the healthcare bill that was recently passed, it does have two very important attributes—greater access to healthcare for a greater number of Americans and more dollars for preventative healthcare. Many ask “why should I pay for someone else’s healthcare”? I say we pay either way. If a person, who has a condition that could have been detected early and treated with prevention, and instead of preventative care they are forced to receive treatment for often, then, catastrophic conditions at the ER, society bears a far greater cost in the later circumstance. County hospitals, and their ER rooms, where patients who do not have insurance go as a place of treatment of last resort, are funded by tax dollars. Simple math tells me that I would much rather pay for prevention than catastrophes. The data varies, but for the system, we know that this delta in preventative dollars and dollars spent on emergency treatment can be in the billions.
I do believe everyone should pay their fair share of healthcare costs. I like a formula based approach here. Perhaps a marginal dollar analysis that ranks the priorities in life: shelter, food, etc and says out of your after tax income and after food, clothing and shelter you must pay x% toward healthcare prior to paying for other items that are, as judged by society, of a lesser priority. Even under such a formula, it is likely that many Americans would not have healthcare or would be under-insured. Unless we say as a society that we are willing to let our citizens die in the streets when they are sick and can not pay, which I hope and pray to never be a part of such a society, then we must cover the gap. I, as a tax payer, would rather pay for more prevention and less emergency care, because it is less expensive and would actually save tax dollars.
Take me as a case in point. I am blessed to have good insurance. I get regular check ups, healthy living plans and medication that prevent the onset of more serious situations like surgery. If, for example, half of my preventative care had been taken away, and I had, over the last 20 years, two additional surgeries, those surgeries would have amounted to several hundred thousand dollars vs. the few thousand on the aforementioned preventative care measures. If I had not had insurance, that delta of those several hundred thousand dollars would have to be covered by the system when I went to the ER. Multiply that times millions of uninsured Americans and you will arrive at a serious threat to our system.
In the final analysis people die. We face a question of how they die and how we as a society want to express our nobility. Again I say, “if they must die” let’s make it fewer people, let’s make it less painful and more cost effective for us all. We can do this through a system of better preventative care. We can do this through a motto as simple as “One for All, All for One”.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes with my upcoming surgery. Hopefully by the grace of God and the hands of a very skilled surgeon at UCSF I will be fine. Let us all think about those who are not as fortunate as I. There is great nobility in that pursuit.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Obama’s Military Excellence
Obama’s Military Excellence, by Bryan R. Parker
President Obama’s early military performance has exceeded expectations. The President’s performance in Afghanistan, Iraq and now the Somali coast, shows that he has the judgment to lead our military. During his presidential run, Mr. Obama was routinely questioned regarding his readiness for being Commander in Chief. He responded, as evidenced by his vote against the Iraq war, that he had the requisite judgment to respond reasonably, effectively and with force when necessary. In his first 100 days he has, as promised, started a plan of withdrawal from Afghanistan, made a surprise visit to Iraq during his G20 summit to discuss transfer of power, and acted with great care and judgment in this most recent situation.
In the most recent situation in Somalia, President Obama said that force may be used “only if the captain’s (Richard Phillips) life was in imminent danger, and the opportunity was present for clear shots at each of the captors”. It is this nuanced, well reasoned approach that should earn President Obama his greatest applause. In contrast to the previous President, Mr. Obama did not rush in without regard to human life, instead he exercised appropriate caution, while being clear that in certain situations, force is indeed appropriate. With three shots, and in an instant, three captors were killed. The navy seals team, as directed by their President, restored order.
President Obama’s follow up, of course, will define his military legacy in the end. Now that we have escalated violence in the region, we can surely expect the pirates of the region to retaliate. To be consistent, and so these enemies will know that they will be met with force for these kind of actions, President Obama must remain committed to the region. At the time of this writing, the author has learned that four more ships had been captured. How Mr. Obama responds now will shape his evolving grade in Military 101.
President Obama’s early military performance has exceeded expectations. The President’s performance in Afghanistan, Iraq and now the Somali coast, shows that he has the judgment to lead our military. During his presidential run, Mr. Obama was routinely questioned regarding his readiness for being Commander in Chief. He responded, as evidenced by his vote against the Iraq war, that he had the requisite judgment to respond reasonably, effectively and with force when necessary. In his first 100 days he has, as promised, started a plan of withdrawal from Afghanistan, made a surprise visit to Iraq during his G20 summit to discuss transfer of power, and acted with great care and judgment in this most recent situation.
In the most recent situation in Somalia, President Obama said that force may be used “only if the captain’s (Richard Phillips) life was in imminent danger, and the opportunity was present for clear shots at each of the captors”. It is this nuanced, well reasoned approach that should earn President Obama his greatest applause. In contrast to the previous President, Mr. Obama did not rush in without regard to human life, instead he exercised appropriate caution, while being clear that in certain situations, force is indeed appropriate. With three shots, and in an instant, three captors were killed. The navy seals team, as directed by their President, restored order.
President Obama’s follow up, of course, will define his military legacy in the end. Now that we have escalated violence in the region, we can surely expect the pirates of the region to retaliate. To be consistent, and so these enemies will know that they will be met with force for these kind of actions, President Obama must remain committed to the region. At the time of this writing, the author has learned that four more ships had been captured. How Mr. Obama responds now will shape his evolving grade in Military 101.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Rome (I Mean Oakland) is Burning!
Rome (I Mean Oakland) is Burning
By Bryan R. Parker
Oakland—A City Adrift
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write this blog. Four Oakland Police Officers lie dead—Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans, Daniel Sakai and John Hege. These officers, victims of a senseless, violent attack carried out by Lovell Mixon, an ex-convict who was at the time of the killings being sought on violations of his parole. Today, our city, Oakland, honors these officers at a memorial at the Oracle Area. It is right that we celebrate these fallen heroes, these men who bravely defended our city and each of us as citizens.
Despite, what I am sure will be touching tributes, these men can never be brought back. For their families, friends and fellow officers, there can never be true solace. When taken together with Oakland’s rising overall homicide rate, tragedies like the Oscar Grant shooting, and the poor state of our economy we can see Oakland in its true context—a city on fire, seemingly adrift without a clear solution in sight.
The Meaning and Solutions
What then, does all of this mean for our city? Our Mayor would say that it is up to us, the citizens of Oakland, to stem this tide of violence and correct the city’s economy. I saw him speak these words at a recent State of the City Address. The Mayor is partially right. That is, we as citizens must rise to the occasion and assist in forming solutions to these pressing problems. However, the fact that the citizens of Oakland must be held to a higher standard of action, at this time, does not abdicate our Mayor of his responsibilities. Just, as in ancient Rome, there was no excuse for Nero fiddling while his city burned around him, so too is there no excuse for our Mayor not taking more decisive action at this time of crisis. Mr. Dellums must stand tall at this time, and offer concrete solutions and not just rhetoric. Mr. Dellums was a warrior for more than 20+ years as a congressman for our area, bringing tens of millions of dollars to California, and leading countless programs that helped our community. He must recall that spirit now!
I believe that the current situation, if left unchecked, has a high potential for escalating into further violence, thereby further tearing our city apart. Mr. Dellums must start by leading the creation of more jobs in Oakland and attracting a greater number of businesses to our city. As we have witnessed from history, lack of jobs and money are often precursors to crime, and crime in general is often a precursor to more violent crime. Given this trend, Mr. Dellums must issue a zero policy on violent crime—regardless of who carries it out. In addition, he must work with the state and federal governments to enforce stricter gun control. While I am a believer and defender of 2nd Amendment Rights, there is no justifiable reason for an ordinary citizen, as did Mr. Mixon, to possess an AK 47 (military assault rifle). Further, Mr. Dellums must work with those same groups to repair our broken parole and penal systems. Implementing programs like gps tracking of parolees, and having better programs in prison that ready ex-prisoners for re-entry into society are obvious starters.
The citizens and the police force must assist our Mayor in this enormous undertaking. Citizens can work with the Mayor and the Police, like the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, of which I am a board member, are doing to find peaceful, non-violent solutions. Citizens, who wish to protest, must do so in a non-violent way. In addition, we should not celebrate people like Mr. Mixon as martyrs, rather recognize and appropriately deal with them as criminals. Lastly, even during this time of understandable sadness, our police force must carry out their duties with compassion and dignity. Any thoughts of retribution will ring hollow in the community and only serve to further divide us.
Takeaways
We must be ever mindful of the lessons of the great Ghandi who urged us “to be the change we seek”. We must come together and seek solutions as a community. If we do not, and continue to give in to hatred, anger, mistrust and even retribution, our city will be torn apart. Limb by limb, the very fabric that underpins the fiber of our city, will be torn to shreds. If and when this happens, we risk anarchy, increased violence and further economic despair. If however, we rally together, support our Mayor as he implements concrete solutions, and do our parts to be agents of change, our city can climb out of this tragedy—better, stronger, wiser, and ready to move forward and capitalize on the great potential that is Oakland.
By Bryan R. Parker
Oakland—A City Adrift
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write this blog. Four Oakland Police Officers lie dead—Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans, Daniel Sakai and John Hege. These officers, victims of a senseless, violent attack carried out by Lovell Mixon, an ex-convict who was at the time of the killings being sought on violations of his parole. Today, our city, Oakland, honors these officers at a memorial at the Oracle Area. It is right that we celebrate these fallen heroes, these men who bravely defended our city and each of us as citizens.
Despite, what I am sure will be touching tributes, these men can never be brought back. For their families, friends and fellow officers, there can never be true solace. When taken together with Oakland’s rising overall homicide rate, tragedies like the Oscar Grant shooting, and the poor state of our economy we can see Oakland in its true context—a city on fire, seemingly adrift without a clear solution in sight.
The Meaning and Solutions
What then, does all of this mean for our city? Our Mayor would say that it is up to us, the citizens of Oakland, to stem this tide of violence and correct the city’s economy. I saw him speak these words at a recent State of the City Address. The Mayor is partially right. That is, we as citizens must rise to the occasion and assist in forming solutions to these pressing problems. However, the fact that the citizens of Oakland must be held to a higher standard of action, at this time, does not abdicate our Mayor of his responsibilities. Just, as in ancient Rome, there was no excuse for Nero fiddling while his city burned around him, so too is there no excuse for our Mayor not taking more decisive action at this time of crisis. Mr. Dellums must stand tall at this time, and offer concrete solutions and not just rhetoric. Mr. Dellums was a warrior for more than 20+ years as a congressman for our area, bringing tens of millions of dollars to California, and leading countless programs that helped our community. He must recall that spirit now!
I believe that the current situation, if left unchecked, has a high potential for escalating into further violence, thereby further tearing our city apart. Mr. Dellums must start by leading the creation of more jobs in Oakland and attracting a greater number of businesses to our city. As we have witnessed from history, lack of jobs and money are often precursors to crime, and crime in general is often a precursor to more violent crime. Given this trend, Mr. Dellums must issue a zero policy on violent crime—regardless of who carries it out. In addition, he must work with the state and federal governments to enforce stricter gun control. While I am a believer and defender of 2nd Amendment Rights, there is no justifiable reason for an ordinary citizen, as did Mr. Mixon, to possess an AK 47 (military assault rifle). Further, Mr. Dellums must work with those same groups to repair our broken parole and penal systems. Implementing programs like gps tracking of parolees, and having better programs in prison that ready ex-prisoners for re-entry into society are obvious starters.
The citizens and the police force must assist our Mayor in this enormous undertaking. Citizens can work with the Mayor and the Police, like the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, of which I am a board member, are doing to find peaceful, non-violent solutions. Citizens, who wish to protest, must do so in a non-violent way. In addition, we should not celebrate people like Mr. Mixon as martyrs, rather recognize and appropriately deal with them as criminals. Lastly, even during this time of understandable sadness, our police force must carry out their duties with compassion and dignity. Any thoughts of retribution will ring hollow in the community and only serve to further divide us.
Takeaways
We must be ever mindful of the lessons of the great Ghandi who urged us “to be the change we seek”. We must come together and seek solutions as a community. If we do not, and continue to give in to hatred, anger, mistrust and even retribution, our city will be torn apart. Limb by limb, the very fabric that underpins the fiber of our city, will be torn to shreds. If and when this happens, we risk anarchy, increased violence and further economic despair. If however, we rally together, support our Mayor as he implements concrete solutions, and do our parts to be agents of change, our city can climb out of this tragedy—better, stronger, wiser, and ready to move forward and capitalize on the great potential that is Oakland.
Friday, December 12, 2008
J. Alfred Smith Jr.—the Right Pastor for Our Times
J. Alfred Smith Jr.—the Right Pastor for Our Times
by Bryan R. Parker
After much thought, deliberation and prayer (yes prayer), I am guided to support the Reverend J. Alfred Smith Jr. as the next Senior Pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church. I am convinced that Reverend Smith Jr. is the right man, at the right time, to lead our church spiritually and otherwise, as we seek to build upon the great legacy of Allen Temple in the community, and move our church to the next level. I understand that my recommendation, this choice and indeed this confirmation, should it take place, has been fraught with controversy. Below, I share of few of my thoughts as to why I believe we should support Pastor Smith, Jr. as our next Senior Pastor.
We just completed a week of town hall style meetings in which the congregation was able to interact with and ask questions of Pastor Smith, Jr. In response to this author’s question of whether Pastor Smith, Jr. would still be the best candidate for Allen Temple even if his name were other than “Smith”, Pastor Smith Jr. provided two telling responses. One, as will be discussed below, he set forth the positive aspects of his association with his father. Two, he said that he was not the right person to answer the question. This question, was a question for God, and for the congregation in their faithfulness to answer. He asked us to pray, as would he, reasoning that God would guide us to the correct choice. Here we are reminded, that despite being in a season of elections, the selection of a Senior Pastor is a bit different. The selection of a Senior Pastor is not a perfectly secular process. The old adage that we “walk by faith” must guide us in instances such as the current one. It is in his answer to this very pointed question that we see Pastor Smith, Jr.’s truth spiritual depth.
Pastor Smith, Jr, makes reference to the “four callings of man” from Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr, the evangelical scholar, I believe in his seminal work “Moral Man and Immoral Society” writes of four callings of man. The calling that is most relevant here is the calling of man to the church. I believe Pastor Smith, Jr. has been called by God to lead our church at this time. As a testament to his faith, I also believe Pastor Smith, Jr. is ready to head this call.
How then do we answer the charge by some of nepotism. Nepotism is defined as patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family a relationship, as in business and politics. Some have asserted charges of nepotism in the potential selection of Pastor Smith, Jr., given that is father has been Senior Pastor of Allen Temple for more than 40 years. I do not believe the potential elevation of Pastor Smith, Jr. is a case of nepotism. I believe, rather, as I will set forth more fully below, that Pastor Smith, Jr.’s candidacy stands on his own merits. That said, Pastor Smith, Jr, has benefited from his relationship with his father to be sure. In this instance, this benefit is not a bad thing, and in fact, not only inures to benefit of Pastor Smith, Jr., but also to the church as a whole. To be more specific, Pastor Smith, Jr. by virtue of his relationship, and growing up in Allen Temple, understands, probably more deeply than any candidate under consideration, the traditions, mores and psyche of Allen Temple. He has also learned how to build and use relationships in the broader community for the benefit of the church. Moving forward, clearly his closeness with the Senior Smith will aid in his smooth transition, and in buttressing him on any of the aspects of the position for which he might not be quite ready. There is real merit to Allen Temple having a pastor who understands its history, traditions and relationships, and who can hit the ground running. Certainly such a situation lends itself toward increasing the odds that we reach our goals, both spiritual and secular, with greater speed and more certainty. We must still ask ourselves, what makes Pastor Smith, Jr. the man to shoulder such an awesome responsibility.
The answer to why Pastor Smith, Jr. is the right man, for right now, to lead our church has been shaped over a lifetime of service. Pastor Smith, Jr., as discussed, has grown up in Allen Temple. He has directly had a hand in shaping several of the ministries of our church including: home visits, elderly care, AIDS, credit union/repair, drugs and alcohol and prison. Over the past six years he has served as Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in San Jose, Ca. As Marvin Sapp sings in the song “Never Would Have Made It”, these six years have made Pastor Smith, Jr. “stronger, wiser, better”. During his time as Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist, he has added real depth and weight to his preaching. He has also continued his commitment to the ministries. Further, Pastor Smith, Jr. has demonstrated that he has the kind of energy and commitment to empowering the next generation of leadership that will be required to not only keep Allen Temple healthy and thriving, but to also raise it to the next level. His openness to additional forms of communication—blogs, the Internet, Facebook and other forms of digital media, show that Pastor Smith, Jr. is a pastor with the openness to new ideas and approaches. In my opinion, it is this kind of openness that will result in a greater number of new, and younger members, and that will foster a spirit of ownership and participation that our church badly needs.
How then will Pastor Smith, Jr. bring about this vision. To be fair, exactly what Pastor Smith, Jr.’s vision is for the future, remains a bit unclear as he was deliberately vague in the recent series of town meetings on the topic. Comforting, however, was the fact that Pastor Smith, Jr., if appointed, would first call for 40 days for prayer and reflection, where we would both ask God for those things we desire for our church and spend time “listening” to God guide us as to where he wants us to go. It is through such a thoughtful process argues Pastor Smith, Jr. that our vision will become clear, just as it was, at one time, for Moses and his people. He recites that not only did Moses hear the “vision”, but so did the people. I believe this approach shows Pastor Smith, Jr. is intelligent, yet humble. Pastor Smith, Jr. would have us further complement the above approach with engaging in a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for the church. I applaud the rigor of this approach. I believe before Allen Temple can experience true success, we must fist be honest with ourselves about where and what we are as a church. Then and only then, may we plot a deliberate course toward our future. Where this secular approach falls short, I have faith that Pastor Smith, Jr. will fill in the gaps through his faith, spirituality and leadership.
Despite the foregoing, there will be those who remain miffed at the process by which this selection took place. I would urge anyone with this view to please separate the candidate and the process, after all the candidate followed the process, not created it. Second, we elected a pulpit committee who has spent countless hours judging these candidates against objective criteria to set forth the best one for our consideration. The question of why only one finalist versus three is being presented to the membership of Allen Temple is one for the American Baptist College, Progressive Convention. Allen Temple is a member of this convention. The Progressive Convention clearly sets forth how this process is to be carried out. This process is based on statistical data of several churches. Our Pulpit Committee followed the process set forth faithfully. I urge people who otherwise feel that Pastor Smith, Jr. is the right candidate for our church, to separate him from any views on the process, because to do otherwise is to potentially end up with a new pastor, yet have a divided church. We know from history that a house divided will turn on and potentially destroy itself. I believe if we all line up behind Pastor Smith, Jr., should he be elected, Pastor Smith, Jr., Allen Temple and each of us stands the best chance of success for creating and enjoying a great church. Even should we fall a bit short on this account, I have faith that Pastor Smith, Jr. will unite us. As the Lord told Peter “Pastor my sheep”. The Lord meant all sheep, not just the sheep Peter liked, or those who agreed with Peter. I believe Pastor Smith will embrace and lead us all.
In uncertain times such as these, where among other things, lack of money and loss of housing and jobs are leading people to question their faith, we need a leader who can both feed our souls and help us build our communities back to prosperity. We need a 21st century leader who is energetic, committed and accessible. We must have a leader, a Senior Pastor who has the vision and desire to lead not just some, but all members of Allen Temple. That leader should be J. Alfred Smith, Jr.
To those still struggling with the decision, pray, then allow yourself to walk by faith.
by Bryan R. Parker
After much thought, deliberation and prayer (yes prayer), I am guided to support the Reverend J. Alfred Smith Jr. as the next Senior Pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church. I am convinced that Reverend Smith Jr. is the right man, at the right time, to lead our church spiritually and otherwise, as we seek to build upon the great legacy of Allen Temple in the community, and move our church to the next level. I understand that my recommendation, this choice and indeed this confirmation, should it take place, has been fraught with controversy. Below, I share of few of my thoughts as to why I believe we should support Pastor Smith, Jr. as our next Senior Pastor.
We just completed a week of town hall style meetings in which the congregation was able to interact with and ask questions of Pastor Smith, Jr. In response to this author’s question of whether Pastor Smith, Jr. would still be the best candidate for Allen Temple even if his name were other than “Smith”, Pastor Smith Jr. provided two telling responses. One, as will be discussed below, he set forth the positive aspects of his association with his father. Two, he said that he was not the right person to answer the question. This question, was a question for God, and for the congregation in their faithfulness to answer. He asked us to pray, as would he, reasoning that God would guide us to the correct choice. Here we are reminded, that despite being in a season of elections, the selection of a Senior Pastor is a bit different. The selection of a Senior Pastor is not a perfectly secular process. The old adage that we “walk by faith” must guide us in instances such as the current one. It is in his answer to this very pointed question that we see Pastor Smith, Jr.’s truth spiritual depth.
Pastor Smith, Jr, makes reference to the “four callings of man” from Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr, the evangelical scholar, I believe in his seminal work “Moral Man and Immoral Society” writes of four callings of man. The calling that is most relevant here is the calling of man to the church. I believe Pastor Smith, Jr. has been called by God to lead our church at this time. As a testament to his faith, I also believe Pastor Smith, Jr. is ready to head this call.
How then do we answer the charge by some of nepotism. Nepotism is defined as patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family a relationship, as in business and politics. Some have asserted charges of nepotism in the potential selection of Pastor Smith, Jr., given that is father has been Senior Pastor of Allen Temple for more than 40 years. I do not believe the potential elevation of Pastor Smith, Jr. is a case of nepotism. I believe, rather, as I will set forth more fully below, that Pastor Smith, Jr.’s candidacy stands on his own merits. That said, Pastor Smith, Jr, has benefited from his relationship with his father to be sure. In this instance, this benefit is not a bad thing, and in fact, not only inures to benefit of Pastor Smith, Jr., but also to the church as a whole. To be more specific, Pastor Smith, Jr. by virtue of his relationship, and growing up in Allen Temple, understands, probably more deeply than any candidate under consideration, the traditions, mores and psyche of Allen Temple. He has also learned how to build and use relationships in the broader community for the benefit of the church. Moving forward, clearly his closeness with the Senior Smith will aid in his smooth transition, and in buttressing him on any of the aspects of the position for which he might not be quite ready. There is real merit to Allen Temple having a pastor who understands its history, traditions and relationships, and who can hit the ground running. Certainly such a situation lends itself toward increasing the odds that we reach our goals, both spiritual and secular, with greater speed and more certainty. We must still ask ourselves, what makes Pastor Smith, Jr. the man to shoulder such an awesome responsibility.
The answer to why Pastor Smith, Jr. is the right man, for right now, to lead our church has been shaped over a lifetime of service. Pastor Smith, Jr., as discussed, has grown up in Allen Temple. He has directly had a hand in shaping several of the ministries of our church including: home visits, elderly care, AIDS, credit union/repair, drugs and alcohol and prison. Over the past six years he has served as Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in San Jose, Ca. As Marvin Sapp sings in the song “Never Would Have Made It”, these six years have made Pastor Smith, Jr. “stronger, wiser, better”. During his time as Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist, he has added real depth and weight to his preaching. He has also continued his commitment to the ministries. Further, Pastor Smith, Jr. has demonstrated that he has the kind of energy and commitment to empowering the next generation of leadership that will be required to not only keep Allen Temple healthy and thriving, but to also raise it to the next level. His openness to additional forms of communication—blogs, the Internet, Facebook and other forms of digital media, show that Pastor Smith, Jr. is a pastor with the openness to new ideas and approaches. In my opinion, it is this kind of openness that will result in a greater number of new, and younger members, and that will foster a spirit of ownership and participation that our church badly needs.
How then will Pastor Smith, Jr. bring about this vision. To be fair, exactly what Pastor Smith, Jr.’s vision is for the future, remains a bit unclear as he was deliberately vague in the recent series of town meetings on the topic. Comforting, however, was the fact that Pastor Smith, Jr., if appointed, would first call for 40 days for prayer and reflection, where we would both ask God for those things we desire for our church and spend time “listening” to God guide us as to where he wants us to go. It is through such a thoughtful process argues Pastor Smith, Jr. that our vision will become clear, just as it was, at one time, for Moses and his people. He recites that not only did Moses hear the “vision”, but so did the people. I believe this approach shows Pastor Smith, Jr. is intelligent, yet humble. Pastor Smith, Jr. would have us further complement the above approach with engaging in a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for the church. I applaud the rigor of this approach. I believe before Allen Temple can experience true success, we must fist be honest with ourselves about where and what we are as a church. Then and only then, may we plot a deliberate course toward our future. Where this secular approach falls short, I have faith that Pastor Smith, Jr. will fill in the gaps through his faith, spirituality and leadership.
Despite the foregoing, there will be those who remain miffed at the process by which this selection took place. I would urge anyone with this view to please separate the candidate and the process, after all the candidate followed the process, not created it. Second, we elected a pulpit committee who has spent countless hours judging these candidates against objective criteria to set forth the best one for our consideration. The question of why only one finalist versus three is being presented to the membership of Allen Temple is one for the American Baptist College, Progressive Convention. Allen Temple is a member of this convention. The Progressive Convention clearly sets forth how this process is to be carried out. This process is based on statistical data of several churches. Our Pulpit Committee followed the process set forth faithfully. I urge people who otherwise feel that Pastor Smith, Jr. is the right candidate for our church, to separate him from any views on the process, because to do otherwise is to potentially end up with a new pastor, yet have a divided church. We know from history that a house divided will turn on and potentially destroy itself. I believe if we all line up behind Pastor Smith, Jr., should he be elected, Pastor Smith, Jr., Allen Temple and each of us stands the best chance of success for creating and enjoying a great church. Even should we fall a bit short on this account, I have faith that Pastor Smith, Jr. will unite us. As the Lord told Peter “Pastor my sheep”. The Lord meant all sheep, not just the sheep Peter liked, or those who agreed with Peter. I believe Pastor Smith will embrace and lead us all.
In uncertain times such as these, where among other things, lack of money and loss of housing and jobs are leading people to question their faith, we need a leader who can both feed our souls and help us build our communities back to prosperity. We need a 21st century leader who is energetic, committed and accessible. We must have a leader, a Senior Pastor who has the vision and desire to lead not just some, but all members of Allen Temple. That leader should be J. Alfred Smith, Jr.
To those still struggling with the decision, pray, then allow yourself to walk by faith.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Turn Out the Lights, The Party is Over, by Bryan R. Parker
I woke up this morning full of vigor. I had the unexplainable feeling one sometimes gets that lets you know its going to be a good day. I thought, “was it a big new job”, “would I win the lottery”, “make plans for an exciting vacation”? Turns out it was none of those things, but something much bigger, both for me and the country. Around 3pm pdt today I learned that former Presidential Candidate John Edwards would endorse Barack Obama. I was excited.
I ran to tune into CNN only to find an interview running of Hillary Clinton, while a crowd waited in Michigan for Senators Obama and Edwards to arrive. Despite her largely hallow victory last night in West Virginia, Senator Clinton had vowed to fight on until a nominee was finally determined. This was the sentiment reported in this morning’s papers. Imagine my surprise to see an interview with a largely conciliatory Senator Clinton saying she respected Senator Obama, thought the party would unite, and ultimately vote, for the eventual nominee, and that, should it not be her, she would do everything in her power to help that person win the general election. I was shocked to see this level of honest resignation, especially in a person who had vehemently pledged to continue fighting even as the odds stacked more and more against them. It was not until Wolf Blizter chimed in and said this interview had been taped earlier that I really realized the race had ended, and everyone, including Senator Clinton, knew it. That Edwards would momentarily endorse Baraack was just icing on the cake. For those who have watched Monday Night Football long enough to remember, I was reminded of the song Don Meredith use to sing when the game was out of reach for one team or the other “turn out the lights the party is over…”.
Yes, the party is over for Senator Clinton. It is time for us to unite. That includes, in my opinion, reaching out to Senator Clinton for her support. Senator Clinton has been a warrior in this campaign, and although she fractured some feelings, and wounded some egos, I think we would be remiss, as a party, if the party does not reach out and include her in the fight against Senator McCain.
I am so glad that the feeling I had this morning, the feeling that today would be a good day, turned out to be true. We stand at an historic moment in history. An African American stands on the doorstep of the Democratic nomination for President. An African American, an who is first an American, who is uniquely positioned to bring change to the country, and who has a very good and realistic chance of becoming President of the United States is in and of itself exciting. We can not, however, allow ourselves to settle for this accomplishment. Such a victory would itself be hollow.
The prize here is the Presidency, and bringing the one leader who is capable of bringing true change and uniting our country, must be the goal. Our hardest days are ahead. We will need to continue raising vast sums of money, walking the streets, calling voters and generally working hard. I think, together, we can accomplish this goal.
To me, the luckiest part of this day, is seeing our country at such an historic inflection point, the excitement by people of all races and creeds for the political process, and knowing that, while small, I, and many others like me, get to continue playing a part in this process. For that I am grateful.
I ran to tune into CNN only to find an interview running of Hillary Clinton, while a crowd waited in Michigan for Senators Obama and Edwards to arrive. Despite her largely hallow victory last night in West Virginia, Senator Clinton had vowed to fight on until a nominee was finally determined. This was the sentiment reported in this morning’s papers. Imagine my surprise to see an interview with a largely conciliatory Senator Clinton saying she respected Senator Obama, thought the party would unite, and ultimately vote, for the eventual nominee, and that, should it not be her, she would do everything in her power to help that person win the general election. I was shocked to see this level of honest resignation, especially in a person who had vehemently pledged to continue fighting even as the odds stacked more and more against them. It was not until Wolf Blizter chimed in and said this interview had been taped earlier that I really realized the race had ended, and everyone, including Senator Clinton, knew it. That Edwards would momentarily endorse Baraack was just icing on the cake. For those who have watched Monday Night Football long enough to remember, I was reminded of the song Don Meredith use to sing when the game was out of reach for one team or the other “turn out the lights the party is over…”.
Yes, the party is over for Senator Clinton. It is time for us to unite. That includes, in my opinion, reaching out to Senator Clinton for her support. Senator Clinton has been a warrior in this campaign, and although she fractured some feelings, and wounded some egos, I think we would be remiss, as a party, if the party does not reach out and include her in the fight against Senator McCain.
I am so glad that the feeling I had this morning, the feeling that today would be a good day, turned out to be true. We stand at an historic moment in history. An African American stands on the doorstep of the Democratic nomination for President. An African American, an who is first an American, who is uniquely positioned to bring change to the country, and who has a very good and realistic chance of becoming President of the United States is in and of itself exciting. We can not, however, allow ourselves to settle for this accomplishment. Such a victory would itself be hollow.
The prize here is the Presidency, and bringing the one leader who is capable of bringing true change and uniting our country, must be the goal. Our hardest days are ahead. We will need to continue raising vast sums of money, walking the streets, calling voters and generally working hard. I think, together, we can accomplish this goal.
To me, the luckiest part of this day, is seeing our country at such an historic inflection point, the excitement by people of all races and creeds for the political process, and knowing that, while small, I, and many others like me, get to continue playing a part in this process. For that I am grateful.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friendly Fire—How a One Time Insider Threatens to Undo an Historic Process, Jeremiah Wright, Simply Wrong, by Bryan R. Parker
Friendly Fire a term originally adopted by the United States military, is fire from allied or friendly forces, as opposed to fire coming from enemy forces or enemy fire. This term may best be seen as an oxymoron. That is “fire” whether coming from allied or enemy forces is still deadly. In this context, there is no real concept of friendly fire. I submit that Senator Obama has been hit by “fire”, and the source of that fire, friendly or allied is starting to be damaging, heading toward being deadly, to the most promising Presidental campaign of my lifetime. I for one, would like to see it stop.
I am very saddened by the recent words and appearances of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. It seems, for some inexplicable reason, that this man simply will not fade from the public consciousness. I am puzzled as to why, especially when he knows full well the impact his words and appearances are having on the campaign of Senator Obama. I share Senator Obama’s outrage and sadness that Reverened Wright would pick now to take center stage in a debate that is not about Reverened Wright. It is not even about Senators Clinton, Obama or McCain, but as Senator Obama states it is about “[P]eople wanting some help in stabilizing their lives and securing a better future for themselves and their children…” This is the fundamental message of change of Senator Obama’s campaign. This message of change should be the central point in our debate. Not the silly comments of an aging pastor who is fighting his own irrelevance.
If it is not about Jeremiah Wright wanting to maintain his relevance, what then? Is he mad that Senator Obama had to distance himself from the reverend? Senator Obama was right to distance himself from Reverend Wright. He was right to distance himself, not for political gain as Reverend Wright asserts, but because the comments of Reverend Wright were and are wrong. These comments are divisive and antithetical to the politics of change and unity. The change that Senator Obama promises will be beneficial to all, to be sure, but especially blacks and other disenfranchised groups. As such, shouldn’t Reverend Wright be embracing this message, and supporting the campaign, even if it means, as it does here, taking a backseat and staying out of the limelight? If Senator Obama made any mistake it was not denouncing Reverend Wright sooner and more strongly. In his previous remarks he said “he could no more denounce Reverend Wright than he could his white grandmother”. I respectfully submit that someone who says “God damn America” and after the September 11 bombings stated that it was a case of “American chickens coming home to roost” can and should be denounced, and in the strongest terms possible. Senator Obama may therefore rightly be accused of being too loyal, however, this still does not excuse the actions of Reverend Wright.
Jeremiah Wright said in a recent sermon that “[he] is sick of Negros who do not get it….being a black man in America, controlled by rich white people is hard”. Yes, I agree, being black in America is still hard, but getting better. If the Reverend Wright “got it” he would not be so quick to provide fodder to the Clinton and McCain campaigns. Senator Obama has undertaken a task some thought was impossible—becoming the first African American President of the United States. Senator Obama has done a fine job. Reverend Wright is also correct in that blacks in this country still have to be a step better to achieve acknowledgement and success. Senator Obama has been better. Now, when he can use all the support he can get, especially from the African American community, one should not expect that another African American, especially one who claims to love and care for Senator Obama, would give fodder to the opposition. The opposition, Senators Clinton and McCain, are clearly looking for anything they can to undermine this historic campaign. It is against this back drop that I am reminded of one of my favorite Gospel Songs—“Hide Me”. The song asks God to hide me from the enemy. Near the end, the song says “hide me o Lord, even if the enemy is me”. Reverend Wright should heed the words of this song, exit center stage and allow this historic campaign to get back to the real issues—change for America and its citizens.
Allow me to close with Galatians 5:7 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth”. The bible teaches us that the path of the righteous man is beset on all sides be treachery and the tyranny of evil men. Galatians reminds us that even when the path to victory is impeded, we still have an obligation to stay faithful to the right path. Fortunately, we have a candidate, Senator Barack Obama that gets this concept. I praise Senator Obama for continuing to rise above these politics of negativity and staying focused on his message of bringing change for our country. Thank you Senator for not succumbing to this “friendly fire”. We can only hope that those engaging in this “friendly fire” get the message as well.
I am very saddened by the recent words and appearances of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. It seems, for some inexplicable reason, that this man simply will not fade from the public consciousness. I am puzzled as to why, especially when he knows full well the impact his words and appearances are having on the campaign of Senator Obama. I share Senator Obama’s outrage and sadness that Reverened Wright would pick now to take center stage in a debate that is not about Reverened Wright. It is not even about Senators Clinton, Obama or McCain, but as Senator Obama states it is about “[P]eople wanting some help in stabilizing their lives and securing a better future for themselves and their children…” This is the fundamental message of change of Senator Obama’s campaign. This message of change should be the central point in our debate. Not the silly comments of an aging pastor who is fighting his own irrelevance.
If it is not about Jeremiah Wright wanting to maintain his relevance, what then? Is he mad that Senator Obama had to distance himself from the reverend? Senator Obama was right to distance himself from Reverend Wright. He was right to distance himself, not for political gain as Reverend Wright asserts, but because the comments of Reverend Wright were and are wrong. These comments are divisive and antithetical to the politics of change and unity. The change that Senator Obama promises will be beneficial to all, to be sure, but especially blacks and other disenfranchised groups. As such, shouldn’t Reverend Wright be embracing this message, and supporting the campaign, even if it means, as it does here, taking a backseat and staying out of the limelight? If Senator Obama made any mistake it was not denouncing Reverend Wright sooner and more strongly. In his previous remarks he said “he could no more denounce Reverend Wright than he could his white grandmother”. I respectfully submit that someone who says “God damn America” and after the September 11 bombings stated that it was a case of “American chickens coming home to roost” can and should be denounced, and in the strongest terms possible. Senator Obama may therefore rightly be accused of being too loyal, however, this still does not excuse the actions of Reverend Wright.
Jeremiah Wright said in a recent sermon that “[he] is sick of Negros who do not get it….being a black man in America, controlled by rich white people is hard”. Yes, I agree, being black in America is still hard, but getting better. If the Reverend Wright “got it” he would not be so quick to provide fodder to the Clinton and McCain campaigns. Senator Obama has undertaken a task some thought was impossible—becoming the first African American President of the United States. Senator Obama has done a fine job. Reverend Wright is also correct in that blacks in this country still have to be a step better to achieve acknowledgement and success. Senator Obama has been better. Now, when he can use all the support he can get, especially from the African American community, one should not expect that another African American, especially one who claims to love and care for Senator Obama, would give fodder to the opposition. The opposition, Senators Clinton and McCain, are clearly looking for anything they can to undermine this historic campaign. It is against this back drop that I am reminded of one of my favorite Gospel Songs—“Hide Me”. The song asks God to hide me from the enemy. Near the end, the song says “hide me o Lord, even if the enemy is me”. Reverend Wright should heed the words of this song, exit center stage and allow this historic campaign to get back to the real issues—change for America and its citizens.
Allow me to close with Galatians 5:7 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth”. The bible teaches us that the path of the righteous man is beset on all sides be treachery and the tyranny of evil men. Galatians reminds us that even when the path to victory is impeded, we still have an obligation to stay faithful to the right path. Fortunately, we have a candidate, Senator Barack Obama that gets this concept. I praise Senator Obama for continuing to rise above these politics of negativity and staying focused on his message of bringing change for our country. Thank you Senator for not succumbing to this “friendly fire”. We can only hope that those engaging in this “friendly fire” get the message as well.
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