I give no one a pass. I don’t care the color of your skin or the position you may have, you will NEVER receive a pass or any excuses for your actions from me. NEVER! Not now, not ever! President Barack Obama made a statement about Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Mr. Gates’ arrest. I’ve heard some say that Obama was in error when he said the cops acted "stupidity." I’ve heard from both Blacks and whites that Obama should have declined to answer the question. Me? What do I say? I say he answered the question and now so what? I don’t care! So what? Everyone says many things that maybe they not ought to have said, but they’re still living; it’s life. I don’t care, because it’s not an important issue that I wish to address right now. I care that Barack Obama reminded america that there is still a problem with race in THIS country. Just because he’s the president of a white country, does not mean that it doesn’t exist. Have we already forgotten the 60 or so Black kids that were booted in Philadelphia? If you’ve have forgotten, here’s a quick reminder: The Creative Steps Day Camp paid more than $1900 to The Valley Swim Club. The Valley Swim Club is a private club that advertises open membership. But the campers’ first visit to the pool suggested otherwise. "When the minority children got in the pool all of the Caucasian children immediately exited the pool." Horace Gibson, parent of a day camp child,wrote in an email. "The pool attendants came and told the black children that they did not allow minorities in the club and needed the children to leave immediately." The next day the club told the camp director that the camp’s membership was being suspended and their money would be refunded. "There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club," John Duesler, President of The Valley Swim Club said in a statement. http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Pool-Boots-Kids-Who-Might-Change-the- Complexion.html That was just 14 days ago! What about the cases we don’t hear about? Racism is alive. It’s ongoing and it has not ended with a Black man as president of these united states. Nevertheless, racism is not the issue at this time. It’s going to be here, but what about healthcare? Will we, The People of the united states of america continue to be forced to pay high medical premiums? Will congress go on vacation before they tackle and succeed in healthcare reform? The american people need a recess! A recess from increasing medical bills? A recess from increasing water and electricity bills! A recess from increasing food prices – namely dairy products! Recesses from seeking jobs that aren’t there! The american People need a break! |
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| Oh, but the President of the united states, congress, senators and all present and past government officials don’t have these worries. Oops, I meant a break from these problems. The president said it is not about him as he and everyone in congress already have affordable healthcare. And I’ve said it more than once – in fact, I’ve lost count how many times I’ve said it, but I’ll say it again: when it’s not their problem, it’s not a problem. ALL of our government officials receive lifetime benefits, so what’s the big deal? ALL americans should have become government officials so we too could have lifetime benefits? The president said he is working with congress and other finance committees to find money to help with the nations’ problems? Well, what about the $4,000,000,000 we spend on secret service to protect former presidents? What about SOME of that money? Aren’t they already receiving lifetime benefits? Why couldn’t they use some of that money for The People? Why don’t the former presidents pay for protection themselves? Seems like a waste to me. On the other hand, perhaps I’m missing the point. Didn’t they – former presidents – agree to live the life of a regular ol’ average Joe? Well, the average Joe isn’t receiving special protection. Yes we have our local police department, but even here in Denver, Colorado, they are scarce. Money is tight all over, but we The People are surviving with local police protection. Protect the last president, but the rest of them should be on their own; like the average everyday american. (This should go for ALL presidents. When Obama is no longer president, then George W. Bush will no longer receive it.) In the mean time, I will not excuse Barack Obama, the senate, congress, or any of our government officials from staying in the fight; fighting for The People. I voted for them to work for ME, and I REFUSE to grant them a vacation. Please! I can’t remember the last time I took a vacation. I wish I would! If I did, I would be sitting and living with the other unfortunate people who were forced into foreclosure. While both my spouse and I continue to pay increasing medical premiums, our elected officials are taking a vacation? Who is upset by this? While we, my spouse and I as well as too many other americans fret over our bills, our elected officials receive lifetime benefits without a care in the world? As if this is some type of game? …to pussyfoot around? Healthcare isn’t the only problem our elected officials have on the table, but it is currently one of my main concerns. (I have much more.) I know I do not speak for all americans, but I will continue to show respect for all americans who are severely effected by this economy. I will continue to use lower case "a" when typing "american" and lower case when typing "the united states." (I will not use a capital "A" until america's government works for ALL americans.) Until our elected officials actually PROVE that they are working for The People, then I will continue to wave my flag upside down! NO! It is not a display of disrespect for my country. Not hardly. It is in respect and deep concern for The People. Until The american People have the means of saving themselves, my flag will remain in its current position. Obama said he used to pray several times a day, but now prays all the time, well, thank you, Mr. President. Keep praying, as we will be doing the same. And please remember the victims and survivors of hurricane Katrina, those in Afghanistan, Iraq, our wounded soldiers, families of the many casualties of all wars, hostage victim Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, as well as the soldiers who risk their lives while battling in america's wars but return home maimed, and mentally and emotionally disabled but if they "look" and/or "appear" physically able, get sent back to places such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Please do not forget victims such as Troy Davis, Gary Graham aka Shaka Sankofa, Jamie and Gladys Scott and their families, Tina, and all the other people who are trying to hold on to their jobs while needlessly suffering with chronic and terminal illness. Please remember all of us who are disabled, who live on the street, our senior citizens and everyone who is forced to live paycheck to paycheck. This is america's government! |
| July 23, 2009 Filed under Commentary |
| This entry was posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 is filed under Keeba’s Commentary Post a comment below, or click here to send an email. |
| Keeba Smith is a published writer and desired screenplay artist. She is the author of “Shades of Bright Pale,” and many other unacquainted writings. Please visit www.Keeba.org to find out more about Keeba Smith, read additional critiques and her unpublished autobiography, “Spirit in the Dark.” © 2009 |
| Tags: Keeba, Poems, Commentary, Biography, Evan Bayh, Democrats, Barack Obama, Blacks Working, Roland Martin |