Another urban legend being circulated on the internet regarding the Voter's Rights Act of 1965. This is the 2nd time that I've received this e-mail. Actually, the one I received this morning has a new twist. The Act was mentioned in a speech supposedly given by Camille Cosby (ahhhhh). I guess this extra tidbit is supposed to make it more believable. I sent the sender a reply with a link to about.com, an information website, that dispels this rumor. I hope that people are not automatically assuming that this 'chain letter' is true. It helps to do your own research and not continue to pass these false statements on to others. Especially since there is so much incorrect information being circulated via e-mail.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Resume of George W. Bush: Fact or Fiction
I received an e-mail this morning with an attachment titled Resume of George W. Bush (the resume was too long to copy to my post, but, I easily found the exact same resume on the internet). I question the validity of all e-mails that discuss political candidate's backgrounds (personal & professional). I decided to send a quick e-mail to The Black Informant, a blogger whose blog I enjoy and visit quite frequently. I was so moved by his response that I just had to share it. This brother is deeeeeep.
My e-mail to him:
I know that you, as well as others, receive e-mails regarding the backgrounds of politicians (especially around election time). I received the following this morning regarding President Bush. I will be honest and say that I have no idea of how true any of the statements are. I also wonder where the person who initiates these types of e-mails get their information. I am certain that alot of people will automatically believe what is written without investigating. I wanted to know your opinion of these statements.
His response:
Very little of this is actually true. The statements are somewhat like this: Let's say if there was an e-mail like that about you:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you were in high school, you applied for and got your license (assuming this is true for most people) However, a few years later, you got a speeding ticket (let's assume this is
true for this example)
[another example statement about your life] in 19__, you graduated from (school name)
However, when you were in 8th grade, you were suspended for fighting with another student
[one more example statement about your life] You became a mom at the age of (whatever)
however, 2 years ago, a neighbor reported you to the police because she overheard you children screaming what she thought was "mommy don't hit me with the bat!" (your child was actually saying "mommy (we) don't want to take a nap)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know I gave you a lot of examples, but it was to make a point. George Bush, John Kerry, or whoever all have done things that they should not be proud of. In a perfect world, all politicians would be perfect, but you know as well as I that that is not the case. I thought about going through each statement below to comment on them. But after thinking about it some more, I realized that it would do you more good than me or anyone else doing it for you. Politicians, government officials, community and church leaders (we can talk about that last one another time), are to some degree depending on the fact that most people (in particularly
African-Americans) will not take the time to research the information that is out there for themselves. That is why there is so much emphasis placed on tv and radio ads. The bottom line is this, first, you must realize that the original purpose of government was to do just that, govern (To make and administer the public policy and affairs of; exercise sovereign authority in.) In short, that means that the role of government is to maintain the preset order established in the constitution) of this nation and ensure that everybody has the personal right to do so. After the Great Depression, President Roosevelt implemented what is called "The New Deal". In short, The New Deal was a nationwide program that was designed to put the nation back to work. This was the birth of government programs as we know it. Prior to The New Deal, people pretty much made whatever they wanted to make of there lives WITHOUT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. If you just do a quick study of US history, you will noticed that there were more "geniuses" (like Einstein) being raised up than what you see today. These bright children were raised in an environment with very little government intervention. Today we see government intervention as a right that all people must have in order to
make it. After realizing the true role of government, the next thing you need to do is to not ask the question "what will Kerry or Bush do for me?" Instead, you need to look at the things that are important to you and ask yourself "given the proven track record of both candidates, which one best complement what I am already doing with my own life as an American citizen?" What I mean is this: If you live in Texas, then one of your concerns should be border
security. Look at each candidate and see what is their PROVEN track record on the border patrol issue. A wrong thing to ask is this "which candidate will make it easier for me to get a job?" (We have a whole history of people that were able to provide for themselves without having the government "hand-hold" them through the process of finding income. Yes, intervention is needed at times, but if we were truly "together" as we say we are as a people, those in our communities that have lost employment could be assisted by those who are employed). Sadly, many African-Americans have come to the conclusion that we as a people will never be equal with the rest of society unless government intervention is a permanent part of our lives. My tenancy is to go with proven track record more than anything else. Most of what you see on these political ads are going to have a certain level of spin to it. Check out sites like opensecrets.com. This site will tell you who is financing what candidate. For example, one of the candidates is promising that he will bring jobs back to America that were created here. However, if you look at his own personal portfolio, he personally invest in
companies that practice this on a daily basis. Also check out www.vote-smart.org. This site will show you the voting history of the candidates. I know I gave you a lot, but I guess I really enjoy helping people. Have a great day!
My e-mail to him:
I know that you, as well as others, receive e-mails regarding the backgrounds of politicians (especially around election time). I received the following this morning regarding President Bush. I will be honest and say that I have no idea of how true any of the statements are. I also wonder where the person who initiates these types of e-mails get their information. I am certain that alot of people will automatically believe what is written without investigating. I wanted to know your opinion of these statements.
His response:
Very little of this is actually true. The statements are somewhat like this: Let's say if there was an e-mail like that about you:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you were in high school, you applied for and got your license (assuming this is true for most people) However, a few years later, you got a speeding ticket (let's assume this is
true for this example)
[another example statement about your life] in 19__, you graduated from (school name)
However, when you were in 8th grade, you were suspended for fighting with another student
[one more example statement about your life] You became a mom at the age of (whatever)
however, 2 years ago, a neighbor reported you to the police because she overheard you children screaming what she thought was "mommy don't hit me with the bat!" (your child was actually saying "mommy (we) don't want to take a nap)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know I gave you a lot of examples, but it was to make a point. George Bush, John Kerry, or whoever all have done things that they should not be proud of. In a perfect world, all politicians would be perfect, but you know as well as I that that is not the case. I thought about going through each statement below to comment on them. But after thinking about it some more, I realized that it would do you more good than me or anyone else doing it for you. Politicians, government officials, community and church leaders (we can talk about that last one another time), are to some degree depending on the fact that most people (in particularly
African-Americans) will not take the time to research the information that is out there for themselves. That is why there is so much emphasis placed on tv and radio ads. The bottom line is this, first, you must realize that the original purpose of government was to do just that, govern (To make and administer the public policy and affairs of; exercise sovereign authority in.) In short, that means that the role of government is to maintain the preset order established in the constitution) of this nation and ensure that everybody has the personal right to do so. After the Great Depression, President Roosevelt implemented what is called "The New Deal". In short, The New Deal was a nationwide program that was designed to put the nation back to work. This was the birth of government programs as we know it. Prior to The New Deal, people pretty much made whatever they wanted to make of there lives WITHOUT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. If you just do a quick study of US history, you will noticed that there were more "geniuses" (like Einstein) being raised up than what you see today. These bright children were raised in an environment with very little government intervention. Today we see government intervention as a right that all people must have in order to
make it. After realizing the true role of government, the next thing you need to do is to not ask the question "what will Kerry or Bush do for me?" Instead, you need to look at the things that are important to you and ask yourself "given the proven track record of both candidates, which one best complement what I am already doing with my own life as an American citizen?" What I mean is this: If you live in Texas, then one of your concerns should be border
security. Look at each candidate and see what is their PROVEN track record on the border patrol issue. A wrong thing to ask is this "which candidate will make it easier for me to get a job?" (We have a whole history of people that were able to provide for themselves without having the government "hand-hold" them through the process of finding income. Yes, intervention is needed at times, but if we were truly "together" as we say we are as a people, those in our communities that have lost employment could be assisted by those who are employed). Sadly, many African-Americans have come to the conclusion that we as a people will never be equal with the rest of society unless government intervention is a permanent part of our lives. My tenancy is to go with proven track record more than anything else. Most of what you see on these political ads are going to have a certain level of spin to it. Check out sites like opensecrets.com. This site will tell you who is financing what candidate. For example, one of the candidates is promising that he will bring jobs back to America that were created here. However, if you look at his own personal portfolio, he personally invest in
companies that practice this on a daily basis. Also check out www.vote-smart.org. This site will show you the voting history of the candidates. I know I gave you a lot, but I guess I really enjoy helping people. Have a great day!
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Lose Inches in One Hour
This is NOT a hoax. My girlfriend e-mailed me and another friend asking if we wanted to visit The Body Wrap Shop in Dallas with her to get a treatment called the body wrap (they have other services as well). Some friends of hers have been and were very impressed and satisfied with the results. They heard about it from a local radio station -- one of the D.J.'s had been and recommended it. The shop was also featured on one of our local television stations. We are all planning to go on the same day. This will be their second time going. I am so excited! The procedure involves being wrapped with bandages (entire body) and then you get on a treadmill or stair stepper. You are sprayed in intervals with mineral water. The result is a firmer body and tightened skin. This method helps to eliminate cellulite as well. It is for both women and men. It is recommended that you go 1 to 2 times a week initially. I will more than likely go once, continue to exercise and watch what I eat in order to maintain a more toned body. I am really anticipating losing inches in my stomach. I have already scheduled the entire day off from work.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Another Week Gone By
I can't believe the weekend is already here. I am more than ready for it, especially since the weather has been nice (80's). My daughter will be starting drill team practice again on Saturdays after a month long break. The will be getting ready for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Competition in October. I think I'm more excited than she is. School starts on Monday. I know have a 4th & 2nd grader. They are growing up too fast. They are past the age of needing to be walked to their class on the first day. I thought about it, but, they're familiar with the school so I'll just drop them off as I normally would. They're going to miss staying up late. That's right, time to get back to a structured routine. Start on homework as soon as we walk in the door. No going outside to play unless it's finished. Dinner by 6 p.m. (it could happen). Shower/bathe around 8:30 p.m. In bed by 9 p.m. Now if only things could flow as smoothly as it sounds :) . There has got to be other single parents out there whose daily routine goes as planned at least 3 out of 5 days of the week (Mon - Fri).
Thursday, August 12, 2004
No news is good news -- yeah, right
I am back at work today. I called in yesterday because I was exhausted and didn't feel well. I am still waiting on the results from my ultrasound. It's hard to keep your mind from wandering, especially when you're in pain and don't know the cause of it. I'm not one to take medication unless I am unable to function. So, the prescription that my gynecologist gave me has not been filled. I was able to exercise yesterday. I ran a lap and a half and walked about 4 or 5 laps. This is a big difference from the mile and a half I would normally jog non-stop. But, it's better than lying around all day. I feel better than I did yesterday so that's a plus. Also, I'm still taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Hey, every little bit helps! My manager seemed very concerned about me. I am somewhat of a private person but after several attempts to find out what was wrong with me I finally let him know that I have been having stomach pains. He told me to take off whenever I need to. Hummmm, sounds tempting. Not really, I like my job and when I do miss work it is for a very good reason. A co-worker who I also consider a friend checked with me several times throughout the day to see if I had heard from my doctor's office. She sincerely seems concerned. Another co-worker stopped by my office to see how I was doing. She said she was shocked when she heard that it was me that was sick and not one of my children (I'm not sick often, thank God). Our Controller also stopped in my doorway and asked if I was feeling better. I lied and said yes (God forgive me). At that particular time I was feeling bad. I do lie about how I'm feeling the majority of the time. I don't want to depress people or bring them down by responding with "I'm feeling horrible, I don't feel like talking to anybody or doing anything and I wish I had stayed in bed". So instead, I smile and say that I'm doing fine. I'm not one to thrive for attention but, it's nice to be missed.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Trying Not to Worry
I've been having pains in my lower abdomen for about 2 weeks now. I seldom get sick so this is really concerning me. I had a Dr's. appointment last week with my gynecologist. She found nothing. So now, today, I have an appointment with the Women's Diagnostic Center for a pelvic ultrasound. Yes, I am worried. I am praying that it's nothing life threatening. I've been watching the clock because I have to drink (4) 8 oz. glasses of water one hour before my appointment. I'm trying to think strategically. My appointment is at 10:45. I need to be there by 10:30, so I'm thinking around 9:30 or 9:45 I should start chugging. I'm hoping my bladder won't explode before they examine me. On a lighter note, it's a nice sunny day and the high should be around 96 degrees.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
100 Things About Me
1. I like to read
2. I find it hard to sleep late on the weekends
3. I'm originally from Oklahoma
4. I currently live in Dallas
5. I am 35 years old
6. My birthday is in October
7. My favorite foods are Mexican and Chinese
8. I am African American
9. I cannot cook soul food
10. I'd rather have chicken strips than chicken with the bone in
11. I have 2 children
12. I also have a 9 month old boxer
13. I love to sing
14. I recently joined the church choir
15. I have 3 sisters; 2 older, 1 younger
16. My favorite color is black (not because I'm black, I'm actually brown :)
17. My favorite car is the BMW X5 (SUV)
18. I don't like watching scary movies
19. I don't like bugs of ANY kind
20. My hair is dyed golden bronze
21. I really like my hair color
22. I am divorced
23. I have attended college but haven't finished yet
24. I've always wanted to volunteer at a women's shelter
25. I want to register for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K run/walk
26. I have never seen my father
27. I have no ill feelings toward him
28. It no longer matters if I meet him or not
29. I love vanilla ice cream
30. I just found out that Low Carb ice cream is actually pretty good
31. I really enjoy working out with weights
32. I like jogging
33. I can jog 2 miles non-stop
34. My favorite season is Fall
35. My favorite holiday is Christmas
36. I am a picky eater
37. I like walking
38. I enjoy swimming
39. I don't like how I look in a bathing suit
40. My daughter looks just like me
41. I've been at my current job for 4 years
42. I've never been on a 'real' vacation
43. I would like to go on a cruise
44. I would like to learn to speak Spanish
45. I do not consider myself Democrat or Republican
46. I plan on voting this election
47. I have not decided which Presidential candidate I'll vote for
48. I don't watch T.V. much
49. I like listening to music
50. I have a 46 mile commute to/from work each day
51. I like wearing jeans
52. I don't like shampooing my hair
53. I am usually running late for work
54. I'll never have enough shoes
55. I don't wear much makeup
56. I am easily embarrassed
57. I don't like liars
58. I don't like alot of attention
59. I don't go to clubs
60. I have a handful of female friends
61. I like having male friends
62. I am an internet surfer
63. I don't like gossip
64. I like to dance
65. I tend to ask a lot of questions
66. My favorite restaurants are P.F. Changs & Pappadeaux
67. I don't wear fake nails
68. I have worn them in the past
69. I wear contacts (clear)
70. My shoe size is 8 1/2
71. I weigh 135 lbs.
72. My favorite male entertainer is LL Cool J
73. I don't have a female favorite
74. I've been to several Dallas Cowboy games
75. I've been to 1 Texas Rangers game
76. I have never been to a Mavericks game
77. I like drinking water
78. I prefer ground turkey opposed to ground beef
79. I prefer turkey bacon
80. I have a radio at work
81. I listen to a Christian station
82. I don't have cable television
83. I don't like Texas heat
84. I broke my patela (knee) as a teenager
85. I have pins in my knee
86. My favorite chips are Frito Lay Honey Barbecue Twists
87. I have 2 friends that work at Frito Lay
88. I get hook-ups every now and then
89. I have 2 friends that are police officers
90. I have never been arrested
91. I never plan on being arrested
92. I am shy
93. I don't like dining out alone
94. I will seldom use a public restroom
95. I don't like long car trips
96. I'm not a gambler
97. I don't smoke
98. I wouldn't date someone who smokes
99. I've been told that I have a pug nose
100. I used to get offended, now I don't care! (Whew!! The end)
2. I find it hard to sleep late on the weekends
3. I'm originally from Oklahoma
4. I currently live in Dallas
5. I am 35 years old
6. My birthday is in October
7. My favorite foods are Mexican and Chinese
8. I am African American
9. I cannot cook soul food
10. I'd rather have chicken strips than chicken with the bone in
11. I have 2 children
12. I also have a 9 month old boxer
13. I love to sing
14. I recently joined the church choir
15. I have 3 sisters; 2 older, 1 younger
16. My favorite color is black (not because I'm black, I'm actually brown :)
17. My favorite car is the BMW X5 (SUV)
18. I don't like watching scary movies
19. I don't like bugs of ANY kind
20. My hair is dyed golden bronze
21. I really like my hair color
22. I am divorced
23. I have attended college but haven't finished yet
24. I've always wanted to volunteer at a women's shelter
25. I want to register for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K run/walk
26. I have never seen my father
27. I have no ill feelings toward him
28. It no longer matters if I meet him or not
29. I love vanilla ice cream
30. I just found out that Low Carb ice cream is actually pretty good
31. I really enjoy working out with weights
32. I like jogging
33. I can jog 2 miles non-stop
34. My favorite season is Fall
35. My favorite holiday is Christmas
36. I am a picky eater
37. I like walking
38. I enjoy swimming
39. I don't like how I look in a bathing suit
40. My daughter looks just like me
41. I've been at my current job for 4 years
42. I've never been on a 'real' vacation
43. I would like to go on a cruise
44. I would like to learn to speak Spanish
45. I do not consider myself Democrat or Republican
46. I plan on voting this election
47. I have not decided which Presidential candidate I'll vote for
48. I don't watch T.V. much
49. I like listening to music
50. I have a 46 mile commute to/from work each day
51. I like wearing jeans
52. I don't like shampooing my hair
53. I am usually running late for work
54. I'll never have enough shoes
55. I don't wear much makeup
56. I am easily embarrassed
57. I don't like liars
58. I don't like alot of attention
59. I don't go to clubs
60. I have a handful of female friends
61. I like having male friends
62. I am an internet surfer
63. I don't like gossip
64. I like to dance
65. I tend to ask a lot of questions
66. My favorite restaurants are P.F. Changs & Pappadeaux
67. I don't wear fake nails
68. I have worn them in the past
69. I wear contacts (clear)
70. My shoe size is 8 1/2
71. I weigh 135 lbs.
72. My favorite male entertainer is LL Cool J
73. I don't have a female favorite
74. I've been to several Dallas Cowboy games
75. I've been to 1 Texas Rangers game
76. I have never been to a Mavericks game
77. I like drinking water
78. I prefer ground turkey opposed to ground beef
79. I prefer turkey bacon
80. I have a radio at work
81. I listen to a Christian station
82. I don't have cable television
83. I don't like Texas heat
84. I broke my patela (knee) as a teenager
85. I have pins in my knee
86. My favorite chips are Frito Lay Honey Barbecue Twists
87. I have 2 friends that work at Frito Lay
88. I get hook-ups every now and then
89. I have 2 friends that are police officers
90. I have never been arrested
91. I never plan on being arrested
92. I am shy
93. I don't like dining out alone
94. I will seldom use a public restroom
95. I don't like long car trips
96. I'm not a gambler
97. I don't smoke
98. I wouldn't date someone who smokes
99. I've been told that I have a pug nose
100. I used to get offended, now I don't care! (Whew!! The end)
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
They're back . .
My kids are back home with 2 weeks of Summer vacation left before school starts. It is so good to see their smiling faces. They will be with their father for the remaining 2 weeks while I'm at work. Hopefully nothing will go wrong. They were excited to see him yesterday and said that they had a good time with him. It was so refreshing to hear this. I picked them up around 5:30 p.m. and my daughter was sick (stomach ache). She threw up several times that evening and didn't feel like eating, which is unlike her. She felt better this morning. Unfortunately, my son didn't. Now he's sick! My poor babies. I talked to a cousin last night and her son was sick with a stomach ache. Whatever it is -- I don't want it. Hopefully this is one of those 24 hour bugs and my son will be feeling better when I pick him up this evening. Sick or not, I'm happy that they're home.
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