Change in Progress

Crossdaily.com Crosses the Line on Healthcare Reform

I received a vile email against "Obamacare" from Crossdaily.com, who I thought was jut a resouce for Christian clipart.  I signed up for the service years ago while looking for content for the newsletter at my church.  Although I rarely looked at it in recent years, I had no idea they had crossed over into sharing their political views with me. 

After immediately unsubscribing, I used their contact us section on the website to send this message:

After being a subscriber for so many years I cannot remember when I signed up, I unsubbed today. First I agreed to accept emails regarding your products --- not your political agenda. I discuss politicals with hundreds daily and had no idea you wanted to join the party.

Your email was filled with fear mongering against the healthcare system.  You did not add any intelligent dialogue to the discussion.  Unfortunately you are allowing your emotionally buttons to be pushed by insurance companies.

As a supporter of President Barack Obama I am also deeply offended by the overtones of your email.  Did I overlook the email you sent out in anger when we learned there were no weapons of mass destruction?  Where was your moral outrage after that disclosure and the lives of thousands of American soliders lost in a war based on a lie.

By the way do you have healthcare insurance, maybe provided to you by CrossDaily - paid for with purchases of your customers --- then you probably already pay for the abortions of others through your premiums.  Wise up. 

Personally I am not pro choice, but I will not allow that to be used as a roadblock to providing insurance to nearly 50 million.  Do you really see that as God's will --- you belive His love and anger on behalf of the unborn child overshadows his concern about those living?

Do you or a family member have Medicare or Veteran Benefits as my parents did?  Then you are familar with govt insurance.

It really saddens me that readers who trust you will be so misinformed. I hope they will allow God, and not your manulipation to lead them.

I hope that you find other service providers lying about healthcare reform, you will speak out and let them know ---- you do not have to wait until a date in November to "vote."  You can do it anyday of the week with your $$$.

Change Coming in Local Media

I cannot say enough how proud I am of Shawn Williams, the founder of DallasSouthBlog.  Not only is he making regular appearances on WFAA, CNN and editorals in the Dallas Morning News - now he is launching an online newspaper, Dallas South News.  I "met" Shawn online during the 2008 Election season because he would host live chats during the debates and as these were my pre-Twitter days, I was in political geek heavan.   Shawn first gained national attention as a result of his Jena 6 commentary.

The news release issued today shows how well though out the plan is, and includes an impressive roster of supporters for this nonprofit media organization. As headlines are filled with the news that African American mainstay media such as Johnson's Ebony & Jet, are struggling, DallasSouth is instead following others in a new path to redefine media:  nonprofit support through foundations.

As the headlines are filled with doom and gloom for the newspaper business across the country, NPR has not suffered as hard as their for-profit rivals.  As more and more journalists, who love what they do, are being laid off, they are taking matters into their own hands. After all, they tried joining the blogging/twitting world and while it may have gained more fans, it did not add much money apparently.

Huffington Post launched an Investigative Reporting branch and ProPublicA was recently created.

The professional journalists argue that noble and good intention though some bloggers may be, they do not have the training, understanding and when necessary the backing needed to tackle investigative journalism.  Think about it can a blogger stand up to the pressure of City Hall or Federal Government offical attempting to smear or even arrest someone to kill a scandal in the making?

Poynter Online has an excellent article on the nonprofit route these media warriors are taking. As someone who depends on NPR, I still caution we will have to be careful.  Many of these private foundations are investing in media because of their concern of what will happen if the Fourth Estate is not healthy in America.  However, we must be realistic and keep a cautious eye on who is investing and why.

In the meantime, congrads to Shawn Williams, the founding Editor of Dallas South News. While they finalize their plans for launch, if you are not reading DallasSouthBlog now, what are you waiting for?

PRESS RELEASE:

DALLAS NONPROFIT NEWSPAPER OPENS NEWSROOM AND HIRES LOCAL WRITER/BLOGGER TO SERVE AS EDITOR

Former Dallas Morning News Exec and Current Fort Worth Star-Telegram Editor part of Board

Dallas, TX - The Board of Directors for Dallas South News announced its progress towards launching a new nonprofit online newspaper. The organization  recently opened their newsroom at the Southside on Lamar in the historic Sears Building. The board held its first meeting on June 27th.
 
Dallas South News will utilize professional journalists, citizen journalists, bloggers, and volunteers to cover issues that are relevant to residents of Southern Dallas. 

The board also announced the hiring of Shawn P. Williams to serve as editor of the newspaper.  Williams has published the critically acclaimed blog, Dallas South, for the past three years, and is a frequent guest columnist for the Dallas Morning News.

“Dallas South News provides a unique opportunity for the residents of Dallas,” Williams says.  “As legacy media outlets continue to evolve, the nonprofit model empowers citizen journalists to help fill the void left by budget cuts and staff reductions,”   he says.  

The Dallas South News’ Board of Directors contains a variety of experience including members of both traditional and new media; including, Evelyn Henry Miller, a financial executive whose most recent role was as executive vice president for The Dallas Morning News, A.H. Belo’s flagship newspaper.

Also on the Dallas South News Board of Directors is veteran journalist Bob Ray Sanders.  Sanders currently serves as Associate Editor and Senior Columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  Sanders also worked many years in public broadcasting at KERA-TV Channel 13, the Dallas/Fort Worth PBS affiliate.

Other board members include blogger and Central Dallas Ministries Education Director Janet Morrison; Marcia Page, President and CEO of the Foundation for Community Empowerment; Paul Stafford, Former Chair of the Dallas Bar Association Board of Directors; and Jeff West, former Executive Director of The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Dallas South News has registered with the State of Texas, and is currently awaiting a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.  The launch of the website is planned for early August of this year.

Spike Lee Talks About Michael Jackson with Katie Couric

A week ago today the world was stunned by the loss of Michael Jackson.  Thanks to Black Box Office this afternoon I found the conversation below between CBS Katie Couric and the legendary Spike Lee.  As usual I think Spike really captures the feelings - of admiration and conflict - of the African American community regarding Michael Jackson.

In particular, I agree with his point that how ever annoyed we may have felt by our perceived rejection of our culture or identity; or no matter what we felt about his legal problems and eccentric actions - those things are in the past now.  Not simply because we are caught up in the emotion of the moment, but because when we look back at his career, you simply cannot help but to give the man his due. 

For me, the Michael I loved was they cute guy on Soul Train on Saturdays.  I was mesmerized by his dancing ability and as a little girl would try so hard to come close to that fluidity and hippness.  Given I can't walk gracefully, you can imagine how that went. LOL - but that was OK I could just enjoy watcing Michael.

I am likely one of the very very few who liked Michael's music when he went solo, but never was overwhelmed by his stardom then. I bought the cassette tape because you could not escape his music but it was not a favorite.  In fact, when he came to Dallas in either 1987 or 1988 I was scheduled to work the will call booth for the then Rainbow Ticketmaster and offered the opportunity to a co-worker because I just had no burning desire to see him in person. 

A part of my distancing from Michael even then probably closely relates to what Spike talks about at the end of the interview with Katie --- when you become such a superstar that people faint at the touch of your hand --- I wonder how does that change the person. 

Watch CBS Videos Online

Obama Urges Passage of Cap-and-Trade Bill Headed to Senate

President Barack Obama says the Energy law would not pose "untendable" problems for industries in response to criticism of the cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions proposals.  He tied passage of the bill to helping the country through the current financial crisis.  Obama referenced California energy policies during the late 70s energy crisis. According to the president they were able to make needed reforms and have sustained growth. 

President Obama pointed out "Light bulbs may not seem sexy" but 70% of our energy goes toward lighting our homes and business. Could result in enough savings to light our homes for ten months. And in the sweep around his own front door philosophy, they will change light bulbs at the White House.

We can remain the world's leading importer of oil, or become the world's exporter of green energy according to the president. The nation that leads the world in this area will be the world's leading economy. Stronger, cleaner more prosperous future is what he believes we will have with passage of the bill.

Some such as the Dallas Morning News are reporting passage in the Senate is highly unlikely.  With healthcare reform, Michael Jackson, Iran rebellion on the minds of his supporters, it will be interesting to see if the pubic will push the Senate on this legislation.  Also this is not an easy topic for the general topic to grasp and given the economic crisis it could be easy for big business to push hard the message that it will cost more jobs.

Photo credit:  Getty Images

A Penny for Obama's Thoughts

OK so the official cutline for this AP photo of President Obama reads:

"President Barack Obama takes off a gift of a gold necklace called the King Abdul Aziz Order of Merit, the country's highest honor, for safekeeping after it was given to him by Saudi King Abdullah at the start of their bilateral meeting at the King's Farm in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, June 3, 2009."

However look at this picture and tell me what do you think Presidet Obama was thinking.  My thoughts are:

Ain't this some bull! I wasn't elected President of the Nation of Hip Hop.

Was he expecting Mr. T? I pity the fool....

Naw, you really shouldn't have.

Somebody call Timothy, find out how much gold is selling for today.  We might be able to save a GM dealership in Motown.
    Umm, never to early to plan for Christmas. Let's see I can give Michelle the sunflower looking thing, she loves those bigger than the sun flower thingys, broach for her mama with teh palm tree looking piece and matching necklace and braceletts. Wrap it up and stick it in one of those 50 closets, until Christmas Eve - I'm good.  Reggie, handle that for me.

This is for all my hommie's....

Easter 2009 - Day 82 of Change

Many in America, in fact, around the world took time out to celebrate Easter Sunday with members of their faith community, family and friends.  I hope you truly enjoyed a joyous day honoring the holiday and filled with laughter, memories and good food.

 

Meanwhile, on Day 82 we learn there is no such thing as rest for the weary in Obamaland.  What began as big news in a fluffy kind of way, evolved into a heroic and joyful day for one family – and millions around the world who followed the events on the high seas.

 

First Family Attends Easter Worship

President Obama & the First Family joined other worshipers at St. John's Church, the Episcopal sanctuary located across the street from the White House.  The church has enjoyed a long history with Presidents, in fact they have a reserved pew.  

According to the pool report published by Time, Rev. Luis Leon welcomed all to the Easter Service in his sermon by stating:

"I'm not here to dampen the enthusiasm of those of you who can believe 100 percent of the time. I'm not here to mount any guilt on any of you who are skeptics. I'm not here to add any discomfort to any of you, who may be here for whatever reason drew you to this church today. To all of you, I say welcome, regardless of where you are in your journey of faith."

"Easter is available to believers as well as to doubters alike," he said.

One of the interesting notes from the pool report was the fact the First Family did not drink from the communal cup during the communion service.  Instead they dipped their wafer in the wine.  Reading that I wondered if it was an element of security or a cultural decision, perhaps that not being a part of their religious experience.  

The President looked rather dashing in his dark gray suit with silver pin stripes.  First Lady Michelle wore an understated floral dress, her trademark pearls and white cardigan.  (AP Photo)

Reading various reports online I realized how much those of faith need to keep the President and his family in prayer.  Someone mentioned little children in their new Easter frocks with their arms outstretched as they were waned and passed through a medal detector.  I saw the picture of the woman, on her way to worship God undergoing the same treatment.

I considered how easy it would be to simply decide, I do not want to inconvenience and impose upon those wanting to celebrate their faith. To, even in a small way, contribute to the opening of the door to irritation in their hearts before entering the sanctuary. 

Keith Battle, pastor of Zion Church in Largo, said it best:

"I think it would be nice if he could go to church with his wife and children and it not be published and he can just worship ... At the end of the day, he may be the most prominent person in the world, but he is still a man who has a wife and children and like all of us, he needs spiritual direction."  (Source: Washington Post)

First Puppy Reporting for Duty ~ Tuesday

Early in the day it seemed the big “news” of the day would be the fact TMZ and the Washington Post were on the job and through their investigative reporting they were able to disclose the identity and photo of the new First Dog – Bo Obama.  

Bo, named by the First Daughters, is a 6-month old Portuguese water dog, is a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy.  Bo was originally given to another family, but for undisclosed reasons it was not a good fit and he was returned to the breeder.  

Bo actually was introduced to the First Family and made an excellent first impression before being whisked off for training by the Kennedy dog trainers. Bo seen below in photos taken during that visit by the official White House photographer Pete Souza, looks adorable.

Free at Last, Free at Last

In what was surely the best news of the day for the family and friends of merchant ship Captain Richard Phillips’ the world learned mid-day that the U.S. Navy Seals rescued the captain after five long days as a hostage.

In what sounds like a climatic moment from a blockbuster film, Capt. Phillips was freed when the U.S. Navy Seals simultaneously shot three of the four Somali’s holding him hostage.  The fourth hostage taker surrendered moments before the shooting.  Reportedly only sixteen, he will likely be the first person to stand trial for piracy in America in over two hundred years.

Vice Adm. William Gortney at an afternoon press conference said the decision to shoot was in accordance with orders from Commander in Chief, President Obama, to take all action needed if the Captain’s life was deemed in imminent danger.  In fact, President Obama issued the order initially on Friday and then a second, expanded order was issued on Saturday.

In the US Navy April 12, 2009 handout photo above Captain Richard Phillips (R) master of the cargo ship Maersk-Alabama,  stands alongside U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia.

Gortney said the sharp shooters were given the greenlight after the negotiations were became “heated” and they observed a gun being pointed at the back of Captain Phillips.

While we should celebrate the safe release of Captain Phillips, the world should brace itself for the fact this weekend puts this piracy issue at a crossroads.  Another pirate was killed earlier by the French in an attempt to save a hostage, other pirates reportedly attempted to sail out and help the four holding Phillips hostage.  As a result of these four deaths, those who have engaged in this lucrative endeavor, securing multi-million dollar ransoms, there is a high risk they will now be far more likely to treat their hostages with more brutality and possible have a quicker trigger finger.  To date no hostages have been killed.  Somali pirates are already pledging revenge.

I plan to post more on the piracy issue this week.

Pat Buchanan: "The Party's Over"

"The new era will see a more sober and much diminished America. The “Omnipower” and “Indispensable Nation” we heard about in all the hubris and braggadocio following our Cold War victory is history."

Normally on MSNBC I tend to yell at the screen when Pat Buchanan talks, however, with his column today, I am concerned that Pat is right.  America has we has known it changed this week.  Pat points out to very clear facts:  we did it to ourselves and it has been a long time coming. 

As I have said to my friends before this week, there does not seem to be any relief in sight. 

I wholeheartedly believe that Barack Obama is the right person for this time.  However, no one person can change this situation, just as it was not a single president, or political party that created the problem.  Let's home they can come together to work to undo the damage they have wrought.

We are often reminded Rome was not built in a day, neither was it destroyed from within in a day.  Can we turn things around?

Are Suburbs Doomed?

I believe the summer of 2008 will likely be remembered as a turning point in America waking up to face a new reality as it relates to energy consumption.  Nothing like $4/gallon gas to force our hands collectively.  If we don't learn from this lesson, then the discomfort we felt at the pump, checkout stand and elsewhere will probably be just a prickle compared to what is to come.

Today the NY Times published an interesting discussion on the future of suburbs in America.  They do not paint a pretty picture by any means.

James Kunstler, the author of The Long Emergency: Surviving the Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century, World Made By Hand, and three books about suburbs and cities: The Geography of Nowhere, Home From Nowhere, and The City in Mind: Notes on the Urban Condition.

“The suburbs have three destinies, none of them exclusive: as materials salvage, as slums, and as ruins.”  

Kunstler believes we are going to seriously turn back the clock and instead of moving back to the city, for the first time in 200 years begin moving back to farms, or at least closer to where our food is produced as it is no longer economically feasible to transport that potato across the country.

He suggest the reality that we are no longer going to be an automobile based society has not really sunk in, because if it had we would hear more discussion about rebuilding the train infrastructure in America. 

As a throwback to my childhood, I still love road trips.  For a variety of reasons I did not really take any until recent years so Kunster's suggestion that we won't be able to maintain our highway system discouraging and I hope just a bit extreme, not quite fact.  Nothing can take away the thrill of driving through the mountains in Tenn, enjoying the field of sunflowers in Kansas [at least for the first twenty miles] discovering that New England is not the only part of the country with lovely fall foliage, Oklahoma is actually a lovely state and Arkansas can put on quite a show too.  Those are just a few highlights from trips driving from Dallas to Chicago to New York and a drive last year to Colorado Springs. 

In Dallas, we are seeing people moving farther and farther out, but only to commute into the city while they replace farm line with new subdivisions.  Wylie, Murphy, Frisco and McKinney have transformed from sleepy towns to major new communities in what seems like overnight.  In the case of Frisco & McKinney at least you are seeing some jobs and companies beginning to move to the area so the residents can find employment closer to home.  But not enough to support the bulk of the new residents. 

Kunstler's comments remind me of a conversation I had eleven years ago with a man wealthy enough to live off his self-managed stock portfolio.  We discussed how the American economy was no longer built on anything we made but on the value of a piece of paper, whether stock or currency.  While recognizing that clearly we did not want to have the lifestyle of a 3rd world country - he talked about how at least because they were still hands on with the raising of their food, they could still sustain themselves.  Where would we be if food could no longer be plentifully available at the local store? 

Now eleven years later, grocery stores are consolidating.  Gas prices have had a ripple effect on our ability to afford staples such as bread, rice, eggs and milk at the local Kroger.  You would have thought this would result in a boom for farmer markets, but no because they cannot afford to drive the produce into town.

If Kunstler is correct there are silver linings, we could potentially undo the damages of the health problems our modern, instant, fast food society has produced.  Perhaps the childhood obesity problem will go a long way toward resolving itself in large measure.  He suggest we will eventually return to the small city, village model allowing for more walkable communities.  This also would result in health benefits.

With the closure of Steak & Ale franchise and many smaller, high end restaurants a second benefit we may see is saving money as we begin to eat at home again.  Or at the very least bring our lunch.  Now that I am in the habit, it is a challenge to go out because I find I not only save money but time.  You lose up to 20 minutes of your lunch hour in travel and wait time.

The .43/gallon price drop this month has at least temporarily given us a reprieve to some incredibly hard questions.  But this could simply be temporary and if we do not use the time wisely........

I will continue looking at the NY Times article in a separate post.

Recognition for Cesar Chavez

To be very honest I do not know a great deal about Cesar Chavez, and sadly have previously lumped him into the category of a Mexican American hero.  I know he was involved in helping the farm workers unionize and that some have very harsh feelings about him but why specifically I did not - and really still do not know all the ins and outs.

This week my publisher at North Dallas Gazette requested we write a story in support of the City of Dallas naming a street in his honor, I had enough questions that he sensed my resistance.  However, his answers challenged me and the interview, along with brief research was enough for me to feel comfortable in agreeing to support the proposal.

My primary concerns were twofold:  why is he so controversial and what about the costs incurred by the businesses.  As it was pointed out to me, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. is not loved by all - when you bring about change, you make enemies.  In the end, I realized I was guilty of just accepting the bits of rumor I have heard rather than informing myself. 

In addition to our website, we have a content partnership with Pegasus News, so you can visit their website to link directly to the article or read the whole issue at www.northdallasgazette.com.

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/aug/01/dallas-should-rename-ross-avenue-cesar-chavez/

Another Page Turns

It is a shame to feel nostaglic about a darn mall.  But this story provides an overview of the transformation of Richardson Square Mall to a retail shopping site, home to Super Target and now a new Lowe's.  As a teen and in my 20s this mall was one of my favorite spots on a Saturday.  I loved to hit my favorite stores finding a new outfit, visiting each one to compare the prices.  Enjoy pizza at the food court and visit the bookstore and the Family Christian store for a new cassette tape - yep that long ago.

I actually live in Garland, so it has been interesting to watch the city come to 21st century by building a "mall" - Firewheel Station.  It is nice, I like it even better when I can get a parking space in the front door of the store I want to visit.  For years during the heyday of the malls, Garland smuggly watched the tax revenue go to Richardson, Plano and Dallas.  They did not want our fair city to be put in peril of crime - which in their mind malls drew.

So goodbye Richardson Square Mall as we knew it.  Thanks for the memories of many wasted Saturday afternoons and money.