A word from Rev. Graves

TIME TO MAKE A MUCH NEEDED DIFFERENCE 

Voting and leveraging your vote is important, very important. With over 40 percent minority population in Cobb County, a strong message may be sent that could impact who is elected in the County. It’s time to put people into office who are sensitive to Diversity, who are willing to work with the changing demographics in the County. 

Eligible voters must register and get out and Vote in every election on every level. We can no longer afford to be indifferent.  “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”  – Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. - 

I will be willing to bet that of the six agency directors in Cobb County, none are minority. There are only two (2) minorities of the seventeen (17) department heads under each agency.  The minority population in Cobb County will probably go up after the 2010 Census, if it’s recorded correctly.  I will go a step further and say that out of the 500 plus Cobb County government employees that the minorities in supervisory positions are lower than 40 percent.  It would be interesting to see where minorities (African-Americans & Latino/Hispanics) stand on the pay scale. Minorities make up over 40 percent of the population in Cobb County and only slightly over 10 percent are on appointed boards and commissions. 

Is there any wonder that we have had unchecked racism in places like Kennesaw city government, but I must say that they are aggressively addressing their issues.  I would be willing to bet that it is just the tip of the iceberg county wide. Strict policy enforcement starts at the top and County Government is the top.  I have not heard a strong public statement from the County about not tolerating racism and promoting diversity, and sensitivity. 

Diversity is upon us and is here to stay and leadership should address it. We have heard the big cry about Affirmative Actions – Quota System, but nothing is said about the “Good Old Boy – Country Club/Hang with System.” We saw that system quite often in the military, i.e., the military member that hung with high ranking officials could do no wrong. Promotions came regardless of covered up wrong doings by those considered protected or untouchable and it was in some cases hard for the ordinary or different military person to advance in rank. Some former employees of the County feel that they were unfairly terminated.  

The term diversity has replaced the hard to digest terms of old, Social Actions and Equal Opportunity, but it means the same. We will pay now or pay later in high taxes for health costs, crime rates and just plain overall County unhealthiness. “Anyone’s problem is everyone’s problem particularly if we are not being fair. People that just go along to get along usually will not raise any ruckus as long as they get their piece of the pie. The “Who You Know” system has its advantages, but when qualified individuals are left out of the competitive process, that’s just wrong.  

Perhaps a newly formed Human Relations Committee in Cobb County will be helpful if used correctly and suggestions are given serious consideration in making needed changes. 

I would like to take a serious look at the county’s numbers and see if they are anywhere near a true reflection of the county’s percentage of minorities cited in the paragraph above, I’d be willing to apologize. There are qualified recruit-able minorities in the County, but are they being sought after and/or given a fair chance once employed?   

The tone of diversity and sensitivity starts at the top and I just don’t think that that particular tone is being set currently. Participate and leverage the minority vote, and make a difference. 

Rev. Dwight C. Graves

President, Cobb County SCLC

Why Women Cheat — Preface…

DISCLAIMER: This blog is NOT intended to satisfy any personal notions on cheating you may have. If you are easily offended by the writer of the aformentioned topic(s) or other um…let’s say strong adjectives deemed neccessary by the writer to draw attention to/affirm/describe/etc. her points, feel free to stop reading this blog, and  I know!…*gasp*…write your own!

Now: By no means is Kesha condoning cheating, or offering “excuses” for cheating, or even victimizing the cheater. But because Kesha believes it takes two to make a relationship, and likewise two to kill one (no matter how large or small of a role played), Kesha is merely considering the act of cheating as a REACTION to the world of Relationship-Obscurity. Kesha most definitely believes it is of importance to identify degrees of cheating, appropriate them as it relates to relationship demise, and explicate pre or post-behavior before these variables are able to self-alternate themselves. Now before you think Kesha is crazy, she will be using simple chemistry and the balancing of chemical equations as an extended metaphor of sorts. In other words, Kesha was bored and had nothing else to do. (You may now ignore the 3rd-Person referencing)

M-W.Com’s definition states CHEMISTRY: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo.

…well I’ll be….how…interesting…..

Word Bank: Reactant, Chemical Change, Products, Electrons, Chemical Bond, Chemical Substance, Chemical Equation.

Now lets take a look at a basic chemical reaction….:

A (chemical reaction *A*) occurs as a result of two or more (reactants *B*) combining and forming a new (substance *C*).

even more interesting….take a look here….:

An (instance of infidelity *a*) occurs as a result of attempting to rectify (loneliness, boredom, etc *b*) and forming new issues of (trust, lack of confidence, etc *c*)

…get my point?

Anecdotes and other data will follow in illustration….

(to be continued)….*cues Jeopardy theme*

Gone Too Soon ;-(

…for sacrificing your childhood, for giving over 40 years of eternal music, for exemplifying true music, for giving us Michael Jackson. He will be greatly missed….:-(

10 Randormalities Following My Tweets!

~D. Wade should be benched sometimes!

~Most Black Women are afraid to be submissive…they look at it as a negative…men don’t want “servants”, they want someone who can respect them in their roles and trust that they’re on point

~Injecting Botox in your armpits causes you not to sweat under there for 6 months!

~Ralph Waldo Emerson has the best freaking quotes on the planet!

~Real Men are chivilrous gentlemen

~Barack gave Michelle an Ipod

~Women fall for losers, because there’s no real “work” involved. Good men challenge their women

~Women want the truth, but can’t handle it, that’s why men lie

~Jumping to conclusions without facts isn’t the way to go!

~Avoid negative people, places, things, and habits

….lots of relationship talk on Twitter I see

Blogs while surfing, revisited: The Behavior Chart

…After a few conversations, twittering, and watching a few “relationship” themed talk shows, and reading a few self-help books, I’ve been pondering a few questions about us sistas: Why are we looking for Mr. RightNOW as opposed to looking for Mr. Right? Does “good guys” really finish last? Must we be so immersed in socializing with our “taken” peers that we allow ourselves to settle for any ole jerk just to “fit in”? Do we REALLY know what we want from men? Why can’t we be single and happy? Must we continually swim in a ocean of ignorance concerning male/female relationships? Can we maintain platonic relationships with members of the opposite sex? Why does black relationships seem to fail?

…so I’m blogsurfing, and I come across a rather old post/behavior chart (by age) authored by SoWiseSista. In my experience, it’s most definately relevant. A nice intro to a rant I plan on penning on “What’s so wrong with Sistas”. Check it out:

She’s Just Not Feeling You…
Friday, January 06, 2006
Boy Chart
Happy New Year, boys…

I spoke to a college friend today. She reminded me of the age chart she and I devised back then, that explains where in life guys are at different ages up to 30…bec at 21 I wasn’t really checking for men over that threshold. As we grew older we began to really see the validity in our claims, and it has never been more clear and correct than it is today.

Do YOU fit the bill?

20-23 – College. Still obsessed with sexual conquests…and video games.

24-25 – Finally finished with school and actually landed a decent job. Now he’s able to finance his feverish conquest for ass, so watch out. Now, when you see him perusing the mall, he’s got not only the latest Madden his shopping bags…but, oh my, CK One cologne.

26 – He’s been on the job a year now, and has a full week and a half’s worth of black and blue dress pants hanging on wire hangers in his closet….floor full of Jordans. He’s met some really great women at after-work happy hour, and he’s even dated a few for extended periods of time. But he still has some low-expectation homeboys who convince him he’s still much too young to “throw in his player’s card.” Plus they need one more pair of thumbs to round out the NBA Live tourney next Saturday.

27 – By now he’s switched jobs, this one has a 401k (of which he does not take advantage. He needs his WHOLE check…or rather, Discover card is demanding it!). He’s been with so many women – (he’s embarrassed by a great many of them, but azz is azz) – that he is now tired of the game, and secretly longs for a steady…but of course he masks this desire and remains elusive by being “really focused on the career right now.” His ego soars high as the girl in Human Resources outdoes herself to get his attention. But he’s the guy who “works crazy hours” and doesn’t “have time for a serious relationship right now.” Oh, and he’s upgraded to Crave cologne. Even owns a few pairs of square-toed shoes. Sneaker game is out of this world. Also at least one of his boys is now a baby daddy…who now buys X-Box games “for his seed.”

28 – Like many of his female counterparts, this guy is deep in debt, btwn credit cards and Sallie Mae. So he’s not at happy hour as much, and is “tired of the mall” (plus now he’s also upgraded to “the outlets”). Karma has paid this fucker a few visits, and truth be told his heart’s been broken. He’s so disillusioned by being played that he turns to white girls. Yes, he’s a bit of a late bloomer. He finds a whole new world at the white bars, and finds it less expensive there too. Needless to say, with all that free bunny love, he’s not thinking about no wifey…despite the fact that he is FINALLY realizing that his white counterparts on the job have long since mastered the corporate game and now parade their trophy wives to all the holiday office parties.

29 – Mama’s on his azz now. As if HER biological clock is going nuts, she’s all but shopping for baby clothes, waiting on that grandbaby. This guy’s grandmother passed recently, and he’ss starting to feel lonely and under pressure for love. But he’s squandered away most of his 20s trying to conquer as many women as he can. Most of his friends are either in baby mama hell, or back living with their parents, so he spends a lot of time playing Playstation alone. Lives for the Saturday afternoons when one of his boys’ kids is with the in-laws. He’s got a photo album full of anonymous smiling women from the good old road trip days: Freaknik, Daytona, Caribana, Jones Beach. At 29, dude is depressed about 30. He’s discovered his 401k, wants to buy a condo, and has been researching Whole Life insurance policies…but then frowns knowing he has no one to leave the money to in the unfortunate event of his demise. All of a sudden, he wonders when the tides have turned…women used to be aplenty. Now it seems the well has gone dry, and he can’t seem to find “the right girl.” The one who can cook and strip at the same time. The pressure is so thick he contemplates relocating for a fresh start. But then mama calls, and he rationalizes that he’s got “family obligations” and THAT’S why he’s single with no prospects.

30 – Still deep in a depression, his boys take him out to celebrate the big 3-0. And despite the despair, it’s like New Years Day…a rebirth or sorts. He begins to see this decade as a way to rewrite his future. He frequents the real estate section of the paper and will actually go to an open house this year. He will order a copy of his credit report. He will get an HIV test. He will buy his mama a substantial gift. He will get rims on his Explorer (still spinnin’). He will ask for a raise. He will upgrade yet again. Maybe a Polo fragrance to match his new boxer briefs. He will finally give in to the girl in Human Resources. Try the steady thing. He will get a flat screen TV. He will bring his dead Granny bouquets on Sundays after church. He will get his four suits tailored. He will get some AZZ!
Sound familiar??

SoWiseSista

Keeping Up With Keshkeshonomous ;-)

…just getting on and poppin’ with the Twitter Craze. Check my sidebar, and follow me

How to avoid a "Hell Date", Keshstyle…

…the ideal first date is simplisticly platonic, in a comfortable location catering to both your interests, and includes great conversation. Therefore:

~Schedule the date specific to each other’s schedules.

~Place a courtesy call just to make sure. This means don’t wait for the other person to call to let them know you can’t make it and need a raincheck

~Arrive on time.

~Don’t go “to the movies” on the first date. The idea is to TALK…get to know the person face to face…make the person the center of your attention, at least for that night.

~Do meet up at a central location. This means have your own means of transportation, and your own funds for activities. This means if you’re going out for drinks and he handles the first round, offer to handle the second round (not too much though…wine sneaks up on you) This means if you’re going out for a light dinner and he foots the bill, handle the tip. This does not mean a $2 tip will take care of things. Now, each of you plan on running your mouths, and I’m pretty sure the waitress would rather you chomp your gums elsewhere (preferrably at McDonalds with that cheap mess) so that someone with real tip money can sit in their section.

~Show some dang blasted affection. This means get to loopin’ those arms. Wrap your arm around his waist. Hell, hold hands. Act like you like each other. Sheesh

~Have the decency to cut your cell phone off. This means be respectful enough of the time you have with the person. Time is money, so be greatful. No calls from Momma telling you to pick up collards. No textverstions between you and homeboy, featuring porn avatars. No distractions.

~Don’t talk about ex’s. Now you’ve shifted his mind and attention to the ex.

~This may be just me, but do not ask why the person is single. This implies that there’s something “wrong” with that person. You’re adults. You get into relationships. Sometimes they work out. Obviously it didn’t, which is the reason for the date. You learn lessons. You move on.

~End the date positively and respectfully. A smooch and a hug is fine. Then mosey on over to your car, leave, and courtesy call after you arrive home safely

…all the single ladies….all the single ladies

"I’m….so in…to yooooooooouuu" — Sistas With Voices

…a guy is into you if he refers to you by name over the phone. No matter who’s around. Now if he’s giving you pet-names and it’s barely date numero dos, then chances are, he can’t even remember your friggin’ name. Short attention span from the Y-chromosome my ass. I know, I know ladies. I bet you thought it was “cute” of him to call you that. You’re “Boo” now. ANNNNT!…Wrong answer. He’s resorting to the universal “What’s up baby?…..Hey Boo?….Alright Sweetie….talk to you later Snookums” to save face. Your name could be Beyonce Gabrielle “New New” Kardashian-Berry and he still wouldn’t give a lovely-screw. And be wary of the over exaggeration of your name once you bring this to his oh-so-lovely attention too. “Hey Kesha, I was just thinking about you Kesha, so what’s up with you Kesha, how was work Kesha”. Knee-grow please. There’s nothing like that pregnant pause right before he’s introduced to your bosom buddy, the Dial Tone.

…”say my name, say my name”

…It’s real on these Wall Streets…

…[cues City High] ….what would you do if Michelle was at the club? out all night long with her kids at home and they hongry? And the only way to feed ‘em is to…fuck for a track…or sell ass to King Mag, and their dad’s the boss? Somewhere in the White house tryna keep the lights on I ain’t got a job now. Take pics all day aye-day, ain’t got shit to do with runway, damn that, it’s payday. So for you this is just a good time, but for me this is what I call a Recession!. Hmmm?

Parlez-vous sil’ te plait?

…it’s been a long frenchie minute, so pardon moi of that title looks jacked. M’kay. Take a look at the top of the page. There’s a cute little speech bubble right next to my Meez cartoonie. Click it to get your chat on avec moi!

-Deuces!


~Kesh