Is Greasy the only Shine We Can Have?

Accomplishments and how we get there are pretty much an incredible thing. To take something out of nothing and mold it into a defining moment is something that we as humans should admire and respect within ourselves. It is the moment of winning; it’s that summa cum laude I’m all that and a bag chips feeling that is so deserving. In essence when it’s time for you to shine – you should shine like that solo shooting star and become that admired spectacle of the universe and shine bright as you glisten with pride! However, sometimes that shinning star has a few other stars that seem to want to come out in that defining moment. This “I want to take some of your shine” moment is a tendency that I’ve experienced when we as a people (Black/Hispanics) reach a defining moment, there is usually someone trying to steal our shine or take some credit for it. Which causes me to ask “Is greasy the only shine we can have?”

As I take a look at the presidential campaign particularly the democratic nomination of Barack Obama it kills me to hear from Hillary’s supporters and some in the media that he should consider her for the Vice Presidency. When they speak of how Barack won the nomination in less than a breath away they say how he should give Hillary the VP position almost as if it’s the right thing to do considering she didn’t win; it’s almost like they’re saying “Come on Barack be nice that’s least you can do” And I wonder why, why does he have to be nice to her? Why does he even have to give it thought? Afterall was she not the enemy, did she not oppose and slander him. Why during his shine does he have to be so appeasing to her? It almost sounded as if he gives this too her he’s not that bad. My question is why would it matter. And I as thought about this I looked for other examples in which one of my peep’s shine was intruded.

For those of you who watched The Apprentice (with Donald Trump) I personally stopped after the Stacy J fiasco but I turned once more when this intelligent brother Randall Pinkett came on. Randall won almost every challenge. Furthermore, when he was Project Lead, he won! Randall was intelligent, exercised common sense, had marketability and knew how to get his point across. It was no surprise when Randall won; the surprise was when Trump asked him if he would consider sharing his apprentice title with the second runner up which was a white woman. Randall respectfully replied, “Mr. Trump the show is called the Apprentice not the Apprenti” and the answer is No, I will not share this position.” I clapped when Randall said this but I also was more appalled by Trump’s question and the crowd’s booing. As I spoke with co-workers the following day I noticed most of my white co-workers now hated Randall. They said he could have at least shared with Rebecca and called him selfish. What puzzled me was 1) Trump never asked this of any winner and 2) Rebecca never won a challenge as a Project Lead; why should Randall diminish his accomplishment just to be nice. She wasn’t deserving. He worked his ass off, why did he have to share with someone who did nothing and then looked upon as if he was ungrateful!

These instances just make me think, whenever we as a people reach a plateau do we have to be nice and bring whitey with us. Does this complete the circle? Do we have to show how appreciative we are that they let us get far? Does our hard work mean nothing? And if we don’t bring them along does this mean our accomplishments mean nothing? I am so perplexed by this issue. It’s like we always have to thank the slave master for teaching us to how bake and sew – no matter how good that slave became at his/her trade they better always be thankful to their master.

Why can’t our accomplishments if done solitarily be met solitarily. What is this fascination with hating to see us succeed and yet we’re the racist free country. It’s all in our minds. The only thing in our minds is that we’re smart and aware, the very two facets slave owners tried to keep away.

I do hope as a people as we reach accomplishments we take the time to shine and we should also give “shine” to those who reach for that shooting star. The haters will come and want some part. If you want to share that’s all on you, but don’t ever feel bad if you feel that YOU are that shinning star and don’t want to share your universe. Despite what others may think greasy is not the only shine we can have!

Obama – The Coming of Jesus, Sort Of

Obama-mania has swept the nation! People all over are defecting party lines and cultural norms all for the prospect of change. A new vision of what America should be is emerging. Finally the typical President is something that the American people don’t want. But there is something even bigger. American people want a savior! We’ve been in this hell hole of a society for nearly 8 years. It has been horrible having Bush in the white house. Honestly there’s no other simplistic way to put it but HORRIBLE!

The American people both Black and White are in need of a savior, just like we needed Jesus and Moses. We’re in need of a miracle. Who would have thought that gas prices would be nearly $5 a gallon. That rising food prices and health care would strap all types families in all classes. As an adult this is the first time I have felt despair in being an American. Hearing Obama gives me the hope of promise of something new. Something else that can work as oppose to the same type of President who coincidentally always has the same agenda!

I’m proud to be an Obama-maniac! I need this country to change. I need it to be SAVED and I think millions of Americans feel the same way. It’s time to elect a real President for the people by the people! Not for someone who has elitist business interests! I hope Obama gets the chance to deliver what his campaign has promised. I’m so waiting for this special day in which we as Americans can be proud of an effective leader. Good Luck Mr. Barack Obama cause just like the world needed Jesus to save them, we need you right now and what you can bring!!!