I have been told in very lengthy and graphic detail by my girlfriends (women who are my friends and in most cases married) that childbirth can be a very painful, yet beautiful experience all in one instance. However, as a man I could never, ever tell you what it is like to actually have a baby. I can recant all the verbs, adjectives, nouns, pronouns and whatever else is a part of structuring the communication of the experience. Yet, I will never, ever truly (thank god) be able to tell you form experience what it is like to give birth.
I’ll never forget that night. The News station I was watching was reporting how close the presidential race was, how the various mathematical scenarios could play out, etc. etc.. In an instance the station cut to series of commercials. Just like that, drink diet coke, buy dial soap, drive a Lexus, trust us you dopes, we’re number one…blah blah blah blah…
When the station cut back there was a very abrupt announcement.
Ladies and gentlemen, we now have a new President, Senator Barack Obama has just secured the amount of electoral (and popular) votes to become the next President of the United States. He has just been elected president of the united States of America.
I actually cried. I didn’t even know why at that very moment, but it felt as if some weight had been lifted from my body, my mind, spirit.
Earlier I told you I would never be able to tell you what it is like to give birth. Having admitted that, I must confide that unless you have lived as a Black man you just could not understand what it is like to finally be validated as a full fledged American…finally. I’ll stop there.
I never plan to use the train for a political platform as a general rule. I’ll leave that to FOX News, CNN, USA TODAY and the Washington Post for you to get information to form your opinions. When you hop the train I want you to be able to escape for a while. However, the other night we elected a new commander in chief and whether or not you agree with the choice of our fellow Americans, we in fact have a new President, one who looks like me, President Barack Obama. Hummm, that’s the first time I have written or verbalized that reality out loud…
Please “PRAY” that our Commander in Chief will be lead by the Holy Spirit in all his decisions for “ALL” Americans.
May God Bless America
Hi Bud (Charles),
As a strong, educated, responsible African American man, I know you are proud to know that one of your contemporaries has elevated to the monumental level of “Leader of the Free World.” I wanted to leave you this message to say, Thank you.
Thank you for your strength, for your convictions, for your dedication, your love, your faith, your determination, your leadership, your opinion and your willingness to stay in the fight. Thank you for being another strong Black Man!
With Much Love and Respect
Denise or (Pete) as you affectionately call me