Deciphering the Dilemmas Along the Campaign Trail

Is this country ready for a darker shade of pale in the White House? In my lifetime, I'm watching with baited breath for the smoke to clear devoid of deception and mayhem. Nonetheless, I'm both bemused and baffled at times watching the drama unfold while Obama and Hillary jockey for position in their quest for bi-partisan for President. Look at the intangibles and go figure the circumstance and consequences here. They are bringing some extra drama to a familiar and not always welcome questions: Are African-American women going to be torn between two firsts? Will they vote along ethnic lines supporting a Black man, or will they vote gender specific and allow Hillary to prevail in a heart-felt way? Will it be both? Or neither? Has Obama appealed enough to the hearts and minds of Black men to be believable amid strands of doubt, ethnic background notwithstanding?

My research shows that Black support is split about evenly between the two, but I'm leaning toward believing that there's strong evidence of a gender gap. YES, a gender gap, but it's predictable! Obama appeals to Black men and has a comfortable lead there, while Black women obviously favor Hillary. I'm still trying to fathom why the support of either candidate is concise among those comparisons. I cannot ignore history's treatment of women of color. It seems to me that they've always had to prove themselves, be it the subjection of loyalty oaths or disloyalty taunts where dissention and tension among the ranks were rife with contradiction without being given equal parity. History has also proven that sexist attitudes die hard. Against this backdrop you cannot prove to me that somehow Hillary doesn't have an ace up her sleeve.

I recall tension and consternation going back to Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony toe to toe in acrimony and disagreement on who was more worthy of being the spokeswoman for women suffrage agendas. This was during the Women's Rights Convention in 1851 when Sojourner when challenged adamantly retorted, "Ain't I a woman?" Parallel and paradox to this analogy is the fact that there were racists in the women's rights movement as well as sexists in the civil rights movement. Think back to our whipping boy Clarence Thomas and his assertion that racist attitudes were at the base and cause of people siding against him. Anita Hill, his adversary was painted as less than honorable, and persona non grata to boot in deference to African-American men. Again, it’s the battle royal between Black man and the gender of a woman under duress. Suffice it to say, Hillary not a woman of color, but a ‘woman’ nonetheless battling issues that will surely split the votes among minorities. Other parallels abound with references depicting Black women as vulnerable in taking sides.

In this presidential race we have both a white woman and a Black man in the top tier of contenders. At the same time, these are candidates who have, in many ways, transcended their race and gender - especially in the level of popularity they've garnered. Race and gender has become less of a moot point. It's going to be quite interesting to see how this scenario will eventually pan out. How will Amerikkka vote? Will Obama make it to the end? Will some racist fiend decide to reopen the can of white supremacy worms sitting within reach? Better yet; is this country truly ready for a Black, or a female president? The fact that I'm American and have options is much more than I could ask for living in the land of the free. I'm all for a good race, and will even feel ecstatic again knowing that the politicos and politics that make this nation great, are gearing for an interesting, if not historic ending. Stay tuned, will ya?

In Memory Of A Literary Friend

This is in memory of a respected colleague of mine - Katherine D. Jones, the erudite and talented author. Ms Jones passed away yesterday (May 17) at her home in Texas. Of course she will be missed...and as I write this piece, my heart is heavy, and I'm not ashamed to admit that the tracks of my tears are still visible. The New Jerusalem will be a fitting place for all angels, with Katherine in that number, to be the final resting place. Yes, she was an angel in my eyes, and I’m reminded of our last conversation. It was here in Miami at the Romance Slam Jam Conference that she greeted me with a great big ole hug, and that million-dollar smile. Before I could get it out of my mouth she was talking about her boys, and her upcoming move to Germany, via her husband's military affiliation.

I first met Kathy several years ago in Atlanta, this before we started freelancing for the Dorchester Media group of erstwhile magazines, i.e., BRONZE THRILLS, JIVE, BLACK ROMANCE, TRUE CONFESSIONS, et al. The Romance Slam Conference for romance writers was common ground for familiarity, and we hooked up again in Dallas (2005), and again in Miami (2007). Author and Editor Nathasha Brooks-Harris assured that we had the best assignments and expected us to write like hell to be paid while writing for Dorchester! Katherine was no exception to that rule, and she wrote the best articles. I considered her to be a much more polished writer than I, and always told her so.

She definitely was a social butterfly and loved to discuss the writing of romance and putting her special flavor to the mix. Parker Publishing, LLC her latest publisher had grand plans to coincide with a new transitional stage for her and others writing for their NOIRE PASSION imprint. The author’s Special Corruption Unit series (SCU) was a fan favorite, consisting of novels Love Worth Fighting For and Worth the Wait, both published by the defunct BET Arabesque Books; Undercover Lover and the final book in the SCU series, Deep Down, published by Kensington/Dafina. Her third novel, Undercover Lover recently recognized in Essence Magazine as suggested reading for Valentine's Day 2006.

Katherine' fine novella, Gunns and Roses appeared in the Parker Publishing anthology, Cuffed by Candlelight, which was released in February of this year (2007). Dangerous Dilemmas, my favorite book by her, takes erotica suspense to an exciting new level. I recently reviewed this book and will make it available to the masses as you read this! Talking to the writer, she has always been modest about her writing ability, but I never shied away from telling her how much I appreciated being a writing mate while we were with Dorchester. She describes her writing as contemporary romance fiction with a twist, because she liked to give her readers an unexpected ride. Katherine, you are missed already, and the ride was anything but unexpected! The author leaves a loving husband and two precious boys. Supporting this author posthumously wouldn't be a bad idea. Katherine, we love you!
Note: Parts of Katherine's BIO and adjunct information is credited to her publisher, Parker Publishing, LLC

They Voted Her Off, And I'm Boycotting American Idol!

I’m an unabashed Melinda Doolittle fan. I recognize talent when I see it. When being the best is not good enough, you know something is amiss. Lessons learned in the voting process and mainstream America’s finicky and unpredictable habits of voting along racial lines are legendary, if not status quo. Okay, are there anyone out there who agrees with me that Blake has no place among the final contestants for America’s Idol? Am I alone in my thoughts that this guy should have been gone long ago…and finally, is mainstream America so deaf and blind that they can’t hear good vibes, and see dynamic stage presence? This to me was the most blatant show of inaccurate judgment this show has demonstrated. American Idol is an anathema for giving credence where it’s due, and truly voting in a perceptive way, and with allowing discernible options to be more prevalent than voting along racial and ethnic. How can the best singer end up with the least amount of votes?

Damn it, do the right thing and vote with honest appeal and with the preservation of mind that talent is talent and shouldn’t be compromised with any of the aforementioned angst. Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks can flat out sing, as well as LaKisha Jones who felt the sting of unjust judging herself. To make a case whether Blake should be there poising to win arguably will be debated long after I settle down and allow my heart and mind to get back to normal. Yes, they voted her off, and I’m boycotting American Idol! Why boycott you ask? I'm boycotting for the same reason how unequal playing fields permeate our society and good judgment goes fallow in lieu of calling a spade a spade...with no puns intended. This goes beyond mere racial alignments, and in Melinda's case, she just may have been simply too 'old'. Old or young, talent is talent.

American Idol needs an overhaul, including replacing two of the three celebrity judges. Believe it or not, I like Simon. He adds grit, welcomed controversy, and an abrasive demeanor that’s good for the show in an iconic way. Iconic because this show would not survive without rancor and a bit of consternation that Simon supplies with his twisted wit and British accent! Paula Abdul in my opinion is an airhead, gullible, and doesn’t give enough intrusive commentary when needed most. Moreover, her problems outside of the arena have done more damage in my opinion to usurp any credible reason for her to continue. Lastly, Randy Jackson is a misnomer. He’s not really the REAL Randy Jackson at that. Suffice it to say though, I‘ve always felt that the judges needed an industry veteran as part of the overall makeup, but sure whether Randy was the right choice.

Nonetheless, American Idol needs a change of décor and a better way to adequately and fairly judge contestants based on talent, charisma, and stage presence and not on the whims of the public. I feel too, that technical merit and professional feel for all the things that are inherent for success cannot and shouldn’t be left for the public to have final decisions on. This is NOT the end of her road. Her distinguished professional experience, expressive vocals and near unblemished run on "Idol," the judges sent Doolittle off with assurances from me and countless others that her career has just begun. I feel that she already have made it, Idol results notwithstanding. Alas, she bows out graciously joining the list of singers whose surprising exits before the finale were temporary stumbling blocks on the way to their eventual success. You have not heard the last from this songbird. Clive, where are you?!!

Notes On A Napkin #2

Death's Unexpected Knock!

Imagine if you would, how you think the end might be for you having lived life, and partook in all things that were privy to you. You are taking the days as they come, reveling in the privileges that come with being alive. You may have attended numerous funerals, and have heard tell it that someone you knew had ‘kicked the bucket’…but do you ever think that one day you will go this same route? It is said the death is ominous, dark, and foreboding. Really?! You couldn’t prove that to the heavenly senate, where God is in control determining who is next. His legislation is absolute – He’s judge and jury. When death comes knocking there’s no defense, no lamentations, and certainly nothing to stop the inevitable. You see, God calls it a homecoming and it wasn’t meant to be sad and mourning. Rather, it’s a joyous occasion and cause for celebration. If only we heed what has always been status quo with God, and that is not to be of the world but with your sights upward towards Zion, but to do that we need to do a better job of understanding faith to make our elections sure.

People die all the time, at different times and for variable reasons. We hold on to virtues that are not in the realm of Christian value and find ourselves in a pall for the wrong reasons. We think nothing of living the life and accumulating as much material things possible to aid and abet sin. I include myself in this, for I’ve been guilty of apostasy, lackadaisical faith initiatives, and just doing what I wanted to do without paying homage to Him. Death’s unexpected knock can come at any moment to claim you. Would you be ready? Have you prepared for the New Jerusalem? Hearty and straightforward questions are these, but they must be answered for clarity to be the beacon to change.

When death comes knocking it can claim the likes of Martin Luther King’s eldest, Yolanda King, Jerry Falwell, and most recently to my dear friend and colleague, Katherine D. Jones. Three good people who may have done what was needed to see another life. After being spared for over a half of a century now, I will be grateful. Moreover, I will speak for myself and say that I’m glad that time has rendered me a new heart, and a righteous mind for that which is much more formidable looking at death through the other end. I know that the Lord said that life is not eternal, and that three score and seven would be the norm. Anything more than that, I know would be living on borrowed time. Would it behoove me to keep the faith and hope that readers reading this blog would change their way of thinking about death? Of course! You’d want to be prepared to know that there’s truly life after death – but it shouldn’t kill you on the way to salvation!