Is it simply because she is a woman? Is it simply because she is single? Is it simply because she is a former University dean?

Is it simply because she and the President both taught at Chicago University Law School?

Is it simply because she has served two Presidents?

Is it simply because she was against the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, when it was first considered?

Is it simply because of what some in media describe as New York city “tough.”

Is it simply because she is north of 40 years of age? Is it simply because she matriculated at Princeton, Oxford and Harvard?
How about the following explanation:

Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan may follow mentor to Bench

Here’s the real good news. Ms. kagan is a former clerk of the Associate Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. She credits Marshall as one of her mentors. “Those who sit at the feet of giants.” I’m in awe. Here’s my thought,  some of the good stuff Marshall embodied, like warrior and drum major for justice,  strongly took hold.

No doubt, Ms. Kagan is among the foremost legal minds in the country.  She is considered to have by experience and connections a wealth of public and, perhaps more importantly, private knowledge of the American political landscape.

She is a teacher. Kagan has worked for Presidents Clinton and presently, Obama, served as Dean of Harvard Law School; the first woman to do so; and, is the first female U.S. Solicitor General. She will become the third woman to serve simultaneously on the high court, and among a rare few justices who have clerked at the Court before making their own high marks only to return as a justice; that is if she is approved by the U.S. Senate.

Think about it. What does it mean to have a mentor, the likes of a true drum major for justice? What did Justice Marshall, a larger than life legal mind and strategist in the civil rights struggle, tell her many years ago about the law and how it effects every person, cradle to grave, the whole life of humans–their hopes–their aspirations–their pursuit of happiness–their inalienable rights endowed in the American experience and echoed in the U.S. Constitution?

What simple kindness did he offer in those hallowed halls, while just being himself?

I say it all matters greatly.  Survey, if you will, the picture of Justice Marshall looking out and over her.

Thurgood Marshall (center)

Marshall born in 1902 grew up through some of the tough years of post emancipation-Jim Crow, the bedrock of the southern strategy, and advocated for change in the social fabric of America.  He was also instrumental in ending the legal practice of segregation in public schools, having brilliantly argued the “meticulously tailored” five cases of Brown vs the Board of Education, including before the Supreme Court as Chief Council for the NAACP (National  Association for the Advancement of Colored People).  President Johnson nominated Marshall for the Supreme Court , and he became the first African American to sit on the bench.

You grow older and wiser through mentoring, in your present moment.

Those mentored know the gifts of their teacher.

In time we will  see the fruit of Justice Marshall’s mentoring revealed on the High Court…This is a fervent hope.
By June a Washington Post-ABC poll reflects that the majority of Americans favor Kagan’s approval.

New START Treaty signed by President Obama and President Medvedev

A measure of peace is being willing to consider lessening the temperature for war and mutual mass destruction.
Prague, Czechoslovakia, April 8, 2010 Presidents Obama and Medvedev took that step in signing what many call a landmark treaty to reduce each of their country’s nuclear arsenals and redirect many of those warheads still standing away from cities.
How cool is that? How calming the thought to march toward peaceful resolutions of issues. And, in doing so perhaps dragging the world in lock step toward nuclear disarmament. We can hope and continue to search for a path forward no matter how bleak. But, today the world got a strong dose of hope with this signing, and many around the world will sleep a lot easier…Peaceful sleep and mindful verification.

House delivers a major Healthcare reform shot in the arm

This discourse, you will note began in earnest with me in August, 2009, the time of the Post Just the Fax versus the Facts.

I am reminded of the comments of a caller to the morning program on C-SPAN recently who asked why reporters were not giving the facts about Healthcare in the United States. She went on to say that Americans are waiting for real information and are sick of relying on the FAX (party line and industry talking points) but not the facts. “We are capable of making decisions,” she said.

Here’s the stunning part. The host of the program responded to the caller by saying the reporters job is to tell what each side is saying. “But what about the facts?” There was silence. I hope that silence was an admission of a ray of enlightenment of what is sorely missing not only in this program, but many news programs that say they are above entertaining us, but are trying to provide an informational service and not picking sides but siding with the facts, not just the FAX (political talking points).

Truth is a hard sale. Both Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite said it, but we should do it anyway. So, reporters, factually does the American Healthcare system need reform?

Is the current Healthcare system a drag on the economy and the U.S. economic recovery?

Do Americans with Healthcare care about those who do not have any or can’t afford Health Insurance? How many Americans don’t have Healthcare? Is this a health problem for the nation according to the CDC, Centers For Disease Control? Why? (Perspective reading from the CDC on some chronic ills the nation faces.)

And when we face facts, from 30-thousand feet, for example facts and observations from the World Health Organization (WHO) what we find are reasons that compel movement forward on expanding health services, not, exclusion and entrenchment as leaders face the inequities in health services. The following excerpt is taken from the WHO 2008 report on Primary Health Care:

“In well-regulated and well-funded health-care systems; in addressing these patterns of exclusion within the health-care sector, the starting point is to create or strengthen networks of accessible quality primary-care services that rely on pooled pre-payment or public resources for their funding. Whether these networks are expanded by contracting commercial or not-for-profit providers, or by revitalizing dysfunctional public facilities is not the critical issue. The point is to ensure that they offer care of an acceptable standard.”

It goes on to say:

“Inequalities in women’s access to health care merit attention. In the United States, for example, declines in female life expectancy of up to five years in over 1000 counties point to differential exposure and clustering of risks to health even as the country’s economy and health sector continues to grow. For a variety of reasons, some groups within these societies are either not reached or insufficiently reached by opportunities for health or services and continue to experience health outcomes systematically inferior to those of more advantaged groups.”

Reporters which counties were identified? Which states are the counties in question located? Which congressional districts are the counties? Why is this happening? Is it a trend? Is it an aberration? Is it true? Should we care about the life expectancy of some women, all women and to at least check it out? Absurd?

Consider this. We are the evidence of the present Healthcare system. We reflect wellness or the lack thereof. We live under the fear of getting cancer, having a heart attack, suffering from stroke, high blood pressure, having a nervous breakdown and miscarriages, HIV-AIDS and there is a resurgence of tuberculosis.

Cancer is an industry now. It wasn’t when I was a young boy growing up in Cleveland, Ohio in the early 50’s. I recount the following observations in my yet to be published historical/memoir Saints, Sages and Presidents: Media’s Impressions On A Life:

“My world was safe enough.”

World news did creep in during weekend gatherings at Papa’s house and the men folk talked about the issues… “This thing called cancer is some mean stuff.” “I tell you when they solve the rust problem; they’ll cure cancer,” they would say. Had they surmised oxidation was a factor in both? Hmmm!

There is an industry built around heart attacks. diabetes and HIV-AIDS. Its as if when Jonas Salk and others who solved polio (through polio prevention vaccines), that the achievement itself and breakthrough came to symbolize bad news in some sectors… No it was and should prevail as symbolizing the promise of “good news;” a healthy and vibrant people. My ancient teachings inform me that humanity moves forward, it evolves. A word that may fit better for the times we live, is converge. No matter how much we kick, yell and scream the older we get, the further down life’s trial we find ourselves certain recurring thoughts emerge…”This journey is finite and we want much of it lived healthy, if not all of it… Is that consensus or convergence, or both?”

Somewhere we have gotten off track. And, some have rightly reported that a number of Presidents have realized that the issue of health or wellness is critical and it must be addressed in the main, so that a true pursuit of happiness for all can occur.

As the C-SPAN caller said, Americans are capable of making good decisions when they are given reliable facts. Can you give us some hard facts, not the FAX? Achieving a good policy, a Healthcare Accord, is essential and critical to all citizens now, regardless of allegiances, ratings and circulation numbers.

Delving deeper consider reviewing this update from Washingtonpost.com, which says the public favor a public option component as part of Healthcare reform.

At the end of October the Senate and the House unveiled Healthcare Reforms bills that were similar.

House Democratic leadership step carefully in passage of its affordable healthcare bill.

Saturday, November 7th, the House passed its Healthcare Reform measure by a 220 to 215 vote.

Thursday, December 24th, the Senate passed its Healthcare package by a 60-39 vote. Not a single Republican Senator voted in favor of the historic health insurance reform measure that would give an estimated 30-million citizens currently without health insurance the right to coverage.

Why?

Why were the Republicans against Social Security? Why were Republicans against Medicare?

Was it, or is it, because of a belief in staunch individualism? There is an ancient saying, “go alone and go high, go together and go far.” Personally I would rather share with others and go far.

Sometimes our contributions do fall short, but we have to do it with people, engage them where they are to have any real meaning…That’s love and it is the only thing that transcends this life.

My thoughts on Christmas Eve, 2009.

The two bills, the Senate’s and the house’s will be hammered into one piece of legislation during conference.

This sentiment echoed across some media, “the Democratic majority is governing.”

Spring 2010, on March 21st in the House of Representatives chamber, a new reality emerged.

Democratic members of the house passed the Senate version of the Healthcare Bill and also passed a fix bill for the Senate to pass to adjust the House passed Senate Bill. In short Healthcare reform for all Americans has passed and awaits President Obama’s signature. Mr. Obama’s signature, signing the bill into law, should come this week.

The President and the House leadership, lead by Speaker Nancy Pelosi have kept their promise to deliver Health reform, which they both describe as an historic as well as an important first step in getting the nation where it needs to be, healthier.

On Tuesday March 23, 2010 President Obama signed the historic Health Bill into law and said the work continues as he acknowledged all those who chose to help Americans in need of quality health care.

The Senate got a second chance to fix the landmark legislation, and the House approved changes later the same evening on the legislation which in total  has been described as a major opportunity for all citizens.

These are the historic facts so far.

Be wise. Be well.

Here’s some of the satellite broadcast of the President’s acceptance speech by SKY NEWS.

The text of his comments in Oslo, Norway supplied by the New York Times on Twitter.

The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony began with the timely and dynamic musical improvisations of Esperanza Spalding.

Following the ceremony a “Wycletic” performance in honor of President Obama’s magnanimous achievement and acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize Award and responsibility:

Here’s the thing. US troops are scheduled to leave Iraq summer 2010, as promised.

And, on March 26, 2010 President Obama delivered on Nuclear Arms Reductions negotiations with Russia, as reported in the NYTimes.

Congressman John Robert Lewis at the 89th NCSS Conference in Atlanta

I have heard Congressman John Lewis speak many times over the years and I have always been left in a better place having heard him.

Just recently his urging members of Congress not to be afraid to be on the right side of history in passing Health Reform legislation, in part, spurred the House on in an historic vote in the affirmative..220 to 215.  What he says and how he says it resonates.

And, today speaking at the opening breakfast of the National Council for the Social Studies Conference, this man called the Conscious of the Congress, out did himself.

Congressman John Lewis is more than a textbook.  He is the living example of spirit triumphant over experience.

Clearly the experience of hate as he and others faced nearly fifty years ago as they confronted the evil of segregation could have left him bitter and broken.  In fact he said he found it liberating to stand up for something that would make life better for all people.  He said no longer are we (America) a divided house, but one house and one people.  However he warned that we should never forget the sacrifice that it took to turn the country.

If it was only about experience, there would be no beauty in his story.

But, his story is about spirit.  And, as we know, Spirit triumphs over matter.

I was there for Congressman Lewis’ presentation this morning.  My report is that no visiter to this ocassion was the same after Mr. Lewis spoke. There wasn’t a dry eye among the people in the packed house of witnesses to history.

Wow.

Forever Fall

Photography art exhibits have been set up for patrons of this fine art to get an eye-full of memorable works which capture many angles of a mere sliver of life, as it is and sometimes as we imagine it to be.

Photography art can be poetic, awesome, meditative, revealing, lovely, provocative, profound, cutting edge and enlightening.

Color's Edge

I love photography and so do many people.  It is generally a long arduous process to be recognized and respected as a photography artist.  It can be such a club affair. Yet, the art making can be individualistic and collaborative, universal and democratic and beyond limits.  And, time in service matters greatly.

Avatar

I learned motion film photography first while pursuing a career in journalism, and then still photography in the early 70’s.  The first gift of photography art that I received was a framed 1955 Photo by W. Eugene Smith entitled “Dream Street.”

Dream Street

Awe Inspiring. Priceless and to gaze upon the picture is not only to get a history lesson, but invaluable pointers into the integrity of light, an expression of truth. Here’s something to remember, “good and great photographers paint with light.” Smith was a master.

Tree Light

However the real intrigue about this elusive art form is not just merely aiming the camera, but being still and waiting for the moment to occur; the revelation; that sacred space that opens and points the shooter’s eye toward the thing, perspective or aspect to bear witness and then to share.

Fall Tapestry

Photography is art treasure.  I invite you to invest in photography art by me, or another artist of your choosing. For sale today, silver 20×13 strip print, $400.00.

Vista circa 1981

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.

For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world’s leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama’s appeal that “Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.”

Oslo, October 9, 2009

Inside perspective is given by Norwegian Nobel Committee Chairman Thorbjorn Jagland.

Wow.

Just because the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee caught America by surprise in naming President Obama this year’s winner it does not mean it isn’t deserved.

A protracted process is how this President goes about making crucial decisions. That’s not only refreshing but reassuring to those of us who believe you arrive at true understanding through process which rings large and is far more important than results at all costs. Results can wane, but a tried and true process can withstand the tests of time. This is what the Committee knows.

Step by step President Obama is changing the course of world politics of “My way or the Highway,” for one of inclusion…”Love thy neighbor as thyself.” That is real progress and a real process of knowing “thyself.”

Congratulations Mr. President on a noble achievement.

Chicago is "My Kind of Town"

Chicago spared no expense in sending its first team to woo the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the honor to host the 2016 Summer games and Paralympics. The First family, Mayor Daley, Oprah Winfrey and others travelled to Copenhagen where the IOC gathered and spoke wonderful words of praise for America’s third largest and heartland city nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The First Family in a demonstration that is encouraging, “try in the face of adversity,” laid out the plan:

From the heart the President and First Lady gave passionate reasons why Chicago is the best choice.
But, in the end the IOC eliminated Chicago in the first round of voting.  The last American city to host the Summer Olympics was Atlanta, in 1996.  Even in this current economic downturn, the Atlanta Region has not stopped building, much of that attributed to the growth spawned by an infrastructure and construction trajectory that led up to the games and beyond. Businesses from around the globe have relocated here. And yes, when Ambassador Andrew Young, visionary Mayor Maynard Jackson and entrepreneur Billy Payne proposed it many detractors appeared.  Change is hard.

There are many lasting treasures. The one thing that keeps on giving is Centennial Olympic Park just across from CNN Center. Much of that park area was blight prior to the Olympics, abandon warehouses. Now the park, which is a favorite spot to visit for summer concerts and boasts a synchronized water-spray for kids and the young at heart, at Christmas–its a tour delight for its many lights. ALSO, development around the park has now taken off–the Georgia Aquarium, the largest indoor aquarium in the world is adjacent to the park, the Coca Cola pavilion has relocated there and there is talk of a Civil Rights Museum and maybe the voter approved new central library may find its new space there as well. As the former Chairman of the Atlanta-Fulton County Library Board of Trustees that notion/idea has my vote.

Get the picture.

Turner Field Home of the Atlanta Braves

I’ve only scratched the surface. The Atlanta Braves got a new stadium, Georgia Tech a new aquatic venue, Spelman College for women got a new tennis facility and the list goes on and on.

People came by the thousands.  There is a joke by the locals that says they came and forgot to go home.

But no one can argue that the Atlanta region is not more vibrant because of the games.  It certainly is more vibrant than when I came here at the beginning of CNN in the 80’s, another visionary enterprise that helped put the area on the map, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has become the world busiest airport. Among other things such undertakings spells business and jobs.  These are lasting endeavors that also serve national and world interests.  Big ideas, good ideas have rewards.  Yes, it is hard work and it takes collective effort/will to be successful.

It was the right call to “make no small plans” to  seek the games. The groundwork has been laid for 2020 for “the city of big shoulders.”  The grown ups may gripe and be political.  But, the kids will LOVE IT.

Keep in mind President Barack Obama won an election, where it wasn’t close enough to be called a fluke, or that some how he cheated the system. No, this President actually endured the evil system of racism and under currents of hate and still sustained a win.

The colored world, which knows well the vestiges of slavery, colonization and oppression, watches–Africa, Slavics, Russia, the Indigenous peoples, immigrants, The Middle East, Turkey, Asia, Central and South America, and Indonesia to see what will be.

Senator Edward Kennedy champion of Civil Rights, Education and against Nuclear Proliferation and tireless warrior for Health reform dies at 77 years of age.

I share this letter from President Barack Obama:

Julius –

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives — in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education’s promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that’s one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we’ve all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today — to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

On a rainy Saturday, August 29, 2009 President Obama delivered Senator Kennedy’s Eulogy. Here is some of what the President said: