Professor Locs

Early Voting, My Adventure

Voting early is all over the media. I first noticed the enthusiasm on my social media networks, where folks gave shout outs about their early voting experiences. Even here on Qcitymetro we were able to read about the community turning out in impressive numbers to cast early ballots.

Should I vote early or wait?

Two things kept me in a perpetual state of indecision: Allegations of ballot tampering in Florida and other parts of the country. Plus, every time I turned on the television, polls were in a constant state of flux.

My confusion was exacerbated by the daily war stories I’d hear on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.” You know the ones, where some poor, elderly person, voting for the very first time, on the verge of being evicted, who walked five miles in blistering winter weather (for some reason it’s always cold, even in Texas), in the only pair of shoes that survived the fire that destroyed the assisted-living home, stood in line for over four hours only to be told that they were not in the system and could not vote.

My apprehension eventually diminished because I literally got a sign; and no, it was not a squash that resembled the president. Instead, there on my door handle was a pamphlet that read, “Vote Early for President Barack Obama.”

The next morning I headed to my closest early voting location, at Veterans Park. I had my license, a few bills to prove my address, water, a collapsible chair (just in case I saw an elderly voter who needed to rest after a long journey) and my portable video camera, just in case I was privy to a Tea Party pop off.

When I arrived, a line of mostly African-Americans had already formed.

The sister who was in charge of keeping the line straight was no joke. When the line started to get sloppy, she would remind folks that she expected an orderly line and that we were not to block the exit. I think she had a distant relative who worked the cafeteria at my old high school.

I kept seeing people in line with voter registration cards. I neglected to bring mine because historically I never needed it. But as I watched others with their cards, I began to get paranoid, worried that I might get all the way up there and get turned away.

Before I had time to Google the voter fraud number from the TJMS, I was at the front door. The volunteer door Diva greeted me warmly and directed me to the next available volunteer. I stepped forward and gave him my name.

He asked me to verify my address, but it didn’t match the name they had on file.

Here we go, I thought.

My palms began to sweat, but just when I was about to start my speech of righteous indignation, my name was found and I was cleared to proceed.

Another volunteer escorted me to my voting booth, where I produced notes from my bag and was finally able to concentrate on the candidates of my choice. The entire process was over in less than 45 minutes.

There is a verse from an old song -- “Oh, Lord, I just want to be in that number” -- that sums up my feelings about voting. Regardless of your party affiliation, we should all want our voices heard.

In the time it takes to watch an episode of “Basketball Wives,” I did something quite significant. I just hope that fear, laziness, conspiracy theories or apathy won’t keep others from exercising their fundamental right and privilege.

I’m curious. Will you vote early? If not, why not?

President Obama Last Minute Campaigning

The President and his campaign are pulling out all the stops during these last days before election day. 

This photo is making the rounds of President Obama at an unscheduled visit to Orlando, FL. The President dialed the wrong number while making calls at the local campaign office.

He looks tired but still has a sense of humor.

He is like "oh well, I'll get the next one."  

I wonder if the wrong number was some crazy Tea Party person who busted a blood vessel when they found out the President called their house. 

I voted early but I have had several volunteers come by the house to check on my status.  I have been amazed at the divirisity of volunteers. I have seen African-Americans of all ages, in fact the two that stopped by the house were no more than 18 years old. 

Make sure you guys get out there and represent and cast your vote!

 

Missouri Minister Becomes Unlikely Advocate for Gay Rights

There has been so much media attention given to clergy members who are against gay rights.  One Missouri pastor, Rev. Phil Snider, finds himself an unusual champion for gay rights.

A YouTube video of a speech Rev. Snider gay has gone viral and many are applauding him for standing up for gay folks.

Snider delivered a speech to a Missouri City Council this past summer when the city was considering an LGBT ordinance that would have added homosexuals to a list of protected minorities.

Snider illustrated the similarities of other civil rights struggles in a very clever way.

Snider began his speech by saying that "special rights for gays and lesbians" was in opposition to God's order and would lead to "destruction and trouble."

I know you are like wait isn't this the same rhetoric we are accustomed to hearing?

Watch how he flips the script...smile.

Snider then interrupted him and stated, "I'm sorry, I've brought the wrong notes with me this evening. I've borrowed my argument from the wrong century. It turns out what I've been reading to you this whole time are direct quotes from white preachers from the 1950s and the 1960s all in support of racial segregation."

I have written about and have often been frustrated when other marginalized communities like African-Americans denounce the struggle of other groups.  If you exchange gay with other minority groups like women and African-Americans you will see that very similar rhetoric has historically been used to keep other maginalized groups in subjugation. 

You can see the video below of this unlikely gay rights advocate! 

Stacey Dash: Confronting Race and Politics

Race and politics are not new themes, but I have observed an expanding movement to where racial identity is often at odds with patriotism. This was most recently and publicly displayed when actress Stacey Dash came out in support of Mitt Romney.

Many know Dash from her role in the film “Clueless” and more recent projects like “Single Ladies.”

Dash’s endorsement of Romney created such a maelstrom of controversy that she decided to sit down with Piers Morgan of CNN to address the backlash.

“I don’t understand it,” she said. “I don’t get it…I was shocked, saddened. Not angry. Saddened and really shocked. But you know what; you can’t expect everyone to agree with you.”

I believe some folks are truly shocked when confronted with the reality that they do not enjoy the same autonomy as others. Did I send Dash an offensive tweet, or worse, the American Idol Season 3 Christmas CD? No, but I did give her the side-eye based on her statement.

Why?

Like it or not, people from marginalized groups are seen as having a monolithic voice. And even those within such groups often deal harshly with dissenting voices. It is the same phenomenon that makes you cringe when you see someone on the news with whom you share a culture being interviewed with missing teeth, speaking broken English and inevitably ending with a shout out to “Peanut and them.”

Dash, who has all her teeth and is well spoken, caught a lot of flack from folks who were downright pissed by her statement. One tweeter shared, “You’re an unemployed black woman endorsing Mitt Romney. You’re voting against yourself thrice, you poor beautiful idiot.” (I know it’s harsh, but I am still impressed when anyone can work the word thrice in a sentence.)

And even famous black folks chimed in, including actor Samuel L. Jackson, who is public supporter of President Obama. He tweeted, “Wait, did Stacey Dash Really endorse Romney today?! REALLY????! Is she CRA...........??!"

So where does all this tension come from as it relates to having ones racial identity questioned based on political affiliation?

The ugly reality is that whether folks take on that responsibility or not, the expectation is still there, draped casually across our shoulders like an invisible shawl. Dash was dealing with the harsh reality of “speaking” for her race and negotiating the backlash when her individual philosophy collided with the status quo.

For those wishing to field-test this theory, simply visit any urban church, hair salon, barber shop or Red Lobster and announce your support for Romney, then note the response you get. Conversely, others should visit more mainstream haunts sporting Obama regalia to record similar reactions.

Do I understand Dash’s position? No, not really. But I don’t have to, and that is what really defines the strength of our nation; that regardless of our filters, and the perceived or personal pressures that come with those filters, we all have the autonomy of individual thought and choices.

My Unemployment Office Phobia

I shared with you a few weeks ago that I became a recent casualty of corporate restructuring. Since then, I have been busying myself with projects, like redoing the basement as my creative man cave because a dark specter loomed in the shadows. Yes, I’m talking about a trip to the unemployment office (insert scary movie scream).

My apprehension about the unemployment office -- or the Division of Employment Security, as it is now called -- stems from the fact that I grew up in the 1970s, so my perception was shaped by television shows and films from that era. You know, films like “Claudine” and “Mahogany” and TV shows like “Good Times.”

I had visions of long lines filled with folks with big hair, vintage clothing, somber expressions and winter wear. (For some reason, it was always winter when they featured the unemployment office.) Oh, and let’s not forget the evil unemployment representative who typically berated those in line and always referred to them as “those people.”

There has been a historical stigma associated with being one of “those people.” The unemployment rate in North Carolina in August was 9.7 percent, and like many of you I had followed similar numbers not knowing that I would be part of the equation -- in short, one of “those people.”

But I digress; back to my story.

A letter from the Employment Security office had arrived a few days earlier. It included a colorful pamphlet that talked about depositing my unemployment funds on a debit card. What!? So I was not going to get a big “government check” that I would have to cash at one of those cash-checking places next to the liquor store!?

The letter went on to say that I could also set up my account online, have funds deposited to my checking account and report my job search activities as well, all online. You mean I would not have to brave the bitter, Southside Chicago winds as the “Theme from Mahogany” played, while I stood in line among other weary, worn, displaced workers?

This may not be as bad as I thought, Jinx.

I went online this weekend to set up my account and report my job search activities for the week. I was then given a prompt that my account was on hold due to a pending ruling. I would have to call customer service on Monday.

Monday morning arrived and I dialed the customer service number and get a busy signal. I dialed off and on all morning. I watched “GMA”; got a busy signal, “Live with Kelly and Michael”; got a busy signal, “Dr. Phil”; got a busy signal, “The View”; got a busy signal, “The Chew”; got a busy signal, and just when I thought I would exhaust the daytime television lineup, sometime around 2:30 p.m., my call went through.

Hallelujah! But before I could celebrate, an automated voice told me that all operators are busy (psyche) and that I should leave my number and a representative would call me back within 4-7 minutes. I was like, “right!”

I left my number and, to her credit, a nice representative, Ms. Lisa, called me back within five minutes and walked me through step-by-step what I needed to do to get my unemployment benefits started.

A couple of times I would interject about something that sounded contradictory, but Ms. Lisa would jovially repeat, “Are you listening?”(which was code for, “I cannot tell you directly because the call could be monitored, but if you shut up and read between the lines I can get you paid, fool.”) I would then smile, shut up, take copious notes and follow her instructions to the letter.

Ms. Lisa made a daunting experience much more humane. And unlike Ms. Ross in “Mahogany,” who went from the unemployment line to becoming an international model, I am not sure how my story will pan out, especially given my current waistline and rusty runway skills.

Honestly, I am unsure of the road ahead of me, but just in case there are tollbooths along the way, I will have faith that my benefits angel -- Ms. Lisa -- will ensure my debit card has the necessary funds to pay the fees…smile.

Stay tuned.

Whoopi Vs. Ann Smackdown on The View

I was wathing The View the other day and came across some juicy television. 

Ann Coulter who typically gets on my nerves but is so right of center I usually do not pay her much attention. 

Ms. Thing was on the view hawking her new book which I will not give her any free publicity here in this forum. 

Anyway the discussion quickly turned to issues of race and whatever Ms. Ann was trying to peddle, well Whoopi was not having it on her show. 

Whoopi finally asked Coulter, " 'Tell me what you know about being black.'

Coulter countered with, "I don't think liberals ever cared about black people."

Ms. Thing went on about some other stuff that was clearly not sitting well with Whoppi when she finally exploded with, 'B*******! B*******, I'm sorry! That's bull, that's bull.'

I thought at one point Whoppi  was going to start snatching off her ear rings, glasses, she already wears sneakers and jump  across the table and give Ann an old school beat down! 

Just watch the video and the madness! 

Watch More News Videos at ABC | 2012 Presidential Election | Entertainment & Celebrity News

 

President Obama's Bear Hug

It looks as if some folks are getting caught up int he spirit of more unites us than divies us that President Obama and his campaign have been communicating. 

Scott Van Duzer owner of Big Appple Pizza was the latest to get caught up in the energy and excitement on the heels of the DNC with President Obama who was scheduled to stop by his small business during his campaign visit in Fort Pierce, Fla. 

Recently Van Duzer appeared on "The Situation Room," and shared with Wolf Blitzer  that contrary to what others thought, the hug was spontaneous and not staged. "I guess I got caught up in the moment," Van Duzer said. "I had a brief moment when I knew he was coming. He opened up the door and he was like, 'Where's Scott at?' ... I was just so excited, I just gave him a big hug and picked him up. It was crazy."

This is what I was talking about in  my recent article maintaing inter-political relationships.  We can agree to disagree but we can also have respect for our authority figures even if we do not agree with their politics. 

Duzer shaed these thoughts, "Whether you're Republican or Democrat, he's our president. It was just a tremendous honor. It's really bizarre -- we were watching the convention last week and now here he is."

I was definitely not a fan of former President Bush but I had to respect his position as the President. 

Mr. Duzer who is a Republican business owner is a pleasant reminder of what we should be about as American citizens. 

 

 

 

Remembering 911

I would like to take a moment and honor the fallen, their families and the brave responders that were impacted on that fateful day. 

 

 

Madonna's Obama Tattoo

When Madonna is not tearing up the stage on tour or catfighting with fellow Diva queen Elton John, she is supporting the President. 

During a recent concert in New York city Madonna revealed just how committed she is to President Obama and his re-election. The "Material Girl" revealed an Obama back tattoo during her stage performance.

She also took the opportunity to school the audience on how good it is to live in America.

  “That doesn’t mean that this is a perfect country. We have a long way to go,” Madonna said. “Thank God for Michelle Obama and her good-looking husband too.”

Okay Madonna we know you like the swirl but I don't thnk you want to take on Michelle....lol 

Okay all you political slackers if the woman can get a tattoo everyone needs to vote!  

Can you have an inter-political relationship?

Like many of you, I am excited to have the DNC right here in our fair city. Do I like being rerouted through Gastonia to get home off Independence? No, but it’s an inconvenience that I am willing to put up with for this historic occasion.

One thing I noticed, though: As the Republicans held their convention in Tampa and the Democrats made ready for their big show in Charlotte, my Facebook page became more caustic – “friends” posting online jabs based on party affiliation.

It was enough to make me post my own observation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I find so refreshing watching the DNC is how diverse and inclusive the general audience seemed to be, from the platform speakers to delegates in the audience.

So where is this combative culture coming from on my Facebook page?

People have interracial and inter-faith relationships. Is it possible in this day and age in America for two people to have an inter-political relationship?

I recall when George W. Bush won a second term and some on the political left were feeling awkward about the GOP tactics – us vs them -- they had just witnessed. Several months later I went to lunch with my good friend, Marty, who is the polar opposite of me. Marty is a tall, straight, blond woman from the Midwest who was raised with a strict religious background. I, on the other hand, am a gay, Southern, black male who grew up in the inner city in a more relaxed faith environment.

So there we were at lunch and somehow the topic of politics came up. At first we felt each other out about some of our beliefs before finally, in an almost confessional exchange, we revealed our party affiliations.

We had shared so many intimate details of our lives, but for some reason this last secret was the most difficult to divulge. We laughed about how relieved we both felt in finally admitting something that somehow we both had perceived as a potential roadblock in our friendship.

The thing that most resonated with me about Michelle Obama’s touching and eloquent speech on Tuesday was that it emphasized a spirit of inclusion that she and President Obama have always communicated as part of their campaign and belief system.

Maybe we can all take a lesson from the Crips and Bloods. When the two gangs have come under mutual threat, they called a truce to confront the greater danger. Or maybe we can take the time, as Marty and I did, to learn that we are more than our party affiliations.

There is certainly more that should unite us than divide us.

In the comments section below, tell me about an inter-political friendship you have. How do you make it work? Are there certain topics the two of you avoid? How do you feel when a Facebook "friend" posts a political message that offends you? Do you ignore it, or de-friend that person?