Barack and I share something in common: we believe that at the core of all people, there is good. I know that is simplistic and a bit naïve, but it is a viewpoint that allows us to press forward and reach for things that maybe only we can see. I am in no way comparing my life to his, but add this as another reason why I believe in him, why I feel that he is the right person for this country right now.

Watching his speech tonight, I couldn’t help the emotions from bursting forth. A combination of pride and of a feeling of suspension in disbelief. Am I really experiencing this? I never thought that I would see this day, and I am proud that it is this man who I get to see accomplish this goal of becoming the first Black man to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. For all the cynics out there who are quick to jump to, “Aha, see it is about race…Blacks supporting Blacks!” Yes, you are correct. Am I wrong for that? Should I not be proud that this Harvard educated Senator who has ran an excellent campaign succeeded in accomplishing this historic moment? If I should feel guilty that by chance he is a Black man, I don’t. It makes me even prouder.

I will not even give any attention to the speech that she gave. It is what it is; but I will say this: I know that it must be a difficult thing to give up something that you believe that you had at one time; so my patience with her is renewed, but only for a short time…a very short time (the end of the week, Mrs. C…you have until the end of the week). This fight is over; it is time to bring everyone together for the common good and for the goal at hand: winning the Presidency for the Democrats. The time is now…the person is Barack Obama…

Update: here’s the video of his speech in St. Paul from last night…I have watched it now twice and once again am moved his passion and sincerity!

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on June 3, 2008 by BarackObamadotcom

 

Who knew? I certainly did not even suspect that my little space on the ‘net could possibly generate such love, such admiration from those who read my words. I am touched and grateful.

I first found this venue back in 2006 (I think I’ve already said that), simply as a way to record my thoughts in a place where I could go back and re-read them. I type faster than I write, and am susceptible to hand cramps when writing, so this portal was much easier for me. Then I discovered other folks who used the same arena, and I fell in love with what others wrote. I discovered Cooper’s Wonderland, the Village, and the land of When Least Expected. Then I came upon my blog brothers DB, Skoolboi, Marcus, Urban, and Mike, and my blog sisters Danielle, Regina, Sojourner, Sharon, IW, AJ, Viv, and Mrs. Grapevine. All of these men and women bring something to my day that I cherish.

I thank all of you for your kindness and heartfelt feelings in regards to my retirement of OBW. It is amazing to me that even one other person reads what I have to say and gains something from it; it is my intention to continue to speak from my heart and give what I give to you without any filler.

So again, I say thank you for being you. And for sharing yourselves with me, and allowing me to do the same.

 

I was so caught up in moving that I failed to post my Artist Spotlight…oops…

OK, OK…I’m a total Jay-Z fan. I don’t find him attractive in a “he’s fine” sorta way, but the charisma and swagger he has is enough to keep me watching and listening. You may not like his music, but I think if you are honest with yourself, you gotta respect his game.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on March 1, 2007 by monkk

Rising from the projects to become CEO of a major record label requires hustle and hard work. Building a reputation as one of the premier Hip-Hop artists in the game is no small feat, and Jay has done it with years of grinding. We could get wrapped up in the fact that he doesn’t write down his rhymes, or that he happens to be the richest Hip-Hop artist in the world (stealing Diddy’s shine), or that he has Beyonce’ as his girlfriendwife…but instead let’s look at the man himself, and realize his contribution. I see his contribution as not only what he has laid down on wax, as good as it may or may not be, but as what he has made of himself. Co-owner of the New Jersey Nets, owner of the Roc-A-Fella empire (which includes clothing, films, and music), owner of the 40/40 nightclubs (with locations in New York, Vegas, and Atlantic City, with plans to open in Tokyo and Macau planned for later this year), and finally the deal with Live Nation, his own entertainment venture to include a record label, talent/management agency, and music publishing company).

 
Jay-Z - Anything
Uploaded by bilelo

He, of course, has not been without scrapes with the law. And with other artists in the game. But Jay shines…even when he does things he doesn’t have to do. Responding to DeShawn Stevenson of the Washington Wizards during the NBA Playoffs when DeShawn was taunting LeBron? Unnecessary…don’t get involved in that shit. Both you and LeBron brought yourself down to that clown’s level, and gave him some additional moments of fame (sorry, Wizard fans…it’s the truth)…but some of his actions are full of what I like about him. He does seem to put business before everything, and you can never tell with him what exactly his emotions are. I’m cool with that; his music lets me in on all I need to know…