Congressman Conyers in the Neighborhood

 I was happy to run into the Dean of Congress, political icon the late Congressman John Conyers at one of his favorite coffee hang outs, the local Starbucks.Circa 2008.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum:Do You Know Who Your Friends Are?

With the apparent rise of  teen suicide,severe depression and the report of other emotional disturbance as a result of harm done by so-called friends on the web,there is a need for  heightened involvement by the authorities and those in the  grass roots web community who will join forces and make the internet a safer,more quality medium of communication.

The news about the young man who committed suicide is particularly distressing.  The act of recording his sexual intercourse with another man by webcam to expose and embarass was a cruel and reprehensible act. Distraught about how his privacy was invaded and his life put on display on the social network Facebook, he plunged to a cold and horrible death. That another human being's action could cause another to take their own life sends chills up my spine and should be galvanizing decent,caring and  concerned  people to take constructive action about the current state of internet communication and the glaring violations of privacy our current culture appears to promote. There is a need to protect by passing and enforcing needed laws. In addition, outreach programs have to be initiated on the net to educate the public while also closely monitoring such harmful, if not outright illegal behavior. Suicide as a means of solving the problem seems to be growing at an alarming rate. It has to be unacceptable. There is a need for immediate action to protect  the vulnerable by passing and enforcing needed laws. In addition, outreach programs have to be initiated on the net  and at educational institutions across the globe to closely monitor unethical and unlawful conduct,especially that conducted in secret and under cover with the aim of harming others.


I speak so passionately about the subject because I have been a victim,yes victim of cyberstalking and internet stalking over the past eight months and have suffered tremendous emotional distress from the actions of people I do not know and did not invite knowingly into my "cyberpace." Or, I may have had contact with them,but they are not and have not forthrightly identified themsleves.  While I have not had anyone to knowingly record me in that way that the student in New Jersey has, I have had people to hack into my computer,rifle through my personal and business files and to commandeer all of my email accounts ,sorting through and reading personal and business mail as if my business was their business.I have had death threats made against me and my family through inuendo and insinuation through the use of internet ads and the strategic placment and veering of articles on certain internet pages. I have been forced to read certain articles and headlines over others in a method that makes it clear and confusing at the same time, increasing  fear and distress. 

Then there are those who use the net often,especially teens who conduct most of their business and social life via the web.  They often just don't know and have not been sufficiently trained about internet protocol or the rights of others.This ignorance  has contributed to the alarming rate of internet crimes. But most times it seems they are motivated by an evil desire to cause hurt to others.The other part of the equation is that there are the slick perpretrators who have taken full advantage of what others don't know and combining it with their knowledge of the loopholes, have made internet surfing at times a "wild,wild west". Add to that a lack of rules of engagement for identification and rampant anonymity and those who roam the internet seeking victims,have pretty much free reign to harass,intimidate and bully as they please without being traced.

Several of my friends know about the challenges I have faced over the past several months with internet harassment and cyberbullying.Like so many who have been targeted for this kind of treatment,I have often felt isolated and alone. Some of the questions and responses I have recieved when sharing my ordeal have not only aroused righteous indignation, but also have served to increase initial apprehensions about opening up and revealing my experiences. While I have sought legal help and advice, internet law is a very specialized field. You would be suprised how many "heavy weight" attorneys do not practice internet law, are unaware of internet privacy rights, protocol and generally shy away from claims of harassment  on the net.

The long and short of it is that there is an increasing disregard for the privacy of individuals and this brutish way of  harassing,intimidating and forcing people to do things against their will or to commit suicide either physically or digitally is an alarming indicator of a deteriorating society.

Do you really know who your friends are? That question applies to real time and  virtual friends that are accumulated so quickly and effortlessly on the internet through social networks,message boards and forums. Be mindful of that as you engage and interact with people on the internet. Also pray for your friends,positive and enriching internet  experiences and that god will guide you into the kind of experiences that will help you to flourish in the digital age.

I extend a special prayer to Tyler Clementi's family, his friends and the Rutgers University community at this time.  I also pray that ways will be made to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening in the future online or off. 

Oprah,Zuckerberg Set Tone for Big Giving to Schools

Photo Source

Photo Source

The increasing trend of big giving among those who can well afford to give and put loads of cash into  social improvement as well as "money where their mouth is" is encouraging. The fact that a good deal of the money has been earmarked and dedicated to bettering public education not only speaks to the need for the shift in focus to public education as a giving piority in our country,but an area in need of care and attention.. The timing coincides remarkably with the release of the movie documentary "Waiting for Superman" ,which is an expose on the state of our public schools by Guggenheim, the director of  the award-winning "Inconvenient Truth" as well as "The Social Network" a movie about Facebook,its founders,including Mark Zuckerberg  and how it came to be.

Oprah's  recent gift of 6 million to Chicago area schools is one act in a long list of humanitarian giving which has been a signature of the trailblazing and award-winning talk shoe host since she came to prominence some 25 years ago.  She definitely started the trend of generosity among talk show hosts on television,especially with her car giveaway episode and countless others where the audience was generously provided goods and promotional giveaways. Zuckerberg  is a new arrival in the billionaire category. Founder of the social network Facebook,  the buzz is that the movie paints him in an unflattering manner. The 100 million dollar gift is a welcome and hopeful sight to those in the New Jersey schools system. At he same time, it has raised questions about whether his gift is being given as a strategem for deflecting the portrayal of his character in the film.

The gifts by Oprah and Zuckerberg are without question generous. My prayer is that the schools will measurably improve as a result of the gifts.  I would also add to the prayer that the money be wisely distributed. Money is definitely a solution to a multitude of problems. It can solve lack of supplies, inadequate buildings and lack of quality pay and qualified teaching personnel. I ask that the money donated be used to increase the pay and benefits for teachers as well.

There is also a value in  strong and effective parental and community involvement.Giving money is a substantial step in the right direction. However, the money won't be of any value if there is no care or concern about how to assure that the students and teachers get the most out of it.

 By the way, I don't think to much energy should be put into the question about Zuckerberg's motives i.e., whether his huge gift is nothing more than a good PR move to counter the negative portrayal of his character in the movie. His donation has the potential to help a good deal of students get a decent education. That is where the focus should be placed.

Kudos to Oprah and Zuckerberg. He is scheduled as a guest on the Oprah show today and will be making his official announcement then.

A Song for Kanye: It's About Forgiveness and Class. Hooray to Taylor for Letting it Shine Through Her Music!

I watched the Video Music Awards last Sunday on MTV in anticipation of an engaging program filled with spectacular pop performances. I was also eagerly expecting some suprise performances. From the list that had been broadcast in previews of the show, the line-up did not seem to be well rounded. But the show came through and most of the performances were good. There were several which were very good,despite the industry's subconscious or conscious attempt to echo GaGa-esque music filled with that muffled speaker type echo. I honestly don't know the technical musical term for it,but most of you know what I am making reference to if you've listened to the songs in the  pop music top 10.  Most of them have that same sound effect...and beat. I do enjoy the outlandishly creative Ga Ga outfits though. She is a creative genius in image design to say the least.Anyway,enough of the introductories.

All of the performances were entertaining. There was one performance that night with which I was thoroughly impressed. Taylor Swift's song was beautiful. I thought she projected her sweet youthful energy and song writing talent,which was showcased by the song and the ambience created with her bare feet,white dress and innocence. I have to admit that I did not know that the song was about Kanye West. When I made that discovery,her stock rose exponentially in my book.  To tell you the truth, I am glad I did not discover this fact until after the performance. It took away any pre-conceived notions and prejudicial brownie points  that would have accumulated if I had known in advance. So my opinion is really unbiased as it is based purely on the strength of the song and Taylor's lovely performance of it. In a world and industry filled with glorified nastiness and tit for tat psychological rough housing by way of snarks and dissing, 9 times out of 10 for the pure shock value of it all, in eforts to gain attention,the song was refreshing. I found myself analyzing the lyrics,especially the mention of the 32 year old who was still an innocent. That phrase in the lyric made me think of someone other than Kanye. At the end the song closes with a reference to using a bicycle instead when crossing the tightrope. Well, hopefully you get the picture.  The bottom line is , if like me you were not in on the 'inside info, it was still just a beautiful song that appealed to the imagination. The fact that it was a song for Kanye  ups Taylor's ante in the class department. To all the naysayers out there,forgiveness is not something you do to increase your popularity. It is transformative action and gift from the divine which is as beneficial to the one forgiving as it is for the one being forgiven. It is an action that  wipes the slate clean if forgiveness is actually acomplished. It allows people to move on with their lives emotionally,spiritually and physically. In fact, some have been afflicted with illness and disease because they've held onto grudges and misdeeds performed by others against them or someone else close to the point that they become physically sick. So in the spirit of Christianity and Yom Kippur in Judaism,please let the forgiveness begin.

Other Class Acts:

Drake who brought in Swizz Beatz and Mary J. Blige for a fabulous rendition of "Fancy".

                                          
The young brother definitely has it going on. The lyrics to his songs are not only thought provoking,but he also has that artistic integrity that you root for enthusiastically from the sidelines. Drake is a conscientious  and thoughtful rapper that you want to see win. The performance with Mary J. Blige and Swizz Beatz was one of the highlights of the show. Mary delivered a powerfully soulful rendition of "Fancy" with Swizz Beatz demonstrating his grand piano skills. I found myself wondering if Alicia was going to join him on the piano. The stage choreography augmented the Rat Pack theme that Drake was aiming for and the well lit and positioned "Drake" sign in the background added to the class. I found myself intently listening to the lyrics and witnessing the new hip hop standard for being fancy unfolding with swagger and subtle panache...if there can be such a thing.


Eminem and Rihanna

As the show opener Eminem's performance bordered on the "hip hop" spectacular. The drum orchestra in the background,stage set up and enthusiastic audience contributed to the excitement generated.  He is a talented rapper indeed.His creativity and command for catchy and thought provoking storytelling was aptly showcased in "Not Afraid", an inspiring rallying cry.

Usher

Top notch.

Forgiveness and class won out in my book. What more can I say?


Well done.

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum: Upping the Ante of Internet Access

Recent news of the Net Neutrality controversy and this looming agreement between Google and Verizon that is brewing or in the opinion of some, has already brewed--there is only a matter of time before
some think the tea is poured into the cup--I flinch.

In a nutshell, it appears people who do not have money to purchase special access to the internet will lose out by being marginalized and relegated to the slow lane. That lane will likely be in a constant state of congestion. You might liken it to the state of the inner cities and blighted neighborhoods that don't have the buying power to develop and look out for their communities as those in more affluent areas having solid tax bases. This analogy may seem like a stretch. But if you think about it, maybe not.

In the alternative, and what may be an even greater loss is its likelihood of spawning independent outgrowths or successionist networks i.e.,where those with special privileges could sublet or otherwise assign their access to those less flush. As a result, internet geeks will have more than enough incentive to create secret superhighways for use by those shut out from the predominant networks by their inability to pay for greater rates of speed. Also factor in their motivation to develop and acquire related niceties that would keep them in the game fair and square.

Either way, the stage is being set for the stripping away of modern conveniences of free and rapid access to the net by all regardless of financial prowess and social standing.

I love surfing the net unfettered by stalls and other inconveniences. I can only imagine the impact having to pay a premium for speedy service will have. Especially if that access is based on tiers of graduated income scales and the ability to pay.

Love is the Currency. Let It Flow...

“Beloved,let us love one another,for God is love;and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God,for God is love.” I John 4:7-8

Today’s reflection is based on a poem “Love Is the Currency”.

It deals with the value of love and how it is always best to let love flow without “pulling the plug” on that flow because we may not be getting compensated for our good deeds and pure efforts. I’ll be the first to admit that receiving timely and lucrative pay is important.Everyone is entitled to make a decent living and should be fairly compensated for their hard work and energies.

However, I have learned in my experiences that we should continue to love and do good without “always”, and the operative word is “always”, expecting and demanding “tit for tat” compensation in return. The bottom line is that “Love is the Currency” and we should let it flow… There are times when monetary remuneration may not be feasible or plausible under the circumstances. And,the universe’s form of trade can be so awesome,as it’s ratio of return is not limited by man made calculations or expectations.
You will get paid,even though it may not be in the form or in the fashion you had initially envisioned.Now,when “love” and “money” line up perfectly and in order,it is the ultimate combination,yielding endless and boundless prosperity and riches, a currency beyond measure.
So,bless someone with your love and resources today.

Listen in to the podcast(see below) for my recital of the poem along with introductory and closing remarks providing further insight.
Peace,

Cynthia (Revcoolc)

http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=16627

p.s. Don’t forget to tithe.


⁠⁠Originally Published: 2007-08-28⁠

Bobby Doe

I promised myself I would write more. More "e" for the blogs.

Today an old childhood neighbor came to mind, Bobby Doe. I say neighbor and not playmate because Bobby was a loner. None of the kids on the block ever really played with him or seemed eager to hang out with him.

I have not spoken with Bobby in at least 40 years. I have not seen him in about the same amount of time. Why he came to mind? I could not tell you. Your guess is about as good as mine. But I feel certain it has significance, as god speaks in a myriad of forms,languages, mediums and symbols. Some I am still attempting to translate and decipher.

Sometimes it seems computer language has gotten to such an advanced stage that it like the computer Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey, has digressed to the fetal position. In etymology, the science and study of languages such a digression would be back to the time of cuneiform many thousands of years ago, when writing was done on clay tablets.

Oh well, maybe I will categorize this writing today as a "memory sculpture", a lot like a music sculpture, a concept I created several years ago. This is my memories playlist for today, created especially for imparting a Guide for Daily Living or one to put you in touch with all the Bobbies in the world.

Memories like songs can also spin on the cranial jukebox. Before you know it, a song comes to mind and Voila you have an entire mosaic of mediums,images and sound fragments coming together and providing a Kaleidescopic panorama of memory and song. Beautiful things to reflect about and eventually,at some point if you choose, to share.

Sometimes flashbacks like this one are spiced with wafting aromas. Activating my sense of smell as they softly glide up the nose, making more poignant the remembrances like this one that has been dormant for decades. In this instance I think of bright yellow dandelions, their tiny spidery petals,toothpick thin stems sliding into blade shaped roots, emitting a unique grassy scent.

Somehow the weed and its fragrance was more noticeable during childhood. Feels great making that connection now as I reflect about what I recall most about Bobby and the character myth or stereotype he represented in the neighborhood. Bobby you might say was one of the outsiders like a dandelion is to flowers. In his heart he may have wanted to mix and mingle,but the kids just wouldn't seem to let him. I could remember the days when I'd walk down the street headed to the party store. I might see him running or otherwise trying to make himself scarce from some the neighborhood kids who would be immediately behind him or up in his face calling him names and trying to bully him into or out of something. The spirit was almost like that of a gardener who spots a weed in the flower bed. The immediate reaction, to dig it up and throw it out with a quickness. Though I have learned over the years that some of the most attractive floral arrangements might be those with a few decorative weeds tossed in. Simply ironic,wouldn't you say?

Bobby always appeared so vulnerable and helpless. Always running. He cried frequently also,which is a no no for a boy. I would feel so sorry for him. I must have been between seven and ten years old when observing the worst of it.

Bobby. That was his first name. But the name that he was called most and you could say reached a kind of "mantra" level from the mouths of the little boy ruffians on the block was Cissy. Bobby was taunted by that name a lot. I think it was because of his look. He always had an afraid look on his face. It was almost as though he just couldn't relate to or identify with the barbs and disses by the other kids. If I didn't know any better, and I probably don't,since I never really sat down and asked him how he really felt about it,I'd say he was just plain oblivious to it all.

Not only that, he'd take up running as swiftly as a gazelle when any of the neighborhood boys would even look at him in a threatening manner. I never saw Bobby stand up for himself. This probably made him the bullies best victim. The sense of helplessness and vulnerability seems to draw them like magnets. Further, Bobby was not known for standing his ground,which no doubt made him much easier, maybe even more attractive prey. He also seemed to be on punishment a lot on the home front, which may have increased his bully attraction quotient as well.

I'd often ask his mom about him the times I'd pass by the house on the way to the neighborhood market. She would more often than not reply, "Bobby's on punishment." He would get into trouble a lot in school as well. I'm sure her voice traveled so that his intimidators could easily hear the latest news. They knew when and if he was on shakey ground with his family also. The houses on our block were pretty close together. In fact, it was a tight knit community. Everybody knew each others business. Some neighbors' business you knew more than others though. You could credit that to the gossips, rumor machines and other rapid means of getting the word out.

What's the moral of this story?

I think it is that somebody's got to stand in the gap and be there for people who become targets like Bobby. There may be a situation brewing in your community. There may be a pressing need for your presence or for your intercession by prayer or taking specific actions otherwise to show concern about somebody. You may just need to do what is on your heart with no request for anything in return. The quid pro quo bargained for exchange does not seem to fit in this kind of situation.

Right now I am wondering where Bobby is, if he's still alive, if he ever got married, if he went to college,etc.

Do you know a Bobby? If so,you may want to pray for him. You may want to express your care about the situation in a creative way. Send a good book, make a phone call or just drop by and say hi. If there is a more critical condition brewing, then you may be called to do something more expedient to the circumstances. It could be that you are being prompted to help your Bobby in a way that could really make a difference and completely turn the situation around once and for all.

God bless you and I love you.

Cynthia,
The Chaplain of Pop



Listening to:

Oh Where Oh Where Can My Baby Be?

83(John Mayer)

In the Midst of it All (Yolanda Adams)

Stand by Me(Ben E. King)

Tommy(The Who)

Ode to Billy Joe(Bobbie Gentry)

We Fall Down (Donny McClurkin)