Creative Social Action Triumphs Classic Oscar Style at Last Night’s Academy Awards

 

By all appeareances the pre-Oscar scuttlebutt about a lack of  diversity in the Academy Awards nominee voting process and choices, though it had gained substantial momentum in days leading up to the broadcast, was resoundingly negated and rendered moot on various levels and in several categories during the program. 

 First of all, it was a wise act to expand upon the telecast and include recipients of the Governors Awards, social activist Harry Belafonte the perfect choice being one of the most notable and consistent artist activists over his lifespan and career. It set the tone for the evening, did the Afro-American community proud and made me feel very much a part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences community, as in "inclusive".

 Two Mexicans, Latinos Hispanics Best Director awards shed a light on immigration issues without tackling them head-on or intentionally. It just worked out in its own way with Birdman directors' (of Mexican descent) tongue in cheek comments about immigration during his Oscar acceptance comments. John Legend and Common's win for Best song "Glory" was the perfect top off for the evening not just for "Selma's " social justice message and the hard fought right to vote, but broadened the victory to overlap into women's rights equal pay issues, age discrimination, immigration and the phlight of aging actors (Birdman) who often get looked over because of the value misplaced on youth in society. (Whiplash's actor @ 60 has been in the industry 40 yrs before winning an award).

Reese Witherspoon's interview on the red carpet about the role she played behind the scenes as a producer of two Oscar nominated movies,Wild and Gone Girl set the table so to speak for Patricia Arquette's big win for her performance in Boyhood and for women's rights in the motion picture industry across the board. Giving more insight and credit to technical aspects of filmmaking by presenting video on special affects designers, etc. was a nice touch.

The outcome was the perfect social consciousness palette, a racially diverse spread of Oscar winners list done with class. A beautifully done reminder that we can and must do this thing called "great society" together... 

See Wikipedia for a more detailed breakdown of the 87th Annual Academy Awards ceremony here.

Cynthia

The Importance of Your 2014 Midterm Vote

What is a campaign? It if anything is a vigorous
effort at promoting a cause,a person,an idea or candidate who is more than worthy of the drive and energy required to achieve the purposed outcome or result. It is also a period of intensive education and outreach to needy constituents longing for fair and comprehensive representation by qualified and capable candidates.

Whether securing votes can be best accomplished through phone banking,half minute television or two-five minute You Tube videos,in person meet and greets,book promotions,town hall meetings, time tested sterling political track records or door to door canvassing, voter turn out is key. Without question this midterm election needs an infusion of voter  capital, citizens exercising  their unfettered right to vote.  The social,economic and political soul of our country is at stake. We are down to the wire. The mid-term election is exactly one week away.

While it is usually an election that does not get as much voter turn out as the Presidential elections held every four years, this year it is crucial and should not be downplayed. With Obama having only two years left to his term in office, the outcome of this mid-term could determine important court appointments,the future of affordable health care, immigration reform, voting rights,jobs programs,urban blight and infrastructure rebuilding and so many other matters that will shape the political landscape of our country for years to come.

In short, it is a political race in which democratic  values, mores, American ideals and overall societal well-being depends upon. Of course, God first and Gods will be done is the constant prayer for those who seek guidance of a higher nature. And, I pray daily for our local,national and global leaders.

Past Republican  tactics and strategems will not get my vote. Unfortunately, obstruct,distort,finneagle and anything promoting separatism and digression  are underlying themes of Republican stumping, guiding principles of their campaign or anti-campaign. Anything or way contrary or opposite Obama  irrespective of its rationality or plausibility.

Despite all the media blitz,  campaign ads which make Democrats and those sympathetic to their policies appear ineffective or obtuse, a thoughtful review of history and current events will reveal  Democrats led by President have made progress despite spending a great deal of energy battling Republican obstruction and recalcitrance.

Thus, now the smart money has to be on those who honor equality,economic growth, enriching jobs programs,affordable quality healthcare,  sound infrastructure, careful and well thought out foreign policy,effective-- not polarizing immigration reform,etc...

We need the senate and the house working and running like the well oiled machine intended by our countrys forefathers. We need competent and compassionate  governors,senators and congresspeople working productively,if not always together on issues to keep this country at the forefront,not trailing behind.

So, vote early or on the official day.But vote smart. After all what is a campaign without an informed and enthusiastic electorate's participation in the voting booth or via absentee ballot?

I assessed the situation, local area specific issues, national and international outlooks, weighed  candidates qualifications and track records,social and community values. All proposals and referendums. Voted smart and early so excited to have the cherished opportunity to cast my ballot.

How about you? What are you going to do for campaign,community and ultimate social progress? The election booth needs you.

Colorado Weather Disastrous Shift

         Photo Credit: Denver Post-

The situation in Colorado is just unbelivable. Billions of dollars in damages and mortalities. That and other recent natural disasters is cause to take pause for prayer and deep reflection. What are human beings doing to cause such turbulent shifts in  earth’s geographic weather patterns? Global warming I can't help but wonder what can I do to really help? Raise money for rebuilding or travel to the area to minister and comfort?

 Right now, my thoughts and prayers go out to all affected as I dedicate an art print and a song especially for the area. That page should have been up...yeah I know. Pain is a complex thing. It takes effort to ”go through” and come out victorious on the other side. Sometimes the shock and deep grief of great loss through disaster causes an indescribable inertia which can weigh you down more than you care to admit to yourself or share with others. That's why prayer is so important. Pray for all those who are too burdened or afflicted to pray for themselves. That is my offering today at this hour. and moment...prayer of intercession. ”The prayers of the righteous availeth much”-James 5:16

Ask Humbly...

Photo-Cynthia Wilson

 

"Ask Humbly in Jesus' Name" was the title of my sermon yesterday for the Hour of Power midweek service. Touched on the name's origin and history(Christology), its meaning in Christian life, how it's referenced in Gospel tunes in addition to how Jesus' power and authority manifests spiritually and experientially in real life through prayer sealed in the name of Jesus. In Hebrew translations it is Yeshua and means he, God saves.Video of sermon forthcoming from video archives.

Bring'em Back Safely

 It has been made pretty much clear that Edward has broken the law and it is obvious that he has been zig zagging a questionable trail across the globe. But,of course,this is undoubtedly an understatement if not a tremendous oversimplification of the matter. Larger questions are: What are the details of this massive surveillance by the US govt? And, can any of us really ever safely fully know? Why did he flee? Why to those countries? Does he have reason to fear return to go through legal channels? If so, can he be assured of secure return and trial, etc.,especially in light of some political leaders views that he is a traitor?

 This status still remains to be proven in either a court of law if civilian or military tribunal if military. Instead of his whereabouts continuing to be speculated and his asylum status lingering in suspense,he needs to find a safe and secure way home or some respectable and trusted neutral ground,where this matter can be fairly adjudicated and resolved,not typically the places to which he's been fleeing. Russia and Cuba have not historically been viewed as close US allies and Hong Kong's denial of extraditon was embarrassing. It was not the best tactical move for him to flee initially,unless his life was threatened and in imminent danger. And there has been no evidence or alluding to that,although there are inferences that can be drawn by those who are all too faniliar with the risks inherent in these type scenarios.

Obamas interview on Charlie Rose last week would give every indication that the administration is on top of the matter. He stated among other things they are receptive to a system of checks and balances in NSA surveillance and monitoring,even though he sees no irregularities in the current system,now under scrutiny by some members of congress,the ACLU who recently filed a lawsuit. Whether Snowden should be encouraged to return and face the music in a nation with a substantial history of justice and due process is open to speculation.

After he gets a good lawyer, he should come back to people who are willing to work this out through the legal system that's not perfect,but strives for fairness and transparency by its very nature. Its  adversarial procedure based on innocence until proven guilty, is a value taken seriously and has withstood the test of time,though some stark embarrassments as well. If he chooses to continue with sporadic travels extending hodge podge requests for asylum,after reaching out and negotiation by his legal eagles,then,maybe he needs diplomatic interventions,ones that might lead to groundbreaking  alliances among "at odds" nations. By the way, the US has had long experience with political prisoner issues and provides one of the most robust, constitutionally protected and dynamic democratic political milieus for expressions of protest and dissent on all levels of govt globally. Why not return and...kiss the ground? 

 

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