Need for Gun Control

Blacks, women and other suspect classes have faced more than their share of gun violence,threats and lntimidation in the fight for social justice. Mowing down innocent children is as unconscionable as it gets, just nauseating. The use of military scale weapons increases the sense of outrage and presents an urgency to clamor for organized citizen involvement on a scale of the civil rights movement. The heinous nature of the shootings should not incite leaders to increase arms in the public schools as the only workable solution. Communities,elected officials,law enforcement, the military and responsible NRA members have to come together and stop this with everything they have. Background checks and decreased availability of such weapons is a good start. 

Flight: Very Much Worth Watching ""Whip's" Sober and Free

If you have not already seen this movie, it is definitely worth a trip to the theater. I found it rich in texture as far as the storytelling goes. Denzel's character Whip Whittaker,demonstrates magician like dexterity in bringing a nose-diving jet liner with in excess of 200 passengers on board to a skillful but turbulent landing with more lives saved than lost. Landing in an open field ironically adjacent to a church with a steeple which is torn off in part during the topsy-turvy landing,literally. However, it is later discovered that his blood alcohol levels were well above legal limits. Despite his celebrated heroism for the feat that fact alone if exposed to the public could considerably alter the public's opinion of his piloting skills and also subject him to years in prison for criminally negligent homicide, ending his career as a passenger pilot. It is this complex play of issues brought to life by solid acting which keeps the viewer substantively engaged. Seeing him play a vulnerable drunk and rehab bound airline pilot,was a departure from his usual roles. The movie was also filled with subtle redemption undertones concerning prayer,church,addiction,etc. One of the stewardess's was church bound as soon as the plan arrived to its destination. John Goodman was a sure scene stealer as Whip's street pharmacist. there were scenes that really pull you in and get your attention while providing a window into the degrees of denial that are evident in an alcoholic's or any drug dependent's personality--Whip's alcohol issues are complimented, compounded and ultimately salvaged by his new female friends intervention. She is grappling with her own addiction challenges. There were several scenes which stood out. The crash scene in the beginning had me on the edge of my seat. It was awesome how Whittaker was portrayed behind the pilots wheel and his command of the instruments despite the fact he had been out all night. The scene at the end where he has a heart to heart with his son while in prison and touches on the importance of truthfulness is icing on the cake. He admits to his son that he is finally sober and for the first time in his life he feels free. I was expecting a flight disaster movie after viewing the trailers,but there was so much more to the movie. And, that extra something was a pleasant surprise.

Happy Christmas,Hanukah,Kwanza and New Year!

Restoration Harvest

Please listen to today’s selected podcast message at the link below to augment the brief written reflection that follows on “Restoration Harvest”.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41182465

Many Voters Continue to Support, Pray and Cheer the Right to Vote On

Churches,community organizations and Get Out the Vote have revved up their engines. Well organized efforts of prayer, voting and volunteer networks have sparked unprecedented early voting turnouts across the nation. Actions have also generated legal challenges in states such as Florida. There voters are embroiled in a legal battle to extend the early voting deadline. "Souls to the Polls","Get Out the Vote", election commissions and persons having insight into the myriad issues local jurisdictions such as Detroit face. A total of 18 separate proposals are on the ballot alone, making efforts to educate and inform needed. One notable such proposal is No. 4 where the fight is on to make affordable home health care available so seniors won't feel,as the President states in the telephone call being made to voters "like they are being warehoused". Me and fellow siblings know this all too well as caregivers to two elderly parents, one faced with daily challenges of adequate elder care. The importance of a proper understanding and resultant vote in favor of making quality home care available cannot be overemphasized. The mantras are typically clear and resounding "Go to the Polls"and "Get out and vote". Rides, child care and any other incentive within reason and geared to assist voters in fully participating in this election,making their ballot count are happily being provided. Poll watchers are being recruited and trained by such organizations as the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The influential civil rights organization has been running an informative ad on radio networks across the country. It's down to the wire and election eve is upon us. The Presidential race is a tight one and the numbers are close enough to generate nothing more than a dead heat in some states. Some might wonder how the Republican candidate who was trailing Obama just months ago has managed to improve upon his image weakened by a consistently chameleon like wishy washy stance on the issues that matter most. Yet he has managed to do just that with the aid of negative campaign ads and the influx of millions of dollars from super-pacs and super-rich donors. Your vote is needed and could make the difference. Vote your conscience, vote your candidate of choice and vote like your life depended on it!