Who Wins? Answer: Democracy Wins!

Sometimes, I think public officials forget that they asked to serve us and that process includes getting input from us and working for us, and not  just their resumes, personal ambitions, and/or egos.  To hear some of the proponents say after the Sales Tax Vote, "We lost. but who won?" was shallow and beneath the office they hold.

I'll tell you who won,  -- democracy won.  You presented a question to the public and they gave you an answer. This was not a referendum on Pre-K. It was a referendum on Sales Tax Increase on a poverty ridden community. It was a question on having an independent body, not elected by the public to make decisions about public funds.  Let's be clear.  The question was not did we want Pre-K?  If  that had been the question,  I am certain that would have passed.

This community is just getting over the shock of what it meant to merge two school districts and the lost of jobs and opportunities.  As a result of that decision, we have a firm from Knoxville on contract cleaning schools and some of our former school board employees who were performing those tasks are now unemployed.  We have employees who were making living wages, and now barely making minimum wage. We have people who can never be more than 30 hour a week employees because companies are trying to avoid giving them benefits, so they have to find a second job.  We have senior citizens, not on food stamps, buying grocery with pennies because 1/2 cents does matter. So, certainly, the public wants to ask questions, get answers that make sense before they vote.

Who Won?  You won.  As officials, you won, because now you can go back to the drawing board and design another plan that addresses the answers given to you by this public. Find a way to fund and expand our Shelby County Schools' Pre-K program. I suggest that you work with the County and Shelby County Schools in developing that plan.

Who won?  We Won.  Now, we know that the Greater Memphis Chamber is committed to Pre-K and they should lead the effort to ask the City Council to amend the Ordinance to release public education funds from PILOTS as an investment in their future workforce.  (However, I plan to ask how much money has the Chamber received from the City of Memphis the last couple of years, and if any of those funds were used on this effort.)

Who won? Children Won.  Because the public's answers  to the referendum questions bring us closer to a solution for our children, if your egos get out of the way.

Remember, democracy is not a spectator sport.  Therefore, we win when the people speak. I really think that who won was the wrong question.  We should ask "what will WORK for our community" given the answers we received from our public.I encourage you to value that input, rather than demean it.

Where Are You?

Today, I visited Grace Temple Ministries and the Associate Pastor Daryl Braden preached from Genesis  3:9-10,  "And Jehovah God called unto man, and said unto him, Where are you? And he said, I heard a voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself."

As I pondered this scripture and message it spoke to me and my heart was so heavy. During the service, a young woman walked in and sat besides me. She wore an over-sized puff car-coat. (That's a throw back term) She had on jeans, a tight shirt that revealed she was pregnant. Her unstructured ponytail was telling me she was a young soul. The young man with her held her hand. I drew assumptions about her, as I am sure she had some about me.

We all have insecurities, and we sometimes hide behind them. We hide behind our earthly possessions, brand names, and what we consider the popular thing to do because we want to feel a part of the world. When God really wants us to be the Salt of the Earth. We hide from our values, our beliefs for fear that some group will shun us.  We hide from our own sin because it is embarrassing to admit our imperfections. And when we hide, God asks the question, "Where are you?"

During the alter call, the young woman beside me wiping her tears said, "I am going to get what I came for..." She got up and went to pray. Before I knew it,  I was at the alter, too. Her courage nudged me to admit that I needed to pray.

I don't know what God wants me to do with this passion for social justice, and it scares me.  Because when you are truthful to power you are criticized and obstructed. For weeks, I have tried to avoid answering the question, "Where Are You on the Sales Tax?"

But, I am here, probably alone. But, I am comfortable that it is where God led me.

I support Pre-K for all children.  I do not support the referendum we are asked to vote for to fund it. Therefore, I will vote "No".

Why am I opposed to the sales tax referendum?

• It is a regressive tax.

A tax with a rate that decreases as the taxpayer's income increases.

The result of a regressive tax is that the lower-income taxpayer pays a larger percentage of his or her income in taxes than does the higher-income taxpayer.

•    It is a double down regressive tax.

 Even though is it already a regressive tax,  the provision of lowering property taxes of  property owners makes it a double down regressive tax.  The poor who rent will not get a reduction in rent, but the owner of the property will benefit from the poor's sacrifice.  That makes this morally wrong for me.

•    Public elected bodies should determine the spending of public funds.

Education is the responsibility of the State and County. Why are we building a new foundation to go around  the public entity charged with that responsibility? Why would I want a handpicked boby making these decisions over an elected Board of Education with broad representation from every district in this city.

•     I don't buy their ice water colder theory.

If we raise the public funds for the implementation of Pre-K, it should be the responsibility of our school 
board that is charged with educating our children. The notion that we should have a select foundation because people don't trust our school system's leaders is a message that I do not care to send.

I have lived in a world all my life that because of my skin, my sex, my status, it was assumed that I could not make sound decisions.  I reject that message.  I don't think the proponents are trying to send that message, but we must be careful about subliminal messages.  I have disagreed with decisions of the School Board but I trust that they are good stewards and want all our children to share the resources for their educational success.

The gains that have been made from hardworking board members, superintendents, administrators, teachers, parents and students should be applauded and I think they are capable of making a Pre-K plan for our children with funds from our public.

•  As a city, the citizens decided to abolish the Memphis City School System, and now they want back in.   This is confusing and a little  schizophrenic. 
• Is this plan constitutional?
  If we know we will only have money for some members of the class and the need for Pre-K is greater can we really withhold Pre-K from some of the members of the class while allowing others to a service when the funds were generated from a tax from all citizens?  Lawyers, please examine this. 

So, where am I?  
Here, I am God, probably alone, but at peace with this decision.

I am ashamed it took me so long to stand up and say it. I respect the will of the voters.  I just regret that we are voting on this issue at a time when the turn out will be low. This is another political tactic that allows you to get your target voters who support the item to the polls while those who oppose with no funds to educate the public will stay home.  These funding referendums should be placed on the ballot during a Mayoral election or a general election that is not a special election.


P.S.
By the way, to fund Pre-K, I suggest working with the new County leaders and tap the funds that are a part of the Pilot Program that should be directed toward public education.  I read on Smart City that there may be approximately $10-12 million in that area and review the Motel/Hotel Tax.  Surely, tourism and corporate understand the value in educating its future workforce.

Memo to Attorney General: Constitutional Rights are to be Valued and Respected

 This signage should add this statement: "But, don't you watch me. Signed, The Police"

The Commercial Appeal reported an incident that occurred on Main Street this weekend.

 "Twice in five days, Memphis Police officers have been accused of interfering with citizens who were using their cellphones to record police activities.

The First Amendment guarantees people the right to film public activities, civil liberties experts said Tuesday. Last November, the U.S. Supreme Court strengthened such protections when it refused to hear an appeal concerning an Illinois law that would have made it illegal to record police.

In both Memphis cases — one at a Midtown homeless shelter, the other a hip-hop gathering on South Main — those arrested were charged with disorderly conduct or obstructing a highway or passageway. Handcuffs effectively ended those recording attempts.

Civil liberties experts worry that police are using general laws to arrest people who disobey orders to put their cameras away.

“The people who are recording are winning in court. But the problem is that, out on the streets, police officers can informally order people to put their phones away or threaten them with arrest if they don’t,” said Tim Lynch, director of the criminal justice program of the Cato Institute, a Washington-based think tank.

“If they do an arrest, they come up with a charge (such as) disorderly conduct or interfering with an investigation. Those charges may be dropped over the next couple of days, but police officers have accomplished their goal of disrupting the recording.”

Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the Tennessee chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said, “It’s very clear that government cannot pass laws or rules prohibiting the videotaping of police officers conducting their public duties in public places.”

While Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich generally agreed that such filming was legal, she also encouraged citizens to obey the commands of police.

'If it’s a police officer asking you not to do that, in my opinion, just do it. Just listen to them. They’re probably trying to protect the scene,control the scene,”Weirich said.' "

My comments will be simple.  First to the Memphis Police Director, find a way to retrain your staff, rank and file on the First Amendment.  We expect for the police to adhere to the rights of citizens as they administer law and order on our behalf.  I believe you can do both...chew gum and walk, administer the law and order and respect the rights of citizens. 

I find it particularly troubling that the Union and the Police Administrators were always opposed to camera in the cars or uniforms, but they utilized cameras all over the city to watch citizens. While on the City Council, I joined the former Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Holt as she asked budget year after budget year for cameras in cars; and all we got were excuses.  In fact, we don't even have cameras in our interrogations rooms.  They tell us what was said and we accept the confession as "gospel".  Today, technology is too advance for us to accept this standard.  Many police departments our size have this technology. 

 We have cameras at intersections, all over downtown, and in most office building you enter.  In fact, if there is a robbery at Exxon the first thing they ask for is a copy of the camera video.  Yet, they don't want the same camera validating the effective and efficient police work that they deliver. 

Secondly, here's my advice to Attorney General Amy Weirich. You are the County's advocate to make sure justice is administered for our public safety.  We depend on you to make sure our voices are heard to convict the "bad guys"  and make sure the "police" are not the "bad guys". They should not violate the rights of citizens.   

Your comment troubled me.  What kind of double talk are you doing in this situation? 

"If it’s a police officer asking you not to do that, in my opinion, just do it.Just listen to them. They’re probably trying to protect the scene, control the scene,” Weirich said."

Sorry, your statement encourages them to continue to violate our constitutional rights and such advice may makes us vulnerable to future lawsuits from those who are violated.  In situations where there is not imminent danger, which did not appear to be this case, these officers may have violated their first amendment rights to limit these citizens from using their cell camera devices.  This could also be an illegal seizure which is another violation of someone's constitutional rights.



I expect you to protect the rights of your public, and we are members of your public. I support our men and women in blue and understand the complexity of their jobs.  I have relatives on that force and I pray for him and their safety.  However, we want to them to do their jobs within the boundaries of the law, and not be our "City's Bullies".  I support public safety officials in getting their benefits and raises and did not hesitate to say that to City officials. But, I do not support them in violating the rights of others.  In fact, if you do your job well, you really don't care who is recording it.

Just remember, Officers, we too, sing America and expect you to protect and serve with honor and distinction.

Walking In Memphis!

My dearest friend, Cassandra Webster, sent me an invitation to participate in her "Forty Days of Gratitude Walk".  She did something similar last year, and I never responded "yes or no".  This time it really bothered me to ignore it.

I wanted a reason to not participate.  I thought--

•  I can't waste gas driving out to Germantown every morning on my retiree's salary.  
• I can't get up that early to drive way out there every day.  I'm retired.
• It's getting cold and the older I get my body is harder to warm up. 
•  I am out of shape. 

Then, I prayed and asked God to help me figure out why I no longer enjoyed walking.  When Ron and I moved to this area 28 years ago, I loved walking every morning around the neighborhood.  I walked and waved to neighbors reading the paper as they drank their coffee while sitting on their porches.  I walked and moved garbage cans for seniors from the sidewalk to the back fence, just for a random act of kindness.  I walked and smiled at schoolchildren at the bus stop.  I walked and prayed as I looked at our beautiful area full of trees and well landscaped yards.  

But, I stopped walking because now I step in poop of dogs that are left to run around without supervision. I stopped because young people that I did not know in my area were standing on the curb of the street making drug sells.  I stopped because only a few streets from me I learned of a prostitution ring and I did not want to be in the middle of someone driving away from an unannounced bust or sting.  I stopped because a man I knew of and his wife walked together every morning in another neighborhood, like we did, until a car came by to rob them and they killed him for little or nothing.  I stopped because I am scared to walk in this wonderful city that I grew up in and raised my children in.  I'm scared of being vulnerable to those who wish to prey on my joy of just walking and talking to God.

USA Today on October 5, 2013 reported "You might think that going to California, Texas or New York exposes you to a lot of crime. But in fact it was Tennessee that had the nation's highest violent crime rate last year. 

1. Tennessee

> Violent crimes per 100,000: 643.6

> Poverty rate: 17.9%

> Pct. of population with bachelor's degree or higher: 24.3%

> Property crimes per 100,000: 3,371.4 (10th highest)

Tennessee has the dubious distinction of having the worst violent crime rate in the country. The state was among the top 10 in the country for murders and robberies and was first for aggravated assaults, with an estimated 479.6 for every 100,000 residents. Tennessee's 41,550 violent crimes in 2012 were up 6.8% from 2011 but down 10% from 2007, when there were 46,380 violent crimes. There were 388 murders in the state in 2012, up for a second straight year. To be fair, Tennessee's violent streak is concentrated in some of the major metropolitan areas. Memphis's violent crime rate was the nation's fifth worst, while Nashville's was the 18th worst. Like many states with high violent crime, poverty in Tennessee is acute, and high school and college graduation rates are lower than most of the country. (USA Today)

I am really tired of the excuse that we count crime differently than the Feds.  Maybe, we should count it the same way.  And if we don't, I still don't see a decline in their stats from year to year.

As if that was not enough, the Commercial Appeal reported on a rash of robberies perpetrated on walkers in the Memphis and Shelby County area.  Immediately, I asked in a note to self,  what can I do to help conquer my fears?  That small still voice in my spirit said, "Walk."  Well, six days ago, I started my Forty Days of Gratitude Walk in my neighborhood.

Here are some strategies we can employ to help keep us safe.

1. Try to walk with someone, and let someone in your family know your walking plan. Stay away from underpopulated areas.
2. Hide your phone.  I used a fanny pack for my phone underneath my t-shirt.  In fact, I decided to take an extension, the old out of date phone is a second phone, stripped with identifying information, but has service. If it's taken, or lost I still have my pricey phone.Did you know that even a old phone that is not connected to service will dial 911?
3. Wear bright and reflective bold colors.  Even neighbors can spot you if you look as if you are in trouble.  NO JEWELRY, please.  And please don't wait until you park and place your purse in the trunk.  That's asking for trouble because somebody is watching.
4. If you sense someone following you. Don't go home but go to a neighbor's house with cars in the driveway or lights on. Know the opened businesses in the area of your walk plan.
5. Join a walking club at a safe location.  Walkers are in Southland Mall everyday or the Community Center.
6. Sorry, I walk with my husband and his golf club.  I don't recommend a gun, but, I understand.(smile)
7. Stay Alert!  The more alert you are while walking, the less you will be a target. That means, I do not recommend headphones or walking and talking on the phone.  You need to know if someone is coming upon you.
8. Write your name and address on an old pair of socks around the ankle.You can also have a business card inside your shoe. You can write your name, a contact number in case of an emergency on a piece of paper and place it in your pocket.
9. Stay a distance from parked cars or bushes.
10. Wear your door key and have it in your hand before you reach your door.

I'm facing my fears of crime in this city and I'll do what I can to support our police and leaders in this fight.  There are times, I may speak out because being passive is not working for this City, and state that we love.  These are things I can do while walking, but getting involved and holding officials accountable for providing a secure community I can do, too.  Like anything, else withing five or six years and the problem grows, rather than shrinks, I'll walk to find new leaders with new solutions. I don't want to be guilty of electing the same people and getting the same empty results.  I'll support those with proven results or new energy with new ideas.

So, Cassandra, here's your RSVP.  I'm walking in Memphis, with both my feet on the ground...

P.S.
While I've been walking I've noticed that my neighborhood is really in pretty good shape and there are just a few really troubling spots.  I also noticed that the street pavement job in my neighborhood a few years ago is awful and needs to be redone.  I trust that City Engineers are inspecting this work and before using this contractor again will assess the quality of the work that was performed.  That's the only way we hold them accountable for good work.  Best Bid speaks to price and quality. E'nuff said.

When Texting...Less Is More...LOL

Here's your Girl Friday, tajuan.thenotetaker.com, with a little help for those of us driving down the highway of life over 55 and trying to keep us with the pace of traffic?  DYGT?  LOL  Did you get that as I laugh out loud? 

 Well, I'll admit I am 60 years old and keeping up with the pace of the world and all of its gadgets can be challenging.  I do my best to keep up but often find myself asking my son how to work this and that on the phone, computer and television. We literally asked him to drive 15-20 miles to show us how to use the electronics gadget we bought and have had in the house for years.  I still can't make a CD from a high tech piece of equipment that we purchased. In fact, anything that electronically,  I will need help. I sometimes bribe him to come over for his favorite homemade Lasagna.  I admit it!  I am not one who learns from reading instructions. I am a visually learner. 

I call my daughters about all the new language that I can decipher. When they stop laughing, they help. Growing older is no joke, but I manage that.  Staying relevant is the real challenge. I love the art of writing.but texting is a challenge for me. My daughters usually text me  with the code "TMI", and remind me that they have to pay for my long messages.  Yes, I am writing letters on the text devices. 

Hip Hop Culture has even found its way to the the Oxford English Dictionary. Five new words were introduced.  All of them are considered for informal communication but we need to know these words to communicate. 

 Twerk - verb - to dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.    

Bling -expensive, ostentatious clothing and jewelry, or the wearing of them

Dope - adjective- It means something is good, not drugs.  For example: "That suit is dope!"

Phat - adjective- It means something is described as excellent.

Jiggy (uninhibited, especially in a sexual manner)

So, this post is for all my gray-haired friends that are skilled in writing the traditional letter but having a hard time conquering the art of text messages.

The objective is to send a message in a quick and witty way. Do you remember the slogan "KISS" (Keep it Short, Stupid or Sweetie) theory in writing a speech? Well, texting is shorter than that.  Often acronyms are used to keep from writing long sentences.  Please notice that the use of the first letter of the word  helps to make a phrase. It's much like the Pat Sajak's Show, Wheel of Fortune, revealing letters to form a phrase.

Here is a guide for the most commonly used text shorthand words and phrases.  Hope it helps!

Top Popular Text and Chat Phrases

• IKIRAI                                 I know I am right about it!

• IKR                                      I know, Right!?

• ROTFL                                 Rolling on the floor laughing

• HLCYG                                How Low Can You Go?

• B/C                                        Because

• B4N                                       Bye for now

• LOL                                       Laugh out Loud 

• LMBO                                   Laughing My Butt Off

• 2moro                                    Tomorrow

• LMS                                      Like My Status

• /_                                           Have A Seat

• 2nite                                       Tonight

• BTW                                      By The Way

• BFF                                        Best Friends Forever 

• CYA                                      Cover Your Ass  (This is an Old School Term)

• RBTL                                     Read Between The Lines

• DILLIGAS                             Do I Look Like I Give A Sh**

• ILY                                        I Love You

• L8                                          Late,  L8er - later

• PTL                                       Praise the Lord (Old Church School Origin)

• TMI                                       Too Much Information

As always, 

XOXO

(Hugs and Kisses)

Granny

Parents Step Up, Please!

As I read posts on Facebook, I ran across one that Wendi Thomas had about Southwind High School. Today, at Southwind High there was a gang fight and school's Homecoming activities were postponed. I found myself responding to the news.

"Unfortunately, we will hear from more parents about homecoming being canceled, than the fight. If Homecoming is rescheduled, I pray we have parents concerned about the violence and the potential for more violence if precautions are not made.

I want to hear PTAs', not administrators, speak out on what is not acceptable behavior. I want to see parents agree to organize and chaperon events with more parental involvement than they have ever had at a school event. I want children to feel the presence and watchful eyes of their parents. I want to see parents and law enforcement working together and the clergy adopting territories around the school. I want to see a new push for resources for mental health counseling for students and families."

Am I asking for too much? Maybe, I am dreaming. I am sorry. I thought families spent time together at the dinner table and talked about the day. I recall parents organizing the time after school.

•  (1) Take off you school clothes We were proud of the way we dressed for school.
•  (2) Do your homework without television. 
• (3) Do your chores around the house 
• (4) Enjoy fun time with siblings and friends. 

Our family was the "gang" in the neighborhood and if we did something, the Boss of the Johnson Family would tell the Boss of the Scott family, and we knew it. We played outside - hopscotch, kickball, and Captain May I? And when the lightening bug sparked, it was time to come inside. I sometimes feel bad that my grandchildren will never enjoy that kind of childhood.

I raised four and that's how we did it. And that's how our parents did it in the midst of a civil rights struggle. Education was not an option; it was your job, as I fed and clothed you. Small people didn't talk back and did not get in grown folk's conversations. But, maybe I am asking too much for parents to be adults and children enjoy your roles in a family.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of all American children and seventy-two percent (72%) of black children are born out wedlock.As tragic as that it, our real problems come when fathers and mothers are missing in action from their children's lives. Although, most children living in single family homes will likely live in poverty.  We were always poor financially, but never in spirit.  In fact, I was poor and never knew it because I was encouraged to value my God, family and education because with that foundation, I could do and be anything.

The headline tomorrow in the CA will read, "Southwind's Homecoming Canceled-Gang Fight".  I'll read it with while sitting on the porch with my coffee and shake my head in disbelief.  Then, I'll dream of yesterdays for children, today. 

But, let's stop ducking and dodging the truth, we need a cultural change in the mindset of parents to turn this situation around.  Schools can't do it.  It really does start in the homes.

tajuanthenotetaker.com

United States Congress: Ain't Nobody Got Time for This!!!

My daughter is in the final phase of her dissertation  for a PhD and the deadline is near.  She has pursued her PhD on scholarship and all A's from St. Louis University. While she was working frantically yesterday, in between attending a family member's funeral, she received a message about the  Library of Congress' Online service.  It warned her and others that the shutdown would impact this service

She is  two weeks away from her deadline.  Do they not care how their decisions are impacting good hardworking citizens?

This is not a compromise situation about the budget. This is the Republicans trying to rewrite history on an issue that they lost. Move forward, please.  Really, it's about doing anything to fight this President, and for some of them it's because they have personal disdain for this black man who happens to be our President.

There should be a provision that the Congress (public servants) are not paid until a budget is passed and cannot have a  fundraiser until a budget is passed?

Ain't nobody got time for this!