Be Thankful: The 2018 Edition.

Everyone knows how this goes yet again. And it’s really simple. No need to link or google or even #Hashtag. Today, many around the country and in the household or other areas, we Americans will be celebrating that holiday of food called Thanksgiving. From the Parades to the NFL Games, Dog Shows, or other new traditional ideas that will boost the food day. And yes, there will be us going out to the clubs and shaking off the pounds to get loose for Christmas. Or staying home for the house parties.

And yes, there will be constant reminders of the horrors that our Native American brothers and sisters will not participate in this Thanksgiving Day due to the killing of their ancestors outside of a church on a Sunday morning many moons ago. Henceforth, The National Day of Mourning. We know this. 

But this holiday, yes does have the two words of Be Thankful for the things and ideas we already have. So here in its 11th Anniversary tradition, here is another traditional Stephen’s Spot Thanksgiving Blog of “Be Thankful”. Break out the tablets, Smartphones, PC’s or laptops. Start reading!

If you have a GOOD PAYING job that is good for you and it pays well, be thankful.

If you don’t have a job and still looking and STILL not quitting, be thankful!

If you have good insurance, either health, auto, home or dental STILL be thankful.

If you have a good car or truck that gets you to work every day, and still runs well with or without repair be thankful.

If you FINALLY have a good doctor or you still don’t have one, but still want to get that monkey (and constant NAGGING) off your back, STILL be thankful about improving your health. And STILL trying. Take your time!

Now I need to say this: If you found out that you have a chronic illness like Diabetes, and you had a devastating moment of asking why it happened and didn’t have the words. But also you had conversations and online postings about those who have it already and knows the feelings of the battles, and you learn from them and they can inspire you to be better and get with the program of what they know, and still believe that it’s possible that you control diabetes and not let it get the best of you. In the month of National Diabetes Awareness Month: BE THANKFUL that you have a support system that can back you up. I’m learning that since February 20th this year. And personally, if you read my blog story about me being a now Type 2 Diabetic, I thank you. 

If you have a cool dentist and he or she is good and professional, be thankful.

Like any year, if you have lost any loved one this year or years past, and still feel down that the space is empty or the chair is empty, and you want to fill it up with a new generation of family members that want to pull ahead, even close friends, we must try to be thankful to carry on. It’s hard, but we must. I still miss my father, and like last year, my Thanksgiving will be different without him.

If you had folks praying for you all year for all the things you’ve been experienced no matter good or bad, be thankful that there are folks that know, and are in your corner.

If you are expecting a raise in 2019 and will be getting it, be thankful!

Do you still love your gifts and talents that are unappreciated? And still, do them all the time? Be thankful!

If you still got your parents and/or relatives as your back up, be thankful that they still care.

If you had a sibling in the freaking hospital more than once, who is being taken care of and heard good news about coming home, and I know this AGAIN: BE THANKFUL!

If your Mother had a minor surgery done to remove kidney stones, and blood infections, and still be able to eat or move around then some: BE THANKFUL!

Got good neighbors that know you no matter how long? Be thankful.

Met any new neighbors lately? Be thankful.

Moved to a different city recently that you feel is best? Be thankful.

Moved back to a city that is best? Be Thankful.

Got a good plan to get that next step in your career, or a different career, and a mindset? Be thankful.

If you encountered a project or program that really SUCKED MAJOR BALLS and you tried your best, and you had a bad review to feel discouraged in all, but you also realized that there are other things you can do, still be thankful that you can still other things that make you stronger! To hell with the things that don’t work. Stay with the things that can work.

For all of my church folks: if you want your Church to succeed despite those want it to fail due to jealousy, BE THANKFUL that you are willing to fight!

If your birthday or anniversary is coming up or it already happened, be thankful!

If you are STILL very introverted and darn proud of it, and not ashamed to tell about it or embrace it, be thankful!

Single and not in a relationship? Be thankful.

Married with or without kids? Be thankful.

Single and no kids? Be thankful.

Single with kids? Be Thankful.

Divorced? Be thankful.

You still have a church home that you stay and willing to have your kids to grow IN THE CHURCH? Be thankful.

If you have been given a side gig, and love it to be paid with that cash money or checks, no matter what it is, be thankful.

Got a good pet or know a pet that knows you well? Be thankful.

If you STILL give back to your community, your Alumni, your Church, your Scholarship Committees, your Fraternity, your Sorority, your Unions or other groups that have been treating you good all this time, be thankful!

If you have served in your community as an Election Inspector (like me) for 12 years or more and still work, BE THANKFUL!

Wisconsin: If you have voted in this Election and if your favorite actually WON, BE THANKFUL!

If you STILL appreciate the value of your former teachers or coaches, or former principals, of anyone that knew your value of education, be thankful.

If you can’t wait to eat the meal that gives you life, be thankful you can still eat the grub.

Still avoiding fake news? Be thankful. They suck.

If you read the old blogs that I can’t control the reading, but still want to read what I want to say regardless from my black point of view, be thankful! Not just for me, but for you.

If you STILL got stuff in your house that you want to give away, be thankful. Somebody will take it.

Still fighting Racism, White Supremacy, Sexism, and others? – Be Thankful.

Got a good business handy? And it’s good for you to make that money like Uber or Lyft or It Works? Hey, be thankful!

If you switch your career to a new company in the past year or will go to a new company, be thankful!

Own a business? Got your own time schedule? Invested in a product or material? Be thankful.

If you got many reachable sources to give, or to provide, or to share, or to support, and it’s really catching on, you better be thankful!

If you are planning to vote in 2019 and 2020, be thankful! Get your ballots ready.

If you are looking forward to another holiday weekend of fun, be thankful.

If you are NOT shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend Black Friday outdoors in the woods or parks, Be Thankful! It’s a release to avoid a violent backlash.

If you are not shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend your cash at a local business, or on Cyber Monday, be thankful.

If you are donating to your favorite charity on Giving Tuesday, Be thankful!

If you can’t wait to deck your halls for Christmas or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, AFTER Thanksgiving (some of you did it ahead of time) Be Thankful.

If you criticized Donald Trump for his “horrible so-far job” as President and his tweets, REALLY BE THANKFUL!

If you are breathing right now normally: be thankful.

If you were removed from a company that had you started in the game, then a rift in Management occurred, but went to another company that is good so far, BE THANKFUL!

If many in the black community have black pride PLUS Melanin Responsibility to uplift our black people without sarcasm and forced stuff, BE THANKFUL!

Now I have to say this again: If you kneeled while supported the protest of inhumane acts of people of getting brutalized by the police (as in the NFL Players) and support the idea of waving the flag: your thankfulness is valid because even though many of you supported a kneeling movement in a Colin Kaepernick way. NOTE: It’s not about the Flag or against the military or veterans. It’s about the ongoing concern of black folks getting the wrong treatments of social injustice!

If you are walking tall real good, be thankful.

If you are expecting a really good breakthrough, BE THANKFUL!

If you condemn any racist act on the internet, social media, at your job, or in the house, or in the neighborhood, or any act of disrespect, forced patriotism, and you had to write letters of complaints to a certain company, STILL be always thankful to get your voice heard! Put the pressure on them on not coming back!

If you are upgrading your house to be better, be thankful!

If you got a plan to take a vacation, be thankful.

If you still got your old game systems on a Throwback Thursday and they still work, be thankful!

If you still listen to your old school joints on your radio, or maybe some new school material, be thankful.

NOTE: For my readers that had to go through hell with the wildfires in California, and the Hurricanes out east, and still feeling hopeless. I want you all to understand that it’s a hard Thanksgiving Day for you as we know. But in a sense, you should be thankful that you can rebuild. And BE EXTRA THANKFUL that yet, you are still living! And be EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA THANKFUL that a breakthrough is coming for the better!

If you are a conscious-minded person, a defensive-minded person that you know is best, for your own opinions and viewpoints without any harm or hurtful feelings towards humanity, be thankful!

As of today: I’m thankful that Stephen’s Spot has now reached 1,000 posts! If you read all or some of a few blog posts within the past decade in all: BE THANKFUL! And I thank you for reading! More to come. 

For my Sagittarius readers: guess what? Our season is back TODAY on Thanksgiving Day! Are we thankful, now? (SAGS RULE!)

And finally: If I missed anything that many have thought about, and it’s good: we all should be and forever so thankful that we must march on. Like they say at the black funerals: It’s already been said. It’s already done.

Happy Thanksgiving!

#BeThankful

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Scratching my head all this time: Before Thanksgiving.

Before we Americans throw down on the turkey, yeah there will be political drama at the dinner table. There will be many other factors in which we will ask the question, what are we thankful for in all. It’s also a Thanksgiving that yet the truth will bust out that some of our Ingenious Native American Folks will not partake in the holiday due to the national day of mourning. If you’re not familiar with it, research! Even you might watch football and the ongoing traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushering the Christmas Season.

But likewise….I’m scratching my head again.

Milwaukee, how’s that streetcar thing doing? Overall, please. No Hop Haters from those who DON’T live in Milwaukee!

So it seems now that the People’s Flag and the Milwaukee Arts Board have to get back in talking about the ongoing idea of getting a new flag. We’ve all have seen it like everyday. But many will agree that the People’s Flag Folks HAVE NOT talked to the whole Milwaukee Community. Why?!

They say that the voting never mattered in the Governor’s race in Wisconsin, mainly Milwaukee. Ummmm, did anyone see the totals while yet folks complained?

Can you be a real church member and bring a level of consciousness that many might fear and still be loyal? Not talking about money in all.

Can the Wisconsin Badgers think big and quietly usher in better talent to run pistol plays? Be advised, Big Ten.

Black Woke Folks: we need to stop all this talk about getting us not to vote. And what is the reason why? Back off! Jeez!

Mostly, in that Georgia Election, the reason why Stacy Abrams lost was due to voter suppression, and I dare say: Racism. Agree or disagree?

Remember when the WWE or the WWF Survivor Series was ON Thanksgiving Day?

What will it take to get the Green Bay Packers to get red hot AGAIN?

You know that Country music has two African-American singers that are killing the scene right now. Like Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen. Heard of them? And Country Music is part of Black History!

Who still goes to the clubs and bars after the big meal on Thanksgiving to shake off the pounds?

How about those Milwaukee Bucks though?

And why did Andrew Gillum lose in Florida again, to really someone who is deemed racist?

Since November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, how really those who love our Military actually SUPPORT our Military? And how many of us really love our Veterans SUPPORT OUR VETS?!! Don’t start illing of not being a fake patriot.

When will Milwaukee EVER get their Holiday Parade…..err Christmas Parade BACK? Come on Harley-Davidson, Northwestern Mutual, Kohls, etc!

This is very disturbing: Why a fight in the Milwaukee Courthouse?

It seems that this portrait in Baraboo sparked an outrage. Of course. But what was the real reason again? Let me guess: that blasted Nazi salute and of course that got Wisconsin in a bad light yet again.

I asked this question last time and I’ll ask it again: The Hallmark Christmas Show is back. Who’s still watching them?!

No offense to the Christmas decors but, why does Thanksgiving get suddenly skipped? I’m mean HELLO! Turkey Day is missing!

This is interesting: Sagittarius Season BEGINS on Thanksgiving Day. Sags: what are we thankful for 9th house rulers?

Remember when Thanksgiving shows actually was reclaiming their time?

Men, has #movember really sunk in? After all that no shave, November thing?

International Men’s Day had come and gone. Why is this day not formally recognized again? And why are the whiny feminists of the world, still treat as this day being sexist?

Speaking of Feminism: why target Kleenex for Mansize tissues again?

Wait a minute: there is a Football Game out the Nintendo Switch? Not Madden! But how do many like the MFL? As in the Mutant Football League? Rated M but this might attract those in the think tanks to actually MAKE A FOOTBALL GAME for the Switch! Madden, or make an “NFL 2K” Sports game. I’m calling this!

Men (and women),  can we remind ourselves not to complain about International Men’s Day on International Women’s Day next year in 2019?!!!

When Thanksgiving Day is here: is it Macy’s, Football and Food? or is it Macy’s, Food then FOOTBALL?

When Thanksgiving is over, and for many of us who do not work on a Friday, why is it necessary for those who work on Thanksgiving have to start the Black Friday sales all early?

Speaking of Black Friday: NO SHOPPING FOR ME! But who will be the idiot of the moment when engaging in others for stuff on sale in a violent physical bloodbath? It’s bound to happen. You know it!

Speaking of Small Business Saturday: Who will actually shop locally? No national stuff!

Speaking of Cyber Monday: Best online deals right now. Who has it?

Speaking of Giving Tuesday: Who will donate? To Schools, Organizations, Alumni, Church Groups, Fraternity, Sorority, Legion, etc?

I don’t get it. Since the victory of the recent Wisconsin midterm election, there might be some folks from the black community might call out the new administration of not being diverse enough. My question is: why aren’t many who are complaining (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) not applying?!!

Will Creed II be a hit?

In the last 100 seasons, how many games the Packers won on Thanksgiving? I know, I know. They got archives.

Yes, there was a time that the Native Americans were slaughtered outside after a church service on a Sunday, and years later it was dubbed as the National Day of Mourning. A real question: do many today know that part of the history?

Who might fill up the table that once was occupied by those who passed on?

Who will fill up the table and set a new tone for the big dinner?

And the last question before: how REALLY thankful are you? Like really?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Expect a “Be Thankful” Traditional Blog

My Take on International Men’s Day 2018: it’s still relevant for a reason to celebrate and learn.

Men of the world: Today of the 19th Day of November, is our annual day of us. International Men’s Day is here and yet many still complain. I think the many that are complaining are those of the feminists who constantly bash men like a bad habit. Females, you need to calm your nerves in all, this part is just for the guys. And there is a message in all this: it’s just our one stinking day of being appreciated.

With all that’s going on in the world full of mostly men wrecking the shops like ill-mannered clockwork, it’s safe to say that yes, there are of us that do the manly things around the game that need and should be paying attention too. Of course, men have to step up. OF COURSE! But the question is: how?

Here in Milwaukee, my local United Methodist Men’s folks within the past year have the decision to come together to generate our ability to revive a Men’s Group. In a way to get us actively involved in our local United Methodist Churches and also among each other. In a way of evangelism, mission, and outreach. And other factors that favor men. Here is the kicker: Men’s group in churches are a gray area. It’s not like the well rounded like the women’s groups. Yes, the women outnumber the dudes 3 to 1 in about everything. But the dudes have and must hold their own! Of course, we heard about the Men being the Heads and women being the tails. But mainly folks are forgetting, not every man can’t lead!

When this international men’s day was coming up, I had to reference back 8 months ago when we were asking the same ol’ tired question around International Women’s Day: “When is International Men’s Day?” Over and over again it was a hot-button topic and still is. Men, did we forget this? For the folks who complain and piss and moan all day: did we complain?! I’m sure many will complain in the next 4 months into 2019 that when another Women’s Day comes around, there will be many more complaints about asking about a men’s day that is worldwide. Already, folks are saying “We have Father’s Day!” or “The whole month of November is for the Movember Movement to get men to think about their health……” or “the pay gap is unfair and men are just messing up to get what we think!” Ya think?! Not really close. Of course, the pay gap is unfair and unbalanced. But that’s not the reason why International Men’s Day shouldn’t exist. And plus not every MAN is a FATHER! Let’s be clear, females! Stop saying Happy Father’s Day to the men who don’t have kids! When the men have children, then you can say that!

As I was reading the think tanks via Social Media, The Guardian Newspaper out of the UK, and talk shows like Ellen today, and even The Forum on Real Resistance Radio this morning: the theme of the day was talking about International Men’s Day. Many have joked about this day occurring, but when you think about these stats from the International Men’s Day Website: 

“Men face a series of health challenges that need to be addressed in order to have our communities function to their fullest potential.”

Current research tells us that:

1. men have a suicide rate 3 times higher than women
2. 1 in 3 men have been the victims of domestic violence
3. men on average die 4-5 years before women
4. men are nearly twice as likely to suffer from lung cancer than women
5. men are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease than women

With all the other health concerns listed here: we know that the average man dies early, getting lung cancer and yes heart disease/prostate cancer/colon cancer mostly more than women. BUT…..when you talk about Men dying more of Suicides and above all else being victims of Domestic Violence! Yes ladies, men can be victims of being abused physically, mentally, financially and yes spiritually. And other bad influential beings. Now we know why the International Men’s Day has come into the light since 1999. Be advised ladies! 

It’s almost in comparison like, when we have let’s say in the United Methodist Church, a day set aside for Women for Women’s Day (depending on March or May) and yet Men’s Day is set aside for mostly in June around Father’s Day. And here’s another kicker: I don’t hear any complaints about having a UMW Group and UMM Group so why are we tripping about having a day for the Men? Grow up, folks. 

Men of the world: yes all of us dudes that are single, married, widowed, divorced, in life partner relationships of any kind, active in the classroom, active at work, active in the Church, active in the community of choice, active as introverts (yes I’m one of them), active in the health fields, active in business ownership, active with fraternities, active in the military/veterans groups, active in entertainment,active in politics (in a nice way) active in many other factions: continue to guide your end of the ship to get to the point of where YOU want to go.

Men of the world whom are unemployed, underemployed, underappreciated, forgotten, overlooked, beaten up, scared for life, picked on, generally attacked, disrespected, physically/mentally/spiritually and financially attacked (by both MEN and WOMEN no matter what year or timeframe), discouraged, humiliated, embarrassed, or any other feeling of disrespect or left out: I would say man up,  but excuse my french: HELL NO! If you are a man that has been wronged by these words, it’s ok. If you felt this way or still feeling this way, you are NOT A PUNK! I don’t know who started this crap to think that Men aren’t supposed to feel this way (either men or women) but this crap MUST STOP WITH MEN, PERIOD! It must stop with a strong family. It must stop with a strong education. Strong jobs, strong economic values, strong health and wellness, strong community, strong neighborhoods, strong faith, and a strong structure of better endeavors that many must grasp! It must STOP! And the rebuilding begins with healing. And I don’t know that forgiveness comes in at times, even though it’s hard to forgive. 

And to the men who are the Dark Horses or the Unsung Heroes. And I’m one of these also. Those whom have been undiscovered and still have some talent: the folks will know your name. But for now, keep them guessing and keep your game under wraps. Be that STILL dark horse that many (either other men and women) will stop denying you! They will regret you for not picking you to join their team and I dare say employment!

Men, even though that this International Men’s Day of 2018 is coming to a close for another year, and all have happened, what will we do for International Men’s Day 2019: The 20th Anniversary? What will we do between this International Men’s Day and the next? What will we do? We hear it from the Women that Men need to step up. I agree! But again I ask as Man: a Black man from the United States of America: what’s next to step up too? That’s the million dollar question.

Now, ladies. You may talk.  But enjoy OUR International Men’s Day, gents! Between now and the next November 19th every time. But not every March, OK?! 

For more info about International Men’s Day, here is their link. I would say that this should be useful around every November 19th. But it can be useful to summarize every day!

#InternationalMensDay

#November19th

The rant of Stephen’s Spot: You don’t know jack about Poll Workers!

Its been a while since I’ve done a rant. But recently, our soon to be gone Governor Scott Walker had his finger pointing mess button about the recent election he lost to the next Governor to be Tony Evers. In a recent Facebook Post, the City of Milwaukee Election Executive Director, Neil Albrecht has written a post in the response of the criticism. He writes:

Office of Governor Scott Walker

Dear Governor Walker,

In a recent commentary to the media, you identified that delays with Milwaukee’s processing of 47,000 absentee ballots on Election Day came down to “incompetence as opposed to corruption.”

To make an allegation that Milwaukee’s administration of the midterm election lacked competence is unsubstantiated, reckless and damaging to the public’s confidence in the integrity of elections. Your claim is particularly egregious given your and the Wisconsin legislature’s inaction to proactively address the issue that led to the delay in processing ballots.

Every step of Milwaukee’s Election Day processing of 47,000 absentee ballots was compliant with state law and election rules related to election administration. Additionally, observers from your campaign, your political party, the public, and the media were present. At no point did any person issue a challenge to what was occurring. Rather, observers expressed appreciation that the nearly 200 people that supported the City’s central counting of absentee ballot operations were well-trained and operated with efficiency, fairness, and transparency.

The two-hour delay we experienced in processing those ballots was attributable to a number of factors, which included the volume of ballots and our need to reconstruct ballots emailed to military and overseas voters, as well as ballots with voter errors or those that had been damaged in the mail or through the sealing of the absentee envelope. The need to reconstruct a ballot is in no way an indication of incompetence but rather a process that occurs in every municipality in this state during the tallying of absentee ballots.

The public’s interest in early voting in Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, and nationally, has increased exponentially with each general election. The City, in partnership with other municipal and county clerks, has attempted to work with lawmakers to come up with a solution to the volume of absentee ballots that must now be processed on Election Day. Numerous opportunities to address this issue, such as establishing true early voting in Wisconsin or allowing clerks to begin opening absentee envelopes the day before the election, were presented to the legislature and largely ignored.

The blame for Wisconsin’s myriad antiquated election laws that fail to address emerging election issues and lead to delays in the publication of election results rests with you and the legislature, not with the City of Milwaukee Election Commission. Further, I believe your mischaracterization of what occurred warrants an apology to the City’s nearly 2,500 election workers that approached their assignments with a profound sense of civic duty, responsibility, and integrity.

Sincerely,

Neil Albrecht
Executive Director

What you just saw was the official statement from the Executive Director himself. Not some fake news out the conservative wackos that want the plagues of America. When I read this post online, I had to agree with all of what Neil said. And for a very good reason. Now many calling this to say oh, the governor called out all the poll workers whom he blamed for the L on election night. Well, guess what, Walker can kick rocks. He can kick rocks all through the last day of his Governor reign because he had to realize and this goes for every candidate on the ticket that EVERY VOTE, EVERY VOTE MUST BE COUNTED! From the first to the last. I like many others who had to stay up until 1:30am to see the ballots count actually counted. No, I was not at the Election Commissioners Headquarters to see in person, but yes like many of you reading this, I had to see it on live TV. And yet, the results were exactly it should be FAIR. I mean does the thing about making sure Every Vote Counts does ring a bell? Is this what we want? That is the point in asking.

Also, for all the idiotic yahoos that they claim to know about election inspecting, you don’t know squat. You don’t! All you know is the poll workers that you see at the sites with the name badges and handing out ballots to the registered voters. And if those who aren’t registered, are sent to the registration table in which you see also those who have on Badges on. Even those who are Chief Inspectors. Same thing. What many don’t understand is that we Poll Workers work hard for one stinking day out of OUR Schedules of Families, Employment, College Classes, Volunteering and all just to HELP YOU! Many of us are retirees, students, workers who are in between jobs, and other occupations and organizations. All walks of life! And for all of you who somewhat know what it’s like and yet complain, you can all shut your mouths! You don’t know the training, the will to work, the ability and also you don’t know what goes on in the training that many have to be retooled EVERY TWO YEARS of making sure that we get the objectives right. Every single time when I step into a polling place, I come there to do a job. Plain and simple. A job to make sure that many are registered, or wanting to be registered so they can take care of business and go home. We go through about 2 hours of training each time before an election and we spent time away just to read over manuals that we are given. And of course, we ask questions to those in charge of the classroom because we want to be straight on the information that is given. And of course, no matter where we get sent to, either a firehouse, a school or whatever, we have to keep in mind that yes we have to work hard! And we’re doing this FOR YOU! What does it mean to be a poll worker? What does it mean to help officiate a polling site and expecting a full turnout or a small turnout? What does it mean to do this? For you idiots that are mindless, or those so-called politically correct, let me tell you. And don’t criticize. Don’t you dare do it! If you know the Election Inspectors game, to me, it’s like any other job out there. It takes dedication, works ethical solutions, and overall passion for being to assist those in the community. This is a community job that only happens ONE DAY our of our leisure. I’m not speaking of many who are poll workers, but I’m speaking for myself as a poll worker. As of November of 2018, 12 years. 12 years of being out and helping those that want to be assisted to get their voices heard! 12 years of dedicating my time to help my community. 12 years of bringing my passion and heart just to get out and do work for others in this ministry. Oh, yes I did say ministry. Can any of you punk haters say that? Can any of the so-called high and mighty politically do this and not be so hypercritical or conscious? I dare ANYONE on the outside looking in: I dare anyone (and I MEAN ANYONE) to STEP UP and try it. Prove it. Back it up.

Prove me wrong that you can do this!

CALLOUT: And if you can’t back it up, that makes you a coward. Yes. I just went there.

Yeah, I already know that this Poll Working gig or Election Inspectors job is not an everyday thing. I wish it were. If it were, it should be in mini offices every single day that would guarantee more job growth and more education of being engaged in the process of VOTING! Oh yes, this message is for all the poll workers who grind hard every day and for those who didn’t have a voice. I know that the election commission had their say as indicated, but here on this blog page, this is my turn to say something! Just for the record, this commentary here is not sanctioned by the City of Milwaukee’s Election Commission. These are my own words.

Usually, this might be long forgotten about. But unfortunately its only the beginning that yes, the ISH just got real. This ISH of showing the hypocrisy of Walker, and others like him that crumble on the City of Milwaukee in a sense is no surprise. And a direct slap in the face!

So yes, I should be fired up and ready to work. But be careful who and what you ignite. Chances are, the burning feeling may not be so mutual.

For all of the Election Inspectors in the game; I included; no matter if you’re working the polls for the first time, the second time, 5th time, 8th time, 12th year, 20th year, or maybe to 50 years working. No matter if you’re a chief inspector that has been there and done it so many times. Or whatever role we do every time during these election cycles. Even if we do Part Time or Full Time. OR BOTH. Remember this: we do this for a reason! We should be praised for our work and appreciated that we dedicate ourselves to this cause. It’s not easy at times, but at least we try each time. No matter who or what arises in between. And I don’t go around to other companies or jobs and talk smack about them. Mainly because I don’t know that job experience of what everyone does. I don’t!

Oh yes, the haters just don’t understand. They don’t. Even if it’s the soon to be gone, Governor Scott Walker. After all, most of this in my view was his idea and his fault due to his dumb policies.

Say sorry, Scott Walker! Apologies are waiting.

My Take: After the Wisconsin Midterms. But also, the real work starts now!

Testing here. Ok!

Ok so now we are about two days removed from one of the most talked about midterms in history, I like everyone else is bone tired from the ads and also the get it over with the mentality of getting through with this election!

I think in this, Wisconsin had made another historical feat of this election. Yes, I said it!

So, answer me this Wisconsin folks what do you think was the determining factor of this midterm election? I’m going to say this I believe that the most common, and the most interesting and the most determining Factor was when Tony Evers and Scott Walker were in the dead heat of the governor’s chair. And eventually, it had a lot of twists and turns along the way. I had to admit, it was a lot of twists and turns in which that ultimately led to this one final decision that Tony Evers eventually won the election over Scott Walker. Man, we have to ask, how did Tony Evers pull this off? I mean for real how did he pulled this off? If you have been following the Tony Evers connection, you would have known that number one, Tony Evers is well known in Wisconsin. Particularly as a state superintendent of the schools. And two, that his supporters who wanted him to run kept it on the real down low. So yes, he worked like a ninja!

While on the other end, we all know by now that Mandela Barnes will be the new Lt. Governor for the State. On this point, he will be the FIRST African-American Male to hold that position. EVER. Wisconsin in its 170 years as a State in all, has NEVER had a black person to hold a position of Governor or Lt. Governor. I’ve asked in the past, when will Wisconsin have someone from the Black Community to be Governor or close to it? Well, it appears that the Lieutenant Governor part is done, but next in the future, the head Governorship is well in reach. Oh yeah, I’ve met Mandela on several occasions and yes he is an alum of my alma mater, John Marshall High School in Milwaukee. Speaking of that: when word got out that Evers and Mandela won, yes I shared the news article on my alma mater’s Facebook Page. There were about over 100+ likes on the Milwaukee Marshall HS Alumni page and yes there were many positive vibes. However, there’s always that one member that had to say something negative and dumb. The commenter brought about Mandela and this thing about “ratchet parties”.

In 2009, there was an advertisement on Facebook about this event called, “Vicky Parties” It was a lingerie party. And yes, Mandela’s name was attached to the event. Plus, he was just 22 years old. Now OK, a lot of us who are older than 22 years old can obviously say “well when I was 22, I didn’t do those things. I kept out of trouble and worked hard after college in all that.”

Don’t get me started! Yes, I was 22 also, and the thought about me going to ratchet parties was not even thought about. And guess what, at 22 I was still in college. A technical college in Milwaukee. Had a job working between classes in all and still living with my parents. So what? But in the case of Mandela Barnes though, this story that happened in 2009 means nothing! And yes the commenter on the Milwaukee Marshall Alumni Page ain’t saying nothing else about this 9-year story that MEANS NOTHING! Was Mandela arrested? Did he get booked? Was he even suspended without pay? Fined? What was the crime for this?! There were no booking papers. No arrest warrants. None of that. So what was the real crime here?! That story then and now means nothing and it’s still nothing. For all those who feel that especially that fool on Marshall’s Alumni Page thinks that this incident or story is not appropriate for him to serve the people of Wisconsin, you need to check 45 about him grabbing women by the Vagina Parts in all and oh, he won 2 years ago. Why is Trump NOT IN JAIL?! I’ll never know.

With them being the big winners in the State, the challenge of them will come up in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to battle the now Republican-led Assembly that might limit powers of the Governor’s position out of the mouth of Speaker Robin Vos. And others who feel that it should have been Walker all the way. Well, this I think “power decrease idea” of Robin Vos is a high crime that needs to be broken because this is the same group of fools that were in favor of driving the way of the High-Speed Rail, budget repair bills, bragging about the 250,000 jobs (which NEVER HAPPENED) busting up Unions that was fairly well respected, slashing Education funding, Foxconn, not letting Hard Rock build a casino in Kenosha and many other blunders that the soon to be former Governor Numb Nuts had messed up! And the barrier of this, many of this really started in Milwaukee where Walker was using computers on company time as County Executive. Oh, don’t you remember that? This soon to be former Governor was just that: dumb! And this is the same guy was going around with his high school diploma and failing college out of Marquette University? This guy?!

So after 8 dismal years of pain, in the state of Wisconsin: Walker IS DONE! He along with Rebecca Kleefisch (a former Milwaukee Channel 12 reporter mind you) can pack their bags and leave Madison. They have done their damage and yet they can go. Let them get their lack thereof acknowledgments and all and after that: BE GONE!

Now I want to shift gears here: I need to talk about the role of African-Americans and this disdain of one person’s opinion of being black and voting should not be vital. Press play.

Black Conscious Folks: shut your mouths! I’m just listening to Roland Martin’s segment on Tom Joyner’s Morning Show. And a lot of us have been telling other black folks that we shouldn’t be voting and such.

If many of us on social media got these so-called conscious folks that have no endgame, no purpose, no goals, always pointing the finger at others but not themselves, thinking they are all smart and such other things: let them go! Take them off your lists, your contacts, your buddy lists and get them off your life right now! You don’t need some so-called conscious fool who thinks like Malcolm X or an Original Black Panther telling you not to vote and it doesn’t have a goal for political objectives. You all who have them on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat, and countless others: Delete them! Take them off the list. They are not worth talking to.

All of our lives, politics have been in us. From the Cradle to the Grave. It’s going to impact all of us. And it still does. So I don’t want to hear some fake conscious dude about “oh don’t vote, there is no black agenda….” Look here: If you want a black agenda you need to step up your game and actually work to create one! Why don’t you create one that could benefit the valor of the BLACK COMMUNITY?! Oh yeah, we know it, BUT how long can it be valuable?

Black folks, I know we are conscious proud people. No question. But again, we need to stop listening to all these fake conscious negroes that telling us about this disdain about not voting and other stuff. And that goes for following folks on your Social Media lists who feel that all Pastors are evil wearing Fake Jesus Shirts being a demigod. Or believing that so much about them and not about many. They don’t have an answer. Just opinions. Bad opinions!

Well to conclude, Wisconsin: we got work to do. In the words of our state motto: FORWARD!

Now that’s true, On Wisconsin.

A Blog letter once again: To the Veterans of the United States. All of you!

 

By now, Veterans Day weekend has come and gone, and yet we still appreciate. This Veterans Day marked the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War I. That’s 1918 you know. Likewise like many, there are Veterans that are or were not appreciated for their service being skipped over or whatever. Regardless of the dilemmas and the regardless of opinionated thoughts, Veterans you are still appreciated! So in the ongoing honor of this Veterans Day, here is a blog letter for you.

And if you are a Veteran that likes what I write here or the comments on the Stephen’s Spot on WordPress Facebook Page or the Stephen’s Spot Twitter Page, I thank you. It’s only the beginning!

Dear Veterans (and Veteran families) of the United States of America:

It’s me Stephen, a son of a late Vietnam Veteran that served proudly.

Yes, this weekend was and is your weekend. I have 4 words to share for this holiday weekend of yours: Reclaim your Veterans Day! I sampled that from the infamous Congresswoman Maxine Waters who kept constantly saying, “reclaiming my time” over and over again. Yes that Maxine Waters, or now being chosen as “Auntie Maxine.” More on that later. But seriously, Vets it’s your time to reclaim the holiday that is meant for you. This is your time to take the heart of this occasion to summarize all of the war stories, service stories, lectures, and also experiences that many of you endured in uniform. We or those of us that haven’t done the job, we go around that, yes having the opinionated thought about wars and many others. Of course, we have that. But however, without the will of God and you guys, that would not be very possible. Yes, of course, many of you have your say of what you did and yes, your commentary is still and always valid.

But the game doesn’t stop there. Matter of fact, it goes on until the wheels fall off. Even it goes on every day at work, school and leisure. Speaking of the challenges, most recently in our daily government problems, there is an ongoing concern about our so-called president lagging behind when it becomes the statuses of our Veterans. And it’s related to the Department of the Veterans Affairs that many of them are not getting their VA cash due to the fact that it’s an IT issue. Wait a minute? An IT Issue?! Seriously?! And to further the fact that the 45th so-called President is letting this happen. Did I mention that the so-called president never visited the troops overseas? Hmmmmm………..I wonder what happened with that? Oh, that’s right he pretends he cares but really not!  Veterans and Veteran Families, you need to step up and get on 45’s butt and get your funds. Many of you probably were in favor of 45 to be the President. But if I were a real supporter of his, I’ll be all over him like white on rice! Vets, get your game faces on!

Now Veterans: yes your day and weekend of appreciation will be concluded, but your ongoing ideas, appreciations, and services on this side, will still continue. Like last year, I hinted that you need to connect with the younger veterans who are currently starting out and settling in after their service. Many of you probably have that idea in mind. Continue to do so! Young Vets, respect the OG’s that came before you. It may not be pretty, but like I always suggest that it takes respect to get respect. They are the Military Elders and been in the game longer than you! I’m just saying.  As always yes, the non-vets can hear and receive advice from you about your ideas to continue our cause as we move forward. No matter if it’s a job, community time in the church, health, wellness, counseling, or any other idea that is able to do, hey we would welcome and respect it. If I were running a company or a division in a company, yes I would hire veterans in a heartbeat. Why you ask? Since many of you been in places that many of us have seen on TV, why not you? Just asking.

Finally, many of you looked at the video above. And many ask why this? Well, if anyone looked at SNL last weekend, yes during the Weekend Update, Pete Davidson made a joke about the newly Texas Representative Lt. Dan Crenshaw. Yes, I know that he’s a Republican and I don’t like Republicans after the debacle dumb and stupid decisions of Don…you know whom I’m talking about. But yes, Pete apologized on his end and yet let Lt. Crenshaw did a little ribbing and accepted his apology. Yes even though it was about an eyepatch, but his eyepatch for a reason was due to an IED explosion in one of the tours in Afghanistan. Yes, he suffered that injury and paid a price. It’s interesting that it almost pales in comparison with the late Sen. John McCain in his stories being a POW during the Vietnam War in Hanoi being tortured after his capture. We may not have to like it. But yes, they are Navy War Veterans from two different Generations of Battle. But yet respect must be given. We either like it or not. I’m talking to us non-vets here. We know. But to conclude, both Lt. Crenshaw and Pete agreed on one similar two words: Never Forget.

So……To all the Veterans that got the welcome treatment: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that never got the welcome treatment but got it in small appreciative tokens of appreciations later on: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans who are homeless and still keeping hope alive for the better: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were forgotten or being left out: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were never acknowledged for their service of any kind, but got acknowledged later on: Never Forget.

To all the WWII Vets: Never Forget.

To all the Korean War Vets: Never Forget.

To the families of WWI: Never Forget.

To the Vietnam Veterans and families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Grenada, Beirut, & the Cold War, and Families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Families: Never Forget.

And yes….to the upcoming Veterans and families of Current war on Terror/Iraqi Freedom/etc. – Never Forget!

Additionally: To all the Women Veterans that blazed new paths and set new tones: Never Forget.

To all the Male Veterans: even though you have long historical experiences in the war in uniform, still never forget!

To all of my and every African-American Veteran: Historically, African-Americans have been in every conflict of wars since the beginning. Even when fighting for the flag and the country that didn’t want them due to race. These are facts, not alternative opinions altered by anyone political. Even with all this: I say NEVER FORGET!

And to all those of other ethnic Veterans ranging from the Indigenous to the European and all: yes, you too should Never Forget!

Never forget your time, Veterans. You have earned the stripes and flowers. Reclaim your Veterans Day!

Thanks to you of all what you accomplished.

Sincerely,

Stephen

I need to get this out of the chest: Stupid dumb drivers in Milwaukee!

Oh, yes I need to address all the drivers in Milwaukee. If you are a young driver that honks at a car or minivan while they come out of the driveway or pulling over to the side, or anything that giving more seasoned drivers more gray hairs of being correct, guess what: I’m talking to you.

Many of you whom drive around like this, are very arrogant. WHY? All because of getting in a big hurry? What’s the hurry? All because of some blunts or going over to see your girl or guy?

I really need to let this out here because it’s becoming a problem among many in the Milwaukee Area that doesn’t give a rat’s carcass about safe driving! When did all these stupid rules came up from making u-turns ILLEGALLY on a busy major street?! Like seriously?! And drivers now a days, will go into the right lane and when the light turns green, they cross over left WITHOUT A FREAKING SIGNAL!

My father warned me way before his death that when you are coming out of the driveway, the drivers coming on 41st street between Capitol and Fiebrantz, seem to honk at you and you are just getting out of your driveway to take off! When DID THIS become a rule?! Back in the day, it was not a problem. Now with all the reckless driving, it’s becoming a joke of the driving idiots making a big hurry speeding faster than 25 miles per hour. IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD!

On two occasions: I almost have close encounters with stupid drivers not being in my blind spot! One occasion I was driving north on Green Bay Avenue towards Hampton and I wanted to make a lane change to the left. I tried to make a change, but there a driver that honked at me. That driver was not in my blind spot! I eventually had to go up another block just to get to Hampton Avenue. Shameful! It almost happened again on the second occasion on the north side just to get to those big hurries.

I’m thinking about doing this and if anyone disagrees with this notion, you can write your own blog on your own platform: I am considering getting a camera installed for one of my vehicles. Dashcams, or maybe a Camera that ranges movements while I’m behind the wheel. When I take that picture of the vehicle, the license plate, date/time/location: I’m sending that to the police. Or any other enforcement agency. I’m not playing. If we’re supposed to be about safe driving I’m all for it. But when it comes to the stupid crazy drivers, who don’t probably have insurance or full of legal marijuana or many other factors, pictures will be taken! I might even publish some here!

And that goes for dumb shoppers at Wal-Mart and many others too! Kind of what I encountered with this man back in the summer:

Look, this man accused me of skipping a check out line at Wal-Mart back in June and many had to know it was hot that day. And the thing was, my intent was not to skip those that was waiting in line for like 5 minutes. My attention was focused on the self checkout register was right near where I was standing. And I distinctly heard the workers that it took cash and card. Again my intent was not to skip. Hell, if wanted to skip, I’ll go back to MPS lunch lines. I say the fault in this: Wal-Mart employees. Yeah I said it. If they have been more orderly in the checkout lines that wouldn’t be the case!

In the case of this man pictured: he assumed wrong! I took this pic because just to serve a reminder that there will be no mess. I’m thinking about doing a “wall of shame” page to get the idiots pictured here to create a reminder that its no more messing around!

Now is the time.

Scratching my head all this time: Unleash the Harvest!

Well, it has been a minute that I have written a scratch blog, but as I sat back and listened to all the mess in regarding 45, Brett Kavanaugh, the Midterms, and more stories of women getting raped and others, it’s clear that this came at the right time. There is no question about it.

But yes, I’m scratching my head again.

Males: we know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But during September, did we wore light blue for Prostate Cancer Awareness? And oh, why don’t we see no “Fight like a Boy” gear or stickers with the light blue ribbon?!

When it comes to Introverts and yes I’m one of the many, why that is still a problem for many WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND?! Ask your kinfolk, church folks, co-workers, teachers, etc.

25 years ago, I was so hooked on the Wisconsin Badgers Football team. How has that team really paved way for the next squads that did Rose Bowl wins? Even for the school, and the state? Plus that 1993 squad was the first I saw winning something, ever!

It seems that the Brett Kavanaugh saga is just starting to unravel. All these back stories coming out. And just today, a key Republican Susan Collins just supported to get him on the bench of the Supreme Court. Women I need to ask, you really back this crap? And many feel that the decision “raped” every single American today! Screwed up! If only just only that the more votes should have happened in November of 2016………oh wait!

45 just made a comment about the concern about the sake of the nation’s boys. Really?! What brought this on? Like seriously.

In the local midterms of Wisconsin, if Scott Walker were to win in November, it would be his last. Should Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes just make that happen like under 30 days? Like November 6th?

For all the so-called Woke Conscious folks: Can you please lay down your weapons for once and actually VOTE THE F UP?!

How will the 2018-19 Wisconsin Badgers do without those whom cowardly left the squad?! Come on, man!

Oh, it seems that Halloween is upon us. Let me guess, which demons should we exercise right now? Even if his name is……..you guessed it. Same with females.

For all of the movies lately, why Venom?

For all of my Introverted folks: whatever you do, please do not be a Summer Program Developer in your community! It’s not for us being semi-communicative. Is there a way that there are Developer Programs that INTROVERTED folks can come to? No matter if it’s for a church, or community organization? I need answers! And plus it’s a problem if you have no training or apprenticeships! Or should I say ONGOING Training or Apprenticeships?

Since it’s already Autumn, what has or will be an “Autumn Suprise” coming up? And everyone will be talking about it. Just wait.

I should ask: what’s up with those Brewers? In a good way? Postseason wise.

Why is the United Methodist Church talking about the One Church Plan stuff, and not enough of it is being presented to the Black Methodist Community? Like Black Milwaukee?!

While many of you are laughing about this, the Milwaukee Streetcar (aka The Hop) is debuting on Friday, November 2nd, 2018. Which is like 2 days after Halloween. And 20 days before Thanksgiving. And many of the FB laughable are still making jokes. Hmmm…..we’ll see who has the last laugh. Won’t we?

Is the Fiserv Forum really ready for the new era of Milwaukee Sports and Entertainment? Will the Bradley Center be missed like already, The Marcus Amphitheater at Summerfest?

For my black British folks, I know that October is your month of Celebrating Black History. And yes there were or are Hackers that tried to shut your page down in a racist manner. Man, check those fools! STAY WOKE! Why? The hackers are just scared of the truth about black culture, black existence, and black excellence in all areas! And yet they hack the pages in order to have this fear. Again: As we Black Americans would say, STAY WOKE! Any questions?

Why this quote means well? “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.”

When we say “It’s Harvest Time” we really mean to say, it’s time to take in the plants. Agree?

Why is Columbus Day is still celebrated in America, KNOWINGLY Columbus was really a thief?! Can’t stand the holiday! And usually bad luck for me gets around Columbus Day. Not with it!

With the blue wave still intact, can it withstand the October Surprise?

How will Black Lightning favor for Season 2?

I’m sure many are not job shaming Geoffrey Owens now since he is no longer bagging groceries for Trader Joe’s, right? Ever since that boost from Tyler Perry giving him a shot on The Haves and the Have Nots.

This needs to be asked: why isn’t the WWE promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness in September? We know Childhood Cancer Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness. But yes the Men’s Health Awareness must be included. I’m just saying, WWE!

Wishful thinking: should the franchise of Revenge of the Nerds be rebooted? Nah, keep the originals!

Since the Packers are in their 100th Season, has it been a slow start? But hey, they’ve started slow and got hot when it’s stone cold. Prove me wrong.

Millennials, your favorite latte season is back. Oh, you know we still say Fall or Autumn, right?

And the last thing to ask: now since Bill Cosby is in jail, and many of the folks non black usually goes free, and you know many ask: why is still the Justice system is BROKEN?! Many because of unfair treatments?!

My Take: Peer Pressure really sucks! No matter what age you are!

Before you read my commentary: watch this footage from Roland Martin Unfiltered.

Did you understand all of this? What does it remind you of? Think about all those times when your so-called friends, co-Workers, and others looked at your gear had to make comments like, why you got on this, or what’s up with those shoes. If anyone is like 45 and under and part of an era where that talk was going on you know what I’m talking about. I can relate to the commentary of this from Roland Martin’s new show, and yes you can view it anytime online you want. Unlike cable and/or Satellite you have to pay for it. But this was so related because many of us can go though the jones just because they got this and they the same ones looking fly are making fun of you because you don’t have it. From Elementary School to High School even guys like me had to succumb to getting from Pro Wings to Nikes in a matter of years.

I’m saying this because one it’s the truth. And two, many of us in the community, especially in the Black Community have this problem of what folks do and don’t have and it’s almost a picking contest. I really need to ask, what was and is the point in all of this?! What’s the point? Is it trying to fit in, or being in a clique, or just to make a impression on a girl/guy? What is the real problem?! Most of my teen life and childhood I couldn’t hang with it and got sucked in. But now as an adult I really need to ask this now, what is or was the point? Yeah I’m 41 years old and most of my clothes shopping isn’t like the 90’s anymore. The game has changed. But despite of the game being changed up, it seems that I thought that particular part should have stayed in high school. But, I was so wrong. Even grown folks can be foolish at times (no matter the age) that getting all materialistic will win a popularity contest, but it won’t!

And the point of the matter is, this is why part of this generation is messed up in the head. It’s not the younger folks fault. Blame the grown ups! That is what it’s about. It’s the fault of the grown folks because they’ve seen this kind of blueprint and the kids just modeled after it. If anyone had to recall, the parents whom had to work hard to provide either living or deccased, we the grown folks nation of now Generation X didn’t listen then, but after seeing all this, we have to begin to understand.

For all the idiots preaching this to the kids now, congrats: you’ve played yourselves. All those times folks were saying, why those cars, why that headphones, why this, why that. Many of us working folks DO NOT have the time nor the patience to see who got what. So he has a nice motorcycle with the jet engine frame. GOD BLESS HIM! She has the new Nike pumps for the date night. God Bless Her! So what! I’m not trying to compete with them! The only person I’m competing is the reflection on the mirror everyday. Me.

That is your real competition. Everyday when you wake up and ask, what’s next?

And for all those doing this bickering, you don’t pay no rent, or bills in that person’s house! You don’t know their story, but why do you still trip about their livelihood?

We need to get it together!

A blog letter to the students of the Milwaukee Public Schools.

I want to address all the students of MPS. And no, the adults do not count in this one. I want to address this with you because of what was said about you that made you upset. It’s a matter of stating that what James Widgerson calling you collectively “little convicts” was very disturbing. He is an indeed a racist calling you that. So with that, here is a blog letter for you. 

Dear students of MPS:

It’s me, Stephen. And I am an Alum of the Milwaukee Public Schools.

In the last couple of days, and weeks you have been in the classrooms and I must say I wish your semester well. But in the last day and a half, you have been attacked by a grown man who labeled you as “little convicts” over the performance that continues to give the district of MPS a bad name. And the man that said it was a former students way older than you and I put together. The man, James Wigderson as I speak of was way out of line labeling you as failures being set up for the jail system. We knew what he said in his blog story. And what he said to the majority of you was again clearly stupid. It’s not your fault. And by the way, he’s an alum of MPS.

One of the Milwaukee Youth Council members had really to speak out on this matter and I must applaud the young lady, Emoni Gambrell-Toliver a student from Riverside University High School and President of the Youth Council for a chance to do that. If you have not read her statement regarding this matter, it’s a must read! Even if you are a critic of MPS.

I really hope that the build-up from all of this will decrease and also the value of our education in Milwaukee continue to rise up and prove those that it can be viable just like the outline areas outside of Milwaukee.

But we all know that today, James Wigderson was not apologizing for his remarks in the blog. He also stated that his words as a whole were not directed towards the entire students of MPS. It was about this one player, that went to Washington High School. I have to say that it was not factual. He knew what he was talking about. But just don’t want to deny that part of the truth of hating on all of you that WANT to make a difference in the world. Yes, I will agree he was hateful. He also claims that he backed school choice and charter schools and such. But he was not solid on you in general! For an extra commentary, he’s a coward. And even though his last days of education was at Vincent High School, I want to be clear that he has some soul searching in discovering that what he thought he saw was not just a concern, but to also ask what can be done to change it! I hate to say that there are those in the Alumni are real losers. Jealous that the opportunities you’re getting many of us didn’t get. And James is included in this also. He’s a loser! A racist vile hypocritical loser! And he does not care about you.

In the schools, we know there are things are not sharp enough. And I know that we see and read about the negative about MPS. But the thing is, what is missing from all this is positive! We need to read and see about your positive stories of what is going on into the schools. We need to read and see what you’re up to in a positive manner about what is up in the schools. Show us the receipts, as many of you would say! Show them to us at an Open House, a Concert, a Play, or even yes the football field or basketball court. For academics, I know that math, reading, and science are one of the subjects at hand, but show us what you’ve learned! Prove it to yourselves and us that you can do this!

MPS Students, you are indeed the future of our district. Future Alumni, Future Scholars, and future whatever it is that you want to be. Let us know what is happening in your schools. Your Games, Band and Orchestra, Debates, Communications, Mechanical Classes, and many others that you’re doing. Many of us alumni folks are so busy raising families and working to get very busy. We do. And we assumed what is taking place at the schools now is mostly negative. We want you: and I’m giving you an ongoing homework assignment here. I want you to tell us grown people that been there and done it, really tell us what is really going on in the schools. Tell us and show us your open house projects, your performances in concerts in all. Tell us how we the MPS Alumni can still support your schools! Tell us! We need to do this thing!

Before I leave you this message, I want to share this video clip from 1989:

This is from the movie called Lean on Me, which told the story of a high school in New Jersey that was once a prominent best school in the state was going poorly. But the principal played by Morgan Freeman had to do whatever necessary to get the school in the positive form. Morgan Freeman’s character was Joe Clark. And he had to lock down the school, dismiss the bad students that disrupted the school for a lot of years. Mainly drug dealers. He even challenged the students to reach their potential even if he had to make them sing the school song. This movie is based on a true story of a huge turnaround that captured the state of New Jersey. The reason why I put this clip here because Freeman’s Character Joe Clark was describing to the students what the rest of the world or the society thinks about them that want to succeed. Sound familiar?

I encourage all of you, who are high school students to get this movie. If not, ask your parents to get this movie for you and watch it over and over again. Don’t just watch the clips on youtube, watch the WHOLE movie! But I must warn you, it’s a bit graphic, mixed with overtones that might not be suitable for many. BUT GET THIS MOVIE! The prime example of this movie is the same example of this situation right now with MPS.

And also: gain from the “woke” moments of the movie that really stood out. Study them!

Finally, as I close, continue to do the things you do in the schools. Make it happen! EVERYDAY!

Sincerely,

Stephen