Farewell... Ted Kennedy


I had the opportunity to meet Edward Kennedy in 2002 while working at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. From our brief conversation as I walked him to the Presidential Box of the Opera House, I was quickly drawn into the charismatic appeal that the every Kennedy has seemed to possess.

I felt honored at that time to meet a man who had become such an icon and force in the US Senate. And now with the recent passing of him and his sister Eunice... it leaves me to wonder who do we have now that will carry on the legacy that Kennedy and others during the Civil Rights movement and recent times. I think we are coming complacent now that Obama sits in the Oval Office. But this country is far from where it should be and there is so much to be done. And I personally have little faith in most of those who sit in elected seats.

Ted Kennedy wrote over 300 bills that were enacted into law and has co-sponsored another 550 bills that became law since 1973. Often described as the most bipartisan Democratic Senator by Republicans, he was also one of the most liberal. The Boston Globe wrote, "By the early 21st century, the achievements of the younger brother would be enough to rival those of many presidents."

The Nine Lives of Marion Barry...

Before watching HBO's documentary, The Nine Lives of Marion Barry, I never quite understood why DC's Ward 8, the blackest and poorest ward, kept electing 'this crack head' into office.

The film chronicles DC's former mayor's 2004 City Council campaign by looking back at Barry's long love affair and political career with Washington. Barry served second elected mayor of Washington DC from 1979 to 1991, and again as the fourth mayor from 1995 to 1999. During his original tenure of mayor DC prospered to having the largest black middle class in the country. But like Barry, the prevalence of crack in the 80s took that away.

I learned a lot from the 90 minute documentary... I never knew the civil rights activist and organizer that Barry was. And quite a cat daddy in his past. But like all good things they must come to an end. Since his federal drug bust in 1990, the former mayor has continued on the same controversial path. From tax evasion, to failing court ordered drug tests, even to his most recent Washington City Paper expose. He has proven by his continuous lack in judgement he has no right to serve the city of Washington or be a role mode to the many young residents. Like Chris Rock said... how can you teach kids not to smoke crack... when all they will say is why not when I can smoke crack and become mayor.

Recently in response to the City Council's vote to recognize gay marriage, Barry stated "All hell is going to break loose. We may have a civil war. The black community is just adamant against this." Well Mr. Barry... not the entire black community.

Random Thoughts this Monday Morning...


1. Clash for Clunkers... Health reform... Supreme Court Justices... one thing I miss about not being in DC is the ability to tune all of this shit out sometimes. It is like virtually impossible to do so in DC.

2. I think people just need something to complain about... on Facebook a few months ago everyone was complaining that it was too cold and would summer ever arrive... now that it is summer these same loosers are complaining that its too hot. Like seriously get a grip and shut up.

3. Speaking of Facebook... why does everyone want to subject you to their Holy Roly rants and prophetic quotes. I mean seriously its Facebook not that serious.

4. It amazes me even when I try to keep to myself and keep my personal life quiet... certain people still find themselves discussing me... my life is rather boring so theirs must be even worse.

5. I finally got a chance to watch Soledad O'Brien's Black in America 2 this weekend. I think she did a great job of exposing yet another aspect of Black America... and has inspired me to want to go back to South Africa and do a mission trip.

6. GI Joe... wasn't a classic and by far wasn't perfect but I enjoyed every moment of it. Go Joe! Since it pulled in $56.2 million this opening weekend I think others agreed.

7. Less than a month to go to vacation part deux and I am sooo ready! South Beach, rum, and my bestfriends... love it!

8. I guess rooftop pools and bars are the hottest rage in DC this summer... The W, The Liason, The Donovan House, The Beacon... if you don't mention one in your FaceBook status message at least once a week you are so not cool.

9. I feel a mental health day coming on...

10. I lost way too much weight this spring and I don't have any pants that fit... I am trying my best to stay away from gaining some of this weight back the McDonalds way.

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