OJ

OJ Simpson’s trial for armed robbery began today in Las Vegas. OJ should have taken his not-guilty verdict and headed for the hills. He should have been laying so low people would have to strain to remember his face. But no, instead he has remained in the news, he’s been on TV, he’s “written books” and most recently (allegedly) taken part in a robbery.

Now OJ is facing robbery charges. His actual involvement is irrelevant, he is almost certain to be found guilty. That big red target on his back has finally been bulls-eyed.

The Black community may have celebrated his not-guilty verdict 13 years ago (even though deep down I think we all felt he was guilty), but he has now even worn Black folks down. I think the entire country just wants OJ to go away.

I’m putting him on my list with Jesse Jackson, Phil Gramm and Omarosa. . .

Pharyn Victoria

My precious, first grandchild was born at 12:17 yesterday afternoon. She was 6 weeks early but still weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces! She is beautiful and healthy. Thank you Lord!!

So now you understand why I've been MIA. . .

Republican National Convention Notes

There’s really not much that I can add to all of the accolades that Sarah Palin has received for yesterday’s speech. It was informative, challenging and forthright. I loved her “I’m stompin’ with the big dogs” demeanor. Thus far, she is the highlight of the entire convention. I like her.

On the other hand, I could have done without Rudy Giuliani. His speech was so abrasive it grated on my nerves. He just sounded mean, vindictive and angry to me. Not the best way to woo voters. I had to change the channel on Rudy.

Lastly, I simply have to comment on the lack of diversity among the delegates. I read that minorities make up 13% of the delegation at the convention. I think that number may be more accurately reported simply as 13. And, it seemed as if the cameramen were trying really hard to pick out the Black folks in the audience but were hard-pressed to find any in attendance.

I was watching the convention yesterday with a Democrat. I was thinking what he immediately voiced, “it’s all White folks”. I’ll say about the Republicans’ efforts to reach out to Black people what I just said about Rudy Giuliani – “not the best way to woo (Black) voters”

It’s no wonder Black folks are wary of Republicans. It doesn’t appear that they have invited us in. I suppose for most Blacks it is a whole lot more comfortable to be with the Democrats. At least there they know that they won’t be alone. As the adage goes, “there is (perceived) safety in numbers.”

I know that Black folks play a big part in this as they’ve not even considered the Republican Party as a viable option. But it is still shameful. The Republican Party must address this issue in 2012!

In The News

Hurricane Gustav, Sarah Palin, Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol and the Republican National Convention – wow, these last few days have been quite a whirlwind. There’s been room for little else in the news.

I was very excited about John McCain’s choice for a running mate. I had actually read about Sarah Palin a few months ago and was very impressed. I was reading about her and whispering “you go girl” to myself.

It is true that she lacks foreign policy experience but so did Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Though they lacked foreign policy experience they ran for president and they each continue to be loved and lauded by their respective parties as great and effective presidents. Everyone keeps crying for change – Sarah Palin may help to facilitate that change.

A couple days after learning that Sarah Palin was chosen as McCain’s running mate, we learned that her 17 year old daughter, Bristol, is pregnant. My heart goes out to that family. The pregnancy alone would be a difficult situation for the average family to handle -- but for the Palin’s to have to deal with the pregnancy, presidential race and the media scrutiny simultaneously? My prayers are with them all.

Hurricane Gustav threatened to be, as Mayor Nagin put it, “the mother of all storms”. I am thankful that Gustav’s bark was worse than his bite. While there was significant damage in the area, it wasn’t nearly as bad as predicted. Thank you Lord.

During his sermon yesterday, my Pastor went off topic and asked, “Isn’t it funny that the only thing that could ruin the Republican Convention would be an act of God and then here comes Hurricane Gustav?” Celebratory clapping and laughter followed his rhetorical question. My daughter and I gave each other “the eye” and fidgeted uncomfortably hoping that he would quickly wrap up his political rant. I attend a very small Black church and as Black folks typically do, my Pastor assumed that everyone in the congregation was a Democrat. I was very offended and am actually still trying to decide if I should say anything to him about the incident.

Well, in spite of Gustav, the Republican National Convention goes on – albeit with an abbreviated schedule. What I really want to ask my Pastor is how he knows it wasn’t satan trying to ruin the convention!

DNC Final Day -- Barack Obama

Last night featured Barack Obama – the Democratic nominee himself. After his speech Michelle, their two little girls and Barack Obama all held hands and walked out to the front of the stage. With music blaring and streamers flying they smiled and waved to the crowd. As a Black American, it was a very proud moment for me. This beautiful Black family was presented to the world. That presentation was not a Democratic or Republican moment. It was an American moment. It was a moment to be especially relished by Black America. It was a moment that clearly signifies that while we as a people still have a long way to go to achieve true equality – we have also come a very long way. It is enormously profound.

The dichotomy between being proud of the accomplishments of this Black man and voting for someone else is what I kept thinking about last night. I don’t agree but I do understand how so many Black people are caught up in the emotion and historic significance of it all.

I tried very hard last night to focus on the words in Barack Obama’s speech. It is almost natural to hear to a speech but not really listen to what is being said – so I really concentrated. Aside from the expected McCain bashing, I heard several contradictions and vague promises. From a personal standpoint, his beliefs and values remain at odds with mine. Like the other speeches of the week, Obama’s failed to move me.

Alright GOP, your turn. You'd better come with it. . .

Love Train

I'm watching the Democratic National Convention highlights right now. Can someone help me understand why they sang the O'Jays song "Love Train" afte making Obama's nomination official? I could be slow, but I don't get it.

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton was the yesterday’s headliner at the Democratic National Convention. Hillary fans should have been pleased with her speech. I was actually amused and even got a chuckle out of a couple of her comments. Yes, she delivered a few successful jabs.

Her “No way. No how. No McCain” line was a good one. It was low but cute. That line is certain to be incorporated into the Obama campaign.

The thought provoking question posed to her followers was clever and bold -- “Were you in this campaign just for me?” I’m sure most of her staunch supporters are on the Obama bandwagon now.

I can only imagine what’s in store tonight and tomorrow. The Republicans are going to have to “come with it” next week. I hope they are taking thorough and complete notes. As the kids would say, “it’s on and poppin’ now!”

One last gratuitous comment -- orange is my favorite color but I was not feeling Hillary's suit. Can politicians be nominated for the show "What Not to Wear?". Enough with the loud pant-suits already. Stacy and Clinton, she needs you. . .