A response to my divided house post  …… 

As the 2020 election is close to being officially called, no one can say that the previous fours years were a fluke or anomaly. The current polling data – – state by state, person by person – – is clearly showing similar voting patterns with some interesting changes in certain populations as well. Some are now referring to the United States of America as the “divided states of america,” comprised of many sub-factions with diverse agendas too many to name. But, they are also failing to acknowledge the obvious. We have never really melted into ONE nation with a unified vision. Perhaps, this is not even desirable or possible anyway without an authentic effort to “unveil,” acknowledge and respect our common humanity, contributions and destiny. 

In reality, we are like a large cauldron of gumbo  – – filled with different ingredients (some not tasty by themselves and they don’t seem to go together). But, the heated cauldron transforms the brew, along with the seasonings and ingredients, into an entirely Nu and delicious thing. At least, one hopes this is the case. Everyone knows, however, that depending on the chef and the amount or quality of ingredients, the gumbo will taste differently (sometimes amazing and sometimes not so much)! Your own effort and taste buds will determine the final outcome. 

Just like any gumbo, our last four years have exposed “US” whether we choose to acknowledge this fact or not. The private issues of the heart (quality of the ingredients) have been “illuminated” by the light. Our past and current values are on full display. This election has been a spiritual indictment directed to judge the heart of America forcing “US” to evaluate our past choices. We will either reach higher towards love, tolerance, and peace and away from past prejudices, fear and hatred, or we will fall more into a fiery abyss of intolerance to our shame. 

What happens henceforth is quite serious. The final outcome is not final even once the next president is confirmed as a reckoning awaits. A divided nation has to be healed enough to survive especially with the kind of “unchecked” and “unhinged” behaviors we’ve witnessed. A lot of real work still needs be done in this county. This has been “illuminated” and pretending otherwise is to be in a state of delusion. No one political party is totally responsible (even though “45 and crew” have done an unbelievable job of triggering and “unveiling” our collective past and present problems, mental state and short comings). This election has further placed the worst of America on “front street” around the world (black colloquialism for putting your business and negative attributes out in the public eye) but it has also withstood a terrible assault to our country’s principles. If any of one of us believes that our decisions aren’t a clear reflection of our core values, we got some splainin to do! A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways indeed! And, serving two masters is impossible in the long run. So whatever happens next, we cannot be completely surprised. Brace yourself for a spicy experience …

The 2020 election is finally here. No matter who wins, Democrat or Republican, a sea change has begun. The future of the Unites States of America is already being set in motion on the verge of “unveiling” our collective destiny. Our recent protests and activism, organized around diverse issues like the Poor People’s Campaign, #MeToo Movement, Black Live Matter, Pro Choice Movement, Civil Rights Movement, Climate Change, LBGTQ Rights, Human Rights, Health Care for All…, are also at all time high exposing areas where this country has fallen below expectations. These important movements are ushering in change demanding a Nu vision for the country as well. There is no indication that any of them will cease, no matter who is in office, nor should they stop their efforts. The only question that remains is whether we will expand America’s vision truly becoming “one nation under God” or continue to be divided based upon the issues that seemingly separate us. 

As a country comprised of the haves and have nots, we had forgotten that all people matter indeed and deserve to be treated with both dignity and respect. Irrespective of race, issues of class have also been allowed to fester unchecked. It has taken courage to face what has been and to demand changes (getting to the root of the issues) but many really brave Americans are doing just this in different ways. As a result, many important changes have already started to organically manifest within the populous. We should all learn about these efforts and support them even if it is simply to offer encouragement or contribute to the dialogue forcing a thoughtful conversation outside the current narrative. A Nu thing is being done because time’s up and maybe it is even divinely guided to occur. Whether we move forward together or continue being divided, the final outcome will cause a ruckus with groups having a different perspective (glass half full or half empty). We just have to keep trying to make the country better. 

The promise of a Nu Amẹríkà is waiting to be birthed. It is much BIGGER than our individual self interest resting firmly in the POWER of forming a collective Nu agenda (vision and plan). Whatever we choose to become will be determined by “US,” we the people, and whether we have the guts and fortitude to dream and fight for a more perfect union. Even if it doesn’t appear that one has any control, you can still exert your influence, however small it might be, to effect most situations and outcomes. We do have the POWER to change things – – state by state – – vote by vote – – person by person – – heart by heart.

No matter who wins . . . change is happening!

Did did you hear about …….

This is what a Nu Amẹríkà could sound 

like reflecting our collective love for all.

Entitlement. What does it mean to you? What are you entitled to in this life? Love? Money? Opportunity? Health? Freedom? Entitlement refers to one’s belief in inherently deserving privileges or special treatment sometimes without merit. Individuals may even believe they have the right to deny or have access to something irrespective of others’ needs often selfishly intruding, inconveniencing and even violating recognized social norms of decency (showing respect, appreciation, consideration, or gratitude). Entitlements are also, however, an indication of our individual and collective values especially in instances where self interest and the greater good for humanity intersect. For the purpose of this blog, I am defining the word “entanglements” to mean “relationships” (whether personal or not) as recently coined by actress Jada Pinkett Smith during one of her Red Table Talk Podcasts. In 2020, issues related to our “entitled entanglements” have been “unveiled” not simply as as a generational topic of discussion reserved for the young but as a collective issue regardless of race, age and gender. 

We all want the “good life” filled with freedom, opportunity and wealth for ourselves, family and friends. We also want to be understood. But, no one is guaranteed complete abundance in every area of life nor is it accomplished in isolation. It is sometimes earned through collaboration with hard work, energy and effort. Yet, one cannot forget that it is also a “gift” and blessing as well especially since we often receive things without deserving them. To not understand this important point is to appear from the outside as egotistical, irrational, immature, foolish or even “ungrateful.” Entanglements, with entitled individuals, are often fraught with strife as all parties struggle over expectations and boundaries.

We have to accept that humans have different needs, expectations and opinions without believing that our way is the only way or that we have the right to control another’s thoughts and actions. Free will, just like authentic love, demands freedom without guilt, bullying or entitlement. Thinking that we have the right to dictate what others give or not is crossing a line of no return. It is equivalent to a fundamental soul violation fostering unhealthy relationship dynamics. We do have the right, however, to manage ourselves in every area warranted (CEO of you). But – – we also share core obligations to others for the sake of our collective survival. This human requirement is fundamental, quite serious and much more important than material possessions, parking spaces, wearing a mask or not, etc. Whatever way this statement resonates for you says a lot about who you are and what you value.

I’m not sure where you all stand on this issue but 2020 is making us all evaluate and possibly change our understanding of what we’re entitled. It has been painful for some and surprising to others as many hidden egotistical or narcissistic secrets have been “unveiled” about human nature. All I know is that our sense of “deservedness” is being adjusted into balance as a more harmonious frequency of humility and gratefulness is being ushered into existence.

Just when you thought it could not get more unbelievable in 2020, famed astrophysicist and cosmologist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, made a startling announcement on his social media page about an asteroid approaching Earth before Nov 3. The refrigerator size space rock is blasting towards us at more than 40,000 km/hr and could strike our planet the day before the presidential election. All I can say is “Lawd A Mercy” (in the dialect of Jamaican patois). Perhaps, it is simply a natural phenomenon with no real implications for humanity. Or, maybe it is a cosmic foreshadowing of the impending changes we are about to experience in this country. No matter who wins the election, things may never be the same as adjustments will be needed in all areas of our indoctrination systems. A big part of KNOWING is recognizing when you don’t know something (above your intuition pay grade) but still remaining receptive to the universe’s “unveiling” and wisdom. So as Halloween approaches, something cosmic is being said! I’m in awe listening intently for the Nu sound and wondering what it is “brewing” up for “US” in these final months of 2020 – – and the next four years.

Oh, just imagine it.

The final creation could be so good too.