Thoughts With Purpose!!!

It Only Takes One :: Where is your stand?

2009-10-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

I was driving home from work yesterday doing the typical. I had the radio on, listening to my favorite talk radio show and I was reflecting on all the work left for me to do when I got home. I was thinking about classwork I had left and what I'd eat for dinner when I looked out of my passenger side window and noticed a man bleeding from his Right eye sitting on a corner. I watched as the man tried to stand but was obviously shaken after falling and hitting his head on the ground. When I looked more closely I could tell that the man was older and that he had the appearance that he was homeless. I looked around and I didn't see anyone else on the corner to help him. I decided to pull the car over and help. When I got out of the car I went over and told the man to sit down as I called police. I dialed 911 and told them there was a man visibly shaking and bleeding on the corner of 46th and Wabash and that he needed immediate assistance. When I asked the man what happened he couldn't remember but I could tell he had been drinking heavily. Something inside of me compelled me to tell him that his current situation doesn't have to be his future and that God loved him and that even at this stage of his life he still had a purpose. Before I knew it i looked behind me to see 4 other people. A man had come out of the church across the street and another woman had pulled over as well. She had her head down in prayer and the other man was on the phone with emergency services. The paramedics got there and took the man to the hospital.

I thought later about what would have happened to him if I hadn't stopped. I wonder would those people have helped him or let him bleed on the empty street corner. Sometimes it only takes one person to step up for others to help as well. I'm not writing this for accolades cause all I did was stop and make a phone call. I'm writing this to empower you. In our communities, churches, and jobs we have the power to change the situation individually first and communally second. Sometimes others are waiting for you to make a stand. Where is that stand in your life? Is it getting out and talking to the kids in your neighborhood? Is it getting actively involved in mentoring or working with the youth ministry at your church? Is it championing the cause of diversity at your workplace? Is it committing to praying over your family that no evil come against them. Wherever you choose to begin doesn't matter just be diligent and patient and God will provide all you need. You can make a significant difference.. trust me!

God Bless
The Enthusiastic Idealist
Jeff

1 Verse...

2009-10-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

No one told me life'd be this complex
Thoughts that intercede
Seem to only conject
A string of other thoughts
That get more complex
And I'm back to the starting point
Did they really connect?
Some People say that I think way too much
but I've always been the smart kid
my mind races as such
Which leads to me thinking through everything
while other people simply live
My thoughts pave the way...
I've been criticized for making things hard
but I can't change how I'm built
SO I take with regard,
How what I do effects tomorrows outcomes
but I'll never stand idly by
So I work to get assigned things done.
Things composed of a god-sized mission
And it's scripted in his plans
He's put forth a new vision.
Replaced the mask with a face transparent
So my hurt and fears aren't hidden
God's asked me to wear them.
That way u see that my hearts sincere,
living outside of walls
exposed to the atmosphere...
It gets cold sometimes
I feel the heat too
compelled to live through it,
cause He told me too..

Chorus:
I got vision
I can see the way
but the roadblocks are stopping my way
I can reach
The other side
As long as I keep God as my guide

Your Vision.... Is Unique to YOU

2009-10-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

You know I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Why do we continue to try to share the vision we have with others. I mean the vision you have for your life "should be" God given and, unless you are sharing that vision with your mate in which it greatly effects, most people will not be able to understand what you see. God shows something to you for you. Think of it like God as the architect who shows you the plans for a building (your life) it's very difficult for the brick layer, electrician, or landscaper to imagine the building that you were shown without the plans. They can still do their role in the project (your life) but the plans you received are for you and you alone. It doesn't stop them from laying brick or planting seeds to support that vision though.

You have to be careful what you share because when people don't understand something they may attack that very thing. It's very difficult for people to understand a visionary and even more so when those visions are God-sized. I share this to encourage you to protect your vision. Don't worry others will be able to witness what God has done once you accomplish that thing and again it won't prohibit anyone form performing thier role in helping you accomplish that thing. I'm not saying become isolationist I'm simply saying that when God gives you something pray over that thing and in time He will reveal when and where you are to move.

My Thought

2009-10-13T09:49:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I feel confined to walk this place alone.
Confined to the walls of my ambition.
It seems that like a drug it's my addiction. Yet the sole cause of the impasse of my decisions.
A world changer, to make a difference is what I aspire to be,
But the method escapes me.
I'm good at so many things and pulled so many ways.. I think I've lost focus.
So many visions
So much to do..
Maybe I have lost sight of the things God wants me to do.

The Question... The Answer...

2009-10-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Every night I watch the news and it's with increasing frustration that I see our young people being killed at an alarming rate. Sometimes I can't believe the things I see. Young children and teenagers beating each other to death or shooting each other with reckless regard for life. I've attempted to do some examination and research to understand the problem but the sad fact is that there are so many things wrong with our communities that it seems almost too large to fix. I try and encourage myself daily to continue to be positive and live with the hope and optimism that's been viral to me since I was a child yet the problems seem so large sometimes that I question the impact I can have as one individual. Understand I've sacrificed a lot to be a change agent in my family, community, and people. I've been willing to give up personal gain to help someone else most of my life and at times I've questioned the value of altruism. How do you help someone who doesn't care enough to help his or herself?

I guess many of us who have a passion for service may go through this. Sometimes it's hard to be selfless when the rest of the world seems so selfish. I guess I must reside in the face that I help others not for accolades here but because God has called me to do it. I heard a minister say recently that you have to have the perpetual voice and word of God in you. That way, when you face those trying moments His residence in your life is evident and you can fall on Him. That's a skill I am going to learn and one I hope to stregthen. I want to be able to fall behind the shield of God more often.

The Relationship Forum :: Marriage - I want 50 years plus..

2009-08-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've been to and in over 12 weddings in the last year and a half and I'm very happy for all my friends. I pray them great favor over their lives and marriages. First let me state that I think marriage is a wonderful thing. I have the rare privilege to state that I've had the best example of a successful marriage I could ever imagine, my parents. They've been married 30 years and although everything hasn't been perfect they have have been a perfect example of a God-centered relationship between a husband and wife.

I guess that's why I have taken my time and will continue to do so. I want God to lead and direct me in all my decisions including this one. I understand that a wife, for me, will be the key component in me achieving a large part of God's purpose over my life so I definitely don't want to rush it. i walk by faith God has always been very specific in the moves he's wanted me to make. So I'm certain that this too will happen in His time and at His discretion.

Most people have assumed that because of my past relationships I would have been married by now and when women meet me they usually wonder why I'm not already married (like 28 is old or something, lol) but I operate in faith and when you do that you truly try not to make any decision without God's guidance especially life altering ones. I think people have taken God out of this decision. Many have put temporal constraints on marriage like it's a rent-to-own lease. You know, "we've dated for 2 or 3 years so now it's time" but it doesn't work like that if you operate faithfully. I don't think it takes forever but there are outside circumstances that make the relationship development progression different from couple to couple. If you are in a relationship don't let any outside source convince you that you should progress to marriage without prayer and a Word from the Lord.

Obviously there is a component missing in marriage and that decision to get married. That's why so many end in divorce. I truly believe we allow the emotion of love and sometimes even infatuation interfere with the spiritual guidance of the holy spirit. That must change. We have to rely on God to move us in this important covenant with another person.

Personally, almost all of my close friends parents have been married for 30-45 years and they have been great examples of making it work through trials, triumph, and tribulation.. I want that.. and until God shows me I'm good where I am..

Examine The Popeyes News Story..

2009-04-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

Is this newsworthy?
And I know there are people of other races who eat Popeyes chicken..Come on now..

Let Me Speak On It

2009-04-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

I've taken steps
to be the best
at everything I've ever tried
But is it for God's glory
Or that twinkle in my eye.
That constant ambition,
Willingness to be the best
on that million dollar ride
but maybe God's request
for me
is an entirely different life.
One of service, humility,
to be the voice of those
with a soundless cry
who weep in the darkness
whose dreams are simply swept aside.
And I can't escape it
no matter how hard I try.
Cause it's something
God programed that's locked on the inside.
I pray it manifests cause as I sleep at night,
my dreams seem so real
that I can touch them like
Thomas touch Jesus' side...

God's Favor Is Real.. I Hope This Encourages You

2009-03-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like you were in a holding pattern? You know that state where you aren't quite moving where you feel you're supposed to be moving or maybe not at the speed you should be progressing. Well trust me we all feel like that at times. Despite being grateful for the jobs we have we still just feel like there has to be more out there. The call on your life is certainly greater than what you're currently doing and it's hard to see God's purpose in your current position. Well let me tell you it's not for you to see. Hold on and be faithful because God will change your position, opposition, and outlook overnight.

I'm sharing my story not to sound like a braggart but because I have to tell someone about the goodness of God. Before I begin I must say that I am extremely grateful to God for his blessing! I've know for quite some time that I wanted to go back to school. Despite doing pretty well in my sales career I've know that in order for me to get where I Gog wants me to be in business, politics, and life I need more education. The problem had been finding the time to take the necessary entrance exams (GMAT,LSAT) I decided that if I applied to graduate school it would force me to take the required exams. So I went ahead and applied to Depaul's MBA/MS in Business Information Technology Program. While doing this I'd face some challenges at work and personally that really challenged my faith and I honestly didn't think I'd get in (my undergrad grades kinda suck and Depaul is an excellent school in this field). However despite all of this I decided to believe on and rely on God even more. My church, as a body, embarked on a Daniel fast during this application period and I decided to ask God to direct me and guide me where he would have me to be. I got a strange email a couple of weeks ago saying that enrollment for the Spring semester had begun and that I needed to contact and advisor for more details. Now I though this must be some error because I hadn't submitted a GMAT score nor GRE score and there was no way I got in. By the grace of God I received a letter yesterday welcoming me to the school. I was admitted on the basis of my work experience and undergrad grades. GOD IS AWESOME!!! He will do what He said he would do if we allow HIM to guide and walk in his purpose. I want to share this with you because I hope it motivates you to rely on him more and self a lot less. I got into a great program with out the requirements man has for me but God said that I was more than qualified. YOU ARE TOO!

JB

It Must All Be A Big Joke

2009-03-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

So we have an African American President!
We have an intelligent President!
We have a potentially game-changing President!

Personally I'm elated that our country made the right decision and voted in force, however I must say that this has either opened the flood gates of ignorance or there are a few people out there that think since our President is black that gives them the right to make any racially insensitive statement or public display they choose.

I mean you would have had to have know that a monkey being shot was not a good idea for a major publication and you would have had to have known that calling cookies "drunken negro faces" was not that bright either right. So I'm thinking these people just fee free. They see Barack's win as a emancipation of thoughts and ideas. They feel we are in the age of aquarius where new ideas require no filter and ignorance is truly bliss. The proprietors of these businesses must believe that the problem of racial inequality and civil rights is no longer a problem in our nation. Maybe they are just joking. Either way you slice it... THEY ARE WRONG!

Go into any school in the inner city and then walk into one just ten miles south or 10 miles north and see the enormous difference. Look at the fact that blacks make $0.69 to the $1.00 that white men make for comporabale positions with equal education and you will quickly see that he system still needs fixing. I don't care if they make a black man Grand Puba of the world it still doesn't equate to fixing the injusticies and racial divide that exist throughout this great country.

I don't know.. maybe I'm being to sensitive... then again... you never saw any animal being shot when Bush was president now did you..

Dealing With Loss

2009-03-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

I was having this conversation with a good friend last night about how I learned to deal with grieving by watching my parents. I wonder what do you do to deal with the loss of a loved one?

It's Been A While..

2009-03-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

Now I'm a firm believer in God.. His power, His favor, and His omnitrifecta (omnipotence,omnipresence, and omniscience) but lately even my faith, which I thought was super strong, has been tested. It's not that I don't believe in God it's just that I'm struggling to see what he wants me to do. I mean, those who know me know I have a problem sitting still. I do a lot because I've been blessed with many gifts that make me well equipped to use those gifts for good. With that being said this phase of being still and waiting on God is really tough for me. I know I'm not working where I will ultimately be in my career, I also know that I'm not using all the gifts he's given me either which leads to this exteremely frustrating position of feeling like your not doing anything at all. I don't know I mean maybe I shouldn't complain. I make good money and have a cool title (whatever Senior marketing executive means..lol) which most poeple would be happy with. I guess that's the problem.. I've never been most people. I can feel the call God has on my life and although I don't know exactly quite what that looks like yet, I know it's something. I guess I need to be patient. It's just hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes. Do you ever get like that?

Do Things in Good Measure.. Someone Needs It

2008-12-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

Why do people do good things. I am certain some charitable works are done with concept of receiving something in return. Reciprocity is the way of American society especially in any social construct that utilizes political measures. What bothers me the most is that in times like the ones we are in now, good things need to be done just because. Wars and rumors of wars, crime on the rise, and economic distress have made it very difficult for some to simply keep their heads above water.

I was driving home from work last week and I saw a bread line. An actual breadline! It dumbfounded me because I never thought I'd see something my grandparents experienced during the depression. My business partners and I decided to partner with a few promoter friends and host a food drive. I cannot describe to you how great it felt to turn that food over to people who need it. I turn on the news and I see stock market drops and corporate bailouts and sometimes I wish someone would come and bail me out from the mental drain of all the negativity of our world.

There has never been a greater time than this holiday season to do something good for someone other than yourself. I encourage you to pay it forward.

Why? We Must Stop This Now.

2008-10-06T08:35:00.001-07:00

I will never be able to understand how this happens and how people have such little regard for life. She was 17... 17... you remember 17.. thinking about prom and college and all the promise that tomorrow had. There is no tomorrow for this young lady..

I don't know.. maybe I'm getting older and more frustrated or maybe my desensitization of city living is wearing thin but it seems as if every murder of a young person cuts like it was my own niece, nephew, or little brother or sister. We need a commitment from strong, brilliant young people to be mentors, community workers, teachers, and policy changers to alter what's happening in our community.

I read the words on ChicagoTribune.com of someone who commented about this story. He said, "I can't wait to move from this neighborhood." I can't blame him because if I had a wife and children to worry about I don't think i would subject them to the chance of violence our city streets have these days... but for those of us who have the opportunity to act. Let's do it...

I ask you to work through your church, local outreach center, or Big Brothers Big Sisters program to find these young people and give them another option. Let's open our condo, apartment, and home doors to show someone who may never see young people like us. Let's show them that there there are choices out there. I urge you to run for office and change the political machine that is stagnant and stalled on making policy that actually helps people. Finally, I encourage you to continue to climb corporate ladders to gain leadership positions in companies who believe in and contribute to the communal good.

I remember some years back I saw promise in a young man in my neighborhood. I didn't know him very well. He was my neighbor's son and he had always been the young fella on
the block who just played outside. From our conversations I could tell he was smart. I was just graduating from college when he was a high school senior and we talked about his plans. He said he wasn't sure exactly what he was going to do but he was either going to stay local and go to a tech school or work a while and then try and go to school. I found out he had a great ACT score and very good grades and I encouraged him to just apply to a couple of schools. I told him about my wonderful college experience and that he needed to go to get away from the old friends and trap of the neighborhood. I am so proud to say he did and graduated this past spring.

It only took 2 or 3 conversations and some encouraging words through the years to motivate him to make college happen for himself. That's it! It may not always be that easy and it may not always work but it's worth a try. I'm starting with the young men around me.. I'm picking my 16 year old cousin up to spend the day with him Saturday and taking one of the lil' brothers to lunch to talk about school on Tuesday.. It's time.. Our young people have hope and promise.. I know they do..

Jeff Beckham....

IF I TAGGED YOU IN THIS NOTE IT'S BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE OUTSTANDING NATURE TO CHANGE SOMEONE'S LIFE... YOU MAY ALREADY BE DOING IT>> PASS THIS ON PLEASE..

17-year-old girl shot to death on CTA bus
October 6, 2008 at 8:10 AM

Police said this morning that a 17-year-old girl may have been the unintended victim of a fatal shooting into a CTA bus on the South Side Sunday night.

Paramedics took Kiyanna Salters (right), of the 11300 block of South Racine Avenue, to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 10:32 p.m., according to a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Salters was a student at Julian High School on the South Side, according to WGN-Ch. 9, the same school as 16-year-old Blair Holt, who was similarly shot to death on a CTA bus in May 2007. Holt was the son of a Chicago police sargeant. Two teens have been charged in connection with his slaying.

The shooting happened around 10 p.m. at Cottage Grove and 71st Street on a No. 71 bus that runs from 69th and 112th streets, said Chicago Transit Authority spokeswoman Sheila Gregory.

Police said a man on the bus got into an argument with another person, then got off and fired back into the vehicle before running in an unknown direction.

It was unclear if victim was the gunman's intended target, police said.

No one else on the bus was injured, officials said. Calumet Area detectives are still investigating the incident.

The Relationship Forum - Are We Doing this Right?

2008-09-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking this morning about the state of relationships in this country and moreover in the Christian community. I thought in context of dating relationships and marriage and began to ask myself have we really screwed things up.

It's a known fact that over %44 percent of American marriages end in divorce (2005 National Center for health Statistics) with the rate being about %43 percent in Illinois. That tells us that somewhere along the line the decision making process people select to operate under is broken with regard to marriage.

Where does the process fail?

Dating is not a biblical principle. At least not how we go about it. It is something that is man made and created to accommodate how we live and operate in present day society. In the time of Jesus and the early church people were betrothed via arranged marriages. Shortly after a process of Christian courtship developed where men and women courted for the purpose of getting married. Now I'm not saying that everything that isn't in the bible is wrong. The blackberry isn't in the bible either but I'd never want to give that up. I just think the parameters we've placed around dating really screws things up..

Those Parameters:

Dating for money
Dating for status
Dating on looks
Dating for convenience
Not thinking about yokes...
Dating out of desperation or loneliness.

what are your thought?

The Miracles We Don’t Appreciate

2008-09-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

I was driving downtown looking at the Chicago skyline last night and I realized how majestic view outside my window truly was. When you think about what God has inspired men to do in this world you come to the realization, that in essence, these feats are God’s miracles in modern form. No, this isn’t the water and wine kind of miracle that Old Testament and Pre-crucifixion men needed to see in order to believe in the Messiah, yet they are miracles in their own right. They are the kind of miracles that God inspires through us to remind us that he is still here.

In the wake of recent tragedies such as severe hurricanes, flooding, fires, and earthquakes I wonder if God is trying to symbolically wake us up to realize we still need him. If you look at his Word you will find what Jesus says in the matter. When John the Baptist was in prison Jesus spoke about the judgment cities would face for not recognizing the miracles he performed.

Matthew 11:20-24 (The Message Bible)

20 Next Jesus let fly on the cities where he had worked the hardest but whose people had responded the least, shrugging their shoulders and going their own way.

21-24"Doom to you, Chorazin! Doom, Bethsaida! If Tyre and Sidon had seen half of the powerful miracles you have seen, they would have been on their knees in a minute. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you. And Capernaum! With all your peacock strutting, you are going to end up in the abyss. If the people of Sodom had had your chances, the city would still be around. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you."

It’s interesting to me that the cities Jesus accomplished the most in were the very ones who appreciated him the least. Think of America if you will. New York, Chicago, and Washington DC are all cities where in just taking into account the architecture you would have to realize that God truly inspires men to do great things. Miracles are still being performed daily. Take into account the great advances in science, medicine, and technology and how could you not be astounded by the brilliance of God. How often do we see it like that? What would a child in new Tafo, Ghana say if he woke up tomorrow and had a fully furnished house like yours erected in his village. Would he drop to his knees in a minute? What would an old woman working in fields of India say if she walked out her home to see a building as nice as the one you probably work in right in front of her. Do you look at the Washington Monument and say, “God you are truly awesome” or do you allow life’s routines paralyze you to the God-inspired beauty he’s created in this world. If so, what judgment does that hold for us on earth in His kingdom in Heaven?

God created so much beauty in this world. Some through us and some on his own yet we don’t appreciate his work. I’m trying to take more time to recognize his miracles daily and suggest you do as well.

He Doesn't Need Defense... Just a Platform

2008-09-15T22:38:00.001-07:00

I was in church yesterday and the sermon was really good. The minister spoke of exercising a violent passion in your faith. He also talked about truth. He said, "truth doesn't need a defense only a platform."

What is truth? Websters defines truth as : truth (noun) : the simple, unvarnished, unembellished, non-dyslogistic non-eulogistic (truly neutral) statement of a fact. It an undeniable, unalienable, assertion.

When you think about it in the context of religion then in it's very essence (if you are a believer) God's Word is truth. His Word doesn't need a defense only a platform to be heard. His Word is truth.

Just a thought.

Having a Marriage Vs. Getting Married

2008-09-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

In my job I have the privilege of running across numerous people throughout the day and today I had the opportunity to speak with a doctor in the south suburbs who presented me with a very interesting thought. She said far too often people get married because they want to get marriage but they don't want the impending marriage that comes with it.

I've been in a lot of weddings this year and thankfully I can say the couples I've witnessed get married truly seem to value the concept of marriage much more than the ceremony.

What do you think?

I think this is a very true statement. I think people get married for the wrong reasons these days. They do it because they've been together a long time or they're at the age where they should be married. I think that they look past the work required to have a long term successful marriage. It takes a lot of work as I've witnessed my parents do it successfully for 29 years. It's an interesting thought though...

Some of Palin's Political Positions.. BE INFORMED NOT FOOLED

2008-09-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task." She's even admitted she hasn't thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq." 1,2

Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to "keep up the good work" and "wished the party luck on what she called its 'inspiring convention.'" 3

Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn't made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4

Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being manmade." 5

Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7

Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8

As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor." 9

She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said "thanks, but no thanks" to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." 10

Cognitive Dissonance.. A Look At Persuasiveness

2008-09-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Cognitive Dissonance

Virtually all of the conservative commentariat, and a greater-than-would-care-to-admit-it share of the liberal commentariat think that Sarah Palin hit a home run tonight. I guess I'm just going to have to stick my neck out (along with Josh Marshall) and disagree.

You can tar-and-feather me with this later if I'm wrong. I will make this disclaimer: I'm not necessarily offering a prediction about how the polls are going to move over the next several days. Almost all conventions produce bounces, and this one probably will too (though whether it comes from Palin's speech rather than McCain's, or Fred Thompson's or Rudy Giuliani's, we probably won't be able to tell). But I don't think the speech will be effective beyond the very near term (the next 3-7 days) at moving votes in McCain's direction, if it moves them at all. And here's why:

I think some of you are underestimating the percentage of voters for whom Sarah Palin lacks the standing to make this critique of Barack Obama. To many voters, she is either entirely unknown, or is known as an US Weekly caricature of a woman who eats mooseburgers and has a pregnant daughter. To change someone's opinion, you have to do one of two things. Either, you have to be a trusted voice of authority, or you have to persuade them. Palin is not a trusted voice of authority -- she's much too new. But neither was this a persuasive speech. It was staccato, insistent, a little corny. It preached to the proverbial choir. It was also, as one of my commentors astutely noted, a speech written by a man and for a man, but delivered by a woman, which produces a certain amount of cognitive dissonance.

In exceedingly plain English, I think there's a pretty big who the fuck does she think she is? factor. And not just among us Daily Kos reading, merlot-drinking liberals. I think Palin's speech will be instinctively unappealing to other whole demographics of voters, including particuarly working-class men (among whom there may be a misogyny factor) and professional post-menopausal women. As another of my commentors put it:

Not only does Palin's inexperience trump Obama's... her "otherness" also trumps his. Where she comes from, the way she talks, her bio, lifestyle, and all the moose and caribou stuff... it makes her seem more exotic than Obama, who after all lives in the middle of America and has a life that people can readily understand.

Palin may be just as American as anybody, but she still seems to come from Somewhere Else.

This would be fine... even interesting and appealing... if she weren't attacking. But we have a deep, instinctive aversion to people who are part of us (even if we don't really like them much) being attacked by people we perceive as outsiders. Our instinct is to stiffen up, to protect.

This point may be a little bit overstated, but the fact remains that Barack Obama is extremely well known and Palin is largely unknown, and when that is the case, your perception of the known commodity is more likely to influence your perception of the unknown commodity than the other way around. If there's a certain Italian restaurant that you've been going to for years, and some stranger stops you on the street and tells you that they don't know how to cook their pasta, you're going to think that the stranger is a kook -- not that the restaurant is poor.

And not only is Barack Obama exceptionally well known, but perceptions of him are exceptionally well entrenched. In today's Rasmussen numbers, 63 percent of voters had either a very favorable or a very unfavorable perception of Obama. This is an extremely high figure. I looked up the Rasmussen numbers for other prominent politicians, and this number was the highest I could find ... actually tied with Bill Clinton for the highest:

Percentage viewing as Very Favorable

OR Very Unfavorable

Obama 63

B. Clinton 63

Gore 61

H. Clinton 60

Bush 60

Cheney 59

Pelosi 51

T. Kennedy 48

Palin 45

Kerry 45

McCain 43

Romney 38

Biden 33This is why folks like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton (and Hillary Clinton, for that matter) are Teflon politicians. It's not that they have some magical quality that keeps them out of trouble ... it's just that a very high percentage of voters have already made up their minds one way or the other about them, and can't possibly be persuaded otherwise. With John Kerry, the swiftboating worked because voters didn't have particuarly strong feelings about him. With Obama, the Republicans spent tens of millions of dollars in an effort to brand him negatively, and moved his favorables by ... a point or two at the margins.

Ultimately, it's not that I don't think there aren't people who will find Palin's performance effective -- I just don't think there's much overlap between those people and the universe of persuadable voters.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again I highly rec www.fivethirtyeight.com Hands down the most accurate polling and trend site for the election.

Obama and Palin.. Her Experience Can't Compare

2008-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

1980 - 1984

Obama: B.A. in political science with a specialization in international relations from Columbia University.

Palin: Wasilla High School, captain of the state-champion basketball team. Miss Wasilla, runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant, also Miss Congeniality, although that is now disputed.

Him: Ivy League degree. Her: tiara.

1985 - 1990

Obama: moved to Chicago; became a community organizer as director of the Developing Communities Project (DCP), a church-based community organization on Chicago's far South Side. During his three years as the DCP's director, its staff grew from 1 to 13 and its annual budget grew from $70,000 to $400,000, with accomplishments including helping set up a job training program, a college preparatory tutoring program, and a tenants' rights organization.

Moved to Boston to attend Harvard Law School. Selected as an editor and then elected president of the Harvard Law Review, a full-time volunteer position functioning as editor-in-chief and supervising the law review's staff of 80 editors.

Palin: Bachelor of Science degree in communications-journalism, with a minor in political science from the University of Idaho. Brief stint as a sports reporter for local Anchorage television stations; left to join her husband in commercial fishing.

Him: sterling legal education. Her: sportscaster.

1991 - 1995

Obama: graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School; received contract and advance to write a book ("Dreams from my Father") as well as a fellowship at the University of Chicago Law School. Directed the Illinois Project Vote from April to October 1992, a voter registration drive with a staff of 10 and 700 volunteers that achieved its goal of registering 150,000 of 400,000 unregistered African Americans in the state, leading Crain's Chicago Business to name Obama to its 1993 list of "40 under Forty" powers to be. Appointed as a Lecturer in constitutional law at the University of Chicago. Joined Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, a 12-attorney law firm specializing in civil rights litigation and neighborhood economic development. Active in several community organizations, usually as a board member.

Palin: member of the Alasaka Indepence Party which advocates "Alaska First". Elected to Wasilla city council.

Him: Expert on our nation's fundamental legal principles. Her: plotted to leave the Union; thinks Pledge of Allegiance was written by our founding fathers.

1996 - 2000

Obama: promoted to Senior Lecturer in constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School. Elected to the Illinois Senate. Sponsored more than 800 bills. In 2000, lost a Democratic primary run for the U.S. House of Representatives to four-term incumbent Bobby Rush by a margin of two to one.

Palin: elected as mayor of Wasilla (population 5,470), defeating the incumbent by a total of 616 votes to 413. Town budget, $8 million (3 millionths of the Federal budget), approximately 100 employees. Reduced property taxes but increased sales taxes. Fired the Wasilla police chief, citing a failure to support her administration. (He then sued Palin on the grounds that he was fired because he supported the campaign of Palin's opponent, but his suit was dismissed when the judge ruled that Palin had the right under state law to fire city employees, even for political reasons.) Hired a DC lobbyist to bring $8 million in earmarks to the city.

Him: sponsored 800 bills. Her: swayed 616 voters.

2001 - 2004

Obama: reelected in 2002 and became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee.

Publicly spoke out against the invasion of Iraq BEFORE the congressional authorization in 2002, and then again before the actual invasion in 2003.

Wrote and delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

November 2004: elected to the US Senate, receiving over 3.5 million votes, more than 70% of total.

Palin: elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. Unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor, coming in second in a five-way race in the Republican primary, receiving 19,000 votes. Appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, served as chairman from 2003 to 2004 and also served as Ethics Supervisor. Resigned in protest over the "lack of ethics" of fellow Republican members. Exposed the state Republican Party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich, for doing party work on public time and working closely with a company he was supposed to be regulating. Director of Ted Stevens' 527 group.

Him: demonstrated the wisdom to oppose the Iraq folly before it even began. Her: hasn't really thought much about it - despite the fact that 17 Alaskans have died there

2005 to present

Obama: Sworn in as the fifth-ever African-American U.S. senator. Worked with Republican Senator Lugar to author and implement a program to locate and dismantle stray Russian WMD's. Designated by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as the party's point man on ethics. Worked with Russ Feingold to pass a major ethics/lobbying reform bill. Cosponsored, with John McCain, the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act. Called for increased fuel efficiency standards (3 percent every year for 15 years). Assignments on the Senate Committees for Foreign Relations, Veterans' Affairs, and Homeland Security. Chairman of the Senate's subcommittee on European Affairs. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. Waged a tremendous battle to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Currently manages 2,500 campaign employees and a budget of $40-$50 million/month.

Palin: 2005: board member, Valley Hospital Association, which runs the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Wasilla.

Became youngest and first female Governor of Alaska, taking office in December, 2006. Auctioned off the Governor's jet on eBay. Took on fellow-Republican Senator Ted Stevens to come clean about the federal investigation into his financial dealings. Promoted oil and natural gas resource development in Alaska. Helped pass a tax increase on oil company profits. Formed a sub-cabinet group of advisers to address climate change but does not accept that it is man-made. Objected to listing polar bears as an endangered species because it might hurt oil and gas development in the bears' habitat. Was for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it. However, Alaska kept the federal money. Denied her daughter was pregnant before she confirmed it. Supported abstinence-only education.Currently under a bipartisan investigation for abuse of power for dismissing Alaska's Public Safety Commissioner. Commander-in-Chief of the Alaska National Guard, but has played no role in national defense activities, even when they involve the Alaska National Guard. (The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations.)

Obtained her first passport in 2007 to perform visits to the Alaska National Guard in Kuwait and Germany. (Foreign experience so limited that a stopover in Ireland listed on her resume.)

Him: Impressive figure on the national stage who knows how Congress works and is engaged with foreign policy issues. Her: small state governor for 21 months; "next to Russia", but that is just 1 of the 190 countries in the world she has never been to.

Conclusion: the word "executive" is not some kind of magic force multiplier when placed in front of the word "experience".

They Say The Good Die Young

2008-08-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

A young man from my church passed a way today. Drake Penn was 24, saved, humble and kind. A person who made this place a little better. God, I know it's not for me to understand your way or will so I won't try. I will thank you for all you've done and all you allowed Drake to do. I didn't know him extremely well we had a few church outings and praise team rehearsals together but I always

I sat on a prayer conference call with his family and I was amazed at their great faith and strength. I listened to a father pray for strength and a mother praise for the life her son had despite their pain and I learned so much. I learned that believing in God can provide a resolute peace and comfort in the worse times.. RIP Drake..

Doctors Vs. Lawyers Part 2 @ Royale

2008-08-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

A Night of Networking for all Professionals!

This Thursday join me as we host the second installment of the heralded Doctor's Vs. Lawyers Social. Last year over 500 of Chicago's top professionals from the medical and legal realm joined for an evening of networking and formative thought at Crimson Lounge. This year we again introduce a new venue and invite Chicago's best and brightest to join us again.

Visit www.jefferybeckham.com for event details or join our email list at www.artofprofessionalis.com today

Right & Wrong Way.. Which Was Better?

2008-08-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Which one is better.. So I wanted to ask real music lovers.. which one is better.. I myself prefer the original but Mario is a much better singer..

Mario
Right & Wrong Way
http://www.zshare.net/audio/170906803515c36a/

Keith Sweat
Right & Wrong Way
http://www.zshare.net/audio/17091770a6b75f9f/

Prayer Does Make A Difference...

2008-08-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

In this world of wars and rumors of wars I've noticed an increasingly rapid move away for God and His message. I don't understand it when God and His Word (the Bible) are exactly what we need. Just watch the news and you will see a body of people across the world that are a faithless Godless bunch.

I don't know, I know I don't believe in man's ability to be God over himself... That has never gone well. I only know to belive in His power.

Victorious Living.... I Can Do All Things Through Christ

2008-08-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

1 John 5:4 (King James Version)

4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

I had to read this over repeatedly today because today I must admit I felt upset and defeated. I was leaving Best Buy in Homewood and a little boy approahed me and asked me for spare change. I asked him what he wanted the money for and he said "I'm trying to get some food." I proceeded to walk with him around the corner to McDonalds when 4 of his buddies, who were all in the street asking for change, walked up and asked me for change. At that point I asked them where they lived, they responded, "the Homewood Hotel." Homewood, Illinois a quaint south suburb comprised of middle class families and small town old fashioned American values. I then asked them where there mother was and they said she was out trying to find a job. I admit that I was heartbroken thinking that five little boys aged 10-13 were out dirty and begging on a summer day. I started asking how myself how could this be? Who could let this happen to these kids? Why was there no one helping them and why would every car just look and drive by them with total disdain? I then began to think about the millions of other children across the world who deal with poverty and hunger and I couldn't shake the defeated feeling.

I broke out the Iphone and went on Biblegateway.com to do some internal spiritual warfare.
I had to find this scripture to remind me that as a believer of Jesus Christ I am born to overcome this world. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and through Christ, who is my strength, I can make an impact. I spent time with the little boys and encouraged them to do their best in school and 4 Big Macs and 3 McNugget meals later I parted ways thinking of ways to impact our people. Those of us who know better much teach those who don't better! We have to partner to make impact on our people. I don't know... I know I'm not perfect, but God is perfecting me every day and that process will continue until I die. I do know that we are called to live in victory through Christ. We are called to be over-comers of all things.. addiction, sickness, hunger, poverty, and oppression. WE ARE CALLED!

What Happened? Remeber When Dru Hill was dope?

2008-08-07T11:46:00.001-07:00

I was sitting at my desk listening to I-Tunes and my random mix started playing Dru Hill's first album "Dru Hill" and it's really hard for me to blieve how hard they fell off. They were such a talented group from writing and producing to of course great vocals... I mean from 5 Steps, Beatury, Share My World, Never Make a Promise, Somebody is sleeping in my bed, and I Love You they sold millions of albums only to fall into Obscurity.. Some great lyrics below...

We were 5 steps
From eternity
4 steps
4 steps past love
And 3 wishes
FromTouching the heavens above

I guess we can ask the same about Jodeci, Boyz II Men, 112, 7 Mile, H-town,Toni Tony Tone, Men of Vision, Ideal, Subway, Blackstreet, Mint Condition, (They had a new album come out last year that was decent!), and the start of them all New Edition! The time of singing groups has passed... but it was sure a good era for music.

I mean I'll be honest.. The new groups just can't compare... Pretty Ricky (Pretty wack) Day 26 (They get no pub on Bad Boy) and who else is out there... One of you groups need to come back with a hot album.. Do something..

God's Blessings.. God's Favor...

2008-08-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Man if I didn't know there was God this would all be hard to believe..
In a matter of 3 weeks... just 3 weeks... I went from a job that I didn't particularly enjoy and a company that left me feeling unappreciated and unwanted to a new position with a company that sought after me and even paid me a signing bonus... God is Good!

I also was given an opportunity to start my own Graphic Design business which has birthed other opportunities from it.. God is Good!

In a time where the world says business is bad.. jobs are hard to get.. and you should stay put.. I've been offered 4 interviews in the last 3 weeks and offered 2 jobs... God is Good!

This is not me or my doing but God's favor over my life and I am humbled by it.. CAUSE I know I DON'T ALWAYS DESERVE IT! I'm not telling you this to brag.. I'm telling you this so you can rejoice with me in His goodness because you're blessing is coming too! BE ENCOURAGED ... GOD IS GOOD...

A Thought on Chicago Nightlife..

2008-08-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Promoters book the same venues because there is a stigma for all black parties that limit opportunity with other venues. If you get other venues they won't give you a Friday or Saturday or hell even a Thursday... They offer you Monday or Tuesday and give you some insane bar deal that's nuts. So folks that's why you see people at The Victor, Vain, Redno, Mix, Radiostar, Boutique, Jet (or whatever damn name it is this week lol), Blu Coral, Wet, Tabu/Ice Bar, Ruby/151/Door 21/ Voyuer, Tini Martini, and Divine.

That's why we need to own! But we also need people in place to help make policy that don't limit largely african american events.. (This Promoter's Ordinance things is strictly to change how BLACK PEPOLE kick it)When my company has tried to do some different things we've taken huge losses despite an event that looked quite successful... NYE '08 we held a party at a movie studio with Dwele performing live.. had 1500 people attend and broke even.. Great Risk... NO Reward.. July 3rd we spent again to try Rainforest Cafe and the traffic beat our ass there... Great Risk... NO Reward

It was something different, great look, but not profitable... I can afford that though because I have a 9to5 that pays the bills and then some.. Promotions is the money I blow on Hyper Dunks and DVD's so it doesn't hurt me but in defense of brothers who do this to pay their mortgages... they may not be able to do that... Selfless Plug..

If you need a dope flyer holla at me.. (People do use the same 3 people to design everything in Chicago.. ) lol.. Peace and Blessings Ladies and Gents..

Question of the Week?

2008-07-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Is gold-digging a fair term? Or is it that some women look for security in the financial status of a man?

Thoughts?

If a man is looking for a woman that had certain physical features is he a "body-digger"?

Stepping Out On Faith

2008-07-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to pursue this graphic design thing! It's fun, I really have become passionate about improving my skills and I think it's something I'm pretty good at. I've invested in making it a business and now I'm just praying for the business itself. If it goes well I'd like to exit this coporate world in under a year!

Longevity Does Not Mean Legitimacy

2008-07-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

I heard a minister say this over the weekend and I began to apply it to my own life. No matter how long you've been doing something that doesn't mean you an expert. There is always something you can learn. I think of people in corporate American when I hear this quote. Many times, those in management and executive level positions perceive us to be naive either because of age and sadly sometimes because of color. We have to work twice as hard and do twice as well to get the same respect and praise as our older or lighter peers. I've been the youngest and usually only African American for almost every company I've worked for and have experienced this first hand. The funny part is that my experience and skill set is not that of the novice new worker. My pedigree is legit, yet I still get the same treatment as the rookie in every job. In my current position I probably have as much sales experience and management skill as anyone yet again the perception is that I don't.

Well longevity doesn't mean legitimacy. It's a formula that has a multiplier.

Experience + Intelligence X Achievement Drive = The Success Rating

That multiplier Achievement Drive is a variable that is as random as life itself. It's the innate gut determination to be and do better and it makes all the difference in this game called corporate America!

My Rap Single

2008-07-27T19:26:00.001-07:00

For those who didn't believe I used to rap..

Here is the snippet...
My Rap Single... Click Here

Make Me Wanna Holla... 2008

2008-07-27T19:00:00.002-07:00

The Price's High/So I Can't Drive
A nation/just trying to get by
Complacent/So We Don't Try
Watching/Our Brother's Die

Oh! Makes Me Wanna Holla
The Way They Do My Life
This Ain't Living..

Inflation/No Chance
To Increase/Finance
Bills pile up/Sky High
Send that child off/too die

Oh! Makes Me Wanna Holla
The Way They Do My Life
This Ain't Living..

Live free/no drama
Pray for change/Obama
Gun down/more peace
Violence/must cease

Oh! Makes Me Wanna Holla
The Way They Do My Life
This Ain't Living..

Marvin Gaye will live forever because history continues to show us that times of injustice are cyclical.

Heaven Watching

2008-07-27T19:00:00.001-07:00

"HEAVEN WATCHING"
Heaven Watching Closely Waiting
For A Man To Take His Path
Heaven Watching Anticipating
Roadblocks A Rigid Path
Heaving Watching A Young Man Praying
For God To Direct His Path.
Heaven Watching A Young Man Saying
This World's Pain I'll Outlast
Heaven Watching Black's Laying
Their Lives on Broken Lines
Heaven Watching Society Slaying
Blacks With Unchained Minds
Heaven Watching Mother's Craving
To Save Their Kids Before They Die
Heaven Watching Initiating
Strength To Stop The Cries
Heaven Watching A Young Girl Lying
Down Before Her Time
Heaven Watching Our Leader's Raping
Our True Leaders Vision Of Civil Rights
Heaven Watching Closely Waiting
For us to Make Life Right
J

God Is!

2008-07-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

I woke up today. I began to think about God's infinite blessings and resided in the fact that the very idea of waking up is a blessing. Some people didn't wake up this morning. Some went to sleep fully expecting to see tomorrow and they didn't that opportunity. It's by grace and mercy that we are able to be.

I just want you to take a secong and think of those you love. Those people God keeps everyday safe and out of harms way. When you think about that kind of grace it's very hard not to be overwhelmed by God's goodness.

Peace,
JB

Diddy is Poison ..:Have You Seen This:..

2008-07-25T12:39:00.001-07:00

Hilarious but kinda true huh?

The "You Suck" Award of the Week

2008-07-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

This was a tough one for me being that I've had one of the worst work weeks imaginable but I had to go with Joseph C. Philips a.k.a Martin Kendall from the Cosby Show. First, I didn't like you character on the show (I thought you were kind of lame then). Then I watch the "Black in America" documentary last night and I have to say I so strongly disagree with so many of your statements it's ridiculous. I too like you Mr. Philips grew up in what our race would consider a privileged class but I'm not too self-righteous to believe that all the ills in the black community are self-inflicted. No a kid from the hood can't go to Harvard as easily as a kid from the burbs. After watching yesterday employers said that being black was no better than being white with a felony record in terms of hiring. So tell me how self determination and self sufficiency will fix that problem? So winner of the First Weekly "You Suck" Award goes to Joseph C. Phillips.

Runner Ups

John McCain

Mayor Daley for talks of cancelling the Bud Billiken Parade

ADD YOURS NOW!

The Coporate Complexity....

2008-07-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been realizing how difficult it is for Blacks to assimilate into corporate America.
I had a pharmaceutical ride day (that's where your manager rides with you to observe your work) and my manager got in the care and asked me to turn to the old school rock station....
The interesting part is that is tottally acceptable but I wonder what would have happened if I turned on the new David Banner CD or Nas...

I wonder..

Where Are My Brothers?

2008-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

So I was sitting in the parking lot of Walgreen's today and I looked next to me and I saw a young black woman with two kids, no husband or man visible and I watched her struggle to get the kids together, get inside the store and run her errand. Then I looked over at the car next to me and I saw almost the exact same thing, except this woman had three kids. I proceed to look at the faces of both women and I saw strength, frustration, and a determination to be and do for their children. I got out the car and helped both women put their groceries in the car and God told me to"bless the woman with three kids with gas money for the week." Being obedient I proceeded to give the woman $25 (all the money I had) and I told her God told me to do it and that her breakthrough was coming. The woman was in shock and with a face welled with emotion she said, "thank you, you have no idea how bad I needed this." I began to think, where are the men?"

I was a fortunate one growing up. My dad, despite being young and probably very scared, stuck in their with my mother. He raised his children and worked hard everyday to assure that my sister and I had the best he could provide. My father, like his father before him, aspired to be more than just sperm donors they wanted to be real fathers and real men. They were men who disciplined their children, worked tirelessly to make sure their kids progressed in career and education further than they did during their time. Therefore it's hard for me to watch so many black women do it on their own.

Where are the men? Where are the fathers? Where?... I can't help but ask the question after looking at the world outside my window. I watch children hang out on the street late at night and watch young women dress and act in very womanly ways and I wonder where is dad to say, "come home."

As I anticipate watching the upcoming CNN documentary "Black in America" I'm expecting to see a large part of the discussion to be the absense of the black father.

2006-03-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

When?
By: Jeff Beckham Jr.

When will they stop killing our innocent children? When will black men step up and take their place as kings and leaders in this country? When will we as African Americans stop waiting for this country to atone for the injustices we have been subjected to for over two hundred years? Personally, I’ve decided to take a stand and I ask you to join me.
Siretha White and Starkesia Reed are the names of two little girls that will forever be implanted in my heart. They are the names of two little girls that will never get married, go to college or get to experience motherhood. Siretha and Starkesia are two little girls that woke up on the mornings of March 11th and March 3rd fully expecting to live out the promise exemplified by their lives. Those girls won’t have that opportunity to see tomorrow, next week, or next year. They won’t have the opportunity to pursue life, liberty, and happiness because that was all snatched from them due to gun violence in their community.
When I began writing, I thought about writing another letter calling for action from the police and local politicians. Then I began considering where the change needs to start and I looked in the mirror and found my answer. Blacks must begin to rely on self as they once did pre-integration. Blacks must stop looking for others to come in from the outside and fix the problems within our own culture. There is no doubt that the government we fund and country we live in have systemic oppressions targeted at keeping African Americans in a permanent underclass, but if things haven’t changed thus far, we can ill afford to wait on change to occur. In the 1880’s blacks owned .5% percent of all the wealth in the United States (Lee Jenkins, Taking Care of Business: Establishing a Financial Legacy for Your Family, 2001). Despite many millionaires in the NBA, the mass fortunes of Oprah Winfrey, and wealth of Robert Johnson that number hasn’t changed in 2006. So what are we waiting on? It is time for the people reading this to stand up and take back our communities and neighborhoods. We can start at home with the children in our family. I call you to be mentors, big brothers, and big sisters to those children in our immediate and extended families that may not have a positive influence in their lives. We must not allow BET to raise our kids any longer. Young women are more than gold-diggers and prostitutes and young men need to know that they can do more than hustle and be gangsters (I do wish they would stop awarding Oscars for portraying these in movies.. but that’s a separate issue), but who will tell them these things? Young people need us. Black youth need young black professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and construction workers to show them they can be more. They need to see us interact and innovate right now. Close your eyes and imagine the change that could occur if we work together.

Siretha and Starkesia didn’t die in vain. Their lives are the catalyst for at least one young black man to be an agent of change in his family and community. I’m going to start with the young people in my family. Will you join me?

The Chappelle Theory: Crazy Huh!

2006-02-07T23:27:00.000-08:00

I'm not an old man, 25 to be exact, but I am wise enough to know fact from fiction when I see it. I was born with a God-given discernment and wisdom to view things and see things in the way they are and the way they are going to be. Even at an early age I was able to see people and concepts for what they were.That's why I look at things with such a keen eye.

This brings me to this Chappelle theory. If you haven't read it, (www.chappelletheory.com) you should. It is a theory basically saying that The Black Crusaders, an elite group of African Americans in entertainment, politics, religion, and finance, collectively conspired to stop Dave Chappelle from airing the 3rd season of his Chappelle Show due to its offensive content and what they call derogative effect on race relations in America. This group of elite African Americans including but not limited to Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Louis Farrakhan, and Robert Johnson sought to do this by engineering a clever plot to brake Dave down mentally and spiritually using their power of influence and counsel to convict him from ever wanting to air his show again. Now I won't go into the theory but I will write on another topic, the ability of African Americans to work together to accomplish this feat.

It's clear that if this theory were true it would require African Americans of influence to do something they rarely, if ever, do willingly, work together for a cause that is greater than themselves. Think about it; when have African Americans of supreme influence worked together? We can recall the great leaders during Slavery, Jim Crow and the civil rights movement but since African Americans were given their stated equality (yeah right!) the black elite really haven't worked for a cause since.

It reminds me of a recent episode of The Boondocks on the CartoonNetwork (which Al Sharpton, one of the Black Crusaders, is suing) inwhich the cartoon examines what would occur if Dr. King was still alive. In the end African Americans are so appalled by the glaring mistreatment of our people that we stage a revolution. One in which rappers refuse to use misogynistic lyrics and even NBA players strike on till American truly honors the promises of it’s Constitution. Could you imagine that? Could you imagine a nation of people so strong in which they truly live out the core of altruism etched in their very fiber? I don’t believe the theory to be true, but it does make you think about the power this group could have if they did unite. --

J. Oliver Beckham
The Vision Group

A New Dream: Thank You Dr. King

2006-01-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

Fourth two years ago, a great American, in whose family's shadow we stand signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This momentous decree came as a light of triumph to millions of Blacks who had been burned in the flames of the inferno of Jim Crow laws and pricipalities. It came as joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity. But 40 some odd years later we must face the fact that the black is still not free.

forty years later, the life of the black in America is sadly crippled by the vice of segregation and the chains of discrimination. Fourth years later, the black lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. Forty years later, the black is still suffering in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land.

So today I write, to highlight a sickening condition. Not because of reparations or some form of restitution for our suffering, but by the means of faith we come here to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.

This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given Black people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we continue to send the same check back through even though the bank is seemingly low on funds. We continue to rely on the idea that the vaults are full of limited opportunity of this nation.

So we have come to cash this check-- (Part 2 Tomorrow)

Cubs Cubs Cubs

2004-07-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how much the cubs franchise mimics real life? You work hard all the time and occasionally you get rewarded for it and just when you think it's all about to come together for you, you get hit with life preverbial plague of injuries and your facing last place again..
Thought of the Day

Is anyone out there (A Purpose Driven Thought)

2004-07-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

What is it about getting older that makes you question purpose. I'd like to think it's that with each day, as we inch closer towards old age and eventually death, we subconciously want to get closer to God and serving him. Maybe it's due to the fact that humans need to know that there is more to life than working a 9 to 5. The duldroms of grown-up life can annoy you at times. Why is purpose important? Was it so special to us before the best selling book? Did we discuss it before it was the basis of Will Smith's I-robot? I don't know. What I don know is that I must fulfill my purpose. I will do it or die trying and I'm young and no where near ready to go!

God grant me the strength to walk as your son did to live as Christ did here on earth. Help me fulfill my purpose. Hey there's never a bad place for prayer. I want to commit myslef to a vision and see it through to fulfillment. I must. Enough for today..!

I'm Out

A Day In The Life...

2004-07-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

What I don't get is humanity... People say they want to do better but continuously fall into the same pitfalls and traps over and over again.. I see this at church more than any other place.. If you're saved act like it, if not do your thing but stop straddling fences.. it's sickening.. Of course no one's perfect and I don't expect anyone to be but I'm really sick and tired of people who are holy on Sunday and forget God existed on Monday....

I'm a pretty normal guy.. I like what most guys like.. cars, video games, women, but I think that what seperates me is my moral intergrity.. People (especially guys) don't seem to have that anymore.. I've been stabbed in the chest and back by more "Friends" than should humanlly be allowed... Am I better than everybody else?? YES! I am.. God says we are called to be part of a Royal Priesthood and how many royals have you ever know to be common... I don't want to be common nor should you, but you should use common sense in the decisions of everyday life..

Ranting is so theraputic..
I'm Out!
J. Oliver..