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Miscellaneous musings...
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January 31, 2008

John Edwards Abandons Presidential Bid





Momentum... every competitor needs it to win his respective race. Those who would try to win the race to become the most powerful leader, that of the free world, are no exception. Sadly, John Edwards was unable to garner and sustain enough momentum to allow him to remain a viable Democratic candidate. After a disappointing third place finish in the South Carolina Democratic primary, Edwards decided to end his campaign.

With his unwaivering quest to elevate the economic status of America's poor and ensure health care for those who cannot currently afford it, no one doubts that Edwards would bring back prosperity to the U.S. Although the issues for which he crusaded were of considerable concern to most Americans, John Edwards simply lacked the universal appeal embodied by his fellow Democratic opponents, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. All three spoke passionately about the same issues. The final consideration has become which candidate is more capable of defeating the Republican rival and turning around the swift moving seven year downward spiral of this beloved nation.

Will Edwards be chosen as the Vice Presidential running mate by the victorious Democratic Presidential candidate? Many who are closely watching the race think that it is unlikely. It seems to be widely believed that John Edwards has no desire to hold that position nor will he be likely to accept such an offer. Popular nationally syndicated radio talk show host Michael Baisden suggests that John Edwards would excel as the nations next Attorney General. Regardless of the capacity, it seems unquestionable that John Edwards has a consummate desire to serve his country in the political arena. Make no mistake, John Edwards is an invaluable asset to this country.

January 28, 2008

No Shame in My Name

I was privy to a conversation in which a 40-something year-old woman referred to a 16-year-old young lady as a "little heifer". Taken aback, I decided to challenge her on the use of that particular word when describing the girl. The woman explained that she grew up in a family that used the word frequently. She also said that the use of it was not viewed as offensive by the family unit.

Well, I was offended. This was an adult talking about a child. So, I said to her that we, as adults, should be acting as role models for our children. We should strive to impact their lives in a positive manner. I asked her to allow herself to imagine the potentially positive outcome of her encounter with the teenager had she greeted her with a warm smile and a friendly word. While growing up, I always relished such treatment from women. It made me feel important simply because I mattered enough for her to take the time to acknowledge me in a way that uplifted me. Even though I am now 40-something, I still feel flattered when an older woman greets me with kind words and gestures. It is simply human nature to enjoy an exchange that caresses the spirit rather than bruising it.

To those of you who've read my humorous book and are ready to cry "foul", read the passage (and perhaps the book) again. The book is written in the vain of stand-up comedy and intended to make adults laugh. That bears no comparison to berating, demeaning, and belittling developmentally fragile personalities that are our children. Let's handle our children with care so as not to break their spirits and damage them beyond repair.

If you or someone you know needs a little encouragement to suppress the name calling problem, I'm including a poem to do just that. Enjoy... and call us all by our names!

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No Shame in My Name

Most of us answer to the name given to us at birth
Never equating it to our feelings of self worth
But what happens when we are called by the name of something
we could never be?
The result is that it slowly chips away at our image inwardly
Whether accosted in public or behind closed doors with a name less than adorable
The use of such a demeaning form of censure is simply deplorable
A young girl being called a “heifer” during her formative years
Will most likely be left with the “I’m not good enough” doubts and fears
And the “B word” is bantered about so effortlessly
That its use easily survives through multiple generations of the family tree
We all know the names young men are called, so they won’t be repeated here
The devastating effects are seen in their lack of respect for self and
others… it’s crystal clear
Let’s raise the next generation of children with love and respect, starting now
Don’t allow yourself to refer to any woman, young or old, as a cow
Refrain from equating people to animals or words intended solely to shame
When you refer to yourself, speak to and about others, and talk to
your children, call each person by his name
Allow love, acceptance, care and understanding to undulate in your
tone and sparkle in your eyes
You may not see an immediate effect but it will take root in their
souls and eventually rise
In turn, our children will learn to treat themselves and others they
encounter well throughout life
Begin the process at home. Never treat the stranger in the street
better than you treat your child, your husband, your wife
There are no human heifers, no human female dogs, and no
fatherless male child who should hang his head in shame
We claim to want the world to be a better place… let’s start by
calling each person by his or her rightful name


Sunida E. York © 2008 All Rights Reserved

January is National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring month. Parents, this is a great time to thank the person who is volunteering his or her time to help your child. If you are the child being mentored, you can thank your mentor as well.

Mentors, here is a Flower In Ink to help you continue to encourage and inspire the children whose lives you already enrich.

~Wishing you continued success and blessings.


The Star

If something could be said to inspire and encourage you
It would be that although life can be difficult, you will make it through
Occasionally, mistakes and other obstacles will block your path along the way
You may have a brief detour but from the right road never stray

You will not be told to reach for the stars but that you are a
star. It is your birthright
Within you is the ability to rise up and shine as brightly as
anyone else, regardless of your current plight
Define your vision, write down your goals, map your course
and take action
Eventually, hard work and diligence will bring career success
and satisfaction

It also helps to believe in yourself and to have faith in God
or the higher power you ascribe to
For when you hit a low point, your faith will restore your
spirit and give you purpose and direction anew
A word of caution… always choose your friends very carefully
They can bring problems into your life as easily as an enemy

While you are concentrating on achieving your particular goal,
Remember to also take good care of you… mind, body and soul
Although a great professional career will promote financial stability,
Good health can’t be bought even if you are wealthy

Know your strengths but work to strengthen your weaknesses, too
Know your worth for then you will know who is worthy of you
This is your life… of your future you are the star
You will go places… you determine where and how far


Sunida E. York ©2007 All Rights Reserved

Barack Obama: South Carolina Victory Speech

January 27, 2008

Barack & Michelle Obama




Barack and Michelle Obama are pictured enjoying a blissful moment while on the Presidential campaign trail in South Carolina. Democratic primary elections are being held across the state today. The entire country could benefit from a little bliss like this. Take it all the way to the White House, Obama!