THOUGHTS ABOUT POLLUTION AND GLOBAL WARMING

THOUGHTS ABOUT POLLUTION AND GLOBAL WARMING – increase in pollution leads to warming? I think it’s a politically clever move to use young people as the urgent voice for immediately changing the sources of our energy. Since today's youth will experience the horror of a world no longer habitable they have a personal stake in the result of unabated pollution. Whether or not pollution has a causal effect on the warming of our planet may not be the better question. Perhaps the better question is whether or not earth's temperature is rising. If it is then what can be done to stop it. At one time in my dumb-life I thought pissing in the water at the beach made no different in water quality. I thought when the truck took away our trash and garbage that all that bad smelly stuff magically evaporated. Even after I learned about landfills I thought buried it could be forgotten. In my reasonably smart-life I now know that our natural water systems are polluted; the air I breath can and does cause disease and death. I've heard some adults dismiss the comments of youth activist who fill the media with their cautions and concerns, purely on the basis that they are too young to know. If our waste has polluted our air and water systems it may also be true that the waste of creating energy is polluting how our weather systems operate. Amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION WITH A TWIST

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION WITH A TWIST – a vision in black and white Reparation will become a reality well within my remaining life time. At 84 it means I'll have to live at least to 90 and at most to 100. Since I intend to live to 150 yrs. I'll see reparation become a government institution. It won't be without treats of state successions, group and individual visions of a dreaded socialism, also black/white race tension and probable conflict. Reparation, however, will not be all black. Although it remains silent and off the front page there are poor white people in this the wealthiest country on earth. For some whites poverty has been a way of life for generations. As it stands now there is a swell of white resistance to reparation for the American descendants of slavery. That resistance will only intensify as reparation moves closer to becoming a reality. Congress will not be able to seriously consider reparation without including in their considerations relief for white poverty. Even with such a consideration the rich and powerful white men of this country will always work to maintain the status quo. Despite their wealth and power white men will not be able to stop the shift that will change the economic, social, and political landscape of our country. amazon.com/dp/0983947724.

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION REALITY

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION REALITY – will the debt be paid? The creators of ADOS, Yvette Carnell and Antonio Moore, gave focus and direction to reparation becoming a reality. For years the crime of slavery has been in the minds of most mature human beings. For years most mature people have thought about some punishment for the perpetrators of institutionalized slavery. For years reparation has been thought of as a just penalty for the injustice of institutionalized slavery. For most of these years no specific person of group of persons could be identified as the sole perpetrator of institutional slavery. For most of these years no specific person or group of persons could be identified as victims of institutional slavery. For years black leaders have labored to find a clear and legal definition for perpetrator and victim of institutional slavery. Through pure unrelenting genius Yvette Carnell and Antonio Moore have discovered a definition for perpetrator and victim which fits historical and legal frames. With their definition who benefited from institutional slavery, who were the victims, and who is to be paid, is easily identified. Their definition excludes no descendant of African slaves from justice through reparations. All descendants are justified in their claim for reparation. Since there are many descendant groups there is not one perpetrator. Since there are many perpetrators each group must find justice through reparation from those who directly benefited from their slave ancestor labor. American Descendants of Slavery–ADOS–identifies a specific group of slave descendants. America built itself on the labor of slave ancestors and its continued denial of full citizenship for slave descendants. It is often said that most white people object to reparations. I remind you that many white people objected to anti-lynching laws–white men and their families enjoyed the spectacle of good lynching regularly. Baseball is now a more enjoyable sport for the family to enjoy. amazon.com/dp/0983947724.

THOUGHTS ABOUT CREATIVE RISKING

THOUGHTS ABOUT CREATIVE RISK TAKING – nothing ventured nothing gained For any risk taker there is a cost for taking that risk. What a risk taker strives to achieve is a reward for taking that risk; he or she expects the reward to be greater than the cost for taking the risk. When a risk taker has the total cost of the risk in hand, meaning he or she already has the cash needed to take the risk, such a person is beginning with a distinct advantage. It doesn't make for a certain reward but the cost is kept to a minimum. When a risk taker has others, say a bank, cover part of the cost he or she begins with an obvious disadvantage. The accrued debt eats into the expected risk-reward and makes reward difficult if not impossible. Since my retirement I continue to work as a professional actor and independent writer/publisher. As any creative artist knows, art making cost money; the ability to keep making art depends on the rewards received from consumers of his or her art. For me it's been a life on the edge. amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY THOUGHTS

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY THOUGHTS – thinking aloud what I’m thinking I recently finished my 4th novel; I think it’s my best work–not perfect but good. I’m well into research for my 5th book; not yet ready for the story outline. I was with Lynn Burnett and a group of actors at Coffee Chatter the other evening when I had a chance to introduce my novel to a presenting writer for screen and TV. He asked if I had considered adapting it to film, I told him I had; he asked if I would do it or have someone else. Perhaps my response sounds a bit egotistical but I told him no one could do it better than I. The truth is I believe that. Another truth is I’m working on the 5th book–do I stop to write an adaptation or do both? For me, neither choice is plausible. Easy for me to decide but doesn’t stop my mixed emotions. Another thing has been haunting me lately–perhaps its due to age. Most of my adult life I’ve lived alone. I married twice and ended both in divorce. I have two loving siblings, five wonderful children grandchildren and great-grands. I’ve had a number of great lovers along the way but have purposely avoided marriage. For some time now I’ve been without a woman in my life. My writing and acting has, until now, kept me busy enough to avoid the creeping consciousness of feeling alone. I have good social contact but nothing on the personal level. No good mornings, no good nights, no how you feeling today baby, you feel like doing it? Now that life for me is slowing down I’m becoming more sensitive more perceptive more aware of what’s important in life. I do love life but I’m a little tired of living it alone. Amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION AS POLICY NOT JUST PRINCIPLE

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION AS POLICY NOT JUST PRINCIPLE I recently became a follower of American Descendants of Slavery, ADOS. I’m a black American who is independent in his thoughts, meaning I don’t usually follow groups. I have a specific reason for aligning with ADOS–its commitment to reparation for ADOS. I think it’s a debt long long overdue. The leadership of ADOS was wise enough to bring clear focus to reparation: who gets it and why. ADOS does not equivocate about its commitment. I know more than a little about institutional change, my academic and work experience awards me that. Specific focus has to be given to the goal; the same specific focus has to be given resistance to the goal. Much like changing the mindset of an individual institutional change is a very difficult process–not impossible but difficult. Change makers must never lose sight of the condition that will exist after the change. Change makers must guard against getting bogged down in the opposition to the intended change. Opposition to change will often cause dissension among change makers, resulting in failure to reach the goal. Whenever change makers doubt success that doubt will add to the opposition to change. It may seem improbable but any opposition can be overcome. Although in favor of reparation, some black people believe too few white people supporting a policy for reparation make its reality unrealistic. There is a way for reparation to benefit white people as well black. Find that way and reparation will become a good policy rather than a good principle. Amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT LITERACY AND EDUCATORS

THOUGHTS ABOUT LITERACY AND EDUCATORS–good reading skills make good teaching possible I have written a novel of historical fiction. It covers three (3) generations of a black family: 1930s, 1940s, and 1980s. This story may be compelling enough to attract the interest of young as well as adult readers–particularly those endeavoring to increase their literacy skills. Educators and literacy trainers seeking reading materials may find “DIFFERENT ROADS SAME STOPS” an ideal aide for teaching American History, ethnic studies, and personal development. As the author I am willing to send you a free copy for review. If you are in Southern California near Los Angeles I would also meet with you and students to discuss the story in detail. Email: adolphusward@aol.com. Please identify yourself and purpose in the subject-line. www.amazon.com/dp/0983947724.

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY LATEST NOVEL: 3rd Generation

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY LATEST NOVEL– 3RD Generation [DIFFERENT ROADS SAME STOPS] is about three (3) generations of the same family: Calvin Tallman is the grandson of Jacob and Clara Tallman. Calvin like kinfolk in the generations before him chooses to confront racial discrimination rather than tolerate it. The time is 1984 and he’s moved from Milwaukee to Kenosha, Wisconsin to be near his job as an HR manager. Part of his responsibility in Human Resources was to manage the company’s Affirmative Action Program. The program was a government program designed to move African Americans into jobs previously denying them entry on the bases of race. As in all previous generations white men and women constructed roadblocks to slow or stop the progress of black people—especially where that progress cost them some advantage. If you like a good story you’ll love this book. It is in paper-back and e-book. Go to amazon.com/dp/0983947724 for your copy or buy one as a gift to someone you care about. THANK YOU!

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY LATEST NOVEL 1st Generation

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY LATEST NOVEL– 1ST Generation [DIFFERENT ROADS SAME STOPS] is about three (3) generations of the same family: 1930s Arkansas, 1940s and 1980s Wisconsin. Jacob and wife Clara open this story in Arkansas in the mid1930s. This is a time when water came from a hole in the ground, a time when most country people rode on the backs of horses in wagons or simply walked–the automobile was an anomaly. Milk the family drank came directly from a cow and the butter they spread on their baked bread came directly from that milk. A mule and human labor were the chief implements for planting, cultivation, and harvesting food grown for the family table and cotton grown for sale. Some white men and the laws they made blocked the roads to progress and a better life for Negroes. Jacob, Clara and family struggled to overcome the roadblocks to their dreams and aspirations. If you like a good story you’ll love this book. It is in paper-back and e-book. Go to amazon.com/dp/0983947724 for your copy or buy one as a gift to someone you care about. THANK YOU!

THOUGHTS ABOUT HARRIET MOVIE BOYCOTT

THOUGHTS ABOUT HARRIET MOVIE BOYCOTT – a political view I will not see the movie for political reasons. Those who have or will see the movie are not my enemy; I don’t wish the cast or crew ill winds. My abstention is purely political. Harriet Tubman is and will remain an integral part of the American descendants of slavery (ADOS). Her courageous act of guiding slaves to freedom gave and continues to give value to the lives of black Americans. To even contemplate, let alone cast a black female from outside the black American experience takes more than a bit of arrogance. It takes the total disregard for the American black female talent pool eager to recreate the life of an iconic person from within the ADOS’ life experience–it takes a blatant disregard for the importance of culture. amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT AGING BODY GROWING MIND

THOUGHTS ABOUT AGING BODY GROWING MIND – two directions at once A week or so ago I was at the Department of Motor Vehicle to renew my driver’s license. I did the vision test without an error. Missed a couple on the written test but knew the correct answers – I passed. Won’t have to do the whole thing again till 2025; by that time I will be age 90. I feel an imposing contradiction in my total being. My body definitely shows signs of aging – all my shit that was once firm muscular and in place now bags sags and slags leaving my appearance closer than ever to my alien alter ego, ET. In stark contrast my brain is a wellspring of creativity. I’ve just published my fourth book and already doing research for the fifth; I’m always seeking work as an actor–on camera and stage. In my dreams I fly dance and create love. I love life and I love me–all of me. Take a look at my new novel: amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT LITERACY AND EDUCATORS

THOUGHTS ABOUT LITERACY AND EDUCATORS–good reading skills makes good teaching possible I have written a novel of historical fiction. It covers three (3) generations of a black family: 1930s, 1940s, and 1980s. This story may be compelling enough to attract the interest of young adult and adult students–particularly those endeavoring to increase their literacy skills. Educators and literacy trainers seeking reading materials may find “DIFFERENT ROADS SAME STOPS” an ideal item for teaching American History, ethnic studies, and personal development. As the author I am willing to join an educator or trainer or students to discuss the story in detail. Email: adolphusward@aol.com. Please identify yourself in the subject-line. www.amazon.com/dp/0983947724.

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY LATEST NOVEL - 2nd Generation

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY LATEST NOVEL– 2nd Generation [DIFFERENT ROADS SAME STOPS] is about three (3) generations of the same family: Annie Mae Tallman and Buddy Lindsey marry in Arkansas then moved to Wisconsin. They open this element of the story in Milwaukee in early 1940. Milwaukee was an industrial city with foundries and factories producing household and farm equipment. City factories also produced war materials. There was lots of work to be done but most of it unavailable to Negroes. During this period NAACP filed a suit against one major manufacture and World War II begins. As a staff employee of the Urban League Annie Mae fought to secure fulltime factory jobs for black men. If you like a good story you’ll love this book. It is in paper-back and e-book. Go to amazon.com/dp/0983947724 for your copy or buy one as a gift to someone you care about. THANK YOU!

THOUGHTS ABOUT COPING WITH STRESS

THOUGHTS ABOUT COPING WITH STRESS – it can make you sick or kill I fashioned my master’s degree to assist adults in their efforts to live effective and efficient lives. As any educator knows in trying to help others improve their lives the quality of my life was enhanced. Through research and living I learned that stress was often a silent killer. Until we know better most of us mask stress with avoidance, medication or other habit forming, health debilitating, drugs. Please consider my set of stress coping tools. Fist, stress is unavoidable–it is like the air we breathe. And like the air it can be polluting to our physical and mental systems. Decide what can harm you. If it can’t hurt or kill you–fuck it. Second, get rid of what is stressing you out. Third, learn to cope with what you can’t get rid of. This is where it gets tricky. Keep in mind that it’s not the irritant that causes stress it’s your reaction to it. So, you are in control of your stress in any situation. Realizing you’re in control gives you the power to make decisions to avoid or live with the negative effects of stress. amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT TIME AND MEANS A CHANCE TO GROW

THOUGHTS ABOUT TIME AND MEANS A CHANCE TO GROW – means allows growth One of the notions that drove the creation of my new novel and perhaps all of my work is the fact that one needs time and means to grow before growth can take place. When one is hemorrhaging the first task is to stop the blood not to eat something. When one is preoccupied with stopping pain it is next to impossible to have sex or even be romantic. Personal growth requires time and means. When one’s road in life is beset by obstacles which consumes one’s time and means, little or no resource remains for one’s personal growth. Fighting race discrimination consumes time and means leaving little or no time or means for growth–no time to hug a child, no time to dance, no time to talk, to take a walk in a park, no time to laugh, or time to make love and not just fuck. [DIFFERENT ROADS SAME STOPS] amazon.com/dp/0983947724.

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION-AN I OR WE QUESTION

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION–AN I OR WE QUESTION–reparation is not for an individual Reparation is not about injustice done to a single individual. So an individual responding to a question on their desire or need for reparation should be without determining value–an individual is not the true voice of a group. The true voice should come from the group of individuals who suffered the grave injury of injustice and the effects of it. American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) is that true voice. Reference to reparation should never leave political forums where the important concerns of government are being discussed. The forms of reparation may be difficult to determine but can be worked out just as can the source of funds. It should be obvious that the payment of the United States Debt to ADOS would be stretched out over generations. The time to begin reparation is now.

THOUGHTS ABOUT ADOS VERSUS AFRICAN PEOPLES

THOUGHTS ABOUT ADOS VERSUS AFRICAN PEOPLES – unnecessary tension I am a part of the ADOS family; but the comments that follow are my own–in short, I don’t speak for ADOS. When I look at black Africans, no matter the country of origin, I can’t help but see myself in them–it’s a little like looking into a mirror: more often than not I just smile. It annoys me a bit when an African or Caribbean sees him/herself as superior to an American black purely on the basses of origin. That kind of elitism is an adoption and adaptation of white racism. It’s kind of like me talking with a black person who thinks he/she’s white while ignoring their common blackness. Some American blacks too adopt and adapt this pathology. The true mark of intelligence and respect for others is when asked a question outside of one’s actual experience is to defer the question to a person with the experience. Looking at the yes or no question of reparation for American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS), an actual descendant is obviously the better source of response to the question. Persons without the experience should just close their mouths and let experience inform them. There is clear evidence of elitism and ignorance when the political view on a subject is identical to that of the controlling, racist, policies of a country. The legislative process of our country should not be silent on the subject of reparation–legislative silence is evidence of no-will to heal those who have been gravely harmed by generational government policies. Reparation has to be on the political agenda of the United States in order for the pain and suffering endured by ADOS to ever be relieved. Only government policy can award and maintain the guarantee of full citizenship. amazon.com/dp/0983947724

THOUGHTS ABOUT MY LATEST NOVEL

THOUGHTS ABOU MY LATEST NOVEL – different times same living [DIFFERENT ROADS SAME STOPS] is the title of my latest book. It’s about three (3) generations of the same family. It’s about their social lives their work lives their sex lives and what they do to overcome the obstacles that get in the way to a better life. I use large print in this book which makes it very easy to read–even if you don’t read often. If you like a good story you’ll love this book. It is in softcover and e-book. Go to amazon.com/dp/0983947724 for your copy–buy one as a gift to someone you care about. THANK YOU!

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION NOW

THOUGHTS ABOUT REPARATION NOW – ADOS LEADS The notion of reparation is almost as old as government regulated injustice here in the United States. Slavery and the laws and policies governing the behavior of former slaves have kept reparation in conversations about race; but until recent those conversations have been little more than a moral discussion—an appeal to the goodness of those able to do more than talk about it. Yvette Carnell and Antonio Moore gave reparation a political life with a political identity and purpose. The specific identity of this group of black citizens is the American Descendants of Slavery–ADOS. The purpose of this group is to seek justifiable redress through the courts for grave harm done to slaves and their descendants. This is to be an economic—money—claim, not just an official apology. One would expect there to be few black objections to such a claim but that is not the case. There are blacks who object to the claim and its source on personal grounds. I think reparation is a justifiable claim and deserves the support of all descendants of slaves and all reasonable thinking citizens.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ESTIMATE COST OF REPARATIONS

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPARATION – a big number A young friend of mine has the academic background and experience to ask me what form reparations to the American Descendants of Slavery would take. She is a young white woman with a family and the daughter of a very close friend of mine – now deceased. The daughters question puts reparations in a context which best informs all interested in the subject that reparations is not just about money – but there is a cost to heal the injuries done to American slaves and their descendants. There are persons infinitely smarter than I in economics and finance; they estimate the cost of reparations to be in the trillions. When you think about the billions spent keeping the banks solvent in the most recent financial crash, when you consider the billions in tax cuts for the wealthy, when you consider the billions in aides to Israel, when you consider the millions in tax cuts to business and industry, when we consider aide to developing countries, when we consider aide to states for natural disasters, when we consider these government sanctioned expenditure of tax dollars we might begin to get our minds around the legitimate cost of reparations. I have a semantical problem with the way in which reparations is often referred. More often than not it is referred to as a DEBT owed or a payment for SOMETHING STOLEN. Each of the terms is built on a false assumption: DEBT assumes that there was a legal transaction between the government and slaves or other blacks – that was certainly not the case; SOMETHING STOLEN too is a false assumption – neither slave nor other blacks had the legal right to self-will so it could not be stolen. Perhaps it’s just semantics but setting VALUES where injustices – injuries, harm – have been done to American slaves and their descendants might be a template for establishing the categories of reparations and cost for each. Toward that end it might help us to consider injurious extractions from and injurious denials to American slaves and the American Descendants of Slavery, ADOS.