by Alex Paramo, Father / Author / Educator / Community Organizer
Art can and has been created under any circumstance. From the writings of Elie Wiesel at the Auschwitz Nazi Death Camp to Stephen King up on the mountain in his private study on his comfy chair with just the right amount of sunlight pouring in. The graffiti art on NYC subway trains were typically created under duress. These pieces were a shout to be heard and seen in the noisiest busiest off cities. What makes art like the above interesting and beneficial is the diversity not just in the creator but also of place and purpose of the work.
Whether it’s graffiti, or horror novels or the real life immediate threat of death by gas chamber, diversity makes these works interesting, unpredictable, entertaining and important.
Taxation without Diversification
The more the merry the old adage states and in terms of an often directive art form like writing, diversity of thought is a necessary in order to ensure that all of societies stakeholders are properly representative. The industry diversity study by diversity publishing leader Lee and Low, shows that we are too far of in having a true representative publishing industry. The folks who comprise the publishing industry – or in other words – the people who make decisions on what we read and mentally ingest are still overwhelmingly from a singular demographic. The need for diversity in publishing is not a demonization of that singular group that controls publishing currently but a call action for all members of society to demand for and enable (through our purchasing power ) greater representation for all groups.
Why is Diversity Important?
While to many of us, the answer to the question “Why is Diversity Important” might seem self-evident. Due to the current ideological climate in the USA, a further explanation might be necessary. According to Lee & Low
It’s imperative the publishing workforce continues to reflect the many lived experiences in North America. As gatekeepers, we decide what stories get published, which creators get the extra sales or marketing push, and which books get reviewed. Our industry greatly benefits from a diverse workforce to shape the voices and characters that will appeal to a wide audience.
Diversity of demographic representation ensures that diversity of thought is present and therefore granting us the freedom of expression and self-expression crucial and albeit fundamental to a healthy, fulfilling society where happiness is the norm and not a pipe dream. Diversity allows us to examine all corners of the human experience. In the United States we all have walked different paths to be part of this great nation. Therefore our voices should be heard, and it is our job as the media – gatekeepers. that all gates are open and elevated according to merit.
Today, however, is about us. As I find myself in reflection on this day of service, this day of commemoration of a man who very well could have been the United States of America’s first Black president had he lived…let’s say… 39 more years. 39 years would have made Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 78 years old, the same age Donald J. Trump is today. 39 more years from 1968 would have been 2007. 2007 is one year before we elected President Barack Obama in 2008. Though Dr. King was, evidently, a somewhat unpopular figure in his day, he would have had plenty of time to rehab his public image before the 2006-2007 general election cycle revved up. And to be fair, if we learn nothing else from today’s Inauguration it is crystal clear that one does not have to be kind, or honest, or liked, or compassionate, or even Christian in order to become America’s Commander-in-chief. The only thing one cannot be is a woman, apparently…and historically.
Some have gone as far as to characterize today’s inauguration as a cruel twist of fate and tragedy of timing that acts as a slap in the face to Dr. King, his family and his legacy. I don’t know about that, primarily because Dr. King is not around to ask and I do not have any direct line in to his surviving family. But as far as his legacy goes, I do not see today’s Inauguration as “at odds” with King’s body of work in the least. (In fact, I “do not” see today’s Inauguration at all … I chose to sidestep that sideshow like Michelle Obama 🤣). In fact, if it were a slap in the face it would align right nicely with King’s legacy of turning the other cheek … and channel.
So here’s a handful of fairly simple ways to square your observation of the MLK holiday with the inevitability of today’s happenings in Washington, D.C. Feel free to revisit this list as often as necessary over the next four years.
Respond rather than react
There is nothing more frustrating than arguing with a bot or a brother-in-law online. Especially as those spaces of digital discourse have been compromised by the profit motives of their owners and creators. (Psssst…they were all front and center at the Inauguration earlier today…so I’m told.) You can’t win against the algorithm nor your “fiscally conservative” brother-in-law in a Facebook thread. Rather than reacting to the clickbait, find a cause that aligns with your values and invest your time, attention and resources there…in response. I promise that the dopamine hit is higher than hitting send on that well researched 750 character “take down” response you put together to “own” the extremist in your midst. 😉 Me? Instead of watching the Inauguration, I was at the Amy Biehl High School MLK Day of Service Kick-off Potluck reading a new poem I wrote about the life and legacy of Dr. King. Way more fun than watching TV! If you are concerned about immigration raids (and you have protected status), find a mutual aid or immigration law organization near you and sign up today.
Talk to People Who Don’t Think Like You
Preferably in person. What the Democrats gravely miscalculated in the last election cycle is the level of discontent in roughly half of the American electorate. Money spent on media probably would have been better spent on actual in-person meetings, especially in years one and two of the Biden Administration (I know, I know there was a pandemic going on…). Americans across the political spectrum have varying assessments of how well America is or is not doing at any given time and which problems are most urgent and need sorting first. Simply saying, “But you’re doing better than you were before, according to the data” is not the best way to feel heard by those empowered to make decisions on your behalf. In 2017, many of us acted surprised when roughly half the country thought Donald Trump represented the values and interests of America. Winning the electoral college and the popular vote in 2021 did not make that discontent magically go away … as we found on January 6th. The question you routinely hear during campaigns is “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” On that question we can always disagree. But when asked, “Aren’t we made better, smarter, stronger for engaging ideas and people that are different from us?” The answer is usually yes, save when your personal health (physical, mental or otherwise) and safety are compromised.
Vote Local
No, elections are not the end-all be-all of democracy. But Dr. King thought it was pretty important. Important enough to go to jail numerous times for it. Between now and the 2028 Presidential Election you will have somewhere between seven to fifty ‘leven times to exercise your right to vote: city counselors, county commissioners, school board members, mayors, state legislators, judges, and governor. Sure, back in King’s time it was the governors and small town mayors that were weaponizing the police and sheriff’s departments to harass King and his allies. They needed the federal government as a partner to make history. Nowadays, “state’ rights” means something else. Some of the things that you care about and might have concerns about over the next four years are subject to powers exclusively granted to the states and not the federal government. And many of those state and local officials elected in the next four years will still be making decisions on the things important to you long after President No. 47 becomes President No. 48.
Oh, and if you are wondering (like me), the Columbus Dispatch says that this is the fourth time that an inauguration has happened on MLK day since it was established as a federal holiday by Ronald Reagan in 1983. The first was when Ronald Reagan himself was sworn in for his second term on January 20th, 1985. Bill Clinton was inaugurated for his second term on January 20th, 1997. And in a much more colorful twist of fate, Barack Obama was inaugurated to his second term on Monday, January 21, 2013.
About Hakim Bellamy
Hakim Bellamy is the author of Community Publishing’s second book, Samuel’s Story. This multimedia children’s book featured the illustrations of muralist Melvin Mayes and the music of Music Producer Roscoe DJ Flo Fader. Find Samuel’s Story here.
Mr. Bellamy is also the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Albuquerque, New Mexico (2012-2014). Citizen Artist Fellow @ The Kennedy Center. W. K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow. Tiaso Artist Co-op Board of Directors & Founding Member. Founder & CEO of Beyond Poetry LLC https://hakimbellamy.com/
Editors Note: Our writer, Chris Brennan, is the front man for one of the Southwest's most popular bands, Reviva. Click here for more info about Chris. The video below for their song, Take Me Away, was recorded in Albuquerque, New Mexico and stars 10 year old author Marisol Paramo. Marisol, an ward winning author for her book, Bella the Caterpillar, is Native American (Navajo) and Colombian American. Find her book, Bella the Caterpillar here.
Hi My Name Is
Hi, I’m Chris! I’m a 38-year-old, white, heterosexual male who grew up in downtown Albuquerque in the infamous Jesse Pinkman’s house from “Breaking Bad”. Yes, I did host a lot of parties in that basement without my mom knowing as she was asleep upstairs. She sold the house for dirt cheap after the pilot wasrecorded by AMC because she was a single mother raising my sister and I on a teacher’s salary. If you don’t believe me, you can look up “The House From” on Netflix. There’s a reason I chose music over politics: My father was a politician.
Peace in Nicaragua
As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Nicaragua, I’ve witnessed authoritarians take over a country first-hand. With only 4 TV channels in my tiny apartment and no internet, I could see what was happening with Daniel Ortega and his wife slowly manipulating the country through religious beliefs they didn’tfollow. What started as a voter intimidation turned into you must have a party flag over that of the country flag hanging outside of your house, and if not, you will be threatened. Some of my current neighbors have chosen to hang an upside-down US flag, which to me is a disservice to those who have served in the Military as well as the Peace Corps. One thing that really stood out to me during my service in the community of Pearl Lagoon was how people said “Good Morning” or “Good Evening” to all of their neighbors, regardless of political party or religious beliefs. I chalk this up to the fact that while I was there nobody had smartphones or Wifi. We had to pay to go to an internet café with unreliable service. I often just popped into homes during my daily walk and would be offered food or a cold beer by anyone who had the means to offer. Things have changed since I left, as the government built a road that connects the capital of Managua to the Caribbean Coast.
Now everyone has smartphones. The crime rate is up 1000%. The last time that I visited I was told to not walk down the same streets that I used to as there are criminals waiting in the shadows. I could foresee the outcome of the election over a year ago when my buddies told me that the odds of the president-elect winning were -200. I urged my family and friends to be more desperate in how they approached the situation, yet they told me everything would be fine. Much like what happened to Nicaragua, social media has completely changed how people interact with each other. I said “Good Morning” to three of my neighbors while running my dog this morning, and not even one responded.
True Blue
New Mexico is one of the few states that “went (or remained) blue”. As I work in healthcare development, we have already had many inquiries from providers who want to work in a place where they can practice their skills without fear of retribution. After all, the United States was founded on separation of Church and State. Make no mistake, the President-elect is not a savior or the second coming of Christ. If one thing 18 years of Catholic School taught me, it is to “Love Thy Neighbor,” regardless of religion, race, or immigration status.
Spilling Tea
The Tea Party which is now the “T” Party pushed the right more right. If progressives are to ever win another election, they need to make the party more progressive, which means universal healthcare and free higher education. It is a tenant of authoritarians to ensure that the population remains uneducated or only is allowed to read certain books and watch certain channels. And when you hear your neighbors saying, “I’ve done my own research”, they haven’t. I know only because I have good friends who I hang out with daily who I know only look at YouTube videos, X, and Truth Social who claim that is research. I don’t blame them, as it is a product of both technology and intentional distraction from investments by wealthy people to privatize and control education. I wish the best to the incoming Administration but have little faith that they will be able to help the economy or prevent WWIII. I hope that I am proven wrong and am going to golf with some of my friends this afternoon who feel victorious about the election.
Deportation en Masse
I will shake their hands and tell them “Good Afternoon”. Mass deportation of Dreamers is immoral. Things will get worse in the country once the new cabinet enters. There will not be a sudden end to the war in Ukraine or help for the Palestinian people on the way, and China is intent upon taking over Taiwan. Our adversaries will utilize the vulnerability of the incoming president to take advantage. And yes ,I do look at Russia and China as our adversaries, not the people, but the governments. They do not want to see the US succeed and they are licking their chops right now. For those feeling depressed and anxious as I am, I urge you to look within. I don’t believe in either political party .It is okay to not be okay. Climate Change will eventually bring us together as we will have to work alongside our neighbors regardless of race or political party.
Don’t get it twisted. The president-elect will attempt to do everything he said he would, starting with mass deportation and the erosion of democratic principles. I’ve seen authoritarianism happen first-hand. While serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, there were only 4 state-control media outlets. I am fortunate enough to have a wide circle of friends whom I love deeply. I stay in close contact with my friends from high school, Notre Dame, the Peace Corps, and my fellow musicians. During these next extremely difficult years call on your friends and be sure to pick up their calls. Remember to always “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Chris is also a singer-songwriter as the Lead Vocalists for the band Reviva and has embarked on a solo career as Irie Kristoff as well. Find out more about Chris and to read previous articles of In the Footsteps of Peace, click here.
From the forthcoming book Noakhali, 1946: By Sandip Mukherjee, Translated and recreated by Rinita Mazumdar PhD. Subscribe below for access to pre-sale discounts and signed copies!
From Bengali Daily, Anandabazar Patrika July 5, 1947:
(This is still the largest circulated daily in Bengali and also supports an independent Television news channel which airs news in 5 Indian languages)
Allahabad (a city in Northern India) July 3, 1947:
Mr. Amiyo Mukherjee, appealed in the Kotwali police station in Allahabad that one Hindu girl from his family, named Anima Mukherjee, was abducted three months ago during the attack in Noakhali and was brought here under a Muslim name, Zohra. The Mukherjee household was burnt down during the attack on Hindus in Noakhali. The girl herself testified that she was abducted by a Muslim man named Siddiqui and was confined in his home. This girl would be produced in Court to testify. She wrote letters to a relative and appealed to rescue her. After killing her parents, the gang brought her to Howrah Station in West Bengal and then to Marrek Springs; there she was forced to put on a hijab and brought to Allahabad. She further testified that 8 people gang raped her. She was given a Muslim name after the man abducted her. The Magistrate gave further directions to the inquiry.
During the trial the girl was residing with a Hindu family under the directions of the Court, and was called by her given name, Anima Mukherjee. The man who abducted her was arrested in Uttar Pradesh (Anandabazar Patrika, July 5, 1947).
Community Publishing Announces Live-Stream / Podcast Promoting New Mexico Arts & Small Business via Film Industry Professionals
ALBUQUERQUE, NM December 14, 2020 – The Albuquerque based media company, Community Publishing, is announcing the launch of a new hybrid Live-Stream / Podcast on Friday January 1, 2021 and every Friday thereafter. Sponsored by the leader in podcasting, Anchor FM, smARTalk will leverage the Film Industry Professionals in New Mexico to help promote the New Mexico Arts (of all mediums) community and small businesses by interviewing said professionals about their New Mexico based film projects. The show will be Livestreamed on Facebook and Twitter but will also be available to listen to as a podcast via Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.
Film Industry Actors, Directors, Screenwriters and other Professionals will be interviewed in 2 segments where they will discuss their specific project and their experience in New Mexico. Smaller micro-segments will feature New Mexican visual artists, musicians, writers and entrepreneurs. A veteran of the TV industry, the show’s host, Alex Paramo, will be pushing his guests to reveal social issues that they are passionate about. “To have an insightful, entertaining and meaningful conversation, I will be focusing on social causes that these folks are committed to working on. A great many folks you see on-screen have dedicated their time and resources to innovative and important social projects and that is what we will focus on.”
The premiere episode will feature City of Albuquerque, Cultural Services Deputy Director Hakim Bellamy. Mr. Bellamy is also Albuquerque’s Inaugural Poet Laureate, Author and Emcee. The micro-segments will feature local small business owner Mike Silva of Rude Boy Cookies, Chris Brennan of Reviva, Author Audrey McNamara, and Painter Lynnette Haozous. smARTalk Production Manager Colleen Elvidge states, “We want this show to be as representative of New Mexico culture(s) as possible. In leveraging the film community filming in New Mexico – Netflix, Universal Studios – we are aiming to shine the spotlight on the incredible group of talented artists of all mediums that are unique to New Mexico.”
Community Publishing is locally owned and operated out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 2015, Community Publishing publishes multimedia books & blog articles from artists of all mediums. The independent media company is focused on providing a platform for diverse content from creators of traditionally underrepresented communities. #####
Of course, positivity is easy when things are going as planned. But the useful tool that a positive attitude is- pleasant when things are well- is crucial when things are not going our way. Terrible to be told a positive attitude is a choice… And what to do with that information? Laying the responsibility back on our laps. Always a struggle- life. Always another harsh reality. True. But with practice this can become more instinctual and less of a chore. And, indeed, there is a euphoric uplift, a strength, a feeling of triumph. Gratefulness against all odds.
Divinity like yellow sunglasses, casts a new shade over everything. It is the decision and then the practice and make effective gratefulness. Plowing through hardship with positivity- there is power in that.
My children and i give thanks to all my fans and supporters. Visit my website.
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
Audrey McNamara was born in Denver, CO and is based out of Venice Beach, CA. She is the illustrator on two Community Publishing’s Children’s Books. Princess Marisol & The Moon Thieves and Princess Marisol & The Portal both written by Alex Paramo. Follow Community Publishing on Facebook / Instagram.
Award winning author Marisol Paramo stars in Reviva’s video “Take Me Away.” “Take Me Away” paints a real-life picture of a young girl who loses her family because of immigration policies in place in our country. 1.9 million DACA recipients live in America and contribute to the economy and society as teachers, doctors, laborers and military personnel. Reviva’s hope is that by sharing this song and video, it will highlight how these families are adversely affected and the need to take immediate action on their behalf. Congress must take action to protect these young men, women and children, in the spirit of diversity and equality upon which this country was built.
Marisol was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. Marisol is an enrolled member of the Navajo (Diné) Nation (Native American). She is also of New Mexican Hispanic and Colombian American descent. Marisol wrote Bella The Caterpillar at the age of 7. She studies the Violin, and loves to sing. She performed with the Albuquerque Public Schools Honor Choir in 2017. Marisol loves to draw, paint and conduct science experiments. Her goals are to continue writing, while pursuing a career in Singing and Science.
Bella The Caterpillar
The New Mexico-Arizona Children’s Book of the Year, Bella The Caterpillar is narrated in English and Spanish by recording artist Raquel Z. Rivera. Bella The Caterpillar is a wonderful coming of age tale utilizing the vocal talents of 5 child actors. This book is available in print and digital formats visit www.communitypublishing.org for more info.
Set in a tropical backyard, the soundtrack, composed by Christian Orellana, contains tropical rhythms. Mr. Orellana featured the talents of Harpist Dave Hoover, Bassist Gilbert “Ad Lib” Uribe, vocalist Carrie-Ann Maes and Audio Engineer/Musician/Actor Nick “Furious” Myers of FuriouStylz Entertainment. Regardless of a child’s reading level, they will enjoy this brightly colored story about a caterpillar wondering about her future within her present circumstances!. More info by clicking here.
We are excited to announce that our bilingual children’s book, Bella The Caterpillar, was selected as the winner of the 2017 New Mexico – Arizona Book of the Year! 10 year old Author Marisol Paramo becomes the youngest winner in the history of the awards program! Illustrated by Acey May with illustration contributions by Ms. Paramo, the book also features a sound-track, narration in both English and Spanish! Read more about Bella The Caterpillar below and/or visit www.communitypublishing.org/btc
Marisol was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. Marisol is an enrolled member of the Navajo (Diné) Nation (Native American). She is also of New Mexican Hispanic and Colombian American descent. Marisol wrote Bella The Caterpillar at the age of 7. She studies the Violin, and loves to sing. She performed with the Albuquerque Public Schools Honor Choir in 2017. Marisol loves to draw, paint and conduct science experiments. Her goals are to continue writing, while pursuing a career in Singing and Science.
Marisol is also the Star of the Take Me Away Video by Reviva. Reviva will release its first single and video off its new album “Equanimity” and perform on January 14th at Duel Taproom located in downtown Albuquerque at 606 Central Ave. SW from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The title of the single is “Take Me Away” and the video paints a real life picture of a young girl who loses her family because of immigration policies in place in our country. This release will be sponsored by Humans of New Mexico and other immigration groups, and all money raised will be donated to them. The video was produced by Production Outfitters and Directed by Gary Marsh. More info click here
Reviva is a band with seven members who were born and raised in New Mexico. Reviva’s mission over the last eight years has been to inspire through the power of music. Their lyrics, in both English and Spanish, are positive and many of their songs speak to important issues such as Immigration, the Environment, and the need to have compassion and love for one another. Fans are moved to sing and dance to their original reggae/rock songs and embrace this message of caring and compassion for others.Reviva’s hope is that by sharing this song/video, it will highlight how our current policies are adversely affecting families and the need to take immediate action on their behalf. This belief is supported by all major religions in this country and is the foundation upon which America was formed. There are currently 1.9 million immigrants who live in the United States and meet the rigorous requirements of DACA.
These people are teachers, doctors, military personnel and laborers. They work hard, pay their taxes, and support their families. Unless Congress takes action in the next sixty (60) days, they will be deported.In addition to DACA, there are millions of other immigrants who live in, work, and contribute to their communities and our country. They deserve to have a rational immigration policy in place rather than to be used for political purposes to promote dissension, hatred, and
exclusion.
Bella The Caterpillar
From the imagination of 7 year old Marisol Paramo, the creative talents of Lead Illustrator Acey May, contributing illustrations by Ms. Paramo and Music from recording artist ChristianO’s Concepto Tambor, comes a bilingual, multimedia children’s story: Bella the Caterpillar.
Narrated in English and Spanish by recording artist Raquel Z. Rivera, this is a wonderful coming of age tale utilizing the vocal talents of 5 child actors. This book is available in print and digital formats visit www.communitypublishing.org for more info.
Author, Kellogg Foundation Fellow and Albuquerque’s Inaugural Poet Laureate Hakim Bellamy states, ‘In the very first sentence of her story is a caterpillar named “Bella.” Immediately, we drawn to Paramo’s freshness of perspective. Challenging the existing notion that caterpillars are not beautiful until they become butterflies. From the very beginning, Paramo acknowledges the inherent value of a 16-legged protagonist … while foreshadowing Bella’s eventual metamorphosis. As a dad, I’ve read my fair share of children’s books and I can say with some certainty that there are a significant number of adult children’s book authors who don’t execute the foreshadow with as much skill.”
Set in a tropical backyard, the soundtrack, composed by Christian Orellana, contains tropical rhythms. Mr. Orellana featured the talents of Harpist Dave Hoover, Bassist Gilbert “Ad Lib” Uribe, vocalist Carrie-Ann Maes and Audio Engineer/Musician/Actor Nick “Furious” Myers of FuriouStylz Entertainment. Regardless of a child’s reading level, they will enjoy this brightly colored story about a caterpillar wondering about her future within her present circumstances!. More info by clicking here. Purchase your copy below!
Welcome to Day 57 of the #FirstHundredDays of the Gospel According to Donald. It’s like revisionist history … but, like, in the present. A gift really, to armchair humorists and political satirists like myself … so I try to appreciate it for what it is. America’s true colors (and I use the term “color” very loosely). Nonetheless, The First Hundred Days was a term coined by F.D.R. (oh the irony) during a radio address in 1933. Although President Roosevelt was actually referring to the then 100 day session of the 73rd U.S. Congress rather than the first one hundred days of his administration’s first of four presidential terms. If you are masochistically curious as to how our dear man-child president is faring, check out this impartial (meaning one of the few news outlets the President has not directly called “Fake News”), international dashboard of promises kept and Tweets sent at The Guardian.
In the meantime, I want to steak a milestone in the ground in “celebration” of the president’s first month and a half or so…
I couldn’t decide so I made two. Maybe that makes me a “snowflake”? Yeup, a Black snowflake. It’s sort of like being a Black Russian. (beat).
Get it? – hb
or
Since I pretty much don’t post the #DebutMeme until this goes up at Community Publishing (exclusivity rights), you can Twitter me which one YOU think I should Instagram @hakimbe. If get just one vote for #FirstHundredDays (the 1st one with the white background) or #Day52 (the 2nd one with the black background) then that’s the one I’ll go with. Let’s see who’s actually reading these blogs! 😉
And the rest of the week went like this…
Yeah kind of Religious
And then the news of Alec Baldwin calling it quits on his infamous trump impersonation
Oh, and I also saw Jordan Peel’e’s new movie Get Out. You should too. Especially if you are one of my white ex-girlfriends (in which case you are probably, definitely not reading this blog) … or their parents. 😉
See, ya next week!
All the news that’s fit to meme, find my previous articles here…
For more memes follow me @HakimBe on Twitter & Instagram
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
Last week, I told you I’d try and spare you Señor Trump’s face (but never “that ass”). After reluctantly watching Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus’s staged Rom-Com at CPAC yesterday (Thursday) afternoon … I realized that I am, in fact, the opposition party (read: media). And here I was thinking that I was a constituent of the President doing my patriotic duty? Relentless pursuit of information and healthy critique of government and power so I can make the most informed decision possible when I go to the polls … right? At least that’s what JFK said … before “they” shot him.
“The very word “secrecy” is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings. We decided We decided long ago that the dangers of excessive and unwarranted concealment of pertinent facts far outweighed the dangers which are cited to justify it. Even today, there is little value in opposing the threat of a closed society by imitating its arbitrary restrictions. Even today, there is little value in insuring the survival of our nation if our traditions do not survive with it. And there is very grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment. That I do not intend to permit to the extent that it is in my control. And no official of my Administration, whether his rank is high or low, civilian or military, should interpret my words here tonight as an excuse to censor the news, to stifle dissent, to cover up our mistakes or to withhold from the press and the public the facts they deserve to know.”
President John F. Kennedy
But in this new world where the polls are wrong and the news is fake, what’s fella to do…other
than meme it out. Because Americans don’t read books any more, so I’m over here trying to use
images laced with as few words as possible in an effort to instigate civic discourse … in hopes that you all do the same. Romantic, I know. Naive even. But sometimes, even as a poet I know words are inadequate … sometimes this shit writes itself … and you can’t make it up.
So I took a stab at a few less words last week. – hb
but then again … wordiness is all i know … and my pa told me to stick with what you are good at … so here is today’s #DebutMeme:
And a few more from last week…because apparently this Administration is at a loss for … history … when it comes to iconic leaders during Black History Month.
… and in other news …
All the news that’s fit to meme, find my previous articles here…
For more memes follow me @HakimBe on Twitter & Instagram
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
