Congressional Sit-in for Gun Reform

As the Congressional Democrats staged a sit-in for over 12 hours on the floor of the House, many Americans are trying to figure out how they can out-maneuver the powerful gun lobby to bring about much needed gun reform. The primary goal is “No fly, No buy.” Referring to people on the No Fly list should not be able to buy a gun.

In the wake of the Orlando shooting, I could not help but remember the Tucson, AZ shooting where Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and several dozen people became victims of a lone gunman.  Since I lived in Arizona at the time and had met this brave, bright and compassionate public servant, the Orlando shooting seemed to be just as sick and senseless.

Then to my surprise, as I was reading my email, I found the following letter and thought you might appreciate Congresswoman Gabby in her own words asking for our support (exert edited for length):

“Fear is what my constituents felt as a man fired his gun at my congressional event in a Safeway [grocery store] parking lot, shooting me point-blank in the head and killing six others, including a 9-year-old-girl.

Fear is what the children at Sandy Hook Elementary felt as a gunman went shooting from room to room, killing 26 first graders and educators.

Fear is what the clubgoers at Pulse nightclub in Orlando felt as a murderer committed the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history, killing 49 people just last week.

Last night, the U.S. Senate voted down two pieces of commonsense gun violence prevention legislation. The senators who voted no will say a lot of things about the votes they cast, and perhaps they might even say they were afraid. But make no mistake, their fear was nothing compared to what far too many victims of gun violence have faced. Theirs was a decision based on political calculations.

I know that if we elect Hillary Clinton our next president, she will not fear the gun lobby. She will do everything in her power to make our communities safer from gun violence. No. Matter. What.

Speaking is still physically difficult for me, but my feelings are clear: I am furious. And I want to ask you directly:

Please help elect and send …[people] to Congress to take on the gun lobby, and pass commonsense legislation that will make our communities safer from gun violence.

Thank you,

Gabby Giffords”

So, what are your thoughts on gun control?

Honoring Native Atlantan, Walt Frazier

It was an exciting day at the Georgia State Capitol as basketball legend and Atlanta Native, Walt Frazier, was honored by having part of Ponce de Leon Avenue (between Piedmont Avenue and Freedom Parkway) re-named in his honor. He still looks great at age 71 ànd has quite a story to share about growinng up in the Old  Forth Ward and playing  in the NBA from 1967-1980. It was a different era, yet Walt thrived and made history while paving the way for future players.

Senator Donzella James sponsored the Legislation for the street re-naming. Senator Nan Orrock, Senator Michael Rhett and several State Representatives including Dewey McClain, Billy McKinney and Black Caucus Chair Dee Dawkins-Haigler attended.  Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond represented the City of Atlanta and promised to honor the Hall of Famer “across the street…soon”.  Fulton County Commission Chair, John Eaves, read a resolution on behalf of the county.  Also, a large contingent of family, friends and local NBA “retired greats” were on hand to celebrate with Walt “Clyde” Frazier.

Please take the time to study his life and accomplishments. Whether you Google and read the numerous articles and videos, or simply read his Wikipedia page, it is well worth your time.

It is always good to honor and study the lives people while they are still verticle!

“The Greatest, 1942-2016”

This is one of my favorite photos. That means Muhammad Ali is one of my favorite people. I have always thought that anyone willing to stand up for what they believe in is a “real man/human being”.

When Ali refused to sign up for the draft, he proudly gave up his heavyweight title as he so eloquently explained at the press conference about how he had ‘no beef with the Vietnamese’. He went on to tell how bad he and Blacks are treated here in America.

What I found in watching, “Sunday Morning” on CBS, one of many tributes that Ali was dislexic. His wife said he overcame it by memorizing things including his lively poems and speeches with confidence and that infectious smile.

This photo was taken in Chicago at a dinner where he was receiving an award a couple years after he revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A few years earlier, I saw Ali with one person (probably his trainer), jogging from 47th Street over to Lakeshore Drive. While I saw him on several occasions, it always amazed me that I never saw him with an entourage.

Muhammad Ali is truly an internationally known icon and humanitarian. He is worthy of you googling, reading and keeping his memory and legacy alive.  Ali was not perfect. None of us are!  Nonetheless, he is my hero. I am confident he is ‘floating like a butterfly’ in a better place.  My prayers go out to his family.

Do you have a favorite Ali story or quote?  If so, share it with us.