Daily Thoughts

As we embark on ANOTHER celebratory MLK, Jr., weekend, singing the usual songs “Ain’t gonna let nobody turn us around” or “We Shal Overcome Someday”, I have to ask “How long are we going to continue to do the usual”?

The politicians will be out front with their speeches of unity. The usual community leaders will be on stage for their annual MLK photoshoot.

We have a State House Leader who will speak up when it doesn’t rattle the Republican dictators. We have a D19 State Senator whose office is so quiet you can hear a rat pissing on cotton.

I am aware that the Democrats are in the minority in our TN legislation, but please stand up and let your constituents hear your voice!! For there to be a change in Tennessee we have to change who is sitting in those rural county seats, and those Democrats in name only, but follow Republicans wherever they lead (yes, we have several of those in the TN legislative body).

On a national level, I look at what the Republican party has centered on – restrict abortions 100% (no leeway for abortion, incest, health of mother), many States have decreased early voting timeframes, numerous States are looking to reject Federal funding for education, they are still wanting to overturn the Affordable Care Act, they are discussing how to decrease those eligible for Medicaid, increase the retirement age for Social Security, close the border to immigrants of color (media is not reporting on the immigrants for European countries), continue to bow to the NRA, and what we can read at any level of education.

The 2024 election cycle is going to be pivotal to how we will operate as a nation in the next century. The lifestyles we have grown accustomed to are in danger of being upended.

As we vote for the next State-level politician, the next Congressional member, and who will sit in the White House, think of the impact those individuals will have on future generations.

But first, we must attend those Martin Luther King, Jr., parties, celebrations, and photo sessions, and then maybe we will remember to pick up the mantel, the ideology and fight for what Martin Luther King, Jr., lived for!