Destiny_Lane's Blog

Webster say a moratorium is an authorization to a debtor, as a bank or nation, permitting temporary suspension of payments or a suspension of actions.  Today's foreclosure rate is increasing so rapidly that I am afraid that by the time people recognize the problem; it would be too late to stop this cancerous growth in our communities.  I am encouraging everyone to lift up your voice in support of this action. The creation of such a Public Policy to show the solidarity we have as a people. Although, we greatly differs in our opinion on race, religion, and morality; we can heal from the social and economic conditions which plagues our lives.

Please do not allow anyone to tell you that every action to improve the social and economic conditions in our community is "socialism."  That is absolutely absurd and another one of the devil's unfair and deceptive acts. Our communities are in serious trouble; unless, we begin to speak out on issues that will provide a better understanding of our goals and purposes in life. I have my personal opinion on slavery but it is irrelevant at this point in my life when I see the concept being practiced in a variety of ways.

The cruelty of slavery was achieved when a specific class of people were chosen to be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This is happening today through the deprivation and denying of citizens' rights. I am embarrassed that we want to debate past slavery and ignore our current day form of slavery.

Mayor Herenton and Mayor Wharton now is your time to act in creating a Moratorium to cease all foreclosures until Memphis can recovery from the fraudulent actions of lenders.  

For over twenty-years, I have been a faithful listener of radio talk show.  I can remember a man named Mr. RC who has passed on now would often call.  He told us to learn about conservative and liberal.  This is the first time I have explored Mr. RC's request.  I see where conservative is defined as wishing to keep things as they have been; opposed to change; a member of a conservative political party.  Also, conservatism is opposition to change; the desire to keep things as they have been.  Liberal is defined as very generous; abundant; ample; not narrow-minded or prejudiced; tolerant; broad.  Favoring progress, reform, and the use of governmental power to achieve social or political goals.  A person who is liberal or has liberal political views.  Also, liberality is generosity in giving, tolerance and understanding; broad-mindedness.

After reading this, I must analyze what my beliefs really are considering I though that being conservative was to be spend-thrifty and conscious of spending.  I should have known better because I see that our well-known conservatives today are stingy when it comes to spending money to achieve social; however, when it comes to fighting wars and showing their military might there is no limit to the money they are willing to spend.  So as conservative talk show hosts continue to show their ignorance we can all sit down and watch them make a jackass out of themselves by espounding on a concept the American people do not understand.

   Without the most memorable times in my life, I would have a very difficult time finding reasons to continue on each day.  Mrs. Alberta Jackson, my mother shaped, molded, and made me what I am.  Through Christ, she was obedient and humble enough to give so much and allow God to be the guide.  As a sharecropper, she learned how to take a little of nothing and make enough to feed and raise her family.  She taught her children about her life and her struggles.  She made us share her hardships and her fortunes.

   My mother had a special skill to make me feel hopeful about any situation that depressed me.  I guess this is why she was so special to me.  In all of my illnesses, she was always there to prepare me a special meal.  She would rub me anywhere that it hurt and her touch was so magical.  I can remember her being at the hospital with every one of her four children.  Isn’t that amazing how mothers can take a meal and make, shape, and mold a child.

   No matter how much of a failure I have been, my mother showed me a purpose for my experiences.  Her ability to make me feel like somebody at my lowest points in life was all the encouragement I needed.  At fifty-three, I am still trying to achieve the accomplishments that I was taught to believe that I could.  My mother is my inspiration today more than at anytime in my life.  She prepared me for the ups and downs in life by communicating with be honestly at a very early age.  

   As a wife, my mother went above and beyond to show her husband that she was willing to give her all and all.  My father loved fried apple or peach pies.  We would have so much fun jiving her about giving us the burned pastry and saving the pretty ones for her husband.    My mother knew my favorite was spaghetti and chicken wings.  She always reserved that meal for me. My mother showed my father what grace can do in his life.  Through his witnessing her life, he became a man that she would have been proud to be married to.

   When my mother became “Big Momma” this is the most precious time in life.  When she interacted with her grandchildren, again, she shaped, she molded, and she made a generation of children who definitely knew about love.  I am so glad my son was able to know and enjoy my mother for fifteen years.  I have never known the love of big momma.  Sure I had a couple of grandmothers but there is a distinct difference in a grandmother and big momma.  I see my mother's teaching everytime my son says, "Big Momma told me that."   

   It’s been fourteen years since God called my mother home and I have still not been able to write the type of dedication that captures my true thought.  I will keep trying and I wish every mother “Happy Mother’s Day.” 

   I have tried not to focus on this question for over thirty years but this years election has brought this question back to mind.  I have looked at all type of documentaries; in fact, news and research is one of my favorite hobby.  Let me just ask the question.  Who was the mask men under the robes worn by the KKK?  Since association and affiliation is becoming so important to our society; let's explore the importance of this question.  Where did they go?  Are they our policemen and law enforcement officers; if so, could that explain why there are so many black men incarcerated.  Are they our lawyers and our judges?  If so, does that explain why our judicial system have failed to provide justice to blacks.  Are they our teachers and educators?  Does that explain why Blacks have such a hard time receiving excellence in education.  Are they our talk show host?  It appears that we have an evil force that wants to drive their bias, prejudice, and unfair opinion upon us?

   The men in the mask robes did not just disappear.  They are functioning in this society and I would like to know where.  If Obama's religious is such a threat to our future; maybe, we should examine how other organizations impact our lives.  For some strange reason Blacks can so easily be torn down; whereas, indictments against other communities are ignored.   I have seen writings giving praise and acknowledgement to parents who fought in the war, who were on the police force for years; but never have I heard one soul say "My father was a KKK."  Why have America hid this dirty little secret.  Sean, Mike, Rush, and all the other conservative talk show host, please help Blacks to understand how your extremist and radical behaviors have caused our community to suffer.

   I am so disgusted with the media and the conservative talk shows who are desperately trying to sabotage Obama chance at election.  It really does not matter to me if he wins or not but the games that are being placed are just sinful.  I was so proud of a lady that called Hannity Show on Monday.  She tried to tell him that she and her family are suffering now.  Hannity told her to get another job to make her life better.  He said that the President has nothing to do with her soaring expenses.  However for the last couple of months, he has blamed Obama for everything other people has said.  He had the nerves to say that Obama should have said something to Former President Carter.  It is so sad that people who are in the position to educate and inform the community are using this opportunity to spread hatred.

   I certainly agree with Obama.  If small town Pennsylvania is not bitter, I certainly am.  We as Americans have made sacrifices for other country's freedom.  When it comes to our poverty and misfortunes these same characters Hannity, Rush, and others talk about Black people like a dog.  They do not feel any compassion for our impoverish community.  They rant and rave about the crime problems and say they are willing to build more jails.  If you ask the City or County for help in building our community; they call you a socialist.  Another thing that disgust me is no other community lend a voice in expressing the injustices we must endure.  Does high gas prices affect other communities?  Do other community feel the pain and suffering caused by poor leadership and the corruption of the system?  I do not hear their cries.  Other communities joins the six-figure television and radio personalities who tries to humiliate and poke fun at our dilemmas. 

   I was surprised when my prayer book states trust in, lean on, rely on, and cleave to the Lord Jesus Christ with all of your heart growing in Him.  (Proverbs 2:5-7)  I looked up cleave in the dictionary and it means to cling.  So why is Obama not confident in his words?  Just because the pressure is being placed on him; I pray that he can be strong enough to resist the devil.  They are just doing what they are suppose to do.  I wish the white community to stop feeding into this nonsense.  Why are we not being told about the bail out of the mortgage companies, the war deaths in Iraq, and the failures of President Bush?  We have come to a new low in America when we allow racism to be so prevalent that a man's race is determined by the media.  If my mother is white, I would be offended that anyone would dare call me a black.

All this week students are taking the TCAP Exams in the Memphis City Schools.  I have tried to encourage our students to do their best on the exam.  However, some of the students do not take it seriously.  They are rushing through the exam and refused to proofread their exam; although, they had 30 minutes or more of extra time.  Parents,please work with your children to help them review and learn test taking techniques that will help them do better on the test. 

I can not wait to see these scores. We are Nykikia, Marvinna, and Syleathier and we are friends. We feel confident that we will pass this with high scores and we are hoping that your child will do the same .                                                      
       Sincerely  classmates from Bruce Elem School.

The Memphis City School Blue Ribbon Plan can be very effective in dealing with our students with disciplinary problems; however, we must allow parents to make the ultimate decision as to whether they will allow Corporal Punishment for their children.  It is wrong for lawmakers to remove or create laws that will deprive a parent of choosing an appropriate discipline plan for their children.  I feel parents know their children better than anyone else and the decision should be left to them.

I work as an In-School Suspension Assistant or ISS Assistant in an elementary school.  At first, I did not feel that my position would be very effective but I have learned to appreciate the small contributions that I can make.  My attempt to reach children with discipline problems is hampered by the continuous decision of the Blue Ribbon Plan.  I think mature adult should be able to make an overnight decision on an issue this easy.  I can not figure out what is the problem.  We see that removing discipline has created new problems for us and we must stop the increasing damage that is being done.  The Courts call it "mitigating your damages" rather than allowing the problem to spin out of control.  I am sorry, I was unable to attend the series of meetings held by the school board; however, I am thankful that this blog allows me to express my concerns.

Let's see if we can develop an intelligent conversation that will send our MCS Board in the right direction.  As ISS Assistant, I have felt the frustration of dealing with children who I know can be successful in school with a little pressure placed on them.  Now, I do not want to whip anyone's child, be abusive, nor kill their self-esteem but I want to see the shackled removed from the feet and hands of educators.  I have been vocal in matters that affect our children for almost thirty-years.  I can not continue to sit silently by and watch the madness without giving my views.

Please give the decision for corporal punishment back to the parents.  Thank you.

I would like to share my wonderful Christmas with my blog family.  It was amazing because I had no money and only one gift per family member.  I never thought that it can be so wonderful to enjoy a holiday when one is broke.  However, I am really enjoying living on a barebone budget and just accepting that I do not have the financial means to be a vital part of our society and its traditions.  I spent the day doing small loving gestures for the children and lecturing my family about the Blessings of just enjoying each other one more time.

I thank God that I was forced to accept a nearly penniless Christmas.  We have a small family but each adult did what they could to put a smile on the children's faces.  The picture on this site is of my niece Destiny Jackson who chose to spend her Christmas with her father's side of the family.  I truly missed her and wished she had called to let me hear her voice.  In 2008, I continue to pledge allegiance to our young people as we find solutions to their problems.  The children in the In-School Suspension program at my school were amazing in 2007 and I pray to inspire them to bring out their best.  In 2007, we defined self-discipline and vowed to practice it daily.  So, I look forward to a great New Year's. Have fun and remember that Love is the greatest gift of all.

I wish I could join the many grandparents who will take advantage of Grandparent Day in Memphis City School.  This year, I cannot attend my great nephews and niece school because I am working.  I will be working to make the experience a good and successful one at my school.  Students have receive several practice drills how improving their behavior in the cafetorium at school.  This is a continuous job and we are making progress.

Please come and join the school in delivering a very important message to our children.  They need to feel and know that we are concern about their futures and we are dedicated to making sure that they receive that message loud and clear.  Well, there are students who are naturally loud speakers who are trying to learn to louder their voices.  Please be patient with us at MCS and lend your support in a very positive way.  God bless all Grandparents because you are the leaders.

Please don't take this title too serious.  I am not an English teacher but writing is one of my pasttime passions.  Remember, if you are in a boring situation with a child during these summer months; have them to write paragraphs about their feelings and thoughts.  Just a tip to help strengthen our children's skills in writing.  Children enjoy reading short stories that will allow them to give their opinion or express their understanding of the reading.  Another learning tool is challenging their abilities with various types of math problems.  Some children are challenging and enjoy spelling words.  These are just a tip to help our children to continue learning during the summer months.  Do you have any additional suggestions?

There are a lot of kings out there. There is BB who is king of the blues. Elvis who is referred to as the king of rock 'n roll. There is the Lord, the king of kings. This tribute goes out to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who inspired and transformed the hearts of the lives he touched. To most of us who continue to follow the teaching of Dr. King, our commitment is not for fame and glory.

In tribute to Dr. King, our lives have been changed through his teaching. Our works maybe as simple as just doing what Dr. King said, "If I can give somebody an encouraging word, then my living will not have been in vain." Even if my voice is unheard and unrespected, my First Amendment Right allows me to speak out for what is right.

Dr. King also said, "The legal structures have in practice proved to be neither structures nor law. The sparse and insufficient collection of statutes is evaded, substantially nullifed and unenforced is a mockery of law." Therefore, my commitment to gain knowledge of the laws and their interpretations is a continuous effort to understand many of our dilemmas in life.

Our commitment to a cause is a universal attempt to achieve many of the things that Dr. King spoke of. Do you know what it was about Dr. King's life and works that transformed you? Our tribute shall be the answer that question.

The 2007 State of the Community address from Destiny Lane is an overview of the concerns from the poor community. We realize that the needs of the larger society includes the need for football stadium, 500 new polices, and a lie about wanting to improve the blight in the community. We have heard promises of community development for over sixteen years from the mayor; however, he has never made a serious effort to improve these conditions.

The community still suffers from the lack of employment and business opportunities. Although, we have continue to cry out our discontent with being financially neglected. Once I challenged the mayor for not doing anything to address the community's need. He laughed and called us "beggars." We have continue to endure regardless of how the mayor has neglected the least of the people. It appears that the Lord has revealed the truth about how this administration has been performing.

The community must wear the shame of the crime and violence being committed by the community. We are victims too but I realized that this problem was being created twenty years ago when our youth was deprived of social, educational, and spiritual development. It is not too late but our leadership must realize that their decision to "LET THE GOOD TIME ROLL" is at the expense of building strong communities. Many people feel turning down public housing was a good thing but for me it created too many problems by spreading the problem throughout the city.

Sports, partying, and good times are costing our community too much and we must demand corrective measures to be put in place. Our time on earth is passing fast and we have allowed twenty years to pass us by and we have not held people accountable for their poor decisions about leading us into the 21st century. We failed our children and we will have to pay for not doing our civic duties.

I am so excited about the Holiday Season and would like to enjoy it; regardless, of what is happening in the community. The children should be our main concern. Too many grandparents are trying to make the issue about their sons and daughters who are the parents of the grandchildren. I feel that it is not about the adults but the children who are the innocent victims of all this madness. Make a child's holiday a blessing!

You might think this is selfish but when my niece who is a straight A student gets into her first school fight, I am very concern. Since I do not have children in the school system, my concern has been limited. For the concern for my niece and nephews, it is difficult to remain "silent" when we see that "silence is not golden." The future for our upcoming generations does not look shiny. These children are not motivated to do anything expect but what they want. There is nothing wrong with this: some may say its aggressive and overbearing and others may feel its a show of potentials. I view things differently so accept me the way I am. Thanks!

My heart goes out to all the parents and family of Memphis City School students. Our children deserves so much more than what we as a society has provided to them. As a great-aunt, I am compel to pave a path for the two generations immediately under my generation. Several years ago, my public opinion was that the generation before me had failed to build or achieved anything to improve our lives. How wrong was I, and this public apology comes with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of their ability to reach their goals. My parent's generation gave us understanding of what Robert Kennedy said, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." Thanks to my elders.