MOMania

By jct

January 13, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

Good morning all,

My family and I will be volunteering on MLK Jr. Day. It is a long standing tradition as I mentioned on last week. We will be volunteering at Hosea Feed the Hungry. They are still looking for volunteers especially in the 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. shift. Please consider donating your time.

As to the other question, Step son will be off to schoo but we will DVR the event. We will watch it together later in the evening. I will be taking the day off from work to watch.

I remember my first inauguration (I meant that I can remember). It was for President Jimmy Carter. I was in first grade. They brought the entire elementary school into the gym. We all sat on the floor and watch on 2 TVs. I remember on that day, I wanted to be President one day…

By Jeff

January 13, 2009 8:34 AM | Link to this

Two things:

1) MLK day is inherently racist, and therefore I don’t do anything special on that day. When I see black leaders pushing Washington Day (or any other great white American) as hard as MLK Day, I’ll rescind that observation.

2)On the inauguration: I’ll say the same thing on my birthday next week as I said after last year’s Democratic National Convention:

So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause.

By J-Lin

January 13, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Jeff - How is MLK day racist? This is a day to celebrate a man who fought for equality for all people regardless of race, color, or creed. And to top it off, Washington has a day that he share with Lincoln known as President’s day. And considering Washington owned slaves and Lincoln was a huge racist who thought black were inferior and wanted to send them back to Africa and he felt forced to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, what are you whining about?

By jct

January 13, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

@Jeff

Please don’t show your ignorance. We already have Washington’s Birthday as a federal holiday (actually it is a state holiday as well). It is February 22. Most people call it President’s Day (which was also to encompass Lincoln’s Birthday which is February 12). Whether or your employer gives you a day off it is up to them but YES it is a legitimate, legal holiday.

Your employer does not have to give you MLK Jr. Day off either.

By ebaby

January 13, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

Since my girl is so small, we won’t be doing anything special.

However, I do think that schools should allow students to watch it. I remember doing this when I was a child. It was a learning experience that was later intergrated in gov’t or social studies classes. As far as MLK, I have always appreciated and observed MLK as an amazing leader, but never thought to volunteer because of him. I prefer to volunteer at other times of the year and preferably off-season (not Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.)

By Jeff

January 13, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

jct:

And do black ‘leaders’ push inner city community service projects as much on President’s Day? No? Didn’t think so.

Hell, do they push community service projects in poor white areas on MLK Day? No? Didn’t think so.

Black ‘leaders’ have spit on the grave of MLK since they day he died, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

By Not Racist

January 13, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

When you speak that plainly, a lot of people just can’t understand what you are saying. I do.

By MG

January 13, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Jeff - I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m with ya dude!!

By Jesse's Girl

January 13, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

The kids can watch it if they want to….I will likely watch the actual swearing in. But all the pomp and circumstance leading up to it is irritating.I find the election process far more facinating…I think the kids do too.

Per Jeff’s comments. I have to agree to be honest. MLK….his quiet strength, his unfailing faith, his heart of service, his love of community …its all been b******* by most of today’s black leaders. I have a hard time believing that he would condone the way Georgia’s leaders…hell, the nation’s leaders….behave these days. I honor the man because he had a clear purpose in his life. He was called not to help black people…but to help all people see a better way. That is something that is sorely lacking in today’s black community….in regards to the leaders.

Racism is still an issue today….no one can deny that. But it certainly goes both ways. Even Obama was attacked early on for being too white…or not black enough. I do wonder…what the dynamics would have been if he were a dark skinned man, raised by a black family instead of a ligth skinned man raised by a white one?

By jct

January 13, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Since I am not today’s black leaders, I can not speak for them. Nor do I want to. Most aren’t saying anything that I want to hear.

In fact, you did not ask me what I think of what I think about today’s black leaders. Most I can not stand. They are not MY leaders.

Jeff, if you read my post last week, I stated that my family has a long tradition of doing service projects on the King holiday. In fact, this has been a tradition since I have been a child. It is not that only day that I do community service, it is the only one where my entire family does it together.

You did not ask me what I do on Presidents day. When I used to have that holiday off, we would go to museums and soak up history. I grew up on the NE. There was plenty of history where I grew up. As a child my friends and I would reinact Revoltionary War battles that happened around where we grew up.

You really need to expand your perspective. All black people are not a like. We all don’t bow to what Jackson, Sharpton or others who when they speak.

I am not a conservative. I am just a realist who thinks that we can all get along if people would just get over themselves.

By J-Lin

January 13, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

My question to Jesse’s Girl is who are these black leaders? I’m not sure who the media has annointed the leader of blacks, it’s someone who most African-Americans pay no attention to. If you want to talk about Corey Booker, Patrick Deval, or Adrian Fenty (you probably don’t know who these folks are because they aren’t Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson!) they talk about making the community better as a whole which includes all races.

By Morningstar

January 13, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

Staying out of school to watch it? Never. Education is too important. Recording it, watching it as a family - listening to the speech: Always.

Now to MLK Day: This holiday was created by Reagan as a way to hopefully generate Republican support within the black community. MLK is a great American who’s impact is still felt, but I ask one question:

We don’t have a holiday for Thomas Jefferson, but yet we have one for King. In a historical comparison, there is no comparison of who had more weight and significance.

Solution: make one day out of the year “Hero’s Day”. We can place Presidents, leaders - anyone of importance to be recognized on that day. Heck, let the white conservative suburbanites nominate Bush for Hero’s Day which I’m sure they would!

By J-Lin

January 13, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

MLK’s philosophies are cited by leaders throughout the world. If you feel Jefferson should have his own day, lead the charge. Jefferson’s writings and the foundation he layed for this country are important. By taking away MLK day and making a hero’s day waters down his legacy.

My question is why do white people feel acknowledging African Americans is reverse racism?

By LM

January 13, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

My daugthers school is also taking a class trip to DC for the inauguration. They will be flying up on the 18th and flying back on the 21st. This is being done through Smithsonian Student Travel and her school. It is for anyone in her school who wanted the experience.

I am proud of her for wanting to go, I was not excited about the canidates, but did realize with could/is a historical achivement for our country. I have very little faith in the promises made by our president elect, but will give him the chance to prove himself.

As for me, I will be working, no plans to watch since I may or may not be near a TV.

By Jeff

January 13, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

jct:

I am not a conservative

We have that in common.

I am a Libertarian, and there is a HUGE difference.

On MLK himself: I completely concur that the man in question was one of America’s greats, alongside such luminaries as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin, and many others. As JG said, “his quiet strength, his unfailing faith, his heart of service, his love of community” are things we should ALL strive to imitate. What I object to is black ‘leaders’ making a mockery of that man’s legacy, and sadly these ‘leaders’ even include the man’s own kids.

By Cammi317

January 13, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

My daughter and some of her Girl Scout Troop will be marhing in the NAACP parade in Stone Mountain Village. BTW, I just have to vent….it took me quite a while to locate this blog this morning….I do not like this new format!!!!

By Cammi317

January 13, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

I forgot to mention that I am African American and I have NEVER thought it was right to name the day MLK Day. I believed then and I believe now that it should be Civil Rights Day, just like we have President’s Day. Not too belittle MLK or his accomplishments, but there were a lot of people before him and after him that sacraficed for equality and they should all be honored.

By Reader

January 13, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

I agree with Cammi. Why did they hide the blogs?

By Becky

January 13, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

Take a whole day off of work to watch it? Not here..Never have & have never thought about it..I’m with Jeff & Cami on MLK day..We have a lot of other great people that we don’t honor..

Cami, how did you find this blog? I had to do an ajc search..I don’t like that, so if you could give me an easier way to find it, boy would I be greatful to you..

By jct

January 13, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

@Jeff

I will dialogue with most folks. The only thing that I ask is that you speak to me; ask me. I can’t or won’t try to speak for everybody else.

There really isn’t a ‘black community,’ there are lots of communities that happen to have members who are black. Kind of like there is no white community, just a bunch of communities that happen to be members who are white.

—On another topic, You can find all the blogs if you go to the top page and put your pointer thingy (you know that technical name) over the word, drop boxes will appear. Everything is hidden up under those boxes.

By Active Duty Mom

January 13, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

My family and I are stationed in the National Capital Area and since our county’s schools are closed on Inauguration Day due to it being a Federal holiday here, we will be watching the event at home. Before anyone asks why we are not attending the event in person since we live here, I would not take a child to this event for many reasons:

By Cammi317

January 13, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this

Becky, I hit the link for ajc.blogs attached to the “change” story, hit the previous archives link and found Momania under the Health menu on the left side. I never could find a direct link.

By JJ

January 13, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this

I found this blog by clicking “entertainment” at the top of the home page.

However, I don’t like the new format. The ONLY reason I go do ajc.com is for this blog and a few others. I don’t like having to search down into the bowels of AJC.com to find this blog each and every time.

By Becky

January 13, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

Active Duty Mom, I was in DC this past 4th with 2 6 year olds..Was crowded, but I didn’t have that many problems..I’m with you on this one..There is no way that I would take them out in Jan. to see this…

Thanks Cami for your help..

By HB

January 13, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

I also live in the DC area and wouldn’t miss this for anything! The original estimate of up to 4 million is now 1.5-3 mil, but no one really knows what will happen. We’re staying with friends in SW, so we can walk to the Capitol (we have tickets for a few adults in our group, most likely in the standing area) and the Mall (one young adult with a 2yo in a stroller and another adult who needs a chair — they should be able to head over later in the morning than the ticketed group). Current predictions are 36 and sunny with only a 10% chance of precip, so with parkas, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves, we should be fine. We’re not going to try to see the parade. Sounds like you need to choose between seeing the swearing-in or trying to line up on Penn Ave. Entry points for the parade will close when that crowd reaches 300,000 and that’s expected to happen before the swearing-in ceremony is over.

By Kathy

January 13, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

Hey y’all…..if you put your pointer on the Lifestyle tab, MOMania is in the drop down box on the right side (it is shaded blue).

By Theresa

January 13, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

hey Guys — I think Kathy is right — the easiest way to get to MOmania now is probably to click on the front homepage on the Lifestyle Link and it is on the right hand side under blogs. You can also search MOMania in the little search square but then you have to click on the link. You can also bookmark it to pull it up directly.

By Denise

January 13, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t take MLK day off from work. If his dream was for all to be able to have equal opportunities to get good jobs, then I’m living his dream by going to work. We don’t have the day off. Regarding the whole “we have other wonderful people we don’t have a ‘day’ for”, so what? If everyone who did something great was given a ‘day’ (off) we’d never have to go in the office.

We don’t have Inauguration Day off either but I will be taking a vacation day to watch. TV1 is having 21 hours of coverage. Does anyone know the schedule so I can plan to DVR only the parts I want (like the swearing in) and not have to miss out because I can’t fit 21 hours on my DVR? (Thanks)

By thank you AJC!!!!

January 13, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

Thank you for finally burying this horrible blog! I’m so glad I dont have to see this on the front page. I’m only disapointed that I found it, but it wont happen again!

By DB

January 14, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this

I’ll watch it on TV, as I always do. I’ll probably not bother with the parade. We won’t be performing community service on MLK Day — we do plenty during the rest of the year, I enjoy that day off with my family.

My daughter has an AP class on Tuesday at noon. I don’t know if they’ll stop for that or not — she said probably not. She asked me to TiVO it.

Basically — life goes on, regardless of what kind of bacchanalia is going on in D.C. I do know that I wouldn’t be caught dead within fifty miles of the place next week — I’ve worked and visited there and been to other events there — the sheer numbers would make any sane person run quickly in the opposite direction.

I’m with Denzel Washington on this: I think we will have true equality when people stop referring to a person’s skin color in the same breath that they celebrate their accomplishments. Until then, it’s all racism — just a different flavor.

By HB

January 14, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

Denise, I think the swearing-in ceremony starts at 11 and Obama will take the oath at noon. Not sure about that, but if you record from 10:30-1:30, you should be covered. The parade is scheduled to begin at 3. The end estimate I’ve heard is 6:30, but I don’t think anyone knows for sure. Balls start later, and I don’t know how they’ll be covered on TV. Sunday’s concert with Bruce, Springsteen, U2, garth Brooks, etc will be aired on HBO that night, rather than live that afternoon. I think they’re trying to work something out with providers nationwide to provide a signal to everyone with cable or satellite, not just HBO subscribers. Over-the-air folks are probably still out of luck. Washington Post has an Inauguration section on their site with tons of info.

By Theresa

January 14, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

Good information HB - I have been wondering exactly what you answered and hadn’t gotten around to looking yet. Thanks!

By MrLiberty

January 16, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

There are currently numerous lawsuits contesting this man’s constitutional authority to be the president of this country. The ultimate outcome may see him in prison for fraud, or maybe even deported for being an illegal alien. Why would I want to celebrate that? Or even worse, why would I want to celebrate the fact that these constitutionally critical facts are being ignored by the mainstream media in this country?

Then of course is the fact that the president is not our KING, he is not our lord, he is not our savior, depite the rumors being circulated to the contrary. It is just another president, taking an oath to defend the constitution - an oath that he will likely only keep for about the first 15 minutes of his presidency - just like all the rest.

The success of african americans in this country should never be measured by their achievements in the political realm. Success there is achieved through a general submission of principles to the will of expediency, money, and power. The marketplace is where true and lasting success is achieved, and hundreds of thousands of people of color have already shown their great achievements in that realm. Unfortunately the liberal bias against success and achievement has undermined those accomplishments and diminished their value in the minds of our youth. There is nothing that government can do for any group that would be superior to what they can do for themselves in the free market. The chronic reliance on government handouts and help by all “minority” groups is ultimately the source of their own suffering and economic position.

My family will celebrate the liberty we have left and will be praying for the restoration of the great republic that this nation once was. We will also be praying that this man if he keeps this office, will be a completely different kind of president than the one he was portraying on the campaign trail.