POLICE BRUTALITY-A CAVEAT OF JUSTICE (c) 2014 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr.

America’s Black Eye on Civil Rights

AMERICA FOUGHT FOR ITS CIVIL RIGHTS-For many citizens of America, whenever the term Civil Rights is referenced, it may bring images of Black people stirring up trouble in America.  It appears that any reference to Civil Rights causes many other American citizens to run the other way, irrespective of the fact that the rights that Blacks fought for, and continue to fight for, and are gradually loosing, are just as important to the greater population as it is to People of Color.  In the commemoration of Black History, we often want to speak to the achievements of those who have contributed to the greatness that is America, who, but for the fact that they were of color, were strategically overlooked, or disregarded for their contributions.

When we speak of Civil Rights and Black History, it would appear as though Blacks were/are the only class of people who fought/fight for Civil Rights. How soon America forgets when this country was reportedly founded on the basis of Civil Rights in its breaking away from Great Britain.  So, when People of Color fought for their Civil Rights, after the first violation of their initial Civil Rights through slavery, the idea that former slaves would be benefiting from America’s hard-fought achievement in the breaking away from Great Britain, would seem to have been a no-brainer, in theory, per the Constitution of the United States, where all people, are created equal, regardless of race, creed or color, and are entitled to their Civil Rights.  Well, not so fast!  Send in the police!

BLACKS STILL FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS-In this annual recognition of Black History, 2014BHR, it would seem that we would be re-missed if we did not discuss, in brief, the role that our police agencies have played, and continue to play regarding the importance of Civil Rights for all Americans.  America’s history, with respect to People of Color’s fight for Civil Rights, will no doubt, be gradually altered, and will hardly reflect on the role that police officers played in the denial of Civil Rights, based on race.  Through the years, as America’s remaining history may show, police officers were used by governmental entities to ensure that People of Color could not have access to the most basic of needs (water from a fountain, bathrooms, sitting on a bus, or eating in restaurants).  Thank God, those days are no longer in play, theoretically.  But there is still a problem, and here it is:  Police Brutality.

PROCEDURAL INJUSTICE-Police departments have for so long been practically given complete autonomy in the role of suppressing People of Color’s intent to secure Civil Rights, that now it appears to be procedural policies, throughout our nation.  In furtherance of that autonomy, Police Officers act as their own justice system to investigate, and to hold accountable, where applicable, those officers who are accused of misbehavior as law enforcement officers.  It appears to be so procedural, that District Attorneys are slow to press charges against our police officers, necessitating, where financially possible, for citizens to seek justice outside of their communities.  Police Brutality appears to be so procedural, that practically any exchange between police officers and People of Color could result in an unintended consequence of up to and including, what would have been just an arrest on any given day, deadly force for many of People of Color’s sons.  And more often than not, it is deemed to be justified.  Where possible, and often immediately available, the victim’s police record, however slight (stopped for speeding, disturbing the peace), or great (juvenile detention 20 years prior, burglary conviction, 10 years prior) becomes the first justification of dismissiveness towards the value of their lives.  Whether by intent or design, it appears that the constant loss of lives of at the hands of police officers throughout America is procedural, and seemingly, insignificant when it comes to young men of color.

“I FEARED FOR MY LIFE”-Police Brutality has taken a new low in Black History, and while many of us will sit idly by while it continues to weave itself in and out of the Criminal Justice System or the Federal Justice System, we can take solace in the fact that all previous efforts to acquire full Civil Rights are like Elvis (Presley), and that is, those rights have just about left the building.  To all of our Political leaders, whomever you are, please, remain quiet, as many of our police officers appear to be more armed than ever with full malice, and will hereby be justified in their course of action when the life of an unarmed Black male is taken. Vis-a-vie:  “I feared for my life!” 

“I feared for my life”, will continue to be the rallying cry for many of our police officers, whether the suspect is armed, thought to be armed, or thinking about being armed.  “I feared for my life” will be the measure of justice more often than not, for young black male victims, shot to death more frequently as a result of lawfully approved actions of “stop and frisk”, that all too often, go wrong.  Many of our Black males are shot to death, irrespective of their GPA or their volunteer status.  Black males, all too often are shot to death, irrespective of their fatherly status, their collegiate status, their financial status, or better yet, their innocent status.   This measure of justice, even when reasonably justified, will eventually be the measure of the entire law enforcement community. Where potentially for all of our police officers, anything, or anyone that moves, maybe cause to shoot to kill, and the defining defense will be from this day forth:  “I feared for my life”. 

LET’S NOT BE CONFUSED-Let us not confuse Crime fighting with the suppression of Civil Rights.  The two are distinctly different, and here is how:  Crime fighting activities place many of our police officers at risk of their lives, everyday, from the moment they wear the uniform.  At any minute, they could be put into a life or death situation, and when their training kicks in, they will be trusted to act according to that training, regardless of the perpetrator’s background, race, creed or color. 

Conversely, the suppression or denial of anyone’s Civil Rights, is a violation of the United States Constitution.  When a police officer or any member of the Criminal Justice Division of our country, uses its office to exercise hatred by denying any reasonable action in the name of the law, we have a violation of Civil Rights. When an officer suspends the vital training that they are believed to be fortified from their departments, and acts above the law for their own agenda, crime fighting is no longer an issue.

ALTERNATIVES TO POLICE BRUTALITY- There are alternatives to Police Brutality and the reputation that it imposes on the police agencies and many of the great and honorable police officers who swore to protect and to serve their communities.  But our cities and our governments are content to allow a select few officers to bust their budgets, investigating “bad shoots”, and/or civil lawsuits against accusations of Police Brutality, rather than doing more to fully screen for police officers whose agendas seek to satisfy hatred,  instead of building positive community relations within all communities.  But to take that approach by our local, state and federal governments would suggest that Civil Rights is too valuable a commodity to allow for all of their citizens to enjoy, so let those who best exemplify the underlying intent to suppress Civil Rights, roam free, and do so as they will, armed with their rallying cry:  “I feared for my life!” 

TO PROTECT TO SERVE-To the many fine officers who so nobly wear the badge throughout our various communities, continue to stand down, while those among you take aim, not just at the bodies that are of color, but subsequently, at the Civil Rights of all Americans.  Many of those Americans are your families, interracially, by blood, by marriage, by religion, by communities, by fraternities or sororities, and if by nothing else, by God.  To those of you who are police officers, who are above the dishonoring of your Sworn Oaths, you have as much of an obligation to stand toe-to-toe with the injustices from within your departments, as quickly as you are to take down the criminals on the street who just stole that little old-lady’s purse.  Otherwise, it will be you, their fellow officers, who will suffer at the hands of rogue officers who will tarnish not only the badges that you wear so proudly, but the honor that you share in being men and women who swore “To Protect and Serve”.

CAVEATS OF JUSTICE ©[i]- The only problem with the oath of office of many of our police officers today and going forward, is that those sworn oaths now come with a caveat.  That caveat is “To Protect and Serve”, a select few.  That caveat is “To Protect and Serve”, those whom we deem are worthy United States citizens.  That caveat is “To Protect and Serve”, to the highest bidder.  And because of these caveats, whether procedural or intentional, our communities will continue to be divided along racial lines, religious lines, sexual orientation lines, party lines, class lines and whatever lines can be drawn with respect to Civil Rights, with our Police Departments serving loyally as defenders against crime, and vanguards for violations of Civil Rights.  The only difference between those lines now is that Police Brutality poses as an acknowledged and acceptable way of life for many of our police officers who would otherwise sought to wear their uniforms with pride and honor. But now, for those hard working officers, who put themselves in harm’s way on any given day, this caveat gives the impression that our police officers are just doing a job, and are just getting a paycheck.  That with this caveat of justice, many of our police officers and police departments, are wearing a black-eye, all across America.  

As long as our political and police leaders turn a blind eye to the suppression of Civil Rights of People of Color or anyone for that matter, the badges that so many of our men and women wear so proudly, will be the least of which to tarnish.  For those of our officers who are within the ranks of our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, you, with your various years of outstanding service, if your service has any real value, you will take this time to remove this caveat of justice.  For our political leaders, many of whom your children are just as likely to fall prey to this new found rallying cry: “I feared for my life”, this is your opportunity to live up to your sworn oath as leaders, by standing up for those who rely on police officers to not only protect them from crime, but to protect them from the injustices of those who swore before God, to uphold the law.   

If this is too much to ask of our leaders, then allow Police Brutality to remain the caveat of justice within the Black Community.  Allow it to continue to fester, and to swell.  Allow this caveat of justice to become infected, and to continue to grow from within the ranks of our local, state and federal agencies.  If this is too much to ask of our city, state and federal leaders to remove this caveat of justice, then allow this black-eye to remain within law enforcement agencies from arrests to deadly force; through its recruitment programs; from cadets to patrolmen; from the training that our officers receive to internal affairs and their self-investigations; from the desk sergeants to watch commanders, as well as each rank within our agencies to our police chiefs, sheriffs, Commanders and Directors of every law enforcement agency throughout America, allow this caveat of justice to remain well placed, well developed, and a real shiner on those who are truly committed  “To Protect and Serve”.   And if it this is too much to ask to remove Police Brutality as a caveat of justice here in America, then it is essentially allowing the bullies of (in)justice to operate peacefully, under the color of law.  

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[i] Caveat(s) of Justice © 2014 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr. and The Coveted Commandment © 2014 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr.

SURRENDER YOUR WEAPONS (c) 2014 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr

  

Happy New Year to all of you as we all embrace a very exciting new year in 2014.  I personally anticipate that we will see a tremendous number of outstanding developments in the upcoming year.  From the world of politics, to economics, to the environment, to Wall St.,  we are all going to see some fantastic set of developments unfold right before our very eyes. And, guess what?  We have the opportunity to have a say in how those things evolve.  Right here, in America, we have a great chance to be apart of some great changes for the future.  We have that power, if we are willing to embrace all of the great things that 2014 means for us.  Whatever the outcome for 2014, I can only wish that we will all strive to reach our greatest potential possible, allowing for nothing, or no one to deprive us from achieving our various goals and dreams that we would like to see come true in our lives. 

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." Vincent T. Lombardi [1]

But even as 2014 is here, for several of us, myself included, that as we briefly reflect on 2013,   we found ourselves falling far short of reaching many of our most valued goals.   Here is where we need to be very careful in this transition from 2013 to 2014.  Even for those of us who achieved many of our 2013 goals, we need to be extremely careful that we don’t allow one of two things to happen: 

1. We don’t get too comfortable in our achievements that we become complacent, and think that we have got it made;
2. We don’t become too upset with our shortfalls that we allow negativitism to work to destroy whatever achievements we have accomplished so far.

That’s my gift.  I let that negativity roll off me like water off a duck’s back.  If it’s not positive, I didn’t here it.  If you can overcome that, fights are easy.

George Foreman [2]

Weaponizing Negativity

Negativity in our thoughts and actions are important to identify so that we recognize what they are, and how, if we are not careful, we may allow those actions and thoughts to prevent us from achieving our next level of success.  In recognizing how potential negativity is to our goals, dreams and aspirations, it shouldn’t be beyond reason that we maybe weaponizing our negativity.  What does this mean?  It means essentially, that we understand the empowerment that negativity takes on when we hold at the ready, the slightest response to a failure, or shortfall, that can keep us from achieving our goals.  While can I give some of our own personal examples, let us look at how history has developed because negative wasn’t allowed to be weaponized.  Here are a few examples:

©      If the Wright Brothers had weaponized their negativity each time one of their experimental planes crashed, we may not be flying great distances in shorter periods of time[3];

©      If  Scientist Alexander Fleming, had weaponized his negativity who knows how long it would have been before people would have ways to stop infections because penicillin may not have been discovered[4];

©      If Michael Phelps had weaponized the times he fell short in his attempt to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics he would not have become one of the world’s most decorated athletes[5]

©      If women had weaponized their negativity, they would not be able to vote in America today[6];

©      If Alexander Graham Bell had weaponized his negativity, the cell phone would not have been the grandchild of the telephone itself[7], or

©      If Barack Obama had weaponized his negativity every time he was told that he could not be president of the United States, his pursuit of becoming the first African American President would have been long destroyed.

These and many other examples like them are indicators of how easy it could have been for many of the greats of our times to have thrown in the towel, or to have given up in their lives on many of their greatest ambitions.  Understanding just how important a positive attitude is, is just as important as understanding how powerful a negative attitude is because, a negative action equals a negative and destructive result.   That destructive result is essentially fatal to not only our dreams, but to the detriment of others as well.  We cannot afford to be so discouraged from our failures, or shortfalls, that we are blinded to what our dreams mean to not just us personally, but to others as well.  We must be encouraged enough to know that our dreams aren’t just our dreams, but that our dreams belong to the world.

2013 for any number of us, may have resulted in our starting our own businesses.  But unfortunately, we may have fallen short in reaching our goals, for any number of reasons.  We may have missed our mark of success because of:  unrealistic sales goals, market changes,   failure to market, shortage of personnel, customer service,  or maybe, the weather.  The bottom line is, 2013 is gone.  What failed, failed.  Embrace the good times, learn from the short falls, but let us know hold on to what might have been.  Let us put into place everything necessary to move forward into 2014.  The only thing that can really stop us from this point forward, is any negative attitude that we packed up and brought with us from 2013.  And if we are packing those negative attitudes, 2014, is already rittled with disaster.  In short, those negative thoughts and actions have been weaponized. 

Implementing weaponization

Here is what we have to watch out for when it comes to weaponizing our negative thoughts and actions:

1. Acknowledging that there is sort of a weaponry-like approach to negativity thoughts and actions; What this means is that, we must understand that our words and actions are extremely powerful when it comes to how we feel about the goals, dreams and aspirations that we are seeking to make happen in our lives.  If our goals, dreams and aspirations are that important to us, we cannot afford to say anything, or do anything that could affect not only how we feel about we about to accomplish, but also how others perceive what it is we are trying to accomplish as well;
2. Realizing that those weaponry-like approaches are easily acquirable, and unfortunately, sustainable when times get rough; It is easiest to say something very destructive when we are frustrated, especially when something goes against what we have planned in our pursuit of excellence.  Because we are human, and because of the fact that what we want to accomplish so many great things in our lives, it is of the utmost importance to us, when something goes wrong, at the worst possible time, we have to be careful that we don’t  fire off words and deeds that reflect the greatest level of anger and humiliation when so often we put so much into what we do.  It is almost without forethought that we may, without intent, damn our projects, damn those who are involved, or damn anything and everything that has just as much to be upset or affected by the outcome, that if we aren’t careful, the project is virtually doomed.
3. Our destructive actions could be as dismissive as daggers, if we are not careful, we could destroy what little effort we may have made towards either one of our goals, dreams or aspirations, or worse yet, destroyed a very valuable set of relations with others; As achievers, nothing is worse than realizing the negative impact of our thoughts and actions after we have said something to someone, or about someone who has played a tremendous role in our growth.  And in that instance of weakness, we forget all the contributions that others have played to help us to a progressive point in our lives.  The destruction, or damage caused by failing to recognize the value of not only our own work, but that of others becomes the epitome of dropping a bomb on our dreams. 

Surrender your weapons

The danger that we need to be careful of, is not to get so wrapped up in what went wrong in 2013, or at any point in our lives that we go into self-destructive mode.  We need to be careful going forward, because the extreme danger that is possible can be very well due to our failure to stand down and return to the  inspiration that first motivated us to pursue our dreams and goals.  If we don’t want to continue to weaponize our negative thoughts, then it is time for us to surrender every negative thought and action that we have.  It is time to put those negative attitudes down, step away the negative actions that we have weaponized, and take a more proactive stance for the goals, dreams and aspirations that are ours to have.

Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, Make me feel important. Never forget this message when working with people.
                                                                        Mary Kay Ash[8]

If 2014 is going to be an improvement over 2013 for those of us who fell short in reaching our goals, we will need to be on guard against discharging negativity that prevents us from moving forward.  If 2014 is going to be our best year yet, we must be ready to surrender any urgency to curse our failures.   If we are going to be on guard from this point forward, we must be confident that nothing we do, or fail to do, will cause us to take action that could seem remotely close to a self-destructive response.   We are better than that!

"Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It's quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn't at all. You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it, So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because remember that’s where you will find success."
                                                                                                - Thomas J. Watson[9]

Going into 2014, we must be sure to divest ourselves from concealing any attempt to exercise negative thoughts or actions that will stand in our way of achieving our goals, dreams or aspirations.  We must surrender any mindset that places our goals and dreams in harms’ way.  This must be our pledge, that from this moment forward, we can no longer be so easily distracted by any failure, that the failure becomes bigger than the dream. From this point forward, we must put aside any influence that seeks to overshadow the value of any of our dreams to:

©      To back and finish high school;

©      To return to school and get that degree;

©      To get that promotion;

©      To get that job;

©      To take that trip around the world;

©      To start that business;

©      To get well;

©      To loose weight;

©      To climb Mount Everest;

©      To make our businesses successful;

©      To build family relation;

©      To build global relations, or,

©      To do whatever it is our dreams, goals and aspirations are to be our best

Embrace our goals, dreams and aspirations

If I dwell on how unproductive 2013 was for me, then I’ll be reaching for one of those negative weapons that some of us tend to keep stored somewhere in our lives.  I’ll be guilty of weaponizing my negativity.  I don’t want to dwell on what didn’t happen for me any more than I want either of us to dwell on what failed to happen in our lives.  It’s time to learn from our mistakes and move on.  It’s time for us to embrace our original goals, dreams and aspirations.  It’s time for each of us to use our positive minds, our God-given talents, and our richly, inspired souls to envelope all that is important to achieving our best.

Today I choose life. Every morning when I wake up I can choose joy, happiness, negativity, pain... To feel the freedom that comes from being able to continue to make mistakes and choices - today I choose to feel life, not to deny my humanity but embrace it.
                                                                                                Kevyn Aucoin [10]

Embrace 2014!  This is our year.  Let each of us put forth our very best effort in everything that we do.  Let each of us look forward to each and everyday’s opportunities to bring forward the very best of who we are.  Let us all embrace 2014, knowing that no trip, stumble or fall will be sufficient enough to cause us to curse one error, or damn one mistake,  because we are destined to achieve our greatest ever. 

Finally, let us embrace one another, on each of our respective journeys, not as enemies or adversaries, but as respected comrades, as partners, as cooperates, or as investors in this great world of ours.  Let us each work together, passionately to make great things happen not only for ourselves, but for our families and friends, for our communities and for the world at large.  Surely, if the telephone, the airplane, penicillin and the ability to become President of the United States can have a profound world effect, whose to say that our dreams are not next in line to make the same type of impact on the world, and the universe as a whole,  beginning in 2014?  

For you see, we have evidence that all around us that anything is possible, don’t you give up!

For you see, we have evidence that dreams do come true, for those who persevere, don’t you dare give in!

Last, but not least, we are just as capable as anyone else to achieve that which is ours to have, all we need to do is simply this: Prepare for Your Next Move![11]

Here is wishing for all of us the very best that life has to offer, and a tremendously, Happy New Year in 2014.

Disclaimer: Information deemed to be from reliable sources but not guaranteed. Please consult with your respective professional in those areas in which you need consultation or direction.

                                                                                   

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[1] Quotes on Success- http://www.motivatingquotes.com/success.htm

[2] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/negativity.html#PEVysS8mV4e1wOu0.99

[3] The Wright Brothers- http://www.wright-house.com/wright-brothers/Wrights.html

[4] Scientist Alexander Flemming- http://inventors.about.com/od/pstartinventions/a/Penicillin.htm

[5] Michael Phelps- http://espn.go.com/olympics/summer/2012/swimming/story/_/id/8234013/2012-london-olympics-michael-phelps-ends-olympic-career-gold-medal-medley-relay

[6] Women’s Right to Vote- http://womenshistory.about.com/od/suffrage1900/a/august_26_wed.htm

[7] Alexander Graham Bell- http://www.biography.com/people/alexander-graham-bell-9205497

[8] Positive Quotes (Mary Kay Ash) -  http://www.positivequotes.org/cards/

[9] Motivational Quotes- http://www.motivatingquotes.com/success.htm

[10] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/negativity.html#rW9Cv8dJ5l0Y1wBW.99 

[11] Prepare for Your Next Move 2014 © by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr.- http://thecovetedcommandment.blogspot.com/2013/07/prepare-for-your-next-move-2014-2013-by_16.html

SHARE THE WEALTH (Over My Dead Body) © 2013 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr.

Clearing up the wrong message

I would like to apologize for my initial tease on this subject matter.  Due to my own misunderstanding, I thought that this edition’s message would be focused on the difference between the rich and the poor.  Instead, it is about the living and the dead. More specifically, organ donations.  A big difference obviously, but an important issue nonetheless.  Here is what I wish to share today, in this season of giving.

Organ Donations

Thousands of people die throughout the year, waiting for an organ transplant (116,000 are waiting for an organ transplant[1]).  And while this matter is a very sad affair, what is equally sad is that many of those of us who die, don’t have to.  What is equally sad, is that many of us who have died have not committed to donating our organs upon death.  Obviously, this is a very unusual topic for Christmas, but then again, it couldn’t be a better time.  It is a gift.  And it is a thing of value that if we can share with others, it constitute in its own way, a means of sharing the wealth, of good health.

In this season of giving, this would be a great time to prepare for our final gift in the event of our untimely passing.  If we have healthy organs, there are literally thousands of men, women and children who can possibly benefit from our eyes, our hearts, our kidneys, liver, our bones or whatever organs that are in need throughout not only our communities, but throughout the country.

Obviously, there are cultural issues when it comes to donating organs from the deceased to the living.  Those matters have to be addressed by the various cultures, and may take years, if ever, to overcome.  But there are number of cultures who see the benefit of allowing a donation of an organ or tissue to someone who would otherwise themselves die early, or suffer because of a lack of a healthy organ.

For those of us, the living, who have been blessed to be able to see, or use our various organs throughout our lives, there are those who, at this very minute would benefit greatly by so selfless and act as to donate our organs upon our death. 

If you have already arranged to donate your organs upon death, know that your family can take pride in knowing that one of your last and final acts was to give to others, by not only prolonging their lives, but for you to also live on through the lives of others.

Know too, that your act of donation may not just benefit one person, it may benefit many (as many as 50 people may benefit from one person’s organ donation[2]), a true indication of the wealth you possessed, and the gift you will have made to the benefit others. 

I am not an expert on this matter, but I have arranged for a donation upon my death.  I don’t know who my gift may benefit, but it doesn’t matter.  It is my way of sharing the blessings that I have received throughout my life. 

If you would like to donate but aren’t sure, here are a few questions and links for you to consider.  Also below, is information on who, or how to contact specific organizations that you may want to donate to in the event of your death.

Myths and FAQ’s on Organ and Tissue Donation from various organizations-

©     FAQ- What is the cost?

o       No cost to family members[3]

©     FAQ-Can anyone be a tissue donor?-

o       Fact-Most healthy individuals are candidates for donation. Anyone can choose donation. [4]

©     Myth-Rich and famous people go to the top of the list when they need a donor organ.  

o       Fact: The rich and famous aren't given priority when it comes to allocating organs. It may seem that way because of the amount of publicity generated when celebrities receive a transplant, but they are treated no differently from anyone else. The reality is that celebrity and financial status are not considered in organ allocation. (Mayo Clinic)[5]

©     Myth:  Maybe I won’t really be dead when they sign my death certificate-

o       Fact: Although it’s a popular topic in tabloids, in reality, people don’t start to wiggle their toes after they declared dead.  In fact, people who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests (at no charge to their families) to determine that they’re truly dead than those who haven’t agreed to organ donation.[6]

©     FAQ: If I have a previous medical condition, can I still donate?

o       Fact-Yes! Transplant professionals will evaluate the condition of your organs at the time of your death and determine if your organs are suitable for donation. You should consider yourself a potential organ and tissue donor, indicate your intent to donate on your driver's license, donor card, or state donor registry, and discuss your decision with family members. [7]

Regifting

In this season of giving, it’s not improbable that we are looking through our closets and finding gifts that we were given at one time or another.  Right now, we maybe looking at a gift that we never opened, and are considering giving it to someone else.  It’s someone nice, someone we may have forgotten on our Christmas list, but don’t want to go back out in the crowd to go shopping for them.  So, we find a gift that we never used, still in its new wrapping, but it has our name on it.  So, what do we do?  We re-wrap it, and re-gift it.  The same can be said for the organs that we have to donate.  They are still in their original wrapper.  Depending on our age, the organs could be as young as newborn to elderly.  The important thing is that we are making a donation of value to a stranger, or family member, and that gift demonstrates to the highest, that we were in deed blessed enough to share the wealth of our organs.

Over My Dead Body

Generally, to say, “over my dead body” suggests that it’s not going to happen.  Or, it suggests that you would forbid someone from doing something, unless you were dead.  In this case, you are saying just the opposite.  You are saying that by your passing, it is okay to donate your wealth of healthy organs to help save someone else’s life.  In this instance, it is my hope, that each of us will, the next time we renew our drivers’ licenses, that we will check off the opportunity to donate our organs in the event of our deaths.  It will be that one time that “over my dead body” will mean it’s okay, because you are sharing the wealth of your organs. 

Or, if you don’t want to check off on your driver’s license, you may want to make special arrangements, please contact one of the organizations that specialize in organ procurement to be sure that your wishes are specifically, and respectfully followed in the event of your passing.  In Louisiana, you can go to the website https://donatelifela.org/ to register.  If in another state, you can go to http://donatelife.net/ to register and have your wishes followed.

In closing

Obviously, in this season of giving, we most often want to focus on giving between the living.  Well, this topic is still giving between the living.  It preserves the living that many of us will leave behind.  It is a tremendous opportunity to share the wealth of life, even in our passing.  Although we will have passed as donors, the continuance of life through our donations will no doubt make a tremendous number of the living very happy with our sharing any number of organs that we can’t take with us.  If you have not considered donating, please give it a thought, and be blessed in your decision.  Pray about it. Discuss it with your families, and/or discuss it with your physician.  Discuss it with your lawyer, if you must.  Just know that your gift will be a gift beyond measure.   

Merry Christmas and have a very Happy New Year from the Coveted Commandment Blog-Thou Shalt Build Wealth.

Disclaimer:  Information shared here is deemed to be from reliable sources, but not guaranteed.  Please consult with your family, doctor, clergy, or counselor b

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[1] http://www.donatelife-de.org/Facts/FAQs

[2] http://www.donatelife-de.org/Facts/FAQs

[3] MusculoSkeleto Transplant Foundation- http://www.mtf.org/donor_faq.html?gclid=CKSUoarAybsCFTJo7AodOkMApQ

[4] http://www.mtf.org/donor_faq.html?gclid=CKSUoarAybsCFTJo7AodOkMApQ

[5] Mayo Clinic Consumer Forum- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00077

[6] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00077 

[7] Organ Donor.gov-http://organdonor.gov/faqs.html

LET’S HAVE A LAUGH, OR TWO! (C) 2013 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr.

A Message to the Graduating Class of

Delgado Community College  December 2013

To the President of Delgado, Faculty and Staff, parents, families, friends and of course, to the graduating class of Delgado Community College[1] it is my honor to send you this message of best wishes.   Congratulations to all 995 members of the graduating class of Delgado Community College! 

I can’t help but feel a little nostalgia as I think of my own graduation from Delgado Community College .  That was approximately 30 years ago.  I don’t remember the size of my class, but I remember the speaker.  It was then, New Orleans Councilman-At-Large, Sidney Bartholomew who addressed our graduating class.[2]  But enough of about me, this is your time- to talk about me.  All silliness aside, this is your moment to shine, and I want to just take a few minutes of your time to wish you the very best that life has to offer.

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing.  The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.  ~Mark Twain[3]

Thanking those who made a difference in your life.

If everyone had an opportunity to thank those who helped them in their various quests at a graduation, we maybe surprised who may get thanked.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the pizza guy/gal got a nod.  And of course, you would have to thank the mechanic who seemed to always be able to fix your car (while its on its last leg) for next to nothing because you didn’t have enough to rent or buy a car. And while we are at it, maybe along with thanking moms and dads and aunts and uncles, we might want to thank old Suzie or Betsy (the car) out there who seemed to always come through to get you to school.

Thanking those who made a difference in our lives, while we were on the road to achieving our personal goals that others would seem to have the least benefit, is very important, and so I know that many of you graduates, can’t wait to send an email, text, or a Facebook post to those great people who helped you in some seemingly small, but significant way, to achieve your goal of graduating today.

No, it’s not a Hollywood award,  but it’s yours

While you are not receiving an Oscar or a Golden Globe award, you are receiving something in recognition for your hard work. And, it’s yours. You are receiving a very important document that signifies that you crammed, overslept, spilled your energy drink on your take home test, and, if nothing else, you sat in the wrong class at least one time or another before you realized, whoa, you were in the wrong class. 

The document that you are about to receive, signifies that you finally realize that the high school diploma that you may have used as a lining for a birdcage, or maybe made a paper airplane out of, is important.  And, that you will not make the same mistake with this document.

The document that you will receive today, signifies that you raised your hand with one of those intellectual questions, that even until today, your instructor is still baffled by, because it was a scheduled exam.  What was your question?  “Does anyone have a pen or pencil?”  This question was able to shut down a class for all of 2 minutes, as you waited impatiently for someone else to produce a pen because your pen was left in your car, or didn’t write.  Nevertheless, you pressed on, and passed that class with flying colors.  Why all of this suggestion of silly things?  Well quite frankly, it is in complete contrast to so many things that you endured, caused or went through in order to get to this point to be a graduate of Delgado Community College.

It would be a terrible miscarriage of justice if each one of you would stand before God and man and say that nothing ridiculous happened during your 2 or 3 year tenure.  It would be unfair to those who are coming immediately behind you to think that you were able to achieve your respective degrees or certificates without the most ridiculous things happening in the world, to you.  Why is this important? 

This is important because when added up, those ridiculous things were life’s way of discouraging you, and/or preparing you.  Those ridiculous things, such as your car battery going out the very day you had to be at school to take a quiz, or that time you were caught in traffic when you had a very important lecture to attend, was nothing short of ridiculous.  And the fact that you can’t laugh at it now, means you are in shock.  It’s possible that you can’t believe that with all that you went through, those incidents, although not apart of the curriculum you signed up for, were very much apart of the norm of achieving something worthwhile. And despite all of that, you are now in shock that you made it to this point-a 2013 graduate.  You are in shock because you are at this point in your life, despite all of the ridiculous things that were thrown in your way.  Congratulations!

Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers.  And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.

Bill Cosby [4]

Well, I am honored to be one of those proud people to let you know, that your achievement is real.  You can relax for the moment, because the fact that your printer cartridge stopped working at the most ridiculous time, still did not stop you from pursuing this coveted instrument.  I am sure that among you, 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning has a very significant meaning to you.  We will not go into details, let’s just let it go at that.  Regardless of what you went through, you were not thwarted in your efforts to be here today, even when you could not find a babysitter along the way, or when your child caught a bad cold, and you had to make alternative arrangements.  You found a way to make it through the toughest times, and in some cases the most ridiculously-positioned circumstances.  You made it, and if you hadn’t laughed at those ridiculous instances then, here is your chance.  This is your chance to have a proverbial last laugh at fate, because you made it through the tough times like it was nobody’s business.  And for your efforts, you deserve to let go.  You deserve to laugh.

8 Health Benefits of Laughter-

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-health-benefits-of-laughter.html [5]

If you are not sure how to laugh at those times when life tried to sink your boat, or take the wind out of your sails, here is your chance.  Take a deep breath, and remember the times when your boss couldn’t let you get off work early to study, but you still aced the exam!  Give me a big HA!

Now, get ready for another big HA! When you think about the fact that you had a paper due and you didn’t think that you had the time to start it, let alone finish it because work was demanding, you still had to keep the house clean, put the car in the shop, or help other members of the family, but you finished your paper and still got a winning grade.  Give me a big HA-HA-HA!

Laughter is the Best Medicine-The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter

http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm [6]

And maybe, you have a few ha-ha’s for every time you checked your work schedule, it seemed to conflict with the times that you needed to have off to get to class.  But you found that you had a supportive instructor who was understanding and made a way for you;  or you had a supportive manger who made adjustments in your work schedule because you agreed to work extra without pay, or you found a classmate who took notes for you because you were running late, or couldn’t make it to class.  HA-HA, HA-HA-HA!  Whatever it was, whatever it took, you made it here today.  And today, you have the opportunity to laugh at those things that practically threw themselves across your path to success.  Laugh, and know that your laughter is the final measure of the success you have to enjoy from this day forth, for now.  HA-HA-HA-HA!  AHHHHH-HA-HA-HA!

                       

            Medical Benefits of Laughter-Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCrcFcfp-Mg[7]

Are you laughing yet?

But the laughter does not stop once you receive your certificate or degree.  I ask that you never stop laughing.  Why?  Because life is not through throwing obstacles in your way.  And for that reason, you need to be ready to laugh. You need to be ready to give a hardy HAR-HAR, even as life throws trees across your roadways, laugh, and laugh again.  Even as life sends mountains of mudslides on top of your dreams, prepare to laugh in the face of all that life is known to do, to slow you down, if not bring you to a complete halt in the pursuit of all that you hold dear. 

Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is the universal language. Yakov Smirnof [8]

Continue to laugh, going forward, even as tears will well up into the corners of your eyes, because one disappointment after another will appear to be the norm.  Laugh, because through it all, you will find that life, despite seeming to be unfair, is preparing you for one of its greatest adventures.  Laugh, even as you suffer through pain and anguish for at times it will seem almost personal.  Laugh, because you won’t believe that anyone else could possibly be going through the things that you are going through in your life.  I can assure you, that you will not be alone.  But, if you want to be alone, laugh.  HAAAAAA-HA-HA, WHOOOOO-YEAAAAH, BABY!

From the 100’s of resumes that you will submit, to the few job interviews that will seem to have all been for naught, I encourage you to remain positive.  I encourage you to smile.  And know that although life may unfairly seem to be filled with bowls of lemons, you are now greatly prepared, because you truly know not just how to make lemonade proverbially, but realistically.  Know that the lemons that life is handing you are the beginning of a new-found wealth of goal-setting, and achievement.  While life will hand to you bowls and bowls of lemons, you can receive them with a heart-felt fondness for the challenges that they represent.  Today, you are ready, and there is practically nothing in life that you will not be able to approach with an attitude of confidence.  But wait, your best laugh is yet to come.

Save the Best Laugh for Last

Let’s not get so caught up in our laughter that we forget all that we have learned.  Let’s not be so confident in our success that we forget one very important thing.  We have to always be mindful of one of the most important things of all: 

                       

We are to never quit learning.

Once we quit learning, it will be very difficult to laugh.  We will not be able to laugh through our tears, because life will have its way with us.  We will not be able to laugh if technology leaves us in its wake.  We will not be able to laugh if we are not informed about what our communities' needs are;  We will not be able to laugh if we are spending more than we make.  We will not be able to laugh if we are not taking good care of ourselves and our families.  We must always be about learning about everything that is vital to our continued success.  And as long as we are learning, as long as we are informed, we cannot only smile, but we can laugh, and have the last laugh, despite how life constantly tries to put a frown on our faces and our lives.  So laugh today, but laugh sparingly.  Because, we will still have enough opportunities to laugh going forward.   We want to get to that point where we have our best laugh.  How?

Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on. 

                                                Bob Newhart [9]

The best laugh comes as a result of how we approach the many challenges that are yet to befall us.  Yes laugh, but laugh constructively.  Laugh with confidence.  But laugh with dignity.  Laugh with confidence, but do not laugh with arrogance, or insolence.  Laugh at yourself in your downfalls, but be supportive of others in their shortcomings.  You know how important that is.  For if you are known to put a smile on the face of others in the midst of their pain, by showing how you laugh off similar shortcomings for yourself,  you will win a friend for life.  Laugh at your misery, laugh at your challenges.  Laugh at those who discourage you.  Laugh at those who stand in your way.  Because, you have been prepared for so many great opportunities and you are ready to move on. Laugh.  Have a good laugh.  Have a great laugh.  But tomorrow, you must get back to a very important part of your life, and that is, to prepare for your best laugh.

Yes, you should smile.  Yes, you should be positive, but save the next big laugh, your best laugh, for when you will have accomplished your greatest goal, whatever that maybe.  Because whatever it maybe, you will have had the last laugh, and no doubt, your best laugh.

   

Today, if you have reached your final destination as your receive your dipolma or certificate of completion, this is your opportunity for your best laugh.  Like a connection between planes, and trains, this is your stop! In that case, laugh your fool heads off!   Laugh! Laugh! Laugh!  Get it all out!  HA-HA-HA-HA! Congratulations and much success to each of you.

Going forward-Laugh

But for those of you who are going further, to destinations beyond, your best laugh is yet to come. Save that best laugh, if you have yet to achieve all that your goals dictate.  Save your best laugh for the completion of your Bachelor’s Degree; your Master’s Degree; your Doctorate, or your Jurist Doctorate.  If you are continuing on from here today, save your best laugh for that acceptance letter for the NFL; the NBA; the Olympics;  that trip abroad; the military; that corporate position; that medical position; that business position, or whatever goals you may have set. Save your best laugh until then.  It will be hard, but it will be well worth it.  Like your applause, please hold it, and contain yourselves with just small bursts of laughter, peppered throughout your challenges, just enough, to get you through the many challenges ahead.  It will do you all the good.

But in closing, I do wish for all of you the very best.  Congratulations from an alum who can’t forget the excitement of attaining his first degree from Delgado Community College.  Delgado was then, and I can’t imagine that it still is not, a great place to acquire an education during these trying times.  To the President of Delgado Community College, Faculty and Staff, thank you personally for your contribution to my success.  And yes, I am laughing.  But my best laugh has yet to come.  As I close, I do wish all of you continued success, and congratulations to the 2013 class of Delgado Community College, all 995 of you! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!

Wayne Dan Lewis, ’82, ‘83

Disclaimer:  Information provided here is deemed to be from reliable sources, but not guaranteed.  Please consult your respective professional if you have any questions or concerns.

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[1] Delgado Community College- http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2013/12/delgado_community_college_will_1.html

[2] Sidney Bartholomew- City Council At Large- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Barthelemy

[3] http://www.quotegarden.com/hulmor.html

[4] Bill Cosby- http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/laughter.html

[5] http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-health-benefits-of-laughter.html

[6] http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

[7] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCrcFcfp-Mg

[8]  Yakov Smirnof- http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/laughter.html

[9] Bob Newhart- http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/laughter.html