Stagnation

The past few weeks have been stressed to say the least; not sure how many of you have been tuning into the situation here in Wisconsin, but trust it isn't a pretty picture. The new Governor here has been on a rampage since day one and now he has stripped us collective bargaining rights (mostly State employees), has instilled higher cost for health care and has hijacked our pensions. These changes will affect every household in Wisconsin with the exception of the filthy rich, and sooner or later they too may feel a pinch. City, State and all union folk will feel this crunch.

The school system is surely going to suffer even that of the University of Wisconsin, tenure will no longer mean shit to us in the teaching arena, now we really have to prove ourselves and our promotion and raises will be based primarily on our performance in the classroom. Not really a bad idea many of us lack what it takes and this way those that deserve higher pay and merit will be given it based on test scores of their students and their progress.

Okay enough about that I've been active in the protest and now I just want to move on and try and figure out what to do next. I'm once again entertaining the thought of heading to Miami for Sizzle this coming May; would somebody please put it in my head that "I'm to damn old to be running behind all those hot young bodies at Sizzle." I really should be using that time to search for employment in another State.

Union Busting

This is not the post I had intended to blog about my intentions were to post only Black History events and things of that nature during Black History Month, but the shit has hit the fan here in Wisconsin. I will make this quick being that I'm suppose to be sitting in my classroom even though there are no students in attendance. The Governor of this state has issue a Budget Repair Bill and this shit includes busting up unions including the Teacher's Union (I'm a current member). The man has casted a personal attack on all workers in this state he is trying to eliminate the rights of public workers.

The photo above is what the Capitol Rotunda has looked like for the past three days. Schools have been closed due to the fact that teachers including myself called in sick yesterday and some today. I was sick yesterday I had Futuritis ( I could not commit to the bullshit the Governors Budget Repair Kit offered) so I called in sick and hit the protest lines out front of the Capitol.

Primarily his plans would bust up unions, cost all of us more for health care and we would have to contribute more to our pensions. This will not work for many of us being that we are at our personal budget limits already, hell I don't make any money as it is and if it weren't for some of the benefits I would rather pan handle because it has got to be more profitable than my teaching income minus the rewards of teaching. I need to have collective bargaining and the students need to have the best teachers available, but he doesn't seem to recognize the importance. The man has threatened to call in the National Guards if State, County and Municipal decided to strike. I've got my picket sign and I'm ready to go!

Denied the Privilege

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, this being Black History Month many of us tend to forget or have placed the memory of the struggles our families had to endure to get us to where we are today; talk about blood, sweat and tears. We've come along way and have much to be proud of and much to be thankful for today, tomorrow and always.

During the month of February take sometime to read; do you know that there was a time when we were not allowed to read? Yes there was time when this type of activity could have cost our people their lives. Take sometime and checkout some of the older works and most certainly check out some of our newer writers/authors. Be it fiction, non fiction, bios, history or just a periodical find something to read and enjoy. I've taken the liberty to list a few of my favorites from the past and at present.

Fiction:They Tell Me of a Home (Daniel Black)
The Longest Moan (L.M. Ross)
Non Fiction: Ailey Spirit(Robert Tracy)
Civil Rights: Roaming in the Master's House: Power and Privilege in the Rise of Black Conservatism
Bio: Foxy (Pam Grier)
There is a host of arts, entertainment and various other great things to read about Black History so indulge.

Somewhere in my lifetime

Today I celebrate the day of my birth along with that of: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, today he would have been eighty two years old. I won't say how old I turned today, but lets just say I'm about ten years older than the game of UNO and about fifteen years younger than Ebony magazine;then again at my age whom can remember? I don't have a problem growing older because my heart still feels young and very often my mind is the immature one in this matter so staying young at heart has been good to me, now it would be nice if I didn't find gray hair in unmentionable places and not to mention I shave my head on a regular basis to keep the gray from showing, although I do like the salt and pepper look on some men it just doesn't work well on me, but if it did I would wear it proudly.

I have no big or small plans for today in fact I have some reading to do and a few chores around the house that needs to be taken care of then and only then will I venture out to the club with the fellas for a beer or two. I intend on treating myself to a nice gift, but thought Visa might want a payment first before I go charging large items to their card.

New Beginnings

Happy New Year,

I certainly hope that all is well with you and that you enjoyed a safe and festive holiday season. I register no complaints, I'm truly blessed and I did enjoy a good holiday with friends however; New Years Eve left a lot to be desired, I didn't do the club thing per sa, but instead got together with some friends and associates to welcome in the new year. Of course these folks were not my regular hangout crew or clique, but mutual friends or whathaveyou. The night started out fine, everyone was cordial and enjoying the music and mild weather, yes it was forty four degrees outside that evening, but the temps dropped rapidly thereafter, and in Wisconsin by this time the snow is deep or the temps are extremely cold so the warm weather preceded the cold freezing temps was a delight for us.

On the inside the milieu changed just as rapidly as the weather outside, it appears that the alcohol wanted to have it's say before the new year came in and yes it had much to say. I recall a relative of mine's saying years ago "a drunk will speak a sober mind." I didn't take heed at that time, but I totally understand that statement today. The drunk/inebriated let loose up in that piece on New Years Eve, folks started reading each other from Amazing Grace to How Sweet it Was, then there was one brotha whom I give credit to for bringing some warmth back into the place, he started singing Auld Lang Syne all while sipping his champagne and hundred proof vodka. He drank so fast he litterally set off a smoke detector or alarm then we all broke out in laughter then the crying took place and the "I love youuuus." he was shooting flames out his mouth and a pungent scent that could knock you down if you got to close, he wanted to be hugging and kissing folks and at that time I took stage left...gotta go.

Generally I tend to fear new beginnings, but as I mature I relish the thought and idea of new beginnings. 2010 wasn't my best year and far from my worst, but I anticipate making 2011 a very good year. I don't do the resolution thing anymore (I just set myself up for disappointment) instead I work towards goals and do my best to attain those goals, I don't give up anything just alter or try and refrain from cerain things that could hinder my progress. The jury is still out on the diet and workout verdict. I guess I kinda still have resolutions in place.

"Take the first step in faith, you don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Holidays from Chet

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday Season, may your holidays be safe and festive. I don't have any big plans this year there are to many uncertainties in my life right now to really get in the holiday mode, but I have decided to spend Christmas eve and Christmas with friends then just relax with for the next week maybe catch up on my reading and some task that require my immediate attention.

Have a joyous and safe holiday and keep in mind the reason for the season.

The Snow is Coming

Finally the snow has arrived here in the Midwest, but no major accumulation as of yet. Yes the snow has arrived and I cringe at the thought of having to leave the house and deal with the mess snow creates. I guess I wouldn't be so bitter if I had someone to snuggle up with during cold and snowy days and evenings. I do like snow around and on Christmas, but could do without that snow and cold any other time. Generally we would have had a great deal of snow by this time however; I'm sure we'll see plenty between now and the month of March.

No big plans for the weekend with the exception of a brunch that I've been invited to attend and you know a brotha loves free good food. LMAO. Have a good weekend and stay warm.