FACEOFF

I have been toying with the idea for several days now whether or not to deactivate my face book account. HUH? GASP! Once I decided to make the choice to leave my "facing" community, I felt better about it. Not wondering what assonine political statements were being made and then feeling convicted to reply sarcastically with the first thought that comes to my head. Way too time consuming! There were so many ridiculous comments that I grew weary. Being on top of my sarcastic game was becoming way too important AND not appreciated. It seems not everyone out in FB land appreciates my cynical, sarcastic comments and quick wit. (well, I think it's funny). In my defense, I have to say that my replies are always based on real convictions and actual knowledge of the subject at hand. Too many people, (certain ones more than others) just make these blanket political statements and offer no real intelligent ideas or references for the basis of their political outbursts. They can only reply with the same old comeback accusing me of being a "far left liberal." So NOT true. Luckily there are some real intelligent and highly educated facebookers (besides me hee hee hee) who have actual well thought out words of wisdom and are able to calmly and eloquently articulate their response. These INTELLIGENT responses could make a viable debate to learn and get insight. Unfortunately, the reality is that the crybabies and clowns can't seem to directly address the points TRYING to be raised. It always goes back to the same ridiculous namecalling, generalities, and tantrums. These are individuals, who in any other circumstance are pretty cool. (except for the one who always refers to me as "JULIE, HONEY" prefacing his namecalling and unfounded criticisms of me) Oh well. This is why I must leave and look for intelligent life out there, a place where civil discussions do exist. The world not so long ago allowed people to sit around together and discuss ideas and differences and learn from each other without fear of ridicule just for having opinions and ideas.

I find myself in a quandary, between a rock and a hard place, as the saying goes. My loyalty has been and always will be for President Barrack Obama. I say that because living in Titusville, on the Space Coast, there has been much discussion that the shuttle program will be winding down and funds allocated for that program will be shifted in a new direction, still supporting the U S and it's space program but not how those living here want it. I am not speaking out of a misunderstanding of what those who are sure to lose there jobs are facing as I am quite possibly in the same boat. My husband, brother and my boys' father have all worked for the shuttle program for nearly three decades and all of us may be greatly affected in the very near future. I still continue to be a die hard optimist and feel that many more and greater opportunities will come our way. The other day I told a group of my friends that I am not a "fair-weather" voter and I believe in the man I voted for. He will think things through, listen to the expert advisers, and come to an informed decision that will lead to the greater good. It turns out, in fact, he has been advised by top NASA officials that the shuttle program has become a financial pit and that there are more productive ways to support the U.S. space program and put it in a better direction. He was elected as the President of the United States and has a responsibility to all Americans, not just those of us living here. People seem to think that he has failed us because the shuttle program's contract has ended and he is not doing anything about it. They say that he cheated us because we voted for him thinking he would be able to keep things going as they are, when in fact he did not. In actuality, he was not elected President because of those on the Space Coast. He lost in most of the county, Titusville for sure. When asked what I meant by a "fair weather" voter, I explained that I am not going to praise him when things are going great and then bad mouth him when things are not. I didn't do that to President Bush either. People do seem to think that President Bush somehow has a free pass when it comes to our current predicament. It has been a known fact that certain contracts would be ending in 2010. However, that argument has fallen on deaf ears and it is a waste of time to continue making it. Just like a "fair weather" friend there are those that will be supportive during the good and lucrative times and then turn their backs when the going gets tough.

I HAVE a Dream; Joe's Story

When I first met Joe, he looked very "street tough" if that makes sense. His hard-core exterior, the kind that promotes unfair judgement for the better part of society, didn't seem to match his soft spoken tone and seemingly shy personality. I can't explain why I was interested in his life, where he came from and what he was all about. I imagined that he was a young man with a story to tell and probably did not even know it. Nevertheless, it was a story I wanted to hear and without realizing it at the time, a story I wanted to tell everyone else. Over the course of about three years, we spoke many times. It was almost always me asking him how and what he was doing and little by little I would learn about the life of this person who had probably been misunderstood and mistakenly characterized as some sort of thug just because of his outward appearance and the color of his skin. If one would look past the obvious stuff and make an effort to actually know what he is all about then they would understand how determined he is to make a difference in the world, especially his world. That became clear to me today and I am going to share his journey with anyone who will listen so we can break down the barriers that keep our worlds separate.