Rule of Law

As rich as the current administration’s antics are for mining leadership lessons on what NOT to do, I find too much of the negativity is corrosive to my soul. So I’m currently on a sabbatical from the news.

Or at least I was until #45 declared himself above the law.

“When the President does it, that means that it’s not illegal.” ~ Richard M. Nixon, the only U.S. president to resign to avoid impeachment and removal from office

“Rule of law implies that every person is subject to the law, including people who are lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and judges. In this sense, it stands in contrast to an autocracy, dictatorship, or oligarchy where the rulers are held above the law.” ~ Wikipedia

Inhale Law Abiding, Exhale Anarchy…
Inhale Decency, Exhale Corruption…
Inhale Democracy, Exhale Autocracy…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe

Dissonant Leader

As much as black folks recognized the rage, understood the pain and identified with the truth of Killmonger, would we want him in charge?

“I’ve waited my whole life for this. The world’s going to start over. I’m going to burn it all!” ~ Eric “Killmonger” Stevens, Black Panther

Inhale Resonance, Exhale Rage…
Inhale Leadership, Exhale Destruction…
Inhale Democracy, Exhale Domination…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe

American Rights

I spent the entirety of my last visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the art gallery on the 4th level. The relentless nature of racism so palpable throughout the museum is present in this space as the catalyst for uniquely American art.

The piece that haunted me, “Increase Risk with Emotional Faith” by Kevin Cole, looks innocuous enough: wide, colorful ties intertwined in a haphazard even whimsical fashion. But the chilling inspiration for the piece was the artist’s grandfather’s story of a lynching tree in Tarry, Arkansas and the memories of black men, lynched for trying to vote, their ties wrapped around the noose as a warning to other black men.

Especially in the states of the confederacy, people of color fought and died for the right to vote in this country. I pray it’s a right we take advantage of before it is lost to all Americans.

“You have to tend to this garden of democracy, otherwise things can fall apart fairly quickly. And we’ve seen societies where that happens…so pay attention and vote.” ~ President Barack Obama

#JustVote

Messy Democracy

Democracy is messy, never more so than when it’s in disarray. Democracy is fragile, especially when it’s under attack. Democracy is inefficient, particularly when its participants are so polarized.

Yet the democratic ideas espoused by our founders, as yet unrealized for all in this country, remain a shining beacon of possibility for people all over the world…and right here in America.

“Despair is not an option!” ~ Senator Bernie Sanders

Inhale Disorder, Exhale Dictatorship…
Inhale Fragility, Exhale Fascism…
Inhale Democracy, Exhale Destruction…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
Reflections with Renita