An old civil rights veteran explained to me why Charleston, a city once steeped in Jim Crow Laws, never got ugly during the fight for equal rights in the sixties. It was simple- “Charlestonians are much too polite-we would never, ever riot or throw things at one another in the street, we just weren’t raised that way-black OR white.” And true to our municipal character, Wednesday’s Tea Party Protest went down like a smooth brew. There was none of the histrionics or hate-filled rhetoric of a Sarah Palin rally. The signs were tame, with repetitive slogans pulled from a website specifically constructed to provide inspiration to the teabaggers. While I personally disagree with everything they stand for, I do believe they have every right to rally for their cause. Had these Tea Parties happened five years ago, they would have credibility in my eyes, we would have been standing side-by side. A few observations: I didn’t see a single black, Latin or openly gay person. The crowd thinks Glen Beck is some kind of sage; and Obama elicited a strong chorus of boos and hisses.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tax Day Tea Party-Charleston, SC
An old civil rights veteran explained to me why Charleston, a city once steeped in Jim Crow Laws, never got ugly during the fight for equal rights in the sixties. It was simple- “Charlestonians are much too polite-we would never, ever riot or throw things at one another in the street, we just weren’t raised that way-black OR white.” And true to our municipal character, Wednesday’s Tea Party Protest went down like a smooth brew. There was none of the histrionics or hate-filled rhetoric of a Sarah Palin rally. The signs were tame, with repetitive slogans pulled from a website specifically constructed to provide inspiration to the teabaggers. While I personally disagree with everything they stand for, I do believe they have every right to rally for their cause. Had these Tea Parties happened five years ago, they would have credibility in my eyes, we would have been standing side-by side. A few observations: I didn’t see a single black, Latin or openly gay person. The crowd thinks Glen Beck is some kind of sage; and Obama elicited a strong chorus of boos and hisses.
Contemplating The Enormous Debt They Will Inherit
Don't forget kiddies! First you've got to pay for the Iraq War!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Artiste du jour-Arnold Edmondson
An outsider artist crucified on the cross of his creativity.
http://arnoldedmondson.blogspot.com/
http://arnoldedmondson.blogspot.com/
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Artiste du Jour-Tiffany Cole
There are at least two Tiffany Cole's in this world. One is a death row inmate in Florida, convicted of a double homicide, and the other makes the most beautiful box constructions. They both seem to have their moods.
Top 10 Lessons Photography has Taught Me About the World (Part 1)
1. Only a very, very good picture is worth a thousand words.2. Every person has a great story to tell.
3. People who live out their wildest dreams are labeled eccentric, but they are most comfortable with themselves, and therefore always a good portrait subject.
4. The best photographers agonize over their work. The bad ones are always satisfied.
5. A reality show about a photographer would be far more enlightening than The Surreal Life.
Top 10 Lessons Photography has Taught Me About the World (Part 2)
6. Ninety-nine percent of people are trustworthy-you can forget your camera bag, and they'll make sure you get it back.
7. Everyone has a close relative who is "really good" at photography.
8. People everywhere have the same dream-financial security,a better life for their children, and respect from others. What makes people different is the methods they use to realize the dream.
9. If you are a nosy person, you can use your camera to enter the lives (and homes) of interesting people.
10. There should be a Hippocratic Oath for photographers. Do not exploit, distort, or stereotype.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Charleston City Councilman Kwadjo Campbell recites Langston Hughes' poem at LJ's on Spring Street
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