HOPE and VICTORY

Everyone has probably heard about, or experienced the fable about the 'scorpion and the frog'. It's a great learning story where the theme of betrayed trust has been easily demonstrated through other animal symbols. Stories like the 'The Scorpion and the Frog' are worth re-visiting as we find our trust in our fellow man waning by the hour. Yes, that includes the neighborhood mechanic down the street, or the dentist at the corner office. It even includes that minister who drives around in that large luxury car while his parishioners seek food to eat. Let's not forget us being fooled in purchasing a bill of goods that don't live up to the hype. No matter who or what we trust, how often we forget who or what not to trust? Or how often we are ensnared in idolization of others and things to an extent of god-like worship that often we take our eyes off of the truth and find ourselves sinking in quick sand, or, like the 'frog' here, being stung--to death.

The best time for you and I to impact the appointments process is now, not after the President-elect makes his nominations public. Kevin Martin , the executive director of Peace Action, Peace Blog No new administration waits till being sworn in before deciding and enacting its priorities on war, peace, credit, housing, jobs or heath care. While many are still boasting, roasting, coasting and toasting the election results the business of governing has already begun. So too the business of holding the new administration accountable must begin without delay. " Holding the Obama Administration Accountable " Bruce Dixon , Editor, Black Agenda Report , 11/13/2008) Even as we are dancing in the streets it appears that the foundation for all of the key appointments and decisions are being made, even before our inaugural show-off party. Historically, this has been the pattern of those embraced by powerlessness—dance now, act later, lose the war. ( Jerel Shaw, Hope & Victory Blog