REVELATION:  "United We Stand," in our love for Country, family, and the US Constitution, whether Religious Right or Progressive Left!

Once upon a time, there was a group of mostly good men who, imbibed with an exceptional idea, attempted to achieve “the Greater Good” for most of the people.  Something like, “One Nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for” almost all.  So they declared this exceptional idea, an ideal act of independence.  Thus was born the Land of the Free White Men, out of the long white winters of Valley Forge and blood red guerilla warfare waged by green farmers, blue grocery clerks, black slaves and some of those red looking guys who were here first.  Even then, “being on the RIGHT side of justice” wasn’t always, “justice for all."  It was The Land that Never Was America, quite yet.

American Prisons are privatized, which means like Z-Blackwater, they’re a private, largely ignored and unregulated gang of people who prosper by inflicting suffering on weaker, if not defenseless people who are in some way caged up.  Yes, evolution of “The Land of The Free” has created a secret army and private penal system, both of which operate largely outside of our American Constitutional laws, with little consistent regulation or even observation.  WHY?  Both are cash cows for those who own & operate them: American Corporations.  The more people Z-Blackwater kills in the name of spreading Democracy, and the more people imprisoned for longer periods of time, the more:  "If the people were to ever find out what we have done, we would be chased down the streets and lynched." --George H. W. Bush aka "Poppy Bush" June 1992 Sarah McClendon White House News Interview.  Or as son GW put it, “just send your cash.”  Thus The Land that Never Was America, quite yet, was imprisoned in stone.

After Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address and Civil War established that people who look like our current First Family, were actually people and not property to be sold as free labor or for Jeffersonian-like enjoyment, it naturally followed that they were also citizens of the United States of America, with all the rights afforded to those Americans who look like Mitch McConnell, Karl Rove and sadly, Eric Cantor.  This of course, included the Right to VOTE for a representative “Government of the people, by the people and for the People.”  Once black people were people, well, you can just imagine the trauma suffered by those who had just fought a war to “preserve, protect and defend” their personal prosperity, at the expense of families of black slaves in the Land that Never was America, quite yet.

Just as FDR’s renewal of the Federal Government’s responsibility to “We the People,” produced decades of GOP (especially Reagan) attempts to reverse this democratic trend in our Republic, so too, did the result of the “War of Aggression,” spawn attempts to limit the citizenship of this whole new crop of different looking Americans, who were suddenly proclaimed equal to real Americans.  Suddenly forced to share the Right to VOTE with non-property owners, like Jews, Asians and Women, some enterprising folk revealed the aces hidden up their sleeves, and hoods -- a new exceptional idea:  limiting educational budgets, limits education, which in turn limits intellectual growth and opportunities for success.  Sounds like a plan for the 50’s, or “Bloody Sunday.”  A plan, that without a King, could provide testing hurdles which limit the power to elect, to only a few select.  Not America yet.

In the Land that Never was America, quite yet, 5.3 million American citizens, in all but two American states, are being denied their American Right to VOTE, because they are ex-offenders – people who have done the time for their crime; paid their debt to society for past mistakes -- some for offenses as minor as shoplifting in their youth. If American justice does not have a beginning, middle and end, it remains open-ended to the infection of corruption.  If after investigation, indictment, trial by a jury of their peers, conviction and imprisonment, former inmates are released, as incomplete American citizens, they're forced to dwell in The Land that Never was America, quite yet.

Ex-offenders residing in Kentucky or Virginia, though American citizens, have no American Right to VOTE, unless their state Governor (for whom they cannot VOTE), like a royal monarch of old, bestows upon them, this jewel in the crown of American democracy.  Without confirmation of our new President's appointments, appointees of GW continue to regin supreme, in The Land that Never Was America, quite yet.

In Virginia (where 3 misdemeanors = 1 Felony), with one protective eye on its pre-Civil War State Constitution of 1830, and the other shying away from what “Pretty Boy” Bob is shoveling, snow job Bob, who in less than a week after occupying his new presidential launching pad, annihilated the future of Virginia’s education by slashing school budgets for young Virginians and draining Cultural Arts from their educational experience.  Poof, “Gone with the Wind.”  Same old M. O. for the not so grand old party:  “the rich get rich, and the poor get” less educated, for “an educated consumer is” the enemy of political opportunism.  This slick, TV “Camera Ready” walking “lock & load” hairspray commercial, is the only person in America given the power to decide who in Virginia enjoys the greatest Right of American Citizenship:  the Right to VOTE.  Jim Crow would be so proud to still be alive in all but two states in The Land that Never was America, quite yet.

No matter red or blue state, no matter your skin pigmentation, no matter what political persuasion, no matter:  If this is your definition of America, then we are living in The Land That Never Was, and the RIGHT Side of Justice has “Left Behind,” millions of our fellow countrymen & women, and it's all been a lie!  Most certainly some of these almost Americans live and work among you every day.  Maybe you are one of the unheard, pleading and hoping to be a complete citizen someday.  Contact Congress to Restore America's Right to VOTE for all  Americans, or join VIRGINIA, Kentucky and 48 other states in proclaiming, we are The Land that Never Was America; No, not quite yet.

I just received a call from Arthur, brother of my good friend and master sculptor, MACEO JEFFRIES.  Arthur told me that MACEO had "passed on" recently, and that was why I hadn't reached him on his cell.  Since meeting MACEO a few years ago, he and I had made a habit of calling each other every three or four months with updates, hopes, dreams, stories. Listening to him was always captivating. At the end of every conversation he would say, “I’ll be moving to Virginia as soon as I can, so we can do great things together.” He visited often, but never did relocate.  Still we kept planning for that day.

We talked of lecture series, featuring “The Human Being,” and as recently as Friday November 6, 2009, we happily agreed that using "The Human Being" as a symbol for the Political Campaigns of Progressive Democrats, most especially ANDREA MILLER, was a terrific idea, and a win-win for everyone, including America. We promised each other we would proceed before our next conversation, in Feb--Mar '10, and with our usual laughter, clear goals with specific plans and mutual best wishes and blessings, we ended our last conversation, ever.

He was a major talent and a master historian, especially regarding the two cultures he embodied: The American Indian and The American Black. He was both. He was AMERICAN! Whether he was sculpting or lecturing about either, you listened, you watched, you learned and you evolved as a human being. He lived alone in Pittsburg, Penn and died suddenly one morning, while preparing his own bacon and eggs. Seems so unworthy an ending, so trivial, so unlike him.

Now, through tears, I feel the weight of procrastination, heavier than ever.  “If not now, when,” must be our personal inspiration and national motivation.  Indeed it's true, tomorrow is not promised to us, so I ask prayerfully, that you will express appreciation for this great artist by visiting his page on this site ("Artists" link), and introduce yourself.  Moreover, I hope you will show your regard for his work, by helping those in your neighborhood and local communities be all they can be.  For truly, that was MACEO's lifetime declaration and what his work proclaims.  He was a descent person; a most talented gentleman; a scholar, he was my friend:  a good human being whose work challenges us to be the same.

Here’s to MACEO: “The Human Being!"

In tribute, I hope you will be as humane as possible to each other and as you remember him, remember also those his work honors, for just as other victims around the world have been forced to live in tents, so have millions of Americans: some poets, some veterans, some former prison inmates looking for a restoration of their rights, some artists, many just like you and me. Just Imagine if every relief dollar sent from America, was $.90 instead, with the left over $.10 going to Community Centers who help America's Homeless.  Just Imagine the humanity of accomplishing that mission.

Now put your imagination to work.  Remember, in this severe winter of our discontent, some Americans spend every night in tents and cardboard boxes, in Feet of Snow.  Americans need America's help too. Please Give Hope A Hand: http://www.hopecommunitycenter.org (434) 872-0200, 341 11th Street NW Charlottesville, VA 22903. In this time of many great causes for which to fight, let us share some of our financial attention as well with those here at home, without health care, without rights, without homes, without hope.

MACEO, I truly miss you and I will every 3 or 4 months, forever.

Marcello Rollando,

A Reasonable Voice for a Rebirth of Our Humanity, Freedoms, Honesty and the Rule of Law

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1155138731

Not being critical of the recent Health Reform Summit; No, for one brief shinning 7 or 8 hours, they all smiled for the camera, as "We the People" were treated to a re-run of redundancy. No, I’m talking about this blond I just met.  This little bundle of love, peace and harmony is too adorable to resist.  Her name is Zoe, and she is a tiny Tibetan something, resembling a miniature male lion, who tolerates my calling her “Simba.”  I know, but it’s all in how you say it.  You know like “step by step” really means, slow down so we can figure out a way to keep our friends in the shadows, deep in greenback pastures, even in a time of famine for the multitudes.  “Somebody’s crying Lord, Kumbaya.”

I discovered the land of Zoe with my partner the midnight monster, a true veteran of slipping in and out of protective shadows.  She’s a survivor, born with a bad leg and living on the streets for her first five weeks.  Only she and her mother made it.  Mom, crazy with fear, anger and loss, could neither be consoled, nor acclimate to "Change is in the air," but her little creature of the night, still had glimpses of hope and light. The keepers warned me she was "an unknown quantity," as they gloved up to open her cage.  She leapt out, past the intruder, jumping to and running up my left arm, perching on my shoulder in sphinx position, purring mission accomplished.  When we got home, I named her, “Soulmate.”  “Somebody’s laughing Lord, Kumbaya.”

Zoe's terrain was the middle ground of a household which now, thanks to my adding the demon from the trash cans and cardboards, was shared by two adversarial cats, each slashing and clawing their way over feared displacement to get to the top of the heap, for the imaginary prize of pride.  As working together is not an option, there is perpetual jockeying for a superior position through repetitive talking points. Oops, I mean, repeated hot air and hissy fits.  Whenever the cats are in the same room, there is no play, for while the battlefield offers the great sliding door view of bird feeder guests, there is only one superior vantage point: whatever position the other wants. Whatever the original agenda for the day, the snarling intimidation and hissing saber rattling dominate the airways, in their constant attempts at securing the advantage by any means.  “Somebody’s singing Lord, Kumbaya.”

The drama is far superior to anything on television, so I mute the “start over” spin and watch the slinking antagonists in their posturing performance, revealing a mental state so out of balance.  Though war is neither necessary nor inevitable, it is practiced as the fine art of distraction and re-direction.  Just as I’m convinced to reach for the security blanket of a quick dousing from the water spray bottle, it is not needed, for there is yet at least one “Voice of Reason” in the room.  It is the peace keeper “Simba.”  Disguised as a Tibetan Spaniel, Zoe rises to the occasion, not only stepping between the two power hungry foes, but bravely walking back and forth between the partisans, offering licks of “can’t we agree, we’re closer than ever?”  Of course, for her Mother Teresa efforts, she often suffers the fury exuding from the small minded enemies of cooperation.  Still, somehow, she endures sharp swats from both sides of the isle.  Yet on some days her reaching out results in the offenders departing the battlefield, proving with the end of greedy territorial mussel flexing, it isn’t a battlefield after all, but rather a land of great "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and prosperity potential. Alas, however, “lines” have been committed to memory and drawn in the sand, and tans must be shown off for “lights, camera, action.”  “Somebody’s sleeping Lord, Kumbaya.”

I still Dream, “that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed…” and that it won’t be in incremental itsy bitsy, step by step conservative procrastination.  Actions speak louder than “stop, start over, step by step” evasion of “Charity Begins at Home.”  ALL must insure safety, health and security for ALL Americans, by insisting on a government that hears ALL who cry out from the wilderness.  While all of us can and should applaud the tremendous generosity Americans have shown the people of Haiti (and will bestow upon Chile) in their time of need, is it not Reasonable to remember to look right in front of us, at our feet?  Just as others have been forced to live in tents, so have millions of Americans, every night, some even veterans who served us honorably.  Just Imagine if every relief USA dollar sent to Haiti, was $.90 instead, with the left over $.10 going to Community Centers who help America's Homeless.  Just Imagine what mission that would accomplish.

Please take more than a moment to ponder this truth, and then remember that in this severe winter of our discontent, American overnight tents and cardboard boxes, are in Feet of Snow.  Yes, Think globally, but PLEASE Act Locally.  Americans need America’s help too.

Please Give Hope A Hand: http://www.hopecommunitycenter.org (434) 872-0200,  341 11th Street NW  Charlottesville, VA 22903.  In this time of many great causes for which to fight, let us share some of our financial attention as well with those here at home, without homes.  “Somebody’s praying Lord, Kumbaya.”

Giving HOPE a Helping Hand,

Marcello Rollando,  A Reasonable Voice for a Rebirth of Our Humanity, Freedoms, Honesty and the Rule of Law http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1155138731

As a people, Americans rank extremely high on the list of outstandingly generous Givers.  However, unlike what we read in our history books, our federal government has been one of the world’s largest Takers.  So perhaps as we enter a new decade, we should commit to rejecting the insulting spiel of spin delivered into our living rooms from corporate owned media.  Consider instead, getting to know the real story about what “money changers,” in league with our government did in places like Mexico, the Philippines, Panama and Hawaii.  Although, the period of governmental brainwashing for self-serving profiteering was extreme the first ten years of this century, it was not the beginning of collaborative greed between Corporate America and the Government of America.  Still, this period was our Nation's "Darkest Hour," and it is in this shadow of darkness, that motivated extremism against America was ignited.

Timing is Divine, and this Census and election year, is the perfect time for National self-examination.  It's important to know the truth about our mistakes as well as our glories, even if it pinches a little. A lot of America's history is missing from our history books: Truth about Indians, Blacks and a few less savory secrets.  However, we must know our past, in order to make the best present choices, for our future.  In large part, America's untold stories are what fuel much of the hate foreign extremists feel toward us, and the conflict, discord and tension that has transformed the United States into Red vs. Blue states.  If we don't embrace this truth, we will default to "Divided We Fall."  Truth will save us from being duped by corporate financed politicians and in time, recapture the tremendous empathy an entire world felt for us September 12, 2001.

The oil greedy played on our macho self-image, convincing us that we don't need anyone, but where did that get us?  With our international reputation and relationships damaged, we stand weakened in the world community, potentially "left behind" by a China to whom we owe Billions.  Let us “be all we can be,” by entering this new decade as International Citizens leading by example, instead of “drones.”

However, the bad taste left in the mouths of other nations by the Bush/Cheney Administration did not begin with Halliburton and Z-Blackwater, for mercenaries have always been a part of our history.  Indeed, 1900--2008 saw a number of less honorable men elected to both Houses of Congress and the Presidency.  We can still see it today in Conservative slogans, "America, Love it or Leave it," and "My Country, Right or wrong!"  Knowing the Truth about how we got here is our best path forward to renewal and prosperity.

It was the Sedition Act of John Adams; Andrew Jackson's insistence that "the red savage" was dispensable, because he was an inferior race and a conquered people & McCarthy's 50s "Red Scare;"  it was Tyler & Polk in Mexico & Lincoln's assassination;  McKinley & Teddy in the Philippines & Panama, and Taft's "Little Brown Brothers."  It was Wilson's uncompromising isolationism; Hoover's inability to deal & Eisenhower's waiting for the last round of golf before inviting us to the wedding between Military justification & Corporate manipulation. It was Nixon's clearing a path for GW's abuse of Presidential power; Reaganomics castrating Government involvement in our lives and a CIA Chief, "movin' on up" to Commander-in-Chief.

It started in whispers over brandy, where the Middle Class is neither welcome nor invited: on hidden estates, Bank Board Rooms and other sanctuaries of Congressional Lobbyists.  Feeling it was safe to come out of the shadows, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave was supremely invaded in 2000.  Exiting the darkness of the "wings," the shadows of secrets and lies, took center stage, took our economy, took our ability to reason & sense of balance, took us and evidently took our short term memory -- Now, the Takers are threatening a comeback!

It is our RIGHT history that makes us victims of violent hate, and victims too, of projected fantasies of "Mission Accomplished."  It is our being re-directed so we forget, "What is Past is Prologue," that keeps us blind to the Truth: Governmental Tyranny launched within our shores, invited International terrorism to our shores.  Those who inherited the need for greed from the 19th century "Follow the Sun" mentality, have in this century, turned our Constitution into a doormat made by YOO, and "We the People" have been "Left Behind" to pay the dearest price of Flag Waving Conservatives using the red blood of our youth to irrigate foreign soil.

Now, "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us..."  "that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the earth."  This is the America of which I sing, "Let Freedom Ring!"  Though not perfect, we can at least be honest with ourselves and unlike YOO, we can, embrace Truth, Justice and Accountability for All, without fear!

Flight plight, Clash & Crash, TV pundits massing.  Steeped in Tea Fear, stirred with Anger, Rage inflamed by poison pouring Palin.  Now pushed, Bush Whacked, burning over the edge:  Madness reigns.  Innocent Deaths.   Candles lit.  Still nothing’s changed.  Atop the wedding cake iced over by DICK, stands erect the Bride of Conservative “NOs” and the Groom of Corporate Greed:  Unsweetened, unaltered, undisturbed, by the smoke and screams of IRS teams.

Repeatedly, Reactionaries profit from profiteering industries.   Conservatives, whether Red, Blue or Tea, herd together in huddles of self-absorbed, "Me, Me:" must hold on to what I got, fearing unknown & unfamiliar.  GOP meows the mood of the moment; posing as melancholy muses, they conduct dissonant melodies, while champions of the unchanged compositions of conflicting convictions.

America is not a Democracy and has never been, because our Founding Fathers, not unfamiliar with night time masking of mob mentality over tea, voted for a Republic, to “preserve, protect and defend” our new ideal idea for a Hope filled transition,  Needed Change,  “with Liberty and Justice for ALL, again. Conservatives in fear of evolution, even then planted their status quo anchor in the sand. Holding fast to their red coats stained by self-loyalty, they call themselves Patriots, but resist, "Yes We Can."

We’re a Republic because men of insight, focused on our National future and International potential, did not trust the safety of our new Nation, to the emotional swing vote, of sign waving mass sin nations.  It was believed, such would be too easily swayed, by the self-serving rhetoric of rich & powerful, foreign & domestic counter-revolution, heaped upon our new creation, by slogan fed mobs, regurgitating screams of “Me First”  solutions.  Me, Me and my DICK breath Tea, whipped up by Constitutional rewrites from YOO, for a fee.  YOO, off scot free, Who You knew?

Giants graciously granting Independence, declared the path to greener pastures for preached at masses, was indirect involvement in the process of government.  Still their created country progresses two steps forward for every one pulled back by Corporate puppeteers, whispering hate & fears into Conservative ears.  Re-Directed by masters of massive manipulation, we are media duped into passive resignation.  When departure was sure, Eisenhower warned that the marriage of convenience between Military and Corporations was impure.  Ford, less honorable, wrote it down for all to see, but only after his departure, “from sea to shining sea.”  Powell, like an old soldier just silently faded away and Bayh decided he no longer wanted to play.

CPAC Romney opens instead of McCain, for the main act of Big DICK who threatens he’ll rise again.  Meanwhile, little “D” Armey drones, “America has the greatest Health Care in the world,” which is true for those in Congress who know no pain, living off the rest of us, going down the drain.  Now, Mario Rubio, who are you, and why have you joined hips with DeMint in teleprompter drool?  Those who deal in such deception, usually cause the mass destruction.  Arousing the masses to mob inflammation, lifts secrets and lies to level of provocation.  Perhaps fork tongues should hold fast the din of spin for,  “Violence, Rebellion & Treason,” can never free us from Tyranny festered within.  What if those GW “Left Behind,” filled with desperation, play copy cat with their next flight’s destination?  But rather than attack your innocent minions who do your bidding to survive, what if American citizens pushed to the brink of destitution, choose to take their fight to the cause’s inception: Corporate Board Rooms of gouging Banks, Pill pushing industries and Unhealthy Insurance Price Hikes.  What if those demanding a daily pound of our flesh, were held accountable for the rest?  What if a Middle Class, in madness pushed, revolts against all CEO’s, who created our National money woes?

What if "We the People" have found you out, and put you down for the count?  What if we stop fighting among ourselves and instead, put Corporate Board Members in jail cells?

Oh God!  WHAT IF  JEFFERSON was right?!?