provoke (may 2011)

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PROVOKETHOUGHT . CONSIDERATION. ADVOCACY .

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Giving It UpWritten By:Timothy A. Valentine

You cant really enjoy life if you do not take

the time to experience it. Experience life not

just from your perspective, but from the

perspective of others; consideration.Many people miss out or are unaware,

because they play it safe. Theres nothing

wrong with this, but when this position

becomes a way of life it can become a

hindrance to your progress and growth.

You have a greater potential to becomestagnated or rigid in your thinking and

positions. Change is something you can

believe in, but not on my dime is the motto.

The essence of a person is not exclusive to

their behavior or even their words. When you

take the time to consider a persons value,

purpose and individuality, you then begin to

learn the essence of a person. What theyre

really about. It may not be for good, but you

know what frame of mind theyre coming

from.

Appreciate what someone is good at or withmore than what you dont like about them.

Negativity does nothing to or for the person,

but offers a tremendous insight to who you are

and your own unhappiness and

inconsideration.

You dont have to be wrong for me to be right.

Its your point of view based on your

experiences and knowledge, whether it is

inclusive or exclusive.

Give up what's holding you back, because the

courageous person is one who has identified

their defenses and gives them up.

Negativity does

nothing to or for the

person, but offers a

tremendous insight

to who you are and

your own

unhappiness and

inconsideration.

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What Happened?Written By:Timothy A. ValentineHave you ever been walking down the street

and had a homeless person ask you for some

money and you acted like you didn't hear

them?Have you ever been in your car and sitting at

a light and rolled your windows up?Have you ever given someone who was

homeless money and privately questioned

what they're going to do with the little bit of

money you gave them?

How often have you seen someone homelessand in addition to offering them some money

you also gave them a compliment or a kind

word?

Anyone can be the face of homelessness. The

difference between you and that person living

on the street is the circumstances of your

story.The question we choose not to ask someone

who is homeless is What Happened?

Often it is because many choose not to care

or ask or show any concern. We're just happy

that it isn't us, right?

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We spend so much time fighting to be seen

more than we do concerning ourselves who

just seek acknowledgment.

Dare they question your sincerity, who are

they to you, but an annoyance. This is theattitude many people implicitly accept when

confronted with the ugliness of

homelessness. We mistakenly transpose the

ugliness of the situation onto the beauty of

the individual captured within that situation.

Who is concerned enough to ask, whathappened?Some simply just don't care. They'll tell them

to get a job, but never stop to think what

address they will put on the application so the

employer can send them their check, then

what about taxes. If you have a job you're

required to pay your taxes. Where will the

employer send their W2?

Get a job is another way of saying, I'm not

helping you, not go away. If you're not able

to offer them a job, then don't say "Get a

job." Think, if they had a job, would they be

homeless?

Have enough consideration to not step over,

around or away from someone homeless, but

help them up. Help them up with anencouraging word that means something to

them. You can't say, "hand in there" and

expect that to go over well with them, when

life has its boot on their neck.

If you have the time, ask them how can you

help them?

If you have no money, food or shelter to

offer, you can always listen. Sometimes a

sincere handshake, tender smile or concerned

word last longer than any amount of money,

clothing or food you have to give.I say this from the heart. I've been very

fortunate to have never experience

homelessness. But all it takes is a change in

circumstances and I may be the one you step

over and ignore.

Consider what can happened.

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Even If NobodySays AmenWritten By:Timothy A. Valentine

When some choose to argue, debate or doubt

the divine I've learned to remain silent. I see

no reason to argue, because it's not my

decision to make or call to accept.

There's no need to rush to judgment of

someone when you have not experience their

life's trials. This is true for anyone of any

belief.

Why question their convictions, when you

can demonstrate yours?

I'm simply finished with the arguments,

debates or discussions of beliefs and doubts,

because I do not have a reason to continue

unproductive conversations. I do not have the

ability to make you believe or doubt.

All I can do is share my knowledge and

experiences with you. I accept you for who

you are, not what you are or choose to be. I

only ask for the same consideration.

The question I see not asked or answered is,

What do we have in common that we can

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build a greater understanding and

appreciation of our experiences upon?

This is my emphasis. This is what I sincerely

strive to practice. We may disagree on an

issue, but disrespect should never become an

issue in a relationship.

Far too often we side with political

correctness, social acceptance and individual

perceptions above our moral consciousness.

Who would you be if no one said Amen?

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where

he stands in moments of comfort and

convenience, but where he stands at times of

challenge and controversy."

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We spend too much time living as if the

world hinges on us solely for its continuation

without realizing that we are only hear for a

brief moment in time.

What you have chosen to do with that time is

not mine to decide, but yours in what you

choose to give your time too.

Why waste your time arguing with someone

when that time can be spent learning about

their experiences?

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Why spend so much energy on hate more

than love?

Why should I dislike you, because of what

you are, before I know who you are?

"Nothing in all the world is more

dangerous than sincere ignorance and

conscientious stupidity."- Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr.

We must learn to love with acceptance,

know when to speak up and understandwhen to be quiet.


Whether you and another share the same

spiritual, political, ethical beliefs or not, I

only ask that you find where you agree

and build upon it. Construct yourrelationship with a foundation of mutual

respect and consideration.

We can come up with more excuses to

hate than we do to love.

When we stopped seeking disagreement,

you find the opportunity for agreement.

When we stop seeking the approval of

others, we have time to consider one

another.


Never place membership in an

organization, institution or ideology by

whatever name that based its significance

and measure its value through the ideas

and principles of a political party, a

collection of people or the opinions of

society.

I rather it be said that I strive to be a

member of truth, consideration,

reconciliation, forgiveness and love in

hopes that I may be the thermostat that

cools tempers, warms a cold heart and

transforms cynicism to optimism.

Some people see only what they want to

see without understanding its vision.

There are people among us whose agenda

is to do whatever it takes to kill your

dreams, steal your happiness and destroy

your sense of hope.

They are quick to talk about what they

know nothing about or never taken time to

experience.

They are motivated by negativity and are

never happy or supportive.

Even if no one says Amen, I will.

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What RemainsWritten By:Timothy A. Valentine

As I was thinking about all of the things

Republicans have spoken, retracted and

participated in while struggling to keep up the

Im not a racist defense.

I realized something that may not have been

considered by Democrats and those who

welcomes diversity, inclusion and progress.

They have nothing left. They have been

banking on the hopes that everyone, especially

Democrats will get distracted by their

political, social and class warfare rock

throwing contest that no one will noticed what

their not doing long enough for them to regain

power and control.

Look at what they have been doing since

2006. Consider how Democrats have played

along with their game by taking a defensive

position instead of control of the game being

played.

What remains is time. What remains is

organizing. What remains is the recognition

that they have nothing left, but to throw bricks

at us.

From the emails of some Republican

portraying the President or First Lady as a

monkey and saying that it wasnt racist is

nonsense.

Consider the legacy youre leaving not only

history to record, but your children and

grandchildren. Did you learn absolutely

nothing from your parents and grandparents

generation?

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This is just an example of the rocks they have

left to throw at us.

The interruption of an address to a jointsession of Congress with a Republicans

screaming and pointing at the President

exclaiming You Lie, but suggesting that

race had nothing to do with it, is an indication

of their ignorance of the history of behaviors

directed at Blacks and Latinos during

segregation and slavery, but with an uglier

tone then. It too is a stone tossed at us to see if

well flinch.

The countless misspelled protest signs at Tea

Party rallies with images of President Obama

as Hitler to the Joker and various references to

Africa, monkeys and communism as well as

subtle racial references. But they say its not

racist, even demonstrating their ignorance by

getting the handful of Black Conservatives

who are willing to ignore the obvious for

perceived prominence with a group that you

know more about than they know about you.

There were plenty of Blacks who did not

support emancipation, desegretion or the civil

rights movement. Every brother of your color

aint your brother cause of color, becausesome are actually working undercover.

Consider that Latino, Arab, Jewish, Asian and

Gay brother who is discriminated just as much

as you as well as your Poor, Working-Class

and Middle-Class brothers and sisters who are

struggling with the same economic oppression

as Blacks. There are some Republicans who

get this, but far too many of the party has

chosen to ignore, deny and dismiss it. Im

sticking with the Im not a racist defense is

their model for success.

Look at what remains and go from there.

This is all they got. Recognize it. Organize

and lets do this. Yes, we are many, but to

them we are one. It doesnt matter how rich or

poor you think you are, we can do this,

because they do not have any weapon left in

their arsenal that can stop us when we come

together.

Change your approach and consideration of

Republicans, Tea Party and those who are

Birthers. They have nothing left. They will

continue to use the same tired, failed,

ignorant, racist tactics as their strategy while

accomplishing nothing for We the People.

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They will attack any social or corrective programs, unions, organizations and individuals who

have made, developed and kept America afloat during their tenures of destruction of an

American dream.

It is up to us. Because they have nothing left.

Call us names, try to use intimidation, support discriminatory and exclusionary politics, policies

and positions and we will defeat

you, because you have nothing left

to use except these tactics. You

wont even listen to those who have

common sense within your own

party who try to warn you that

youre going in the wrong direction.

You call moderate, we call them the

last true Republicans.

What remain are those who are

willing to put whatever amount they

can towards those who choose

people over corporations, the

environment over profits and

diversity over division.

They have nothing left, but to get

mad and call me and you names. Let

em talk. Let them reiterate who

they are and what they have become

for time and history to record. We

got work to do and must take care of

what remains.

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Like Any OtherDayWritten By:Timothy A. Valentine

I just want to ask everyone to take a few

moments and do something with me as you

read what is written.

I want you to not consider what you have to

do tomorrow or days, weeks or months after

that, but just think about today.

Like any other day we open our eyes, get out

of our beds and prepare ourselves for the day.

We go into our daily routines, taking a

shower, brushing our teeth, putting on

deodorant, ironing our clothes, getting a

drink, reading our emails, preparing for work

or even checking to see what some guy

named Tim has written

Basically, its like any other day. And for

most of us it probably will be just that, but

for some it may not end like any other day.

But what could you do today if you knew it

was your last?

We often do not take the time to recognize

our opportunities over our responsibilities.

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We treat today like any other day. Were

focused more on what we have to do, than

what we are able and willing to do.

Rarely do you hear someone express why

they love the opportunities the day presents,

because we consider ourselves more than we

consider others.

What becomes frustrating and disappointing

to me is the mindless bickering over trivial

details or intricacies of beliefs that we all find

ourselves caught up in on occasions.

You can defend yourself when attacked or

proclaim what you believe is true, but we

should simply stop arguing over it.

Today begins like any other day, but if you

travel throughout history and even your own,

Im sure you can find several days that started

off like any other day, but ended significantly

different.

July 28, 1914 was like any other day,

but before the day concluded war was

declared.

December 1, 1955 was like any other

day in Montgomery, Alabama, but

before the day concluded a boycott of

its bus system was on its way and the

launching of the public career of a 26

year old minister began.

November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas

was like any other day, but before theday concluded the nation was

mourning the assassination of a

President.

April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee

was like any other day, but it ended

with the public career of a now 39

years old minister dead and movementin jeopardy.

September 11, 2001 was like any

other day, but later that morning we

learned how things can change at a

moments notice.

May 1, 2011 was like any other day,but before it ended a President was

successful in completing the mission

another didnt in the capturing of the

mastermind of the tragic events that

occurred in September ten years

earlier.

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Today began like any other day for millions

of people around the world, but someone did

not begin this day.

Their deeds are done, whether good or badand what may be revealed will come to light

soon enough.

Dont allow today to end like any other day

without you recognizing and striving to

demonstrate love, consideration and sincere

concern towards someone who may not

expect it.

Take time to learn so you can teach, but keep

in mind not everyone has the mind or the

interest in learning anything more than what

they believe they already know.

So know when to leave them where they are,

because theres not much you can say to them

that they would even hear past the noise in

their head.

You never know if today will be your last or

like any other day. My suggestions are to

make the best of the opportunities presented

while you can. Love where you are in life,

but dont get too comfortable, because it can

change without fair warning.

Do what you need to do to have a rich life,

but dont forget about others. The cost of

sincerity and consideration towards others

comes from the abundance of love you have

in your heart and willingness to see yourself

in them and their situations.

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Depending DesireWritten By:Timothy A. Valentine

Is discrimination necessary depending desire?I ask this question with the knowledge that not everyone who choose to respond will disclose

their full opinion, but one that is viewed as political correct or socially acceptable by those they

perceive will read their comments. I understand this tendency we have towards acceptance, no

one is immune from it. I only ask those who are courageous enough to respond to put it out there

and share you thoughts regarding this subject.

Is a level of discrimination when it comes to intimate and/or romantic relationships acceptablewhen it comes to an individual preference?

When someone of a race has a particular preference and always seem to have dated or had

relationships with people of that preference, they are less likely to be characterized as racist or

having an implicitbias. They are seen as only having a preference.So why does it matter the race of the person with or of the preference?

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The Skeletons In Your ClosetWritten By:Timothy A. Valentine

Have you ever had to deal with someone or people who seem to have nothing better to do than

to try reveal the skeletons in your closet?

Some who may read this note will say something about someone else while avoiding placing the

attention on themselves. We rather talk about what someone else have done, rather than talk

about what we can do for them or the similar things that we've done that no one knows about.

What they'll have you believe is that you are your mistakes, transgressions and indiscretions.

They'll seek to confine and define you to what you did or said.They want you to be what you

were instead of supporting you in your journey to become what you're meant to be.

How many people do you know like that?

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It may be a family member, a childhood friend, neighbor, church member, co-worker or even

you. You know the type, never have anything good to say about anything, never happy,

seeking fault or generally disagreeable. It's those adversarial attitudes that brings me to ask

what's in your closet?

I'm sure I may be the only one who has made some stupid mistakes, said things that I wish I

hadn't or did things that I know I shouldn't have. As uncomfortable as it may be, I'm owning

those mistakes so that others can't rent, lease or hire my skeletons out of the closet at-will to

use against me or to put me down. I'm suggesting you to do the same.

Yeah, I've made stupid mistakes, but what's in your closet?

I've forgiven myself and others, why is forgiveness too difficult for you to accept?

Haven't you made mistakes?

Or is it that all you've done isn't as bad as what others have done?

Never be confine to a life govern by your mistakes. If others are unwilling to forgive, forgive

yourself and be committed to not making the same mistake again. Own your mistakes so

others won't try to make you think they own you because of them.Besides, think of the skeletons they have in their closet.

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Diverse Marketing PracticesWritten By:Timothy A. Valentine

For any political party to be taken seriously it must have significant support from people. I

believe anyone can agree on that.

The membership of a political party is an indication of the policies and ideology it supports.

For a political party to become vital or significant it must be able to build upon its core base

of support.

The question for the Tea Party and Republican Party is how are you encouraging people who

are Hispanic, Black, Asian, Arab, Jewish or Gay/Lesbian to your political party?

I understand the tendency of those unfamiliar or uncomfortable with issues of diversity to run

towards the socially acceptable response, but when you go beyond those excuses the question

remains.

The question is not designed or meant to attack, but there is a multi-decade old problem the

Republican Party with diversity. This has been true long before President Obama, Secretary

Clinton or even Former Secretary/Governor Bill Richardson. Theres a problem that is not

close to irreversible if unaddressed.

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PROVOKE

THOUGHT CONSIDERATION ADVOCACY

ThankYouIappreciateyouforreading, sharingorsavingtheseworks. Youmay

shareyourthoughts, [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

provoke (may 2011)

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