ANNE E.'S JOURNAL -April 18, 2007
April 18, 2007 Hello everyone,
Just a brief one this week....
I don't think I can write this without mentioning the terrible events that occured on Monday at Virginia Tech. It was with sadness and amazement that I watched a bit of coverage of the event. First of all to see so many gathered on campus for a ceremony held yesterday was just heart wrenching. I can only imagine the feelings of the students, faculty, friends and families in the wake of Monday's shootings. I was also amazed with the speed at which the media moves. Immediately "all eyes" were cast on those in shock and mourning. The field of physics has proven that the behavior of an object in motion changes its behavior simply due to the fact that it is being observed. So I wonder just how completely and truly the faculty, students and families of Virginia Tech were able to begin the process of mourning with cameras and reporters all around them. It seems impossible that one could be able to simply be oneself. I understand that many want as much information as they can get when something of this magnitude happens but I surely feel for those who happen to be swept up in others need to know when they are in the midst such a shocking series of events. It seems the students, families and faculty would deserve the solace of private contemplation and personal support from each other. I don't know. I just don't think I'd like a camera watching my facial expressions or monitoring my grief. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those affected by the slayings at Virginia Tech on Monday and I'm thinking yours are as well.
I hope we are reminded of the suffering all around us and in our every day lives. I am helped by the great prayer which asks our higher power to "grant the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference". Margaret Mead, pioneering anthropologist, wrote, "never doubt that a group of concerned citizens can change the world--indeed it's the only thing that ever has." I believe her.
I would also like to mention my disgust at the comments made by ex-radio host Don Imus in reference to the women of the Rutgers womens basketball team. A team of courageous young women who worked worked worked their way to the National Championship have to listen to the hate and ignorance that spilled out of that man's mouth. The handling of it by the Rutger's coach, C. Vivian Stringer, I think was tremendous. Thanks to my friend Mary for pointing this out to me.
ÒWe, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights basketball team, accept Mr. ImusÕ apology, and we are now in the process of forgiving. We still find his statements unacceptable, and this experience is one that we will never forget. ÒThese comments are indicative of a greater ill in our culture. It is not just Mr. Imus, and we hope that this will serve as a catalyst for change. Let us continue to work hard together to make this world a better place. As adults we must be leaders in society. We must put children and morality above all else. And we must allow children to be children.
ÒThe healing process must begin. As for the members of the Rutgers University womenÕs basketball team, their focus needs to return to their studies. We ask that you respect that. We would also like to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support throughout this very, very difficult time.Ó
Ms. Stringer's statement that the comments made by Imus "are indicative of a greater ill in our culture" I thought so true. I also was really impressed by the statement given by the League of Black Women's President and CEO, Sandra Finley, which was...."As Imus' supporters no doubt rally around him and defend his racial indignities as 'free speech',
we should all be reminded that free speech is powerful precisely because it
inspires meaningful consequences." To read the statement in its entirety use this linkhttp://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/04-12-2007/0004564787&EDATE=
That said, here's this weekend's line up. I am in Florida this weekend and look forward to these shows! ( see you here Meagan, Megan, and Brandy; you picked a perfect weekend away from Cleveland! The weather is fabulous!)
Friday, April 20th @ 9PM - Solo/Acoustic Show (Admission is pass the hat) @ Metro Coffee and Wine - www.metro-coffee.com Bringing the finest in gourmet foods, fine espresso, award winning wines, coffees, teas and micro brewed beers to Sarasota.
Saturday, April 21st @ 12 noon - Central Café and Organics - Solo/Acoustic Performance. Admission is free! Enjoy a healthy and delicious (yes, they can co-exist) lunch in their spacious patio.
Saturday, April 21st @ 8:30PM - A Taste For Wine - Solo/Acoustic Show - Admission is free! Great New Orleans style balcony with wrought iron furniture and a view of St. Pete's Central Ave. Inside, enjoy cozy, nicely lit rooms over quiet conversation or move into the bar area for some great music. Choose from ATFW's fantastic wine and beer selection.
Sunday, April 22nd@ 6:06 PM - Cross Roads Service -Avon Lake United Church of Christ- 32801 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake OH 44012 440.933.3241
Anne E. leads the Cross Roads Music Team/Band for this contemporary service. ALL are welcome!Wishing you a weekend of peace. Peace in thought, mind and deed.
-Anne E.