The respite from exile continues…

A more current voice speaks to us today. It doesn’t diminish the power or truth of her words. Please feel free to take the concept and run with it. I would be honored to reblog such an effort. Thank you, Léa

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”There’s really no such thing as the ‘voiceless. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard.”  – Arundhati Roy

This respite continues.

While we remain in a barrage of lies, threats, and hate, I choose to share the wisdom of those whose words I can respect. In my humble opinion, the featured quotes in this series, need no elaboration or explanation from me. It is my sincere hope that someone out there will pick up the gauntlet and expand on the concepts. It would be a pleasure to reblog such a post. Thank you, Léa

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“Prejudices are what fools use for reasons.” – Voltaire

To blog, or not to blog… perhaps a temporary respite from exile?

Despite the reasons for my long-term absence, it has become impossible to remain silent. I shall share some of the wiser words I’ve been reading. The current state of things forces me to at least offer some words that I hope will be read and reflected upon. For many, these quotes will not be a revelation. For others, they may be a bitter pill. The best thing they could be is food for thought. I shall keep to the brief quotes that I share. They will be short but rarely sweet. Perhaps some will even be inspired to expand on the thoughts I bring to the table. Thank you. Léa

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“The only way to comprehend what mathematicians mean by infinity is to contemplate the extent of human stupidity.” – Voltaire

Now is the Time We All Need A Great Leader~

“The duty of a true Patriot is to protect his country from its government.”
– Thomas Paine

Will you stand with us? 

We need words and acts of wisdom, ethics and compassion, from our leaders now more than ever. Since this is utterly lacking, take heart from the words of a truly gifted leader that could never be more relevant than today.

Martin Luther King (1929 – 1968) addresses the March On Washington at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC, where he gave his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

“Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

“I Have a Dream”, Washington, D.C., August 28, 1963

My heart breaks for George Floyd, his family, and our country. Are we not better people than this?

There are no cheers…

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Lincoln wept… #WordlessWednesday #GeorgeFloydProtests

Lincoln weeps…

Barb Taub

Lincoln Memorial, June 2, 2020. [Image credits: “Your Lincoln Memorial this evening.”—@MarthaRaddatz and “Liberty Crumbling” Sand Sculpture by Damon Langlois]

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Crying Child Monument

As one who has buried a child, I know the pain all too well.

Un_maestro

This monument was constructed to commemorate the children in Jamaica who’s lives have been cut short due to vile, callous individuals who in truth deserve to be eliminated from the face of this Earth,
It began on September 2008 when eleven year old Ananda Dean was abducted and subsequently slaughtered leaving the nation in a shock as the search for this missing girl remained televised up to the point where her body was finally discovered,
Surely while heartbroken many of us wouldn’t fully be able to comprehend the emptiness and grief experienced by her parents, siblings and immediate loved ones.
While nationally renowned it is also a fact that she is merely one of many children who have lost their lives on account of forces lacking empathy, compassion and values; as of 2016 the monument has officially ran out of space covered with the names of children who met their…

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Oppose Racism — charles french words reading and writing

Charles, thank you for saying what shouldn’t need to be said. Unfortunately, the malignancy is rampant and fueled by the swamp.

 

(https://pixabay.com) No matter the political party to which you might belong, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, racism is completely unacceptable in the United States of America. Donald Trump, who has a history of racist tweets and behavior recently attacked Congressman Elijah Cummings in a way that can only be racist. “As […]

via Oppose Racism — charles french words reading and writing

Emma Lazarus: She spins within her tomb

 

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

“The woman power of this nation can be the power which makes us whole and heals the rotten community now so shattered by war and poverty and racism. I have great faith in the power of women who will dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the task of remaking our society.” – Coretta Scott King

 

“I think that the roots of racism have always been economic, and I think people are desperate and scared. And when you’re desperate and scared you scapegoat people. It exacerbates latent tendencies toward – well, toward racism or homophobia or anti-Semitism.” – Henry Louis Gates    

 

The New Colossus

 

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles, From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breath free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

                            – Emma Lazarus

 

Imagine the poem she would have written had she foreseen the cages crammed with humanity seeking asylum. Her vision of America and her words do not reflect its reality. The golden door has been slammed shut in the faces of the homeless, tempest-tost and many others. Yet the welcome mat is out for criminals who can afford to line the pockets of the government. Perhaps some of you will be inspired to write what might be more realistic given the current climate in America? 

 

Bisous,

Léa