Being Thankful.

 

There are many things to be thankful for in this world from living life, to health, and other matters in our lives. It is always a blessing to wake up after each night to witness another day on this Earth. Our ancestors aren't here, and we cherish their legacies. Yet, we can't be naive in the world. We have social, economic, and political issues that should be addressed. The record number of mass shootings in America in 2022 alone should make us aware that the status quo is not enough to solve our problems. Guns are tools that can be utilized for good or evil. They should be regulated. It's a disgrace that owning a gun is easier than getting a driver's license. Getting a gun in America is much easier than getting a passport from the Post Office. Now, we have economic issues that must be addressed. Rising inflation has led to a 10 percent increase in annual food prices, contributing to increased malnourishment and hunger. Many of us are blessed to afford food, health care, life insurance, and other things. 

Yet, millions of Americans struggle to pay for these things every single day. That is a shame. We know that in many cities, people have to pay nearly 2,000 dollars in rent per month to live in apartments (even one-bedroom apartments). Between December 2020 and December 2021, there have been over 107,000 drug overdose deaths in America according to the Centers for Disease Control. There is an increase in flu, RSV, and COVID among babies, kids, and adults alike. Certain segments of big business, far-right extremist politicians, and capitalist raiders promote hatred for immigrants, racism, anti-Semitism, tribalism, anti-science lies, and militarism in our time. We know that laissez-faire capitalism doesn't work to alleviate pain and suffering. Only revolutionary, progressive solutions will help millions of Americans.

Virginia's Republican Governor Jim Youngkin saying that now isn't the time to talk about gun violence is despicable by him and disgraceful. A murderer used gun violence against innocent people in Chesapeake, Virginia (that is in Hampton Roads, Virginia where I'm from). Subsequently, Youngkin said that now isn't the time to talk about it. Every day is the perfect time to talk about this issue. In 2022, you have more than 39,000 people dead as a product of gun violence. That's in one year more than any other industrialized nation in the world combined. Say what you want about Ralph Northam, but Ralph Northam was probably the most progressive Governor in Virginia's history. We need real leaders to advocate gun control legislation and investments in our communities. These GOP hypocrites claim that they love to address mental health issues, but House Republicans vote no on mental health care legislation.

Yesterday was the Birthday of Sister Carmelita Jeter, and she is now 43 years old. For decades, she has been a legendary track and field athlete. She is one of the greatest sprinters of our generation and from 2009 to 2021, Carmelita Jeter was the fastest woman alive. Also, she is a very compassionate, hard-working black woman. She was born in Los Angeles, California. Jeter attended Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California. She played basketball at first, and then she decided to participate in track and field. Her younger brother played for the Sacramento Kings. Carmelita Jeter graduated from California States University, Dominguez Hills found in Carson, California (with a bachelor's degree in physical education). Carmelita Jeter set the record for most NCAA medals by a CSUDH track athlete and became the university's first U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier. 

By 2007, she won a silver medal in the 60 meters at the U.S. Indoor Track and Field Championships. In 2007, she won the gold medal in the World Championships in the 4 x 100 m relay (in Osaka). She won gold in the 2011 World Championships at Daegu in the 100m including the 4 x 100m relay race. She won gold in the 2012 Olympics in London in the 4 x 100m relay race (that team being the greatest relay race among women in human history. That team had Allyson Felix, Tianna Madison, and Bianca Knight). She won silver in the 100m in the 2012 London Summer Olympics too. She won bronze in the 2013 Moscow 100m (at its World's Track and Field Championship). Carmelita Jeter is now a coach of track and field assistant at USC or the University of Southern California. In May 2019, she earned an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the CSUDH and the California State University Board of Trustees. I wish Sister Carmelita Jeter more Blessings. 

By Timothy