Don't Be Bamboozled...

He feigned toughness, touted superiority, racially and genetically, and said or suggested that only the weak get COVID, #trumpvirus. Never has he owned a frailty or an imperfection no matter how blatant or obvious. But now all of a sudden trump is a truth teller shouting and claiming to the world to be imperfect?, to have what he clearly regards shortcomings? Miss me with that BS! That is inconsistent with the subhuman he has presented himself to be in recent or past history. 

His bold and strategically timed pronouncement of having the virus, requiring that his lips are moving, thereby suggests that he is doing that which he does best, LYING and that he does not have #trumpvirus... The trump we know would conceal infirmity and deny poor health even if visibly ill because like his father, as described in Mary Trump's book, he sees illness as a sign of weakness and this coward wants us to believe him "strong" and "superior". He would never tell and would threaten to sue anyone who did tell. That's the trump we know...

trump has shown and told us who he is. We have believed, been angered, distracted, exhausted and embarrassed by him. Now all of sudden we see him differently? We have compassion for this despicable deplorable ice hearted con man and now we believe his lies? Speak for yourself. I do not! 

Come on people! While in math negatives may derive a positive, in this case, it does not compute! Stop trying to derive positive results or interpretations from the consistently negative data trump has fed us for more than four years now.  He is the same liar and cheating scoundrel he has always presented himself to be. This current lie is a desperate act intended to keep him and his klan' tucked away in the bunker (the white house), safe from legal harms that await "civilian trumps". 

#itsahoax!

#itsadistraction

His being ill is a hoax  intended to buy time until such time to drop the next bombshell lie intended to advance his personal agenda and save his disgusting ass while forsaking sovereignty and civility of the nation. This lie is intended to keep the media and the Dems distracted during these last days before this most critical election, keep them from speaking ill of him and/or discussing:

his tax evasion, 

his support of white supremacy and a race war, 

his niece's book and her $10M lawsuit against him,

Bob Woodward's book, Cohen's book and a slew of other books telling the truth of him,

his sister's comments about his lack of intelligence, integrity, compassion and humanity, 

REAL victims of #trumpvirus and his failure and inability to contain it or care that  200,000+ and counting Americans are DEAD!!!, 

the book and audio tapes of ice princess melania as released by her former "friend" (the trumps have no real friends),

the ramming of a USC lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land with all deliberate speed absent judicial review and public scrutiny. 

Get my drift? We're not talking about ANY of this!!! The trump agenda to manipulate, distract and change the narrative prevails again. Joe Biden pulled his truthful ads, that he instead deemed "negative" ads, out of respect to the trumps' having been plagued with their own illness, #trumpvirus. The trumps, those same subhumans who would have ramped up the attack believing their opponent to be in a weakened state and who have NEVER afforded the luxury of dignity or respect to ANYone no matter the circumstances! We now afford such to them?

Yes America, we are being played and distracted yet AGAIN! What happened to voting like our lives depend on it or to save the soul of the nation? This is not the time to travel that lonely "high road" traversed solely by Dems. Look in the rear view mirror Dems, nobody up there but you. Now, in the face of blatant treason and seige, is not the time to relent or retreat. Keep up the pressure and don't back off the battle until it is won! 

trump and the repugs are the same snakes they were pre-COVID hoax even if a few of them have tested positive in their defiance of following medical advice. Let them drink bleach and inject Lysol as suggested by their "fearless" cowardly leader. 

Wake Up Dems! 

Wake Up America!!! 

This fight IS for the soul of our nation and preservation of even our basic freedoms. The trumps are not our friends. What did Maya teach us? They have shown us who they are. Believe them! I do!

Don't be bamboozled...

~ Miss Higgi

The Dawning of America on The Passing of Justice Ginsburg

The news regarding the most untimely death of Justice Ginsberg came through while on a planning call for a discussion I am hosting on Sunday between Black Women and White Women regarding our relationships, perceptions and politics. Ironically, or maybe not, we were discussing the latter when one of my colleagues shared the news which sucked the air and the energy right out of the room. 

We are Black Women, mostly lawyers, all of age enough to understand what this means. For me, it is an immediate realization that all appeals stop at the USC. trump, putin and evil ass moscow mitch will stack the court and await the challenge to lost elections, reverse of civil rights and states rights laws, of course abortion and even women's rights. Why am I feeling reconstruction deja vu? 

All hopes for America regaining her standing, globally or otherwise, are out the window. Gay marriage, DACA and all other civil/social justice gains of the last 50 years are on shaky grounds. The ruthless, the corrupt and the proudly racist, white supremacists, xenophobic, homophobic illiterates have gained power that will last certainly for the rest of my lifetime. Again, I am reminded of reconstruction. History keeps repeating itself... 

Women's rights? Wake up 52%ers! The power of White Women will be tested. White men are their fathers, husbands and sons. This is going to get real funky real fast. We have not yet seen the depth and/or test of division. 

My response when this news hit was to shut it down and just go to bed. It is now on the downside of 2 AM. I guess one cannot sleep forever. I am experiencing wokeness the likes of which I would rather not. Sleep is not the antidote for this seemingly never ending nightmare that is the madness of our reality. Waking to the truth is inevitable... 

Right now the air is still sucked out of the room. Right now as the spineless republicans are partying and popping spirits on a spectrum somewhere between champagne and moonshine, the sane of us wonder what will become of the US. To all who flirted with or gambled with America's democracy in favor of racism, preserving or protecting whiteness, privilege, loss or sharing of power and to all those who hated or couldn't bring themselves to vote for Hillary, thank you. Are you the media that traded America's democracy and stability for profit and ratings in your incessant coverage of trump's campaigning, his continued racist kkk rallies and his absolute foolery beyond that, the media that failed to challenge him still in pursuit of profit and ratings? Are you that corporation that traded tax breaks and further exploitation of the American worker? How's that working out for you now? You too, are about to have hell to pay... 

What will the Dems do to save the nation? I wish they had more chutzpah but they don't. The republicans play them like a fiddle on a good day. SMH... Will they now appreciate the necessity to stop traveling that lonely high road traversed by only them and instead put intelligence, gut and determination to playing this nasty game called politics? Decorum be damned! Statesmanship and protocol out the window. Stop reaching across the aisle. There is no one reaching back. republicans are not your friends! republicans are not America's friends... 

What will We the People who did NOT elect donald trump do? He has never lied about or hidden his desire to install a dictator form of government. A mad, angry, mentally challenged and undeveloped semblance of a human being, much less a man, is at the helm. Have you supported him or been complicit in your silence? Lots of folks have lots of soul searching to do right now. Smart Americans have fled already. Stay gone! Incredibly, I am still here. Sigh... 

Yes, this feels like doom and gloom compounded exponentially. We were already exhausted by this administration and 4 years of the shenanigans of trump, putin and mitch. It is now that we really get to see what folks are made of, who are our friends and allies, what is the true spirit of Americans. What will be our response? Sadly, decent republicans are spineless too. It is them at this point who can stop this train wreck that they have conducted. Will they grow a pair? Not betting my money on it... 

Forgive my early morning and initial ramblings, much like my ramblings I blogged on the dawning of that dreadful day in November 2016. The tunnel seemed dark then, it is incredibly darker now. Looking forward to the warmth of sunshine that seems an ever elusive commodity... 

RIP Justice Ginsburg... 

RIP the illusion of what was America, you marketed yourself well. The truth of America however will now be revealed. Masks still in place. Sheets now permanently removed...

On Chadwick Boseman

What's In A Name?

I was thinking of Chadwick today and I thought what's in a name? How many Black men, from South Carolina no less, do we know who are named Chadwick? (smile) In giving him such an important sounding name, his parents planted a seed, that surely they watered, of expectations of greatness and excellence from him. Certainly he lived up to that and so much more.

Chadwick was a learned, wise and seemingly very kind and selfless man. He was not only a dreamer but a doer. He was a determined and confident man unafraid to pursue his dreams. He was regal. He was proud! He was a winner! He lived with purpose and on purpose! He gave others hope, especially children suffering from cancer when he knew he had cancer himself. Something a Chadwick would do... 

There IS something in a name especially when reinforced with love and adoration. What we are told about ourselves daily, even subliminally, matters, especially by our parents. It affects us in more ways than we can ever know. His parents, by way of his name, reminded him that he was regal and special and that great things were expected of and awaiting him. Calling him Chadwick, told him everyday that he was a King and a King he was! #Wakanda Forever! 

Our King T'Challah has gone home to be with the Ancestors. I am sure they welcomed him with open arms as a son who had done well in their honor. We have lost a really, really good, tireless and worthy soldier. Say his name...

Look at that smile...

First Reaction

Its hard not to ask "why?". He had so much promise, will and determination. For four years he worked HARD knowing he had stage III cancer. He unselfishly gave joy to others AND wedded the love of his life...

Call it will and determination which speaks to his roots, our roots and the resilience that we have and that sustains us as Black people. We must never forget...

He has gone to rest with his/our resilient Ancestors who undoubtedly welcomed him but still I ask "why"?. Not for me to know...

Chadwick was placed on this earth and he damn sure did his job on earth. He hustled between his dashes and left his mark for us to enjoy and admire forever more... Rest young warrior rest...

Look at his eyes. He was a wise and chosen soul...

Congressman John Lewis, My "Good Trouble" Role Model

Those who knew me in 2008, know that I was on the Obama train pretty early in the game when many were not. They were loyal to the Clintons. John Lewis was one of those persons. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) was actually split down the middle. It was an interesting time. I recall John Lewis making a tearful announcement of his endorsement of Barack Obama's candidacy. He was torn. The Clintons were his friends and they had been in the trenches together for many years. Understood. But he had to do the right thing. He was in Congress to represent his constituents and they were overwhelmingly backing Barack. Eventually Congressman Lewis came around. I was quite pleased and wrote to tell him so. Going through old emails, I found this one penned to him upon his announcement. This morning, I am sharing my walk down memory lane with you...

February 28, 2008

Congressman Lewis,

I cannot express fully enough just how proud I am of your decision to announce your support of Senator Obama. This is truly history in the making. After eight years of divisiveness, mean spiritedness and total indifference emanating from the White House and most of "conservative" America, this is an awakening, a catalyst for change and perhaps a time for healing in our country. Undoubtedly, it is the shot of positive reinforcement and vibrant energy that Black America needs. It is so beautiful to see us standing together supporting something/someone that is OH SO POSITIVE and believing in US! It is unacceptable that too many of our elected officials do not stand with us..., so yes I am PROUD that you made what seemed a very difficult decision.


It is my prayer that this rejuvenated and collective sense of pride and belief in ourselves and our capabilities will transcend this election and spill over into other aspects of our community. We are in desperate need of a healing, Black on Black murder rates are through the roof, too much teenage pregnancy - still, boys walking around with pants and their respect falling off their butts, video vixens are seemingly role models for far too many of our girls, desecration of the English language is applauded and spilling over into mainstream, a commitment for education has been replaced with a commitment to being cool, talking fast and making lots of money, vague regard for our history or for those such as yourself who have sacrificed so that we can be... I could go on and on.... So in light of all of that, yes I applaud and fully support the advancement of a young positive, electrifying, Black male role model. It is a testament to who we really are and far cry better than what the media prefers to portray. It is quite refreshing.


We NEED the CBC to support that image and to shield Barack as he is in for some trying times. He has looked to you all as his role models and his inspiration, especially you. The sharks are circling and are about to attack. As our history has taught us, there is a very big force in this country that does not want most folks, particularly those of color and/or poor, to think, to hope, or to believe that they can do better. They will be relentless in their efforts to tear Barack, his dream and his image as a positive Black male down. They will do anything to diffuse this renewed sense of hope, pride, unity and dignity amongst the masses. Again, he needs, WE need you to stand up and "get in the way"... Run defense (or is it offense? I know NOTHING about football - smile) for him, if you will... So welcome aboard. I pray other members of the CBC follow your lead and get on board very soon... Sadly, I think it to their detriment if they do not...


The Senator's campaign is powerful and positive inspiration for so many. His message to ALL folks, not just Black folks, is "YES YOU CAN" if you just Believe in YOU!!!" But more importantly, his dream is what I believe you and so many others fought, died, got beaten, abused, humiliated, disrespected but ultimately stood for. So that someone like Obama could dare have the audacity to not only hope for himself and his children, but the audacity to hope for a better nation, and the hope to inspire so many others from ALL sectors of our society. This has GOT to be the Dream that Dr. King spoke of and the pathway to the Beloved Community you envision...


Again, PROUD that you have announced what was no doubt a very difficult decision. I appreciate your affection for the Clintons. Most of us share your sentiment and I truly hope that at the end of this they remain a favored family in the Black community. I truly do... That being said...


Welcome aboard My Friend! Still one your most avid supporters and still following your lead of "getting in the way!"


Respectfully,
Helen L. Higginbotham, Esq/MBA


PS. Would love to do lunch again... My treat!

The Beat That Must Not Go On...

Three days ago I wrote a Facebook post entitled "My Take" (see below) on trump's inevitable removal from the white house post November's election. He is a POS, he will lose by a landslide and he will not step down. Count on it. He is corrupt and ruthless. He has lied about many things but has shown us his truth in this regard. For whatever reason, America, on both sides of the aisle at this point, but especially the repugs', have fallen in line with this vicious maniacal subhuman 100% devoid of conscious or capacity to feel, much less think. The closer we get to his demise marking the end of his terror and the more his popularity and influnence wane, the more dangerous and vile he becomes. This tax evading treasonistic egotistical draft dodger is itching to be a wartime "president". There are no wars launched by him so he will create one even if between We the People right here in these United States of America. He, nor the petty men who hold him up, is not concerned about death and destruction of the country "they love", only protecting their white male imagery and seemingly the lunacy of a bonafide and rabid madman.

We have learned many things during this four year reign of terror. One thing for sure has been confirmed, generally speaking of course, still, white men could give a damn about their legacy, their children, how they will be regarded in history nor the earth they will leave to be inherited by their offspring. As we've heard and seen this story before, we know how it ends if allowed to play out. Generally speaking, white men could give two shits about their children nor the planet, all that seems of relevance for these white men is an insane accumulation of wealth and of course power, be there no people or earth upon whom to expend that wealth or power. And "good" men sit idly by as our nation is consumed and further corrupted beyond repair.

The affects of the pandemic are not the only "new normal" we seem to have accepted. I have ceased questioning what will be the straw in trump's antics that breaks the camel's back. He IS that child who keeps pushing the envelope to see just far his parents will allow him to go. America has taken this 'time out' shit to a new crazy! This is a child who well deserves being abused. There have been so many incredibly unbelievable moments that would have ended many a worthy and real politician's career yet this man, who knows no boundaries nor cares anything about politics or protocol, is left to run the country like a mafioso dictator and has gone unchecked and damn near unchallenged (in any real way); roger stone, Russian attacks on American soldiers, children in cages, disrespect of American intelligence and veterans, a private militia invading America cities and America has essentially said nothing. It boggles the mind! Americans are not horrified? Have we not seen this before?

trump does not act alone. At this point, he acts with America's complicity and grace. America the great will go down as America the great victim. Historically, she has been the victimizer. She has now conceded to being the victimized. The breaking of America. It's incredible to watch. trump will not leave peacefully in November. He has lied about many things but for once he speaks the truth. He and ALL republicans, who share the blood on trump's hands, MUST go! Our military will either defend a crazy man hell bent on taking over our nation or they will honor their oath to defend the constitution and the nation they offered and risked their lives to serve.

Here we are once again in history facing a turning point. Which road will we travel? I am hopeful that trump will break his last straw long before November and that American people, the Democrats, Independents, Green and all other political parties and/or ideologies and our military will stand in unity and finally say ENOUGH and finally fight back against this coup in plain sight of America! How ironic would it be that despite his divisive and racist mission, it will be trump's hate that unifies this broken and divided nation? Now THAT would be poetic and would truly make this new, post pandemic, America deservedly great! Even those who don't like or respect America will watch in awe, relief and astonishment at our commitment, courage and American spirit to save our democracy instead of in pity, shock, sheer horror and utter disbelief at our current lack of will in the face of tyranny.

Stop the Music... 

My Take:

He loses in November, even though by a landslide, ignoring that #everybodyhatestrump, he claims victory by way of voter fraud, paid electoral college members or some other desperate means, he refuses to leave and tries to maintain he and putin's occupation. 70% of America, that hate and are exhausted by him, and the Dems, FINALLY will rise up against this band of loudmouth, corrupt and/or complicit bullies and their coup of our nation. We will say hell no!, your ass MUST go! To which he riles his base of deplorable bikers, kkk defeated flag waving confederates, to circle the White House with their personal arsenals to defy his eviction and the will of the American majority, to block his removal to which the Dems call in the military to throw out the garbage. The bike riding, hood wearing deplorable kkk terrorists are ordered to leave because cops don't shoot white men even when being menacing, threatening and bearing arms. Ultimately they will leave. While I love the vision of trump being paraded before the nation in cuffs and much to the delight of the rest of the civilized world, trump however will have slipped out to Russia with putin, still talking shit from afar but never to return. His band of angry racists will burn down the white house before they leave but the reign of trump/pence/republican terror will be over. We will rejoice along with our international friends who have also endured our hell and watched the dismantling of America in sheer shock and horror. There will be epic celebrations worldwide! Americans will regroup, fix all of the shit he fucked up, starting with saving American lives by addressing COVID-19, rebuild an even better white house and keep it moving. The republican party is done! The Democrats finally grow a pair and deviate from that glorified "high road" traveled only by them. All will be better in the world. Not perfect but damn better!

The End

~ Miss Higgi

Facebook post July 20, 2020

On Forgiveness & Teaching Others...

Chris Cooper's reported refusal to cooperate in the prosecution of Amy Cooper, the woman who made false accusations against him while birdwatching in Central Park, NY that could have resulted in death or unwarranted persecution of him is either a demonstration of how thoroughly white folks have conditioned Black folks to be good, forgiving, God and/or white folk fearing and Christian-like or a demonstration of how ridiculous is their fear or paranoia of us, Black folks, seeking revenge...

He probably regrets sharing the video with his sister who made it go viral and who does not share his feelings of empathy for what happens to Amy for behavior that could have resulted in the death or unjustified incarceration of her brother, a Black man in America. I'm with the sister. Hold her accountable!

Brotha' had the presence of mind to record the injustice being exacted upon him. Sadly however, not the presence of mind or courage to forge a new narrative about him as a Black man or to set a new precedent on folks being held accountable for their malicious deeds or trespasses against us for simply living while Black in America. This is bigger than him. He needs to cooperate.

We cannot demand equality and justice, "No Justice, No Peace", from the legal system and then when it is afforded us get sheepish, protective, forgiving, deny or refuse it, therefore giving justification to the horrendous treatment of us no matter our perception of the DA's motive to finally see fit to render us equal justice and protections under the law. Ain't we people too? We teach folks how to treat us. I am not in favor of the lesson Mr. Cooper has chosen to teach here...

Not to cooperate is to reaffirm or send a message that it is OK to violate, harm or risk our life and/or liberty, that somehow, no matter the treatment of us, it is justified but more disturbing that have accepted or internalized the double standard by which we are judged. Inequity and unfair treatment of us is not OK, especially not with us.

We cannot have it both ways. If justice brings peace in the morning, then let us receive it not rebuke it! STOP with the one-sided forgiveness shit! Let the church say Amen...

~Miss Higgi Says...

We’re Damned If We Do, Dead If We Don’t...

Someone who read the byline on my recently published article, A Black American's Appeal for Independence, asked about my move to Camden, NJ. I said that it was on purpose because gentry-fication is real. It is where I was born, had my first real job and where I went to law school. I would not have moved to Camden right now however had I known I would be in quarantine. I probably would have left the US preferring to ride out this pandemic somewhere more serene. Lots of us would have done things differently if only we had known... Of course we would have. This is like living in a sci fi movie with a satirical comedic twist that ain't so funny. Hell! I don't even like sci-fi and now I'm living it? Who would have ever thought it?

I have learned never to gamble with your feng shui. Stick with what you know is comfortable and brings you joy, especially in your home, especially at my age. I like high rise apartment buildings with balconies, preferably overlooking or near water and hot, hot weather. Had I known that my home would become my "prison", that is where I'd be, in surroundings that bring me joy during this time of trouble.

These are especially difficult times in the US because at a time of crisis, "America the Great!" has no leadership. The virus is spreading like hell, killing with a vengeance, and this guy is rolling the dice that more Black folks will die than whites. Whites who die will be considered to have done so for the utilitarian good, continued dominance and survival of their brethren. Like Black folks, they have been deemed expendable. These same people, the republicans, were just as cavalier and unconcerned about HIV as long as they could sell to their "good Christian" followers that it was contained to "sinners" in the gay and IV drug using communities. Never is their hate in short supply. But then there was the contaminated blood supply and cute little, fair skinned Ryan White. Still, they haven't learned. What's that they say about having a hard head?

This is surely a crazy time to be American in America. Have you noticed during this political campaign season, there has been no mention of the wall to fire up the already angry base? The wall, ANOTHER of trump's failures... Hell, I don't think we hear much lately about how great is America or making America great again - Enter Kanye West! Oh Lord! As though we have not been tortured enough in these last four years... Back to the wall, no one is trying to come into US. If anything, we are trying to get out but who will take us? No one! And rightfully so!

The days of privilege and welcome mats for bearers of that little blue passport are over, at least in the foreseeable future, maybe forever. Post trump damage assessment will be astounding even to his supporters... Other countries, to include those deemed "shit-hole" countries by the occupier, with responsible governments, are deciding that the risk of COVID is not worth tolerance of the ugly American for a few tourist dollars. Mexico probably now says build the wall, build it high and stay on your side! LOL! These are just sorrowful days in the US. Be glad if you are outside the borders. I cannot believe that globetrotting me is here. Oh well. This too shall pass, just no time soon.

And then there is November. Ain't gonna' be pretty. trump, the last of the "great white hopes", will continue to assemble and spread COVID to poor and/or angry, scared, hate filled and racist whites at his kkk rallies, he will inundate us with nasty sound bites and media ads but he will not engage in debates or other political campaign rituals citing overwhelming hate for him by We The People, fake news and unfair advantages in the media for Joe Biden and the liberal Democrats, the party of which he was a member until calling himself republican better served his ego, his bottom-line or his purpose and incredibly, as he predicted or extorted, the "good patriots" all fell in line and caved. Amazing!

trump is a coward who is a bigger bully! In keeping with his current record of losing or ruining all that he touches, as in 2016 he will not win the presidential election. As bad as it seems and as loud as they are, there are not quite enough ignorant and racist folks in the US to win a nationwide election. He is counting on putin, a morally bankrupt, corrupt and complicit senate or paying off the electoral college for his "win". When all else fails, he will rely on stacked courts, federal to US Supreme Court to advance his coup. No matter the outcome, his ignorant ass will not concede.

He will instead incite his 5th Avenue cult followers to wreak havoc, maim, hang, shoot or otherwise kill others, burn shit down including the white house if necessary, whatever act(s) of intimidation it takes and is in accordance with their terrorist, racist history. They will risk their freedom and the mass destruction of another civil war in defense of him, a demented and evil imposter loyal only to himself. Meanwhile he and his deplorable family, who also could give a damn about any of their defenders, will be safely tucked away in a bunker somewhere paid for by their tax dollars as they risk death and tear up the country.

It's going to be quite the shit show, a test of testosterone for the Democrats, something they're not known to possess. Wusses! Will they roll over once again, being predictable and easily manipulated as they play by the rules known to all, followed only by them, as they travel along that over rated "high road" traversed only by them or will they take whatever drastic measures are required to save the nation and remove the loathsome, cowardly, unlawful, corrupt, treasonous bastard who by the way, will still be a PITA (pain in the ass) tormenting us from the sidelines whether occupying the white house or not. He will never go away and dumb dumb don jr and evil ivanka are waiting in the wings to take his place when he is no longer able, God wiling soon, to continue his torture of us. This is a movie I would prefer to have watched from afar, if at all...

Good Monday Morning Folks! Yes, these are the thoughts of uncertainty that I awake to as an American in America. Those outside America watch in horror and disbelief while others outside the US pass the popcorn and cheer in delight as they witness our inevitable fall, which came easier than even they imagined I am sure.

Being American, is especially exhausting right now. Ain't much good about it but still we fight! Of course we do! Vote People Vote! Don your BLUE and get to the polls no matter the obstacle, no matter the candidate or his running mate! Understand that if your vote didn't matter there would not be such intense efforts from one party to garner it and the other party to suppress it!!! Black lives matter as do our votes! Believe it!!! Vote to save the nation built by our ancestors and for the next generation to come who are out there in those damn streets lifting their voice and fighting for us. We owe our youth and our Ancestors, a future and the respect of our vote respectively...

Meet me at the polls!!!

~ Miss Higgi

Note: Title tribute to my dear friend Donna Washington