Posted by DeeDee Smith
” ‘Pears like, I prayed all de time,” she said, “about my work, eberywhere; I was always talking to deLord. When I went to the horse-trough to wash my face, and took up de water in my hands, I said, ‘Oh, Lord, wash me, make me clean.’ When I took up de towel to wipe my face and hands, I cried, ‘Oh, Lord, for Jesus’ sake, wipe away all my sins!’ When I took up de broom and began to sweep, I groaned, ‘Oh, Lord, whatsoebber sin dere be in my heart, sweep it out, Lord, clar and clean;’ Harriet Tubman
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Posted by DeeDee Smith
One of Harriet Tubman’s most famous lines was - Never wound a snake, kill it.
The recent apology given by Senator Kerry may have come just a little too late. Earlier this week it was reported that during a speech to college students, Kerry implied that if they did not complete their education, they might end up serving in Iraq. Now Kerry states that this was a “botched joke” and that his words have been twisted. Nevertheless, it seems that both Republicans and Democrats were critical of his statements.
Senator Kerry, “never wound a snake, kill it“. Because he waited so long to respond, the snake remains alive and may come back to bite him.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Posted by DeeDee Smith
Even though she was a former slave, Harriet Tubman was proud of her valued service and accomplishments as a soldier in the United States Army. She served as a laundress, nurse, cook and spy and even after the war she continued to help the soldiers. I’m sure she would take offense to Kerry’s statement, as she considered it an honor to “fight for liberty and justice”.
“You have without a doubt seen a full account of the expedition. Don’t you think we colored people are entitled to some of the credit for that exploit, under the lead of the brave Colonel Montgomery? We weakened the rebels somewhat on the Combahee River, by taking and bringing away seven hundred and fifty-six head of their most valuable live stock, known up in your region as “contrabands” and this, too, without the loss of a single life on our part, though we had good reason to believe a number of rebels bit the dust. Of those seven hundred and fifty-six contrabands, nearly or quite all the able-bodied men have joined the colored regiments here.” Harriet Tubman
Posted by DeeDee Smith
“I seemed to see a line, and on the other side of the line were green fields, and lovely flowers, and beautiful white ladies who stretched out their arms to me over the line, but I couldn’t reach them. I always fell before I got to the line.” A recurring dream that Harriet Tubman often spoke of.
The Associated Press reported that in state elections, approximately 30% of the candidates are running unopposed. Harriet Tubman dreamed of a day when she would have equality, freedom and justice. But she didn’t just dream of it, she was willing to fight for it. Have most people given up on fairness and justice in the government? Is this why so many races go uncontested?
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Posted by DeeDee Smith
The outspoken and controversial Rush Limbaugh makes news again as he mocks and criticizes the recent political ads done by Michael J. Fox supporting political candidates who support stem cell research. Michael J. Fox seems to believe that stem-cell research will lead to a cure or at least help for diseases like Parkinson’s, diabetes and other diseases of the nervous system and/or brain.
Harriet Tubman would truly be able to relate to Fox’s desire to be free of this debilitating disease which holds him in bondage. Not only could she relate to him because she was a in bondage as a slave, but Ms. Tubman also suffered from a condition that caused her to periodically have seizures.
Fox’s determination is much like that of Harriet Tubman. Her desire was to be free, but she was also determined to see others free. Whether one agrees with stem-cell research or not, most of us probably would agree that this appears to also be the heart of heart of Michael J. Fox.
“I would fight for my liberty so long as my strength lasted,” Harriet Tubman.
Posted by DeeDee Smith
“I tell you, sir, you’ll see it, and you’ll see it soon. My people are free! My people are free.” Harriet Tubman
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Posted by DeeDee Smith
It’s been the talk of Washington for a few weeks now. Former Representative Mark Foley of Florida admitted to having “inappropriate” communication with young male pages. Following his resignation, Foley admitted to a problem with alcohol, and checked himself into a rehabilitation hospital. Later he spoke of himself as having been abused by a Catholic Priest which he alleges may have led to his “wrong thoughts” concerning sex.
Both Foley and the Priest seem to “play with words” concerning their relationship. I feel like Harriet Tubman when she spoke of her communication with deep Southerners - “Why, der language down dar in de far South is jus’ as different from ours in Maryland as you can tink,” said she. “Dey laughed when dey heard me talk, an’ I could not understand dem, no how.”
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Posted by DeeDee Smith
This week there was a tragic accident in Arizona involving several illegal immigrants who’d just made it across the U.S. border. There was one casualty and a few others are hospitalized and in critical condition.
Harriet Tubman faced much danger when attempting to smuggle slaves to freedom. Many times when discussing the danger she faced, she spoke of her amazing success - “Yes, ladies I wuz de conductor ob de Underground’ Railway an “ I kin say what mos’ conductors can’t say—dat I nebber run my train off de track an’ I nebber los’ a passenger”.
Posted by DeeDee Smith
Recently the brother of the Prosecutor in Saddam Hussein’s trial was murdered in front of his wife.
Harriet Tubman once said about slaveowners - “They didn’t know any better. It’s the way they were brought up… “
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Posted by DeeDee Smith
As the U.N. attempts to come up with a response to the recent “nuke test” conducted by North Korea, it appears that China is taking more of a “soft” position in dealing with this matter. This kind of leaves the U.S., Japan and others holding the ball when it is clear that China would probably have the most success in dealing with North Korea’s current regime.
Being that Harriet Tubman was almost a fearless woman, she might share one of her most famous statements with the leaders of the U.N., and most especially with the leaders of China - “Move or die.”