Clint Eastwood’s film Grand Torino got to me last night. Seeing a veteran and retired autoworker single-handedly protect his community from domestic terrorists (thugs and gangs) reminded me of JFK’s question about what can you do for your country. In the last chapter of his life, Mr. Walter Kowalski was teaching negative and positive youth the wisdom of his value system. Walter needed some lessons on anger management, control and dare I say political correction/cultural sensitivity. We all can learn something from others.
I jumped out of bed this Saturday (before day in the morning) to participate in “Cleanup Sylvester, Georgia.” As I look at the dark cloud on the horizon, I knew a rain delay might keep the event from starting. The real looming dark cloud is the mindset of the youth and adults who toss trash on the streets with zero regard for community. Where’s Mr. Kowalski when you need him?
RNC Chairman Michael Steele recently said there is no reason for African-Americans to vote for Republicans. To me, our southern community has always been conservative and Blacks Who Actually Vote (BWAV) have little tolerance for Black ignorance or far Right fear-based rhetoric. We have plenty Black Walter Kowalski here and there should medals for their actions or combat pay. Steele was basically saying that the efforts and vision of his party isn’t reaching us for whatever reason.
Disenchanted Black conservatives tell me that their party doesn’t have an urban agenda. On the other hand, I think the far left’s policies of tossing taxpayer money at problems isn’t working either.
We need to address issues before they become problems (nip it in the bud). I wrote on this blog a few months ago that First Lady Michelle Obama should start a Cease Corp to marshal community human resources (people) in an effort to share experience, knowledge and wisdom. The Barrack Obama story is interesting and unique. The Michelle Robinson Obama story is the blueprint for a healthy, achievement-oriented American family. Clint Eastwood, a former California mayor, should join the cause with the lessons from Grand Torino as a starting point.
I have a feeling that Mrs. Obama post-White House service will make her one of the most significant Americans of all times. You can see in her eyes that she is being restrictive or selective in her public statements but one day she is going to speak freely and the message for a community will be stern and golden. It’s the direct straight talk that we don’t hear from current leaders. She can put the “40 under 40” overachievers at the table with the “40 who drink 40s” and those who were 40 years old 40 years ago.
The subplot of this movie was equally important. What happens when your family has little use for you? I say forget them and find a constructive outlet like church activities, a “play” family or maybe the Cease Corp. Like Walter Kowalski, a neglected senior should get even in his will.
Project Logic Ga 
I have never seen or heard of that movie. And I am big Clint Eastwood fan. Straight talk from our leaders? Seems we haven’t heard that kind of talk since Kennedy and Reagan. But the optimist in me believes there’s a dim light at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime, with the publishing of my new book in the next few weeks, my plans are for it to help push and engage this type of dialogue. Stay tuned my fellow bloggers.
If we look at the situation deep down to the root, the logical answer involves when some people become parents. Some people should become parents when or if they personally mature to that level of responsibility. Of course, those who aren’t ready aren’t bright enough to realize it.
Ask young parents (under 23) if things would have been better if they waited seven years and they give you a quick yes. The kids themselves would have better lives. The 85% of decent Americans spend scarce resources addressing the mess created by the worst 15%. On my blog this weekend, I wrote that Michelle Obama should start a Cease Corp with Clint Eastwood’s Grand Tarino character in mind. While that sounds dramatic, I am just tired of leaders holding their tongues about the obvious source of many American problems.
Hey, Retired General Russel Honore should head the Cease Corp with the same straight talk he brought to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.