Why the American Flag Should Be Flown Upside Down

US Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, Clause A states the following:

"The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

"Except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

Believe it or not, the United States of America is currently in a state of distress. Allow for me to build my case.

We are in a state of distress when:
- politicians and legislators who are against gun violence vote AGAINST gun control laws saying, "It won't solve the problem." Last time I checked, guns carry bullets that pierce the skin of its victims. So what would happen if there were less guns.

- the National media sat silent while the Bush Administration cut taxes for the wealthy, spent over a BILLION DOLLARS a MONTH on a war that it lied to get into, and gave Federal money to support companies that cheated their way to the top. Yet, there is an uproar revolving around President Obama's trip to New York, saying that the First Couple are wasting taxpayers' dollars.

- certain sects of American Christians claim to be pro-life, yet will kill and support those who kill its opposition.

- the Administration of the First Black President turns down an invitation to participate in a UN Anti-Racism Conference.

- the same President that, within one full day of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr.'s appearance at the Nat'l Press Club, made a statement denouncing his pastor for 20 years will wait almost 8 months after the Israeli attacks on Gaza to make any statement on Israel's apartheid practices with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

So, as you can see, our nation is in distress. I love America so much that I am willing to critique it and push it to become the beacon light of hope, peace, and change that it has the potential to be.

So until we are no longer in distress, I will fly my American Flag upside down.

A Prayer for Our Children.

Lord,

We hand to you our children. We live in a society where they are seen as less valuable than "important" connections and the acquisition of currency. We live in a society where the blood of our youth flows through the streets like the mighty Nile, but our Government, in a real sense, has told to build a bridge and get over it. Lord, we live a society where your church, the body that is supposed to be your voice, will shout loud for more spiritual exclusion, shout loud about material, financial prosperity, but remains silent on the issue of gun violence. Is there any justice remaining in your cup of Universal Truths? Is there any comfort for our community? Is there any peace for our streets? Where are the voices? Most importantly, where is your voice, Lord?

When I hear your voice, I am reminded that there is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. You remind me that we are your voice, but it is our job to open our mouths. You reminded me that we are the peace for which we are searching. You tell me that we must act as your body, not just in the corporate sense, but in an anthropomorphic manner that does the work of your kingdom.

Lord, empower us to change our existence. Empower us to alter our circumstance. Empower us to bring peace, justice, love, compassion, and service to the places where there is none. Thy Kingdom come and thy will be done, ON EARTH, as it is in heaven.

Amen.

Welcome to the Movement...

re·de·fine, v., (ˌrē-di-ˈfīn)

1: to define (as a concept) again : reformulate redefine their terms>
2 a: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change b: transform 1c

In biblical antiquity, in order to show domination and power over something, the so-called "dominant" person would change the name of the "lesser" person. This served as a form of nominative imprisonment. The name that was given to the person was supposed to confine the person's being to the narrow, often oppressive definition that limited the person's possibilities and barricaded them from opportunity.

But then there came a time in the oppressed person's life that they decided to no longer be restrained by the labels given. They took it upon themselves to redefine.

It's time to redefine ourselves.

It's time to redefine our society.

It's time to redefine our world.

This blog will be an attempt at promoting a mindset that is not arrested by the chains of present realities, but is liberated by the wings of future possibilities.

From selfishness to service.
From hatred to love.
From war to peace.
From violence to compassion.
From poverty to prosperity.
From rejection to reception.
From the dark night of oppression to the bright and glorious day of liberation.
From the evaporating quicksands of lies and mediocrity to the solid rock of truth and love.

This is more than a blog. It's a Movement.