No, I'm not 'back,' I'm reading, but most definitely still not able to fully participate here.
Last edited Sun Sep 14, 2014, 10:54 PM - Edit history (6)
However, I'd like to ask for a selfish indulgence from those here who are still interested, still anguished (perhaps) over the continuing crisis of justice and humanity in Ferguson, MO..
As some here may well know, the tragic events there, and the unimaginable, but very real and unsettling response by the officers and officials there to the efforts by that community to exercise their free speech rights to protest and be heard have shaken me to the core and I'm still unable to discuss them, write about them, or even listen to or read about them without weeping uncontrollably.
Those who know me personally understand that it's not only out of character for me to be so traumatized to weep (much less, uncontrolled - I really don't fully understand my reaction, myself), and that it's likely a reflection of a mental illness brought on by the stress of previous experiences, triggered by events in Ferguson which I've engrossed myself in, by choice; by necessity. It's also a reflection and effect of my unsettled view of my personal heritage; my citizenship; and perhaps, my own self-worth; to view the tragic events in Ferguson which residents there are experiencing as integral to all of those in my own relatively secure life.
*I had noticed seriously abnormal reactions from myself to the back and forth between members here in which I had become undeservedly abusive towards posters, and, although it's a cinch to post, I'm not mentally balanced enough for the discussions which are integral to actual participation here. It's really not fair to others more dedicated to discussions for *me to hit and run, but I'm not mentally able to engage fully, so... this post is somewhat of a more detailed explanation for my exit as much as it is cathartic for me. I see that some question this approach, but I'm convinced it won't disrupt them too much or affect them too much - me, on the other hand, I still have some very real mental health issues that I'm receiving care for and working on. I hope DUers can bear this indulgence without too much disdain or resentment.
Anyway, I want to just share this video of what is correctly labeled as, 'A skin-tingling speech which speaks to the heart of #Ferguson -- Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal on Missouri Senate floor Sept. 10, 2014. Chapelle-Nadal delivers a gripping speech calling Gov. Nixon to the carpet for allowing Senators and constituents to be stripped of their 1st Amendment rights while being tear gassed and treated like animals. She details how MO Governor Nixon allowed the state of emergency to escalate while he did nothing. Senator Chapelle-Nadal brings it all into perspective, detailing personal experiences as well as the racist history of #Ferguson which culminated into the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting when the MO Governor treated Ferguson like foreign enemy territory.'
I'm going to post it here without much comment (and no response) because I believe it will be helpful for some to understand just what this community in Ferguson has been experiencing, and what they're facing right now, and in the future.
Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal has placed herself on the front lines of this important struggle for justice and the rights of her constituency and has served, in her words, as a 'mother, a teacher, and a sister' as she has spent countless hours among the people 'as Jesus would have done' to help citizens cope with the challenges they've faced. Tear-gassed for three days in a row, along with other protesters, while her governor 'sat in his home,' Sen. Chappelle-Nadal has been a tireless advocate and deserves a complete listen to her emotional and powerful address.
Thanks, in advance, for your attention and dedication to this crisis in Ferguson, and I wish everyone the very best of luck in your endeavors and extend the very best regards from me for your friendship and commitment.
-Ron
*I regularly retweet on Ferguson and St. Louis from an extensive network of folks who follow these issues and developments from direct connections to the state and local government and community.
You can follow me here: ron fullwood ?@ronfullwood (be certain to follow the folks I retweet... that's where you'll get connected to up to date events and developments)
Thanks again, y'all. We protest, we share... joy. Love for the people.
*edit
= new reply since forum marked as read
I hope you get to a point where you are able to participate here again.
In the meantime, I hope you do at least post the occasional OP, like this one, as your voice is important.
Peace to you; now I'm gonna watch that video...
"If you can't say something good about somebody, don't say nothing at all." ~~ Ben Franklin (loosely)
... instead of reacting negatively? I just went back and tried to find bigtree's OP when he had to bow out, but couldn't find it. If you had just asked, someone would have told you. 
[hr][font color="blue"][center]You have to play the game to find out why you're playing the game. -Existenz[/center][/font][hr]
... He got on the nerves of the Founding Fathers with these little adages. He would have mopped up these nabobs of negativism around here. 
in my humble opinion is. He is not fully comfortable in participating in discussions at the present time because of the circumstances that made him feel he had to walk away to begin with. I've always enjoyed and treasure his writing and have encouraged him to take it up as a way to make a living, way long ago early on both of our coming on board here.
when I say our Friend I mean those of use who call him our Friend
If you're reading this 'bro, welcome back and take all the time you want or need but do come back and share with us your very unique perspective on the happening of the day. Some of us love you I may not always agree and I'm sure you don't always agree with me but thats what discussions are all about.
Thank you, bigtree! 
but the important thing is to take care of yourself until you are comfortable posting again. Here, take a few hugs with you and come back when you can.
All this awful news can get to be too much after a while, especially those of us who are sensitive and internalize it. We all have our ways of coping with it. Hope you're able to find a way that doesn't interfere too much with your life. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. 
... your presence here is sorely missed. I listened to Sen Maria Chapelle-Nadal's words. Thank goodness she has been there since the beginning, on the streets with the people of Ferguson, unafraid to speak truth to power. She was the best spokesperson during the initial crisis, and she's still on the front lines even on the floor of the MO Senate. TPTB in MO did the wrong thing at every turn, no leadership to be found at every juncture. Time and again, Nixon had the power to do the right thing. But he didn't. Same with McCullough. And right on down to the street level with the police. The people were right, the leadership was wrong.
You go on now, and know that even though we don't post about Ferguson as prolifically as you did, Ferguson is on our minds and in our hearts. Nothing but good can come soon for Ferguson. I hope they are continuing to GOTV and that the tables will begin to turn for the people. I think they realize now that their future really IS in their hands and that they CAN do this. And Maria Chapelle-Nadal is going to lead them to that better, more Just future.
Bunches of bear hugs to you!
Be well, and come back soon!
