FIVE UNDERAPPRECIATED PROFESSIONS

1. Parents

2. Teachers

3. Nurses

4. Police/Fire/EMS personnel

5. Military personnel

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

By all these lovely tokens September days are here with summers the best of the weather and autumns the best of cheer. 


Helen Hunt Jackson, Writer (1831-1885)

LOCAL POLITICS

I'm staying more in tune with local politics. I attended a women's retreat last Saturday. One workshop I attended was 'Lawmaker Accountability'. It was pointed out that positions such as judges are just as important as council members and state senators. Before I vote in November I will know more about the judiciary members and their platforms.

OPEN AND VISIBLE

I'm thankful that I've had very little trouble going about life as a trans woman. Most people really don't care. I pray for safety and go about my business.

With the current political climate it may change. I do know is that I'm not going in the closet or let others render me invisible.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

People are so docile right now. It is almost as if good government means when the politicians lie to us for our own good, for the public good, and bad government is when politicians lie for their own selfish interests.


~James Bovard  

COMMENTARY-LOCAL ELECTIONS

The presidential election gets much national attention. It happens every four years and it can mean a shift in the political landscape or a continuance of the current policies. However, it is the local politics that affect people more.

It may be being involved with a school board, community board, neighborhood watch, running for the city or town council, state senate ,etc. Here in New York City more people were involved in local elections than in previous years. Just like national politics, if the constituency believes he/she isn't doing the job, they can and will be replaced. 

Affordable housing and gentrification is a huge issue here. Though not always victorious, grass roots groups made their presence felt. Many incumbent politicians were put on notice that unless they do the job they were elected to do they will be removed by the people. More young people were running for office and I believe that bodes well for the future. Congratulations to all the winners. Remember, do what you promised.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There are heroes/heroines that you'll never find in the history pages, but are no less important to those people they affected.

ELECTION

Hope everyone voted today.

9/11

Will never forget the events of that fateful day as long as I live.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It's about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers. 



~Robin S. Sharma

MORE TRANS SISTERS LOST TO VIOLENCE

Four transgender women murdered within the past ten days. When does it all end? 

FUTURE COMMENTARIES

Come September I will be posting a number of commentaries about various topics. There's so much happening and it's sometimes hard to keep up. When I am able to focus on a topic I have been able to come to a conclusion all my own. 

While trans issues are one topic so is the direction of the country and my own thoughts about traditions that are being challenged. Stay tuned. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Truth is powerful and it prevails.


~Sojourner Truth, Activist (1787-1883)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The things that we love tell us what we are.

~Thomas Aquinas

NEED FOR SOLUTIONS

As I live life, I see that there needs to be more respect for others views. This I believe is keeping people from resolving the issues in the country.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound. We suffered to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.


~Marianne Williamson

CONFORMITY

Conformity is a wide open topic which will elicit many different viewpoints. There are times when one may need to conform; on the job, the military, etc. I thinking more about when people have viewpoints different from my own. People are entitled to their own opinions and I respect that. No one has the right to trash someone else's character because he/she has a different viewpoint.

I make no secret that I admire people who are outside the box. They stepped away from the conventions of their times. They went against the prevailing mindsets of their times. I welcome listening to opposing view points because it can be a point of educating and opening the mind. Forcing someone to think the way they do does a disservice to them. I've been called names because I have a different viewpoint or live my own life contrary to theirs. 

Conformity is neither good nor bad. Forcing someone to think the way they do shows a lack of respect. Enjoy life and be who you are. 

COMMENTARY

The protests by NFL players over American anthem has picked steam again. Both the protesters and the defenders are making their own talking points.

I do stand for the pledge of allegiance and have done so all my life. It's the right thing to do. I am a veteran who served during the Vietnam era when it wasn't popular to be in the military. I have several American flags in my home. I am also black.

I possibly would get some push back because of my position. America is the only country I have known. When I see protesters burning the flag, it disgusts me. Yes, there are problems that must be dealt with. I strongly believe that folks on both sides must put their anger away and start finding solutions to the country's ills. I would love to talk with the people who don't recite the pledge and find out their reasoning for their acts.

People who come to America and become citizens have the advantage of having lived in one place and finding America the land of opportunity. There are people who do not believe that they are part of America's tapestry. Reasons seem to vary.

Though I don't agree with the kneeling, they have the right to do it. America is the land of opportunity and I encourage people to seek them out. It's the only place I know where one will have that chance. To me that says a lot.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be who you are.

Let no one define you. You define yourself.

Love yourself.

RADIO SHOW

Come September I will resume my iternet radio show 'Genevieve's Gems'. Will have more details in the coming weeks.