In 1968‚ Rev. Martin Luther King’s body was not pulled behind a raised catafalque‚ nor did he lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol‚ or any other capitol. No‚ King’s body received mourners at the R.S. Lewis &; Sons Funeral Home in Memphis‚ and in Atlanta‚ he was borne in a simple funeral cart made of Georgia pine‚ pulled by two mules‚ “Belle” and “Adla”. Of course‚ you know that King was shot by James Earl Ray on April 4th‚ 1968‚ while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. He always knew his life was in danger‚ but never preached the violent methods advocated by his contemporary civil rights leader Malcolm X. Martin Luther King was first a Baptist preacher‚ adherent to Scripture and the message of the cross‚ and second‚ an activist committed to equal rights for America’s Black population. Rep. John Conyers introduced a bill to recognize MLK’s birthday as a federal holiday every year from 1968‚ with little support from his fellow legislators outside the Congressional Black Caucus. Then in 1979‚ President Jimmy Carter‚ who as governor of Georgia had his office not two miles from King’s former pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist Church‚ announced his support of the bill. Congress held hearings‚ and King’s widow Coretta Scott King testified. But the bill fell short by five votes. Over the years‚ various states had recognized the holiday‚ starting with Connecticut and Illinois in 1973 (it was vetoed in both states two years earlier)‚ followed by Kentucky‚ Massachusetts‚ Rhode Island‚ Ohio‚ New Jersey‚ Michigan (Conyers’ home state)‚ Louisiana‚ Maryland‚ Pennsylvania‚ South Carolina‚ and Missouri. But Congress wasn’t moving fast enough. Like anything political‚ it would take a cultural event to force the issue. That cultural force of nature was Stevie Wonder. Wonder had‚ by 1979‚ won a dozen Grammy Awards (he has won a total of 25‚ more than any solo artist‚ a record that even Taylor Swift will find difficult to approach). From 1979 through 1981‚ Wonder appeared at rallies and on tour with Coretta‚ including a benefit concert on the National Mall. With President Reagan in the White House‚ Wonder and Coretta collected 6 million signatures on a petition to recognize MLK Day‚ which they delivered to Speaker of the House “Tip” O’Neill in 1983. The House of Representatives passed the bill 338 to 90. In the Senate‚ North Carolina Republican Jesse Helms opposed the bill‚ Helms saying it brought King to “the same level as the father of our country and above the many other Americans whose achievements approach that of Washington’s.” He also accused King of being a communist. The Senate passed the measure 78 to 22‚ and Reagan signed MLK Day into law on November 2‚ 1983. Not all states immediately followed the federal government in recognizing MLK Day. In 1984‚ Alabama Governor George Wallace supported combining a holiday celebrating Robert E. Lee’s birthday with MLK’s birthday‚ which the state legislature passed and Wallace signed into law on May 8th of that year. Lee never supported having any kind of recognition during his life‚ and would have deplored Alabama’s decision to celebrate “Lee-King Day”. Alabama and Mississippi have never repealed Lee-King Day to give MLK his own day. Shame on them. The last state to recognize MLK Day was Utah‚ in 2000. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed a bill into law separating Lee-King Day on March 14‚ 2017. My home state of New Hampshire didn’t recognize MLK Day until Jesse Jackson challenged the legislature in a speech from Portsmouth on February 11‚ 1999—the state did recognize “Civil Rights Day” but voted to rename the holiday later that year. Arizona recognized the holiday by executive order of Governor Bruce Babbitt after the state legislature voted it down in 1986. After Evan Meacham took office in 1987‚ he rescinded Babbitt’s order (having campaigned on the issue)‚ leading to mass protests and the loss of $20 million in convention business. Meacham was impeached and removed from office in 1988 for obstruction of justice and misuse of government funds. Despite Governor Rose Moffard’s efforts‚ and her signing a bill passed in 1989‚ opponents forced a referendum on the holiday by collecting enough signatures‚ canceling the law until the people voted. It took the NFL to cure Arizona of its recalcitrance. Owners threatened to remove Super Bowl XXVII from Tempe‚ which was scheduled for January 31‚ 1993‚ if MLK Day was not approved. Two referendums‚ Proposition 301‚ which would eliminate Columbus Day‚ and Proposition 302‚ which would combine Washington and Lincoln’s Birthday holidays and create an MLK Day holiday‚ were defeated at the ballot box. The NFL owners kept their word: Troy Aikman earned his MVP playing at the Rose Bowl. The rebuke cost Arizona around $230 million in lost revenue. By the end of 1992‚ Arizonans had learned their lesson. They passed Proposition 300 to give Martin Luther King his day on November 2‚ 1992‚ by a margin of 325‚299 votes—61.33% voting yes. Aikman won his third Super Bowl ring on January 28‚ 1996‚ in Tempe‚ which incidentally was the most-watched sporting event in American television history. Seems fitting it was secured by the people acknowledging Martin Luther King. One more thing‚ You may have heard the song Stevie Wonder wrote sung at birthday parties‚ especially in Black families. It’s called “Happy Birthday.” I didn’t know until today that this song was written for Martin Luther King‚ released after the 1979 failure by Congress to pass the federal holiday. One of the lyrics of that song says: The time is overdueFor people like me and youWho know the way to truthIs love and unity to all God’s children You know‚ I think George Washington would celebrate a holiday like that. He never wanted a holiday in his name‚ but I think he would‚ if he was alive to see it‚ wholeheartedly support a holiday in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King‚ Jr. Happy Birthday to ya! Follow Steve on Twitter @stevengberman. The First TV contributor network is a place for vibrant thought and ideas. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of The First or The First TV. We want to foster dialogue‚ create conversation‚ and debate ideas. See something you like or don’t like? Reach out to the author or to us at ideas@thefirsttv.com. 

A History of Phantom Pain j.hoare Mon‚ 01/15/2024 - 12:44

The world is so vast and‚ yet‚ I’m constantly amazed by how deeply connected we all are to one another. A story shared by TikTok user beckaroo is the perfect example. Years ago‚ their beloved grandma passed away. She absolutely adored her 2003 Subaru Forester. That’s why‚ just a year ago‚ they decided to get a Subaru tattoo in honor of Grandma Jean. Choosing who to give such an important tattoo‚ I imagine‚ isn’t easy. But while scrolling on the Instagram discover page‚ beckaroo came across an artist they particularly loved. From there‚ they found the artist’s contact info and sent him an email. TikTok In the tattoo artist’s reply‚ he not only agrees to do it‚ he expresses that he’s “stoked‚” noting that he owns his own 2003 green Subaru Forester. Could there have been a better person for the job? The answer was no‚ of course‚ but neither of them realized just how perfect the match was until this loving grandchild arrived for their appointment. When they did‚ they discovered the tattoo artist’s car out front. Within seconds of inspecting it‚ they knew it was Grandma Jean’s old car. Grandchild Gets Subaru Tattoo in Honor of Late Grandma TikTok The biggest giveaway? The sticker on the back that reads “Clarity is Power.” Grandma chose this sticker because Clarity was her maiden name. Needless to say‚ beckaroo became overwhelmed with emotion‚ feeling as though this moment was meant to be. A video documenting their experience has gone viral with someone pointing out that this experience takes Subaru’s slogan‚ “love — it’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru‚” to the next level. TikTok What are the odds? As many folks have pointed out‚ it really does feel as though this was Grandma Jean’s way to approve of her sweet grandchild’s tattoo. “Thanks for the wild lore‚ Grandma!” they wrote on TikTok. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post When Getting A Tattoo To Honor Their Late Grandma‚ Person Discovers Insane Connection With The Artist. appeared first on InspireMore.

'Tomorrow we will inform you of their fate'

Traffic safety messages 'should be simple‚ direct‚ brief‚ legible‚ and clear'

'This was a horrific‚ calculated and vicious attack'

Our Top 10 Graham Nash Songs list takes a look at the career of the legendary songwriter and singer Graham Nash. Like his bandmates David Crosby‚ Stephen Stills‚ and Neil Young‚ he was a famous band member before he formed Crosby Stills &; Nash in 1969. Graham Nash‘s first band In which he found fame was the legendary band The Hollies. From 1964 to 1967‚ Graham Nash released eight studio albums as a member of The Hollies. The last album he recorded with The Hollies was released in 1967‚ entitled Butterfly. Over a thirty year period from 1969 to 1999‚ The post Top 10 Graham Nash Songs appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Korean car giant Hyundai have fulfilled the dreams of every teenager who never learned the tricks to parallel parking in driving school by unveiling a car that can turn its wheels 90 degrees. Selecting a spot‚ drivers of the new Hyundai Mobion simply press a button and a partially automated driving procedure will see the […] The post Hyundai Unveils ’Crab-Walking” Car That Makes Parallel Parking a Snap (WATCH) appeared first on Good News Network.

Cartoons were inescapable in the 1980’s. Saturday mornings‚ weekday afternoons and even on cable TV‚ colorful animated characters were everywhere we looked. While the majority were shoddy productions conceived as part of carefully constructed marketing CONTINUE READING... The post 10 Best Cartoons of the 80’s appeared first on The Retro Network.

Author of How to Prep When You’re Broke and Bloom Where You’re Planted online course Are you convinced that you can’t prep without spending a whole lot of money? That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are all sorts of ways you can become better prepared without spending a dime. The thing to remember is that there is a lot more to prepping than just feverishly filling mylar bags with food or stacking ammo to the ceiling. You need to think outside of the consumer mindset. How to prep without spending a lot of money Prepping on a dime is something I got good at by necessity. If you want to learn more‚ check out my paperback book How to Prep When You’re Broke. I know that it feels like prepping is a costly endeavor but there are so many things we can do and learn without spending money. You can’t necessarily buy your way out of a disaster or a collapse. Skills and mindset can be as important – if not more so – than physical goods. Here are ten ideas to get your wheels turning. #1) Fill containers with water If you haven’t taken out the recycling yet this week‚ don’t!  You can use those empty two-liter soda pop bottles and gallon water bottles to stock up on a drinking water supply. Count on a gallon a day per human and pet. (Two 2-liter bottles are approximately a gallon). But don’t stop there. If you have other containers that shouldn’t be used for drinking water‚ you can fill them with water for other uses‚ like sanitation‚ flushing the toilet‚ and keeping clean. Add to your supply each week‚ and soon you’ll have a month supply‚ quietly sitting there in your basement. Here’s an infographic to get you started on safely storing water. If you want to be more serious about your water supply‚ I have a book about it that you can get on Amazon. #2) Do a drill The absolute best way to know what you need during an emergency is to simulate a crisis.  Get your family on board and spend a weekend without power and running water. Keep a list going for the entire weekend so that you can note what needs arose. (Leave the breakers on for the refrigerator and freezer – you don’t want to potentially have your food spoil.) Can you make coffee and food? Can you keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Can you keep the kids entertained without the internet or phone service? #3) Learn what edibles are wild in your area Go to the library and grab a book on foraging. Then begin to explore your local area to find out what food grows wild there‚ formerly unbeknownst to you. Go on a nature walk and come home with goodies! The fun doesn’t stop with just bringing the food home. Next‚ research how to best prepare the wild edibles you’ve acquired. You may find this at the library or you may be able to search for recipes online.  Be sure to jot down in a notebook what you found and how you prepared it. #4) Put together important information Organize your essential papers and documents into a folder so that you can grab it quickly if you ever have to bug out. Include things like medical records‚ veterinary records‚ deeds‚ mortgage papers‚ insurance policies‚ social security numbers‚ and identification. Don’t stop at just putting it in a folder. You should also scan these documents and save them in the cloud. Here is a preparedness based article on the topic and another article on whether or not this is a safe action. #5) Prep for an evacuation Now you need to pack a bug-out bag. If budget is a concern‚ use bags you already have along with supplies that you already have. The important thing is to have this stuff organized and be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Have a list of last minute items so that you know what you need. It’s better to think this through when you’re calm‚ not when the clock is ticking towards disaster. You’ll want things like personal documents‚ extra medication‚ comfort items for children‚ and survival supplies that could get you through 3 days away from home.  To take a look at the ultimate prepper’s bug out bag‚ look at this one from Graywolf Survival. Don’t forget sentimental items. They are truly the only things that could never be replaced. Figure out where you’ll go. Is there a friend or family member in another area who would welcome you? Is there a pet-friendly hotel (if you have pets?) Where is the usual shelter in your area during natural disasters? Knowing all this ahead of time and mapping routes will help you to evacuate faster. #6) Bookmark some websites The internet is a wonderful place‚ and best of all‚ this knowledge can be found for FREE! The more you know about crisis situations‚ the more ready you will be to face them. Some sites are friendlier to beginners than others‚ so if you stumble upon a forum where people seem less than enthusiastic about helping people who are just starting out‚ don’t let it get you down. Move on and find a site that makes you feel comfortable. Following are some of my favorites‚ and the link will take you to a good starting point on these sites. In no particular order: The Organic Prepper (obviously – and subscribe here for the daily newsletter) Mind4Survival Graywolf Survival SurvivalistPrepper.net Survival Weekly AreYouPreparedMama Survival Blog #7) Learn a skill A huge part of prepping is your skills. In a big enough disaster or one that lasts much longer than expected‚ there’s every possibility your supplies will be destroyed or run out. Knowing what to do then is vital to your survival. Your public library and the internet are great resources. I learned to run a homestead with videos from YouTube. Seriously‚ there’s nothing you can’t learn to do if you have access to these things. So think about a skill you’d like to acquire that doesn’t require expensive equipment. I already mentioned foraging but there are loads of other things to learn. A few suggestions: sewing by hand mending things repairing things that are broken building a shelter using found items cooking over a campfire grow food from scraps trapping with a snare cooking from scratch research first aid and basic medical information learn to upcycle the things you’d generally throw away into something useful take free classes You get the idea. Anything that is an old-fashioned skill would come in handy during a survival situation. #8) Map out your local area It’s a good idea to locate important resources in your area well before you need them. Here are a few reasons why: You may plan to travel or may unexpectedly be required to travel to another location during a disaster‚ which may require you to use alternate routes. You can use maps to determine these routes for yourself rather than just following the crowd You may want to determine the location of dangerous weather (tornados‚ hurricanes‚ winter storms‚ etc‚) in relation to where you are Determine the location of resources that you might want to travel to and alternate routes to get there (Part 4 will provide more information on this topic) Determine locations and direction of travel of mobs‚ crowds‚ or potential enemy forces that you might hear about on the radio or TV Locate military intelligence type information about potential or actual threats to your location that you might discover talking to fellow travelers (source) There are many free maps available for download. You can find them with a quick internet search. #9) Meet like-minded people Now‚ when I say you should meet like-minded people‚ I’m not necessarily talking about preppers. There’s a broad array of folks that could be the makings of a fantastic survival community. Get to know folks in your area who garden. Meet your local farmers. Make friends at the shooting range. Members of local homesteading groups are already independent thinkers Community watch members on social media Attend free county extension office classes on canning‚ gardening‚ and food preservation As I’ve written before‚ you are shortchanging yourself if you think only preppers will be likeminded. Here’s an article on finding a community. #10) Get fit. One thing preppers often overlook is the importance of their physical abilities. Even if you are disabled‚ there are things you can do to improve your fitness and stamina. Search for exercises online that you can do whatever shape you are in or limitations you have. And‚ if you DO have disabilities‚ you need to figure out smart ways to work around your limitations. (Find more info for disabled preppers or those with a chronic illness here.) The easiest way to start your journey to fitness is by lacing up your most comfortable and supportive shoes and going for a walk. You can begin to challenge yourself to lift and carry heavier things. You can stretch using an online yoga video. The big goal is to just get started. And‚ if you are carrying around too much weight‚ you may want to work on losing a few pounds to make things easier on your joints during a crisis situation. (If you are really serious about getting fit‚ here’s a great book on the topic‚ written just for preppers.) You can prep without spending a fortune. You just need to be smart about it. Don’t let your budget get you down. Of course‚ we’d all love to be able to grab a five year supply of freeze-dried foods‚ load up on guns and ammo‚ and move to our fully-stocked bug-out retreats in our Hummers‚ but for most folks‚ that isn’t at all feasible. What IS feasible is focusing on the things we CAN do. (If you have a little bit of money to spend‚ check out this article on $1 preps.) The most important ways to prep are to keep learning‚ keep organizing‚ and be alert. If you do those three things‚ even without spending a lot of money on supplies‚ you’ll be far‚ far ahead of the unprepared masses. Sometimes I think those of us who live with a very tight budget may just be better off when things go sideways because we already know how to sacrifice and get by on less. Do you have any other ideas for free ways to prep? Are you prepping on a tight budget? Share your suggestions and ideas in the comments section. About Daisy Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging‚ adventure-seeking‚ globe-trotting blogger. She is the founder and publisher of three websites.  1) The Organic Prepper‚ which is about current events‚ preparedness‚ self-reliance‚ and the pursuit of liberty; 2)  The Frugalite‚ a website with thrifty tips and solutions to help people get a handle on their personal finances without feeling deprived; and 3) PreppersDailyNews.com‚ an aggregate site where you can find links to all the most important news for those who wish to be prepared. Her work is widely republished across alternative media and she has appeared in many interviews. Daisy is the best-selling author of 5 traditionally published books‚ 12 self-published books‚ and runs a small digital publishing company with PDF guides‚ printables‚ and courses at SelfRelianceand Survival.com You can find her on Facebook‚ Pinterest‚ Gab‚ MeWe‚ Parler‚ Instagram‚ and Twitter. The post 10 Smart Ways to Prep Without Spending Money appeared first on The Organic Prepper.