From Martin Luther King Dream to Barack Obama Reality

From Martin Luther King Dream to Barack Obama Reality

Rosa sat so Martin could march. Martin MArched so Barack could run. Barack ran so we all can all fly!

Just sitting here watching CNN and other stations and all through my head the worship song "How Great is our God" is going through my mind. No matter whether one is Republican or Democrat, Black or white, you cannot deny the electricity in t he air. One of the old songs we sing is "We've Come this Far by Faith, Leaning on the Lord". That is how I feel right now. Never, never, never in my lifetime did I dream that I would live to see a time like this. Proof that prayer's work. Prayers of our ancestors and elders.
The Civil Rights era was birthed in the Black church. Prayer meeting after prayer meeting. Chorus (what we now call Worship Songs) after chorus. Strengthening and building the faith of those embarking on change. Many do not realize that the "freedom" songs of the Civil Rights era were modifications of "Negro Spirituals" or Choruses.
We shall Overcome, This Little Light of Mine, I won't Let Nobody Turn Me Around, Keep Your Eyes on the Prize"

This is proof that praise is certainly a weapon in a time of spiritual warfare. I look at Dr. King's often criticized tactics back then. They had sit ins that started in prayer. Marches that started in prayer and praise. It shows me today that Praise and Worship is so important.

Today we are on the threshold of seeing the end of one battle. i just wanted to take the time to thank God for Rev. Martin Luther King and thank God for Barack Obama. I believe these are 2 men cut from the same cloth for "such a time as this".
My whole family is home and we are listening to CNN and speeches and King tributes. Its so important in their lives. I b less God for allowing one son to graduate from college and another to graduate High School and is now in college.
I thank God I can turn to my sons and look them in the face and say "NO MORE EXCUSES" you can achieve whatever you put your heart to do. You WILL experience obstacles. I will not always be smooth sailing. But with God's help you can make.

Don't Let Nobody Turn Your "Round

Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land

Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land

Well don't you let the policeman turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't let the policeman turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land

Well don't let the politician turn you 'round
Slow you down, slow you down
Well don't let the politician slow you down
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land

Well don't you let the army general burn the world
Burn the world, burn the world
Well don't let the army general burn this world
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land

Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
Turn you 'round, turn you 'round
Well don't you let nobody turn you 'round
You got to keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' to the freedom land

Planning Your Inauguration 2009 Trip

The Planning for the Inauguration 2009 trips started as soon as President-elect Obama completed his acceptance speech. The theme for this year is "A New Birth of Freedom". Hundreds of thousands of people will be pouring into our Nation's capital for this momentous occasion of the installation of our 44th president and the Nation's 56th inauguration overall. What makes it even more special that this momentous occasion is occuring on Martin Luther King's Birthday weekend. I know he is looking down because this must be the Promised Land that he saw.

Washington D.C is a great vacation destination even when there is no great event like the Inauguration. It certainly has been one of my family's favorite vacations trough the years. We have been there at least 4 times and have yet to see everything.

One thing that disturbs me as a travel agent is the many fly by night companies that are "charging" for tickets to the Swearing in Ceremony. I want to set the record straight. Tickets for the swearing in ceremony are free and can be obtained from your Senator's office or Congress Representative. Check for information at the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Hotel rooms are going rapidly. One suggestion is to look for hotels in nearby Arlington Va or nearby Bethesda Maryland which is just off the suburbs of Washington D.C. Some hotels are requiring a 3-4 day minimum stay. Check on www.GailsDreamVacations.com for hotel availability.

My suggestion for getting around Washington D.C. is the Metro. Its a subway that is amazingly well kept. Avoid the long lines and purchase your daily passes in advance. Rule of thumb that kept me from getting lost. Dupont Circle is the nucleus of the Metro system.

Most of the events surrounding the actual inauguration will be outdoors. Washington D.C can be pretty cold in January so remember to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Be prepared to do alot of walking and standing. Also be prepared for HUGE crowds. A record amount of people are expected for the Inauguration.

There are so many attractions available for a family in Washington D.C. My faamily favorites are the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History,
and the National Museum of American History. One of our favorite exhibits, the Capital Children's Museum closed its doors in 2004. I understand that it will re-open in 2012.

The events of the day for the public begins with the Swearing in Ceremony. That is followed up by the Inaugural Parade down Pennsylvania avenue. I am told there will be alot less bleachers available to accomodate the people that are expected.

Unless you got some serious conections its a safe bet that you will not be obtaining tickets to any of the official balls on Inauguration Night. However you may be able to get tickets to the State Society balls and some of the smaller events open to the public.

UPDATED INFORMATION ON THE INAUGURATION

*National Mall Will Be Open to the Public on Inauguration Day

WASHINGTON, DC—In keeping with its pledge to make the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama one of the most open and accessible in history, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today that, for the first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be opened to the public so that more people than ever before will be able to witness the swearing-in of the President from a vantage point in sight of the Capitol.

See the Official Obama Inauguration Website.


Important information for Inauguration Day, including prohibited items, Accessibility, Tickets and more.
Some Banned items are: Backpacks,Duffel bags,large bags,strollers,lasers,thermoses, coolers, umbrellas. Click on the link for the full list.

For more information on the Inauguration, go to the Official Presidential Inauguration Website.

Visit the Inauguration FAQs for frequently asked questions.

Inauguration 2009 will be one of the most historical inaugurations of our lifetime. Planning Your Inauguration 2009 trip will be one of the most memorable trips you will ever go on.
Enjoy!

What made Jesse Jackson Cry?

Last night was such a monumental moment for me and my family. We watched Barack Obama become the first President who is Black of the U.S. As the cameras panned through the crowd the one picture that stood up was of Jesse Jackson who was visibly moved to tears. Yes we know that he had some unfortunate words for Obama while stumping for him during the campaign early on. He apologized for it. Unfortunately sometimes our elders are so stuck in their ways its hard for them to see there is another way to achieve a goal other than their old way.

But I saw a different Jesse Jackson last night. I saw an elder who was proud of his son. Jesse Jackson has seen it all. He walked, ate, slept, worried, campaigned with Martin Luther King. He then saw his mentor die at his feet. His clothes and his hands were covered with the last of Martin Luther King's blood as he saw the final hopes and dreams of Africans Americans ooze out of the lifeless body of Dr. King as he laid dying on the balcony of the Theresa Motel. But oh after the death comes the Resurrection.

After what seemed as an eternity, a glimmer of hope began to shine through in 2004. No actually it was the "Audacity of Hope". A newcomer came on the scene who had some unorthodox ways of doing things that was different from the tried and true methods of the old guard. Who would of thought it would work? But that Hope resurrected last night when the seeming impossible became possible. He then understood the total picture from before Rosa Parks to the Assasination of the King, to the seeming eternal wait for progress to the now birthing of a new generation that is taking this country to a new level.

That is why he is crying. He sees that Fannie Lou Hamer, the 3 Civil Rights Workers, The 4 Little Girls who died in the church Bombing, Viola Liuzzo, Thurgood Marshall and others did not have a dream die. We thought it had for a moment. But it lives in the hearts of Americans all over this country. They want change, they are mandating a change. Americans has demanded a Change.

Jesse's tears are tears of joy! Tears of accomplishment! Tears of relief! Tears of Hope! But never Tears of Regret. In 1984 and 1988 we were singing "Run Jesse Run". Now we can say Rest Jesse Rest. The baton has been handing over and its in good hands...


God Bless President BaracK Obama
God Bless America

How Joe the Plumber should Capitalize on His New Found Fame

John McClain and Barack Obama has given "Joe the Plumber" something more valuable, than his business. Free advertising! His name is worth more than all the money in the world. How should Joe the Plumber capitalize on his new found fame. He is afraid of buying a business that is worth $250,000 because of possible tax hikes. Well Joe the Plumber, if you are reading this you have hit a gold mine.
How about a home based travel business, that is fun, that costs less than $500 to start? A far cry from the $250,000 that you are considering.
Here is what you will get Joe!

*A bonafide publically traded home based business
*Your very own Travel Website that your friends, family neighbors can book their vacations on.
*An opportunity to take advantage of tax deductions available to home based businesses. (consult your tax professional for specifics)
*An opportunity to earn free health insurance (yay!! no health care fines!)
*The ability to travel as an insider
*A supportive team to help you to your success
*All the Travel Training that your brain could take in!
*Opportunity to have fun, fun, fun.

Now you know what is great now Joe? You have name recognition. Madison Ave would have paid millions for this opportunity. Free advertisment. That's it. Ordinary folks like me who don't have friends in high places running for president have done great with our online travel business.

So Joe Wurzelbacher aka Joe the Plumber, you have a valuable gift in your hand that John McCain and Barack Obama gave you during last night's debate .
So come on by my website Joe the Plumber and see what all the buzz is all about. at www.GailsVacationandTravel.com

P.S. Well it has come to light that Joe the Plumber isn't really a plumber after all. Neither is his employer. Well I guess that's all the reason that you need to use your 15 minutes of fame to promote your own online travel business.
and Joe, don't forget to vote!!
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Gail is a small business entrepreneur with an online travel business who is looking to bless others with the ability to become financially secure!
Visit www.GailsDreamVacations.com- take a tour
See the business plan- www.GailsVacationandTravel.com