Faulkerson Focus

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER Saadiqa Muhammad

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:45:00 +0000

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER Saadiqa Muhammad

IRON MAN 3: A RIDE WORTH TAKING

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sat, 04 May 2013 00:44:00 +0000

Earlier today, I got a chance to see Marvel Studios' Iron Man 3. It was indeed a ride worth taking, as viewers got a chance to see Robert Downey, Jr.'s Tony Stark character take a turn for the worse. Stark experiences Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, which is the direct result of his saving the world from alien invaders in the first of many Avengers movies.

But that is not what makes this film so special. We witness the birth of AIM, or Advanced Ideas Mechanics, and the insertion of the Extremis storyline. If you are a fan of the Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes animated TV series like me (Yeah, I'm a grown man who watches cartoons), you realize that AIM is SHIELD's (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) Achilles heel. I didn't know much about the Extremis storyline prior to viewing this film, but I'll probably be logging on to Netflix tonight to watch the animated Iron Man: Extremis film.

Because I'm not the kind of guy who spoils things for moviegoers on opening day, I'm going to shut this post down. Just know that I really enjoyed this film because it was filled with surprises. And I encourage you to stay through the credits, so you'll be properly prepped for Avengers 2. Let's face it: That's how Marvel Studios rolls. But once the film has been out for a few weeks, I'll include a few spoilers.

Two thumbs up for Iron Man 3. Check it out.

AUTHOR Omar Tyree 03/14 by Jeffery Faulkerson | Blog Talk Radio

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 03:59:00 +0000

AUTHOR Omar Tyree 03/14 by Jeffery Faulkerson | Blog Talk Radio

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:38:00 +0000

Join Jeffery on Thursday, March 14th at 11:30 AM PST/2:30 p.m. EST when his special guest will be AUTHOR Omar Tyree. Omar is the author of several novels featuring African-American characters, most notably Boss Lady, Single Mom, For the Love of Money, Sweet Saint Louis, Flyy Girl, A Do Right Man and Just Say No.

To purchase one or more of Omar Tyree's books, or to join his mailing list, visit www.omartyree.com.

SESSIONS with Jeffery A. Faulkerson, where entertainers teach their own Master classes.

AUTHOR Omar Tyree 03/14 by Jeffery Faulkerson | Blog Talk Radio

"SESSIONS" with Jeffery A. Faulkerson Online Radio by Jeffery Faulkerson | Blog Talk Radio

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:34:00 +0000

SCREENWRITER JEFFERY A. FAULKERSON IS ON A MISSION - Learn what it takes to thrive (and survive) in the entertainment business. Join him for his conversations with Hollywood writers, directors, producers, actors and musicians. And because Jeffery is a sports enthusiast, you may, on occasion, hear interviews with amateur and professional athletes (both active and retired).

Questions are always welcomed and appreciated during the live broadcast, so give Jeffery and his guests a call at (646) 716-5918 .

SESSIONS with Jeffery A. Faulkerson, where entertainers are the teachers of their own Master classes.

"SESSIONS" with Jeffery A. Faulkerson Online Radio by Jeffery Faulkerson | Blog Talk Radio

FILMMAKER John Finch 03/06 by Jeffery Faulkerson | Blog Talk Radio

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:05:00 +0000

FILMMAKER John Finch 03/06 by Jeffery Faulkerson | Blog Talk Radio

What children need to know about marriage

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:38:00 +0000

Click here to open link to article. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button to be updated on available content.

Good Books Make a Difference: Welcome to Just Us Books

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Good Books Make a Difference: Welcome to Just Us Books: If you’re familiar with Black children’s book publishing, then you might know why Just Us Books was founded. Parents Wade and Cheryl Hudson...

SURVEY OF THE WEEK

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 15:09:00 +0000

America has reached a pivotal moment in its history. Citizens are rising up in the streets to reclaim the American Dream. Today's discussions around dinner tables center around income inequality and fairness.

Click here to add your voice to the SURVEY OF THE WEEK.

Thank you for taking the time to participate.

America's Pivotal Moment

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:01:00 +0000

99% Spring Video

SURVEY RESPONDENTS NEEDED

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Link to Exceptional Black Father Survey

Note: Responses will appear in Jeffery's new book, "SIGNIFICANT BROTHERS: Real Men Being Exceptional Fathers".

Can We Escape The Global Energy Spiral? | National Memo | Breaking News, Smart Politics

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:52:00 +0000

Can We Escape The Global Energy Spiral? | National Memo | Breaking News, Smart Politics

SIGNIFICANT BROTHERS TEASER

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:45:00 +0000

From the Introduction to
SIGNIFICANT BROTHERS
"Real Men Being Exceptional Fathers"
by Jeffery A. Faulkerson

I was four when I realized my parents’ marriage was over.

And even though I was only in preschool, I knew our lives were about to take a dramatic turn.

My father’s departure required that my mother accept food stamps from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. We also lived in the subsidized apartments on the “black side” of town. But that’s what happens to 23-year-old, African-American women who suddenly find themselves single and unemployed. I just had to hold on tight as my mother charted a course that would put me in a position to decide what was best for my life.

My life took another dramatic turn in 2003. That was the year my wife told me she was pregnant. The very next year, I watched as my baby boy emerged from his mother’s womb. “It’s a boy!” I loudly exclaimed. Baby boy is eight now, and in the second grade.

The fact that I’m his father is why I feel our African-American ancestors – both male and female – are smiling down on me. And I sometimes find myself shuddering under the weight of their full embrace, for I am the byproduct of their many trials and tribulations. It brings me great joy knowing they are commending me daily for striving to be significant.

Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of other African-American men who are striving to be significant by remaining faithful to their wives, ever-present guides in the lives of their children. And most, if not all, of these men, understand the positive implications of their actions. They know that the stakes for raising responsible, cooperative, courageous and independent children are higher now than ever before, resulting from the fact that we African Americans now live in an age where educational and vocational opportunities are more readily available. But they also know that their significance will not be based solely on teaching their children how to take advantage of these opportunities. It will also be based on how well they show their children how to build upon the gains of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s.

I wasn’t around when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the appointed leader of this movement, was leading hordes of Americans through the streets of Selma and Montgomery.

And I was too young to understand the nonviolent action he was soliciting from my parents, grandparents and other relatives. In 1968, I wasn’t even one yet, as I was born sixteen days before he was shot dead while standing on the balcony of Memphis’ Lorraine Hotel.

But forty-four years later, I find myself harboring growing admiration for the important role Dr. King played in American history. Dr. King challenged Americans of all hues to live up to this country’s creed – all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with the inalienable rights to life, liberty and happiness. Most Americans agree that he made the case for why the full measure of these rights should now be afforded to African Americans and other racial/ethnic groups. There is also general consensus that he was the running back who carried the ball into what football players call the red zone (within 20 yards of the end zone). I tend to believe that from this red zone, Dr. King provided my generation of African-American fathers its first lessons in responsible manhood.

Dr. King undoubtedly thought we African-American fathers are more than capable of being the responsible men our African-American children need. He knew that we African-American fathers are the ones who would facilitate the kind of lessons that help them develop and hone the running skills they need to carry the football from the red zone to the end zone. Not one to mince words, Dr. King consistently told African-American parents why it was, and is, so important for us to get our African-American children to be more than who they are.

Back in 1960, at the Golden Anniversary Conference of the National Urban League, Dr. King reportedly told his audience, “We must make it clear to our young people that this is an age in which they will be forced to compete with people of all races and nationalities. We cannot aim merely to be good Negro teachers, good Negro doctors, or good Negro skilled laborers. We must set out to do a good job irrespective of race. We must seek to do our life’s work so well that nobody could do it better. The Negro who seeks to be merely a good Negro, whatever he is, has already flunked his matriculation examination for entrance into the university of integration.” (YWCA Magazine, December 1960, pp. 4-6)

It is important to note that Dr. King was speaking about constructive action, the things we African Americans can, and must do, to let the Caucasian majority know we have arrived. More specifically, he was speaking directly to African-American parents, calling on them to help their children build platforms for success. But 52 years later, our group continues to be the brunt of absurd political assertions.

Barack Hussein Obama is a black man who, in 2008, was elected as this nation’s 44^thpresident. But according to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who in 2012 was vying for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, Barack Obama has the dubious distinction of being the “most effective food stamp president.” Gingrich’s chief competitor for the Republican nomination, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, also erred on the side of the absurd when he said he disagreed with President Obama’s decision to take money from the rich and give it to “black people.”

I have never had the honor of meeting President Obama, so I can’t truly speak to what motivates him to do what he does or say what he says. I have the sense that he’s not scheming to place more Americans on the dole. I also sense that his African-American roots aren’t making him more sympathetic to the wants and needs of African Americans only. Truth be told, President Obama’s agenda has been about fairness, especially for middle-class Americans. I, for one, applaud him for using the bully pulpit of the American presidency to draw more attention to the inequities in our society.

What impresses me most, however, about the way President Obama has led is the significant role he is playing in the lives of his two daughters, Malia and Sasha. When conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh directed disparaging rhetoric at Georgetown University graduate student Sandra Fluke in March 2012, President Obama was one of the first high profile figures to reach out to Ms. Fluke directly to ensure her that the rest of the country doesn’t share Limbaugh’s sentiments. He later told reporters during a press conference that he hopes his daughters will grow up to take stances on social issues, freely expressing these views before Congress if afforded the opportunity to do so. It is my belief President Obama would love to see this commitment to advocacy birthed in his daughters. Why? Because it is a quality that is present in the lives of righteous leaders.

But what absurdities like these illustrate is we African Americans have not done enough to showcase the real work that is being done in our homes, schools and communities. We find ourselves standing idle as the rest of the world portrays African-American men as deadbeat fathers, our African-American women as welfare queens. There’s no denying that some African-American men aren’t doing much (if anything at all) for their children, and some African-American women are being overly dependent on the welfare system. But that’s only a small part of the story. The questions we should be asking ourselves revolve around those African-American men and women who are helping African-American children and youths passthe University of Integration’s matriculation examination. These heroes and sheroes are making moves that are worthy of further study and evaluation.

Significant Brothers: Real Men Being Exceptional Fathers chronicles my journey to understand those African-American fathers who are doing right by their wives and children. For the past year and a half, I have been speaking with and polling exceptional African-American fathers, asking them what practices they employ to cultivate and sustain their marital and paternal bonds. I also set out to understand how the gains of the Civil Right Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s impacted the rearing of their African-American children. Lastly, I wanted to learn from both the fathers and their adult children what we African Americans must do on a grander scale to ensure more African-American children are adequately prepared for learning, working, loving, parenting and leading.

Tackling these questions will go a long way in showing the African-American men of today and tomorrow how to be exceptional fathers. But I realized during the conception of this project that it won’t do my readers much good if the answers came from me alone. I allowed them to be the wise sages; I the pupil on a quest to understand what they did to raise children who are adequately prepared for adulthood. But as they shared their testimonies with me, I couldn’t help but wonder what my life would have been like if my parents had been able to resuscitate and sustain their marital bond.

Now that I have a child of my own, I find myself making a number of sacrifices to shield him from the kind of childhood that I had. After my son was born, my wife and I tried to operate as a two-income household, but the demands of our jobs made it necessary for one of us to resign from the rigors of a 9-5 work schedule. Since my salary as an educational access professional was paltry compared to hers, I swallowed my pride and resigned. I spent the next five years changing soiled diapers and transporting our baby boy to and from school. I even cleaned the house, and had hot meals prepared for my wife when she got home from work.

I have learned that being a father shouldn’t be difficult. You just have to understand why you do what you do. When all is said and done, you reap what you sow. My father didn’t do much sowing into my life, even though we both lived in the small town community of Kingsport, Tennessee. Consequently, our relationship was, and continues to be, superficial at best. But my love affair with my son began the moment he emerged from his mother’s womb. And through our daily interactions and nightly rituals, I am blessed with opportunities to develop a much deeper relationship with him.

A father’s worth is measured by the testimony of his adult children. My testimony about my father isn’t all bad, but it isn’t all good either. I honestly believe my father is a good man. I also think he loves and respects me on a level that we both understand and appreciate. But my heart was, and continues to be, panged by his lack of outreach to me. As his oldest son, second-oldest child, I expected him to treat me like a young prince, someone who would one day hold the key to his fictitious castle. But it became obvious to me that he never had a key or castle to give, evidenced by his failure to provide my mother with the emotional and financial support she needed when I was a child.

If not for one of my mother’s longtime male friends, I would have never had the wherewithal to chart my own path to prosperity. It was he who taught me the value of hard work. It was he who lifted my head when the challenges of youth got me down. And even though I have at times taken him for granted, I want him to know that I appreciate him for being the man he was, is, and continues to be. He wasn’t my father, but he was the exceptional man who treated me like a son.

But enough about my humble beginnings. It’s now time to turn the page. Join me now as we delve into the lives of six African-American fathers and their adult children. It is my hope that their stories inspire more African-American men to be the exceptional fathers they were put on this Earth to be.

-0-

Click here to access EXCEPTIONAL BLACK FATHER SURVEY.

Putting Juan in His Place?

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Newt Gingrich has lost his mind.

Did you see his somewhat feisty exchange with Fox News contributor Juan Williams during the most recent Republican/Tea Party presidential debate?

Don't worry. I didn't either, at least not live. But when I watched the archived CNN videos, I applauded Juan Williams for asking questions that tell us where the Republican/Tea Party contenders stand on race.

And to say that I'm unhappy with where they're standing would be an understatement.

All of these Republican/Tea Party contenders have shown they could care less about the African-American vote. They know most of us blacks will be voting for President Barack Obama in November anyway. But what about those African Americans who were sitting in the auditorium with them? They adhere to the same conservative values as their Caucasian counterparts. They too want to make Barack Obama a one-term president. But it looks as if these candidates, and the Republican/Tea Party faithful, don't care about them either.

During Monday's debate, Newt offered a reiteration of his comments about President Obama being a "food stamp president", and raised questions about poor people’s work ethic. He told the audience that if invited to the NAACP Convention, he would tell its members to encourage their African-American constituents to demand paychecks, not food stamps. Newt stood behind these words even after Juan Williams suggested they were "intended to belittle the poor and racial minorities."

Diatribes like this have not been heard since the days of George Wallace, the former Alabama governor who, according to Wikipedia, is best remembered for “his Southern populist and pro-segregation attitudes during the American desegregation period.” Now I don’t fault Newt for playing to the crowd, but I have a problem when a person distorts reality by placing a president’s misconceived foibles on the backs of the poor and racial minorities.

Every intelligent American knows that Newt is speaking code when he refers to President Obama as the “food stamp president.” The audience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offered thunderous applause when he used the debate to hurl this sound bite at President Obama. It is understandable that Newt is trying to make the narrative about the state of American politics more pro-Republican. But why ignore the fact that most of the people receiving food stamps are white, not black?

I applaud Juan Williams for raising legitimate questions about Newt Gingrich’s belittling tendencies. But I hate the fact that in the aftermath of his perceived beat down, he allowed Newt to continue the perpetuation of his lies. Their exchange provided Williams with a platform for speaking out against conservative Republicans racist tactics. But Williams squandered this opportunity, opting to elevate his own status (albeit negative) among the Fox News faithful rather than be a champion for righteousness. Sadly, his transformation into the proverbial wimp occurred on the same day we honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Juan Williams would probably respond to me by saying he has done a lot as a journalist to educate Americans on the plight of the poor and racial minorities. And I wouldn’t argue with this point. I have many of his books on my shelf. But I wouldn’t walk away quietly either. I would remind Juan Williams that his views may be moderately conservative, but the blood flowing through his veins is rooted in Africa. And the latter should encourage him to stand up when peering into the face of wickedness (Newt Gingrich), not sit down.

Juan Williams will forever be remembered as the African-American journalist that Newt Gingrich put in his place. But that story will hopefully be nothing more than a footnote. What I hope history highlights from this exchange is the Republican/Tea Party’s failure to intelligently address the issues of prejudice, discrimination and racism.

By endorsing Newt’s brand of fiction through their thunderous applause, the Republican/Tea Party caucus resurrected attitudes reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. It is almost as if they want to change our political and social discourse from income inequality to personal responsibility.

And I wouldn’t have a problem with that. Such a discussion is important. But don’t make it seem like we African Americans lack personal responsibility because some of our members are receiving food stamps and other forms of public assistance. These Republican presidential candidates also need to talk about those disgruntled Caucasians who are struggling to make ends meet. Their struggles weren’t wrought by President Obama. They began when one of their own, Republican George W. Bush, went on a spending spree during his eight years as president.

And that’s why I will be supporting President Barack Obama in 2012. Not because he and I are descendants of Africa. But because of the Republican/Tea Party caucus’ inability to put forth a candidate that has the temperament to be the leader of the free world.

What do you think?

I look forward to reading your responses.

OCCUPY’S “DAY OF ACTION”: My Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:10:00 +0000

So I’m sitting here listening and watching CNN, the images of the Occupy Movement demonstrators dancing across my television screen. The more I listen, the more I watch, the more my admiration for the demonstrators grows. And while the New York demonstrators were not able to delay the ringing of Wall Street’s opening bell, the fact still remains that they are indeed making a statement.

There is an uprising occurring in this country, and I don’t think it is going to end anytime soon. But CNN correspondent Carol Costello raised a very good question this morning, asking, “Has the Occupy Movement changed the political conversation in America?”

I think it has, resulting from the fact that all of the attention is not being trained on an out-of-touch Tea Party, a conservative-leaning group committed to the status quo wrought by the failed policies of former president George W. Bush (R-Texas). Media outlets are now talking about the economic and social issues that need to be resolved today, not 12 months from now.

As you will recall, many of these self-proclaimed “Tea Party activists” sported guns during assemblies in Washington, DC and other parts of the country. They even called President Barack Obama a fascist, and questioned his American citizenship. By sporting guns, these misguided Americans were seemingly trying to send a message to President Obama. “Do it our way, or we’re going to force you out.” But the emergence of the Occupy Movement is enabling more Americans to see that the modern-day Republican/Tea Party is against the 99%, for the 1%.

I find it odd, however, that the Occupy Movement did not gain momentum during the 2010 elections. Prior to these elections, all we Americans heard about was the Tea Party, and how it would work through the Republican Party to rebuild the American dream. And because the media focused so much attention on its establishment, and the personal attacks made against President Obama by conservative Republicans, we ended up with a Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Because progressive-minded Americans didn’t show up and show out at the polls, the Democratic Party lost the momentum it needed to bring about the change we can believe in.

I don’t know if the existence of the Occupy Movement will cause more progressive-minded Americans to show up and show out next November. If we do, President Obama will be elected to a second term, and the Democratic Party will regain control of both Congressional houses. But if such a change is to occur, we progressive-minded Americans must overcome the Jedi Mind Tricks being employed by the GOP, whose number one goal is to make President Obama a one-term president.

The GOP wants us to believe that they have the country’s best interest at heart. Based on the comments made by Republican presidential nominees Mitt Romney, Herman Cain, Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich, our best interest is better served by allowing the 1% to hold on to the monies they received from George W. Bush’s tax cuts. But these tax cuts, coupled with corporate and populace greed, is what turned the (Bill) Clinton surplus into a Bush deficit. So, I ask you, my friends, is the GOP’s cut, cap and balance plan enough to restore this surplus?

Most people think not because it does not call for the establishment of new revenue streams.

The Occupation Movement is doing so well because it isn’t allowing itself to be taken over by either the Republican/Tea or Democratic Party. But the Republican/Tea Party is trying to link it with the Democratic Party, referring to it as a leftist movement. While such a linkage should be perceived as a compliment by President Obama and other Democratic leaders, it also reveals how much members of the Republican/Tea Party fear real progress. They know if progress is made, they have no chance of unseating President Obama, and their Congressional numbers will shrink.

Hopefully, it also causes Democratic leaders to wake up. They now have the 99%’s support for a progressive agenda free of special interest group influence.

What do you think?

I look forward to reading your responses.

Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
http://www.jefferyafaulkerson.com

OCCUPY WALL STREET ANTHEM: "Finally Here"

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:19:00 +0000

DEAR TAXPAYER: - A Short Film - Occupy Wall Street

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:44:00 +0000

THE OCCUPATION MOVEMENT: Why It Won't Be Suppressed

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:22:00 +0000

Like many of you, I have been fascinated by the number of individuals who are occupying cities all across America. They call themselves the 99%, and, like that famous line in the film Network, they’re “mad as hell,” and they’re “not going to take it anymore.”

But what are they mad at? Well, for starters, they are upset at the major banks and multinational corporations, the role they played in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations (http://occupywallst.org/about/). And its organizers boldly proclaim on their website that the movement “was inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, and aims to expose how the richest 1% of people are writing the rules of an unfair global economy that is foreclosing on our future.”

I don’t know about you, but I think the Occupy Movement protesters are speaking a language that most of us should be able to identify with. Truth be told, slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthed this movement when he stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial in the 1960s and told the world citizenry about his dream. I tend to also believe Dr. King was assassinated because he had the audacity to tell others that the next phase of his nonviolent protest would be the initiation of a Poor Man’s Campaign. Like the Occupy Movement protesters, Dr. King felt rich Americans were accumulating their wealth off the backs of working class Americans.

I have been appalled at the amount of violence being directed at Occupy Movement protesters in Oakland (CA) and New York (NY). In this day and age, you would expect these police officers and other law enforcement personnel to lay down their arms to fall in line with the protesters. Don’t their low wages place them among the 99%? But they blindly follow orders that are contrary to the values they share with the Occupy Movement protesters.

And it is the existence of these shared values that causes me to believe the Occupy Movement is one that will not, and cannot, be suppressed. While most Americans will say they support capitalism, the fact still remains that working class Americans are the pawns rich Americans use to amass wealth and assets. We work their fields, consume goods produced by our hands. Yet at a time when we pawns need rich Americans to do more to improve an ailing American economy, so many of them are reportedly searching for tax code loopholes that allow them to hold onto more of their fortunes.

The Christian bible warns that the love of money is the root of all evil. Our economy seemingly is ailing because rich Americans elect to allow their money to lead their hearts rather than allow their hearts to lead their money. Receiving more, not giving more, has become commonplace. And it seemingly is the persistence of this status quo that deters rich Americans from making innovation investments, charitable donations and new business development in this era of economic uncertainty.

The bickering in Washington, D.C. doesn’t help matters. Conservative Republicans, especially those vying for the GOP Presidential nomination, consistently enable rich Americans to shun their obligation to invest, donate and develop by denouncing tax increases on rich Americans. They tend to think a portion of their fortunes will “trickle down” to us working class Americans. But if banks aren’t lending money to working class Americans like they did when President Bill Clinton was at the helm, what makes them think rich Americans will voluntarily relinquish more of their fortunes?

The GOP Presidential candidates have also openly criticized the Occupy Movement, calling it un-American. Some of them have even used buzz words like “communist movement” when referencing these nationwide occupations. Didn’t this practice lose its luster back in the 1950s and 60s?

Call it what you want. I just hope these GOP presidential candidates and other members of the Republican Party wake up tomorrow to a fuller understanding of how their obstructionist tactics hurt our economic recovery rather than help it. Yes, the federal government needs to decrease spending. But it also needs to increase revenue. You can’t have one without the other.

In the final analysis, tax increases have more of an adverse impact on working class Americans because more of our incomes are fixed, not discretionary. This one truth should give all Americans a better appreciation for what the Occupy Movement is all about.

Those individuals protesting in America’s streets are clearly standing on the side of righteousness.

JEFFERY'S JOURNAL: The Genius of Robert Rodriguez

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:28:00 +0000

I recently introduced my seven-year-old son to the Spy Kids movies. All four films were written, directed and produced by Robert Rodriguez, a Hispanic male. Each time I insert one of these movies into my DVD player, I am amazed at what they do to me. They return me to a time when I used feature films and television shows to imagine a better life for myself and my family.

But as I studied the cast of characters that Rodriguez assembled for his films, I applauded the fact that most, if not all, of the roles were occupied by Hispanic/Latino actors. This feat is almost unheard of in Hollywood because the perceived notion is films featuring ethic characters in lead roles are not marketable to the larger community. But all four films were the talk of the town in households all across America. If you ask me, that's pretty impressive.

But I am also amazed at how slowly African-American filmmakers have responded to the need for more family films featuring African-American characters in lead roles. As the parent of a seven-year-old boy, I would love to step into the the family section at Blockbuster to see at least five live action or animated features that are unarguably African American. Instead, I am left wanting because African-American filmmakers reportedly do not see the urgency to produce such films.

Yes, I loved Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston in "The Preacher's Wife". I also admire the works of Tyler Perry and other black filmmakers. But wouldn't it be great to see more African-American versions of "Stand By Me", one of my all-time favorite coming of age films? Such movies would promote psychological healing in the African-American community, give African-American youths the impetus they need to develop their own platforms for success.

Integrating America's public educational system was nothing more than a first step. We must now integrate creative expression, ensuring that films, books and internet content depict the trials, tribulations and victories of all people. I, for one, know that we African Americans are more than thugs and prostitutes. We are also concerned parents and business professionals who want better lives for our children.

I don't know what the future holds as I strive to mesh my story ideas with the three-act screenplay structure. What I do know is I hope to one day work with directors and producers (either red, yellow, black, brown or white) who understand the importance of giving African-American youngsters heroes they can identify with. These children and youths can only worship Superman and Spider-Man for so long. Why can't someone who looks like them swoop in to save the day?

If you feel me, holla' back.

FREDDIE GOLDEN BITE-SIZED BOOK # 1 AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Mon, 30 May 2011 16:54:00 +0000

The first of four offerings in my FREDDIE GOLDEN ADVENTURE SERIES is available for online purchase.

Click on the logo to the left to ACCESS MY LULU.COM STOREFRONT.

LEROY JONES: A Kandi-Koated Kind of Man

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:25:00 +0000

The opening stanza to Grammy Award-winning singer Kandi Burruss’ song Leroy Jones reads, “Let me tell you a story about a man named Leroy Jones. He loved my mother children like they were his own. The first man to take (me) on a shopping spree. That’s the type of man that me and my daughter need! See I’m a two for one baby; I’m a package deal. Not trying to scare you away. I’m just keeping it real.”

During Season Three of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, we, the viewing public, got a chance to look into the lives of six Atlanta socialites. Each week, we found ourselves watching the broadcast or recorded (DVR, baby!) versions of the show on a somewhat religious basis. Would Kim (Zolciak) finally put NeNe (Leakes) in her place? Is Sheree (Whitfield) on track to become the next Halle Berry? Many inquiring minds wanted to know.

But of the six cast members, I feel Kandi is the most intriguing. Unlike the others, she seemingly displays an eagerness to bend over backwards to support other people’s hopes and dreams. I’m sure she second-guessed herself after hearing Kim sing a few bars from Tardy for the Party. But she probably also knows that she and her cast mates will go their separate ways after the reality show’s run is over. Why not do what is necessary to enrich their lives?

But I'm not writing this post to draw attention to the hit Bravo TV reality series. If anything, it’s about the lyrics in the aforementioned stanza. Kandi uses this song to pay tribute to the men who unconditionally love other men’s children, even after they are no longer in romantic and intimate relationships with these same children’s mothers.

As someone who grew up in a single-parent household, I can relate to what Kandi is writing about. Even though my absent father lived close enough to provide much-needed advice, guidance and support, I was greatly influenced by one of my mother's long-time male friends. He was fully present for many of my birthdays, and when I started exerting myself as a high school track and field athlete, he was in the stands cheering me on. I also remember the night he transported my date and I to and from a school dance at one of Kingsport's area hotels.

Jessie Ellison and Jessica Bennett write in their September 20, 2010 Time magazine article Who Needs Men Anyway: We Do, "...women still need men to prosper. We’re not talking about Mr. Cleaver bringing home the bacon—we need men so that we can excel at work, to level the playing field at home. We need them as dads, partners, and cheerleaders—from the classroom to the boardroom. So let’s retire the tired old “battle of the sexes” war cry—equality should never have been a zero-sum equation.”

While these words seem to be written by true feminists, I agree with the underpinnings of their argument. Women do need men to obtain parity with men. But the question on the table tonight is, “Are you willing to be the man who serves as a father, daddy, to another man's child? If so, why?"

I have been a proud father for more than seven years now. The love I have for my son is immeasurable. All he has to do is breathe, and I'll pat him on the back for doing it so well. But I also have this burning desire to help other men's children help themselves. My hope is something I say or do will resonate with them, give them the inspiration they need to create exit strategies from difficult circumstances.

The National Fatherhood Initiative reports on its website that 24 million children are living in a home without their biological fathers. These children reportedly are more likely to live in poverty, drop out of school, engage in risky behaviors, and suffer from emotional and behavioral issues. In light of these facts, you would think that more fathers would renew their relationships with their own children. Sadly, that isn't happening because too many men are living their lives with a "hit it, then forget it" mindset.

Long before I got married, I vowed that I would never leave nor forsake my wife and children. Don't get me wrong; I have my shortcomings as a husband and father, but I find myself always endeavoring to be my family's present help. I believe the effort my wife and I put forth to stay together is teaching us how to more fully appreciate the God that we serve. Our staying together also teaches our son the value of a man remaining faithful to one woman.

The emergence of the National Fatherhood Initiative is an indication that many of our fathers shun their obligations as parents. That is why more men, both married and unmarried, should consider serving as a "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters, or a tutor or mentor in a YMCA enrichment program and/or summer day camp.

We men were birthed into existence to lead. Kandi's Leroy Jones was fully aware of this fact. But he also knew that positive attention and praise are breaths of fresh air for children on a quest for independence and self-discovery. Our children need us to stand in the gap for them. Are you doing your part to help more of them stay on the straight path?

EMBRACING THE NUMERIC: How to Lose What You Have Gained

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:52:00 +0000

So, I turned 43 today.

If you are a recent visitor to my FAULKERSON FOCUS blog, you're probably saying, "And?".

I don't blame you for begging the question. Many of you don't know me from Adam. But to all those individuals who wished me a Happy Birthday this weekend, I say thank you. Your birthday wishes are welcomed and appreciated.

I thank God every day for what he has allowed me to accomplish in the 43 years I've been on this planet. I tend to think I exceeded my parents' expectations by first graduating from high school and college to put myself in a position to make money through legitimate means. And I have been blessed to marry the love of my life. This love affair with my special lady has been going strong for almost 18 years, withstanding the occasional storms that plague every relationship. Moreover, I have been blessed with the privilege of being a father to our seven-year-old son.

Please know, however, that I wasn't always comfortable with embracing the numeric. If anything, it scared the living daylights out of me. With 75 being the average life expectancy for human beings, I found myself fearing that day when my physical body would be buried six feet under with my ancestors. I also harbored a preoccupation with my inability to transform my dreams into reality.

As a writer, I have yet to publish a book, article or essay that captures a major award. And, as a former collegiate long jumper, I never claimed the SEC, NCAA and Olympic titles that I coveted. There was a time when the full weight of this reality hit me like a ton of bricks. But no more. I am now able to recognize that the bricks are created by me, and, consequently, I have the power to order them rather than subject myself to further abuse.

The dream to be an award-winning writer of fiction and nonfiction continues to be alive and well. But I have since learned that you can't stop living your life while pursuing the dream. You also cannot base your success as a man (or woman) on a singular dream. In the final analysis, we human beings are going to be judged by the love in our hearts, and what this same love motivates us to do in obedience to God and in service to others.

Don't get me wrong; I haven't cornered the market on obedience and service. I continue to be one of the most selfish men on the planet, just ask my wife and son. They know the real Jeffery, the man who at times can get so caught up in his thoughts and emotions that he is oblivious to the turmoil and strife around him. Much of this behavior has everything to do with past and present experiences. But it also has something to do with my quest to find a purpose for my existence.

Like many of you, I want to make a difference in the world. I don't want to reach my 100th year only to be deflated emotionally by the fact that I didn't say or do anything to positively impact other people's lives. The Holy Bible reminds us that human beings exist to provide support and companionship to those around us.

That is why I feel sad when I hear about the disadvantaged children who are being left behind in the American public educational system, the wars being waged in foreign lands, and the families that are being torn apart because the parties involved choose selfishness over selflessness. We human beings will undoubtedly have our differences of opinion, but we should be bonded together by the fact that we only have one life to live, one world to share.

There are some who think the world is going to Hell in a hand basket. At times, I agree. But is our destination predicated on a prophecy, or are too few of us exercising the common sense that cultivates a desire to be philanthropic?

I believe the desire to be philanthropic is part of our genetic makeup. The problem seems to be that so many of us shun our philanthropic natures, seemingly blinded by personal ambition. The world - its norms, values and mores - has convinced us that we must get ours while the getting is good. But shouldn't our lives be less about the getting, more about the giving?

I'm a fan of Joel Osteen, the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston Texas. During a recent sermon that I listened to on my iPod, he reminded his listeners that "God takes pleasure in the prosperity of his people." He continues, declaring that we Christians should wear our blessings well, not allow the naysayers to beat us down because we're prospering under the veil of God's favor.

Wearing our blessings well is a must for born-again Christians in this day and age. But we also must guard our hearts. There was a reason Jesus told the rich man that he must give up his possessions if he wanted to be saved. Christ knew that the love of money (or time, talent and/or treasure) is the root of all evil. If we don't guard our hearts, then we will be tempted to believe our blessings result solely from our own efforts and not because God presented us with opportunities to take hold of them.

When I reach my 100th year, I want the people I leave behind to know that I woke up each day trying to pour the essence of my Christian character into my wife and son, and those persons willing to accept my brand of philanthropy. That doesn't mean I have to emulate multimillionaires Bob Johnson, Warren Buffet or Bill Gates. It just means I must be willing to tell others how to strengthen their relational ties with Jesus Christ. Yes, there will be times when we will be afraid, at a loss for words, but please know that God will provide the confidence and courage we need to speak truth into other people's lives. He will also give us the foresight and wisdom we need when pouring a portion of our time, talent and treasure into these same lives.

What do you think? In your quest to embrace the numeric, have you learned how to lose what you have gained?

I look forward to reading your responses.

Waiting for Superman Shock and Awe PSA

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 03:15:00 +0000

Do You Value Positive Youth Development?

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:51:00 +0000

Check out this link about Positive Youth Development. It's time to get our young people involved in the change process. We can't just talk at them; we must begin to talk with them.

http://www.mypasa.org/failid/Positive_Youth_Dev.pdf

What do you think?

I look forward to reading your responses.

Eight Trends in Social Entrepreneurship for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (J. A. Faulkerson) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:23:00 +0000

I thought you might be interested in learning about the eight trends in social entrepreneurship to watch for in 2011. You can read the article at: dowser.org