Thomas Neal

January 6, 2021

On January 6th 2021, a hostile takeover of the Democratic process was attempted by staunch supporters of the President of the United States, Donald Trump. The attempted coup was not just antagonized that day, it was built over 5 years of hateful and aggressive rhetoric that fed into the vulnerabilities of a segment of America that believes that the rights afforded by the constitution are only for them and people that look like them. Stoked by President who is nothing more than an opportunist, who tapped into these vulnerabilities and exploited them for his own personal gain.

Are you holding yourself accountable???

When was the last time you took stock of your own personal failures and successes? If was recent what did learn from both? If you can’t remember the last time you did, then the question is why haven’t you? There will come a time in each and every one of our lives where we will know that ultimately we are responsible for ourselves. We own each decision that we make, rather it be good or bad and the quicker that we realize it in life the more we stand to learn. So the ultimate question is, are you holding yourself accountable?

“I Am Proud to Be Maladjusted”

Let’s take it back, way back for some us, myself included, to 1963. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was giving a speech on civil rights and segregation. During that speech he used a term that I had not heard before, he said we need to be “Maladjusted”. Most folks are familiar with the term adjustment, it basically means to correct or straighten, or to make “normal”. Now maladjusted, wouldn’t that mean the opposite? In the context that Dr. King was using it that’s is exactly what it means, because in 1964 segregation was normal, discrimination was not only normal but an accepted practice and a way of life. He was saying in order for us to advance we had to make these things not “normal”. We had to move past our differences solely based on our color in order to obtain a better way of life for all.

A New Beginning

HELLO WORLD!!!!! SO this is something different for me. I am entering a different phase in my life where now I am becoming the old head…WOW… but with that comes certain obligations for the next generation, hence this little effort right here. Let me begin by saying I have been doing what you all are about to start reading and hearing and maybe one day seeing for a number of years, mainly to people within my circle, and that is motivating them to do and be more than they would have thought possible. Showing them how some of the decisions they are making are helping or hindering their personal development. Before you think it though, no I am not going to list out schools attended, courses taken and certifications earned because this is not a resume. I have heard countless times I should write a book or I am going to be a politician, and honestly all those things are still open options for me, but now my goal is to reach SOMEBODY and hopefully get someone to where they want to be. The inspiration for this came from an unlikely source, Facebook. A family member posted a blog and friend of mine made a video talking about stepping out of her comfort zone, so I thought to myself it’s my time. One of things I have learned over the years is what good is having knowledge if its not shared, so here goes….SOMETHING?!?

The Problem With Entitlement

So let me start by painting a picture for you. It’s the holiday season, let’s say BC, (Before Covid) and you are walking into your favorite store to do some Christmas shopping. At the door you see that staple of the season, the red Salvation Army kettle with the bell ringer. You know the bell ringer personally so you strike up a conversation and start to walk off. They yell your name and ask you where your donation is. You tell them you don’t have anything extra to give and they get UPSET. They begin to question you and demand to know why you didn’t give anything….so what do you say…the nerve of this dude, turn around and ask them ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! To your surprise they reply yes.