As we close another Independence Day celebration, I seemed to be poised to pause to take stock of what it means to be an American.

We need to assimilate culturally in a way that highlights the narrative of the American experience. We are striving to form a more perfect union.

 How do we do that?

How will that help us to assimilate?

Striving means we are attempting to do something to justify our democracy. “We the people” have a say in the outcome of public policy, unlike many countries that are ruled through an authoritarian. Therefore, we have a responsibility as Americans to understand and share this American narrative for the betterment of our communities.

We all want the same things in life.

The uniqueness of America offers us the equal opportunity to achieve those things. Not that every individual will adhere to these principles, but every individual can take the opportunity to get an education, start a business, raise a family, buy a home, even marry the person they love.

These are the tenants of our democracy.

This is why assimilation is important.

If America is going to continue to be that shining city on a hill for the rest of the world to see, then we need to live up to standards that make us strive in order to form a more perfect union.
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Happy 6th of July!

Was it a shock that Congress was unable to "repeal" and "replace" the Affordable Health Care Act? It shouldn't be.  Reality has collided with the rather boorish cheerleading that has found the Trump administration at the one yard line with no time left on the clock.  Although it was probably a good idea for Paul Ryan to rescind the bill, the process has exposed President Trump's inexperience at the legislative aspects of the “art of the deal.” Here are a few suggestions that the President can use to meet his promise to provide universal health care to everyone, cut costs, lower deductibles and premiums, and offer more choice through free market principles.

1) Add the public option: The public option will allow real choice in permitting those who can afford more expensive plans to purchase the plans as offered by the insurers. Of course, there could be a supplemental included for catastrophic insurance (no caps or limits through Obama care) but, the goal is to get everyone covered and contain costs. There would be no tax deduction for these plans accept in the case of a supplemental being utilized.

2) Replace the individual mandate with incentives for small group and individual co-ops; If employers are no longer required to provide insurance, it opens up the market for individual and small group insurance buy-ins. Qualified tax deductions could be implemented on behalf of the participants to encourage growth, thus spreading the risk and reducing costs.

3) Expand the Medicare/Medicaid roles in each state to cover the costs of those currently in the system; the problems we have with entitlement funding are that there are fewer sources from which to acquire the funding. Shrinking and stagnant wages squeeze the tax base from the consumer side of the ledger and corporate tax breaks reduce the tax base and decrease revenues from the other side. Therefore, if you're really going to fix health care you need to establish a new revenue source. In the short term, tax increases on the wealthy is an unpopular but necessary tool in the shed that would indirectly benefit corporations by having a healthier workforce. The other source would come from a steady employment picture which would tend to demonstrate the economy is improving and people can invest into the overall economy, thus expanding the tax base through increased commerce.

The real problem with health care and health insurance is fundamental...the question being; Is health care a right or is health care a privilege? Unless and until we answer that question, we will be hard pressed to arrive at a consensus that will allow Congress to exert its will to the people. It seems as if Congress keeps limiting its options by its opaque approach to problem solving.

Instead of saying that the government is incapable of administering insurance and the free market approach is the only answer, why don't we try another approach? What about a public/private partnership with an "all hands on deck" approach to our health care dilemma? Why not let the government take care of those who are unable to pay for or acquire health insurance? We could finance that through the same processes of Medicare and Medicaid. The goal would be to provide preventative care and manage the cost of the overall program through enhanced outcomes.

The government should get tough on drug companies and no longer allow them to have total control of their pricing.  The government could set a limit that would have to be recognized by the private insurance market. The consumer would then have more transparency in choosing the plan that best suits their situation and the difference in the retail, wholesale and procurement cost of their prescription drug plan. Health care is hard...but not impossible.

                                                                   I got the cure!!!

One thing is perfectly clear. President Donald J. Trump has given this country a long overdue lesson in government ethics. It is even more ironic when you consider that the President is credited for the push back of the since denounced house ethics bill; the first piece of legislation the House of Representatives brought forth in the 115th Congress.  Among the many challenges of this administration, ethics is proving to be their biggest foe.

These ethical issues seem to be intertwining at the intersection of the President's lack of legislative experience and the Republican’s ideological pleadings. It was highly unethical for the House of Representatives to not work to help improve the Affordable Health Care act for example. They did everything in their power to make the law fail. Now after 7 years and over 40 futile effortless votes for repeal; several increases in premium and deductible costs, they finally want to put a plan together. I guess it's the thought that counts, because the Republican Party’s philosophy on health care advocates for something much different.  As a result, Congress once again has transgressed its constitutional duty to provide for the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness for its citizens. Was it unethical for Congress to not expend every resource to help the American people despite their indifference to the former President? Instead, they chose to take a political risk that seemed to work. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, people's lives are being saved with this "disastrous" legislation even though the current republican house bill would like to retain some of the Affordable Care Act’s provisions.
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Both the President and Congress have put themselves into an odd conundrum.  They are presiding over a decent economy with more people covered under insurance and the stock market rising. Normally these conditions would indicate an optimistic forecast going into the future. However, the ethical issues that seem to keep surfacing are causing many to wonder what is really going on with this administration. "Draining the Swamp” is turning out to be a tougher job than one might think. Especially when the swamp could be in your own back yard.

​Another day in paradise and what did we learn? I hope we learned that no matter what our political party affiliation is, the Constitution of the United States of America needs to be the beacon by which we are enlightened and led to higher aspirations.

It is obvious to anyone who is observing our political conversation that the definition of our country and the existence of our democracy are indeed being challenged. Which way will we as a people go?  Will we put party affiliation over the dictates of our own conscience? It will be interesting to see how we tackle this issue.

People seem to be interested more in their own personal narrative than facts. There is a formidable push back forming that seems to be distancing themselves from the party fervor...or should I say fever. It gives me great joy when I see true statesmen crossing the aisle to solve problems for the betterment of our country. These individuals need to continue to set the example so that new members coming to Congress have a higher standard by which to cast their votes. The hypocrisy in both political parties needs to end and we need to stop giving our representatives a pass and hold their feet to the fire. 

It is imperative at this time that we start acting as "We the People." If we are going to drain the swamp, then we need to know and understand how the swamp operates. Big money, corporations being recognized as people, the military industrial complex, automation in the workplace, and unchecked, unfettered  nationalism will challenge us like never before to be true to who and what we are as a country!! No one will be exempt. It is time to ask that proverbial question offered to us by our 35th President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your country."

The time is now and the day is today! You, me and we hold the key to our futures! Party alliances and partisan gamesmanship will surely prove to be the nemesis to our individual and civil liberties. If we don't stand for something we will fall for anything!!! May we always stand united as "WE the People!!!”

Oh the irony and just in time for President's Day!! You have "Blacks for Trump" supporters raving for the President at his rallies. Then you have hundreds of thousands in the streets, many of them white, protesting that President Trump is not their President.  This confirms my prognostication that President Trump will indeed bring the country together...one way or another. 

As fate would have it, today would be the day that I would restart my blog. It did make me chuckle when I read my previous blog and remembered why starting this was so very important to me in the first place.  I believe this new frontier called  social media could be a resourceful tool in helping us build a consensus and create opportunities for redress.  I'm often  reminded of our commitment as artists to be a reflection of the world we and others live in. Today brings to mind the searing lyrics from a composition by the great Stevie Wonder.

​                              "We would not care to wake up to the nightmare that is becoming real life,
                                         But when misled who knows a person's mind can turn cold as ice."

                                        "It's not to cool to be ridiculed but you brought this upon yourself,
                                         the world is tired of pacifiers we want the truth and nothing else."

These nearly prophetic lyrics illustrate how very necessary it is for artists to stand up, push back and reach out.  Today's political environment is wrought with adversity.  We are faced with the dilemma of defining who we are and what it means to be an American.  We must be loyal actors in emphasizing those issues that impact us as a people. It's not about labels. It's not about partisan politics. It's about learning and growing and sharing those things that display our humanity in a world where humanity seems to be lacking.

Happy Mother's Day!

Life sure is good!!

Among all the overlooked things to be thankful for in this life, if you were or are fortunate enough to have/had a good mother, then by all means shout it from the rooftop!

My blog today is merely a testament to the great moms out there who take their job very seriously.
The  pureness and depth of our very existence as a nation revolves around the wholesomeness that caring and attentive  mothers bring to the table.  A child needs emotional and spiritual nourishment just as desperately as a child needs healthy  food for nourishment.

Mothers in a very unique way hold the key to establishing  the values and morals that will shape our thoughts, perceptions and understanding for tomorrow's generations.

I'm so grateful that I had a mother, that was not perfect, but fundamentally taught me right from wrong. With that foundation set, I could then make my own decisions as a conscientious, sober-minded (at least somewhat sober minded) individual who had to be responsible for his actions...good, bad or indifferent.

Don't get me wrong, fathers play a huge role in the development of our societal structure, but mothers are really unique in their role to make a noticeable impact on children.

After all, that is truly where a mother has her greatest impact...on the development and establishment
of the very best attributes that we as youngsters inhabit, but may not even  be aware  exists within us.

Ultimately,  Mothers that inspire, motivate, educate, enlighten, love, collaborate, guide, protect, counsel, liberate and moderate,  are truly Mothers whom I sing praises to. Their most harmonious contributions to our families, communities, neighborhoods and social institutions; I'm sure we can unequivocally articulate is music to our collective ears...Happy Mother's Day to all and to all...Happy Mother's day!!

Special Mother's day shout outs to my darling mother whose spirit truly lives on...Mary Lucinda Williams 09/04/1942 - 03/28/2001...love ya always!!






love ya always!!

Okay, better late than never…the J.W.E. blog officially starts today!

Here we go…This blog will combine my two greatest passions – music & politics.

It was my experience growing up that musical artists not only entertained us, but they also educated and inspired us.

The musical traditions in the African-American community lead many to adhere to the community cause through the musical masterpieces specifically composed and performed to mount us to action.

As a result, the name of this blog will be entitled “Music & Politics.” The premise of the blog will address issues in the public domain that are of particular interest and to see if we may be able to view these concerns through the artistic and/or creative lens. Especially when recognizing the fact that artists truly do hold the keys to solving the problems for all the world’s ills.

Or, I may just want to share some things with you that are near and dear to me.

None the less, check in; see what’s up, because anything could be up.

I’ll do my best to keep you entertained, informed and engaged. Let’s take a walk through this brave new world together.

Jacque

J.W.E.