“I Cross The Street…”
Posted by Michelle Moquin on July 25th, 2013
Good morning!
From Political Ticker:
Cummings: ‘I cross the street’ when white women walk toward me
Washington (CNN) – Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, has been a member of Congress for almost two decades.
Yet when he is walking down the street in Washington, D.C., at night and white women walk toward him, he says “I cross the street” to avoid making them uncomfortable.
Cummings says he rarely speaks about race or what life is like as a black man, but says President Barack Obama’s heartfelt remarks Friday afternoon made him more comfortable to do so.
“I think it’s important that he speak out and he brings a very unique perspective, because is the president and he has been extremely fortunate compared to most African-Americans, and yet still he can speak to the prejudices that most of us still face,” Cummings told CNN in a telephone interview.
Cummings lives in what calls the “inner city” of Baltimore, Maryland.
For emphasis, he says “when I say inner, I mean inner.”
The 10 term congressman says he loves to go shopping with his wife, because he likes to watch her try on dresses. But he won’t do it outside his district where people know him because “I don’t like the idea of people following me around.”
“People usually have the security guard following me, or questions with the overabundant, ‘can I help you?’ They think you’re going to do something wrong. We’ve seen it over and over again since childhood,” said Cummings.
He joked that it’s a bit better recently since, as the ranking member of the GOP-led House Oversight Committee, which is investigating IRS misconduct, Benghazi and more, he is on T.V. often and is recognized outside his district.
Still, he too talked about “feeling the tension” when he is in the elevator with a white woman.
“The tension… it’s hard to describe,” he said.
Some African-American leaders and activists have expressed frustration with Obama for not using his position to stir a national discussion about race. Cummings was not one of those people.
“It’s not that simple. People go crazy,” said Cummings.
“I see the way this country reacts to the littlest thing he says about race,” he said.
Plus, Cummings believes that before Obama was elected to his second and final term, it would have been “counterproductive to talk about these things because everything was in the prism of politics.”
“Now that he has the freedom to not worry about re-election, I think he has a better opportunity,” said Cummings.
A day earlier, Cummings’ race played out in an awkward moment during a tension-filled IRS hearing.
When admonishing Cummings, Rep. Darrell Issa, the Republican Oversight Committee chairman, referred to Cummings as “a little boy whose hand’s caught in the cookie jar.”
Later, Issa apologized to his African-American colleague for using the term “boy.”
“That is something I grew up with, it is intended to be about a small child, and in no way the use of boy or little boy to be anything else,” Issa said.
Cummings thanked Issa, saying he appreciated his words.
********
Readers: I can’t imagine being a person and feeling the need to act like Cummings does. How sad that one feels that way. It really says to me that we need to have so much compassion for others, and to walk in the shoes of others to truly understand what it is like to live as another human being…whether they are a different race or gender than ourselves. It is when we can do this, and are willing to do this, that we can become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges and plight of others.
Io9: Your comment has been on my mind. From what I know about the lives of aliens, from what has been told here, I can understand how difficult that would be. Human life seems to last for just a blip compared to the lives of aliens. I HOPE you’re well.
Zarita: I really enjoyed reading your comment, and hearing about your sister Sonja and Costa Del Azahar. It sounds simply beautiful! Thank you for the invitation to visit. I would love to one day. I was so sorry to hear about the train crash in Spain. What a horrible accident. My condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones. Thanks for being a loyal reader. Hugs to you and Sonja.
Zen Lill: Thanks for posting that video of the young girl. I was so taken by her. What a smart child, articulating so well the disgusting behavior of adults toward children. I HOPE for her safety and that her message spreads far and wide.
Social Butterfly: Thank you. And thanks for posting the write on GMOs. I signed. This is so important.
Zalika: Your point as been made before. It was true then and it is still true today.
Ellen: Obama has to pick his battles. And, with the repubs in control, he has to make very tough decisions. What is the lesser of two evils? I HOPE this is a lesson that just because Obama is president doesn’t mean we get to rest on our laurels. The midterm elections are once again going to be VERY IMPORTANT.
Nyika: Now that is the kind of attitude I like to hear from a strong, capable woman. Good for you and your daughter. You know you have my love and support.
Baako: Thanks to you and the other males for caring and for being a loving brother toward your sisters. I wish all brothers and fathers would protect their sisters and mothers like you have done. You are a wonderful example that I HOPE inspires others. My best to you and your family.
Mike, TM: Very interesting. I think you know that answer. My guess is yes. Perhaps someone knows something and will share. I HOPE all is well with you.
Peace & Love…
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)
Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:
Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129
Thank you for your loyal support!
All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012
“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream
" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"
July 25th, 2013 at 10:21 am
I am Zarita’s sister Michelle. You made my day. I sincerely hope you will consider allowing us to be your host for a visit to Spain.
Love
Sonja
July 25th, 2013 at 10:30 am
So Long, Syringoma: How to Get Rid of Bumps Under the Eyes
Got a smattering of hard white, yellowish or skin-colored bumps on the skin under your eyes? You may think that they’re particularly persistent pimples—but they’re probably syringomas, or benign tumors that form in the ducts of the sweat glands.
“The bump you see is just the ‘tip of the iceberg,’ because at least half of the syringoma lies beneath the skin’s surface,” said Neal B. Schultz, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and author of It’s Not Just About Wrinkles.
A syringoma forms when (for unknown reasons) there is an overgrowth of cells within a sweat gland duct. The duct becomes enlarged by and clogged with the extra cells, forming a hard round bump about one to three millimeters in diameter.
Syringomas can occur singly or in clusters. Though they most often appear below the eyes, they also can form elsewhere on the face, in the armpits, on the chest or lower abdomen, or on the male or female genitalia.
Syringomas can affect just about anyone at any age, but they are more common in women than in men, and arise most frequently during adolescence and at midlife. People with diabetes or a family history of syringomas are at increased risk.
Though technically they are tumors, syringomas are harmless and painless…do not signal cancer or any underlying medical problem…and will not spread (like warts do). Thus they do not require treatment. However, many people consider the bumps unsightly—and want to get rid of them.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent syringomas from forming in the first place—and there’s nothing you can do at home to banish the bumps once they appear.
“No squeezing, steaming, over-the-counter cream or other do-it-yourself treatment can make syringomas go away.
All you’ll accomplish is to irritate and perhaps scar the skin,” Dr. Schultz said. Don’t bother trying a wart remover on syringomas, either—this would just irritate the skin between the bumps without getting rid of the syringomas themselves.
Makeup can mask their color, but the bumps will still be visible and may cast shadows under overhead light, Dr. Schultz added.
So what can you do? See your dermatologist. Once successfully treated, an individual syringoma will not regrow—however, with or without treatment, you may develop additional syringomas in nearby sweat ducts.
BUMP-BANISHING TREATMENT OPTIONS
Do not expect (or allow) the dermatologist to cut off the top of a syringoma with a scalpel or other tool, Dr. Schultz advised—the growth would still be visible because its whitish-yellowish color is noticeably different from the surrounding skin.
He also cautioned against having the entire syringoma scooped out under local anesthesia, because this could leave a pit that would be more unsightly than the bump.
Instead, Dr. Schultz advised talking to your dermatologist about…
Bichloroacetic acid (BCA).
A dermatologist can apply this topical medication very precisely to the tip of each syringoma, causing a brief burning sensation. The bump crusts over. When the crust falls off, typically in a week to 10 days, it usually leaves excellent results, Dr. Schultz said—no bump, no hole, no permanent discoloration—after just a single treatment. For those reasons, BCA is his treatment of choice for his own patients.
Electrocautery.
With this treatment, after numbing the skin with a local anesthetic (such as Lidocaine), a small probe with an electric current running through it is used to burn away each syringoma.
A single session can destroy the part of the syringoma that’s above skin level. Usually, this does not leave you with mismatched skin color the way cutting off the top of the bump does.
Or you can have multiple sessions spaced three to four weeks apart to remove the entire growth gradually enough that the area heals without leaving a hole.
Be aware, though, that electrocautery may leave dark spots and even little holes if the syringomas are overtreated. That’s why Dr. Schultz recommended that it be used only when BCA doesn’t work.
The cost of syringoma treatment varies depending on the doctor, your location, the technique used and the number of bumps being treated, but expect to pay several hundred dollars per session.
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover the cost since syringoma treatment is considered strictly cosmetic—but people who want their bump-free complexions restored may consider the money well-spent.
Source: Neal B. Schultz, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and owner, Neal Schultz MD PLLC, both in New York City.
Dr. Schultz also is the founder of http://www.DermTV.com and author of It’s Not Just About Wrinkles (Stewart, Tabori and Chang). http://www.NealSchultzMD.com
July 25th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
I’m posting a reply I made to a huff post commentator. It was censored on post.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
mhammer491
287 Fans
Become a fan
4 hours ago ( 9:43 AM)
We only need to address one of the items on your list to show that you obviously are depending on “Google” way too much! If helps no one to spout off figures if you do not understand how to read and interpret those numbers.
You stated that “Unemployment Insurance” is not a reward, but a repayment of the money the “individual” paid into the Unemployment Insurance funds of the state and the federal government when he was working.
The individual does not pay into the Unemployment Insurance funds of either government! The EMPLOYER pays the Unemployment Insurance Premiums! I am an Accountant, and I have filed these returns for many, many years! And the premiums are only paid on the first $7,000 of wages earned in any one year.
And there were more regulations passed the final two years of Bush’s presidency when the Democrats took over, then before. You might check to see who was president prior to Bush! The years under Bush were in response to the 9/11 attacks, and there were more security acts passed then ever before. I do not understand where you get off stating that Bush ended regulations, because that just isn’t true. And remember this, Health Insurance companies have been refusing people because of Pre-existing conditions much longer than before Bush was in the White House.
“We only need…” Right, and you are the one to help me read and interpret those figures. Somewhat like the rest of your republican bunch has been “reading and interpreting” figures and other things for the people. And how have the people fared? The answer is in the state the Nation was in before Obama took over.
==============================
My reply:
So here you come mincing words like “The EMPLOYER pays the Unemployment Insurance Premiums!” The employer is paying for a particular employee because that employee earned it as a benefit of his work input.
It wasn’t a benevolent gift, you idiot. It is his to collect in the advent of loss of employment; the employer has no claim on it.
Perhaps a little more time with Google and a little less in front of fox fake facts tube would help you and your accounting business lean a thing or two.
As an accountant you should know that that president you referred to before bush, left him a SURPLUS, which he like most republicans promptly wasted while waging two wars off the accountants’ books.
More lies, about the ACA, I think the President’s speech yesterday busted you there. I will address your “I do not understand” in a part 2 post. Of course, there is so much you do not understand. It’s to be expected because you are a victim of fox fake facts.
—————————
Still can’t figure why the huff moderators felt this was too much to print.
July 25th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Michelle, I agree with your remarks to Ellen. If Obama is to have a chance at improving this nation’s chances of getting better, We have to get the republicans out.
July 25th, 2013 at 4:26 pm
LeTAo, I saw your post on Huff Post and I read your response to mhammer491
Obama Economic Speech Tells GOP To Drop The ‘Endless Parade Of Distractions’
Commented Jul 25, 2013 at 16:30:34 in Politics
“huff refused to accept my reply. If you care to see it check out http://blog.michellemoquin.com/?p=19217#comment-84090.
They don’t censor there. ”
===========================
The moderators at Huff Post, Probably didn’t like the “you idiot.” part.
July 25th, 2013 at 4:54 pm
There was no need to interfere with that fire.
July 25th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Frankly when I read that Michelle my BS detector pegged the max.
July 25th, 2013 at 5:51 pm
If you get them to stop profiling Afro-Americans, you do not have to start profiling the Muslims.
July 25th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
Wow! And as a white woman, if I saw him, I’d hug him. This is messed up in so many ways.
I understand, but can’t stand the mindset that makes Mr. Cummings think he has to go to these lengths.
July 25th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Dam, that is a horrible commentary on our new century.
I feel sorry for him, I wonder if he feels like a second class citizen sometimes? I cannot imagine having to THINK about those kind of things on a daily basis.
We got to get our shit together in this country, it is 2013 not 1913.
July 25th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
No kidding. Astounding – the rift that’s been torn open in society.
I guess the teabaggers hate it so much that they can’t get rid of a black President that they’ve moved on to start taking it out on women and Latinos.
After all, they’re forced by the latest Supreme Court ruling to lay off of the gay community for awhile. They find other ways to defy progress, bless their hearts.
July 25th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Just fyi about ‘laying off the gay community’. It is legal in 29 States to discriminate
openly against LGBT people in housing, employment and any other way straights might wish to do so. We are the only group it is legal to discriminate against openly in the US.
The DOMA ruling was great, but it does not make federal equality nor does it correct the bigoted laws that most of the nation functions under. Folks can say ‘we don’t hire your kind’ and we have no recourse.
No recourse at all. Why? This is how straights want it to be and those who might object are largely unaware or pretend to be unaware.
July 25th, 2013 at 5:59 pm
And he probably hears a lot of car door locks go click …
when he’s waiting to cross a street and a car with
a white driver drives slowly by the intersection.
There’s something seriously wrong with this.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
It’s true. I’ve seen black men pass up an elevator so as not to make anyone uncomfortable. Sad….
but true. I don’t know how you allay the fears of white women, if they hold preconceived notions of who you are.
The juror who spoke out after the trial is a perfect example of someone most black men would avoid, just so she wouldn’t feel “uncomfortable” or threatened in any way.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
So sad.
I walk a lot in the city, and have made a habit of smiling and nodding in greeting at everyone I encounter.
Sadly, I have noticed that most black men over the age of about 40 will look down as they approach and will avoid my glance, while the young ones tend to stare straight ahead and ignore me.
Very, very occasionally a black gentleman will smile and nod back, perhaps even speak a greeting, and those tend to be more elderly.
Until now, I thought it was vaguely interesting and perhaps just a funny cultural thing. Now I understand a bit better and think it’s very sad.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:03 pm
I think that varies from town to town.
For example people in the Twin Cities seem to interact pretty well with strangers regardless of race. Also Hyde Park & at least when I lived there years ago, milwaukee’s East Side in the general area of UWM.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
A dreadlock-sporting coworker tells me that happens to him routinely he’s one of the most mellow people I know.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
When I lived in Mexico, everyone returned a greeting and I got used to it. People back here seemed very unfriendly by comparison and it took me a while to adjust. That’s what got me informally keeping track of who responds and who doesn’t.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:07 pm
That seems to be self degrading to me.
Fuck the ignorant and their “comfort level”. The problem is with them, not with him. It’s sad that he does this. It’s giving credence to their irrational fear.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:08 pm
EVERY Black person working in Corporate America knows exactly what Cummings is talking about.
Here is someone else’s take: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/07/questlove-trayvon-martin-and-i-aint-shit.html
July 25th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Sometimes
I feel like that, myself when I’m out somewhere and am the only Black guy around. I either start messing around with my iPod in order to look busy when police cars roll by, or I don’t return the glances of passersby on the street.
I’m kind of a shy person, anyway, but I also don’t want to be arousing suspicion about myself when walking around.
July 25th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
When I read this, I felt That’s pretty sad
And it’s a painful reminder of how serious the racism is in this country.
July 25th, 2013 at 10:36 pm
You are so pretty, you blow my mind. I love you for the way you make me feel I have a person that I can talk to about anything.
The way you express yourself so freely and honestly. I never feel lied to or manipulated. I love the feeling of being loved by you. Actually, I live for it.
Sometimes when I lie beside you, I do not believe I will be able to do anything but thank the Universe that you are there with me.
July 25th, 2013 at 10:44 pm
That’s a sad stance to have to resign yourself to though I totally get why he’d go that route.
Regina, I’ve been following the story, she’s in protective custody of her uncle now so now I just hope to the hilt that he’s a good man.
Luv, Zen Lill
July 26th, 2013 at 8:54 am
Ym,
Your sweet written words touch me like no other. I don’t think any woman has ever felt so loved and appreciated as you make me feel. No matter if I have just woken up in the morning you make me feel like I am a goddess in your arms. How could I not love you like I do?
When I am loved the way you love me like no other, it brings out the best in me…my love is boundless and forever. I am yours.
May 1st, 2014 at 7:08 pm
I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s posts all the time
along with a cup of coffee.
June 20th, 2014 at 1:59 pm
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto
a colleague who had been conducting a little research
on this. And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I discovered it
for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this
issue here on your web page.
September 1st, 2014 at 11:56 am
Remarkable things here. I am very glad to see your article.
Thank you so much and I am looking forward to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Check out my blog post; love app