OFFICIAL SPEECH BLOG

Overcoming Fear

Fear has gripped our society, and some seem to be caught in a “paralysis of analysis.” Our ability to make clear, firm decisions is imperative… Below are a few tips to encourage you during this time—please pass them along to those that will benefit… Have an great week! One of the greatest hindrances to decision making is fear. And, the longer you think about the decision the more fearful you become. All of us struggle at some point in life when it comes to making decisions. I would think many of you are experiencing that struggle as you read this newsletter. The emotion of fear complicates any decision making activity. Should I stay or should I go? Should I continue doing what I’ve been doing or try a different approach? What happens when my savings are gone? These are only a few of the questions that come up when making critical decisions during difficult times. When fear becomes a part of the process it not only complicates it, but causes the person to become stranded between options. Energy Performance Tips The best decisions are based on facts or at least the facts as you know them. Fear muddles facts. Interestingly, one of the facts about fear is that 99% of all the things you have ever worried about NEVER happened. Dr. Frank Crane, a Presbyterian minister said, “Most of the fear that spoils life comes from attaching difficulties before we get to them.” I’m sure you have seen or heard this definition of FEAR. Fear is: “Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real. Here are suggestions to help manage fear when making a decision: 1. There are no terminal choices. Whatever choice you make you can re-make it at any time. Plus all decisions provide you with benefits. If you make the right decision, great, you did well. If it was the wrong decision, you learned something. 2. Fear wastes energy. Fear causes you to visualize things that are not real or dream up things that have not yet happened. Use your energy for realistic thoughts and actions. W. Clement Stone said, “When thinking won’t cure fear, action will.” 3. All decisions have a certain amount of risk. "How can I be sure this is the right decision?" "What if I make the wrong choice?" The answer to these questions is that you can’t. What you can do is make the best choice possible and make adjustments as needed. 4. Have faith – trust that you did the best you could with the information you had. And keep in mind the old adage “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” You can't determine the future, but you can do the best you know to do in the present. "Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They are more afraid of life than death." - James F. Byrnes From my great friend Kit Cummings Speech Read more!

A cool Story!

Oct 05, 2008 The Norwegian newspaper VG has reported a truly amazing story about a newly-wed trying to get to Norway to be with her husband, and the stranger who helped pay an unexpected luggage surcharge. The blog 'Leisha's Random Thoughts' has translated the story. It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband when the airline representative informed her that she wouldn't be able to check her luggage without paying a 100 surcharge: When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness. -You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway , the man behind the counter said. Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway , and she had no one else to call. -I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary. As tears streamed down her face, she heard a 'gentle and friendly voice' behind her saying, 'That's okay, I'll pay for her.' Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before. -He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man. -He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary. She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her. Who was the man? Barack Obama. Twenty years later, she is thrilled that the friendly stranger at the airport may be the next President and has voted for him already and donated 100 dollars to his campaign: -He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling. She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway . At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago , and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university. Mary even convinced her parents to vote for him: In the spring of 2006 Mary's parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier. And Obama replied: In a letter to Mary's parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped 'United States Senate, Washington DC ', Barack Obama writes: 'I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I'm happy I could help back then, and I'm delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway . Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama , United States Senator'. The parents sent the letter on to Mary. Mary says that when her friends and associates talk about the election, especially when race relations is the heated subject, she relates the story of the k ind man who helped out a stranger-in-need over twenty years ago, years before he had even thought about running for high office. Truly a wonderful story, and something that needs to be passed along in the maelstorm of fear-and-smear politics we are being subjected to right now. SPEECH & the AD family Read more!

I Dare you to vote!

I Double Dare You To Vote! Everyone underestimates the ability of the youth to actually be responsible enough to follow through with what they say they're going to do! This election is your chance to do what you said you would! Prove the Nah sayers wrong. They say blacks, youth, and artists never turn out in real numbers...I also hope the rural white voters see the label the media and pundits have placed on you. They say you're uneducated and unable to think clearly about WHO is the best candidate for your financial situation. I have HOPE IN YOU ALL! Let's make it happen in early voting (Like Yolanda & I proudly did) or make it happen NOV.4th. Just do it.

You are...

Even the most intense experience is only an experience  you are having. It is not you, and you are not it.   You are more than your problems, more than your  possessions, more than the pains and pleasures. You  are more than the frustrations that sometimes feel so  overwhelming.    Too often, out of fear, you cling tightly to things  that don't really matter. Imagine the freedom that can  come from letting go and stepping back.   What if your most agonizing worries no longer had the power to worry you? What if your most burdensome  difficulties no longer had the power to trouble you?   Step back from them, and it is all possible. It's not  a matter of running away, but of putting the world in  perspective.    The real person you are, is not defined or limited by  the passing circumstances, no matter how intense they  may be. Always remember that you are more.  Read more!

Tips for the growers...

1. Be quick to decide. Execute rather than wait. The Union Civil War General Sherman said: "A good plan executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow." 2. Always paint the back of the house first. Do those things you least like doing when you have more energy. Then turn your energy on the things you love to do. 3. Do all you can to manage what you have and leave the rest. Manage your energy and your time and your possibilities. Don’t look for new things to spend energy and time on. 4. Check on competitors, but pay more attention to what you're doing. Everything looks perfect at a distance. You can find out what others are doing, but it’s more important what you are doing. 5. Don’t allow anyone to intimidate you. Stick with the people who are supporting your cause and leave the rest behind. You have every right to be successful. Don’t waste your energy comparing yourself to others or worrying about what other people think. 6. Solve your own problems. The emphasis here is “solve” not worry. The buck really does stop with you. Yes, you can get insight and encouragement from others, but in the final analysis you have to make the important decisions.

7. Don't take yourself too seriously. As my English teach would tell me, “Rausch, get off the stage and stop complaining.” You are valuable, but there are also millions of others just as valuable. Focus on someone or something other than your own problems. 8. There's always a reason to smile. Find it. After all, you're really lucky just to be alive. Life is short. Somewhere I picked up this quote and have found it to be energizing when things are tough; "We're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time." Word up. Read more!

We're on a World Tour...

Here we are at the brink of the most important election in my lifetime. My wife & I have PROUDLY ALREADY VOTED! I am presently in Cape Town, South Africa, where only 15 short years ago most of the population here was denied simple freedoms that many in the world take for granted. Arrested Development was here in 1994, during their time of FREEDOM when the worlds hero, Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa with overwhelming support! I was not only able to meet him, but I was able to speak directly before him at an address to the South African people, it was proudly one of the most important times in my life! Today in America, racism is being woven (once again) into the fabric of our thoughts, and whites & blacks are having to unleash their deep hidden fears, anxieties and dreams as they make a decision on a possible first Black president of the racially unjust United States. This is an exciting opportunity to live out the dream of America and a great time to be alive. (I love this following video)

God knows the outcome of this election already, that comforts me. I also know that ultimately (in the end) God's will has to be done in this world and that also comforts me, as a God "fearing" and God loving man.

Being here in Africa today, and having communed with the black & white Africans, Indian and colored people at our two shows (in the last two days), it has been amazing and refreshing! I, being almost 40 years old, have seen things that I had never seen before. Simple things like, a commercial about a clothes detergent having an all black cast. A black soap opera, that is not based on "black" issues. I'm in a place where I can finally see the possibility of blacks being seen as humans, not "black" at all.

And I am filled with a mix of joy and sadness. Joy that I can finally see the possibilities of a world not seeing me as black! Sadness because it took 39 years and a trip all the way to South Africa for me to see it that way. At our show last night in Cape Town, I saw an African wearing an Obama T-shirt! It's amazing to see the overwhelming interest and support for our elections. It reminds me of the huge role we play in the entire world! As we toured, first to London, now in Africa and God willing next to the middle East (Dubai, Bahrain & Abu Dabui); my wife & 2 kids are in tow, seeing Muslims, Arabs, Blacks, Jews, Whites, and Indians as people, not terrorists, or all the other stereotypes that Americans have been indoctrinated to see. They see humans, families, children of God and I thank Him for this! I thank all of you fans of music for giving me the opportunity to tour, and for paying my bills. :-) Click on the title of this blog to read the review of our SOLD OUT show in London!

Thank you South Africans for your love, hospitality and long talks about your future hopes, your past atrocities and love for human kind! Thank you to the many hip hop heads here that reject the imagery of U.S. mainstream hip hop and have decided to take a more life sustaining/conscious route! Today I am about to go into the townships and shanty towns, I will also go to church. I know what to expect! Many strive to put fear into us about crime and violence, but I know God is with us and we'll see exactly what He means for us to see. Anyway, we're on a world tour and in this day, this time period we are freedom riders. Seeing the vision, promoting the dream, and living with no fear! Read more!

Thank you fans!

I have had the pleasure of writing, performing, and experiencing music through the eyes of the fans for 17 years! We first jumped onto the scene in 1991 and it’s been an incredible journey! I’ve gotten much more than I asked or even hoped for.

Every night I meet more of you and you inspire me to be better, to reach the skies in my own life & write songs of quality. From the 51 states of the U.S. to the countries in Europe we’ve falling in love with you guys! The great openness of Australians, the wonderful servitude and gratitude of the Japanese; you fans have kept it fresh for us!

We introduce new music - you show love! You introduced babies, wives, children and friends to us at the shows and we show love! And now we’re off to Africa and the Middle East.

(Dubai) I can’t repay you and you can’t repay me for what we’ve offered each other. This journey just keeps getting more interesting, thanks for taking it with me!

Love SPEECH Read more!

Time for Some Campaignin'

As y'all can tell by the content, Speech & the Vagabond family are always interested in sharing pertinent information about what's happening in the world and we always encourage spirited two-way dialog. So with all the heaviness that comes our way in the world today, we thought we'd share what we thought was one of the funniest cartoons we've seen in awhile. It skewers both parties and in some areas may be as close to reality as it is funny! Enjoy! Gregg Adams Read more!

The BAIL OUT Dilema

This is where I get upset at people who say LESS government, more private enterprise. Where is the pull yourself up by your boot strap argument, when it comes to the billion dollar companies? It's only made for the regular working class; Those who made mistakes in buying houses, those unwillingly on welfare, those who have a sick relative and goes into debt. But here we are, regular tax payers bailing out HUGE corporations! While CEO's go un- tarnished! It's a graaaaave injustice! Under what conditions would multi-billion-dollar bailouts of private businesses be acceptable? What standard is acceptable (if any) for deciding when it is best to use public money to save private business? Never! (In my opinion) I understand that some companies get "too big to fail" and have to be bailed out. I believe the role of government is to help the people! I think each year our government should determine and regulate if companies have become "too big to fail". Maybe that company should be forced to break up into several smaller companies, or something but what's happening now is outrageous! It's not the ideal free market solution, but it sure beats the present "free market" system that's using taxpayer money to bail out the biggest corporations in the country! Look, I'm not poor. In fact, I'm among the rich in this country. A lot of what I stand for is NOT because it affects me so much. But it affects the community at large and I am for the people at large, not just for self. I see a sad double standard, in how our present administration runs things. I have many right wing friends that insist they have gotten to where they are with NO Help - Just hard work, and determination. (Which I don't believe is possible) And their usual attitude for any one who is desperate is pull your self up, work harder. I have some on the left who enable people - making them lazy. Both are wrong to me. But Government IS supposed to be for the people and by the people and not just for the richest among us! It's just not fair! Read more!

Who owns the Federal Reserve Bank?

With all the financial stress that seemingly has just LEAPED into our lives, it is safe to say that there are many different perspectives on HOW this happened and whether we should all be more concerned about it. I'd love your thoughts. Check out this video! (Mind you, it's 31/2 hours long so do it in kibbles & bits) It gives one perspective. This article gives another. (uummm) http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-515319560256183936&hl=en&fs=true Q: Who owns the Federal Reserve Bank? A: There are actually 12 different Federal Reserve Banks around the country, and they are owned by big private banks. But the banks don't necessarily run the show. Nationally, the Federal Reserve System is led by a Board of Governors whose seven members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The stockholders in the 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks are the privately owned banks that fall under the Federal Reserve System. These include all national banks (chartered by the federal government) and those state-chartered banks that wish to join and meet certain requirements. About 38 percent of the nation's more than 8,000 banks are members of the system, and thus own the Fed banks. The concept of "ownership" needs some explaining here, however. The member banks must by law invest 3 percent of their capital as stock in the Reserve Banks, and they cannot sell or trade their stock or even use that stock as collateral to borrow money. They do receive dividends of 6 percent per year from the Reserve Banks and get to elect each Reserve Bank's board of directors. The private banks also have a voice in regulating the nation's money supply and setting targets for short-term interest rates, but it's a minority voice. Those decisions are made by the Federal Open Market Committee, which has a dozen voting members, only five of whom come from the banks. The remaining seven, a voting majority, are the Fed's Board of Governors who, as mentioned, are appointed by the president. The Fed is a little defensive about the question of ownership. In its Frequently Asked Questions section, the Federal Reserve Board says: "The Federal Reserve System is not 'owned' by anyone and is not a private, profit-making institution. Instead, it is an independent entity within the government, having both public purposes and private aspects." It continues: Federal Reserve Board: As the nation's central bank, the Federal Reserve derives its authority from the U.S. Congress. It is considered an independent central bank because its decisions do not have to be ratified by the President or anyone else in the executive or legislative branch of government, it does not receive funding appropriated by Congress, and the terms of the members of the Board of Governors span multiple presidential and congressional terms. However, the Federal Reserve is subject to oversight by Congress, which periodically reviews its activities and can alter its responsibilities by statute. Also, the Federal Reserve must work within the framework of the overall objectives of economic and financial policy established by the government. Therefore, the Federal Reserve can be more accurately described as "independent within the government." The twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks, which were established by Congress as the operating arms of the nation's central banking system, are organized much like private corporations--possibly leading to some confusion about "ownership." For example, the Reserve Banks issue shares of stock to member banks. However, owning Reserve Bank stock is quite different from owning stock in a private company. The Reserve Banks are not operated for profit, and ownership of a certain amount of stock is, by law, a condition of membership in the System. The stock may not be sold, traded, or pledged as security for a loan; dividends are, by law, 6 percent per year. -Brooks Jackson Read more!