Retractions and Additions
Ok, so everyone in Sacramento! I have to say I was wrong; there is hope for your city. And hope's name is Kevin Johnson.
While I was on our last trip out there I had a great chance to meet him and to sit down to talk to him about not only what his plan is for helping Sacramento become one of the best cities in America, but about how he got involved in politics and some of the things that he's already done for Sacramento.
First of all, I have to give props to the guy who set it all up, Chris Bowles. He's Director of Player Extracurricular Actvities -- that’s not realy his title, but that's what he does. He finds things that are gonna expand our mind and spirit.
He understands that we are seen in the public eye as JUST basketball players, but he challenges us to learn about not only our history as NBA players but as Americans. I feel like his energy to learn has really had an effect on me because I'm starting to understand the advantages we have as basketball players and as Americans who can educate ourselves and learn as much as we can because fame 'n fourtune can only take you so far.
Knowledge is the real power. Everything anybody would ever want to know is in a book. That’s something I learned this year too. It's almost funny. People say what's the key to life? or why am I not getting the job I want? or why do I only date bad girls or boys? Go to a book store or libraray and read about people who had your same problem and you might learn a thing or two.
Of course I don’t read enough for y'all who are saying I think Channing is full of BS. But I do know that when I do want to learn something new, I know where to find it, LOL.
Ok, so that was a little off the subject, but anyway, I went to a dinner and a fundraiser for Kevin Johnson. We had the opportunity to talk to a bunch of kids at dinner from a charter school that KJ had started called PS 7 and from the joint highschool, Sac High. I was thourougly impressed. Seriously, I've never met a bunch of kids varying in grades 6th through 12th who had such a vast knowledge of business and how schools are run and about American politics. I was almost uncomfortable talking to them because I didn’t know as much as they did.
James Jones talked to them about how he wants to start his own charter school and elaborated on why he wanted to do it. One of the older ladies had a question. I'm thinking that she’s gonna ask a simple question like "what colors are you gonna have" or "are you gonna have a sports team" as a long shot. Or "Have you talked to your board of education directors?" and that was a serious longshot.
The question that she asked was, "What is your school going do to promote economic growth in whatever city its going to be in?" I was in shock. It was the best question I've ever heard from anybody. It really set the mood for the other kids and they really just picked James' brain like a 2-year old digs in his nose for boogers.
I sat there for 130 just in awe of their acknowledgement of the situation that they're young kids of color coming from a not so good area but they wanted to change the world even if it's one grade at a time. They had goals. They had dreams. And they definitely had steps to get there.
Seriously, I wish them the best and I really feel like it's important for me now in my life to get a little more political, so in my next few blogs I might give my opinion on who I want to win the presidential race and why. Actually, the correct term is who I want to endorse. I'm not just gonna say I want this person to win because of a popularity contest. I want to learn their views so I'm gonna have to get a book or get on the Net and research. Now season is over, so shoot, I should have plenty of time.
April 25th, 2008 - 10:41
good for you for becoming a more informed participant in the world. it’s so easy to think “someone else will take care of it.” but if everyone thinks that way, no one will take care of anything.
Check out Senator Obama. The man has got a lot to say about America today.
http://www.burningcane.org/2008/03/obamas-speech-on-race-31808.html
April 25th, 2008 - 10:43
Nice post, Channing. A good place to start, pertinent to both of your points (knowledge is found in books and the importance of endorsing a presidential candidate), is by reading Obama’s “Audacity of Hope.” I’m about half way through it and it’s hard to put down. Barack is a fantastic writer, perhaps even better than he is as a speaker. The book has also helped me get a good sense of Obama’s personality. He seems thoughtful and serious, but at the same time, knows his own faults and doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Also, while I’m thinking of learning and Obama, you should check out the PBS program Charlie Rose. It’s on weeknights at 1:00 AM, I think, and rebroadcast sometime in the afternoons. I just DVR it. But Charlie Rose interviews interesting people from politics, sports, entertainment, academia, etc. It’s different people every week. Two of the best interviews I’ve seen on Charlie Rose have been Barack Obama and Bono. Definitely Tivo it sometime.
April 25th, 2008 - 13:09
While I think its incredibly important to be informed, I would recommend against making an endorsement of sorts. Presidential politics are filled with more vitriol than the “Rome Is Burning” show.
It’s odd, because other than sports, politics can really make people angry and turn people off to whatever you have to say in the future. I hope that you keep your presidential leanings to yourself and instead advocate participating in the election process. I work in politics and the USA’s turnout for elections is abysmal. And, more often than not, the people who complain the most or loudest are those who never exercise their right to vote.
April 25th, 2008 - 13:56
Channing, While I love Steve Otis went to HS with him I have to side with Kirk, Politics and Sports are the two things that bring out the best and worst in people. There is rarely a middle ground. Don’t endorse anyone please all of the candidates suck for their own reasons. D and R alike. Keep up the good work, I sweat your blog like a fat kid loves cake. I look for updates on it all the time. I am stoked that you are with PTB and I hope you’ll be here a long time. Stay Fresh!
April 25th, 2008 - 14:25
Hey Channing! I say endorse whom ever you like. No reason to check your thoughts and feelings at the door. You are entitled to your opinion and that’s keeping it real. The people who have problems with celebrity endorsement would seem to be narrow minded. You will be no worse off without their support. Thanks for taking a stand!
April 25th, 2008 - 20:59
Hey Channing, take a look into Ron Paul, he is no longer in the race at the moment but he has a lot of videos on youtube. Its interesting to listen to the politicians speak, you can tell a difinate line between those who play the popularity game and those who have sincere intentions on making our country better. Also, as a huge Blazer fan, I hope you spend the rest of your career here in Portland. It felt like in April you got your rythem in full and I was wondering if you felt that was a hot month for you, or if you were playing how you expect to play every game. That swish of yours is the loudest I have ever heard. I think your a key in our dynasty man so dont go nowhere.
April 25th, 2008 - 22:44
1st off, I’m a HUGE fan of yours!
BUT, I’m confused by this blog! You say that you are not ready to voice who you are voting for, BUT you & James Jones are part of Obama’s “HOOPS FOR CHANGE” taking place in Portland… Doesn’t that pretty much show that you ENDORSE OBAMA??
I’m 100% voting for Obama, so I’m happy about your choice, I’m just confused by this blog, and your active role in coaching teams for obamas campaign!
April 27th, 2008 - 20:05
Obama is the choice, if you want socialism.
April 28th, 2008 - 00:23
Ron Artest for mayor
April 29th, 2008 - 16:45
Its really good to see that your team is making such socially conscious decisions. That means so much more than what you guys do on the court. Ghandi has a famous quote, “be the change you wish to see in the world”, I hope that individuals in your situation can realize that your reach is much greater than others. And, it looks as though you guys understand that. Living in Portland you guys have one of the greatest tools at your disposal, Powells Books(the best bookstore in the world). I have many suggestions on books that could be a good starting point to educate on social change such as bell hooks “the will to change”, Orson Scott Card “pastwatch” and Linda Tuiwai Smith “decolonizing methodologies”. Another good read is Bill Cosby’s new book “come on people”, Cosby is doing some profound stuff right now but I feel that it is going unnoticed. Anyways, hit me back if you want any more suggestions. Knowledge is power.
April 30th, 2008 - 08:39
Hey “a,” read a book sometime and find out what socialism actually is before spouting half-baked opinions and looking foolish. Obama couldn’t enforce real socialism in this country even if he wanted to or tried.
May 6th, 2008 - 21:12
What STATE does your vote cout for?? Does your primary vote go for OR or AZ???
Currently we are waiting of the votes to be counted in Indiana (G.O.’s state, and he has said he is voting for Obama) I wonder how he is going to feel if his hometown maybe gives a “W” to Clinton????
No matter what happens, let me guess the future…. Clinton will CONCEDE tomorrow!!!!!!!! (cross your fingers w/ me!)