Someone said to me just the other day that the one who frames the debate wins it. That should be enough for real black folk and real Americans (period) to not accept the prepackaged appointments of so-called leaders by the establishment that wants to keep "those people" locked out. This should be enough for us to begin to rise to the challenge of reframing the debate.

I'll tell ya what I think- a real black person is someone who understands community, someone who understands, as Dr. King said, that we must all live together as Brothers (family) or parish together as fools and that the community is operating at a deficit if one member of that community is left behind.

Real black folk understand that once you have been oppressed, it is a spiritual abomination to then turn around and oppress in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Real black folk also understand that the there is no distinction between big "I" and little "you." We cannot base our existence on how the oppressor accepts us or tells us "you're not like the rest them." Real black folk understand you can't separate me from them because I am them.

I will also tell ya what makes us good Americans, in spite of how Gov. Palin has tried to amputate us city folk from the American landscape...- the same damn thing! I'll tell ya what makes a great human being.... THE SAME DAMN THING.

Goodness is goodness and evil is evil. Don't dress evil up, put lipstick on it and tell me that it's black or that it's American- hate is hate.

Some years ago, when Dr. King's Niece first aligned herself with the religious wrong and invoked her uncle's name, it was Mrs. Coretta Scott King, who made it clear that her husband had always been on the side of human rights and dignity, and that he would not be standing with his niece or those she is associated with on this issue of not "gay" rights, but human rights.

This is what made Dr. & Mrs. King not only real black folk but real Americans as well. When we move forth understanding each other's humanness then each other's "otherness" won't be something we have to legislate.

Continue to walk in the light, redefine your faith, and remember it's all about the rhythm.