A Large and in Charge America

I am for ones who want to live in peace and harmony with our global neighbor. I chose not to wage war with others to make us a more large and in charge America. 

America our large and in charge days have long since gone.

American is no longer large and in Charge - Because that went out with our ethics, our pride, our lack of hard work, our lack of helping our neighbors, in helping the common man, woman and child, when the guilty have more rights than the Innocent, when top executives, make 20 times the average work, when executives commit white collar crimes, and get less time, when the poor pay more taxes, than the rich because of capital gains, when our schools lack the best teachers, because there is no money in the budget, when families who raised their children in a community, and now refuse to increase their taxes because their kids are no longer in the school system, Our large and in Charge went way when a corporation can buy an election, When the supreme court said that corporations are people. Our lack of taking responsibility for our actions as people. 

America is no longer large and in charge, and who ever said we had to be. 

How about being being large and in charge of the US in the of USA. Taking care of our own people, feed our hunger, house our homeless, Educate our children so they can compete with themselves at being the very best for themselves and their communities. Providing the very best health care for all people
here in our communities (Not just on Capitol Hill).

How about removing the ignorance from the mouths of fools who claim to be serving the people, yet they serve themselves, with over paid salaries, Tax Cuts that only help the one-percent. 

The Large and in Charge America would celebrates that 47% because they are ones who need it most.

A large and in Charge America would give the power back to the people, and not a Corporation.


A Large and in Charge America, would put our farms back to work of growing, healthy food for people to eat. (No We need more corn for fuel...right?)

A large and in charge America would split the conglomerates up and have some real competition, Remove the banking fees so American's can spend their own money without a fee. (Yes, Let's charge them to use their own money) 

A Large and in Charge America, wouldn't need a "Governor" who needs to get a BINDER FULL OF WOMEN to get the very best women for the job. I Guess he didn't know any women, so he had to ask for a binder to find one. This should tell you all you need to know.

A Large and in Charge America, wouldn't need to have their politicians having off shore accounts to avoid paying taxes on money that they make here in the Good Ole' USA that could be helping to pay some of those taxes that the middle class is paying for.

I am one of those who believes in minding our business, and allowing other to come to their own realizations. Not every country needs to be a democracy. Not every country needs the kinda help we offer. That is a fact!

When a country or a people are ready to rise up they will do so in their own time. Just like America did!

America doesn't have all the answers for the rest of the world, because we don't event have the answers to help ourselves.

A Large and in Charge America would take care of its VETERANS, and not deny them the proper care upon returning from wars. They defended our borders, our shores and our country because that was their duty. They served and gave the ultimate sacrifices, of themselves and their families to protect the freedoms that "we" have. Or are we only free when its suits the powers that be?

If we are "FREE," then we should be free to chose for ourselves, what we do with our bodies, our minds, and our lives. 

We are not a free people, when our politicians are making laws that affect our bodies, minds and our lives. We're all set to rise up and go to war to defend the rights of women and others around the globe, yet we are so un-willing to apply the same rights in the USA. Why is that? What are we afraid of?

The Problem is What?

Just finished reading a great article from Newsweek about the Stimulus and the reasons it save this country from another depression.  I often ask myself the question. Why is it that so many people refuse the acknowledge the truth not only about the stimulus, but about the decision that our president made regarding it. So you didn't vote for President Obama, big deal.  However the majority did, and they didn't rig an election to do it either. The biggest depression since 1929 was knocking on our door step, - and our president makes a decision to pulls us away from a financial crises - and what happens?  He's classified as the worst president ever.  Why is that?  Is it politics, ignorance or just out right hate?

I would imagine if some (Republican, tea-party or otherwise) politician had a clue about what to do about our issues, they would have stepped up with a sensible, logical and ethical solution to the problem.  After all a few members of the party actually called our president intelligent. Imagine that!

Did it ever occur to anyone in congress to think about the presidents vision for the country?  Of course not! That would mean they would to actually talk to him (not about him) and work with him (not against him) to solve some of the problems.  American can no longer run around the world trying to play superman, and guard against lex Luther, while being blind to the fact that lex Luther is living in the U.S.A.

Instead many of the Republicans would like to continue the Pinky and the Brains mission of taking over the world without the forethought of their consequences. I often suspect that the party felt it's okay to spend 80 billion on an UN-just war, military waste and have the middle class and poor pay for it.

It's somehow okay not to educate our children, and have educational standards that are so far behind that of other countries. Yes, of course it's justified to not feed, clothe or provide the basic resources to the least among us because America is a capitalist society and everyone has the means to dig themselves out of the trenches and make something of themselves. Right? America land of the FREE and home of the BRAVE. Wake up Americans! You are not FREE. You may be able to do somethings other countries can't but you ain't FREE to do whatever you please. That is unless you're a corporation, an top earning - executive, or well... you know I could go on and on.


When our military veterans, are not afforded the proper medical care and treatment after serving I see a problem. when our veterans who have served come home to find their homes had been foreclosed on while serving it's a problem. I don't know about you, but I see these as national deficit issues.  Not the "Deficit" we don't cut the deficit by cutting education, music and the arts. These are the most important avenues in our children's lives. These are proven to enhance the growth of our children. Music helps with math.

For a country that is supposed to be great and rich with resources, we have way to many homeless and hungry people. It's nothing new and it hasn't changed. The only difference is that folks stopped talking about the homeless. Ignoring them is much easier.  One man actually said to me in a discussion, and I quote. " We don't have any homeless." I kindly asked him where he lived. He mentioned a wealthy neighborhood.  I told him come out of your neighborhood and spend sometime in your community and you will see the truth. He huffed, said nothing more and left.  He came from old money. Not that which was earned but passed down from generation to generation.


The sad truth is that America can't even provide a living wage for people to actually live on. Now that would be something, now wouldn't it?  The minimum wage jobs are suppose to be for teenagers who are home living with their parents and learning how to save. It wasn't meant for adults to living on.


What's the problem? The problem is congress!  When our president placed before congress an economic plan that could get the economy moving, create more jobs and get this country moving the right direction they sat on it until election year. Why? So they could make him a ONE - TIME president. Oh! and  to tell the American people "see, we told you." The truth be told is that our congress would actually have to come out and agree that, perhaps his plan does make some sense and that just maybe "OBAMA" as some of them (who lack respect) call him is capable of a whole lot more.

Perhaps that would mean, that they would have to back down on their ignorance, and overly conservative stances on issues that are none of their true concern. The concerns only matter, when it comes to election time, and to secure their pension that they have not earned, because congress was to busy serving themselves and not the American (Less fortunate) people.

President Obama for four years has been given little or no support, for the important measures of the American people he has brought to the table.   Every step of the way our president has fought to protect those who are not able to protect themselves from the wolves who seek to keep them in "Their" place.
Where would we have been without the stimulus?  Republicans would tell you "we" would have been better off without it. Who is the we?  Let's take a big guess. I'll take the off shore account for $1,000,000 or two Alex.

As if you couldn't tell. I am advocate for the less fortunate, elderly and for all those who can't speak their needs.I am advocate for people who have mental-health issues, and can't find the right treatment because their insurance doesn't cover it, or they have to jump through hoops to get the insurance companies to pay for the out of pocket expenses once their deductibles are met. I am an advocate for those who have no insurance. I am an advocate for those who been raped, and or domestically abused, and can't find a way out. Just the same, the haves will never understand the have-nots unless they have walked more than a mile in their shoes.  Yes, the poor come in all shades and ages. Who is speaking for them?

Wait one! News brief coming in (Tele-type message sound incoming)  I heard that the Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, (a and few more) companies share the same bed?  Well...that's what some people say. I'm just say-in! Anyway, I suspect it wouldn't be such a bad thing, if they each had their own transparent blanket and you could tell the difference. (End message)

My concerns are not for those who are part of the deep rooted ignorance, and chose to remain poor   because they don't like our president and won't take what they call a "hand-out" from the government. So what if they have no-teeth, no education and health issues by choice. It's the American way!  Right?

I am fighting for those who have no choice and are dealt hands in life that no one should be dealt.

Some argue that the Democrats are the reason for slavery, the hardships and all the Ill's placed on this country. I disagree.  What many fail to realize is that it's not about a party but a people. If you need place the label there I say this. The Democrats of today are not the Democrats of the (Slavery) and civil war era. The tables have turned. Some would honestly say - The Republicans of today are the Democrats of the (Slavery) and civil war era. The parties have change in the respect of what is important to and for  America and its future.

(Tele-Type message incoming) Warning! Giving an illegal alien a way to stay in the country and feed their family is wrong. What about US? They are taking away our jobs. Really? Not! Our Maids Daughter by Mary Romero is a great read. An American Born issue of servitude. Did they pay taxes or social security for the wages for this this maid? (NO!) That's okay... isn't it? (End Message)

Don't ask Don't tell was repealed (Thank you President Obama!)

Hey(Republicans say) lets get him out of office so we reverse all these things he has done, that don't fit what we want.



Today we live amongst economic, domestic, and other types of  slavery. Some may live in and with more than one. So the problem is what Again?

Signed the concerned 
party

Zora Neale Hurston and the Elections

As I came to my quiet moment of tonight I glanced past a connection to the election and my zest for Zora and her works. Over several weeks I have been reading the passages of Zora's most famous works. Breathing in each word like it was my last, and finding a sense of wisdom in her words. 


Her journey of being a writer, pushing to find her rhythm and stride. Not caring what others thought of her, but what she thought of herself and her discoveries of being a women in her day. 

It's much like I view our first lady during these times. Being out there and ready to fight for what matters most. Her journey of being and shaping the dreams she has for herself.  I sometimes many women don't put themselves first, and they should. It's nice to she the first lady putting herself first. Being healthy, of body, mind and soul.

One of the quotes that moves me so....

"If you want that good feeling that comes from doing things for other folks then you have to pay for it in abuse and misunderstanding."

Her smile says the world is all mine.

Saying it simply,

Camilla

Production of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit

Emerson Theater Collaborative Announces

Production of 

Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit

September 15th, 2012, Mystic CT Written and directed by Laura Duggan and produced by ETC’s Camilla Ross.  Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit, tells the story of the Victorian woman who invented Peter Rabbit and authored many other stories beloved by children around the world. Beatrix Potter  born (July 28, 1866 – December 22, 1943) was an English author, illustrator, mycologist, and conservationist. 

This special one-time only fundraising performance takes place on September 15th, 2012 at 2PM and 7PM at the First United Methodist Church in Mystic, CT. Performance information and tickets for Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit can be obtained by visiting Mystic and Shoreline Visitor and Information Center in Olde Mystic Village, or online at www.EmersonTheaterCollaborative.org. Tickets are $25 ($20 for students and seniors) and $15 for Children 12 and Under. The tickets being sold  on the day of the show will be $5 more. For group reservations please call (860) 705-9711.

Emerson Theater Collaborative’s mission is to serve youth, under-represented communities and artists with an emphasis on diversity, by producing innovative and exhilarating theater in Southeastern Connecticut.  ETC explores timely themes and issues through new, original works and modern theatrical classics.  ETC’s goals include reaching inner city youth through educational theatrical programming and to support local communities by providing free admission to low-income families and donating profits to humanitarian causes.  

Laura R. Duggan received her Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Emerson College. Her one-woman play, Tea with Mary Cassatt, premiered at Emerson's Green Theatre in December 2006. Laura is a certified Secondary History teacher with over ten years experience working with "at risk" students in Boston. Her play entitled "Boston Lockup" tells the tale of her adventures teaching at a DYS Treatment Center at Boston's Jackson Square. 

Key Dates and Information

What:  Emerson Theater Collaborative Presents: Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit 
When: September 15th, 2012 at 2PM and 7PM
Where:First United Methodist Church, 23 Willow Street, Mystic, CT 06355
How:  Tickets are available online at our website emersontheatercollaborative.org and by calling (860)705-9711 or at Mystic Information Center. Purchase Tickets online to select your own reserved seating.  Cost: $25, $20 and $15. The day of the event: $30, $25, and $20.

Laura Duggan does an amazing job portraying Beatrix Potter, and well Stewie the rabbit does a great job all on his own. Join us for an evening of great theater.

Peace,
Camilla

Bud Not Buddy, ETC's Summer Magic Production

Well what do you say when you have  a 9 year old lead actor. You say AmaZing! This production was nothing short of just that! six weeks of pure fun! Minus the last minute details of silliness.  The Cast of chockfull of summer fun that will last me a lifetime. Naaji Powell (Bud) leads the cast with actor Peter Gibbons of NYC.

Come on over to the Sweet Pea for a little dinner with Tyla (Ciara Rollins) Steady Eddie, (Nathan Watrous) and the Singer (Aziza Clayton) if your hungry.

Bud were going to the Sweet Pea!

Going to catch that train....... 

It's Been a While

Welcome back!

It's been a while since I have been here. I guess I needed some space to think about life
for a while. Sometimes I just need to breath a different kind of air once in a while. It's funny, you know. Sometimes I just need to look at life from a different perspective and I start seeing all the news I could do things.

This past spring I shared some great moments with some beautiful people. Creating a production that just sticks with me. It's not that I want it go away, it just moved me to a new direction in my life. I was challenged by the need to see others grow in new directions in their lives. Not just as actors, but as people contributing to the greater good.

Playwright Jeffrey Sweet

Court Martial at Fort Devens, by Jeffrey Sweet, was an amazing production that I thought could stand the test of time. There was something about the deliverance of the piece. The production allowed me to shed a few layers, that I had been carrying around with me. I felt so much lighter after the production was over, but I found myself missing all these beautiful people who shared my life with me. I found a greater understanding for thoughts that really didn't have a real meaning. Learning how to grow in new ways, and experiencing another one's culture was powerful. The After show discussions were just amaZing. As a producer, the work is often goes un-notice of what it takes to a production together. However, there are times when life brings you full circle several times over and you realize that you have been doing something truly meaningful. The experience was well worth it. I have 4 adopted daughters from the production that I cherish. They have come to be close just from being part of a family who cares for one another.  Sharing and succeeding all together is such a nice feeling.

It speaks for itself!

Three Rivers Community College SPAG event With Jeffrey Sweet.

Christopher Hickson

Char Vereen

Electrifying Jason Vance

The Stunning Joresa Blout

Patricia Riddick

 

The Powerful Lesley Billingslea

Stephanie Williams

The Fabulous Naza Usher

Captivating Yolanda Florentino

On The Stand

Changing those bandages

Christine Thomson

A Conversation with Dad

Orderlies!

The Face off

The Singer...

Changing Spaces Makes Sense

This life keeps bringing things clearer to me on a daily basis. I find myself learning something new, when I least expect it. At times I am temped to keep things on an even keel, but it always comes up different than what I expect. There's something about that, that I like. It feels right.

I am constantly changing spaces, and growing.  My spirit is soaring and I will not anyone to affect that part of me. I keep reaching up and finding the places that God  keeps working on inside of me. I get chills when I discover that moment when he says. "You got that space right... keep working." I remain humbled by his grace and mercy that he has continued to show me. Never leaving me, but instead giving me spaces that keep changing.  Today I found this wonderful saying that expresses my thoughts of the week. As I work this week on my one woman show I am reminded of a new space that needs strengthening and work. Harriet will be ready to reach others with her life's stories and change some lives for the better.

Peace,

Camilla

A moment for Whitney

Whitney gurl, it took me a some weeks to internalized life's moments since your passing on to a better life. Your life's passion and mission was extraordinary! I remember when your first album came out, we use to party at Celebrations in Boston to your music. Your voice was like no other. There will always be people who Look To You as an inspiration. I believe your last album touch me more - it touched the real moments of you in so many ways. Walking that dark path back in to the light - gurl I have walked that path and never to return. Yes, holding my up head high and giving thanks for strength my lord and savior. (I Look to you) We will always have you in your music and may you rest in peace knowing that you were good enough, great enough and loved enough by so many. Today we celebrate Bobbie Kristina!

Krystal A. Livingston | My Journey, My Glory | CD Baby

This is a beautiful Album by an Emerson Theater Collaborative alum - check it out! Krystal A. Livingston | My Journey, My Glory | CD Baby