The Mighty Ones: My Country & Me

Hello my beautiful friends and comrades! How are you? Como estan hoy? Kif-ak il-yom? Todo bom com voce? I am delighted today, as life has always been good to me--regardless of the sorrows of life that I’ve experienced. I’ve just returned from a quick trip to discover Louisville, Kentucky, USA! It’s been a dream of mine to visit it, believe it or not. Although, I was so close to canceling this long awaited trip, due to an experience like never before…

Union Flag during the Civil War (including seceded states)

A week ago, I was walking to head home from my friend’s house in the late evening. I was walking fast and was about to be at my pick-up point for my ride...when I heard footsteps getting closer, walking too fast and close for comfort. All I could do was brace myself, as a man grabbed me from behind and a woman from the front. She hit me in the face and attempted to steal my purse. I am of a small stature, standing proudly at 4 feet 11 inches and was dressed in a snazzy coat with heels--the perfect victim! So it seemed! Little did they know that I love and practice muay thai boxing (kickboxing from Thailand) and have dabbled in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’m no expert, with much to learn, but I knew enough. I managed to break free from the man’s restraint and fought off the girl with some good punches and I even gave her a warning to go! The man, seeing that I wasn’t going to give up my stuff, jumped in and started hitting me, while the woman was still attempting to take my purse. I’m quite stubborn and refuse to be anyone’s victim, because I make my own destiny! The man managed to bring me to the ground, when I used the power of his own weight against him in a jiu-jitsu sweep and I ended on top of him. This is when he pulled out a gun and yelled at me to give up my stuff. I know...this is the point where I should have given up and ran. I stared at it and quite honestly didn’t even think about it much. They were both shocked and at this point beginning to get scared...he would try to keep pointing it at me, but kept pulling away. I was ready to be shot, but why wasn’t he ready to shoot?

In one last scuffle, I managed to break free and cars were fast approaching when I ran over to them to call the police, while the muggers had run off to face the fate of the night. The police came and quickly called an ambulance to take me to the hospital. I felt fine, but was bleeding so much from my head and needed to get stitches. I even got a minor concussion and was kept in the hospital for a while. As I laid there,I thought about what had just happened and wondered if I had done the right thing, instead of simply giving them my stuff and watching them run. During the whole ordeal, I felt no fear (I was born in the barrio [Spanish ghetto] after all), but while laying in the hospital bed, I felt tremendous sorrow and fear. Alas, that fear went away and I saw this as a mini victory...a few stitches--not bad for 2 against one and they didn’t even steal anything! I wasn’t going to let them ruin my dream of visiting Kentucky, why should I? As a first generation American, born and raised in lovely California, I’ve always been curious to discover my own country and the people in it--beyond what I see on television. Not to mention, it’s only proper that I scope out what my fellow countrymen dream and hope for their future and for their country, since I would like to be President one day (planning for 2040) or at least a mayor or governor!A few days later, I was off to the MidWest/South for some good bourbon and history. To my surprise, I found much more than this; I discovered hope in a neglected soul of my beautiful America.

Cincinnati, OH

First, I visited a dear friend (P) in Cincinnati, Ohio. She showed me beautiful murals, good food & listened to my dreams. She has always been my support and an inspiration, as she's gone from being homeless to an up and coming designer & artist. She knew that I was thrilled to visit a city with such history, from the American Civil war to the Industrial era. The people in Cincinnati were vibrant, but the city showed much wear and tear, neglected by the big politicians and mainstream media. I was left wondering, how is this so?  Then, I was off to Louisville, Kentucky! It was truly Southern and my accommodations were spectacular! I stayed at the famous Samuel Culbertson Mansion, built in 1896, with many of the original furnishings. It was so decadent and I can’t believe people lived like this (and still do today). I had the pleasure of lounging in a private “drawing room” and had tea service in a gorgeous dining room too. I didn't stay indoors for too long, I had to venture off to discover the Louisville Slugger Museum and the famous Brown Hotel, for a few samples of Kentucky bourbon & fried chicken!  I even stopped by to pay my respects at the Cave Hill Cemetery, where many Union soldiers are buried (also Muhammad Ali & Colonel Sanders). As Abraham Lincoln said, “...we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

I walked around and promised them that no matter my struggles, that I would give my all into making this country & world better for us all, their death was not in vain! We may have much to disagree on, but there should be no reason as to why we cannot compare and contrast in a civil and respectful manner.  I’m a big fan of President Lincoln and I try my best to incorporate his teachings into my everyday life. After a few more days of discovering places and meeting the sweet Southern folk, I headed to Chicago, IL for my flight to San Francisco, CA. I did also pass by Gary, Indiana...once a glorious town, created from the vast wealth & production of U.S. Steel, but now left like a shanty town. Most houses were burnt or boarded up, oh the shame!

My friend, P.

How could the Midwest, which had been fruitful for our nation, be neglected now...simply tossed aside after being used? Alas, the people there are kind, simple and hopeful. I believe they deserve so much more! They and everyone deserves a good education, healthy meals & healthcare because we are all equal. We all have dreams and have experienced sorrows...we love, we rejoice, we long for...we all have something that unites us together; simply the moon shining over us and looking at us from afar--we are so similar. I’ve shared my thoughts about these things in the past and I am still determined to make a difference. I would like to thank the Universe, my friends, my family & you (the readers) for lending your support and listening to my hopes, thoughts & desires. No matter my scuffles, I will go from Tragedy to Triumph! I see the end goal for my life--to make the world smile! Stay sane and humble my habibis!