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ut the dream was glorious. It involved millions of
women fed up with the way they’d been disre- spected by the Trump administration through recent years, marching to the polls to make their anger known. It involved redeemed white urban intellectuals and white collar voters having seen the light and cast- ing their ballots based on the new light they had seen. It included a reborn millennial generation that in- cluded hip-hoppers, outsiders, and individuals who be- lieved the election process had nothing to do with them.
Furthermore, the dream included millions of Black Americans and Latin Hispanic Americans who were determined to make their votes their battle cry. But there was only one problem: It was just a dream.
But before we speak further, let us take this oppor- tunity to thank the many millions who did not find it robbery to show up at the polls and because of their labor, took back the House from Republican domina- tion.
However, we bemoan the fact that once again, due to the ones of us who stayed at home, who refused to register, or who voted our bellies rather than our souls, we allowed history once more to pass us by. In Georgia, the possibility of a Black governor was stolen by crim- inal politics.
And here in Florida, a man who referred to his op- ponents as a monkey was sent to the governor’s man- sion in reward of his words. How utterly disgusting!
But the dream was indeed, uplifting. We rose early, roused the American giant of Democracy, got ready to go to the polls and voted for change, so we thought. But there was only one problem. The giant waited for us to leave. Then he went back to bed and back to sleep. Ei- ther that or he wasn’t a giant at all . . . and America once more showed itself not to be the place where gi- ants live. (Or could it be that we are the new giants?).
Even In Defeat There’s Hope For The Future
9.7% to 49.1%. That is
the slim margin that ultimately catapulted Ron DeSantis to victory over Andrew Gillum in Florida's highly contested governor’s race.
While I'm sure it's hard for supporters of Gillum to deal with the loss, after such a hard fight, the numbers speak to something that should be encouraging going forward.... Florida's conser- vative vice grip on the state seems to be loosening up.
Twelve years ago it would have been deemed unfath- omable to believe that any person of color stood a chance at becoming the chief executive of the Sunshine State. Gillum's strong
showing proved that such a reality, is not only possible but, could come to pass in a matter of time.
In spite of what happened Tuesday night to Gillum and Senator Bill Nelson, who lost his bid for re-elec- tion as well, another election result, the voter approved referendum that will allow convicted felons to vote, has the potential to re-shape Florida's political landscape for generations. When it comes to game-changers this is, arguably, the most signif- icant outcome of the election cycle.
This is mainly due to the fact that it enables individu- als, who've been disenfran- chised from the process, a
chance to have their voices heard. The seismic shift that this dynamic can cause could tilt the balance of power lit- erally overnight.
Of course the effective- ness of this new voting bloc will depend solely on how much they're willing to uti- lize the rights they've had re- stored. Because, like any other power, voting is only as effective as it's put to use.
While there's no way of truly knowing how much of an impact this new paradigm will have until the next elec- tion, I believe it bodes well for whatever progressive candidate steps to the fore- front.
It may not have turned out the way most on the democratic side may have wanted this go around but, with thousands of new voters eager to make a difference, don't be surprised if next time around the story ends much differently.
Reality On Ice is © by the Florida Sentinel Bul- letin Publishing Com- pany. You can contact Mr. Barr at: cbar- ronice@gmail.com.
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When The Giant Didn’t Wake
Be Confident, Wise And Secure Leaders
“The best example of leadership is leadership by example.”
~Jerry McClain
mpowered Greet- ings. If you’re ready to gain confidence, grow increas- ingly wise and develop into a secure leader, then this week’s column is for you. I want to provide you with a few strategies to mobilize your organization and the people you lead by focusing on you.
Secure leaders lead by ex- ample. As a leader you are probably evaluating your staff on a regular basis. In order for you to develop as a leader, you should also allow your staff to assess you as well. This will help you iden- tify how your staff views you verses how you view your- self.
If you can take it, you can make it, to the next level. Get a life coach or success coach. Just like coaches in the sports arena, life/success coaches will help train you and give you direction and instruction to enhance your performance. The better you perform, the more confident you become.
Lastly, remember that a good student (follower) makes a good teacher (leader). In other words, be teachable. You should be learning from all those around you, those above you (position wise), those on the same level as you, as well as those you may consider be- neath you.
When you observe to learn, you will learn to ob- serve the dos and the don'ts of secure and insecure lead- ers. The information for
change has been presented, now what are you going to do with it? My preference is that you lead with it and not leave without it helping you grow into the leader you were cre- ated to be.
About Selphenia Selphenia Nichols Simmons is hailed as “The Queen of Success”. As a Life and Business Success Coach, she inspires Christian women and entrepreneurs to go from being a mess to mak-
ing massive profits. Selphenia’s no-non-
sense business strategies take individuals and organi- zations from scratch, or any- where in between, to Success. Selphenia is avail- able to speak at churches, schools, universities, busi- ness organizations, retreats and conferences. If you would like to request Selphenia to speak or train at your upcoming event call (813) 603-0088.
Get connected. Join Selphenia on Social Media for some daily motivation.
Facebook: Selphenia Nichols Success Coach To Women; Instagram: Selphenia; and Twitter: queenodsuccess1.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 5-A