Remembering and Living MLK's Message

Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream Speech

Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream Speech

I had the privilege of hearing Kweisi Mfume speak at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial program in our Health System. For those of you who don’t know, Mfume was the former president and CEO of NAACP and a past member of congress. He gave a wonderfully invigorating and inspirational speech not just about MLK’s accomplishments in fighting social injustices, but more importantly about how we should live our lives everyday to carry on MLK’s dream.

When MLK was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 he spoke of his aspiration for global peace and brotherhood. We know that this isn’t a far reaching aspiration because it’s something that we are naturally inclined towards. Mfume openly spoke about the crisis occurring in Haiti and the magnitude of the tragedy (more than 45,000 killed). The number of casualties and the amount of suffering is tremendous and mind blowing. Yet, he reminded us that everyone in this nation and around the world has stepped in during this difficult time to aid victims in Haiti in various ways, by sending supplies, rescuers, and equipment to monetary donations and support - actions revealing our true human spirit. If only we could be just as involved in alleviating social problems locally and globally that inevitably impact the health and development of various populations, and not only during times of immediate crisis.

Kweisi Mfume

Kweisi Mfume

Something salient that Mfume touched upon in his speech is that we sometimes forget that we’re all interconnected and part of a larger community. It’s no wonder when our news concentrate only on local crime and violence and barely make mention of our nation’s relationship with other countries and the national and global societal and health issues that are pervasive. What’s amazing is that our country doesn’t make health care a right, but a privilege, and even more amazing that there’s a strong movement against health care reform. What supporters of this movement fail to understand is that working towards widening the gap in health disparities not only drains our country’s resources and efforts, but sends us backwards, further from our goal of social equality and justice.

The final and most pertinent thing Mfume spoke about was a major aspect of MLK’s philosophy that originated from Mahatma Ghandi’s teachings. It was one of Ghandi’s many wise sayings that he took to heart:

My life is my message

And this was how MLK tried to convey his message, through the non-violent actions he took to fight for equality, justice, dignity of his people, and peace. It’s a reminder of how we should live our lives. Whether it’s standing up to injustices, promoting peace and brotherhood, or working towards a social goal, we have to remember that it takes a community of people who believe in MLK’s dream to make it happen, as he so famously said in he speech in 1963, We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. And so on Martin Luther King Jr. Day let us not only remember a great man with an even greater vision, but let us live his dream.

Please donate to the American Red Cross or other charities to help victims in Haiti and for other causes.tamiflu nyquil Tamiflu Availabilty spanish flu
tamiflu recalls Tamiflu 60 Mg tamiflu
tamiflu manufacturer gilliad Parvo With Tamiflu swine flu mask
panleukopenia and tamiflu Tamiflu Prescribing Directions For Swine Flu rebate on tamiflu
depo provera flu interfere Complete Entire Treatment Of Tamiflu tamiflu and seizure
swine flu conspiracy? Purchase Tamiflu No Prescription aids tamiflu flu
tamiflu nausea Tamiflu Withdrawal “tamiflu invent”
prevention of flu Tylenol Or Aspirn For Flu chilli cold and flu treatment
gilead science donald rumsfeld tamiflu Tamiflu Ontario tamiflu and parvo
prophylactic tamiflu Philadelphia Flu Shoots Acme tamiflu roche
swine flu death toll Is Tamiflu Over The Counter tamiflu roche dick cheney
flu prevention signs Tamiflu Excretion who invented tamiflu?
rogaine flu symptoms Tamiflu Elderly pravachol nexium actos phentermine tamiflu
flu shot and tylenol Bactrim And Tamiflu Together stock ticker who makes tamiflu
does tamiflu work Flu Medication Tamiflu influenza a tamiflu
aids tamiflu flu Tamiflu Cdc 2009 flu multnomah county oregon
rumsfeld’s growing stake in tamiflu fort detrick Pediatric Tamiflu Approved For Pandemic Purchase pediatric tamiflu
buy tamiflu Flu Symptoms Prilosec swine flu wisconsin,
generic for tamiflu; Tamiflu And Weight Gain swine flu masks
tamiflu uk shop Tylenol Flu Pregnant tamiflu on line
tamiflu stomach flu Tamiflu Abnormal Suicidal Behaviour tylenol flu pregnant
flu treatments without tylenol Immunity Low After Tamiflu post-exposure tamiflu dosing
home treatment of the flu, Stock Ticker Who Makes Tamiflu tamiflu alcohol
relenza vs tamiflu Reactions To The Flu Shoot tamiflu hemorrhoid
tamiflu flu Tamiflu Z-pack tamiflu dosing instructions
stomach flu and treatments Gilead Tamiflu Stocks Value acheter tamiflu
what are some treatments of swine flu Depo Provera Flu Shot flu symptoms prilosec
flu shoots companys Flu Shoot Clinics Northwestern Pa swine flu
buy tamiflu without a prescription Tamiflu tamiflu antiviral stockpiling
tamiflu suspension no prescription How Long Do I Take Tamiflu tamiflu without a prescribtion
flu medication tamiflu; Tamiflu Avian Flu swine flu symptoms and treatments
tamiflu adverse events Flu Shot While Taking Prednisone molen flu shoots
cdc + swine flu treatment Who Should Stockpile Tamiflu swine flu in ohio
tamiflu for bird flu and 2007 Soap Note For Tamiflu tamiflu shelf life
tylenol flu night time Who Makes Tamiflu tamiflu and effectiveness and safety
tamiflu in dogs Tamiflu Related To Pan Epidemic Outbreak “tamiflu for only 4 days”
Ingridients of tamiflu intestinal flu 927. Merck Tamiflu intestinal flu
number needed to treat for tamiflu! Tamiflu Adverse Reactions Recent News medwatch form for tamiflu
wiki tamiflu; Tamiflu And Purchase tamiflu otc,
tamiflu recalls Whats In Tamiflu tamiflu
tamiflu manufacturer gilliad Tamiflu Hemorrhoid swine flu mask
panleukopenia and tamiflu Pharmacist Role In Flu Prevention Tamiflu rebate on tamiflu
depo provera flu interfere Ap News Tamiflu tamiflu and seizure
swine flu conspiracy? Tylenol Cough And Flu aids tamiflu flu
tamiflu nausea Tamiflu For Children 2008 “tamiflu invent”
prevention of flu Tamiflu For Only 4 Days chilli cold and flu treatment
gilead science donald rumsfeld tamiflu Tylenol Cold Flu tamiflu and parvo
prophylactic tamiflu Thermisol In Tamiflu tamiflu roche
swine flu death toll Lexapro And Flu Symptons tamiflu roche dick cheney
flu prevention signs Health Care Flu Shoot who invented tamiflu?
rogaine flu symptoms Tamiflu Bestellen pravachol nexium actos phentermine tamiflu
flu shot and tylenol Bird Flu Tamiflu stock ticker who makes tamiflu
does tamiflu work Find Buy Tamiflu Ebay influenza a tamiflu
aids tamiflu flu Tylenol Cold And Flu 2009 flu multnomah county oregon
rumsfeld’s growing stake in tamiflu fort detrick Tamiflu Singapore Tender pediatric tamiflu
buy tamiflu Tamiflu Producer swine flu wisconsin,
generic for tamiflu; Cdc Indications For Tamiflu swine flu masks
tamiflu uk shop Tamiflu Ordering tamiflu on line
tamiflu stomach flu Tamiflu Donald Rumsfield tylenol flu pregnant
flu treatments without tylenol Nursing Tamiflu post-exposure tamiflu dosing
home treatment of the flu, Can Celexa Cause Flu Like Symptoms tamiflu alcohol
relenza vs tamiflu Tamiflu From Mexico tamiflu hemorrhoid
tamiflu flu Zoloft Interact Cold Flu tamiflu dosing instructions
stomach flu and treatments Tamiflu And Seizure acheter tamiflu

Navigating the Decision to H1N1 Flu Vaccination



Dr. Clarke’s H1N1 Rap (from flu.gov web site)

As we enter the flu season
The subject of vaccination has begun to re-surface in various forms. I’ve seen flyers distributed, state mandates issued, casual debates taking place, the usual myths being passed around, and Dr. Clarke’s awesome rap on H1N1. The very issue of vaccination brings up the inherent conflict between individual rights and public health’s “for the greater good” doctrine. Inevitably, people are going to disagree and the same myths will continue to circulate.

But what’s different about this season?
It’s unique because we will be combating both the usual flu strain and the H1N1 strain - infamously known as the swine flu. It seems quite likely that the incidence of flu may increase this season, which is all the more reason to get vaccinated. However, there was a lot of talk about the H1N1 vaccine at work and people were hesitant to get it despite vaccination trials and FDA approval. One of the most common concerns voiced was,

“It’s too new and we don’t know what will happen.”

I admit that I was quite worried about the vaccine for H1N1 after hearing all the concerns from my co-workers. So I decided to do some research.

The first web sites I went to were CDC’s web site on H1N1 www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and www.flu.gov.

I found the following facts about the new strain:

  • Pregnant women, young children and those with medical conditions are at high risk for increased complications from the strain.
  • It has caused greater disease burden in younger people (particularly those younger than 25) than older adults over 65.
  • The vaccine is expected to have a similar safety profile as the seasonal flu vaccine, with side effects (such as allergic reaction or Guillain-Barre syndrome) being rare. You also can’t get the flu from the vaccine because it’s made from inactivated viruses.
  • The vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine
  • Antiviral drugs are available to treat those with the flu and who require hospitalization, but they are only 70 to 90% effective so there may be a chance that the virus may be resistant to the medication. That means you can’t solely rely on being treated after the fact.

  • Here are a couple of good mythbuster sites about the flu vaccine:

  • www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/top-14-flu-myths
  • https://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/10-flu-myths.htm
  • What’s more concerning is how easily the virus can spread
    According to the CDC the flu virus can survive on surfaces for 2 to 8 hours, which can then infect a person. Infected people may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after getting sick.

    So wash yer hands and stay home if you’re sick!

    Making a choice
    I must say that I felt loads better after reading about H1N1. It seems that the strain was no worse than the usual one, but it was more severe for younger people, pregnant women, and those with complications. Also, the vaccine is just like any other flu vaccine that I’ve been getting for years, but simply targeting a different strain. The concern about the “newness” of the vaccine is not really that much of a concern since each year the flu vaccine is essentially a new vaccine. It’s made the same way each time so it’s not any different this year. I get the seasonal flu shot every year and so far nothing adverse has happened to me. I’ve even had the vaccine when I was pregnant and my baby did not have any issues. But the most important reason for getting vaccinated is to prevent the spread of the flu to my children, family members, co-workers, and other people who I may come into contact with. It becomes a never ending chain of contagion, with one person contaminating the next. So I’ve decided to get the H1N1 vaccination not only because I am a believer in the “greater good” doctrine, but also because I’ve made an informed decision - I won’t let you down Dr. Clarke!…Now I just hope they’ve produced enough supply of it this year.

    what are some treatments of swine flu Tamiflu Orders No Prescription flu symptoms prilosec
    flu shoots companys Tamiflu Where Can You Buy Online swine flu
    buy tamiflu without a prescription Singulair Flu Shot tamiflu antiviral stockpiling
    tamiflu suspension no prescription Mail Order Tamiflu tamiflu without a prescribtion
    flu medication tamiflu; Prozac Withdrawal Flu Symptoms swine flu symptoms and treatments
    tamiflu adverse events Safeway Flu Shoots molen flu shoots
    cdc + swine flu treatment Is Tamiflu An Anitbiotic swine flu in ohio
    tamiflu for bird flu and 2007 Swine Flu Methotrexate tamiflu shelf life
    tylenol flu night time Tamiflu Prescription Drug tamiflu and effectiveness and safety
    tamiflu in dogs Voltarol Flu Like Symptom “tamiflu for only 4 days”
    Ingridients of tamiflu intestinal flu 927. Tamiflu For Sale intestinal flu
    number needed to treat for tamiflu! Vacaville Ca 95687 Flu Shoots medwatch form for tamiflu
    wiki tamiflu; Tamiflu Order Without A Prescription tamiflu otc,
    tamiflu recalls Tamiflu And Children tamiflu
    tamiflu manufacturer gilliad Diovan And Flu Like Symptoms swine flu mask
    panleukopenia and tamiflu Tamiflu Purchase Mexico rebate on tamiflu
    depo provera flu interfere Tamiflu Safety Elderly tamiflu and seizure
    swine flu conspiracy? Tamiflu And Swine Flu Immunity aids tamiflu flu
    tamiflu nausea Tamiflu Experience “tamiflu invent”
    prevention of flu Tamiflu Warning chilli cold and flu treatment
    gilead science donald rumsfeld tamiflu Children Tylenol Flu tamiflu and parvo
    prophylactic tamiflu Tamiflu Cheap Without Prescription tamiflu roche
    swine flu death toll Wki Tamiflu tamiflu roche dick cheney
    flu prevention signs Government Purchase Of Tamiflu who invented tamiflu?
    rogaine flu symptoms Oseltamivir Tamiflu pravachol nexium actos phentermine tamiflu
    flu shot and tylenol Cdc Flu Shot Tylenol stock ticker who makes tamiflu
    does tamiflu work Tamiflu Revlu influenza a tamiflu
    aids tamiflu flu Tamiflu Oral Suspension 2009 flu multnomah county oregon
    rumsfeld’s growing stake in tamiflu fort detrick Canine Tamiflu pediatric tamiflu
    buy tamiflu Tylenol Flu Severe swine flu wisconsin,
    generic for tamiflu; Tamiflu Otc Switch swine flu masks
    tamiflu uk shop Tamiflu And Cystic Fibrosis tamiflu on line
    tamiflu stomach flu Tamiflu Histori tylenol flu pregnant
    flu treatments without tylenol Motrin Cold Flu post-exposure tamiflu dosing
    home treatment of the flu, Shoud Businesses Stockpile Tamiflu tamiflu alcohol
    relenza vs tamiflu Ambien Flu tamiflu hemorrhoid
    tamiflu flu Tamiflu Tender Singapore tamiflu dosing instructions
    stomach flu and treatments Tamiflu And Parvo acheter tamiflu
    what are some treatments of swine flu Tamiflu Resistance flu symptoms prilosec
    flu shoots companys Flu Shoots Dallas Locations swine flu
    buy tamiflu without a prescription Flu Shoots Pittsburgh Pa tamiflu antiviral stockpiling
    tamiflu suspension no prescription Tamiflu Reaction tamiflu without a prescribtion
    flu medication tamiflu; Tamiflu For Parvo swine flu symptoms and treatments
    tamiflu adverse events Tamiflu Children molen flu shoots
    cdc + swine flu treatment Tamiflu Antiviral Stockpiling swine flu in ohio
    tamiflu for bird flu and 2007 Ingridients Of Tamiflu tamiflu shelf life
    tylenol flu night time Medience Tamiflu Children tamiflu and effectiveness and safety
    tamiflu in dogs Childrens Tylenol Plus Flu “tamiflu for only 4 days”
    Ingridients of tamiflu intestinal flu 927. Lexapro Flu intestinal flu
    number needed to treat for tamiflu! Fda Recommendations Using Tamiflu With Children medwatch form for tamiflu
    wiki tamiflu; Tamiflu Sign Guidlines tamiflu otc,
    tamiflu recalls Price Of Tamiflu tamiflu
    tamiflu manufacturer gilliad Aids Tamiflu Flu swine flu mask
    panleukopenia and tamiflu Stop Tamiflu Make Flu Worse rebate on tamiflu
    depo provera flu interfere Otc Tamiflu tamiflu and seizure
    swine flu conspiracy? Cost Of Tamiflu aids tamiflu flu
    tamiflu nausea Breastfeeding Tamiflu “tamiflu invent”
    prevention of flu Flu Shoot Radition Treatment chilli cold and flu treatment
    gilead science donald rumsfeld tamiflu Tamiflu Ingredian tamiflu and parvo
    prophylactic tamiflu Flu Treatments Without Tylenol tamiflu roche
    swine flu death toll Veternarian Tamiflu tamiflu roche dick cheney
    flu prevention signs Albertsons Central Forida Flu Shoots who invented tamiflu?
    rogaine flu symptoms Who Owns Tamiflu pravachol nexium actos phentermine tamiflu
    flu shot and tylenol Reactions To Flu Shoots stock ticker who makes tamiflu

    Monica on the Kundiman poetry retreat

    kundi_2

    From left to right: Rick Barot (faculty poet), Monica, and Sarah Gambito (Kundiman co-founder).

    I have a confession. Before I arrived here in Charlottesville, I was harboring a forbidden question buried under my pile of busy madness. Quietly, inside, I wondered: “Why bother?” It was a symptom of self-defeat that started forming like moss over the creative questions I slowly began shrinking from. Basically, I was in a rut, and unsure if I would be able to make it out alive.

    Kundiman changed all that for me. It is an Asian-American poetry retreat, directed by Sarah Gambito, taking place at the University of Virginia, bringing together selected fellows with writing faculty and staff from across the country. This year our star faculty included Rick Barot, Myung Mi Kim, and Staceyann Chin.

    The days are filled with intense workshops, salon readings, as well as group challenges to analyze and reinterpret poetry on the spot — I found myself constantly on my toes and sitting on the edge of what I thought I could do and what I never imagined I could do. I think that is the beauty of such spaces - to push us to the uncomfortable spaces that our lives desperately want to grow from.

    uva

    University of Virginia in Charlottesville

    The most enriching experience for me was simply getting to know the other fellows who are each deeply involved in causes that they deeply believe in and who are passionate about the projects that they are pursuing. Their courage and ability to “own it” really moved me. They not only made me aware of what was possible, but also reflected back to me how much I needed to push past the self-constructed barriers. I think the thing about Asian identity politics that I’m still learning to shake off is the profoundly ingrained habit of perpetual politeness. It disables honesty. And without honesty, it is impossible to create.

    The Kundiman love is infectious though. Kudos to the staff who worked so hard to make us feel welcome, comfortable and free to take chances. I went home from Kundiman with more drive and plenty of new ways to experiment with language and creative process. I also recommitted to designing a daily life where I can dedicate more serious time to my work.

    I look forward to the next retreat as well as other Kundiman events in the area. As an artist who is always making work about displacement and translocation, I have to tell you that I finally feel at home.

    kundi_1

    From left to right: Hyejung Kook, Diana Park, Gein Wong, Monica, and Esther Lee

    does tamiflu work Flu Headache Aleve influenza a tamiflu
    aids tamiflu flu Flu And Prednisone 2009 flu multnomah county oregon
    rumsfeld’s growing stake in tamiflu fort detrick Tamiflu Scam pediatric tamiflu
    buy tamiflu Tamiflu No Prescription swine flu wisconsin,
    generic for tamiflu; Flu Injection Vs Plavix swine flu masks
    tamiflu uk shop Tamiflu Yeast Infections tamiflu on line
    tamiflu stomach flu Who Manufactures Tamiflu tylenol flu pregnant
    flu treatments without tylenol Flu Shoots Companys post-exposure tamiflu dosing
    home treatment of the flu, Tamiflu Cost tamiflu alcohol
    relenza vs tamiflu Role Of Np Flu Tamiflu tamiflu hemorrhoid
    tamiflu flu Flu Vaccine And Coumadin tamiflu dosing instructions
    stomach flu and treatments Tamiflu Cost Comparison acheter tamiflu
    what are some treatments of swine flu Tamiflu Medical flu symptoms prilosec
    flu shoots companys Tamiflu Maker swine flu
    buy tamiflu without a prescription Purchase Tamiflu tamiflu antiviral stockpiling
    tamiflu suspension no prescription Antiviral Tamiflu tamiflu without a prescribtion
    flu medication tamiflu; Tamiflu Online Purchase swine flu symptoms and treatments
    tamiflu adverse events Pandemic Tamiflu molen flu shoots
    cdc + swine flu treatment Tamiflu Mfg swine flu in ohio
    tamiflu for bird flu and 2007 Flu Medicine Tamiflu tamiflu shelf life
    tylenol flu night time Tamiflu Cpt Code tamiflu and effectiveness and safety
    tamiflu in dogs Tamiflu Prophylaxis “tamiflu for only 4 days”
    Ingridients of tamiflu intestinal flu 927. Tamiflu Mercury intestinal flu
    number needed to treat for tamiflu! Tamiflu Manufacturer medwatch form for tamiflu
    wiki tamiflu; Case Study Of Tamiflu tamiflu otc,
    tamiflu recalls Tamiflu Baxter tamiflu
    tamiflu manufacturer gilliad Tamiflu Without A Prescribtion swine flu mask
    panleukopenia and tamiflu Tylenol Cold And Flu Recall rebate on tamiflu
    depo provera flu interfere Tamiflu Rumsfield tamiflu and seizure
    swine flu conspiracy? Is Tamiflu A Vaccine aids tamiflu flu
    tamiflu nausea Order Tamiflu “tamiflu invent”
    prevention of flu Tamiflu Purchase Avian Bird Flu chilli cold and flu treatment
    gilead science donald rumsfeld tamiflu Flu Shot And Symmetrel tamiflu and parvo
    prophylactic tamiflu Maker Of Tamiflu tamiflu roche
    swine flu death toll Tamiflu And Rumsfeld tamiflu roche dick cheney
    flu prevention signs Tamiflu Japan who invented tamiflu?
    rogaine flu symptoms Where Can You Buy Tamiflu pravachol nexium actos phentermine tamiflu
    flu shot and tylenol Procter And Gamble Tamiflu For Staff stock ticker who makes tamiflu
    does tamiflu work Tamiflu Disorientation Dizziness influenza a tamiflu
    aids tamiflu flu Bactrim For Sinus Infection Flu 2009 flu multnomah county oregon
    rumsfeld’s growing stake in tamiflu fort detrick Phenergan For Flu pediatric tamiflu
    buy tamiflu Flu Shoot swine flu wisconsin,
    generic for tamiflu; Flu Prednisone Shot swine flu masks
    tamiflu uk shop Philadelphia Flu Shoots tamiflu on line
    tamiflu stomach flu Soap Note On Tamiflu tylenol flu pregnant
    flu treatments without tylenol Tamiflu Related To Disasters post-exposure tamiflu dosing
    home treatment of the flu, Relenza Tamiflu Online tamiflu alcohol
    relenza vs tamiflu Flu Symptons From Lexapro tamiflu hemorrhoid
    tamiflu flu Buy Tamiflu Without A Prescription tamiflu dosing instructions
    stomach flu and treatments Pravachol Nexium Actos Phentermine Tamiflu acheter tamiflu
    what are some treatments of swine flu Tylenol Cold And Flu Severe flu symptoms prilosec
    flu shoots companys Motrin Cold And Flu swine flu
    buy tamiflu without a prescription Government Buys Tamiflu tamiflu antiviral stockpiling
    tamiflu suspension no prescription Tamiflu Donald Rumsfeld tamiflu without a prescribtion
    flu medication tamiflu; Tylenol Flu Night Time swine flu symptoms and treatments
    tamiflu adverse events Tylenol Flu Shot molen flu shoots
    cdc + swine flu treatment Swine Flu Tamiflu swine flu in ohio
    tamiflu for bird flu and 2007 Buy Tamiflu tamiflu shelf life
    tylenol flu night time Tucson Flu Shoots tamiflu and effectiveness and safety
    tamiflu in dogs Tamiflu Indications “tamiflu for only 4 days”
    Ingridients of tamiflu intestinal flu 927. Dosing Tamiflu intestinal flu
    number needed to treat for tamiflu! Drug Trials For Tamiflu medwatch form for tamiflu
    wiki tamiflu; Tamiflu For Children tamiflu otc,
    tamiflu recalls Tamiflu Warnings tamiflu

    where art, culture, and public health overlap