Roger

TRUMP

Being Black, I remember something my dad told me early on. He said if you want equal pay in an unfair world, choose sales. Study hard, work like the devil, and you can earn the same as anyone else. Sales pays what you earn.

I chose sales for similar reasons. It was a way to make money and create new horizons for myself and my family. Sales felt like a path where effort, learning, and persistence could actually change your situation.

I just read a beautiful story about a guy named Steve Pruitt. He shared that whenever he was searching for new goals or a new career path, he chose sales. Sales was how he grew, expanded, and kept moving forward.

Great news. Seventeen Republicans joined Democrats to approve the Affordable Care Act. Now we need the Senate to follow through. I think they will, especially with a little pressure from their constituents.

In all my years watching football, last night's Ravens vs. Steelers game was one of the absolute best. Truly a classic. 🏈 #NFL #Ravens #Steelers

Merry Christmas!

Sad to see the Kansas City Chiefs get eliminated from the playoffs. Even though I live in Atlanta and reluctantly support the Falcons, I was still pulling for KC. I guess I’m left rooting for my favorite NCAA team, the UConn Huskies women’s basketball squad. 🏀

Most people sold it the company way. I did it my way, and at that time, I was the best. As the years passed, that approach became the only real way to help a young person figure out which direction they should go in life. I’m glad I remembered all of this today. (5/5)

Years later, when I started in sales, my associates were always amazed that I could walk into a white man’s home and sell him a home study course. It wasn’t easy. The job required a negative sales approach, and not everyone could do it. (4/5)

The young man kept saying he was sorry and that it wouldn’t happen again. I was shocked when the man walked away and I realized it was Milton Berle. That moment stuck with me forever. It taught me that everyone is equal, and you should treat everyone the same. (3/5)

I watched the way he talked to celebrities like they were just regular people. He never bowed to anyone because of who they were. One day, when he was managing a health club (I think this was around 1949 or 1950), I saw him chewing out a white man about something that had happened there. (2/5)

When I was a young boy, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my uncle Lee. He probably influenced me more than anybody else in my life. He taught me how to be bold, how to be aggressive when it mattered, and not to be afraid of anyone. (1/5)

He then shared that his brother, who was also a doctor, had just passed away at 59. It hit me as a reminder that you never know when or where life is going to throw something unexpected at you. Stay healthy and take care of yourselves, everyone.

Haven’t posted in a while, so here’s an update. I saw three doctors in three days last week, which was a bit harrowing, but I made it through in one piece. One of them asked if getting older is stressful. I told him honestly it’s not exactly what it’s cracked up to be.

Another eye lid surgery today. Might be a minute before I jump back on or reply. This will be the fourth eye lid surgery this year. Wish me luck.

The civil rights movement also started small and was scoffed at in the beginning, but it kept getting bigger and stronger. So will this. The president has to act fast, because if he doesn’t, this could mark the beginning of the end for his ugly self and everything he stands for.

That was great that young people were out in force on Saturday. This is just the beginning though. It got everyone’s attention. The maga people know they have to stop this now. They realize they cannot let this become a national movement that spreads and gains real power.

I hope everyone gets out there this Saturday for the No Kings protest. Don’t let fear or doubt keep you home. I’ve seen a lot in 91 years, and change only happens when people stand up and are counted. The civil rights movement proved that. Your voice still matters—use it!

So I started shining shoes for men getting off the subway in NYC. Two months later, I had enough to buy extra gear and rent it to my friends for $10 a day. Looking back, I never thanked my dad for that tough love — the “no” that pushed me to grow up and build something on my own.

When I was 14, I got brave and asked my dad for a few dollars. He looked me dead in the eye and said, “I’ll loan it to you, but you’ll have to find a way to pay me back.” That one line stuck with me — it wasn’t just about money; it was about learning how to earn.

What really got me was one team had two men on with nobody out for three straight innings and still could not score. I have never seen that before. Seattle finally pushed one across in the 15th inning and I dragged myself to bed. What a game. #Mariners #Baseball

Friday night I sat up all night watching that Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers game that went on forever. I fell asleep, woke up, and it was still on. I could not believe how long it lasted. Baseball sure can test your patience sometimes.

Things were orderly, contained, and polite on the surface. But times have changed. People with mental health struggles now see violence as the only way to force change. Ironically, more young people, both Black and white, voted for the mess we are in today, throwing away their futures.

I see a lethargic sentiment settling over this country that I have never seen before. It scares the hell out of me. I am 91 and this country is in bad shape. Take MAGA Republicans. Does anyone really know what they want? There is a deep longing to go back to a time when everyone knew their place.

Thanks when you have seen a lot nothing surprises you not even mr stupid in the White House

I will follow up in 4 weeks so far so good . Thanks for your support

They were eventually canceled despite good ratings, and later won damages in court. It also brings to mind Nat King Cole’s show in the 1950s, one of the finest ever. It ended after just a year because no national sponsor would back a Black host. Prejudice kept it off the air, not lack of talent.

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. I had an eye procedure last week, and my vision’s been blurry, but I thought I’d check in. Glad to see Jimmy Kimmel back. It makes me think of shows that pushed boundaries, like the Smothers Brothers in the ’60s, who clashed with CBS over politics.

Thank you. I'm still alive and the procedure went well. Blurry eyed but I'm ok.