I spoke to a childhood friend the other day. She told me about the passing of Tommy Moriarty who died at the age of 62. Tommy had down syndrome.
He lived with his rather large family on 16th Avenue in at the time was called East Paterson.
Tommy and I were the same age. I lived two blocks away on 18th Avenue.
My memory is hazy but some of the details of my childhood have stayed with me.
We grew up together for the period of roughly 1965-1968. Many hours were spent sleigh riding on the small hill located near Tommy's house on 16th Avenue.
One day my family's dog ran out the door and it seemed like at least 20 children including Tommy tried to catch him. Pepper ran into the woods near the Garfield Water Works. Eventually despite the snow and other dangers Pepper was returned.
I asked my Mom about Tommy being different and at the time the term retarded was used. My Mom who was generally soft spoken told me that God made all children in his likeness.
Soon after this I was standing on top of 16th Avenue hill waiting to sleigh down it. Tommy was there and asked me if I was his friend. We rode down the hill on the sleigh together.
I spoke to a childhood friend the other day. She told me about the passing of Tommy Moriarty who died at the age of 62. Tommy had down syndrome.
He lived with his rather large family on 16th Avenue in at the time was called East Paterson.
Tommy and I were the same age. I lived two blocks away on 18th Avenue.
My memory is hazy but some of the details of my childhood have stayed with me.
We grew up together for the period of roughly 1965-1968. Many hours were spent sleigh riding on the small hill located near Tommy's house on 16th Avenue.
One day my family's dog ran out the door and it seemed like at least 20 children including Tommy tried to catch him. Pepper ran into the woods near the Garfield Water Works. Eventually despite the snow and other dangers Pepper was returned.
I asked my Mom about Tommy being different and at the time the term retarded was used. My Mom who was generally soft spoken told me that God made all children in his likeness.
Soon after this I was standing on top of 16th Avenue hill waiting to sleigh down it. Tommy was there and asked me if I was his friend. We rode down the hill on the sleigh together.
UNITED STATES CITIZENS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN PROCESS AGAINST TRUMP/RUSSIA
UNITED STATES CITIZENS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN PROCESS AGAINST TRUMP/RUSSIA
In conjunction with the recent lawsuit by DNC chair Tom Perez and the party to refocus attention on this frightening attack on our democracy.
ELECTRONIC WATERGATE
While no adversaries broke down a door to the DNC headquarters, what Trump/Russia did was even more of an intrusion on our democracy. They burrowed into the DNC computer system and lurked there for more than a year, siphoning off private emails for later distribution via WikiLeaks, to undermine Hillary Clinton's campaign. They sought to destroy the Democratic Party by sowing discord and division, discrediting the DNC nominee with salacious lies and disinformation, and forcing the DNC to spend untold millions to protect data, remedy the hacking, and set up a firewall against additional hacking.
RUSSIA The U.S. intelligence community agrees that the Russians interfered in the 2016 election to favor Trump. The Trump campaign had multiple clandestine communications with Russian agents and with WikiLeaks. The Russians offered the Trump campaign stolen emails. Roger Stone, Trump’s close adviser, sent clear signals that he had knowledge of the release of those stolen records. This class action lawsuit names the Russian government and the Trump campaign as co-conspirators who shared the goal of damaging the Democratic Party and undermining our Democracy.
DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE This lawsuit is aimed at equity, not damages. The same was true of a similar lawsuit the DNC filed against Richard Nixon's campaign that was successfully settled in the era of Watergate. As before, all we want is accountability and a consent decree to take steps to protect our elections and preserve our democracy. The Russians tried to penetrate or hack into the election system in 21 states. The 2016 hacking and other intrusions have riled citizens, who increasingly have come to realize that democracy is only as strong as citizen interest in preserving it.
ARE YOU READY FOR A FILM THAT CAN LIFT YOUR SPIRITS LIKE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION DID? Are you in need of another devine movie experience. One that will have you talking about for decades.
JOIN US AS WE Follow Eight Amazing Children through six decades.
Walk With You
The Story of Dred Scott and The Blow Family of Virginia
IN 1815 - On the Peter Blow Plantation in Virginia.
Peter and Elizabeth were given a large plantation and lofty status in early 19th century Virginia when they married. How could they possibly fail?
On a cloudy winter's day 5 year old Charlotte Blow, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth, is playing in the kitchen garden with John Bull, her favorite colorful doll.
It has a mouth that opens and closes with a string. Charlotte goes inside but leaves the John Bull doll outside
That night it snows covering up John Bull, because he was forgotten. Charlotte is crying as Dred Scott enters her room.
Dred, a young man and her black servant responsible for her safety, remembers seeing Charlotte playing in the garden the day before.
Dred Scott goes outside and after an hour locates the doll. Dred is shivering because he does not have winter clothes. Elizabeth, who is knitting some blankets, enlists the young Charlotte to assist her.
She hears the story about Dred and John Bull. Both girls agree to knit Dred and his Virginia family some winter clothes. The Blow boys Henry, Taylor, Peter, and William find them shoes.
Peter Blow fails at War and Virginia farming. Peter's children are doing well in school, taught strong values by Peter's wife, Elizabeth.
1828 - 13 years later - In a stable in back of the Peter Blow Inn in Alabama.
Dred Scott, now a hosteler in his late twenties, is caring for a young horse named Martha. All six Blow children, now young men and women, were taught to ride Martha by Dred.
Peter Blow fails at Alabama farming and innkeeping. Peter's children and servants do the best they can living with meager provisions under trying circumstances.
In 1830 they all move to Missouri to start again, time is running out for Peter Blow.
1832 - 4 years later - In a small parlor located inside the Peter Blow hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.
Peter and Elizabeth Blow pass away. Despite having everything to start, they leave their children penniless.
Dred Scott and his Virginia family are sold to Dr. Emerson to pay Peter's debts.
The Blow children witness the wedding of Charlotte to Joseph Charless, a wealthy St. Louis businessman.
Charlotte, perhaps the most beautiful young lady in St. Louis, still has her doll, John Bull. The doll is held by her sister, Elizabeth, on the sash of her dress during the modest ceremony.
All that the Blow children have left in this world is their education. They will find that this is more than enough.
1847 - 15 years later - a letter to Dred from his wife Harriet Scott.
Dred Scott has been gone for months to the deep south. His wife, Harriet, is pregnant with their second daughter. She is due at any time
A few weeks later, Harriet receives a letter from Dred from Mexico. She writes back immediately:
My Darling Dred:
I was elated to hear that you are among the living. It is hard to fathom that it seems like almost a year since I have seen you.
My heart is overflowing with pleasure that I can hardly command words to communicate to you that you have a new daughter.
Lizzy was born this week and is as fine and healthy an infant as you have ever seen.
Mrs. Emerson named her to honor herself.She plans to sell both our girls.
I have been delivering groceries for Samuel Russell. Mrs. Emerson worked me hard until Lizzy was born. I had one day off. I am tired but in good health.
Eliza and I deliver groceries to a magnificent house about three blocks away. An older lady named Aunt Rachel answered the door. We became friends.
Rachel introduced me to the Mistress of the house, Miss Elizabeth.
I mentioned that my husband Dred has been away for many months in the deep south.
Miss Elizabeth told me she grew up in Virginia with a servant boy named Dred. The more we described you the more it occurred to us we knew the same person. You my love.
Elizabeth and I cherish that we have spent many hours together with our daughters. We both agree that they need to be protected from Mrs. Emerson and the lady on Morgan Street who sells babies.
We must act fast before Irene Emerson takes them. Joseph, her husband has introduced me to an attorney. He says a freedom suit will stop her from selling Eliza and Lizzy.
My love for you is stronger than ever, please come home soon.
Harriet
1852 - five years later - at the St. Louis jailhouse.
The Blow children, Henry, Taylor, Elizabeth, and Charlotte visit the Scott's while they are in jail.
They are aware that Mrs. Emerson is going to sell the Scott's children Eliza and Lizzy the next day.
Charlotte wants to support Dred and his family because he was part of her family in Virginia.
It was the right thing to do, her mother would have supported the Blow children's efforts.
Charlotte has brought two large dolls she and Elizabeth made that are very similar to John Bull, Charlotte's doll. Except they are larger versions.
Charlotte takes one out from under her hoop skirt and tells Eliza to go under. Elizabeth does the same with Lizzy.
The Blow children leave the jail while Henry and Taylor strike up a conversation with the jailer to distract him.
The camera pans down to the floor displaying the little feet of Eliza and Lizzy under the skirts walking past the jailer
Outside the jail, safely away from the jailers eyes, the Scott girls come out from underneath the ladies skirts.
Taylor and Henry lift the two girls on Old Martha who is tied to a hitching post at the side of the jailhouse.
They walk by the jailhouse window where Dred and Harriet are.
Charlotte calls softly to Dred. “Years ago, do you remember giving us rides on Martha in Alabama.
Dred responds “Yes I sure do Miss Charlotte. Those days are long gone”
Charlotte responds “Well now we will bring them back, it’s our turn to give your children a ride on the same horse, only this is a freedom ride.” Harriet sheds a tear.
Taylor Blow responds “Dred and Harriet, we will take good care of your daughters.”
Henry Blow responds “Yes we surely will. You can count on us.”
Old Martha disappears into the night as Dred and Harriet watch from their jail cell. Charlotte hides the girls in her home. They are not seen for 5 years. Until Dred and Harriet are free.
ARE YOU READY FOR A FILM THAT CAN LIFT YOUR SPIRITS LIKE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION DID? Are you in need of another devine movie experience. One that will have you talking about for decades.
JOIN US AS WE Follow Eight Amazing Children through six decades.
Walk With You
The Story of Dred Scott and The Blow Family of Virginia
IN 1815 - On the Peter Blow Plantation in Virginia.
Peter and Elizabeth were given a large plantation and lofty status in early 19th century Virginia when they married. How could they possibly fail?
On a cloudy winter's day 5 year old Charlotte Blow, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth, is playing in the kitchen garden with John Bull, her favorite colorful doll.
It has a mouth that opens and closes with a string. Charlotte goes inside but leaves the John Bull doll outside
That night it snows covering up John Bull, because he was forgotten. Charlotte is crying as Dred Scott enters her room.
Dred, a young man and her black servant responsible for her safety, remembers seeing Charlotte playing in the garden the day before.
Dred Scott goes outside and after an hour locates the doll. Dred is shivering because he does not have winter clothes. Elizabeth, who is knitting some blankets, enlists the young Charlotte to assist her.
She hears the story about Dred and John Bull. Both girls agree to knit Dred and his Virginia family some winter clothes. The Blow boys Henry, Taylor, Peter, and William find them shoes.
Peter Blow fails at War and Virginia farming. Peter's children are doing well in school, taught strong values by Peter's wife, Elizabeth.
1828 - 13 years later - In a stable in back of the Peter Blow Inn in Alabama.
Dred Scott, now a hosteler in his late twenties, is caring for a young horse named Martha. All six Blow children, now young men and women, were taught to ride Martha by Dred.
Peter Blow fails at Alabama farming and innkeeping. Peter's children and servants do the best they can living with meager provisions under trying circumstances.
In 1830 they all move to Missouri to start again, time is running out for Peter Blow.
1832 - 4 years later - In a small parlor located inside the Peter Blow hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.
Peter and Elizabeth Blow pass away. Despite having everything to start, they leave their children penniless.
Dred Scott and his Virginia family are sold to Dr. Emerson to pay Peter's debts.
The Blow children witness the wedding of Charlotte to Joseph Charless, a wealthy St. Louis businessman.
Charlotte, perhaps the most beautiful young lady in St. Louis, still has her doll, John Bull. The doll is held by her sister, Elizabeth, on the sash of her dress during the modest ceremony.
All that the Blow children have left in this world is their education. They will find that this is more than enough.
1847 - 15 years later - a letter to Dred from his wife Harriet Scott.
Dred Scott has been gone for months to the deep south. His wife, Harriet, is pregnant with their second daughter. She is due at any time
A few weeks later, Harriet receives a letter from Dred from Mexico. She writes back immediately:
My Darling Dred:
I was elated to hear that you are among the living. It is hard to fathom that it seems like almost a year since I have seen you.
My heart is overflowing with pleasure that I can hardly command words to communicate to you that you have a new daughter.
Lizzy was born this week and is as fine and healthy an infant as you have ever seen.
Mrs. Emerson named her to honor herself.She plans to sell both our girls.
I have been delivering groceries for Samuel Russell. Mrs. Emerson worked me hard until Lizzy was born. I had one day off. I am tired but in good health.
Eliza and I deliver groceries to a magnificent house about three blocks away. An older lady named Aunt Rachel answered the door. We became friends.
Rachel introduced me to the Mistress of the house, Miss Elizabeth.
I mentioned that my husband Dred has been away for many months in the deep south.
Miss Elizabeth told me she grew up in Virginia with a servant boy named Dred. The more we described you the more it occurred to us we knew the same person. You my love.
Elizabeth and I cherish that we have spent many hours together with our daughters. We both agree that they need to be protected from Mrs. Emerson and the lady on Morgan Street who sells babies.
We must act fast before Irene Emerson takes them. Joseph, her husband has introduced me to an attorney. He says a freedom suit will stop her from selling Eliza and Lizzy.
My love for you is stronger than ever, please come home soon.
Harriet
1852 - five years later - at the St. Louis jailhouse.
The Blow children, Henry, Taylor, Elizabeth, and Charlotte visit the Scott's while they are in jail.
They are aware that Mrs. Emerson is going to sell the Scott's children Eliza and Lizzy the next day.
Charlotte wants to support Dred and his family because he was part of her family in Virginia.
It was the right thing to do, her mother would have supported the Blow children's efforts.
Charlotte has brought two large dolls she and Elizabeth made that are very similar to John Bull, Charlotte's doll. Except they are larger versions.
Charlotte takes one out from under her hoop skirt and tells Eliza to go under. Elizabeth does the same with Lizzy.
The Blow children leave the jail while Henry and Taylor strike up a conversation with the jailer to distract him.
The camera pans down to the floor displaying the little feet of Eliza and Lizzy under the skirts walking past the jailer
Outside the jail, safely away from the jailers eyes, the Scott girls come out from underneath the ladies skirts.
Taylor and Henry lift the two girls on Old Martha who is tied to a hitching post at the side of the jailhouse.
They walk by the jailhouse window where Dred and Harriet are.
Charlotte calls softly to Dred. “Years ago, do you remember giving us rides on Martha in Alabama.
Dred responds “Yes I sure do Miss Charlotte. Those days are long gone”
Charlotte responds “Well now we will bring them back, it’s our turn to give your children a ride on the same horse, only this is a freedom ride.” Harriet sheds a tear.
Taylor Blow responds “Dred and Harriet, we will take good care of your daughters.”
Henry Blow responds “Yes we surely will. You can count on us.”
Old Martha disappears into the night as Dred and Harriet watch from their jail cell. Charlotte hides the girls in her home. They are not seen for 5 years. Until Dred and Harriet are free.
