“I looked at him and he doesn’t look exactly like Jim Belushi, but he looks like from the same tribe…”

Now, let’s just say that Wendy Williams is not wasting a lot of time at Mensa Conventions and we doubt she’ll be going on Celebrity Jeopardy anytime soon (let alone Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader) but this ignorance transcends intelligence, this is a reveal into a mindset.

What would make Williams think it was appropriate to categorize a person into “tribes”?  Doesn’t she realize that the mere presence of these two young women, the product of a black mother and an Italian father, represents the progression of our society to look beyond race, ethnicity and yes, tribes and to judge a human being based on the content of their character?  Tribes are for Afghanistan, not America.

And, let’s not overlook the double-standard involved in a talk show host feeling comfortable to discuss caucasian men in terms of tribe based on similar phisical characteristics.  Can you imagine Jimmy Fallon telling Jamie Foxx:  ”Dude, anyone ever tell you that you look like you came from the same tribe as Bobby Brown?”  Or how about Bill O’Reilly questioning Margaret Cho: “No, clearly you don’t come from the same tribe as Lucy Liu, but you do look a lot like that guy on Heroes, same tribe or different tribe?”

It’s obnoxious and crass and ignorant and insulting (did I mention obnoxious?).  But, on the positive side, how amazing and graceful were Tamera and Tia in handling this?

In an age where we almost expect child stars to grow up to be arrested or addicts or worse, it’s pretty refreshing to see that the two lovely twin sisters who we first met on the network sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’, have grown up to be poised, responsible and intelligent young women.

Is it a coincidence that the ‘Twitches‘ stars were raised in a religious setting, their father was in the military, they both attended conservative Pepperdine University and they are often seen wearing ‘WWJD’ bracelets?  If only other child stars had been raised with similar, traditional values.  If only Wendy Williams had.

Dennis with the R2R Pig

Today the R2R gang headed out towards the Danish tourist town of Solvang. But first, the kids of Oceana Elementary in Pismo came out in full force to cheer on the riders. Today featured a special American Legion Post 534 Lunch in the town of Orcutt. This is the most popular lunch on the ride and the Legion really stepped up with a great presence. They even arranged for a rocket launch at Vandenburg AFB just as we sat down to lunch. The Delta 2 rocket had a special R2R designation painted on the side and the roar after the launch shook the ground.

Rocket takes off

Each ride has it’s own feeling and character and some would say characters. Many warriors have been involved in the program early on. One such rider is Juan Guerrero from the great state of Alaska. Juan started riding with us in California last year and has missed only one event since. He is always smiling even though he is in great pain as his lower right leg is badly damaged from a tour in Iraq.  He has finally decided that it would be better to amputate the leg than endure the pain he contends with now. On Tuesday, he will check into Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and the operation will be in a couple of weeks after that. He is already talking about coming out to the next ride in Florida on December 12 in Tampa, Florida.

Alaska’s own Juan Guerrero

A big part of what makes the R2R rides successful is out corporate partners. We have many that contribute to the effort including the American Legion Family and the USO. One of the bicycle industry partners is Shimano. Shimano’s Wayne Stetina has been involved since the beginning, but this is the first event where they have brought out the Neutral support truck and a mechanic. Robert Melzer and Bissell team mechanic Ben Oliver have been helping out the riders every day. They keep the riders and more importantly their bikes going each day. One of the benefits for the riders is that they get to try out the new Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system. The electronic shifting is very important to those with arm and hand use injuries. It makes it easier for those injured vets are able to shift and brake with just one hand. R2R has provided two warriors a shifting kit and is working with the VA to make it more accessible to those who fall under the VA system.

Shimano lending a hand

Dinner tonight is one of the best events of all of the R2R tours. Dennis Miller from SNL fame is the special guest. The sold-out event will raise over $15,000 for the R2R program. Miller entertained the crowd with his comedic tails of life. The evening was capped off with auction of a custom signed painting that went for $2500. A great night for all.

Just another day in the Challenge

Tomorrow Fox News reporter Adam Housley and actor Mike Vogel join the ride.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, more than 150 wounded heroes will complete a 7-day, 475-mile journey from San Francisco to LA. The Wounded Heroes, many home from Iraq and Afghanistan, are cycling down scenic Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Their goal is to raise awareness and money to provide bikes and equipment for mental and physical therapy for fellow military heroes. The final leg of this journey brings the riders down San Vicente Blvd. from 26th to the West LA VA. 

This is where you come in.  We are looking for everyone, You, your family, friends, community members, organizations, and congregations to come out and line San Vicente Blvd. all the way to the VA. Welcome home these brave men and women and cheer them on their final miles.  Special guest riders include James Cromwell, Adam Baldwin, Tobey Maguire, Mike Vogel, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Kristy Swanson, Adam Housley, and Andrew Breitbart. 

Afterwards, join us for a FREE celebration at the West LA VA next to the Wadsworth Theater. The entertainment will be provided by SNL’s Victoria Jackson, Jon David, and Rock Nation and you can visit and talk with the heroes including Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Walt Ehlers and the American Legion Riders.

Schedule

• 9:00 AM   Riders leave Ventura
• 1:00 PM  Join us on San Vicente Blvd. to welcome the riders home
• 1:30 PM   Riders Arrive – West LA VA 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
• 1:45 PM   ROCK NATION                     
• 3:15 PM   Jon David Performs
• 3:30 PM   VICTORIA JACKSON LIVE
• 4:45 PM   Program concludes 

Join our community in saluting these Heroes