The Truth

Manhood

2011-12-10T11:05:00.001-05:00

It seems the standard of being a man has drastically declined. Today what we allow to be called a man back in our Grandparents day would have been a laughing stock. Men today are obsessed with the way they look, the clothes they wear, and the car they drive. They have no care about what they are, it is all about the image. Men use to be providers... hunters... gatherers. Todays man is a testosterone filled woman.

Now we can look in many places in order to pass blame for this but lets start at home. Ladies you have to raise the standards of what you consider a man. If you do that then men will raise the standard of what they have to do in order to attract you. Ladies stop hyping up the men who wear nice clothes and drive nice cars, the impression is all I need is nice clothes and a nice car then I will get your attention. Start looking at brothers who are doing things with there lives. Find the Sexy in a 401K retirement plan. Ask the brother what his 5 year goal is. These are the things that make a difference. These are the things that a Man in todays society should be able to offer. These are the things that will eventually make you happy in the future. Not the 1995 q45 infinity that he drove in 97...Man that ride was clean, while today you watch him stand at the bus stop waiting for his ride to the security job that he has down at the harbor.

Expect more from the men you allow into your life and you will see men start to change what is important to them. You are the catalyst that brings about change.

Continuation

2011-06-08T07:27:00.000-04:00

It is no secret that one of my all-time favorite Hip-Hop Artists is Pharoahe Monch. So here is probably one of the best verses I have ever heard him spit. Now don't get me wrong every time I listen to him I hear something new that makes me say damn. With that said understand that this verse right here always makes me say damn.

My book is a ovary
The pages I lust to turn
My pen's the penis
When I write the ink's the sperm
Desire, the fire that ignites the torch to burn
This is not rocket science
This is easy to learn
My mic's the gavel
When I talk courts adjourned
Respect, even if you was ashes you couldn't urn
I embody antibiotics
You are infected with germs
Rap's fatally ill, please get concerned
Players, pick turns to play, get burned
I color commentate the game like Chick Hearns
This is the moment of truth for my opponents and liars
Vocals alone evoke the emotion of black choirs
Fire, you don't wanna get burned like Richard Pryor
Move back, who's that, there, the live wire
You will feel me
You will admire
(My) Struggle
(My) Hustle
(My) Soul, Desire

My book is a ovary / The pages I lust to turn / My pen's the penis
When I write the ink's the sperm

This line here is deep he basically unravels the image of his Rhymes being conceived through the love of his writing and being born when they vibrate the bones in your ears. The next line takes me into another direction and points out the fact that we all have desire and need to understand the purpose of desire.

Desire, the fire that ignites the torch to burn /
This is not rocket science /
This is easy to learn

The Next line speaks of Respect which he no doubt deserves. The image of the respect that a judge is given in a court room is the ANCHOR of this line. Followed by the use and visualization of the Urn. This solidifies the Idea that respect is earned not given.

My mic's the gavel / When I talk courts adjourned /
Respect, even if you was ashes you couldn't urn

The imagery of the ashes in the urn gives way to the next verse going back to NAS's statement that Hip Hop is dead. But Pharaohe moves on letting you know that he is above the hypocrisy of Hip Hop with the statement "I embody antibiotics"

I embody antibiotics / You are infected with germs / Rap's fatally ill, please get concerned

He continues along the same vein that MOS DEF started with the line "I am the shot clock above the Game". In following line Pharaohe sets himself apart from the rest by commentating the action.

Players, pick turns to play, get burned / I color commentate the game like Chick Hearns

The following lines basically speak for themselves. He is bringing out the genius which is Pharoahe Monch and telling everyone to take heed because he is here and will remain for a long time.

This is the moment of truth for my opponents and liars /
Vocals alone evoke the emotion of black choirs /
Fire, you don't wanna get burned like Richard Pryor /
Move back, who's that, there, the live wire /

I promise not to write anything else for at least 8 months about Pharoahe. have fun...

Life Wasted

2011-04-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

Dear Kenyatta As Samad

I feel as though I have awakened from a long and restless sleep. The things that i held most dear to me and my most valued possession has for the most part been a figment of my imagination. As I Awaken I am confronted with the eerie fact that I am alone and isolated. Those that i thought where there are nowhere to be found, but what is there are the leeches and maggots that feed off of my dying carcass. I am unable to find anything that brings light to my life or a smile to my heart. I am bitter and cold and appear to be getting worse. When I reach out to those around me that I kept as safety nets I see that life moves on and so do they. For all the times that I have played the role of comforter and pillar now that I am falling apart there is no one to lean on. I am a world onto myself. And if I am unable to fix me then I am afraid there is no hope.

There have always been doors opening in front of me for me to pass through in order to reinvent myself, but it appears that those doors are no longer opening. I am trapped and desperate. This is not a suicide cry or a plea for acceptance or release. This is me kicking myself in the ASS and telling myself it is time to regain control and to get my life in order. I need to try and kick start my life and move forward out of this rut. I need to find me, the old happy me. The me; that I know I can be. I need to be free….

Stepphon D. Gayle

Went to Chuurch This Morning.

2011-04-21T06:46:00.003-04:00

I can not help but to get excited whenever I hear this song. Monch reminded me of who I am, and what I am doing. This is my desire, my passion, my fire.

The lyrics are deep and listen closely because the meanings may not be as simple as they appear. In my opinion this brother is still one of the best out there even if he doesn't have the platinum plaques on the wall to bolster his success. By remaining true to his art and doing what he does he will remain at the top to my list.

The mini movie for the Song "CLAP" is deeply moving. This video is sure to get you to think and to look at things from a different point of view. Clap is the first single off of the New Album W.A.R. (We are Renegades) by Pharoahe Monch.

Idle Thoughts

2011-03-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

Today while driving to work, for some reason I thought about suicide bombers. I have no idea why but it jumped into my head. But that quickly lead me to think about the Kamikaze pilots of world War II. Wouldn't you consider them to be suicide bombers? I thought about it for a while and came to the conclusion that they were the same. Fighting at all and any cost. Wow, the level of brain washing that it must take to tell someone to take their life for a cause that may not be their own. Incredible. But then I thought about the other side, consider the Kamikaze pilot who gave his life knowing that his family would be taken care of. Ironically enough the U.S. dropped 2 atomic bombs on Japan thus rendering the contract that the Kamikaze pilots agreed to useless. knowing this would they have still went through with it? I wonder. Oh and for the record George A. Custer was a Dumbass.

I"M Beamin

2011-02-17T11:04:00.003-05:00

Today I am going to talk about me. Something that I don't usually do. Some folks think that I am a negative person and think that I am miserable. The truth is I am happy as hell. I speak about the things that I don't like and that is because no one ever wants to talk about the things that upset them. I have no problem telling the world when I am not happy. This is how I deal with my stress I blow that shit out. No need keeping it in right?

If you think that I am a negative person that just means that you watch me from a distance because if you were to move closer you would see the real me not the hologram. Wake up, see me, learn me and I am sure you will love me. or love to hate me. either way there is love involved.

I am out.

His Story...

2011-01-05T15:16:00.000-05:00

This was brought to my attention today by a friend of mine who, we will just say had some good points. The article in itself is fine and noteworthy, however the subject matter (for me at least) opens a hornets nest of problems.

First of all to rewrite Mark Twain is ridiculous. The literary art was written in the tone of its time. If we are going to head down this path then we will be reworking every piece of American literature to date. So because that during the time the book was written and the time that it represents they used words that we deem offensive in todays society it should be rewritten? How does this not become censorship? Once again we have narrow minded people doing what they deem to be right without thinking of exactly what the ramifications are. If we change this book then we have to change all books that someone is offended by. With that said where do we stop? and who determines what gets redone and what doesn't?

All of these questions and more should be on the lips of everyone who has read or has had a part in this matter. People can not change the past by rewriting history. That is the way things were and we should embrace that because if we start changing the written history one day they will be able to say that it never existed. Instead of being offended by the work we should use it as a measuring stick so that we can show our children and their children how far we have come or not.

This, to me, is sickening.

Is it Worth it?

2011-01-04T12:59:00.001-05:00

This article caught my eye and brought about a lot of funny responses. I asked my self after 30 years would I want them to just say oh we were wrong you are free to go? I don't know my response would probably be something like. What in the Hell do you expect me to do now that you want to free me? My life is ruined. But after reading the full article I found that this is even funnier than I originally thought. It appears that the man in question was released on Parole after serving 30 years of a 75 year sentence for aggravated robbery( that in itself deserves a WTF!!). Then a week after he was released on Parole he gets a letter from the state saying that DNA evidence has proven his innocence. Wow so this guy goes to jail when he is 20 years old and gets out at the ripe old age of 50 on parole ( he was denied an appeal 3 times) only to have someone come up and say hey we made a mistake. That white woman was wrong you didn't rape her. SMH!

a damn shame.

Texan declared innocent after 30 years in prison - U.S. news - Crime & courts - msnbc.com

A Cause for Panic?

2011-01-03T09:18:00.002-05:00

Should the people of Arkansas be alarmed by the outrageous number of fish and birds that have died in the last few days. At present the count is 5,000 blackbirds and 100,000 drum fish have died in the state. Officials state that although these instances happened 125 miles apart they are not related. Hmmm I am not sure that I want to believe them on this matter. 125 miles is nothing when we talk about ecosystems. Biologist say that the 5,000 black birds (one species only) died due to stress related issues. IE. fireworks or plans. This seems a little far fetched to me, Could there be some sort of testing or toxic dumping going on in the State? Who knows but I will watch to see if anything else happens in the state. However I for one will think twice before making my next visit to Memphis.

Massive fish kill blankets Arkansas River - CNN.com

Wow!

2011-01-02T19:39:00.004-05:00

Another Year has passed and I haven't written a single thing. Well a lot has happened in 2010 but it is all history now so my New Years resolution will be to actively post on this blog again. I can do it, I know I can. My first post will be...

LET'S GO STEELERS!!!!!

A new Year a new Start

2010-01-10T09:08:00.002-05:00

Well now I know it has been some time since I have written anything. But the time has once again come. I took some time off to other things... well not really but that is what everyone says when the stop doing something. So hopefully I will be able to find more of the the little things in life that are so funny that they can't be made up.

As for me, Last night I was involved in a hit and run. The funny thing is I really didn't get that mad about it. I mean I am the person who flies into a rage if someone blows their horn at me. But seriously can't explain it. However I am fine no damage to myself however my car needs some work.

To those that know me you know that the NFL Season came to an early end this for me. Sigh, so sad of a season it was. The Steelers Nation will remember this atrocious season for years to come. We started out strong and looked like we may get a ride to Miami but then the bottom fell out and we dropped 5 in a row. As a true Steelers fan I will not make excuses only a declaration. Next year all that went wrong this year will be made right. But should anyone associated with the team happen to come across this, Please, please find a new safety. Tyrone Carter is great at attacking the line but for the love of God the man can't cover a leftover Fish Dinner. There are other things wrong with the NFL which will not be worked out. The ridiculous penalties being called need to stop. I mean these are football players who have been playing their entire lives now all of a sudden they are precious cargo and can't be hit. it appears to me that the only people who can be hit now are the referees. Everyone else on the field is defenseless unless they have the ball in their hands. you have to let the person know that you are going to block them if you are a receiver. You can' shove hit or push a player if they are running full speed and then at the last minute step out of bounds right before the contact comes. and so on and so on.

The league has gotten soft, by todays standards half of the defensive Hall of Famers would have never made it because they would have been fined out of the league. just food for thought. Also this practice of laying down for a game because it is not important is a rip-off as a fan I pay to see the teams play. I don't want to come down to the last two weeks of the season and watch pre-season ball. This just goes to show how little respect the fans get. I mean really owners drive up ticket prices and then when people can't afford to go to the games the NFL blacks them out from being showed in the local market. WTF?

well that is enough for today but I will be back.

Entangled Giant - The New York Review of Books

2009-09-25T07:40:00.001-04:00

Entangled Giant - The New York Review of Books

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VICKtim

2009-08-14T07:53:00.001-04:00

As we all know by now Michael Vick is now officially a Philadelphia Eagle. I am happy for Vick and his new Team however, I have considerable issue with Roger Goodell and his New Nigga Rules. This man is an ego Maniac who seems to thrive on forcing his will on as many players as he can. Never in history has any NFL Commissioner sought the Spotlight like he has. This raises the question was he ever allowed to play football with the Heterosexual boys? I think not. It appears to me that he may have been beaten on and mistreated by the jocks throughout his life and this is his way of getting back at all of them.

The conditions by which Vick was reinstated were and are ridiculous. the man has to show remorse for his crime? As far as I remember he was charged with Bank Rolling a dogfighting ring. He was not convicted of Fighting dogs, gambling, Laundering money, killing people or raping women. No he was convicted of having too much money and not knowing what to do with it. Goodell is pushing for Vick to bow down and pay homage to him in order to get his job back. The Man has served 2 years in prison and out of the NFL, isn't that time enough? Really what does making him sit out 6 more games do for anyone, he is allowed to sign with the Eagles, Practice, attend all team meetings and even play in the last 2 Pre-season games so what is this really about. As I said it is about Roger Goodell and his enormous EGO. The man wants the world to know that he rules the NFL with an Iron Hand. Honestly I see the desperate cries of a little child who has been shunned by his peers.

At the rate he is going the NFL will soon lose it's luster and people will soon start to find other things to waste their time on. Perhaps family outings on Sundays will become popular again.

A War for Your Soul

2009-06-17T07:24:00.000-04:00

A War For Your Soul-Birmingham version from Erisai Films on Vimeo.

Blissful

2009-06-09T07:33:00.001-04:00

This weekend I was fortunate enough to go to the Roots Annual Picnic in Philadelphia, Pa. I had a blast, the weather was great it was not too hot nor to sunny. Their was a blending of people of all ages and Ethnicities. The day started off with what I guess where some local and up and coming acts. One that stood out in my mind was Bajah and the Dry Eye Crew From Sierra Leone. This acts album is not set to hit the US until late this year but I am waiting to get it. Their sound is fresh and the lyrics all tell a story that needs to be heard. After that I was happy to see Santigold, yes I said it Santigold. I actually like this sisters sound and style Possibly due to the fact that I am a 80's music freak. After she did the one song that I was hoping I would hear "shove it" I was content.

No matter what the show was called or who the headliner was, Public Enemy Owned that shyt. They came out in Force and with the Roots on instruments behind them they turned it out. It has been some years since I have seen Public Enemy in Concert hmmm probably 15 or more. But they still had me up jumping and acting like I was 21 again. They will forever and always be one of the best if not the best Rap group. It also goes on to speak of the fact that todays artist for the most part do not know how to entertain an audience and have no idea what showmanship is. PE Rulz.

Another Group that I knew nothing about before Saturday and am now glad that we have been introduced was TV on the Radio. This loud rock Band actually had riveting songs and appeal. I must admit when I got home I went out on my Fav site and looked up their album. It has been added to my wish list. But the night found itself coming to a close as the Roots took the stage to do their set. I must say that I was disappointed because they only did about 4 or 5 songs and several of those where headed up by Kirk Douglas. Well at least I got to hear Black Thought perform "Man at work" which is a true expression of his lyrical skills. I must say though although it was an all day event and I only walked away with 4 Acts that I liked, I wasn't upset.

if you would like to read more Check out the blog posts by Disturbed FEMCEE at http://www.okayplayer.com/rootspicnic/ She has alot to say about the show and most of it is on point.

Oh Why, Oh Why

2009-06-09T06:53:00.001-04:00

Sigh, I don't know how to go about this one. Last week the Prez gave a speech in Cairo, Egypt. In his speech he spoke of tearing down the stereotypes that the Muslim and US have towards each other. This was done in part to open dialogue between the US and Muslim Nations. The thing that bothers me is how is it that people can look at this gesture and say that it makes The United States look weak? It shocked me to hear a long time friend of mine make this comment. If the president speaks about peace and wishes to engage in Dialogue with countries that we have cut off diplomatic ties with, how is that weakness. I honestly feel that a lot of people in the US today have no Idea as to how the US has dealt with the Middle East for over 20 years.

Our Policy in the US has always been one in which the ME countries who we did not get oil from are dangerous, and the ones that we can get oil from we tolerate. For Years Israel has been going on a terror in the ME with the backing of the US. This imaginary war needs to end. Currently the US is not at war with any country but people seem to not understand that. Bin Laden and whomever else the US is at war with are a gang. We have spent Billions of dollars fighting a gang of thugs. People don't seem to understand the reason this will never end because it is not as easy as fighting a country, you have no clear cut objective. This is like the US's war on Drugs, now ask yourself how long have we been fighting that one.

The first thing that needs to happen here in the US is that people strip away the prejudices and the ignorance. We need to understand that Muslims are not Terrorist, just because they are Muslim. Terrorists come in all shapes, sizes, creeds, and nationalities. These are people and albeit that their beliefs are different than ours does not make them wrong. We need to wake up and understand that in todays world the biggest stick is not always right

Where were you?

2009-03-24T07:34:00.001-04:00

I was sitting back the other day, actually driving and Rebel without a Pause by Public Enemy came on the MP3 player. Ah Man that used to be my song. I can still remember where I was and what I was doing the first time that I heard it. I remember it like it was yesterday. The year was 1988 I was working at Be-lo's Supermarket on 25th and Jefferson... for those who may not know where I am from don't worry anyone from the area would immediately recognize the place. God I hated that place and it had a bad odor, but I digress. I was at the front of the store bagging groceries when the automatic door opened and I heard this Loud screeching sound from outside. Some guy was in front of the store with his Silver Panasonic Boom Box. ( Radio Raheem style) The sound that I heard at first was irritating but then I heard the baritone sound of Chuck D's voice ring out and I was hooked.

As soon as I got off from work I ran across the street to Bottom Beat records ( Note I said Records) and asked my partner Willie about the song, I didn't know the name of the song or who sang it. I described it to the best of my ability (Man wish I had Shazaam back then). Fortunately Willie knew what I was talking about and told me it was Public Enemy. Ran over to the wall and found a Public Enemy 12" ( for those who may not know that is a Vinyl Album. strange I know) I picked it up ran to the counter and made a slow dash home. You see I lived in Hampton and I didn't have a car so it took a while to get home. But none the less When I got there I ripped the plastic off of the record and threw it on the record player and prepared myself to be amazed. And amazed I was because the album that I picked up was Yo Bum Rush the Show and if you know your history that was PE's first album and not the one with Rebel without a pause on it.. But all was not lost because I listened to that record all day wooing in the wave of fascination. This group was new and different unlike anyone else out at the time. My Uzi weighs a ton was a monstrous hit and I fell in love with the Rebel rouser's.

So where were you when you heard it?

On the Road Again

2009-03-16T07:13:00.001-04:00

This month I had the fortune to take a trip back down to Memphis. If you had read any of the past posts you would notice that when I go I tend to right about the changes and the moods of the people down there. However this time there is something else that I wish to rant about. The Airlines.

I paid about 3 hundred dollars for a round trip ticket to Memphis TN, now normally in the past this ticket has cost me about 180 dollars on average. However now the price has almost doubled, mind you this was with a layover. Ok so I know everyone is having hard times and money is scarce. But does that give the airlines the right to start bending its customers over and giving them the ole heave ho? I get to the airport only to find out that i have the option to upgrade my seat to first class for 50 dollars. wow first class ahhh the champagne the pillows. the lap dances and stripper poles. Not to mention the best looking stewardess. oh wait that was the 70's or was that Soul Plane? Anyway First class is not what it used to be so I declined the added expense. So I proceed to go through my check in process only to find that I have to pay now for my 1 and only checked bag.... They charged me to put my clothes on the plane? WTF! i need a seperate ticket now for my suitcase to travel with me. This is outrageous, had I not bought my ticket through hotwire I would have gotten my money back and kept my ass at home. Although the fee was only 15 dollars each way it is the principle of the matter.

Airlines have been cutting back services for as long as I can remember. I remember back in the old days 80's and 70's it was a pleasure to fly. you were treated like a person and not cargo. Today you can't get a movie, no little headphones, no pretzels and hell you get about 4oz. of a 16 oz. can soda. How bad is that, and now you have to pay to take a bag with you. From what I understand on some airlines things are even worse. There happens to be an airline out there that is actually making you pay to use the lavatory. now ain't that nothing. so what happens if you have no more money because you had to pay hidden charges just to get on the plane. if you pee on yourself I am sure you will incur a cleanup charge as well. At this rate pretty soon you will have to pay extra if you want a seatbealt and the little air mask to fall down in case of an emergency. They may even charge you extra for sitting at the exit door. who knows.

I think after the next trip coming up I will be driving from here on out unless it is for business. oh yeah the trip this year was nice.

Enough is Enough

2009-02-10T06:37:00.002-05:00

Okay I know that the government is supposed to be a mirror representation of the people it supports. But come on D.C. get a grip, how many times does Marion Barry have be in court before you people see the writing on the wall. This time around, the feds are trying to get him for failing to file taxes on time for the eighth time in nine years... Back in 2006 Barry was put on probation for failing to pay taxes from 1999 - 2004, and then in 2007 they tried to revoke his probation for failure to pay his taxes on time, so why in the hell is this man still not paying his taxes on time. Ok, this is for the ignorant out there if you get in trouble with the law and you get probation instead of jail time, here is a hint don't do the same dumb shit again.

A more important question is why in the hell is this man a D.C. Council Member? I understand that the people of D.C. love this man. I guess because he is one of them, a Drug using, prostitute buying, fast talking Hustler with very little or no respect for the law.

During an interview with a local T.V. station Barry stated that he had no idea what the federal agents where talking about. Neither he nor his lawyers have received any papers with the claims that are currently being brought against him. Sounds guilty enough to me, Listen if it where me and I was being accused of not paying taxes I would have simply gone to the T.V. station with my filed tax papers in hand, saying these people are full of shyt. But then again that would be the act of a rational man with nothing to hide, which we all know he is not. Ok maybe I am being too hard on the man but if anyone knows him tell him to buy a copy of turbo tax and start his paper work in December that way he can mail it off by the end of January and thus not giving anyone any reason to come at his dumb ass.

DC wake up and find another degenerate to represent you, this one only seems to embarrass you time and time again.

What Next?

2009-02-03T07:28:00.001-05:00

As we all have heard by now, Black is Back. Let's see here we have a Black President in the US. The GOP elects their first black RNC Chair, and we have our Second Black Head Coach of a World Championship National Football team. Seeing as how the latter is a Second I'll focus on the other two. Go Steelers!

Now is racism dead in America? I for one think not, I find it ironic (hmmm is that the right word?) that the GOP has elected their first Black Chair during this time. Honestly are we as a people that ignorant that we can not see through the party line? It seems to me, the only reason that Steele was selected was because he is Black. Now as far as Affirmative action hires go this one here is at the top. It is no secret that whenever a Black man speaks out against the government and is intelligent or does something to try and change the way things are; the first thing that white people do is run out and find the first black person they can who will stand in opposition of the first. Why is this?

Well the answer to that question is simple and plain. No white person in a position of power or public view wants to be percieved as being a racist. So by putting a black face in front of them they can still hide thier true feelings and get their point across. The only reason Steele was selected was to allow the GOP to attack Obama without appearing to be racist and losing support. This is why I love the south you know, in the South a Spade is a Spade, a Jig is a fishing lure, and a Ho is a gardening tool, and most importantly a nigger is just that.

When do we speak up and let white people know that we are not as gullible and ignorant as they would like to believe us to be. really we saw it during the campaign trail when Hillary released her guard dog to attack Obama about playing the so called race card. This practice as far as I am concerned in disgusting. By putting a black face on does not mean you do not appear to be racist, it simply means that you are a Coward and a Racist.

The funny thing here is if Hillary would have been elected, do you think Michael Steele still would have gotten the nod? somehow I doubt that very seriously.

Something For Everyone

2009-01-22T07:28:00.002-05:00

Christ fed the multitude with only one loaf a bread! Poor people There is something for you; don't let the pressures of the system get upon ya head, Poor people there is something for you;

Mankind cares not for his sisters anymore, still there is something for you Written in the the book of live we shall live forever more,
There will be something for...
Damian " Jr. Gong" Marley

In the world today no words carry more weight than the preceding. Governments all around the world have forgotten what they were designed for. It is the role of the government to protect it's citizens and to provide ways when there are none. So Often today we see countries waging senseless wars and conflicts for things that do not affect their people. The selfishness of todays Governments exist for one reason and only one reason. The People Allow it.

It is time to realize that Governments exist because of the people and that without the people a Government is helpless. In order to bring about change in this country and the world the people have to start demanding that this change comes. Also we must make sure that those who represent us, do as they have been directed to do. We have become complacent and now we sit back waiting for the Government to take care of us and to provide for us as if it were our parents. The truth is we gave life to the Government so in fact we are its parents. It is time that we started acting like parents and get our house and children in order.

For far too long we have been quiet and afraid in our own home. The trials of the world and the slant on events have left us a castrated people. Afraid to walk the streets, and even more Afraid to speak our voices. We need to realize that before we can be of any use to the world we must first fix the problems that we have here at home. We need to demand that the businesses that prosper so heavily from our hard earned money return the favor and bring the jobs back to the US. We need to demand that the Military stop the senseless fighting and restore order to our house. We need to Demand that our Educators return to teaching our children the lessons and things that they will need to know in order to become productive citizens. In short we need to recreate ourselves, and return to being the once great Nation that we were.

It is time to wake up and start living.

Moses Has Arrived

2009-01-21T07:57:00.002-05:00

Anywho....

Now that we in America have ushered out the old regime we can begin anew. I don't know about you but there was nothing more satisfying than seeing "Tricky" Dick Cheney being escorted out in a wheelchair. LOL the story was that he had sprained his back while moving boxes at his new home in VA. Well now if that is the story that they are sticking with than so be it. However if you recall way back in 2000 right before they won the election Dick sufferd a mild heart attack or so they reported. If you ask me I believe that his deal with the Devil has ended and now it is time for him to "Pay What He Owes" But that is just my understanding of the world.

The Happiest man in the US has to be George "Dubya" Bush, how comforting it must be to know that you can wake up this morning with out having to hear that shyt is fugged up. When you know you fugged it up. Exhilarating! I predict that in a few months we will hear stories about Laura moving on. Somehow she just doesn't appear to be happy there. Yesterday watching the relieved look on Georges face was almost comical. he looked like a new man, and who could blame him. Free at last Free at last...

One interesting note from the concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Monday, Martin L. King the third...WTF has anyone told him about a healthy life style. He is big as shyt. Wow must take after his mom, who knows. But that is a rotund man, what if his father was that big do you think he would have been able to make the marches. Hell had he been that big they wouldn't have had to kill him they could have just simply planned more marches and freedom walks and let nature take its course.

Well Hail to the New Chief. but I'll be skulking around waiting to see what happens next.

Barack Obama Speech: We are ready to lead once more - President Obama: The Inauguration - BBC News

Annual Meeting

2009-01-15T11:48:00.001-05:00

Last night we had our annual Reparations meeting ummm at the office. The tribunal (those would be the next in line to be the Emperors of all Black People) came up with a package that was both fair and equitable. The first measure that we had to tackle was the time span in which this should be carried out. After giving it considerable thought and looking into all available solutions a time period of 4 years seemed to be an acceptable and reasonable amout ot time. We figured we would take advantage of the first non-white President being in office. You know the saying get in while the gettin is good. This would also benefit Obama because he would be sure to get the people to support him for a second term.

The second bullet that we had to agree on was in what way would the reparations be paid out. This was an easier solution to come up with be cause all members chimed in unanimously stating that the reparations should be paid in the form of a federal Tax exclusion. By not having to pay federal taxes for 4 years we felt that this was more than equitable. Now I know some of you may say that with the economy in the state that it is currently in, that would hurt everyone. Well we thought of that too. The way we see it is; seeing as how the vast majority of Blacks in this country are lazy an shiftless, not to mention looking for hand-outs and hook ups. only about 70% of the blacks in the country would benefit from not paying federal taxes because the remaing 30% work off the books that is if they work at all. So keeping that in mind the government wouldn't have to pay everyone just those productive people who pay their taxes.

Now the other advantage to paying reparations in this way is. It is no secret that blacks in this country are large consumers and make up the majority when it comes to retail purchases. So by allowing that 70% to keep their tax money the economy would see a surge in retail sales, because the 90% of the blacks will run out to the malls to spend all of their new found money. The increase in revenue for this 90% would greatly stimulate the auto industry because you know how we love us some Cadillacs. So through needless and somewhat uncontrollable shopping habits the reparations would find its way back into the pockets of the government.

Now after agoing through all of this we estimate that onle about a handful of people would actually benefit in whole from the gesture. But the good will and image that it would project is priceless.

See this is why we feel that this is definetly a win win for the country and blacks as a whole. Because once the reparations are paid we can close the book on holding salvery over the heads of white America. Our next step is to start the grass roots portion of this and begin getting the proposal out to the masses. Stay tuned more to come.

Rising Down

2009-01-14T07:04:00.001-05:00

The roots have once again proven that they are true Mavericks when it comes to Hip Hop and being true to the art form. With the release of their eighth studio album from Def Jam the group has persevered and managed to bring to life another masterpiece. This album in my humble opinion is definitely one of the best albums of 2008 and put against their collective body of work this by far may be the best album that they have released to date.

The collaborations on the album are keen, the mixture of talents and the diversity of styles makes each track on the album one worth listening too. Black Thought is still one of the most under rated lyricist in the business today. While going through the tracks you will get a heavy dose of old school production and every now and then something that you wouldn't expect, but if you have ever listened to the Roots then you know ?uestlove is a genius in his own right.

If you haven't heard this album I strongly urge you to find a copy or a listening booth and give it a shot. I guarantee you will find your self lost in the music and wanting to get this album.

FootBall

2009-01-12T12:20:00.001-05:00

OH well it is that time of year again. Could it be that the AFC Championship Game is going to be better than the Super Bowl itself? Well at this point it is a certain reality. You have 2 of the top 5 defenses in the league going head to head in what is sure to be a slobber knocker.

The Pittsburgh Steelers facing off against the Baltimore Ravens, The last 2 times these teams met this year the games were definitely suspenseful and entertaining. Now this is only true if you are real football fan, If you are the one who wants to see the scores get run up and the fast past action this is not going to be a game for you. But if you are a chess enthusiast then this will be just the game for you.

The Game is sure to be full of hard hitting action and it will all come down to which team makes a mistake first. It is sure to be one worth watching and I am assuming that is why it got top billing. The weather is going to be conducive to football and the field will be the 12th man. So lets get ready for some good old fashioned smash mouth football.

don't forget to bring the Beer.

Press

2009-01-12T06:38:00.001-05:00

It is apparent after the history making Presidential Campaigns which ran for over a year, the press finds themselves at a loss. They have nothing to report on. They are too afraid to report on the issues going on in Afghanistan and Pakistan not to mention Iraq. So instead we get over-run with garbage about the Obama girls first day in their new school and whether or not they have decided on a dog

This is shameful the Press no longer wants to report the news because, well to be frank if they can't spin it why report it. In light of everything going on the reporting on what is going on in the middle east has almost but all disappeared. Try this go around and ask 5 people you know if they know about what is going on today over there, I am fairly certain that they will say I have no idea. Reform in this country is needed everyone is talking about the economy and the state of the union. Lets go one step further and add the State of the Press, today the press is for hire for the right amount of money they will push or ideals and propaganda. But when there is no one buying their time we are forced to hear the bullshit like the lunch menu at Sidwell Friends Elementary School.

As many of us grew up being told, if you have nothing worth saying then just keep your mouth shut. It actually helps to cut down on your carbon footprint.

Welcomining a New Year

2009-01-07T07:42:00.001-05:00

With the New Year I am bringing in some new things. As of late I have established or should I say re-established my innate love affair with music. Due to Cats like the one I am going to post on the blog today I just can't kick the addiction of buying new or at least new to me music. Cee-Lo Brown is a mad genius if you get the chance to sit and listen to some of the things the brother talks about in interviews or just listen to his lyrics you will know why he is worthy of praise on any and all levels. Beginning with the Goodie Mob out of ATL back in the day Cee-Lo has shown that he is more than just an MC he is an Artist. And to quote him "Artistically it is a sin to the Canvas to paint the same picture over and over again." this brother is deep. So check out this clip.

Al Qaeda leader mocks Obama in Web posting

2008-11-19T12:21:00.001-05:00

From CNN Headlines....

(CNN) -- Al Qaeda's No. 2 leader is heard in a Web posting
Wednesday warning President-elect Barack Obama that "a heavy legacy of
failure and crimes awaits" him.

Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri mocked President-elect Barack Obama in an Internet message.

In the message, purportedly from Ayman al-Zawahiri, the speaker criticized Obama's foreign policy positions on Afghanistan and Israel and ridiculed the president-elect's worldview, comparing him unfavorably to Malcolm X, the fiery African-American Muslim activist from the 1950s and 1960s.

The posting, an 11 minute and 23 second audio message in Arabic with subtitles in English, appeared on the Web on Wednesday. Its authenticity cannot yet be confirmed.

It shows a graphic with the words "The departure of Bush and the arrival of Obama." That graphic also contains a still image of Malcolm X on a Muslim prayer rug in a mosque; images of Obama, wearing a Jewish skullcap, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and a picture of al-Zawahiri.

There are also archival videos in the message, including clips of speeches from Malcolm X.

"You have reached the position of president, and a heavy legacy of failure and crimes awaits you. A failure in Iraq to which you have admitted, and a failure in Afghanistan to which the commanders of your army have admitted," the message said.

The speaker also said Obama's plan to pull troops from Iraq and send them to Afghanistan "is a policy which was destined for failure before it was born."

"If you still want to be stubborn about America's failure in Afghanistan, then remember the fate of Bush and Pervez Musharraf, and the fate of the Soviets and British before them," the message said. "And be aware that the dogs of Afghanistan have found the flesh of your soldiers to be delicious, so send thousands after thousands to them."

The message said Obama appears "to be captive to the same criminal American mentality towards the world and towards the Muslims." The speaker cited Muslims' ire toward Obama's support of Israel.

The message said Obama represents the "direct opposite of honorable black Americans" like Malcolm X.

The speaker also said Obama, former and current secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, and "your likes" fit Malcolm X's description of "house slaves."

The English translation of the message used the term "House Negroes," Malcolm X's term for blacks who were subservient to whites.

Laura Mansfield, a terrorism analyst, said this wouldn't be the first time al-Zawahiri used the Arabic term "abayd al bayt," which literally translates as slaves or servants of the house.

She said that in a May 2007 interview with al Qaeda's media production center, As Sahab, al-Zawahiri included old video footage of Malcolm X saying, "You have to read the history of slavery to understand this. There were two kinds of Negroes: there was that old house Negro and [there was] the field Negro."

The message also made reference to Obama's Muslim father and his Christian religion.

"You were born to a Muslim father, but you chose to stand in the ranks of the enemies of the Muslims, and pray the prayer of the Jews, although you claim to be Christian, in order to climb the rungs of leadership in America. And so you promised to back Israel, and you threatened to strike the tribal regions in Pakistan, and to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan, in order for the crimes of the American crusade in it to continue," the message said.

The speaker praised Malcolm X for his "fraternity with the Muslims," his condemnation of the West's treatment of oppressed peoples, and his backing of resistance movements.

"That's why it wasn't strange that Malik al-Shabazz (may Allah have mercy on him) was killed, while you have climbed the rungs of the presidency to take over the leadership of the greatest criminal force in the history of mankind and the leadership of the most violent crusade ever against the Muslims," the speaker said.

The speaker was referring to Malcolm X's Muslim name and his assassination in 1965.

The message reiterated the call to fight against Western powers in the Middle East and urged jihadi fighters to be "firm and resolute. Your enemy's stagger has begun, so don't stop hitting him."

The speaker also singled out Islamic militants in Somalia and told them to keep fighting pro-Western forces there.

On the subject of Iraq, the message said that while "evidence of America's defeat in Iraq appeared years ago, Bush and his administration continued to be stubborn and deny the brilliant midday sun."

"If Bush has achieved anything, it is in his transfer of America's disaster and predicament to his successor. But the American people, by electing Obama, declared its anxiety and apprehension about the future towards which the policy of the likes of Bush is leading it, and so it decided to support someone calling for withdrawal from Iraq."

The speaker reminded Americans that al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden told them to leave Muslim lands.

Bin Laden and Al-Zawahiri are believed to be living in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

"So choose for yourself whatever you like," the speaker warns. "And bear the consequences of your choice, and as you judge, you will be judged."

Palin Palin Palin...

2008-11-13T08:51:00.001-05:00

My question of the day is why does this woman still get media time? Really, I honestly think the media just likes to keep the embarrassment alive. I mean she comes in at the tail end of the entire process with a gust or flutter of wind, maybe a strong breeze and when it is all said and done she does not know how to quietly go back to her life. Since the elections a week ago we have not heard nor seem McCain, a man who has gone home to enjoy his time off. This woman is hungry for the attention she has tasted the golden elixir of national attention and she likes it. Never again will she be content with just being a soccer mom she wants it all now, hell she is talking about the White House itself. The said thing is the woman is delusional, can't she see that there is no one in their right mind that would vote for her or even give a shot at the VP job after the mockery of the McCain ticket.

I feel sorry for here because she actually believes that these people with their cameras and microphones truly care about what she has to say. Please someone close to her help to open her eyes so that she can see that she is the butt of the Republican jokes. It is sad to say but she is the new Lewinski. Anytime someone needs a by-line or space to fill they are going to run her down so that she can say something else ridiculous and further discredit herself and any thing that she may want to do in the future. as Kenny Rogers once said before he went crazy. "Know when to hold them and know when to fold them." Sarah honey it is time to fold.

It appears as Stock Market has dropped 631 points in the last two days, the rest of the world is also not faring well. Germany has announced that they are in the midst of their worst recession in 12 years. As the china and Japan economies also slump drastically. The only good thing out of all of this is that the world will be poor right along with us.

The world is in for an extended period of sluggish growth,
David Bonderman, founder of private equity firm TPG Inc., said in
Hong Kong today. Central banks in the U.S., U.K. and China are
among those that have lowered benchmark interest rates to
stimulate spending and growth.

And following the California ban on Gay marriage. As O'Rielly so elequently stated "it is the black peoples fault that the bill didn't pass" Lol hellI tell you the truth a black man wins the election now we are responsible for everything. How Ironic a people who have been criticized for not having a voice now have all the power. O'Rielly you're an ass. But now back to the news Gays all over the US are upset by the outcome of the election day results. Several states passed anti-gay marriage laws last week. As far as the issue goes I must say that I am against it. For more than one reason but still I stand in opposition. I place this argument right up there with PETA's arguments and Green Peace arguments.

Oh one more thing before I go BIDEN lookout when you go meet the SETH Lord today. You know you can't trust him and for God's sake don't go hunting with him.

Well I think I have said enough to piss off at least half of my readers today. Until next time.

Buffet

2008-11-10T09:34:00.003-05:00

Today I have no one topic of interest so I will just glance over things as I see them.

But first today I read some sad News, Miriam Makeba aka Mama Afrika died of a heart attack last night after giving a concert in Italy. Makeba was 76 years old. I best remember her for her grand entrance into the US. When she first arrived into the US she was leaving the plane without a top on which was not unusual for her, being from Africa, but you can imagine the reaction that it got back in the 60's. Miriam was a South African folk singer who had been exiled during apartheid. Makeba had a captivating voice and a commanding presence. She will be missed.

Now onto sports, Roger Goddell gets the second ever awarded BAN award. this man is destroying football and turning it into a sport that his mother would have allowed him to play when he was young. If anyone saw the Steelers, Redskins game last Monday you saw the play where Woodley tackled Campbell by slinging him to the ground instead of driving him into the ground with his body weight. As the ref was right over the play and saw no reason to through a flag for unnecessary roughness, the league has once again stepped in and fined another player for playing football. This is getting out of hand, pretty soon you may as well take the pads off and issue flags and call it the NFFL. Football has never been deemed a gentleman's sport. The saddest thing is; now high school and college QB's get hit harder than professional QB's. What next change the rules of pop warner so that when you get to the big time you already know how to hit like a pussy. They say this is to protect the players but honestly how many players get hurt from hits. How many QB's have ever been carted off the field with career ending injuries? The truth of the matter is more players have been put out of the NFL because of the sorry ass turf than from contact. Goddell needs to go back to where ever he came from and leave the game of football alone.
It amazes me that during a time when Mixed Martial Arts is becoming a national past time we have to tone down football where the players are covered in about a thousand dollars worth of padding. It is sickening. The end result is this, Goddell will eventually bastardize the game so much that the fans will stop attending the over priced venues and find something else to waste there money on. Goddell use your head, if it ain't broke leave it the fuck alone.

one-

Aftermath

2008-11-06T06:56:00.001-05:00

Well now that the dust has settled and things are back to normal, I guess we can continue with our lives. Some expected me to write yesterday about the victory on Tuesday. But personally I felt that you needed a day of rest before being able to see clearly. The emotions were high and people were literally dancing in the streets. It was indeed a site reminiscent of the old footage you would see of the ticker tape parades. Free love and booze everywhere.

Now that President Elect Barack Obama has secured his place in History as the first Dark skinned mulatto to win the seat, I say dark skinned because there are those who believe that at least one other president was questionable, it is time to start looking ahead at who he places around him in his cabinet. Will he build a cabinet of individuals who will buck the system to help bring about this change or will he bring in old politics and continue forward? we can only wait to see. HOw ever the first choice to come out as Chief of staff is Rahm Emanuel, who some have called a Democratic political assassin.

Republican strategist John Feehery -- who worked for former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert and former House Minority Leader Robert H. Michel as well as former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay -- said Emanuel could help prevent House Democrats from overreaching.

"He understands that if Obama goes too far to the left, it's not going to be good for the Democrats," Feehery said. "I think he's the kind of guy who can knock some heads and help Obama guide the Congress toward the middle. . . . You will need a bad cop to Obama's good cop, and Rahm will fill that role quite nicely."

Emanuel's policies, unlike his politics, have always been centrist, in the Bill Clinton mold. In addition, a different Emanuel has emerged in recent years, one who has forged friendships with Republicans and shown an ability to work with them on occasion.

Emanuel is a fellow Chicagoan who started his political career off by working for people like Richard M. Daley before joining Clinton in 1992.

However the most eloquent and somewhat frightening congratulatory comments came from the PREZ himself.

At the White House today, President Bush said his administration was preparing for the transition. He called Obama's victory a "triumph of the American story" and pledged "complete cooperation" with him during the upcoming transition.

"All Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday," Bush said, focusing on the broader implications of a vote that swept his own Republican Party from power. "Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of America's democracy and strides we have made toward a more perfect union."
Pointedly referring to Obama as the country's next commander in chief, Bush said he would brief the Illinois senator on any significant decisions he makes in coming weeks, as Obama's transition team begins the new president's ascension to the White House.

well this is just the beginning but there will be more to follow as Obama continues to build his team I will keep and ever vigilant eye. To find out more about Rahm Emanuel check out the following. http://www.house.gov/emanuel/

D Day

2008-11-04T06:44:00.001-05:00

Well we are now in the twelfth hour. It is all in the air now. The only question that remains is will the people vote along the lines that they have said they would or will we see a mass exodus at the polls. Who knows the only thing that is for certain is that tomorrow at this time it will all be over with. Whether it be Obama or McCain, Bidden or Palin the truth is we all have to get up and go to work. So once the smoke clears and the dust settles we will see who emerges victorious.

The one thing that is for certain is that we are all lucky that the elections are not controlled by the BCS, because if they where Giuliani would be president.

The BCS sucks.

Go Steelers!!!!

Rapid Fire

2008-09-29T07:07:00.002-04:00

Well, well, well!!!

Let me start by saying that i am always surprised when I find out that people actually read this blog and even more so when they ask me about it or mention that I have not written in it for a period of time. So to you demented few I say thank you for you patronage.

Well now there are so many things going on in the US today what should I begin with. Lets start with the Financial issues facing this country now. As anyone who has not been under a rock knows Wall Street took a big hit when several major players in the the financial Market went under. This act has caused the Nations economy to become even more unstable than I believe it already was. I believe that we have been in trouble for several years, you just didn't know about it. So to help remedy this current state of affairs and to try and prevent the US falling into it's second Depression, Notice I said Depression not Recession. The government is proposing a Bail-out plan worth 700 billion dollars. Many people are apposed to this action, however I believe that is because they are still not aware of the circumstances that they are being faced with. Should the Government sit aside and do nothing many people will suffer and be worse for ware. As it is now we only see that the government is helping the rich stay rich by paying off their debts, however what this does is provide a means for the people who currently have loans to continue to pay on their planed timetable. Should this not be done think of the ramifications. Student loans would be harder to come by and in many cases stop, Car loans would be harder to come by, you think that 19 and 20 percent is high just wait. Home loan, which is more responsible for the current issue than anything else, would be much harder to come by. These are a few of the fall out affects of a No-Bailout stance.

As for the Presidential candidates, well this is a far better show than Barnum and Bailey could have ever put on. On one side we have Barak Obama, a historical candidate, who is afraid of being looked at as such. I am still waiting for him to say that he is 'Caubliasian' or some shyt. This man has yet to really speak out to the colored people of this country. Although he has told us that we need to become a more Bilingual nation??? Commi bastard if I wanted to learn to speak spanish I would have moved to Spain. I hate when people will stand up for the rights of others while ignoring those people who have been waiting the longest. On the other hand we have John Mccain... sigh I feel bad talking about old people because I was taught that it is not proper. But oh well Grandma if you are watching I am sorry. This old bastard is really getting on my nerves. If he mentions the fact that he was a prisoner of war one more time... Geez alright we get it. The truth is because of this fact you have more in common with Black men in America than Barak does. How is that for a campaign swing. Not to mention that the man's health is so bad that it is frigtening. I half way expect for the photos to come out of him being put into a sarcafacus and transported from event to event.

Now for the comedy of it all Palin... LOl this shyt is histarical. Really I have more forign affairs experience than she does. Hell I have been to several countries and servered as an Ambassador abroad. lol All the women who keep yelling that she is being mistreated because she is a woman do me a favor shut the F up. If she was a man who came out of nowhere she would still be treated the same way. When you are unable to go to an interview and answer questions expect to be ridiculed. Oh and the Best thing was when the Repulicans said that she would only answer certain question as long as they fit a certain criteria... WTF!!!! sorry I can't stop laughing. Hannity please turn in your press card and just call yourself what you really are a dumbass trying to get paid. To go on national TV and do what you did and keep a straight face you deserver to be Bitch slapped.

well I am done ranting for now but I am sure today something else will happen that will bring me right back.

Pass or Fail

2008-09-28T09:30:00.002-04:00

Good Morning, I have been thinking about a new to me concept. Last week I was sitting in a class we started talking about the European concept of grading. It appears in the UK the emphasis is on whether or not one passes or fails. However here in the US we are overly concerned about the prospect of scoring in the upper percentile. As I started to think about this concept I had a revelation.

What if in this country we started to focus more on Pass or Fail? I believe that we would see more participation in schools and higher level education. As you may have realized once you graduate and move on into the corporate world no one cares about your GPA or if you where in fact an "A" student. All that matters is if you passed or failed your particular discipline.

This concept is somewhat eye opening, Think about it, do you know if your doctor was an "A" or "C" student? Was your CPA a "B" student, in all truthfulness we do not care, nor do we think about it, all that we are concerned about is, does he have the degree that says he passed the course. Being that this is the case why do we make it so hard on our kids when in fact what they should be focusing on is gaining a basic understanding of whatever it is that they are learning. We are far to competitive in this country and that is all the grading system is about. We feel the need to compartmentalize everything and everyone. The "A" student may not be a better Dr. than the "C" student however he may be a better test taker.

So think about it do we really care about the Grades that one gets or is it more important to know if that person passed or failed?

something to think about.

OKAY DNC...

2008-09-02T07:33:00.002-04:00

Now that the Democrats have had their say and it is official Obama is their man...on paper anyway. I can now come out and shed some light on the views.

People please be aware that the call for National Health care is a beautiful and much needed remedy, understand that although we are talking about it, it is far from being a reality. I believe that many people are going to seriously disappointed in the years to come when they do not get their healthcare plan. The problem with the issue is this. We are depending on government to provide the masses with a surefire way of ensuring that all of it's citizens have access to health insurance. The numbers as of last week were that 47.5 Million Americans are without health insurance. Although this is a staggering number understand this. Every other program that our capitolist government has implemented has failed miserably. If I need to call them out, here they are. Social Security will never be able to provide the X or Y generations with anything that will resemble a retirement plan. Medicaid can't help the people who are on it today so when my time comes it will be nonexistant. Welfare ... what more can I say? Each of these programs where established to help the people of this country who are unable to help themselves and each of them is in a miserable state of affairs. So why should we expect the new National healthcare plan to be any different.

I believe if you want to help the masses then stop FICA, Social Security, and Medicaid deduction from everyone's paycheck and instead allow them to use that money to buy into their own insurance plan. And I know if you leave people to their own devices they will fail so in order to remedy that you make health Insurance mandatory. By this you allow the people to get their own insurance and if they refuse then the government garnishes the amount of a plan that they choose from the individuals paycheck. If we can make auto insurance mandatory and enforce it then I believe we can do the same for Health Insurance. However because I believe that we all should have a choice, so to address those individuals I have this amendmant to the program. If you are a single individual or a couple with no children then the insurance is not mandatory but you will be expected to pay out of pocket for any and all treatment recieved.

And of course this program would require you to be a citizen and legally employed. Well after reading this I am sure you all can see why I am not a politician and why I could never hold any sort of public office.

the poor rich kids (Artistic Illness)

2008-08-18T12:51:00.003-04:00

Pandora can't make money, may pull the plug

Oh my!

2008-07-21T06:51:00.001-04:00

Authorities order bars not to serve black people | Your Passport to the Beijing Olympics - SCMP

Well it seems I have nothing to say? I love me some Chinese movies and Singapore rice noodles.

Mo Money, Mo Problems

2008-07-21T06:37:00.001-04:00

Well now looky here. It seems that the proverbial bottom is starting to fall out. If this is not a recession could someone please explain to me what exactly one is? IndyMac Bancorp Inc. was the nation's second-largest independent mortgage lender and the seventh-largest savings and loan. But now sadly enough they are nothing more than this weeks tragic headline. Apparently the company has gotten to the point where they are now being taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Look at this the Feds are taking over a bank? HMMM I wonder what it would take for them to take over a gas refinery? Anywho back to the issue at hand. Apparently the housing market has cast this bank in to turmoil. Foreclosures have no doubtedly done this group in. It is sad in many cases because although not everyone has lost their home many of the customers of this bank could possibly as a result of the bank going belly up.

As we all know or should know Banks are Insured by the FDIC. But what many may not know is that the FDIC will only insure $100,000.00 per individual account. What this means is if you have over 100k in the bank you stand to lose. A work around to this problem is simply to spread your money out over multiple banks. If you are truly a Baller (of which I am not) you could simply put a hundred here and a hundred there.

BAN ALERTBAN ALERTBAN ALERT

2008-07-10T06:52:00.001-04:00

well now I have found the one thing that has been able to get me wrote again. My pal and long standing friend Reverend (I use this term lightly) Jesse Jackson. As you all know by now Sunday Jackson made some off hand remarks about Barack Obama. In short Jesse had the nerve to say that Obama spoke down to black people. This is very funny to me because he has been doing that for over 30 years, and when he is not talking down to blacks he is just confusing the hell out of them. The Rev. on a number of occasions has talked to his people using the Dr. Seuss Thesarus. But to make matters worse he went on to say that he wanted to cut Obama's nuts off??? WTF? if that is not some old Willie Lynch Shyt I do not know what is. The earlier remark could have been overlooked but this last one is outrages. You know you have fucked up when your own son comes out and chastises you in a public forum. Maybe South Park was right perhaps he believes he is the Emperor of all Black people.

For years Jesse has been a blight on the ass of black people. He has continually aid his own cause while making a mockery of the problems facing Black people. Jesse who stood beside King has always taken the Tom route when it comes to civil rights issues. Not once has he ever stepped into the forefront and placed the bullseye on his chest. While all of the Black leaders and speakers where dying in the 60's he hid in the shadows to only be remembered for a tired ass speech given in the 70's " I am somebody" Jack ass. The only reason Jesse has had any kind of credibility is because Al Sharpton has a perm and my God that is by far the worse thing a Man can do unless of course he is a PIMP then it is socially acceptable. Ugh!!!!!

In conclusion I would like to offer the first BAN award to Reverend Jesse Jackson, for his tireless effort of once again proving that the best way to keep a black man down is to put a mic in front of another Black man. Sir you are definetly somebody a "Bitch Ass Nigger"
Technorati Tags: Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama

So Now What???

2008-06-09T07:02:00.001-04:00

As we approach the looming end of the Bush era, the question now arises. What now? the aftershock of the last 8 years is going to weigh heavy on this country for at least 5 more years. So I hope that no one is thinking that once the new President is elected that everything is going to be better. Unfortunately this is not a movie and life is not a fairy tale. The sad truth is that the new PREZ will have a very difficult up hill battle waiting for him and any candidate who does not prepare for this or understand this is surely going to fall flat on their face.

It would seem that if the new PREZ does not take a hard line towards change he will be considered weak and a liar and should he go out and try to clean up the mess left behind by the former he will be scrutinized and lynched by the media. There is really no way to win in the upcoming years the best thing is to ride it out and try to prevent any new issues from destroying the social fabric of the US. Will the next president lower gas prices, NO. Will he bring about a National Healthcare plan? NO. Will he help fix the problems with Immigration in the country? NO. Will he begin to bring the troops home? hmm not at least for another 3 years, I believe he will save that for his next presidential race. All he will have time to do is to try and make the people believe that he did not lie to them in order to get into office and that he is diligently trying to right the wrongs, but there will be very little show.

The battle that lays ahead for the next president is not going to be an easy one at all. For one he may be too old to make an impact of any magnitude and for the other he may be too dark to be taken seriously. So at this point all I can do is sit around and wait to find out what will happen come May 9, 2009.

Death of the DJ

2008-03-20T06:47:00.002-04:00

This morning on my way to work I turned on the Radio (Sirius) and I heard "The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff" by no uncertain terms this song is a staple Hip Hop Classic. This song defined what exactly a DJ is. The DJ of my youth is dead, just as NAS proclaimed Hip Hop to be.

In this one track Jazzy Jeff showed the world just how outstanding of a DJ he was.The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff was just one record that showed the world exactly what a grand master is. Jeff pulled out all of his tricks and treats on this one track he showed the world things most people didn't know could be done. Jazzy showed us the Bird Scratch, the Chirp and most impressively the transformer scratch.

If you have never been to an old school DJ contest then you have truly missed out on something spectacular. The best that I can recall was in Philly. Jazzy Jeff V. Cash Money (the heavy weight champion of Djing), this was no doubt an epic battle, these brothers put on a show with no words just turntables and it was one for the ages.

The skills of the DJ have diminished over the years and that is sad. Today DJing is looked at as mainly spinning Cd's on a turntable. The art has been lost, you can not scratch on a CD.

peace

Still Can't see it?

2008-02-12T17:19:00.001-05:00

Hello today is a glorious day down under. The Australian Parliament proposed the the text for an unequivocal apology to the Aborigines. The wording is stated as such for the indignity and degradation caused by the policies of past governments. It is amazing how a simple gesture can lay down so much good will.

America take heed when will this country follow suit and offer and apology to the descendants of Africa and the Caribbean who were enslaved in this country. They continue to turn a blind eye to this and hope that it will be forgotten and just fade away. Why is it that they can't see that all you have to do is come out and Apologize and admit that the forefathers where wrong and that the treatment of our ancestors was possibly the most inhumane act on the face of the planet. This one little gesture would then start the healing process. After that America could simply say we have apologized and we were wrong so now lets move forward.

I know I am asking for a lot but who knows maybe one day hopefully before I die this will happen.

Race Card

2008-01-17T07:04:00.000-05:00

I have a question for all of the political pundits and analysts out there. Why is it that if Barack Obama appeals to people of color it is a matter of him playing the race card? I am having a hard time with this one. The way that i see it is this Barack by name and origin is a Black man. So if he appeals to Blacks or people of color why is that an issue? I read one article that said his use of race could damage his campaign standing and give the edge to Hillary? WTF!

So am I to understand that in the 38 years that I have been around to witness this so called democratic process that no one has ever appealed to their Ethnic, Social or Economic groups before? But because he is a black man and he is appealing to his people he is using the race card. The way that I see it and it is a fact that Hillary is receiving a lot of support from women in this country, so am I to suggest that she is playing the gender card?

Well it is my opinion that we tend to talk to those people that we have the most in common with. If I was running for an office I think the bulk of my message would be geared towards the needs and demands of Black people, not because I am a racists but merely because those would be the issues that i could speak on from the heart. I grew up as a black child and have lived my entire life as a Black man. So for me to feel comfortable and empowered to speak on those issues is not a short coming but merely me finding a point that i am comfortable with and sticking with it. This country no matter how hard they try to deny it still has an identity problem. That problem stems from the fact that blacks and whites still have not settled their issues. Instead they tend to ignore them and sweep them under the rug as if they do not exist. Until the time comes where we sit down and discuss this it will remain a seething and oozing sore that flares up from time to time.

Well I guess I have said all of this in order to make one tiny point. White people please understand that no matter how well spoken and light Barack may be he is still a man of color so please allow him to be that. Should you see him discussing an issue that affects blacks in this country, please do not take that as him turning his back on you but merely giving a voice to the mute of this country.

oh yeah on last note Charlie Rangel that ignorant assed House Nigger. When are we going to stop being the guard dogs and attacking blacks around us in order to keep our white masters from being perceived as racists? Black Loyalty is something that I think we need to focus on. Black folk please stop jumping in front of the cameras and mics in order to make yourself look good to whites by beating down other blacks. I swear DC is full of BAN's and FAN's for that matter.

Growing Pains

2008-01-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

MJB has arrived.

Marie J. Blige has solidified her position as the Queen of Hip Hop. Her latest album Growing Pains is a refreshing blend of good music and testimony. Once again Mary bares her soul and shares her life over the Mic. This album is a must have for anyone who enjoys soulful lyrics and great music.

I would definitely recommend it as a must hear for any young woman out there who may be going through trials and tribulations. The lead off track work it. is upbeat and informative. throughout the album Mary preaches self love and acceptance.

As I am an avid Rap and Reggae listener this album surely surprised me and I am glad that I made the leap and purchased it. I definitely give this album 5 stars.

Oh, I am not done yet!

2008-01-09T06:43:00.000-05:00

As I promised yesterday I am going to continue with my political rants. One of the hot topics of this years election race has centered around a National Health Care System. This is all fine and well, the real thing that needs to happen is the total dismantlement and annihilation of the HMO.

But first as I stated yesterday we need to first deal with the Illegal Alien issue in the country. The amount of money that is lost each year in this country because of emergency services that are rendered to Illegal Aliens in astronomical. Now why should a National Health Care plan be dependent upon this? I know I sound like a Serious hater and a Bigot. But honestly if this is not dealt with first then it will all be for not. Just as our education system is deteriorating under the pressure of Illegal Aliens, so will any other system that is supported by our taxes. So if we all chip in in order to be sure that we all have adequate and substantial medical care then we need to try and weed out all of the factors that will cause that system to suffer.

The Social or National Health Care Plan can work in this country just as it has worked in other Countries all over the world. It is sad that a country that was supposedly created for We the People by the People does nothing to very little to Provide for it's people. For years Big Business has scared the people out of wanting a National Health Care Plan using the Boogie Man and the monster in the closet to deter us. The truth of the matter is that this system can and does work without a decline in care or resources. Instead of a doctor working for an HMO he will be a Government Employee. And as Bush has said this would allow the OB-GYN's to practice their love on the women of America. By not being under the thumb of a company whose sole purpose is to make money they would once again be able to practice medicine and stop being business managers.

We are still a long way away from anything like this happening because the ones who benefit too lose will pay any amount in order to keep it from happening, and thus we as a people the Majority will continue to suffer. I for one would rather have my tax dollars being used to help me and other than to pay big business and support war efforts.

Say it Loud!

2008-01-08T06:32:00.000-05:00

With the impeding elections looming over head I find myself thinking about the things that are wrong with this country. And then I am faced with the sad reality that no matter who gets into office that chances of any of those things being corrected are slim to none.

Although I have traveled abroad and have had the opportunity to see a lot of the world that most people in this country do not get a chance to see I honestly feel there is no place I'd rather be. However that does not mean that I am at all pleased with my government. So today I am going to do a lil political venting. There are a lot of issues facing this country today, so where is one to start. I'll start at what I see as the bottom of the pile. This country is in desperate need of Immigration reform. We need a Bill that has teeth, we need to take a strong stance towards the infestation of Illegal aliens in this country. The current policy does not actively pursue nor remove this problem. Instead we enable them by, in not so many words, telling them that if they can hide out in the country for 5 or 6 years we will grant them immunity.

As long as we continue along this path we can never move towards Social reform in Health care or Education. These two areas are greatly affected by the influx in illegal aliens. It is the standing rule in the US that no child can be denied an education regardless of their citizenship. However the schools depend on the Tax base of the community in order to pay for the quality of the education that the children receive. So if we allow Ten Million illegals to remain in this country what are we doing to the education that our children receive. People and politicians want to complain about over populated schools and under paid educators but no one wants to do what is needed in order to correct the problem.

For far too long Big Business and those with money and power (the Minority) have been dictating policy in this country and they continue to put into effect laws that meet their greed and less than admirable needs. We all know that the only reason the Illegals are allowed to stay in the country is in order to keep a steady flow of cheap labor in the country. The main reason for this is to increase the Bottom line of big Industry.

I guess next I will have to touch on how the Immigration issues in this country affect Health Care and why it is impossible for use to move towards a national Health care plan as long as the immigration machine is broken. But that will have to be a later conversation.

Check Your Coat at the Door.

2008-01-07T06:26:00.000-05:00

I have noticed that a lot of people like to wear nice coats. Although today the coats that I am going to talk about may not be by your favorite designer. It is apparent that many of of us wear our coats year around. Hopefully this post will wake those of us who do this without knowing it.

In this life there are only a few things that are guaranteed. One we all will die sooner or later and the second being we will all experience pain at the hands of someone else. Although we do not put a lot of focus on the first the second we do all we can in order to prevent it from happening. Thus the idea of us wearing coats. I chose to use the term "wearing a coat" instead of "carrying baggage". for one simple reason it just seemed to fit better. No one is going to walk around carrying a set of luggage and not know it, however you can wear a coat and forget that you are doing so. Therefore the term just seemed to fit better,

Often we will meet people who we do not quite understand. They may have peculiar ways or interesting beliefs, but yet we can seem to get along with them. The thing that we often find ourselves at odds with is that person who is holding on to the pain of their past. It is hard to get to know someone or even talk rationally with someone who refuses to let go of their past. We as people have to learn how to allow those new people in our lives to be who they are without passing judgment on them or even convicting them for the wrongs of others. We all have been and will get hurt at some stage in life. it is just going to happen so do we need to live everyday waiting for it or trying to avoid. Or should we just learn to live our lives to the fullest and throw caution to the wind. As for me I believe that we should live for the moment and embrace the love and hopefulness as it comes. Too often we block the good things in life trying to avoid the bad.

Before we can be truly comfortable in any environment we must first remove our coats when entering into the building. In this case the building is the relationship. The other reason for this is whenever someone comes into your home or office and does not take off their coat it gives you the impression that they do not intend on staying long. And do i need to point out the obvious, If they are not staying long then why waste the time. I believe that many of us do this without even thinking about it. It just happens.

So the next time you enter into a Building please remember to check your coat at the door.

Losing Control

2008-01-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

Last night I am not proud to say that I had a Nigger moment. Ugh I hate when the Beast rears it's ugly head. But last night at the gym the beast found willing prey to feast upon. I lost control and acted outside of the me I like to portray. But in all honestly sometimes you have to raise up and put people in their place.

I often forget that there are times that I can be somewhat intimidating, Well last night was one of those times. I got into a confrontation with an individual. However I am not even sure if they know why they got caught in midst of the Beast. It was for nothing that he did on the basketball court or even anything that he said. He caught it because he forgot who he was talking to. There are a lot of things that I allow to drift by me but I can not and will not allow any man to disrespect me. These are the times that the Beast shows its ugly head.

I have only had one other incident like this at the gym and that person now understands that things that he might say to others will not be tolerated by me. And because he has learned that lesson we no longer have any issues.

Some say that this is no way to handle issues but I believe that this is the only way to deal with an issue. you let the other person know what your boundaries and once they learn that they should keep clear and if they cross the line again, well they deserve whatever they get.

Well now I am going to go back to being my old laid back extremely chill self. Goodnight Sweet Beast.

Rebel without a Pause

2007-12-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

How do we fix generations of oppression and lack of self worth? I wish I knew, if I did I would take Jesse Jackson's and Al Sharpton's place. Not to say that they have any idea but unlike them I only tend to speak when I have something important to say and not just to draw attention to myself.

As I have been discussing the problems within Black America this week I wanted to touch on this because it goes back to the whole thing about the rappers and working blacks in general. Outside of the underground and entertainment. What avenues are available to young black children today? I mean honestly how do we tell children they can be anything they want they just have to try hard and want it for themselves. They have to believe in themselves. Then we turn them around and send them back into their miserable homes, put them back in their impoverished communities. In this case what is a more powerful learning tool. The things that we tell them or the things that they see? How many of you parents have ever set down and told your young black son or daughter, that if you are a sub-par student with a C average and you experiment with drugs you can go on to be President of the United States of America? I tend to think that not many of you, because we all know too well that whatever we do we have to do it better than any of our counterparts. We have no room for error and even then we are not guaranteed to succeed. Lets be honest the only way any of us have been able to make it was through the charity of white people.

This country is the same today as it was 100 years ago. The only difference is that today people are a little more smoother with their racists beliefs and ideologies. Anyone who has sat down and spoken with me in any great detail knows that I have severe racial issues. I do not hide nor am I ashamed of this character flaw. I feel that the only way anything is going to change for blacks in any part of the near future is for all of use to take on this mind set. To start looking at color first and then look at all of the other things that make us different. To stop speaking out against other blacks just because Whites want us to. To start empowering each other and to seek change by any means necessary.

Until we start to change how we view ourselves and treat each other things are always going to remain the same. Blacks in America are still worth less than any other race in this country. We have allowed the whites to replace us in the workforce with illegal aliens. We have allowed whites to get rid of our college programs and funding. We have allowed them to dismantle our education system and our family structure, and while they do these things we grin and bear it. It is time to start taking back the things that this Government has taken from us starting with our self respect and pride.

I urge everyone to go out and join a Black group that is set on bringing about change. but wait a minute be selective. joining a militant terrorist group may not be the way to go right now. RIGHT NOW. So please do some research before joining an organization and be sure that you fully understand what they stand for. Because there are some groups out there that are all about the betterment of White America in black face. I won't call any names (N.A.A.C.P)

it takes A Nation of Millions...

2007-12-27T06:13:00.000-05:00

I am still in my nostalgic state of mind as you can tell by todays title. Public Enemy is and will always be one of my favorite rap groups. This title is fitting because today I want to point out an issue that, well... you'll see.

Currently there is a movement in the US among the black community to clean up Hip Hop ( or more importantly Gangster Rap) This movement gained momentum and favoritism after the Imus incident. During which time Blacks where in an outrage because of the statements made by this old white man. But during the midst of this it got turned around and became the fault of rappers in America. So this is what I want to touch on today.

Before I start there are somethings that I think need to be cleared up. First, Hip Hop, for those who have no idea, is a subculture within America. Hip Hop is not Rap music although Rap Music is a part of Hip Hop. Just as the Harlem Renaissance was not James Baldwin, but James Baldwin was a part of the Harlem Renaissance. Too many people Blame the culture of Hip Hop for being Violent, sexist, and anti-establishment. None of this is true, well all except the anti-establishment part. Hip Hop is art, it is spoken word, Graffiti art, Dancing, Dee-Jaying, and of course Music. I say music because although rap is a part of it, so is Neo Soul and instrumental music. The culture is truly an art form of our generation.

Now that I have tried to clear up that small piece of misunderstood information let's get to the point of this. Cleaning up rap music is not going to fix the problems in the black community contrary to some public belief. Rap music is only a small part of the problem here, and when I say small I mean infinitesimal. The problem that we face is much larger than some rappers out making music using derogatory terms. To make the rappers change their lyrics would be like getting the drug dealers off of the street. The problem with this is no matter how many you get rid of there will be others to take their place. The music (Rap) industry is not controlled by blacks or those who make the music. It is owned by the same people that own everything else in this country. Don't get me wrong back when it first started we owned it. But once it started to make money the powers that be came in and took over. They made it Global. So now rap (Gangster rap) music is a multi Billion dollar a year industry. So to get Snoop Dogg, and others like him to change is not going to fix the problem. The Rappers have no say over what gets played on the Radio Stations in rotation and what doesn't. They have no say in what MTV, BET, and VH1 will deem the hottest Video. All they are, are pawns in a much bigger game. So if we get rid of Snoop Dogg, TI and others like them; the machine will simply replace them with someone else. Building panels with rappers and Russel Simmons and others is not going to change anything because all of these people are figure heads and as sad as it is wield no real power.

So I say all of this in order to make the point that if you want to clean up what young children are listening too then attack the radio stations and Viacom. If you can not make them change then nothing is going to change no matter how many rappers you boycott.

Can't Stop The Bum Rush

2007-12-26T07:13:00.000-05:00

Well it has been far too long but as it has happened several times this year I am back, and revving to go. On this 26th day of December the day after Christmas, I would like to say I hope you have had a wonderful holiday and a successful year.

The title of this post is a way of me reflecting on the past. In case you don't know a bum rush is a straight out free for all assault on whatever you may be doing. This is carried out by shear number. the greater the number the higher the chance of success. What brings me back here is yesterday I had a chance to reflect off of and absorb the wisdoms of others around me. We had some very interesting conversations. One of which was why is it that more African Americans do not try to control the industry that they are so affluent in. For example the entertainment industry.

Well it is my opinion (and if you have read anything that I have written in the past then you know that I have an opinion about almost everything under the sun) that those few people who own and run the industry refuse to allow anyone else to take control. It is no secret that the Jews own and run Hollywood. If someone does try to move in on their market they remove them from the picture. Case in point. Spike Lee's "40 acres and a mule" productions took off in the 80's and seem to be doing very well. These where movies about black people with solid messages attached to them. These movies employed the majority of the black actors in Hollywood at the time. But all of a sudden it seemed to spiral out of control and burn in a heap of nothingness. The first attack by Hollywood, was to basically build up fear around these movies, saying that they incited violence. This caused a lot of people to be afraid to go see the movies in the theaters. I recall an article about Spike where he said that his movies make the majority of their money in Video sales because the public is afraid to come out and see it in the theater. What this translates to is that white America wanted to see his movies they just didn't want others to know about it.

But because his movies where still quite successful because of the video sales and rentals other tactics had to be put into place. At this time Hollywood started taking all of the actors that Spike used and started paying them more than what spike could guarantee them and stole them out from under him. Although this was a shrewed move and spike helped a lot of black actors break in after all was said and done 40 Acres and a Mule was finished. This is a direct result of what happens when Blacks try to control their place in that industry. You may be able to run around under the radar for a while but as soon as you start to make a name for yourself you will be dismantled and tossed aside.

The music industry is not as smooth and appealing in the way that they deal with people. Just look at what they have done to every positive or conscious rapper that graced the airwaves. As NAS has said "where are they now?"

Desire

2007-10-16T07:02:00.001-04:00

Lately in case you hadn't noticed I have been writing about music. I guess it is due to the fact that lately there has been a re-emergence of good music in the hip-hop community. Don't misunderstand me there is always good music in the Hip hop worl it is just that lately it has been in the main stream. Maybe this is because of the scrutiny that the industry has been under lately about the music that they are promoting. Who knows all I do know is that it is refreshing to walk into a local chain store and find some of the artist who had always been hard to find.

Today I am going to talk about "Desire" the Sophomore album from Pharoahe Monch. Although I am disappointed that it has taken so long for this album to finally come into existence, but I am not disappointed with content of the album by any means. Pharoahe has always had a distinct sound and style that made him stand out in a crowd, and on this album it is very relevant that he is his own man and not trying to be like anyone else. Lyrically he takes us on a voyage using metaphors and just an uncanny knack for word smithing. Monch's style is anything but boring or dull, the album is guaranteed to pick you and make you move. The songs "Push" and the title track "Desire" are guaranteed make you get up. He also delivers a more sentimental tale in the song "Hold on" with special guest one of my favorites Erykah Badu" But the biggest surprise for me on this album was the song "Welcome to the Terrordome" I had to listen to it several times because I could have sworn that it was being done by Chuck D but alas it was the Monarch "without the A&R" himself spitting like I have never heard him spit before.

All in all I would recommend this album to anyone who is an enthusiast of tradition lyricists. Desire is easily one of the best that i have heard this year, I can only sit around and wait for the next bomb to drop. Until then I'll keep my ears open and my eyes closed.

Buffoonery

2007-09-24T07:06:00.001-04:00

In light of recent activities in the US. Once again Black people are reminded of just how little power we have in this country. As everyone knows the Jena 6 protests and support rallies took place last week. The issue is that there should not have to be any such activities taking place in this day and age. The situation down there in Louisiana is as bad as it has ever been. The mentality of the people down there is the same as it has always been. These white kids hung nooses from a tree on the school grounds in order to send a message to the black kids. And this was viewed as a prank. At what point do we stop being the clowns?

It is hard to imagine that in this day and time people still have the mindset that we are less than people. I know some of you may find it hard to swallow that last comment but the proof is in the pudding. In W.Va the young black woman who was kidnapped and tortured by six whites. Is being ignored by the DOJ. The feds released a statement saying that they would not pursue the case because it was not a hate crime. The menatlity behind this is that the Hate crime carries a lesser charge than the kidnapping and the torture. My argument here is why not hit them with each and every law punishable in the case. They wanted to send a message to the US about killing dogs so they pursue M. Vick with everything they had. So why not set and example here and let people know that these types of crimes will not be tolerated. Why because honestly a black woman is worth less than a dog!

This type of torture and treatment of blacks is nothing new. Many people may know about the Emmitt Till case in 1955. A case where a young black child was tortured and killed for supposedly saying "bye baby" to a white woman while visiting his relatives in Mississippi. The Defendants in this case where found not guilty. In Virginia in 1998 a Black man named Garnett P. Johnson was beheaded and set on a fire by a white man. The defendant in this case was sentenced to Life imprisonment and a $100,000.00 fine. The jury, an all white jury, didn't see fit to sentence the defendant to death. The problem here is that most life sentences have a year affixed to them. In some cases a person can be releases in 15 to 20 years. The Issue here is that too often perpetrators of such crimes are given relatively light sentences, why because the punishment does not fit the crime. In 1998 why was there an all white jury in Virginia?

These kinds of crimes continue to happen and will continue to take place until we (Black People) stand up and do something about it. Until we stop allowing this country to look at us the way that they do it will continue to be the way that it is. The sad thing is that others who come into this country follow suite and treat Blacks the same way as the whites do. The only way to change peoples minds and behavior is by giving them a reason to change. Sadly enough I believe the only way to make them see that what they are doing is wrong is to enact the very crimes that they commit against us onto them. Then maybe they will start to take a harsher stance against this type of activity. As El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz said, by any means Necessary.

Reflections

2007-09-13T07:26:00.001-04:00

On this day I find myself reflecting on My Life. On this day September 13, I will forever be reminded of my only significant contribution to this existence and have taken my step towards eternal life. It was on this day in 1988 that I learned what love is. It was on this day that my only Son was born. Today I can sit back and look back on the hard times and the strife and say I am glad and wouldn't change any of it for the world. Although he may not know it my son brightens my life just as a super nova illuminates the empty nothingness of space. The fact that he has walked his path and is continuing to learn about life on his own terms I am pleased.

Also on this day I look at my childhood and fortunately this past weekend I was able to see my Elder Mother whom I have not seen in at least 10 years if not more. It made me feel good to see her in the condition that she is in. Being 93 years old and still full of life and energy. with the aid of a cane she is still able to get up and get out on her own. Her mind is as sharp as ever as she set there and told me a story about an accident she was in about 40 years ago. She told me about her friend that she is seeing now and her day to day life. I don't know what I would have done had I missed the opportunity to see her and to just be in her presence. I have put off going to see her for sometime but I am truly happy that I got the chance to do it.

I have always wanted to pass on at an early age because I never wanted to become weak and feeble. But after seeing her and realizing that getting old doesn't have to mean losing the drive and zeal that keeps us young. Mary turner I will always love you and I am proud and honored to be the Son you never had. I love you.

Eardrum

2007-09-13T06:58:00.001-04:00

Talib Kweli's New cd is in no way a disappointment. Once again Talib has brought the purest essence of hip hop back to the masses. As has been the case since his solo debut Kweli has remained true to his craft and his convictions. In an industry where people are known to flip flop in order to make a dollar, this brother has held it down and remained a comforting constant.

The CD is filled with lyrical masterpieces and hard hitting rhythms. On this album Talib has shown his varying rhyme styles from the southern flow on "Country Cousins" to the Inner city classic break beat "the perfect beat" with the blast master KRS-one. And as always Talib voices his concerns and issue with religion in the track "Give em Hell".

It is refreshing to have Talib Kweli break though, like a thief in the the night we never heard him coming, and if we continue to allow the industry to push their idea of music on us we are going to lose the talents and jewels of artists like this. although I do not listen to the radio even I heard the hype around the release of 50 Cent and Kanye West, but never heard a peep about Talib Kweli. To contradict "God's Son" NAS Hip Hop is not dead it is being buried alive by capitolism.

Technorati Tags: Talib kweli, Eardrum, New Music

Why? Because I care

2007-08-29T06:25:00.000-04:00

I had a few conversations a while back and the topic was why am I so hard on Black men? I am not hard on black men I just hold them to a higher standard than I hold anyone else. In this day and time it appears to me that with all of the shortfalls that we are faced with, we need to be held to a higher standard instead of letting society discard us. As a black man I feel that there is no room for any kind of excuses. I believe that too many of my brothers (and cousins) take too many shorts and act like we are owed something.
I for one believe that I am a self made man. What I mean by this is that I had to work hard for everything that I have now. Please do not misunderstand this, it does not mean that I did not receive help along the way. What it does mean is that I had to work my ass off and do what I had to do in order for others to even take the time to acknowledge me and want to help. Much too often I hear people say that they can't get a good job, they are being held back. This is a mental chain that needs to be broken. I understand that there is that invisible glass ceiling out there but if you do not try you will never make it to that point. Once you get there then you can complain, but first get there. I humbly believe that we can obtain and be anything we want to be if we are dedicated and motivated. No it is not going to be as easy for us as it is for whites and others, but it can be done.
If you want it you will make it happen. I mean honestly I sit back and watch young guys go out and deal and hustle their asses off for ignorant shyt, but won't apply the same desire towards finding and holding down a legitimate career. Often times they do not make the connection between what they are doing and what they could be doing. Even if you start at the bottom of the pile you start. If you are dedicated and persistent you will make that climb, but you have to put in work. You can't show up to work everyday and leave on time every night and expect someone to give you something. Like I have said we are not white. We have to go above and beyond in order to get noticed.
If more of my people where to take this frame of mind we would all be a lot better off. Instead of always having to sit around and wait for the black representative to show up and save the day.

Rap-mur-phobia

2007-08-09T07:22:00.001-04:00

I think Keith Murray's new album has come at a great time. "Rap-mur-phobia" the fear of real Hip hop. This statement holds true, today more than at any other time in the short lifespan of the genre. Yesterday Al (Ace Koon) Sharpton, held his ANA's day of outrage and held protests in several major cities across the US. The protesters picketed outside of music stores across the country.

The move to clean up rap music is sad. It stinks of the same plan to clean up the crack epidemic of the 90's. No one cared what was being said until RAP started appearing on Wall Street. Now all of a sudden because there are more white kids walking around talking about they are gangstas and reciting lyrics from popular rap songs, it is an outrage. Just as crack didn't become an epidemic until it moved into the white communities.

The way that I see it a real Hip Hop Artist is not worried about losing his sponsorship or his endorsement deals. (wtf!) Real Hip Hop is about making music, about storytelling and bring about awareness to the issues in their community. The only people who are afraid of the pressure of Wall Street are the Rappers and most of them are just out there spewing garbage. If music is real you will feel it and it will convey a message that all can see. Everyone may not understand it but they will see and feel it. Case in point Fuck the Police by N.W.A not everyone agreed with the song but no one could deny that the things that were being said where actually happening all over the US. This is what Hip Hop is about, now a days a lot of guys out there are just following a formula that some white man in an office has established.

I stand firmly behind the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States ( after all it is one of the only ones we have left.) And if you have a message to tell then you should be able to tell it. Censorship needs to be kept in the home and not put out into the streets. Radio stations as far as I am concerned can go back to playing Hip Hop during the late hours just as they used to.

So Long Freedom

2007-08-06T07:06:00.001-04:00

Well once again the Democrats have stood up and showed their asses. Yesterday at Camp David the PREZ signed into law a new "Terrorism" wiretapping law. Under the law the NSA (the biggest crooks in America) have the Authority to tap and eavesdrop on international calls coming into the US. This broad umbrella is frightening to say the least. The Democrats who can't seem to stand in unison on any topic washed out again and let another infringement of our civil rights fall into the books.

My question is who in the Hell is looking out for the People of the US. We all know that the Illegal aliens will get what they want. Peta will get what they want, but who is speaking for those of us who aren't Gay, Animals, or didn't sneak in through the back door? Congress is useless all the hype surrounding the Republican Congress was just that, because since the Democrats have gained the majority they have done nothing to change any of the things that they where screaming about during the Elections.

I think we should just go ahead and make it official, lets change the doctrine and call the US what it is a new age Dictatorship with the illusion of Democracy and Freedom.

Rebirth

2007-08-01T06:58:00.001-04:00

Ok today I am going to do something totally different.

With yesterdays successful deal the Boston Celtics have seemingly vaulted themselves into contention for the Eastern Conference title, and possible a NBA title. The acquisition means more than just one player being traded for 7 ( the biggest deal in NBA history). This move will help to rejuvenate a faltering Eastern Conference NBA Roster. For years all we have heard is that the West coast is the dominate conference in the NBA. and being a die hard east coast fan it sickened me to admit that it was true.

But now over the last few years there has been a wave of talent emerging in the East. Talent which is capable of bringing the luster back to East Coast basketball. Now with players like Wade, James, Garnett, Arenas and teams like the Pistons, and the Bulls, the East Coast is finally going to be able to sale tickets again. Not to mention Merchandise.

I am anxiously awaiting the start of the new season so that I can once again (hopefully) watch the kind of basketball I grew up with.

Go Eastern Conference!

A fall from Grace

2007-07-30T06:52:00.001-04:00

This will be short and sweet. Being that I am a native of Newport News, VA. I still have to speak on the Michael Vick issue. I will reiterate the fact that it is said no matter how good you are or great you may be if you are black well then it is all smoke and mirrors. The reason the Vick case bothers me so much is that simple fact that if the NFL didn't just recently acquire Reggie Bush and Vince Young, They would have continued to protect Vick from this mess. But seeing as how the NFL has it's new (dare I say it) Niggas it no longer needs the old one. Mike brought energy back to a game that was failing. He added a spark to a position that was becoming lack luster. Michael Vick reinvented the QB position and filled the seats no matter where he was playing. Although people probably will not admit it now they stormed to the stadiums to see the "Vick Experience" They could have cared less about what he did when he went home.

The saddest part to all of this is thea fact that he is not due to appear in Court until November but yet he is being treated as if he is guilty. Due Process my ass. This man has been sentenced and found guilty in the public court of opinion and those damn sick as people of PETA and the Humane Society have all but destroyed the man's career. At this time Nike has suspended it contract with Michael Vick and will not push any of his products until after the conclusion of the trial. Reebok has also stopped all sales of his jerseys. Not to mention that he has not been allowed to appear in training camp per King Goddell. All in all he will lose millions of dollars and that is not even taking into account lawyers fees.

Like I said guilty or not, I do not believe that the actions that he has been accused of warrant this kind of outcome. To destroy a mans lively hood over the treatment of domestic animals. Now I know that some will argue that point, but honestly we have Senators who have gotten away with murder, we have a VP who shot a man in the face and faced no charges. We have people everyday who commit crimes against other humans and never see the inside of a jail cell. Yet we will lynch M.Vick over the alleged treatment of Dogs, who's only purpose in life is to kill and fight. Yes that is all Pitt Bulls are for. That is why they are built the way they are, and that is why they have a lock jaw. Let's be honest here he wasn't accused of fighting poodles.

Oh, they have done it again.

2007-07-27T06:30:00.001-04:00

On MSNBC I saw a story about a small town in PA. called Hazelton. Apparently a judge in Allentown proclaimed that the towns illegal immigration laws are unconstitutional. The town had developed a policy that is mimicked by towns and cities all across the US.

Simply put the town has imposed fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs. Another measure in the act would have required tenants to register with City Hall and pay fro a rental permit. Now this issue does not seem to raise any kind of problems as far as I am concerned.

The Senate is unable to come out with any kind of policy that has any teeth to it. At least this small town and others like it have come up with a solution. If you are going to be an illegal then you should not be allowed or afforded the same rights and freedoms as the rest of us. Take a look at the surge of convicts who are about to be released in the general populace, they have lost many of their constitutional rights by law. Sex offenders are required to report in and let their neighbors know that they live in the neighborhood. But yet these measures are constitutional. Why should it be different for illegal immigrants, these people have committed a crime no matter how you look at it illegal is illegal. The fact that they make then pay for and obtain a rental permit is just a way of tracking who the illegals are in your town, not to mention adding additional revenue to the town. The argument that is made time and time again is that the government has no idea on how to find the illegals in the country. Well it seems to me that they really don't want to. Because if they did then measures like this would be implemented nation-wide and accepted by the Senate as law.

I would wager that if these tactics where put into place to track muslims and people of middle eastern descent, they would just call it the Patriot Act, and there would be no questions asked.

Technorati Tags: 300, Senate, Patriot Act, George W. Bush

Mis-education

2007-07-26T07:34:00.001-04:00

Well now time does repeat itself after all this is a circular existence. Lets get straight to the point. "No Child Left Behind", the idea that a president, who was what we would call a marginal student, would come up with a plan for education is baffling. The worse part is that we as a people backed it. This path of destruction is ludicrous. Anyone who works in the school system should be able to tell you that this plan and program is doing nothing more than crippling our students. Now I know there are people who will say that is ridiculous, but honestly the program is doing more harm than good.

I remember when I spoke to my son about school and the grading period, and testing. He told me that they spent 3 or 4 weeks of the quarter studying for the Standardized tests so that they could be ready and pass the test when it is given. I asked about the other subjects and he said we don't spend much time on them. OMG! now our children are being coached to pass a test so that the school systems can keep their federal funding coming in, and the principals can keep their jobs. No one is really concerned about what the kids are learning but only securing their jobs.

A study that was conducted recently found out that 44 percent of school districts nationwide have made deep cutbacks in social
studies, science, art and music lessons in elementary grades and have
even slashed lunchtime. All of this just in order to coach for the Federally mandated standardized tests. Once again the PREZ has used his Hitler like power to control the masses and to ensure the demise and destruction of this country.

Well I am tired and losing focus so I am going to end here , but this is by no means the end of this topic or rant.

At it again.

2007-07-25T07:26:00.001-04:00

Yesterday the Prez was at it again. Spreading the fear and turmoil of the 1000 days war. Yesterday while speaking to a group of military personnel at Charleston Air Force Base, the Prez said that the Al Qaeda in Iraq are the same as the ones who attacked the US on September 11. He used this point to establish why the US needs to continue it's fight in Iraq and not to be so hasty in returning the troops back home. Now this statement as a result of now unclassified information is still some somewhat misleading and confusing. First of all during the September 11th fallout all fingers pointed to Bin Laden and the mastermind behind the attacks. It also lead us to go into Afghanistan to fight the terrorist who where the ones we said committed the atrocities. So If I remember correctly as a show of good measure we were unable to find anyone in Afghanistan so as a consolation prize we stopped off in Iraq in order to clean up some old family business.

It stands to reason that the current aggression and increase in Jihadist is a direct result and retaliation to our continued fighting in Iraq. The thing that people who do not understand Islam need to realize is that Jihad ( which means a holy war) is a direct result to Muslims feeling as if they are being persecuted and it is a sacred duty for all Muslims to fight to free their oppressed brothers. So in understanding this it helps us to understand why now there are Terrorists in Iraq from all over the world and not just from Afghanistan and Iraq. Also the Prez is trying to spin his elaborate yarn and make us believe that the forces in Iraq are Al Qaeda, this is true but there are also other factions fighting in Iraq, some are even rival factions who have joined together in the midst of this Jihad.

The bottom line is the only way to stop the fighting is for the US to pull it's troops out of Iraq. And for one minute please do not sit back and believe the BS about if we do not fight them over there they will come over here. This is absurd, honestly they do not want to fight with the US. And for good reason , they know that there is no way for them to win such a fight. The irreparable damage that has been done to the image of the US is staggering when you think of it. Americans are now looked at as a reflection of our crazy ass Prez. That is like you being remembered for the actions of that one crazy-assed relative you have.

As I stated yesterday the person that takes on the unholy task of following up this administration is going to run an administration filled with animosity and world resentment. And in an effort to try and repair the damages done by the sycophant who is now in office they will come across as being weak and draw scrutiny from the masses. It is a lose lose situation.

Ummmm

2007-07-24T08:08:00.001-04:00

Ok I thought I was done for the day but This couldn't be resisted. I read a funny article today in the Bloomberg News by Ann Woolner, simply titled "President Bush Tells Congress, Because I Said So". In her article she pointed out the fact that anyone under Bush is basically protected by Bush and there isn't a damn thing anyone can do about it. lol so true. Basically Bush has told the country, like his wayward children, go screw yourself. I can do what I want. This is funny on so many levels. Basically Bush is setting up the next president for a very hard time, the next person to sit in that chair is gong to get beat down so badly that they are not going to want to think about running again. And if it is a democrat oh well it plays into their hands. Basically the Prez knows that there is nothing that anyone can do to him at this point he has a little over 16 months to go. this whole thing reminds me of a memprable quote:

" I run shit around here. You just live here. Yeah, that's right, you
better walk away. Go on and walk away... 'cause I'm gonna' burn this
motherfucker down. King Kong ain't got shit on me." - Denzel Washington --Trainging Day

Another one

2007-07-24T07:26:00.001-04:00

Today I was reading a story about MIchael Vick. The Article was basically saying that it looks as if he could miss the season this year amidst the allegations of the dog fighting. This is sad just another young black man being used up and thrown away by this country's ills. My gripe here is the simple fact that the Humane society had started hearing mike name attached to dog fighting back in 2004. Mind you that this is the season that Vick almost lead his team to the Superbowl and he was one of the biggest draws in the NFL. However the Humane society alleges that thsy didn't have enough evidence to pursue in the matter. Now all of a sudden 3 years later after the rise of Vince Young and Reggie Bush, (the new faces of the NFL) they have everything they need to tear down the Vick Experience. To me this is all about timing.

Being a conspiracy theorist I honestly think this is simple a matter of Vick out living his usefulness and no longer being of importance to those individuals with the money. The commissioner Mr. Goddell has order mike to stay away from practice and camp until the league can look into the situation closely. Please understand that Mike has not been tried or found guilty of anything at this time, but yet he is being punished. There have been guys tied to shockingly more serious allegations than this but yet they where allowed to play until they where found guilty. What I really would like to know is if he is found not guilty of all charges how will the league repay him for throwing him to the wolves and treating him like a convict?

I believe it is time for parents and athletes alike to start looking closely at this issue. How much longer are we going to get on the Auction Block and sale ourselves until we are deemed unnecessary or better yet let in a state of waste where as we can not walk up and down steps and no one cares to help. This is as old as time itself as long as we keep affixing a price to our foreheads we will continue to be treated like livestock.

Now as far as my personal views on this matter go. Hell it is a dog. I am not a pet lover but damn If Vick was holding bum fights in his front yard and airing them on the internet he would more than likely be in less trouble. Those people kill me running around fighting for the rights of animals. wait a minute lets think about that statement the rights of animals? Rights are a man made idea not anything set down by the higher being . So how is it that these rights are granted to animals. If a coyote was found in your backyard and you shot it would anyone come running, no. but if your neighbor comes into your backyard and you shoot him now you have to answer up. The difference is clear. The life of an animal is worth less than the life of a person and that is the truth of it. But yet these people run around trying to tell you differently and now they want to ruin a persons life over it. I say to Hell with them.

Umm I lost my focus...I can't remember where I was going with this so I guess I'll just shut up.

I had No Idea.

2007-07-23T06:53:00.001-04:00

Who would have believed that people actually read this thing. I have had several people ask me what is going on. Well this is to all of you (at least 3) that read my Blog. Thank you and just because you asked I am here to make you think, grimace and laugh all over again.

Well I guess I picked a good time to start back up there is so much to talk about or more importantly to rant about. I will start with the obvious Politics. Yesterday Senator Feingold came out once again trying to rally support for a bill to Censure the Prez. In case you do not remember Feingold was the one last year who was trying to get charges brought against the Prez for his wiretapping policy. I am among the ones who feel that the Prez and the Administration need to be held accountable for the actions of the last 8 years. At one time I believed that we needed to impeach the Prez. But after growing up and looking at the big picture, I realize that that would be a major mistake.

If there is to be an impeachment I feel that we as a country would be worse off. In all honesty nothing would change, we would be in the same boat if Ronald Mcdonald was the President. The enemy to the country and the People is no other than "Tricky" Dick Cheney. or you Star Wars geeks may know him as the "Emperor" Senator Palpatine. By whatever name you give him this man is scary. I used to think him a feeble old man who was known for having a heart attack right before the elections. But now I see him for what he truly is , "The Puppet Master". This man makes Jim Henson look like an amateur sock puppet player. Cheney has been in the background for many of Americas darkest moments. HE has been in the shadows doing his part to keep America umm free.

Cheney who didn't go to Vietnam because he said and I quote " I had other priorities in the '60s other than military service." WTF! You mean it is that easy to get a deferment from the Draft? He had received 5 draft deferments during the time of the Vietnam War. He did all he could do to keep out of the War, Yet Ironically he has made his fortune profiting on war. This is a man who has no qualms about sending others children off to die for a trivial cause, yet when the ball was in his court he ran and hid like a coward.

In summation Cheney is too scary to leave in charge of this country or any other. This is a man who rivals Don Vito Corleone himself, He is as Gangster as they come. I mean how much power does a person have when he can shoot someone in the face and not only not be charged with anything but also have the victim and the family of the victim come out publicly and apologize to him. ???? Now that is Gangsta.

Well like someone said a while back with a President named Bush and VP named Dick how could you not expect to get fucked.

Until tomorrow, If there is a tomorrow, I am out.

Culture of Freedom pt.3

2007-05-24T07:07:00.000-04:00

Today I want to talk about one of the most important inflictions affecting Blacks today. The Freedom of Speech. Ideally what this means in our Constitution, and yes it is our Constitution, is that any man or woman has the right to say what they feel with out fear of prosecution or persecution. But before we can utilize this fundamental right we first must attain a command of the English Language. There is nothing worse than turning on the Television and seeing a black person speaking who makes no sense at all. a la Jesse Jackson, sorry just had to do that. But seriously we must learn to use the language to it's fullest. One of the ploys that I believe is used repeatedly by the media is to find the one black person in the crowd who can not intelligently communicate their feelings or what they have seen. What this does is send the message that this is how the majority of us as blacks communicate. This also goes on to give a false impression of the levels of education that we have achieved. I believe that part of the reason that the rest of the world thinks so lowly of us as a people is because of the negative images that our media continues to project of us.

We must enforce the importance of education into our children. We must make it our business to see to it that they get the best education available to them. We have to speak up and stop the schools and educators from placing our children in special needs classes and labeling them. We need to be the voice for our young people. Also we as adults need to reinforce our command of the language and use the only tool that many of us have, our voices. Until we start to do this we will always be represented by the Jesse Jackson and Al Sharptons of the world.

In order for any change to occur we must start to speak up for ourselves. Right now we as blacks act as if we are infants, the only time we want to speak up is when we are upset. Our voice needs to be heard. We also need to show the rest of the world that we are not child neglecting raging egomaniacs. But in fact we are a loving caring and giving people. We need to stop acting like the animals that the slave master has created and start being the Gods we were destined to be.

Culture of Freedom pt.2

2007-05-23T06:46:00.000-04:00

One of the most disturbing things that I have witnessed about blacks today is the practice of poverty. I understand that in our society there is a class structure in place whereas some people are going to be poor while others are not. But the issue that I am going to attempt to discuss today is that far too many blacks have em brassed poverty and have made it a part of who they are. Let me give an example.

When I lived in Memphis, TN I lived in what is referred to as east Memphis. For the most part at the time this was the outskirts of the city. Just after me moving there the city acquired the area from the county. I lived in a hotel property that was very well maintained and manicured. It was a quiet community where in the morning everyone got up and made a mad dash for work. Well about a year after the city ha taken over the area, the complex announced that they were going to start accepting section 8 applicants from the city. This action bothered a lot of the tenants and you started to see a mass exodus. no more than a few months after the blacks from the inner city started to move into the complex you saw the climate shift. The once serene and beautiful area in which I called home had drastically changed. There was writing on the walls trash dumped in the parking lots and in the common areas. And Ironically enough the night before I moved my car was broken into and some personal items had been stolen.

The point that I would like to try and make here is why is it that "you can take the person out of the ghetto but you can not take the ghetto out of the person." Now when these people came from some of the more impoverished areas of Memphis they brought all of their belongings with them including their impoverished mentality.

What I am forced to conclude is that poverty is a state of mind and not a state of being. Where I had always thought it was a state of being not a state of mind. I guess it depends on how you are conditioned. Why did they come to a nice area and instead of working to help keep their new surroundings clean and respectable they merely made it feel and look more like what they are used to. The slave mind is a concept that will plague blacks for many more decades to come unless we start to treat it and work on correcting the problems now. We continue to raise our children instilling in them the madness that the slave master instilled in our grand and great grand parents. How long will we allow this cycle to continue?

Some how we have to learn that we can achieve more if first we realize that we are more than what we have been told we are.

Culture of Freedom

2007-05-22T07:08:00.000-04:00

There seems to be a lot of confusion in the Black Community as to what a racist and racism is. In the educated circles, and those aspiring to attain grand heights of social achievement and awareness, believe that you cannot be a racist unless you are white or of the powerful elite. This idea is based off of the notion that Racism and White Supremacy are synonymous. Dr. Francis Cress Welsing defines functional racism as follows.

"Racism (White Supremacy) is the local and global power system and dynamic, structured and maintained by persons who classify themselves as white, whether consciously or subconsciously determined, which consists of patterns of perception, logic, symbol formation, thought, speech, action and emotional response, as conducted simultaneously in all areas of people activity (economics, education, entertainment, labor, law, politics, religion, sex and war), for the ultimate purpose of white genetic survival and to prevent white genetic annihilation on planet Earth - a planet upon which the vast majority of people are classified as nonwhite (black, brown, red and yellow) by white skinned people, and all of the nonwhite people are genetically dominant (in terms of skin coloration) compared to the genetic recessive white skin people".

It is on this one simple point that I must disagree with the good doctor. I do not believe that Racism is White Supremacy. However I do believe that White Supremacy is a form of racism. In the literal sense the definition of Racism is as follows.

“The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.”

It is in this definition that I believe racism is a tool used to propel people to astonishing heights. I do call myself a racist based on this definition. Through the level of knowledge that I have attained I have seen without question signs which tell me that I am a member of the superior race. The original man is first and that man by all accounts of history and science is the Black Man. Now please do not confuse racism with bigotry.

Bigotry as defined by the unabridged dictionary is stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own.

I am in no means closed minded to the ideas nor the God given rights of others to seek out life and happiness on the face of this planet. Nor do I want to see any people imprisoned or beaten down for merely being different.
What I do want is to see is my people embracing the ideals of racism and starting to believe that they are of a superior race. It is my belief that through this radical mindset that if Blacks start to believe that they are superior to all other races maybe then they will stop accepting the idea that they are inferior.

What I envision is a culture of freedom derived from the teachings of Malcolm, Martin and Marcus. Black people need to destroy the philosophy of the slave mind which has plagued us for far too long. Whites have empowered themselves through the belief that they are superior to all other races why is it that we cannot follow suit and attain the same status for ourselves. No I am not suggesting enslaving whites in order to make us feel better about ourselves simply stop looking in the mirror and seeing an inferior person.

This is only the first part of what I hope to be an ongoing discussion. What I have done here today is to put the idea out. There is a plan and system to follow in order to bring this to fruition.

To be continued.

The Funniest sh...! ever

2007-05-08T07:04:00.001-04:00

Back on April 26th the Salt Lake Tribune released a story titled "Satan behind illegal immigration, Utah County Republican claims". Wow he actually went on record with that one. This is life and as we all know life can not be scripted or planned. There is no way anyone could have ever made this story up because it is hilarious. Now don't get me wrong I definitely have my issues with Illegal Aliens, but this is on a whole new level. This is funny and sad in so many ways, first this is a Utah Republicans stance, which in no means represents the thoughts of the Republican party, isn't it funny how Republicans are so religious these days. Whatever happened to the separation of church and state? to be exact Don Larsen's resolution - asserting that illegal immigration is the devil's plan to destroy the nation by "stealth invasion" - "in no way" is endorsed by the Republican Party. But now come on who elected a man into office who thinks this way? Really were there no signs that this person may have been crazy. You just can't beat a good Bible thumper when you want some really good standup material.

Sadly enough the Republicans have been in rare form here as of late. During the GOP Debates when Senator Thompson was asked directly if a businessman should be able to fire someone because he was gay. He paused then stated "YES. It’s up to the businessman to run his shop the way he sees fit." Umm Political suicide, by the way this is todays new word. Now he is not alone in his beliefs he was just the only one stupid enough to come out and say it in a public debate. It is because of this that he gets the Official Dumb Ass Award. While this may have been one of the bright spots of the debate we still had three other men honorably and proudly admit that they do not believe in Evolution. Another push for God. Not to mention Senator McCain chasing people to the Gates of Hell. I wonder if he is counting on Bush tripping Bin Laden up as he tries to get through the gate.

What do I tell my children?

2007-04-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I looked at my reflection in my Kristal and posed the question what is the use? As I sat there removing the masks of the country that I love. I realized one simple thing, what is the use? As I went over it time and time again in my head, I could not shake the feeling that no matter what I do I am always going to be seen for what I am in this country. If I go to school and complete my degree program will that change anything? I think not because I will always be who and what I am. It is sad.

Lets start from the beginning, Yesterday I was having a conversation and we started to discuss the aspect of who is remembered and who isn't and of course who can make change. It is my opinion all-be-it controversial that, we are incapable of bringing about change in this country or the world, by we I mean Black Americans, The reason is simple. In order for us to effect change we must first redistribute the power which is currently held by so few in this country. Change can not and will not come until that power base is dissolved. Many people will argue that this is a defeatist attitude and it is because of people like me that change will never come. I beg to differ, of course. I see it this way in order to bring about change we must eliminate the cause of our problems. We must eliminate that which has put us into the situations that we find ourselves. We must eliminate that which we love so much.

I was told yesterday that by looking for certain personality traits people can tell by the age of 5 whether or not a child will end up in jail or prison. I believe this to be a lie. I say that by the age of 5 the system in which we live in begins to condition children for their roles in life. I believe that if tomorrow someone comes out and says "that by the year 2016 85% of black males will have been incarcerated or killed by the age of 30", then starting next year we will see laws change in order to bring about this change. Psychologist and other "think tank" individuals want to believe that we Black men are incapable of doing anything other than robbing, hustling, and selling drugs for a living. Where in reality those are the only options available to many young black males. I am not condoning nor am I making excuses for anyone, what I am saying is that if you are brought up with the short end of the stick then you will try to make a way using that short stick.

I grew up hearing and believing that if I want to make it in this world I have to work harder and be better than my white counterparts in order to get where I want in life. This ideology in itself is flawed, why should I a man with all the same tools as any other man, with all of the same resources as any other man have to work twice as hard. But the biggest part of this is I work twice as hard but still do not attain the same level as my peers. I am still a few steps behind them. This is the flaw in this system and in this frame of thought. How do you tell your child that if he does his best and works hard he can still come in second. How do you explain to your child that even though he is doing everything that he has to in order to make it he still has a 75% chance of failing. How do you bring a child into this System and then try to instill a since of pride in them.

There is a problem and all of the talking and forums from now til Underverse comes is not going to do a damn thing. As long as the power is seated where it is and where it has been we will continue to be nothing more than what we are and what we were made to be. Second Class Waste. We have made to much noise so now we are being replaced look around you, the jobs that we fought for fair treatment to get are now going to the immigrants. We are now expendable.

Media

2007-04-18T07:08:00.001-04:00

This Morning I read an article from the New York Daily News. The article was titled "Instant Reporter", the article basically went on to talk about Jamal Albarghouti's cell phone video that was sent into CNN and replayed too frequently. It spoke about how changes in technology have allowed the public to receive information at a quicker pace from people on the scene. It went to mention Jamal himself later that evening being on camera reporting as if he himself were a journalist. Keep in mind that he is in fact an Engineering student.

With all of that being said and the story that was put out in the paper and how great, courageous, and heroic they made it sound. The truth is that this is just another problem with our country. As a colleague of mine pointed out yesterday there was a time when Reporters actually investigated stories to ensure that they had all the facts before throwing information wildly to the public. In this case discretion would have been a more prudent step in dealing with what was released to the public. Had I been a parent of a student I would have been outraged at the endless garbage that was broadcast without really having anything to report. The images being replayed over and over again on the television served no purpose except to drive up ratings for the time of the incident. The I-Report may work on small scale issues but when you have a major catastrophe I am sure that many people would have rather waited to hear the facts than to be bombarded with hours of speculation surrounding the incident. This is just my opinion but I think that the News Services in this country need to abandon the idea of Sensationalism and get back to the art of reporting the news. After all Edward R. Murrow risked his life to report the News and not the Spectacle surrounding the news.

I mus Speak

2007-04-16T07:27:00.001-04:00

You've been hoodwinked. You've been had. You've been took.
You've been led astray, run amuck. You've been bamboozled.
--Malcolm X

These words ring so true today. Over the weekend I had the displeasure of watching several different news channels, CNN, MSNBC, and so on. One of the News worthy discussions was this hypocrisy surrounding Don Imus. Now this thing has gone way too far. Here is my two cents worth on this subject. Yes the man should have been reprimanded for his actions, no doubt, but in all honesty he should not have been fired. He is after all a shock jock and it is his job to stir up controversy, after all that is what they pay him for. Now to say that his remarks affected all black women is a crock of shyt. First of all I am sure if there where any there were only a hand full of black women listening to his show at the time the remark was made. But because the Media saw fit to throw this into our faces all women became outraged. The other issue that I have is when did "nappy headed ho" become a racial slur? I see no color or gender in those words. However depending on who says it we can interpret it to mean whatever we want. I am not defending what he said or did but I am defending the right to do so without fear of losing your job. If we start here then we have to continue along these same lines. For instance If I a white man go to a D.L . Hugley show and he starts talking about white people. I have the right to be in sensed and outraged, But should he be fired? Should Cris rock make a joke about Mexicans, should he be fired? Now there are those of you who will say that they are telling jokes and trying to make people laugh, but get this they are doing it at the expense of others. Funny or not nothing is funny if the finger is pointed at you. So to set precedence in this matter is a big mistake because the backlash may come around to hurt us more than we think.

Now the biggest problem with this issue and to go back to the quote at the beginning is that somehow white people have managed to turn this event around and blame it on blacks. But the most shocking part is that they are using blacks to do it. WTF! Here we are in 2007 and our so called educated and moral compasses are turning on one another for an issue that is much older and bigger than anyone living today. I could not believe my eyes and ears when I saw Earl Ofari Hutchinson ( author of assassination of the Black male image) on television pointing his crooked finger at rappers saying that they are to Blame for this atrocity. It is a sad day, The book that I mentioned was a powerful tool in the growth of my awareness, but now I have to doubt myself and re-evaluate. I am hoping that Earl is just about to release a new book and needed the press and TV time.
The truth is that this is not an issue with music, literature, entertainment or anything else. This is a flaw in the Constitution of the United States. This country is still trying to close its eyes to its unfair treatment of Blacks. Instead of pointing the finger at the youth saying that it is their fault for using these words lets try arguing the fact that these things are given life by the mistreatment of a race. This is not an issue about a 67 year old white man nor is it a discussion about a 18 year old black man. It is a Race issue that has been around before any Black person picked up a Mic.

Stop attaching each other and turn the focus on the the real problem at hand, the Government. We sit back and argue and fight for nothing, honestly what good will come of this current fight. We should stop being pawns and used to tear down one another and start working together to fight our common enemy. We need to be angry about the unfair wage practices, housing, education, health care, Job opportunities and a host of other things that we as blacks are faced with on a daily basis. Not the senseless rants of an old white man. Pull the handkerchief from over your eyes and fight for something that is going to make a difference for longer than 4 weeks.

Technorati Tags: Don Imus, Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Malcolm X, Rascism, United States Constitution,

Back to the Grind

2007-04-12T07:08:00.001-04:00

I have tried to avoid the issue for some time now, but it keeps kicking me in the Butt so I guess it needs some attention. The War created for the amusement of the PREZ is back on top of the hit list. This morning I read an article that said that the US has extended the tour of duty for troops by 3 months. *sigh* Can someone help me to understand what happens when you leave a turkey in the oven for too long, or maybe what happens when you put a top on a liquid in the Microwave and set it for 10 minutes. In either of these examples the outcome is not good so why would leaving human beings in a hostile environment for extended periods of time not have the same kind of effect. This is outrageous and inhumane, thats right inhumane, The people of this country whatever it is called now need to stand up and demand that their sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, husbands and wives be returned to them. This madness has gone on for entirely too long with no end in sight.

That "F" ing retard called Mr. President has all but lost his fucking mind. At what point do the troops loose faith in what they are doing and start to think of ways of getting themselves out of this mess that their country will not get them out of? Don't get me wrong I am not one of these bleeding heart liberals who thinks that all war is wrong and we should just walk around like the French kissing everyone in the mouth. Although I am a bit too young to have any indepth information concerning the War in Viet-Nam, I do know that I have not had any issues with any of the skirmishes the US has been in during my lifetime save one, "Panama". Unlike his father and his GOD " Ronald Wilson Reagan" This jerk has no idea of what he is doing. and it is costing people their lives. I am sure that by now even the officers over there are questioning what they are doing or even trying to accomplish.

So now as I understand it the US is blaming Iran for stirring up trouble and instigating events in Iraq. LOL Think about it this way maybe they are tired of this long seemingly never ending clusterfuck as well. The way that I see it is this. We have no one to blame but ourselves (by ourselves I mean you all) for not ending this about 2 years ago. Once Saddam was in captivity we should have started pulling out. This is the funniest sequence of events that I have ever heard of. Check it out first we go to Afghanistan in order to get Bin Laden and to crush the Taliban. this takes just a matter of ummm days should we say. We leave and now we have to wage a war on Terror which gives us cart blanche to kick in every door in the Middle East for as long as we want. so to Iraq we go under the pretense of getting Saddam out of power. Once we do that now all of a sudden we say well we can't leave because the country is unstable ( mind you the only reason it is unstable is because we went in there and started tearing shyt up) so we start the hundred years war. But keep in mind the mention of Cart Blanche powers of bullying that I mentioned earlier because in the midst of the Iraq fiasco we start to turn our aim towards Iran, first for Nuclear crimes that they have not committed and now for interfering in our peace keeping attempt. So what next after we start fighting with Iran will we turn to russia and then so on and so on.

Could this be the beginnings of the third world war. If you believe in Revelations then perhaps Bush is the Anti-Christ and has ushered in the era of Darkness. The unquestioning Flock believe that a lion from the East shall rise from the ashes and destroy the world. But no one speaks of what shall bring these events into play. Perhaps it is a Judas who poses as a man of God. The greatest trick that the devil ever played was making man doubt his existence.

Prez I have seen your face in the Mirror and I have seen the Mark of the Beast.

Blog the World

2007-04-11T10:30:00.001-04:00

The other day I read a Blog entitled "Pro-black, Anti-blacks" this was a very interesting topic. It brought about a riveting discussion between me and a very close friend. The idea is simple there are all of these Whites and Non-Whites who claim to be down for the advancement of colored people. But as the Blog entry stated these are false truths. For the most part these people talk and rave about Blacks being treated equally, but honestly what changes have been made in the last 30 years to help propel this mission. What they actually want is to make a black man who is less threatening to whites. They want a clean cut smooth headed black man who they feel comfortable around. Or as we are seeing more and more of they want a multi-cultural black who looks other than traditional.

The fact is and has always been that in order for blacks to survive or make it in the free world we have to assimilate and conform to their Idea of what we should look and behave like. This is not a Pro-Black agenda instead it is a Anti-Black agenda. If you have read this blog then you may recall an entry some time back condemning Hampton University and President Harvey for the schools less than black antics and stances. This is a prime example of the issue being discussed. These Blacks and Whites who have ingrained the idea that the only way for blacks to be accepted is by not being black are not helping the cause at all.

taking a breather...

Who's Religion

2007-04-09T07:08:00.001-04:00

Many Black Americans have adopted the Christianity of their Slave masters as their Religion, While there is nothing wrong with this practice many have never wondered what was the religion of their ancestors. Most if asked would state that it was a Pagan religion filled with animal sacrifices and sorcery. This is the by-product of white nationalism. They have been taught to believe this and they do without question. Whereas in history, (Non-white) History we learn that Ethiopia was a center of Oriental Orthodox Church (Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church) This was the only pre-colonial Christian church of Sub-Saharan Afrika, it set in the midst of Muslim countries but yet it still survives.

The Ethiopian church places a heavier emphasis on Old Testament teachings than one might find in the Roman Catholic or Protestant churches, and its followers adhere to certain practices that one finds in Orthodox or Conservative Judaism. Ethiopian Christians, like some other Eastern Christians, traditionally follow dietary rules that are similar to Jewish Kashrut, specifically with regard to how an animal is slaughtered. Similarly, pork is prohibited, though unlike Kashrut, Ethiopian cuisine does mix dairy products with meat- which in turn makes it even closer to Islamic dietary laws (see Halal). Women are prohibited from entering the church during their menses; they are also expected to cover their hair with a large scarf (or shash) while in church, but contrary to popular belief and the actual practice of most other Christian denominations, it is not in the Old Testament that this is commanded, but rather in the New (1 Cor. 11). As with Orthodox synagogues, men and women are seated separately in the Ethiopian church, with men on the left and women on the right (when facing the altar). However, women covering their heads and separation of the sexes in the Church building officially is common to many Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Christians and not unique to Judaism. Ethiopian Orthodox worshippers remove their shoes when entering a church, in accordance with Exodus 3:5 (in which Moses, while viewing the burning bush, is commanded to remove his shoes while standing on holy ground). Furthermore, both the Sabbath (Saturday), and the Lord's Day (Sunday) are observed as holy, although more emphasis, because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is laid upon the Holy Sunday.

The divine services of the Ethiopian Church are celebrated in the Ge'ez language, which has been the language of the Church at least since the arrival of the Nine Saints (Abba Pantelewon, Abba Gerima (Issac, or Yeshaq), Abba Aftse, Abba Guba, Abba Alef, Abba Yem’ata, Abba Liqanos, and Abba Sehma), who fled persecution by the Byzantine Emperor after the Council of Chalcedon (451). The Septuagint Greek version was originally translated into Ge'ez. Haile Selassie sponsored an official Amharic translation of the Scriptures from Ge'ez during his reign. Sermons today are usually delivered in the local language.  The Canon of the Tewahedo Church is wider than for most other Christian groups. The Ethiopian "narrower" Old Testament Canon includes the books found in the Septuagint accepted by other Orthodox Christians, in addition to Enoch, Jubilees, 1 Esdras and 2 Esdras, 3 books of Maccabees, and Psalm 151.
However, the three books of the Maccabees are identical in title only, and quite different in content from those of the other Christian churches which include them. The order of the other books is somewhat different from other groups', as well. The Church also has a somewhat ill-defined "broader canon" that includes more books. All modern printed bibles restrict themselves to the narrower canon.

I hope those of you have read this will go on to learn more about what religion may have been the Religion of your Ancestors and not just the teachings of your Slave Master.

Rastafari

2007-04-05T07:14:00.001-04:00

There is so little known about the Rastafari religion in the western world, and therefore not much said about it. I want to start a small but informational series on the Religion of Jamaica. Most people have heard the name King Haile Selassie, and even More know the Name Robert Nesta Marley aka Bob Marley. But did you know that to many Rasta's Marley is revered as a Prophet. His Music carried messages of freedom and liberation thus it was called Rebel Music.

But today I do not want to focus on either of those men or the countless others who have shaped the beliefs and ideals of the Rasta.  Instead I want to focus on someone many of you may have never heard of Prince Emmanuel Charles Edwards VII. The leader of the Rastafari movement order Bobo Shanti. Prince Emmanuel established the Bobo Shanti order, the Order of Moses, based on ancient Ethiopian tradition. Here is an excerpt from One World Magazine about Prince Emmanuel.

Prince Emmanuel emerged as a Rastafari leader during the 1950s by spearheading an island wide convention of the brethren at Ackee Walk where his camp was first set up. At the end of the weeklong meeting, the participants marched on Victoria Park and there planted the red, gold, and green flag in a symbolic capture of the ciao The convention was to deal with the question of repatriation, and when this had been announced, many of those people who came in from the country had allegedly done so expecting to depart for Africa. Following the convention, Prince's followers became more sectarian. They began to attribute divinity to him and separated themselves from other Rastafarian's by wearing the turbans and the robes. The Bobo remained at Ackee Walk until 1968 when they were finally bulldozed. They then settled at Harris Street in Rose Town, were again forced out to Eighth Street in Trench Town, then to Ninth Street, and finally, to Bull Bay where they have remained ever since on the rocky government lands overlooking the town.

Because they regarded Prince Emmanuel as God, they believed each of their stopping places to have been recorded in the Bible. Ackee Walk was Nazareth, where Jesus came from; Harris Street was Galilee, where Jesus went after leaving his native home; Eighth Street, Capernaum; and Ninth Street, Bethlehem, for it was there that Jesus, Queen Rachel's son, was born. The settlement in Bull Bay they named Mount Temon, where God is supposed to have come from, according to a passage from Genesis.

Charles Edwards is said to have been born without Mother or Father and was thought to be the reincarnate of Christ, Fulfilling Revelation 5, as the Lion of Judah. Emmanuel lived like the Christ, showing love, teaching the word of his father, teaching wisdom. He was born in 1915 in saint Elizabeth and transcended in 1994 in Kingston Egypt/Jamaica.

This is just a brief introduction of Prince Emmanuel, there is much more to be learned about the Man who touched so many. There are several sights which contain information on the man. Also there are several good sights on the Bobo Shanti order.

"Jamaica is an islan', but it is not I lan'" -- Joe Ruglass

Not Me.

2007-04-04T06:58:00.001-04:00

Today I want to talk about an issue that has been debated for many years.

Should athletes, performers, and actors be held accountable for being role models?

I think not. I do not see why because someone has a job that makes them highly visible they automatically have to be put to a higher standard than everyone else.  The reason this has come up today is because yesterday I had a all-be-it brief discussion about lil Jon and his new chain. This is a piece of that email.

I don't believe any responsible parent is letting TV and media teach their kids moral conduct. As a parent my tv is on parental lock from such stations. I believe once you are in the public light you do have a responsibility for what type of product you put out into our neighborhoods. Tell me, where do they sell crunk juice?? Most kids can't make the distinction between tv and reality. And for the record... WE AS A PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERY CHILD, NOT JUST OUR OWN. That's one of the problems in our community.

This simple comment opens so many holes in the issue at hand. I do not know about the rest of the world but I doubt very seriously that I would allow my child to look to a Rapper as a role model or a pillar of what my people should be about. First and foremost they are performers and what the public sees is not necessarily the person. It is the parents responsibility to talk to their children and teach them the difference between what they see and what is real. Not to put on the Parental controls on the Television and hope that you can keep your child shielded. This is merely a lame attempt at saying I am not letting the TV raise my child. When in fact if that were true you wouldn't need the Parental Controls on the TV. But I am not here to discuss that part of the email.

The way that I see it the only people who are in the public eye that need to be held to a higher standard are those people who work in the Social Services field. The Police, Teachers, Politicians, and community leaders. Everyone else Should just govern themselves accordingly. I for one am not a role model, but I did set the example for my SON to follow. Now I may not teach what you want your child to learn but for mine I was perfect. So I think if you can't be an influential catalyst in your child's life don't sit back and blame others.

I am Back!

Education

2007-02-12T07:03:00.001-05:00

Last night there was a News report that stated simply, "Too cold for DC schools to open, will your child be affected."

This is ridiculous this goes back to my earlier entry about spending money in order to help educate children in other countries. This is why the Idea upsets me, we have children right here in the Nations Capitol who can not go to school because there is no heat in the schools. This 2007 and we can not seem to get heat into a school. WTFIWWTP! Honestly what kind of sense does this make. And then our kids see people doing all they can to help other nations and while not giving a damn about them. Unfortunately people like Oprah and others need to wake up and learn that there are plenty of kids in the public school systems who are great students unfortunately their parents can't afford to send them off to Private Schools where they have heat and can Learn at a level that will help make them better citizens in the years to come.

I really do not care who the Mayor is and with all of the rhetoric that he has spewed about cleaning up DC. If his first act is not to improve the schools in the city than he isn't worth shyt in my mind. All of the money that is being wasted in DC due to misappropriations would be more than enough to heat the schools in the District. After all when you look at it there aren't that many schools in the District. The other thing is if they are not going to fix the problems then split the district up between Virginia and Maryland and let them make the improvements necessary. Oh wait the oh so proud citizens of DC want to keep their independence, so that will never happen. This city is screwed up so bad.

a city full of chickens....

Aide for America

2007-01-31T09:28:00.001-05:00

I have an issue with the so called Philanthropists in the Afrikan American Community. I see a lot of organizations and programs set up to help Afrikan students and the current situations on the Continent. This is a noble cause and by all means it is needed. My issue is a simple on indeed but I feel it needs to be voiced, well lets be honest the only person that reads any of my rants is myself so I am doing it for self edification. I was listening to people sing the praises of Oprah (sigh) talking about the 40 Million dollars she donated to help students in Afrika. This is sweet, but Ms. "I love me some me" has seemed to over-look the millions of children in this country who suffer from inadequate schools. Apparently she or her people supposedly interviewed students and she wasn't impressed with the ethics of the students in the US. I do not know if this is true or not so I will not comment on the remark. But I do know this to be a fact, there are thousands of kids in this country who want to learn and want to better themselves but are not able to because of lousy environmental conditions.

My gripe is this, Why do we continuously look to Afrika and want to save her. I mean I have nothing against that but I feel that we should at least have a blueprint to work from. Why can't we put the time and resources into building a better Amerika for our children. Someone told me that Black Amerika is a figment of my imagination because it does not exist. I believe it does not exist because of that mind set. We need to build our place here in this country and ensure the future of our children. Once we have a proven Blueprint then we can spread out and help Afrika. But as it stands now we can't even help ourselves so why do we think we can help others. The key to improving or situation is by improving the school systems in Urban areas. We need to put pressure on the school boards and make them teach our children the things that they are going to need in order to succeed in life. We need to make sure that our children have the proper books and resources in order to get the best education they can. Why not build an organization that will basically serve as an over-site committee for education in our cities. And when a school system is severely lacking then making money available through donations in order to get AC, Books and in some cases heat into the schools. While we are at it lets bring the arts back to our schools. The children are suffering because our politicians always seem to make the first budget cuts in the schools. So how can we expect the children to learn?

An outline should look this way, we put our initial focus on the elementary school level. We should raise the expectations of our children at this level. By expecting a higher standard level we then prepare the children for middle school where the bar is yet raised again. That way when they get to High school there is no problem teaching at a higher level. We can not raise the bar without first preparing the children. The other thing is we need to get away from this no child left behind BS. In all honesty some kids need to be left behind because it only takes one to bring down an entire class. When I was in school if you had trouble learning you where put into a class where the subjects where taught at a slower pace. Why hurt the learning of the students who are capable because of the one or two who aren't.

this all I have to say on this for now. But I will be back, believe that.

Today's Specal: A Slice of Devil's Pie

2007-01-29T06:59:00.001-05:00

Good morning, as you have read in the title today we are serving up a slice of the Devil's Pie. Over the course of my break a lot of things have come up so I actually have enough ammunition to keep it going for a few days. In today's segment I am going to speak on something that will offend a lot of people and if they read it get a negative reaction from the family. But here it goes.

Ok here it is, If you are a newly found Christian or even a seasoned Vet please read more than the weekly scripture before you look to criticize others around you. I had a discussion with a friend not too long ago whereas they asked me how can I speak about God or Jesus when I have never had a relationship with either. Of course this sent me off into a descending spiral of mixed emotions. But then as I pulled up out of my nose dive and I realized that I had been to this place before. So instead of getting bent out of shape I decided to correct the statement and to deal with it at it's core. Cult leaders, religious zealots, and the like please control your flock until they have proven a propensity for the sect. Allowing just anyone to run around spewing rhetoric is detrimental to the cause. Oh yeah it also looks bad on the rest of you.

The comment that my friend made offended me simply because, this is a person that I know all too well. I know things about this person that I shouldn't know. I have watched their life as if it was a television program going in and out of one chaotic even to the next. But yet now this person sees fit to question my beliefs. The same beliefs that tried to get them to see the destructive nature in which they where living their life. The same beliefs that whilst I was following them they looked at me and said that I was boring and uneventful. As I pointed out to this person during our brief discussion I have had a relationship with God for many years now and just because they can not understand my relationship does not mean that it does not exist. This problem is not with my friend but instead with Religion. Religions all over the world teach you that anyone who does not believe as you believe is wrong and should be persecuted. This no matter how base or vile is the truth. The Christians and all of their divisions feel this way. The Muslims feel this way. The Jews also believe this. You know if you look at this through the window it tells you one thing. According to the multiple interpretations of the scripture Heaven will always be empty and we are all damned.

It is my humble but pointed opinion that Religion is the extension of man trying to rationalize God. Man has devised a way to use God as a regulator of man and as a means to enforce laws and wills. The spirit behind the religions I believe with out reservation or doubt but the religions themselves I have no taste for. Religion has long kept people divided. As a black man this is very apparent, we suffered through the civil rights movement because the leaders who where Christian refused to work with those who weren't. Thus causing us as a people to lose out. It was because of religious persecution that the first settlers came to America. It was in the name of religion that the Medieval Inquisitions took place. It is in the Name of religion that the Muslims fight with the world today. All in all the only thing that Religion has brought us since it's inception is war and death. But yet no one will acknowledge this fact.

So I say again please lock up your new converts until they are better suited to speak for your religion because if they cross my path I will shake their faith.

Have a good day.

Technorati Tags: religion, war

Who is in control?

2007-01-16T06:38:00.001-05:00

It appears that the US is going to send more troops to Iraq. yes more! Apparently some of the 21,500 troops have already begun to be deployed. This news comes on the heels of last years outrageous death totals. The Iraqis alone have suffered 34,000 deaths and 36,000 wounded in 2006, according to the UN reports. The US reached its milestone of 3,000 last month. All of this in the Wake of Saddam's execution. I remember a few years ago someone said that once we capture Saddam this will end. Hmmmm much like the energizer bunny they are still going.

A lot of Americans where under the false hope that once the republicans where out of the Senate that things would change. Well it appears that it doesn't matter what your affiliation once you make a pact with the devil you are in for life. The Democrats and all of their political lies and shenanigans have proven one thing. The voice of the people has and will continue to fall upon deaf ears. The people screamed for the troops to be returned and the Dems sided with them now that the elections are over we see more troops being sent.

In December several noted statesmen and military leaders spoke out against the increase in numbers to Iraq. One went on point and said that if we continue to try to maintain the numbers that we currently are maintaining the Army will break. Is it me or does it seem like no one is listening to anyone who knows anything about military affairs? GWB is a coward and an idiot who seems to be unwilling to own up to his mistake and try to rectify the problem. He is consistently eroding the American civil liberties and ignoring the US constitution. This man and his administration are out of control. You may not know it but last month Lord Bush ( my new name for the PREZ) wrote into law a provision that gives him the right to open peoples mail now. So now not only is your telephone unsafe but so is lettered mail. Where will it end?

WAKE UP

Malcolm X: Prince of Islam

2007-01-11T09:14:00.001-05:00


Malcolm X was the living personification of freedom of speech. He denounced his racist beliefs to accept the beliefs of universal brotherhood as practiced best in Islam. Visit www.IslamicVideos.net for more videos like this!

Today's thoughts

2007-01-10T13:46:00.001-05:00

I have set around and thought about how I want to move into the New Year. I am not going to make any ridiculous resolutions or anything like that, but what I am going to do is make a conscious effort to improve myself. My first task is to make sure that I not only talk a good game but also apply action to the canvas. In this year I plan on helping at least two people reach a higher level within their own lives. I will implement a pyramid concept where as for every person that I help along I will ask them to in turn help someone else along. Perhaps through this simple act, I can in one way or another help 10 people attain their goals this year.

I have come to the realization that I often criticize without offering aid or advice. So I am going to try and change that this year. That is where the Be about change part will come in to play.

Also in this year I plan on increasing my own worth and potential. It is time to tap in to the reserves that I have been allowing to remain dormant for the past 10 years. This is my time and I plan on making something of it.

"Stop being Cheap! Freedom ain't Free" - Black Donte

Parenting

2007-01-04T07:52:00.001-05:00

I had a talk with a friend yesterday about being a parent. Now understand that I was never the custodial parent, but it wasn't because I didn't want to be. My friend Betsy and I were talking and out of nowhere her daughter (whom I think is about 4 or 5) did something. Betsy then started to tell her daughter to stop. This went on for about 2 minutes, at this point Betsy got fed up and did something to her daughter which caused her daughter to start crying. At this moment Betsy started apologizing to her daughter and saying that mommy loves her? it was at this point that I started laughing uncontrollably, because the little girl has a hard time listening to Betsy whenever she tells her to do something.

Betsy told me that it is her fathers job to be the bad guy and she is "the sugar". Now this caused by hair to stand on end. I asked her why would she do that? to sit there and tell her daughter that she is going to tell her father every time she does something wrong. She goes so far as to call him and let him talk to the little girl on the spot. I think this is a sad situation. As you undoubtedly know I have no problem giving my opinions whether solicited or not. So I ask Betsy what do you plan on doing when your daughter gets older and she does not respect you? She asked me what do I mean? I said your daughter doesn't listen to you now and the way you handle that is by letting her father set her straight. In my opinion all you are doing is reinforcing the behavior that she is exhibiting. By doing this you are ensuring that she will obey her father but pay you no mind what so ever.

I know now a days you can not say anything to people about the way they chose to raise their children. Some of this is due to the nosy ass do-gooders who have outlawed corporal punishment. The idiots who thought of the time out B.S. So today less than 20 years later we have kids who do not respect anyone. We have kids who are cussing their parents out and even going as far as fighting with their parents. *sigh* See what has come from sparing the rod. People it is time to return to traditional values. It is time to realize that your angel is anything but and needs to have their a$$es beat. There is a certain calmness that comes from a good whipping. member dem days.

I just wanted to vent. have a good day.

HIV News

2007-01-03T06:56:00.001-05:00

The following is a very informative article on HIV in Africa today, and actually how it affects the world. Please take the time to read it.

Education is the Key to breaking any and all cycles.

Esquire:Feature Story:Three Things You Don't Know About Aids In Africa

Sigh

2007-01-03T06:46:00.001-05:00

Why in the Hell do people keep giving time to this Ignorant ass old school pimp. I am sorry let me backup, today I read a story from CNN.com about Pat Robertson. Apparently once again God has chosen to talk to him directly. This time God has told him that there will be a Mass killing in the US by the end of 2007. What a way to start your Year huh. I mean the people that actually pay the 700 club for his psychic premonitions need to say enough is enough. I mean this man has been an ongoing train wreck for a number of years now. Last year he had the nerve to come out and say that "God punished Ariel Sharon with a stroke for ceding Israeli-controlled land to the Palestinians." I mean really how can you sit back and follow a man who comes out on a whim and says what ever will generate the greatest amount of shock just to keep his name in peoples mouths.

In 2005, Robertson predicted that Bush would have victory after
victory in his second term. He said Social Security reform proposals
would be approved and Bush would nominate conservative judges to
federal courts.
Lawmakers confirmed Bush's 2005 nominations of
John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. But the president's
Social Security initiative was stalled.
"I have a relatively good track record," he said. "Sometimes I miss."
In May, Robertson said God told him that storms and possibly a tsunami were to crash into America's coastline in 2006.

Even though the U.S. was not hit with a tsunami, Robertson on Tuesday
cited last spring's heavy rains and flooding in New England as partly
fulfilling the prediction.

I thought premonitions and foresight was supposed to be the work of the devil. So how is it that this old ass prima rascist can claim to be the voice of god. I just hope that all of those old women and men who are throwing their Social Security checks away to keep this man on TV wake up before they die.

Life's Hypocrisy being carried out by those you believe in most.

New Year

2007-01-02T06:42:00.001-05:00

Because of my lengthy absence I thought I would spray my nine (mind) in every direction. I have ammo to spare.

Capitol Hill:

Well a new year has begun, outside of remember to sign everything 2007 now instead of 2006 there doesn't seem to be a lot change on the horizon. The Dems move into Power and the house is anew. Well that is what they say, actually nothing will change with the changing of the guard, because the same old structure is still in place. The lobbyist just have to find new players to put into their pockets.

Personal:

I took a break over the last few weeks, well in part because of a flexed schedule and also do to the fact that I have been reading and learning( actually refreshing). Currently I am reading a book called Breaking the chains of Psychological Slavery by Na'Im Akbar. The book is quite interesting and if you haven't read it you should give a try. Na'im brings about a lot of interesting points linking the attitudes and behaviors of blacks of today with those of the slave era. (or as I often think of it the early slave era, because I know we are still slaves.) Some of the ideas in the book I have long seen and Identified but there were some that had managed to escape me. As I said if you haven't read it pick it up, I think it will bring about some change in everyone who reads it.

World:

In Somalia the Islamist have been run out of power and out of the country. This is a sad time for the people in the world in general. This is just another act of religious ignorance. Many people may not know much about what has happened in Somalia, well as it goes a few months ago the Islamists overthrew the national government and took control of the country. This act lasted a short while before the Ethiopians the Northern neighbors sent in troops to run the Islamists out of the country. The sad thing about this is that the Isalmist when seizing power took over the entire country with virtually little to no bloodshed. They swept in and seized control with out any large scale battles. The other important thing about this incident is the fact that the Islamists when gaining control ran the Warlords out of the country. But now that is all for not, because the as the Christian regime has returned so have the Warlords. Christianity can not afford to loose its foothold in Africa especially to Islam which many say is the original religion of many parts of Africa. My point here is if the people did not fight against this change why was it forced back to the way it was?

Unlike the Iraq situation the people of Somalia did not fight against the change it would appear to the outsider that they had welcomed it. But sadly the death toll for the US troops in Iraq reached 3000. How many more must die in order to save face?

Technorati Tags: Iraq, Somalia, Slavery, Capitol Hill, Saddam, Lynchings

Music

2006-12-18T06:50:00.001-05:00

I had the opportunity to talk to a friend recently that I hadn't seen in a while. Before we parted ways they told me that their love of hip hop had been shaken. They weren't sure of it any more. Now this person is a Hip Hop fiend such as my self although our draw to hip hop is different the love is still there. Where as I love lyrics and the art of rhyming they are more into the break beats and production. All and all it's all good.

Apparently sometime recently, my friend sat down and listened to someone talking about music. From what I gathered, from our brief but informative chat, the person was saying that music is the tool of sa-tan. As it has been told sa-tan was a musician while living in the kingdom of God. So today he uses music to put his message out to the world.

First of all in order to go with this school of thought you first have to believe in sa-tan or the fact that it exists. The majority mindset of man is that everything is Bi-Polar. Seeing as how so many believe this, it only makes sense that you must have sa-tan in order to believe in God. Now yours truly does not subscribe to the idea of Bi-Polar existence. Instead I believe in a circular, or complete existence. Many people lose sight of this. But a true Muslim, Christian, Jew or Catholic should know this to be true or as usually is the case this has been lost in translation somewhere. But I do believe that in the early chapters of the Bible God proclaims that I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. This is not a Bipolar statement by far. God has decreed that he is the beginning and the end which means that which starts with him shall end with him. Thus the circle of life is formed. As far as I am concerned sa-tan is the creation of man in order to prove the existence of God. God is all inclusive and does not need to be proven into existence. He is because I am.

Now I have said all of that to merely let you know where I am coming from. To say that Hip hop is the tool of sa-tan because of the things that are being said, well I honestly believe that while this could be true, nothing in life is absolute. Yes there are people out here who will use music to get their messages of hate or whatever else across, just as people use spoken word and print to get the same word across. So does that mean that all communication is the tool of sa-tan?

The other point that was brought up was that the people making the music always want to start their thank yous and speeches with "first I would like to thank God." The argument can be made how can you come out and say you want to thank god when you sing about bitches and hoes, drugs and killing? Well as you probably guess I have an opinion about that as well. I believe that no man should be identified by what he does for a living. Can I sing about bitches but love and respect the women in my life. Why yes, yes I can. Why is that? Well simply because the women that I would be singing about are not the women in my life. The truth of the matter is this, there are some women in the world who fit the description of a ho or bitch and if I happen to be talking about them that does not mean that I am talking about all women. If I am singing about drugs and killing, does that make me a drug dealer or murderer? No it does not, we do not look at actors and identify them with the roles that they play. No one believes that Denzel Washington is a murderous drug crazed cop because he played one and did a good job at it. No one will condemn the soldier in Iraq and call him a murderer for simply following the orders that he has been given. Should that soldier lay his head down at night and pray does that make him a hypocrite? So why should we label rappers in the same way. Unfortunately today the business of music dictates what you can and can not make. There is a lot of positive and educational rap out there the problem is you will not hear it on the industry owned airwaves. You will have to start diggin in the crates if you want to find it.

So to my friend I say this, The love and energy you feel and get from music is pure. There is no wrong in it. Continue to walk your path and you shall see the light.

Oh and before I forget Fred, you have always been Major, congrats.

Damn US media

2006-12-14T09:45:00.001-05:00

Today in the BBC news there is a story about Gunmen seize Haiti schoolchildren.

Why is this not front page news in the US when i look at us news sources I see stories about Diana who has been dead for ummm let me think 9 YEARS. So why is that news? The US media is probably one of the most juvenile institutions in the world. Here we have two stories on concerning the lives of little children the other concerning a dead woman that most have forgotten. This is just the kind of reporting that we can expect from the POP news business of today. We can not trust our news reports because they will not report news only sensationalism. I already know that the US does not give a damn about the people of Haiti. they would rather travel around the world to save a country that doesn't want to be saved. Rather than help a country that is only about 100 miles from the coast of Florida. I have my opinions about this, the first being that Haiti is a black country and the US could care less about them. But that is just my opinion.

I will continue to follow the reports out of Haiti, I just hope that they are able to get the children out safely.

Pathetic..what more can I say?

2006-12-14T06:42:00.001-05:00

I do not think this is Big news but it is Hood News. Yesterday Evel Knievel filed a lawsuit against Kanye West, aka Black Jesus, for apparently ruining his reputation. WTF? OK in 2006 soon to be 2007 who in the hell cares or knows about Evel Knievel who is now 68 years old living his life on an oxygen tank. Reputation? Sounds to me like the sell of EK motorcycle wind-up toys is at an all time low, So what better way to get some Money. That black boy over there associated with Roc-A-Fella records has more than enough. The suit states that:

the Grammy award-winning West, 29, his Roc-A-Fella Records label and the video's director of infringing Knievel's trademark-protected name and likeness. The video, for the hit single Touch the Sky, features West cavorting with Pamela Anderson, the Baywatch actress.

This is sad, understand that I am not a Kanye Fan but this is ridiculous. Let me just put it this way if it wasn't for the video my son wouldn't have any idea who EK is or was. Although truth be told he probably still doesn't.

One article states that EK said that the video makes him look evil and that he is opposed to the "vulgar, sexual and racially charged nature". Okay are there two Touch the Sky Video's ? The one that I saw didn't seem to have any racially charged incidents in it, or did I simply blink and miss that part. EK seems to have forgotten about the undeniable damage that he did to his reputation when he beat the living hell out of Sheldon Saltman a VP at Twentieth Century Fox back in 1977 for saying some things about him in his book, that apparently he didn't like. As the story goes EK and associates held and beat the man with an aluminum bat. So I ask you what rep did Kanye sully? (read more about the trials and tribulations of EK including the beating that he handed Saltman on wikipedia).

Unfortunately this is not the only time something like this has happened, you get someone who is down and out who used to be in the limelight trying to get some money. I hate to say it because so many of you love the woman, but a few years back Rosa Parks, umm people, filed a suit against OutKast for the song Rosa Parks. stating that they used her name without permission? I never knew her name was copyrighted but anyway. this was yet another S.A.S.

Racism a 2007 problem

2006-12-12T16:24:00.001-05:00

I really do not need to comment on this one. I have already said it time and time again.

Poll: Most Americans see lingering racism -- in others - CNN.com

Holocaust Conference

2006-12-12T16:02:00.001-05:00

I will follow this up with my own ideas about the situation at a later date. As for now I just thought that this was an interesting read.

Holocaust Conference in Iran Provokes Outrage - New York Times

Re-Birth

2006-12-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went home and reconnected with some old friends. Oddly enough several people asked me what am I reading now? To their surprise my answer was nothing. I was shocked, I have never really seen myself as an avid reader. But I guess I read more than I thought. The idea has inspired me to get back into my reading. Today I have ordered 4 new books in order to rekindle the love for self education. This should add a new dimension to this blog as I am sure to write about some of the ideas which come from the readings. During the weekend I was able to reconnect with a kindred spirit. It felt good just to talk to him for a short while and of course make the vow to keep in touch. The trip all in all was a productive one it has sparked my interest and has propelled me on the path that I have started walking over the last few weeks. If you read the blog then you have obviously noticed a shift in my writing. Trust me this is only the beginning.

Also over the weekend a friend sent me some encouraging words and for that I am thankful so I will say it here thank you Dawn Wolf. Thank you for your words and energy also thank you for the jewel that you have dropped into my lap.

“A warrior is challenged to assume responsibility, practice humility, and display the power of giving, and then center his or her life around a core of spirituality. I challenge today’s youth to live like a warrior.” ~Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota

Social Security: Your Piece of The Pie

2006-12-08T09:04:00.001-05:00

Rumor has it that Social Security may not be around for you to collect in your retirement years. There's plenty of controversy surrounding the Social Security system, and certain trends are worrisome. To understand the concern, consider how Social Security works.

When you're employed, you pay into the Social Security system in the form of taxes withheld from your paycheck. Through these payments you earn Social Security credits. Your employer also pays into the fund, and together your contributions are used to pay today's Social Security recipients. When you retire, some of the money you draw upon will be contributed by tomorrow's workers.

The amount of your Social Security benefit will depend on your earnings averaged over most of your working career and on the age you begin receiving the benefit. The earlier you decide to retire, the smaller your monthly check will be. But did you know that Social Security is likely to provide you with less than 40% of the amount you earn at the time you retire?

Now back to the key question. Will you ever see your payout from Social Security? Consider this: Census figures indicate that in the near future, when the huge population of baby boomers begins to reach retirement age, the number of retirees will grow much more quickly than will the number of workers supporting them. So money will be flowing out of the system faster than it flows in. There is concern that Social Security could run out of money as early as 2029.

The federal government has promised that the money will be there. In order to keep its promise, however, the government will have to cover a shortfall, probably by increasing taxes or reducing benefit levels now or in the future.

Whether Social Security will be more than pie in the sky remains to be seen. Whatever happens with Social Security, your future financial well-being is in your own hands. Used effectively, your retirement saving plan is still the best opportunity you will have to provide adequately, even handsomely, for your retirement years.

© 2006 SmartMoney. Prepared by SmartMoney Custom Solutions. SmartMoney is a joint publishing venture of Dow Jones Company, Inc. and Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Healthy Cells

2006-12-07T09:23:00.001-05:00

Glyconutrients - The Super Sugars That heal

I stumbled upon this reading while doing some research for a friend. The Idea of natural sugars being needed in order to stimulate cellular health intrigued me so I am going to give it a test run.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Technorati Tags: cellular health, Wellness, natural health, healing, alternative medications

Today

2006-12-07T09:18:00.001-05:00

This Morning I arise with a new purpose and since of understanding. I do not rightly know what has brought about this feeling, but I am just going along with it. I have taken on the daunting task of creating a web site. I wanted to create a site that I could use as fuel for and an addition to this Blog. A place where others could voice their opinions and concerns. Basically a community portal. Keep in mind that I am not a web developer or anything like that so this task is major. But who knows I may be able to pull it off.

So please if there is any thing news worthy or gripe worthy let me know so we can add it to the sight. There is also an event calendar on the site so if you have a function we can add that too. Hope to talk to ...someone soon!

PRINCIPLES FOR ACTION

2006-12-05T08:11:00.001-05:00

Malcolm X: A Research Site

The Campaign to Remember Malcolm in the 1990's is designed to encourage the militant rebirth of radical consciousness and mass action. These principles should guide us:

FOLLOW MALCOLM X's EXAMPLE
There are more myths than truth about Malcolm X. The first task is to study what Malcolm actually said and what he did. It is important to follow his entire life and not just one part of it. He went through four stages. The challenge for us is to begin where Malcolm X left off, therefore the most important speeches are those he gave in the last 6 months of his life. There are no easy answers, no ready made solutions. We have to be serious, disciplined, and we have to study.

SPREAD THE WORD
In order that others will be able to follow Malcolm X's example we have to make sure that his books are available to as many people as possible. We have to make sure his books are in every library, and bookstore. Every home library should have books by Malcolm X, and toward this end his books should be given as gifts on birthdays and holidays. Students should do research on Malcolm X in school.

ORGANIZE COMMUNITY SELF DEFENSE
Self respect requires self-defense against all forms of attack. Black people are attacked on all fronts, mentally, culturally, socially, politically, and physically. In the USA racist attacks have always threatened the survival of Black people. What we need is the local organization of militant activist study groups. These groups have to be independent, engage in study, use only community based resources, develop collective democratic decision making, and stay away from the news media. The main tactic of self-defense is to educate and mobilize the community to arm themselves with knowledge, and then to fight their oppressors by any means necessary to gain freedom and justice.

RESPECT AND PROTECT BLACK WOMEN
Black women have the responsibility to build an independent movement to fight for their special rights, and to make a special contribution to building the overall self-defense of the community. Special effort should be made to develop women as leaders, mastering the skills of public speaking and political analysis.

BUILD INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
Malcolm X directed us to a global analysis, and he stressed unity with friends. It is critical now to unite through concrete acts of solidarity with our friends in South Africa, Eritrea, Palestine, Cuba, El Salvador, and Haiti. Moreover, we must prepare for the overall world struggle against new forms of imperialism and the neo colonial state in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

What we Know...

2006-12-05T06:55:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a good day for me I was able to vibe with several brothers in the course of one day. At the Gym last night a brother that i talk to on a regular basis and I began to talk about the word Nigger and this lead to other discussions. This brothers views on the word was interesting and deeply thought about. And that moved me and gave me the ability to discuss other things with him. We talked for about 40 minutes to an hour about this topic and others. This brother is very educated and I believe that he is a Lawyer here in the D.C area. When I began tying in the history and struggle of blacks and key figures in the struggle I saw a reaction that I had not expected. He seemed to have that look in his eye where he was being introduced to New information. I had tapped into fertile ground. Let me tell you there is no feeling better than this. When you find someone who is RAW and willing to learn, lets just say that it is a power feeling. Ask any Teacher that you know who loves what they do, they'll attest.

This brother and I touched on the Civil Rights movement, Black Power, and the lack of knowledge of these things today in our children. Being that he is from the South, I think Mississippi to be exact, he understands the feelings behind these topics and has first hand accounts of the RAW and uncut nature of the word Nigger. And this is a more powerful lesson than anything that can be taught in school or anywhere else. I must admit that I look forward to speaking to the brother again and going further into depth with these and other topics.

Sadly enough these kinds of interactions are far and few in between. I know for a fact that it is easier for us to sit around and talk about sports and things of that nature because there we are all on a level playing field. But in the end we do not learn anything new, because next week it all changes. These types of dialog are powerful because the information and the ideas taken away from them stay with us. We may not always agree with what the others around us may say but we tend to find our truth in some of it and walk away with that Jewel.

My direction today is to try and spark more of this type of dialog and to hopefully build it into a group who will willingly and eagerly meet on a regular basis in order to discuss life as it is for us.

Cypher!

2006-12-05T06:32:00.001-05:00

Last night I had the opportunity to join a cypher with 5 other brothers of which I was probably the second youngest. The group appeared to be a collection of varying backgrounds. As I was the newest person to join this little group which meets twice a month. I opted to sit back and absorb as much as I can. But of course knowing the Nature of my Energy I chimed in, in little time.

The Topic which was being discussed was meaning/purpose - why does it take men so long to find theirs? The question was interesting although not one that I personally had not thought of before time and again. As I tell people, that I know I did not become a man until I was about 33 years old. Now what this means is that I do not feel that I made the transition from boy to man until this time. In a sense I had not found my purpose/meaning. I have always known and have been comfortable about who and what I am, But my path has always been unclear. I did not know in which direction I was going. One of the Brothers in the group posed the question can we find our purpose and be happy without the involvement of Financial means? I believe you can. I honestly believe that I did. My inner peace came long before I had a since of financial peace. I am not going to sit here and lie to anyone. When I say financial Peace I mean the ability and the means to pay my bills monthly without worry. Now this does not mean that I am financially secure, it simply means I can pay the bills that I have. I have always believed that even without money I would find a way to survive and be happy. Growing up without a lot of money I learned to enjoy life without possessions. As I am older now and far from where I started I will say it is nice to be able to have possessions, but I know that they do not make me, and knowing this they will not break me.

All in all last nights session was enjoyable and enlightening. I look forward to the next.