The True Reason for Outrage

I've always hated Dog The Bounty Hunter… Sharing a domicile with somebody who watches it semi religiously will do that to an individual. Reality crafted disdain for various forms of slave catchers aside, my true indignation with the A&E show currently in a peculiar state of flux stems from the "I care about you" and "We wanna help you get your life together" serenade right before the bail jumper becomes reacquainted with our fine criminal justice system. Its funny how the "C*** S**** mutha*****" of just 5 mins ago being slammed around for not being still even though he seemed to being doing his best mannequin impression, becomes a good guy one he is transformed into a shackled paycheck.

Americas fascination with assholes, whose abhorrent behavior towards others is covertly justified on a repeated basis (House, Hells Kitchen etc) while making for a good discussion on psychology, isn't the theme of this piece. Frivolous diversionary debates within a national discussion whose only crowning achievement is the successful maneuvering of millions of Americans from obvious fact, reign topically supreme today due to the pure idiocy they help spawn cultivate and project.

A simple test question please

A. The Sun Rises in the Morning

B. Water is wet

C. Dog The Bounty hunter likes to say nigger is his free time.

Which of these facts should shock or amaze you?

A,B,C, or D none of the above.

No in vein and all that, but Jesus Christ I hope you said D.

This is not to say you can just view the man and tell he likes to liven up his conversations with a lil bit of nigger seasoning because as many have said "he just looks like that type of guy". I refuse to subscribe to that logic for it is the same rational that seems cause many to think I look like a carjacker. No, if one just would just put the most minimal of efforts against the forces of obliviousness and denial a simple truth will instantaneously appear before them.

There are millions of racist people in this country

Metaphorically speaking, the world itself is a bastion of racism and America just happens to be the finely aged 1787 bottle of Chateau Lafite.

So why should this common example of mathematical probability and social conditioning, enthrall, anger, and entangle a populous in conversation worth less then 2 cents in Brittan?

Hey… did you know birds have wings?….and they use them to flllyyyy

There it was though, all in a manner that would turn anyone whose paid attention to similar incidents into a instant Nostradamus.

Guy with racist comments has show suspended.

Racist comment person makes laughably insincere apology

Friends come out to state in no way is racist comment guy is..well racist. (Black Friends are a plus)

Al Sharpton aka The St. Peter of Blackness offers to meet with sorry racist guy...

The media Blames Hip Hop..

The media blames Hip Hop again.

The media does a Randy Poffo-esque flying elbow on…… okay I digress.

I'll save the critique of present understandings of American linguist history and the genesis of Black self imagery for another time, but just the restrictive black n white rules of engagement employed is these discussions alone expose the inner idiot or sordid agenda of many, while simultaneously stunting the growth of lands humanity

Black people say this, it was a private conversation that, basically leads to the equivalent of adults participating in verbal game of sit and spin leaving us all disorientated when we walk away .

Again I ask you, why is it a such a big deal when a entertainer who derives from our vast pool of racism acts and a somewhat normal manner?

Well while I wait for your reply I'll surmise this:

No cracks in the American Façade can or will be tolerated.

By sacrificing Duane Dog Chapmen to the gods of bullshit media, America is exonerated of charges its guilty as fuck of.

Being a land filled with racist.

Not a land where everyone is racist

Not a land where white people are the only racist

But a racist land.

Like Kramer and Imus before him he is trotted out and presented as an anomaly in Americas melting pot.

No body wants to admit, at least not our "free" media, that our melting pot is filled with lead.

Some will say its because he has a tangible amount of fame, and on a elemental level I can agree somewhat.Famous people are no matter the riches they enjoy or how extravagant their lifestyle is, are still pawns. Like all famous people Dog serves a exceedingly important purpose…..distraction.

You can't think about Iraqi babies be burned alive in a car shot up at a U.S check point while watching Tom Brady decimate another defense, and you can't have subtanative conversation about the origins, and immense permeation of racism in ALL facets of our society in the hopes of enacting better conduct amongst ourselves while putting a reality tv star on a racial crucifix.

You can however help maintain inadequate status quo by rhythmically dancing around the real issues, while taking massive doses of placebo for an illness.

Yesterday I had the unfortunate pleasure of walking in from work and seeing Dr. Phil on tv with Al Sharpton, T.D Jakes, and "rap star" Master P, discussing Chapmen… A friend succinctly describe the panel as "A tour de force of wackness" .

I concur, but its only a microcosm of the weakness we are wallowing in at the moment.

Barry, Pop Pop, and Me

Sports….. has there ever been an entity that embodies such well entrenched polar opposites? Sport is unable to exist with out competition, yet it is impossibility for a side to quench its first for victory with out teamwork.

Issues on and off the field, show how divisive a polity we are….yet alternately unify us even if its just for the duration of a finite quest for a common goal. Yesterday while history was made, I took time to reflect upon a history I'm lucky to have.

Birthdays are supposed to be joyous occasions. Free food, gifts, knowing the limelight is guaranteed to be shined upon thee for at least 1/365 of the year, are all causes to appreciate the earth revolving around the sun.

March 24, 1991didn't encompass such happiness. While it has literally been a life time since that day for me, the actions of that date remain as vivid as your last second is to you. Without going into particulars, I was banished from my house by the "guardians" who held sway over such decisions, ordered for me not to grasp tennis shoes layered with shoe polish, for the one barking my orders of evection had "brought them". So with only socks adorning me during a winters evening, I set out from my my former home in Garfield for and unknown destination.

Some times you can't see the years of positive that are to derive from bad days. It can arguably be said that being jettisoned from 5317 Kincaid was not only a life altering but life saving event for me. What is completely undisputable is that change of residence at age 13 placed me at the side of most influential man in my life. James L Collier.

Mr. Collier the Grandfather never hailed by such a term, nor called granddad, who instead was assailed by love when ever his grandchildren referred to him by the forename of Pop Pop, is a testament to the nostalgic references of how men used to be. Hardworking, stoic, family orientated. Although my proximity and relation most certainly crafts a subjective view, I would place every article of my objective intelligence that given the same opportunity others would formulate the same opinion of him.

While the antidotes of intelligence, jewels of wisdom and life lessons generously given by Mr. Collier came via a myriad of diverse scenarios (you have a lot of time to learn while building a wall or fence), the vast majority of them attained from Pop Pop usually came right before and well after 11pm.

Situated in his favorite chair angled perfectly to digest the nightly news, grasping a newspaper he didn't mind if you read, long is you placed it back in alphabetical sectional order, Mr Collier proceeded to hold court in the den of his castle, only seemingly missing a cobb pipe for atmospheric perfection.

While the news of the day was often quite proficient in providing the evenings subject matter, some themes seemed where never absent for to long of a time.

"Do you know about the battle of the bulge?" I would state I heard of it, but once his oration began, I realized I hadn't heard enough and attentively would listen to details, would unbeknownst to me ignite my affinity for history. There's something about a man relaying his experiences of freezing in Russia during the worlds greatest conflict that causes his audience to be highly attentive. His WWII recollections often made me want to pin medals on Patton's chest myself, while grasping the tragedy of war when he would convey "Russia paid with Blood".

The mantra that I HAD to vote, even if I didn't LIKE politics, was as omnipresent as the air that sustained my life, for people DIED so I could have the ability to vote, so at the very least I should honor their memory.

Being informed about the "Crab in the Bucket" mentality, while with a pained look in his eyes inquiring as to why "all these young people are killing each other".

The vexing complexities of life often create a need for diversion and that's where sports played a role for us. Sometimes the scant truth and hilarity of conspiracy intruded Pop Pop speech. On the Neil O'Donnell Super Bowl XXX interceptions "It's hard for me to believe it but it looks like he was paid off"

On other nights I was shepherded to the era of transistor radios affecting concurrent racial and national pride. "You could hear Max Smelling scream towards the heavens" he would say after Joe Louis ravished him with a vicious shot to the kidneys. Some evenings where devoted to the unspoken lesson of how everything is connected, and even sports is not safe refuge, as exhibited by the life and trails of Jack Johnson.

Mr. Collier's favorite sport by far was baseball. It only seemed fitting for hew grew up during a era where football on the professional level was almost nothing more then a traveling sideshow, while baseball epitomized Americana. It was no surprise then when he sat me down one day and asked the 13 yr old version of myself who my favorite ball player was.

Easy question, easier expedient reply "Barry Bonds"…

Contrary to popular demographic beliefs, as a youth I was an avid baseball fan. The cards, taking a glove to the game all the while knowing world peace would occur before I snagged a foul ball, along with delectable..abet or exceedingly expensive ball park hot dogs, made sojourns to Three Rivers pleasant experiences.

Bonds was the young star of the Pirates major league show during the early 90's, and all it took was one walk off home run to have me sign up for the fan club. While I admired the pitching wizardry of Doug Drabek, the defense combined with enthusiasm of Jose Lind, and the centerfield mastery preformed by Andy Van Slyke, none of them could compare to Bonds.
For some reason tho I couldn't articulate it then I identified with Bonds, besides he made R.J Reynolds look like a bat boy.

Pop Pop was respectful of my choice, but not overly impressed. He would bellow out with all the confidence the truth provides, "He's good, not great yet, let me see him doing for a few more years". He would remark "Then I can put him up there with the greats!!!" The "Greats" where comprised of an inarguable lineup of excellence. Willie Mays , Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, where just a few of those which ranks Bonds had failed to ascended to in his eyes..

A Few of The Greats

There was no debating his exclusion, especially when in the wise elders eyes "anybody can do it during the regular season, you haft to do it in the playoffs when it counts!!!"

Bonds much to my and the whole city of Pittsburgh displeasure failed miserably when it "counted" during the early 90's. It often seemed like the Braves where throwing invisible pitches as Bonds failed again and again during his playoff plate appearances.

Not soon after the 92 season ended, Bonds wasn't resigned by the Pirates. Many designated him a greedy athlete not worth the money, some looked at who was signed and what players where given their walking papers, and gleaned some reality lessons.

After Bonds moved to San Francisco, my interest in baseball started to wane I still followed the Pirates, but some where along the line the monotony of being the real life "Major League" squad, and losing every year wore me down. Ironically such futility causes me to wonder why no body ever speaks about "The Curse of Barry", for they haven't had a winning season since he departed for the west coast.

I continued to follow Bonds tho, and during every conversation I had with Pop Pop he would always ask me "What u think about how your boy Bonds is doing?" I would reply honestly, knowing full well the bludgeon of post season follies was sure to come. Without those past conversations, 2002 wouldn't have been so special.

Watching Bonds make it to the World Series that year and post un godly numbers, was a joy to behold. Temporally putting off my studies to witness at greatness at work was only trumped by hearing Mr. Collier state, "Your boy did it, he came through when it mattered, he is one of the greats."

Bonds's team eventually would lose that years October classic, but another piece of baseball immortality seemed to be inevitable occurrence. The all time Home Run record.

Now if you asked Pop Pop who really owned said record, he wouldn't name a pudgy earth shattering orphan, or a stolid slugger, no he would say Josh Gibson. Personal beliefs aside, he confided to me his rooting interest for Bonds, that was founded not just for his achievements on the diamond, but more so due to the pressures he faced off of it.

"Do you think he's gonna break the record?" I think so would be my reply I hope so to" would be his immediate follow up.

James Lee Collier passed away earlier this year, causing the pain of loss that only selfish love can create, for the many who where graced by his presence. His departure preceded the history made on August 7th 2007 by Barry Bonds, but his existence within my persona made a day a I longed to see even more majestic.

Only The Best Training

"We talk About Justice and How little We Get, but yet Black Men be killing Black Men for talking Shit." Masta Ace

Bothersome questions often lead to answers more vexing then the queries themselves. While viewing the brilliant Byron Hurt's brilliant "Hip Hop : Beyond Beats and Rhymes" documentary, many linage related introspective thoughts dominated my mental plane. One such personal query was spurred on by what a Spellman professor Jelani Cobb stated as being the "The running inside joke of black masculinity". Loosely interpreted it implies that many Black Men cultivate, portray and project a hyper masculine image which far to often leads to tragic results, ironically to compensate for their lack of any conceivable tangible power.

In laymen's terms "Watch What You Say to Me"

"I'm known to make a mountain out a mole hill you don't wanna get ya peoples killed."

Yet in such threatening proclamations, many highly antagonistic groups bask in the safety afforded to those not designated as targets

Large swaths of Black culture play the role of the husband who is impotent and ridiculed at work, proceeds to go home, and projects the stored rage upon his wife.

Murder and abuse the easy target.

Ironically those that promote, exploit, or terrifyingly subscribe ultra terrifying Negro are most safest from the it's concocted grasp.

Why?

Nothing just is, and black n white / zero sum answers only placate the simplistic amongst us. While acknowledging numerous disdainful factors such as self hate, and morally reprehensive social economic crafting, I choose to only forces reason at the moment.

Training.

You know the same training that maintained the safety of NYPD cops after Sean Bell was executed.

The training that leads you or a friend to say while visiting a particular area "They don't play that here"

Yes the good ole life instructions only true power can provide.

Often such power doesn't haft to raise its voice often, for when it speaks its tone conveys a message that seems to reverberate for generations.

Like the imperiled children in "The Education of Sonny Carson" visualizing the future while sitting on a stoop gazing upon the moon, there is a vast dichotomy in the goals of Black Americans. Few, if any, however, hold aspirations of becoming an example of negative extrinsic motivation. Sadly those who we often forget should be experiencing the joys only afforded during the epoch of youth often are constructed into crude exhibits by malice.

How many of you got into fights in school or ones derived from incidents originated on educational grounds which where taken else where? Some of you might look back with glory upon your younger scuffles, while others might hold a slight animus towards themselves for not taking advantage of the generally more lenient punishments meted out to the younger members of society. You know, the regular three day to two week suspension from school, with the chance of expulsion if you where a "problem" child. No matter what your non golden gloves amateur records composition, imagine if for one of your high school fights you where charged with Attempted Murder. Not assault n battery, murder. Does it sound completely asinine .and implausible? Follow me to Jena, LA and re acquaint your self to America.

It is often stated that its not what isn't said but how what is spoken is worded. When the lives of societies undesirables are on a imminent path to undeserved destruction, the story is conveyed in a very meek manner.

Before reading the rest of this blog I kindly (with up most urgency) ask you take the time to watch one or both of these videos

Jena 6 Report (Story Starts 9:30 in)

BBC Report on Jena (Click Video on Right Hand Side)

and read this article

SF Bay Article

When ever you can afford to spare such time

Is it cruel irony or germane harsh reality that this is going on in what is deemed "God Country"? To what degree is this a personal indictment of our land that the rest of the world is conversing on this subject, yet the bastions of media that bombarded are psyche daily with "news" have remained relatively mute on the subject? A dui arrest for a athlete most could not pick out of a crowd is more pertinent then the imminent justice system destruction of the lives of youth? Is the criticizing of music more important then, investigating the actions of legally appointed officials playing God?

It is far easier to demonize another then to check ones self. Its even better to suppress ( Saigon, Papoose) or bleed to death (Ras Kass) the talented voices of those that invoke your ire that would bring such ills to light…

If your watched or read the previous links (I thank you) please compare them to the this docile CNN report

Gotta love the liberal media..

By know means is the position held here that negative, and if deemed to be so, criminal actions should go un punished. What's being questioned is the equal protection under the law that is allegedly afforded to all citizens of this nation. Let this case be even thought of being used as a general precedent…and the earth would split in two.

The general punishment for school and youth related crimes as stated earlier is substantially less then what these kids ..yes. kids are facing. The duration by the majority of those languishing in jail due to the draconian bail imposed upon them, in most logical applications of the law would be noted as being significant enough to constitute time served. Let us not even speak about the morally reprehensible tactics utilize during trail, such as denying the parents of one of the accused access to the court during it's proceedings, a concession afforded to those even charged with the most heinous of crimes. Such a crooked act relives jurors of potential feelings of guilt and empathy, but also denies the accused critical family support. Even Jeffery Dahmer was allowed to gaze upon his father during his legal proceedings.

The truly sad thing about this case is while, a prominent rich if not affluent. Black person in this land is out buying a new chain, car or watch, arguing to banish a word, or building something in Africa like they where born there, these kids remained trapped in legally maintained squalor.

No money for bail.

No money for a decent legal team.

No public acknowledgement or support.

Maybe they are afraid of becoming examples also..

About the writer…

This case was enough to motivte him to go to law school and hope to work f or the ACLU

Memory is the Film

If you know Damien, you know him to be extremely adverse to movies. Unlike my apathy for paintings and sculptures which is purely based on the fact that I don't understand what defines quality in a forum where a crazy person can make a soup can eternally celebrated, (Given the choice I might take a Bob Ross over a Picasso) my disdain for motion pictures is built on the common foundation of thought that corporate greed ravishes nearly all forms of art in this case cinema.

Long before Hip Hop was pronounced dead, the grim reaper presided over film. The forum which provides for the perfect meshing of auditory and visual sensibilities, and by its nature is allotted ample time to convey its message, has reduced itself to a high speed pop up picture book. The gun solves all, teenagers are tools for ritual sacrifice, and law enforcement is always heroic while doling out brutal authoritative beatings. Due the these and other reasons I tend to shun the act of watching movies. Film employs a fairly sinister form of life wasting entrapment that spurs such an evasive nature. You've been there before, spent a hour watching some horrid movie knowing that it's not going to improve but feel compelled to see it through to the end as a result of prior investment, only to complete the movie and wish you never sat your ass down and fixated your eyes on the screen. Yeah it sucks I know.

Embargos no matter how just ultimately only ending up hurting people, in this case myself, so just to be able to actually confirm, your mothers ziti taste like spam, I've decided to immerse my self within modern cinema. My recent choice to to allot entertainment time to movies isn't a quest to seek validation of premonitions, it's more of a cynics hope that another artistic medium hasn't been fully bastardized.

During the last week or so I've seen 3 movies receiving vast publicity, and despite the inkling that the quarter of a day worth of footage might be better spent polishing my various X-Box belts I set my need some spectacles now vision upon the screen to check em out

The Results:

Sicko

Michael Moore is an asshole. That's not the most informative opening declarative statement, but its about as honest as my mental reflexes will get. Moore who reins as Flint Michigan's most prominent star (Until Theory takes over the world)towering over the likes of Mc Breed , and various components of a ncca basketball champion, has graced us with his debatable genius once again in the form of a documentary you can buy $5 dollar hotdogs to. The creator of Bowling for Columbine, which while very informative, may have gave Charleston Heston a very justifiable reason to blow Moore's head off with that baby Kayla picture ish, and the highly enlightening Fahrenheit 9/11 which ironically transformed the pubic into throng of millions who could' "handle the truth", has returned with his ode to our nations health care system.

While it presents a sluggish start that displays a couple relegated to their children's spare room due to medical bankruptcy, and a elderly man drudging through what should be his retirement reforming menial task at a supermarket in a attempt to afford various prescriptions, the film quickly picks up. After giving the audience reason 7,815,462 why we should've felt like KRS when Nixon died, providing a twist on the theme of "money and blood don't mix" , "Sicko" initiates its brilliant aspects by crossing borders and seas to insightfully destroy an integral aspect of the "America is the best place on earth" truism errr...theory....uhhh fallacy.

Transverse lands we either thing are soft (Canada) bitch (England) dispose ( France) or paint as pure evil (Cuba), Moore lets fact common sense and what human compassion the viewer hopefully contains within them to easily prove his premise the state run national health care easily puts the insurance run system run system to literal shame. Yes a argument can be made that Moore exploits some of those featured in the film for his version of the greater good, but those who voice such claims would be reaching like "The Creation of Adam". The vast majority of personal horror stories created or exacerbated by the U.S. Health care system will craft anger that will be directed anywhere but at Moore. While the usage of 9/11 workers could be understood as manipulative, the question of why the "heroes" of that tragedy have been forsaken easily supercedes artistic critiques.

Sicko gets recommended like Yahoo stock in the 90's

Live Free or Die Hard

Some visuals leave indelible marks on the brain. The "Back in Forth video which spurred infatuation and RnB singer jealousy in a concurrent manner, Willis McGahee's knee injury, which made me understand why elders told me not to smoke weed and to back away from the tv arguably even more notable,. Decades before some freak name Chris Angel, witnessing some guy name John McClane walking on glass.

Yes "Die Hard" equipped with a pre Carl Winslow Reginald VelJohnson playing the ubiquitous black side kick, spawned a series as American as apple pie and pillaging. Every cliche that is supposed to ruin what a "good" movie is some how combine to create great experiences when it comes to "Die Hard" flicks, extreme amounts of violence and death bundled with more violence for violence sake.The usage of blatant stereotypical imagery. (Tell me this film at least temporally didn't alter your perception of Germans. Bruce Willis practice police brutality that would make the LAPD proud.Yeah, it's sorrta akin to ribs and malt liquor, ensuring a healthy heart and personal relations.

After what some fans would say was a far to long 12 yr lay off Bruce Willis reprises his role cop designated to save the ________. Germans aren't the enemy this time, no it's cyber terrorist Well let me re phrase that, because the "henchmen" definitely play upon the "what is foreign is scary" sensibilities far to apparent within us. Those with intricate knowledge of computers wreck the most substantial damage in the flick tho, while given those living within the Metro D.C. area reasons to ponder new horizons

In all honesty theres no point in going in depth about the "plot", or ridiculous inconsistencies, like McClane and his compatriot easily traveling up and down the eastern sea board during a dry run of armageddon. Nor will the mentioning of the obvious top 2 family feud model minority stereotypes do much good. The simple fact is even a single half century old man besting a 100 million dollar piece of military machinery isn't enough to suggest you don't go see this film.

For all those who say that movies are just a "diversion" and "entertainment" you have your king, and you should go praise him.

How much you want to bet this chick has a white boyfriend and knows "kung fu"?

Transformers

While writing this I made a conscious effort to avoid being snobbish. Even tho "Transformers" holds a special place in the hearts with many of us within the mid 20's early 30's age range, I know almost 20 years ago, those currently pushing 50 made themselves look like fools by decrying a "Batman" film devoid of pows and zooms. Knowledge in tow, bias set aside, fairness was the order of the day during while viewing the long ago christened summer blockbuster. Sadly, a just mind can't save trash.

The good news about "Transformers" is those who got duped into getting degrees in eye dentistry will be employed by those who see this film and o.d on all of its eye candy. The bad.,.not enough time to really get into that. but i'll touch it a lil. The script sucks, to many actor are given face time, the script sucks, the worlds greatest hater Starcream is a damn mute, the script sucks, the "black" Transformer dies first, the script sucks.

Transformers is the type of film that epitomizes the thoughts conveyed in the opening of this article. Unlike the famous tag line is nothing "More Than Meets The Eye", except a great reason to become a Michael Bay hater.

I'm Going back to Youtube...

Peace

To Much Ron Paul D*** L***** and what about a Gravel Rendition?

It all started a few months ago. While perusing my friends request filled meaningless similarly photographed females practicing bad English urging me to view their pics, and wayward musicians who hadn't actually visited my page but wanted me to become one of there acolytes, I saw a appeal from some guy named Ron Paul.

Given the 08 incased within the thumbnail I decided to do my best to become and informed citizen and go check his page out. Upon a speedy Cox cable arrival the first thing I noticed was Paul happened to be a Republican. Hmmm, it seemed that they didn't get the memo that the last Republican I liked was Thaddeus Stevens.

Despite my warranted G.O.P skepticism, I decided to give his platform a honest shot. Everything was good until I saw the word, libertarian. Sorry but libertarians give me the same feeling that a southern redneck endures when opening the door for a teenager named Malik asking for his daughter. I tried to lessen the weight of Paul's chosen affiliation, but not even his anti drug war stance could compel me not to swiftly eradicate any thought of voting for him.

Time passed and I had all but forgotten about the Texas representative with ideals disturbing to those residing on all portions of the political map, then Fox News Republican debate happened.

I'm sure you've heard of it by now. A large panel of politicians seeking the Republican nomination continuously spewed proclamations of future foreign policy ignorance and promised torture, while the audience mesmerized by ecstasy inducing oratory, looked like newly released prisoners ogling the stripper waving their breast at them.

Yeah I'm sure it rings a bell, it was the night a maverick appeared to sashay into town, and his name wasn't McCain. It was Ron Paul. With the night's competition doing its best to reenact the Wu- Tang torture skit, Paul actually expressed a realist view made from only the finest ingredients of intelligence, when the topics of terrorism and Iraq came up.

Introducing the idea of "Blowback" to a listeners who took it as well as preschoolers digesting Kant, and being called out by Mr. 9/11 himself Rudy Giuliani , instantly propelled Mr. Paul from political nobody to microwaveable 15 min political dish.

Soon after Paul could be seen with the whose who of political television. Daily Show, check, The Colbert Report, yep, Real Time with the only guy who might love black pussy more than Dj Quick, totally did that along with the other fake news shows that appear on CNN, Fox News etc.

The slightly ironic thing is that Paul, who fashions himself as the only real Republican, received, rousing applauses from show from liberal audiences that is usually on reserved for Man God known as Noam Chomsky. So enamored where some by the actual sensible statements by a Republican that they risked sustaining serious body harm by zealously falling over the man. Well they hadn't seen "Sicko" yet to understand how dangerous that was. Others tho where not impressed.

While its nice to hear someone who could conceivably (even if it's a non betting conception) hold great political power, state that who would not undertake actions that could get a lot of us killed, its more of a occasion to state about time, then act like Jasmine Cashmere wants to practice her felatio technique on you. So the man doesn't want to waste Billions of tax dollars, to destroy another land, kill thousands of innocent people, and wreck havoc on American families. To paraphrase Chris Rock, "Does he want a cookie?" Exceptions to the rules should not be treated like biblical prophets, the rules should be changed. Sorry folks, but it would be easy for you to look like Barry Sanders against your local pee wee league team. Would you want praise for that?

While the lemming dance craze has seemingly died out with Republicans, far to many liberal minded people have picked it up with great zeal. Ron has become this election's Ralph Nader, and the number of people throwing rose petals at his feat is nauseating. Every five seconds some respectable person is urging me to check out this Ron Paul vid, or hear this new speech by him. I aint trying to hear it.

What I would like hear is how this nation would run smoothly with little or no taxation. Maybe is the ghost of my communal heritage channeling me, but no matter how evil taxes may be, they are a necessary evil. Drastic reductions in taxes like the ones Paul advocates would hurt the country as a whole. The "everyone for himself" logic pales in comparison to paying concise attention to the proper allocation of funds attain from the public.

I would like to know how the deregulation of business, would help the average consumer. Corporate entities act like the restricted preachers daughter during freshmen year on campus when left to there own devices. Paul would like to greatly reduce the government's role in the market place. I can just see old Irwin Mainway, Dan Aykroyd sketches playing themselves out now.

I could continue with my knowledge request from those in the Paul camp, but this is the part where I tell you where the motivation for came from. Mike Gravel. What you never heard of him? Mike Gravel is the hottest s*** out in the streets son! Well not really.

I had no idea who Mike Gravel was until almost a month ago, when I wondered to myself who this nameless face was saying crazy stuff during a democratic debate I was watching. He was slightly irritating and I paid him no mind and kind of wished he disappeared like Osama. During a P.B.S sponsored presidential debate held this week however I became familiar with a far less annoying Gravel. The person I heard speak not only made some great points, he also did a spot on T.O impersonation by repeatedly throwing the other Democratic nominees under the bus. If it wasn't so funny I might have cringed a little bit, watching the angry old man refrain from utilizing any tact while doing his thing.

Now I'm no Mike Gravel fan or nothing but….. He has a way better tax plan then Ron Paul, a great heath care vision, wants to actually take care of the troops that the government all ways seems to put in harms way, is up on global warming, thinks torturing people is wrong mmmkayy, has a good foreign policy plan that would yipes…. even work with Hamas, is a little more friendly to the "happy" people out there, and look the man even made me write a run on sentence with all of his good points (no man crush).

With all of his positive aspects Gravel Q rating still sucks next to Paul's. Why? Because Gravel is a Democrat and is supposed to think the way he does? Maybe a guerilla campaign is on going to get Ron Paul the G.O.P nomination (never happen) as to hurt the Republicans chances in 08? Nahh don't believe in that, so many Democrats love Paul, I wouldn't be surprised to see them vote for him over a Democratic candidate.

What's left? Liberals are amazed by the magical republican. (sorry Rush). Ron Paul stands for a lot of good things, but his wanting to relegate the government to a position of ineptitude is not one of them. The government sucks, I know, but I trust it over the literally soulless persons known as corporations, whose sole purpose for existence is profit any day. Instead of advocating the de facto end of government, why not call for its improvement?

I'm going to vote in 2008…but I'm damn sure not for Ron Paul..

And for you Paul supporters a song in your honor

Classic Smith n Wessun

America's Pastime

While some prefer the term tainted, I like to adhere to the belief that a persons views are heavily influenced by their past. Yes multi billion dollar media conglomerates and political talking points so precise they seem German Engineered leave their imprint upon us all, but some vestiges of ones feeling are personally his or her own. Formalities accounted for please allow me to state I'm a Barry Bonds fan, and have been one for most of my life. Since I've haven't had the pleasure of any out of body experiences, some may surmise my allegiance of fandom to Bonds biases my assessment of issues which concern him. To those who believe such foolishness I patronizingly laugh at, if only to not unleash my anger towards perceived slander ,sorrta like friends who feel I'm just a complete Republican when it comes to the Steelers. Simply not true lol...

Yes it is factual Mr. Bonds firmly replaced Mike Diaz as my favorite baseball player during a time when I had a strong affinity baseball and had no concept of Puerto Rican nationality, so during my grade school tenure I would have put my 124 mph driving, Madonna banging, pre spiteful steroid informer/snitch Jose Canseco, rookie card up as collateral to back my "Bobby Bonilla is Black" beliefs. Since the Steelers sucked for most of the 80's I transfused my black n gold blood to the baseball diamond attaining many great memories along the way. Overcoming the hated Howard Johnson lead Metropolitans, witnessing the stoic half twisted both arms extended towards the heavens game winning homerun Bond's stance, rocking Pirate Eastern division t shirts, yes those where the days. My devotion to Bonds fandom has easily withstood his amazing ability to craft scenario that made all early 90's Braves pictures appear to the eye to be Cy Young reincarnations or Sid Bream a Judas and Francisco Cabrera a hero. Yes I am and have been for since Bush the 1^st a proud, but impartial Bonds fan. Sans Hines Ward (who happens to be my favorite NFL'er) crying like a bitch at the apparent thought of Jerome Bettis possibly retiring, I've probably never witnessed a sadder moment than Bonds pathetically stating "You've broke me is this what u want?" while parading is son around like a Nino Brown shield against media assassins. Joining the ranks of famous cross dressers while undergoing a Paula Abdul transformation during spring training was definitely also a regressive step exercise. Those are just trivial person opinions, the billion dollar question (millennium inflation) is which side one falls on the Bonds did or did not take steroids debate. That's a simple one. Yes Barry Bonds used Steroids. I'd gladly risk a chance at a sexual rendezvous with Amerie, or my chance to be smarter than a fifth grader on such an assumption. My assumed guilt doesn't come attached with complicit disdain nor apologetic prose, just plain rational thought. In the interest of word conservation I make just make a few points designating why I've always felt that the "Bonds Steroid" issue was bullshit.

The NFL, by far Americas most popular league was the best steroid junkie haven, next to professional wresting and eastern block women's Olympic locker rooms for countless years and nobody gave a fuck about it. How else do you know who Lyle Alzado is?

Major league baseball from owners down to club house trainers voluntarily looked away or where silently complicit with the injecting of horse hormones in the ass. Hey Chicks Dig the long ball, and America loved the idea of a Irishmen and Dominican becoming brothers in chemically enhanced arms, in another example of profit over principle. How can a institution be saddened and embarrassed by a action it endorsed?

Bonds during his alleged steroid use was playing during what is near unanimously agreed upon to be the "Steroid Era" i.e. he was cheating, while everyone else was cheating, which by my logic would level the equation out.

Now I bring this up due to a news event. Espn recently conducted a poll which states:

"Blacks are nearly twice as likely to think Bonds has been treated unfairly (46 percent to 25 percent). Why? The survey found that 41 percent of black fans think this is due to the steroids issue, 25 percent think it's because of his race, and 21 percent blame Bonds' personality.

"For whites who think Bonds has been treated unfairly, 66 percent blame steroids. Virtually none blame race".

I feel for the surprised.

During the omni present barrage of against bonds, federal perjury charges, spousal abuse allegations continuous public slander, I've steadfastly held on to the belief that only a fool would deny that race had nothing to do with how Bonds has been treated in the media and viewed by the general public. Conversely only idiots would subscribe the theory that race is the sole motivating factor dictating Bonds treatment. Although the vast stupidly of Americans is paraded before my eyes on a daily basis, it still amazes how in a admittedly racist land, race is never a element nor factor which influences decisions made by the self analyzing white mind. Oh the pleasures of denial. Look, native region, height, career, physical appearance, and a host of other factors daily influence our daily conceptions, and emotional response towards people. Somehow though what is often the most readily apparent feature of a person is regulated to the corridor of non influence. Rather its based in self imposed delusion, or plain avoidance of self incrimination, the poll results and present reality is just sad. Yes Bonds is an asshole, and I fully believe millions of people despise him solely upon them grounds, but am I supposed to believe in thousands of eyes he's not a "Black Asshole"? Of course millions despise him based upon his soling the sanctity of the game, but how many Yankees fans who hate Bonds cheer ferociously for Jason "I can't admit what I did but I did it" Giambi. Just because something is the dominant factor, doesn't mean it's the only factor.

I myself personally subscribe to Bonds being a steroid user with a personality that rubs people the wrong way like a cheating wife's husband, but I refuse to let that action and trait overrule sane thought. What I do admit to is letting race influence my defense, not judgment, but defense of Bonds, if not solely due to, no matter how hard it is to fathom 15 million dollar salary earning athlete as being persecuted, Bonds is being persecuted, and I happen to be a avid underdog supporter.

Double standards are funny things. One sad aspect of them is that they usually remain invisible to the conscious amongst those not affected by, or receiving preferential treatment from them. In the days of "athletes" being booked for dui and marijuana possession in a all media out lets cameras invited event which eventually manifest itself in to "today's" athlete being "out of control", drunk ass hell 1.57 BA.C Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock who also had a little Jamaica along for his last ride ride, death is viewed as a terrible tragedy. In the era of the over paid spoiled and selfish athlete, admitted age defying marvel Roger Clemens, endures nearly no condemnation for a contract that will pay him about 1 million per game pitched, and gives him permission to abandon his team at will.

I'm definitely going to be rooting for Bonds to break Babe "the drunken racist that John Goodman almost made me like" Ruth's homerun record this summer, and hope to whatever power that is in control of things that it doesn't occur in Boston, all the while knowing that Josh Gibson conceivably was better then both. I'm convinced that a polarized heated debate about the soon to occur historic event will show If the truth shall set you free, we all are still trapped by dishonesty.

But what do I know, Katrina had nothing to do with race either…..

We Like our Niggaz Thugs and our Black Women Hoes Part II

How It Was Framed.

Long before the Imus story became the massive all engrossing issue it has manifested into I was already pissed. Not so much at Imus, but particularly at a certain world wide sports leader.

While watching "Sports Center" ESPN last week, I was angered at their reporting or lack there of , concerning Imus's derogatory comments. The anchor briefly mentioned Imus made what "some have called racist and sexist comments" and a retort by Imus of "It was a bad joke, get over it".

The audience wasn't exposed to audio, or video of the comments. Not even a transcript seemed warranted of his quotes seemed warranted. This angered yours truly greatly, because it was yet another example of the media in this case, ESPN's lack of caring of those it compounds its massive profits upon. I wasn't surprised mind you; they gave the same treatment to Serena Williams, when she was heckled by a fan during a recent match with racial slurs. They stated the fan "allegedly" made racial remarks towards Williams during her time on the court. Alledgedly? He did, it was on tape. Other fans saw him and pointed him out. Yet in still her statement was not enough to be credited as fact.

Athletes showing animosity towards fans, huge story, fans spewing racially based hate towards athletes, who really cares? It was pointed out to me that a large part of the rational for not propagating these stories or taking a stance on them was due to the networks audience. They (fans) simply just didn't want to hear about it. If a sports network's viewership is made up of fans, deriding fans for their racist behavior, would cause those same fans to recind their observing. If fans who feel that Black people are always complaining, see ESPN immediately take a stance against Imus in support of a NCAA basketball team, which was just on it's airwaves last week, many would turn away.

First rule of marketing, know your target audience.

The target audience, quite frankly, wasn't trying to hear that shit. The target audience is America.

I See Nappy Headed But I Don't See Hoes..

Yes this whole spectacle involves race and sex, but attempts to somewhat pry these two apart in regards to meaning, are just plain idiocy. Many have taken adopted the course of thought that, yes nappy headed was wrong to say, but Blacks call they women hoes anyway so he's not wrong for saying that.

................

A phrase is a phrase is a phrase. Like it's cousin, the saying, phrases are built on congruity. The full meaning and intention of Imus's statement can't be grasped if the phrase is broken apart. I mean hey it was a joke right?

Saying Nappy Headed Hoes, is basically akin to spewing out "Cotton Picking Niggaz". It was a raced based comment centered on a particular sex. Those trying to break up the phrase would in theory surmise that a non Jewish person uttering "Money Grubbing Jew", would only be guilty for saying "Money Grubbing", because Jewish people relay the term "Jew" amongst themselves. For those who are still in disagreement with the aforementioned view, Imus even threw in "Jiggaboos" for good measure. I'll let that stand for its self.

Now are there issues with how women are treated within Black society? I respond with an emphatic late 90's Steve Austin like HELL YES, but the singling out Black people as if we are the only ones who treat our women in ways deserving of immediate and dramatic change, is unfair, and plain simple minded. Arab culture, Asian culture, "Spanish" and yes even the infallible White culture all have features within it's treatment of women that could use a huge face lift. We are not the only ones, so please don't insinuate that we are, and in tandem insult our intelligence.

Speaking of intelligence, since when is it logical for grown ass men to utilize the "They do it, so its okay if I do it argument?" Has the parenting in this land been that bad for such a long time?" I thought it was a common sentiment, that just because somebody else does something, it doesn't inherently make your following of their act righteous. If that rule doesn't apply, should all those who go kill they enemy without being attacked first becase they "perceived" a threat be absolved of their prison sentences? America does it, so it must be right. Right?

What's really trying is that a large segment of America believes that all or most Black men treat or view in a wholesale manner, their women as purely sexual objects. To quote John Austin, "Not true". The millions of Black men who love and respect Black women are seen and painted as exceptions to a standardized rule. And what is this based on? A subgenera of a particular form of music, that dominates the market because the same demographic that lays blame at it's doorstep whenever possible, voraciously consumes it.

Here's a double standard for you. "They act like that on tv and the radio so they for the most part they're like that in general". Such thoughts lead to, "They think they hoes, well shit they hoes to me to." Oh the power of imagery and ignorance..

I'm Mad They Fired The Man.

After previously being relinquished of his MSNBC simulcast, today CBS followed suit and relived Don Imus of his radio program. I'm not happy with these events at all. Sacrificing Imus solves nothing. He might be away from the airwaves, but in reality he's gone nowhere. Imus is omnipresent, because Don Imus is reflection of America. Firing Imus is akin to arresting a drug dealer. You take one distributor of the street, but you still have millions of fiends ready to line up for the product he supplied.

It's by no means an exact science, but you can generally grasp a decent understanding of an individual based upon the palette of what a person reads, watches and listens to on a constant basis. These are sentences not mathematical theories so

I'm not stating X= Y. What I am relaying is, people for the most part do not support what they personally find disturbing revolting, offensive, or outright wrong.

Individuals also tend to support with more passion forms of media, and art that share some degree of their ideals. The more you can concur and relate, the more fervent your support.

Imus has been in the broadcasting business for 30 years plus, attaining much success and adulation along the way. A person in his profession can only sustain such longevity and garner channels such as MSNBC, millions in profit, with the support of a ardent fan base. A fan base that thinks like he does. Media and entertainment in their many forms are just manifestations, of the American Psyche.

America stop lying to yourselves.

This country bathes in a façade of civility, while concurrently repressing it's true feelings from common view. Imus, and others similar to him, offer persona's individuals gladly vicariously live through. The host is gone, but the sentiment remains. Fakeness continues as business maintains it's stalwart course. It all about the business right?

Only the foolish, gullible and ill informed would think Imus's firing was due to an injection of principle into the mentality of MSNBC and CBS execs. Countless opportunities have been available for them to fire Imus over racist and extremely sexist comments, yet the ousting never occurred. Why would it? They where raking in money, some prolly agreed with him on some level, and the massive out cry wasn't there against him.

Imus was fired because companies didn't want to be vividly aligned with a racist. Hey its America, it's cool to be racist, but not many have the "heart" to be out in the open with it..

Money dictates action in our society, not morals, and its up for debate if certain morals even exist in particular circles. Imus wasn't fired for what he said, he was fired, because he couldn't make money (at least not as much in the immediate future) saying what he has always said. Nothing is solved.

To get firings based on principle, you need company heads that wouldn't hire a outright an outright racist and sexist individual for the purpose project his views in the first place. If society doesn't like racist and and sexist individuals on the airwaves, society mustn't hold the same traits.

Pssst….

Let me tell you something for a second…
Come here,….. nahh closer yo…..

THIS COUNTRY CONTAINS MILLIONS OF RACSIT AND SEXIST INDIVIGUALS.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How far we've come as a nation concerning race, and opposing sex relations is by far more of a indication of how horrid things where, then how good things are presently are.

Must I only get my reality from fiction? One reason I love the "Wire" is because it shows realistic race relations. The seemingly non prejudiced White man states angrily "I'm not going to end up like some project nigga!!!" before he goes with his Black co worker and friend to the hood to try to save his cousin from impending peril. I appreciate the racist rants of the Soprano family gangsters, which reflects a reality that not all Italians have the rosiest views of Blacks. Even a show that is sure to lead me to a early demise do to high blood pressure like "The Shield" garners my respect by showing some the less prestigious leanings of law enforcement. Why can fiction represent reality, while reality is snuffed out when the focuses on it becomes to bright?

I repeat, we are solving nothing. Instead of a true dialogue, and understanding, we are mired in zero sum, extremist arguments that raise contempt and animosity among us.

Oh..

To all of you, especially the Black people out there who where clamoring for Imus to get fired, you should be vvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrry worried about the gift you received.

A dangerous, largely ambiguous and distinctly vague precedent has been set for the immediate termination of individuals based upon forms of dialogue. Will you experience satisfaction when a nefarious proclamation silence, what you feel is justified communication?

The Double Standard and…. Of Course Blame Hip Hop next………….

We Like our Niggaz Thugs and our Black Women Hoes Part I

Some times you just gotta fucken love America.

Michael Richards, Isaiah Washington, Tim Hardaway, and now Don Imus.

And of course the intelligent public discourse that follows.

(sigh)

By now most if not all of you have heard seen and probably discussed Mr Imus's comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team which he neatly juxtapose with Tennessee's squad. If you haven't here is a convenient link for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF9BjB7Bzr0

Now for those who are referenced…shall we proceed with the festivities?

Save the Apoliges

Say what you mean, and mean what you say. It's a rule that everybody should follow and most people follow even when they don't admit it. All human utterances are spawned by thought, no matter what context they are meant to be formulated into or the emotional state of the person speaking. When someone calls Black women "Nappy Headed Hoes" and "Jiggaboos" somewhere ingrained in their mentality, is the thought Black women are nappy

headed hoes and jiggaboos.

When one makes such a statement, in their person they, inherently think and feel that that way about the subjects of their adjectives. Ideologies are constructed and stalwartly solidified during great swaths of time. So when one decides to apologize for the convictions in a span of less then of week, skepticism permeates the air
.
Apologies are always prone examination, and almost never seem as authentic or make the impact as the act the spurred their birth. With Imus,.his apology and his predictable subsequent actions are damn near laughable. When listening to the curmudgeon host talk about the Rutgers team, he seemed quite at ease enjoying another day at the office. Nothing a good laugh at work right. Especially when your craft entails that you make such comments on a fairly consistent basis. As noted by various outlets and those who regularly listen to Imus or happen to drop through every once in a while like my self, Don has been speaking in a manner know to be "offensive" longer than most of us have been alive.

Life long connotations are not melted away with immediate epiphanies. Long held beliefs are also less likely to be believed to be relinquished, so when after spouting them you say people "need to get over them" and only after it seems like the whole world is mad you, then an apology seems appropriate, in reality its just a hollow and fake action.

Imus thought what he said was funny, because people where mad at what he said doesn't make it less funny to him. Depending on what aspect it's viewed from, I'll be the first person to admit race base jokes are funny, but the expense account upon those being savaged has long been over drafted. What ever happened to standing on your own two a backing up your convictions?

Since people want to bring Hip Hop into this, (more on that later) how about sitten 24 inches off the ground, and speaking your mind freely, because, hey that's how u feel. No, we as a public aren't subjected to such treatment these days. Instead any White person whose done "bad" runs to Al Sharpton's radio show to ask for forgiveness, supposedly to placate the Black masses, and explain there out of body experience. Fuck that. Contrary to many I happen to respect, and like Al Sharpton. I don't' always agree with Al, nor do I think he's a "Black Leader". If you don't know, I subscribe to the Nasir Jones train of thought of "Fuck Black Leaders Whites don't got nobody leading them". Well they actually they do, there called Congressman, and the Presidents but for the sake of this conversation I'll just digress and call White leaders invisible.

Back to Sharpton, whose show I also occasionally listen to, Imus going on his show solves nothing. The conversations which insue are not productive and the only sincerity involved from the persecuted arises in the form of intense pandering. You said what you said. Fuck it. Now because of this interview, which from a business standpoint can be understand fully, the whole "Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are opportunist" diatribe gets rehashed. Shit like any talk show host across the nation wouldn't have love to have Imus on when Al did. Yup, the whole "Al doesn't represent all Black people", sentiment has arisen again . Well of course no human of one group represents that whole group. If Al really represented us though, he'd be dead by now.

The animus towards Sharpton and Jackson is understandable, if not fully justified, but also creates some of the most ludicrous talking points know to man.
"Why are they picking on Imus, why don't they go after the rappers who say stuff like that?"

The ideological l foundation of that question speaks volumes to those who choose to spew it at every possible opportunity. Such a query holds no regard for the Rutgers players, or Imus's ignorance, it just implicitly calls Sharpton and other so called black leaders hypocrites, and states that such decretory language towards Black Women is status quo. Do your homework, Sharpton was just marching against G-Unit last week, and countless "leaders of Black origins" protest and clamor against the proliferation of misogyny in Hip Hop every year. Mother Fuckers aint quit after C Dolores Tucker and Dionne Warwick did. It just so happens that like all struggles with corporate giants, its hard to put a dent, let alone a stop to a billion dollar industry. When is the last time you proceeded with glee to pursue actions? Thought so, and that would be exactly the tract undertaken by global media conglomerates if they fully reported the displeasure of many in the Black Community about the rap put out in the mainstream let alone from a Black perspective. The fact is no prominent White person, or at least one of enough stature or power came out and decried this incident. The the general masses of America "ie white people" plain didn't give a fuck. So is it not plausible to say Sharpton filled a void? A tree fell in the American Forrest. and many didn't hear it, or just ignored the echo initially.

"You Should Be focused on other problems, like Black on Black Crime or Education"

Once again do your homework; millions of Black People are concerned, involved and deeply troubled by violence and education. Say what you wanna say about those labled as rabble rousers, but what a lot white people are stating what they/we "should" be doing, has already been done. The sinister bent of a statement such as that one is, Black Women aren't worth fighting for. "Why are you so bent out of shape about this?" Why shouldn't Black people be incensed at disrespect at the highest for of its women? White paternalism stirs immediate discomfort and some anger because it's largely insincere. Generally America is quick to state what Black people should do, but honesty they could care less either way. Instead their artificial advice is used as a deflection tool.

More coming…….

Hip Hop Isn’t Dead….It’s Poison??

About a month ago I had a idea for a Blog that would have been aptly titled "Nigga Hate". Subtle I know, but the heading would have been extremely relevant to the text it preceded. After repeatedly listening to lines like ("IF I WANT YOU DEAD NIGGA I'LL TAKE YA SOUL" ) and ("I RATHER WASTE A NIGGA THAN WASTE TIME") while sharecropping at work, I began to ponder how much self hate I listened to during the course of the week. No matter how much I wanted to disregarded or deny it, the vast majority of the lyrics I listened to sounded like the drunken ranting of past overseers, or possible future proclamations of Neo Nazi's during a race war. I'm firm adherent to the belief that if you hear anything repeatedly for long enough duration, you will internalize and attain and believe of some, if not all of the rhetoric you've been exposed to, such a conviction is exacerbated by the fact the subject matter alluded to, most including myself have been listing to for at least half of there lives. So at the risk of seriously hampering my productivity, I began logging in the music I listened to at work by album, and pin pointing the most egregious lines. You know stuff like (YOU KILL ONE NIGGA YOU MINES WELL KILL SOME MORE") ()Then something happened that abruptly caused a change of plans. While browsing (Allhiphop) I hapend to see a news clipping (yep I'm old enough to say "clippings") mentioning a CNN special dealing with "Hip Hop". Now my initial inclination was "I'm not watching this s$&*". CNN has long been on my "fuck you list" of television stations, long before I basically gave up own cable news as a whole. I immediately conjured up visions of a show constructed by inept producers with a woefully inadequate knowledge of Hip Hop culture, let alone the music, spewing ignorant rants akin to 1950's rhetoric of Rock n Roll being the "Devils Music". My inclinations where further spurred by programs title "Hip Hop… Art or Poison", and the subsequent advertising which asked insidious leading questions like "How do they get away with it?". The power of DVR technology and resonant words of a former professor who stated "You should always want to know what your enemy is saying about you" prevailed over my, I hate CNN and Paula Zahn isn't that talented or attractive thoughts, and I decided to give hilariously labeled liberal channel a hour of my life..

At the shows inception, as expected it went thru the quick ubiquitous 3min synopsis of history. You know, some kids n the Bronx, Rappers Delight, Run DMC, NWA, and gangsta rap, Tupac n Bigge, then the hedonistic times of the present. Of course pertinent facts had to be mentioned, such as 80% of the purchasers of rap cd's just happen to be White, and 1 out of every 5 cd's sold in America (and prolly downloads excluding porn) are of the Hip Hop variety. Now a devout cynic would look at such a display of information and decipher from code "White people wake up, you and your kids are being infected with this insidious negro creation" but life didn't afford such a choice. for a common target of ire was beckoned for his opinion. When Chuck D appeared on the screen via satellite, the urge to change the channel never was stronger in my being. Lately when Chuck is asked to opine on Hip Hop matters it seems like the equivalent of asking Isaac Newtown to discuss nuclear propulsion, might have set the foundation for such a thing, but really not an expert on the subject. With right thumb placed in strategic position, I began to listen to the man who couldn't save Flava Flav's soul speak. Expecting the worst, and the best nonsensical punditry, literal amazement befell me as he refused to be a pawn in CNN game. Utilizing Fox News perfected tactic of suggestive questioning "Isn't it a fact that this type of music really can't be condoned?" Zahn peppered Chuck with far from fair line of questioning, he responded in a beyond adept manner. When the culture of Hip Hop was assailed, he posited about genuine American ideals and values that Rap had just adopted and adjusted to conjure its own manifestation. When rappers where continuality blamed for their product, the legendary group front man asked, "How come nobody brings up or asks about the Jimmy Iovines or Lyor cohens who really dictate what is put out in this industry??" At that moment I was instantly taken back to the days of "Don't Believe the Hype" and "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos" and remembered why P.E is legendary even if one of its members is coon of the year. Just when I started to feel good about the show, the teaser before the commercial break came on. "Next up we are going to show you how urban kids think and Hip Hop's affect on it". Shit why don't we just put this show on Discovery H.D and resurrect Steve Irwin at least it would look better and be more entertaining. Note to you I hate the term "Urban" .
Bills where paid and then the audience is swiftly whisked to North Carolina, for an episode of "Youth Out Of Control". Teenagers are asked if they desire the expensive items they see in rap videos, they say yes. Kids are asked if they know anyone that has undertaken illegal means to attain objects in rap videos, they say yes. If my roommates T.V didn't cost more than my first car I think I would've committed High Definition sacrilege. Not content to just on relations from kids on the street, and local criminologist was summoned in to state her view that "I have no doubt in my mind Rap is influencing these kids to commit crime, due to them trying to attain the extravagant items they see in the videos". Just when I thought this Emmy award wining piece was over I had to hear the reporter say "They call it getting paid" aggghhhh. The complete obscuring of American opulence and extravagance during that segment was maddening. The United States as a whole defines consumerism, and for Hip Hops effects to be placed above the omnipresent bombardment of advertisements everyone in this land endures daily is absurd. The individualistic desire to attain massive amounts of wealth is a true red white n blue standard, weather you shoot somebody in the head for a chain, or rob hundreds of thousands of people for their life savings. Different scale same principle. One true caveat not mentioned was standard of living, even though we live in the most affluent nation ever, disparities of wealth domestically inhabitants of to use their term "urban" (I feel sick) an extra motivational factor for nihilistic behavior, trying to garner more self worth. If you live in a abyss of poverty that nearly every one who your acquainted with and looks like you is mired in also, there is a good chance you will only see the trees in front of you (gaudy items in the hood and in music vids) for the rest of the forest or even out side of it, is concept not often pondered. Say what you will about the Feds and crime statistics, but rates of violent crime where much higher in the 80's when Rappers where on a Black Pride theme and everybody was rocken African medallions. Guess that means that Hip Hop then was more liable then the cocaine rap of today?

Credit should be given where it is due, and CNN did (at least on the first and only part of the series I watched) host a group of panelist that made me temporally question everything I read in (Cable News Confidential). Any time I see hear or read Micheal Eric Dyson, I'm reminded why the higher power gave us two eyes, two ears and one mouth, and when I witnessed the name Roland S Martin (Damn you NPR when u lost Ed Gordon you lost him) I thought that maybe I hadn't given up the Jamaica, for I never would have thought CNN would have given someone of his acumen and bent a platform. Even the individual who I thought was the token white guy was beyond great in his expression, I had no idea who Tom Wise was before the show, but he proved himself exceedingly proficient in the position he held down that night. I actually started to feel bad for those who feel Hip Hop is poison because those who represented there argument where really out numbered and out matched. Well they did have the host on they side, but with ignorant comments by a Black Lady whose name escapes me at th moment like "We as Black People are rhythm based so we become so immersed by the beat that we sometimes don't even think about the lyrics and the message and just sing along" hmmm so that same theory doesn't apply the main white purchasers of the product? I kept wondering, where is Maxine Waters when you need her to save you from loud individuals who say nothing. After a intriguing segment about the misogynic nature of Hip Hop degrading Black Women for a largely White audience and Isaiah Washington, Tim Hardaway like lets blame Rap for homophobia story line the panel rounded out the show, one last round table discussion was had. Dyson displayed it best when he stated the true wielders of power in the Music industry are not going market and promote Hip Hop that describes and criticize the structural inequalities of America, "there are plenty of rappers who do not divulge in the type of rhetoric you've brought up tonight, but the do not get nearly the same exposure". After he recited a very true line about OJ and Woody Allen from Mos Def's "Mr Nigga" Roland Martin interjected, "These corporations only care about profit, and sex and violence sells very well". After watching the special and witnessing the poll results stating the majority of viewers not surprisingly found Hip Hop to be poison, I was left with the same bothersome feelings. I worry about Hip Hop as an art form and culture. Sadly it's a creation we don't control, which has been manipulated and turned against us. The main elixir for Raps problems can easily be seen as balance, but the attainment of such seems sometimes like a distant non realistic possibility. We live in a land where there seems to be a new sadistic horror film in theaters every week, a government that condones torture has to tell a highly popular television to slow down with its depictions of it's use, and there's enough intrigue about death to sponsor 82 CSI's and 67 Law & Orders. Yes America we are some sick fucks....or at least are bread to be so. It shouldn't be surprising that the 180 of whats prominently displayed by the likes of Viacom, rarely if ever gets to be witnessed by you. Yes there are a lot of White Kids at Dead Prez shows, but the majority of "America" doesn't want to hear nor consume that shit or anything remotely like it. No huge profit, no shelf space for the product. That product should also be looked at keenly to. In a country where torture and murder of Blacks was a recreational sporting act, is it disturbing that there is such a massive non Black audience that loves to hear about Black destruction? Maybe being in the trunk is better that being on the tree, but still it isn't a beautiful scenario. If the Irish where the Niggers of Europe, than Blacks are akin to the Jews on that continent of earlier times, both where easy to blame for societies ills. The sad reality is that energy that should be spent trying rectifying some of Hip Hops maladies are exhausted in trying to defend it, because for a lot of people, defending Hip Hop is akin to defending themselves. The vicious cycle continues.

2008 The Barackomania Edition

One of the most crushing blows life delivers to those lucky enough to hold on its to precious finite quality, is the realization that something intrinsically important to us is utterly flawed without the slightest inkling of rectifying its self. Personally I've come along this tract concerning politics. Given recently attained understandings and realizations, the zeal which usually accompanies .a potential major political change has disappeared, eliminated by the often dogged truth that nothing adequately substantial will occur with the ascendance of a new candidate. Now I'm definitely not stating that voting is useless or uttering the apathetic mantra of "it doesn't matter", rather I'm exuding the pragmatic qualities within my being. Until it is no longer a necessity for candidates to acquire "Power Ball" equivalent "war chest" sums derived from fundraising to even be considered to be a legitimate candidate, and the American public shows the ability to stomach the serum of blunt truth from those running for office, the significant changes needed within the polity will never be derived from the executive office. Such a sordid reality was partly exposed to me when amazingly somehow Al Sharpton was making the most cogent arguments during the last election, and I'm predisposed t to be highly skeptical of all designs spouted by Black men who rock perms. Now, let it not be believed that the lack of significant positive change stemming from a election doesn't mean the choice the land won't cause catastrophic results for the rest of the world. In plain language, our commander in chief might not hold the world in the palm of his hands, but she/he directly determines the life spans of hundreds of thousands if not millions across the globe. So while I might view Al Gore as a soft ass punk, (and Mr. Gore your not special, Dr. Seuss told me about global warming in the mid 80's during a very informative elementary school film) and John Kerry as another incorrigible moderate Democrat, I voted for them both, for I required no Nostrodamus like qualities to foresee the cataclysmic results Bush's accession to the highest office in the land would ensure. I disseminate such views in the context of knowing that the 21 months until the next presidential election will rapidly expire like any recent non 9/11 tragedy from the American conscious. The habitually inept news media also seem to be aware of the object in the mirror being closer than it appears and have preformed in ways varying from informative to extremely patronizing. Well given these realities, and the fact that I've already spent precious hours of my life scouring the net for mock 2007 NFL drafts, I figure the least I could do as a "citizen" assess my early thoughts on a few of the 2008 Presidential Candidates. This week I shall focus upon...:

Barack Obama

My initial plan was to maintain a serious nature with this blog, but honestly the first thought that came to mind when trying to conjure up this opening sentence was, "Light Skin niggaz is back!!!". To all those non familiar with slightly ignorant inside Black humor I apologize, but sometimes you haft to laugh to avoid punching holes in inanimate and animate objects alike. I'm sure you've heard the story by now everybody seems to be in "love" with Mr. Obama. "He's so charismatic"." He's just what the country needs". "He embodies so much of what is great about this country". Did I miss something? Until a former Trim Spa hawking celebrity who should have been called up the Maury Povich show passed away I could have swore Jesus had come back, and yes indeed he was a Black Man, given the massive media attention given to him. The main question is why? Why are we daily updated on the seemingly fanatical "BarackOmania" tour stops daily, as if we will perish without them? I ask these queries for two simple reasons

"Sorry This Blog has been interrupted to announce that Damien Bradley Has Become The First Black Man Write a Blog while Smoking a Black N Mild, Downloading a Havana Ginger movie, and laughing at Camron screaming Cuuuuuurrrrrrrtiiiiisssss"

What on his scant political resume denotes rationale for such immense attention? ..And. Fuck Audacity of Hope, what has really given the masses the Audacity to think Obama can actually win? Maybe "Deep Impact" was more popular than I thought, and the populace has been watching just a little to much 24, so please allow me to snatch some from alternate realities back into the one which we all reside.

While not direct indicator of future immobility, history is great foundation to build summarizations upon. So what does American history tell us about our voting constituency and their propensity or lack thereof to elect a Black President? Bluntly, that the odds are slightly greater than attaining tickets to a 2Pac concert with Kurt Cobain starring as the opening act. Taking the highly manipulated and gerrymandered House of Representatives out of the equation, one only has to look at the Nations Governorships to surmise doesn't want to elect a Black President ( Asking if America is Ready is so misleading). There have only been 3…yes…3 Black Governors in our nations history and even that is debatable seeing that 1 of those wasn't elected but appointed as a temporary replacement. So? You belligerently state. Well the nations 50 states are a perfect platform for the Black President litmus test. While his or her politics, competition, and overall quality as a candidate are all factors that determined their electability, Americas states have repeatedly stated that Black candidates are not qualified to hold the highest office within a given state. If the race for presidential office can be seen as a battle for individual states, then the failure rate of Black candidates historically running for governor is very telling. So much is made of the "Black Vote" and the propensity of supposed racial voting solidarity amongst Black people, but the truth is getting White people to vote for Black candidates is often a Herculean feat to accomplish. Numbers talk and certain threads of ideology have the ability to traverse a state, while others are halted at regional boarders. There is a lot of pasture and forest between many metropolitan areas.

Another humbling fact hampering Mr Obama is the last 2 Democratic presidents where southern moderates. Now he has the whole moderate thing down, so much so that I haft to often question myself as to if I'm a Obama hater or just truly just not a fan of his politics and fraudulent witch like praise bestowed upon him, until he is fattened up just right as to be devoured by those who feigned, hope and belief in him. Know matter how moderate or religious he is, cannot change the fact that he is neither Southern or that he is Black in the South. I would put up my pittance of a paycheck every week that millions of Southern voters would gladly post a ballot for Ulysses s Grant before Barack. Now I'm not being overly cynical and stating no Black man could ever be elected in this nation, but I am saying its damn sure not going to be Barack Obama. Please let us be real with ourselves, the first Black president is going to haft to be Republican. No matter how articulate and safe Sen. Biden might think Mr. Obama is, the phrase Black Democratic is still acidic to the tongue of many, and congers up harrowing visions that aren't nearly as funny as that Dave Chappelle skit they love so much. When I say Black Republican I don't mean the walking punch line that goes by the moniker of Alan Keys (or a disappointing historic song by Nas n Jay-Z) I'm speaking more in terms of a pre lying his ass off committing credibility suicide at the U.N Colin Powell, he holds the soothing conforming political outlook America adores, and maintains a extremely reputable military and political background. Which reminds me…… what exactly has Barack done…and for how long? Now that question could and can be asked of many candidates, but for the sake of this discussion. If I had better HTML skill I would insert the sound of crickets here. I still haven't come to grips with which one was/is more madding, Barack's miniscule resume or Hillary Clinton refusing to take a stance on ANYTHING.

America pleased don't be fooled, a sole candidate can't and won't change us, only we can change us in concerns of the fairness in our thinking. Given how the majority of this land ponders political scenarios, all of this Barack watch stuff is almost nothing more than grandiose patronizing that makes a mockery out of reality or at worse creates a false one some would like you to believe exists.

Truthfully tho if I was to receive a phone call from the only type of telemarketers I can tolerate, political pollsters, I would say at the moment that Barack would be tied for first place with Hillary and an unnamed Green Party candidate for my vote.

I never said I liked my options

Peace