Diversity of Thought

Progression is a beautiful thing when it nears the correct destination. During the majority of my existence I’ve been so introspective that its amazing that I have any knowledge beyond my own boundaries. I have a very good friend who believes, to the point of knowing as fact, that all information in of its self is neutral in nature. It’s no genetic code…but I think I really have mastered the “Anatomy of Damien”, and have come to realize the composition of myself is no masterpiece. Although its not the most eloquent or articulate of phrases, what is: is what is. I’ve been caught in a perpetual cycle of lifestyle, which shames me as my only marker of consistency. The phrase of “knowledgeable ignorance” has recently been introduced to my lexicon and I realize that I’ve practiced it faithfully unbeknownst to self. If I despise hypocrites with a passion, how can I bestow great advice, but refuse to apply the same doctrine to my own ills? If there is one thing I’ll never know, its when my last second will be, so in all honesty I shed the comfort familiarity, and delve in actions that treat those within my world and myself appropriately. ……………

Allight I would be lying if I said I didn’t know where that came from, but trust it wasn’t planned. In truth I have many premeditated ideas I want touch like Alicia Keys, so I’ma hold off on where my mind seems to be at in favor of where it has been recently.

I had a bymyself conversation (not literally) in which I decided that I would make a conscious effort to try to speak less or not at all about race in my next few blogs. Beyond the fact of sounding monotonous, I don’t want to disseminate the idea that race is my main or only foucus. Alas as my homie Los told me, the perfect name for a album would be “Race, Money, and Pussy” , so as hard as I tried to avoid it my first topic is….

The N.B.A Dress Code

During the formative (dare I say wonder) years, our parents or guardians often lent sacred adages that did nothing but annoy and anger us. One of the most oft repeated ones I heard while residing on 5317 Kincaid st was “When you get your own house, you can do what you want to, until then your going to do what the fuck I say!!!”. Yes my childhood was filled with all types of niceties, but that strays from the point that was transferred: independence grants certain freedoms otherwise subject to be removed at the whim of others.

When I first heard of the new N.B.A dress code I wasn’t surprised at all. To the astonishment of others, due to my mainly pro (no pun) athlete stance I didn’t think it was a bad nor unfair requirement. The N.B.A is a billion dollar entity. Most if not all corporate structures enforce some semblance of a dress code upon its employees when they are conducting some form company business. I’m always one to see plentitudes of grey in a world most view as black n white, but the simplistic truth that you can freely leave your employment if you despise certain aspects of it enough applies to the N.B.A as it does to any profession.

Yet the dress code issue raised my ire. Why? Well being that I have curmudgeon tendencies, some things really irritate me. Two of those things happen to be, people hiding there true rational, or agenda, and trying to cover up what they really mean in deceptive wording.

If David Stern would have held a press conference and stated:

“Due to the extremely negative image that the average N.B.A player has in the eyes of the general public, and more importantly affluent white male consumer who contributes greatly to our fiscal success. which was only exacerbated by the riot in suburban Detroit nearly a year ago, The N.B.A has decided to attempt to tame the “hip hop” look feel and ultimately culture itself within its boundaries, as to appease very significant segments of our fan base.”

That’s all they had to say. The truth when immediacy given if not initially, eventually usually proves to be the best course action. Instead David Stern and his minions relayed a strong mantra of professionalism as the only reason for the implantation of the seemingly spontaneously generated dress code. The media coverage of the dress code intertwined with some sporadic Dead Prez listening is what almost curbed my peaceful nature. It seemed like the media was in collusion to promote the most ignorant niggaz and there absurd statements. Marcus Camby became this years version of Latrell Sprewell when posed that player should be given a stipend to “help” pay for the new dress requirements, while Raja Bell who obviously has a very oblivious nature said that the N..B.A’s move marketed at the wrong people sincerely stating that the vast majority of its fans are of the hip hop ilk, which you could make a decent argument for, but he presented that argument like a fool. As usual the remarks of sane people where neatly tucked away, the dress code has been a hot topic for at least a week in a half and I just finally came across views such as those held by Jason Richardson: "You still wear a suit, you still could be a crook,". "You see all what happened with Enron and Martha Stewart. Just because you dress a certain way doesn't mean you're that way."Hey, a guy could come in with baggy jeans, a do-rag and have a Ph.D., and a person who comes in with a suit could be a three-time felon. So, it's not what you wear, it's how you present yourself." The ironic and sad thing about that quote is, I had to find it in a Canadian newspaper. Even tho he also stated foolishly that players should be compensated with stipends to help comply with the new dress requirements, Allen Iverson was very correct when he surmised of the new code “ I don't think that's still going to help the image of the league at all."

A famed leader once what do you call a Blackman with a Phd. What was the answer? A nigga. The profession or dress of any human being is not enough to change the innate basic view others hold of them. Ultimately the dress code eases the psyche of a certain segment of fans with the sweet elixir of power. Fans who will populate arenas by the millions this basketball season will still cheer with the ultimate good will or deride with the most evil of natures. Those spectators who the N.B.A instituted these changes for will still feel that the average N.B.A player is a spoiled, inconsiderate thug, but they will feel great that they have them under some guise of control via there clothing attire.

All I know is …I’d be much more apt to choke to death a person who thru beer on my Armani suit than on my game uniform…………..

Random Thoughts

Addiction

The first step to solving a problem is admitting it..so (deep breath) I’m addicted to Wikipedia . Maybe its me going back to my youth when my season long punishments granted me the opportunity to become cool with my cell mate World Book, or just the plain simplicity of it. No matter the reason Wikipeda has increased my CP time and I haft to find some way to step away…slightly. Think its just me…try it for a second….don’t be scared….I’m a good person not like I’m offering you heroin or anything……..

Principle over Profit?

A associate of mine and a good fiend of one of my peoples recently returned from Texas on leave from participating in the Katrina clean up. He immediately altered us of the fiscal windfall he had been immersed in through his work, and how his monetary situation was about to become even better upon the cessation of his leave, for his new location of employ: New Orleans. In a time of where thousands throughout the gulf coast region are mired in the most destitute of conditions, labor is scant, and city employees where recently laid off in huge numbers, my friend stated that there was going to be a open house recruiting meeting offering contracts for cleanup labor, 1 year $80, 000. The prospect of such employment excited me then sobered with it traveling thru the various levels of my thought. Why should anyone be compensated so much for a abet harsh….yet simplistic job? Why aren’t the people who where most adversely affected given the first and strongest opportunity to fill such needed positions.? Why is such work being handled by billion dollar corporations, excluding the city’s and states that could desperately use the infusion of government funds? You and I already know the answers, but the questions still need to be asked. I thought about, but most likely not going to go to the meeting, mainly due to the year away and the extreme work hours, which within me shows a cruel realistic callousness. Even tho most of us know such practices are wrong, we participate in them due to personal self interest. ..Sorrta like shopping at Wal Mart I guess…….

Being a Mobb Deep fan for over a decade…witnessing the downfall of Prodigy …..is a very very sad thing… This nigga actually said “50 cent saved me” …smh…..

Numerous People have told me I remind them of a character in the movie “Crash”. I avoided watching the movie for a long time due to the reports of it being a extremely racist motion picture. Acquiescing to the wants of other I decided to rent it, where during the process the lady left the lock on the dvd…..a sign? I’m looking for peace and tranquility not anger in my life lol

Sometimes my sense of sight has caused me to utter… “I wish they didn’t let black people on tv” Well my philosophy was re confirmed when my boy Jeff recently altered me to a DC area car commercial for Eastern Motors. I’ll be honest…as much as I shook my head in shame at first….I can’t tell you the innumerable amount of times I watched this clip over and over……. I promise you immense laughter

It’s the second one from the top

Eastern Motors....damn i'm still lauging

The recent small riot in Toledo was a sad thing to witness. Off top I’m glad that all my fam and friends in that area went thru it unscathed. Now….The mayor of Toledo is right in stating that it is America, and even tho he his city did not grant permits to the nazi group, you simply can’t (or shouldn’t) stop people from just walking down a street. Where I disagree with the mayor is with is public relations school 101 blaming of gang members for the disturbances. While the burning down of random shit is a idiotic and dated form of protest, most of the persons involved did not participate in such activities and where not “gang members”, but citizens who arrived in a show of solidarity for there community, with a refusal to be disrespected. The mayor himself stated he was “disturbed” at the number of women and children in the crowd. Women and children are integral parts of a “community”. Sadly, as many predicated, ultimately the hate group got exactly what they wanted…….

I recently perused a “top 100” fastest growing careers in America for the 21^st century book.. Some of the rapidly growing professions?. Co’s / Pigs/ and bill collectors….i wonder why……………

Damn you MTV Jams ….damn u to hell. During the week you are one the plethora of reasons I shun the television. But what is this….before I decide to go out on Saturday I witness u playing the most joyous block of videos my eyes have seen . Soul by the Pound remix/ Passing me By/ Bring the Pain/ Down with the King/ Follow the Leader/ Gold Digger….upon more and more classic songs…..as I asked my self why don’t they do this more often….I received a theory I didn’t like….that most of the people who loved songs such as these where in the 25- 38 range…hence might or prolly have families and don’t go out on Saturdays that often ..if at all. Damn such a dilemma…..maybe I’ll be more apt to stay at home and play spades now……..

Killa Bee’s……West Nile Virus….and now Bird Flu…..I don’t give a fuck.

A few years ago I had lost faith in any network lacking the acronym of HBO, of having the ability to create any thing nearing a superior drama series. A year after its premier I realize that “Lost” has proven me quite wrong. I might be stretching entertainment by finding the correlations between the cycle of violence and basic political structures in society via the show…but damnit it’s good none the less.

Cartoons for Everyone

Very short and to the point…I’m a fan of political cartoons. So since you where kind enough to share your time with me, I’ma share some of the boards I’ve seen this week and simple thoughts on them

The views many hold on the Iraqi Constitution voting have lowered my faith in the intelligence of the masses, but there is always hope.

Nice job sepreating the insurgents from the "good" Iraqis, but even beyound that insn't there one american blood stainded hand missing?

Such a simplistic and positve view

My personal view

Ever hear of the term trial of the victors?

Extremely Fuzzy Logic

and

Songs and Lines

These are just some of my favorite songs and lines I’ve heard over the past few weeks, some relevant to my recent train of thought…some not.

Reflection of a Man/ Necro , Ill Bill

Aint nothing/ Silk the shocker …what u know about 1996?

In the rain/ Game and mob

That’s my hood/ Guci Mane……respect and dislike are different entities

We major/ Kayne West Nas….We ill get a Nas and Jigga album….when thy both are Barry Bonds age

The official/ Nas and Big Pun

Black girl lost/ Nas remix with Papoose

Street life/ Az and half a mill……Damn you Supreeme and Murder Inc, yall stole a talkent

Philosaphy of terror/ Jedi Mind Tricks……Vinne Paz…..angry angry intelligent man

Ya ass got took/ Scarface…classic Face

Put ya hammer down/ Wu- Tang

Stacey Adams/ Snoop……..you can’t name a cooler song can u?

Street nigga / Young Jeezy …….Why as this left off the album?

Like a angry crippled man don’t push me/ Ghost face

“running across the chess board with a gat aimed at ya queen”

“ maken good out of evil / holden my self back, it’s so fucken hard not to beat the shit out of peoaple”/ Necro

Cocaine soft and white like Michael jackson/ Guci Mane….funny guy

Niggaz is getten ova like unprotected sex with oprah./ Ras Kass

Verse of the Week

All conisuors of good music recived a gift when Ras Kass was released from prison, his recent verse off of the “Think Differently Music: Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture” alum on the song “Verses” shows once again his brilliance

“Who say Ras Kass don't spit fire, he a liar

That's like your favorite rap star claiming he gon' retire

When you mention me, not about penitentiary

Wins and rhyme skills, both twenty second century

Ahead of my time, school niggaz like Timbuktu

Cuz I'm original, Black Valosh Jew

Valoorsby BUFU , buy us, fuck you

Try us, fuck you, you die, y'all got gats, but him buck too, nigga

Sip the Grey Goose, and conned it, they know the room service

In Hotel Rwanda, reminder to honor these street scholars

Who ask why U.S. Defense is twenty percent of the tax dollar

Bush gave 6.46 billion to Halliburton

For troops support efforts in Iraq

Meanwhile, the hood is hurting, please believe that

The rape over, Chaney charging, 45 dollars for a case of soda

Draining tax payers, eighty five thousand dollar oil filters

But won't pay they soldiers, Halle Burton workers make

Fourteen thousand dollars a month, privates earn thirteen g's a year

Please who 25 extra, taking fire in combat

Recruit all the niggaz, that die from where I'm at

18 years old, talking 'Kill, where Saddam at?'

But can't have a gat, to protect where my moms at

I love to crunk, so what, plus I'm gangsta enough

To piss in pimping Ken’s, pimp cup, rack again and pump it up

How bitches still get fucked, niggaz just want a forty and a blunt”

Allight….I’m done….oh but I have one last thing to say  without words..

Peace…….and people sending me Friend Requests from Myspace music pages with out as much as saying what up first…..I got yall soon…………

AIM – ILLAIM365

Yahoo- illaimofdaconection

Msn- Daconection@hotmail.com

Rakim said it best........

Alas freedom!!!! 2005 has been a very strange, trying and complete ________ (I’m trying to consciously eradicate the term “bitch” from my vocabulary, so insert what you feel appropriate) of a year. Due to a litany of reasons, and ultimately my own negative actions I’m currently not attending school for the first time in 4 yrs. The best way I can describe my absence from class is: imagine being at the counter about to purchase a expensive prized possession ( car, house, coach bag, Russian bride (j/k) 5 pounds of weed (sans counter) only to realize that your 7 dollars short, and the transaction is voided out. Except for the $7 dollars actually being around $3000 and me trying to add about 12 credits instead of decadent material possession, I think the analogy fits. Since singular individuals don’t have telethons held for them, and because I have become utterly disgusted with the society which finances fundraisers after the B.E.T telethon( BET results) raised more money than Monday Night Football (with two games!!!)(Monday Night Football results) for hurricane Katrina survivors, I decided to quit masquerading my Timbs as fashion tools and utilize them in their company stated mandated purpose, labor. So over the course of the last month I’ve participated in 12 hour workdays…7 days a week, which if anything has solidified my main ambition of adding 8 hours to the day if I ever make a expedition into politics.

There is a ebb and flow to everything, and even though I received some of the biggest checks in my life, the 3 ½ hours I had to my self each day left little time for the people or things I love such as writing. So a dilemma arises….I have a backlog of thoughts .. should I just delete them, or just sound dated? Hmmmmm

Well if not for anything for a nice shiny title I had all planned out:

“The Blame Game” the New and Improved Race Card And the Dynamic of Polar Extremes”

I thinks I will act like ya local corner/ party store / bodega and disperse selections of a dated product…not that I don’t’ have love for yall or nothing………………..

Anyone that knows me fairly well understands that one the first places that will be stamped on my yet un-purchased passport will be Brazil. Now the rational for my certain future voyage is debatable….could it be the largest concentration of black people of outside Africa reside there, the palatial environment….or pure hedonistic thoughts? Hmmm I dunno…or just refuse to dry snitch on myself, but I will state that the supposed lowered emphasis on race visa vi class does intrigue me. If the latter is my sole reason, I can just save my money because much to my surprise race doesn’t matter anymore in America. Don’t believe me, how come? It was all over the news this past month. “Is there a class divide in America” “Did class haft to do with the ability of those trapped during the Hurricanes?” “Did class cause political apathy which in turned translated into political callous?” Honestly I haft to respect intelligence, so I say it was wise if abet utterly careless to ignore race role in last months disasters. Confrontation of reality is not the fastest route back to blissful ignorance you know?.......

I have a variety of mantras. One of those happens to be “There is a reason for everything”. I ascribe to that view even if understanding the logic behind such reason. causes my brain to hemorrhage. One such occurrence of this actuality occurred when I studied some recent (ed note: not so recent) polls

“A new Zogby poll shows President Bush's approval rating at 40% among likely voters with 59% disapproving. In dealing with Hurricane Katrina, 36% rate Bush's job as excellent or good and 60% rate his job as fair or poor”

Hmmm maybe Amercan standards have just fell off completely or we just could be more like the Roman Empire than I thought and love evil entertaiment. Nothing like seeing how long the nigga can go without water before he dies….If they put this on during the summer….maybe people would’t clammar for the NFL so much. From what I saw, there must be a lot of people out here with Mr Smithers like hearts to deem the Presidents response as “Excellent”

“A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll "illustrates the point vividly. Just 17 percent of Democrats said they approved of the way Bush was handling the Katrina crisis while 74 percent of Republicans said they approved”

Add no food, no water, blame the victem, while viewing from a aerial postion…and you

have a recipe for compansonate conservitism hmmm mmm. Tasty..

2 Second thoughts on the Bush Family…

I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about how people just want to blame President Bush for

everything. I can only represnet my self, when I say that personally thats the furthest

thing from the truth. If I could impose a undefeatable will upon the planet…nobody

would ever commit actions they could be “blamed” for. Alas my ablilty to impose

my will, just like my flesh, is weak so people proceed to commit actions which in turn cause results and elicit emotions.,,,,Hence our fearless leader

So people….it’s not so much asigning blame, but attributing proper resonces to the deeds of others.

So…. Any man who call on the help, then proceeds to hide shadows of the man who held his job before him, and his father…is a Bitch (damn I failed)

Also,,,.. after this comment about the evucuees in the Astrodome by Barbra Bush

“Almost everyone I've talked to says we're going to move to Houston. ... What I'm hearing, which is sort of scary, is they all want to stay in Texas. Everybody is so overwhelmed by the hospitality. And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this -- this is working very well for them.”

I will proceed to subscribe to the Bush women are drunken ignorant whores who spawn decrepit leaders view until further given a reason to alter my perception.

I’m not a Kayne West fan ….at all. Maybe it’s the fact that I tend to not like people who hold asshole like characteristics, or my perpetual support of the underdog over what is immensely popular, whatever the cause…he won’t be getting my $20 anytime soon. What he has of mine prolly until I perish is my respect for getting on national T.V and stating how he and millions of others felt, putting many things most wouldn’t sacrifice, on a precarious line. We all know what he said, so lets look at some of the things some of the people said about what he said.

New England Patriots fans booed him….but honestly my bar isn’t raised high for amebas dressed in red white in blue (sorry Savy)

Went over to Allhiphop (Like rap? )and read some guy Sher Zieve stated “Showing yet again that leftist have raised a generation of ignorant malicious and increasingly incompetent to comment on virtually anything adults Kayne West a ostensible “rapper” joined the never ending since 2000 bush bash fest.”

Hmmm not that great at deciphering things….but it seems that those on the left are to blame for all of public speaking ills that afflict Americans, and incompetence is defiened is a synonym for disagreement……I think…….

My personal favorite tho is this

Image

People of juxtaposing views will always exist even if they really wish they did not haft to coexist. Knowing such a fact, when people create such art, it really doesn’t anger me, just reinforce what my knowledge of what elements of thought are out there.

While most where mad that the white cartoonist used the word nigga in his work, I myself relized that Andy Marlette and I would neva be able to hold a civil converasation, after reading his comments. On his work…. “If anything it’s celebrating a black person who has really done something great and represents the best of black culture” in reference to Condoleezza Rice.

Who da fuck is this guy to say what represents the best of “black culture”?

I have a hard enough time pondering the fact Rice, and Clarence Thomas are the two most powerful Black political figures in America, let alone 50 “Fuck another nigga kids” Cent is the country most famous black artist. The world we live in sheesh

I think I woulda had to duff my man in the face for that one

Hmmmm I think that’s enough of sporadic old thoughts….new ones soon

Peace

AIM - ILLAIM365

MSN- Daconection@hotmail.com

Cant wait till the Boondocks make it to Adult Swim.........

THE TRUTH

I tried to wait. I tried to deny what I already knew. I hoped, whished, and never desired anything more in my life than the prayers of others where answered. I feel nothing but I volatile mix of anger, sadness and hurt. I’ve seen the truth. Not what people say, but the truth of there actions. I’ve seen how people really feel about other human beings.

I know, they never have, don’t, and never will give a fuck about us.

The scope of this tragedy is beyond comprehension, so I will be devoid of conscious structure, and just release my feelings.

Somebody just died while I typed this sentence.

People have been walking, living, surrounded by, and drowning, in the most squalid water one could possibly fathom. Raw sewage, every imaginable chemical, and thousands of rotting corpses, comprise the tide people travel miles through to reach what they will believe to be relief. A city makes this journey; Every type of individual possible is suffering. The elderly are dying on the street with out the minimalist of dignity. Babies ……..Babies …..are dying in the arms of mothers…….many who have no idea already where the rest of there family is, let alone if they are alive, if the didn’t already see them perish before there eyes.

We have heard thousands if not millions of messages, statements plans, and decrees about “Home Land Security” over the last four years. Such declarations and the Billions of funding behind them, lead to the most painful questions or our factual conclusions, when the treatment of Victims comes in to discussion.

Either didn’t have the ability to be better prepared.

We chose not to be prepared to our abilities.

Our didn’t give a fuck about the people trapped, enveloped by death, and only responded correctly when world opinion came into the world forum and We looked bad.

What do you honestly in your heart believe?

I will no longer say “Us” or “We” because I have been shown by them, I am not one of them.

The government knew for a week that a category 4 or 5 Hurricane would hit the Gulf Coast. The government new that the levy system could only with withstand a level 3 category hurricane at best. The government knew, that if the levy broke it would cause a unprecedented disaster the likes we have never seen in this country.

Why weren’t’ national guard troops and other agencies situated around the parameter to be immediately prepared to enter the situation.?

Why weren’t at the least divisions put on standby?

How could any person or group of people be so evil and callous to, using the trust invested in them, get masses of suffering destitute individuals who are enduring horrors they never thought possible to enter a stadium and convention center, with out bare necessities to help them sustain living, and them refuse to let them vacate?

How could with any leader who has the power and ability to help, see thousands of people, Human Beings….. Mothers, Fathers, Grandparents, Family, Friends, Children Babies……Rot ……literally Decay on the only non submerged portion of a freeway, for 5 DAYS, with out providing ANYTHING. THE RICHEST MOST POWERFUL NATION IN THE HISTROY OF THE WORLD, Left thousands to die, for days on in. It isn’t that they didn’t give enough, THEY GAVE NOTHING AT ALL.

To it’s own people. This is how America treated it’s family

Imagine, just imagine your self in that position.

IMAGINE SOMEONE YOU LOVE IN THAT POSITION

The most powerful military ever known, could not complete a task as simple as air lifting food and water????? They can’t accomplish that in 5 days? When it did just that to help save a German City 60 yrs ago.?

The goverment can close down highways, which where created for military purposes initaly, for construction, but can't close them down to allow victems to escape?

The Government completely shut down the Airline Industry during 9/11. But we can’t take over Greyhound Buslines to help export the PEOPLE from the most destitute national tragedy that any living U.S resident has seen?

Instead of talk of sending in water, food, medicine, Doctors, those in charger, those whose sworn duty it is to protect those living in there own revelations, talk of sending in “Locked and Loaded Troops” who are authorized to us “All Necessary Force” ie:THE RIGHT TO KILL ON THERE OWN TERMS/ to subdue individuals..

PROPERTY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN LIFE

LAW AND ORDER IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN SAVING LIVES

While countless individuals suffer through tragedy that words can do no justice, those of us reduced to tears by the suffering of others, had to endure the demonizing of victims.

Striped of there citizenship title, desperate survivors, utilized any means necessary to find substance and water to hopefully keep themselves, their family, friends, and complete and utter strangers whom they have never met before, ALIVE, for another day, hour second, as they see hundreds perish around them. These people were labeled looters, thieves thugs, by people who placed in the same hell would do the exact same things.

Thousands of People have died, hundreds are still dying, AND THE MEDIA DECIDES TO DEVOTE IT’S ATTENTION TO “GUN TOATING THUGS”. Fires and sporadic gunshots.

Those who asked nor deserved the plight they endure are being blamed for the tragedy befallen them and made to look and live like animals

Why were/ are these people being treated this way?

The shameful part is we know why………………… and still refuse to admit it.

I please ask you…. To look and listen to some of these images and sounds and really…..really think about this .

The People ( Click the link under "Horror Show")

The Mayor speaks (click on link on the right side)

Thank you.

Race Based Education

There was a recent time in my existence where I really envied inhabits of the Caribbean. Yes being able to reside in a temperately palatal environment, where the water possesses a pristine clarity is highly desirable, but my now exposed jealousy stems from something far more sought-after than near utopian ( at least until economic interest come into play) surroundings.

The populaces of Caribbean nations have something that I will never feel the comfort of in my land, a true feeling of citizenship. Sure, according to the paperwork I’m a U.S citizen, and if I happened to loose my way around the streets of Babylon, there is a better than 50/50 chance that I would get national tv exposure in exchange for my beheading. Beyond bureaucratic registers and CIA travel warnings, many groups can attest (Germans, Japanese, Arab) that the concept of “American” is quite malleable and often fleeting term. Such is where deadly sin number 2 comes into play. Despite the embedded psychological belief that lighter skin is better, the omnipresent realities of race are far less integral in Caribbean citizens everyday lives. Due to such a mentality you will often see many people of all shades and by our definition, racial types rejoicing in the reverence of there given nation. Dominicans, Haitians, Cubans, and Jamaicans all bask in the warmth of there flag, and I challenge anyone to find a more proud group of people than Puerto Ricans. I think my jealousy stems from the hurt of knowing I would be a fool to embrace the stars and stripes.

It’s a horrible malady when you want to love someone that abuses and neglects you, and when they start to treat you better goes and tortures your cousin Yet I still yearn for the days where I don’t feel like smacking (or chasing as Ice Cube alluded to) niggaz in red white and blue, and we all just look at ourselves as Americans. Maybe, just maybe stuff like the whole Milton Bradley/ Jeff Kent debate would not occur.

To paraphrase the various media reports both individuals who are L.A Dodger baseball players got into a heated debate over Bradley not hustling enough on a previous play. After the feud moved into the locker room and spurred a hurried closed door meeting with the manager. (No, I’m not lost there is a point.) Two days latter while being interviewed by reporters; Bradley stated that the incident was a dead issue and was handled internally. Less than a half an hour later when asked what spurred the conflict, Bradley flatly in a calm manner stated “he doesn’t know how to talk to African Americans”. Bradley’s comments caused a slight media uproar, and where juxtaposed against Kent’s retort of “I take offence to that its absolutely pathetic. If you think that I’ve got a problem with African Americans, then go talk to Dusty Baker. Go talk to Joe Carter, Go talk to Dave Winfield all the guys all the guys that I idolized and taught me how to play this game. I will not get into this anymore and that’s all I’ve got to say”

My immediate reaction was I could definitely see Bradley’s allegations as being plausible, and found Kent’s response irritatingly expected. What truly angered me though was the media’s spin on the incident which clearly showed how reactionary it and the denizens which adhere to it, have become. Most of the headlines I saw about the story read to the effect “Bradley labels Kent a Racist”. What The Fuck??? Did I miss something? I failed a stats class before so I’m not that great with correlations, but wouldn’t that premise be the same as a lady labeling a man a “women hater” if she stated said man did not know how to talk to women? The fact that the dispute was positioned as “Is Jeff Kent racist or is Milton Bradley Race Baiting?” completely misses the point Bradley was making, and destroyed a perfect chance for a good national discussion. Given the experiences of my self and millions of other people who I may share nothing with but genetic heritage, it is a proven fact that a good segment of White people do not know how to “talk” to black people. Even though I do know why, I still find it hard to believe many people just can’t grasp that concept. There are usually 3 main types of not knowing how to talk to Black People…….matter of fact Let me Preface this by saying these apply really to almost any group that you are not apart of….. okay but yeah three main types, Accidental, the Test or Misplaced Affection, and of course Outright desired ignorance. None of these three concepts even if held by a person, makes them a racist by default.

Accidental: Some people have know clue they are being offensive to some one via speech. A White person could say “You can’t fuck with me Boy” during a friendly game of Madden,, and then become astonished and bewildered why his boy got heated cuz he called him Boy. This case is understandable if one takes into account ones background and the general lack of understanding of cultures….but it can lead to problems if it is perceived as…………

The Test or misplaced affection: Boundaries are omnipresent components to all things animate and inanimate and it’s almost the innate nature of humankind to try to test or cross them. The testing comes in the form of, friends trying to slip in nigga in the first or third person,, speaking the terms homie, bro, or some woefully played out slang such as G.. Misplaced affection is another variant of “accidental” where the person says the same type of thing a person trying to test somebody would.

Out right Desired Ignorance: You already know.

Now put your self in a social position, work, school, shopping or over a friends of a friends house, and somebody says something to you that erases your jovial mood and places the expression of a boxer receiving opening instructions on your face. Add to that caveat, nobody outside the incident seems to understand why your mad, which angers you more This scenario is played out millions of times everyday across this vast land between various races. The options available to combat such a scenario are few. One can risk, friendship, relationship, job and freedom vigorously voicing displeasure, or articulating negative feelings thru physical body language. If a person is unusual temperament, he/she may explain there position and help rectify the situation. A good number of people play the middle of those two and say nothing or make a far more subtle statement than their internalized anger would prefer. All confines have limited capacity however, and eventually the contents are released to exposure, such as in Milton Bradley’s case. Should Bradley who says he’s been dealing with Kent’s antics all season, while immersed in club house with no other black players, be deemed a racist expressing his feelings? No. Is Jeff Kent a racist? I don’t know, (I thought about his prior beef with Barry Bonds….but even tho he’s my fav player, I haft to admit he is a asshole and he prolly had something to do with it) but I highly doubt it ,comments such as “ask my black friends and peers”, negatively paints his profile though. I yearn for the day that mankind understands that all groups are not homogenous, and some people writhen all sects will kowtow to certain actions. I mean fuck, even George Wallace and Strom Thurman had niggaz that loved them. Some people will subject themselves to anything to be accepted, and others simply find some things unacceptable. Sadly most of us find jumping to extreme conclusions highly tolerable.

So Randy Moss had a Oprah moment with Bryant Gumbell, and was personally destructive with his honesty. Mr. Moss decided to reveal that he has smoked weed while in the N.F.L, and surprise,e prolly will continue to sporadically. The fact that I smoked last night and found what ever was on tv (can’t remember) at 1:48 am utterly amazing, doesn’t bias my view on this situation. Initially my thoughts where “Randy is just a stupid fuck, why make it easy for others to criticize you, the proverbial “giving them a reason”. I further contemplated the story after gaining various opinions, and deemed that it was a waste of time. Smoking weed is as American as beer and fucking in the backseat, why should anyone care. Yes smoking weed is illegal, a lot of things are. Laws are inherently pliable and far from infallible; nobody is in a position to be uppity with them. The best argument I heard so far was the weed is a gateway drug, which makes it non use so viable. I can see the logic behind that, but wouldn’t make it more sense to utilize the hundreds of millions spent on anti drug advertising to decry horrible vices like heroin cocaine and crystal meth, so little Billy will be scared as fuck to try anything beyond weed, instead connecting weed to terrorism and showing 2^nd graders reciting Ecstasy ABC’s

Fuck Burger King, and the chicken fry commercials

Same for Starburst with that mariachi band ish

As one who benefits daily from the spoils of war, I tread lightly when speaking on the need of Israel to leave the occupied territories.. I find it amusing in sad way though, that there was such sympathy shown to settlers forced to leave there land by the government. Compassion is a great thing, when distributed evenly. I feel for the good hearted Jewish settlers forced to evacuate their lands, but no more than I do for the Palestinian family who had it’s house bulldozed because one of its inhabitants extended family members was as terror suspect.

Suge Knight got shot the other day, 10 years to late, 2ft to low.

Number one album of the week: Hillary Duff “Most Wanted”

I always felt you could tell a lot about a person(s), but the music they listen to.

Number one movie of the week: The 40 yr old virgin

I wonder and hope that… A. Since they show annoyingly show commercials before movies now, did Jergens by some time, B. That not many people can relate to the premise.

I don't pray, but my heart goes out to those in the N.O and surounding areas

peace

Aim: ILLAIM365

Msn: Daconection@hotmail.com

Hate and Juice

Hate is a strong word, despise, disgust, distain, and abhor, all could reside in hates residence in my speech, but they are not adequate to describe two the joys life affords me.

Damien Hates…….. Being Sick, I know makes me special doesn’t it? My statement is not predicated on individuality but, upon inherent idiosycrancies that I despise concerning my health. It is highly apparent that my body contains a involuntary self destruct button, that is pushed by a unidentified force. Somehow when ever I’m about to start a new job, work out regimen, or major project, I’m suddenly stricken with a cold/ flu/ allergy symptoms, leaving me to feel like a Greek whose crew decided I’d spent enough time on the planet. After drinking Nyquil, like it was that “drank” I hear so much about and ignoring the various prescribed so called “doses” of other medicines, I no longer feel like the government has been experimenting on me, and have a new found appreciation for the ability to breath. Please let me utilize this sentence to thank all those who offered chicken soup and other remedies……there are few things that compare to campbells and compassion, your kind thoughts and intentions are appreciated.

Damien Hates…….. Quick….what is the easiest way to find out if someone truly cares about you…… if you are thinking… lending money….or consisting to sexual favors they really don’t agree with, for your pleasure….eh eh…your wrong. With it’s only superior being, pushing somebody out of the way to purposely inherent their bullets, helping people move is defiantly at the apex of true caring. I still loathe moving more than Patriots and Patriot fans (both types). Why… well limited exposure to factory work has taught me two things, formen are assholes…and foremen are assholes, who like those who personally converse with God on a regular basis…see their vision as an unbreakable prophecy. My point? During the process of moving EVERYBODY becomes a foreman, leaving me to wish I had a front row seat at college republican conference rather than holding a musty couch, and testing my muscle endurance, while the greatest schematic minds debate how to navigate a Himalayan like hand rail. Moving is the ultimate labor of love…but because of that varying type of love I continue to volunteer to help those I care about……….and for the mgd………..and okay cuz I can’t move my self can I?

Now that I have acknowledged and addressed my hate issues, I can discuses my subjective views on issues in a objective manner.

I’m sure nobody from Ripley’s even knows I exist so “Believe it or Not” there was a time when I was a patriotic young bastad, who believed in all American hero’s and hoped that moms would put down the drug of the day and my stepdad would find it equitable to give me a plastic toy representation of said hero’s created by the good folks at Hasbro, as a consolation prize for who could kick who’s ass after work contest. During that same period I became fully immersed in what was/is deemed the “American Pastime”. Even though my hometown team sucked then, like it continues to with horrid consistency, you could always see a little kid with a afro ten years after it was cool walking back to 5317 Kincaid, temporary joy infiltrating his troubled child hood via a pack of baseball cards, while attempting to chew the box cutter blade like stick of gum that came with them. Ironically in the year of 88, my favorite baseball players where Jose Canseco and Barry Bonds. My highly impressionable child hood mind was far less pessimistic and skeptical back then, and definitely lacked the capacity to fathom that nearly 20 yrs in the future what chemicals they may or may not have taken would be at the forefront the nations conscious. If he/she/ it? is truly omniscient, than lords knows I tried to avoid writing about the whole “steroid controversy” but the whole Rafael Palmeiro hysteria has raised my ire….Lets count the reasons why shall we.

Steroids aren’t new. / Am I the only person that remembers that damn near every body in the N.F.L circa 75-85 injected they ass on a more regular basis the San Francisco males on weekends. I mean I’m man enough to admit I shed a tear for Lyle Alzado who became the poster boy tragic behemoth athlete, let alone recognizing the random wrestler that spazzes out each month or adheres to 1842 life expectancy rates, so why is society acting like steroids is some new found plague? The same uppity ideology held by baseballs acolytes that causes the delusional Americas pastime perception, has caused fans to react like suburbanites did during the crack epidemic. It was okay when steroids were pervasive in the slums of football, wrestling, and track, but Armageddon commenced soon as they reached the pristine environment of baseball. The horror induced by the steroids plague lent credence to Cornell West “Weapons of Mass Distraction Theory” earlier in the year as Congress decided ignore trivial matters like war and gas prices that have Schwinn believing it can turn our country into Thailand soon, and hold hearings on steroids in MLB. I thought Viagra affected other body parts, but Palmeiro showed enhanced ______ fortitude as he got his Ollie North on, and powerfully denied using any steroids. At the time I didn’t care, I was just happy to see Mark McGuire be reduced to a sniveling bitch, and thought nothing of any of the players credibility. There was a slight lull until it was recently reviled that Palmeiro tested positive for steroids, then the Dresden like fire storm resumed. Parents beckoned about the lives of children ravaged by steroids, sports pundits eagerly voiced there intention not to elect him into the hall of fame, the Pres in his idiotic way endorsed Palmerio’s innocence, and of course Congress decided to conduct a immediate inquiry. My first fuck you goes out to congress, it’s not like their the most powerful body of lawmakers ever known to human kind, could be spending there time on more vexing matters such as,,,,”Why is it easier for pornstars to get married than strippers?” or “Why don’t Black people view Idaho South/North Dakota, and Wyoming as tourist attractions?”. The second is sent to the general public who is crying about such matters. Baseball is well on its way to setting record attendance records, if the use of steroids was really so appalling, fans would stay away in droves. Not even the pimping of the public by MLB after the latter withheld Palmerio’s positive results for four months to enable the feel good story of him attaining 3,000 hits has raised the fans ire enough to add some principle to the wasteful outcries. The third and finial one goes to the Fred Goldmen like parents who blame steroids for the untimely demise of their children. This miss appropriations of focus on steroids is a far greater problem the steroids them selves. I feel no shame that I carry a strong urge to smack every parent who appears on a news network hold in picture of there child who prolly succumbed to any malady but the one their being exploited to talk about.

The reasoning behind my forced abdication from t.v was reinforced by this most trivial of controversy, alas I wonder ….do people ever discuss anything remotely relevant with maddening repetition?

…….. 8 seconds later the writer realizes he became part of the problem…….

Peace

AIM - ILLAIM365

MSN- daconection@hotmail.com

Yahoo- illaimofdaconection

Random thought: Bill Maher hates the far right and loves black chocha….i think he might have cracked my people I’d like to smoke with list….