"Harsh Reality"

If one knows me they knows I love to debate. Some classify it as standard arguing, but that's far to derogatory a term for the art of conversation. Auguring is based on the intrinsic goal of reigning victorious in verbal warfare, often sparing nothing, leaving raised terrain from which nothing is gained. Alternatively discussions, involving opposing view points are often the most fruitful of endeavors. Listening is an invaluable element to learning, while it might seem like you're vehemently denouncing another's views, your really pilfering knowledge and previously unknown insight which will be used to later formulate an enhanced perception of the world that gravitates more closely to reality then where you previously where aligned.

The different approaches enacted while engaging in conversation are presently manifesting themselves as thoughts, as I currently reminisce on the first politically themed conversation I engaged in with a good friend upon arriving in the D.C area in 2006. I can't remember what particular case caused our disagreement, but some how the topic steered itself into equality or lack thereof within Americas legal system. The crux of the conversation dealt with his belief that if we both committed the same crime (Him being White me Black) and had the same type of background and criminal history that we would most likely be afforded the same type of a sentence. Even tho empirical fact combined with life's observations transformed my stance into and immovable object, I stood in respectful awe at his position and chose to frame it as welcome idealism and personal fairness displayed on his part, instead of understandable ignorance. I stated that there is no realistically conceivable way that a non White person would have 12 persons who thought like him on their jury, let alone 10, he replied that ultimately If you didn't the crime do it you have nothing to worry about,to which I replied that's just one side of the equation,because if I did commit the crime and received a "sentence" even more criminal then the crime I under took..who ultimately is more guilty?

I'm prolly reflecting on that time because it makes in easier to deal with present events.

The ability to learn that many are unaware, not insidious, fair, not eternally corrupt, is imperative to one one hoping to maintain his own balance in life, for events will force you to recall and utilize that knowledge.
Events such as the Sean Bell Case.

Disclosing nothing but honesty with you, I have to admit when the verdict was first announced on Friday I was devoid of an immediate powerful emotional response. I took the the ruling of the judge as a well known forgone conclusion, with the trial comprising of nothing more than a placating charade, espousing false ideals. I took umbrage that a quick skimming of the news provided no pundits discussing, let alone decrying, a travesty of justice involving the murdering of a citizen by the state, while being bombarded with news of a shark attack and even more Rev Wright lambasting, but remained relatively calm.

The calm was short lived......

When I allowed myself to think about the verdict anger, sadness, and a crippling sense of helplessness involving any path that would not invoke massive violence held sway over me.

I recognized I tried to consciously detach myself from the harsh reality of the Bell proceedings, an act that has become more prevalent in my nature lately which I'm not sure how I feel about.

Becoming seduced by the bliss of ignorance.

I'm currently residing in conscious state of shock, a self prescribed purgatory necessary to remain functional

I know how I felt last year when adolescent lives where willfully being destroyed by our system for the world to see, over a high school brawl.

I know how I felt last year watching Vick becoming the most hated man in America since Osama..for a relatively trivial crime in comparison.

I know how I felt in the late August early September of 05.

I can't put my self in that position again.

I've never been one for detachment, but the constant practice of empathy, and awareness eventually will take its toll.

So friends ask me for my opinion, amd I choose not to disclose it Some send me articles about the case and I respectfully tell em I can't read them at this time.For the sake of my sanity .

I don't want to go there at the momentI don't want to think about how homicide will always remain justifiable when committed by the hands of law enforcement against Blacks, man or women.

I choose not to focuos on how the majority of the country could give a fuck less about the verdict, or will with great zeal go through Olympic level contorians to convey the right judgement was pronounced.

No, won't go in depth into the incestuous relationship between Judges,DA's, and those on the front lines known as police officers.

I will instead collect myself, I will feel for Bell's widow child, family and all others who cared for him.

I will construct a better understanding for those who practice self delusion, instead of the natural default animus I usually display.

I will become more even more aware

And eventually

I will get back to normal.....


(Dame)

The Minister

Its funny what personal dislike and a lack of options will lead a person. Like many others, I need some type of external stimulus to stave off the agitation of banal tranquility. Given my disdain for the FM frequency that has existed since the days of a activator purchasing O’Shea Jackson proclaiming his listeners should "Turn Off the Radio". I immediately turned to the AM side of the dial hoping to enable my fixation for talk radio, sports or otherwise. One twist to monolithic sports entity know as ESPN station gave me college basketball play by play, a quick turn away to the 980 frequency immersed me into the same description of two college teams it would take a implanted microchip to make me care about. Desperately trying to escape silence, while thinking college basketball isn’t what it used to be, I chose to conclude my sojourn on the first station that beamed with clarity, which happened to be 630AM.

As the society mandated commercials came to a end with one proclaiming the benefits of a company known as "Life Lock" which I had read something about last year stating they where frauds, I heard a sound. I know that sound. but from where? EIB radio network…hey that’s familiar ….its "The Rush Limbaugh Show"…damn intercollegiate basketball..

While sometimes an entertaining insight into the thoughts and talking points of the ardent right, often the listening of conservative talk radio is akin to bull riding. The object remains to see how long you can hang on, but instead of literally falling off angry prodded animal, the utterances of host and guest often craft thoughts of seeking refuge by smashing your head through a pane of glass.

At the risk of subjecting myself to action hero scrapes on my forehead I decided to listen to "EL Rushbo" and see what he had to say. Topic of the day, Barack Obama’s minister, and his incendiary, unbelievable, racist comments. Boy I’ll tell you the fact that the Right Wing Smear Machine has yet to appear on "Modern Marvels" is a travesty.

After a elongated intro seemingly designed to sell more product, some proven to be fraduluent. the shows producer finally qued up keenly selected audio portions of Rev. Jeremiah Wright sermons over a broad spread of time. As the familiar excitable oratory known to be symboblic of Black preachers blared through the speakers I waited to be shocked and amazed.

It never happened.

From what I could gather while desperately searching for parking, a few themes definitively rang out from the pulpit.

9/11 Was The Chickens Coming Home to Roost/ What We have done

Jesus Was Black…

Rich and Powerful White People run things for the Most Part

Hmm okay…

As we approach the end of the first decade of the new millennium, it should be aware to everyone that the feelings of dislike and even hate for America are not born out of spontaneous generation. The "they hate us because of are freedom" mantra is very 2002 and reaches a Gucci Mane level of ignorance when applied to discourse. The death of any innocent human being is a tragedy, but that doesn’t give logical pretense to ignore or fabricate the rational behind their murder.

Wright with skillful verbal dexterity, invoked American practices from Israel, Vietnam, Japan and Iraq, painfully inversing the numbers game we often play, with the deified 3,000 souls lost during 9/11 with the millions who perished at the hands of American action.

Blowback is as much a tangible consequence as it is respected concept. Many of of those who swear to protect or kill you will tell you the same let alone your own common sense.

Admitting culpability or even guilt is never a easy thing to do on any level. Until we as a land muster up the strength to admit our own faults, and compassion to regard foreign life with at least a modicum of the esteem we regard our own with, tragedies partly of our own doing will continue to occur with sadly accelerated frequency.

"Listen He’s Blaming America For 9/11 !!!!!!"

New Clip "Jesus was a Black Man wanting change he was different from the Romans, who where Italian meaning they where white, so they didn’t like him, which is the same reason some here in America have a problem with Barack today!!!!!!!!."

To be honest, I could care less what color Jesus was. When El feroz recently proclaimed Jesus was Mexican after a drubbing. I had to laugh because his view stated Jesus was of a race that didn’t even exist during his time. All conversation about the color of the supposed son of God is inherently divisive, yet the default assumption that he was white is enough to give any psychologist a lifetime of work.

So when somebody you like, listens and respects another individual who thinks Jesus was black., you haft to take a step back from your fondness him or her because..

How could Jesus be black?

For some its just preposterous, for others somehow such a position is racist.

The question of why would be telling if answered.

How could you let your kids be christened by a man would say such racist things.????

The last clip featured a loud proclamation that rich White people held sway over the decision making in our land……

Hmmm

Last time I checked rich White people held signigigant influence over the decisions made in this land affecting non white people and the numerical majority of non rich and influential White people.

While listening to a parade of callers pull out their verbal pens to co sign the belief that Obama’s reverend was a American hating racist, including the ubiquitous "Hello I’m a African American, and I also find Obama’s reverend to be racist" guy, the thought of "I’m glad Obama would subject himself to some one who held such views"

No matter what either side of the political spectrum wants you or even themselves to believe Barack Obama is a moderate democrat, encompassing all of the positives and negatives that label entails no matter your political ideology. Contrary to anyone’s belief or false predictions if he makes it to inauguration day, Barack will not be raising any black fist up.

While I have major issues with religion(The Black Church in Particular) and the insidious intermingling of religion and politics, I find it positive that someone who believes we should take some form of accountability for our actions throughout the world has some level of communication with the man that may become or future leader.

This is not stating he is beholden to Wrights musings, any wise persons thought is nothing more than the amalgamation of varying opinions melded with their own final stance. But the ability to listen, to hear certain view points, while in agreement or not is a skill some unfortunately never attain.

To have Wrights voice no matter how strong or overblown in its meagerness, circulating with those of a cadre of advisors some of whom who would favor a continued American militaristic stance, is a good thing.

Over blowing statements, and having any critical analysis of your nations policy being deemed Anti American is not..

(No window panes where broken during the listening of The Rush Limbaugh Show)

Living The Dream

With the recent passing of a Black greats national holiday occurring concurrently alongside miniscule attention paid to said leaders angst towards his home lands social structuring, and malevolent foreign policy, while insidiously being intertwined into the presidential race, it is germane to look at how far we have really come, and where we are really at via aspects of Election 08.

A mere two weeks ago, the inevitable that many denied still existed and decried as a relic of the past arose from its tranquilized slumber. Race. The techniques of its awaking seemed akin to the smacking of a dazed boxer in the middle rounds of a prize fight, by a trainer who had placed substantial wagers upon his pugilist reigning victorious.

After Isiah Thomas (well not that bad) like mismanagement of a near guaranteed presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton had been placed in the precarious position of trying to find a way to criticize Americas favorite One Drop rule reaffirming Black Man. In every true since of the word it was and continues to be a unenviable position. How do you degrade your very strong opponent with out alienating a large segment of those your support you need reach your ultimate goal, and yet acknowledge and replicate common societal pretences to place numerical majorities at ease? The heir to the Clinton dynasty faces quite the conundrum so to speak.

Her first truly well publicized attempt a proverbial stab at Obama came in the form of a triad like inference best explained in such a equation: Dr. Martin Luther King and Barack Obama are historically great orators, Obama is no King however, and even King needed a remarkable president to take his movement to the highest levels government and transform his "dream" into reality. I (Hillary) am that potential president that has the skill set along side the desire and will necessary to accomplish such great feats. Got it? Trust its simple once you think about it.

What followed was utter, if not expected, lunacy acted out by the 4th Estate. Clinton was strongly accused of interjecting race into what was previously an idyllic, read delusional presidential campaign. She was forced to engage in a media blitzkrieg to down play erroneous assumptions gleaned from her statements. Knowing any strong element or racial discourse revolving around his campaign would be like direct sunlight shed upon mogwais, Barack championed the Clintons civil rights record, while painful acknowledging what they have "done" for Black people.

Unleashed by a fraudulent Gulf of Tonkin like moment, the insidious status quo sanctioned vernacular of racial dialogue appeared from behind the curtain. Restrictive, belittling terms such as "race card" and "race baiting" returned to the news cycle prominence in all their inaccuracy. Ironically a more direct, but still debatably honest quote by former president Bill Clinton where he referred to Obama's on going campaign as a "fairytale"was moved aside for the broader façade of a racial discussion.

Discourse was stimulated by a living testament to the fact that no matter how much wealth a Black man attains he still is highly susceptible to doing the bidding of White people. After birthing the abomination know as B.E.T and being a card carrying member of the profit over principle crowd, you would hope he had damn near no credibility with the Black voting masses and would be booed off stage like an obese exotic dancer. Instead sadly without a chorus of jeering he stumped for the Clinton and wrapped his assertion that Obama was getting fucked up in the hood while the "Clintinnsss" where "hellllping usssss" in a invisible veil (guess he decided it was better than the thin one). Of course he took the brunt of the deserved criticism for his words, but like stricken testimony at trail, his projected image of the Illinois Senator remains with the voting judge and jury that is our populace.

These events have crafted some serious social, political, and yes racial questions.

If your Black, why do you love the Clintons, Bill in particular?

Is it because the media tells you that you do? Is it the "He was the first Black president mantra" so popularized by all facets of society? Why do they say that? Because he was a weed smoking womanizer with "soul" ? Is it because life was better under Clinton leadership and you completely ignore are unaware of the laws he helped to enact that drastically reduced the quality of life of millions? If you answered yes to any of these questions go purchase a copy or Randall Robinson's book "The Debt" now

Moving on from the Clintons, why are we constantly told that Obama is running for President of the United States of America not "Black America"?

Please let the author know that it is not necessary to have an intelligence questioning above 137 to understand that "American Politics" means Whit eeerrrrr "European American politics " and Black issues can be damned.

The cries of one unified America are released from all fathomable areas of this nation, yet when problems that ravage massive portions of the "citizenry are pushed aside or discredited as not being "serious" issues. This precludes us from your America, because the perils of Black America aren't recognized as American issues, but purely Black ones, no matter how the state might have help create or is currently involved in any of these problems. The troubling dictum that politics or environment have nothing to do with solely personally inflicted ills of Black America still remains champion, and would like some polish for its belt.

The media spin placed upon the Democratic presidential race along with the successes of Obama's campaign have caused a considerable amount of Black support to convert their allegiance to the Illinois senator's side. No matter how pretty the face of blind faith is, there can be no denial that once again Blacks are placing there support behind another politician who due to strategy, heart or pure pragmatism, refuses to address issues the disproportionately affect them.

Yes as the common great leap of faith adage goes Obama might be "doing what he has to do to get elected, and will look out for us when he gets in there" hmmm ummm maybe. I wouldn't put any money on that bet either way, but would lend advice that those basing such a theory on the "You can't tell me nothing presidency" of G. Dubba should take note of history's showing that he has ramped up the say one thing do another scale to nearly unseen before levels, and that Republicans generally always have far more leeway then their Democratic counterparts.

The truly funny thing is no matter what Obama does, his only mortal sin would be alienating European American voters. What's the easiest way to do that? Spend to much time talking about issues that disproportionally effect or seem akin to Black America. Vocalize to much compassion for non establishment issues you become invaluable at best, threatening at worst to a large swath of the White electorate

These events say a lot about America, and acceptable assimilation into social structures, and yes, that we are still living Dream.

Just for Clarity …

Edwards >>>>> Obama, Clinton

Edwards >>> over anyone not name Kucinich or McKinney (If at all possible)

Obama >>>>>>>>>>> any Republican Candidate

Hillary >>>>>> Romney, Giuliani, Huckabee

Hillary / McCain = Push…

Post Racial Politics = B.S

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