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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And for you Paul supporters a song in your honor

Classic Smith n Wessun

America's Pastime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I feel for the surprised.

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

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

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

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

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