A memorial service for Sudanese Lost Boy, Majok Thiik Madut

This is such a sad story. Majok Thiik Madut was shot and killed while waiting for a bus on a street corner in Cleveland. Madut was one of The Lost Boys.

In 1987, a civil war drove an estimated twenty thousand young boys from their families and villages in Southern Sudan. Most no more than six or seven years old, they fled to Ethiopia to escape death or induction into slavery and the northern army. They walked a thousand miles through lion and crocodile country, eating mud to stave off thirst and starvation. Wandering for years, half of them died before reaching the Kenyan refugee camp, Kakuma. The survivors of this tragic exodus became known to the world as the “Lost Boys of Sudan.”

Yes, He survived war, wild animals, thirst, and has come thousands of miles from what he knew of home, just to be shot down on a street corner. Some random, senseless horror visited upon someone just trying to find their way in the world.

He made it out of Darfur.

I worry about the people of the Darfur Region.

I wonder what is it that I can do.

I was proud to know that there were young men here in Cleveland making a way for themselves. Having a 'good life', a 'better life'.

Bitter pill knowing that he was less safe in our city than he was in Darfur.

Telling it like it is

OK, here is the synopsis of the story as I currently understand it.

Mom was ill and left her daughter in the care of a Deacon from her church. The
daughter finally let her mother know that the Deacon began molesting
her at the age of seven and continued molesting her for four years. Mom went to
the Pastor. Pastor said let me handle this, and that he'd keep Deacon away from
other children. As time goes by, Mom sees that Pastor has not kept his word so
she goes to the police.

Got that.

Where do I begin?

Well, the Deacon is a piece of crap child rapist. The Pastor is enabling the Deacon by giving him free reign of the church.

But, the Mom is really the most puzzling piece.

Let me try to work this out.

Your baby came to you and told you that she had been violated by someone you trusted and rather than get her to the doctor, call the police, and get her some counseling; you go to the Pastor?!?

Is there a jail under the church? An electric chair?

When you get to Pastor, you buy his song and dance and don't go any further.

You trusted the Pastor to resolve internally within the church what was a criminal issue?

You brushed aside the trauma your daughter had endured for four years in deference to what your Pastor said he would do.

I wonder if she dared to ask if any other children had been molested at the church? I wonder if she even thought she should do anything further? Sought reliable counsel?

It is not until you see that the Deacon can get to other children that you decide you should go to the police about the matter.

WHAT?!?!

Please!

Oh, really now. The well-being of your child took a back seat to the reputation of the Church, Pastor and Deacon.

I wonder how long she went back to church after she talked to Pastor.

Did she tithe?

Did she sit and offer her prayers and follow the leadership of this Pastor while looking at her baby EVERYDAY?

How could she still see this man as her spiritual leader?

Did she subject her baby to returning to that church to see her molester every week?

The way I see it, this woman was more concerned for the other children than she was her own.

Why not go straight to the police? She could have dropped by to give Pastor a heads up after the fact, if she thought it appropriate.

What is wrong with our people being brainwashed by these churches?

Where is the public outrage?

I want to know why the African-American community is not protesting at this church the same way they would protest at a school if you substituted Principal and Teacher, for Pastor and Deacon, and if they were white.

No, really. I have to tell it like it is.

You know there would be so much outrage if this were a white molester.

Deacon has been indicted, but what about Pastor?

And what the hell about Mom? Oh, really, I want a minute of her time.

I have something to put on her mind.

Imagine you are that 11 year old child. You have had to process for yourself what is inappropriate behavior from an adult.

You finally get the courage to tell your mother that someone you are supposed to trust really is not a good man.

Imagine being eleven and trying to find words for the unspeakable.

Most of you would not know this so I will share from my personal experience, molesters frighten their victims into silence with several different 'tools', some of the more common: they threaten to hurt the child or someone the child loves, they tell the child that no one will believe them, they convince the child victim that it is happening because of the child's actions, and/or they make the child feel guilty because the child may feel some pleasure at their stimulation and there again blaming the victim.

So, at eleven after enduring four years of abuse you get the courage to tell even though you are terrified that you will be called a liar, blamed, or are afraid that it's your fault. You tell even though you are afraid that he will kill you or someone you love.

Bravo to that baby for, apparently, having more sense than any of the adults around her.

And, after mustering up your courage what happens. Mom goes to church tells Pastor and says it's all taken care of.

But it isn't.

Mom is still at church and Deacon is moving around, business as usual.

Mom did not go to the police for you.

Mom went to the police because Pastor did not do what he said and keep Deacon from the other children.

How many other mothers from that church will talk to their children, girls AND boys, and try to find out if their children have also been molested?

I wish I could talk to that baby the way I wish someone would have talked to me.

I wish I could hug her and reassure her that she did not deserve this. She did not cause this. It is not her fault.

I wish I could make this go away for all young girls.

I wish we lived in a society that valued young African-American girls.

African-American women period.

I wish people would get away from the secretive bullshit that blames the victim for telling.

I wish people did not value the reputations of men and churches above the lives of children.

I wish we lived in a society where we could all just tell it like it is.

I wish we could all speak our truths, even to power, like that eleven year old did.

I wish I could let her know how proud I am of her for having the courage to tell the truth even though she was terrified to do so.

I wish I could let her know that she is an example for others who may be going through the same thing.

I wish I could let her know that by being brave and breaking her silence she will encourage others to do the same.

Lord, bless her for being able to say it. Lord, keep her and always help her find her way.

So, to encourage us all to speak our truth to power, I offer the lyrics to Tracy Chapman's Tell It Like It Is

"Tell It Like It Is"

Say it, say it, say it, tell it like it is
Say it, say it, say it, tell it like it is
What breaks your heart
What keeps you awake at night
What makes you want to breakdown and cry
But say you’ll never turn your back
Say you’ll never harden to the world
Say you’ll never try to still the rhythms in your breast
Say you’ll never look at the evil among us and try to forget
Say you’ll tell it like it is

Say it say it say it so everyone can hear
Say it say it say it tell it like it is
What breaks your heart
What keeps you awake at night
How your anger and grief
Make you want to cry out
And tell it like it is
But say you’ll never close your eyes
Or pretend that it’s a rosy world
Say you’ll never try to paint
What is rotten with a sugarcoat
Say you’ll talk about the horrors you’ve seen and the torment you know
And tell it like it is

Say it say it say it
So no one can forget
Say it say it say it tell it like it is
What breaks your heart
What keeps you awake at night
What makes you want to break the ties that silence and bind
And tell it like it is
Say you’ll never cover your ears and close your mouth
And live in a silent world
Say you’ll only run as far or as fast as you need to be secure
Say that then you’ll tell the truth
When a lie could cross your lips
And tell it like it is

Say it, say it, say it - say it, say it, say it
Say it, say it, say it - say it, say it, say it
Say it, say it, say it - say it, say it, say it
Say it, say it, say it - say it, say it, say it

The N-word

I got this article from BlackNews.com. In following the fallout from Michael Richards, of all people, I thought this was interesting. I HATE to be called nigger in any form by ANYONE. It is always an insult, and if I dare utter it, it is meant as an insult. There is no embracing the word for me. I do not allow it used in my home, would not allow my daughter or step-daughter (or any of their friends) to use it. I have always felt that there are plenty of other, more succinct, less incendiary words in the English language. And truth be told, I could give you a few in Spanish and Korean as well...

Introducing The Benedict Arnold List

Inaugural Nominees: John Ridley, Daman Wayans

By. H. Lewis Smith

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - H. Lewis Smith, Founder/CEO of United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc. announces UVCC’s Benedict Arnold list as follows:

PURPOSE: No longer is it acceptable to trample upon the memories and honor of those who were tarred and feathered, burnt alive, castrated, hung, boiled alive, sodomized and tortured with hot pokers, disemboweled, unmercifully tortured in countless numbers of other ways, all in the name of the n-word simply because since the victims were considered to be a nigger it was okay to perform such atrocious, despicable acts. And yet as evil and heinous as these acts were there is something that transcends it and that is descendants of these canonized victims taking the word nigger and embracing it with tender loving care and using it endearingly and affectionately among them. How idiotic and moronic can this possibly be?

Acceptance of the usage of the word nigga is not a rejection of its historical image...but indeed a confirmation and condoning...of what it has stood for in the past. Better late than never...but the time has come for a change in the mindset of the African American and to stop buying into this stereotype 300 year old mindset of "I am a nigga".




Therefore let it be known that those who blatantly chooses to disrespect the sovereignty of the African American community, past and present, with usage of the n-word (and yes, it is that serious) shall hereby be considered to be a treasonable act...though a community is not a government...it is intended for the mindset of said community to be raised to that of a respective nature as that of a government in terms of respectability. Know and recognize that the Benedict Arnold list is being created to shine light on those who henceforth will be considered as an enemy and detrimental to the welfare of the African American community. It is in our valued judgment that the mindset of the African American...should not and will no longer...be trampled upon as it has been for the past 300 years. Usage of the n-word is counter-productive to the welfare of the black community and...should not and will not...be taking lightly.

Let it hereby be known that NO blacks are niggers, (niggaz) irrespective of behavior, income, ambition, clothing, ability, morals, or skin color. It is the ultimate expression of white racism and white superiority, irrespective of the way it is pronounced or spelled. It is a linguistic corruption, a corruption of civility.

Nigger is more than just a word it is an image...a created image...that was meant to cripple and zombilize the minds of a race of people. This image portrays black men as lazy, ignorant, and obsessively self-indulgent; as angry, physically strong, animalistic, and prone to wanton violence, as intellectually childlike, physically unattractive, and neglectful of their biological families. A creation whose humanity, identity, heritage and sense of being was taken and replaced with ignorance, dependence, greed, jealousy, false hope, despair, apathy and excuses. And therein lays the danger in the continual self applied usage of this word. Continual usage of this word reinforces a mindset that has been in place for more than three centuries.

Consider the song lyrics of rappers that denigrates women, the promotion of violence and glorification of a gangster image along with their delirious usage of the n-word; evidence of a reinforced psychological intent of this word. The n-word persists because it is used over and over by the people it defames. In the CD Get Rich or Die Trying the n-word is used more than 180 times.

The irony between 1706 and 2006 is that in 1706 it was imbedded into the minds of the slaves...to know their place in society...to look upon their selves as being inferior and to identify with the word nigger by being forced to admit "I am a nigger." Today, 2006 this mindset for the African American of "I am a nigger" still prevails. The only difference is that in 1706 and for three centuries hence it was an institutionalized racist system keeping this word alive and forcing it upon the subjugated to accept same definition. Today, 2006 it is African Americans trying to con other African Americans to stay in that so-called place of being "I am a nigger". Misery loves company and those who do not have the strength or willpower to overcome identification with this word want as many tag-a-longs as possible.

Eligibility Requirements: Consideration to be placed on the Benedict Arnold list is as follows: Blatantly showing by act and deeds a determination to undermine the African American community with a defiant public display and intent to use and promote usage of a word that is disrespectful, dishonorable to the memories of those who suffered physically, mentally and emotionally...the n-word. Refusing to recognize that negative lyrics, scripts, dialog and scenes which enter the human ears and sight has a negative effect on the human mind and in of itself lends to a debilitating, self-defeating image is hereby considered an act of treason to the over all welfare of the African American community.

Qualifiers of the Benedict Arnold list shall henceforth be looked upon as the village idiots of the community. To further clarify the criteria distinguishing who makes the list and who doesn't among the proponents in favor of the word. It is not intended to try and nail everyone to the cross. It's only when someone like a John Ridley or Daman Wayans who publicly...in a defiant, determined and perverse manner supports undermining the Black community by pledging allegiance to the n-word, then and only then will those names be added to the Benedict Arnold list. Listed names can be removed at any time when public actions of these individuals show that they do indeed have the mindset welfare of their community in mind and at heart and that they do understand the nature and the harm that the usage of the n-word possesses.

In accordance with the aforementioned eligibility requirements the following have been found to be eligible to have their names placed on this list and why it is so moved.

John Ridley as result of his verbal public defiance and insistence on referring to African Americans as the n-word and his writing of "Manifesto of Ascendancy of the Modern American Nigger " is hereby placed on the Benedict Arnold list.

Daman Wayans as a result of his verbal public defiance and insistence on referring to African Americans as the n-word and his attempts in trying and still trying, though he has been turned down time and time again to register the name nigga as a trademark to be used as a marketable item for a clothesline and other marketable items, is hereby placed on the Benedict Arnold list.

Stoicism and excuses are not substitutes for self-respect, pride and dignity. Nowhere on the face of the earth--other than the African American--does a race of people let anybody and everybody call them out of their name, and then get indignant about trying to address it. There is nothing chic, cool or...cerebral...about Blacks referring to one another as niggas. Any self-respecting African American should find this practice to be appalling, disturbing and totally unacceptable. Enough of this traditional 300 year old mindset of "Ya suh" master "I am a nigga."

To learn more about United Voices for a Common Cause and to see how Paul Mooney is being recognized in a more positive fashion (he is the first inductee into the RICHARD PRYOR ROOM) please go to www.theunitedvoices.org


CONTACT:
H. Lewis Smith
310-712-2662
admin@theunitedvoices.com

President Asks For Input

I have been a bit..confused by this lately. It's a bit late in the day for Dubya to consider what others think.

He did not want opinions when he decided to go to war without the backing of any other nation that did not need their arms twisted.

It wasn't important when he sent Colin Powell to the UN with that pack of lies wrapped up tightly for US consumption. No, really, who else bought it?

But, now, in the waning hours of his presidency, when he finally has to acknowledge that most of the citizens of this nation do not want this war.

Oh, did it take the mid-term elections for him to see the writing on the wall?

Is this just a way of having others to blame when it blows up in our faces?

Funny how Dubya can ask opinions once the tides have changed in D.C.

It's too sad for me to even make fun of it.

May God bless and keep our armed forces.

peace.

NYPD Shoots Again

Please read this posting, by Angry Black Bitch about the groom shot and killed by New York Police just hours before his wedding.

The sinking sadness in my heart as I listened to the news, and these thoughts are so perfectly expressed.

Suspect...

(Yes, I am an unabashed fan of ABB!)

Peace.

Pope's comments come home to roost in Turkey (I could not resist)

What would make a Pope want to go to Turkey just 2 and 1/2 months after linking the Prophet Mohammed with violence?

Hubris.

That same characteristic that would allow such idiocy to pass his lips in the first place.

Turks are more likely to remember Benedict’s comment in 2004 that the European Union should not admit Turkey as a member because Turkey had always been “in permanent contrast to Europe”.

Translation: "Don't let those people in! They aren't like the rest of us!"

With Turkey’s EU membership negotiations hanging by a thread, and with persistent tensions over Islam’s presence in Europe, this week’s visit will require all the diplomatic tact of which Benedict is capable.

No overtures of good will toward men here.

In a speech to cardinals in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel soon after his election as Pope, Benedict, referring to himself in the third person, said:

“In undertaking his ministry, the new Pope knows that his task is to make the light of Christ shine in front of men and women – not his own light, but that of Christ.”

Well, this is not Christ's light we are seeing and hearing.

This is darkness being spewed.

Prejudice cannot be cleaned up by holy water, and incense won't make it smell any better

Condoleeza Rice

Condoleeza Rice, Born November 14, 1954, in Birmingham, Alabama, she earned her bachelor's degree in political science, cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Denver in 1974.

Her master's from the University of Notre Dame in 1975; and her Ph.D. from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver in 1981.

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has been awarded honorary doctorates from Morehouse College in 1991, the University of Alabama in 1994, the University of Notre Dame in 1995, the National Defense University in 2002, the Mississippi College School of Law in 2003, the University of Louisville and Michigan State University in 2004, and Boston College in 2006. She resides in Washington, DC.

This brilliant, talented, accomplished woman should be someone revered and celebrated. I am in awe of her. It is hard enough to be qualified, black and female in any white male dominated field, but add the cutthroat world of Washington D.C. politics to the mix, and seeing an African-American woman with her clout is unprecedented.

In addition to being accomplished in academia, Dr. Rice is an accomplished concert pianist.

This woman is better educated and more accomplished than the President of the United States of America. I would rather my daughter be like Condoleeza Rice than anyone else I can think of.

She just rocks.

She is painted as a whore or concubine to The President.

She is afforded no more respect than any other African-American woman.

This is not about her politics.

Surely, it's not about the Administration for which she works.

This is about a woman who grew up in Bessemer Alabama and has more political power than any African-American woman has ever had.

So, why is it ok for her to be painted as The President's concubine, mistress, or his whore.

I didn't hear any whore comments about Colin Powell.

There are nasty tabloid stories and e-mails about Laura telling the President to break it off with her.

This brilliant woman is maligned, why?

Is she criticized more because she is African-American or because she is female?

Is she painted as a whore because she is a African-American female?

Absolutely.

I thought we were done with this, but you have to look no further than the tabloids to know that this battle rages on.

How long will it be before we are all valued? How long before women are seen for what we bring to the table, not what we could do under the table?

How long will it be before we are not objectified?

See how long it takes for someone to say something demeaning about her that would have never been said of Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, Alexander Haig, or Henry Kissinger.

What is it about African-American women that is so threatening?

Why do so many African-Americans have such an issue with her?

If a woman as intelligent, accomplished, and talented as Dr. Rice is reduced to concubine, we are all reduced.

No, it is not just because of G. W.

Imagine what the cartoons and headlines would have said if she was Secretary of State during the Clinton Administration. I can't even begin to imagine.

It saddens me to know that we have not progressed.

Housing Authority buys land for $150,000 an acre

First, a little background:

The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) owns and manages property and administers rent subsidy programs to provide eligible low-income persons good, safe, affordable housing. CMHA maintains an accredited police department to ensure safe places to live and work, and a social services department that develops programs to enhance the quality of life of its residents.

CMHA is responsible for the management and operation of the local public housing program. They may also operate other types of housing programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The mission of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority is to be the leader in providing safe quality affordable housing for individuals and families of Cuyahoga County.

CMHA is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, created under sections 3735.27 to 3735.50 of the Ohio Revised Code. It serves Cuyahoga County, excluding Chagrin Falls Township, through two federally assisted housing programs: Low-Income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The closest I have been able to calculate, which I admit may be off, the value of the property CMHA purchased in the area of E 79Th and Kinsman, is roughly $25,000 per acre.

$25,000 per acre.

CHMA paid six times that for the property.

Buying property for $25,000 per acre would leave a great deal for the actual building of much needed low income housing, or anything else CMHA could need.

It would afford the Authority to be able to serve the needs of this community.

But, as it stands, the community will pay for this for years to come.

Let's see if I can get this straight.

CMHA had an agreement to purchase 25 acres from Developer Todd Davis' company. The agreement, complete with purchase price was signed before CMHA got the appraisal for the property.

The original appraisal valued the land at $46,000 an acre.

The property, in the area of E.79Th and Kinsman, is one of the poorest areas in Cleveland. This is not a booming community.

There is no rush to build anything in this area, which is why it has been called the 'Forgotten Triangle'.

CMHA considered the price of $46,000 an acre to be too low.

Yup, that's what I said, they thought it was too low.

CMHA's Director George Phillips said the appraisal was flawed because it compared the property to other surrounding properties.

(Lots of head scratching here.)Isn't that as it should be? When I bought my house, it was compared to other properties in my neighborhood.

CMHA then got a second appraisal, which only compared the property to suburban sites. This appraisal valued the property at $150,000 an acre.

Who could afford their home if the appraisal was made by comparing their home to houses in the most affluent areas? Surely, the vast majority would be left wanting.

How will the Authority recover from this sort of loss?

They have been laying off.

They just recently narrowly avoided a strike.

I have heard no outcry of the injustice of further impeding those most in need.

The system would have no problem prosecuting to the fullest those most hurt by this gross negligence.

But, I haven't seen any of CMHA's officials in the news.

That's curious.

This is the sort of thing that crumbles the foundation of an institution.

How is George Phillips still employed?

How is that Board still seated? Authorizing an agreement in executive session contradicts what the sunshine law mandates.

How is $150,000 an acre providing affordable housing?

As a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, I want to know who is responsible for overseeing CMHA.

Tom Noe

Tom Noe was sentenced to 18 years in prison and fined $139,000 by a Toledo, Ohio court.

Never mind that prosecutors calculated that Noe stole $13.7 million in all.

Just pay back $139,000 and we're all good.

That's not good enough.

But there is some great news for Ohio's Bureau of Workers Compensation, according to the Associated Press, the state could recover up to $6 million more from its scandal-spawning investment in rare coins than the $50 million it put in, the broker overseeing its liquidation said Tuesday.

'If I Did It'...

"If I Did It" by OJ Simpson...

WOW, give me a minute............

I recall my shock and horror at the verdict. I could not believe that twelve reasonable people could see all of that evidence and find him not guilty.

Now, OJ has written a book where he speculates on how he would have committed the murders if he were the murderer.

OJ has written a book where he speculates on how he would have committed the murders if he were the murderer.

This is proof that all that matters is money. There is no way that anyone with a shred of decency could think this is a good idea.

This man murdered the mother of his children and a man who just happened to be with her.

OJ stood to receive $3.5 Million for the book, which has been pulled due to public outrage.

It is supposed to make everyone feel better to know that OJ's proceeds are going to his children.

To Nicole's children.

I started this post wanting to call Simpson a sociopath: Diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality include a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others and inability or unwillingness to conform to what are considered to be the norms of society.

But, I cannot, in good conscience call him names like that, especially without knowing if he was cruel to animals as a child or had bad grades in school.

I can call him a narcissist. Clearly, he is that.

Besides, there is enough blame to go around.

It's one thing for OJ to pitch a book where he talks about how he 'could have' killed Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson 'if' he were the murderer.

Never mind that the female victim of this crime is the mother of his children.

Never mind that it takes a sick mind to try to profit on the murder of two people.

Consider this, even if OJ is crazy, he took his book proposal and shopped it around.

Not only was he confident enough to shop it around, some one bought it.

Promised him $3.5 Million for the deal.

Not only did Harper Collins think this was a good idea, their sister station, Fox News, planned to air a two hour interview with Simpson during which he would discuss his tale of historical fiction.

But, the person I really do not understand is the publisher, Judith Regan.

Don't get me wrong. I understand surviving abuse. I have done that.

I understand wanting justice for all victims of abuse.

I also understand her point about Hitler's "Mein Kampf" having been available to this day.

I understand it being personal.

I cannot, however, stretch myself to understand profiting from the murder of two people.

I cannot understand how profiting from Simpson will help her heal wounds from her own past.

OJ's confession is not the same as the confession of Regan's abuser.

Surely she did not sign any future profits over to organizations that aid victims of abuse.

I would say to Judith Regan, put your money where your mouth is, or are your profits going to your children too?

Tom Noe faces jail

Noe guilty of theft, faces jail
Tuesday, November 14, 2006

This fall, Noe became the flashpoint for Ohio political corruption, a discredited businessman whose face played a central role in dozens of Democratic television ads that ripped Republican candidates, including attorney general candidate Betty Montgomery, whom Noe called a political ally. Montgomery lost a close race to Dann, a Mahoning Valley Democrat.

Prosecutors said Noe siphoned $2.3 million from the BWC in rare coin investment funds. They said Noe used his political influence to obtain the investment funds, beginning with $25 million in 1998, followed by another $25 million in 2001.


I first wrote about Tom Noe in this blog in July of 2005, Notice to entrepreneurs. It was my second posting. I could not believe how flimsy the whole system was. I was outraged that this guy was not only buying State of Ohio Officials, he was also buying into Washington also.

Ten years! He ripped off the Bureau of Worker's Compensation for millions. Aren't drug dealers sentenced more harshly? Aren't there supposed to be checks and balances? Was Tom Noe so successful with the first $25 Million, that the state had no problem giving him the second $25 Million to invest? They did check that, right.

I bet the person in charge of Ohio's BWC hasn't been in the position for longer than 2 years.

I would bet you could quiet certain rooms in Columbus and D.C. by just saying coin and investment in the same sentence.

I will be GLAD to let you know how the sentencing turns out. Maybe we will compare it to some other sentences, just for giggles.

peace.

Yeah!!! No more political commercials!

Did you hear that?

No? EXACTLY my point. It's quiet.

Not one political ad polluting the air.

Thank goodness.

I hope you got your vote on. I did!

You know what that means?

Absolutely correct, I have a valid, unrestricted license to bitch!

How about yours?

It should be illegal to bitch with a suspended or expired license.

I don't know about anyone else but I love voting.

I love going to the polls.

I love to walk in and have people look me in my face and know that I have a voice and I am going to exercise it.

I like to think on election days that people are looking around with the understanding that we are all in this together.

Standing there as I was yesterday; exhausted from working night shift, in uniform, shirt unbuttoned and untucked, mp3 player in my ears, dreadlocks flowing; I hope that it says loud and clear I will not shut up. I will not be ignored. I have not forgotten what it cost a great deal of people for me to have the right to have my say.

I tell you, voting is a joy.

Watching election results...well some years that is a very different story.

Although it was a joy this year....Uncle Blackwell lost. Poor Tom....er, Ken.

peace.

and another thing...

I had to check my radio dial last week. I was listening to the R&B/Soul station, enjoying my Six A.M ride home from work.

All of a sudden, the mellow aftertaste of a beautiful Anita Baker song was brought to a screeching halt.

It was a commercial. The intent is to get me, the black voter, to question the stance Democrats have taken and the works they have done, or haven't done for the community.

And to top it off, the tone of it insults me.

WHAT?

The commercial, talking down to me like I haven't been paying attention to the circus in Washington.

As if I did not see the White House as a larger than life tent? I mean Bozo is running the show, right?

I mean I really waited to hear them say that it was Republicans who gave the Black Man the right to vote in the first place. (WON"T EVEN get started with that!)

Insulting my intelligence is not the way to get my vote!

Then, I had to chuckle. You know the Republicans are running scared this election.

Really!

An ad on BLACK RADIO!

Oh, I bet some treasurer is just so pleased with themselves.

Reassured the blacks are so uninformed that the ads really are all they need.

Damn it, they don't really give a damn about black folk, poor folk, those on the fringes, unless their backs are against the wall.

Then, here they come: "Hey, Brothers and Sisters! (blah, blah, blah)" (read it right. That is not read 'Hay,Brothas an Sistahs! It's in that uptight condescending tone used by people who aren't aware enough to notice that the person they're talking to is as informed and probably as well spoken as they are--if not more so. Have another go at it if you didn't get it the first time. Pronounce every letter)

Well, clearly there is no real brotherhood/sisterhood here, otherwise the legislation out of Washington would be helpful to all Americans living hand to mouth; worried about medical benefits; worried about losing everything they've earned to predatory lenders.

All of us who are hurt if something big happens between now and the next paycheck.

No, these fools show up at the 11Th hour, with a tired smoke and mirror show, arrogantly assured they will dazzle the natives, and baffle us with bullshit.

Sorry, try again.

You won't catch me napping.

I have been paying attention all along.

Baby, I have been up all night.

Today, I listened to Ravel's Bolero as I drove home. They will never look for me listening to classical music!

peace

Grasping at Straws

Fickle, fickle is the American voter.

At least that is what the Republican party would have everyone believe.

But maybe they are correct.

Perhaps, in the light of John Kerry putting a large foot in his mouth, the voters will ignore corruption, sex scandals, greed, ignorance, arrogance and general mayhem of the Republicans.

Maybe the Republicans can get the patriotism back to the feverish pitch when people honestly forgot what freedom of speech was all about.

Maybe they can rile all of the people who have soldiers in Iraq fighting because we were told there were WMDs being manufactured there.

What?

Oh, those people aren't all happy with the price the soldiers are paying.

And, those people know that to speak out against the war is not the same as not supporting the soldiers.

We are tired of all the smoke screens.
Lie about WMDs and start war to get Saddam.
Wave flags and make a vow of radical patriotism in the face of war criticism.
Quietly let go of retired war hero General who sold nation on war.
Leak the identity of CIA Agent wife of outspoken war critic.
When the public becomes impatient with the lack of progress and the rising casualties, have the Vice President start shooting people.
Lie, cheat, and steal when ever you want.
Create an environment of hate by accusing homosexuals of destroying traditional family values.
Use those traditional values to preach hate towards illegal aliens.

Sure, one very ill-advised comment by John Kerry will make everything all better for the Republicans on tuesday. (Say this softly and in a calm reassuring tone, as if putting a baby to sleep)

There, there, now. Just rest your head.

It'll all be over in a little while.

Gay Marriage

Could you please explain to me how extending marriage rights to homosexual couples diminishes heterosexual unions.

I mean, all this time I have been waiting for someone to explain how 10% of the population could really erode the values of the remainder.

It couldn't be that marriage means all that much, given the growing divorce rate. More heterosexuals are opting to not bother getting married, because getting divorced costs too much.

No one says that cheaters diminish marriage. There is no such discussion for swingers, or households with domestic violence, incest, or substance abuse issues. But, the idea of gays and lesbians making a commitment to one another is unconscionable?

OH.

It's the whole promiscuity thing isn't it.

People believe that homosexuals are not capable of monogamy. I mean, surely the gays won't be better at marriage than heterosexuals.

See, the thing about control and power always boils down to economics. This right for marriage boils down to being able to protect what a couple has worked hard to build.

I just don't understand.

Maybe it's just me.

peace.

Pink for October...better late than never

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

so Indigo Storm is going pink for October...because the personal IS the political
http://nbcam.org/

The battle between good and evil

I must admit, I never really took issue with Bill Clinton for the whole Monica Lewinski thing. Bill lied about something 'dirty' that happened behind closed doors between two consenting adults. My inner feminist took issue with him for referring to her as 'that woman,' but the whole 'moral high ground' thing, I didn't touch it. I figured if Nixon could arrange criminal activities knowing that everything was recorded, then Bill could get a little mouth relations from Monica. Now, I am certain that Hillary saw the whole thing differently. Since that wasn't my marriage, I had nothing to say about it. He was happy. He wasn't bullying any other nations. He wasn't starting wars. He wasn't sending our young, mostly poor people off to war without the equipment they needed to do the job.
No, Bill was feeling fine, and all was right with the world.

So, then G.W. gets into the Oval Office. On September 11Th 2000, domestic terrorism struck the US in a way that no one could sweep under the rug. Our President vowed revenge against those responsible. A new, and sometimes creepy, patriotism swept the country. And soon the suspect was named, Osama Bin Laden. He was Americas target. With Old Glory flying proud, G.W. had his puppet masters grab his Colin Powell doll and sent the well respected former General to the United Nations with a bait and switch. GW sent Colin off to the UN with a smoke and mirror show, accompanied by a song and dance that no one bought into. So, G.W., being arrogant in that self-absorbed kind of way that only the uber-privileged can afford, decided to twist the arms of the heads of nations that cannot afford to piss of America, and went to war anyway. Oh, no, not against Bin Laden. Against Saddam Hussein and Iraq for supporting Al-Quaida.

Yeah, you get it. Remember back in middle school, when Becky got mad a Sara because Bobby liked Sara more. And Becky and her friends wanted to beat up Lisa because Lisa was nice to Sara at lunch. Remember?
See, this is like that. Rather than dealing with the real issue, G.W. figured that in the heat of all the passionate flag-waving no one would care if he went and kick Saddam's butt for trying to kill his Daddy, oh no, um, for having WMD's that are mobile and able to disappear at a moments notice. Hey, every body's seen at least one episode of M*A*S*H*, it could happen. Now, after 3 1/2 years, G.W. is dancing around telling whomever will listen that it's a struggle between good and evil.

Um. (Scratching head) I cannot decipher my score card anymore. Who are the bad guys again?

Does anyone think Monica would join the GOP?

Well, Well, It's Ken Blackwell

According to Wikipedia:

Blackwell gained national prominence for his dual roles as Chief Elections official of Ohio and honorary co-chair of the "Committee to re-elect George W. Bush" during the 2004 election. A staunch proponent of gun ownership rights, has stated that he is against abortion even if the mother's life is at risk, and campaigned heavily for the successful 2004 State Constitutional Amendment barring gay marriage.

I know a few of my co-workers were shocked when I called Ken Blackwell dangerous, and said that there is no way anything good would come from him. I can still recall watching him during the last presidential elections. You remember, the one where Ohio was probably THE deciding factor and Good Old Ken, let's just call him Uncle Ken, had face time on the evening news everyday. It was surreal. He was so transparent. You could just see the greed, the lust for power. You can always spot that on somebody, it wears like a cheap suit. It also smells. I knew then that as a thanks for the tally being just right, Uncle Ken would be set up for some major election of his own. Did everyone else not notice that there is a conflict of interest for the Chief Elections Official to also be the Co-Chair of the Committee to Re-elect Dubya? Where is the public outcry?

Uncle Ken is really just the latest act in the Republican Circus brought to We, the People, by George H.W., G.W. (Dubya), and by Barbara and _________ (that other 'Stand-By-Your-Man, Stepford broad) I honestly can't think of her name right now, my mind just went numb when I saw her face. See, the truth is Republicans think that blacks will just love Ken Blackwell. No matter what party he runs for, black people, especially black women will vote for him. You see they know that black women get stuck in that tired 'stand-by-that-black-man' game. Well, this sista' is telling any and everyone who will listen that Uncle Ken is no less of a talking head than Colin Powell, the difference, though, is Colin Powell had the integrity to walk away and stay away when he learned the truth. Powell has already known real power, being just another clown at the circus could never compare.

Uncle Ken doesn't understand that some things just don't change. Politicians have always built their campaigns on hate. The current flavors being Mexicans, and the ever so tasty, lesbians and gays. It wasn't too long ago that Uncle Ken would have been their flavor, and he would have been at odds with that gun he thinks everyone has the right to own. How quickly they forget.

I'll tell you, lust and greed are more potent than people realize. It can make you lose your mind, just look at Uncle Ken.

Can you hear it?

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Thousands marched Saturday in the biggest show of public support yet for Venezuela's main opposition presidential candidate, who pledged to undo what he called the ills of President Hugo Chavez's government.

Can't you just hear American money funneling into Manuel Rosales' coffers. I would bet there are lots of different hands at work in this. Can't you see the puppeteers manipulating strings behind a very thin curtain?

Hey, Hugo did get that sulfur dig in at the United Nations. I would guess that this is the answer to that. (He'd better disappear after he's ousted, or he may meet an untimely death).

Peace.

Traditional Values

Let's all say it...I have a problem with alcohol, and I am checking into rehab.....
Now, look around with a pitiful, woeful expression, while praying that the people are buying into your wag the dog campaign.

This is the latest page from the spin doctor playbook. Mel Gibson used it to cover up his anti-semitism. So, why shouldn't Republicans give it the good old boy try.

So, 'traditional values' is what the G.O.P. touts these days. Isn't that the reason they have the deep pockets of the Religious Right and Evangelical Christians at their disposal. I guess accountability, honesty, and integrity weren't qualities that Mark Foley or Dennis Hastert learned at home.

I almost don't know where to start.

Mark Foley.

If Mark Foley had only chose to taken a chance on the wag the dog campaign, then maybe I would not find him a complete waste. He did not only try smoke and mirrors. This 52 year old man has decided to throw everything and hope something sticks.

This poor guy; he was sexually abused by a clergyman as a young teen, he's just been outed, and he's an alcoholic. But, wait a minute, Mark Foley wasn't just outed. There have been strong rumors about his sexuality from as early as 1996. He always declined comment and even called questions about his sexuality "revolting and unforgivable".

See, the issues are not about adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (while alcoholism is a common problem among survivors).

You know, my grandmother always said "A drunk speaks a sober mind."

So, drunk or not, Mark Foley was not acting out of character.

The issue is not his sexuality. Gay is not synonymous with predator, or sexual harasser, or anything else.

As an aside, did you know that another word for harass is molest.

A person who refuses to respect himself and others is simply that. This is not typical of all or even most, homosexuals. I would dare say that the odds of a homosexual being predatory is the same as a heterosexual.

Mark Foley earns a salary of $165,200. One hundred sixty five thousand, two hundred dollars. I think he could afford a little psychotherapy to help him with issues of sexual abuse, as well as the alcoholism.

But, excuse me, how is it that this made him carry on like this with a 17-18 year old, while he was supposed to be working FOR THE PEOPLE. Well, I'm sure he's saved a few dollars here and there, so that trip to rehab shouldn't hurt him too much. I sure hope his medical coverage ends at the time of resignation, I would sure hate to foot the bill for all of the help he needs.

So now, the issue is about maintaining a position of power. The Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert has alleged that he did not know what happened, even though there seem to always be at least 10 people who have first hand knowledge of everything that happens in Washington. Surely Hastert knew his chief of staff had confronted Foley. Certainly, he knew. He knew early on. But, no one cared about the well-being of the Pages. Clearly, they are not a real concern still, they are being safeguarded after the fact (translation: lip service). What is important is maintaining a political stronghold.

Just when you think that the issue is as clear as day, here come the Republicans. There is a certain genius in being able to think outside the box. The problem comes when you assume no one else can.

Now, according to the conservative groups, the problem is the "gay agenda". It's not a matter of personal accountability, arrogance, lack of boundaries, or addictions. No.

Nor is it a matter of sexual harassment. No, there is no personal ownership here.

The issue is not that the Hastert knew for a long time that Foley used the Pages as grounds for trolling. That is not important.

What matters is the "gay agenda." The republicans are saying that they were a bit squeamish about dealing with the "gay issue", why?

They weren't squeamish when the identity of a CIA Agent was leaked.

They weren't squeamish about trying to keep quiet about the Vice-President shooting someone on a hunting trip.

The Republicans are only squeamish when it advances their position.

No one was squeamish about discussing a dress with semen on it, when they were talking about a Democratic President. There was no sensitivity at all, whether the discussion was cigars or oral sex. But, no one could address a man sending dirty messages to teenagers?

That is implausible.

That is revolting and unforgivable.

This leads me back to the 'traditional values'. This is the point where the truth comes out. The values they mean are power and profit at any cost. No matter how ridiculous the circus seems, it's still a business. All of the smoke, mirrors and pratfalls under the big top keep the money rolling in.

See, as long as we are talking about ill-fated hunting trips, CIA leaks, and lascivious e-mail, we are not talking about impeachment for a Presidential regime that lied to a nation and started a war with the wrong people and are killing young men and women to continue it. We are not talking about a Vice-President who put a CIA agent's life at risk by deciding that he could change the constitution and unilaterally deciding that he could decide what information to declassify and when.

We are not talking about anything but the show that is being staged, for entertainment purposes only.

Because, the government has figured that We, the people could not possibly keep up. We, the people are not smart enough to see the truth.

Peace.

Hitler Watercolors Sold at Auction

This just goes to show that people will buy anything. No one knows for certain that Hitler actually painted these works, but they have been selling. Yes, there are people willing to spend money for something created by that monster; as if what he has already left behind weren't more than enough.
INSANITY.
I would never be able to sleep with something by that monster in my home. It says a lot that anyone would want it at all. Incredible.

I wonder about people's values. The whole controversy made me think about all of the artwork stolen by the Nazi's. Some of those works were never seen again, but certainly is being enjoyed by someone, somewhere. I guess it doesn't matter how much blood is on it. That is one of the ways that I define evil.

Peace.

Cleveland Councilman Zachary Reed Bears Striking Resemblance To Digital Underground's Humpty Hump

The big difference, however, is that even Digital Underground's Shock-G knew that Humpty was a joke. The Councilman hasn't caught a clue yet.

I wonder when he will realize that whenever he shows up at the bars on West 6th Street, there will be someone there to videotape his every move. Just so that the media can prove him to be a liar.

The councilman said that he frequents the bars to mingle with his constituents. Even if you ignore the fact that his ward's western-most boundary is East 93rd Street, you cannot overlook the fact that whenever he sees a black female while on the prowl, ahem, while mingling, his face sours as if he has just gotten a whiff of his political career.

Poor, poor misguided Zack.

Maybe he should have to use the breathalizer before voting in City Council meetings also. I would hate for him to make a mistake on the behalf of the citizens of Ward 3. It's obviously important for him to represent them well and get a good sense of what they need since he visits W.6 so often to get a feel for them.

So, for Zack, here are the lyrics to My favorite Digital Underground song Humpty Dance

The Humpty Dance
Digital Underground

Aa'it stop whatcha doin' cause I'm about to ruin
the image and the style that ya used to.
I look funny, but yo I'm makin' money so listen up world I hope you're ready for me.
Now gather round, I'm the new fool in town
and my sound's laid down by tha Underground.
I drink up all the Hennessee ya got on ya shelf so just let me introduce myself.
My name is Humpty, pronounced with an umpty.
Oh ladies oh how I like to frumpty,
and to the rappers in the top ten, please allow me to bumpty.
I'm steppin' tall y'all and just like Humpty Dumpty you're gonna fall
when the stereos pump me.
I like to rhyme I like my beef funky. I'mspunky. I like my oatmeal lumpy.
I'm sick with this. Straight gangsta mack. But sometimes I get ridiculous.
I eat up all tha crackers and tha licorace.
Hey yo fatgirl commere are ya ticklish?
Yeah, I called ya fat, look at me I'm skinny.
It never stopped me from gettin' busy.
I'm a freak. I likethe girls with the boom.
I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom.
I'm crazy. Allow me to amaze thee.
They say I'm ugly but it just don't faze me.
I'm still gettin' in tha girls pants and I even got my own dance.

(chorus)
The Humpty Dance is your chance to do tha hump. Ohh do me baby.
Do theHumpty Hump. Ohh ohh do me baby. Do the Humpty Hump.
Do ya know whatwere doin'? Were doin' the Humpty Hump yall.
Watch me do the HumptyHump. Just keep on doin' tha Hump.

People say "yo, Humpty you're really funny lookin'"
That's aaiit 'cause my body's in motion.
You stare, you glare, you try to compare me, but ya can't get near me.
I'm on the floor, bein' at the bars and see all the ladies adore me.
Oh yes ladies I'm really bein' sincere 'cause in the 69 my Humpty nose will tickle your rear.
My nose is big. Uh uh I'm not ashamed, big like a pickle, I'm still gettin' paid.
I'm gettin' laid by the ladies, you know I'm in charge.
Note how I'm livin' and my nose is large.
I get stupid. I shoot an arrow like cupid. I use aword that don't mean nuttin' like loopded.
I sang in Dowhatchalike and if ya missed it,
I'm the one that said "just grab 'em in tha biskets".
I also told you that I like to bite well yeah, I guess that's obvious Ialso like to write.
All ya have ta do is give Humpty a chance and now I'm gonna do my dance.

(chorus)

Oh yeah, that's the breaks. Let me get a little of this base grooveright here.
A dooreaar dooreah dooreaar dooreah.
Ah yeah, now I told y'all a little about myself, lemme tell y'all a little about this dance.
It's real easy to do, check it out.
First I limp to tha sounds like my legs is broken,
shakin' and twitchen' kinda like I was smokin' crazywhack funky.
People say you look like MC Hammer on crack Humpty.
That's aaiit 'cause my body's in motion. It's supposed to look like a fit or a convulsion.
Anyone can play this game. It's my dance y'all Humpty Hump's my name.
No two people will do it the same, ya got itdown, when you appear to be in pain.
Humpin' funkin' jumpin' gig around shakin' your rump
and when a dude or chump ups and points a finger like a stump
you tell him to step off I'm doin' the hump.

(chorus)
Puerto Ricans do the Humpty Hump
Samoans do the Humpty Hump
Let's get stupid
gimme the music, do the Humpty Hump

And to all the ladies, peace and Humptiness forever.

Peace.

Judge Gaul Says Unwed Mothers Root of All Cleveland Ills

This is an article from Friday's paper. The news video of the judge dogging this woman played on Thursday night. I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. I searched for the video link, but couldn't find it. So, first the article,and then the commentary.






Cleveland mom gets prison for slicing ear of her infant
Friday, September 22, 2006
James F. McCarty Plain Dealer Reporter

A judge sentenced Tonya Edwards to four years in prison Thursday for slicing the ear of her young son.
Edwards, 35, of Cleveland, pleaded guilty to felonious assault at a hearing in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
She initially denied cutting the ear of Micah Belcher Jr., who was 10 months old at the time of the June incident. But after being pressed by Judge Daniel Gaul, she confessed to the crime.

She said she was arguing with the boy's father when she snatched the child away from him and ran into the kitchen. Then, she cut her son.
"I slashed him . . . I don't know [why]," she said. "I wasn't trying to cut his ear off. I might have been trying to cut his father."
Doctors used 15 stitches to repair the boy's ear.
Gaul criticized Edwards for giving birth to nine children with six different fathers - none of whom was her husband. She has four convictions for drug abuse.
Children and Family Services took custody of Micah and all her other children because of neglect and abuse.
"Tonya Edwards is the poster child for unwed mothers and irresponsible parents," Gaul said. "I pray that you don't have any more children."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
jmccarty@plaind.com, 216-999-4153

WELL, ALRIGHT THEN!

I wonder if Judge Daniel Gaul has any idea how many single mothers vote. It's amazing how everyone gets lumped into the same category for the sanctimonious to sit on their soap boxes. How many men have been asked how many children they have fathered, by how many women, and if they are financially responsible for them? I would bet that Gaul has never had the gall to ask even one. But, he surely could not help but grandstand when faced with a woman with a history of drug abuse.
Surely, his judgment is better than to believe that this woman is the reason Cleveland is the poorest city in the nation. To my recollection, there has never been an unwed mother to head the Board of Education, nor be Mayor of our down-trodden town. Clearly, Cleveland is ill-prepared to compete with the rest of the nation, let alone prepared to be a part of a global market; but does that burden really rest on the poor? I would suggest that it is not the poor who are the problem, but a symptom, or side effect, if you will, of a much larger problem. It takes a village to succeed or to fail.
Anyone who abuses or neglects children should have their parental rights severed. Drug abusers need assistance, and that right to assistance should not ever override the well-being of the children. The punishment should fit the crime, but clearly this woman has enough on her shoulders without the added burden of being the sole reason for the failure of this city.
There are thousands of unwed mothers who work hard, love their children, and are law abiding citizens. Most of these women will never see the inside of a criminal court room. Clearly, the problem with the city will have to be found without the use of classism, sexism, and racism.

The link will take you to a video of Judge Gaul in action. http://www.newsnet5.com/news/9905115/detail.html#

Pope Benedict XVI Suffering from Gibson's Diseaes

Is Pope Benedict XVI on crack? Isn't the fire of religious fervor burning hot enough? Did he really have to add C4? Is it arrogance that takes over, or is it that people just cannot help kicking the underdog?


I mean, really, he just jumped on the Mel Gibson train and took it all the way to the end of the line. Obviously, the head of the Catholic Church is going to have a point of view that differs from the followers of other religions. But, most of the problems would be remedied if people could just be diplomatic. I mean, there are lots of catholics who disagree with some of the views of the church, and there are lots of people who still refer to their preists as "Father", and not "Pedophile/Predator", so I say popes who live in glass Vaticans....I must have missed Ben's comments about that. Is he really surprised that his apology was not accepted, he did not apologize for his outrageous remarks, only for the response to his remarks. "Wow, I'm sorry that 'those people' got upset about my words". He sure sounds contrite to me. It's amazing to see such short-sighted arrogance. He must have learned from our president.

The sad part is that so many people agree with this twisted, and prejudiced view-point. Any time you judge all of a group by the actions of a few, you are making a huge mistake.

Peace be with you.

What Year Is This?

Isn't it 'funny' how some conversations are timeless. Things just do not change as rapidly as you would think. While browsing the news on msn.com, I noticed a category called "Race in America." The article begins with a description of a lawyer, who is garrulous and talks with his hands. He is 6' 7" tall and black. 'Many people find him threatening. He works hard to prove otherwise.'

And right there, I'm lost. Why is he threatening, because he is tall, his profession, no because he is a black man. His very being is threatening. It does not matter that he is intelligent, accomplished, just that he is black. I would say his height adds to it, but that is such a small issue that it really is a non-issue. He could be 4' 8" and still be 'threatening'. But my question is why is he the one who has to work hard to prove otherwise.

Yes I know that he has to make a living, may have to wine and dine clients or the boss, but they are not saying he is inarticulate, crass, bigoted, or anything except black and male.

No, I am not some Pollyanna who was unaware how difficult it is to walk around in this world. I live in beautiful "copper tone" skin that the world translates as otherwise. It is just frustrating. Infuriating. It makes me want to scream and cry and throw things. But, that would just mean that the stereotypes about my skin are true, wouldn't it. Oh, it is so confining to live in skin that defines without ever saying or doing anything. It is a damnation to the rest of the world. And, if one should dare express an honest and well-earned frustration about the absolute unfairness of it all, then it means you have too much rage and must calm down. It is never viewed as a fair and understandable reaction to an unfair and irrational assumption that is shoved down your throat, day in and day out.

Why should I have to keep a smile plastered on my face because I don't want to be viewed as an angry black woman? To be frank, there are days when I get angry. Not everyday. Not always. It is not an indictment on every other black person just because I may challenge you for some bullshit that you try to shove down my throat because you are ignorant. How is it OK to lump people together.

I love in the suburbs. I am brown-skinned with long (beautiful) dreadlocks. Today, I went to the market. When I walked in the 'store security' officer was staring at me. Not, 'hey, good evening', but 'oh, look, here come the usual suspects.' I was in the store for about 20 minutes when I made it over to the lotion. Who comes into the aisle, very interested in toothpaste but 'Officer Friendly', I just looked at him like he was nuts. I continued to hunt and gather, and remarkably, he decided he did not need toothpaste just as soon as I left the aisle.

BULLSHIT.

Whatever, he thought he was looking at, I am not it.

What an asshole.

ASSHOLE.

Whatever. I hope he doesn't get hurt by the real thing one day, obviously he hasn't a clue what to look for. It's sad for us all.

I guess in his mind dreadlocks don't say taxpayer, but that is just too bad for him. I was hoping he would say something to me. But he thought he was being intimidating.

I work with 'da po-lice', I am not easily intimidated.

Maybe I am supposed to put on a nice blond wig before I go shopping.

I guess it just proves that you cannot change human nature. People will always look down on others to make themselves feel better.

What year is this?

Peace.

Inhumanity: A Prayer

I received an email with a picture of a famished toddler in Sudan struggling to make it to food, with a vulture some yards behind her,waiting for her to die. The point of the email was that we cannot ignore the plight of others. After the photo it had a supposed diary entry that seemed too contrived so I decided to look for information on the photographer. The photographer, Kevin Carter only scared off the vulture after waiting to get a perfect shot, he did not help the girl. Kevin Carter won a Pulitzer for this photo, and a few months after receiving the award he committed suicide.

I understand that for a photojournalist there is a fine line they must walk. Often they are witnessing history. Do you get the shot or do you intervene? But we are all human first. I do not fault him for getting a heartrending shot. The fault is that he did not see his subject as human, just as a shot. The fault is in not reacting to that which is heartrending. If you see her struggling to get to food that just might keep her alive another day, would you turn your back to her and leave her to muster the strength on her own?

My focus is not on Kevin Carter, he has been dead since July of 1994. The point is to look at it, frankly and honestly. What could you do to help her if you were a witness to her struggle? Can you even see her as being just as human as you? Would you help your daughter, niece, cousin, sister, a stranger? Is she less worthy of life because of where she was born, because of the color of her skin, because she cannot call out to you?

Bless us all. I pray that I never walk by someone who is mustering their last to just get through the day and fold my hands rather than offer some help. I pray that I am aware enough to see.

Lord, Please bless us all.

Peace.

Tom Delay...

I borrowed this from Carlagirl.net

http://www.campusprogress.org/features/838/in-his-own-words